Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 111 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Home , Donna Edwards, Goodloe Sutton, James Whitney Dunn, Jim Leach, John Murtha

E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 111 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 155 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2009 No. 42 House of Representatives The House met at 10:30 a.m. and was tion for economic decline. The stock for the Department’s community called to order by the Speaker pro tem- market and other indicators are show- health center, which already has 10 pore (Mr. MCINTYRE). ing that. full-time positions. The community f More than half of the Americans pay- health center plans to add only two ing higher taxes under the Democrat more jobs—two, not 40. We need to be DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO plan are small business owners filing as dealing with what is rather than what TEMPORE individuals. Raising taxes on small the Democrat majority and the Presi- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- businesses where a majority of Ameri- dent want the American people to before the House the following commu- cans go to work every day will not put lieve. nication from the Speaker: American families back to work. Rais- Let me say again, the budget, the WASHINGTON, DC, ing utility rates on every household in stimulus, spend too much money. They March 10, 2009. America will place an undue burden on tax too much—the largest tax increase I hereby appoint the Honorable MIKE MCIN- families struggling to make ends meet. in history. They borrow too much TYRE to act as Speaker pro tempore on this Cutting deductions for charitable giv- money—the highest level of borrowing day. ing will harm higher education, sci- ever. This is not the way to get our NANCY PELOSI, entific research, and religious organi- economy back on track. The Demo- Speaker of the House of Representatives. zations struggling to do good in our so- crats are going in the wrong direction. f ciety. House Republicans understand that MORNING-HOUR DEBATE Democrats are on the side of more the American people are hurting. We government and more taxes. House Re- had an alternative plan that created The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- publicans are on the side of the Amer- twice as many jobs for half the cost, ant to the order of the House of Janu- ican people. And let me talk just a but it was summarily dismissed. ary 6, 2009, the Chair will now recog- minute about that so-called stimulus Republicans aren’t saying ‘‘no’’ to nize Members from lists submitted by bill which passed here a couple of everything, we’re presenting better al- the majority and minority leaders for weeks ago. ternatives, but the Democrat majority morning-hour debate. We were told that the stimulus bill and the President want you to believe The Chair will alternate recognition had to be passed, had to be passed im- that all we’re saying is no. That’s not between the parties, with each party mediately because it was going to cre- right. We’re ‘‘being’’ rather than limited to 30 minutes and each Mem- ate 3 to 4 million new jobs in this coun- ‘‘seeming.’’ ber, other than the majority and mi- try. Now, some of us were skeptical f nority leaders and the minority whip, about that from the very beginning, limited to 5 minutes. but we want to make sure that what is BETTER CHOICES FOR AMERICANS f promised is kept. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Now, I come from the State of North Chair recognizes the gentleman from HOUSE REPUBLICANS ARE ON THE Carolina, Mr. Speaker, as you do. The Oregon (Mr. BLUMENAUER) for 5 min- SIDE OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE State’s motto in North Carolina is ‘‘To utes. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Be Rather Than to Seem.’’ I think it is Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, it Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from a good motto for all of us to live by. was interesting to listen to my good North Carolina (Ms. FOXX) for 5 min- And let me give an example of how the friend from North Carolina with her in- utes. stimulus package is a package ‘‘to terpretation. Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, the Amer- seem’’ rather than ‘‘to be.’’ You know, it’s interesting. My Re- ican people are hurting. Congress was Here’s a Democrat stimulus myth in publican friends simply had no solution right to take action to get this econ- the State of Montana. A press release other than to gut the infrastructure in- omy moving, but higher taxes and mas- from Senators BAUCUS and TESTER vestments that are so critical, the im- sive Federal spending is not the cure claimed that $1.3 million in stimulus portant health care initiatives, and re- for what ails this economy. The Amer- money would create 40 new jobs for the place them with more tax cuts, most of ican people know that, too. They know Flathead City County Health Depart- which would not meet the needs of peo- we cannot tax and spend and bail our ment; sounds great, sounds like a good ple who need help the most. way back to a growing economy. excuse for voting for a waste of money. I will tell you, I invite people to look Raising taxes during a recession on But here’s the reality; the money will at what we did. Indeed, the $6 billion almost every American is a prescrip- simply provide another year of funding that is flowing to my State of Oregon

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 Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.000 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3108 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 over the next 2 years has made a crit- and not performing very well. Let’s percent spending increase for those ical difference to support State serv- send the message there’s a bipartisan programs in 2009 from $378 billion to ices, to be able to invest in cleaning up consensus that we’re going to fix that. $680 billion. This spending increase by the environment, to save and create In the area of transportation, there is the Democratic Party is unprecedented jobs. I’ve posted a guide on my Web a vast coalition that has emerged in American history. site to each and every one of those pro- around the country that wants to help The domestic spending programs visions—62 pages in all—where people the Federal Government get more which the omnibus focuses on have not can track for themselves. There are money and streamline the Federal been cut in the past decade; in fact, not, for example, tax increases for partnership. They are willing to work they have only increased from 2001 most Americans. My friend from North with us so that there are more choices, through 2008. These programs grew 23 Carolina is just flat wrong. If she would higher standards, and sustainable rev- percent faster than inflation, including research the bill that we approved here enue. The Chamber of Commerce, orga- increases for education at 35 percent, on the floor, she would find that in fact nized labor, environmentalists, transit health research at 37 percent, and vet- 95 percent of the people get tax cuts. advocate bicyclists, all combine in an erans benefits at 54 percent. It is appar- Nobody is having tax increases over approach to make America’s transpor- ent that during these fiscally chal- the next couple of years, even the very tation partnership with State and local lenging times these programs could wealthy. And it’s what, in fact, Amer- governments better and stronger. have survived without some of these ica has asked for. We don’t need to rely on the same old large increases. I would suggest that it’s time for us patterns. We can, in this Congress, Regrettably, the omnibus bill does to step back from some of this goofy take action that unite people all across not offset this new spending. It does back and forth because I think there the spectrum all across the country. not attempt to cut spending or insti- are a wide range of areas that we can We’ve got a President who can use the tute reductions in inefficient or dupli- agree that reform needs to be made. bully pulpit. I strongly urge that we cate or worthless government pro- I like what I heard from President work with him for a new vision, more grams. And let me just give you fur- Obama on the campaign trail and what value, better choices for Americans, ther example, Mr. Speaker, where some I heard from the rostrum here when and to do it now. savings could be made; $55 billion in the President addressed his first joint f annual program overpayments, $60 bil- session of Congress. There are a num- lion for corporate welfare, $123 billion 2009 OMNIBUS SPENDING BILL ber of areas of health, energy, tax, and for programs for which government agriculture that actually can bring The SPEAKER pro tempore. The auditors can find no evidence of suc- people together. Now is not the time Chair recognizes the gentleman from cess; $140 billion in potential budget for commissions and study groups or Florida (Mr. STEARNS) for 5 minutes. savings identified in the CBO Budget for mindless political bickering; now is Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, the om- Options document. the time to actually do what we know nibus spending bill is not an example of Program duplication: There are 342 we can accomplish. change here in Congress and continues economic development programs; 134 There are multiple areas where it the Democrat’s spending spree in the programs serving the disabled, they’re isn’t so much picking low-hanging first 2 months of the 111th Congress. all duplicate; 130 programs serving at- fruit, it’s actually picking that fruit up Even a record $1.4 trillion budget def- risk youth, these are duplicate; and off the ground. We need to articulate a icit has not stopped Congress’ culture there’s 90 duplicate early childhood de- vision of how we’re going to accom- of spending on special projects. While velopment programs. plish that. For example, in the area of families and business owners are cut- 1045 agriculture, it’s not just the problem in ting back and bringing their budgets b the past that rich sugar farmers have under control, Congress, under Demo- While some of these programs may be had more clout than poor hungry chil- crat leadership, is spending and ear- important, I find it hard to believe that dren. There are ways in reforming agri- marking as if nothing has changed. each of the 342 economic development culture that we can put more money in Here are a few highlights of the bill programs paid for by the American tax- the pocket of more ranchers and farm- that is being debated in the Senate payer, each and every one is vital to ers and less into the pockets of the right now. There is an 8 percent discre- the American people. This has been wealthy few who don’t need it. tionary spending hike. After passing an identified, all these programs that du- We can implement reforms to help unprecedented massive spending bill plicate. change the bureaucracy with things that is the largest this country has Unfortunately, taxpayers should not like crop insurance reform, that inde- ever seen, the Democrat leadership expect change in the future. The ad- pendent observers have identified for ushered through this House an omnibus ministration and the Democrat party years, but Congress hasn’t had the will bill that will give a staggering 80 per- have already signed into law a large ex- to follow through on fixing it. We can cent increase to discretionary pro- pansion of the State Children’s Health pay farmers and ranchers to protect grams when coupled with a $1 trillion Insurance Program, putting middle the environment, not to damage it. We stimulus package. This bill will con- class children who already have private can concentrate on strengthening tribute to a permanent $2,000 per health insurance on taxpayer-funded, American agriculture and producing household tax hike for every house- government-run health care programs; more healthy food rather than a few hold. It contains 9,300 special funding weakened the 1996 welfare reforms in commodities, frankly, that the world requests, projects that cost nearly $13 the $1.1 trillion stimulus package; and has enough of. billion. Now, the argument is made instituted permanent government In the area of health, the research is that Members have a right to make growth in the areas of education, infra- in. There are a number of communities these special district funding requests, structure and Medicaid. across the country that are low cost, but I, for one, would gladly place a Last year, President Bush signed an high performing where people live moratorium on all district funding re- executive order stating that Federal longer and get sick less often. In fact, quests until the economy is corrected. agencies must ignore earmarks that we see some of the areas of the country Let me say again, this omnibus appear in nonbinding conference re- where we are spending the most gov- spending bill increases discretionary ports and instead implement only ernment money in Medicare actually is spending by 8 percent when less than 3 those in the bill text itself. That execu- not helping people. Rather, many of weeks ago Congress and the President, tive order currently remains in effect. those areas actually have worse results under Democratic leadership, ran President Obama, who campaigned on because people get unnecessary tests through a massive stimulus package ending politics as usual in Washington, and procedures, not concentrating on where the same discretionary programs could strike a blow to the earmark cul- things that will make them healthy. received much of the unprecedented ture in Congress by simply leaving this We can reward the low-cost, high-per- $1.1 trillion in government spending. executive order in place. Doing so forming areas while we send signals to Now, counting those funds, this om- would eliminate all earmarks that Con- those that are spending lots of money nibus spending bill will institute an 80 gress has not incorporated by reference

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.003 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3109 into the omnibus bill text. He should health care wherever they live. The never manipulated, never demanded, go one step further and veto any omni- scholarships would be accessible to a friendship is uncovered in mutual self- bus bill that explicitly has earmarks. medical student enrolled full time and revelation and common exchange. De- In the past six months, Congress has in good academic standing at a public sirous of the comfort found in an- enacted a $700 billion financial bailout institution. other’s companionship and tested by and a $1.1 trillion stimulus. I say it is Imagine the positive impact that we time, friendship spontaneously grows time to end the culture of pork, and would have if we empowered new doc- from within. stop spending money that our children tors to serve their country and the Friends truly know who we are. will have to pay back in the future. highest ideals of their profession in- Friends stand with each other in good f stead of serving their debt load. It is times and in bad times. True friends important to make the financial com- tell the truth without ever hurting. We SOLVING AMERICA’S HEALTH mitment at the beginning of medical steer friends away from what is wrong CARE PROBLEM school so that students can study areas and seek only what is good for their The SPEAKER pro tempore. The that are related to primary care. friends. Chair recognizes the gentleman from Anyone who knows me knows I have Lord, strengthen Members of Con- Washington (Mr. MCDERMOTT) for 5 long advocated a universal health care gress with friends who will prove faith- minutes. system, providing a minimum set of ful no matter what transpires. Give Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, for benefits for everyone. But we cannot them friends who will support them the first time in 15 years we have a real get universal coverage or any interim when they are right in spite of pressure chance to solve America’s health care step on the way to universal coverage from others and who will correct them crisis. The stars are aligning as has without addressing, and reducing, the when they are wrong no matter who never been seen before. The American cost of health care education for our agrees with them. people want a solution, American busi- doctors. A friend may not change your taste, ness needs a solution to stay competi- We could make a significant impact your reading, or your opinion, but a tive and retain their best employees, by lowering the cost of the health care true friend will change what you long segments of the health care industry, workforce if my bill were accepted. But for and what you love. As different as such as doctors, want a solution, and we would do something else. There are they are from each other, true friends the President and the Congress have a lot of talented young people who will accept each other as they are and started a dialogue. Yet despite all don’t have the financial means to go to share their differences—until they sim- those positive signs, we must not make medical school and fear a crushing debt ply enjoy being together. the mistake of believing a solution is burden even if they qualify. By remov- Lord, for lasting friends of the past, at hand or that it will come easily. ing that mountain of debt, we could those we hold in friendship now and As a nation we stand at a crossroads, use that rock to build a foundation for those we are yet to meet, we thank either sweeping reform or sweeping a permanent solution. You, both now and forever. Amen. this crisis under the rug with another We can solve America’s health care f Band-Aid. We have to translate the na- problem and we can do it before the tional dialogue into legislation that end of this year, but this is a first step THE JOURNAL makes access to affordable health care that must happen. We must think The SPEAKER pro tempore. The coverage what it must be in a free and about the workforce that will provide Chair has examined the Journal of the Democratic society, a right and not a that universal access to everyone in last day’s proceedings and announces privilege. the country. We cannot continue with to the House his approval thereof. There are lot of pieces to that puzzle the present funding of health care edu- Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- and some are more readily solved more cation and expect that we are going to nal stands approved. than others. In fact, I think some early have the people to provide the primary f victories might help instill confidence care, to do the wellness care, to do the in the American people. Let me give prevention. They will all go into high- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE you an example. paid specialties to pay off their debt. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the When I graduated from medical This bill is a step that we must take, gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. school, I was $500 in debt after my en- and it is one where we can make a step FOXX) come forward and lead the House tire medical education. Today, the av- forward for all the people in this coun- in the Pledge of Allegiance. erage medical student is well over try. Ms. FOXX led the Pledge of Alle- $100,000 in debt. When you are under- giance as follows: water by that much money, you are f forced to make decisions based on debt I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the RECESS United States of America, and to the Repub- service, not on public service. Across The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, America, from inner-cities to rural ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. communities, we are woefully short of declares the House in recess until noon f primary doctors. And as long as new today. MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE doctors have to chase high paying jobs Accordingly (at 10 o’clock and 50 to pay off their debt, we are going to minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- A message from the Senate by Ms. remain short staffed in these under- cess until noon. Curtis, one of its clerks, announced served areas in our country. f that the Senate has passed concurrent Today I am introducing legislation resolutions of the following titles in that would offer scholarships that b 1200 which the concurrence of the House is would pay for most all of tuition for requested: medical students in public colleges if AFTER RECESS S. Con. Res. 4. Concurrent resolution call- they will apply their medical training The recess having expired, the House ing on the President and the allies of the in underserved areas when they grad- was called to order by the Speaker pro United States to raise the case of Robert uate; an even exchange, one year of tempore (Mr. BLUMENAUER) at noon. Levinson with officials of the Government of tuition for one year of service. f Iran at every level and opportunity, and urg- The American Medical Association ing officials of the Government of Iran to says there were 45,000 students enrolled PRAYER fulfill their promises of assistance to the last year in public medical colleges and The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. family of Robert Levinson and to share in- the mean cost of tuition was $20,000. Coughlin, offered the following prayer: formation on the investigation into the dis- appearance of Robert Levinson with the Fed- For a total investment of less than $1 Today we bless You and praise You eral Bureau of Investigation. billion per year, my legislation would Lord for friends. Friendship is a gift, S. Con. Res. 10. Concurrent resolution con- provide a workforce so that every Lord, freely given by one person to an- gratulating the Sailors of the United States American can have access to affordable other. Not merited, not purchased, Submarine Force upon the completion of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:32 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.005 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3110 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 1,000 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine we can count on all of our colleagues to lauded for its ability to produce the (SSBN) deterrent patrols. join us in supporting this resolution highest quality outcomes at the lowest The message also announced that and in raising awareness about this dis- possible cost. pursuant to the provisions of S. Res. ease. I am proud to represent my district, 105 (adopted April 13, 1989), as amended f and I think we can lead the way to by S. Res. 149 (adopted October 5, 1993), meaningful reform. OBAMA BUDGET as amended by Public Law 105–275 (adopted October 21, 1998), further (Ms. FOXX asked and was given per- f amended by S. Res. 75 (adopted March mission to address the House for 1 DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS 25, 1999), amended by S. Res. 383 (adopt- minute.) ed October 27, 2000), and amended by S. Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I returned (Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS asked Res. 355 (adopted November 13, 2002), to Washington yesterday from my and was given permission to address and further amended by S. Res. 480 weekly visit home, and had the privi- the House for 1 minute and to revise (adopted November 21, 2004), the Chair lege of spending time with many of my and extend her remarks.) announces, on behalf of the Majority constituents. They asked that I carry Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Leader, the appointment of the fol- back a message to Washington, a sim- Speaker, I rise today in honor and rec- lowing Senators as members of the ple message: stop the spending binge. ognition of a good friend, a mentor, Senate National Security Working Right now families across the coun- and someone who proudly represented Group for the One Hundred Eleventh try are hurting. Many have lost their the great State of Washington, former Congress: jobs, and many more worry they will Representative Jennifer Dunn. She The Senator from Michigan (Mr. be next. Families are tightening their tragically died of a pulmonary embo- LEVIN) as Democratic Co-Chairman. budgets and small businesses are cut- lism in 2007. The Senator from Massachusetts (Mr. ting expenses. The American people are Today, my colleague and I, Congress- KERRY) as Democratic Co-Chairman. making the sacrifices necessary to woman LOIS CAPPS, are introducing a The Senator from New Jersey (Mr. weather this storm. And yet they hear resolution marking the second Tuesday LAUTENBERG) as Democratic Co-Chair- on their local news that it is business in March as the National DVT Screen- man. as usual in Washington. It is more ing Day. It is appropriate that we do so The Senator from North Dakota (Mr. spending and more taxes from the because deep vein thrombosis is killing DORGAN). Democrat Congress and from President about 300,000 people in the U.S. today. The Senator from Illinois (Mr. DUR- Obama, who promised a new direction. It is common, but preventable. It is BIN). The people in my district know we time to make screening a health pri- The Senator from Maryland (Mr. cannot borrow and spend our way back ority, and urge health care providers CARDIN). to a healthy economy. Let’s follow the and patients to be aware of this silent The Senator from West Virginia (Mr. example set by the American people. killer. BYRD) as Majority Administrative Co- Let’s make the tough choices that are Jennifer had an unwavering commit- Chairman. necessary to get our economy back on ment to women and families in Amer- f track. Let’s start putting fiscal re- ica and around the world. Let us restraint and the American people first. member her and others as we recognize ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER the risks and treatment for DVT. PRO TEMPORE f The SPEAKER pro tempore. The HEALTH CARE REFORM f Chair will entertain 15 requests for 1- (Mr. WALZ asked and was given per- COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION minute speeches on each side of the mission to address the House for 1 REFORM aisle. minute.) f Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, I am proud (Mr. BACA asked and was given per- to rise today and know that this Con- mission to address the House for 1 DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS gress has started tackling the issue of minute.) (Mrs. CAPPS asked and was given health care reform in a real, meaning- Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, last month permission to address the House for 1 ful way. Already this Congress has the Department of Homeland Security minute.) passed legislation that will provide reported that over 100,000 parents of Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise health insurance to millions of unin- U.S. born children were deported be- today to speak to the need for raising sured children, bring health care into tween 1998 and 2007. And the Homeland awareness about deep vein thrombosis, the 21st century with new health infor- Security inspector stated that these commonly known as DVT. Two million mation technology, and start us on the figures are incomplete because the Americans are affected by DVT every path of providing high-quality care at a agency does not keep track of how year. That is more than breast cancer lower cost. many children each parent has. and AIDS combined. My home State of Minnesota has This past Saturday, I hosted an event However, many Americans are not been a leader in this. In my district, in my district for families to come and aware of what DVT is, or how to recog- the Mayo Clinic, in particular, is a re- share their stories about how they nize its signs and symptoms. We may nowned medical institution that has have been impacted by the broken im- see people wearing pressure stockings always been at the forefront of efforts migration system. The audience on following surgery or on long plane to reform and improve health care. several occasions had to hold back flights. They helped pioneer the use of elec- their tears as they heard the stories of The tragic loss of our former col- tronic medical records. Electronic how families, like the Serrano family league, Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn, medical records reduce the time pa- from Bloomington, California, have to DVT demonstrates how close to tients spend in waiting rooms filling been separated from their parents. home this disease can be for all of us. out forms, and they also let doctors ac- Children like those in the Serrano Not only is DVT killing too many cess a patient’s history immediately, family are the real victims of this out- Americans every year, it is also taking reducing errors. They cut down on ad- dated immigration system that sepa- a toll on our Nation’s hospital systems, ministrative costs, saving our entire rates families. costing approximately $860 million an- system billions of dollars. In addition As Speaker PELOSI said this morning nually. to leading the way on medical tech- at a meeting with Latino leaders, ‘‘We That is why I am so proud to join nology, Mayo has been a leader in pro- must immediately end raids that sepa- with my colleague, Representative viding high-quality care. rate families.’’ CATHY MCMORRIS RODGERS, in intro- As we move forward on health care I urge my colleagues in the House ducing a resolution recognizing Deep reform, we need to acknowledge our and the Senate and President Obama to Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month and current rewards quantity over quality. work with CHC toward comprehensive National DVT Screening Day. I hope We can look to Mayo, which has been immigration reform.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.004 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3111 OIL AND GAS LEASE SALES CARD CHECK service of life raises similar moral (Mr. FLEMING asked and was given (Mr. PITTS asked and was given per- problems. I congratulate President Obama on permission to address the House for 1 mission to address the House for 1 his action. minute.) minute.) Mr. FLEMING. Mr. Speaker, the In- Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, there is an f terior Department is going forward effort underway in Washington to take VETERANS PASS ACT with the oil and gas production lease away the right of the secret ballot vote (Mr. REHBERG asked and was given sale in the central Gulf of Mexico. I from American workers. permission to address the House for 1 welcome the Interior Secretary to my Colleagues on the other side of the minute.) home State of Louisiana this March. aisle will introduce today a bill mis- Mr. REHBERG. Here in Washington, While visiting our great State, I named Employee Free Choice Act, also D.C., we are always reminded that free- would like to remind Secretary Salazar called the Card Check bill. dom isn’t free. Whether it’s the self-re- that although it is a positive gesture to This is a bill that would allow for the flective Vietnam War Memorial or the move forward with this lease sale, the establishment of a union not by secret solemn Tomb of the Unknown Soldier benefit of these leases will greatly be ballot vote, but simply if the majority in Arlington National Cemetery, the diminished under tax hikes—that is re- of employees at a company sign a card freedom we Americans enjoy today was moval of exploratory incentives that lending their support. This process, paid for by the blood and sacrifice of are included in this administration’s called ‘‘card check,’’ opens employees our men and women in uniform. budget proposal. up to coercion and intimidation. While our veterans have paid this This $30 billion tax increase could The secret ballot is a fundamental price with their sacrifices, there is an- devastate an industry that directly and principle of American democracy. If in- other price they must pay which we indirectly employs over 300,000 dividuals want to join a union, they are can now alleviate. I have introduced Louisianans. This tax increase will entitled to that right. They can show the Veterans Pass Act, which will pro- wreak havoc on small independent pro- their support with their vote. But if vide veterans an annual National ducers and third-party services. It will workers do not want to pay union dol- Parks and Federal Lands pass at a also continue to perpetuate the cycle lars to be used to advance a political sharp discount of $10, down from the of high fuel prices and our addiction to agenda they disagree with, they should normal cost of $80. I encourage my col- foreign sources of energy who want to also be afforded the same right, to cast leagues to join me in cosponsoring this see our democracy fail. their vote free of coercion and intimi- legislation. The majestic beauty of our Nation’s In short, this proposed budget does dation in a secret ballot election. national parks are just as fitting a nothing to solve our energy needs. If Card check is an assault on the prin- monument to the sacrifices of our sol- anything, it will lead to more cost and ciples of our Nation and would be a job diers as is a monument made of mar- massive job loss for many Americans, killer during a time when we cannot af- ble. We should make visiting these liv- especially in Louisiana, who are suf- ford to lose more jobs. ing monuments easier for our veterans. fering in this economic recession. f Please join me in cosponsoring the Vet- b 1215 erans Pass Act. f LIFTING THE BAN ON STEM CELL f RESEARCH ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE HEALTH CARE (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given (Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland asked (Mr. COHEN asked and was given per- permission to address the House for 1 and was given permission to address mission to address the House for 1 minute.) the House for 1 minute.) minute.) Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I rise Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, we have today to applaud President Obama’s Speaker, health care reform is an es- had a change in America. We have gone executive order lifting the ban on Fed- sential component to our Nation’s eco- from a previous President who for 8 eral funding of embryonic stem cell re- nomic recovery. The expansion and re- years didn’t believe in regulation and search. authorization of the State Children’s believed in tax cuts, which led us to I join scientists across the country, Health Insurance Program that was the greatest economic crisis which we especially researchers at the Univer- passed by this Congress and signed into have faced in this country in 76 years, sity of Louisville, who are excited law by President Obama expands to a President who believes in regula- about the opportunities that expanded health insurance to an additional 4 tion and believes in stimulating the research presents. million children, covering 11 million economy. But as we all know, there is another children in all, including dental cov- There are two ways you can help get dimension to this issue, and it involves erage and mental health parity. the economy moving. One is monetary moral questions about the use of dis- The $20 billion investment that we policy and the other is fiscal. Right carded embryos for scientific purposes. have made in health information tech- now the only way we can do it is fiscal I fully respect the views of those who nology in our Recovery and Reinvest- because monetary has gone down to raise moral objections to embryonic ment Act will modernize the health about zero. We have done all we can do stem cell research; their convictions care system, saving money, reducing with monetary. So the stimulus pack- are just as valid and unassailable as medical errors, improving quality, and age, the Recovery Reinvestment Act, is the scientific arguments made about creating health care jobs across all sec- what America needs. Some would sug- the potential of stem cell research. On tors. gest we haven’t done enough. Mr. the other side, however, are equally The recovery package’s $87 billion in Krugman suggests that. I tend to agree valid and, to my mind, unassailable funding to the State Medicaid pro- with him. But the fact is we can only moral arguments that support Presi- grams is a significant boost to our get three Republican votes in the Sen- dent Obama’s decision this week. They State’s economy in Maryland. It is a ate, one vote more than we needed for are analogous to the arguments made budget gap filler for our State. the bill in the Senate, so you get what in support of organ donation and trans- And finally, the President’s budget, you can get from the Senate. plantation. Here, human material that with an over $630 billion down pay- I support my President because he has the potential to save life is not ment, prioritizes health care reform. has a policy and a program that will being squandered. At long last, the nearly 50 million peo- get us out of this recession and move Like those who raise moral objec- ple without health care will finally get America forward to being the great nations to stem cell research, I would their health care for all, quality, af- tional and international leader that we have problems with the production of fordable, accessible health care for all. need to be in the 21st century, and we embryos for scientific purposes, but to And I thank the President and this can only do that by supporting our me, the destruction of embryos that Congress for their leadership on health President with a stimulus package. can be used to advance science in the care.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.009 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3112 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 STOCK MARKET RECOVERY ACT Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. bailouts, so-called stimulus bills, and (Mr. KIRK asked and was given per- Speaker, it appears the latest defini- big government spending in last year’s mission to address the House for 1 tion of fiscal responsibility in Wash- budget, just last month President minute and to revise and extend his re- ington is just to raise taxes in order to Obama unveiled his budget, a more marks.) raise spending. The Federal Govern- than $3 trillion blueprint for even more Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, the stock ment takes a larger and larger piece of spending. market has rendered a bipartisan ver- taxpayers’ wallets. At a time when middle class families dict on the policies of this Congress. At a time when American families and small businesses are making sac- From the year end to the inauguration, and small businesses across our coun- rifices, Washington continues to spend it fell 5 percent. From Secretary try are making tough decisions, Wash- trillions of dollars on bailouts and new Geithner’s speech to the budget, it fell ington is borrowing more money. Never government programs. One inde- 12 percent. From the budget to today, mind that tax hikes during a recession pendent estimate suggests that the it fell another 11 percent. would only prolong the downturn or re- Federal Government will have to hire We are now suffering from the fastest duce job creation made in a recovery. 250,000 new bureaucrats just to pass out market decline ever, faster than even This is the taxpayers’ money, it does all the money. And the President’s under Presidents Hoover or Roosevelt. not belong to the government. plan includes the largest tax increase Let’s take a lesson from the Amer- The market has fallen in part because in history. The majority of his tax in- ican taxpayer and promote tough deci- it has learned more about this Con- creases will hit small business owners. sions here that will reduce spending And the new national energy tax will gress—record borrowing, rigged union and not mortgage our children’s fu- cost every American household up to elections, 9,000 earmarks, and national- tures. This spending will mean a $9,014 $3,100 per year. izing health care. principal obligation, along with adjust- The chairman of the Budget Com- I think it’s time to look at new poli- able interest, beginning now for every mittee, the Democrat, JOHN SPRATT, cies to help stocks, like suspending the person 21 years old or younger. said, ‘‘This is not an easy budget to mark-to-market rule that triggers In conclusion, God bless our troops, market for sure. The reason? Well, the bank runs and restarting the uptick and we will never forget September the President’s budget spends too much, rule to undercut the short sellers. 11th. taxes too much, and borrows too much, Today, I will introduce the Stock and the American people know it.’’ Market Recovery Act with these two f key reforms. We are digging an eco- WORKING TO IMPROVE HEALTH f nomic hole, and it’s time to get out, CARE INVESTING IN AMERICA and these reforms will help. (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given (Ms. SHEA-PORTER asked and was f permission to address the House for 1 given permission to address the House GIVE OUR TEACHERS A HEAD minute and to revise and extend his re- for 1 minute.) START ACT marks.) Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, one of the it’s very interesting to me to watch (Mr. WILSON of Ohio asked and was most serious challenges facing our Na- people stand there and start talking given permission to address the House tion is the need for health care reform about the spending of the Federal Gov- for 1 minute.) to ensure access to quality and afford- ernment over the past few months be- Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I able health care for all families. cause the party that was in charge for rise today to introduce the Give Our It is shocking that nearly 46 million the previous decade—even longer—in Teachers a Head Start Act, a bill which Americans in the United States have Congress and in the White House ran makes strong investments in today’s no health care coverage. Unless we act, up record deficits while the American Head Start teachers and teachers’ estimates from the Congressional middle class income stayed flat. And aides. Budget Office warn that the number of yet, I didn’t hear them on the floor In this challenging economy, Head Americans without health insurance worried about the middle class until Start programs around the Nation are will grow to about 54 million during just very recently. feeling the consequences. And when the next 10 years. I’m not really sure what they’re budget shortfalls hit these programs, it In meeting with health care profes- upset about, except I think they’re is the children who suffer. Many teach- sionals and with my constituents in upset that we have decided to invest in ers and teachers’ aides attempt to fill New Jersey, everyone agrees that ourselves and our country. We’re going the gap and make personal financial changes in our current system are to invest in jobs; we’re going to invest sacrifices to provide their students needed. Congress has already taken in the middle class; we’re going to in- with classroom supplies. The average some important steps. Working with vest in infrastructure; we’re going to Head Start teacher with a B.A. degree President Obama, we have enacted into invest in education. President Obama earns almost half of the average Kin- law a much-needed expansion of the said, ‘‘Those who out-teach us will out- dergarten teacher, but is excluded from State Children’s Health Insurance Pro- compete us.’’ So we’re investing in this the current law permitting K–12 teach- gram, SCHIP, to ensure that the 7 country. We’re investing in health care ers an income tax deduction. This leg- seven million children who currently for the children, and investing for the islation would permit Head Start participate in the program continue to elderly as well. teachers and teachers’ aides the ability receive coverage. We cut taxes for the middle class. to subtract from their gross income up We also worked to provide $20 billion Yes, times are very difficult, and unfor- to $250 in expenses that would be asso- in crucial funding in the economic re- tunately, we are going to have to spend ciated with the purchase of classroom covery package to modernize our to stimulate, and spend to support our supplies. health care system through the adop- people and support our country. But When funding falls short and teach- tion of health information technology. where were they for the past decade? ers sacrifice to fill the gap, it seems Mr. Speaker, we want to see these f only fair that they should at least get moves continue. EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT a tax deduction. I urge my colleagues f to support this bill. (Mr. ROE of Tennessee asked and was AMERICANS MAKE SACRIFICES f given permission to address the House WHILE WASHINGTON CONTINUES for 1 minute.) FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TAKING TO SPEND Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Today, con- LARGER PIECE OF TAXPAYERS’ (Mr. PENCE asked and was given per- gressional Democrats are introducing WALLETS mission to address the House for 1 the curiously named Employee Free (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina minute and to revise and extend his re- Choice Act, which actually does the op- asked and was given permission to ad- marks.) posite of its title by taking away an dress the House for 1 minute and to re- Mr. PENCE. After months of run- employee’s free choice to choose in se- vise and extend his remarks.) away spending at the Federal level on cret whether or not to join a union.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.012 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3113 Union leadership is elected by secret sources than pro-enforcement sources, The President’s budget spends too ballot, I was elected by a secret ballot, and they prey on emotions while ignor- much, it taxes too much, and it bor- and the President of the United States ing facts. These articles paint a one- rows too much. was elected by a secret ballot. sided sympathetic picture of illegal im- The new carbon tax, disguised in the In these tough economic times, no migrants, but fail to acknowledge they green robe of ‘‘cap and trade,’’ is not a one can blame American workers for intentionally broke our laws, burdened tax the American people are willing to supporting measures they believe will taxpayers, and displaced legal workers. pay. I urge the American people to rise create new jobs for them. I grew up in For example, five out of six immigra- up against this tax and reject this un- a union household, so I understand why tion stories in the New York Times warranted tax upon our families. workers support this legislation when over a recent 2-week period were obvi- f they hear their leadership talk about ously slanted. The same was true of six RECOGNIZING AND HONORING OUR how this is needed because workers’ in- out of eight immigration articles in TROOPS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANI- fluence is declining in the United the Washington Post. Americans de- STAN States. Unfortunately, their leader- serve better, and should insist that the ship’s rhetoric just doesn’t square with media provide all the facts and not just (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania reality. According to the Bureau of give one side. asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to re- Labor Statistics, union membership f was just over 16 million in 2008, a 2.6 vise and extend his remarks.) Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. percent rise over 2007. This legislation b 1230 Mr. Speaker, last weekend I had the lays waste to an employee’s right to CARD CHECK opportunity to visit our troops in Iraq choose whether to join a union by se- (Mr. CASSIDY asked and was given and Afghanistan and was able to thank cret ballot, which is too steep a price permission to address the House for 1 them personally for their selfless sac- to pay. minute.) rifice and for their service to our coun- f Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. Speaker, secret try. FEDERAL TAXPAYER DOLLAR ballots say a lot about the societies From the moment that I arrived in country along with five of our col- (Mrs. BLACKBURN asked and was that defend and preserve them. They leagues, there was an extreme sense of given permission to address the House say that society trusts the people, and pride, purpose, and confidence in the for 1 minute and to revise and extend given the facts and the arguments, the soldiers we met. These troops are led her remarks.) people themselves are trusted to make by the finest military leaders in the Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, a the right decisions. You can be per- world, such as General Ray Odierno, wise man once said, ‘‘Treat each fed- suaded. You can be begged. But in the General David McKiernan, General eral tax dollar as if it was hard earned; privacy of the voting booth, your vote Lloyd Austin, to name just a few, with it was—by a taxpayer.’’ is your own. each of their commands providing su- The Democrats of this House need a When government attempts to abol- perb support. reminder that every dollar they have ish the private ballot, it says that people are not trusted. It says to every cit- So I come to the floor today with a been signing away is a hard-earned message from the troops, a message American dollar. izen, you, do not know what is good for you. that I found somewhat selfless, but not Let’s take that $787 billion stimulus at all surprising coming from these bill that they passed and that the For over 60 years, American workers have decided whether to unionize in se- fine men and women. American taxpayers will have to repay. Mr. Speaker, they asked me to tell That’s going to cost every taxpayer in cret ballot elections, for the very same reasons that in political elections we the stories of their success, that this country over $4,000. We know that they’re making a difference. That the Americans are hurting, that we are in cast our votes in private. Card check assaults that right. It imposes coercion cut-and-run strategy that politicians, a recession, and that now is no time to who have absolutely zero battlefield let raise taxes and increase their share of over conscience, force over freedom. Since 1776 Americans have expected alone military experience, preach from this national debt. That’s all money this floor is not the support that they that they could be using for household Congress to defend their democratic rights, not abolish them. Card check and their families expect or deserve. necessities. So with that I tell you a story about denies fundamental democratic rights And they are a little bit weary when a women’s health clinic in Baghdad. to over 100 million Americans. Con- they hear about projects they’re going This clinic, like many in Iraq, has gress should defend this right. to be required to fund, like a foot intermittent electricity throughout bridge in St. Louis, or $8 billion for the f the day and little, if any, after the sun Disneyland to Las Vegas train, or CAP AND TRADE CONCERNS goes down. After spending 28 years in $200,000 for tattoo removal, or millions healthcare, I can tell you that I know for the Speaker’s mouse. (Mr. CHAFFETZ asked and was given firsthand you cannot decide when a So let’s remember those wise words permission to address the House for 1 baby decides to be born or when an before we start signing off on all these minute and to revise and extend his re- emergency occurs. pork barrel spending projects for spe- marks.) So what did our soldiers do? Well, cial interests. Let’s treat every Federal Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise they did a lot. taxpayer dollar as what it is, hard today with deep concerns about the so- For example, they installed solar earned by the Federal taxpayer. called ‘‘cap and trade’’ proposal. This is panels on the roof of the clinic and bat- f a new tax, a carbon tax, that would be teries to store that energy. That clinic levied upon every single American. is now operational 24 hours a day, 7 AMERICANS DESERVE THE FULL We were told that 95 percent of STORY ON IMMIGRATION days a week, providing much needed Americans would not see even ‘‘one care to women and babies in need. (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was dime’’ of increase in their taxes. De- And I assure you, Mr. Speaker, this is given permission to address the House spite this rhetoric from the adminis- one of countless examples of what oc- for 1 minute and to revise and extend tration, 100 percent of Americans will curs daily in Iraq. his remarks.) pay this new tax. Every person, every No, you won’t read this in the news- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, business, every family will pay this paper or see it on cable TV, but, Mr. Americans deserve accurate stories new tax. Even Warren Buffet refers to Speaker, it is precisely the type of ac- about immigration issues, but the na- this as a ‘‘regressive tax.’’ tion and goodwill that our young men tional media prevent that from hap- At a time when business is struggling and women in uniform perform on a pening. and all Americans across the country daily basis that deserves recognition. Too often, the media only feature are worried about the expenses of their So I appreciate the opportunity to stories that support their bias, that in- daily lives, now, especially now, is not thank our troops and to share their clude more quotes from pro-amnesty the time to raise taxes. message with you.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.013 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 WHAT WAS HE THINKING? SEC. 2. REFERENCES. cated in Elizabeth City, North Caro- Any reference in a law, map, regulation, lina, the ‘‘J. Herbert W. Small Federal (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given document, paper, or other record of the permission to address the House for 1 Building and United States Court- United States to the Federal building and house.’’ I too support this legislation. minute and to revise and extend his re- United States courthouse referred to in sec- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of marks.) tion 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to the ‘‘J. Herbert W. Small Federal Building my time. Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, in de- Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. termining his pick for the new head of and United States Courthouse’’. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gen- the SEC, President Obama called for a tleman from North Carolina (Mr. ‘‘shift in ethics on Wall Street’’ and ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from BUTTERFIELD). Maryland (Ms. EDWARDS) and the gen- then subsequently announced his selec- Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Let me start by tion of Mary Schapiro for the SEC tleman from Florida (Mr. MARIO DIAZ- thanking the gentlewoman for yielding chairmanship. The irony of this selec- BALART) each will control 20 minutes. 4 minutes to me to speak on a very im- The Chair recognizes the gentle- tion is hard to miss, especially given portant issue in my congressional dis- woman from Maryland. Schapiro’s reputation for favoring bro- trict, and that is the naming of this kers and the securities industry over GENERAL LEAVE Federal courthouse in Elizabeth City, investors. Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. North Carolina. I also want to thank As head of the Financial Industry Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Florida for his Regulatory Authority, Ms. Schapiro all Members may have 5 legislative kind remarks about my good friend completely missed both the mortgage days within which to revise and extend Judge Small. crisis and the Madoff $50 billion Ponzi their remarks and to include extra- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay scheme defrauding hundreds of un- neous material on H.R. 813. honor to a constituent, a friend, and a knowing investors. Furthermore, Ms. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there community leader by naming the Fed- Schapiro’s record as a regulator dem- objection to the request of the gentle- eral building in Elizabeth City, North onstrates she has seldomly pursued woman from Maryland? Carolina, as the ‘‘J. Herbert W. Small tough action against big Wall Street There was no objection. Federal Building.’’ I would also like to firms who, we all know, have atro- Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. thank the chairman of the full com- ciously abused our regulatory proc- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I mittee, Mr. OBERSTAR, and the ranking esses. may consume. member, Mr. MICA, for their leadership And while President Obama has open- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. in ushering this bill through the com- ly stated that ‘‘the regulators who 813, a bill to designate the Federal mittee process. I would also like to were assigned to oversee Wall Street building and United States courthouse thank each member of the North Caro- dropped the ball,’’ he has picked located at 306 East Main Street in Eliz- lina delegation, both Democrat and Re- Schapiro, someone who was ‘‘asleep at abeth City, North Carolina, as the ‘‘J. publican, for their support of this legis- the switch,’’ to steer the reform of the Herbert W. Small Federal Building and lation. SEC. United States Courthouse.’’ Almost 2 years ago, Mr. Speaker, this Judge Small has been a lifelong resi- Which leaves me with the question: identical bill passed the House with dent of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, What was he thinking? unanimous support, but, regrettably, it and has dedicated 52 years to civil serv- f was not taken up in the other body. I ice. He served in the United States am confident that the Senate will see ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Navy for 3 years during World War II the bill through the process this ses- PRO TEMPORE and, after leaving the service, received sion so we can now bestow this great The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- a law degree from the University of honor upon Judge Small. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair North Carolina Law School At Chapel Mr. Speaker, Judge Small is a life- will postpone further proceedings Hill. He began his public career as a long resident of Elizabeth City, North today on motions to suspend the rules special counsel to the Congressional Carolina. He has dedicated 52 years of on which a recorded vote or the yeas Committee on Intergovernmental Rela- his professional life to improving the and nays are ordered, or on which the tions and later served for 8 years as lives of the residents of Eastern North vote is objected to under clause 6 of county attorney for Pasquotank Coun- Carolina and in particular the Albe- rule XX. ty. In 1979 he was elected Superior marle region. He began to practice law Record votes on postponed questions Court judge of the First Judicial Dis- in Elizabeth City 2 years after I was will be taken later. trict of North Carolina and served in born, 1949, after graduating from the that position for 17 years. University of North Carolina Law f Judge Small has been an active vol- School at Chapel Hill. So the UNC fans J. HERBERT W. SMALL FEDERAL unteer serving on the board of direc- have two reasons to celebrate today: BUILDING AND UNITED STATES tors of the Albemarle Hospital and the the naming of this Federal building as COURTHOUSE American Red Cross. He has received well as the great victory that we saw Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. numerous awards and honors from the this weekend. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules Jaycees, the Boy Scouts, Volunteer Judge Small served as special coun- and pass the bill (H.R.813) to designate Firemen, Chamber of Commerce, and sel to the Congressional Committee on the Federal building and United States the Rotary and Elks clubs. Intergovernmental Relations and later courthouse located at 306 East Main In the 110th Congress, the House served 8 years as county attorney for Street in Elizabeth City, North Caro- passed a similar bill, but unfortunately Pasquotank County. He was elected lina, as the ‘‘J. Herbert W. Small Fed- the Senate was unable to act on the district attorney for the First Judicial eral Building and United States Court- legislation. I would like to thank the District of North Carolina for three house’’. gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. consecutive terms. As a young lawyer, I opposed Herb The Clerk read the title of the bill. BUTTERFIELD) for reintroducing this Small in the courtroom on several oc- The text of the bill is as follows: bill. Judge Small is an outstanding jurist, casions. I was a defense lawyer; he was H.R. 813 mentor, and civic leader. I urge my col- the prosecutor. He was a strong and ef- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- leagues to join me in supporting H.R. fective district attorney. During his resentatives of the United States of America in tenure, he served as chairman of the Congress assembled, 813. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of District Attorneys Advisory Com- SECTION 1. DESIGNATION. my time. mittee, was president of the District The Federal building and United States courthouse located at 306 East Main Street Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- Attorneys Association, and was ap- in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, shall be ida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such pointed by the Governor to the State known and designated as the ‘‘J. Herbert W. time as I may consume. ‘‘Jail Study’’ Commission. Small Federal Building and United States As you have just heard, this bill In 1979 Herb Small was elected Supe- Courthouse’’. names a United States courthouse lo- rior Court judge for the First Judicial

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.042 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3115 District. In the early years of his Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance New York, as the ‘‘Ronald H. Brown judgeship, I again had the opportunity of my time. United States Mission to the United to argue cases before his court. He was Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Nations Building’’. a firm but fair judge, always treated strong support of H.R. 813, a bill to designate The Clerk read the title of the bill. everyone who came before him with the Federal building and United States court- The text of the bill is as follows: great respect. Herb Small served as house located at 306 East Main Street, in Eliz- H.R. 837 resident Superior Court judge for 17 abeth City, North Carolina, as the ‘‘J. Herbert Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- long years and was elected president of W. Small Federal Building and United States resentatives of the United States of America in the North Carolina Conference of Supe- Courthouse’’. Congress assembled, rior Court Judges and represented the Judge Small has been a life-long resident of SECTION 1. DESIGNATION. Conference on the North Carolina Pol- The Federal building located at 799 United Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and has dedi- Nations Plaza in New York, New York, shall icy and Sentencing Commission. I am cated 52 years to civil service. be known and designated as the ‘‘Ronald H. proud to have been able to call Judge He served in the United States Navy for Brown United States Mission to the United Small my judicial colleague when I be- three years during World War II and, after Nations Building’’. came a judge after I was elected as a leaving the service, received a law degree SEC. 2. REFERENCES. resident Superior Court judge in 1988. from the University of North Carolina Law Any reference in a law, map, regulation, While Judge Small preceded me on the School at Chapel Hill. document, paper, or other record of the bench by almost a decade, he welcomed United States to the Federal building re- In 1949, he began his legal career as a ferred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be me among the ranks and always offered Special Counsel to the Congressional Com- guidance and insight. a reference to the ‘‘Ronald H. Brown United mittee on Intergovernmental Relations and States Mission to the United Nations Build- Judge Small served as chairman of later served for eight years as a county attor- ing’’. the Albemarle Hospital board of direc- ney for Pasquotank County. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tors and as chairman of the American In 1979, he was elected Superior Court ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Red Cross Chapter. He has been ac- Judge of the First Judicial District of North tively engaged in other civic, chari- Maryland (Ms. EDWARDS) and the gen- Carolina, and served in that position for 17 tleman from Florida (Mr. MARIO DIAZ- table, and service organizations, in- years. cluding Jaycees, Boy Scouts, Volunteer BALART) will each control 20 minutes. Throughout his life, Judge Small has been The Chair recognizes the gentle- Firemen, Chamber of Commerce, Ro- an active volunteer, serving on the Board of woman from Maryland. tary Club, Elks Club, and Red Men. He Directors of the Albemarle Hospital, and the was given the Distinguished Service GENERAL LEAVE American Red Cross. He has received numer- Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Award by the Jaycees, the Volunteer of ous awards and honors from the Jaycees, the the Year Award by the Chamber of Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Boy Scouts, Volunteer Fireman, Chamber of Commerce, and the Order of Long Leaf all Members may have 5 legislative Commerce, and the Rotary and Elks clubs. Pine by our great State of North Caro- days within which to revise and extend In the 110th Congress, the House passed a lina for outstanding community in- their remarks and to include extra- similar bill but, unfortunately, the Senate was volvement. During World War II, Judge neous material on H.R. 837. unable act on the legislation. I would like to Small served 3 years in the United The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there thank the gentleman from North Carolina, Mr. States Navy. objection to the request of the gentle- Judge Small has been married for 57 BUTTERFIELD, for reintroducing this bill. woman from Maryland? years to Mrs. Annette Ward Small, a Judge Small is an outstanding mentor and There was no objection. Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. very delightful lady. They have four volunteer. For over five decades, he has been Speaker, I yield myself such time as I children, Elizabeth, John, Fran, and an exceptional jurist and civic leader. It is fitting and proper to honor his outstanding con- may consume. Carol; and they have nine grand- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. children. tributions with this designation. 837, a bill to designate the U.S. Mission The SPEAKER pro tempore. The I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- to the United Nations Building located time of the gentleman has expired. porting H.R. 813. at 799 United Nations Plaza, New York Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. I yield b 1245 an additional 1 minute to the gen- City, New York, as the Ronald H. Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. tleman. Brown United States Mission to the Mr. BUTTERFIELD. I thank the gen- Speaker, I yield back the balance of United Nations Building. tlewoman for the additional minute. my time. We all acknowledge Ron Brown as an When I get talking about Judge Small, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The extraordinary man. He wore many I get carried away, Mr. Speaker. He’s question is on the motion offered by hats—lawyer, pragmatic bridge builder, such a dear friend. the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. statesman, mentor and trusted and Judge Small has been married for 57 EDWARDS) that the House suspend the true friend. As we are all aware, he was years to Mrs. Annette Ward Small. rules and pass the bill, H.R. 813. the first African American Secretary of They have four children, and I men- The question was taken. Commerce. In that position he became tioned their names. They have nine The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the a powerful and influential voice for grandchildren, Rachel, Matthew, John, opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being promoting American products and Mary, Margaret, Ruth, Allison, Katie, in the affirmative, the ayes have it. trade abroad. and Chris. Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. He left the National Urban League in I can think of no finer individual, no Speaker, on that I demand the yeas 1979 to work for Senator EDWARD M. person who’s more deserving of this and nays. KENNEDY, who sought the Democratic honor than Judge J. Herbert Small. The yeas and nays were ordered. Party’s Presidential nomination. In The people of Elizabeth City and the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- 1981, Brown began a career as a lawyer First Congressional District of North ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the and lobbyist. In 1988, he was elected Carolina are grateful for his commit- Chair’s prior announcement, further chairman of the Democratic National ment to community and his great and proceedings on this motion will be Committee. From 1989 to 1992, he extraordinary leadership. postponed. served as chairman and used his skills Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- f as a negotiator and pragmatic bridge ida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 15 sec- builder to help reunite the Democratic onds. RONALD H. BROWN UNITED Party after its defeat in the 1988 Presi- I would be remiss without thanking STATES MISSION TO THE dential election. the gentleman from North Carolina for UNITED NATIONS BUILDING In 1993, President William J. Clinton his persistence, for his leadership, for Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. appointed Ron Brown as Secretary of fighting for this. And as you have Speaker, I move to suspend the rules Commerce. During his tenure, Sec- heard today he does so with great pas- and pass the bill (H.R. 837) to designate retary Brown effectively utilized and sion for someone who he admired the Federal building located at 799 expanded the role of the U.S. Depart- greatly. United Nations Plaza in New York, ment of Commerce. Secretary Brown

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.018 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3116 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 was known for his amiable political Secretary Brown’s life tragically ended in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- style and his deft skill in negotiations. April 1996, when he was killed in a plane ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from As secretary, he used these qualities ef- crash in Croatia while on an official Depart- Maryland (Ms. EDWARDS) and the gen- fectively to promote U.S. trade, expand ment of Commerce trade mission. tleman from Florida (Mr. MARIO DIAZ- foreign markets for American busi- The Department of State requested that BALART) each will control 20 minutes. nesses and spur domestic job growth Secretary Brown personally undertake the The Chair recognizes the gentle- and economic development. trade mission to highlight and find opportuni- woman from Maryland. Secretary Brown’s life was tragically ties for U.S. businesses to boost economic re- GENERAL LEAVE ended in April 1996 when he was killed construction of the war torn region of former Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. in a plane crash while in service to his Yugoslavia. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that country. It is fitting and proper we Congress has previously designated four all Members may have 5 legislative honor his civic contributions by this Federal buildings that serve as Department of days within which to revise and extend designation, and I urge passage of H.R. State facilities. In 2000, Congress designated their remarks and to include extra- 837. the Department of State headquarters as the neous materials on H.R. 842. I reserve the balance of my time. ‘‘Harry S Truman Federal Building’’ (P.L. 106– The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- 218). In 2004, Congress designated the For- objection to the request of the gentle- ida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such eign Service Institute as the ‘‘George P. woman from Maryland? time as I may consume. Schultz National Foreign Affairs Training Cen- There was no objection. As you just heard from the gentle- Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. ter’’ (P.L. 108–136). In 2005, Congress des- woman from Maryland, this bill names Speaker, I yield myself such time as I ignated the United States Embassy Annex in the Federal building located in the may consume. United Nations Plaza in New York as Rome, Italy, as the ‘‘Mel Sembler Building’’ Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. the Ronald H. Brown United States (P.L. 108–447) and designated the Federal 842, a bill to designate the courthouse Mission to the United Nations Build- building in Kingston, Jamaica, as the ‘‘Colin L. to be built in Jackson, Mississippi, as ing. Powell Residential Plaza’’ (P.L. 109–89). the R. Jess Brown United States Court- This bill has already passed the Secretary Brown died in service to his coun- house. Attorney Brown was a towering House once before and, as you have try. It is fitting and proper to honor this Federal figure in the history of the civil rights heard the explanation, here it is in building as the ‘‘Ronald H. Brown United movement in the South and especially front of us. States Mission to the United Nations Building’’. in Mississippi. He was a native son of Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- Kansas, born in Coffeyville, Kansas, strong support of H.R. 837, a bill to designate porting H.R. 837. and raised in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He the United States Mission to the United Na- Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- received his law degree from Texas tions Building located at 799 First Avenue, ida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the re- Southern University and practiced law New York, New York, as the ‘‘Ronald H. maining part of my time. in Mississippi in the 1950s, 1960s and Brown United States Mission to the United Na- Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. 1970s. tions Building’’. Speaker, I yield back the balance of As Associate Counsel for the Na- Enactment of this legislation is long over- my time. tional Association for the Advance- due. I commend the gentleman from New The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ment of Colored People Legal Defense York (Mr. RANGEL) for his steadfastness in question is on the motion offered by and Educational Fund, Brown filed the supporting this bill. Congressman RANGEL in- the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. first civil rights suit in Mississippi in troduced similar bills in the 108th, 109th, and EDWARDS) that the House suspend the the 1950s in Jefferson Davis County 110th Congresses. rules and pass the bill, H.R. 837. seeking the enforcement of the right of Last Congress, the House passed H.R. 735, The question was taken; and (two- black citizens to become registered to designate the United States Mission to the thirds being in the affirmative) the voters. United Nations in honor of Ron Brown. Unfor- rules were suspended and the bill was In 1961, Brown represented James H. tunately, the Senate was unable to act on the passed. Meredith in his suit to be allowed to bill. I am pleased that today we will again pass A motion to reconsider was laid on enter the University of Mississippi. His this bill and pay a fitting tribute to the life and the table. victory in this case opened the doors of achievements of this extraordinary American. f that university to all of Mississippi’s Ron Brown was a man who served his R. JESS BROWN UNITED STATES citizens. country in many capacities: lawyer, pragmatic While with the NAACP Legal Defense COURTHOUSE bridge builder, statesman, mentor, and trusted Fund, he played a major role in fight- friend. Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. ing discrimination in the areas of He may be best known for his service as Speaker, I move to suspend the rules transportation and other public accom- the first African-American Secretary of Com- and pass the bill (H.R. 842) to designate modations working alongside Thurgood merce. In that position, he became a powerful the United States Courthouse to be Marshall, who had later become Asso- and influential voice for promoting American constructed in Jackson, Mississippi, as ciate Justice of the United States Su- products and trade abroad. He championed the ‘‘R. Jess Brown United States preme Court. expanding markets for U.S. goods and serv- Courthouse’’. During his lifetime, he received nu- ices, in order to increase job opportunities and The Clerk read the title of the bill. merous awards and honors, including foster job creation here at home. The text of the bill is as follows: the NAACP’s Lawyer of the Year He also served President Clinton on the Na- H.R. 842 award, National Bar Association C. tional Economic Council, the Domestic Policy Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Francis Stradford Award, which is Council, the Task Force on National Health resentatives of the United States of America in their highest award, and Mississippi Care Reform, the Trade Promotion Coordi- Congress assembled, Teachers Association award for ex- nating Committee, and the U.S.-Russia Busi- SECTION 1. DESIGNATION. traordinary service to education in ness Development Committee. The United States Courthouse to be con- Mississippi. Secretary Brown served on the Board of structed at the site bounded on the north by I support this legislation and urge Trustees for Middlebury College and received Court Street, on the west by West Street, on my colleagues to join me to pass H.R. his law degree from St. John’s University in the south by South Street, and on the east 842. New York City. Prior to entering public service, by President Street in Jackson, Mississippi, I reserve the balance of my time. he worked as a welfare caseworker in New shall be known and designated as the ‘‘R. Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- Jess Brown United States Courthouse’’. York City. ida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such In addition to his many talents and SEC. 2. REFERENCES. time as I may consume. Any reference in a law, map, regulation, As we just heard, this bill names the strengths, Secretary Brown was a passionate document, paper, or other record of the civil rights activist with a distinguished record United States to the courthouse referred to United States Courthouse to be con- of service to his community. His commitment in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference structed in Jackson, Mississippi, as the to this nation and its citizens provides a model to the ‘‘R. Jess Brown United States Court- R. Jess Brown United States Court- for us all. house’’. house.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.020 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3117 R. Jess Brown grew up and was educated the Mississippi bar in 1953. After pass- Master of Education from the University of In- in the public school system of Muskogee, OK. ing the bar, Mr. Brown began prac- diana in 1943, and a Juris Doctorate from He attended Illinois State University, Indiana ticing law in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Texas Southern Law School. University, and the Texas Southern Law As a young lawyer, Jess confined his He was admitted to the bar for the State of School. practice to cases involving divorces, Mississippi in 1953 and admitted to practice Mr. Brown was actively involved in civil deeds, land titles and other practices before the United States District Court for the rights issues and dedicated his career to pur- that did not disturb white members of Southern District of Mississippi. In 1955, he suing equality for all citizens. the bar. However, after the Brown v. co-founded the Magnolia Bar Association, and In 1948, he was a co-plaintiff in a lawsuit Topeka Board of Education ruling, he later served on the Board of the National brought on behalf of African-American teach- Brown felt compelled to defend the Bar Association for nearly 15 years. In 1958, ers in Jackson, MS, seeking equal pay. civil rights of African Americans. he was admitted to practice before the United After being admitted to the bar in Mis- In the fall of 1955, the conditions and States Supreme Court. sissippi, he became Associate Counsel for the hardships endured by black lawyers in As associate counsel for the National Asso- National Association for the Advancement of the courts led Mr. Brown and seven ciation for the Advancement of Colored People Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense and other black attorneys to establish the (NAACP) Legal Defense and Educational Educational Fund. Magnolia Bar Association. Mr. Speak- Fund, Brown filed the first civil rights suit in As Associate Counsel, he filed a civil rights er, Mr. Brown is credited with filing Mississippi seeking the enforcement of the case in Mississippi seeking to enforce the right the first civil rights lawsuit in Mis- right of black citizens to become registered of African Americans to register to vote. sissippi. This lawsuit, on behalf of a voters. In 1961, Brown represented James H. Later, in 1961, Mr. Brown represented Jefferson County minister, challenged Meredith in his suit to enter the University of James H. Meredith in a lawsuit that was filed laws that prevented blacks from vot- Mississippi, and his victory in this case and won. This case opened the door to allow ing. opened the doors of that University to all of Mr. Meredith and other African Americans to Mr. Speaker, R. Jess Brown has an Mississippi’s citizens. During his time at the enter and study at the University of Mis- extensive record as a civil rights law- NAACP, Brown also played a major role in sissippi. yer. Among his many cases, Mr. Brown fighting discrimination in the areas of transpor- Mr. Brown was active in many other cases represented Clyde Kennard after he was tation and other public accommodations work- that helped to break down barriers related to arrested while trying to enroll at the ing alongside Thurgood Marshall, who would discrimination in the areas of public transpor- University of Southern Mississippi. later become a United States Supreme Court tation and accommodations. Jess served as co-counsel for James Justice. He was a leader not only in the civil rights Meredith’s lawsuit to enter the Univer- Brown also served as counsel for the Amer- movement, but also more broadly in the legal sity of Mississippi. This case was the ican Civil Liberties Union, where he was suc- community. Among his many accomplish- ultimate cause of the integration of cessful in obtaining reversals of convictions of ments, he co-founded the Magnolia Bar Asso- that university. black defendants because of discrimination in ciation, served on the Board of the National Mr. Brown represented Dr. Gilbert jury selection. He represented numerous black Bar Association, and was admitted to practice Mason when he and others were ar- defendants in cases where the State sought law before the United States Supreme Court. rested in their efforts to end racial seg- the death penalty, and as a result of these ap- I have no objections to the passage of this regation on the beaches of Biloxi, Mis- peals, none of these defendants were ever ex- bill and support its adoption. sissippi. ecuted. I understand the other side has a He represented Medgar Evers and Dr. R. Jess Brown died in Jackson, Mississippi, speaker, and I reserve the balance of Aaron Henry as they fought for civil on January 2, 1990. He will be remembered my time. rights in the 1960s and 1970s. as a brilliant attorney, an accomplished civil Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Brown was admit- rights leader, and as a great American. It is Speaker, I yield as much time as he ted to practice law before all courts in appropriate that the U.S. Courthouse in Jack- may consume to the gentleman from Mississippi, the United States District son, Mississippi be designated the ‘‘R. Jess Mississippi (Mr. THOMPSON), the spon- Court for the Northern District of Mis- Brown United States Courthouse’’. sor of the bill. sissippi, the United States District In the 110th Congress, the House passed a Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Court for the Southern District of Mis- similar bill to name the U.S. Courthouse in Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 842, a sissippi, the United States Court of Ap- Jackson, Mississippi, after R. Jess Brown. Re- bill to designate the United States peals for the Fifth Circuit and the grettably, the Senate was unable to act on the Courthouse under construction in United States Supreme Court. Mr. legislation. I urge my colleagues to join me Jackson, Mississippi, as the R. Jess Brown also served on the executive once again in supporting this designation and Brown United States Courthouse. board of the National Bar Association I urge the passage of H.R. 842. Mr. Speaker, R. Jess Brown was born for approximately 15 years. Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- September 12, 1912, in Coffeyville, Kan- Mr. Speaker, on January 2, 1990, R. ida. Mr. Speaker, if I may inquire from sas. His parents, Ernestine and Joe Jess Brown died in Jackson, Mis- the gentlelady from Maryland if she Brown, were jazz musicians, vaudeville sissippi, at the age of 77. has any other speakers at this time? performers and theater managers. Mr. Speaker, R. Jess Brown did many Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. I have Jess received a bachelor of science in great things for the people of Mis- no further speakers at this time. Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- industrial arts from Illinois State Nor- sissippi, and he has received many ac- ida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the bal- mal University and a master of science colades for his accomplishments. As I in education in the area of industrial ance of my time. stand here today, in part because of the Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. education from Indiana University in efforts of Jess Brown, I can think of Speaker, I yield back the balance of Bloomington, Indiana. few other people as worthy of having my time. After teaching at Alcorn State Uni- their name on the Mississippi court- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The versity, Mr. Brown moved to Jackson, house under construction in Jackson, question is on the motion offered by Mississippi, where he taught industrial Mississippi, as R. Jess Brown. the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. arts at Lanier High School, the only Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to EDWARDS) that the House suspend the black high school in the City of Jack- join me in supporting H.R. 842. rules and pass the bill, H.R. 842. son, Mississippi, at that time. While Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in The question was taken. teaching at Lanier, Mr. Brown became strong support of H.R. 842, a bill to designate The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the an intervening plaintiff in a lawsuit the United States Courthouse to be con- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being that sought equal pay for all teachers structed in Jackson, Mississippi, as the ‘‘R. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. in Jackson, Mississippi. Jess Brown United States Courthouse’’. Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. After teaching in Jackson, Jess at- R. Jess Brown was born in Coffeeville, Kan- Speaker, on that I demand the yeas tended Texas Southern University Law sas, on September 2, 1912. He was educated and nays. School. Jess left the law school before in the Muskogee, Oklahoma public schools, The yeas and nays were ordered. receiving his juris doctorate, but was and later received a Bachelor of Education The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- able to go back to Mississippi and pass from Illinois State Normal University in 1935, a ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.008 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3118 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 Chair’s prior announcement, further ican, Kentucky, and Fayette County It wasn’t that he was just extending proceedings on this motion will be Bar Associations. trade and getting people to buy our postponed. On November 2, 1979, President goods and services. It’s that he was ex- f Jimmy Carter appointed him as a tending love, attention, sensitivity United States District Judge for the and, especially in the developing coun- SCOTT REED FEDERAL BUILDING Eastern District of Kentucky. He be- tries, where we had not spent the time AND UNITED STATES COURT- came a Senior Judge August 1, 1988, that we should have, he not only sold HOUSE and retired April 1, 1990. our wares, but he was able to sell our Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. He was a frequent lecturer to the Na- reputation as a country that wanted to Speaker, I move to suspend the rules tional College of Trial Judges and was help other countries. and pass the bill (H.R. 869) to designate named to the Hall of Distinguished And so it is with a great deal of the Federal building and United States Alumni of the University of Kentucky pleasure for those of us from Harlem, courthouse located at 101 Barr Street on April 11, 1980. those of us from New York, those of us in Lexington, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Scott Judge Reed was an exemplary lawyer who understood and knew Ron Brown, Reed Federal Building and United and outstanding jurist. His public ca- and even the Clinton administration, States Courthouse’’. reer serving the citizens of Kentucky who gave him this great opportunity to The Clerk read the title of the bill. spanned over 30 years. He served with have a building named right across The text of the bill is as follows: great distinction at both the State and from the United Nations, which would H.R. 869 Federal judicial levels. It is both fit- have the responsibility for all of the ting and proper to honor his civic con- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- member nations, as well as the employ- resentatives of the United States of America in tributions with this designation, and I ees there, to be able to establish Amer- Congress assembled, urge support for passage of H.R. 869. ican policies and embassies throughout SECTION 1. DESIGNATION. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- the world, that there will be a little bit The Federal building and United States of Ron Brown’s reputation as being a courthouse located at 101 Barr Street in Lex- ida. I yield myself such time as I may consume. great American in everything that we ington, Kentucky, shall be known and des- are able to do in that building. ignated as the ‘‘Scott Reed Federal Building Again, this bill designates the Fed- and United States Courthouse’’. eral building and United States Court- So, I thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to join with the SEC. 2. REFERENCES. house located on Barr Street in Lex- Any reference in a law, map, regulation, ington, Kentucky, the Scott Reed Fed- millions of Americans who believe that document, paper, or other record of the eral Building and United States Court- Ron Brown made us taller, made us United States to the Federal building and house. more proud, and certainly more re- United States courthouse referred to in sec- At this time, I reserve the balance of spected. God has taken his life far too tion 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to my time. early, but we praise God for allowing the ‘‘Scott Reed Federal Building and United Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. him to share his wonderful life with us. States Courthouse’’. Speaker, I yield such time as he may Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 869 is The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- consume to the gentleman from New a bill to designate the Federal Building and ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from York (Mr. RANGEL). United States Courthouse located at 101 Barr Maryland (Ms. EDWARDS) and the gen- (Mr. RANGEL asked and was given Street in Lexington, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Scott tleman from Florida (Mr. MARIO DIAZ- permission to revise and extend his re- Reed Federal Building and United States BALART) each will control 20 minutes. marks.) Courthouse.’’ The Chair recognizes the gentle- Mr. RANGEL. Thank you so much for I can think of no other individual more de- woman from Maryland. giving me this opportunity to speak on serving, no other public servant more worthy, GENERAL LEAVE behalf of the building, 799 United Na- and no other action more appropriate than Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. tions Plaza, being named after my late naming the federal courthouse in Lexington Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that friend, Ronald Brown. I want to thank after the Honorable Scott Elgin Reed. Promi- all Members may have 5 legislative his family and his community, the cen- nent Central Kentucky attorney, first Chief Jus- days within which to revise and extend tral Harlem community, for the sup- tice of the Kentucky Supreme Court, and fed- their remarks and to include extra- port that they have given to this bill, eral judge—Scott Reed exemplifies the defini- neous material on H.R. 869. as well as the community who loved tion of honor and dignity. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there and respected him all of his life. I want Born in Lexington, Kentucky, on July 3, objection to the request of the gentle- to thank Chairmen OBERSTAR and 1921, Scott Reed graduated with distinction woman from Maryland? HOLMES NORTON for allowing this to be- from the University of Kentucky. While in col- There was no objection. come a part of our American history. lege, he was editor-in-chief of the Kentucky Ron Brown was an extraordinary Law Journal and awarded the order of Coif, b 1300 human being. He was born in 1941. My the highest academic award that can be given Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. relationship to him was really out- to a law graduate. He was also a member of Speaker, I yield myself such time as I standing since, while I was in school, I the Phi Delta Phi Fraternity. He achieved may consume. was the desk clerk at a rather famous many honors at the University of Kentucky, in- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. hotel in Harlem called the Theresa cluding the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medal- 869, a bill to designate the Federal Hotel. Ron Brown’s father was the lion—a prestigious award recognizing out- building and United States Courthouse manager of that hotel. So I got to standing character and humanitarian service. located at 101 Barr Street, Lexington, know Ron at a very, very early age, Prior to his time on the bench, Scott Reed Kentucky, as the Scott Reed Federal and was able to see the remarkable ca- was County Attorney, retained as counsel for Building and United States Court- reer that he staked out for himself. the Fayette County School Board, and distin- house. Bright, articulate. He was one of those guished himself as a trial lawyer of great in- From 1964 until 1969, Judge Reed was type of Americans that could do most tegrity. a member of the First Division of the anything that he wanted to do. He served from 1948 through 1956 as an Fayette Circuit Court when he was He worked for Senator KENNEDY; he acting associate professor at the University of elected to the Kentucky Court of Ap- went to St. John’s Law School; he Kentucky College of Law. From 1964 until peals, then the highest court in the worked for the Urban League. He be- 1969, he was judge of the First Division of the State, and was chosen by his colleagues came an outstanding member of the Fayette Circuit Court. He then was elected to on the Court of Appeals as Chief Jus- Democratic Party. But the most re- the Kentucky Court of Appeals. tice. He became the first Chief Justice markable thing about Ron Brown is As Chief Judge of the Kentucky Court of of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. His that as Secretary of Commerce under Appeals, Judge Reed oversaw the passage of opinions from the Supreme Court of the Clinton administration, he became a constitutional amendment that unified and Kentucky were highly regarded and one of the greatest ambassadors that modernized Kentucky’s court system. As part often cited by other jurisdictions. the American government ever had of the modernization, the Court of Appeals be- Judge Reed was a member of the Amer- abroad. came the Kentucky Supreme Court. Reed was

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:32 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.024 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3119 elected by his fellow justices to be the first In the 110th Congress, the House passed Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Chief Justice of Kentucky. similar legislation to designate the U.S. Court- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I As Chief Justice, he oversaw the implemen- house in Lexington, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Scott may consume. tation of a constitutional amendment leading Reed Federal Building and United States Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. Kentucky to have one of the most efficient Courthouse.’’ Unfortunately, the Senate was 887, a bill to designate the federal court systems in the country. The Chief Jus- unable to act on the bill. building in Davenport, Iowa, as the tice of the Commonwealth holds equal rank Judge Reed enjoyed a rich and rewarding James A. Leach United States Court- with the Governor, the latter being the head of career. His contributions to the American judi- house. the Executive Branch and Chief Justice serv- cial system are exceptional. It is fitting that the Former Representative Leach began ing as head of the Judiciary. courthouse in Lexington bear his name to his public service career in 1965 as a He was elected as a Fellow in the National honor his distinguished career and enduring staff person to then-Congressman Don- College of the Judiciary in 1965 and was a legacy. ald Rumsfeld. In 1968, Jim Leach joined the United States Department of State voting member of the American Law Institute, I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- as a Foreign Service Officer and subse- a body of scholarly people who shape the porting H.R. 869. quently served as a special assistant to laws of our nation. The opinions written by Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- director at the Office of Economic Op- Scott Reed during his time on the Supreme ida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the bal- portunity. Court of Kentucky have received national ac- ance of my time. In the 1970s, Representative Leach claim for their scholarly content. Judge Reed Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. served in various capacities with the was a frequent lecturer to the National College Speaker, I yield back the balance of United Nations, the United States Ad- of Trial Judges and has achieved the highest my time. visory Commission on International honors that can be bestowed on a member of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Education and Cultural Affairs, and his profession. question is on the motion offered by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. In 1979, he was appointed by Jimmy Carter the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Our former colleague, Jim Leach was to be U.S. district judge for the Eastern District EDWARDS) that the House suspend the elected to the Congress in 1977 from of Kentucky. He served as a U.S. district rules and pass the bill, H.R. 869. Iowa and served for 14 consecutive Con- judge until he retired in 1990. His federal legal The question was taken; and (two- gresses. His contributions to, and in- scholarship was widely regarded and likened thirds being in the affirmative) the terests in the House of Representa- to that of Justices Brandeis, Holmes and Mar- rules were suspended and the bill was tives, are numerous, including his long- shall. Scott Reed was named to the University passed. standing support for use of HOPE VI of Kentucky College of Law Hall of Distin- A motion to reconsider was laid on HUD funds to help smaller cities de- guished Alumni on April 11, 1980. the table. velop affordable housing. Judge Scott Reed passed away on Feb- f Jim Leach was hardworking, highly ruary 17, 1994, but his legacy will always be respected on both sides of the aisle, and a part of Kentucky’s rich history. He deserves JAMES A. LEACH UNITED STATES dedicated to the welfare of his con- this honor, one that is indeed long overdue. COURTHOUSE stituents. It is fitting and proper to Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. ROGERS of Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. honor his public service with this des- Kentucky for being a cosponsor of this legisla- Speaker, I move to suspend the rules ignation. I support H.R. 887, and urge tion. I also want to thank my colleagues Ms. and pass the bill (H.R. 887) to designate the passage of the bill. HOLMES NORTON and Mr. OBERSTAR for their the United States courthouse located I reserve the balance of my time. help in bringing this legislation to the floor. at 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- I support H.R. 869, and I strongly urge its Iowa, as the ‘‘James A. Leach United ida. I yield myself such time as I may passage. States Courthouse’’. consume. This bill names the United States Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in The Clerk read the title of the bill. Courthouse located on East 4th Street strong support of H.R. 869, a bill to designate The text of the bill is as follows: in Davenport, Iowa, as the James A. the Federal building located at 101 Barr Street H.R. 887 in Lexington, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Scott Reed Leach United States Courthouse. As we Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- recall, he was also a former colleague Federal Building and United States Court- resentatives of the United States of America in house.’’ The bill was introduced by the gen- of ours here in this distinguished body. Congress assembled, With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the tleman from Kentucky (Mr. CHANDLER) and his SECTION 1. DESIGNATION. balance of my time. colleague from Kentucky (Mr. ROGERS). The United States courthouse located at Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Scott Reed was born in Lexington, Kentucky 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, Iowa, shall Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- in 1921. He attended local schools and grad- be known and designated as the ‘‘James A. tleman from Iowa (Mr. LOEBSACK). uated from the University of Kentucky College Leach United States Courthouse’’. Mr. LOEBSACK. I thank the gentle- of Law in 1945. While at the University, Reed SEC. 2. REFERENCES. woman for yielding. I would like to received many awards and honors, including Any reference in a law, map, regulation, take a few minutes today to honor the the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion for document, paper, or other record of the many accomplishments of my prede- excellence. United States to the United States courthouse referred to in section 1 shall be deemed cessor, former Congressman Jim The first years of Judge Reed’s career were Leach. spent in private practice, during which he dis- to be a reference to the ‘‘James A. Leach United States Courthouse’’. Mr. Speaker, I introduced H.R. 887, to tinguished himself as a trial lawyer of great in- rename the United States Courthouse The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tegrity. During this time, he also taught at the in Jim’s hometown of Davenport, Iowa, ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from University of Kentucky College of Law. as a tribute to his 30 years of service to Maryland (Ms. EDWARDS) and the gen- From 1964 to 1969, he was judge of the Iowa’s Second Congressional District. tleman from Florida (Mr. MARIO DIAZ- First Division of the Fayette Circuit Court. Jim’s legacy of statesmanship; his From 1969 until 1976, Judge Reed served on BALART) each will control 20 minutes. leadership in foreign affairs and finan- the Court of Appeals, 5th Appellate District. In The Chair recognizes the gentle- cial services issues; his dedication to 1976, he became the Chief Justice of the woman from Maryland. public service; and his capable rep- Commonwealth of Kentucky, a position which GENERAL LEAVE resentation of his constituents left a holds equal rank with the Governor. His opin- Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. lasting impact on the district I am now ions from the Supreme Court of Kentucky Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that honored to represent. have received national attention for their all Members may have 5 legislative As chairman of the Banking and Fi- scholarly content and careful judicial rea- days in which to revise and extend nancial Services Committee, the Sub- soning. their remarks and to include extra- committee on Asian and Pacific Af- In August 1979, Judge Reed was nominated neous material on H.R. 887. fairs, and the Congressional-Executive by President Carter to serve as the U.S. Dis- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Commission on China, Jim was a leader trict Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. objection to the request of the gentle- on some of the most important finan- He was confirmed in October 1979, and woman from Maryland? cial and foreign affairs issues of the served until his death in 1994. There was no objection. past 30 years.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.010 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3120 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 A native son of Iowa, Jim rep- Arms Control and Foreign Policy Cau- Jim Leach represents the very best of what resented his constituents with grace, cus, Jim pressed for a comprehensive constituents expect from their Representatives commitment, and the Iowa values with test ban and led the House debate on a in Congress. His legacy is promoting biparti- which he was raised. Indeed, his legacy nuclear freeze. Jim was also one of the sanship, protecting the dignity of the House by of service has been highlighted through only six House Republicans to vote standing as an example of putting thought be- several awards, including the Norman against the 2002 Iraq War resolution. fore politics and actions over posturing. Jim is Borlaug Award for Public Service. Jim’s post-congressional career has someone who I have the greatest personal re- Jim is now continuing that legacy as been no less extraordinary. He holds spect for. a faculty member at the Woodrow Wil- eight honorary degrees, and has re- I’m pleased that Mr. LOEBSACK has brought son School of Public and International ceived decorations from two foreign this resolution to the floor of the House, and Affairs at Princeton University, his governments. He is a recipient of the I urge my colleagues to support this resolution alma mater. As a former member of the Wayne Morse Integrity in Politics in honor of former Representative James Foreign Service, where he served as a Award; the Woodrow Wilson Award Leach. delegate to the Geneva Disarmament from Johns Hopkins; the Adlai Steven- Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Conference and the United Nations son Award from the United Nations As- strong support of H.R. 887, a bill to designate General Assembly, I am confident that sociation; the Edgar Wayburn Award the United States courthouse located at 131 Jim brings a unique perspective to from the Sierra Club; and the Norman East 4th Street in Davenport, Iowa in honor of Princeton that is surely a tremendous Borlaug Public Service Award. former Congressman Jim Leach. I thank the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. asset for his students. Jim continues to serve the public on LOEBSACK) and the Iowa delegation for reintro- Indeed, as a former professor at Cor- the boards of several public companies ducing this bill to honor one of Congress’s nell College in Iowa, I invited Jim to and nonprofit organizations, including most well-respected and well-liked Members. guest lecture at the college. His knowl- the Century Foundation; the Carnegie The House passed a similar bill, H.R. 1505, in edge and personal experiences were a Endowment for International Peace; the 110th Congress but unfortunately, the highlight for my students, and make it the Social Sciences Research Council; Senate was unable to act on the legislation. clear why he holds eight honorary de- Pro Publica; and Common Cause, which Jim Leach was a learned Member of this grees. he chairs. Body and, to many of us, a trusted friend. I would like to take this opportunity Additionally, he is currently a mem- James Albert Smith Leach was born in Dav- to thank Jim for his many years of ber of the Council on Foreign Relations enport, Iowa on October 15, 1942. He at- service to Iowa and our Nation, and I and teaches at Princeton University’s tended public schools in Davenport, received urge my colleagues to support this res- Woodrow Wilson School as the John L. a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University, olution. Weinberg Visiting Professor of Public and attended the London School of Econom- Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- and International Affairs. ics. ida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance Jim is not only a remarkable public In 1965, Congressman Leach began his of my time. servant, but a good friend. It was a tre- public service career as a staff person to then- Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. mendous honor to serve alongside him. Congressman Donald Rumsfeld. In 1968, he Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- Just in closing, I’d like to say this. joined the U.S. Department of State as a For- tleman from Iowa (Mr. BOSWELL). Jim Leach reminded me of a person eign Service Officer and subsequently served Mr. BOSWELL. I rise in support of that I knew in the legislature named as special assistant to the director at the Of- H.R. 887, to honor my friend, former Horace Daggett. Outstanding people in fice of Economic Opportunity. In the 1970s, he colleague and Congressman, Jim their own right in every way. Truly, served in various capacities with the United Leach. Jim’s survival for three dec- community people. Iowans, Americans. Nations, the United States Advisory Commis- ades, winning election 14 times, and his And they put the country first. sion on International Education and Cultural strong record of principled, bipartisan Jim was a privilege to know, as the Affairs, and the Federal Home Loan Bank leadership is a superb example to all of person he was, the person that he is, Board. his colleagues, to all of us. the person that reaches out and con- In 1976, Congressman Leach was elected He was born in Davenport, Iowa, tinues to serve us with distinction, and to the United States House of Representa- where he made a name for himself by someone that we all can be very, very tives; he would represent the 2nd District of winning the 1960 State Wrestling proud of. Iowa for 30 years (1977–2007). During his Championship for Davenport High So, I urge all to support H.R. 887. time in Congress, he chaired the Committee School. He went on to earn an impres- Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support on Banking and Financial Services, the Sub- sive set of degrees from Princeton Uni- of this resolution to honor our great friend, Jim committee on Asian and Pacific Affairs, and versity, Johns Hopkins University, and Leach, by naming the courthouse in Dav- the Congressional-Executive Commission on the London School of Economics. enport, Iowa, after him. It is a well-deserved China. Jim began his public service career honor. He holds eight honorary degrees, has rein 1965 as a staffer to then-Congress- Jim Leach is missed around the Capitol be- ceived decorations from two foreign govern- man Don Rumsfeld. In 1968, he entered cause he was a resource of institutional ments, and is the recipient of the Wayne the Foreign Service, where he served as knowledge, he shared his tremendous sense Morse Integrity in Politics Award, the Woodrow a delegate to the Geneva Disarmament of humor and his insight. I always enjoyed his Wilson Award from Johns Hopkins University, Conference and the U.N. General As- ability to bring thoughtfulness to the debate. the Adlai Stevenson Award from the United sembly. He resigned his commission in Most importantly, Jim Leach was and remains Nations Association, and the Edger Wayburn 1973 to protest President Richard Nix- a great advocate for the State of Iowa. Jim is Award from the Sierra Club. on’s firing of the first Watergate spe- also a great Iowa Hawkeye supporter be- In February 2007, Congressman Leach cial prosecutor, Archibald Cox. cause, of course, he had the Hawks in his dis- joined the faculty of Princeton’s Woodrow Wil- Jim was first elected to represent trict. I represent the University of Iowa’s state son School of Public and International Affairs Iowa’s Second District in 1976. A polit- rival, Iowa State University. Obviously, we had as a visiting professor. In all aspects of his public career, he served ical moderate who was always willing a lot to tease each other about throughout the the citizens of Iowa with distinction, hard work, to reach across the aisle, Jim chaired years. and honor. This designation properly honors the Ripon Society and the Republican Jim Leach will be remembered here in this his outstanding public career and it is fitting to Mainstream Committee, two organiza- body for his 30 years of dedicated service and designate the Davenport, Iowa courthouse as tions formed to encourage bipartisan his great intellect. He was a well-rounded the ‘‘James A. Leach United States Court- policymaking. In Congress, Jim distin- member. You could call on him to stop gam- house.’’ guished himself as a steadfastly ethical bling predators over the Internet or, as some- I support the bill and urge my colleagues to and independent-minded public serv- one who knew and understood the many fac- join me in honoring Jim Leach. ant. ets of foreign affairs; we could seek his coun- Throughout his career, Jim sup- sel during an international crisis. His talent b 1315 ported diplomacy before unilateralism, was being able to bring that forth and convey Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- pushing for full funding of U.S. obliga- complex subjects in a very kind and thoughtful ida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the bal- tions to the U.N. As chairman of the way. ance of my time.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.029 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3121 Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. The Chair recognizes the gentle- He also is a champion wrestler. So Speaker, I yield back the balance of woman from Maryland. his athletic and intellectual capabili- my time. GENERAL LEAVE ties that he demonstrated here, mostly The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. his intellectual capabilities on the question is on the motion offered by Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that floor of this House. Although I have the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. all Members may have 5 legislative felt that temptation on the athletic EDWARDS) that the House suspend the days within which to revise and extend from time to time, not Jim Leach. Jim rules and pass the bill, H.R. 887. their remarks and to include extra- Leach was a consummate statesman, The question was taken; and (two- neous material on House Concurrent someone who could work with Demo- thirds being in the affirmative) the Resolution 37. crats and the Republicans, and is an in- rules were suspended and the bill was The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there dividual who was the epitome of the passed. objection to the request of the gentle- balance between the two as he served A motion to reconsider was laid on woman from Maryland? here in Congress and today contributes the table. There was no objection. to our overall broader society. f Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. So I am very pleased to rise in sup- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL port of the resolution naming the Fed- may consume. eral Courthouse in Davenport, Iowa, GROUNDS FOR GREATER WASH- Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Reso- the James A. Leach Courthouse. And I INGTON SOAP BOX DERBY lution 37 authorizes the use of the Cap- am happy to call him a friend, a former Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. itol grounds for the annual Soapbox colleague, and someone who has Speaker, I move to suspend the rules Derby. As Members are aware, the brought honor upon this institution and agree to the concurrent resolution Committee on Transportation and In- every day of his service here in the (H. Con. Res. 37) authorizing the use of frastructure authorizes use of the Cap- United States House of Representa- the Capitol Grounds for the Greater itol grounds each year for this worth- tives. I thank the gentleman for yield- Washington Soap Box Derby. while event. The Clerk read the title of the con- The 2009 Greater Washington Soap- ing. current resolution. box Derby will take place on Constitu- Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. The text of the concurrent resolution tion Avenue between Delaware Avenue Speaker, I want to take this oppor- is as follows: and Second Street Northwest on June tunity to say that the soapbox derby H. CON. RES. 37 22, 2009. The Greater Washington Soap- on Capitol Hill is a way that young Resolved by the House of Representatives (the box Derby has been held on the U.S. people are fully engaged, they are cre- Senate concurring), Capitol grounds since 1991. It has at- ative, in building their participant ve- SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF SOAP BOX tracted more than 60 youth partici- hicles. And it is an excellent oppor- DERBY RACES ON CAPITOL pants in each of those years. tunity for parents to have a direct in- GROUNDS. The D.C. metropolitan race winners volvement in their children’s activities The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby from each of the stock, super stock, right here on the Capitol grounds. Association (in this resolution referred to as the ‘‘Association’’) shall be permitted to and master’s division soapbox derby The Derby’s mission is to provide sponsor a public event, soap box derby races, races throughout the world will com- children with an activity that pro- on the Capitol Grounds on June 20, 2009, or pete in Akron, Ohio for scholarships motes technical and social skills that on such other date as the Speaker of the and other prizes in the All-American will serve them throughout their lives. House of Representatives and the Committee Soapbox Derby. And the Derby organizers of course on Rules and Administration of the Senate The All-American Soapbox Derby work with the Architect of the Capitol may jointly designate. Youth Program is administered by to make sure that the appropriate SEC. 2. CONDITIONS. International Soapbox Derby, Incor- rules and regulations are in place dur- The event to be carried out under this res- porated, an Akron-based nonprofit cor- ing the event. I am confident that, olution shall be free of admission charge to poration. Activities planned for this the public and arranged not to interfere with once again, the event this year will be the needs of Congress, under conditions to be event will be coordinated with the Of- a huge success. prescribed by the Architect of the Capitol fice of the Architect of the Capitol and, I reserve the balance of my time. and the Capitol Police Board; except that the like all events on Capitol Hill grounds, Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- Association shall assume full responsibility will be free and open to the public. ida. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the I extend my thanks to Majority for all expenses and liabilities incident to all gentlewoman from Maryland for her activities associated with the event. Leader HOYER, who is and has been description of this bill. This is some- SEC. 3. STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT. such a steadfast supporter of this thing that this House has done for For the purposes of this resolution, the As- event, and I urge passage of the resolu- many, many years. And for many years sociation is authorized to erect upon the tion. the distinguished majority leader, Mr. Capitol Grounds, subject to the approval of I reserve the balance of my time. the Architect of the Capitol, such stage, Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- HOYER, has sponsored a resolution to sound amplification devices, and other re- ida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to authorize the use of the Capitol lated structures and equipment as may be re- grounds for this event, and Congress quired for the event to be carried out under the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. KING). Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I has clearly supported it. It provides this resolution. children a fun way to allow children to SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS. thank the gentleman from Florida. The The Architect of the Capitol and the Cap- timing around this place being such as show off their dedication, their work, itol Police Board are authorized to make any it is, I appreciate a chance to speak to and creativity as they compete for tro- such additional arrangements that may be the Jim Leach Resolution, the resolu- phies and the opportunity to race in required to carry out the event under this tion that names the United States other competitions. resolution. Courthouse at 131 East 4th Street in Girls and boys between 8 and 17 will SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS. Davenport, Iowa, as the James A. race down the Capitol Hill in their The Capitol Police Board shall provide for Leach United States Courthouse. home-made cars. We are all looking enforcement of the restrictions contained in Jim Leach served in this Congress for forward to that. The winner of each di- section 5104(c) of title 40, United Stats Code, vision will then be qualified to compete concerning sales, advertisements, displays, over a quarter of a century and he had and solicitations on the Capitol Grounds, as friends on both sides of the aisle. If you in the National Soapbox Derby. I sup- well as other restrictions applicable to the know Jim Leach, you know that he is port this resolution and encourage my Capitol Grounds, with respect to the event to an intellectual. He is an individual colleagues to do the same. be carried out under this resolution. that his cerebrum, his cerebellum, and Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- medulla oblongata were all connected port of House Concurrent Resolution 37, to ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from and all functioning. And I say that be- authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for Maryland (Ms. EDWARDS) and the gen- cause he has a significant ability to re- the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. tleman from Florida (Mr. MARIO DIAZ- tain in his memory and manipulate the I especially want to acknowledge the dedi- BALART) each will control 20 minutes. information. cation of our distinguished Majority Leader

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(Mr. HOYER), who annually introduces this res- Mechanicsville, Maryland, Courtney won the (1) free of admission charge and open to the olution to authorize use of the Capitol Grounds Greater Washington Soap Box Derby in June public; and for such a worthwhile event. 2008. She became the seventh person in her (2) arranged not to interfere with the needs of Congress. This year’s Greater Washington Soap Box family to do so. (b) EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES.—The spon- Derby is scheduled to take place on Constitu- Mr. Speaker, this event has been called sor shall assume full responsibility for all tion Avenue between Delaware Avenue and ‘‘the greatest amateur racing event in the expenses and liabilities incident to all activi- Third Street, N.W., in Washington, DC, on world’’ and it is an excellent opportunity for the ties associated with the event. June 20, 2009. This will be the 68th running contestants from the District of Columbia, SEC. 3. EVENT PREPARATIONS. of the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. Maryland and Virginia to learn basic building Subject to the approval of the Architect of This annual event encourages all boys and skills while gaining a real sense of accom- the Capitol, the sponsor is authorized to girls, ages nine through 16, to construct and plishment. erect upon the Capitol Grounds such stage, operate their own soap box vehicles. The The soap box derby is not just a race. It is sound amplification devices, and other re- event is supported by hundreds of volunteers lated structures and equipment, as may be an enriching way to engage our youth, and required for the event. and parents. teach them the importance of ingenuity, com- SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS. It is an excellent opportunity for parents to mitment, and hard work. The Capitol Police Board shall provide for have direct involvement in their children’s ac- I strongly encourage my colleagues to join enforcement of the restrictions contained in tivities. The derby’s mission is to provide chil- with me and the other original cosponsors, section 5104(c) of title 40, United States Code, dren with an activity that promotes technical Representatives CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, FRANK concerning sales, advertisements, displays, and social skills that will serve them through- WOLF, JAMES MORAN, ELEANOR HOLMES NOR- and solicitations on the Capitol Grounds, as out their lives. TON, DONNA EDWARDS, and GERRY CONNOLLY, well as other restrictions applicable to the The derby organizers will work with the Ar- in supporting this resolution. Capitol Grounds, in connection with the chitect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police to Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- event. ensure the appropriate rules and regulations ida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the bal- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- are in place during the event. I am confident ance of my time. ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from that this year’s event will once again be a Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Maryland (Ms. EDWARDS) and the gen- huge success. Speaker, I yield back the balance of tleman from Florida (Mr. MARIO DIAZ- I urge my colleagues to join me in agreeing my time. BALART) each will control 20 minutes. to H. Con. Res. 37. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The Chair recognizes the gentlelady Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise as a question is on the motion offered by from Maryland. proud sponsor of House Concurrent Resolu- the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. GENERAL LEAVE tion 37, legislation which will allow the Greater EDWARDS) that the House suspend the Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Washington Soap Box Derby Association to rules and agree to the concurrent reso- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that hold the 68th Annual Greater Washington lution, H. Con. Res. 37. all Members may have 5 legislative Soap Box Derby on the grounds of the United The question was taken; and (two- days within which to revise and extend States Capitol on Saturday, June 20. thirds being in the affirmative) the their remarks and to include extra- Since 1938, when 223 racers descended on rules were suspended and the concur- neous materials on House Concurrent Washington, DC, soap box derby racing has rent resolution was agreed to. Resolution 38. had a long and rich tradition in our Nation’s A motion to reconsider was laid on The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Capital. the table. objection to the request of the gentle- Although the race location has moved from f woman from Maryland? the original site on New Hampshire Avenue to There was no objection. Capitol Hill, with stops on Massachusetts Ave- AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. nue, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Eastern Ave- GROUNDS FOR NATIONAL PEACE Speaker, I yield myself such time as I nue along the way, the ingredients of the race OFFICERS’ MEMORIAL SERVICE may consume. remain the same: home-made engine-less, Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of gravity-powered cars, the spirit of competition, Speaker, I move to suspend the rules House Concurrent Resolution 38, which and the pure exhilaration of racing. and agree to the concurrent resolution authorizes the use of the Capitol The soap box derby consists of dozens of (H. Con. Res. 38) authorizing the use of grounds for the 28th National Peace Of- drivers, boys and girls ranging in age from 8 the Capitol Grounds for the National ficers’ Memorial Service. to 17, who have designed and built the cars Peace Officers’ Memorial Service. According to the National Law En- they race. The Clerk read the title of the con- forcement Fund, 140 Federal, State, These racers are divided into three divi- current resolution. and local law enforcement officers were sions: stock, super stock, and masters. The The text of the concurrent resolution killed in the line of duty in 2008. These local winner of each division will automatically is as follows: officers will be honored at this memo- qualify to compete with racers from around the H. CON. RES. 38 rial service. During 2008, 15 women offi- country in the 72nd All-American Soap Box Resolved by the House of Representatives (the cers were killed; the average age of all Derby in Akron, Ohio on July 25. Senate concurring), officers killed was 40 years; and the av- Community groups, police departments, fire SECTION 1. USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR NA- erage years of service was 12 years. Ac- departments, and others sponsor children TIONAL PEACE OFFICERS’ MEMO- cording to the National Law Enforce- each year, children who may not otherwise be RIAL SERVICE. ment Officers Memorial Fund, there able to participate. (a) IN GENERAL.—The Grand Lodge of the are more than 900,000 sworn law en- Over the years thousands of the region’s Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary forcement officers now serving in the young people have participated in this great (in this resolution referred to as the ‘‘spon- United States. sor’’) shall be permitted to sponsor a public In 1962, President John F. Kennedy race. I am proud to report that the last two event, the 28th annual National Peace Offi- winners of the Soap Box Derby competition cers’ Memorial Service (in this resolution resigned a proclamation which des- have been neighbors of mine and constituents ferred to as the ‘‘event’’), on the Capitol ignated May 15 as Peace Officers Me- of the Fifth District of Maryland. Grounds, in order to honor the law enforce- morial Day, and the week in which In 2007 Miss Kacie Rader, a neighbor of ment officers who died in the line of duty that date falls as Police Week. This mine from Mechanicsville, Maryland, and a ris- during 2008. first official memorial service took ing senior in high school at the time, won in (b) DATE OF EVENT.—The event shall be place on May 15, 1982, at which 91 law the masters division of the 66th Greater held on May 15, 2009, or on such other date as enforcement officers were honored. the Speaker of the House of Representatives Over the past 28 years, the memorial Washington Soap Box Derby. Kacie then went and the Committee on Rules and Adminis- on to become the first Marylander to win the tration of the Senate jointly designate. service has honored over 3,000 law enforcement officers from around our Na- national soap box derby title, after competing SEC. 2. TERMS AND CONDITIONS. against 550 other soap box champions. (a) IN GENERAL.—Under conditions to be tion. This event has become one in a Kacie’s great success was followed last prescribed by the Architect of the Capitol series of well-attended events during year by another winner, Miss Courtney Rayle. and the Capitol Police Board, the event shall Police Week. I urge support for this Sixteen years old and also a neighbor from be— resolution.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:32 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.026 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3123 Activities on the Capitol grounds the Capitol Grounds for the District of support of the D.C. Special Olympics. conducted under House Concurrent Columbia Special Olympics Law En- This torch relay event is a traditional Resolution 38 will be coordinated with forcement Torch Run. part of the opening ceremonies for the the Office of the Architect of the Cap- The Clerk read the title of the con- Special Olympics. itol, and will be free and open to the current resolution. Since its inception, over 15,000 Dis- public. I support this resolution and The text of the concurrent resolution trict of Columbia citizens with disabil- urge its passage. is as follows: ities have participated in the Special I reserve the balance of my time. H. CON. RES. 39 Olympics. Funds raised from the Law Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Enforcement Torch Run for the Special ida. Mr. Speaker, the gentlewoman Senate concurring), Olympics helps support year-round from Maryland has done a great job ex- SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF USE OF CAPITOL training and programs for Special plaining this bill. GROUNDS FOR DC SPECIAL OLYM- Olympics in the District of Columbia. I yield back the balance of my time. PICS LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN. This type of support led to seven Spe- Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in On June 5, 2009, or on such other date as cial Olympics athletes competing in strong support of House Concurrent Resolu- the Speaker of the House of Representatives the Penn relays in Philadelphia, Penn- tion 38, authorizing the use of the Capitol and the Committee on Rules and Adminis- sylvania, in 2008. Grounds for the National Peace Officers’ Me- tration of the Senate may jointly designate, The D.C. Special Olympics will work morial Service on May 15, 2009. the 2009 District of Columbia Special Olym- closely with the Capitol Police and the In October 1962, President John F. Ken- pics Law Enforcement Torch Run (in this Architect of the Capitol to make sure nedy signed a proclamation which designated resolution referred to as the ‘‘event’’) may be that the event is in full compliance May 15th as National Peace Officers’ Memo- run through the Capitol Grounds as part of the journey of the Special Olympics torch to with the rules and regulations gov- rial Day, and the week in which that date falls the District of Columbia Special Olympics erning the use of the Capitol grounds. as ‘‘Police Week’’. Each year on this day, our summer games. The event will be free and open to the country honors the devotion and service of the SEC. 2. RESPONSIBILITY OF CAPITOL POLICE public. I urge my colleagues to join me peace officers who protect our neighborhoods, BOARD. in supporting this resolution. our cities, our friends, and our families. The Capitol Police Board shall take such I reserve the balance of my time. This year’s Memorial Service will honor the actions as may be necessary to carry out the Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- more than 140 Federal, state, and local law event. ida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such enforcement officers who died in the line of SEC. 3. CONDITIONS RELATING TO PHYSICAL time as I may consume. duty during 2008, and will mark the 28th time PREPARATIONS. Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Reso- The Architect of the Capitol may prescribe the Capitol grounds will be used for this note- conditions for physical preparations for the lution 39 authorizes the use of the Cap- worthy event. During 2008, 41 officers were event. itol grounds for the District of Colum- killed by gun fire, 71 officers were killed in traf- SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS. bia’s Special Olympics Law Enforce- fic related accidents, and 15 women were The Capitol Police Board shall provide for ment Torch Run to be held on June 5 of killed in the line of duty. enforcement of the restrictions contained in this year. Activities on the Capitol Grounds conducted section 5104(c) of title 40, United States Code, The Special Olympics is an inter- under H. Con. Res. 38 will be coordinated with concerning sales, advertisements, displays, nationally recognized organization the Architect of the Capitol, will be free, and and solicitations on the Capitol Grounds, as dedicated to enriching the lives of chil- open to the public. well as other restrictions applicable to the dren and adults with disabilities The selfless work of our police and firemen Capitol Grounds, in connection with the event. through athletic competition and has always been a model of courage and through athletic events in general. moral strength. I urge my colleagues to join The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The Law Enforcement Torch Run is me in supporting H. Con. Res. 38. ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from the largest grassroots effort that raises Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Maryland (Ms. EDWARDS) and the gen- funds and awareness for the Special Speaker, I yield back the balance of tleman from Florida (Mr. MARIO DIAZ- Olympics program, Mr. Speaker. The my time. BALART) each will control 20 minutes. event in D.C. is one of the many law The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The Chair recognizes the gentle- enforcement torch runs throughout the question is on the motion offered by woman from Maryland. country and across 35 Nations leading the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. GENERAL LEAVE up to the summer Special Olympics. EDWARDS) that the House suspend the Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. b 1330 rules and agree to the concurrent reso- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that lution, H. Con. Res. 38. all Members may have 5 legislative The Torch Run is a special event dur- The question was taken. days within which to revise and extend ing which members of law enforcement The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the their remarks and to include extra- run the ‘‘Flame of Hope’’ to the site of opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being neous materials on House Concurrent the local Special Olympics games. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Resolution 39. Mr. Speaker, this event has become a Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there regular occurrence on the Capitol Speaker, I object to the vote on the objection to the request of the gentle- Grounds. And this year’s event will ground that a quorum is not present woman from Maryland? represent the 24th time it has occurred and make the point of order that a There was no objection. on these grounds. I am pleased to be a quorum is not present. Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. cosponsor of this resolution along with The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I the chairwoman of our Subcommittee ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the may consume. on Economic Development, Public Chair’s prior announcement, further House Concurrent Resolution author- Buildings and Emergency Manage- proceedings on this motion will be izes the use of the Capitol grounds for ment. postponed. the District of Columbia’s Special I support this resolution and encour- The point of no quorum is considered Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. age my colleagues to do the same. withdrawn. The Capitol Police, along with the D.C. If I may at this time, Mr. Speaker, if f Special Olympics, will participate in I might inquire of the gentlewoman the torch run to be held on June 5, 2009. from Maryland if she has any further AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL The Law Enforcement Torch Run for speakers. GROUNDS FOR DISTRICT OF CO- the Special Olympics is run nationwide Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. I may LUMBIA SPECIAL OLYMPICS LAW by law enforcement officers, leading up have additional speakers, and I reserve ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN to each State or national Special the time. Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Olympics summer games. Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- Speaker, I move to suspend the rules Each year, nearly 50 local and Fed- ida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the time. and agree to the concurrent resolution eral law enforcement agencies in Wash- Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. (H. Con. Res. 39) authorizing the use of ington, D.C., participate to show their Speaker, the D.C. Special Olympics is a

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.033 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3124 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 really premier event in this region that And we haven’t been doing it very well. This event, scheduled to occur on June 5, highlights the athletic accomplish- And as long as these investigations are 2009, will be open to the public and free of ments of children and adults with dis- swirling around us and we fail to act, charge. The sponsors will work with the Cap- abilities. I would like to recognize and then this cloud remains. itol Police Board to ensure that all rules and give special thanks to the tenacity of Some have mentioned that, in fact in regulations pertaining to the use of the Capitol Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her family one of the papers today, it referenced Grounds are followed. for exceptional work on behalf of per- that this investigation is a Republican- These games are a wonderful expression of sons with disabilities. led effort to embarrass the Democrats inclusiveness and a confirmation of individual Mr. Speaker, as a young person I vol- because the Democrats embarrassed contribution. I enthusiastically support this res- unteered with the Special Olympics Republicans beforehand. It is nothing olution and the very worthwhile endeavor of each year. And I recognize the talents, of the sort. I did not consult with my the Special Olympics. training and athleticism of young peo- party leadership before offering this I urge my colleagues to join me in agreeing ple from around the country and even resolution. I have not consulted with to H. Con. Res. 39. from my congressional district. And them during it. This is not a partisan Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. I yield each year law enforcement officers resolution. back the balance of my time. around the world participate in the This is a bipartisan problem. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. The local Torch Run events to raise money problem is that the perception is that question is on the motion offered by and awareness for the Special Olym- earmarks are influencing campaign the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. pics. In fact in 2008, the Law Enforce- contributions and that campaign con- EDWARDS) that the House suspend the ment Torch Run raised over $34 million tributions are influencing earmarks. rules and agree to the concurrent reso- for the Special Olympics. And here in And there is really no other way to lution, H. Con. Res. 39. the Washington, D.C. area, law enforce- look at the situation but to draw that The question was taken; and (two- ment officers who are part of the ex- conclusion. That is why we need to thirds being in the affirmative) the tensive volunteer network that support vote on this resolution and allow the rules were suspended and the concur- the games carry the ‘‘Flame of Hope’’ Ethics Committee to look into it. rent resolution was agreed to. Again this is not a partisan issue. across the Capitol Grounds through the A motion to reconsider was laid on This is a problem that afflicts both District of Columbia to Catholic Uni- the table. sides. I hope my colleagues see it that versity. f It is an amazing event. The event is way. And we simply cannot allow this body to have the cloud hanging over it scheduled of course to occur on June 5, RAISING A QUESTION OF THE as it is right now. 2009. And it will be open to the public PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE And so I would encourage my col- and is free of charge on the Capitol Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to a leagues, when it comes time to vote for Grounds. The games are a wonderful question of the privileges of the House this resolution, I’m sorry, vote against expression of inclusiveness and con- and offer the resolution previously no- the tabling of the resolution, which firmation of individual contribution. ticed. would allow the Ethics Committee to I enthusiastically support this reso- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. look into it. lution. And I thank the gentlewoman And I thank the gentleman for yield- ROSS). The Clerk will report the resolu- from the District of Columbia (Ms. ing. tion. NORTON) for presenting the resolution Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. I have The Clerk read as follows: to us and this very worthwhile endeav- no further speakers at this time on this H. RES. 228 or of the Special Olympics. resolution. Whereas The Hill reported on February 10, I have no further speakers, and I re- Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- 2009, that ‘‘a top defense-lobbying firm’’ that serve the balance of my time. ida. Mr. Speaker, before I yield back, I ‘‘specializes in obtaining earmarks in the de- Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- want to thank the gentlewoman from fense budget for a long list of clients’’ was ida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield Maryland for doing a great job in lead- ‘‘recently raided by the FBI.’’; Whereas the Associated Press reported on 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ari- ing us through all the bills. She has zona (Mr. FLAKE). February 25, 2009 that the ‘‘FBI searched the done a wonderful job. I thank her for lobbying firm. . .and the residence of its Mr. FLAKE. I thank the gentleman her leadership today. for yielding. I certainly support this founder. . .’’; And with that, Mr. Speaker, I would Whereas The Hill reported on March 4, resolution. The Special Olympics is a yield back. 2009, that the firm ‘‘has given $3.4 million to wonderful program. Certainly using Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. 284 Members of Congress’’; Capitol Grounds is appropriate. Ameri- Speaker, I also thank the gentleman Whereas Politico reported on February 13, cans all over the country and certainly from Florida for his patience today. 2009, that ‘‘federal investigators are asking here revere this Capitol, as well we all Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in about thousands of dollars in campaign con- should. strong support of House Concurrent Resolu- tributions to lawmakers as part of an effort to determine whether they were illegal In a couple of minutes, we will be tion 39, authorizing the use of the Capitol voting on a privileged resolution that I ‘straw man’ donations.’’; Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Whereas Roll Call reported on February 20, have offered. This is the third one. It is Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. 2009, that they have ‘‘located tens of thou- similar to the others that have been of- The District of Columbia Special Olympics is sands of dollars worth of [the raided firm]- fered but it differs a little. It is a bit the premier event in this region that highlights linked donations that are improperly re- narrowed. the athletic accomplishments of children and ported in the FEC database.’’; Right now, Mr. Speaker, as much as young adults with disabilities. I’d like to recog- Whereas Roll Call also reported that we revere this institution, there is a nize and give special thanks to the tenacity to ‘‘tracking Federal Election Commission cloud hanging over it. And that cloud Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her family for ex- records of campaign donations attributed to is that there are investigations going [the firm] is a comedy of errors, misinforma- ceptional work on behalf of persons with dis- tion and mysteries, providing more questions on right now at the Department of Jus- abilities. than answers about how much money the tice investigating the relationship be- Each year, law enforcement officers around lobbying firm actually raised for Congres- tween earmarks and campaign con- the world participate in local Torch Run events sional campaigns.’’; tributions. And as long as that is oc- to raise money and awareness for the Special Whereas CQ Today reported on February curring without this body doing any- Olympics. In 2008, the Law Enforcement 19, 2009, that ‘‘104 House members got ear- thing, there will be a cloud hanging Torch Runs raised over $34 million for the marks for projects sought by [clients of the over this institution. Special Olympics. firm] in the 2008 defense appropriations Now some may say as long as other In the Washington D.C. area, law enforce- bills,’’ and that 87 percent of this bipartisan bodies outside of Congress are inves- group of Members received campaign con- ment officers, who are part of the extensive tributions from the raided firm; tigating this issue, that Congress has volunteer network that support the games, Whereas The Hill reported on February 10, no obligation to do so. I think that is carry the ‘‘Flame of Hope’’ across the Capitol 2009, that in 2008 clients of this firm had ‘‘re- wrong. We have an obligation to uphold Grounds through the District of Columbia to ceived $299 million worth of earmarks, ac- the dignity and decorum of this body. Catholic University. cording to Taxpayers for Common Sense.’’;

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.036 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3125 Whereas The Hill reported on February 23, The question was taken; and the Tauscher Tsongas Waxman 2009, that ‘‘clients of a defense lobby shop Speaker pro tempore announced that Taylor Van Hollen Weiner under investigation are continuing to score Thompson (CA) Vela´ zquez Wexler the ayes appeared to have it. Thompson (MS) Wasserman Wilson (OH) earmarks from their patrons in Congress, de- Tierney Schultz Woolsey spite the firm being on the verge of shutting Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum Titus Waters Wu its doors permanently’’ and that several of Tonko Watson Yarmuth the firm’s clients ‘‘are slated to receive ear- is not present and make the point of Towns Watt Young (AK) marks worth at least $8 million in the omni- order that a quorum is not present. NAYS—184 bus spending bill funding the federal govern- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evi- ment through the rest of fiscal 2009...’’; dently a quorum is not present. Aderholt Gallegly Miller (MI) Akin Garrett (NJ) Minnick Whereas the Washington Post reported on The Sergeant at Arms will notify ab- June 13, 2008, in a story describing increased Alexander Gerlach Mitchell sent Members. Austria Giffords Moran (KS) earmark spending in the House version of Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, this Bachmann Gingrey (GA) Myrick the fiscal year 2009 defense authorization bill Bachus Gohmert 15-minute vote on tabling the resolu- Neugebauer that ‘‘many of the earmarks serve as no-bid Bartlett Goodlatte Nunes contracts for the recipients.’’; tion will be followed by 5-minute votes Barton (TX) Granger Olson Whereas the Associated Press reported on on suspending the rules with regard to: Bean Graves Paul February 25, 2009, that ‘‘the Justice Depart- Biggert Guthrie Paulsen H.R. 813, by the yeas and nays, and Bilbray Hall (TX) ment’s fraud section is overseeing an inves- Pence H.R. 842, by the yeas and nays. Bilirakis Halvorson Perriello tigation into whether [the firm] reimbursed Bishop (UT) Harper The vote was taken by electronic de- Petri some employees for campaign contributions Blackburn Heller Pitts to members of Congress who requested the vice, and there were—yeas 228, nays Boccieri Hensarling projects.’’; 184, answered ‘‘present’’ 14, not voting Boehner Herger Platts Posey Whereas Politico reported on February 12, 5, as follows: Bono Mack Himes Boozman Hodes Price (GA) 2009, that ‘‘several sources said FBI agents [Roll No. 113] Radanovich have spent months laying the groundwork Boustany Hoekstra YEAS—228 Brady (TX) Hunter Rehberg for their current investigation, including Bright Inglis Reichert Ackerman Gordon (TN) Miller, George conducting research on earmarks and cam- Broun (GA) Issa Roe (TN) Adler (NJ) Grayson Mollohan paign contributions.’’; Brown (SC) Jenkins Rogers (AL) Altmire Green, Al Moore (KS) Brown-Waite, Johnson (IL) Rogers (KY) Whereas House Resolution 189, instructing Andrews Green, Gene Moore (WI) Ginny Johnson, Sam Rogers (MI) the Committee on Standards of Official Con- Arcuri Griffith Moran (VA) Buchanan Jordan (OH) Rooney duct to investigate the relationship between Baca Grijalva Murphy (CT) Burgess Kind Ros-Lehtinen earmark requests already made by Members Baird Gutierrez Murphy, Patrick Burton (IN) King (IA) Roskam Baldwin Hall (NY) Murphy, Tim and the source and timing of past campaign Buyer King (NY) Royce Barrow Hare Murtha contributions, was considered as a privileged Calvert Kingston Becerra Harman Nadler (NY) Ryan (WI) matter on February 25, 2009, and the motion Camp Kirk Berkley Hastings (FL) Napolitano Scalise Campbell Kirkpatrick (AZ) to table the measure was agreed to by re- Berman Heinrich Neal (MA) Schmidt Cantor Kissell corded vote of 226 to 182 with 12 Members Berry Herseth Sandlin Nye Schock Cao Kosmas voting present; Bishop (GA) Higgins Oberstar Sensenbrenner Capito Lamborn Whereas House Resolution 212, instructing Bishop (NY) Hill Obey Sessions Carter Lance Blumenauer Hinchey Olver Shadegg the Committee on Standards of Official Con- Cassidy LaTourette Boren Hinojosa Ortiz Shimkus duct to investigate the relationship between Castle Latta Boswell Hirono Pallone Shuster earmark requests already made by Members Chaffetz Lee (NY) Boucher Holden Pascrell Simpson Coble Lewis (CA) on behalf of clients of the raided firm and Boyd Holt Pastor (AZ) Smith (NE) Coffman (CO) Linder the source and timing of past campaign con- Brady (PA) Honda Payne Smith (NJ) Cole LoBiondo tributions, was considered as a privileged Braley (IA) Hoyer Perlmutter Smith (TX) Crenshaw Loebsack matter on March 3, 2009, and the motion to Brown, Corrine Inslee Peters Souder Culberson Lucas Capps Israel Peterson Stearns table the measure was agreed to by recorded Davis (KY) Luetkemeyer Capuano Jackson (IL) Pingree (ME) Sullivan vote of 222 to 181 with 14 Members voting Deal (GA) Lummis Cardoza Jackson-Lee Polis (CO) Teague present; Diaz-Balart, L. Lungren, Daniel Carnahan (TX) Pomeroy Diaz-Balart, M. E. Terry Whereas the reportedly fraudulent nature Carney Johnson (GA) Price (NC) Donnelly (IN) Mack Thompson (PA) of campaign contributions originating from Carson (IN) Johnson, E. B. Rahall Dreier Manzullo Thornberry the raided firm, as well as reports of the Jus- Childers Jones Rangel Duncan Marchant Tiahrt tice Department conducting research on ear- Clarke Kagen Reyes Ehlers McCarthy (CA) Tiberi Clay Kanjorski Richardson marks and campaign contributions, raise Ellsworth McCaul Turner Cleaver Kaptur Rodriguez concern about the integrity of congressional Emerson McClintock Upton Clyburn Kennedy Rohrabacher proceedings and the dignity of the institu- Fallin McCotter Visclosky Cohen Kildee Ross Flake McHenry Walz tion; and Connolly (VA) Kilpatrick (MI) Rothman (NJ) Fleming McHugh Wamp Whereas the fact that cases are being in- Conyers Kilroy Roybal-Allard Forbes McKeon Westmoreland vestigated by the Justice Department does Costa Klein (FL) Ruppersberger Fortenberry McMorris Whitfield not preclude the Committee on Standards of Costello Kratovil Rush Foster Rodgers Wilson (SC) Courtney Kucinich Ryan (OH) Official Conduct from taking investigative Foxx McNerney Wittman Crowley Langevin Salazar steps: Now, therefore, be it Franks (AZ) Mica Wolf Cuellar Larsen (WA) Sa´ nchez, Linda Resolved, That (a) the Committee on Stand- Frelinghuysen Miller (FL) Young (FL) ards of Official Conduct, or an investigative Cummings Larson (CT) T. Dahlkemper Lee (CA) Sanchez, Loretta ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—14 subcommittee of the committee established Davis (AL) Levin Sarbanes jointly by the chair and ranking minority Davis (CA) Lewis (GA) Schakowsky Barrett (SC) Conaway Lofgren, Zoe member, shall immediately begin an inves- Davis (IL) Lipinski Schauer Bonner Dent Poe (TX) tigation into the relationship between ear- Davis (TN) Lowey Schiff Butterfield Hastings (WA) Walden mark requests for fiscal year 2009 already DeFazio Luja´ n Schrader Castor (FL) Kline (MN) Welch Chandler Latham made by Members on behalf of clients of the DeGette Lynch Schwartz raided firm and the source and timing of past Delahunt Maffei Scott (GA) NOT VOTING—5 DeLauro Maloney Scott (VA) campaign contributions related to such re- Dicks Markey (CO) Serrano Abercrombie Cooper Putnam quests. Dingell Markey (MA) Sestak Blunt Miller, Gary (b) The Committee on Standards of Official Doggett Marshall Shea-Porter Conduct shall submit a report of its findings Doyle Massa Sherman to the House of Representatives within 2 Driehaus Matheson Shuler b 1410 months after the date of adoption of this res- Edwards (MD) Matsui Sires Messrs. SMITH of Texas and olution. Edwards (TX) McCarthy (NY) Skelton Ellison McCollum Slaughter TEAGUE and Ms. JENKINS and Mrs. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The res- Engel McDermott Smith (WA) MYRICK changed their vote from olution qualifies. Eshoo McGovern Snyder ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Etheridge McIntyre Space MOTION TO TABLE Farr McMahon Speier Messrs. BERMAN and McMAHON and Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I move Fattah Meek (FL) Spratt Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York changed to lay the resolution on the table. Filner Meeks (NY) Stark their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Frank (MA) Melancon Stupak The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Fudge Michaud Sutton Mr. BUTTERFIELD changed his vote question is on the motion. Gonzalez Miller (NC) Tanner from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘present.’’

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.019 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3126 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 Mr. WALDEN changed his vote from Inglis McMorris Sarbanes The result of the vote was announced Inslee Rodgers Scalise ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘present.’’ Israel McNerney Schakowsky as above recorded. So the motion was agreed to. Issa Meek (FL) Schauer A motion to reconsider was laid on The result of the vote was announced Jackson (IL) Meeks (NY) Schiff the table. as above recorded. Jackson-Lee Melancon Schmidt (TX) Mica Schock f A motion to reconsider was laid on Jenkins Michaud Schrader the table. Johnson (GA) Miller (FL) Schwartz R. JESS BROWN UNITED STATES Johnson (IL) Miller (MI) Scott (GA) f Johnson, E. B. Miller (NC) Scott (VA) COURTHOUSE Johnson, Sam Miller, George Sensenbrenner The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. J. HERBERT W. SMALL FEDERAL Jones Minnick Serrano BLUMENAUER). The unfinished business BUILDING AND UNITED STATES Jordan (OH) Mitchell Sessions Mollohan is the vote on the motion to suspend COURTHOUSE Kagen Sestak Kanjorski Moore (KS) Shadegg the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 842, on The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Kaptur Moore (WI) Shea-Porter Moran (KS) which the yeas and nays were ordered. finished business is the vote on the mo- Kennedy Sherman Kildee Moran (VA) Shimkus The Clerk read the title of the bill. tion to suspend the rules and pass the Kilpatrick (MI) Murphy (CT) Shuler The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill, H.R. 813, on which the yeas and Kilroy Murphy, Patrick Shuster question is on the motion offered by Kind Murphy, Tim Simpson nays were ordered. Murtha the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. The Clerk read the title of the bill. King (IA) Sires King (NY) Myrick Skelton EDWARDS) that the House suspend the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Kingston Nadler (NY) Slaughter rules and pass the bill, H.R. 842. question is on the motion offered by Kirk Napolitano Smith (NE) Neal (MA) This is a 5-minute vote. the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Kirkpatrick (AZ) Smith (NJ) The vote was taken by electronic de- Kissell Neugebauer Smith (TX) EDWARDS) that the House suspend the Klein (FL) Nunes Smith (WA) vice, and there were—yeas 424, nays 0, rules and pass the bill, H.R. 813. Kline (MN) Nye Snyder not voting 7, as follows: Oberstar Kosmas Souder This will be a 5-minute vote. Obey [Roll No. 115] Kratovil Space The vote was taken by electronic de- Olson Kucinich Speier YEAS—424 Olver vice, and there were—yeas 427, nays 0, Lamborn Spratt Ortiz Ackerman Carney Fortenberry not voting 4, as follows: Lance Stark Pallone Aderholt Carson (IN) Foster Langevin Stearns [Roll No. 114] Pascrell Adler (NJ) Carter Foxx Larsen (WA) Stupak Pastor (AZ) Akin Cassidy Frank (MA) YEAS—427 Larson (CT) Sullivan Paul Alexander Castle Franks (AZ) Latham Sutton Ackerman Capito Engel Paulsen Altmire Castor (FL) Frelinghuysen LaTourette Tanner Aderholt Capps Eshoo Payne Andrews Chaffetz Fudge Latta Adler (NJ) Capuano Etheridge Pence Tauscher Arcuri Chandler Gallegly Lee (CA) Akin Cardoza Fallin Perlmutter Taylor Austria Childers Garrett (NJ) Alexander Carnahan Farr Lee (NY) Perriello Teague Baca Clarke Gerlach Altmire Carney Fattah Levin Peters Terry Bachmann Clay Giffords Andrews Carson (IN) Filner Lewis (CA) Peterson Thompson (CA) Bachus Cleaver Gingrey (GA) Arcuri Carter Flake Lewis (GA) Petri Thompson (MS) Baird Clyburn Gonzalez Austria Cassidy Fleming Linder Pingree (ME) Thompson (PA) Baldwin Coble Goodlatte Baca Castle Forbes Lipinski Pitts Thornberry Barrett (SC) Coffman (CO) Gordon (TN) Bachmann Castor (FL) Fortenberry LoBiondo Platts Tiahrt Barrow Cohen Granger Bachus Chaffetz Foster Loebsack Poe (TX) Tiberi Bartlett Cole Graves Baird Chandler Foxx Lofgren, Zoe Polis (CO) Tierney Barton (TX) Conaway Grayson Baldwin Childers Frank (MA) Lowey Pomeroy Titus Bean Connolly (VA) Green, Al Barrett (SC) Clarke Franks (AZ) Lucas Posey Tonko Becerra Conyers Green, Gene Barrow Clay Frelinghuysen Luetkemeyer Price (GA) Towns Berkley Costa Griffith Bartlett Cleaver Fudge Luja´ n Price (NC) Tsongas Berman Costello Grijalva Barton (TX) Clyburn Gallegly Lummis Radanovich Turner Berry Courtney Guthrie Bean Coble Garrett (NJ) Lungren, Daniel Rahall Upton Biggert Crenshaw Gutierrez Becerra Coffman (CO) Gerlach E. Rangel Van Hollen Bilbray Crowley Hall (NY) Berkley Cohen Giffords Lynch Rehberg Vela´ zquez Bilirakis Cuellar Hall (TX) Berman Cole Gingrey (GA) Mack Reichert Visclosky Bishop (GA) Culberson Halvorson Berry Conaway Gohmert Maffei Reyes Walden Bishop (NY) Cummings Hare Biggert Connolly (VA) Gonzalez Maloney Richardson Walz Bishop (UT) Dahlkemper Harman Bilbray Conyers Goodlatte Manzullo Rodriguez Wamp Blackburn Davis (AL) Harper Bilirakis Costa Gordon (TN) Marchant Roe (TN) Wasserman Blumenauer Davis (CA) Hastings (FL) Bishop (GA) Costello Granger Markey (CO) Rogers (AL) Schultz Blunt Davis (IL) Hastings (WA) Bishop (NY) Courtney Graves Markey (MA) Rogers (KY) Waters Boccieri Davis (KY) Heinrich Bishop (UT) Crenshaw Grayson Marshall Rogers (MI) Watson Boehner Davis (TN) Heller Blackburn Crowley Green, Al Massa Rohrabacher Watt Bonner Deal (GA) Hensarling Blumenauer Cuellar Green, Gene Matheson Rooney Waxman Bono Mack DeFazio Herger Blunt Culberson Griffith Matsui Ros-Lehtinen Weiner Boozman DeGette Herseth Sandlin Boccieri Cummings Grijalva McCarthy (CA) Roskam Welch Boren Delahunt Higgins Boehner Dahlkemper Guthrie McCarthy (NY) Ross Westmoreland Boswell DeLauro Hill Bonner Davis (AL) Gutierrez McCaul Rothman (NJ) Wexler Boucher Dent Himes Bono Mack Davis (CA) Hall (NY) McClintock Roybal-Allard Whitfield Boustany Diaz-Balart, L. Hinchey Boozman Davis (IL) Hall (TX) McCollum Royce Wilson (OH) Boyd Diaz-Balart, M. Hinojosa Boren Davis (KY) Halvorson McCotter Ruppersberger Wilson (SC) Brady (PA) Dicks Hirono Boswell Davis (TN) Hare McDermott Rush Wittman Brady (TX) Dingell Hodes Boucher Deal (GA) Harman McGovern Ryan (OH) Wolf Braley (IA) Doggett Hoekstra Boustany DeFazio Harper McHenry Ryan (WI) Woolsey Bright Donnelly (IN) Holden Boyd DeGette Hastings (FL) McHugh Salazar Wu Broun (GA) Doyle Holt Brady (PA) Delahunt Hastings (WA) McIntyre Sa´ nchez, Linda Yarmuth Brown (SC) Dreier Honda Brady (TX) DeLauro Heinrich McKeon T. Young (AK) Brown, Corrine Driehaus Hoyer Braley (IA) Dent Heller McMahon Sanchez, Loretta Young (FL) Brown-Waite, Duncan Hunter Bright Diaz-Balart, L. Hensarling Ginny Edwards (MD) Inglis Broun (GA) Diaz-Balart, M. Herger NOT VOTING—4 Buchanan Edwards (TX) Inslee Brown (SC) Dicks Herseth Sandlin Abercrombie Miller, Gary Burgess Ehlers Israel Brown, Corrine Dingell Higgins Cooper Putnam Burton (IN) Ellison Issa Brown-Waite, Doggett Hill Butterfield Ellsworth Jackson (IL) Ginny Donnelly (IN) Himes ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Buyer Emerson Jackson-Lee Buchanan Doyle Hinchey The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Calvert Engel (TX) Burgess Dreier Hinojosa Camp Eshoo Jenkins Burton (IN) Driehaus Hirono the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Campbell Etheridge Johnson (GA) Butterfield Duncan Hodes ing in this vote. Cantor Fallin Johnson (IL) Buyer Edwards (MD) Hoekstra Cao Farr Johnson, E. B. Calvert Edwards (TX) Holden b 1418 Capito Fattah Johnson, Sam Camp Ehlers Holt So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Capps Filner Jones Campbell Ellison Honda Capuano Flake Jordan (OH) Cantor Ellsworth Hoyer tive) the rules were suspended and the Cardoza Fleming Kagen Cao Emerson Hunter bill was passed. Carnahan Forbes Kanjorski

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.040 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3127 Kaptur Miller, George Schrader COMMUNICATION FROM THE things, and here is why. Last week on Kennedy Minnick Schwartz CLERK OF THE HOUSE one of the coldest days in D.C. during 8 Kildee Mitchell Scott (GA) Kilpatrick (MI) Mollohan Scott (VA) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. inches of snow, the global warming Kilroy Moore (KS) Sensenbrenner FUDGE) laid before the House the fol- folks were in town. They were all wear- Kind Moore (WI) Serrano ing green hard hats, and I asked one King (IA) Moran (KS) lowing communication from the Clerk Sessions did she know what that hard hat was King (NY) Moran (VA) Sestak of the House of Representatives: Kingston Murphy (CT) made out of, and she told me plastic. Shadegg OFFICE OF THE CLERK, Kirk Murphy, Patrick Shea-Porter HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Well, I asked her where did the plastic Kirkpatrick (AZ) Murphy, Tim Sherman Kissell Murtha Washington, DC, February 20, 2009. come from, and she said, ‘‘Well, it’s Shimkus plastic. It’s made out of plastic.’’ Klein (FL) Myrick Shuler Hon. NANCY PELOSI, Kline (MN) Nadler (NY) Shuster The Speaker, House of Representatives, Madam Speaker, plastic is not an ele- Kosmas Napolitano Simpson Washington, DC. ment or mineral. That plastic helmet Kratovil Neal (MA) Sires DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: Pursuant to 44 Kucinich Neugebauer and much of what we use daily is a de- Skelton U.S.C. 2702, I hereby reappoint as a member Lamborn Nunes rivative of crude oil. We are always Slaughter Lance Nye of the Advisory Committee on the Records of Smith (NE) going to need crude oil for the thou- Langevin Obey Congress the following person: Mr. Bernard Smith (NJ) Larsen (WA) Olson Forrester, Houston, Texas. sands of products that come from it. Smith (TX) Larson (CT) Olver With best wishes, I am We need to take care of America and Smith (WA) Latham Ortiz Sincerely, drill safely off our shores and keep jobs LaTourette Pallone Snyder LORRAINE C. MILLER, and revenue in America instead of Latta Pascrell Souder Lee (CA) Pastor (AZ) Space Clerk. sending it to the Middle East. Lee (NY) Paul Speier f And that’s just the way it is. Levin Paulsen Spratt Lewis (CA) Payne Stark HELP IS ON THE WAY f Lewis (GA) Pence Stearns Linder Perlmutter Stupak (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked SPECIAL ORDERS Lipinski Perriello Sullivan and was given permission to address The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under LoBiondo Peters Sutton the House for 1 minute and to revise Loebsack Peterson Tanner the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- Lofgren, Zoe Petri Tauscher and extend her remarks.) uary 6, 2009, and under a previous order Lowey Pingree (ME) Taylor Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam of the House, the following Members Lucas Pitts Teague Speaker, we have seen the unemploy- will be recognized for 5 minutes each. Luetkemeyer Platts Terry ment numbers continue to climb in our Luja´ n Poe (TX) Thompson (CA) f Nation. We’re watching the Dow trem- Lummis Polis (CO) Thompson (MS) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Lungren, Daniel Pomeroy Thompson (PA) ble. But I think it is important that we previous order of the House, the gen- E. Posey Thornberry understand help is on the way, that the Lynch Price (GA) tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) is recog- Tiahrt American people are watching a proc- Mack Price (NC) Tiberi nized for 5 minutes. Maffei Radanovich ess in this body and in the other body Tierney (Mr. POE of Texas addressed the Maloney Rahall Titus that will generate not earmarks but House. His remarks will appear here- Manzullo Rangel Tonko dollars for communities. For many Marchant Rehberg Towns after in the Extensions of Remarks.) Markey (CO) Reichert people think that earmarks are moneys Tsongas f Markey (MA) Reyes Turner that we grab and put in our pocket. It Marshall Richardson Upton is only the direction given to money al- Massa Rodriguez ONE TEAM—ONE FIGHT—ONE Van Hollen Matheson Roe (TN) ready there to help the people in your Vela´ zquez NAME: REDESIGNATING THE DE- Matsui Rogers (AL) community: rural Appalachia, Iowa. Visclosky PARTMENT OF THE NAVY AS McCarthy (CA) Rogers (KY) Walden So in addition to this appropriations McCarthy (NY) Rogers (MI) THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY Walz McCaul Rohrabacher bill that is now in the other body, this AND MARINE CORPS McClintock Ros-Lehtinen Wamp Congress voted against their salary in- Wasserman The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a McCollum Roskam crease. And for those who don’t under- Schultz McCotter Ross stand that, as the debate is going on in previous order of the House, the gen- McDermott Rothman (NJ) Waters tleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watson the other body, we have already done McGovern Roybal-Allard JONES) is recognized for 5 minutes. McHenry Royce Watt it. We have already put forward a bill McHugh Ruppersberger Waxman that speaks to the people’s needs and Mr. JONES. Madam Speaker, earlier Weiner McIntyre Rush makes sure that our salary increase is this year I introduced H.R. 24, legisla- McKeon Ryan (OH) Welch tion to redesignate the Department of Westmoreland not there. Our leadership demanded McMahon Ryan (WI) the Navy as the Department of the McMorris Salazar Wexler that. Rodgers Sa´ nchez, Linda Whitfield So I ask the other body to get on Navy and Marine Corps. McNerney T. Wilson (OH) with their work and vote for the bill. For the past 7 years, the language of Meek (FL) Sanchez, Loretta Wilson (SC) this bill has been part of the House Meeks (NY) Sarbanes Wittman f Melancon Scalise Wolf version of the National Defense Au- Mica Schakowsky Woolsey b 1430 thorization Act. Last year, 152 Mem- Michaud Schauer Wu bers of the House cosponsored the bill Miller (FL) Schiff Yarmuth GREEN HARD HATS Miller (MI) Schmidt Young (AK) to support this change. This session, Miller (NC) Schock Young (FL) (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was the bill has gained 58 cosponsors so far. NOT VOTING—7 given permission to address the House I hope many of the new Members of the for 1 minute.) House will consider supporting H.R. 24. Abercrombie Miller, Gary Rooney Cooper Oberstar Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, This year, I am grateful to have the Gohmert Putnam someday we may be using alternative support of Senator PAT ROBERTS, a energy, and we must work to that end. former Marine, who recently intro- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore (during But right now we need clean crude oil duced a companion bill in the Senate, the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- for energy. S. 504. I hope that the Senate will sup- ing in this vote. We should drill safely off our own port the House position and maybe this shores because that will make us en- will be the year that Congress sends b 1425 ergy independent. It will increase jobs. legislation to the President to bring So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Some of those offshore jobs pay up to proper respect to the fighting team of tive) the rules were suspended and the $100,000 a year. The leases that oil com- the Navy and Marine Corps. bill was passed. panies pay for are expensive, and that Changing the name of the Depart- The result of the vote was announced lease revenue comes to the U.S. Treas- ment of the Navy to the Department of as above recorded. ury. the Navy and Marine Corps is a sym- A motion to reconsider was laid on Madam Speaker, we are also going to bolic gesture, but is important to the the table. need crude oil in the future for other team. I would like to read a statement

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.021 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3128 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 by one supporter of this change, the mocracy we have it is possible for one offer a real alternative to the occupa- Honorable Wade Sanders, Deputy As- Member of the House to stand here and tion, a smart security plan, a plan that sistant Secretary of the Navy for Re- express her opinions. But instead of would defeat terrorism without the serve Affairs from 1993–1998: pleasure, it deeply saddens me, for it need to wage immoral and unnecessary ‘‘As a combat veteran and a former reminds me just how long the Iraq oc- wars. Naval officer, I understand the impor- cupation has been dragging on. Most recently, I rose to declare that tance of the team dynamic, and the im- America’s invasion and occupation of the current plan to leave 50,000 residual portance of recognizing the contribu- Iraq began 6 years ago this month. On troops after August 2010 in Iraq is un- tions of team components. The Navy March 21, 2003, the previous adminis- acceptable. I believe the best approach and Marine Corps team is just that: a tration gave us ‘‘Shock and Awe.’’ now is to withdraw all our troops by dynamic partnership, and it is impor- There were big explosions on our TV August 2010 and coordinate their re- tant to symbolically recognize the bal- sets, but innocent people were being moval with reconciliation and recon- ance of that partnership.’’ killed that night in Baghdad. And for struction efforts, efforts to promote Madam Speaker, the Marines who are the next 6 years, the body count con- the unification of the Iraqi people. fighting today deserve this recognition. tinued to rise as Iraq became a hell on Madam Speaker, the occupation of Before I close, I would like to point out Earth. Iraq violates America’s core values of there are many, many justifications for Today conditions on the ground have peace, freedom and human rights. I will renaming the department Navy and improved, but the occupation goes on. continue to raise my voice on the floor Marine Corps. We all know that the Over 140,000 American troops remain in of the House for these values until we Navy and Marine Corps are one fight- harm’s way. Over 100,000 military con- bring all our troops home to their fam- ing team, and that is the history of tractors continue to roam the streets ilies and the peace and sovereignty of both the Navy and the Marine Corps. of Iraq, unaccountable to anyone but Iraq is restored. Madam Speaker, on this poster is a themselves. Military families continue I will also continue to raise my voice condolence letter from the Department to suffer here at home and tens of on this floor for a new and better for- of the Navy. This was sent to the wife thousands of veterans suffer from inju- eign policy based on diplomacy and of a Marine who was killed in Iraq for ries that will last a lifetime. peaceful international cooperation. this country. I voted against authorizing the use of I shall soon deliver speech number 301. Madam Speaker, on the letter sent force in Iraq, and I was the first Mem- by the Secretary of the Navy, it says ber of Congress to introduce a resolu- f ‘‘The Secretary of the Navy.’’ Then the tion calling for the withdrawal of our first sentence, it says, ‘‘On behalf of CUT GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND troops. For 6 years I have made the the Department of the Navy, please ac- TAXES case that the occupation makes no cept our very sincere condolences.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Well, Madam Speaker, that is very sense. previous order of the House, the gen- On February 2, 2005, I said on the kind of the Secretary of the Navy, and tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) is floor of the House ‘‘The sad irony is I am sure that the Marine family that recognized for 5 minutes. gave a loved one who died for this that after our Nation was attacked on Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam country during warfare appreciates 9/11 by al Qaeda, (our) response was to Speaker, the Washington Post the that letter, but I respectfully say that bomb and kill civilians in one of the other day commented about the Presi- even more important to the Marine few countries in the Middle East that dent’s support of the $410 billion omni- family who lost a loved one would be was inhospitable to al Qaeda.’’ bus spending bill that’s crawling that if the letter had said, ‘‘The Sec- I also pointed out that the occupa- through the Senate, and they said that retary of the Navy and Marine Corps,’’ tion wasn’t making America any safer. it borders on the irresponsible for the with the flag of the Navy and the flag On March 19, 2007, I said, ‘‘The rate of administration to try to blame this on of the Marine Corps, and then it fur- fatal terror attacks worldwide was in- last year’s administration because they ther stated, ‘‘Dear Marine Corps Fam- creased by a factor of seven since the are the ones that are going to sign the ily: On behalf of the Department of the Iraq war began.’’ bill into law and spend the money. And I noted that the occupation was Navy and Marine Corps, please accept In another newspaper here in Wash- bleeding our Treasury dry and threat- my sincere condolences.’’ ington D.C., the Washington Examiner, Madam Speaker, before I close, I ening our economy. On October 25, 2007, they wrote ‘‘In quick succession, have Camp Lejeune Marine Base and I said, ‘‘It’s incredible to me that my (President) Obama rolled out a $2 tril- Cherry Point Air Station in my dis- colleagues on the other side of the lion financial services bailout, $2 tril- trict, and also Seymour Johnson Air aisle, who lecture us daily about fiscal lion, a $788 billion stimulus package, Force Base. Other parts of the Armed constraints, (do) not make a peep the $13.4 billion preliminary bailout for Forces have the Secretary of the Army, about the fiscal catastrophe’’ of Iraq. automakers, a $410 billion spending the Secretary of the Air Force. Now we I also raised my voice over and over plan to cover the rest of the current need to have a Secretary of the Navy again to decry the other tragic con- fiscal year, a proposed $275 billion fore- and Marine Corps. It’s only right to the sequences of the occupation, which in- closure rescue plan, and a $3.5 trillion Marine Corps that they be equally rep- cluded the tragic loss of over 100,000 budget that includes a $634 billion fund resented and equally respected. American and Iraqi lives, the refugee for health care.’’ With that, Madam Speaker, I ask crisis, the torture at Abu Ghraib and People in America, their eyes glaze God to please continue to bless our elsewhere, the shabby treatment of our over when they hear this. Trillions and men and women in uniform and their veterans at Walter Reed, the ‘‘Mission trillions and trillions of dollars that we families, and may God continue to Accomplished’’ and weapons of mass don’t have are going to be spent for all bless America. destruction fiascos, the manipulation of these programs. of intelligence to create a false cause And so people say, well, how are you f for war, the cynical use of the 9/11 trag- going to solve the economic problems END OCCUPATION OF IRAQ edy to justify military action against facing this country if you don’t spend The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Iraq that the Bush administration had that money? If we spend the money, we previous order of the House, the gentle- been planning all along, the scandal of are not going to solve the problems. woman from California (Ms. WOOLSEY) sending our troops into battle without The economic conditions will continue is recognized for 5 minutes. proper body armor and the terrible to go in the wrong direction, but we Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, damage to our Nation’s moral standing will be loading on the backs of our kids today I rise to deliver my 300th speech and reputation in the world. and grandkids and future generations, on the floor of the House, speeches de- I also spoke about the tremendous higher inflation and higher taxes and a manding an end to the occupation of bravery and the skill of our troops and quality of life that won’t be anything Iraq. the amazing courage of the mothers of like what we have today. I take no pleasure in marking this section 60 at Arlington National Ceme- The key to solving these problems is milestone, except that in this great de- tery, and I rose time and time again to to cut government spending, and to cut

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Under a have and sell it and reinvest it sometimes of economic stress is the way to previous order of the House, the gen- place else, thus creating money for in- work our way out of this situation. tleman from North Carolina (Mr. vestment in business and industry so And throwing money, trillions and tril- MCHENRY) is recognized for 5 minutes. they can create jobs and cut business lions and trillions of dollars, and move (Mr. MCHENRY addressed the House. taxes across the board. us toward a socialistic economy, is not His remarks will appear hereafter in the solution. b 1445 the Extensions of Remarks.) I hope my colleagues will look into If we did those three things, we history. Look at what John F. Ken- f would have an immediate movement nedy, what Ronald Reagan, and others EARMARKS toward improvement in our economy, said about this, because it’s extremely and we wouldn’t be doing it by loading important that we profit from history. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a trillions and trillions of dollars on the previous order of the House, the gen- f backs of our kids and grandkids. tleman from Texas (Mr. PAUL) is recog- This chart here shows what’s hap- RON BROWN FEDERAL BUILDING nized for 5 minutes. pened in the last several years as far as NAMING Mr. PAUL. I would like to address the growth in the money supply. It was The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the subject of earmarks today. I think pretty consistent up until the year previous order of the House, the gentle- there’s a lot of misunderstanding here 2000, and now it’s going straight up. woman from Florida (Ms. CORRINE among the Members as to exactly what That means to every single American BROWN) is recognized for 5 minutes. it means to vote against an earmark. that the cost of living is going to go up Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. I It’s very popular today to condemn because there’s more money in circula- rise to celebrate the life of former Sec- earmarks, and even hold up legislation tion, fewer goods and services, and the retary of Commerce Ron H. Brown, because of this. cost of everything is going to rise be- who was the first African American to The truth is that if you removed all cause of the inflation that’s created by hold that position, and the first Afri- the earmarks from the budget, you printing all this money. can American to serve as chairman of would remove 1 percent of the budget. John F. Kennedy said that the way to the Democratic National Committee. I So there’s not a lot of savings. But, solve these problems—back in the early want to thank Chairman RANGEL for even if you voted against all the ear- sixties, a Democrat—that it was to cut bringing this resolution to the floor, marks actually, you don’t even save taxes. Here’s exactly what he said. designating the Federal building lo- the 1 percent because you don’t save ‘‘Our true choice is not between tax re- cated at the United Nations Plaza in any money. duction, on the one hand, and the New York City as the ‘‘Ron H. Brown What is done is, those earmarks are avoidance of large Federal deficits on United States Mission to the United removed, and some of them are very the other. It is increasingly clear that Nations Building.’’ wasteful and unnecessary, but that no matter what party is in power, so At the time of his death in 1996, Mr. money then goes to the executive long as our national security needs Brown was a figure of global impor- branch. So, in many ways, what we are keep rising, an economy hampered by tance and an advocate for American doing here in the Congress is reneging restricted tax rates will never produce businesses at home and abroad. on our responsibilities, because it is enough revenues to balance our budget, Through his example, Ron was a pio- the responsibility of the Congress to just as it will never produce enough neer for many African Americans, and earmark. That is our job. We are sup- jobs or enough profits. In short, it is a a role model, and was respected for his posed to tell the people how we are paradoxical truth that tax rates are leadership, intelligence, and public spending the money, not to just deliver too high today, and tax revenues are service. it in a lump sum to the executive too low, and the soundest ways to raise Born in Washington, DC, on August 1, branch and let them deal with it, and the revenues in the long run is to cut 1941, and raised in Harlem, New York, then it’s dealt with behind the scenes. taxes now.’’ he spent most of his life working for Actually, if you voted against all the The best way to raise revenues for the people of New York and the citi- earmarks, there would be less trans- the Treasury is to cut taxes. The best zens of the United States. As Sec- parency. Earmarks really allow trans- way to stimulate economic growth is retary, he circled the globe spreading parency, and we know exactly where to cut taxes. Yet, this administration goodwill with his enthusiasm. the money is being spent. is going to be raising taxes in one way I remember traveling with Ron once The big issue is the spending. If you or another on every single family in to Africa as he was cultivating oppor- don’t like the spending, vote against this country, either through the tax tunities and markets for American the bill. But the principle of ear- that is going to be on energy or the products. It was on one of these trade marking is something that we have to taxes they are going to levy on the missions that he died in a plane crash think about, because we are just fur- upper income people. But there’s going in war-torn Eastern Europe on April 3, ther undermining the responsibilities to be taxes levied on every single 1996. that we have here in the Congress. American, and that is the wrong way Ron left behind a wife, Alma, two de- If we want to get things under con- to stimulate economic growth. voted children, Michael and Tracey, trol, it won’t be because we vote What they are doing is they are and a record of commitment to the job against an earmark and make a big throwing money at this problem, say- he loved. Since his death, Ron has been deal of attacking earmarks because it ing that that will solve the problem. It recognized with many awards and doesn’t address the subject. In reality, has never worked in the past. It will scholarships, including the Ron Brown what we need are more earmarks. not work now. Award for Corporate Leadership and Just think of the $350 billion that we Back in the 1970s, under Jimmy Responsibility, established by Presi- recently appropriated and gave to the Carter, this was tried. And we ended up dent William J. Clinton; the annual Treasury Department. Now with double-digit inflation—14 percent Ron H. Brown American Innovator everybody’s running around and say- inflation, 12 percent unemployment— Award, established by the U.S. Depart- ing, Well, we don’t know where the and they ended up raising interest ment of Commerce; and the largest money went. We just gave it to them in rates to 21.5 percent to stop the run- ship in the National Oceanic and At- a lump sum. We should have earmarked away inflation that was killing the mospheric Administration’s fleet everything. It should have been des- economy of the United States, and named in honor of his public service, ignated where the money is going. they put us into another real bad reces- the Ronald H. Brown. So, instead of too many earmarks, we sion. It wasn’t until Reagan came in in Please join me today in celebrating don’t have enough earmarks. Trans- 1980 and cut taxes across the board that the life and service of one great Amer- parency is the only way we can get to

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.052 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3130 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 the bottom of this. And if you make ev- stand what earmarks are all about, and much American treasure, drained too erything earmarked, it would be much understand why we need a lot more much and too many of our American better. earmarks, then we will come to our resources and, most importantly, The definition of an earmark is very, senses, because we might then have a Madam Speaker, we have, unfortu- very confusing. If you would vote to more sensible monetary and banking nately, claimed too many American support the embassy, which came up to system, the system that has brought us lives. nearly $1 billion in Baghdad, that is to this calamity. So, the sooner we re- As of February 25, 2009, according to not called an earmark. But if you have alize that, I think it would be better the Defense Department, 4,252 brave an earmark for a highway or a building for the taxpayer. servicemen and women have given here in the United States, that is f their lives, and more than 30,000 United called an earmark. If you vote for a States troops have been injured. This CONGRATULATING weapons system, it would support and war has already cost the American peo- CONGRESSWOMAN WOOLSEY help a certain district, and that’s not ple more than $650 billion—this is $10 considered an earmark. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a billion a month—as the economy spi- When people are yelling and scream- previous order of the House, the gentle- rals further and further into crisis. ing about getting rid of earmarks, woman from California (Ms. LEE) is they’re not talking about getting rid of recognized for 5 minutes. b 1500 weapons systems or building buildings Ms. LEE of California. Madam and bridges and highways in foreign Speaker, I come to the floor today to The costs to the people of Iraq also countries. They are only talking about join my distinguished colleague, Con- have been far greater. Tens of thou- when it’s designated that certain gresswoman LYNN WOOLSEY, and recog- sands of Iraqi men, women, and chil- money would be spent a certain way in nize her for her 300th Special Order, or dren have been killed. More than a mil- this country. 5-minute speech, on the ongoing war lion Iraqis have fled their homes and Ultimately, where we really need and the occupation in Iraq. I also stand live as refugees. Hundreds of thousands some supervision and some earmarks here calling yet, again, for an end, and have been internally displaced. are the trillions of dollars spent by the I mean an end, to this unjust war, and As we have watched our Federal re- Federal Reserve. They get to create for the return of our troops and mili- sources go toward the continuation of their money out of thin air, and spend tary contractors from Iraq. violence and strife in Iraq, Congress- it. They have no responsibility to tell Congresswoman WOOLSEY, let me just woman WOOLSEY has reminded us over us anything. Under the law, they are commend you for being such an unpar- and over and over again, 300 times now, excluded from telling us where and alleled leader and a guiding light in that these are dollars that are not what they do. Congress for peace, for smart security, coming back into our communities or So, we neglect telling the Treasury and for justice. Congresswoman WOOL- toward vital programs to help our how to spend TARP money, and then SEY, if you may remember, offered the neighbors most in need. We have com- we complain about how they do it. But first resolution calling for the with- mitted more than a half trillion dollars just think literally; the Treasury is drawal of our young men and women to an occupation that, yes, has under- miniscule compared to what the Fed- and the redeployment and bringing mined our standing and credibility in eral Reserve does. the world, the enormous costs of which The Treasury gets hundreds of bil- them home, and that was years ago. Today, Congresswoman WOOLSEY, will no doubt be exacted on the phys- lions, which is huge, of course, and thanks to your leadership, I think we ical and economic security of future then we neglect to talk about the Fed- are closer to that first resolution, generations. Of course we know the eral Reserve, where they are creating simple truth, that no unjust war ever money out of thin air, and supporting where you stepped out on faith but knew that that was the right thing to produced a just and lasting peace. We all their friends and taking care of cer- look forward to working with our new tain banks and certain corporations. do. I think we are closer to that day. Congresswoman MAXINE WATERS, administration to continue our efforts This, to me, has to be addressed. to bring our troops and military con- I have introduced a bill, it’s called founder of the Out of Iraq Caucus, and tractors home. H.R. 1207, and this would remove the Congresswoman WOOLSEY and myself I have to say again to Congress- restriction on us to find out what the cofounded the Out of Iraq Caucus in woman WOOLSEY, thank you for your Federal Reserve is doing. Today, the order to really amplify this important unwavering leadership and commit- Federal Reserve under the law is not message and the call to action to end ment. I am truly proud to serve with required to tell us anything. So all my this war of choice. And that is what it you in this body. When this unfortu- bill does is remove this restriction and is. say, Look, Federal Reserve, you have a But Congresswoman WOOLSEY has nate chapter in American history is lot of power. You have too much power. been the one who’s been down here rep- written, especially the foreign policy You’re spending a lot of money. You’re resenting us and representing the chapter, your consistency and your taking care of people that we have no voices of peace in the entire country courage and your resolve before this idea what you’re doing. We, in the Con- each and every day to make sure that body will be long remembered. More- gress, have a responsibility to know ex- she shone light on the untold hazards over, your Special Orders should be ac- actly what you’re doing. and costs of the United States military knowledged for their effort in rallying This bill, H.R. 1207, will allow us for presence in Iraq. the American people to demand an end once and for all to have some super- As cochair of the Progressive Caucus, to this war and to finally bring our vision of the Federal Reserve. They are Congresswoman WOOLSEY has worked troops home. exempt from telling us anything, and tirelessly to bring attention to these So this is a milestone today. Hope- they have stiffed us already. There vital issues of global peace and na- fully we won’t have too many more 300 have been lawsuits filed over the Free- tional security. And so, today, 300 times of your sounding the alarm, and dom of Information Act. Believe me, times, this is really an amazing mile- that we can bring our young men and they are not going to work, because stone. women home and begin to really move the law protects the Federal Reserve. So, I am very, very pleased to be able forward in seeking global peace and se- The Constitution doesn’t protect the to be with you today, Congresswoman curity. Federal Reserve. The Constitution pro- WOOLSEY, and also just to say I am tects the people to know exactly what proud that you’re my colleague and sis- f is going on. We should enforce the Con- ter next to my district from the north. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a stitution. We should not enforce these It’s really, though, with a heavy previous order of the House, the gen- laws that protect a secret bank that heart that I note next week that our tleman from Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO) is gets to create this money out of thin country will enter into the seventh recognized for 5 minutes. air. year of this unnecessary and immoral (Mr. DEFAZIO addressed the House. So, the sooner we in the Congress war in Iraq. Six years of unnecessary His remarks will appear hereafter in wake up to our responsibilities, under- bloodshed in Iraq. We have wasted too the Extensions of Remarks.)

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.056 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3131 EARMARKS AND NO-BID a PAC, and that PAC will make con- political and economic reform after the CONTRACTS tributions to the Member. So, in some fall of the Berlin Wall. And during the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a cases, a Member of Congress will get Cold War, Hungary struggled mightily previous order of the House, the gen- what could be called the trifecta: They not to let the door to her people close tleman from Arizona (Mr. FLAKE) is will get regular contributions from the completely. recognized for 5 minutes. earmark recipient, money from the The country’s exceptional acumen Mr. FLAKE. Madam Speaker, when lobbying firm, and also money from the also boasts an impressive mathe- most people think about earmarks, lobbying firm’s PAC. matical and scientific legacy that in- they think of the silly earmarks that For one defense contract, say, for a cludes 13 Nobel Prizes, inventing the we hear about like the one in the omni- few million dollars, a no-bid contract, BASIC programming language, and bus spending bill that will pass the sometimes the Member of Congress can even creating Rubik’s cube. This is a Senate today, $1.7 million to combat receive as much as $50,000 to $100,000 for nation of major measure. swine odor in Iowa. And there are a lot one earmark, for what appears to be for When Hungary joined NATO on of earmarks like that. Or one for the one earmark. By the time the earmark March 12, 1999, an enduring relation- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, or one for recipient and the lobbying firm and the ship was cemented between Hungary, a hippie memorial. That is typically lobbying firm’s PAC contribute to the Europe, and the United States. This what is on people’s minds when they Member, that is a lot of money that partnership means more than a mili- think of earmarks. But today there is a makes it back into the Member of Con- tary alliance. It marked a rebirth of different type of earmark, and it is not gress’ hands. So what happens? It is freedom with an end to oppression by your grandfather’s earmark. It is some- easier then to earmark more spending the then Soviet Union. This historic thing that has really come about in the the next year and to do more no-bid achievement was celebrated from Bu- last several years or really been per- contracts. dapest to Ohio, which boasts the larg- fected in the last several years. These This is the essence of the privileged est Hungarian American population in earmarks are no-bid contracts to pri- resolution that was offered. There is a our country according to the last cen- vate companies. lobbying firm called PMA that has sus. This new era was marked impor- Now, when the Federal Government been raided by the FBI in recent weeks, tantly by our congressional district of spends money, there are stipulations in or we learned of it in recent weeks. Toledo that adopted two cities in Hun- how they spend that money. It is very That lobbying firm contributed mil- gary, Szeged and its county, Csongrad difficult for a Federal agency to award lions and millions of dollars to Mem- County. a no-bid contract. If they do, they have bers of Congress who had secured ear- Hundreds of citizens since 1999 have to jump through a lot of hoops. There marks for the client of this lobbying been involved in cultural, educational, has to be a national security exemp- firm. The lobbying firm’s PAC had con- and political exchanges of extraor- tion. There have to be other exemp- tributed millions and millions of dol- dinary impact. And through the life- tions. It is difficult to do, and grate- lars as well to those Members of Con- long efforts of major leaders in our fully so. gress who secured earmark spending. community, including now deceased President Obama announced the Madam Speaker, it simply isn’t right Monsignor Martin Hernady, Ohio Rep- other day that he is going to try to for Members of Congress to get a no-bid resentative Peter Ujvagi, the Hun- make sure that there are no more no- contract for anyone, let alone those garian Club of Toledo and its leader bid contracts from Federal agencies. who turn around and contribute money Mr. Andy Raikay, Holy Rosary, Calvin And that is a great move. But what back to that Member. It simply doesn’t United and St. Stephen’s Churches, Dr. hasn’t been talked about are the no-bid look right. There may not be a quid pro Elizabeth Balint and Mr. Al Baldwin of earmarks, no-bid contracts that are in quo here, but it should not be allowed the Great Lakes Consortium for Inter- the form of earmarks that come from by the House to happen. The House national Training and Development, Congress that is congressionally di- should set a higher standard. We are along with the University of Toledo, rected no-bid contracts. And what it charged with upholding the dignity and Bowling Green State University and leads to is what I like to call circular decorum of the House. And when you Lords College, all are working together fundraising, and this is what has been have circular fundraising like this hap- to build freedom forward. the subject of a few of the privileged pening and investigations swirling Because of the new opportunities pre- resolutions that have been offered here around, we simply can’t allow this to sented by NATO, the United States and in the House in the last couple of days. continue, Madam Speaker. Hungary were able to enrich our friend- What happens is you have money I hope that the next time a privileged ship. Our Ohio National Guard began here that Congress has from the U.S. resolution is up that we will all vote to an early partnership with the Republic taxpayer. Earmark spending which will carry it to the Ethics Committee. of Hungary for the express purpose of be some $8 billion to $10 billion this f demonstrating through the example of year, goes this way. It goes to the ear- the citizen soldier the proper role of mark recipient. Say it is a defense con- COMMEMORATING THE TENTH AN- the military in a democratic society. tractor. And in this case if a defense NIVERSARY OF HUNGARY’S AC- Hungary’s rich history, as well as its contractor is getting a no-bid contract CESSION TO NATO embrace of a new post-Soviet era gov- to make some widget for the Navy or The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ernance, sets a strong example for for the Army or something else, or to previous order of the House, the gentle- other countries in the region that are make a shirt or a pair of gloves for our woman from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR) is rec- still grappling with a meaningful iden- Armed Forces, they will get that con- ognized for 5 minutes. tity as newly independent states. By tract, a no-bid contract, and then what Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, today working with our allies, America con- you will see is money will come right I rise to commemorate the 10th anni- tinues to nurture democracy and ad- back to the Member of Congress who versary of Hungary’s accession to vance political freedoms in Eastern Eu- secured that earmark in the form of a NATO. Hungary is the first former So- rope and around the world. campaign contribution. That is rep- viet nation, followed soon thereafter by An independent film that I was able resented by the line that goes around Poland and then the Czech Republic, to to view last year, called Torn From the there. And in some cases, in most cases join NATO. I stand here today to ex- Flag, which has won all kinds of inter- now, those who secure the earmark for press gratitude for that historical mo- national awards, traces the history of a no-bid contract receive campaign ment and being given the opportunity Hungary from World War II through its contributions from those who they got to witness it and to recognize Hun- current independence. I commend this no-bid contract for. gary’s pioneering commitment to soli- film to all of our citizenry. Oftentimes the earmark recipient darity, freedom, and security. Tonight, I rise to pay tribute to Hun- will hire a lobbying firm, and that lob- Despite years of Soviet rule, Hungary gary, our great sister nation in lib- bying firm will also make contribu- maintained a posture that looked both erty’s cause. What a great joy it has tions to the Member. And then some- east and west. She became one of the been to get to know her people and her times the lobbying firm will also have first countries to institute meaningful traditions in greater measure. And I

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.060 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 thank the people of my community But the minute GM announced that only must we have a manufacturing who truly have been, each and every they were going to lay off 900 workers, base, but we must have an innovation one of them, ambassadors of freedom a couple days later the seat manufac- base. And in order to have that, cer- from the United States to our great turer laid off a few hundred; a couple tainly we have to build up our edu- sister state of Hungary. days later the logistics company laid cational systems throughout these f off a couple hundred workers; Delphi United States. laid off. And on and on and on the rip- Madam Speaker, I come before the AUTO INDUSTRY FACTS AND ple effect goes throughout the commu- House today as chairman of the Sub- FIGURES nity, to the point where Trumbull committee on Coast Guard and Mari- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a County’s unemployment rate last year, time Transportation to pay a special previous order of the House, the gen- Madam Speaker, was 7 percent. tribute to a true American hero, Coast tleman from Ohio (Mr. RYAN) is recog- Guard Petty Officer First Class Lavelas b 1515 nized for 5 minutes. Luckey. Last week, a 33-year-old Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I It is to the point where Trumbull woman tragically lost her life when her appreciate the opportunity to rise County’s unemployment rate last year, car was struck from behind and pushed today. Madam Speaker, was 7 percent. Today into the path of a garbage truck as she Madam Speaker, over the course of it is 14 percent. It doubled in a year. was preparing to drop her daughter off the last 30 years, pockets of our coun- And the point of my rising here at a nursery school in Glen Burnie, try have been facing some very dif- today is to say to anyone who will lis- Maryland. ficult times. And I have the honor of ten and to the powers that be in Wash- Petty Officer Lavelas Luckey, an representing an area in Northeast ington, D.C., that we need a manufac- electrical equipment specialist at the Ohio, from Akron over to Youngstown. turing policy in the United States of nearby Engineering Logistics Center’s This is an area that was built on steel America. We can look at the Dutch, Equipment Management Division at and rubber and auto and manufac- the Spanish and the Brits. When 20 to the Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay, turing. And I want to make one com- 25 percent of their gross domestic prod- Maryland, happened to be in the area ment, as I rise to talk a little bit about uct became finance, where people are at the time. And he immediately the auto industry, about my friend, the just shuffling money around, where it sprung into action. According to au- gentleman from Arizona, who was com- is a Ponzi scheme and Wall Street is thorities, after realizing people were menting about earmarks and invest- making a lot of money, and wages still in the badly damaged vehicle, ments that Members of Congress are don’t ever go up, then eventually you Petty Officer Luckey immediately constitutionally required to make and get to where we are today. And that is pushed through a crowd of onlookers spend money on behalf of the people of a collapse of the financial system. and pulled the 5-year-old girl from her this country. We have a system now that is set up, In areas like mine who, for 30 or 40 car seat minutes before the car burst Madam Speaker, that if an average years, were booming, had the highest into flames. The little girl’s mother family makes some mistakes, they are per capita income in the country when was freed from the car by a police offi- on their own. We cut them loose. But if the steel mills were going, we were cer. the financial markets make a major taking our tax dollars and we were Unfortunately, the girl’s mother, mistake and do illegal and unethical sending that money to Washington, Christine Schoppert, was pronounced acts, that they have the system so D.C.; Washington, D.C. was sending dead at the scene. Thankfully, how- that money to help build the West, to rigged that the whole thing collapses. ever, the child survived the crash and help build up States like Arizona, and And so everyone has to jump in to save was immediately taken to the Johns to implement water projects and dam it. Hopkins Hospital with life-threatening projects to take the Colorado River And so as we move over the course of injuries. Recent reports indicate that into the desert. the next few weeks and next few she is improving. My prayers, and I These congressional districts in Ari- months, we need to recognize that the know the prayers of this Congress, are zona and New Mexico, they didn’t just auto industry has a multiplier effect of with the family of Christine Schoppert pop up. There was a significant Federal five jobs for every one job in the plant, and her daughter as she begins to make investment to say that we want to de- and finance has two jobs for every job what we hope will be a speedy and com- velop the West. And now, Members of in the finance industry. And we can plete recovery. Congress who are looking for the op- talk about companies like Wheatland I’m extremely grateful that I have a portunity to rebuild their community, Tube, who have closed factories down chance to thank Petty Officer First to take specific projects and specific in northeast Ohio and western Pennsyl- Class Lavelas Luckey for putting his money and invest it in Youngstown vania because of the tubing coming in own safety at great risk in saving this State University, Akron University for from China. We could talk about auto. precious young life. After speaking to Polymers, Youngstown State for De- We could talk about Severstal Steel, his commanding officers and fellow fense Center of Excellence, Youngs- who laid off 1,000 people. We could go members of the Coast Guard, none of town State for Metrology and Mate- on and on and on, Madam Speaker. them were surprised by Petty Officer rials Science Development, these are So let me suggest that as we talk Luckey’s actions. Petty Officer Luckey investments that we need to make to about financial reform and universal has been described as being an ex- rehabilitate some old industrial areas health care, that we also add a manu- tremely dedicated member of the to get them on the cutting edge, and I facturing policy to the United States United States Coast Guard—and as a think our obligation is to do that. But plan for the future. great human being. These are powerful in our area, what has transpired just f words that should not be taken lightly. Far too often we look to the red car- over the last few months has been sig- IN RECOGNITION OF COAST GUARD nificant. And I will give you one exam- pets of Hollywood and our local foot- PETTY OFFICER FIRST CLASS ple. ball stadiums to find our heroes while LAVELAS LUCKEY Earlier last year, in the summertime, overlooking the individuals who per- General Motors at a local Lordstown The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a form truly heroic actions in our own plant said that they were going to put previous order of the House, the gen- neighborhoods. on a third shift. We had the governor tleman from Maryland (Mr. CUMMINGS) I take my hat off to Petty Officer in; there were state tax incentives, $350 is recognized for 5 minutes. First Class Lavelas Luckey for his act million. And eventually, because of the Mr. CUMMINGS. First of all, Madam of bravery and applaud the entire credit crisis and globalization and 30 Speaker, I would like to associate my- United States Coast Guard and the rest years of bad trade agreements, the self with the words of Mr. RYAN of of our armed services for their efforts third shift was pulled. Then the second Ohio. He is absolutely right. And we to protect this country from all harm. shift was pulled. And now we have a can do better in this country with re- I also extend a special salute to all of fraction of the workers that we used to gard to the issues of making sure that the Nation’s first responders who risk have there. we have a manufacturing base. Not their lives every day to save others.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.061 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3133 REPORT ON RESOLUTION WAIVING has not. It is partly what got us into were going to get 5 days to review a REQUIREMENT OF CLAUSE 6(a) this problem. bill online, that the American people OF RULE XIII WITH RESPECT TO We, on an average day, have added would get to see what is in these bills, CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN $2.8 billion to our national debt since and that we as a body here in the RESOLUTIONS January of 2007. That doesn’t count the House of Representatives would have 48 Mr. ARCURI, from the Committee on stimulus. That doesn’t count the bail- hours, 48 hours, to be able to see what Rules, submitted a privileged report out. That doesn’t count any of these is in a bill before we voted on it. It (Rept. No. 111–35) on the resolution (H. nearly $2 trillion, trillion, of additional unanimously passed this body in a res- Res. 229) waiving a requirement of spending that we have seen this Con- olution. And yet just over 12 hours clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to gress all too often just quickly go off later, we got the single largest spend- consideration of certain resolutions re- and give away. ing bill in the history of the United We cannot run this government on a ported from the Committee on Rules, States. It was more than 1,000 pages. credit card. Our families can’t do that. which was referred to the House Cal- We had just over 12 hours. My family can’t do that. The American endar and ordered to be printed. That is not openness. That is not people can’t do that. This Federal Gov- transparency. And the consequence is f ernment has got to stop doing that. We this out-of-control spending. It was $1 OUT-OF-CONTROL SPENDING don’t have a revenue problem in this trillion, a number so big it is not even country for our Federal Government. fathomable. And now we look and we The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under We do have a spending problem. We hear people say, well, 95 percent of the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- have a huge spending problem. Americans are not going to pay one uary 6, 2009, the gentlewoman from I remember when I was in college, dime more in taxes. That is not true. It Minnesota (Mrs. BACHMANN) is recog- not too long ago, but it was a while is not true. American people, I hope nized for 60 minutes as the designee of ago, and I had my monthly stipend for you digest this, it is not true. the minority leader. the month. And at about week 3, I ran The so-called carbon tax, or the cap- Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I out of money. And I thought I will just and-trade, is a tax that will be paid by appreciate this opportunity to be able call mom and dad and they will just 100 percent of Americans, 100 percent of to speak this afternoon to the Amer- send me the money. So I called up and Americans. If you consume or use any ican people about something that has talked to my mom. And she said, no, form of energy, you’re going to have to been on all of their minds for the last I’m sorry, you’re going to have to fig- pay this tax. Now, I want to take care 5 months, and that is spending, the ure it out. And my dad, whom I really of the environment. I care about the out-of-control spending that they see didn’t want to call, said, you had your environment. But this is simply not occurring here in their Nation’s Cap- allowance, you have got to learn to live the time and the way to do it. And if ital. And they are worried. They are within it. It is one of the most valuable you look at this chart here, what is worried, Madam Speaker, about what lessons that I ever learned. I learned sickening to me and our future is what they are seeing. more about Top Ramen noodles than is going to happen with our debt. Based And there is an old adage that we anyone in this country in that week. on the President’s presentation, based have heard as a precursor to a joke. And it was a good thing. It was a on the spending plan that he has put Since we have been children, we have healthy thing. It made me reprioritize together, based on the President’s heard the adage that asks a simple what was important. And it made me budget, we are going to double, double, question: What comes first, the chick- think through what was a priority in our national debt to $20 trillion. Some- en or the egg? And we ask that ques- my life, that I couldn’t just go on the body has to pay that. It is the Amer- tion in public policy: What comes first, credit card and continue to spend more ican people that are going to pay that, spending or taxes? And clearly, spend- money. my kids and their grandkids. We have ing is the precursor to taxes. And what The primary reason I ran for the got to cut the size and scope of govern- we have seen the Obama administra- United States Congress is because I ment. We cannot be all things to all tion and the Democrats who currently care about the future and because we people. control both the House and the Senate are on a trajectory that is unsustain- Somehow, some way, we have got to embrace is a new initiative never seen able. Until we return to those core find a way to be disciplined enough to before in the history of our country, a principles of fiscal discipline, limited say, enough is enough. Let’s prioritize level of spending that is unprecedented. government, accountability and a those things that are most important Joining me now in this hour that we strong national defense, we will con- that we have to do to protect and take have to speak to the American people tinue to suffer as a Nation. And right care of the American people. But we is one of our new freshmen. His name is at the top, right at the top of that list cannot continue this out-of-control Mr. JASON CHAFFETZ. And he hails from is fiscal discipline. Because there are spending. Utah’s Third Congressional District. things, there are roles and responsibil- Just over 10 years ago, our Federal We are very excited to have him join us ities that our government has to exe- budget was $1.5 trillion. Now we are and to have him speak now to this cute on. And we can all point to fail- over $3 trillion on our way to $4 tril- body and to the American people on ures. We can all point to successes. But lion. And that doesn’t count the bail- spending and what that means for our fundamentally, the spending in this outs, the stimulus and the others who economy. Mr. CHAFFETZ, I yield. Congress, the spending that is proposed are already beating the drum saying, Mr. CHAFFETZ. I thank the gentle- by the Obama administration, is sim- we need more. No, you don’t. We need woman. It is a pleasure and honor to ply unacceptable. to cut spending and cut back the size serve in the United States Congress. We cannot be all things to all people. and scope of government, because in I’m a freshman here. I didn’t create And my concern is that the rhetoric is my opinion this government right now this problem, but I am here to help not matching the reality. I sat right is spending too much, the administra- clean it up. I argued for a long time here at in this Chamber, row 7, thrilled tion is taxing too much, and this ad- that the Republican spending was far and honored to watch the President of ministration is absolutely borrowing too egregious, that we were spending the United States address the joint ses- too much money. far too much money and continued to sion of Congress. He asked in that ses- propel ourselves into debt that was sion that we present appropriation bills b 1530 unsustainable and unacceptable in my free of earmarks. And yet the very next Mrs. BACHMANN. I thank Rep- opinion. day, it hadn’t even been 24 hours, the resentative CHAFFETZ from Utah’s It is funny, though, that as I hear the House of Representatives passed a bill Third Congressional District, and what Democrats argue that while there was with more than 8,500 earmarks. I’m an honor to serve with you. What an all this out-of-control spending when proud to say I voted ‘‘no’’ on that. honor to know that we have freshmen the Republicans were in charge, that There was a presentation that said that who have learned the true lessons of somehow that has changed, that some- they wanted more openness, that we life, that you live on Ramon noodles how deficit spending has changed. It wanted more transparency, that we rather than get money from mom and

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.063 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 dad. That’s where it all comes from. ple of the government, then you see the nius of wealth creation in private Our country is well served from having economies turnaround and you see the hands that has led to some of the his representation. economies thrive and you see the greatest levels of compassion and of Spending is the issue that we need to economies grow. charitable giving that we have ever address right now. It comes down to a The study also found just the con- seen in the history of our country. philosophical claim and a philosophical verse. It found that where nations de- But what has been the response of shift. That may not seem like much, cided that the answer to the economic the Obama administration? President but we are here debating ideas on the problem would be to grow spending, in Obama in his State of the Union ad- floor of the House of Representatives. fact dramatically increase spending, to dress stood in this Chamber addressing And there is a big idea that we are increase wages for public employees in this body as well as the United States grappling with right now: where are the government sector, where taxes Senate and the American public. And the answers to the problems that lie would be increased on the people and he said very simply and unashamedly, before our Nation? Where are those an- burdens would be heaped up on both he planned to cut the deduction that swers? Who is the best person to solve businesses and on private individuals, Americans can take for charitable giv- those problems? again the common sense quotient that ing. What we have seen in just the last 50 makes up the great majority of Amer- Now I don’t know about you, but I days is a decided shift, a trans- ican people won’t be surprised by the think it is very good, Madam Speaker, formational shift, a groundbreaking results from this Harvard study. to encourage Americans to give more shift from the way America has pre- These are the results: the results are money to the charity of their choice. viously done business, and it says this. when governments decide to dramati- Whether it is their local church, and It says that there is a real belief that cally increase spending, as the current local churches and religious groups the genius of America lies in govern- Obama administration and the current were the groups which began America’s ment, and that it lies in Washington, Democrat-controlled Congress is about hospital system. In every community D.C., and that it lies with the Federal to engage in and in fact have engaged across the United States, we boast Government making more and more in, then government economies at that wonderful hospitals—Presbyterian hos- decisions over the personal areas of our point fall into a spiral. It becomes neg- pitals, Lutheran hospitals, Catholic lives. And that the Federal Govern- ative, the revenue that comes in, and hospitals, Baptist hospitals. Denomina- ment is far wiser with our money than there is not growth out of the econ- tions saw to it that in their local com- the individual is with their own money, omy. munities, they weren’t just meeting or that a private business is with their That only makes sense because where the needs of their parishioners only— money, or a local community is with do governments have to go to finance only of Catholics, only of Pres- their money. what they have to do. There is one byterians, only of Lutherans—they saw These are troubling times to be sure, place that they have to go, and that is as Christ reached out to the infirm but is the answer to be found in a larg- in my pocket and in the pocket of the with his own hand, that they wanted to er government that comes about American consumer and that is in the reach out in a charitable context and through greater levels of spending? pocket of private industry. reach the needs of people beyond their Well, that is not what a Harvard study Now there are some nations that own denominational doors, reach out found back in about 2002. Researchers don’t allow for private industry. They to literally give a glass of cold water to from Harvard made an exhaustive have government-controlled econo- those who were infirm, and meet the study, one of the largest of its kind mies. We have seen that in the living health care needs of those in their com- done over a series of years. This is laboratory of the last 100 years of his- munity. what they studied. They studied over tory across the world. We have seen the I worry, Madam Speaker, I fear, 18 different economies across the engine, the greatest engine of pros- Madam Speaker, that as President world. Of course not all of them are perity known to man through the an- Obama is seeking to cap the gift giving free market-based economies like nals of history which would be the that Americans will now be able to do America’s economy. It was the whole United States free market capitalist- to their local churches, to their local gamut of economies across the world, based system. hospitals, to their local charitable in- and they asked a very simple question You look at the dramatic growth and stitutions, that we will see these great and one that would be prudent for us to increase of standard of living, oppor- givers of gifts, local charities, dry up. look at now as we are engaging in this tunity and freedom, it has occurred on Why, because the Federal Government, economic debate, and it is this: What America’s watch from 1900 to the year the philosophical direction that Presi- are the courses of action that causes an 2000. You saw dramatic growth and dent Obama has taken is that he be- economy to climb and to grow and to wealth creation like we have never lieves the Federal Government can do a find prosperity? Just exactly what we seen before in the history of the world. far better job spending your money are trying to find now here in the In fact, up until about 2006, we saw than the American people can spending midst as we grapple with these very the greatest wealth enhancement in re- their own money. Madam Speaker, I real problems. What is the way out? cent times. Under six of the eight years beg to differ. No one spends their And conversely, what is not the way of President Bush, we saw some of the money better than the individual, and out? What causes economies to con- greatest increases in private wealth en- no one needs their money more right tract, to fail, to have hyperinflation hancement than we had ever seen in all now than the individual. No single ensue, to see a misery index go up? of history. How did that happen? How mother needs their money more right What is that policy? And this is the re- did that occur? Well, it didn’t occur be- now than that single mother who may sult. I think for the common sense cause of dramatic increases in govern- have three kids, who may have four quotient that makes up most Ameri- ment spending. Where it occurred was kids. cans today, the answer is not real star- the genius of private wealth creation. I know personally in my own life tling. That is what America has given to our when my mother found herself a single This Harvard study from 2002 that people. We have given the genius of mother after a divorce that left her looked at 18 different economies said freedom which in turn has given us the with four children, she had to take a this: When nations have contracted genius of prosperity and the genius of low-paying job because she was deter- their spending, when they have private wealth creation. It is what I mined that her children would be fed, brought their spending under control wish for my parents. It is what I wish sheltered and clothed. There wasn’t and reduced their spending, when they for my children. It is what I wish for much money available. We went imme- have lowered the amount of spending my neighbors, that they would have diately overnight from being middle that they pay for government wages so private wealth sufficient to be able to class to being below poverty. But I had they aren’t increasing government pub- satisfy not only themselves, but so a mother who was determined that her lic wages, in fact they are lowering that they can give out of their bounty children would have shelter. We didn’t government wages, and when those to others. And that is what we have have a home any longer in the suburbs. same economies cut taxes for the peo- seen occur in this country, and the ge- That had to be sold. But we had an

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.065 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3135 apartment, we had somewhere to live, what would lead them to keep this bill President, here was the President’s re- and my mother made sure that she in hiding? sponse; he said, I disagree with your worked. And I began at about age 12 As a matter of fact, there isn’t one premise. He said, I believe that the getting baby-sitting jobs. My brothers Republican word in the trillion-dollar problem with President Roosevelt is got newspaper routes. We did what spending bill, not one word of bipar- that he failed to spend too much in the families are doing today. They are tisan support. There were some offers 1930s. I, for one, was incredulous, doing whatever it takes so they can of bipartisanship that we heard in the Madam Speaker, when I heard Presi- survive so their children can have a press, but no real extending of the hand dent Obama say that he believed that meal tonight when they come home to the American people to have true bi- President Roosevelt failed to spend too from school. They are doing whatever partisan intervention in this bill. much to bring the economy out of the they can. As a matter of fact, President Obama doldrums. That was amazing. No Presi- So, Madam Speaker, it strikes me as came over to meet with the Repub- dent has ever intervened more, has cruel that a philosophical decision has licans, and we were so delighted. When ever spent more. In fact, many histo- been made by the Obama administra- President Obama came over to the Cap- rians agree that what was a recession tion and by the Democrat leadership itol, the Republicans in the House that President Roosevelt inherited that runs both the House and the Sen- came together. We welcomed President turned into a Great Depression. And we ate now in Washington, D.C., every Obama. When he came in our closed- don’t want to see that happen again for lever of power today is controlled by door meeting, we prayed for our Presi- the sake of our children, for the sake of the Democrat majority, and that deci- dent and we promised him that we will the United States economy. sion has been made. Clearly it has been pray for him at every meeting and that And then the question was asked made affirmatively, and it has been we will also have an open door to him. about taxes to our President. He was made time and time again in the last 50 We have an eternal olive branch held asked about the massive tax increases days of this administration. And it has out to President Obama because we that will surely result as night follows day from all these dramatic spending been that we need to spend more want to be able to work with him. increases. And President Obama said money which in turn will mean the However, what we saw was that olive simply this—he was attempting to be poor American people will have to be branch was not extended to the House humorous, and he said, Well, I live taxed almost into poverty to pay for Republicans. this profligate spending. down the street in a very nice house, Madam Speaker, I would ask: what is b 1545 Pennsylvania Avenue, 1600. I really this emergency spending that the We were not invited to those negotia- like it there. And he said, I don’t have President believes must be done to save tions. As a matter of fact, the ranking a lot of expenses and I don’t pay prop- the economy? And I think, Madam member, the House Republican, lead erty taxes; I can afford to pay a little Speaker, that it would sicken the member on the House Ways and Means more. And again, I was incredulous by American people if they knew what Committee—and that would be Rank- that statement. It almost reminded me some of these spending projects are. ing Member U.S. Representative DAVE of Marie Antoinette when she said, Here are some among them. My col- CAMP from the great State of Michi- ‘‘Let them eat cake,’’ meaning that the rest of us aren’t living in public hous- league, Representative JASON gan—he said he was walking to the ro- ing, the rest of us are struggling with CHAFFETZ of the Third Congressional tunda, and never in his career here in District of Utah talked a little bit Congress has this ever happened to the day-to-day expenses that we deal about the stimulus bill that is costing him. He walked past Senator HARRY with. We are all in need of as much money as we can keep in our own the American taxpayers well over a REID, who was at a microphone an- hands, not sending it on to the Federal trillion dollars with debt service. nouncing that a deal had already been We received that bill and had only struck in negotiations on the stimulus Government. We have joining us in the Chamber limited hours to be able to debate and bill. Where was Representative CAMP right now another representative from vote on that bill. But the nasty little going? He was going to attend the con- the great State of Missouri. His name secret, Madam Speaker, that the Amer- ference committee that was supposed is TODD AKIN. And TODD AKIN has long ican people are sadly learning is that to come up with the agreement on the been a champion against dramatic in- not one Member of Congress was given stimulus bill. Representative CAMP, the creases in government spending. He has an opportunity to read this bill before Republican, hadn’t even yet made it long called on this body to get its we were asked to vote on the highest into the conference committee meeting house in order. And I will now yield to and Senator HARRY REID was already spending bill that has ever come before the gentleman from Missouri. this body. Ever in the history of man, at the microphone announcing that an Mr. AKIN. Well, thank you, gentle- no one has ever spent in one fell swoop agreement had been made. lady. It’s a treat to be able to join you a trillion dollars before in a spending The Republicans had been had. But this afternoon on the topic that I think measure. And the Members of this what was worse, Madam Speaker, the arrests the attention of Americans ev- body, the people’s representatives, American people had been had because erywhere, the state of our economy, weren’t even given the courtesy of there was no bipartisan agreement. We and what should and could the govern- reading this bill which broke every questioned President Obama. One of ment be doing about it? promise that was made to the Amer- our Members, Representative ROSCOE If we just back up a small amount ican people during the course of the BARTLETT from the State of Maryland, and try to frame the question, we go last election. said, Mr. President, I have lived back to a time, a number of years ago, On the campaign trail, we heard over through the Great Depression, I have when there were created these Freddie and over again from then-Senator seen it. What evidence do you have and Fannie quasi corporate entities. Obama that he wished to give the that this radical spending and radical And what happened was, under Presi- American people 5 days to read these government intervention into a trou- dent Clinton what happened was that bills online so the people’s representa- bled economy will be able to pull our they decided they were going to in- tives would have time to read these economy out of these current dol- crease the number of loans that were bills before we vote on them. He want- drums? Because it’s never occurred be- going to be made to people who ed to ensure complete transparency, fore in the history of America where couldn’t afford to pay their loans— complete openness. We cheered Presi- radical spending has literally brought which is a little bit of a risky thing. dent Obama when we heard that, and us back to American prosperity. Pros- And so we created these entities and we are sadly disappointed that Presi- perity does not follow spending. Pros- we issued a whole bunch of loans to dent Obama has chosen, together with perity follows the belt tightening that people. the Democrat leadership that runs government has to do so the American And while the real estate market was Congress, that they did not want, that people have more of their own money doing well, it looked okay on the sur- they were so ashamed, could it be, of to spend. face. And then, as everybody knows, the stimulus bill, we don’t know what When our Member, Representative what happened was the real estate bub- their motives were, we don’t know. But BARTLETT, asked this question of the ble popped, and now all of a sudden you

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.066 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3136 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 have this socialistic kind of policy that enormous debt to boot. So that’s one money. This last thing that they called was implemented by the Democrats theory. The theory is—and this is one the stimulus package—I call it the that was supposedly to help people that the liberals have always liked be- porkulous package—I’m on Armed with loans, and now the whole thing is cause they love to spend money—is if Services, we deal with things like mili- collapsing and people say, well, this is you spend enough money, you can get tary things. And one of the biggest, a failure of free enterprise. It’s not. It’s out of trouble. most expensive things in our budget is a failure of another one of these gov- It’s a little bit like if I were to tell called an aircraft carrier. We have ernment programs that’s trying to those of you here today, reach down, ships surround them to protect them. take two plus two and get eight out of grab your shoe laces and lift hard and We’ve got 11 of them. They’re really ex- it. So that’s essentially what happened. fly around the House Chamber. That’s pensive and they’re really big, and we If you want to take a look at the New what this is like doing. And, you know, protect them because 11 of them are York Times, you can look at Sep- there isn’t hardly an American family very valuable. And they cost about $3 tember 11, 2003. And you can see what I can think of that’s dumb enough to billion apiece. happened in 2003, and that was the support this idea, and Morgenthau fi- So what we passed in the House, do President, President Bush at that time, nally figured it out in 1939. There’s not you know how many aircraft carriers was saying, hey, we’ve got problems an American family that would say, you could buy for the money we bor- with Freddie and Fannie, you’ve got to when you’re in economic trouble, go rowed that our kids and grandchildren give me authority to regulate these buy a brand new car, spend money like have to pay back? You could make 250 guys. And a Member of the House here, mad because maybe things will be bet- aircraft carriers. Can you picture 250 Congressman FRANK, said there’s no ter the next day. We just know intu- aircraft carriers in a row? That’s an in- trouble with Freddie and Fannie. A itively, when you get in trouble, you’ve credible number. Or if you want to look couple of years later it turned out he got to hunker down a little bit. That’s at it a different way, you’ve heard us was radically wrong, and now the what you do in Missouri, you’ve got to complain, you’ve heard the media com- whole world is in an economic tailspin hunker down and use a little common plain about how big the spending was because we had these loan programs. sense. So this theory doesn’t work. in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Well, that’s where we are. Now, what’s the other approach? Add the spending in Iraq and Afghani- So the question then becomes, what What do you do when you have a reces- stan together totally for both wars, add should we do? Well, obviously we sion? Can the government do anything? it up. Well, we spent more than that in shouldn’t keep making loans to people Well, it can. What it should be doing is the first 5 weeks we were here in Con- who can’t afford to pay them. But the not spending so much money, which is gress this year. That’s a lot of spend- other thing that you know in a reces- the topic of the congresswoman’s dis- ing. sion is this; you don’t want the govern- cussion this afternoon. We’re doing the And now here we’ve got, on top of ment spending too much money. Well, wrong thing, we’re spending too much that, here’s the President’s tax in- why would that be? Well, because there money. The reason that that doesn’t creases for 2010. And what exactly does is an effect that goes on. When the gov- work is it pulls money out of the basic, this big tax policy do? One, this is cap ernment spends too much money, it’s particularly out of the places in the and trade. What this is is global warm- like a big vacuum, it sucks that liquid- economy that need to have money in ing, which means your electricity and ity out of the regular private sector. order to create jobs and productivity. your power is going to be more expen- And the private sector are the very So, you see, jobs here, they had a big sive. Guess who uses that? Small busi- ones that have to fix the problem. problem with unemployment. Eight nesses. This is going to be hammering To get the economy going, you’ve got years of government spending, they not only to small people, not people to get the private sector going. The still had a big problem with unemploy- making a lot of money, the little guys. government can do anything it wants, ment. Now, what we’ve done is spent You have to pay an electric bill? it can do handsprings and all this sort money like mad in the last couple of You’re going to get hit with this tax. of stuff, but the government makes no months, and people say, I’m not sure This bit about this is just for rich peo- wealth whatsoever, all it does is spend it’s going to work. The stock market is ple is baloney. If you have an electric wealth. It can print money, it can tax saying, I don’t think that’s going to bill, you’re going to pay this tax. people, it can spend money, but it work. And history says, I don’t think And this one over here is on small doesn’t create prosperity, it doesn’t that’s going to work. And the Japanese business. Both of these things affect create efficiencies. It simply can ham- tried it and they say, that didn’t work small business. This is exactly the per the process. for us. You don’t want to go spending a wrong thing to be doing. Tax increases So what’s going on here? You’ve got whole lot of money when you’re in is not what we should be doing. We two basic theories about what you do trouble. should be going in the opposite; we in a recession. One of them was started What do you want to do? Well, here’s should leave the money in the small by FDR. And he had a guy, this fellow what you want to do. You want to businessman’s pocket to create the here that I have a quote, his name was make sure particularly that the small jobs. Morgenthau. Morgenthau was Sec- business people have enough liquidity And the gentlelady, Congresswoman retary of Treasury under FDR—and to get their companies going. And so BACHMANN, I really appreciate you tak- this is the first theory of what to do. what you want is policies that are ing some time to talk about the eco- And Morgenthau’s idea was, we’re going to keep money in small busi- nomics because this is on the minds going to spend a whole lot of money to nesses so they will invest because 80 and hearts of Americans. I appreciate stimulate the economy, and that will percent of the jobs are in small busi- your sharing a little bit of your time make everything better—because we’re ness. You’ve got unemployment? You on the floor with me. starting to enter into a recession back want small businesses going like mad I see you have some other distin- in the 1930s. And so Morgenthau, along to create more jobs. guished colleagues here that are very with this Little Lord Keynes—who was And so how do you do that? You let qualified to talk on this subject, so I a little weird—came up with this idea the small businessman keep money so don’t want to rattle on too long. But I that they were going to spend a whole that he can plow it back into the busi- thank you very much for giving me a lot of money. And so they did it. And ness, create the jobs that create the few minutes. here at 1939, after he’s done this for 8 productivity. You need people who are Mrs. BACHMANN. Thank you for years, Morgenthau meets with the entrepreneurs and who are inventors yielding back. Ways and Means Committee, and he and investors. You want those people The gentleman from Missouri, TODD takes a look and says, we’ve tried with the liquidity to be able to get the AKIN, is so well respected in Missouri spending money. We’ve spent more economy jump-started. And that means for a reason; he’s a great historian and than we’ve ever spent before, and it the government has got to stop spend- a lover of history. And I had done some doesn’t work. I say after 8 years of the ing money. reading myself on depression-era eco- administration, we have just as much Well, what way are we spending nomics because that’s really, I think, a unemployment as when we started, and money? Wow, we’re really spending very important area for us to look at

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.068 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3137 right now when you look at the par- billions of dollars—and the numbers not going to be long at all before we’re allel and compare and contrast be- just seem so big, but when you put it in not going to be able to pay all of our tween the policies that are being im- perspective, the whole war in Iraq, the Social Security and veterans’ pensions plemented today and the parallel na- whole war in Afghanistan, added to- and all of the things we’ve promised ture that they have with the 1930s. El- gether, spent by this House in the first our own people with money that will eanor Roosevelt said that there were 5 weeks of this year, that’s a lot of buy anything, and people are going to only two people who could say any- money, that’s an awful lot of money. face some really tough times if we’re thing to her husband and cross him; But I do see we have some experts on not careful. one of them was Henry Morgenthau. the floor, and I thank the gentlelady Some of our leaders are looking And Henry Morgenthau, the United for yielding me time. dreamily back at the New Deal, and States Treasurer, as Mr. AKIN had stat- Mrs. BACHMANN. I thank the gen- our colleague from Missouri just gave a ed, was one of the people who came to tleman from Missouri again, Mr. AKIN. quotation from one of President Frank- the very clear conclusion that over- And this is a tremendous historic lin Roosevelt’s Cabinet members. What spending had been a huge mistake. And shift in philosophy that has occurred in we are doing now is, unbelievably to that is the focus of this Special Order the last 50 days. Again, the Obama ad- me, astoundingly to me, we’re almost hour this evening is on spending. And ministration, what’s occurring—and making Franklin Roosevelt look con- we saw that, throughout the 1930s, a this just came out in the Washington servative by what we’re doing. And I misery index unlike any other had been Times, ‘‘The world loses over $50 tril- have talked about debt that we have. created because of rampant out-of-con- lion.’’ The markets are responding, the Under the administration’s most opti- trol spending. And Henry Morgenthau markets aren’t happy. mistic predictions, we are going to add $4 trillion more to our debt over the said—probably the person who could b 1600 testify the best to that level of govern- next 3 years. I’m in my 21st year in the ment intervention—it was wrong, it When they take a look at this mas- Congress. I never believed that we was a mistake, it didn’t work. And the sive government spending and, as Mr. would be facing the kinds of deficits one thing we know about history is if AKIN had said, the new shift that says and debt that we’re taking on and fac- we don’t learn from it, we will live to that government is God, what we are ing over these next 3 years. So I want repeat it. doing now is we are embarking on a to commend our colleague from Mis- And I believe, Representative AKIN, new level of tyranny never seen before souri, Congressman AKIN, for his re- you can correct me, that it seems that in the history of this country. And marks. I heard a lot of the things he you are saying clearly to the American that’s really the divide: liberty/tyr- had to say, and I know that Judge people, let’s not, President Obama and anny. There is a constitutional scholar, CARTER, our colleague from Texas, is the Democrats who run the House and Dr. Mark Levin, who’s writing a book going to speak shortly, and I’m going Senate here in Washington, repeat that that’s about to come out that talks to just take just another minute or same mistake. about that chasm between liberty and two. But I think this problem that’s I will yield to the gentleman. tyranny. America was birthed out of being discussed here is so very impor- Mr. AKIN. I think you’re absolutely liberty. We want to make sure that tant, we can’t emphasize it enough be- right. And that is definitely my point. that continues. cause it overrides and affects every- The point is is it was tried under FDR. And a cradle of liberty was the great thing else that we are talking about You can at least say they were trying State of Tennessee, and hailing from here in the Congress. a new theory of how to get the econ- the Second Congressional District of David Walker, who’s the former head omy going. And they tried it and it Tennessee is Mr. JIMMY DUNCAN, one of of the GAO, has been going all over didn’t work and he made it clear it the great gentlemen of this body, Mr. this country over the last few months didn’t work. And now, apparently the DUNCAN, with his words of wisdom on trying to be a Paul Revere and sound Japanese didn’t learn too much from spending. the warning about what we’re facing our history, so they tried it for 10 Mr. DUNCAN. I certainly want to and what we’re getting into, and he years, did all kinds of government first commend the gentlewoman from talks about the $11 trillion debt that spending like mad, and they basically Minnesota. She has been a real leader we have, as mind-boggling as that is. wasted 10 years of the productive use of in the Congress here in attempting to But what is even worse, in one of the their own economy because the Japa- call attention to the great problems Capitol Hill newspapers today, he has a nese knew it didn’t work. that we’re going to face if we don’t get column and he mentions, as he has And the thing that’s ironic is, not our fiscal house in order. mentioned before, that we have over only do we know what doesn’t work, we And she just showed an article from $56 trillion of unfunded future pension know what does work. JFK and Ronald the Washington Times. Just yesterday liabilities. Under our law if a private Reagan, both of them did the right there was another article in the Wash- company sets up a pension plan for its kind of tax cuts. The economy turned ington Times that said the Polish cur- employees, it has to fund it, and its around. We had long periods of very rency had dropped 60 percent in value leaders can be put in jail if they don’t productive, good economic times in since last August and the Ukrainian fund those private pension plans. But America because they did the right currency had dropped in value 43 per- our leaders, we’ve done this very thing thing. Why don’t we use the good ex- cent just since last September. And over these last few years. It started ample? Well, I think part of the reason those are the kinds of things that we’re with the Great Society because Presi- is is because we have a mindset now in going to face. dent Lyndon Johnson didn’t think peo- Washington, DC. that big government A few years ago, I was told that in ple would stand in the late 1960s for is God and it knows better how to Argentina, they got into such bad fis- huge deficits at that time, but what we spend our money. And we just like cal or financial shape that suddenly did back then was just nothing, was spending a whole lot of money, but it’s they had to start raising the prices in minuscule, compared to what we’re not what’s going to make the economy the grocery store every 4 hours. And doing today. better. And there are going to be more the American people, I don’t think, re- We talked about the New Deal. A few and more of your and my constituents alize how tough and how difficult and days ago in the Washington Times, 203 who are going to be suffering because how extreme our problems are going to leading university economists signed a they don’t have jobs, they’ve got mort- become if we don’t get our fiscal house full-page ad, and they said this: gages that are too big, and they’re in order. ‘‘We, the undersigned, do not believe really feeling the squeeze. It’s mind-boggling, in fact, it’s in- that more government spending is a And it’s a shame when you can’t comprehensible, that Congress voted a way to improve economic performance. learn when history is staring you right few months ago, and we voted against More government spending by Hoover in the face. But I really appreciate it, but they voted to raise our national and Roosevelt did not pull the United your putting the focus where it belongs debt to $11.315 trillion. And nobody can States economy out of the Great De- in this excessive government spending. really comprehend a figure like that, pression in the 1930s. More government And you can take a look at billions and but what it really means is that it’s spending did not solve Japan’s ‘lost

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.070 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 decade’ in the 1990s. As such, it is a tri- But that does not have to be our when somebody gives them an example umph of hope over experience to be- story in the United States. It can be like it’s a stack of $1,000 bills 63 miles lieve that more government spending completely different. The House Re- high or if you started giving $1 million will help the U.S. today.’’ publicans have a very positive solution away on the day Jesus was born, you These economists, as I said, 203 lead- to all of this, and we can come out of still wouldn’t have given away $1 tril- ing university economists, continued these economic doldrums very quickly, lion today. Those kinds of numbers and said this: ‘‘To improve the econ- and the solution is this: If we would make people say, wow, that’s a lot of omy, policymakers should focus on re- zero out capital gains, the taxes that money. forms that remove impediments to you have to pay when you invest your The average person, they know what work, saving, investment, and produc- money, if we would zero that out for 4 they’ve got in their pocket. They know tion. Lower tax rates and a reduction years, people would invest in this econ- what the government takes out of their in the burden of government are the omy. And if we would take the business check every month. At least most of best ways of using fiscal policy to tax, it’s the small businesses, after all, them do. And they know what they boost growth.’’ that create 70 percent of all jobs in the care about. They want to live a life Unfortunately, we’re going in the op- United States. If we would take away where they can live the comfortable posite direction now, and it is a very their crushing burden and, instead of life of being a free American, the life of dangerous road. We’re going down a so- the second highest tax rate in the liberty that we created when we found- cialist path, and socialism, my col- world, give them about one of the lowed this country. And they see this leagues, has never worked anyplace in est rates in the world, 9 percent, make spending to be enslaving not only this this world. If it had, the Soviet Union that a permanent tax. generation but generations and genera- and Cuba would have been heavens on Right now all across the world, nations to come. And especially, espe- Earth. Instead, every place where we tions are scared to death financially. cially, this is such a risk because we have let the government get too big They want to go somewhere where they have the experience of the New Deal, and get out of control from a financial can invest their money. Imagine if we which, according to the Secretary of standpoint, we have ended up with a would make the United States the pre- Treasury Morgenthau, after 10 years, 9 few elitists at the top, almost no mid- mier place in the world to invest for years of trying, didn’t work. He was dle class, and a huge starvation or business creation and advancement. We the guy in charge of the program, and underclass. That’s the only thing gov- would bring jobs into the United he said the spending didn’t work. ernment is good at is wiping out the States, high-paying jobs. Zero out the Now, today there was a fact that middle class. capital gains tax, 9 percent corporate came out and it was given to me as the And what we have got to make more tax, and then lower everyone’s income truth. I don’t know what the source people realize is this: There’s waste in tax by 5 percent. And the death tax, was, but I think it is the truth, that we the private sector, I recognize, just like the most immoral tax there ever could have now seen the most rapid fall in there’s waste in government. But the possibly be, that Uncle Sam would the stock market in American modern waste in the private sector pales in reach into your coffin at the time of history, that history going back to comparison to the waste that is in gov- your death and say now you pay taxes 1900. Now, that means during the Great ernment. So every dollar that we can once again. Get rid of that tax. Get rid Depression the stock market didn’t fall keep in the private sector does more to of the alternative minimum tax. Our at the rate it has fallen now. hold down prices and create jobs than problem would then be finding enough Now, I’m not telling people that to does any money that’s turned over to workers to fill all the jobs. scare everybody because everybody is government, and that’s been proven all Someone who understands this very already scared. The truth is it’s time over the country. And the best way we well is a southerner named Judge John for us to step up and say what would can help the poor and the lower income Carter from middle central Texas, rep- you do in your house if the ski was fall- and the working people of this country resenting Texas’s 31st Congressional ing, as it seems to be falling in Wash- is by keeping more of our money in the District. He has been a champion. He ington, D.C. today? Most everybody private sector where it will be spent understands the devastation of over- would say, man, you know what we’re much more economically and effi- spending, and he’s here to bring that, doing? I’ll tell you what we’re doing. ciently than it will be if we turn it over Mr. Speaker, to our body. We’re making sure we hold on to our to the government. Mr. CARTER. I thank the gentle- jobs. We’re making sure that we are I know there are others that want to woman for yielding. She has done a going to have the resources to feed, speak, and I have taken up more time wonderful job in expressing, I think, clothe, and shelter our family first and than I should have, but I once again the mood of the country and the mood foremost. We’re going to take care of want to thank the gentlewoman from of the people in the country. the basics, and we are not going to Minnesota for taking out this Special This weekend I had a great weekend. waste a dime in our budget. Order and for all the good work that I opened up a park in one part of my I know waste is in the eye of the be- she does in this Congress. district, then moved to another part of holder, and, of course, I probably don’t Mrs. BACHMANN. I appreciate the my district and opened another park. agree with many of the programs that gentleman from Tennessee’s Second And then I went to something called a the President has put into the budget Congressional District, Mr. JIMMY DUN- Daffodil Festival, which is put on by and the stimulus package because we CAN. He’s a tremendous gentleman of the elderly in our area to raise funds have a different view of government the South but also a tremendous fight- for their center. And there was a huge and of society. But I can tell you that er for the people, the common man, crowd there, and I just wandered there was so much put into the pack- who understand how they have to run around talking to people. I wasn’t age that didn’t even have a target to their own family budget. And they look there to make a speech or do anything stimulate but rather was to promote at this Congress and they look at this like that, just to talk. And it was an agenda which was a part of political current Obama administration, and amazing how much people wanted to promises that were made on the cam- they are shaking their heads. In coffee talk about what’s going on in Wash- paign trail. And when you’re talking shops and barber shops and beauty par- ington. about three-quarters of $1 trillion, al- lors all across the United States, Maybe my part of the world is dif- most, then you’re talking about an Americans are disgusted because they ferent from everybody’s part of the awful lot of money being spent on know in their own life, they can’t begin world, but everybody that I talked to promise and not on production. to spend that kind of money and think said we are scared to death about what that their family can possibly remain we’re spending our money on and how b 1615 afloat. And they know that they are much of our money we’re spending. What our job is here in Washington is going to suffer, that their local neigh- When you start tossing around tril- to produce jobs for the American peo- bor is going to suffer, that small busi- lions of dollars, those are numbers that ple. nessmen are going to suffer, and suffer the American people, it’s so big, they Mrs. BACHMANN. I just wanted to they will. don’t conceive what it means. But give one illustration of this, and it

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.071 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3139 caused me to think of this when you Mrs. BACHMANN. That’s a tremen- EXCESSIVE GOVERNMENT were speaking, if you take a look at dously powerful point that you are SPENDING AND WASTE just the money that’s been spent in the making, tremendously powerful. You The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. last 50 days, just in the past 50 days, let cannot spend trillions of dollars and LUJA´ N). Under the Speaker’s an- alone the debt that the Comptroller not see massive waste, fraud and abuse. nounced policy of January 6, 2009, the General David Walker said the Amer- In fact, it’s so bad that a lawsuit was gentleman from Texas (Mr. CARTER) is ican people owe, which is $53 trillion in filed by Bloomberg Media to the Fed- recognized for 60 minutes. unfunded Federal debt liabilities, just eral Reserve saying we would like the Mr. CARTER. Well, it’s hard to in the last 50 days, the Obama adminis- American people to see the data. change from one bicycle ride to an- tration and the Democrats that control Who is getting these loans out of this other one, but we will give it a shot the House and the Senate have spent $350 billion, now $700 billion, that have anyway and finish up what we were and committed and put a burden on the been spent on these bailouts? Every talking about on that spending. back of every American household, day the Federal Reserve is spending I just want to tell a story to you $18,500, $18,500. money in bailouts, but no one knows. about a little old, a real good little So not only do the American people No one knows, no one knows who is school that’s in my district, Tarleton have to figure out how to pay their getting these loans, what is it for? State University, who took on a water bill and their electric bill, they The American people deserve an- project which was started by Congress- have got to figure out how to come up man Stenholm and then later sup- with $18,500 just to come up with the swers. The American people aren’t getting them, and that’s the kind of imported by me to do a little data mining spending of the last 50 days. on crop insurance. This is a relatively Mr. CARTER. And that spending was morality that occurs when we have small but important program used in new spending. dramatic spending like we have never the farm community, crop insurance. Mrs. BACHMANN. That’s correct. heard before. This is real people, real And they wanted to see if they could Mr. CARTER. That was new spend- people are paying out this money. This ing. You see, we are creating new is no joke. These are people that lit- find, by doing data mining, waste, spending. Well, just for example, we erally will become slaves to the gov- fraud and abuse. And, in reality, they are expanding welfare spending by $2.9 ernment in order to pay their taxes in found and actually, I guess, went for- billion. future years, and this is a crime for the ward on, prosecuted, $500 million, a We were proud, and the Democrats next generation. half a billion, $500 million of waste, fraud and abuse in the crop insurance and the Republican puffed our chests Mr. CARTER. I bring this up because program. This is a little small but good out when we said we fixed welfare in I want to point out that one of the the 1990s. We did, but we turned it right university in central Texas. things we are about to do in the omni- They also, by going actually going back around in 2009 and put it right bus is health care reform fund, $634 bil- back where it was when we fixed it. after these people, turned around, they lion. Now, what does that mean, health estimated, another $1 billion worth of Mrs. BACHMANN. I think the Amer- care reform fund? ican people would be shocked to learn, crop insurance fraud that was out because the welfare reform that passed Well, we don’t know what it means. there. Now, if Tarleton State Univer- in the 1990s was with a Republican Just yesterday the President was sity, this fine little school in my dis- House and a Democrat President, asked, are you a socialist, and he said, trict, can go out and do a data mining President Clinton, has been dramati- in several different answers, no, he was project on a small program and find cally effective to reduce even illegit- not. And yet you hear people say it’s that kind of waste, fraud and abuse, imate rates and reduce welfare rolls for some form of single-pay socialized what could we find in a put together and reduce costs to taxpayers all medicine, but you don’t get any com- rapidly massive spending program like across the country. mitment that’s what it for. In fact, it we have been describing in the previous I think the American people would be just says ‘‘fund.’’ hour? shocked to learn that all of those posi- Mrs. BACHMANN. I wonder if this I think that’s what the American tive reforms have been repealed in one bill will come to us the same way that people want this government to do. fell swoop. In the stimulus package the stimulus bill came after midnight, and They want to find out where we are Obama administration rolled back the then we are expected to take up the de- cheating and wasting the government positive reforms that Republicans, bate at 9:00 in the morning. In fact, ex- and getting rid of it, and they want us working hand-in-hand in a bipartisan perts said we had 23 seconds per page to to put together a tax structure that en- way, were able to bring about for the read that bill. courages businesses to hire people. I American people. It was a slap in the face to the Amer- had a conversation, and this will be the Mr. CARTER. Here we have got some ican people to spend that kind of last thing I will say on this, I had a other things that are curious, Barney money in stimulus, and now you are conversation with a family, a Hispanic Frank’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund talking socialized medicine. This is na- family, four or five, I forget, at that fi- of $1 billion. Here is one, this is some- tionalizing. This administration loves esta I was telling you I went to. thing that concerns me. to nationalize every aspect of every They were talking about one of them And I am going to state this on the American industry that there is. The lost his job, the other two had gone on record so it’s very, very clear, that I health care industry, which could be 18 reduced hours, and you know what did not vote for the stimulus bill, and percent of our economy, in one fell their comment was? They made a joke I will tell you why I didn’t vote for the swoop, could be nationalized. about I haven’t received my check yet, stimulus bill. I spent almost the whole about the famous percentage check Mr. CARTER. Even more important, night before that vote talking with the they thought they were go going to the Constitution of the United States former chairman of the FDIC, and the get. question that he couldn’t answer, the says the Congress initiates spending, And then they laughingly said and question I couldn’t get anybody in this not the executive, the Congress. got serious, they said, we don’t want a House to answer, including my Presi- I have absolutely nothing against the check, we want a job. And we want dent, the President from my party and President, this is not any criticism, something to turn around to where the Treasury Secretary from my party, any man sitting in that office, not just people want to keep their jobs open. the answers I wanted were what ex- Barack Obama, but any person, male or Let us work a full, 40-hour week. We actly are you going to do with this female, and if you give them a blank want to work. We are not looking for a money? check and they don’t tell you what handout. And they said buy bad assets and they are going to use it for—$634 bil- I really think that’s the American other things. It was the ‘‘and other lion, then Congress is not doing its people and that’s what they stand for, things’’ that I didn’t like. It was the duty. and I think that is our challenge that ‘‘and other things’’ that said who in Mrs. BACHMANN. It doesn’t matter we go forward on that. But today there their right mind gives a blank check to which person is in that office, which are some other issues that I think anybody? I don’t care who they are. party. there are issues that go hand-in-hand

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:32 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.073 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3140 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 with what we are doing with the econ- I am not calling anybody corrupt, things I have been through, war, reces- omy, because in reality, the real issue like we were called corrupt, which, by sions, and other things, have I ever of what drives the markets and what the way, irritated the heck out of me. been so concerned for the future of my drives the confidence of the American But, I am saying it ought to be ex- country as I am today. people support the trust issue. plained, and I am saying that it is part When that kind of statesman makes It’s can we trust the people we put in of what I have been talking about, that those kind of statements, we are in a charge of this mess in Washington to there is accountability that’s required time where at least it is the feeling of be doing this thing as straight and as of folks in this House. our Nation that we are worried about straightforward as they honestly can Besides the things that I have raised the future. And we are worried and without any particular person or agen- against Chairman RANGEL and the want to trust those we have put in of- da or personal profit from the proce- taxes, there are those and other things. fice. And I want them to be able to dure, but, rather, to be doing the best I have a poster over there, which I trust us. they can for the American people. Can guess I am not going to put up, I forgot So, I am saying when I raise these we trust them? to, but it shows a long line of people issues, these are issues that cause more And that’s really what we are up here waiting in New York City to sign up for distrust. And they need to be responded about. You know, when I ran for Con- rent-subsidized apartments. to, and they need to be resolved. Quite gress, I made the statement, which I And by Mr. RANGEL’s own admission frankly, they need to be resolved, in was loaned from JOHN CULBERSON, his on the floor of this House, he had four many instances, by a body of this campaign, that it’s all about who do rent-subsidized apartments—and I un- House—the Ethics Committee. The you trust to go a couple of thousand derstand none of which qualified to live Ethics Committee needs to function. miles away from home and do what in—that he knocked out walls and And I don’t know if the American they say they are going to do. made it into one big apartment and a people would think, if they don’t know Well, that’s the real issue. The real campaign headquarters in a building the Ethics Committee, they would say, issue is trust. If we start to see it, and where lines were going around the cor- Why wouldn’t it function? I don’t in the last Congress, our colleagues on ner for families who were entitled to know. I’m not on the Ethics Com- the other side of the aisle, they came live in rent-subsidized apartments were mittee. But I can tell you this. It’s a up with the culture of corruption and waiting to get in. committee made up of 50 percent used it very effectively to defeat Re- I think that needs to be more ade- Democrats and 50 percent Republicans. publicans and raised issues, certain quately explained than it was. Just by If everybody votes their party line, issues that ended up with people going turning yourself into the ethics depart- nothing happens, because it’s 50–50. to prison, and I understand that. ment does not mean that you have an- So, it’s a serious committee to be as- But that doesn’t mean when we swered the question. signed. It’s a committee that requires change that those issues all of a sudden you to sit in judgment upon your fel- b 1630 don’t matter any more to be discussed, low Members and to do what is right because they need to be discussed, and So these issues are issues that are for America, not what is right for ei- we have issues right now that are de- with us. They are issues that, if we are ther party or any Member of this stroying the underpinnings of trust going to talk about trust in Wash- House, but what is right for the United that the American people have for ington, we have got to also be able to States of America under the rules we those who are in charge. talk about trust from the American operate under. And I have, on a couple of occasions people about the activities that are That Ethics Committee needs to prior to today come in and talked going on in Washington. function, and it needs to function now. about the Rangel rule. I was interested We learned that the Chief of Staff of Mrs. BACHMANN. If the gentleman to see this morning on the news, some the White House, Rahm Emanuel, he would yield, I appreciate the remarks gentleman wrote in to the IRS that he lived rent-free in an apartment that that you’re making regarding ethics. had failed to pay his taxes and he was was owned partially by one of our Ethics, after all, is the study of what’s going to catch up when he could. Until Members, Ms. DELAURO, but also owned right and what’s wrong. That is really, that time, he was exercising the Ran- by her husband, who the DCCC, which if you want to get down to the brass gel rule, and he named three or four Rahm Emanuel is in charge of, gave tacks, that is what ethics is all about— other people’s rule, and that he didn’t $500,000 in projects to do I think it was what is right, what is wrong. expect to pay penalties and interest surveys and such and so and so. So, he And what the gentleman has been when he got caught up with his taxes. benefited of a value of $100,000 worth of talking about is the behavior of Mem- Well, I didn’t tell you that was the free rent over a 5-year period of time, bers of this body, as well as the actions law, I told you that’s what I thought and it can be argued that he gave con- that Members of this body take, that the law ought to be. But the point is tracts to the people that he benefited lead to what’s right and what’s wrong. somebody gets it, that’s not fair. from. Now, maybe that’s not what hap- If we look at this current economic Somebody gets it, how can you trust pened. mess that we are in the middle of, what somebody when they get special privi- You know, I used to tell juries all the is the morality, what are the ethics leges and you don’t? time—for 20 years, I looked every juror that got us into this mess, what are de- Then I picked up this morning’s in the eye and said, You’re not to read cisions that Members of this body newspaper, Roll Call, and I find that we anything about this case in the news- made? have got another issue that ought to be paper, watch anything on television, or We are taking our fingers right now— talked about, and these are people that listen to anything on the radio about and our mothers often said to us, If you we work with and we respect, and there this case. Because, believe it or not, point your finger at someone, remem- may be an explanation, but I think we sometimes the newspapers get things ber, there’s always three fingers that are owed an explanation. Congressman wrong. And they would all laugh be- point back at yourself. MOLLOHAN, according to this morning’s cause they knew that was the truth. One thing that I think would be a paper, his family foundation received And I’m just saying, we have at this credit to this body is if we examine— $75,000 worth of free rent from a group time probably the biggest crisis in now, I am a fairly new Member of this that he helped start and he got mil- American history, certainly in my life- body. This is just the beginning of my lions of dollars of earmarks for so they time, and I have been around much second term. But we need to look, how could exist, and he got $75,000 worth of longer than the Speaker has, and I can did government contribute to this eco- free rent for his family foundation. tell you that this is the biggest crisis. nomic meltdown. How did individual I don’t know if that’s a bad thing or And I had a man, one of the most high- Members, individual Senators, indi- a good thing, but it doesn’t sound ly respected former Members of this vidual House Members contribute to right. It doesn’t meet the ‘‘’tain’t right body, both sides of the aisle respect this economic meltdown. test.’’ Maybe it does meet the ‘‘’tain’t and love him—I won’t use his name be- I believe that my colleague, Judge right test,’’ and something needs to be cause I don’t want people to know how JOHN CARTER, is asking the right ques- explained. he feels—but he said, Never, in all the tions when it comes to ethics. And I

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:32 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.074 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3141 commend Speaker PELOSI, who said she $25,000, the largest single gift to a just last week in Brussels, advised a wanted this to be the most open, eth- House candidate. European audience to, Never waste a ical Congress ever when she took the Well, again, this is incredible because good crisis. gavel as Speaker of the House. We currently the Chief of Staff to the Those were her words. Exactly what agreed with her. We applauded her for President of the United States is in the the Chief of Staff to the President said. making that statement. However, what process of trying to dig us out of the In fact, 5 days before President Obama we have seen since that time has given mess that it appears Freddie Mac start- became President, he said that we are, us great concern. ed, all while he sat on the Board of Di- ‘‘5 days away from fundamentally The same with President Obama. He rectors and information was given to transforming the United States of has said he wants the most open, eth- that Board. America.’’ ical administration. But we have been Again, we don’t know. And I agree Judge CARTER, I think you would very concerned about what we have with my colleague, Judge CARTER, we agree with me, the last 50 days of seen. And I would just bring up one ex- don’t know what those answers are. American history we have seen a fun- ample of that, and that would be one of But surely the American people de- damental transformation of the United our former colleagues—my colleague, serve to have answers. They deserve to States of America, and Americans have Judge JOHN CARTER, brought that up have answers about Freddie Mac and questions. himself. Fannie Mae. Who knew what; what did Mr. CARTER. Reclaiming my time, Again, we don’t necessarily know the these Board of Directors know; what that is exactly what we have seen. And answers. We aren’t a court of jurisdic- did they attempt to do, what was their that is exactly what I think these tion here. But we are asking questions role in all of this? After all, they were statements mean. I mean, when we’re that I think the American people have fined by the FDIC for their failure to talking about that trust factor, I don’t the right to know. be diligent. Who would have suspected think that anyone, including the Presi- We know that the Chief of Staff of that that failure could have resulted in dent of the United States, ran on that President Obama was one of our former a multitrillion-dollar meltdown that he was going to fundamentally change colleagues. A very bright, intelligent has brought a terrible disservice to our the United States of America. What he man. But we wondered what was country, as well as the Community Re- said was: Hope. Give hope a chance. We missed during the Obama team’s vet- investment Act. are going to bring a new world to this ting process because the Chief of Staff We need to know what did, for in- world. But he didn’t say, I’m going to served on the Freddie Mac Board of Di- stance, Chairman FRANK, who’s cur- change the whole United States gov- rectors. Why is this important? rently the chairman of the Financial ernment. And maybe it won’t. We are When you look at the economic melt- Services Committee, of which I am a still a democracy. And life changes as down, what we often hear is that all member, what did he know during his we move through this 4-year period of roads lead to Freddie and Fannie. That time? We know that he has made state- time. is the government-sponsored entity ments that Freddie Mac was in good But getting back to what I’m here to that was the guarantor of all of these condition, Fannie Mae was in good con- talk about, which is what we’ve been mortgages that are now falling—many dition, when in fact they weren’t in talking about, is accountability and of which are falling into disarray. good condition. ethics. And I want to continue to em- Well, our former colleague, the new What we need to get are answers. phasize that I do this out of no malice Chief of Staff of the President, served What did Members of Congress know toward any of the individuals, and I on the Freddie Mac Board of Directors about these organizations? Did they would hope that all of those issues are during the time that the Freddie Mac contribute or didn’t they contribute to resolved favorably. The reason I would lied about its earnings. It was a leading their failure? The American people hope that is I’m not in the business, as contributor to this current economic know these are ethical questions be- others have been, of burning down this meltdown. cause ethics is an issue of what is House. That’s a slogan that’s been used The Federal Housing Enterprise right, of what is wrong, and we all for years, but nobody ever went that Oversight Agency later singled out stand before the American people. far. That is far enough to where the Freddie Mac, that Board of Directors of None of us are perfect. We don’t pre- American people distrusted the Con- which the current Chief of Staff sits tend to be perfect. But the American gress. Yet, we are sitting still at on. And, again, we are not condemning. people deserve answers because we are around a 20 percent approval rating, We just don’t know. We are asking in a very precarious situation right both sides, the Senate and the House. questions. That is all we are doing. We now and, Judge CARTER, I want to So that means 80 percent of the people are not trying to cast aspersions. thank you for bringing these questions don’t approve of us. But the Federal Housing Enterprise up before the American people It’s because we burn down the Con- Oversight Agency said this; that the Mr. CARTER. I thank the gentlelady. gress. We called each other corrupt. Board of Directors of Freddie Mac, of Reclaiming my time, I want to point I’m a person who believes that every which the current Chief of Staff to the out this is the same Rahm Emanuel person has the right to be heard and President sits on, contributed to the who I think flippantly said, A crisis is every person has the right to a fair de- fraud that took place in 2000 and 2001 a terrible thing to waste. As he added fense. Everyone. And I would hope that for, ‘‘failing in its duty to follow up on all these programs that had been prom- we hear those defenses and see those matters brought to its attention.’’ In ised programs of various sorts into the defenses, because the list goes on and other words, the Board of Directors ig- various spending bills that we had, he on. nored the red flags that we are waving made that statement. John Murtha, with the millions of in their faces. That statement has been quoted on dollars he’s funneling to companies in Later on, the Securities and Ex- multiple occasions in the newspaper. his district, with the explanation that change Commission fined Freddie Mac Probably a flippant statement. But it they create jobs. Yet, those questions $50 million for deliberate fraud for shows the cynicism within which this by Defense Department to see if they those years, 2000, 2001, 2002. whole thing is viewed, and it under- even have a purpose. Hilda Solis, who The Chief of Staff currently for mines the trust that we are supposed to is the Treasurer of the America’s Right President Obama was paid more than have for the people that are in charge. to Work Association, which were fidu- $260,000, again, according to records Mrs. BACHMANN. If the gentleman ciary duties, and she lobbied Congress and, again, this has to be answered, for would yield, I would just add to that. and took direction action. None of the service that he gave while he sat on That statement has been repeated those things would entitle her to be that Board of Directors for Freddie many times, and American people won- holding office. She failed to pay taxes Mac. And after he resigned from that der exactly what that means. But it’s to the IRS for 16 years. Nothing has Board to run for Congress in 2002, not a standalone statement. That was been done about that. Freddie Mac, or the troubled agency’s something that the current Chief of William Jefferson is under indict- PAC, gave the current Chief of Staff of Staff to the President said, but also ment for $90,000 in cash in his freezer. the President, gave his campaign our Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, The cold cash case. I’m sure that’s

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:32 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.075 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H3142 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2009 going to be resolved sometime, now things. But I can tell you, I have en- in here, and that is what I will con- that it is in the court system. And it countered an awful lot of people on tinue to talk about, because I believe goes on and on. both sides of the aisle in this Congress, in our court systems. I believe that our We have Tim Mahoney, who was and the vast majority of these people court systems are good sources of jus- using taxpayer funds to pay extortion are beyond reproach and outstanding tice for the people who use them. And to a former staffer to keep his mistress individuals and great Americans. They every time somebody walks out the a secret from his wife. The voters kept are working long, terrible hours, and door, one party is unhappy. But the him from coming to Congress. Re- wearing out a lot of shoe leather fact is, they resolve the conflict, and cently, Senator BURRIS, who now it’s marching up and down these halls to they do it justly and fairly between the pretty clear that there are accusations subcommittee and committee hearings parties. that he perjured himself when he gave to make sure that the Nation’s busi- I believe we should justly and fairly testimony about the Governor’s cam- ness is done to best of their ability. deal with each other in this Congress, paign funds, and yet no one seems to be And that is why, as someone who be- and I believe that we should justly and wanting to do anything about that. lieves that there is a world of right and fairly respect each other in this Con- This just goes on and on and on. wrong, good and evil, that it isn’t what gress. And I believe that when there are issues which taint the Congress, we b 1645 each person thinks it is, but there is a concept among humanity that says should be willing to demand those And, quite frankly, there is so much certain things are right and certain issues be resolved; and, if they aren’t more to go, I don’t really want to go things are wrong. And you can’t make resolved, we should demand that the into it. I have talked about some of it relative to anything. It is a fact. persons who are not trying to get it re- these things previously. As one who believes that way, I think solved step down from positions of au- And what is the issue that I am try- it is our duty, and, in particular, it is thority that they may hold. ing to bring forth here? The issue that my mission to point these things out Now, that may be harsh, but I believe I am trying to bring forth here is: Gov- and say let’s resolve these issues. And in justice. If you believe in justice, ernment, when you send someone to that is part of my message here, be- right is right and wrong is wrong. And Washington, whether you send them cause I don’t want the vast, vast ma- if there is wrong and it goes unre- 100 miles or 50 miles away from home, jority of the people in this Congress solved, it is bad for the entire Nation or whether you send them 2,000 miles tainted. I don’t care what party they and the world. And for that reason, I away from home, you expect to be able are in, I don’t want them tainting the have been standing before this House to trust those people to do what they whole body politic of the Congress. many days all by myself, kind of the said they would do and to stand for There are just too many good people voice crying in the wilderness. Let’s what they say they stand for. And one here working too hard to do the right get to be a just body again. Let’s get to of the things you want to know is that thing, what they and their constituents be where people look at congressmen these people are trustworthy. perceive to be the right thing. That is and say, I am proud to know that Con- Now, when we have issues like this as it should be. gressman. that are raised without being answered But for us to not address these issues, You know, when I ran for the Con- and we have a body whose job it is to allow them to be swept under the car- gress, I was in College Station, Texas, resolve those issues, the Ethics Com- pet and forgotten, whenever you men- and I ran into three of my colleagues in mittee, and the Ethics Committee is tion something and it just logs a little the judiciary, trial judges, district not doing their job, or if they are we thought pressed in the back of some- judges, in College Station. And they are not seeing the results, then you body’s brain, it is always there until it asked me, why would anybody leave can’t expect people in Wichita, Kansas, is resolved. We need to resolve these the branch of government that gen- or Round Rock, Texas, or San Fran- issues and they need to be resolved erally makes sense to go to the branch cisco, California, to hear these things properly. And if we are going to put of government that never makes sense? and see these things and not wonder, people who have unresolved issues in a And I laughed and I said, well, maybe are those people trustworthy enough to position of authority in this Congress, an old judge can help make some of it be taking care of my business in the I think that brings consequences that make sense. And maybe not. But I also Nation’s capital? And I think many of are grave to the Congress and this Na- at that time thought they thought, and them would then say, if it sticks to tion. as I thought and still think, that the one, it sticks to all; which is basically So, therefore, if people are in a posi- Congress is worthy of respect. the message that was put out by the tion where ethics is questioned, moral- So that we may be a body worthy of Democrats in the last Congress. ity is questioned, it is for the good of respect, I raise these issues. I will con- I don’t agree that if it sticks to one, the Congress that they not serve in tinue to raise these issues until we it sticks to all. I think any time you those positions. It happens to be a Re- have resolved these issues, and hope- gather the amount of people that gath- publican party rule that if someone is fully we can go forward in raising the er in this Congress there are going to indicted, they must step down from the standards for this body so that people be mistakes made. I don’t think you position of leadership. And that actu- look with respect upon the Congress of can get past it. And I think you can ally occurred in the last Congress. the United States of America. take any body of people, even any I happen to be someone who, for 20 I yield back the balance of my time. membership in a church, and you are years, told juries every week: An in- f going to find that there are issues that dictment is nothing but a legal accusa- SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED would cause people to be concerned. tion. It is no proof of guilt, and no as- By unanimous consent, permission to That is not our job. Our job is to make sumption of guilt should be taken by address the House, following the legis- sure that we are the most honest, eth- any member of the jury based upon the lative program and any special orders ical Congress in history, as the Speak- indictment. It is a legal acquisition, a er has challenged us to be. And it is her heretofore entered, was granted to: form by which the State knows what it (The following Members (at the re- job as the Speaker, I think, to promote has to prove and the defense knows quest of Ms. KAPTUR) to revise and ex- going forward on these issues in every what it has to defend. But the Repub- tend their remarks and include extra- way she can to get these matters re- licans decided that was enough to re- neous material:) solved; because until they are resolved, quire someone to step down, which is Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. they deserve to be talked about, and kind of above and beyond the call of Ms. LEE of California, for 5 minutes, when they are talked about they can’t duty; but if that is the standard, it today. help but cause people to be concerned. ought to be the standard for everybody. Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, for 5 I am going to tell you that I have Everyone should choose to adopt the minutes, today. been in Congress now since 2002, and high standards that are set by the Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. prior to that time I served 20 years as highest of standards in this body. Ms. KAPTUR, for 5 minutes, today. a trial judge in Georgetown, Texas, So that is what I have been talking Mr. RYAN of Ohio, for 5 minutes, trying felony cases among other about in these days when I have come today.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:27 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.076 H10MRPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3143 (The following Members (at the re- Homeland Security, transmitting the De- play, San Francisco Bay, CA. [Docket No.: quest of Ms. FOXX) to revise and extend partment’s final rule — Safety Zone; Fort USCG-2008-0194] (RIN: 1625-AA00) received their remarks and include extraneous Lauderdale Super Boat Grand Prix, Atlantic February 26, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- material:) Ocean, Offshore Fort Lauderdale, FL. [USCG-2008-0058] (RIN: 1625-AA00) received tation and Infrastructure. Mr. POE of Texas, for 5 minutes, February 26, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 821. A letter from the Chief, Regulations March 17. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- and Administrative Law, Department of Mr. PAUL, for 5 minutes, today, tation and Infrastructure. Homeland Security, transmitting the De- March 11 and 12. 812. A letter from the Chief, Regulations partment’s final rule — Safety Zone; Na- Mr. JONES, for 5 minutes, March 17. and Administrative Law, Department of tional Fish and Wildlife Foundation Benefit Fireworks Display, San Francisco Bay, CA. Mr. GOODLATTE, for 5 minutes, March Homeland Security, transmitting the De- [Docket No.: USCG-2008-0195] (RIN: 1625- 11. partment’s final rule — Safety Zone; Provi- sion Fireworks Display [Docket No. USCG- AA00) received February 26, 2009, pursuant to Mr. FLAKE, for 5 minutes, today. 2008-0023] (RIN: 1625-AA00) received February 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on (The following Member (at his re- 26, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to Transportation and Infrastructure. quest) to revise and extend his remarks the Committee on Transportation and Infra- 822. A letter from the Chief, Regulations and include extraneous material:) structure. and Administrative Law, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the De- Mr. CUMMINGS, for 5 minutes, today. 813. A letter from the Chief, Regulations and Administrative Law, Department of partment’s final rule — Security Zone; f Homeland Security, transmitting the De- Olympic Torch Ceremony, San Francisco partment’s final rule — Safety Zone, Old Bay, CA [Docket No.: USCG-2008-0262] (RIN: SENATE CONCURRENT 1625-AA00) received February 26, 2009, pursu- RESOLUTIONS REFERRED Tampa Bay, FL. [Docket No. USCG 2008-0024] (RIN: 1625-AA00) received February 26, 2009, ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee Concurrent Resolutions of the Senate pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- on Transportation and Infrastructure. of the following titles were taken from mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- 823. A letter from the Chief, Regulations ture. and Administrative Law, Department of the Speaker’s table and, under the rule, Homeland Security, transmitting the De- referred as follows: 814. A letter from the Chief, Regulations and Administrative Law, Department of partment’s final rule — Saftey Zone; KFOG S. Con. Res. 4. Concurrent resolution call- Homeland Security, transmitting the De- Kaboom Fireworks Display, San Francisco, ing on the President and the allies of the partment’s final rule — Safety Zone; CA. [Docket No.: USCG-2008-0261] (RIN: 1625- United States to raise the case of Robert Haulover Cut, St. Thomas, USVI [Docket No. AA00) received February 26, 2009, pursuant to Levinson with officials of the Government of USCG-2007-0174] (RIN: 1625-AA00) received 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Iran at every level and opportunity, and urg- February 26, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Transportation and Infrastructure. 824. A letter from the Chief, Regulations ing officials of the Government of Iran to 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- and Administrative Law, Department of fulfill their promises of assistance to the tation and Infrastructure. Homeland Security, transmitting the De- family of Robert Levinson and to share in- 815. A letter from the Chief, Regulations partment’s final rule — Safety Zone; San formation on the investigation into the dis- and Administrative Law, Department of Francisco Giants Fireworks Display, San appearance of Robert Levinson with the Fed- Homeland Security, transmitting the De- Francisco Bay, CA [Docket No.: USCG-2008- eral Bureau of Investigation; to the Com- partment’s final rule — Safety Zone: Thames 0260] (RIN: 1625-AA00) received February 26, mittee on Foreign Affairs. River Channel, New London, Connecticut 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the S. Con Res. 10. Concurrent resolution con- [Docket No. USCG-2008-0004] (RIN: 1625-AA00) Committee on Transportation and Infra- gratulating the Sailors of the United States received February 26, 2009, pursuant to 5 Submarine Force upon the completion of structure. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on 825. A letter from the Chief, Regulations 1,000 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine Transportation and Infrastructure. and Administrative Law, Department of (SSBN) deterrent patrols; to the Committee 816. A letter from the Chief, Regulations Homeland Security, transmitting the De- on Armed Services. and Administrative Law, Department of partment’s final rule — Safety Zone; Boat f Homeland Security, transmitting the De- Fire Miami Beach Marina Salvage Oper- partment’s final rule — Temporary Safety ations [Docket No. USCG-2008-0257] (RIN: ADJOURNMENT Zone; Columbia River, all water within 200 1625-AA00) received February 26, 2009, pursu- yards radius around the Ship ZHEN HUA 17. ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, I move [USCG-2008-0139] (RIN: 1625-AA00) received that the House do now adjourn. on Transportation and Infrastructure. February 26, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 826. A letter from the Director, National The motion was agreed to; accord- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- Legislative Commission, American Legion, ingly (at 4 o’clock and 53 minutes tation and Infrastructure. transmitting the financial statement and p.m.), the House adjourned until to- 817. A letter from the Chief, Regulations independent audit of The American Legion, morrow, Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at and Administrative Law, Department of proceedings of the 90th annual National Con- 10 a.m. Homeland Security, transmitting the De- vention of the American Legion, held in partment’s final rule — Temporary Safety Phoenix, Arizona from August 22-28, 2008 and f Zone; M/V Magdelana, Columbia River bank a report on the Organization’s activities for to bank from River Mile 75 to River Mile 77. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, the year preceding the Convention, pursuant [USCG-2008-0144] (RIN: 1625-AA00) received to 36 U.S.C. 49; (H. Doc. No. 111–23); to the ETC. February 26, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and ordered Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- to be printed. communications were taken from the tation and Infrastructure. 818. A letter from the Chief, Regulations f Speaker’s table and referred as follows: and Administrative Law, Department of REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON 809. A letter from the Chief, Regulations Homeland Security, transmitting the De- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS and Administrative Law, Department of partment’s final rule — Safety Zone: Lang- Homeland Security, transmitting the De- ley Air Force Base Air Show. Willoughby Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of partment’s final rule — Safety Zone; Wom- Point, Hampton, VA. [Docket No.: USCG- committees were delivered to the Clerk en’s Final Four Fireworks Display, Ybor 2008-0159] (RIN: 1625-AA00) received February for printing and reference to the proper Turning Basin, Tampa Bay, Florida. [Docket 26, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to calendar, as follows: No. USCG-2008-0095] (RIN: 1625-AA00) re- the Committee on Transportation and Infra- Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- ceived February 26, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. structure. tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 813. A bill to 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- 819. A letter from the Chief, Regulations designate the Federal building and United tation and Infrastructure. and Administrative Law, Department of States courthouse located at 306 East Main 810. A letter from the Chief, Regulations Homeland Security, transmitting the De- Street in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as and Administrative Law, Department of partment’s final rule — Safety Zone; Red the ‘‘J. Herbert W. Small Federal Building Homeland Security, transmitting the De- Bull Air Race; San Diego Bay, CA [Docket and United States Courthouse’’ (Rept. 111– partment’s final rule — Safety Zone; Bay No.: USCG-2008-0162] (RIN: 1625-AA00) re- 27). Referred to the House Calendar. Area Destination Fireworks Display Seddon ceived February 26, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- Channel, Tampa Bay, Florida [Docket No. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 837. A bill to USCG-2008-0089] (RIN: 1625-AA00) received tation and Infrastructure. designate the Federal building located at 799 February 26, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 820. A letter from the Chief, Regulations United Nations Plaza in New York, New 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- and Administrative Law, Department of York, as the ‘‘Ronald H. Brown United tation and Infrastructure. Homeland Security, transmitting the De- States Mission to the United Nations Build- 811. A letter from the Chief, Regulations partment’s final rule — Safety Zone; Island ing’’ (Rept. 111–28). Referred to the House and Administrative Law, Department of Creative Management, LLC Fireworks Dis- Calendar.

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Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- By Mr. DOGGETT (for himself, Mr. Indiana, Mr. ADLER of New Jersey, tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 842. A bill to LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida, Mr. Mr. MEEK of Florida, Ms. KILROY, Mr. designate the United States Courthouse to ARCURI, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. KENNEDY, RYAN of Ohio, Mr. MASSA, Mr. FOS- be constructed in Jackson, Mississippi, as Mr. LANGEVIN, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. TER, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. ORTIZ, Ms. ROY- the ‘‘R. Jess Brown United States Court- SNYDER, and Mr. SOUDER): BAL-ALLARD, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mr. house’’ (Rept. 111–29). Referred to the House H.R. 1407. A bill to amend title XVIII of the RUSH, Mr. HODES, Mr. CLYBURN, Mr. Calendar. Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing BOSWELL, Mr. MOLLOHAN, Mr. Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- under part D of such title for certain non-in- MICHAUD, Mr. KISSELL, Mr. PASCRELL, tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 869. A bill to stitutionalized full-benefit dual eligible indi- Mr. MELANCON, Mr. BECERRA, Mr. designate the Federal building and United viduals; to the Committee on Energy and DELAHUNT, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, States courthouse located at 101 Barr Street Commerce, and in addition to the Committee Mr. INSLEE, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. in Lexington, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Scott Reed on Ways and Means, for a period to be subse- BOCCIERI, Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. Federal Building and United States Court- quently determined by the Speaker, in each DRIEHAUS, Mr. HONDA, Mr. CLAY, Mr. house’’ (Rept. 111–30). Referred to the House case for consideration of such provisions as OBERSTAR, Mr. TONKO, Ms. WATERS, fall within the jurisdiction of the committee Calendar. Mr. SCHAUER, Mr. VISCLOSKY, Mr. concerned. Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- MILLER of North Carolina, Mr. RAN- By Ms. SCHAKOWSKY (for herself, Mr. tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 887. A bill to GEL, Mr. SPACE, Mr. LUJAN, Mr. FARR, Mr. MCGOVERN, Ms. BORDALLO, designate the United States courthouse lo- CROWLEY, Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Mr. GUTIERREZ, and Mr. KIRK): cated at 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, Mr. STARK, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of H.R. 1408. A bill to require all newly con- Iowa, as the ‘‘James A. Leach United States Texas, Ms. SCHWARTZ, Mr. BACA, Mr. Courthouse’’ (Rept. 111–31). Referred to the structed, federally assisted, single-family houses and town houses to meet minimum PASTOR of Arizona, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. House Calendar. HOYER, Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- standards of visitability for persons with disabilities; to the Committee on Financial Ms. WATSON, Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of tation and Infrastructure. House Concurrent California, Mr. PRICE of North Caro- Resolution 37. Resolution authorizing the Services. By Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California lina, Mr. SIRES, Mr. SMITH of New use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater (for himself, Mr. SCOTT of Georgia, Jersey, Mr. LARSEN of Washington, Washington Soap Box Derby (Rept. 111–32). Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mr. Ms. FUDGE, Mr. MEEKS of New York, Referred to the House Calendar. Ms. NORTON, Mr. THOMPSON of Mis- Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- DOYLE, Mr. KILDEE, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. WALZ, Ms. LEE of California, Ms. sissippi, Mr. BAIRD, Ms. KOSMAS, Mr. tation and Infrastructure. House Concurrent DICKS, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. Resolution 38. Resolution authorizing the SCHAKOWSKY, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California, Ms. HEINRICH, Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. use of the Capitol Grounds for the National DELAURO, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. TEAGUE, Mr. MURTHA, Ms. HARMAN, Peace Officers’ Memorial Service (Rept. 111– DOGGETT, Mr. FILNER, Mr. PATRICK J. Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. 33). Referred to the House Calendar. REYES, Mr. HIMES, Mr. OBEY, Mr. Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- MURPHY of Pennsylvania, Mr. BOUCHER, Mr. KANJORSKI, Mr. tation and Infrastructure. House Concurrent GRIJALVA, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Ms. WOOL- HOLDEN, Mr. SALAZAR, Mr. ARCURI, Resolution 39. Resolution authorizing the SEY, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. Mrs. DAHLKEMPER, Mr. SKELTON, Mr. use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of YARMUTH, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. MARKEY ALTMIRE, Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia, Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforce- of Massachusetts, Mr. HARE, Mr. Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. RODRIGUEZ, Mr. ment Torch Run (Rept. 111–34). Referred to LEVIN, Mr. SARBANES, Mr. BRALEY of MORAN of Virginia, Mr. KAGEN, Ms. the House Calendar. Iowa, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. MARKEY of Colorado, Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. MCGOVERN: Committee on Rules. MCGOVERN, Ms. EDWARDS of Mary- Mr. PIERLUISI, Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN, House Resolution 229. Resolution waiving a land, Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Mr. JOHNSON Ms. SPEIER, Mr. THOMPSON of Cali- requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with of Georgia, Mr. HOLT, Mrs. MALONEY, fornia, Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana, Mr. respect to consideration of certain resolu- Mr. NADLER of New York, Mr. WATT, Mr. SABLAN, Mr. SESTAK, Ms. tions reported from the Committee on Rules, CAPUANO, Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. BERKLEY, Mr. DAVIS of Alabama, Mr. and for other purposes (Rept. 111–35). Re- BLUMENAUER, Mr. SMITH of Wash- FALEOMAVAEGA, Mr. POLIS, Mr. ferred to the House Calendar. ington, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Ms. RICHARDSON, Mr. PERLMUTTER, Mr. COSTA, and Ms. f MCNERNEY, Mr. SCHIFF, Mrs. LOWEY, TITUS): PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Mr. OLVER, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of Cali- H.R. 1409. A bill to amend the National fornia, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. ENGEL, Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient Under clause 2 of rule XII, public Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. WILSON of system to enable employees to form, join, or bills and resolutions of the following Ohio, Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. WELCH, Mr. assist labor organizations, to provide for titles were introduced and severally re- AL GREEN of Texas, Mr. HINOJOSA, mandatory injunctions for unfair labor prac- ferred, as follows: Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, Mr. tices during organizing efforts, and for other By Mr. RAHALL (for himself, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. purposes; to the Committee on Education GRIJALVA, Mr. DICKS, Mr. SIMPSON, CLARKE, Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. CUMMINGS, and Labor. C and Mr. WALDEN): Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. By Ms. M COLLUM (for herself, Mr. H.R. 1404. A bill to authorize a supple- FARR, Ms. PINGREE of Maine, Ms. REICHERT, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. PAYNE, mental funding source for catastrophic CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Mr. BER- Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. emergency wildland fire suppression activi- MAN, Mr. PETERS, Mr. ANDREWS, Ms. MOORE of Kansas, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. ties on Department of the Interior and Na- SHEA-PORTER, Mr. CARNAHAN, Mr. MOORE of Wisconsin, Ms. JACKSON- tional Forest System lands, to require the WU, Mrs. DAVIS of California, Mr. LEE of Texas, Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary SCOTT of Virginia, Ms. CASTOR of MCDERMOTT, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. of Agriculture to develop a cohesive wildland Florida, Mr. SERRANO, Mrs. WALZ, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Ms. fire management strategy, and for other pur- HALVORSON, Mr. MURPHY of Con- WATSON, Ms. WOOLSEY, Ms. DELAURO, poses; to the Committee on Natural Re- necticut, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. MOORE of Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, sources, and in addition to the Committees Kansas, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. WEINER, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Ms. LEE of on Agriculture, and the Budget, for a period Ms. TSONGAS, Mr. BISHOP of New California, Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. MUR- to be subsequently determined by the Speak- York, Mr. KIND, Mr. PETERSON, Mr. PHY of Connecticut, Mrs. er, in each case for consideration of such pro- LIPINSKI, Mr. MAFFEI, Mr. DEFAZIO, CHRISTENSEN, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE visions as fall within the jurisdiction of the Mr. WEXLER, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. DIN- JOHNSON of Texas, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. committee concerned. GELL, Mr. MCMAHON, Mr. SCHRADER, SERRANO, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. FIL- By Mr. WILSON of Ohio: Mr. STUPAK, Mr. GENE GREEN of NER, Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. H.R. 1405. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Texas, Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. CARDOZA, HONDA, Mr. OLVER, Mr. SNYDER, Mr. enue Code of 1986 to allow Head Start teach- Mr. HALL of New York, Ms. SLAUGH- SHIMKUS, Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, and ers the same above-the-line deduction for TER, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. FRANK of Mas- Mrs. MALONEY): supplies as is allowed to elementary and sec- sachusetts, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. H.R. 1410. A bill to provide assistance to ondary school teachers; to the Committee on RUPPERSBERGER, Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. improve the health of newborns, children, Ways and Means. HINCHEY, Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jer- and mothers in developing countries, and for By Mr. KIRK: sey, Mr. GRAYSON, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign H.R. 1406. A bill to direct the Securities JACKSON of Illinois, Ms. BEAN, Mr. Affairs. and Exchange Commission to reinstate the NEAL of Massachusetts, Mrs. By Mr. MCDERMOTT: ‘‘uptick rule’’ on short sales of securities and TAUSCHER, Mr. WAXMAN, Ms. KIL- H.R. 1411. A bill to amend the Public to suspend the application of mark-to-mar- PATRICK of Michigan, Mr. HASTINGS of Health Service Act to establish a Primary ket accounting principles; to the Committee Florida, Ms. KAPTUR, Ms. EDDIE BER- and Public Health Scholarship Program; to on Financial Services. NICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. CARSON of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

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By Mr. COHEN (for himself, Mr. CON- HARPER, Mr. ROONEY, Mr. COBLE, Mr. H. Res. 233. A resolution recognizing the YERS, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Ms. FORBES, Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of thousands of Freemasons in every State in FUDGE, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. NORTON, Mr. Florida, and Mr. CARDOZA): the Nation and honoring them for their DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. H.R. 1422. A bill to reauthorize through many contributions to the Nation through- CLARKE, Mr. HINCHEY, and Mr. 2014 certain programs under the Adam Walsh out its history; to the Committee on Over- GUTIERREZ): Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006; to sight and Government Reform. H.R. 1412. A bill to increase public con- the Committee on the Judiciary. By Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- fidence in the justice system and address any By Mr. STARK (for himself and Mr. fornia (for herself, Mr. BISHOP of New unwarranted racial and ethnic disparities in RYAN of Wisconsin): York, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. BRADY of the criminal process; to the Committee on H.R. 1423. A bill to restore and make per- Pennsylvania, Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. the Judiciary. manent the exclusion from gross income for HARE, Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. By Mr. CROWLEY (for himself and Mr. amounts received under qualified group legal HOLDEN, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON MCHUGH): services plans and to increase the maximum of Texas, Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. LUJAN, H.R. 1413. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- amount of the exclusion; to the Committee Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mrs. MILLER of enue Code of 1986 to allow certain public em- on Ways and Means. Michigan, Mr. ROSS, Mr. SARBANES, ployees a deduction for distributions from By Mr. STUPAK: Mr. SCALISE, Mr. STUPAK, Mr. governmental plans for health and long-term H.R. 1424. A bill to name the front circle SHULER, Mr. WALZ, Mr. FILNER, Mr. care insurance, and for other purposes; to drive in front of the Oscar G. Johnson De- ROHRABACHER, Mr. RODRIGUEZ, Ms. the Committee on Ways and Means. partment of Veterans Affairs Medical Facil- EDWARDS of Maryland, Mr. GONZALEZ, By Ms. FOXX (for herself, Mr. JONES, ity in Iron Mountain, Michigan, as ‘‘Ser- Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. DAVIS of Ten- Mr. PAUL, Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. geant First Class James D. Priestap Drive’’; nessee, Mr. CHANDLER, Mr. INSLEE, AKIN, and Mr. BILBRAY): to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Mr. CAPUANO, and Mr. CARNAHAN): H.R. 1414. A bill to amend title 31, United By Mr. WEXLER (for himself, Ms. H. Res. 234. A resolution expressing support States Code, to end speculation on the cur- BORDALLO, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. HOLT, for designation of a ‘‘Welcome Home Viet- rent cost of multilingual services provided Mr. HONDA, Mr. KIRK, Mr. ROTHMAN nam Veterans Day’’; to the Committee on by the Government, and for other purposes; of New Jersey, Mr. SIRES, Mr. BOS- Veterans’ Affairs. to the Committee on Oversight and Govern- WELL, Mr. GUTIERREZ, and Mr. f ment Reform. MCMAHON): By Mr. GORDON of Tennessee: H.R. 1425. A bill to establish commissions ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 1415. A bill to provide for a dem- to review the facts and circumstances sur- Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors onstration project regarding Medicaid reim- rounding injustices suffered by European bursements for stabilization of emergency Americans, European Latin Americans, and were added to public bills and resolu- medical conditions by non-publicly owned or Jewish refugees during World War II; to the tions as follows: operated institutions for mental diseases; to Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition H.R. 13: Mr. PIERLUISI and Mr. SABLAN. the Committee on Energy and Commerce. to the Committee on Appropriations, for a H.R. 19: Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. ´ By Mr. LOBIONDO (for himself, Mr. period to be subsequently determined by the H.R. 22: Ms. VELAZQUEZ, Mr. BAIRD, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, and Mr. AN- Speaker, in each case for consideration of BOUSTANY, Mr. DENT, Ms. TITUS, Mr. ALEX- DREWS): such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- ANDER, Ms. BERKLEY, Ms. HARMAN, Mr. H.R. 1416. A bill to direct the Secretary of tion of the committee concerned. LANCE, and Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsyl- Veterans Affairs to expand the capability of By Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN (for himself, vania. the Department of Veterans Affairs to pro- Mr. BOEHNER, Mr. MCKEON, Mr. ISSA, H.R. 24: Mr. DREIER, Mr. REHBERG, Mr. vide for the medical-care needs of veterans Mr. LATHAM, Mr. CRENSHAW, Mr. MURTHA, Mr. WALZ, Mr. CONAWAY, Mr. KING- in southern New Jersey; to the Committee MICA, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. STON, Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts, Mr. on Veterans’ Affairs. CHAFFETZ, Mr. GARRETT of New Jer- PLATTS, Mr. DINGELL, Mr. THORNBERRY, Mr. By Mr. MATHESON: sey, Mr. EHLERS, Mr. RADANOVICH, CONYERS, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. H.R. 1417. A bill to protect public health Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. BONNER, and Ms. SHEA-POR- and safety, should the testing of nuclear PETRI, Mr. TIBERI, Ms. FOXX, and Mr. TER. H.R. 52: Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia and Ms. weapons by the United States be resumed; to MANZULLO): the Committee on Armed Services, and in H. Con. Res. 70. Concurrent resolution ex- WOOLSEY. addition to the Committees on Energy and pressing support for the District of Columbia H.R. 98: Mrs. CAPITO. H.R. 111: Mr. LANCE, Mr. MURTHA, and Mr. Commerce, and Natural Resources, for a pe- school scholarship program; to the Com- PAYNE. riod to be subsequently determined by the mittee on Oversight and Government Re- H.R. 154: Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Speaker, in each case for consideration of form. H.R. 159: Mr. LOEBSACK and Mr. LANCE. such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- By Mr. FLAKE: H.R. 179: Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. tion of the committee concerned. H. Res. 228. A resolution raising a question H.R. 197: Mr. BARTON of Texas, Mr. CARNEY, By Mr. MEEKS of New York: of the privileges of the House. Mr. PUTNAM, Mr. HALL of Texas, and Mr. H.R. 1418. A bill to eliminate the exemp- By Mr. BACA (for himself, Mr. MORAN POSEY. tion from State regulation for certain securi- of Virginia, Mr. HONDA, Ms. H.R. 265: Mr. BISHOP of Utah. ties designated by national securities ex- VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mr. PIERLUISI, Mr. H.R. 269: Mr. WU. changes; to the Committee on Financial CUELLAR, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Mr. H.R. 272: Mr. MINNICK and Mr. BRADY of Services. BECERRA, Mr. SABLAN, Mr. GRIJALVA, Pennsylvania. By Mr. PAUL (for himself and Mr. Mr. RODRIGUEZ, and Mr. COSTA): H.R. 303: Mr. SCOTT of Georgia and Mr. JONES): H. Res. 230. A resolution recognizing the KLINE of Minnesota. H.R. 1419. A bill to sunset Federal laws and historical significance of the Mexican holi- H.R. 333: Mr. INSLEE and Mr. TEAGUE. regulations which treat the American people day of Cinco de Mayo; to the Committee on H.R. 422: Mr. MEEKS of New York. like children by denying them the oppor- Foreign Affairs. H.R. 426: Mr. TONKO and Mr. MASSA. tunity to make their own decision regarding By Mrs. CAPPS (for herself, Mrs. H.R. 444: Mr. MICHAUD. H.R. 503: Mr. STARK. control of their bank accounts and what type MCMORRIS RODGERS, Mr. REICHERT, H.R. 510: Mr. MINNICK, Mr. WELCH, and Mr. of information they wish to receive from and Mr. HASTINGS of Washington): CARNEY. their banks, and for other purposes; to the H. Res. 231. A resolution supporting the H.R. 574: Mr. SARBANES, Mr. STEARNS, Mr. Committee on Financial Services. goals and ideals of ‘‘Deep Vein Thrombosis SCHAUER, Mr. GERLACH, Mr. TERRY, Mr. By Mr. PAUL (for himself, Mr. BURTON Awareness Month’’ and ‘‘National DVT ABERCROMBIE, Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. KIRK, Mr. of Indiana, Mr. JONES, and Mr. BART- Screening Day’’ and supporting efforts to HALL of Texas, Mr. BROWN of South Carolina, LETT): educate the public about deep vein throm- and Mr. DENT. H.R. 1420. A bill to amend title 5, United bosis, in memory of former Representative H.R. 578: Mr. KUCINICH. States Code, to provide for the establishment Jennifer Dunn; to the Committee on Energy H.R. 606: Mr. MORAN of Virginia. of a precious metals investment option in and Commerce. H.R. 610: Mr. BARROW and Mr. LANGEVIN. the Thrift Savings Fund; to the Committee By Mr. GRAVES: H.R. 613: Mr. WITTMAN, Ms. FOXX, Ms. on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Res. 232. A resolution recognizing and GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida, Mr. By Mr. SHUSTER: commending the Toys for Tots Literacy Pro- MCMAHON, Mr. FORBES, Mr. COBLE, Mr. H.R. 1421. A bill to amend title XIX of the gram for its contributions in raising aware- TEAGUE, Mr. TIAHRT, Mr. MINNICK, and Mr. Social Security Act to provide Medicaid cov- ness of illiteracy, promoting children’s lit- HODES. erage of drugs prescribed for certain research eracy, and fighting poverty through the sup- H.R. 618: Mr. COURTNEY. study child participants; to the Committee port of literacy; to the Committee on Edu- H.R. 626: Mr. LATOURETTE. on Energy and Commerce. cation and Labor. H.R. 627: Mr. SCHAUER, Ms. NORTON, Mr. LI- By Mr. SMITH of Texas (for himself, By Mr. LATTA (for himself, Mr. HALL PINSKI, Mr. MAFFEI, Mr. KRATOVIL, Ms. PIN- Mr. POE of Texas, Mr. GALLEGLY, Mr. of Texas, Mr. TERRY, and Mr. SKEL- GREE of Maine, Mr. DELAHUNT, and Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. TON): BLUMENAUER.

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H.R. 664: Mr. GALLEGLY. H.R. 1207: Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. PRICE of H. Res. 171: Mr. BOOZMAN, Ms. JACKSON-LEE H.R. 669: Mr. COHEN. Georgia, Mr. PETRI, and Ms. FOXX. of Texas, Mr. COSTA, Mr. OLVER, Ms. H.R. 847: Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut, Mr. H.R. 1211: Mr. PETERSON. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. CHANDLER, and Mr. COHEN. HOLT, and Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. H.R. 1240: Mr. COLE, Ms. TITUS, Mr. FRANK H. Res. 174: Mr. LEVIN. H.R. 848: Mr. HOLT, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE of Massachusetts, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA, and JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jer- Mr. PERLMUTTER. H. Res. 175: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska and Mr. sey, Ms. CLARKE, Ms. NORTON, and Mr. H.R. 1242: Mr. TURNER. MARSHALL. ISRAEL. H.R. 1245: Mr. ROONEY. H.R. 855: Mr. VAN HOLLEN. H. Res. 178: Mr. OLSON. H.R. 1256: Mr. MEEKS of New York, Mr. H.R. 872: Mr. BOSWELL. H. Res. 182: Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan, LANCE, Mr. ROSS, Mr. FRANK of Massachu- H.R. 873: Mr. DINGELL and Ms. HARMAN. Mr. POLIS, and Mr. EHLERS. H.R. 875: Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. setts, Mr. CLEAVER, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of Cali- H.R. 877: Mr. BOEHNER and Mr. PENCE. fornia, Mr. POLIS, Mr. ARCURI, Mr. KENNEDY, H. Res. 209: Ms. TITUS. H.R. 878: Mr. MCCOTTER. Mr. COSTA, Mr. TIBERI, Mr. HARE, Mrs. H. Res. 211: Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, H.R. 919: Mr. BURGESS. TAUSCHER, Mr. HONDA, Ms. GIFFORDS, Ms. Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. MCNERNEY, Mrs. H.R. 930: Mr. COOPER. SHEA-PORTER, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, and BIGGERT, Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN, Mr. NADLER H.R. 939: Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. MARSHALL. H.R. 980: Ms. WATSON. of New York, and Mr. KENNEDY. H.R. 1264: Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. H.R. 983: Mr. COLE. H.R. 1276: Mr. COSTA. H. Res. 223: Mr. SHUSTER, Mr. LUCAS, Mr. H.R. 997: Mr. OLSON. BISHOP of New York, Ms. GIFFORDS, Mr. H.R. 1023: Mr. COLE, Mr. BARTLETT, and Mr. H.R. 1285: Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. CONAWAY, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. MACK, Mrs. MCCLINTOCK. H.R. 1289: Mr. ELLSWORTH and Mr. KING of H.R. 1054: Mr. BROUN of Georgia. New York. BONO MACK, Mr. KIND, Mr. MCCARTHY of Cali- H.R. 1058: Mr. GOODLATTE. H.R. 1293: Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. fornia, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. CALVERT, H.R. 1103: Mr. WESTMORELAND. H.R. 1317: Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Penn- Mr. WESTMORELAND, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. LEE H.R. 1135: Mr. LATTA. sylvania, Mrs. MYRICK, and Mr. SIMPSON. of New York, Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. CRENSHAW, H.R. 1147: Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. OLVER, Mr. H.R. 1319: Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. NUNES, Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN, Mr. ALEX- SERRANO, Mr. FARR, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. MASSA, H.R. 1326: Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. GEORGE ANDER, Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky, Mr. PAUL, and Mr. CLEAVER. MILLER of California, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, H.R. 1151: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. GRIJALVA, and Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. COLE, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. H.R. 1152: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. H.R. 1337: Mr. STARK. TIAHRT, Mr. HALL of Texas, Mr. LANCE, Mr. H.R. 1153: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. H.J. Res. 18: Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. ELLISON, POE of Texas, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. MILLER of H.R. 1154: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. H.R. 1167: Mr. MCMAHON, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. HODES, and Mr. COHEN. Florida, Mr. GINGREY of Georgia, Mr. and Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. H. Con. Res. 36: Mr. KING of New York. MCHENRY, Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. BUYER, Mr. ROO- H.R. 1190: Mr. GOODLATTE and Mr. H. Con. Res. 50: Mr. BRADY of Pennsyl- NEY, Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin, Mr. PETRI, Mr. SCHRADER. vania. CAMPBELL, Mr. HOLT, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. H.R. 1204: Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. H. Con. Res. 55: Mr. SHULER, Mr. ROSKAM, BRADY of Texas, Mr. KLEIN of Florida, Mr. H.R. 1205: Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey, Mr. KLINE of Minnesota, Mrs. BACHMANN, and MCCAUL, Mr. LATHAM, Mr. PENCE, Mr. Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. HOLT, Mr. HARE, and Ms. Mr. ACKERMAN. BONNER, Mr. REHBERG, Mr. BOUSTANY, and NORTON. H. Res. 81: Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Mr. LAMBORN.

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Vol. 155 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2009 No. 42 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was appoint the Honorable JEANNE SHAHEEN, a OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS called to order by the Honorable Senator from the State of New Hampshire, Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, JEANNE SHAHEEN, a Senator from the to perform the duties of the Chair. the bill the Senate will vote on later State of New Hampshire. ROBERT C. BYRD, President pro tempore. today represents a missed opportunity. PRAYER Mrs. SHAHEEN thereupon assumed In the midst of a serious economic The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- the chair as Acting President pro tem- downturn, the Senate had a chance to fered the following prayer: pore. show it could impose the same kind of restraint on itself that millions of Let us pray. f Almighty God, eternal and unchange- Americans are being forced to impose able, shine Your light upon our path as RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY on themselves at the moment. The bill we work today. Lord, You have led LEADER costs far too much for a government America through troubled times in the that should be watching every dime. If The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- past. Be now to our lawmakers a the President is looking for a first bill pore. The majority leader is recog- source of life, light, and wisdom. Give to veto, this is it. nized. them the wisdom to follow Your light The original version of the bill and to trust You, finding their strength f showed no recognition whatsoever of in Your presence. Teach them what the current economic climate. With they should think and do, so they will SCHEDULE the stock market plunging, unemploy- not stumble along the way. Replace Mr. REID. Madam President, fol- ment at a 25-year high, and millions fear with faith in You and one another, lowing leader remarks, the Senate will struggling to pay their mortgages, the as You remove from their lives the resume consideration of H.R. 1105, the bill sent over from the House included things that thwart the doing of Your appropriations bill. The Senate will re- an across-the-board 8-percent increase will. cess from 12:30 until 2:15 to allow for in spending over last year. That is And, Lord, bless today our military the weekly caucus luncheons. All the twice the rate of inflation. men and women in harm’s way. Protect amendments are before the Senate. We Republicans in the Senate tried to them from danger and sustain their have seven of them. It is expected that cut the bill’s cost. Our ideas would loved ones. probably five of them will require have saved billions of taxpayer dollars. We pray in Your holy Name. Amen. votes. So I hope Senators would come Unfortunately, every single effort was f and debate their amendments. We have turned aside. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE a number of Democrats who are want- The senior Senator from Arizona pro- ing to speak in opposition to the posed an amendment that would have The Honorable JEANNE SHAHEEN led amendments. the Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: held spending in the omnibus at last I will be discussing a time to begin year’s level. The senior Senator from I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the voting with the distinguished Repub- United States of America, and to the Repub- Texas offered an amendment that lic for which it stands, one nation under God, lican leader. What we are going to do is would have cut spending on the 122 pro- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. have stacked votes, and finish the grams that were already funded in the votes once we start them. I hope we f stimulus bill—the so-called double dip- can do that sometime late afternoon. I ping that many of us warned would APPOINTMENT OF ACTING do not think there are any events take place if Congress moved the stim- PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE going on off the Hill that would pre- ulus before the omnibus. Remarkably, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The vent us from doing that. But I will be even that was too much for some. The clerk will please read a communication working with Senator MCCONNELL to junior Senator from Oklahoma pro- to the Senate from the President pro see what we can do in arranging an ap- posed an amendment that would have tempore (Mr. BYRD). propriate time to start the votes. cut projects that benefited a lobbying The legislative clerk read the fol- f firm under Federal investigation. That lowing letter: too was rejected. U.S. SENATE, RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY These Republican ideas were sensible, PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, LEADER commonsense ways to cut spending. Washington, DC, March 10, 2009. To the Senate: The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Unfortunately, the majority did not Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, pore. The Republican leader is recog- like any of them. This would have been of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby nized. irresponsible in good economic times.

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

S2919

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.000 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2920 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 At this moment, this total unwilling- not matter what it is, they are oppos- these Government agencies that had ness to cut a single dollar from this bill ing it. And I think that is basically been, over the Bush years, so under- is simply indefensible. what we have here today with Senator funded, underresourced that we had— Just as troubling as the lack of re- MCCONNELL. I mean, I cannot imagine because of the 8 years of neglect—to in- straint is a provision to literally shut how he could stand before this body, crease spending for these Government down the DC Opportunity Scholarship after having talked favorably of this agencies so they can do their job. I met Program which helped 1,700 students in bill in the past—and his statements yesterday with new Secretary of the the District of Columbia attend private have been read in the RECORD on pre- Interior Ken Salazar. He is lamenting schools last year at a fraction of what vious occasions about how much he be- how the parks in our country are in the city spends per pupil on public edu- lieved in this omnibus bill. In fact, he such bad shape, terrible shape. The cation. This program is clearly—clear- said—and I am paraphrasing—that Mall out here, because the Republicans ly—popular among parents, since the there had been input by Democrats and complained about the money for the city receives four applications for Republicans, it had been fully vetted. Mall—there was a major feature on all every available slot. Yet our friends on But suddenly—using the David Brooks public radio stations yesterday about the other side will reject an amend- theory of Government—they are op- the Mall, what terrible shape this Mall ment to preserve it. posed to everything. is in. It is used. It is an American land- On this issue, it is incredibly difficult It is not helping the Republicans mark. But they do not want money to see how the majority can match around this country. You have to be in spent on that. their rhetoric with their actions. It favor of something. And for my friend, When I read David Brooks this morn- should be unthinkable to terminate a the senior Senator from Kentucky, to ing, I thought: Gee whiz, he has an un- program aimed at giving inner-city stand before this body and lament the derstanding of what is wrong with the students the same educational opportu- deficits—‘‘this spending that has to Republican Party. And no one more nities that middle-class or affluent stu- stop’’—where were they during the 8 than a Republican can probably say it dents enjoy. years of the red ink of George Bush? as strongly as he did. David Brooks—I Republicans tried to improve the om- The biggest deficits in the history of have told him how on a number of oc- this country are all held by George nibus with commonsense proposals casions I disagree with his end line, but Bush: the unending spending on the that Americans support. The junior his reasoning is always brilliant, as it Iraq war, not putting that in the budg- Senator from Arizona proposed an was today. et in an effort to hide it from the amendment that would have required f the Secretary of State to certify that American people—how much it cost— none of the funds made available for re- the tax cuts that were never big RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME construction efforts in Gaza are di- enough for the Republicans that ran us The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- verted either to Hamas or to entities into this deep hole President Obama pore. Under the previous order, the controlled by Hamas. The junior Sen- has inherited. leadership time is reserved. So everyone should read David ator from South Dakota offered an Brooks. Let’s have the Republicans f amendment that prohibits the use of start being in favor of something. That OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, funds for any effort aimed at reviving would be the right thing to do. 2009 the fairness doctrine, which limited The fairness doctrine. What a ghost The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- free speech until its repeal more than that does not exist. None of us wants to pore. Under the previous order, the two decades ago. Unfortunately, the go back to the way it was before. It is Senate will resume consideration of majority said no. an issue they brought up to talk about. H.R. 1105 which the clerk will report by In the midst of an economic crisis, a No one wants to reestablish the fair- title. government has an obligation to show ness doctrine, Democrats or Repub- The legislative clerk read as follows: restraint. But as our friends turned licans. aside every effort to trim back spend- I know the State of Nevada is pride- A bill (H.R. 1105) making omnibus appro- ing on the omnibus bill, it became ful in determining what the education priations for the fiscal year ending Sep- tember 30, 2009, and for other purposes. clear that many in Congress still think standards should be in the State of Ne- Government operates in a different vada. I think we should do more in the Pending: realm of reality than the rest of the State of Nevada. I am not happy about Ensign amendment No. 615, to strike the country. Apparently, they do not think where our educational levels are, the restrictions on the District of Columbia Op- the Federal Government is obligated to spending levels in the State of Nevada. portunity Scholarship Program. make any of the tough decisions that Kyl amendment No. 629, to provide that no But Nevada determines that, and that funds may be used to resettle Palestinians millions of American families are mak- is the way it is around the other 49 from Gaza into the United States. ing every single day. States, that it is a prerogative Gov- Bunning amendment No. 665, to require the Spending and borrowing at this diz- ernors have protected for many genera- Secretary of State to issue a report on in- zying rate is simply unacceptable. We tions—that the Federal Government vestments by foreign companies in the en- need to be thinking about the long- should stay out of local education. But ergy sector of Iran. term sustainability of our economy when it comes to the District of Co- Sessions amendment No. 604, to extend the and creating jobs and opportunity for lumbia, they do not count, I guess. So pilot program for employment eligibility future generations. We should have confirmation established in title IV of the Il- how would the rest of the States feel if legal Immigration Reform and Immigrant started on this bill by insisting that it we suddenly determined what was Responsibility Act of 1996 for 6 years. include some of the hard choices on going to happen in those States as it The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- spending that Americans themselves related to vouchers, school choice, pore. The Senator from Texas is recog- are making every single day. charter schools? I yield the floor. So I hope we can get these amend- nized. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ments out of the way and pass this leg- AMENDMENT NO. 673 pore. The majority leader is recog- islation and go on to other things. I am Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I nized. sorry I had to file cloture on three ask unanimous consent to set aside f nominations. I hope we do not have to any pending amendment and call up take those votes because it goes in op- Cornyn amendment No. 673 and ask for OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS position to what the Republicans al- its immediate consideration. Mr. REID. Madam President, I direct ways told us: What right does the party The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- everyone’s attention to today’s column in the minority have to hold up Presi- pore. Without objection, it is so or- in the New York Times written by dential nominations or judges? We are dered. David Brooks. David Brooks is a Re- finding that is happening. I hope we The clerk will report. publican columnist, conservative, but can work our way through that. The legislative clerk read as follows: basically he is saying that the Repub- This legislation is important. It is The Senator from Texas [Mr. CORNYN] pro- licans are opposing everything. It does important because it takes care of poses an amendment numbered 673.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.001 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2921 Mr. CORNYN. I ask unanimous con- basis. Without this amendment, it is ago, create dangerous incentives to sent that the reading of the amend- likely that plaintiffs’ lawyers will de- corruption. I ask my colleagues to sup- ment be dispensed with. velop class action lawsuits, then go to port amendment No. 673. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- their State attorney general proposing AMENDMENT NO. 674 pore. Without objection, it is so or- to pursue these cases on a contingency Madam President, I have another dered. fee basis, perhaps reaping millions of amendment, Cornyn amendment No. The amendment is as follows: dollars in attorneys’ fees awards. 674, so I now ask unanimous consent to My colleagues have expressed con- (Purpose: To prevent collection of excessive set aside temporarily my previous contingency legal fees by lawyers hired to cerns the bill would increase the num- amendment and ask for the immediate protect the public interest) ber of authorized enforcers from 1 to 51. consideration of amendment No. 674. On page 366, line 24, strike ‘‘rule.’’ and in- I would submit that unless this amend- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- sert the following: ‘‘rule, provided that an ment is adopted, we are effectively in- pore. Is there objection? attorney general of a State may not enter creasing the number of authorized en- into a contingency fee agreement for legal or forcers of this legislation from 1 to Without objection, it is so ordered. expert witness services relating to a civil ac- 5,100 or more. The clerk will report. tion under this section. For purposes of this The legislative clerk read as follows: paragraph, the term ’contingency fee agree- Hiring outside counsel on a contin- ment’ means a contract or other agreement gency fee basis, unfortunately, as we The Senator from Texas [Mr. CORNYN] pro- to provide services under which the amount have learned through hard experience, poses an amendment numbered 674. or the payment of the fee for the services is can lead to other problems, including Mr. CORNYN. I ask unanimous con- contingent in whole or in part on the out- the appearance of corruption or out- sent that the reading of the amend- come of the matter for which the services right corruption. For example, my ment be dispensed with. were obtained.’’. predecessor in office, the Texas attor- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I ney general, entered into contingency pore. Without objection, it is so or- rise to offer an amendment 673 to the fee agreements with outside lawyers in dered. Omnibus appropriations bill. As a the tobacco litigation, which was then The amendment is as follows: former State attorney general, I am being pursued across the country. very concerned that the current bill (Purpose: To prohibit the use of funds to im- These lawyers ended up making rough- plement an Executive Order relating to lets State attorneys general outsource ly $3 billion in attorneys fees through employee notice of rights under Federal their responsibilities on behalf of their contingency fee provisions that my labor laws) citizens to enforce the Truth in Lend- predecessor in office entered into. Un- At the appropriate place in title I of divi- ing Act. This is a very important piece fortunately, my predecessor also fal- sion F, insert the following: of legislation that was passed in 1968 to sified records in an attempt to funnel SEC. ll. No funds made available under protect consumers in credit trans- some of that money to a friend, and he this Act shall be used to implement the Ex- actions by requiring clear disclosure of paid the price. He went to the Federal ecutive Order dated January 30, 2009, entitled key terms of the lending agreement at penitentiary. ‘‘Notification of Employee Rights Under all costs. As I said, this is an important This is not just a problem in my Federal Labor Laws’’ to the extent that the piece of legislation. However, the cur- State; this is a national problem as implementation of such order is in conflict rent provision in the bill allows the at- with Executive Order 13201, dated February well. Last year, the Wall Street Jour- 17, 2001. torney general, the elected representa- nal reported and editorialized about tive of the people—the people’s law- the appearance of corruption in Mis- Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, my yer—to basically hire trial lawyers on sissippi, where the State attorney gen- second and final amendment to this a contingency fee arrangement. Thus, eral had retained as many as 27 law Omnibus appropriations bill would help the litigation that might follow under firms as outside counsel to pursue at protect workers’ paychecks and in- this piece of legislation would benefit least 20 different State lawsuits over a crease transparency, something we all not just the citizens, not just the pub- 5-year period. In 2007 alone, the attor- heard our new President speak about lic, not just the taxpayers but trial ney general received almost $800,000 in just a few short weeks ago—I believe lawyers too. I don’t believe that should political contributions from those about 50 days ago now—when he said he be the intent of Congress. same lawyers and law firms and, thus, believed increased transparency would Specifically, this amendment clari- the appearance of conflict of interest, increase accountability and help re- fies that State attorneys general may if not an outright conflict, was created. store the public’s confidence in their not outsource these lawsuits to outside This kind of conflict of interest has Government. This amendment is of- lawyers or expert witnesses on a con- no place in the attorney general’s job, fered in that vein. tingency fee basis. As we all know, con- which is to protect the legal interests The U.S. Supreme Court, in Commu- tingency fee means you get a piece of of the people of his or her State. nication Workers v. Beck, said workers the pie if you win. This would not pro- Amendment No. 673 would ensure that could not be forced to pay dues for pur- hibit attorneys general from hiring State attorneys general either do the poses other than collective bargaining. lawyers on a more reasonable basis, work themselves in enforcing this law That means workers have the right to such as a set fee or an hourly rate, but or hire an outside lawyer at a reason- keep more of their money rather than the new causes of action created by able, competitive hourly rate or flat support political action committees, this bill could add up to significant rate; no windfall attorneys’ fees for lobbying and gifts, things they may money damages, and this money, as I hitting the long ball over the fence. not even agree with. indicated, should be paid to the people, When Federal agencies bring suits to We know every dollar counts in this not to private lawyers. enforce the Truth in Lending Act, they economy, and many workers object to Both Democrats and Republicans are barred from hiring outside counsel scenes such as the one we saw last have expressed some concerns about on a contingency fee basis. All I am week in Miami. There, the AFL–CIO the enforcement of this Truth in Lend- suggesting is that this same rule held a meeting at the Fontainebleau ing Act by State attorneys general. should apply to the State attorneys Resort, which describes itself as ‘‘the Senator DODD, the distinguished Sen- general who are now authorized enforc- epicenter of style, fame, and glamour.’’ ator from Connecticut, said that ‘‘givers under the law. Particularly at this Now, if workers don’t want to support ing such broad authority to State at- time in our Nation’s economic history, that kind of extravagance based on torneys general would be a departure it should hardly be one of Congress’s their union dues, they shouldn’t have from the current regulatory regime,’’ priorities to increase the number of to. And, frankly, who can blame them? and he is right. lawsuits. We cannot sue our way to re- The Bush administration issued an This amendment prevents the au- covery. Unless amendment 673 is adopt- Executive order that required employ- thority to enforce the Truth in Lend- ed, the bill would give trial lawyers a ers to post signs at the workplace that ing Act from being further disbursed by share of the public’s money and will informed workers of these rights re- State attorneys general delegating it disrupt the Federal credit regulatory garding union dues. These notices are to trial lawyers on a contingency fee regime and, as I indicated a moment similar to those that inform workers of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.003 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2922 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 their rights regarding family and med- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- agree that it worked very well for them ical leave, workplace safety, equal em- pore. The clerk will call the roll. as well. ployment opportunity, and other rights The legislative clerk proceeded to Another point I wish to address in they have under the law. call the roll. the Cornyn amendment is the under- Now, this chart shows what the no- Mr. PRYOR. Madam President, I ask lying premise of this amendment. My tice says. It says: unanimous consent that the order for understanding is it is based on some Under Federal law, employees cannot be the quorum call be rescinded. language dealing with the Federal required to join a union or maintain mem- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Trade Commission in the omnibus bill bership in a union in order to retain their pore. Without objection, it is so or- we are discussing today and will vote jobs. Under certain conditions, the law per- dered. on later today. We have to recognize mits a union and an employer to enter into AMENDMENT NO. 673 a union security agreement requiring em- that the Federal Government does not ployees to pay uniform periodic dues and ini- Mr. PRYOR. Madam President, I rise always have the manpower or the at- tiation fees. However, employees who are not today to speak against an amendment tention span or the ability, for one rea- union members can object to the use of their filed by Senator CORNYN of Texas. The son or another, to go after some bad payments for certain purposes and can only amendment deals with the ability of actors out there. The States do not albe required to pay their share of union costs State attorneys general to hire outside ways have that manpower, attention relating to collective bargaining, contract counsel for various lawsuits they may span, or ability either, but the fact administration, and grievance adjustment. be pursuing. I wish to talk about that that the States can help augment and It goes on to say: amendment for a few minutes and tell supplement the enforcement of the If you do not want to pay that portion of my colleagues how that works in the Federal Trade Commission and other dues or fees used to support activities not re- real world. Federal agencies can be very good for lated to collective bargaining, contract ad- One of the things we did when I was ministration, or grievance adjustment, you the people of this country. are entitled to an appropriate reduction in in the State attorney general’s office is Again, we need to allow the States your payment. we looked at several cases on which we the flexibility to be on the team. They Meaning your payment of your union considered hiring outside counsel be- need to be on the team because these dues. cause the State did not have the re- folks—again, most of them—are elect- If you believe that you have been required sources to front the costs of the litiga- ed by their people. Most of them have to pay dues or fees used in part to support tion. We ended up not retaining any some sort of consumer protection func- activities not related to collective bar- outside counsel. We did not pursue tion or some sort of public safety func- gaining, contract administration, or griev- those matters. Nonetheless, the fact tion. Most of them have an office that ance adjustment, you may be entitled to a that we had the ability to look at that is ready, willing, and able to make sure refund and to appropriate reduction in future option is very important for States. It their State’s citizenry is protected and payments. For further information con- is also very important for State sov- taken care of sometimes when the Fed- cerning your rights, you may wish to contact ereignty. In fact, I am not convinced— the National Labor Relations Board, either eral Government cannot do it or is not at one of its regional offices or at the fol- I have to look at the U.S. Constitu- able to do it or is not willing to do it. lowing address. tion—I am not convinced that the U.S. The State AG enforcement can be a The Supreme Court has said when a Congress can limit a State’s ability to very important part of that protection. worker pays their dues, they cannot be file a lawsuit. My sense is that the With regard to the narrow issue of forced to financially support things States have that authority. They can whether States can hire outside coun- they don’t agree with, whether it is ex- do what they want to do. They are sov- sel, let me speak about that point for a travagant spending at the Fontaine- ereign. My guess is that this amend- moment. bleau Resort or perhaps even a polit- ment may be unconstitutional. I have When I was elected to the State at- ical speech where a union might use not yet done a thorough analysis of it, torney general’s office in Arkansas in those dues to help finance a campaign but that is my suspicion. 1998—we all remember the tobacco against a political candidate or perhaps I say this too. One of the points my case, the big, mammoth tobacco case. I an incumbent. colleagues need to remember about the was elected and within weeks it set- President Obama, unfortunately, has State AGs is that most of them—I tled. By the time I became attorney signed an Executive order that, among think over 42, 43, 44 State attorneys general, sworn into office, the case was other things, rescinds the requirement general are just like us: they are elect- over. It was done, and we were in the to inform workers of their rights reed by the people. There are a few ap- enforcement phase. The case itself was garding union dues. This Executive pointed one way or another—by a su- behind us. order, contrary to what we heard a few preme court, a legislature, a Governor. One of the first things I had to do— short weeks ago, actually reduces That happens State to State, but the this literally happened on the first day transparency in the workplace, and it vast majority of them are elected just I was in office—is I had to undo an out- places unnecessary limits on the infor- as we are. They have accountability. side counsel agreement my predecessor mation available to help workers make They are responsible to the people who had entered into. Here, again, not only informed decisions about their union elected them. There is that check and have I never entered into an outside dues. balance that already exists. I am not counsel agreement as an attorney gen- Amendment No. 674 would prohibit sure about other States because I don’t eral, but I undid one my predecessor Federal funds from being used to im- know how their outside counsel stat- tried to enter into. That puts me in a plement that part of President utes work, but in our State, in order different position than most people be- Obama’s Executive order related to for us to hire outside counsel, we have cause I had been around this issue a lot this notice to workers. It would have to go to the legislature and get their during my years in the attorney gen- no other effect on the Executive order, approval, and we also have to get the eral’s office. other than to reinstate this notice to Governor to sign off on it. Again, The other point we need to keep in workers that you don’t have to join a States are going to be different on mind about the tobacco case—and this union; and, No. 2, if you do not join a point. is just true for how State AGs work— union, you cannot be forced to finance Again, in Arkansas, we have another one of the reasons, and I would say the points of view or activities you dis- check and balance beyond just that the primary reason, that the States agree with, and you can assure that State attorney general is elected and is brought that case in the first place is your money can only be used for legiti- accountable to the people. There is also because Washington failed to act. mate collective bargaining contract a check and balance between the State Washington failed to act. We may re- administration and grievance adjust- attorney general’s office and the legis- member those days in the nineties. ment. lature and the Governor. Everyone has President Clinton wanted to do some- I urge my colleagues to support an interest to make sure this is done thing with the tobacco companies. He amendment No. 674. right and done well. It works very well wanted to have a global settlement of I yield the floor and suggest the ab- in our State. If we had a lot of State these claims. I was not around then. A sence of a quorum. attorneys general here, they would lot of my colleagues were around then

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.005 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2923 and remember the details of those dis- under the law whereby Members of pilot. This will finally lead to a vote. cussions and the bill that came Congress get automatic pay increases But as soon as that vote was scheduled, through. It got bogged down in the annually without any open debate and a sort of funny thing happened. The Congress. In fact, I remember listening without any open, clear rollcall vote. next day the majority leader intro- to the news media saying it came like Madam President, I have to say, duced his own bill, coauthored by the a Christmas tree—everybody was add- Americans—certainly Louisianans in entire Democratic leadership, which ing an ornament as it went through the my State—are frustrated about a lot would do the same thing. Now, if I process. It never passed. It got bur- that is going on in Washington and in thought I had gained that many enthu- dened down, and it never passed and Congress. They are frustrated about siastic converts to the cause, I would never got to the President’s desk for the direction of the country, about be excited. But even though I was born his signature. So when Congress did runaway spending, about bailouts, but at night, I wasn’t born last night. I not act, the States did. they are also frustrated with how we in know—and every observer to the proc- We have seen that in other context as Congress often seem to do our business. ess knows—something else is going on. well. When there is a void, when there They are not frustrated so much with The something else is simple: The ma- is a vacuum and the Federal Govern- disagreement. People can have legiti- jority leader filed his own bill regard- ment is not out there trying to take mate disagreements, vast differences in ing automatic pay raises simply to be care of an issue, whatever it may be, points of view and philosophy and ap- able to point to it and say: I am offer- oftentimes the States want action. It proaches to issues. What they are most ing this bill, we can push this forward could be the Governors, it could be the frustrated about is pure partisanship through this vehicle, and therefore you State AGs, it could be the State legis- for partisanship’s sake, political must vote against the Vitter amend- latures, but—what is the old saying games, and a cynical approach to doing ment to the omnibus spending bill. about power abhors a vacuum? That is what should be the people’s business in Again, I think the American people what happens in this country. Again, the Halls of Congress. are going to be frustrated by the ma- we need to keep the States’ flexibility Unfortunately, a lot of voters and neuvering and the cynical political in bringing lawsuits if they need to do citizens in Louisiana and across the games. I think they want a full, that. country are going to view some of the straightforward open debate. I think The other point we need to keep in maneuvering and some of the political they want to hear where people are mind is that a lot of today’s litigation, strategizing over attempts to defeat coming from. If folks support this idea a lot of the litigation the States are ei- my amendment in that light, and they of changing and doing away with auto- ther involved in or are looking at is are certainly going to consider it more matic pay raises—pay raises on auto- very complex and very expensive. I per- of the same. What am I talking about? pilot and no debate, no votes, they just sonally believe that an outside counsel Well, we have a big omnibus spending happen every year—then I think they contract can make a lot of sense. bill on the floor of the Senate, and last are going to want to see those Members Again, we looked at these contracts week the majority leader took great vote for the Vitter amendment on the when I was in the attorney general’s pains to say—including from his spot floor of this body today. office. We never did one, but we looked on the floor several times—we are Quite frankly, I think it is a cynical at them very closely because there are going to have an open amendment maneuver to point to a bill that will cases where it is very complex, it is process; that the floor is open for busi- never pass, that is controlled by indi- very expensive, and you can structure ness, it is open for amendments. He in- viduals who don’t want the measure to an agreement with an outside counsel. vited Members to come on down. We pass, in order to defeat an amendment It is not a get-rich-quick scheme by the will consider them. We are moving for- that can pass and that can be the vehi- outside lawyers, by the plaintiffs’ at- ward and taking care of amendments, cle for this important change and re- torneys, but it really is good for public having votes, and getting back to the form. So I would encourage all Mem- policy, and if it is done right and done proper procedure of the Senate. bers to support the Vitter amendment, well, the public interest is very much I was excited to hear that because I to support the idea in the form in served. had an amendment I very much wanted which it can actually be passed into I think we should look at the Cornyn to call up for debate and a vote. The law. amendment. With all due respect to my problem is, when I tried to do that, This is a must-pass bill. This is an colleague and friend from Texas, I both through staff and individually, we appropriations bill—something to fund think we should vote against the were blocked every step of the way. At this part of the Government. Some- Cornyn amendment. We should not every turn, my amendment would thing has to pass within the next sev- limit the States’ ability to hire outside never be put in order. It was never al- eral days. In this bill—in the original counsel if they feel they need to. Let lowed to be called up, and I was never version of this bill—the pay raise issue the States make that decision. As I allowed to get that vote on this pay is already there. It is a perfectly ger- mentioned before, constitutionally, I raise amendment. mane and natural amendment to the am not sure we have the authority to Thursday night, that changed, and it bill and agrees with my provision to do limit the States anyway. changed for one simple reason: The ma- away with automatic pay raises. Noth- In the end, the interest of our people jority leader needed to cancel a vote. ing could be more natural than to de- back home would be disserved if we He needed 60 votes for cloture. He bate the issue on this bill, to offer this adopted this amendment because what didn’t have the votes, as he explained amendment on this bill, and it is the we would do would be to take some of from his podium. To cancel that vote, legitimate and appropriate and effec- the authority, some of the ability away under the rules of the Senate, he need- tive way if we actually do want to pass from the State to protect its citizenry. ed unanimous consent—the consent of this into law. As this amendment is voted on—appar- each and every Member of this body. The way to never pass it into law is ently later this afternoon; I don’t know Well, I took the opportunity—after a to have a stand-alone straw man; to exactly when it will be voted on—as it week of being frustrated and blocked point to a separate bill that will never is voted on, I strongly urge my col- and hemmed in at every turn from get- be passed, certainly in the House. leagues to vote no on the Cornyn ting a vote on my amendment—to say Now, I expect what will happen is, amendment. very simply, in a straightforward way: the majority leader will not only point I yield the floor. I will be happy to grant that unani- to this stand-alone bill, but he will ac- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- mous consent request with regard to tually ask unanimous consent that it pore. The Senator from Louisiana. my role in this if—if and only if—I will be passed through the Senate and sent Mr. VITTER. Madam President, I finally be guaranteed a vote on my down the road to the House in the proc- take the floor to give a little back- amendment. The majority leader had ess. Well, that would be very promising ground, important background on the to agree, and he did agree. if there was any hope whatsoever that amendment I will call up later today. So here we are today, the following the Speaker of the House and the That Vitter amendment would do away week, debating the Vitter pay raise House leadership would take up the with the system that is now in place amendment to stop pay raises on auto- matter and put it on the House floor.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.006 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2924 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 So I would ask the majority leader and er’s documents. Unfortunately, coun- for the jobs are here legally and are the Speaker of the House if they have terfeit documents and stolen identities registered with our Social Security had those discussions. Is there a com- have made a mockery of this law. But system in a legal way. mitment to putting any stand-alone with the E-Verify Program, employers I urge my colleagues, then, to sup- bill passed through the Senate on the can electronically verify a new hire’s port the Sessions amendment. Of House floor for a vote in the very near employment authorization through the course I appreciate very much the lead- future? Social Security Administration and, if ership of Senator SESSIONS in this E- If there is that commitment, I would necessary, follow it up with the De- Verify Program extension for 5 years, love to hear that expressed publicly, partment of Homeland Security data- which is what the amendment calls for. clearly, and in a straightforward way, bases. I yield the floor and I don’t see any- and then that would rebut my argu- E-Verify has been an extremely suc- body yet ready to speak so I suggest ment that this is all a cynical, political cessful program for employers who are the absence of a quorum. game. I am afraid we are not going to seeking to comply with the law. The The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. hear those assurances. We are not program is voluntary and free for all GILLIBRAND). The clerk will call the going to hear that public commitment employers. Right now, over 100,000 em- roll. because I am afraid what is swirling ployers have signed up for the program, The assistant legislative clerk pro- around my amendment is a cynical po- and, in addition, each week more than ceeded to call the roll. litical game. Let us treat the people’s 2,000 employers sign up. E-Verify has a Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I business the way it should be treated. proven track record—more than 5 mil- ask unanimous consent the order for Let us come to the floor, let us express lion queries by employers were made the quorum call be rescinded. our opinions. If we have legitimate dif- last year and, of those, 96.1 percent The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ferences of opinion, let us express them were verified automatically. objection, it is so ordered. and let us debate them. But let us do it The small percentage of applicants AMENDMENT NO. 621 in that straightforward way and then who receive a tentative nonconfirma- Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, let us have a vote on the Vitter amend- tion must sort out their records with for Senator VITTER, I ask his amendment—the amendment that would do the Social Security Administration. I ment be called up. It is amendment No. away with automatic pay raises— would think if the Social Security Ad- 621. which is the true effective way to pass ministration has bad information The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there this reform into law on a must-pass ap- about you, you would want to clear objection? propriations bill. that up for sure anyway. Many times Without objection, it is so ordered. I urge all my colleagues to come to this is a simple misunderstanding with The clerk will report. the floor in that spirit. I urge all my the Social Security Administration or The assistant legislative clerk read colleagues to express themselves and a case in which records were not up- as follows: wherever they are coming from in that dated. In the event a person receives a The Senator from Iowa (Mr. GRASSLEY), for straightforward way, in that straight- tentative nonconfirmation after his Mr. VITTER, for himself, Mr. FEINGOLD, Mr. forward spirit and not to drop in stand- employment application, that person GRASSLEY, and Mr. ENSIGN, proposes an alone bills the day after I was finally can still continue to work and cannot amendment numbered 621. able to secure a vote on this matter, be fired. Mr. GRASSLEY. I ask unanimous particularly when this proposal— The Sessions amendment would ex- consent the reading of the amendment thanks to my good friend, Senator tend the E-Verify Program for 5 more be dispensed with. RUSS FEINGOLD—has been around at years. Now, frankly, I would like to see The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without least since the year 2000, 9 years. Nei- more reforms to the E-Verify Program. objection, it is so ordered. ther the majority leader nor any of his For example, I would like to make E- The amendment is as follows: Democratic leadership who are cospon- Verify mandatory for all businesses. I (Purpose: To repeal the provision of law that sors to his brand new bill have ever would like employers to check all their provides automatic pay adjustments for reached out to Senator FEINGOLD to ex- employees through E-Verify, not just Members of Congress) press support and join him in sup- new hires. I would also like to see the At the appropriate place, insert the fol- porting his bill, which, as I say, has program made a permanent provision lowing: been around since the year 2000. in our immigration laws. But for now, SEC. lll. ELIMINATION OF AUTOMATIC PAY I am now happy to yield to the dis- I am happy to support this first baby ADJUSTMENTS FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. tinguished Senator from Iowa. step in extending E-Verify for 5 years. (a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (2) of section The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- There is a bottom line to everything 601(a) of the Legislative Reorganization Act pore. The Senator from Iowa. we do around here, and the bottom line of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 31) is repealed. AMENDMENT NO. 604 is that this amendment is a jobs (b) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I amendment. Our economy is on the MENTS.—Section 601(a)(1) of such Act is rise to speak on another amendment. I skids. Americans are losing their jobs. amended— spoke on Senator VITTER’s amendment The E-Verify Program will help stimu- (1) by striking ‘‘(a)(1)’’ and inserting ‘‘(a)’’; yesterday, and I spoke in support of it. late the economy by preserving jobs for (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respec- I will now speak on the Sessions a legal workforce. It will help root out tively; and amendment. illegal workers who are taking jobs (3) by striking ‘‘as adjusted by paragraph I rise in support of the Sessions from Americans. We need the E-Verify (2) of this subsection’’ and inserting ‘‘ad- amendment to extend the E-Verify Program to encourage employers to justed as provided by law’’. Program for a period of 5 years. The E- use the system to prevent them from (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section shall Verify Program is an effective Web- hiring foreign labor that has come here take effect on December 31, 2010. based tool that provides employers illegally. Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I with a process for the purpose of I wish to make clear this has nothing suggest the absence of a quorum. verifying the Social Security numbers to do with whether we have people The PRESIDING OFFICER. The and, at the same time, for the main coming to this country. It has nothing clerk will call the roll. purpose of determining the legal status to do with whether we have people The assistant legislative clerk proof newly hired employees. coming to this country to work. It only ceeded to call the roll. As my colleagues know, it is unlaw- has to do with laws being followed—fol- Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I ask ful for employers to knowingly hire or lowing the rule of law—to make sure unanimous consent the order for the employ aliens not eligible to work in people are working here legally and are quorum call be rescinded. the United States. Under current law, conforming with our laws. That is all The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without if the documents provided by an em- this is about, and E-Verify is a proc- objection, it is so ordered. ployee reasonably appear on their face ess—not mandatory, but a process to Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I rise to be genuine, then the employer has help people who are employers to today to speak a little bit about where met the obligation to review the work- verify whether the people who apply we are in our economic situation in

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.007 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2925 this country and specifically as it is af- tion to this budget they have sent up. society or country where your GDP-to- fected by the President’s budget as he It is as if they have a ying and yang debt ratio is up around 70 percent. You has brought it forward. I want to begin personality down there at the White cannot sustain that. Yet this budget by acknowledging my respect and ap- House because they sent us up a whole presumes we are going to have a debt- preciation for what this administration group of ideas in the area of stabilizing to-GDP ratio of the banana republic has tried to do in the area of stabi- the financial industries and trying to type as far as the eye can see. lizing the financial industry of this get the economy going with their stim- And the deficit? It is claimed that it country. They, in conjunction with the ulus package, the purpose of which is is cut in half. Well, if you increase the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, to lift the economy using the Federal deficit four times, and then you cut it Treasury Secretary Geithner, and Government. in half, you do not gain very much. Larry Summers, the Special Adviser to Then they sent us up a budget which That is like taking four steps backward the President, along, obviously, with essentially creates a massive expansion and only two steps forward. The prac- the input of Chairman Volcker, have in spending, a massive expansion in tical effect of that is that we still end put together a very comprehensive ef- taxation, a massive expansion in bor- up with a deficit 4 or 5 years out, well fort to try to use the strengths of the rowing, not only in the short run when after we are past this recessionary pe- Federal Reserve and the Federal Gov- you might be able to justify more riod, hopefully. I am sure we will be ernment to basically inject liquidity spending, when you can justify more past it by then because we are a resil- into the system and put stability into spending and borrowing, but as far as ient nation. A deficit which is still way the financial system of the country. the eye can see with the practical ef- above the historical norm for this There has been a tremendous amount fect of having a dampening effect, country, a $712 billion deficit is proof commentary on this and much of it throwing a wet blanket on top of this jected by the year 2019 under this budg- has reflected a lack of confidence in country’s productivity capabilities and et, 3 to 4 percent of GDP. That is not the initiatives that have been brought this country’s ability to be moving for- sustainable. What is the practical ef- forward by this administration be- ward as an entrepreneurial society. fect of this? cause, in many instances, they have Look at the budget in specifics. The Well, the practical effect is that we not been as specific as they might have budget, in the short run, spikes the def- give our kids a country they cannot af- been. But the general thrust of what icit dramatically. I am not going to ford. We put on them a debt burden the administration has done in this argue with that. That may be nec- which basically stymies their ability to area has been positive and I believe we essary—maybe not at the levels they succeed and prosper. are starting to see it work. The initial are doing it, but it may be necessary. In addition to this, you have got to look at the policies underlying this TARP dollars, which were put in by the It is necessary in order to put liquidity budget. What are the policies that are prior administration, did stabilize the into the market, put liquidity into the driving this massive expansion of Gov- banking industry during a critical American economy. time. That has been followed on with But then it continues to expand the ernment in this massive expansion of additional TARP dollars from this ad- size of Government; 28 percent of GDP debt? Well, they are basically policies ministration, followed on by the initia- will be the size of the Government this which say, we are going to take the tives from the Fed in the area of year. That is massive compared to our Government and we are going to explode its role relative to the private TALF, which basically is potentially historical size of the Government as sector activities. over $1 trillion of support for new loans part of the GDP. That has got to come There is a proposal in this budget, as in the area of consumer credit and down. It does come down, but it does I mentioned earlier, to nationalize the maybe commercial real estate; trying not come down all that much. By the student loan program. That is cer- to do something in the mortgage area— fifth, sixth, seventh year, we still have tainly an unnecessary act. We had a initiatives have begun there using the Government spending that is 22, 23 per- very vibrant private sector student FDIC and also the Treasury and the cent of GDP. We have a deficit in the loan program and a vibrant public sec- Fed again; in the area of basically un- fifth year that is 3 to 4 percent of GDP. tor student loan program. There is no The debt of the Federal Government, derwriting the stability of major bank- reason we cannot have both. That is no ing systems in the country, significant the public debt, is doubled in 5 years longer acceptable. We are going to na- efforts have been made; and we are now under this budget. It is tripled in 10 tionalize the student loan program. hearing there is going to be an addi- years under this budget. Taxes are in- There is a $636 billion place holder in tional effort made to take toxic loans creased by $1.4 trillion under this budg- this budget for the expansion of health off the balance sheets of the banks et, $1.4 trillion. What are those taxes care. They say it is a downpayment. using the leverage from the private used for? Not to reduce the deficit but Well, if it is a downpayment, we are sector. to expand the size of the Government talking about health care expenditures All this has been, in my opinion, the even further. exceeding $1 trillion under this budget, right way to go. I didn’t support the Health care is essentially put on a growth in health care costs. Well, stimulus package because I thought it track toward nationalization. Edu- health care already absorbs 17 percent was unfocused and I did not think the cational loans are nationalized. Discre- of the gross national product. That is dollars were used as effectively as they tionary spending goes up by almost about 5 percent higher than any other might. I wanted to see the dollars in three-quarters of a trillion dollars. And industrialized nation. It is not that we the real estate area. But as a very there is absolutely no restraint in any do not put enough money in our health practical statement, on balance the ef- accounts of any significance on the care system, it is that we do not use it forts of this administration to try to spending side of the ledger in this very well. And to increase the dollars stabilize the financial industry, be- budget. So that by the time we get to going into health care by those num- cause stabilizing the financial industry the fourth and fifth year of this budget, bers means what you are proposing is is critical to getting the economy rather than seeing the numbers come essentially for the Government to take going, have been positive in my opin- down to something that is manageable over the entire health care system at ion. There is still a long way to go and for our society, rather than seeing the some point in the future—another there are more specifics that need to debt-to-GDP ratio come down to what great expansion in the size of Govern- come and I guess more of that is going might be a manageable number, it re- ment. to come this week. mains at a very high level, 67 percent. Then you have got this expansion on But that initiative to try to get this Historically, debt to GDP in this the discretionary side of the account. economy going and try to address the country has been about 40 percent. Every discretionary program expand- issue of people’s concerns about their Those are numbers. What do they ing, except for defense, where they play jobs and the value of their homes and mean? Well, essentially, instead of hav- a gimmick for the purposes of claiming their ability to live their lives in a con- ing a traditionally strong industri- budgetary savings that do not even structive way in the face of severe fi- alized society, where your debt is man- exist on spending that will not occur. nancial distress which is being caused ageable at 40 percent of your GDP, you So the goal of this budget is not to by this recession, stands in juxtaposi- are heading toward a banana republic contain or to slow the rate of growth of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.010 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2926 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 Government in the outyears after we Government or to reduce its size by re- omy using the liquidity of the Federal are past this recession, it is rather to ducing the deficit. A large percentage Government in a lot of different areas explode the size of Government as we of these tax revenues are going to be but primarily focused on getting sta- move out of this recession, and put in added to various initiatives around bility back into our financial system place a government that continues to here which are the projects of Mem- and helping people who have mortgages grow at a rate which the economy can- bers—worthwhile, I am sure. that they cannot pay. not afford and which obviously our But it is pretty hard to justify hit- But, on the other side, you have this children cannot afford. ting Americans with a brandnew na- budget sent up here which is a clear How is this paid for, this dramatic tional sales tax on their energy bills and present attack essentially on the expansion of Government? Well, most for the purposes of expanding this Gov- productive side of our ledger as a na- of it is borrowed, borrowed money. But ernment, which is already too large to tion, while it expands radically the size some of it comes out of taxes. There begin with. And, remember, none of of Government. So you can understand are major new taxes proposed. We have this expansion in the Government why the stock market and others are all heard about the taxes on the taxes takes into account the huge costs saying, whoa, what is happening here? wealthy. Let me point out that essen- which we have coming at us which we Who am I to believe, the part of the ad- tially what is being proposed here is do not know how we are going to han- ministration which says we are going that if you make more than $250,000, dle. Those are the costs of the retire- to try to get this economy going or the your income is going to be national- ment of the baby boom generation, for part of this administration that says, ized. Well, there are a lot of wealthy as this baby boom generation con- once we get it going, we are going to people who make more than $250,000, tinues to retire—it has begun retiring stuff it down with a major new tax bur- but there are also a lot of small busi- now—it is going to generate massive den and a dramatic expansion in Gov- nesses in this country that make costs on our Government. ernment? $250,000. We know we have $60 trillion of un- So much more could have been ac- That is where jobs come from in this funded liability to pay for Medicare, complished in this budget than what country—the person running the local Social Security, and Medicaid for the has been proposed. If it had come for- restaurant, the person running the baby boom generation as it retires. ward with any reasonable ideas in the local garage, the person who started a And why is that? Why are there all of area of disciplining and managing the software company, the person who has those trillions of dollars? Why is all of entitlement accounts, there would initiated a new product, a new catalog that money out there and obligated? have been strong bipartisan support for product, maybe, selling something. All Because we have created a massive that. But none were put on the table. of these are small businesses, and they cost, and we have the largest genera- The opportunity to move forward in are across this Nation, and they are tion in America retiring that is going the area of Social Security was not what create jobs. When you say to to push that cost onto our children. We taken. The opportunity to do some- those folks, well, we are going to tax go from 35 million retired people to 70 thing significant in the area of Medi- away whatever you make above a cer- million retired people, and most of that care was certainly not taken in this tain amount, $250,000, you are saying to is going to occur by the end of this ad- budget, and the practical effect of that them they do not have the assets to re- ministration’s term in office should the is, that if you are looking at this budg- invest in their small businesses. You President be reelected. et, and you are an investor from some- are basically going to create a huge So you would think that in this budg- where around the world buying Amer- disincentive. This creates a huge dis- et they would have said, well, we better ican bonds—and, remember, most of incentive for small businesses to ex- start addressing that issue. We better our debt today is being bought by peo- pand and for people to be added, for start disciplining ourselves relative to ple outside the United States. They are employees to be added to their busi- how we are going to handle this mas- basically funding our capacity as a na- nesses. It throws a wet blanket on the sive increase in spending, which we tion to function—you are going to look expansion of small business. know is coming at us—I call it a fiscal at this budget and you are going to There is another tax in here that is tsunami—as a result of the baby boom say, do I have confidence that the not talked about too much. They call generation retiring. But, no, not one bonds I am buying are going to have it a carbon tax. This is a massive new word in this budget about containing the value that I am putting into them tax on everybody’s electric bill. If you or slowing down or in any way address- 5 or 10 years from now? described it fairly, it should be de- ing the issue of entitlement spending If I look at this budget, I am going to scribed as a national sales tax on elec- as a result of retirement of the baby conclude that the American Govern- tricity. If you use electricity for any- boom generation. ment is not going to discipline itself, thing, something in your home, if you The practical effect is there is an ele- that it is going to continue to run a use energy basically for anything—and phant in the room that we know we are debt-to-GDP ratio that is not sustain- almost every American does; I cannot going to have to address relative to able, and that, therefore, it is very think of anyone who does not—you are cost that is not addressed, but at the likely that maybe my debt that I am going to find yourself hit with a new same time the budget radically ex- buying from the United States, the tax, this carbon tax, this national sales pands the size of Government, using re- Treasury bonds I am buying, are not tax on energy. sources that might have been used to going to be the value I am paying for And what does it amount to? It is not address entitlement reform. them. a small sum. It is scored in this budget. It is a budget which, if you look at it, This budget not only stifles the en- It is understated in this budget. It is essentially says to the productive and trepreneurial spirit of America in the scored at, I think, $70 billion a year or entrepreneurial side of our Nation: We outyears—and people looking 4 or 5 something like that. That is still a lot are going to tax you. We are going to years down the road are not thinking of money, by the way. But it is under- regulate you. And we are going to cre- that far now, but in October, this budg- stated. According to the MIT study and ate an atmosphere where we are going et repeals many of the tax initiatives according to the numbers which were to crowd out your ability to borrow which create entrepreneurship and tax being used last year when this was money because the Federal Govern- people at a heavier rate; it starts pret- being discussed, the actual number is ment is going to borrow so much ty soon here—at the same time it is closer to $300 billion, $300 billion in a money. putting at risk the value of our cur- brandnew tax burden on the American It is simply an attack on the entre- rency and the value of our debt. It is consumer. preneurial elements of our society, the saying to the world: We are not going And what is this tax used for? Well, people, the small business people who to discipline ourselves in the outyears. it is used, in large part, for walking- go out there and create jobs. That is When we raise taxes, which this ad- around money for various constitu- why I said there is a conundrum here. ministration is proposing—and that is encies who have an interest in getting On the one side this Government is what they said they would do—one pre- money from the Federal Government. proposing all sorts of initiatives, which sumes they would do what President It is not used to contain the Federal I agree with, to try to float the econ- Clinton did when he raised taxes. He

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.011 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2927 used it to try to reduce the deficit. The assistant legislative clerk pro- Scholarship Program. Unfortunately, if With the help of a Republican Con- ceeded to call the roll. the current bill should pass, this progress, which limited spending, we were Mr. KYL. Madam President, I ask gram will end. There is specific lan- able to accomplish that. This budget unanimous consent that the order for guage in the bill that says unless this does not accomplish that. This budget the quorum call be rescinded. program is reauthorized and the DC takes $1.4 trillion in new taxes and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without City Council approves it, 1,700 children spends it on a massive expansion of the objection, it is so ordered. will lose their opportunity scholarships Federal Government in the area of AMENDMENT NO. 629 WITHDRAWN that allow them to attend a private health care and the way we finance Mr. KYL. Madam President, yester- school in the District of Columbia. student loans, all the different initia- day I spoke to my pending amendment That is unfortunate, and that is why tives basically expanding Govern- No. 629, an amendment that would have my amendment must be adopted. ment’s role. required an assurance that none of the When we take a close look at the The practical effect of that will be to funds in the underlying legislation data on DC schools, it is no wonder the weaken the dollar, our currency, and to would be used to resettle Gazans in the DC opportunity scholarship parents are cause people to question the value of United States. There had been a flurry so vocal about keeping this program our debt. That is serious. That is very of news stories suggesting that an Ex- alive. Here in the District of Columbia, serious for us as a nation. ecutive order by the President might public schools spend, on average, over I agree with those who say the mar- have that result. $14,000 per year per student. The DC ket is confused by this administration. In contacting the State Department, class size has one of the lowest stu- It is confused because, on one hand the we have been assured that is not the dent-teacher ratios in the country, 14 administration is pursuing what is a case. As a result, I ask unanimous con- to 1. Yet reading scores continue to necessary policy to get liquidity into sent to withdraw the amendment and languish at or near the bottom in every the market and stabilize the financial to have printed in the RECORD a letter national assessment. Recent data industry, stabilize the housing indus- from the U.S. Department of State, Mi- shows that 69 percent of fourth graders try, but, on the other hand, it has put chael Polt, Acting Assistant Secretary, in the DC Public Schools are reading forward a budget which is probably the addressed to me, dated March 9. below basic levels as defined by the De- largest expansion of Government in the There being no objection, the mate- partment of Education. DC students in history of the country or the largest rial was ordered to be printed in the DC Public Schools ranked last in the proposed expansion of Government in Record, as follows: Nation in both SAT and ACT scores. the history of the country, unpaid for About 42 percent of DC students drop and, therefore, threatening the future U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, out of school. of our children with debt they can’t Washington, DC, March 9, 2009. Hon. JON KYL, Beyond the low performance in the possibly afford. U.S. Senate. classroom, DC schools are often violent As we move forward in this effort, I DEAR SENATOR KYL: Thank you for your in- and dangerous. A Federal government suggest a better course of action would quiry regarding Presidential Determination study found that roughly 12 percent of be for this administration to come for- No. 2009–15, signed on January 27, 2009, which DC students were threatened or injured ward with some fiscal discipline. Why approved a $20.3 million drawdown from the don’t they propose some specific ideas Emergency Refugee and Migration Assist- by someone possessing a weapon on which will address the impending fiscal ance Fund (ERMA) to assist Palestinian ref- school property during a recent school tsunami? There are bipartisan initia- ugees and conflict victims in Gaza. These year. This percentage is well above the tives in the Senate to do so. Senator funds will be used to provide humanitarian national average. Perhaps, it is because assistance to Palestinian refugees and con- of these statistics, that President CONRAD and I have proposed a proce- flict victims in Gaza. None of these funds Obama chose to enroll both his daugh- dure which would allow us to put in will be used to resettle Gazans in the United place a process which would lead to ters in a private school. States. Let’s see what his Secretary of Edu- policy, which would lead to a vote, We appreciate your inquiry regarding this which would actually limit and make U.S. humanitarian program. If we can be of cation said about the DC scholarship affordable a large percentage of the further assistance on this or any other issue, program: outyear cost of entitlement programs please do not hesitate to contact us. I don’t think it makes sense to take kids as we try to fund the retirement of the Sincerely, out of a school where they’re happy and safe MICHAEL C. POLT, and satisfied and learning. I think those kids baby boom generation. need to stay in their school. Take us up on that offer. It has very Acting Assistant Secretary, Legislative Affairs. significant bipartisan support. Why not Secretary Duncan was referring to take up an initiative in the area of try- Mr. KYL. Madam President, I will the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Pro- ing to get the deficit and the debt back read the two specific sentences from gram, the same program we are trying to the prerecession period? When we the letter that cleared up this matter. to save today. went into the recession, the debt was 40 The letter says: Michelle Rhee, the Chancellor of DC percent of GDP. The deficit was down These funds will be used to provide human- city schools said: to about 1.5 percent of GDP. Let’s get itarian assistance to Palestinian refugees I would never, as long as I am in this role, back to those numbers. If we are going and conflict victims in Gaza. None of these do anything to limit another parent’s ability funds will be used to resettle Gazans in the to make a choice for their child. Ever. to raise revenues, let’s use them to re- United States. duce the deficit, not to expand the size That is what she said. As a result of that assurance, the of Government. DC Mayor Fenty said: These are initiatives that would get a amendment is not necessary, and that We should not disrupt the education of lot of Republican support, certainly on is one less vote my colleagues have to children who are presently enrolled in pri- the first point. There might even be take this afternoon. vate schools through the DC Opportunity some support on the second idea of get- I note the absence of a quorum. Scholarship Program. ting the deficit down. I would certainly The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Last Friday, Senator DURBIN, the support lowering the debt. But the pro- clerk will call the roll. senior Senator from Illinois, made posal as put forward now is confusing. The bill clerk proceeded to call the some charges against this DC Oppor- Not only is it confusing, but if it were roll. tunity Scholarship Program that I actually put in place, it would put our Mr. ENSIGN. Madam President, I ask wish to address. Senator DURBIN claims country in a very serious situation as unanimous consent that the order for the program doesn’t work. He claimed our children try to lead their lives and the quorum call be rescinded. the Department of Education study move forward in a nation which gives The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without proves the DC Opportunity Scholarship them an opportunity for prosperity. objection, it is so ordered. Program doesn’t work. What Senator I yield the floor and suggest the ab- AMENDMENT NO. 615 DURBIN failed to mention were some of sence of a quorum. Mr. ENSIGN. Madam President, I the fundamental flaws of the Depart- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The wish to talk about my amendment ment of Education study. First, the clerk will call the roll. dealing with the DC Opportunity study fails to examine the performance

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.013 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2928 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 of students who actually took advan- She said some of her friends she went and his folks. I met his little brother tage of the scholarship and actually at- to school with in middle school and who is also in the program. I looked in tended private school versus the per- who now attend public high school their eyes and saw their heartfelt pleas formance of those who attended public speak using profanities and aren’t to keep this program going. I challenge schools. Instead, it compares the stu- making the kind of progress she is any member to look into their eyes and dents who were just offered the schol- making academically. This is Sanya, then vote against this program. We arships to those in public schools. In here. Sanya said in middle school she should be putting kids before special fact, over a quarter of the students who started slacking off and she would have interest groups. Shouldn’t our edu- were considered private school partici- probably followed her friends’ path if cational system be about kids? pants for purposes of this study did not she didn’t receive the scholarship to at- Shouldn’t it be about their education even attend the private schools. tend private school. Sanya currently and providing them the opportunities This study has many flaws and we has a GPA of 3.95. She is vice president to compete in the 21st century? could go through all of them. How can of her class, captain of the soccer team, I think the people who are against the program be considered not working a player on the lacrosse team, presi- this program are afraid of this program yet there are 1,700 kids whose parents dent of the International Club, and a for one reason—because it is actually showed they are satisfied and that peer minister. This is the type of stu- working. This program is very popular. think their kids are getting a better dent the Democrats are going to take The senior Senator from Illinois sends education? The parents are happier, out of a school that she loves so much. his kids to private school. Parents and they can sleep well knowing their Rashawn is 16 years of age and start- choose to send their kids to private kids are going to safer schools. I be- ed school in 1996. His father had him schools because they want better edu- lieve that if there were more than 1,700 tested and found he was 3 years behind cation for their kids. scholarships available, there would be his grade level. The scholarship pro- Let’s give these children a chance at a lot more people who would be en- gram gave him the opportunity to at- a better education. Let’s prove that it rolled in the program because of the tend Academia De La Recta Christian is working. Let’s study the students satisfaction of both the parents and the Day School where Rashawn has said: ‘‘I and the program. Don’t stop this pro- teachers. can now do my classwork with very lit- gram when it is still in its infancy. According to the Heritage Founda- tle help’’ because of this scholarship. Let’s decide how we need to measure it, tion, 37 percent of the members in the Dominique, who is Rashawn’s sister, prove it is working or not working. But House of Representatives and 45 per- is a 14-year-old girl who lives in Wash- I predict that at the end of the day, if cent of Senators send their children to ington, DC. She is now attending the we really follow these kids in an objec- private schools. That is almost four same school and, in Dominique’s own tive manner, we will show this program times the rate of the general popu- words, she says: ‘‘I love my school, and has great promise, and maybe we can lation. The senior Senator from Illi- I am working on my level and my even take it to other places in the nois, Mr. DURBIN, stated on Friday that grade.’’ country and help other low-income he and his wife sent their children to Breanna Williams is a 9-year-old girl kids get a better chance at a better private Catholic schools. He said this in the fourth grade. She loves her new education. was their choice, and it was a personal school, St. Peter’s, because she is get- Madam President, I yield the floor. family decision. I respect Senator DUR- ting all As and Bs. She loves to read The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- BIN’s choice to send his own children to and is doing that at a level above her ator from Illinois. private schools, but why should the grade. In addition, Breanna plays the Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I am choice to send children to private clarinet in the school band and when glad I am here to speak in reference to schools be the right of only a privileged Breanna grows up, she wants to be a the Ensign amendment. Senator EN- Senator’s family or those who make a translator who travels the world. SIGN mentioned my name several times lot of money? I would be remiss if I did not reintro- during the course of that debate, which Keep in mind, the 1,700 children we duce you to Ronald Holassie. He is a he is entitled to do on the floor of the are talking about come from families 10th grader at Archbishop Carroll High Senate. I would like to respond. whose average income is less than School in the District, where he is Five years ago, we started a program $23,000 a year. A good education is a thriving—running track, studying in the District of Columbia. It was civil right, and this should not be the physics, mentoring middle-school stu- never tried before by the Federal Gov- exclusive purview of the rich or the dents. Further, he has just been ap- ernment. Here is the program. We said well connected. pointed as DC’s deputy youth mayor. we would give to the parents of up to Before closing, I wish to highlight Ronald said that maintaining the DC 2,000 students Federal money to pay for some of the stories of success in the DC opportunity scholarship is his chief the tuition costs of sending their kids Opportunity Scholarship Program so it legislative priority. Ending the pro- to private schools. It was called the DC can be clear who is losing out because gram will send Ronald, who is just a Voucher Program. At the time—it was of the Democrats’ efforts to kill the sophomore, to Woodson High School, a proposed 5 years ago—it was proposed Program. I wish to put some names failing school under the No Child Left as a pilot program. It basically said we with some of the faces and show how Behind Act, for his senior year. are going to do this on an experimental important this program truly is. Individually and collectively, these basis to see whether it works, whether Sarah and James Parker attend the students demonstrate just how impor- at the end of the day these kids going Sidwell Friends School in our Nation’s tant it is to continue the DC Oppor- into private schools will turn out to be Capital with President Obama’s chil- tunity Scholarship Program and just better and more successful students, dren. Here they are right here. Unlike how wrong the program’s opponents and then at the end of the authorizing the Obama girls, they could not afford are to eliminate it for political pur- period Congress will make a decision this school without the $7,500 voucher poses. We should continue this scholar- whether to proceed forward with this they received from the DC Opportunity ship program and help students like program. Scholarship Program. Now, keep in the ones I just pointed out—help them Sometime last year, I ended up with mind, these two students are funded at to continue to succeed and to develop the responsibility of funding this pro- half what it costs to send a child to DC in our Nation’s Capital. I ask President gram just as it was about to expire. It Public Schools. Every time we take Obama and the Democrats to keep was going to expire this June, at the these students out of the public schools Sarah, James, Sanya, Rashawn, end of this school year. I said: I don’t in Washington, the DC Public Schools Dominique, Breanna, and Ronald in think that is fair. We have not done save money. So why would we want to mind before deciding to kill the DC Op- the evaluation we were supposed to do. end this program? Plus the fact that portunity Scholarship Program. I ask We have not considered reauthorizing these kids love going to school where my colleagues to please join me in sup- the program as we planned to do. And they are going. porting this critical program. we do not want to leave 1,700 students Now, Sanya Arias is a scholarship re- Madam President, I will close with and their families in suspense about cipient who lives in Adams Morgan. this. I met Ronald last week. I met him their future. So, unlike the statement

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It right now but the next school year, 2009 ish. was codified. It was made a law in the to 2010. I did not think it was fair for They also found schools that did not DC City Council, where it said specifi- these kids to be uncertain about where pass the Life Safety Code inspection. cally: they would be in the next school year They found schools where they had The Secretary may make grants under this while Congress did its work. misrepresented what the building was section for a period of not more than 5 years. What has happened to this DC Vouch- being used for. And, of course, there We have gone beyond 5 years. I have er Program? Let me tell my colleagues were no comparative tests they could not only allowed it, I said we should. It what happened initially to the DC use. is only fair it go beyond at least an ad- Voucher Program. I offered three In my mind, if this were to be an ex- ditional year. Now the Senator from amendments in the Senate Appropria- perimental program, a pilot program, Nevada objects to the DC government tions Committee to this program. Here and we wanted to make sure that the itself deciding whether to continue this is what they were, I say to Senator EN- kids were protected and that at the end program. For a lot of people who come SIGN: of the day we could measure the results to this floor and talk about home rule, No. 1, I said that any DC voucher honestly and accurately, you would local control of schools, they are basi- school teacher had to have a college have included these provisions. Unfor- cally saying to DC: You don’t have any degree. Is that a radical idea? Do you tunately, they were not included. voice in this matter. You are our lab- have any public schools in Nevada So now the question is, Should the oratory. We will decide what happens where the teachers do not have a col- Federal taxpayers continue to sub- to your school right here in Congress. lege degree? We don’t in Illinois. We sidize the education of the students in The Senate and the House of Rep- put this up for a vote, and the people the DC voucher schools? It is a legiti- resentatives are filled with many gift- who were supporting the DC Voucher mate question, and it is one that a seri- ed politicians, people who have served Program voted it down. They said: We ous committee should look at. In fact, in many offices throughout their ca- can’t require teachers in these private I think it should be a committee the reers and bring that service as an expe- schools to have a college degree. Imag- Senator serves on, and that is what we rience to help them serve in the Sen- ine that. suggested. He is a member of the ate. But it turns out that many of The second amendment I offered said Homeland Security and Governmental them, more than anything else, always the buildings that we will call DC Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator wanted to be mayors, and in particular voucher schools have to pass the Life LIEBERMAN. He came to the floor when Mayor of the District of Columbia. Safety Code. They have to be safe the Senator asked 2 weeks ago and Time and again, this Congress—and an buildings so that if there is a fire in the stated publicly: Yes, I will have a hear- attempt is being made right now—tries building, the kids will survive. I don’t ing on the reauthorization of the DC to preempt the District of Columbia know of a single school in Nevada or Il- Voucher Program, and, in fact, has in- from making its own choices for its linois that is not in a safe building, an dicated to many of us that he supports own citizens. I would no more think of inspected building. Do you know what the program. He is no enemy of the imposing on Las Vegas, NV, an edu- happened to the amendment in the program. cation program that its school district committee? They voted it down. They So when our bill says we ought to did not want, would not accept, with- told me: Don’t get in the way of cre- take a look at the total results of the out saying to them: You ought to have ativity. We have these voucher schools millions of dollars we put into DC a voice in this as well. that are very creative. The teachers voucher schools, let’s judge how the So at the end of the day, we say the may not have college degrees and the students are doing—incidentally, in the program needs to be reauthorized to building may not be judged safe, but first year or two, it turned out that the make sure it is working, that the these are creative ideas. This could test scores, when they tried to compare money is not being wasted, and the work, Senator, step aside. them, they said there doesn’t seem to program needs to be approved by the The third thing I said was that it is be much difference between students in DC City Council. only fair, since we are all critical of voucher schools and those in public I have met some of these students to the current DC public schools and what schools. Maybe that has changed. It is whom Senator ENSIGN has referred. is happening there, in most instances, certainly worth asking the question. They are truly impressive. They tell a that we have the same achievement In this bill, I also require now that wonderful story about lives that were test offered in the voucher school as in the teachers in the DC voucher schools turned around and new opportunities. the DC public school so that at the end in this next year have a college degree. And that is exactly what I wanted to of a year or 2 years or 3 years, we can Is that what you call ending the pro- create for my children and what every- compare the results. Are the kids real- gram? I think it makes the program one else wants to create. But believe ly doing better? It was voted down. more responsible. I think it makes the me, we are not going to create new op- DURBIN, you are standing in the way program more likely to produce stu- portunities when we have DC voucher of creativity. These are voucher dents with a good education. schools stuck in the basement of a schools. They don’t need teachers with Let me tell you what else happened. home where the principal has no aca- college degrees. They don’t need to be When the Department of Education demic credentials and the teachers do in buildings that are inspected and took a look at this program, they not have college degrees. We are not safe. We don’t need to have comparable raised questions about whether the going to create excellence in buildings tests. You are missing the point. people administering the program were which are dangerous for kids to be in. I guess I did miss the point. Do you spending the money wisely, whether We are not going to create excellence know what happened when the General they were watching how the resources until we have accurate measurement Accountability Office took a look at were gathered and spent. There is a lot between the progress students are these schools? They found that many of talk about oversight here and a lot making in the DC voucher schools and of them were world-class schools. And I of criticism that taxpayers’ money and in the public schools as well. bet you the students the Senator from Government funds are being wasted. While we are engaged in this con- Nevada was pointing to were the prod- That is a fair criticism of everything versation, many on the other side—I ucts of those schools. Do you know we do on the floor. Why should this am not pointing at the Senator from what they also found, I say to Senator program be any exception? Why should Nevada when I say this—many on the ENSIGN. They also found schools where we create a standard for this program other side have completely given up on somebody’s mom or somebody’s wife that is different from any other pro- the DC public schools. They are wrong.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.016 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2930 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 Michelle Rhee is the new chancellor of based on the course they teach, I ask in OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, education in the District of Columbia. response, through the Chair, is that the 2009—CONTINUED She is an extraordinarily talented standard you are suggesting for your The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- young woman who has come from the home State of Nevada? ator from Texas is recognized. Teach For America Program, one of Mr. ENSIGN. Madam President, I ac- Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, the most successful new programs and tually send my kids to schools where what is the pending order? largest employer of college grads in not all of the teachers in core subjects The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is America. She was successful in Balti- have 4-year degrees. But if a teacher is no pending order. There has been no more in bringing back a classroom that teaching art, if a teacher is teaching unanimous consent. The Senator is rec- had fallen behind. She went up to New woodshop, or some other kind of pro- ognized. York to recruit nontraditional teach- gram, I would ask: Does the Senator Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I ers. And she is now here with the same from Illinois really believe imposing rise today to speak in opposition to the dedication and commitment. I am not that on private schools is necessary? Omnibus appropriations bill that is be- about to give up on DC public schools. You send your kids to private schools fore us. I think this debate has been I honestly believe the vast majority of just as I am sending my kids to private good. We have had amendments. I kids are going to be in those public schools. We sent them where we thank the majority leader for allowing schools, and they deserve a decent edu- thought they would get a good edu- amendments to be offered. I note that cation. As much as we can help them, cation. Does the Senator think these not one amendment has been agreed to, we should. To despair and say there is parents who are taking advantage of but nevertheless we have had the de- no hope for these public schools is not these programs don’t care enough bate and I think the American people fair to Michelle Rhee, to the new about their kids to send them to the do deserve to know more about this bill Mayor, Mayor Fenty, or to those who best schools? That is why they are and why there are so many objections want to see this new day in education choosing to get them out of public to it. I am speaking against it today be- in the District of Columbia. schools. Wouldn’t the Senator from Il- I think an honest evaluation of the linois agree those are wise parents cause of its sheer size. It is a $408 billion bill. But when you account for the DC voucher schools, as well as the DC signing up voluntarily for this program previous bills that have already passed charter schools, and a commitment to because they care about their kids? appropriations this fiscal year for de- reform in the DC public schools is the Mr. DURBIN. I would like to respond fense, military construction, veterans answer. For those who want to stop to the Senator—I know our time is affairs, and homeland security, the bot- about to end—by saying that when the and say no evaluation, no reauthoriza- tom line is for fiscal year 2009 we are GAO did their study, incidentally, they tion, no investigation, spend the going to spend $1 trillion. Passage of found what you stated on the floor was money on the program, no questions this bill will mark the first time in asked, I am going to say no. I am going not exactly the case. It turned out U.S. history that our regular appro- to fight this amendment because I there were teachers in so-called ‘‘core priations process, funding Government think it is a move in the wrong direc- academic subjects’’ without college de- in the routine and regular order, will tion. It is a move away from account- grees. Those subjects include English, surpass $1 trillion. ability. It is a move away from a local reading, and language arts, math, Last week I offered an amendment. voice in the future of the education of science, foreign language, civics and Senator MCCAIN offered an amendment, kids in the District of Columbia. And it government, economics, art, history, Senator COBURN offered several amend- is a movement away from quality and and geography. That is the definition ments, Senator DEMINT, Senator back to the DC voucher original model of core academic subjects. And the VITTER, Senator KYL—so many amend- that did not include the most basic teachers in many voucher schools did ments have been offered but they were standards we require of virtually every not meet those requirements. basically different ways to bring down public school in America. I might also say to the Senator from the cost of this bill to some kind of re- I can tell you that many who are par- Nevada that my wife and I made a per- sponsible, agreed-upon area so we can ticipating in the DC Voucher Program sonal decision to send our children to say we are doing the people’s bidding agree with the reforms I have sug- Catholic schools, knowing we would be by taking care of taxpayer dollars. gested. I have talked with them about paying public property taxes in my That is what we tried to do. it. There are those who will resist it. hometown of Springfield, IL, to sup- First, Senator MCCAIN offered an We cannot let them win the day by port public education, and we had an amendment to say let’s do a continuing adopting the Ensign amendment. additional financial burden on our fam- resolution that funds Government at Now I will yield for a question. ily to pay for tuition, as you have. We 2008 levels until October 1, the end of Mr. ENSIGN. I thank Senator DURBIN accepted that burden, and I believe it is the fiscal year. Next, an amendment for yielding. part of the bargain. We support public was offered by Senator ENSIGN that ba- Madam President, is the Senator education, but we made a family deci- sically said 2008 spending levels, but aware that in all of the private schools sion to pay for our kids to go to Catho- with the new bill, with the new author- these kids are attending the core sub- lic schools. izations. It will have all of the congres- ject teachers have 4-year degrees and I have supported public school sional imprint but it will be 2008 levels. that it was only in subjects such as art referenda throughout my time in my That failed. and wood shop that they did not nec- hometown. I believe public education is My amendment was 2008 levels with essarily have 4-year degrees? Madam the core when it comes to the develop- the rate of inflation, so instead of an 8- President, I ask the Senator from Illi- ment of the community. In my home- percent increase in spending in a 1-year nois, through the Chair, whether he is town of East St. Louis, when the public period, double the rate of inflation, it aware of that. schools went to Haiti, the Catholic would have been a 3.8 percent increase Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I say schools followed quickly behind. They from 2008, which I thought was quite to the Senator from Nevada that the are all in this together. reasonable. Furthermore, I said let’s complement of teachers in the DC Madam President, I know we have decide that we will only take it from voucher schools has changed and im- run out of time. the accounts in the bill before us that proved over the years, there is no ques- f duplicate what we passed in the stim- tion about that. But it is also true to ulus bill weeks ago. In that way, we say that the standards imposed on the RECESS would say to the American people we DC public school teachers are not being The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under are going to fund the Government at followed by the teachers in the DC the previous order, the Senate will 2008 levels plus the rate of inflation, voucher schools. We have created a stand in recess until 2:15 p.m. and the way we are going to cut it back double standard. As far as I am con- Thereupon, at 12:32 p.m., the Senate is to let the Appropriations Committee cerned, if you are arguing that we recessed until 2:15 p.m., and reassem- decide which of the duplicated ac- shouldn’t require all teachers to have bled when called to order by the Pre- counts that were passed in the stim- the appropriate academic credentials siding Officer (Mr. CARPER). ulus bill 2 weeks ago would be taken

VerDate Nov 24 2008 23:35 Mar 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.017 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2931 out—either the stimulus bill or the bill In addition to the concerns about The legislative clerk read as follows: before us. That was my amendment whether the borrowers are going to buy The Senator from South Dakota [Mr. and it too failed. our debt—what if they say: $10 trillion, THUNE], for himself, Mr. DEMINT, Mr. INHOFE, We have tried everything we know $11 trillion, you know, maybe we will and Mr. ENZI, proposes an amendment num- how to do in a reasonable and respon- buy your debt, but the risk is too great bered 662. sible way to say to the American peo- and we will have to jack up the inter- The amendment is as follows: ple: Everyone is hurting right now and est rate? What is that going to do to an (Purpose: To prohibit the use of funds by the we should not be spending in the reg- economy that is teetering so badly? Federal Communications Commission to ular order on regular Government busi- I do not think we can turn a blind repromulgate the Fairness Doctrine) ness, 8 percent above last year’s rate. eye to the long-term consequences of On page 410, after line 2, insert the fol- My amendment would have been a 1- this debt burden. It is not only irre- lowing: percent cut from this bill and the Ap- sponsible but it borders on being reck- SEC. 753. None of the funds appropriated in propriations Committee could have less. When are we going to stop it? If this Act may be used by the Federal Commu- nications Commission to prescribe any rule, chosen where that went. I also sug- not today, then when? We have a regulation, policy, doctrine, standard, guide- gested that we take it out of the dupli- chance today to say to the American line, or other requirement that has the pur- cate measures that we passed within 1 people we will go back to the drawing pose or effect of reinstating or repromul- month of each other. The American boards and we will put reasonable lim- gating (in whole or in part) the requirement people expect more responsible actions its on the amount of debt we are accu- that broadcasters present or ascertain oppos- from Congress than spending without mulating. We will put limits on the ing viewpoints on issues of public impor- restraint. deficits that are being created. I think tance, commonly referred to as the ‘‘Fair- I hear from my constituents all the we should go back to 2008 levels be- ness Doctrine’’, as such doctrine was re- time. A lot of common sense is coming cause we passed a $1 trillion spending pealed in In re Complaint of Syracuse Peace out of my constituents. I wish we could Council against Television Station WTVH, plan. Why not go back to 2008 levels Syracuse New York, 2 FCC Rcd. 5043 (1987). export the good old Texas common and take out the duplication from the Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, 2 weeks sense to the Congress because what we stimulus bill and what is in the bill be- ago, 87 Members of the Senate voted to are saying is why don’t we look at the fore us today? That would be a respon- uphold our first amendment rights by big picture here? Instead of a $1 trillion sible action that might start giving supporting a statutory prohibition on stimulus spending package on top of $1 confidence to the American people that the so-called fairness doctrine. The trillion to fund Government for the the Congress and the President will be amendment was offered by Senator next 9 months, and furthermore we able to work together in a bipartisan DEMINT and was accepted as part of the have not even dealt with the financial way to act responsibly, with the big DC voting rights bill which is currently institutions yet, why don’t we step picture in mind. I urge the President of awaiting consideration by the House of back and look at the problem we have, the United States not to go forward which is that our financial institutions with the budget that he has put for- Representatives. I am concerned that are not working, our small businesses ward, not to go forward with an energy once the House considers this bill, are not getting credit so they are not plan that is going to start increasing whenever that might occur, and the able to borrow to stay in business, and taxes on every electric bill that every Senate and House versions are the housing market is in the tank? We consumer in this country will have, but conferenced together, this provision have not addressed those issues yet and instead to step back and say let’s fix will no longer be a part of the final DC here we are, spending as if there is no the financial industries. Let’s fix the voting rights bill. restraint, adding to the debt because financial institutions. The idea has I will say I am hopeful that the we do not have the money in the bank. been propounded is that the FDIC is DeMint amendment is retained in the I cannot think of anything more irre- going to start putting an assessment final version of the DC Voting Rights sponsible than what we are doing in on every bank deposit to pay for these Act, but I am fearful it will be stripped these last couple of months in the Con- other schemes that have no impact out behind closed doors when the congress. whatsoever. ference committee gets underway. Actually, the stimulus packages from There are a lot of things coming out So I filed an amendment to the Om- last year were also erroneous. But of here that do not make sense. I think nibus appropriations bill that would couldn’t we have learned from the mis- it is time for us to begin to show the prohibit the FCC from using any funds takes? Couldn’t we have learned from American people we are going to step to reinstate the fairness doctrine dur- what did not work in the first stimulus back. We are going to fix the financial ing the current fiscal year. package? But, no, we do not seem to markets so people can borrow to make If this amendment is accepted to the have learned, even though it was less payroll and keep people working, so omnibus bill, then the 87 Senators who than a year ago. I think the American people can stay in their homes and not supported this prohibition last week people are showing the concern they get foreclosed, and to shore up the will have assurances that the fairness have because the stock market is low, housing industry and help them start doctrine will not be reinstated for the and is not getting stabilized. building and selling homes again. remainder of this year regardless of Now we have coming on the heels of If we can start there, then we will whether the DeMint amendment re- this omnibus bill, which we are not ac- know what kind of stimulus we need, mains part of the DC Voting Rights counting for, a $3.6 trillion budget pro- or what kind of further spending would Act. posed by the President with a deficit be in the best interest of this country I would also like to remind my col- for 2010 projected at $1.75 trillion. The to get our economy going again. But leagues a similar provision was in- cumulative debt of America today is until then, we should not pass the bill cluded as part of the fiscal year 2008 $11 trillion. The proposed budget plan before us today. We should go back to Omnibus appropriations bill, section recently suggested a doubling of this the drawing board and begin respon- 621, that was enacted into law last debt over the long term. sible, bipartisan leadership from Con- year. However, that language was not Mr. President, 25 percent of the na- gress and the President on behalf of the included as part of the fiscal year 2009 tional debt that we are accumulating is American people. Omnibus appropriations bill. owned by foreigners. The Chinese Gov- I yield the floor. Now, one of the arguments that has ernment owns almost $700 billion of our The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who been made against this amendment debt. This is the same Chinese Govern- seeks recognition? from my colleagues on the other side ment that last weekend took a rather The Senator from South Dakota. is, well, this issue is not that impor- hostile action toward one of our naval AMENDMENT NO. 662 tant. Nobody really cares about it. It is vessels in the South China Sea. I think Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask not going to happen. we should be looking at the national unanimous consent to call up amend- If that is the case, then why is it that security implications of having so ment No. 662, and make it pending. the prohibition on funding to reinstate much of our country’s debt in the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the fairness doctrine was stripped out hands of any foreign country or any objection, the pending amendment is of this bill after it had been included in foreign national. set aside. The clerk will report. the fiscal year 2008 appropriations bill?

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.021 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2932 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 The so-called fairness doctrine has a controversial issues subjected broad- and the vote that was made by the Sen- long and infamous history in our coun- casters to regulatory burdens and po- ate a couple of weeks ago by including try. The FCC promulgated the fairness tentially severe liabilities. They sim- a prohibition on funding for the FCC to doctrine in 1949 to ensure the con- ply made the rational choice not to air reinstate the fairness doctrine. trasting viewpoints would be presented any such content at all. Again, we do not know what is going on radio and television. In 1985, the Now, the number of radio and TV sta- to happen in the DC Voting Rights Act, FCC began repealing the doctrine after tions and development of newer broad- concluding that it actually had the op- cast media, such as cable and satellite whether this provision is going to be posite effect. TV and satellite radio, have grown dra- stripped out, whether the DeMint They concluded then what we still matically in the past 50 years. In 1949, amendment is going to be stripped out. know today, and that is the fairness there were 51 television stations and So it is important, in my view, that we doctrine resulted in broadcasters lim- about 2,500 radio stations in the entire reinforce the vote by making a strong iting coverage of controversial issues United States. statement, at least for this fiscal of public importance. In 1985, there were 1,200 television year’s funding, that funding in the FCC Now, recently, many on the left have stations and 9,800 radio stations. cannot and will not be used to rein- advocated reinstating the doctrine. Today, there are nearly 1,800 television state the fairness doctrine. They argue that broadcasters, includ- stations and nearly 14,000 radio sta- There is no reason for the Senate not ing talk radio, should present both tions. There is simply no scarcity to to vote for this language. I hope my justify content regulation such as the sides of any issue because they use the colleagues will join me in supporting fairness doctrine. public airwaves. However, recent calls this amendment and putting us on to reinstate the fairness doctrine failed The third point I will make is this: record when it comes to the funding to take into account several consider- Development of new media, social net- that would be used to reinstate the ations, which I will mention in just a working, and access to the Internet has moment. But in the event that there changed media forever. Supporters of fairness doctrine that this appropria- would be any question about whether government-mandated balance either tions bill will not do that. there are those out there who would ignore the new multiple sources of I yield the floor. media or they reveal their true inten- like to see this happen—because that The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tion, which is to regulate content on has been one of the arguments raised in ator from New Jersey. the course of the debate, that nobody all forms of communication and ulti- in here is very serious about really mately stifle certain viewpoints on cer- Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I doing this—if you look at what the tain media such as talk radio. rise to engage my colleagues, Senator Speaker of the House said when she Fourth, broadcast content is driven NELSON and Senator MARTINEZ, in a was asked: Do you personally support by consumer demand. Consumers of colloquy. And as I do, let me start off revival of the fairness doctrine? She media show whether they are being by saying, we want to take a moment said, ‘‘Yes.’’ served well by broadcasters when they to discuss some important provisions The leader of the Democrats in the choose either to tune in or turn off the in the omnibus bill. I discussed these House of Representatives recently said: programming that is being offered. The provisions at length last week on the There is a real concern about the monop- fairness doctrine runs counter to indi- Senate floor, and I want to give an up- oly of information and the skewering of in- vidual choice and freedom to choose date as to where things stand today. formation that the American public gets. what we listen to or see on the air or First, as to the monopoly. Obviously if one read on the Internet. As I discussed last week, this bill in- group or a large group controls information The fairness doctrine should not be cludes three important foreign policy and only allows one perspective to be pre- reinstated, and 2 weeks ago the Senate changes with respect to Cuba that have sented, that is not good for democracy. That acted in a strong bipartisan manner in not been subjected to debate in this is not good for the American public. opposition to the fairness doctrine. I body. They have not gone to the For- That is, of course, what the fairness am asking the Senate to agree to my eign Relations Committee, they have doctrine is directed at. It can have amendment because it simply prohibits not been subject to a vote in either great merit. Those are the two top any funding from being used to rein- body, and these modifications deserve a Democrats in the House of Representa- state the fairness doctrine just as we full examination. This has not taken tives, and those are statements made included as part of last year’s Omnibus place. Instead, this body would have within the last year. appropriations bill. been forced to swallow these changes in Then perhaps even more telling is Adoption of my amendment would the crudest process I can imagine, what was said by a top staffer in the ensure that our first amendment rights without analysis, and without inclu- House. And it says: are protected and that consumers have sion. Conservative radio is a huge threat and po- the freedom to choose what they see Since we have been unable to debate litical advantage for Republicans, and we and hear over our airwaves. This have had to find a way to limit it. amendment ensures that the Federal the substance of these provisions, I I would submit that really is what Communications Commission does not have asked for a clarification, along this is all about. We have had Members use any resources to reinstate the fair- with my colleagues, to the Secretary of on this side, in the Senate, on the ness doctrine through the end of the the Treasury on the implementation of other side of the aisle, who have made fiscal year until a more permanent so- these provisions and expressed my con- similar statements. Recently, on a lution can be reached through a statu- cern for their possible implications and radio program one of my colleagues on tory prohibition. the unproductive signals they might the other side was asked: Do you think As I said, 2 weeks ago, the Senate send to those who are fighting for there will be a push to reinstate the adopted this by a vote of 87 to 11. There democratic change on the island. fairness doctrine? ‘‘I don’t know; I cer- were 87 Senators in the Senate who We did this to get clear, first, of what tainly hope so’’ was the answer. agreed to language that was contained might have been major loopholes that Do you support it? ‘‘I do.’’ in the DeMint amendment to the DC could have been exploited by individ- I mean, would you want this radio Voting Rights Act. uals or organizations seeking to cir- station to have to change? ‘‘I would. I Similar language prohibiting the cumvent the longstanding and nec- would want this station and all sta- FCC from reinstating the fairness doc- essary economic embargo. In response, tions to present a balanced perspective trine again, as I said earlier, was con- Secretary Geithner has provided me and different point of view.’’ tained in last year’s Omnibus appro- with two letters that I ask unanimous What we are talking about is a first priations bill. The administration of amendment right. In reality, the fair- President Obama is on record opposing consent be printed in the RECORD. ness doctrine resulted in less, not efforts to reinstate the fairness doc- There being no objection, the mate- more, broadcasting of issues that are trine. It makes sense, in my judgment, rial was ordered to be printed in the important to the public because airing that we echo all of those statements RECORD, as follows:

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.023 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2933 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, also have their daily expenses limited to the ment in the 2000 Act, exporters will Washington, DC, March 5, 2009. then-applicable State Department per diem still be required to receive payments in Senator ROBERT MENENDEZ, rate. advance of shipment and will not be U.S. Senate, It is my hope that this letter has assisted permitted to export to Cuba on credit Washington, DC. you in understanding how the Treasury De- Senator BILL NELSON, partment would implement Section 620 of other than through third-country U.S. Senate, H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropria- banks.’’ Washington, DC. tions bill. If there is anything that I can do Which is the law today. DEAR SENATORS: I understand that you to be of assistance in the future, please do This comes particularly at a moment have concerns with provisions of the Omni- not hesitate to contact me. that is very important. The Paris Club bus Appropriations Act, 2009 that would Sincerely, recently announced that Cuba has de- amend Cuba sanctions on travel and agricul- TIMOTHY F. GEITHNER, faulted on over $9 billion of obliga- tural and medical trade. As you know, the Secretary of the Treasury. tions. At a time that we are facing Obama Administration had nothing to do Mr. MENENDEZ. Section 620 liberal- with these or any other provisions of that challenges in the United States in bill. izes individual travel regulations to terms of our financial institutions and We are, however, currently reviewing Cuba for the promotion of agricultural credit, in general, to be giving credit to United States policy toward Cuba to deter- and medical sales. This provision would a country that has not only a repres- mine the best way to foster democratic systemically broaden the category of sive policy but has $30 billion in default change in Cuba and improve the lives of the licenses available and allow individ- is not, in my mind, good policy. Cuban people. Your views and the views of uals, in a self-policing manner, to trav- President Obama said: others on Capitol Hill will be important to el to the island under the auspices of that review, and the President remains com- My policy toward Cuba will be guided by mitted to consulting with you as we consider selling such supplies. one word: Libertad—— changes to Cuba policy. While I am sympathetic to the U.S. Which means freedom— I understand that one of your chief con- agricultural industry, I remain con- and the road to freedom for all Cubans must cerns with the Omnibus is Section 622, which cerned that provision was written with begin with justice for Cuba’s political pris- would prohibit the Treasury Department the aim not of benefitting the private oners, the rights of free speech, a free press from using funds to administer, implement, sector but, rather, of undercutting the and freedom of assembly; and it must lead to or enforce the current definition of ‘‘cash in current travel regulations for individ- elections that are free and fair. advance,’’ which is one of the permissible ways to finance exports to Cuba. Treasury uals and putting a wedge in a broader I could not agree more with Presi- believes that this change likely will have no issue of denying our currency to the dent Obama on this point, and I fully influence on current financing rules. The Castro regime. Depending on how this support him in moving forward in this term ‘‘cash in advance’’ is in the Trade Sanc- provision was implemented, it could direction. tions Reform and Export Enhancement Act encourage a radical break in existing Finally, I know some of my col- of 2000 and therefore private parties are and travel regulations and provide the Cas- leagues might be confused about my will continue to be statutorily required to tro regime with enhanced financial persistence with this issue over the comply with those payment terms. Because benefit in the pursuit of its repressive last couple of weeks. So let me clarify the bill’s language does not modify or negate the statutory requirement in the 2000 Act, policies. what, for me, is a principled position. exporters will still be required to receive As a result, we asked Secretary First, I have many citizens in New payment in advance of shipment and will not Geithner specifically how the provision Jersey whose personal stories speak be permitted to export to Cuba on credit would be implemented. Secretary powerfully to the repression of the Cas- other than through third-country banks. Geithner assured us in his letter dated tro regime. Many of them have spent 10 I also understand you are concerned about March 5, 2009: to 20 years of their lives in a prison Section 620. As you know that is a provision Regulations promulgated pursuant to that cell. Their only crime was trying to that will also be administered by the Depart- provision, [Section 620] will seek to ensure seek peaceful change in their country. ment of the Treasury. I can assure you that that only travel for credible sales of food and regulations promulgated pursuant to that They are now proud U.S. citizens. But medical products is authorized. provision will seek to ensure that only travel they languished in a jail for a decade or for credible sales of food and medical prod- In his letter dated March 9, 2009, Sec- two decades simply for seeking to ucts is authorized. retary Geithner wrote: make peaceful change. Many of them Sincerely, The regulations promulgated pursuant to were tortured in that process. They are TIMOTHY F. GEITHNER, that to provision [Section 620] would provide a powerful reminder to me every day, Secretary of the Treasury. that the representatives of only a narrow when I am back in New Jersey, of that class of business would be eligible, under a reality. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, new general license, to travel to Cuba to Washington, DC, March 9, 2009. Second, let me propose that for some market and sell agricultural and medical it is difficult to imagine the deep per- Hon. ROBERT MENENDEZ, goods. Any business using the general license U.S. Senate, would be required to provide both advance sonal significance these changes have Washington, DC. written notice outlining the purpose and for the human rights and democracy DEAR SENATOR MENENDEZ: You have ex- scope of the planned travel and, upon return, activists on the island who fight for pressed concerns to me about provisions of a report outlining the activities conducted, the ability to speak freely and think H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropria- including the persons with whom they met, freely, as well as my own personal con- tions bill, regarding Cuba sanctions. You the expenses incurred, and business convictions on this issue that my family have also shared your views regarding Sec- ducted in Cuba. tion 620 of the bill, which relates specifically has both lived under and died trying to to travel to Cuba for the commercial sales of Section 622 concerns cash in advance change. agricultural and medical goods pursuant to payments. This provision would strip Changes in our Nation’s policy to- the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export En- the ability of the Department of the ward Cuba, such as changes in our Na- hancement Act of 2000. Treasury to enforce a 2005 amendment tion’s policy toward any nation our Section 620 would be administered by the that defined the term ‘‘cash in ad- country determines a state sponsor of Department of the Treasury. The regulations vance.’’ promulgated pursuant to that provision terrorism—such as Iran, Sudan, and would provide that the representatives of In his March 5 letter, Secretary Syria—are extremely delicate policy only a narrow class of businesses would be Geithner wrote that the U.S. Treasury issues. Any such changes in our policy eligible, under a new general license, to trav- ‘‘believes that this change likely will with these countries deserve a demo- el to Cuba to market and sell agricultural have no influence on current financing cratic debate and careful deliberation. and medical goods. Any business using the rules. The term ‘cash in advance’ is in It is simply undemocratic to tuck them general license would be required to provide the Trade Sanctions Reform and Ex- in the middle of a large unrelated but both advance written notice outlining the port Enhancement Act of 2000 and must-pass spending bill. purpose and scope of the planned travel and, therefore private parties are and will I thank Secretary Geithner for his upon return, a report outlining the activities conducted, including the persons with whom continue to be statutorily required to understanding of the sensitivity of they met, the expenses incurred, and busi- comply with those payment terms. Be- these issues, working with Senator ness conducted in Cuba. All travelers who cause the bill’s language does not mod- NELSON and myself to ensure that the take advantage of the general license would ify or negate the statutory require- spirit of the legislation is carried out

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.006 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 in a responsible manner. I also thank on an omnibus bill, as Senator MENEN- immediate concern with this issue, in a my colleagues in the Senate who have DEZ said, that was crafted behind way that is heartening. To me, often- worked with us on this and others who closed doors, kept from public view, times I have seen our names written as have understood and Majority Leader and kept from the rest of the Senate’s hardliners on Cuba. I prefer to think of REID for working with me on getting view until it was disgorged from the ourselves as voices of freedom standing clarification on the implementation of full committee only a couple weeks to oppression. That is what is at stake. these provisions. It is disappointing ago; ‘‘it’’ being the omnibus, a must- People in the district of Senator that the process unfolded in this way. pass piece of legislation to keep the MENENDEZ and people in Florida, We will look just as unkindly upon any Government functioning. countless of them, we know their sto- future attempts to make significant As Senator MENENDEZ has outlined, ries. We know their names. We know foreign policy decisions of any sort, not we reached out to the Secretary of the their suffering. It isn’t about settling only about Cuba, in this type of secre- Treasury and to the White House to an old score because these conditions tive and undemocratic manner. In- clarify the implementation and en- continue even today. Oscar Elias stead, I wish to work with my col- forcement of these regulations. Sen- Biscet, to name one. He is in jail. His leagues in an open and transparent ator MENENDEZ has already put into family seldom gets to visit him. His manner to deliberate the substance be- the RECORD Secretary Geithner’s letter health is in peril. It is because of all fore we get to this point, even though, of March 5 and his responsive clarifica- these things that are not only part of at the end of the day, we may still not tion in a letter of March 9. I wish to history, but they are also part of to- find common ground. I would, of enter into the RECORD the letter Sen- day’s reality, that we stand on the side course, prefer that the provisions not ator MENENDEZ and I sent to Secretary of freedom. That means a state that is be in this bill at all. But the assurances Geithner on March 6, memorializing a sponsor of terror needs to be treated I have received from Secretary the personal conversation we had with differently. Geithner have allayed my most signifi- him, to which he so graciously then I daresay that while I might not cant concerns, and I will vote in favor followed up with his letter of March 9. agree with everything that might be of the Omnibus appropriations bill. I ask unanimous consent that it be done, I trust President Obama and Sec- I yield to the distinguished senior printed in the RECORD. retary of State Clinton to do a review Senator from Florida, who has been an There being no objection, the mate- of our policy toward Cuba and then, ally in this effort to ensure that the rial was ordered to be printed in the perhaps in the light of day, have a dis- clarifications needed were there. He is RECORD, as follows: cussion about what would and would a tremendous advocate for freedom and U.S. SENATE, not be appropriate. What I would ob- democracy for the people of Cuba. I was Washington, DC, March 6, 2009. ject to is anything that would be uni- privileged to work with him in getting Hon. TIMOTHY F. GEITHNER, lateral, that simply would say: We will the clarifications and making sure we Secretary of the Treasury, Department of the do this, that and the other thing and are in a position so human rights activ- Treasury, Washington, DC. expect nothing on behalf of those op- DEAR SECRETARY GEITHNER: We appreciate pressed people of Cuba. We need to exists and political dissidents in Cuba your recent correspondence clarifying the still have their opportunity to create implementation of Sec. 622 of the Omnibus pect that there will be reciprocity of change. Appropriations Act of 2009. As we discussed some type, that there will be steps The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- last night, we continue to have serious con- taken by the Cuban Government con- ator from Florida is recognized. cerns with Section 620. Thank you for your trary to what they seem to have done Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. Presi- personal commitment that the Department last week, which is to circle the wag- dent, I commend Senator MENENDEZ for of the Treasury will promulgate regulations ons and hint of more military control the conviction and passion with which pursuant to Section 620 that: of the Government and more repression he comes to this important position of 1. Provide a narrow definition of the eligi- for the people. ble businesses that may travel to Cuba to influencing the Senate on this par- sell agricultural and medical products under I deeply thank both Senators NELSON ticular issue. I likewise wish to say the a general license; and MENENDEZ for what they were able same thing about my colleague from 2. Require written notice to the Office of to accomplish in this misguided piece Florida who has been my good friend Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in advance of of legislation. I agree with them, it was for 31 years and who comes to this travel to Cuba outlining the purpose and inserted in the dark of night with no issue with equal passion and commit- scope of such travel to Cuba, pursuant to the debate and discussion. The letters and ment. I thank my colleague from Flor- provisions as defined above; the understanding they have reached ida for coming out here on the floor. 3. Require a filing upon return of travel to with the Secretary of the Treasury Cuba by travelers outlining activities con- Even though this issue was negotiated ducted, including persons with whom they handles the problem as it relates to ag- among Senator MENENDEZ and myself met, the amount of expenses incurred, and ricultural sales to Cuba as well as the and Secretary Geithner, he is willing the business conducted; and related licensing for travel relating to to come and stand to embrace the prod- 4. Limit such travelers to the current De- doing business in Cuba. uct of our work. partment of State per diem. We talk often about an embargo. I wish to call to the attention of the Currently, the Office of Foreign Assets This embargo supposedly is limited to Senate that our majority leader, Sen- Control (OFAC) pursues significant enforce- trade sanctions because we sell almost ment with regard to travel regulations relat- ator REID of Nevada, came up to me a billion dollars in agricultural goods ing to Cuba. We would expect that such en- and indicated he supports this and forcement would not be diminished in the ul- to Cuba. We sell medicine. More hu- wanted me to state that to the Senate. timate enforcement of the regulations out- manitarian aid flows to Cuba from here I came to Congress 30 years ago. This lined above. than any other country in the world, issue has been an issue that any Flo- Sincerely, hundreds of thousands, into the bil- ridian has lived with for a long time. I ROBERT MENENDEZ. lions of dollars in remittances that go have supported an economic embargo BILL NELSON. from folks in this country to those in against Cuba along with a ban on tour- Mr. NELSON of Florida. I would like Cuba. Sadly, the Cuban Government ist travel to the island. I am a sup- to engage my colleague from Florida, takes too big a cut out of it. porter of isolating the regime in Ha- Senator MARTINEZ, in this colloquy. I look forward to this implementa- vana and giving the Cuban people the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tion, which I think fixes the problem democracy they so desperately seek. ator from Florida. created by this misguided legislation. I The provisions in this omnibus that Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, I thank both the Senators for their yeo- came out of the Appropriations Com- thank my two colleagues from New man work in getting this accom- mittee did not do away with the em- Jersey and Florida for what they have plished. I remain concerned about trav- bargo but did weaken it. I think the had to say but most of all for the work el by family members. While I am not better course is to allow our new Presi- they have done. They have done good one to begrudge anyone who wants to dent to undertake his own review of work. We have stood together, the see an uncle or aunt, there will be a U.S. policy toward Cuba before pushing three of us, along with others but par- need for regulations that will enshrine hasty and ill-advised language through ticularly the three of us with the most what I know will be a different policy

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.028 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2935 under President Obama, and I respect the U.S. Government and for other im- It makes strong advances in health that completely. But there needs to be portant initiatives. care. It includes more than $30 billion some regulation about the frequency of This bill includes funding for life- for lifesaving research so that the Na- travel and also about the amount of saving equipment at Florida hospitals, tional Institutes of Health leaves no per diem dollars carried back and forth for sheriffs’ offices, and for police de- stone unturned in the search for treat- to Cuba. I am sure those will be forth- partments to upgrade communications ment for cancer, for diabetes, and the coming down the road. systems or to prevent kids from joining Alzheimer’s that I have watched take I believe it is important we continue street gangs. It provides money for over my strong and proud mother. to request that if there is going to be cleaning up blighted downtown neigh- The bill allows us to immunize an ad- legislating on this topic, that it be borhoods, for retraining workers who ditional 15,000 children against debili- done in the open air, that we have an are losing their jobs, and for projects tating diseases. And it funds the Pa- opportunity for fair debate and for a to save one of the world’s greatest nat- tient Navigator program I established legislative process that is worthy of ural treasures, the Florida Everglades. to help citizens make their way the kind of institution we are. These are just a few of the reasons why through a complicated health care sys- I thank both my colleagues for the this legislation is so important. tem. great work and appreciate the fact that If this bill, shepherded through this The legislation puts resources toward we have been able to maintain what is body by our esteemed chairman of the revitalizing local communities and an important foreign policy initiative Appropriations Committee, Senator keeping families in their homes—be- that should never be disturbed in the INOUYE, were not to pass, NASA’s con- cause the housing crisis is at the root way this was done but should be left in tractors would have to start laying off of our overall economic crisis. It funds the hands of the Executive and be done skilled aerospace workers developing community and economic development carefully, measuredly and after study the replacement of the space shuttle. in over 1,000 cities and towns, gives and consideration. So it is my intention to vote for clo- competitive grants to revitalize neigh- Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. Presi- ture on the 2009 omnibus bill, and I borhoods, and renews section 8 vouch- dent, I thank Senator MARTINEZ again. urge our colleagues to do so. ers to help nearly 45,000 families keep a It is important we understand that Mr. President, I yield to Senator place to call home. when we have that full and fair and MENENDEZ. In short, the omnibus makes a broad open debate in the sunshine, we re- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. range of the kind of worthy, needed in- member what Candidate Obama said KAUFMAN). The Chair recognizes the vestments that will help our economy during the campaign. He said what he Senator from New Jersey. recover and our citizens get through wanted to do was go back to the status Mr. MENENDEZ. Thank you, Mr. this difficult time. I am happy to see quo ante on travel to Cuba by family President. the Senate move forward on this vi- members every year instead of once Let me now make some broader com- tally important legislation. Although I every 3 years and to have more remit- ments about the omnibus, having ex- know I am not the only Senator to tances every quarter than was cut back pressed my concerns. And, again, in have felt frustration in this process, I a few years ago by the previous admin- recognition and in light of the assur- wish to take this opportunity to ex- istration. That seems to be common ances we have received on the matter press that I am always open to discus- sense and family value oriented. That that Senator NELSON, Senator MAR- sions with my colleagues, and I hope is what the candidate who became our TINEZ, and I have discussed, I have we can work together in the future to next President articulated. come to the floor today to support the make sure in the greatest deliberative Then once the new President an- omnibus bill. body in the world we will all do our nounces his declaration of that policy, It is an important measure to help part to deliberate before we take sig- we can come out here and openly de- our economy recover and keep essen- nificant action. bate that issue. While there has been tial public services running. It includes With that, Mr. President, I yield the disagreement within this body over the important funding for my home State floor. most effective way for us to help the of New Jersey, including everything The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Cuban people, I believe if there is to be from an initial burst of capital for a ator from Hawaii. a new strategy toward Cuba, we must new trans-Hudson tunnel—incredibly AMENDMENT NO. 662 have the opportunity for the Com- important to move large numbers of Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I rise in mander in Chief to lay it out, not have people across the Hudson River to New opposition to amendment No. 662, an it come from the tinkering of a few York, and also for reverse commutes, amendment offered by the Senator lawmakers inserting language in a for economic opportunity, access to from South Dakota. This amendment must-pass appropriations bill without hospitals, a whole host of critical would prevent the Federal Communica- any opportunity for debate. issues in a way that is promoting mass tions Commission from reinstating the I stand with our Cuban American transit and does so not only in terms of fairness doctrine. families, many of them in Florida, who economic opportunity and an enormous This amendment is totally unneces- have ties to loved ones still on the is- number of jobs that will be created as sary. There is no funding in this bill for land. That is why I support President a result of that but also as it relates to the FCC to reinstate the fairness doc- Obama’s efforts to allow increased fam- the quality of life and the environment trine. This bill does not contain any ily travel once a year, instead of only by moving a lot more people in a high- provisions directing the FCC to rein- once every 3 years, and the increased speed, nonpolluting process versus state the fairness doctrine. remittances to family members. through a car—to support for flood Further, President Obama does not Our job in guiding U.S. foreign policy control and protection of our shore— support reinstating the fairness doc- toward Cuba is to isolate the Castro re- which is incredibly important in terms trine. The FCC repealed this doctrine gime but not to prevent families from of the tourism and fishing industry and in 1987, and has no plans to bring it being able to take care of their loved the economy of New Jersey—to grants back. ones. On the basis of these letters en- that allow local law enforcement to Finally, last week, 87 Senators, in- tered in the RECORD today and on the have the latest technology to help the cluding myself, voted to include a simi- personal assurance of the Secretary of police officer on the beat. lar amendment to the voting rights bill the Treasury, which we appreciate very This bill invests in education, that would prevent the FCC from rein- much, I have been assured by the ad- strengthening our commitment to stating the fairness doctrine, which is ministration as to the implications and science over the next decade so we can exactly what this amendment would enforcement of these regulations. Al- have a workforce that can compete on do. So there is no question about though I agree with many of my col- a global playing field and be second to Democratic support for the position leagues that this omnibus bill is far no one in terms of that ability in those being proposed by the South Dakota from perfect, I believe it is in the best fields that are going to be the competi- Senator. interests of the country to provide the tive future opportunities for our citi- I wish to take a few seconds and talk badly needed operational funding for zens and for our Nation. about the history of this issue. The

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.029 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2936 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 fairness doctrine, which was originally provides time to the authorizing com- dealing with the DC Opportunity adopted by the FCC in 1949—60 years mittees to address this issue through Scholarship Program we have here in ago—is a concept that broadcasters the authorizing process. the District of Columbia. Currently, should cover issues fairly, allowing for I oppose that amendment. 1,700 children from lower income fami- different viewpoints to be presented in AMENDMENT NO. 674 lies are able to attend a private school a balanced way. Mr. President, now, if I may, I wish with a $7,500 voucher thanks to this I agree with the goals the fairness to speak on another amendment. This program, a program we implemented doctrine advanced, but the need for is amendment No. 674, which would about 5 years ago. this policy today has become obsolete. prohibit the use of funds to implement It seems the No. 1 priority for the In the 1950s, there were only three na- Executive Order 13496 which was issued National Education Association, one of tionwide broadcast stations—NBC, on January 30 of this year. the largest unions in the country, is to ABC, and CBS. There was a legitimate This Executive order requires Fed- eliminate this program. We are talking public concern that the small number eral contractors to post a notice in- about real children here. These are two of media outlets could abuse their forming workers of their existing labor of the kids who attend school with power and present a biased public agen- rights under Federal labor laws. The President Obama’s children. It is a da. At that time, the fairness doctrine pending amendment, however, pro- great school. The President and Mrs. was the right answer to a small and hibits President Obama’s order from Obama could afford to send their kids heavily concentrated media world. being implemented unless it uses the to any school. They chose this par- A lot has changed since the 1950s. same exact language as a prejudiced ticular school because it is an excellent Technology has exploded. There are order issued by former President school. They chose not to send them to more ways than ever to hear a variety George W. Bush in 2001. a public school in Washington, DC. of perspectives and opinions on any The Bush Executive order required After seeing some of the statistics on number of issues. There are hundreds Federal contractors to post a Federal the DC public schools, it doesn’t sur- of channels on cable TV. We have pub- labor rights notice, but that notice prise me. Why should these two happy, lic broadcasting, which was non- only provided one-sided material about healthy kids who are enrolled at the existent at that time. We have more the right to not join a union or pay cer- same school as the President’s children than 14,000 AM and FM radio stations, tain union dues. Unlike President be forced to leave? The bill before us allows the program and hundreds of satellite radio sta- Bush’s order, President Obama’s execu- to continue for one more year, then, if tions. We also have the Internet. tive order does not limit the notice to not reauthorized and approved by the As I stated earlier, the FCC repealed pro- or anti-union material, and it does DC City Council, the bill de-funds the the provision in 1987, and has no plans not dictate what specific language program and forces 1,700 children out of to reinstate this doctrine. The amend- must be used. It simply requires the private schools where they are happy, ment is simply an attempt to take an Department of Labor to issue guide- issue on which a vast majority of the healthy and learning. lines within 120 days from January 30 I quoted these statistics earlier: Members of this Chamber voted in of this year about the notice, and for forty-five percent of Senators and 37 agreement last week and offer it to an the notice to be more comprehensive percent of members of the House send unrelated bill of significant importance and informative than the Bush Execu- their children to private schools. That to the day-to-day operation of our Gov- tive order. is almost four times the rate of the ernment. Mandating that the one-sided Execu- general population. Quality education It does not belong in this bill. I urge tive order from the previous adminis- shouldn’t be only for a privileged few. my colleagues to oppose this matter so tration be restored defies logic. Many We should be able to send kids such as we can send the bill to the President of new federally funded projects to im- Sarah and James here to the schools the United States. prove our Nation’s infrastructure are where they can get a better education, AMENDMENT NO. 604 underway and productive labor rela- where they are safer. Mr. President, if I may, I wish to tions are more important than ever. The safety of DC public schools is a speak on another amendment. This is Ensuring that workers are aware of major concern. One-half of all teen- amendment No. 604. their rights promotes better working agers attending DC public schools are The bill before us, the Omnibus ap- relationships between labor and con- in a school that has enough criminal propriations bill, would provide fund- tractors. activity to be classified as persistently ing for the majority of the Federal De- Federal law gives the President dis- dangerous. In school year 2006–2007, DC partments which have been funded cretion to determine what is in this no- Metropolitan Police reported that over under a continuing resolution since Oc- tice. President Bush exercised that 6,500 crimes were committed in D.C. tober of 2008. right during the 8 years he served as public schools. Too many of these This bill, the omnibus bill, is not an President, and issued an Executive schools are not safe. authorization bill. At the request of order on this matter that many of us in It is a civil right to get a good edu- both the chairman and ranking mem- this Chamber believed to be one sided. cation. So we came up with a plan a ber of the authorizing committee of ju- President Obama deserves the same au- few years ago that took up to 2,000 poor risdiction, this bill includes a simple 1- thority and discretion that was af- children in the metro DC area and sent year extension of the E-Verify employ- forded to President Bush to issue Exec- them to a school of their parents’ ment verification system, known as utive orders. The Congress should not choice. Washington, DC, spends more the Basic Pilot Program, and includes take steps to intercede on this matter than any school District in America a simple extension of the EB–5 pro- by adopting this amendment and, per student. The District of Columbia gram. therefore, I urge my colleagues to vote spends over $15,000 per student per The Appropriations Committee chose no. year—three times as much as we spend not to include the controversial au- Mr. President, I yield the floor. in my home State of Nevada. Yet the thorization measures associated with I suggest the absence of a quorum. public schools are failing here in Wash- the E-Verify Program. Rather, the ex- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ington. So we decided to design a pro- tension provided in the Omnibus appro- clerk will call the roll. gram to see if we can help some of priations bill provides the authorizing The assistant legislative clerk pro- those kids escape the failing public committee ample time during this ses- ceeded to call the roll. schools in Washington. We thought: if sion of Congress to consider the 6-year Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I ask it works as a pilot project, maybe we authorizing legislation contained in unanimous consent that the order for can expand it to other places. this amendment. the quorum call be rescinded. Well, the National Education Asso- The continuing resolution expires at The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ciation has come out with their No. 1 midnight this Wednesday, March 11 objection, it is so ordered. priority, which is to destroy this pro- and, therefore, I urge my colleagues to AMENDMENT NO. 615 gram. My question is, Why? I believe oppose this controversial authorization Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I wish to they are afraid this program is work- language, particularly since this bill speak once again about my amendment ing, so it is a threat to their power. It

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:44 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.030 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2937 is a threat to union member dues. That There have been some studies quoted Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I ask is unfortunate because when it comes here claiming that this program wasn’t unanimous consent that the order for to education, our only concern should working. First of all, the studies were the quorum call be rescinded. be in the quality of education for our incredibly flawed. We pointed out all of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without children. They need that kind of qual- the flaws of the study. But we just have objection, it is so ordered. ity education to compete in the 21st to ask ourselves, if 45% of the Senators AMENDMENT NO. 604 century. send their kids to private schools, and Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I hope I have a couple other kids to tell my they pay a lot of money to do that, that in a little bit we will vote in favor colleagues about. would they do that if they thought the of the amendment I have offered to ex- This is Sanya. She is a beautiful, educational opportunity was inferior? tend the E-Verify system for 5 years. It happy young lady, and is receiving a Of course not. It just makes common is time we do that. It is a proven, effec- great education in a private school sense. Do you think the parents of tive system that brings integrity to here in DC. Today, she has a 3.95 GPA. these 1,700 children would voluntarily our immigration system. She is the vice president of her class. send their kids to the DC schools of The E-Verify system is up and work- She is the captain of her soccer team, their choice if these schools were infe- ing today all over America. Between a player on the lacrosse team, presi- rior or if their kids weren’t getting a 1,000 and 2,000 businesses a week are dent of the International Club, and she better education? Well, of course not. signing up voluntarily. Over 112,000 have already signed up. When an appli- is a peer minister. She is a future lead- This is what President Obama’s Edu- cant submits an application for a posi- er whom we are going to be taking out cation Secretary said about the DC tion with a company, the company can of the school she loves if this bill is en- scholarship program. He said: input their Social Security number acted without my amendment. It is a mistake to take kids out of a school Rashawn is 16 years old and a hand- into an electronic system, and the where they’re happy and safe and satisfied. I computer checks it to see whether it is some devil. He started school in 1996. think those kids need to stay in their school. His father had him tested and found a valid Social Security number. So we need to adopt my amendment People who are not authorized to be out he was 3 years behind his grade to keep the DC scholarship program in the U.S. know they can use any So- level. The scholarship program pro- funded. It is the right thing to do for cial Security number you choose. We vided him the opportunity to go to the these kids. Showing them we care more found a few years ago that hundreds of Academia De La Recta Christian Day about their education than we do some people were using the exact same So- School. Rashawn said he can now do special interest group is the right thing cial Security number to get a job. Peo- his classwork with very little help be- to do. ple were also using the same fake ID cause of the scholarship. His sister, So I urge all of my colleagues, when and getting jobs in that fashion. E- Dominique, who is 14 years of age, is they are voting, to think of Ronald. Verify is a program that would help now attending the same school, and Think of the kids we have talked about eliminate the jobs magnet, the ability these are her words. She says: ‘‘I love and many others. Instead of doing of a person who enters America ille- my school now. I am working on my away with this program, let’s study it. gally to get a job. If employees aren’t level on my grade.’’ Let’s study what is working about it. If authorized to work after they have Do we really want to take these kids been checked through E-Verify, nobody out of their schools? Do we really want it is working, let’s expand it to other places in the country. will be arrested. Police officers are to do that? We have to ask ourselves, going to be called out. Nobody is going Do we want to protect this bill and the America leads the world when it comes to higher education. Our col- to be put in jail under this system. special interests this bill is addressing What would happen is the employer so much that we are actually going to leges and universities are the best. One of the reasons they are the best is be- would simply say: You don’t qualify. pull 1,700 children from lower income You are not a legal resident. If there is families out of the schools they are at- cause you can take a GI bill, student loan or Pell grant, and you have the any doubt about it, the applicant has a tending today? I think it is uncon- mechanism to very quickly validate scionable that we are going to be doing opportunity to attend any college you desire. You have a choice. About 5 their status if they have a legitimate that. status to validate. It can make a big Breanna Williams is 9 years of age years ago, this program gave these kids a choice. Our public, K–12 school sys- difference. and in the fourth grade. She loves her The Heritage Foundation and I be- new school, St. Peters. She is getting tem is in bad shape when compared to the rest of the industrialized world. We lieve the Center for Immigration Stud- all A’s and B’s. She loves to read and is ies a few days ago did a study, and they are falling behind, especially in reading at a level above her grade. In estimate that under the stimulus bill, science, math and in the technical addition, Breanna plays clarinet in the 300,000 people who are not legally fields. If we want our kids to have the school band. When she grows up, she American will be given jobs. wants to be a translator and travel the chance to compete in the 21st century, My colleagues probably saw the arti- world. we have to improve our school system. cle—I am sure many of my colleagues Lastly, I wish to tell my colleagues One of the ways to do that is through did—a couple of days ago where 700 about Ronald Holassie. He is currently competition. This is just a little exper- people signed up for a janitor’s job in Washington, DC’s deputy youth mayor. iment and a little competition that Ohio. The American people are seeing I had the honor of meeting this young some people now want to come to this an increase in unemployment. I don’t man, and I had the honor of meeting floor and destroy. think the numbers are going to reach his little brother, Richard. His little So let’s think of these kids, and let’s as high as they did in the 1980s—at brother, Richard, 8 years of age, came think of kids all over America when we least that is the testimony we just had to our press conference and stole the are thinking about the educational at the Budget Committee at two dif- show. These are two incredibly bright choices we are going to be making in ferent hearings—where employment young men. Ronald, a tenth grader, the Senate. Let’s give children in DC a reached 9.4 percent, 8.6 percent. People runs track, he is studying physics, choice. We, as senators, are fortunate were estimating what unemployment mentoring middle-school students, and enough to have a choice for our chil- will reach. I don’t know what it will absolutely loves every minute of it. As dren. Forty-five percent of the Sen- reach, but I know a lot of good people the Youth Deputy Mayor, he considers ators chose private schools, including are out of work and looking for a job. saving this program his chief legisla- the chief opponent of this amendment, We created a stimulus package, $800 tive priority, because he has seen what Senator DURBIN. billion worth, and that stimulus pack- it has done for him and what it has I thank the Chair. I yield the floor, age was supposed to create jobs. The done for his little brother. and I suggest the absence of a quorum. President says he wants to create 3 So individually and collectively The PRESIDING OFFICER. The million, and we have just been given a these programs are working. We just clerk will call the roll. report that says almost 10 percent of have to put ourselves in a common- The assistant legislative clerk pro- those jobs could go to people who are sense position. ceeded to call the roll. in the country unlawfully.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.034 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2938 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 Let me just say as an aside some- legislation. That is how the stimulus time the vote on the DeMint amend- thing that worries me. I think every package passed without any E-Verify ment was merely a political game on Member of this Congress should be wor- extension. I think it has expired now, the part of some of my colleagues to ried about it. Under President Bush’s actually. mask their true intent to regulate Executive order 12989, which was sup- We need a long-term extension be- broadcast media, and I suspect the vote posed to be implemented in February cause it is going to cause businesses on this amendment will be different. I of this year, every business that got a that don’t use it to wonder whether encourage my colleagues on the other contract with the U.S. Government they should sign up if they do not even side of the aisle to hold true to their must use the E-Verify system. As I know it is going to be a continuing sys- earlier conviction and pass this meas- said, over 112,000 are using it volun- tem. It would be very bad. ure by an equally substantial margin. tarily today. The new Secretary of Homeland Se- A lot of mail went out after that What worries me is that President curity, Secretary Napalitano, Presi- vote. People were talking about how Obama pushed back implementation of dent Obama’s Secretary, says she does they were going to protect first amend- that Executive Order. He has now put favor this program. Michael Chertoff, ment rights, and we were not going to it off until May 21. At the same time, the previous Secretary of Homeland try to infringe on the airwaves with our Democratic leadership is blocking Security, strongly supported this pro- the fairness doctrine. an effort to make E-Verify permanent gram. A bipartisan group of people sup- While reinstatement of the fairness or even extend it for just 5 years. port it. We need to extend it. We need doctrine still poses a threat to free What does that signal, I ask? Do we to actually make it permanent, and we speech on the airwaves, the debate over want people here unlawfully in this need to make it apply to all Govern- Government regulation of broadcast country to get jobs working for the ment contractors, as even President media has changed. Media ownership Government when there are hundreds Bush required in his Executive order, diversity and broadcast localism are of people applying for a janitor’s job? which has now been abrogated by the new liberal tools they intend to use Do we want contractors who hire President Obama. to regulate the airwaves. illegals to get Government work while To sum up, this amendment does not Two weeks ago, in a straight party- Americans cannot get the jobs? I don’t make E-Verify required for Govern- line vote, Democrats chose to adopt an think so. ment contractors. All it does is extend amendment—it was amendment No. 591 I will just say with regard to extend- the E-Verify system for another 5 sponsored by Senator RICHARD DURBIN ing the E-Verify Program, in the House years. I cannot imagine we would let of Illinois—which calls on the FCC to they had a square vote on it last July. this cornerstone of a plan to establish ‘‘encourage and promote diversity in It passed 407 to 2. So now we are not a lawful system of immigration to ex- communication media ownership and going to put that in this legislation. I pire. We are on the verge of that now. to ensure that broadcast station li- was blocked 3 times in my attempt to I urge my colleagues to support this censes are used in the public interest.’’ That is very nebulous, very vague get a vote on the amendment as part of amendment. language, just enough to scare people the stimulus package. At least, I have I yield the floor. who are in business but not enough to to say, I am pleased I will apparently The PRESIDING OFFICER. The define what they are trying to do. get a vote on this bill. But I am trou- Chair recognizes the Senator from There is no indication in the legisla- bled with what I am hearing that the Oklahoma. tion as to what ‘‘encourage and pro- leadership is going to put pressure on AMENDMENT NO. 622 mote diversity’’ and ‘‘in the public in- Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, one of Democratic Members to vote no. There terest’’ means. These clauses can be in- the amendments we are going to have is a majority there, and if they do, it terpreted by the FCC in any manner will not even pass today. the opportunity to vote on this after- they choose. I urge my colleagues to listen to the noon is the Thune amendment. I have The Durbin doctrine, as I refer to it, telephone calls. I am getting calls ask- some strong feelings about it. I wish to is legislation that is so incredibly ing that I vote for it. It is my amend- make a couple observations that I vague and so potentially far reaching ment. People care about this issue. The think are necessary dealing with the that there is no certainty what the end American people wonder what it is we fairness doctrine. result will be. This is not good govern- are doing here. Do we not get it? Do we As indicated by the vote on Senator ance. This is not a good idea. not understand what this is all about? DEMINT’s amendment to the DC Voting Another threat to our freedom of It is about a jobs package to create Rights Act, any attempt on the part of speech is a proposal called broadcast jobs for lawful American workers. They any Senator to reinstate the fairness localism. We have two different issues. can be noncitizens, but they need to be doctrine clearly goes against the will We have localism and then we have, of lawfully present in the country. of Congress and the American people. course, the diversity issue. Neither one The first thing you do in dealing with It is a dangerous policy to enact more is well defined. The FCC gave notice of a situation of illegality is stop reward- Government policing of our airwaves. proposed localism regulations in Janu- ing it. You do not give them good jobs. With the onset of the Internet and ary of 2008. While the proposal was ulti- I am amazed there is an objection to other media technology, there are mately dropped, it is indicative of fu- this amendment. I had a suspicion that countless sources of information at our ture attempts to regulate the airwaves a move was afoot to keep my amend- fingertips. I can remember, and you and is something all Americans need to ment from passing on the stimulus bill, can remember, I say to the Chair, know about. and that turned out to be correct. In many years ago when we had nothing Among other things, the proposal addition to a 5 year extension, the but three networks, and we didn’t even would have required radio stations to House accepted an amendment making have talk shows at that time. Then adhere to programming advice from E-Verify mandatory for stimulus CNN came along. I guess it was the community advisory boards. It doesn’t money recipients without objection in first cable network. say what kind of advice. It doesn’t say the House Appropriations Committee. At the time, there was limited oppor- who these boards are. It could be It was in their bill, but Senate leader- tunity. As it is now, with all the infor- ACORN. It could be just about any- ship was able to block us from getting mation that is going around, that is no body, I suppose. Then to report every 3 a vote on it. So we did not get a vote longer a problem. months on the content of their pro- and it was not in the Senate bill. Senator DEMINT’s amendment ad- gramming, they have to report what What happened when they went to dressed this issue. It was similar to the the content is when it has been a mat- conference? Speaker PELOSI and the intent of the Thune amendment that ter of public record anyway. They talk majority leader meet. They control the will be coming up this afternoon. The about how their program reflects the conference. And, oh, goodness, they de- DeMint amendment was adopted by a community interest. If you have one cided the House would concede and the margin of 87 to 11. One would believe, biased source of localism, they can dic- amendment would be taken out of the then, that the Thune amendment tate the content of broadcast material. bill. Since the Senate had not put it in would pass by an equally substantial The localism rule, if it were promul- the bill, it would be stripped from the margin. However, it was obvious at the gated, would mean that radio stations

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.034 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2939 would have to comply with blanket those overseas, and it was 97 percent The first amendment I offered in the regulations and broadcast program- wanting the market to determine—in committee said: I hope all the teachers ming that may not be commercially other words, the conservative type of in the DC voucher private schools will viable and be forced to take into ac- programming. have college degrees. That amendment count the advice of community advi- I hope when the Thune amendment was defeated. The argument was made sory boards over their regular lis- comes up that we will support it. To do that we shouldn’t restrict the teachers teners. otherwise, to me, is a little bit dis- in those schools, who may be nontradi- Right now it is market driven. That ingenuous and would show that the 87 tional. They may not have a college di- is what people do not understand. The people who voted in favor of the ploma. Though we require in the public reason we have content—I admit it is DeMint amendment are not really con- schools that all teachers have college biased on the conservative side because cerned about it. degrees, they didn’t want to require most people are biased on the conserv- I have often been concerned. I hear that in the DC voucher schools. ative side. In my State of Oklahoma, it all over my State of Oklahoma that it The second amendment I offered said does not matter if you are Democrat or is a tough enough business to deal the buildings where the DC voucher Republican. They are people who are with, to have a station that makes schools are being conducted should conservative. They want limited Gov- money and survives. On the issue of lo- meet the basic life safety codes—health ernment. They want limited taxation. I calism, Kevin Potter told me: We pay and fire safety code of the District of think Oklahoma is not the only State attention to localism because we have Columbia. That was rejected as well that is unique in that respect. Al- to sell products. We interrupt these na- because these would be nontraditional though the rule was ultimately aban- tionally syndicated programs with buildings. Now what kind of comfort doned, President Obama has expressed weather reports and with all the local does that give a parent whose kids are support for a new localism regulation, things. going to school—whether it is a public and it is expected to come up again So localism is there, and it is there school, a charter school or a voucher under this administration. because the market demands it, not be- school—if there is any question of safe- Both localism and diversity—those cause Government says you have to do ty? But my amendment was rejected. are the keywords—in media ownership it. I just think, let’s let the market The third amendment I suggested will force radio stations to comply take its effect. I will certainly support was one I thought was only fair. If we with blanket regulations and to broad- the Thune amendment and hope that are trying to create a private school cast programming that is not commer- our colleagues will do what they did voucher so students can have a better cially viable rather than taking into with the DeMint amendment. learning opportunity, at the end of a account the needs of their commu- I yield the floor. year or two we need to measure suc- nities. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- cess. The only way to measure success I was in Bartonsville, OK, last week. ator from Illinois. is if the DC Public Schools and the There is a guy up there named Kevin AMENDMENT NO. 615 voucher schools use the same achieve- Potter who owns a station. That is his Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, later ment test so we can see if a fourth or whole livelihood. He has been doing it this afternoon, the Senate will consider fifth grader in one school or the other for as many years as I can remember. an amendment by the Senator from Ne- is doing better. That was rejected too. It is a very competitive business he is vada, Mr. ENSIGN, relative to the DC They wanted no comparison. in. He has to comply with something if Voucher Program. Senator ENSIGN has Excuse me if I am suspicious of this it is specific, but this is so nebulous he been on the floor several times today program if you can’t mandate bach- doesn’t know what he has to comply to discuss this program. I wanted to elor’s degrees for teachers, if you can’t with. He is panicking that they would make certain the record was clear on mandate the buildings pass the health have the power under this new regula- both sides as to the issue before us. and safety code of the District of Co- tion to shut him down. This was an experimental program lumbia, and you can’t mandate they I think what is most concerning to that was started 5 years ago. At that have the same basic tests so we can me is the enforcement procedure for time, under the Bush administration, compare them. So I went into this breaches of localism and diversity. Cer- with a Republican Congress, they made skeptical. I thought the fix was on. tainly, no one has been able to deter- a proposal to the District of Columbia. They were going to create this program mine what that is or what the defini- They basically said: We will give you with few, if any, rules and take it or tion is. somewhere in the range of $14 million leave it. Senator DURBIN’s amendment re- to $18 million for your public schools— Well, it went forward and it was quires affirmative action on the part of which any school district would gladly funded. After a year or two, the De- the FCC stating ‘‘the Commission shall accept—and another $14 million to $18 partment of Education and the General take actions to encourage and promote million for your charter schools if you Accountability Office took a look at it diversity.’’ It doesn’t stipulate what will use a similar amount to start a DC and they raised serious questions about actions or to what degree but instead voucher program. So we started this all this money—these millions of dol- leaves the enforcement mechanism up program 5 years ago and had some $14 lars coming into this program in a to the determination of the FCC, which to $18 million, and it was said to the hurry—and whether they had the prop- is likely to be emboldened by the af- District of Columbia, we will pay tui- er management techniques, whether firmative language of the amendment. tion, we will give families up to $7,500 they were handling the money right, I find it to be extremely dangerous and to pay the tuition of children who want whether they were giving it out prop- this, too, should be a concern of every- to attend private schools. erly, and whether the right families one. The argument was made that the DC were receiving it—some fundamental We tried to do this on the Senate Public Schools were not as good as accounting and bookkeeping issues floor, I think it was 2 years ago, when they should be; that many of these which we should ask of every program, there was an objection that most of the children would have a much better op- particularly those using taxpayers’ broadcast radio talk shows and tele- portunity if they attended these vouch- money. So there was a question of the vision shows were biased on the con- er schools. So this was an experiment. administration of the program. Then servative side. I admit they are. There It had never been tried before. There they went on to find some things which is no question about that. was some controversy associated with were troubling. For example, the GAO There was an attempt made—I think it. I offered amendments in the Appro- report said schools that didn’t tradi- it was Senator HARKIN at that time—to priations Committee to try to establish tionally charge tuition were now being change the content of what our troops what kind of standards there would be funded. In other words, they were free overseas would be listening to on the at these DC voucher schools. In fact, I schools before we created this program overseas radio. thought my amendments were rather and now they were charging tuition. Frankly, that probably would have straightforward—the kind of amend- What does that mean? For the school passed. We arranged to have a survey ments most people would take for year 2006–2007, they offered scholar- done through the Army Times of all granted. ships to about 30 students in one of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.036 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2940 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 these schools, and a school that tradi- program, which would have happened In the recent version of the Catholic tionally had asked only for a small without an authorization, I extended it newspaper here, which was published in monthly fee as a sign of commitment 1 year so it will cover the students in the Washington, DC, area—and I will to the school. They raised their money these programs for the school year not read it in detail—there was some from charity and donors. Now, since 2009–2010. language about how a reauthorization the Federal Government was here with I thought that was fair. And I said in could take years. Well, that is not the this DC voucher scholarship program, that period of time Congress had to do fact. It can be done on a very expedi- they decided that 30 of their students its job. We had to go in and ask these tious basis by the committee. Senator should qualify for these scholarships. questions about the schools: Are they REID, the majority leader, has said he Well, that comes out to $210,000 being working? Are they worth the money will bring this matter to the floor for spent by the Federal Government in a spent? Are the teachers doing a good consideration. school that traditionally didn’t even job? Are the students better off at the Let us assess where we are with this charge tuition. Does that raise a ques- end of the day? DC voucher program, which would have Senator ENSIGN has brought some tion? It raised a question in my mind. expired in June of this year. We have impressive photographs of young stu- They also found out there were a extended it another year. We have said dents who have been successful using number of schools that lacked these oc- the 1,700 students are protected. They this program, but we have to ask about cupancy certificates. Even after I of- can continue to go to the schools they fered this amendment raising a ques- 1,700 students and what is working and what isn’t. are attending right now. We have said tion about the safety of the schools, that in that period of time Congress the schools went on to operate without The second thing we said in the bill which we are considering is that this is will take a look at the program and de- filing the adequate certificates with cide if the money is well spent and the District of Columbia—the City of a program that affects one public school district—Washington, DC—that then report a bill if they want to reau- Washington, DC—that they were safe thorize the program to the Senate floor and that they, in fact, offered the kind is managed by the DC City Council. I believe that if they are going to extend for consideration. I think that is fair. of facilities they said they did. The I hope those who are opposed to my GAO report said District officials pro- this program beyond next school year, the government of Washington, DC, language in this bill can come before vided documentation indicating that 3 should decide whether they want it in the Senate and explain the alternative. of 18 schools the GAO selected for re- their school district. I wouldn’t want it If we are going to continue this pro- view lacked certificates of occupancy— in Chicago—which I am proud to rep- gram, literally for millions of dollars 3 out of 18. Six of them had permits resent, or in Springfield, IL, my home- each year, and never ask any ques- that did not specify their use as a pri- town—to have someone come in from tions, it is not only unfair to tax- vate school, child development center the Federal Government and say: We payers, it is unfair to the students. We or before and after school care center, are creating a new school program have to make sure this is working and and 7 of the 18 appeared to have occu- here. We don’t care what the local vot- working effectively. pancy permits that designated use as ers say or the local school board says. I had it within my power, I believe, child development centers with before We are from the Federal Government; to have ended this program, as prom- and after school care. we are only here to help you. ised, in June of 2009. I didn’t do it. I ex- It turned out there wasn’t a con- I don’t buy that logic. So we said tended it for an additional year. So sistent presentation by these schools of those two things are required: Reau- those who argue the language in this what they were. They included in the thorize the program, have the DC City bill kills this program are ignoring the GAO report photos of two of these Council approve the program, and then obvious. schools. One of these schools looked we can consider going forward. Now, Mr. President, I yield the floor. like a single-family residence in a the committee that considers this re- neighborhood where they were sup- AMENDMENT NO. 665, WITHDRAWN authorization is not a hostile and Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- posedly holding school in the base- angry committee. It is chaired by Sen- ment. Another one looked like some imous consent that at 4:15 p.m. today, ator JOE LIEBERMAN from Connecticut, the Senate proceed to vote in relation kind of commercial building. It didn’t who has expressed his support for the to the following amendments in the look like a school at all. It raised a DC voucher program. So it isn’t as if I order listed, with the time until 4:15 question in my mind as to why we am sending it to a committee that is p.m. equally divided and controlled be- would allow them to get by with this. going to deep six it and forget it. He is tween the leaders or their designees, If they were receiving Federal money going to have a hearing about the fu- that the Bunning amendment No. 665 to sustain their program, at a min- ture of the DC voucher schools. Sen- be withdrawn as soon as this order is imum they ought to have teachers with ator ENSIGN, who comes to the floor entered: Cornyn No. 673; Cornyn No. a bachelor’s degree, they ought to meet and argues we should not ask the ques- 674; Thune No. 662; Sessions No. 604; the requirements of safety, and they tions, we should not demand reauthor- Ensign No. 615; that there be 4 minutes ought to have a test they can compare ization, we should not ask the DC City with the DC Public Schools. They Council whether they want the pro- equally divided and controlled prior to didn’t. gram to continue, is also a member of the Ensign vote; and Vitter No. 621; Now, what happened? The program that committee. So he will have his provided further that prior to the vote was 5 years in duration. It was de- chance under the bill that is before us in relation to amendment No. 621, the scribed as a pilot program—an experi- to make this evaluation. majority leader be recognized, and that mental program—and the idea was, at Now, let me be very candid about the time the majority leader consumes the end of the day, to take a measure- this. Half the students are in Catholic not count as time against the debate ment as to whether this worked: Did schools. The archdiocese of Washington time previously provided under the or- this provide better education for the is offering education to many of these ders of March 6 and 9; further that the millions of dollars we put into it? Well, students. I have had teachers and par- other relevant provisions of those pre- if we followed the law, that program ents and others who have come to me vious orders remain in effect. would have expired in June of this and said it is working. A lot of these The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there year. I was in charge of the Appropria- kids who otherwise wouldn’t be getting objection? tions Committee for the District of Co- a good education are getting a good Without objection, it is so ordered. lumbia, and I decided that wasn’t fair education. I don’t believe the arch- Under the previous order, amend- to the 1,700 students currently in the diocese and schools should be fright- ment No. 665 is withdrawn. DC voucher scholarship program. To ened by this examination. If they are Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I sug- cut them off as of June of this year, doing what they say they are doing— gest the absence of a quorum. without any certainty as to what is and I trust they are—this examination The PRESIDING OFFICER. The going to happen the next year, I is going to prove it, and they are going clerk will call the roll. thought was unfair to the students and to find out, at the end of the day, that The bill clerk proceeded to call the their families. So instead of ending the the money is being well spent. roll.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.037 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2941 Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask The States need the ability to en- Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. Presi- unanimous consent that the order for force what the FTC is doing in their dent, I move to reconsider the vote. the quorum call be rescinded. State. Occasionally State governments Mr. BEGICH. I move to lay that mo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without do not have adequate resources or the tion on the table. objection, it is so ordered. expertise on these very complicated The motion to lay on the table was Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask matters. Sometimes they need outside agreed to. unanimous consent that during the counsel. And in order to get outside AMENDMENT NO. 674 quorum call the time remaining be- counsel, they need to put that in a con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under tween now and the time the vote is tingency fee in many cases. the previous order, there will now be 2 scheduled be evenly divided between Also, I have great concern that this minutes of debate equally divided prior the two sides. amendment may be unconstitutional. I to a vote in relation to amendment No. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without am not sure that the Congress can 674 offered by the Senator from Texas, objection, it is so ordered. limit the States’ ability to bring an ac- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I sug- tion or to structure a contract for out- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, my gest the absence of a quorum. side counsel. amendment would protect workers’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. The So for those three reasons, I would paychecks and promote transparency. clerk will call the roll. respectfully ask my colleagues to vote Currently, the NLRB permits an em- The bill clerk proceeded to call the against the Cornyn amendment. ployer and union to enter into a con- I thank everybody for their hard roll. tract that requires all employees in a Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- work. I yield the floor. bargaining unit to pay union dues as a imous consent that the order for the condition of employment whether or quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the amend- not the employee actually is a member The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. NEL- ment. of the union. SON of Nebraska.) Without objection, it Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask In a Supreme Court case recently, is so ordered. for the yeas and nays. Communication Workers v. Beck, the AMENDMENT NO. 673 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Court ruled that nonunion workers The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under sufficient second? could get a refund for that portion of the previous order, there will now be 2 There appears to be a sufficient sec- their dues which would be used for po- minutes of debate equally divided prior ond. litical action or other purposes other to a vote in relation to amendment No. The clerk will call the roll. than collective bargaining. President 673, offered by the Senator from Texas, The bill clerk called the roll. Obama has now changed the rules by Mr. CORNYN. Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Executive order, and now Federal con- The Senator from Texas is recog- Senator from New York (Mrs. tractors are no longer required to post nized. GILLIBRAND) and the Senator from Mas- signs in the workplace informing work- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, if sachusetts (Mr. KENNEDY) are nec- ers of their rights regarding union amendment No. 673 is adopted, State essarily absent. dues. President Obama’s Executive attorneys general could still enforce Mr. KYL. The following Senator is order does not change the law, for the Truth in Lending Act, they can necessarily absent: the Senator from workers are still entitled to the refund. still hire outside counsel, they just Nebraska (Mr. JOHANNS). It is just that now, under the Executive The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there could not do so on a contingency fee order, employers don’t have to tell the any other Senators in the Chamber de- basis. workers of their rights, which they siring to vote? Contingency fee contracts offer three should. hazards in this context that are not The result was announced—yeas 32, nays 64, as follows: My amendment prohibits omnibus presented with more traditional fee ar- funds from being used for this provi- [Rollcall Vote No. 90 Leg.] rangements. First, there is a serious sion of the Executive order. I ask my YEAS—32 risk of overcompensating the lawyer at colleagues for their support. a loss to taxpayers, since typically Alexander Cornyn McCain The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who they work on 30 percent up to 50 per- Barrasso DeMint McConnell Bond Ensign Murkowski yields time in opposition? cent of whatever is recovered goes to Brownback Enzi Roberts Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise to the lawyers and not to the taxpayers, Bunning Grassley Sessions oppose the Cornyn amendment and as should be the case. Burr Gregg Snowe Chambliss Hutchison urge my colleagues to oppose it as well. Second, the proposed prospect of con- Thune On January 30, President Obama Coburn Inhofe Vitter tingency fees actually creates an in- Cochran Isakson Voinovich issued Executive Order 13496 to inform Collins Kyl centive for trial lawyers to encourage Wicker Federal contractor employees of their Corker Lugar litigation that State would not other- rights under Federal labor law. Under wise bring. State attorneys general NAYS—64 the Executive order, there are 120 days could initiate this litigation when it is Akaka Graham Nelson (FL) of rulemaking to prescribe the size, in the public interest. With contin- Baucus Hagan Nelson (NE) form, and content of this notice to be gency arrangements, too often the law- Bayh Harkin Pryor Begich Hatch Reed posted. In other words, it is underway yer decides who should initiate the Bennet Inouye Reid at this moment. case because, of course, of the profit Bennett Johnson Risch I am opposed to this amendment be- motive. And this undermines the cur- Bingaman Kaufman Rockefeller cause we didn’t restrict the ability of Boxer Kerry Sanders rent regulatory regime. Brown Klobuchar former President Bush to inform em- Schumer Third, contingency fee agreements Burris Kohl Shaheen ployees of Federal employers of their Byrd Landrieu have been proven to be a temptation Shelby labor rights. We should allow President Cantwell Lautenberg for corruption. Cardin Leahy Specter Obama the same opportunity. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Carper Levin Stabenow I urge Members to vote no. ator’s time has expired. Casey Lieberman Tester The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time Mr. CORNYN. For that reason I ask Conrad Lincoln Udall (CO) Crapo Martinez Udall (NM) has expired. my colleagues to support the amend- Dodd McCaskill Warner Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, I ask ment. Dorgan Menendez Webb for the yeas and nays. Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, I rise in Durbin Merkley Whitehouse The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a opposition to the Cornyn amendment, Feingold Mikulski Wyden Feinstein Murray sufficient second? and I do this for three reasons. First, There appears to be a sufficient sec- the Federal Trade Commission does not NOT VOTING—3 ond. have the resources to pursue all bad ac- Gillibrand Johanns Kennedy The question is on agreeing to the tors in the lending markets under their The amendment (No. 673) was re- amendment. jurisdiction. jected. The clerk will call the roll.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.038 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 The legislative clerk called the roll. menting the fairness doctrine will stay NOT VOTING—2 Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the in that legislation, but I have a fear Johanns Kennedy Senator from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- that when it gets to conference with The amendment (No. 662) was re- NEDY) is necessarily absent. the House, it might be stripped out. jected. Mr. KYL. The following Senator is This is yet another way of ensuring Mr. KERRY. Madam President, I necessarily absent: the Senator from that funds will not be used to imple- move to reconsider the vote, and I Nebraska (Mr. JOHANNS). ment this very bad idea. move to lay that motion on the table. The result was announced—yeas 38, I yield the floor. The motion to lay on the table was nays 59, as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- agreed to. [Rollcall Vote No. 91 Leg.] ator from Hawaii is recognized. AMENDMENT NO. 604 YEAS—38 Mr. INOUYE. Madam President, this The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Alexander Crapo Martinez amendment is unnecessary. There is no the previous order, there is 2 minutes Barrasso DeMint McCain funding in the bill to reinstate the fair- equally divided prior to a vote in rela- Bennett Ensign McConnell ness doctrine. The bill does not contain Bond Enzi tion to amendment No. 604 offered by Murkowski any provisions directing the FCC to re- Brownback Graham Risch the Senator from Alabama, Mr. SES- Bunning Grassley Roberts instate the doctrine. President Obama Burr Gregg SIONS. Sessions does not support it. The FCC has no The Senator from Alabama is recog- Chambliss Hatch Shelby Coburn Hutchison plans to reinstate the doctrine. Opposi- Snowe nized for 2 minutes. Cochran Inhofe tion to the amendment is not based on Thune Mr. SESSIONS. Madam President, 1 Collins Isakson substance, it is based on fact. It does Vitter minute or 2 minutes? Corker Kyl not belong in the bill. Cornyn Lugar Wicker The PRESIDING OFFICER. Excuse Things have changed since the fair- NAYS—59 me, 1 minute. ness doctrine was adopted in 1949. Mr. SESSIONS. Madam President, Akaka Gillibrand Nelson (FL) Today, there are more ways than ever this amendment simply will extend the Baucus Hagan Nelson (NE) to hear a variety of opinions on any Bayh Harkin Pryor authorization for the E-Verify system Begich Inouye Reed issue. We have hundreds of channels on for 5 years. On this current bill, it will Bennet Johnson Reid cable TV, over 14,000 AM and FM sta- be extended only for 6 months. I ask Bingaman Kaufman Rockefeller tions, and we have the Internet. There- Boxer Kerry why we would not make it a more ex- Sanders fore, we don’t need it. Brown Klobuchar Schumer tended period of time unless we have Burris Kohl Shaheen I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote. doubts about it, unless we don’t like it, Byrd Landrieu Specter Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask Cantwell Lautenberg unless we are looking for a way to Stabenow Cardin Leahy for the yeas and nays. eliminate it. Tester Carper Levin The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a It is the core system businesses are Casey Lieberman Udall (CO) second? There appears to be a suffi- Conrad Lincoln Udall (NM) signing up to use voluntarily. Over Dodd McCaskill Voinovich cient second. 100,000 are now using it. They punch in Dorgan Menendez Warner The question is on agreeing to the a Social Security number and deter- Durbin Merkley Webb amendment. mine whether the job applicant who is Feingold Mikulski Whitehouse Feinstein Murray Wyden The clerk will call the roll. before them is legally authorized to be The bill clerk called the roll. employed, if they are legally in the NOT VOTING—2 Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the country. That is what it is. It is not re- Johanns Kennedy Senator from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- quired to be used even in Government The amendment (No. 674) was re- NEDY) is necessarily absent. contracts. It does not require there to jected. Mr. KYL. The following Senator is be any police officers, detention spaces, AMENDMENT NO. 662 necessarily absent: the Senator from or any enforcement. It simply allows The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Nebraska (Mr. JOHANNS). businesses to use this system volun- MCCASKILL). Under the previous order, The result was announced—yeas 47, tarily. there will now be 2 minutes of debate nays 50, as follows: We cannot allow it to expire. I am equally divided prior to a vote in rela- [Rollcall Vote No. 92 Leg.] amazed we are not extending it perma- tion to amendment No. 662, offered by YEAS—47 nently. We need to do that. And we need to soon pass legislation, which the Senator from South Dakota, Mr. Alexander DeMint McConnell THUNE. Barrasso Ensign Murkowski this bill does not do, that would re- Who yields time? The Senator from Bayh Enzi Nelson (NE) quire all Government contractors to South Dakota is recognized. Begich Feingold Risch use the system because that would Bennett Graham Mr. THUNE. Madam President, Roberts have been the law as of January until Bond Grassley Sessions amendment No. 662 is simply a prohibi- Brownback Gregg Shelby President Obama stopped that Execu- tion on funding being used to imple- Bunning Hatch Snowe tive Order. Burr Hutchison ment the fairness doctrine. Specter The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Chambliss Inhofe Thune A couple of weeks ago, the Senate Coburn Isakson ator from Vermont. Udall (CO) had a vote, and 87 Members of the Sen- Cochran Klobuchar Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, my Vitter ate voted for a statutory prohibition Collins Kyl good friend from Alabama knows that Corker Lugar Voinovich on reinstating the fairness doctrine. In Cornyn Martinez Webb the bill contains an extension of the E- fact, the appropriations bill last year Crapo McCain Wicker Verify Program through September 30 included similar language to what I am of this year. I share his frustration NAYS—50 proposing in my amendment that about short-term extensions. Simi- Akaka Gillibrand Mikulski larly, I have been trying to work in would prohibit the FCC from using Baucus Mrs. Hagan Murray funds, appropriating funds to imple- Bennet Harkin Nelson (FL) good faith to extend the EB–5 Regional ment the fairness doctrine. So it is Bingaman Inouye Pryor Center Program, which is as important consistent with what the appropria- Boxer Johnson Reed to Alabama as it is to Vermont. Brown Kaufman tions bill included last year. It was not Reid Much to the detriment of the eco- Burris Kerry Rockefeller included in this year’s bill. All this Byrd Kohl Sanders nomic benefits created by the EB–5 Cantwell Landrieu simply does is makes it consistent with Schumer program, such as capital investments Cardin Lautenberg Shaheen what we did in last year’s appropria- Carper Leahy and new jobs in American commu- Stabenow tions bill. Casey Levin nities, the Senator from Alabama and Furthermore, the legislation that Conrad Lieberman Tester others have refused to pass an EB–5 ex- Udall (NM) was actually passed by the Senate 2 Dodd Lincoln tension without simultaneously ex- Dorgan McCaskill Warner weeks ago, the DC voting rights bill, Durbin Menendez Whitehouse tending the E-Verify Program. I be- my hope is the prohibition on imple- Feinstein Merkley Wyden lieve they should both be extended.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:11 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.043 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2943 While I have no objection to reauthor- the protection of our Constitution. He considerations and strengths against izing the E-Verify Program for a longer also has been chairman in the past of an affirmative vote. He saw the impor- term, so long as it remains voluntary our Agriculture Committee, where he tance of a unifying factor being the and free of mandates, I cannot vote for did remarkably good work protecting ranking member—I chaired at that one that leaves the EB–5 program be- the State of Vermont and all agricul- time—and saw the importance of a uni- hind. tural interests. As a senior member of fying factor with a courageous vote. Besides, in the context of this bill the Appropriations committee, Senator He has been an extraordinary Sen- which has to be passed and enacted to LEAHY has ensured that all commu- ator. I look forward to seeing him serve keep the Federal Government running, nities throughout Vermont and across many years, and I hope to serve with this amendment is inappropriate. It is America have access to the tools they him. the wrong action at this time and need to grow and to prosper. Senator I thank the Chair and yield the floor. would jeopardize the swift passage of LEAHY is a leading voice for conserva- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- this legislation. tion and environmental protection. He ator from Vermont. I support the efforts of Chairman has led the charge to expand broadband Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I INOUYE, Senator BYRD, and others to access to rural communities. don’t want to hold up the votes, but I oppose it. Senator LEAHY is also a leader on for- do want to thank my dear friend, the I ask for the yeas and nays. eign policy, working to protect human majority leader, and my good friend, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a rights across the world while ensuring the Republican leader, for their kind sufficient second? our men and women in uniform have remarks and, of course, my friend, the There appears to be a sufficient sec- the training, equipment, and respect senior Senator from Pennsylvania. As ond. they need and deserve. he said, we first knew each other when Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I This is a fine man, and it can best be we were much younger and prosecu- move to table the amendment, and I shown as a result of his wonderful wife tors. ask for the yeas and nays. Marcelle. I am fortunate to call Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a ator LEAHY my friend. I am fortunate I I will just take a moment. When sufficient second on the motion to have had the good fortune of being able Marcelle and I first came here in Janu- table? to serve in the Senate with this senior ary 1975 with three young children— There appears to be a sufficient sec- Senator from the State of Vermont, Kevin, Alicia, and Mark—we never ond. PATRICK LEAHY. thought we would be here this long. I The yeas and nays were ordered. Congratulations, PATRICK, on your have enjoyed every moment of it. But Mr. REID. Madam President, I ask 13,000th vote as a U.S. Senator. especially, I have served with hundreds the Senate to allow me to make a (Applause.) and hundreds of Senators, both Repub- statement prior to this next vote. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mi- lican and Democratic Senators. I have The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without nority leader. enjoyed my relationship with every objection, it is so ordered. Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, single one of the men and women with TRIBUTE TO SENATOR LEAHY let me add to our friend and colleague whom I have had the privilege to serve. Mr. REID. Madam President, I pause from Vermont for this side of the aisle We have often said we are the con- to honor the senior Senator from how much we admire and respect his science of the Nation—the Senate. Vermont, PATRICK LEAHY, chairman of extraordinary record. He and I had an Only 100 of us have the privilege to the Judiciary Committee. He will cast opportunity to serve together as either serve here at any given time to rep- his 13,000th vote. ranking member or chairman—we resent a great and wonderful Nation of (Applause.) switched hats several times—of the 300 million people. It is a privilege, and This is a remarkable tally that few Foreign Operations Subcommittee of it is an honor. men or women in the hallowed history Appropriations. I thank my colleagues for this trib- of this Chamber can match. But I guess I will pick out one area for which I ute. This is something I will long re- what we note most about our friend think PAT LEAHY is known around the member. from Vermont—I think I can say world, and that is his efforts with re- I yield the floor. ‘‘we’’—is not the quantity of his votes gard to demining all over the world. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The 1 so much as the quality. In his 3 ⁄2 dec- He has made an extraordinary con- question is on agreeing to the motion. ades of service in the Senate, PAT tribution, not only to his State but his The yeas and nays have been ordered. LEAHY has been a reliable friend in the Nation. I know I speak for all Repub- The clerk will call the roll. cause of justice. licans in congratulating my friend PAT was elected to the Senate at the from Vermont for his—how many votes The assistant legislative clerk called age of 34. Few gave this young pros- is this?—13,000th vote. the roll. ecutor from Burlington much of a I yield the floor. Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the chance to win. After all, not a single The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Senator from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- Democrat had ever been elected to the ator from Pennsylvania. NEDY) is absent. U.S. Senate from Vermont. And, of Mr. SPECTER. Madam President, I Mr. KYL. The following Senator is course, Vermont was one of our early join in congratulating the distin- necessarily absent: the Senator from States. guished senior Senator from Vermont. Nebraska (Mr. JOHANNS). Senator LEAHY recalls that the Re- I have had the pleasure of knowing him The result was announced—yeas 50, publican Senator George Aiken was longer than his Senate colleagues be- nays 47, as follows: asked by some to resign his seat a day cause we met in 1970 at a district attor- [Rollcall Vote No. 93 Leg.] early to give Senator LEAHY a head- neys convention where I was the host YEAS—50 start in seniority among his fellow in Philadelphia. We have been fast freshmen, which you could do. Senator Akaka Feinstein Mikulski friends ever since, going on the 29th Begich Gillibrand Murray LEAHY recalls Senator Aiken replying: year I have been working with him on Bennet Hagan Nelson (FL) If Vermont is foolish enough to elect a the Judiciary Committee and on the Bingaman Harkin Pryor Democrat, let him be number 100. Appropriations Committee. We have Boxer Inouye Reed Brown Johnson On the contrary, the people of disagreed very infrequently. Mostly, we Reid Burris Kaufman Rockefeller Vermont acted wisely by sending PAT- have been able to carry forward bipar- Byrd Kerry Sanders Cantwell Kohl RICK LEAHY to Washington and sent tisanship, which has been in the inter- Schumer Cardin Landrieu Shaheen him again and again and again and est of the Senate and in the interest of Carper Lautenberg Stabenow again. the country. Casey Leahy As chairman of the Judiciary Com- I could commend him for many of his Conrad Levin Udall (CO) Udall (NM) mittee, Senator LEAHY has been a na- votes, but I would pick out his vote in Dodd Lieberman Dorgan Lincoln Warner tional leader for an independent judici- favor of Chief Justice Roberts at a time Durbin Menendez Whitehouse ary, the promotion of equal rights, and when there were considerable political Feingold Merkley Wyden

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:44 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.046 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2944 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 NAYS—47 WASHINGTON, DC, should be ashamed and admit who put Alexander DeMint McConnell March 10, 2009. them up to it. I think I know who is be- Barrasso Ensign Murkowski Hon. DIANNE FEINSTEIN, hind efforts to end this program. Baucus Enzi Nelson (NE) U.S. Senate, The program provides 1,700 children Bayh Graham Risch Washington, DC. with scholarships of up to $7,500 each to Bennett Grassley Roberts DEAR SENATOR FEINSTEIN: Thank you for Bond Gregg Sessions contacting me about the DC Opportunity attend the school of their choice. To Brownback Hatch Shelby Scholarship Program. I appreciate your con- qualify, students must live in the Dis- Bunning Hutchison Snowe trict and have a household income of Burr Inhofe tinued interest in matters that are vitally Specter Chambliss Isakson important to the residents of the District of no more than 18 percent of the poverty Tester Coburn Klobuchar Columbia. line. For 2008–2009, the average income Thune Cochran Kyl As my staff had the opportunity to advise Vitter for families using the program was just Collins Lugar your staff last week, the position of the Ad- over $23,000 a year. Corker Martinez Voinovich ministration is consistent with our position Cornyn McCain Webb Since 2004 when the program began, Wicker during the last two budgets—we support the Crapo McCaskill three sector approach initiated by the Wil- approximately 7,200 families have ap- NOT VOTING—2 liams Administration because in the past plied for spots in the program—nearly four applicants for each available Johanns Kennedy two years the District has made tremendous strides toward improving the educational ex- scholarship. It is a program that has The motion was agreed to. perience of all students. repeatedly shown improved family sat- Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I Accordingly, we do not support any meas- isfaction and increase parental involve- move to reconsider the vote. ures that would reverse the three sector ap- ment. Mr. CARPER. I move to lay that mo- proach or strategy. We further agree with The students themselves are perhaps tion on the table. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan: that the best testimonials. Tiffany Dunston, The motion to lay on the table was while the ultimate goal is to fix the entire school system it would not be productive to valedictorian of Archbishop Carroll agreed to. disrupt the education of children who are High School’s class of 2008, who was a AMENDMENT NO. 615 presently enrolled in private schools through four year scholarship recipient, is now The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program. studying biochemistry at Syracuse the previous order, there will now be 4 Once again, thank you for your inquiry and University. Tiffany’s thoughts on the minutes of debate equally divided prior continued support of the District of Colum- program underscore why this program to a vote in relation to amendment No. bia. If you have any questions please feel free must continue: ‘‘I am determined to to contact me or Bridget Davis in my Office build a better life and want others in 615, offered by the Senator from Ne- of Policy and Legislative Affairs. vada, Mr. ENSIGN. Sincerely, my community to have that chance as The Senator from Nevada is recog- ADRIAN M. FENTY, well.’’ Another scholarship student, nized. Mayor. Ronald Holassie, was recently sworn in Mr. ENSIGN. Madam President, in Mr. ENSIGN. Mayor Fenty is agree- as deputy youth mayor for the District. the underlying bill there is language ing with the Education Secretary, who Ronald says he ‘‘wouldn’t be where he addressing the DC Opportunity Schol- says these kids should not be pulled is today’’ without his scholarship. It is premature to add conditions to arship Program that would effectively, out of this program, and this program this important program. This spring, after next year, kill the program. It re- should not end. There are so many Congress will have the results of the quires that not only it be reauthorized scholarship recipients across this town comprehensive analysis of the pro- by Congress but also that the DC City who want to stay in their private gram. Chairman LIEBERMAN has com- Council approve the program. There schools. We should stand up for the mitted to holding a hearing to review are 1,700 kids from families making an kids and not the special interest the program and discuss proposals for average of less than $24,000 a year that groups, such as the National Education improvement in advance of the Sen- now participate in this program. The Association, that want to end this pro- parents love this program. The kids ate’s debate on reauthorization. I ap- gram. preciate the majority leader’s commit- love this program. I am a big believer Mr. VOINOVICH. Madam President, I ment to a fair debate on long-term rein the public school system, but the DC rise in support of the amendment by Public Schools, which spend more than authorization. Senator ENSIGN to continue funding for My colleagues know that I have been any other school district in the coun- the DC Opportunity Scholarship Pro- through this fight before. As Governor try, over $15,000 per student per year, gram, which has given thousands of I supported opportunity scholarships are failing too many kids in Wash- children in the District of Columbia a for Cleveland in 1992. With hard work ington. So this program was put in to chance to escape failing schools. Unfor- and dedication, we managed to get the give some low-income kids the oppor- tunately, the underlying bill contains bill through in 1995 and within 3 years, tunity to succeed. language which would have a dev- over 3,600 children were attending the Guess what. They are thriving in this astating impact on low-income fami- school of their choice. Just last year, program. Earlier, the senior Senator lies in the District of Columbia by pre- there were over 6,000 students partici- from Illinois said we have to make sure maturely ending the program. pating! all the teachers have 4-year degrees. Many of us are outraged that a Mem- It wasn’t easy. After we stood-up the The omnibus bill before us requires ber of the Senate has included a provi- Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring that. My amendment does not touch sion to kill the program. The provision Program, the American Federation of that requirement. He also says we have has not gone unnoticed. On March 6 Teachers, National Education Associa- to make sure they are in structurally The Washington Post asked why ‘‘any- tion, and others filed a lawsuit and for safe schools. The bill before us requires one would want to force children out of nearly a decade Ohioans fought for the that. My amendment does not touch schools where they are happy, safe and program. All along I had advocated that. So those are both side issues that satisfied’’ and on March 9, Newsweek that the program was constitutional. I are not affected at all by my amend- asked why lawmakers would consider will never forget the day when the U.S. ment. stopping a $14 million program which is Supreme Court agreed the program was We need to put special interests aside a ‘‘rounding error’’ on the General Mo- constitutional in Zelman v. Simmons- and focus on the children from Wash- tors bailout figure. Finally, The Wall Harris, 536 U.S. 639, on June 27, 2002. ington, DC, especially those low-in- Street Journal calls it what it is: ‘‘per- The program continues to thrive and come children haps the most odious of double stand- expand because of its success. I con- I ask unanimous consent that this ards in American life today: the way sider it one of the major contributions letter from the Mayor of Washington, some of our loudest champions of pub- to our country’s educational system. It DC, Adrian Fenty, be printed in the lic education vote to keep other peo- is a morsel on our smorgasbord of edu- RECORD. ple’s children—mostly inner-city cational opportunities. There being no objection, the mate- blacks and Latinos—trapped in schools And the benefits go far beyond the rial was ordered to be printed in the where they’d never let their own kids academic. A study by the Buckeye In- RECORD, as follows: set foot.’’ Whoever is responsible stitute found that students involved in

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.011 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2945 the Cleveland program are gaining ac- My colleagues may be interested to Mr. ENSIGN. I ask for the yeas and cess to a more integrated school expe- know that the DC Opportunity Schol- nays. rience. Here in Washington, a George- arship Program had the support of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a town University study found that with District of Columbia government when sufficient second? There is a sufficient their children in safer schools, parents it was created. second. were free to focus on their child’s aca- On June 24, 2003, in testimony before The clerk will call the roll. demic development and the school’s the House Committee on Government The legislative clerk called the roll. curriculum. Reform, then District of Columbia Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Now, after so much progress and Mayor Anthony Williams testified, ‘‘I senator from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- money invested, some Members of Con- support the President’s desire to create NEDY) is necessarily absent. gress wish to establish premature road- a scholarship program in the District. I Mr. KYL. The following Senator is blocks for the program. What is lost in believe, if done effectively, such a pro- necessarily absent: the Senator from the underlying language is the need for gram could truly expand choice to low- Nebraska (Mr. JOHANNS). the children of the District of Colum- income families, who currently do not The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. bia to have every opportunity to re- have the same freedom of choice en- TESTER). Are there any other Senators ceive a high-quality education. How of- joyed by more affluent families.’’ in the Chamber desiring to vote? The result was announced—yeas 39, fensive for Members of Congress, many The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- nays 58, as follows: with the means to send their children jority whip is recognized. Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, 5 to any school, to limit the ability of [Rollcall Vote No. 94 Leg.] years ago we created an experimental YEAS—39 District students to do the same. pilot plan for 5 years that would expire Just last week, one of my esteemed Alexander Cornyn Lugar in June of this year. Rather than let it colleagues came to the floor and dis- Barrasso DeMint Martinez expire and these 1,700 students and Bennett Ensign McCain cussed how he had sent his children to their families be disadvantaged, we ex- Bond Enzi McConnell private Catholic School. He said that it tended it for a year in this bill. What is Brownback Graham Risch was a family decision and that they Bunning Grassley Roberts going to happen in the course of that Burr Gregg Sessions made the ‘‘extra sacrifice’’ to pay for year? Senator LIEBERMAN’s committee Byrd Hatch Shelby it. What my colleague fails to realize is is going to take a close look to see if Chambliss Hutchison Thune that many of the parochial schools Coburn Inhofe Vitter the over $70 million we spent on this Cochran Isakson Voinovich that participate in the program do so program has worked. Are the students Collins Kyl Warner because they are giving witness to the getting a good education, better than Corker Lieberman Wicker Second Great Commandment. they would in public schools, better NAYS—58 During the State of the Union, Presi- than in charter schools? Are the teach- dent Obama said that ‘‘good education Akaka Gillibrand Nelson (FL) ers competent in this program? Are the Baucus Hagan Nelson (NE) is no longer just a pathway to oppor- schools they are learning in safe build- Bayh Harkin Pryor tunity—it is a prerequisite . . . to en- ings? Begich Inouye Reed sure that every child has access to a Bennet Johnson Reid These are fundamental questions we Bingaman Kaufman complete and competitive education— should ask of every school program. I Rockefeller Boxer Kerry Sanders from the day they are born to the day do not understand reluctance on the Brown Klobuchar Schumer Burris Kohl they begin a career.’’ The DC Oppor- other side to have an honest evaluation Shaheen Cantwell Landrieu Snowe tunity Scholarship Program provides of the program that has cost us over Cardin Lautenberg Specter District students the pathway to meet $70 million in taxpayer funds. Carper Leahy the President’s goal. Shame on the At the end of the day, those schools Casey Levin Stabenow Tester President for not getting involved and that are doing a good job will be given Conrad Lincoln Crapo McCaskill Udall (CO) telling his friends in the Senate how good grades. Those that are failing in Dodd Menendez Udall (NM) embarrassed he is about what they are this process do not deserve to be re- Dorgan Merkley Webb attempting to do to the DC Oppor- newed. I have extended this program Durbin Mikulski Whitehouse for a year in the bill, and the other pro- Feingold Murkowski Wyden tunity Scholarship Program in this Feinstein Murray bill. vision, which I am going to allow Sen- Two weeks ago, the Senate voted by ator SCHUMER to address, gives to the NOT VOTING—2 supermajority to give voting rights to DC City Council the same thing you Johanns Kennedy the District of Columbia—which I was would want the Las Vegas City Council The amendment (No. 615) was re- proud to cosponsor. I am sure if we to have if Congress tried to impose a jected. were to let parents in the District vote program on them. Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I on this amendment—let the parents I yield my remaining time to Senator move to reconsider the vote. tell Congress what they want for their SCHUMER. Mr. REID. I move to lay that motion Mr. SCHUMER. I thank my colleague children—their answer would be to con- on the table. for his excellent remarks. The bottom tinue funding the DC Opportunity The motion to lay on the table was line is this: On the issue of vouchers in Scholarship Program. agreed to. DC schools, some people are for them; The language in the base bill takes The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- some people are against them. We are away the opportunity for parents of jority leader is recognized. all for our local school districts deter- limited means to choose the best edu- UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 542 mining what they ought to do. I would cation available for their children. The Mr. REID. Mr. President, last week not want Washington to tell any of my the junior Senator from Louisiana of- Omnibus appropriations bill provides 800 school districts in New York they fered an amendment to the Omnibus $410 billion to fund Federal programs must have vouchers or they can’t have through the end of the fiscal year. vouchers. Yet this law, which was put appropriations bill that would change Surely my colleagues would be willing on the books 5 years ago, forces DC to the way the cost-of-living adjustments to continue to spend $14 million on a use the program. are given to Members of the House and program that continues to give quality The amendment is very simple. It the Senate. The bill before us, which education to thousands of deserving says leave it up to the DC City Council. has already passed the House, ensures children. I think every one of us would support there will be no cost-of-living adjust- I urge my colleagues to support the that kind of independence and auton- ment in 2010. Most Senators, me in- amendment. omy for our local school boards. cluded, have indicated support for that I wanted to briefly comment on the I yield the floor. provision that is in this bill. remarks by the senior Senator from Mr. ENSIGN. Is there any time re- Senator VITTER’s amendment would New York in opposition to Ensign maining? require the House and the Senate to amendment 615 to H.R. 1105. The Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is vote every year on cost-of-living ad- ator emphasized the importance of no time remaining. The question is on justments rather than having those ad- local support for educational programs. agreeing to the amendment. justments take effect immediately. I

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.024 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 agree with Senator VITTER that cost- in the House. But it seems to me there So I did not block his amendment. of-living adjustments for Members of is tremendous movement to get this The Democrats did not block it. No one Congress should not be automatic. accomplished. knew he wanted to offer it, that I know That is why I introduced a freestanding I say to my friend from Louisiana, of, on this side of the aisle. bill last week that would do just that. this is an important piece of legisla- I am using leader time so no one feels That is why we seek consent to pass tion. We should go ahead and pass this. constrained. this bill before we are scheduled to We know there are not going to be any The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- vote on the amendment by the Senator amendments to the appropriations bill ator from Michigan is recognized. from Louisiana. that I can get through the House. That Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I say By passing this legislation as a is clear. to the majority leader, is it not true stand-alone, it can become law without Everyone read in the newspaper what that if this amendment were to pass on threatening completion of this appro- happened there Thursday night. So I this bill, that, in fact, it would never priations bill. If Senators want to dem- would hope that in good faith this is take effect because it will not be taken onstrate their support for the proposed not an effort to avoid anything, this is up in the House? But if we pass it inde- automatic cost-of-living adjustments, not an effort to try to play any legisla- pendently, as our leader has put for- they can and should support my stand- tive games. This is important legisla- ward, and we all support it, it would, in alone legislation. It is fiscally respon- tion, I repeat for the third time, that fact, pass immediately in the Senate sible, responsible to the state of our we should adopt, and the House will and then go to the House for consider- economy, and will allow us to continue take care of this itself. ation? the good progress we have made toward Now, for me to stand and say what Mr. REID. I say to my friend from passing this bill. the House is going to do—I think it is Michigan, it is clear as the daylight Objecting to this request will have pretty clear that with what is going on hour that my friend from Louisiana two negative results: It will jeopardize around the rest of the country, there is doesn’t want the underlying bill to our ability to pass legislation ending going to be significant support for this pass. Common sense dictates the best the automatic COLAs, and it will deal legislation, as I hope there is here in way to go is by adopting this consent a serious blow to our efforts to pass this body. agreement I made. this appropriations bill. Any Senator The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Let me also say this: I will be happy who wishes to end the automatic COLA objection? to ask consent—I ask unanimous con- should support this consent request I Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, reserv- sent the Senate proceed to consider- will shortly make. Likewise, any Sen- ing the right to object. ation of Calendar No. 29, this legisla- ator who wishes to move forward with Ms. STABENOW. Would the majority tion, S. 542, tomorrow, March 11, at 3 the omnibus will support my request. leader yield for a question? p.m. I make a commitment that I will The only way to accomplish these ob- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- bring this bill up. If there are people jectives is to support my request, take ator from Louisiana is recognized. who don’t want to agree to this to- up and pass the stand-alone pay adjust- Mr. VITTER. Well, certainly I agree night, assuming the Senator from Lou- ment bill. with the distinguished majority leader isiana is that person, I will bring it up I urge all of my colleagues to support on one point: there is movement on some other time. I am committed to this unanimous consent pay request. this issue. Just 12 hours after I was fi- doing this. Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- nally able to secure a vote on my The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there sent that the Senate proceed to the amendment, after being blocked at objection? consideration of Calendar No. 29, S. 542, every turn for a week, the majority Mr. VITTER. Reserving the right to a bill which repeals the provisions of leader himself adopted the cause and object, again, unfortunately, the same law to provide for an automatic pay ad- introduced, out of the blue, a stand- game is at work. I would object. I justment to Members of Congress; that alone amendment. I wish he had been would also be happy to lift my objec- the bill be read three times, passed, with his colleague, Senator FEINGOLD, tion if the Speaker of the House would and the motion to reconsider be laid on this issue since at least the year offer a public commitment to give Sen- upon the table. 2000, when Senator FEINGOLD has had ator REID’s bill a vote on the House This is a serious piece of legislation. legislation on the topic. I applaud Sen- floor in the near future. It accomplishes what the Senator from ator FEINGOLD for that. Mr. REID. Mr. President, to show Louisiana obviously wants to accom- But, again, I renew my objection be- how—what is the right word—how Sen- plish. I would hope we can do this to- cause I think this stand-alone bill is ator VITTER is not serious, he knows night. It would end all discussion on nothing more than cover, nothing more that I can’t represent what the Speak- autopay adjustments. We should do than something to point to, when it er is going to do. She doesn’t know I that. will not be taken up on the floor of the am here doing this. She runs her little The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there House. I would be happy to lift my ob- show over there, and I do my best to objection? jection to the majority leader’s stand- have some input on what happens here. Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, reserv- alone bill if the Speaker of the House But I can’t make that kind of commit- ing the right to object. publicly commits to a vote of his bill ment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- on the House floor in the very near fu- I can’t imagine why anyone would ator from Louisiana. ture. object to our passing this. It would Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I believe The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- move this down the road a long way. I the way to actually get this done, to jority leader. am sorry the Senator from Louisiana actually pass this into law, is to in- Mr. REID. I will certainly yield to obviously is not serious about passing clude it in a must-pass bill, such as the my friend from Michigan. this legislation, because I have asked appropriations bill before us, not to Mr. President, I did not block his that we do it right now. I have asked point to a stand-alone to give people amendment last week. I never heard that we go to it tomorrow. He objects. cover for votes; a bill that would not be from him until we were here Thursday The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there taken up on the floor of the House. So night, late. I have had a number of Re- objection? in that regard I would simply ask the publicans come to me—as I look Mr. VITTER. There is objection. majority leader, does he have a com- through this crowd here, there were a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- mitment from the Speaker of the number of Senators who came to me tion is heard. House that his bill will be given a vote and said: We would like our amend- AMENDMENT NO. 621 on the House floor in the near future? ments to be offered. There was general Under the previous order, there is Mr. REID. Mr. President, it is obvi- agreement Thursday night after final now 2 minutes of debate equally di- ous that this is an important issue. We passage did not take place; Senators vided prior to a vote in relation to have an economy that is in distress. told me they wanted to offer amend- amendment No. 621 offered by the Sen- That is why we should pass this. I have ments. They talked during the week ator from Louisiana, Mr. VITTER. not gotten commitments from anyone the same way. The Senator from Louisiana.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.050 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2947 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, in this Mr. KYL. The following Senator is Policing Services, or COPS program, economy there are millions of Ameri- necessarily absent: the Senator from and the Byrne justice assistance cans who are seeing their savings dwin- Nebraska (Mr. JOHANNS). grants, which help State and local law dle to nothing, who are losing their The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there enforcement fight and prevent crime in jobs, their homes. Yet they also see, as any other Senators in the Chamber de- communities across America. recently as last January 1, Members of siring to vote? The Vitter amendment should be Congress getting an automatic pay The result was announced—yeas 52, considered on another legislative vehi- raise, in that instance $4,700. It is nays 45, as follows: cle that would not jeopardize our na- wrong. The system that has these pay [Rollcall Vote No. 95 Leg.] tional priorities. raises on autopilot is wrong. We should YEAS—52 Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I support have full, open debates and votes. That annual votes on congressional pay Akaka Gillibrand Mikulski is what my amendment would ensure. Baucus Gregg Murray raises to avoid automatic cost of living I reserve the remainder of my time. Begich Hagan Nelson (FL) increases. I was a cosponsor of an alter- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Bennet Harkin Pryor native by Senator REID that would ator from California. Bingaman Inouye Reed have accomplished this goal without Boxer Johnson Reid Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, Senator Brown Kaufman derailing the Omnibus appropriations VITTER wants to bring this bill down. Rockefeller Burris Kerry Sanders bill. The underlying Omnibus appro- Byrd Kohl He wants to score political points. Do Schumer priations bill cancels the pay raise that Cantwell Landrieu you know what is in this bill? We stop Shaheen Cardin Lautenberg would have gone into effect in January Stabenow our pay raise from next year. He wants Carper Leahy 2010. Additionally, I have previously to bring this bill down. We stop our pay Casey Levin Udall (CO) Udall (NM) stated that I will give the 2009 cost of raise in this bill. Senator REID offered Cochran Lieberman Warner living increase to charity. a unanimous consent request. All of us Conrad Lugar Dorgan Martinez Whitehouse Unfortunately, this amendment was could have gone right down the aisle Durbin Menendez Wicker nothing more than political here together saying every year we Feinstein Merkley grandstanding and a poison pill devote on a cost-of-living raise. So don’t NAYS—45 signed to block necessary appropria- be fooled by this. The people need our Alexander Dodd McConnell tions bills from passing and I was help, the help that is offered in this Barrasso Ensign Murkowski forced to vote against the amendment. bill. People are unemployed. There is Bayh Enzi Nelson (NE) Mr. REID. Mr. President, I move to funding in this bill to get them back to Bennett Feingold Risch reconsider the vote, and I move to lay work, to do the business of govern- Bond Graham Roberts Brownback Grassley Sessions that motion on the table. ment. This bill stops our pay raise. Bunning Hatch Shelby The motion to lay on the table was This is a cheap shot, in my opinion. We Burr Hutchison Snowe agreed to. Chambliss Inhofe Specter ought to vote no. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- Coburn Isakson Tester Collins Klobuchar Thune jority leader is recognized. jority leader. Corker Kyl Vitter Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Mr. REID. The Senator from Cali- Cornyn Lincoln Voinovich imous consent that the 30 minutes fornia is absolutely right. If this bill Crapo McCain Webb prior to the cloture vote be reduced to goes down, the work we have done, in DeMint McCaskill Wyden 10 minutes, to be divided as previously keeping with Senator FEINGOLD—that NOT VOTING—2 ordered, with the remaining provisions is, to not have a cost-of-living adjust- Johanns Kennedy of the previous order in effect, meaning ment next year—we would have to The motion was agreed to. that Senator INOUYE will control 5 min- start all over. This is wrong. We should Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I opposed utes and Senator COCHRAN will control move forward and defeat this amend- the amendment offered by Senator 5 minutes. ment. VITTER to the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, how Let me say this, Mr. President: I sim- appropriations bill that would repeal much time remains? ply want to tell everyone—Democrats The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the automatic cost of living adjust- and Republicans—this has been very ator has 22 seconds. ment, COLA, for Members of Congress difficult, but I think it has been good Mr. VITTER. People do need our help starting in fiscal year 2010. The Omni- for this institution. And I, frankly—I and the people are watching. So if you bus appropriations bill already elimi- do not want to lay out all of my dirty want to change the law that puts our nates the Members of Congress COLA laundry, but I think it has been good pay raises on autopilot while they suf- for fiscal year 2010. I choose to give my for me. I think the situation that has fer, that system, not pass on it one COLA to worthy charities because I developed on the Republican side—I year but change that law, vote for this know that many families in Massachu- had a number of Republican Senators amendment. If you want to kill that setts and across the Nation are strug- come to me and say: We need a few concept, vote against the amendment. gling to make ends meet and need help. more amendments, and I had enough I ask for the yeas and nays. I opposed the Vitter amendment be- votes to pass it, and I ignored them. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a cause it could have jeopardized the en- That will not happen in the future. I sufficient second? actment of the omnibus legislation am going to try to be more aware of Mr. REID. I move to table the which includes critical investments in trying to create a better feeling in this amendment. America’s future. Given the process of body, not necessarily count 60 or 51, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a the bill winding its way through Con- whatever it is. sufficient second? gress, the Vitter amendment would So I appreciate what everyone has There appears to be. have essentially stopped the omnibus done here, but especially do I appre- The yeas and nays were ordered. in its tracks. We can’t afford to have ciate the two managers of this bill. Mr. REID. I ask for the yeas and nays this bill delayed. The bill increases our This has been extremely difficult for on the motion to table. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a energy security by prioritizing re- them. All of the difficult issues had to sufficient second on the yeas and nays search and development of renewable be resolved by them. I think people on the motion to table? energy and energy efficiency including looking at this Senate today should There appears to be. solar power, biofuels, vehicle tech- know how fortunate we are as a coun- The question is on agreeing to the nologies, energy-efficient buildings, try to have two people such as DAN motion. and advanced energy research. It also INOUYE and THAD COCHRAN being the The clerk will call the roll. includes strong investments into cut- managers of this bill. These are two of The assistant legislative clerk called ting-edge science so that our Nation the best, and I want to personally ex- the roll. will maintain its preeminence in the tend my appreciation. I applaud and Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the global economy and create new jobs. commend both of them for doing an ex- Senator from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- The bill also keeps Americans safe by cellent job on a very difficult piece of NEDY) is necessarily absent. supporting the Community Oriented work.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.051 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2948 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 I have spoken to both of them. Ev- them in the first possible legislation Once built, the ACP project will be eryone should understand, we are going following the enactment of this legisla- the only U.S.-owned source of nuclear to move into an appropriations process tion? fuel that is critically important for we can all be proud of. No more of Would the chairman of the Sub- various national security reasons. these big, lumpy bills. We are going to committee on Energy and Water also I would like to observe that the Gov- move forward and try to do a bill at a agree with me that the Department of ernors of Ohio, Maryland, Tennessee time. Energy should therefore continue to and Kentucky strongly support USEC’s Again, thanks for everyone’s co- work on the pending loan guarantee ACP project. operation. applications for those projects which Mr. President, I will ask unanimous Mr. President, there is a unanimous could be adversely impacted by this consent that the letter from the Gov- consent request pending. legislation if not corrected, such as ernors of Ohio, Maryland, Tennessee The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without those for renewable projects and for and Kentucky be printed in the RECORD objection, it is so ordered. USEC’s loan guarantee application for following my statement. There is now 10 minutes equally di- its ACP project? I would also like to observe that vided. Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I agree President Obama, during his campaign LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM with the ranking member of the Sub- visits to Ohio last summer, expressed Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, for the committee on Energy and Water that his support for USEC’s ACP project, as benefit of the Senate, I would like to the House-passed language contains articulated in his letter to Governor discuss with the chairman of the Ap- flaws that we would all like to see rem- Strickland of Ohio dated September 2, propriations Subcommittee on Energy edied. In response to his two questions 2008, and I will ask unanimous consent and Water the congressional intent I will state the following. that that letter also be printed in the with respect to the funding provided by First, I am willing to work with him RECORD following my statement. the pending legislation, H.R. 1105, re- and any other Member who has a simi- I thank the chairman and the rank- garding the Department of Energy’s lar concern about the unintended im- ing member of the Appropriations Sub- loan guarantee program. pact of the language on these energy committee on Energy and Water. The pending legislation provides a projects. Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I also total of $47 billion for eligible projects Second, I agree that the Department thank the chairman and the ranking pursuant to title XVII of the Energy of Energy, including its Loan Guar- member of the Subcommittee on En- Policy Act of 2005, to remain available antee Office, should not cease, delay or ergy and Water for their willingness to until committed, of which $18.5 billion slow down its processing of any of work on addressing the unintended shall be for nuclear power facilities. these pending loan guarantee applica- consequences associated with this lan- In order to address budget scoring tions. guage. Ensuring that the language is issues raised by the Congressional The Department of Energy should appropriately modified is crucial to en- Budget Office, regarding third party fi- continue to take all actions and steps sure the U.S. has the flexibility to nancing, the conferees included legisla- necessary and predicate for the maintain a domestically owned and tion recommended by CBO counsel. issuance of a final loan guarantee so produced source of enriched uranium, CBO staff believes there is concern that that a final loan guarantee can be rather than relying on other nations. the Federal Government might incur issued upon enactment of the necessary I am not happy with the long delay mandatory spending as a result of en- technical corrections and competitive in getting the next generation enrich- tering into power purchase agreements selection. ment technology up and running in for energy projects that also receive I can assure the ranking member of Piketon, OH. Good paying jobs are at loan guarantees from the Department the Energy and Water Subcommittee stake. Our national security is at of Energy. that I will work with him to try to cor- stake. And, freedom from dependency While CBO acknowledges that this rect this situation. Accordingly, the on foreign sources of uranium is at scoring issue is separate from the 1- Department of Energy and its Loan stake. percent subsidy cost that CBO has as- Guarantee Office should proceed to I look forward to working with the sessed the title XVII since fiscal year process these loan guarantee applica- senior Senator from Ohio and the 2007, the conferees were obliged to in- tions expeditiously so as to be prepared chairman and ranking member to ad- clude language drafted by CBO that to act immediately on these pending dress the concerns arising from this would mitigate the possible scoring im- loan guarantee applications to issue language. pact. final loan guarantees if corrective leg- Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I ask The language is drafted to capture as islation is enacted. unanimous consent that the 2 letters many possible third party financing op- Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I am to which I referred be printed in the tions and as a result has created sev- very pleased with the commitments of RECORD. eral unintended consequences. Specifi- the chairman and ranking member of There being no objection, the mate- cally, the omnibus language could in- the Appropriations Subcommittee on rial was ordered to be printed in the advertently have an adverse impact on Energy and Water to fix these flaws in RECORD, as follows: a number of pending projects, for nu- the pending legislation. All of these en- DECEMBER 19, 2008. merous title XVII eligible projects in- ergy projects are very important to the Hon. GEORGE W. BUSH, cluding the American Centrifuge Plant, future of our country as we work to- The White House, ACP. The ACP project will employ wards achieving energy independence Washington, DC. more than 3,000 people in Ohio and and cleaner environment. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: Our states provide thousands of employees with contracts USEC’s American Centrifuge Plant the domestic infrastructure to support the to build this facility including ATK project is not only very important to proposed American Centrifuge Plant (ACP) and Hexcel located in Utah. Ohio, it is particularly important to in Piketon, Ohio. We are asking that you direct your Administration to act promptly First, I would like to thank the the Nation. within existing funding authorities and take chairman of the Subcommittee on En- The ACP project is shovel-ready and the steps needed to reach a Department of ergy and Water for his work since tak- is estimated to create over 3,000 jobs in Energy (DOE) conditional loan guarantee ing over this subcommittee in 2007 to Ohio where it is located, and another agreement for this project. Prompt action is support the loan guarantee program 3,000 or more jobs in 11 other States essential in order to avoid demobilization of and his willingness to find the nec- around the country through manufac- the project and workforce layoffs within the essary resources, when budget requests turing and engineering contracts. next several months. were insufficient. The ACP project will have the capac- Also, ACP represents the only U.S. ad- I know the chairman is familiar with ity to provide domestically enriched vanced technology for uranium enrichment that can meet both domestic energy security this frustrating interpretation and ask uranium to fuel over one-half of the 104 and national security needs; the use of which if he would be willing to work with me domestic nuclear powerplants that pro- would mitigate the present need to import and others to find a solution to these vide nearly all of our emission-free over half of the domestic nuclear fuel supply inadvertent problems and to correct base-load electricity. from Russia. It is critically important that

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In while serving in our nation’s defense nuclear provement Research project. addition, many of the technologies ACP facilities. The delays and foot-dragging over Mr. BENNETT. I thank the Chair for would utilize, such as high precision machin- the past several years is simply inexcusable. his assistance in this matter. ing and carbon fiber fabrication, will be able If necessary, I will support legislative re- Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I to support the growth of other new domestic forms to assure that workers will be prompt- rise today to address a provision in the industries. ly compensated. I will not tolerate further statement to accompany the fiscal Your Administration has taken a leader- excuses or delays in the implementation of year 2009 Omnibus appropriations bill ship role in promoting the resurgence of safe this important legislation, which has left de- and secure domestic nuclear energy. The serving workers waiting. I will also support that seeks to address a critical issue in ACP project offers the opportunity to put a the on-going medical screening program to our country, the rising rate of child- tangible capstone on this effort. help workers identify occupational illnesses hood obesity. Over the last several While DOE has made significant progress that may have been caused from work at this years, Senator HARKIN and I have with its loan guarantee program, continued facility. worked jointly to address this issue. implementation of the ACP project is vul- I will work with Congress to provided ade- During this time, we have focused nerable without timely action and a condi- quate funding and will direct the Energy De- our efforts on bringing together the partment to commence Decontamination tional loan guarantee agreement. Therefore, different sectors in our society that are we are seeking your commitment to set the and Decommissioning activities of those fa- appropriate timetable for decision-making, cilities which are no longer needed, and equipped to address this crucial issue without compromise to the creditworthiness maximize the employment of site workers to for our Nation’s children. It is my firm standards set for the program. Your leader- achieve this end. The failure to clean up this belief, that there is not just one solu- ship also would send a strong message that site quickly will delay future economic de- tion to reducing the rates of childhood the business of government has not been di- velopment opportunities and only add addi- obesity but this should be a collective minished during this time of turmoil in the tional mortgage costs and pose undue envi- effort. financial markets. ronmental risks. I will help assure the Depleted Uranium To that end, I am encouraged that We will continue to work with your staff there are those in the food and bev- to reach a conditional loan guarantee agree- Hexaflouride (DUF–6) Conversion Facility in ment by the end of this Administration. Piketon will be operational on an expedited erage industry, the advertising indus- Sincerely, time schedule. This project was authorized try and media industry that have TED STRICKLAND, through legislation in July 1998, however, it taken voluntary steps to address this Governor of Ohio. is still not operational. I will work with Con- issue. MARTIN O’MALLEY, gress to fund this project and the disposition I am pleased that the Ad Council has Governor of Maryland. of the 20,000 plus cylinders of legacy uranium also worked to address childhood obe- PHIL BREDESEN, material. This project will create jobs for at least 20 years and remove thousands of tons sity as well with donated multimedia Governor of Ten- efforts since October 2005 that have nessee. of depleted uranium. I will support funding the cleanup of soil, equaled $170 million. This initiative in- STEVEN L. BESHEAR, groundwater and hazardous waste from leg- Governor of Kentucky. cludes creative partnerships with NFL, acy operations. I want to assure that when Qubo, an NBC-owned children’s net- we declare the Piketon site is cleaned up, it SEPTEMBER 2, 2008. work, and the U.S. Olympics. will mean that health and environmental Governor TED STRICKLAND, It is my firm belief that the best op- hazards are not left behind so that new busi- Riffe Center, nesses can locate at the Piketon facility tion to address this issue is not by Columbus, OH. without concern. rushing into government regulation DEAR GOVERNOR STRICKLAND: You have I will direct my Administration to work but by working together to address continued to be a strong advocate for the with the community leadership to develop a workforce and surrounding communities of this issue within our spirit of a free- long-term site plan to include opportunities the Piketon Enrichment Plant and through- market society—and that is the inten- to reuse the Portsmouth plant site and maxi- out Ohio. This workforce and community tion behind this language that directs mize the vast infrastructure while creating have made significant contributions to our the Federal Trade Commission to cre- needed jobs in the Southern Ohio region. I nation’s defense and energy security needs ant committed to making the Piketon facil- ate a working group among the Food for over the past half-century. ity a ‘‘multi-mission site’’ to drive economic and Drug Administration, the Centers There are a number of steps I will take as for Disease Control and Prevention, President to assure the future health and development and environmental improve- prosperity of this community and its work- ments. and the Secretary of Agriculture. I also Combined. I recognize these steps will as- force. Under my administration, the Piketon hope that as this working group con- sure energy security, environmental restora- site workforce and the surrounding commu- venes they will first study the Better tion and job creation for Southeastern Ohio nities will play a central role in our nation’s Business Bureau’s Children’s Food and and I look forward to working with you on domestic energy supply through private sec- this important project for the state. Beverage Advertising Initiative, and tor and government initiatives. The Piketon Sincerely, determine whether initiatives such as site is ideal for either traditional or ad- BARACK OBAMA. these would suffice to address this cru- vanced energy programs, or both. The cial issue, before they implement the Piketon site has vast infrastructure and po- CLERICAL ERROR ON BEEF IMPROVEMENT tential reuse applications are very prom- RESEARCH remainder of the directive. And, con- ising. Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, I rise sistent with the current focus of self- Under my administration, energy pro- today to join with our Chair, Senator regulatory initiatives, I think it would grams that promote safe and environ- KOHL, in a colloquy to correct a cler- be more appropriate to limit the scope mentally-sound technologies and are domes- ical error in the attribution table ac- of the working group activities to chil- tically produced, such as the enrichment fa- companying Division I of H.R. 1105. dren under the age of 12. cility in Ohio, will have my full support. I Senator BOND is listed as having re- I have found that oftentimes the best will work with the Department of Energy to results are rooted in industry-led re- help make loan guarantees available for this quested the ‘‘Beef Improvement Re- and other advanced energy programs that research’’ project under the Agriculture, forms and it is my intention that this duce carbon emissions and break the tie to Rural Development, Food and Drug Ad- working group will keep this intent in high cost, foreign energy sources. ministration, Cooperative State Re- mind as they study and develop ways I will ensure that workers’ rights, pensions search Education and Extension Serv- in which to address foods marketed to and retirement health care benefits are fully ice. My staff has confirmed that this our children. For example, in July 2007 protected and facilitate pension portability project was not requested by Senator and again in September 2008, the Gro- for workers among the various contractors cery Manufacturers Association com- and subcontractors as new missions unfold BOND and, as such, Senator BOND’s with the Department of Energy. We will name should not be listed as a re- missioned studies of U.S. advertising work with the respective union leadership at questor. trends through Georgetown Economic the Portsmouth site to assure that their Mr. KOHL. My colleague and former Services. These studies have shown members’ rights are fully protected. subcommittee ranking member, Sen- that as food and beverage marketers

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Although these resources island of Molokai funding has been pro- tised to children, not only are children provide only about one-tenth of the vided to complete a much needed water today seeing fewer food, beverage and DHHL’s spending, it is extremely im- resource study in order to more effec- restaurant ads on television, they are portant to support additional home tively manage ground-water resources. seeing far fewer ads for soft drinks, ownership opportunities for residents Wise stewardship and management at a cookies, snacks and candy, while being throughout Hawaii. watershed level has a significant im- exposed to more ads for soups, juices, I also appreciated the inclusion of pact on the health and quality of nu- fruits, and vegetables and water than funding for the Laiopua 2020 Commu- merous natural resources. Inclusion of they were in 2004. nity Center. Economic Development funds to address stream management I truly believe that with everyone Initiative resources will facilitate the and restoration is critical for Hawaii. coming together around a free market development of this comprehensive These resources will assist and protect principled approach that we will have community center. The community communities in Hawaii from destruc- more expedient and effective results center will improve the quality of life tion caused by severe weather and for our children. for residents in the growing Kona com- flooding, as well as promote conserva- Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I support munity by increasing access to social tion and revival of our islands’ eco- the Omnibus Appropriations Act. I ap- services, recreational facilities, and systems. preciate all of the efforts made by my educational and economic opportuni- The fiscal year 2009 omnibus includes friend, the senior Senator from Hawaii, ties. provisions that will go a long way to to develop and manage this tremen- The omnibus provides a slight in- improve advancements in science and dously important bill. I also value the crease in resources for the Community technology, as well as enhance U.S. effort of the ranking member of the Development Block Grant, CDBG, Pro- competitiveness. In Hawaii and the Pa- Appropriations Committee as well as gram. CDBG provides essential Federal cific, we are uniquely confronted by all of the work done by the sub- resources to help meet the specific climate fluctuations and its impact on committee chairmen and ranking needs of communities. In Hawaii, our the public, economic development, and members to draft the omnibus. counties utilize CDBG resources to health of our ecosystems and wildlife. I Continuing resolutions hinder the help provide affordable housing, assist am proud to have supported the inclu- ability of agencies to meet the needs of the homeless, expand day care facili- sion of $1.75 million for the Inter- our communities and address changing ties, provide meals to low-income fami- national Pacific Research Center at the circumstances. We must enact this leg- lies, strengthen our medical infrastruc- University of Hawaii to conduct sys- islation in order to have a more effec- ture by making physical improvements tematic and reliable climatographic re- tive and responsive Federal Govern- to our community health centers, and search of the Pacific region. Improving ment in dealing with many of the prob- expand opportunities to help individ- our understanding of climate varia- lems that our Nation is confronted uals with disabilities find employment. bility empowers us to use data and with currently. This legislation im- This bill provides essential resources models to mitigate adverse impacts. proves access to health care, education, intended to improve our Nation’s fi- Hawaii is home to some of the housing, and economic development nancial literacy lending and improve world’s most critically threatened and opportunities. It also provides essential individual understanding of economics endangered species, including the en- support for financial literacy pro- and personal finance. This bill includes demic Hawaiian monk seal. For years I grams, transportation infrastructure $1.447 million in funding to implement have been an advocate for the con- investments, sustainable energy devel- the Excellence in Economic Education servation and recovery of the critically opment, natural resource preservation, Act, which promotes economic and fi- endangered monk seal and other and investor protection efforts. nancial literacy among students in cetaceans in the Pacific. The National This bill will help further promote kindergarten through high school. An Marine Fisheries Service issued the medical research. Investments in med- additional $1.6 million is provided for first Hawaiian monk seal recovery plan ical research have tremendous poten- the Department of the Treasury’s Of- in 1983 and a revised plan in 2007. The tial to improve the lives of so many fice of Financial Education to increase Hawaiian monk seals are vulnerable people by developing better methods to access to financial education and pro- due to a variety of influences, includ- prevent, detect, and treat different ill- tect consumers against predatory lending human disturbances of birth and nesses. I am also proud that the legis- ing. Also, I applaud the inclusion of a nursery habitats, entanglement in ma- lation increases the ability of our fed- directive in the bill that requires the rine debris, and commercial fisheries. erally qualified community health cen- Internal Revenue Service, IRS, in con- In the last 50 years the Hawaiian monk ters to better meet the medical needs sultation with the National Taxpayer seal population has fallen by 60 per- of our communities. Advocate, to educate consumers about cent. To address this need, I worked to The fiscal year 2009 omnibus bill will the costs of refund anticipation loans include $2.6 million in this act to ad- help ensure that our Nation’s students and expand access to alternative meth- dress female and juvenile monk seal are prepared for the challenges of the ods of obtaining timely refunds. survival and enhancement, as well as 21st century. This includes funding for The act also will improve our roads, efforts to minimize monk seal mor- programs to help disadvantaged stu- transit, and airports; strengthen Ha- tality. In addition, these funds will dents reach their potential as well as waii’s transportation infrastructure; strengthen coordinated regional office funding to help recruit and retain high- and increase the mobility of our resi- efforts for field response teams and en- ly skilled and talented teachers. The dents. hance implementation of the 2007 re- fiscal year 2009 Omnibus also includes Provisions contained within the act covery plan. $1.2 million in funding for Impact Aid. enable the U.S. Army Corps of Engi- The preservation of our national Impact Aid assists school districts that neers to address our Nation’s critical parks, forests, and public lands has have lost property tax revenue due to navigation, flood control, and environ- been a priority of utmost importance. the presence of tax-exempt Federal mental restoration needs. I was pleased Public lands are valued assets that property, including Indian lands and that more than $1.6 million was pro- must be properly managed for the ben- military bases. It is vital to a State vided for Hawaii projects. efit of all Americans and future genera- like Hawaii where there is a significant Recognizing that shoreline erosion tions. I am encouraged that the act military presence. threatens upland development and supports the preservation of our nat- This legislation also provides vital coastal habitats along much of Ha- ural landscapes, furthers conservation resources for housing. Ten million dol- waii’s shoreline, I worked to provide of wildlife, expands water resource as- lars is provided for the Native Hawai- funding for a regional sediment man- sessment, and fosters wise manage- ian housing block grant, which is ad- agement demonstration program to ment of our Nation’s natural resources. ministered in the State of Hawaii by further understand the dynamics of Given the unique needs of Hawaii, I the Department of Hawaiian Home complex coastal processes and promote supported funding in the Fiscal Year Lands, DHHL. DHHL is the largest af- the development of long-term strate- 2009 omnibus to fortify the preserva- fordable housing developer in the State gies for sediment management. On the tion of four endangered Hawaiian

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Mr. President, Congress Included in that total is $9.04 billion threatened and endangered species, and will hopefully with this vote finally for Federal Aviation Administration cause hundreds of millions of dollars in complete action on the fiscal year 2009 operations that would be used to im- damage to Hawaii’s agricultural indus- appropriations bills. This bill addresses prove safety and air traffic organiza- try, tourism, real estate, and water some of the Nation’s critical needs. It tion, and to increase the hiring and quality. Funding will continue the on- also addresses some of Michigan’s spe- training of air traffic controllers and going, collaborative, interagency, and cial needs such as protecting the Great aviation safety inspectors. The bill pro- community-based effort to address Lakes, improving our transportation vides $40.7 billion in highway funding, invasive species impacts. Such joint infrastructure, and supporting our $483.9 million above fiscal year 2008 lev- action, cooperative agreements, and manufacturers and small businesses. In els. It also provides $1.45 billion for the collaboration will be needed to control addition, it supplies our local law en- National Railroad Passenger Corpora- invasive species that are crossing geo- forcement with tools they need to pro- tion, Amtrak, a $128.1 million increase graphic and jurisdictional boundaries. tect our citizens and provides support over the fiscal year 2008 level. It also I am pleased that the omnibus sup- for our communities to help our most provides $10.1 billion for Federal Tran- ports the development of sustainable vulnerable citizens during this eco- sit Administration, $773 million over and clean energy. We must continue to nomic crisis. fiscal year 2008 levels. invest in development and implementa- This bill includes funding for a num- This bill also includes a number of programs to help technology compa- tion of energy from renewable, effi- ber of important Great Lakes pro- nies and manufacturers in Michigan cient sources as this Nation transitions grams. With the funding in this bill, and throughout the country, including away from foreign oil. Our energy secu- the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary funding for the Manufacturing Exten- rity and independence depend on con- and Under Water Preserve will be able sion Partnership, MEP, and the Tech- to complete the exhibits in the new ducting advanced research and better nology Innovation Program, TIP. The visitor’s facility. The bill provides a $2 utilizing energy from sources including bill includes $110 million for the MEP million increase for the Great Lakes the sun, wind, ocean. program. President Bush proposed to Included in the act is $3.1 million to Legacy program which has made a eliminate the program in his fiscal support the ongoing Hawaii-New Mex- positive impact on the Lakes by re- year 2009 budget. MEP is the only Fed- ico Sustainable Energy Security Part- moving contaminated sediment. This eral program dedicated to providing nership. In order to develop, dem- bill also provides funds to the Corps of technical support and services to onstrate, and deploy technologies that Engineers to complete construction of small- and medium-sized manufactur- enhance usage of renewable resources, the permanent dispersal barrier in ers. MEP is a nationwide network of the Partnership evaluates electric and order to stop Asian carp and other proven resources that enables manufac- transportation infrastructure, tests invasive species from entering the turers to compete globally, supports technologies, and provides sound Great Lakes. greater supply chain integration, and science to inform debate and the imple- I am pleased that funding of over $50 provides access to information, train- mentation of public policy. Building million that I requested for dredging ing and technologies that improve effi- upon its successful development of a and other operation and maintenance ciency, productivity, and profitability. comprehensive model of the transpor- needs for Michigan’s ports and harbors In fiscal year 2007 alone, based on serv- tation and electricity infrastructures was included in this bill. The Great ices provided in fiscal year 2006, MEP on the Big Island and Maui, these funds Lakes navigational system faces a helped to: create or retain over 52,500 will be used to support promising backlog of 16 million cubic yards of jobs, generate more than $6.765 billion projects identified for implementation dredging needs, which has had very in sales, and stimulate more than $1.65 on those islands, as well as extend ef- real negative impacts on Great Lakes billion in economic growth. MEP is forts to evaluate and address the en- shipping. Several freighters have got- needed now more than ever as our ergy infrastructure needs on Oahu and ten stuck in Great Lakes channels, small and medium manufacturers Kauai. ships have had to carry reduced loads, struggle to survive in this serious re- I am encouraged by the inclusion of and some shipments have simply cession. funding to improve Hawaii’s infrastruc- ceased altogether. While an increase in The bill includes $65 million for the ture and nurture sustainable agri- some water levels is helping somewhat Technology Innovation Program, TIP, culture production. Our agricultural in this regard, the Great Lakes naviga- the successor to the Advanced Tech- industry is a key component of our tional system has an accumulation of nology Program, ATP. While slightly State’s economy, and I have long sup- maintenance needs. The additional less than the fiscal year 2008 level it is ported the policies and programs culti- funding that was included will help ad- still significant given the fact that vating opportunities for our farmers dress this backlog, and I will keep President Bush proposed zeroing out and rural communities. Further, funds working to increase appropriations and the program in his fiscal year 2009 supporting research, extension, and the budget so this important maritime budget. TIP is a cost-sharing program teaching efforts are necessary as we highway, so that one of the lowest cost that promotes the development of new, prepare a skilled and thriving work- ways to transport supplies to industry innovative products that are made and force focused on developing sustainable and products to consumers, is not im- developed in the United States, helping solutions that improve the health of peded. American companies compete against our environment, as well as the quality The bill also provides $17 million to their foreign competitors and con- and efficiency in production. the Corps of Engineers for the Soo tribute to the growth of the U.S. econ- Another important provision I want Lock replacement project, which would omy. During this terrible recession the to highlight is the critical support in- serve as a backup for the current Poe TIP program is an important way to cluded for the Securities and Exchange Lock. Total annual shipping on the stimulate job growth and high tech- Commission, SEC, to better protect in- Great Lakes exceeds 180 million tons, nology R&D in the United States. vestors. I will continue to work with over half of which goes through the I am pleased that this bill continues the SEC to ensure it has the statutory Soo Locks. Funding for the lock is crit- the current ban on using Federal funds authority and resources necessary to ical to ensuring that this system re- for future Federal contracts to so- better protect and educate investors mains operational. called ‘‘inverted’’ U.S. companies that, and promote market stability. This bill provides a boost in funding to avoid certain U.S. taxes, have re- In conclusion, I want to thank the for our Nation’s transportation infra- incorporated in an offshore tax haven senior Senator from Hawaii for all of structure which will put people to country but left their offices and pro- his extraordinary efforts to develop work while improving mobility, safety duction service facilities here in the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.030 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2952 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 U.S. We should not further reward includes vital funding for our Nation’s December to 6.2 percent in just 1 version by granting them Federal con- nutrition, housing and economic devel- month. And February and March have tracts. It is unfair to the U.S. compa- opment programs that will provide brought additional plant closures, and nies left to operate on an uneven play- much-needed help to our communities. more employees have lost their jobs. ing field, and it is unfair to the rest of This bill includes increased funding for As we work in Congress on ways to our taxpayers who pay their fair share. the Supplemental Nutrition Program, get our economy back on track and The fiscal year 2009 omnibus bill in- SNAP, and the Special Supplemental create new jobs, I stand ready to help cludes an increase in funding over fis- Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and take bold action that will deliver cal year 2008 in a number of important and Children, WIC, which help provide real, workable solutions to families. areas at the Department of Energy. In nutritious food to many in this coun- And I am committed to working with particular, this bill includes $273 mil- try who are in need. It also includes in- our State leaders to do everything we lion for advanced vehicle technologies, creased funding for public and afford- can to bring opportunities to West Vir- an increase of $58 million over fiscal able housing programs that provide ginia. year 2008, with additional funding in- housing to low-income Americans and It is very important that we in Con- cluded for research and development on $1.7 billion, which is $91 million above gress do everything possible to uphold advanced battery technologies. The bill the 2008 funding level, for homeless as- the public trust, protect taxpayer dol- also includes $217 million for biomass sistance grants which provide rental lars, and show with our actions and not and biorefinery systems, an increase of assistance, emergency shelter, transi- just our words that we take seriously $17 million over fiscal year 2008, which tional and permanent housing, and sup- our obligation and honor to serve the should allow for continued and in- portive services to homeless persons people. creased support of innovative tech- and families to help break the cycle of One of the ways the legislation before nologies for production of ethanol and homelessness and to move homeless us today, H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Ap- biofuels produced from cellulosic mate- propriations Act of 2009, does that is by rials. The omnibus also includes mod- persons and families into permanent housing. In addition, this bill provides prohibiting the annual cost-of-living est increases for both solar and wind pay adjustment, COLA, for Members of energy research and development that $3.9 billion, $34 million above the 2008 funding level, for the community de- Congress from taking effect in calendar will contribute to ongoing efforts to year 2010. This is a good, small, but im- improve the efficiency and decrease the velopment block grant, CDBG, program portant step, and I thank our leader- cost of commercialization of these which will fund community and eco- ship for including this important provi- technologies. I am also pleased that nomic development projects to revision. Now is not the time for an in- this bill includes additional new fund- talize our communities. crease in the COLA for Members of ing for loan guarantees for advanced This bill includes funding I requested for the redevelopment of part of the old Congress. innovative technologies, specifically I represent constituents who earn providing up to $18.5 billion for loan Tiger Stadium and its ball field. This $25,000 to $35,000 annually, and the no- guarantees for renewable energy, en- funding will help the surrounding com- tion that we in Congress would allow a ergy efficiency, and manufacturing munity move forward on a plan to pre- COLA increase for ourselves, while that will be available for important serve part of the old Tiger Stadium and they are just trying to put food on the projects such as biofuels production its ball field as a premier baseball field table and make ends meet, is com- and advanced battery manufacturing. for youth leagues and to redevelop part This bill includes a significant in- of the stadium structure and adjacent pletely unacceptable. Given the state crease in several areas of funding for land to be used for retail shops and res- of the economy, and the income and science and technology. Within the De- taurants and other commercial and en- job losses across this Nation, I strongly partment of Energy, this bill includes tertainment attractions. This funding oppose a congressional pay increase in an increase of $754 million for the Of- will not only help preserve this part of this bill. fice of Science, which will increase fed- Detroit and baseball history, but also I also strongly support efforts to sus- eral support for basic research and sup- bring much needed jobs and economic pend permanently the automatic con- port the goals and programs of the activity into this neighborhood and to gressional COLA. It will be some time America Competes Act, which called the city of Detroit. before our economy turns around and for a doubling of the U.S. investment I am glad that we have finally com- the American people feel a sense of fi- in science over 10 years. It also in- pleted the fiscal year 2009 appropria- nancial security again. And especially cludes increases in science programs at tions bills. While it is unfortunate that in a recession, any congressional pay the National Science Foundation and we once again had to consider nine dif- increase should be subject to an up-or- the National Institute of Standards ferent bills packaged into a single om- down vote each year, and not simply and Technology, both of which have a nibus spending measure, I am very occur automatically. significant role to play in development pleased that this bill includes funding That is why I am glad to be a cospon- of advanced technologies that will keep for many important national programs sor of S. 542, legislation introduced by the U.S. competitive in the global mar- and projects that will especially ben- Majority Leader REID to repeal the ket. efit Michigan. It is my hope that we provision of law that provides auto- This legislation provides funding for will be able to complete a timely, open matic COLAs for Members of Congress. state and local law enforcement and and transparent appropriations process I do not believe we should amend the crime prevention. It includes much in the coming year. pending bill to do this—the amend- needed funding for the Community Or- Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, ment, like so many others offered by ganized Policing Services, COPS, pro- these are difficult times in our coun- the minority over the past week, is gram, which provides our police depart- try. American families are facing chal- really a Trojan horse to kill or delay ments with the technology and train- lenges that we have not seen in dec- the Omnibus Appropriations Act, ing tools needed to prevent and detect ades, we have record budget deficits, which is already overdue and meets our crime and for the Office of Justice Pro- and we are fighting two wars. basic obligation to keep the govern- grams that provides funding for Byrne The national economic crisis is af- ment running. But the issue is an im- justice assistance grants, juvenile jus- fecting so many people across our Na- portant one, deserving of immediate tice programs, and drug courts. It also tion and in West Virginia, and we must action and I appreciate the leader’s provides $415 million to the Office on give the economic recovery plan time commitment to act quickly on it. Violence Against Women so that we to do what it was designed to do—cre- I believe having transparency, ac- can better prevent and prosecute vio- ate jobs and reinvest in the American countability, and an up-or-down vote lent crimes against women. Finally, I dream. on the COLA every year makes a lot of am pleased that the legislation in- In West Virginia, factories and busi- sense—both for Congress and the Amer- cludes $185 million for interoperable nesses are closing their doors. Unem- ican people. The American people de- radio systems. ployment rose in all 55 counties in Jan- serve to be represented by Members of During this economic crisis, it is es- uary 2009. Our statewide unemploy- Congress who are in touch with the ev- pecially important that this bill in- ment rate jumped from 4.4 percent in eryday struggles of the very people

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:52 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.032 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2953 who elected them. Just like their fam- and that they have been going on for- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ily budgets, Congress has to budget and ever, and it is somehow the purview of ator from Mississippi. live within our means and make care- the Appropriations Committee to do Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, before ful spending decisions based on our these earmarks, which Americans have yielding the time so we can vote, I wish most pressing priorities. become pretty familiar with, I am to commend and thank the distin- I support this bill today because it is happy to say, in the last week or so. guished Senator from Hawaii for his the absolutely right thing to do and That is not so. It is not so. In 1991, leadership of the Appropriations Com- West Virginia families deserve no less. there was a total of 537 earmarks for mittee, particularly in our negotia- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who the entire appropriations process. This tions that we have had with Members yields time? evil has grown, and it has grown, and it of the other body. We are not legis- The Senator from Hawaii. has grown—to the point where we now lating in a vacuum. These proposals Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I rise to have close to 9,000 earmarks. All we are and provisions of this bill have been support the Omnibus Appropriations asking is to authorize. We have talked carefully reviewed by our committee. Act and encourage my colleagues to a lot about the individual earmarks. In this case, it includes I think about vote for cloture. But the fact is, they are not author- seven bills that were individually writ- This bill provides additional re- ized. I heard one of my colleagues ten and proposed to the full committee sources so our Government will be bet- today, on this side of the aisle, say: by the subcommittees, after a series of ter able to meet the challenges of the Well, the authorizing committees are hearings reviewing the administra- economic crisis we face today. too busy. Really? Really? So all we are tion’s requests for funding, listening to I would remind my colleagues that asking is to go back to what this body outside groups that had opinions and without enactment of this bill, the Se- had done and the Congress had done for views about the level of appropriations curities and Exchange Commission will a couple hundred years; that is, author- for many accounts and programs. But not get the additional funding it needs ize the projects. our true leader who deserves praise for to increase the integrity of the finan- So what has happened? It has grown this final work product, as I said, is the cial markets. The Federal Housing Ad- and grown and grown. Today, a former distinguished Senator from Hawaii. ministration will have to stop helping staffer on the Appropriations Com- I yield back the remainder of our families facing foreclosure to refinance mittee pled guilty in Federal court. time. into affordable mortgages at the worst What did it have to do with? It had to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- possible time for such a stoppage to do with earmarks, and we have former jority leader is recognized. occur. Members of Congress now residing in Mr. REID. Has all time been used, The Food and Drug Administration Federal prison because of this gateway Mr. President? will not receive the funding it needs to drug, as my colleague from Oklahoma, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Yes. significantly increase the number of Senator COBURN, calls it. Mr. REID. Mr. President, the order food and medical product safety inspec- So last November the American peo- that is now in effect indicates that if tions, both domestic and overseas, that ple, as I am keenly aware, voted for there are 60 votes on this cloture vote, it could otherwise perform. change. They voted for change, and there will be just a voice vote on final If the Omnibus is not enacted, $550 somehow we are saying: This is last passage. I ask the Chair if that is fac- million less would be provided for the year’s business—only this is funding tual. FBI to protect our Nation and our com- this year’s operations. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The yeas munities from terrorism and violent So we will vote to pass this bill, and and nays have not been ordered on the crime. Not passing this bill means 650 the message is, my friends and col- measure. fewer FBI special agents, and 1,250 leagues, that it is business as usual in Mr. REID. So that is the under- fewer intelligence analysts and other Washington, while unemployment is 8.1 standing we have. If that, in fact, is the professionals fighting crime and ter- percent and employers have to cut an- case, then we would—this will be the rorism on U.S. soil. other 651,000 jobs. last vote today. In conclusion, I ask the fundamental So if the President were serious People are asking: What are we going question: Will the United States be bet- about his pledge for change, he would to do the rest of the week? First of all, ter off in the next year, and will the veto this bill. He will not. Now, he will we are going to spend the rest of this Federal Government be in a better po- say we are going to outline a process of week on nominations. We are going to sition to help lead our country out of dealing with this problem in a different try to get one up tomorrow that we can this deep recession, if we pass this bill? way. I quote from Mr. Gibbs: debate and hopefully vote on. We may The answer is obviously, yes. It is in . . . and that the rules of the road going for- not be able to do that. America’s best interests to close the ward for those many appropriations bills I would say to everyone there has book on the last administration and to that will go through Congress and come to been a lot of pent-up desire to come out his desk will be done differently. help the new administration hit the and give speeches on other issues. I ground running. Well, the first chance we get to show think we will have plenty of time to do Now is not the time to relitigate past people change is business as usual in that tomorrow. So we will set aside a policy battles. Now is the time to clear the Senate and the House. It is very couple hours, at least, tomorrow for the decks and look to the future. For unfortunate. It is very unfortunate. We morning business. I look forward to all these reasons, I urge my colleagues should not be astonished at the low ap- this vote and ending this long process to join me in supporting cloture on proval ratings we have here when on this appropriations bill. H.R. 1105. Americans see the expenditure of their CLOTURE MOTION The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who hard-earned tax dollars in the projects The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under yields time? we have talked about in the past with- the previous order and pursuant to rule The Senator from Arizona. out scrutiny, without authorization, XXII, the Chair lays before the Senate Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I know and certainly not in a fashion the the pending cloture motion, which the the hour is a bit advanced, so I will not American people want their tax dollars clerk will report. take much time. I think it is pretty spent. So we will invoke cloture and we The legislative clerk read as follows: clear what the outcome of this vote will move forward. The bill will go to will be, so I will not take a lot more the President’s desk, he will sign it, CLOTURE MOTION time of this body. I have spent a lot of and the signal to the American people We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- time on the Senate floor in the last is: You voted for change, but you are ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the week or so talking about this legisla- not getting any change today. Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby tion before us. move to bring to a close debate on H.R. 1105, I yield the floor. the Omnibus Appropriations Act: I think there are a couple things that The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Harry Reid, Daniel K. Inouye, Bernard need to be mentioned again. Somehow ator from Hawaii. Sanders, Tom Udall, Patrick J. Leahy, it seems to be accepted around here Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I yield Ron Wyden, Christopher J. Dodd, Ben- that earmarks are a standard practice back the remainder of my time. jamin L. Cardin, Mark R. Warner, John

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:02 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.025 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2954 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 D. Rockefeller IV, Debbie Stabenow, the gavel, on January 27. We passed the invoked, all postcloture time is yielded Patty Murray, Richard Durbin, Edward Recovery Act on Februay 10, held an back. The question is on the third read- E. Kaufman, Jim Webb, Mark Begich, open conference with the House and ing and passage of the bill. Byron L. Dorgan, Carl Levin, Dianne then passed the conference report on The bill (H.R. 1105) was ordered to a Feinstein, Roland W. Burris. February 14. On February 17, the Presi- third reading and was read the third The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- dent signed the Recovery Act into law. time. imous consent, the mandatory quorum The committee then moved imme- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bill call is waived. diately to take up the 2009 Omnibus having been read the third time, the The question is, Is it the sense of the Act, which we have passed today. I question is on passage of the bill. Senate that debate on H.R. 1105, an act want to recognize the many late The bill (H.R. 1105) was passed. making omnibus appropriations for the nights, the weekends, and the lost fam- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I move fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, ily time that have all been sacrificed to reconsider the vote. Mr. REID. I move to lay that motion and for other purposes, shall be by staff in order that we might accom- on the table. brought to a close? plish the passage of two significant ap- The yeas and nays are mandatory The motion to lay on the table was propriations bills in less than 2 agreed to. under the rule. months. The clerk will call the roll. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- As is our tradition, the committee ator from Illinois is recognized. The legislative clerk called the roll. operated in a fully bipartisan fashion Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the in all of our efforts, and our non- f Senator from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- partisan support staff did their usual AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY NEDY) is necessarily absent. superb job of allowing the policy staff COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE Mr. KYL. The following Senator is to complete their work under such necessarily absent: the Senator from Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask tight deadlines. unanimous consent that the Senate Nebraska (Mr. JOHANNS). Without the hard work, dedication The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. proceed to immediate consideration of and extraordinary effort of all the staff S. Res. 73, which was submitted earlier UDALL of Colorado). Are there any members of this committee, we would other Senators in the Chamber desiring today. not have passed the Recovery Act or The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without to vote? the 2009 omnibus. As the chairman of objection, it is so ordered. The result was announced—yeas 62, this committee, and on behalf of the The clerk will report. nays 35, as follows: American people who they serve so The assistant legislative clerk read [Rollcall Vote No. 96 Leg.] well, I thank them for their excep- as follows: YEAS—62 tional efforts and for providing me A resolution (S. Res. 73) authorizing ex- Akaka Gillibrand Nelson (NE) such an outstanding start to my time penditures by committees of the Senate for Alexander Hagan Pryor the periods March 1, 2009, through September Baucus Harkin as leader of this committee. Reed I submit the names of all of the staff 30, 2009, and October 1, 2009, through Sep- Begich Inouye Reid tember 30, 2010, and October 1, 2010, through Bennet Johnson Rockefeller members of the Senate Appropriations February 28, 2011. Bingaman Kaufman Sanders Committee for the RECORD. There being no objection, the Senate Bond Kerry Schumer The list is as follows: Boxer Klobuchar Shaheen proceeded to consider the resolution. Brown Kohl Carrie Apostolou, Arex Avanni, Michael Shelby Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask Burris Landrieu Bain, Dennis Balkham, Gabrielle Batkin, Snowe unanimous consent that the resolution Byrd Lautenberg Katie Batte, Ellen Beares, Rebecca Benn, Su- Specter Cantwell Leahy zanne Bentzel, Lisa Bernhardt, Jessica be agreed to, the motion to reconsider Cardin Levin Stabenow be laid upon the table, and that any Tester Berry, Rob Blumenthal, David Bonine, John Carper Lieberman Bray, Dale Cabaniss, Art Cameron, George A statements relating thereto be printed Casey Lincoln Udall (CO) Cochran Menendez Udall (NM) Castro, Doug Clapp. in the RECORD. Conrad Merkley Warner Roger Cockrell, John J. Conway, Erin Cor- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Dodd Mikulski Webb coran, Carol Cribbs, Margaret Cummisky, objection, it is so ordered. Dorgan Murkowski Whitehouse Teri Curtin, Allen Cutler, Scott Dalzell, Re- The resolution (S. Res. 73) was agreed Durbin Murray Wicker becca Davies, Nicole Di Resta, Mary to, as follows: Feinstein Nelson (FL) Wyden Dietrich, Drenan Dudley, Fitz Elder, Kate S. RES. 73 NAYS—35 Eltrich, Christina Evans, Bruce Evans, Alycia Farrell, Erik Fatemi, Kate Resolved, Barrasso DeMint Lugar SECTION 1. AGGREGATE AUTHORIZATION. Bayh Ensign Martinez Fitzpatrick. Leif Fonnesbeck, Galen Fountain, Jessica (a) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of carrying Bennett Enzi McCain out the powers, duties, and functions under Brownback Feingold Frederick, Lauren Frese, Brad Fuller, Barry McCaskill the Standing Rules of the Senate, and under Bunning Graham McConnell Gaffney, Colleen Gaydos, Paul Grove, Katy Burr Grassley Hagan, Adrienne Hallett, Diana Hamilton, the appropriate authorizing resolutions of Risch the Senate there is authorized for the period Chambliss Gregg Roberts Ben Hammond, Jonathan Harwitz, Lila March 1, 2009, through September 30, 2009, in Coburn Hatch Sessions Helms, Stewart Holmes, Charles Houy, Doris Collins Hutchison the aggregate of $69,152,989, for the period Thune Jackson, Virginia James, Rachel Jones. Corker Inhofe Vitter Jon Kamarck, Dennis Kaplan, Kate Kaufer, October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010, Cornyn Isakson Voinovich in the aggregate of $121,593,254, and for the Crapo Kyl Charles Kieffer, Peter Kiefhaber, Jeff Kratz. Mark Laisch, Richard Larson, Ellen period October 1, 2010, through February 28, NOT VOTING—2 Maldonado, Nikole Manatt, Stacy McBride, 2011, in the aggregate of $51,787,223, in accordance with the provisions of this resolu- Johanns Kennedy Matthew McCardle, Meaghan McCarthy, Ra- tion, for standing committees of the Senate, chel Milberg, Mark Moore, Fernanda Motta, The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this the Special Committee on Aging, the Select Ellen Murray, Scott Nance. vote, the yeas are 62, the nays are 35. Hong Nguyen, Nancy Olkewicz, Scott Committee on Intelligence, and the Com- Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- O’Malia, Thomas Osterhoudt, Sudip Parikh, mittee on Indian Affairs. (b) AGENCY CONTRIBUTIONS.—There are au- sen and sworn having voted in the af- Melissa Petersen, Brian Potts, Dianne thorized such sums as may be necessary for firmative, the motion is agreed to. Preece, Bob Putnam, Erik Raven, Gary agency contributions related to the com- Reese, Tim Rieser, Peter Rogoff, Betsy Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I wish to pensation of employees of the committees Schmid, Rachelle Schroeder, Chad Schulken. recognize the staff of the Senate Com- for the period March 1, 2009, through Sep- LaShawnda Smith, Renan Snowden, mittee on Appropriations. Since I as- tember 30, 2009, for the period October 1, 2009, Reggie Stewart, Goodloe Sutton, Rachael through September 30, 2010, and for the pe- sumed the chairmanship of the com- Taylor, Bettilou Taylor, Christa Thompson, riod October 1, 2010, through February 28, mittee less than 2 months ago, on Jan- Marianne Upton, Chip Walgren, Chris Wat- 2011, to be paid from the appropriations ac- uary 21, the staff of the committee has kins, Jeremy Weirich, Augusta Wilson, count for ‘‘Expenses of Inquiries and Inves- accomplished some extraordinary Sarah Wilson, Brian Wilson, Franz tigations’’ of the Senate. things. Wuerfmannsdobler, Michele Wymer, Bridget Zarate. SEC. 2. COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRI- The committee held a markup on the TION, AND FORESTRY. American Recovery and Reinvestment The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out Act less than a week after I assumed the previous order, cloture having been its powers, duties, and functions under the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:02 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.055 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2955 Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance September 30, 2009, under this section shall lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such not exceed $4,639,258, of which amount— 72a(i))); and rules, including holding hearings, reporting (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended (2) not to exceed $1,200, may be expended such hearings, and making investigations as for the procurement of the services of indi- for the training of the professional staff of authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule vidual consultants, or organizations thereof such committee (under procedures specified XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- by section 202(j) of that Act). the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY and Forestry is authorized from March 1, 72a(i))); and 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, 2009, through February 28, 2011, in its discre- (2) not to exceed $30,000, may be expended through February 28, 2011, expenses of the tion— for the training of the professional staff of committee under this section shall not ex- (1) to make expenditures from the contin- such committee (under procedures specified ceed $3,148,531, of which amount— gent fund of the Senate; by section 202(j) of that Act). (1) not to exceed $8,333, may be expended (2) to employ personnel; and (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- for the procurement of the services of indi- (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the vidual consultants, or organizations thereof ment department or agency concerned and period October 1, 2009, through September 30, (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- the Committee on Rules and Administration, 2010, under this section shall not exceed lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- $8,158,696, of which amount— (2) not to exceed $500, may be expended for able, basis the services of personnel of any (1) not to exceed $80,000, may be expended the training of the professional staff of such such department or agency. for the procurement of the services of indi- committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- SEC. 5. COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET. mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out September 30, 2009, under this section shall 72a(i))); and its powers, duties, and functions under the not exceed $2,735,622, of which amount— (2) not to exceed $30,000, may be expended Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance (1) not to exceed $200,000, may be expended for the training of the professional staff of with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such for the procurement of the services of indi- such committee (under procedures specified rules, including holding hearings, reporting such hearings, and making investigations as vidual consultants, or organizations thereof by section 202(j) of that Act). authorized by paragraph 1 of rule XXVI of (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY the Standing Rules of the Senate, the Com- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, mittee on the Budget is authorized from 72a(i))); and through February 28, 2011, expenses of the committee under this section shall not ex- March 1, 2009, through February 28, 2011, in (2) not to exceed $40,000, may be expended its discretion— for the training of the professional staff of ceed $3,475,330, of which amount— (1) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended (1) to make expenditures from the contin- such committee (under procedures specified gent fund of the Senate; by section 202(j) of that Act). for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (2) to employ personnel; and (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and ment department or agency concerned and period October 1, 2009, through September 30, the Committee on Rules and Administration, 2010, under this section shall not exceed (2) not to exceed $30,000, may be expended for the training of the professional staff of to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- $4,809,496, of which amount— able, basis the services of personnel of any (1) not to exceed $200,000, may be expended such committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). such department or agency. for the procurement of the services of indi- (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- SEC. 4. COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND vidual consultants, or organizations thereof TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- URBAN AFFAIRS. (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. September 30, 2009, under this section shall its powers, duties, and functions under the 72a(i))); and not exceed $4,384,507, of which amount— Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance (2) not to exceed $40,000, may be expended (1) not to exceed $35,000, may be expended with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such for the training of the professional staff of for the procurement of the services of indi- rules, including holding hearings, reporting such committee (under procedures specified vidual consultants, or organizations thereof such hearings, and making investigations as by section 202(j) of that Act). (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, 72a(i))); and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and through February 28, 2011, expenses of the (2) not to exceed $70,000, may be expended Urban Affairs is authorized from March 1, committee under this section shall not ex- for the training of the professional staff of 2009, through February 28, 2011, in its discre- ceed $2,048,172, of which amount— such committee (under procedures specified tion— (1) not to exceed $200,000, may be expended by section 202(j) of that Act). (1) to make expenditures from the contin- for the procurement of the services of indi- (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- gent fund of the Senate; vidual consultants, or organizations thereof RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (2) to employ personnel; and (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and 2010, under this section shall not exceed ment department or agency concerned and (2) not to exceed $40,000, may be expended $7,711,049, of which amount— the Committee on Rules and Administration, for the training of the professional staff of (1) not to exceed $60,000, may be expended to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- such committee (under procedures specified for the procurement of the services of indi- able, basis the services of personnel of any by section 202(j) of that Act). vidual consultants, or organizations thereof such department or agency. (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- SEC. 3. COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES. (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- 72a(i))); and its powers, duties, and functions under the mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through (2) not to exceed $120,000, may be expended Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance September 30, 2009, under this section shall for the training of the professional staff of with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such not exceed $4,204,901, of which amount— such committee (under procedures specified rules, including holding hearings, reporting (1) not to exceed $11,667, may be expended by section 202(j) of that Act). such hearings, and making investigations as for the procurement of the services of indi- (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule vidual consultants, or organizations thereof 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- through February 28, 2011, expenses of the the Committee on Armed Services is author- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. committee under this section shall not ex- ized from March 1, 2009, through February 28, 72a(i))); and ceed $3,284,779, of which amount— 2011, in its discretion— (2) not to exceed $700, may be expended for (1) not to exceed $25,000, may be expended (1) to make expenditures from the contin- the training of the professional staff of such for the procurement of the services of indi- gent fund of the Senate; committee (under procedures specified by vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (2) to employ personnel; and section 202(j) of that Act). (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and ment department or agency concerned and RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (2) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended the Committee on Rules and Administration, period October 1, 2009, through September 30, for the training of the professional staff of to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- 2010, under this section shall not exceed such committee (under procedures specified able, basis the services of personnel of any $7,393,024, of which amount— by section 202(j) of that Act). such department or agency. (1) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended SEC. 6. COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- for the procurement of the services of indi- AND TRANSPORTATION. TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- its powers, duties, and functions under the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:02 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.028 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2956 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance September 30, 2009, under this section shall the Committee on Finance is authorized with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such not exceed $3,833,400. from March 1, 2009, through February 28, rules, including holding hearings, reporting (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- 2011, in its discretion— such hearings, and making investigations as RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (1) to make expenditures from the contin- authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule period October 1, 2009, through September 30, gent fund of the Senate; XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, 2010, under this section shall not exceed (2) to employ personnel; and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and $6,740,569. (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- Transportation is authorized from March 1, (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY ment department or agency concerned and 2009, through February 28, 2011, in its discre- 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, the Committee on Rules and Administration, tion— through February 28, 2011, expenses of the to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- (1) to make expenditures from the contin- committee under this section shall not ex- able, basis the services of personnel of any gent fund of the Senate; ceed $2,870,923. such department or agency. (2) to employ personnel; and SEC. 8. COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUB- (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- LIC WORKS. TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the comment department or agency concerned and (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through the Committee on Rules and Administration, its powers, duties, and functions under the September 30, 2009, under this section shall to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance not exceed $5,210,765, of which amount— able, basis the services of personnel of any with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such (1) not to exceed $17,500, may be expended such department or agency. rules, including holding hearings, reporting for the procurement of the services of indi- (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- such hearings, and making investigations as vidual consultants, or organizations thereof TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. September 30, 2009, under this section shall the Committee on Environment and Public 72a(i))); and not exceed $4,529,245, of which amount— Works is authorized from March 1, 2009, (2) not to exceed $5,833, may be expended (1) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended through February 28, 2011, in its discretion— for the training of the professional staff of for the procurement of the services of indi- (1) to make expenditures from the contin- such committee (under procedures specified vidual consultants, or organizations thereof gent fund of the Senate; by section 202(j) of that Act). (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (2) to employ personnel; and (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the 72a(i))); and ment department or agency concerned and period October 1, 2009, through September 30, (2) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended the Committee on Rules and Administration, 2010, under this section shall not exceed $9,161,539, of which amount— for the training of the professional staff of to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- (1) not to exceed $30,000, may be expended such committee (under procedures specified able, basis the services of personnel of any for the procurement of the services of indi- by section 202(j) of that Act). such department or agency. (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 2010, under this section shall not exceed September 30, 2009, under this section shall 72a(i))); and $7,963,737, of which amount— not exceed $3,529,786, of which amount— (2) not to exceed $10,000, may be expended (1) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended (1) not to exceed $4,667, may be expended for the training of the professional staff of for the procurement of the services of indi- for the procurement of the services of indi- such committee (under procedures specified vidual consultants, or organizations thereof vidual consultants, or organizations thereof by section 202(j) of that Act). (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 72a(i))); and through February 28, 2011, expenses of the 72a(i))); and (2) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended committee under this section shall not ex- (2) not to exceed $1,167, may be expended for the training of the professional staff of ceed $3,901,707, of which amount— for the training of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures specified (1) not to exceed $12,500, may be expended such committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). for the procurement of the services of indi- by section 202(j) of that Act). (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY vidual consultants, or organizations thereof XPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, (c) E (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the through February 28, 2011, expenses of the lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and period October 1, 2009, through September 30, committee under this section shall not ex- (2) not to exceed $4,167, may be expended 2010, under this section shall not exceed ceed $3,391,751, of which amount— for the training of the professional staff of $6,204,665, of which amount— (1) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended such committee (under procedures specified (1) not to exceed $8,000, may be expended for the procurement of the services of indi- by section 202(j) of that Act). for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof SEC. 10. COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS. vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and its powers, duties, and functions under the lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. (2) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance 72a(i))); and for the training of the professional staff of with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such such committee (under procedures specified (2) not to exceed $2,000, may be expended rules, including holding hearings, reporting by section 202(j) of that Act). for the training of the professional staff of such hearings, and making investigations as such committee (under procedures specified SEC. 7. COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule RESOURCES. by section 202(j) of that Act). XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY the Committee on Foreign Relations is au- its powers, duties, and functions under the 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, thorized from March 1, 2009, through Feb- Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance through February 28, 2011, expenses of the ruary 28, 2011, in its discretion— with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such committee under this section shall not ex- (1) to make expenditures from the contin- rules, including holding hearings, reporting ceed $2,641,940, of which amount— gent fund of the Senate; such hearings, and making investigations as (1) not to exceed $3,333, may be expended (2) to employ personnel; and authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule for the procurement of the services of indi- (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, vidual consultants, or organizations thereof ment department or agency concerned and the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- the Committee on Rules and Administration, sources is authorized from March 1, 2009, lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- through February 28, 2011, in its discretion— (2) not to exceed $833, may be expended for able, basis the services of personnel of any (1) to make expenditures from the contin- the training of the professional staff of such such department or agency. gent fund of the Senate; committee (under procedures specified by (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- (2) to employ personnel; and section 202(j) of that Act). TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- SEC. 9. COMMITTEE ON FINANCE. mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through ment department or agency concerned and (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out September 30, 2009, under this section shall the Committee on Rules and Administration, its powers, duties, and functions under the not exceed $4,291,761, of which amount— to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance (1) not to exceed $100,000, may be expended able, basis the services of personnel of any with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such for the procurement of the services of indi- such department or agency. rules, including holding hearings, reporting vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- such hearings, and making investigations as (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, 72a(i))); and

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:02 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.028 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2957 (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended through February 28, 2011, expenses of the feasance, malfeasance, collusion, mis- for the training of the professional staff of committee under this section shall not ex- management, incompetence, corruption, or such committee (under procedures specified ceed $4,473,755, of which amount— unethical practices, waste, extravagance, by section 202(j) of that Act). (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended conflicts of interest, and the improper ex- (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- for the procurement of the services of indi- penditure of Government funds in trans- RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the vidual consultants, or organizations thereof actions, contracts, and activities of the Gov- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- ernment or of Government officials and em- 2010, under this section shall not exceed lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and ployees and any and all such improper prac- $7,546,310, of which amount— (2) not to exceed $25,000, may be expended tices between Government personnel and (1) not to exceed $100,000, may be expended for the training of the professional staff of corporations, individuals, companies, or per- for the procurement of the services of indi- such committee (under procedures specified sons affiliated therewith, doing business vidual consultants, or organizations thereof by section 202(j) of that Act). with the Government; and the compliance or (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- SEC. 12. COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY noncompliance of such corporations, compa- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS. nies, or individuals or other entities with the 72a(i))); and (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out rules, regulations, and laws governing the (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended its powers, duties, and functions under the various governmental agencies and its rela- for the training of the professional staff of Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance tionships with the public; such committee (under procedures specified with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such (B) the extent to which criminal or other by section 202(j) of that Act). rules and S. Res. 445, agreed to October 9, improper practices or activities are, or have (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY 2004 (108th Congress), including holding hear- been, engaged in the field of labor-manage- 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, ings, reporting such hearings, and making ment relations or in groups or organizations through February 28, 2011, expenses of the investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 of employees or employers, to the detriment committee under this section shall not ex- and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of of interests of the public, employers, or em- ceed $3,214,017, of which amount— the Senate, the Committee on Homeland Se- ployees, and to determine whether any (1) not to exceed $100,000, may be expended curity and Governmental Affairs is author- changes are required in the laws of the for the procurement of the services of indi- ized from March 1, 2009, through February 28, United States in order to protect such inter- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof 2011, in its discretion— ests against the occurrence of such practices (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (1) to make expenditures from the contin- or activities; lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and gent fund of the Senate; (C) organized criminal activity which may (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended (2) to employ personnel; and operate in or otherwise utilize the facilities for the training of the professional staff of (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- of interstate or international commerce in such committee (under procedures specified ment department or agency concerned and furtherance of any transactions and the by section 202(j) of that Act). the Committee on Rules and Administration, manner and extent to which, and the iden- SEC. 11. COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- tity of the persons, firms, or corporations, or LABOR, AND PENSIONS. able, basis the services of personnel of any other entities by whom such utilization is (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out such department or agency. being made, and further, to study and inves- its powers, duties, and functions under the (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- tigate the manner in which and the extent to Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- which persons engaged in organized criminal with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through activity have infiltrated lawful business en- rules, including holding hearings, reporting September 30, 2009, under this section shall terprise, and to study the adequacy of Fed- such hearings, and making investigations as not exceed $6,742,824, of which amount— eral laws to prevent the operations of orga- authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended nized crime in interstate or international XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, for the procurement of the services of indi- commerce; and to determine whether any the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, vidual consultants, or organizations thereof changes are required in the laws of the and Pensions is authorized from March 1, (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- United States in order to protect the public 2009, through February 28, 2011, in its discre- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. against such practices or activities; tion— 72a(i))); and (D) all other aspects of crime and lawless- (1) to make expenditures from the contin- (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended ness within the United States which have an gent fund of the Senate; for the training of the professional staff of impact upon or affect the national health, (2) to employ personnel; and such committee (under procedures specified welfare, and safety; including but not lim- (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- by section 202(j) of that Act). ited to investment fraud schemes, comment department or agency concerned and (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- modity and security fraud, computer fraud, the Committee on Rules and Administration, RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the and the use of offshore banking and cor- to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, porate facilities to carry out criminal objec- able, basis the services of personnel of any 2010, under this section shall not exceed tives; such department or agency. $11,856,527, of which amount— (E) the efficiency and economy of oper- (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended ations of all branches and functions of the TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- for the procurement of the services of indi- Government with particular reference to— mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (i) the effectiveness of present national se- September 30, 2009, under this section shall (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- curity methods, staffing, and processes as not exceed $5,973,747, of which amount— lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. tested against the requirements imposed by (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended 72a(i))); and the rapidly mounting complexity of national for the procurement of the services of indi- (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended security problems; vidual consultants, or organizations thereof for the training of the professional staff of (ii) the capacity of present national secu- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- such committee (under procedures specified rity staffing, methods, and processes to lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. by section 202(j) of that Act). make full use of the Nation’s resources of 72a(i))); and (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY knowledge and talents; (2) not to exceed $25,000, may be expended 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, (iii) the adequacy of present intergovern- for the training of the professional staff of through February 28, 2011, expenses of the mental relations between the United States such committee (under procedures specified committee under this section shall not ex- and international organizations principally by section 202(j) of that Act). ceed $5,049,927, of which amount— concerned with national security of which (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended the United States is a member; and RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the for the procurement of the services of indi- (iv) legislative and other proposals to im- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, vidual consultants, or organizations thereof prove these methods, processes, and relation- 2010, under this section shall not exceed (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- ships; $10,503,951, of which amount— lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and (F) the efficiency, economy, and effective- (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended ness of all agencies and departments of the for the procurement of the services of indi- for the training of the professional staff of Government involved in the control and vidual consultants, or organizations thereof such committee (under procedures specified management of energy shortages including, (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- by section 202(j) of that Act). but not limited to, their performance with lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. (e) INVESTIGATIONS.— respect to— 72a(i))); and (1) IN GENERAL.—The committee, or any (i) the collection and dissemination of ac- (2) not to exceed $25,000, may be expended duly authorized subcommittee of the com- curate statistics on fuel demand and supply; for the training of the professional staff of mittee, is authorized to study or inves- (ii) the implementation of effective energy such committee (under procedures specified tigate— conservation measures; by section 202(j) of that Act). (A) the efficiency and economy of oper- (iii) the pricing of energy in all forms; (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY ations of all branches of the Government in- (iv) coordination of energy programs with 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, cluding the possible existence of fraud, mis- State and local government;

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:02 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.028 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2958 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 (v) control of exports of scarce fuels; the Committee on Rules and Administration, 2010, under this section shall not exceed (vi) the management of tax, import, pric- to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- $3,161,766, of which amount— ing, and other policies affecting energy sup- able, basis the services of personnel of any (1) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended plies; such department or agency. for the procurement of the services of indi- (vii) maintenance of the independent sec- (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof tor of the petroleum industry as a strong TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- competitive force; mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. (viii) the allocation of fuels in short supply September 30, 2009, under this section shall 72a(i))); and by public and private entities; not exceed $6,528,294, of which amount— (2) not to exceed $10,000, may be expended (ix) the management of energy supplies (1) not to exceed $116,667, may be expended for the training of the professional staff of owned or controlled by the Government; for the procurement of the services of indi- such committee (under procedures specified (x) relations with other oil producing and vidual consultants, or organizations thereof by section 202(j) of that Act). consuming countries; (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY (xi) the monitoring of compliance by gov- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, ernments, corporations, or individuals with 72a(i))); and through February 28, 2011, expenses of the the laws and regulations governing the allo- (2) not to exceed $11,667, may be expended committee under this section shall not ex- cation, conservation, or pricing of energy for the training of the professional staff of ceed $1,346,931, of which amount— supplies; and such committee (under procedures specified (1) not to exceed $21,000, may be expended (xii) research into the discovery and devel- by section 202(j) of that Act). for the procurement of the services of indi- opment of alternative energy supplies; and (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (G) the efficiency and economy of all RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- branches and functions of Government with period October 1, 2009, through September 30, lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and particular references to the operations and 2010, under this section shall not exceed (2) not to exceed $4,200, may be expended management of Federal regulatory policies $11,481,341, of which amount— for the training of the professional staff of and programs. (1) not to exceed $200,000, may be expended such committee (under procedures specified (2) EXTENT OF INQUIRIES.—In carrying out for the procurement of the services of indi- by section 202(j) of that Act). the duties provided in paragraph (1), the in- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof SEC. 15. COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS AND quiries of this committee or any sub- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- ENTREPRENEURSHIP. committee of the committee shall not be lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out construed to be limited to the records, func- 72a(i))); and its powers, duties, and functions under the tions, and operations of any particular (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance branch of the Government and may extend for the training of the professional staff of with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such to the records and activities of any persons, such committee (under procedures specified rules, including holding hearings, reporting corporation, or other entity. by section 202(j) of that Act). such hearings, and making investigations as (3) SPECIAL COMMITTEE AUTHORITY.—For (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule the purposes of this subsection, the com- 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, mittee, or any duly authorized sub- through February 28, 2011, expenses of the the Committee on Small Business and Entre- committee of the committee, or its chair- committee under this section shall not ex- preneurship is authorized from March 1, 2009, man, or any other member of the committee ceed $4,890,862, of which amount— through February 28, 2011, in its discretion— or subcommittee designated by the chair- (1) not to exceed $83,333, may be expended (1) to make expenditures from the contin- man, from March 1, 2009, through February for the procurement of the services of indi- gent fund of the Senate; 28, 2011, is authorized, in its, his, hers, or vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (2) to employ personnel; and their discretion— (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- (A) to require by subpoena or otherwise the lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and ment department or agency concerned and attendance of witnesses and production of (2) not to exceed $8,333, may be expended the Committee on Rules and Administration, correspondence, books, papers, and docu- for the training of the professional staff of to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- ments; such committee (under procedures specified able, basis the services of personnel of any (B) to hold hearings; by section 202(j) of that Act). such department or agency. (C) to sit and act at any time or place dur- SEC. 14. COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINIS- (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- ing the sessions, recess, and adjournment pe- TRATION. TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- riods of the Senate; (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through (D) to administer oaths; and its powers, duties, and functions under the September 30, 2009, under this section shall (E) to take testimony, either orally or by Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance not exceed $1,693,240, of which amount— sworn statement, or, in the case of staff with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such (1) not to exceed $25,000, may be expended members of the Committee and the Perma- rules, including holding hearings, reporting for the procurement of the services of indi- nent Subcommittee on Investigations, by such hearings, and making investigations as vidual consultants, or organizations thereof deposition in accordance with the Com- authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- mittee Rules of Procedure. XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. (4) AUTHORITY OF OTHER COMMITTEES.— the Committee on Rules and Administration 72a(i))); and Nothing contained in this subsection shall is authorized from March 1, 2009, through (2) not to exceed $10,000, may be expended affect or impair the exercise of any other February 28, 2011, in its discretion— for the training of the professional staff of standing committee of the Senate of any (1) to make expenditures from the contin- such committee (under procedures specified power, or the discharge by such committee gent fund of the Senate; by section 202(j) of that Act). of any duty, conferred or imposed upon it by (2) to employ personnel; and (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- the Standing Rules of the Senate or by the (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946. ment department or agency concerned and period October 1, 2009, through September 30, (5) SUBPOENA AUTHORITY.—All subpoenas the Committee on Rules and Administration, 2010, under this section shall not exceed and related legal processes of the committee to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- $2,976,370, of which amount— and its subcommittee authorized under S. able, basis the services of personnel of any (1) not to exceed $25,000, may be expended Res. 89, agreed to March 1, 2007 (110th Con- such department or agency. for the procurement of the services of indi- gress) are authorized to continue. (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof SEC. 13. COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY. TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. its powers, duties, and functions under the September 30, 2009, under this section shall 72a(i))); and Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance not exceed $1,797,669, of which amount— (2) not to exceed $10,000, may be expended with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such (1) not to exceed $30,000, may be expended for the training of the professional staff of rules, including holding hearings, reporting for the procurement of the services of indi- such committee (under procedures specified such hearings, and making investigations as vidual consultants, or organizations thereof by section 202(j) of that Act). authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, the Committee on the Judiciary is author- 72a(i))); and through February 28, 2011, expenses of the ized from March 1, 2009, through February 28, (2) not to exceed $6,000, may be expended committee under this section shall not ex- 2011, in its discretion— for the training of the professional staff of ceed $1,267,330, of which amount— (1) to make expenditures from the contin- such committee (under procedures specified (1) not to exceed $25,000, may be expended gent fund of the Senate; by section 202(j) of that Act). for the procurement of the services of indi- (2) to employ personnel; and (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- ment department or agency concerned and period October 1, 2009, through September 30, lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and

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(2) not to exceed $10,000, may be expended (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- for the training of the professional staff of TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. such committee (under procedures specified mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through 72a(i))); and by section 202(j) of that Act). September 30, 2009, under this section shall (2) not to exceed $2,000, may be expended SEC. 16. COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS. not exceed $1,892,515, of which amount— for the training of the professional staff of (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out (1) not to exceed $117,000, may be expended such committee (under procedures specified its powers, duties, and functions under the for the procurement of the services of indi- by section 202(j) of that Act). Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, rules, including holding hearings, reporting lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and through February 28, 2011, expenses of the such hearings, and making investigations as (2) not to exceed $10,000, may be expended committee under this section shall not ex- authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule for the training of the professional staff of ceed $3,108,302, of which amount— XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, such committee (under procedures specified (1) not to exceed $27,083, may be expended the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs is au- by section 202(j) of that Act). for the procurement of the services of indi- thorized from March 1, 2009, through Feb- (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof ruary 28, 2011, in its discretion— RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (1) to make expenditures from the contin- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and gent fund of the Senate; 2010, under this section shall not exceed (2) not to exceed $833, may be expended for (2) to employ personnel; and $3,327,243, of which amount— the training of the professional staff of such (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- (1) not to exceed $200,000, may be expended committee (under procedures specified by ment department or agency concerned and for the procurement of the services of indi- section 202(j) of that Act). the Committee on Rules and Administration, vidual consultants, or organizations thereof SEC. 19. COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS. to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out able, basis the services of personnel of any lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and its powers, duties, and functions imposed by such department or agency. (2) not to exceed $15,000, may be expended section 105 of S. Res. 4, agreed to February 4, (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- for the training of the professional staff of 1977 (95th Congress), and in exercising the TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- such committee (under procedures specified authority conferred on it by that section, mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through by section 202(j) of that Act). the Committee on Indian Affairs is author- September 30, 2009, under this section shall (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY ized from March 1, 2009, through February 28, not exceed $1,565,089, of which amount— 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, 2011, in its discretion— (1) not to exceed $59,000, may be expended through February 28, 2011, expenses of the (1) to make expenditures from the contin- for the procurement of the services of indi- committee under this section shall not ex- gent fund of the Senate; vidual consultants, or organizations thereof ceed $1,416,944, of which amount— (2) to employ personnel; and (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (1) not to exceed $85,000, may be expended (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. for the procurement of the services of indi- ment department or agency concerned and 72a(i))); and vidual consultants, or organizations thereof the Committee on Rules and Administration, (2) not to exceed $12,000, may be expended (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- for the training of the professional staff of lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and able, basis the services of personnel of any such committee (under procedures specified (2) not to exceed $5,000, may be expended such department or agency. by section 202(j) of that Act). for the training of the professional staff of (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- such committee (under procedures specified TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the by section 202(j) of that Act). mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through period October 1, 2009, through September 30, SEC. 18. SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE. September 30, 2009, under this section shall 2010, under this section shall not exceed (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out not exceed $1,449,343, of which amount— $2,752,088, of which amount— its powers, duties, and functions under S. (1) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended (1) not to exceed $100,000, may be expended Res. 400, agreed to May 19, 1976 (94th Con- for the procurement of the services of indi- for the procurement of the services of indi- gress), as amended by S. Res. 445, agreed to vidual consultants, or organizations thereof vidual consultants, or organizations thereof October 9, 2004 (108th Congress), in accord- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- ance with its jurisdiction under sections 3(a) lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. and 17 of such S. Res. 400, including holding (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended 72a(i))); and hearings, reporting such hearings, and mak- for training consultants of the professional (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended ing investigations as authorized by section 5 staff of such committee (under procedures for the training of the professional staff of of such S. Res. 400, the Select Committee on specified by section 202(j) of that Act). such committee (under procedures specified Intelligence is authorized from March 1, 2009, (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- by section 202(j) of that Act). through February 28, 2011, in its discretion— RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY (1) to make expenditures from the contin- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, gent fund of the Senate; 2010, under this section shall not exceed through February 28, 2011, expenses of the (2) to employ personnel; and $2,546,445, of which amount— committee under this section shall not ex- (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- (1) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended ceed $1,172,184, of which amount— ment department or agency concerned and for the procurement of the services of indi- (1) not to exceed $42,000, may be expended the Committee on Rules and Administration, vidual consultants, or organizations thereof for the procurement of the services of indi- to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof able, basis the services of personnel of any lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- such department or agency. (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- for training consultants of the professional (2) not to exceed $8,334, may be expended TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- staff of such committee (under procedures for the training of the professional staff of mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through specified by section 202(j) of that Act). such committee (under procedures specified September 30, 2009, under this section shall (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY by section 202(j) of that Act). not exceed $4,151,023, of which amount— 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, SEC. 17. SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING. (1) not to exceed $37,917, may be expended through February 28, 2011, expenses of the (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out for the procurement of the services of indi- committee under this section shall not ex- its powers, duties, and functions imposed by vidual consultants, or organizations thereof ceed $1,083,838, of which amount— section 104 of S. Res. 4, agreed to February 4, (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (1) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended 1977 (95th Congress), and in exercising the lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. for the procurement of the services of indi- authority conferred on it by such section, 72a(i))); and vidual consultants, or organizations thereof the Special Committee on Aging is author- (2) not to exceed $1,167, may be expended (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- ized from March 1, 2009, through February 28, for the training of the professional staff of lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and 2011, in its discretion— such committee (under procedures specified (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended (1) to make expenditures from the contin- by section 202(j) of that Act). for training consultants of the professional gent fund of the Senate; (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- staff of such committee (under procedures (2) to employ personnel; and RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the specified by section 202(j) of that Act). (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, SEC. 20. SPECIAL RESERVE. ment department or agency concerned and 2010, under this section shall not exceed (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Within the funds in the Committee on Rules and Administration, $7,298,438, of which amount— the account ‘‘Expenses of Inquiries and In- to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- (1) not to exceed $65,000, may be expended vestigations’’ appropriated by the legislative able, basis the services of personnel of any for the procurement of the services of indi- branch appropriation Acts for fiscal years such department or agency. vidual consultants, or organizations thereof 2009, 2010, and 2011, there is authorized to be

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Dani Flannery, who tore the ligaments in be available for the period October 1, 2009, Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to her ankle last year, reinjured her leg while through September 30, 2010; and join me in honoring the cheerleaders in Florida. (3) an amount not to exceed $3,125,000, shall and coaches from North Laurel Middle She chose to compete anyway. ‘‘She battled back,’’ Jones said. ‘‘And she be available for the period October 1, 2010, and High Schools for their perform- through February 28, 2011. did it with a smile on her face.’ ances in the national competition. I In the end, the NLMS girls pulled off their (b) AVAILABILITY.—The special reserve au- further ask unanimous consent that thorized in subsection (a) shall be available routine and, by 12 points, were named the to any committee— the full article be printed in the champions. (1) on the basis of special need to meet un- RECORD, as well as the names of the Jones said the win was sweet. ‘‘It’s been very difficult to gain respect,’’ paid obligations incurred by that committee participants and coaches. she said. ‘‘It’s kind of the (Tennessee team) during the periods referred to in paragraphs There being no objection, the mate- club, but we broke into it this year. And (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (a); and rial was ordered to be printed in the they didn’t like it.’’ (2) at the request of a Chairman and Rank- RECORD, as follows: Jones said she and her girls are thankful ing Member of that committee subject to the [From the Sentinel-Echo, Feb. 13, 2009] for the support they received throughout the approval of the Chairman and Ranking Mem- LAURELS FOR NORTH LAUREL year. ber of the Committee on Rules and Adminis- ‘‘We are just so appreciative of our prin- tration. (By Tara Kaprowy) cipal (David Hensley),’’ she said. ‘‘He is so f With full police and fire truck escort, supportive of our program. And our parents, marching band fanfare and thousands of stu- listen, our parents raised the money so every MORNING BUSINESS dents waiting to greet them, North Laurel child could come to Florida for free. And the Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask middle and high school cheerleaders came community. Every time they buy a T-shirt unanimous consent that the Senate home wreathed in victory Tuesday. The or a box of donuts, it lets these girls achieve teams both clinched first place last weekend their dream. I’m so thankful.’’ proceed to a period for morning busi- at the Universal Cheerleaders Association NORTH LAUREL MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS ness, with Senators permitted to speak National High School Cheerleading Cham- for up to 10 minutes each. pionship, the be-all end-all of cheerleading Katie Mays, Caitlyn Adams, Sammantha The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without competitions. Tolliver, Maddie Wood, Hannah Robinson, Ashley McCowan, Whitney McCowan, Ryvers objection, it is so ordered. North Laurel Middle School coach Christy Jones was thrilled. Loomis, Meagan Stewart, Hannah f ‘‘It’s all the buzz down here,’’ she said of McWhorter, McKayla Vaughn, Taylor Hub- bard, Dani Flannery, Kristen King, Whitney MORNING BUSINESS the North Laurel wins. ‘‘They loved the girls, they loved the routine.’’ Reams, Miranda Browning, Savannah North Laurel High School coach Kim Wood Goozeman, Sydney Herrell, Farris Strong, Sherri Gray, Lane Mitchell, Breanna Binder, SENATOR LEAHY JOINS THE 13,000 was likewise pleased. ‘‘We’re celebrating like we’ve never cele- Morgan Bill, Sammantha Nalley, Kelsey VOTE CLUB brated before,’’ she said. Guidi, Amy Corum, Gabrielle Skript, Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, in the en- Wood’s team has had a heart-stopping cou- Addison Woods, Taylor Eversole, Hayley Whitman, Tara McClure, Taylor Hamilton. tire history of the U.S. Senate, only ple of days. The team arrived in Orlando, Fla., a few days before the weekend competi- Coaches: Jamie Winkfein, Sidney Hubbard, eight Senators have cast 13,000 votes. Christy Jones. Today, our honorable colleague, Sen- tion to have time to practice their highly technical routine. NORTH LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS ator LEAHY, has become the ninth Sen- But on the first day, tragedy struck. Alex Blair, Bailie Camp, Taylor Forbes, ator to do it. ‘‘We had one of our strongest bases get in- Brittney Hodges, Ashley Hollin, Destiny Mr. President, I congratulate the dis- jured,’’ Wood said. ‘‘She blew her knee out.’’ Inman, Ally James, Kayla Johnson, Mer- tinguished senior Senator from With Lindsey Lewis now forced to the side- cedes Lester, Whitney Lawson, Lindsey Vermont upon achieving this monu- lines, it was up to Laura Robinson—who had Lewis, Kelsey Maggard, Mackenzie Martin, mental milestone in his life and career. never even competed before—to step in. Brittany Moore, Ashley Partin, Sarah Pen- As a 34-year veteran of the Senate, and ‘‘She was so nervous,’’ Wood said. nington, Laura Robinson, Jenny Tillery, as chairman of the Senate Agriculture To incorporate Robinson into the perform- Gabrielle Woods. Coaches: Kim Wood, Toni ance, the girls had to adjust their formations Blake Greer. Committee and chairman of the Senate and rework the routine, practicing six hours f Judiciary Committee, Senator LEAHY a day to get things right. has already provided invaluable service ‘‘Each girl had to work even harder,’’ Wood SENATOR PATRICK LEAHY’S to his state and our country. said. 13,000TH VOTE Now he has become a member of one By the end of the second round of competi- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise to tion, the girls were in seventh place; one of of the most exclusive clubs in our honor Senator PATRICK LEAHY on the the girls had fallen, which cost the team country, ‘‘U.S. Senators who have cast occasion of his 13,000th vote. 13,000 votes club.’’ points. Nevertheless, they advanced to finals. This time, their 21⁄2-minute routine I have had the privilege of serving on As the charter member of this exclu- was flawless. the Senate Judiciary Committee under sive club, I welcome Senator LEAHY ‘‘It was perfect,’’ Wood said. ‘‘They were Senator LEAHY’s leadership for more into it. awesome.’’ than 10 years. The Judiciary Com- f When the winners were being announced, mittee is one of the original standing the judges asked the girls to maintain their committees of the U.S. Senate and its TRIBUTE TO KENTUCKY composure out of respect for the other role is unique. It is the Judiciary Com- CHEERLEADING SQUADS teams. But Wood said when the runner-up was named—and it wasn’t North Laurel—her mittee’s special charge to ensure that Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I girls were ecstatic. we remain faithful to our Founders’ vi- rise today to pay tribute to the accom- ‘‘They were bawling and crying and jump- sion of America as a nation of laws. plishments of the North Laurel Middle ing for joy,’’ Wood said. As chairman of the Judiciary Com- and High School cheerleading squads Over in the middle-school competition, the mittee, PATRICK LEAHY takes this re- from the city of London in my home girls were up against the fearsome Mount sponsibility very seriously and he has State of Kentucky. Recently, both Pisgah and Houston girls, cheerleaders from continually demonstrated his fidelity two middle schools who finish first and sec- teams won national championships in to the rule of law. Chairman LEAHY has the Universal Cheerleaders Associa- ond year after year. This year, Jones said she was ready for the repeatedly risen in defense of our fun- tion, at competitions held in Orlando, Tennessee teams, with North Laurel’s cho- damental constitutional rights, even FL. reographer crafting a routine that was at the when it is not politically popular. Both teams overcame setbacks and highest level of difficulty. The performance He particularly distinguished himself injuries but still triumphed. Through incorporates 13 full-ups, a move in which the in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:02 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.028 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2961 attacks. At a time when some were Child Soldiers Accountability Act, the error as soon as the language was calling for us to sacrifice our rights in which makes it a crime and violation introduced and made available. the fight against terrorism, PAT LEAHY of immigration law to recruit or use We need to work together toward a said that we could be both safe and child soldiers anywhere in the world; solution. I am prepared to introduce free. and the Trafficking in Persons Ac- legislation to correct the error and pre- He worked to include important civil countability Act, which makes it a serve the work of the Finance Com- liberties protections in the PATRIOT crime to engage in human trafficking mittee, Ways and Means Committee, Act. He led the opposition to con- anywhere in the world. and child welfare community. troversial Bush administration policies Mr. President, America is fortunate Mr. GRASSLEY. I do want the mem- relating to torture, indefinite deten- to have Senator PATRICK LEAHY’s lead- bers of the adoption community to be tion, and the warrantless surveillance ership at this challenging moment in assured that I will do everything in my of innocent American citizens. He was our history. I look forward to working power to make sure this correction is one of the first Members of Congress to with him as we strive to restore the made and that adoption incentive speak out against the Guanta´ namo Bay rule of law at home and to reclaim funds are made available. I will be detention center. Chairman LEAHY led America’s role as a champion for happy to introduce legislation with my the fight against the Military Commis- human rights around the world. partner on the Senate Finance Com- sions Act. He was particularly eloquent f mittee, the chairman of that com- and persistent in defending the right to mittee, Senator BAUCUS. We can base ADOPTION INCENTIVES PROGRAM habeas corpus and he was vindicated the legislation on my amendment to when the Supreme Court held that the Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, last reinstate the adoption incentives im- habeas-stripping provision of the Mili- year, working together, Republicans provements. tary Commissions Act is unconstitu- and Democrats produced one of the f tional. most far-reaching improvements to our Chairman LEAHY has also been a Nation’s child welfare system in over a IDAHOANS SPEAK OUT ON HIGH giant in the Senate when it comes to decade. The Fostering Connections to ENERGY PRICES judicial nominations. He has fought to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, in mid- preserve the integrity and independ- of 2008 included a number of policies June, I asked Idahoans to share with ence of our Federal judiciary through- designed to increase the number of me how high energy prices are affect- out his career and long tenure on the adoptions of special needs children in ing their lives, and they responded by Senate Judiciary Committee. foster care. the hundreds. The stories, numbering Despite the highly charged atmos- Unfortunately, the Omnibus appro- well over 1,200, are heartbreaking and phere that has beset the judicial nomi- priations bill that the Senate is consid- touching. While energy prices have nations process in recent years, Chair- ering this week includes a provision dropped in recent weeks, the concerns man LEAHY handled judicial nomina- that overrides the Adoption Incentives expressed remain very relevant. To re- tions fairly and expeditiously during improvements included in the Fos- spect the efforts of those who took the his chairmanship of the Senate Judici- tering Connections to Success and In- opportunity to share their thoughts, I ary Committee under President George creasing Adoptions Act of 2008. am submitting every e-mail sent to me W. Bush. In the approximately 3 years I have been told that it was not the through an address set up specifically in which he chaired the Senate Judici- intention of the drafters of the Omni- for this purpose to the CONGRESSIONAL ary Committee under President Bush, bus appropriations bill to override the RECORD. This is not an issue that will 168 of the President’s judicial nominees improvements to the Adoption Incen- be easily resolved, but it is one that de- were confirmed. By comparison, during tives Program and the Democratic serves immediate and serious atten- the 4-year period under President Bush leadership intends to correct this prob- tion, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. when Republicans had a majority in lem in the future. Their stories not only detail their the Senate and chaired the Senate Ju- The right thing would be to correct struggles to meet everyday expenses, diciary Committee, only 158 judicial this problem in the underlying bill and but also have suggestions and rec- nominees were confirmed. I filed an amendment that would have ommendations as to what Congress can Chairman LEAHY also led the fight to accomplished this. Unfortunately, I do now to tackle this problem and find enhance the security of Federal judges was told by the Democratic leadership solutions that last beyond today. I ask and courthouses in the wake of several that they would not allow the bill to be unanimous consent to have today’s let- tragic incidents of violence our Nation changed at all. ters printed in the RECORD. witnessed in recent years. This record I am not happy that I was not per- There being no objection, the mate- is a tribute to Chairman LEAHY’s deep mitted to fix this problem in the omni- rial was ordered to be printed in the respect for the Federal bench and his bus bill. This unfortunate outcome, RECORD, as follows: commitment to bipartisanship in the where real progress in increasing the advice and consent process. number of adoptions is potentially I am sure you are fully aware of the impact high gasoline prices is having on Idahoans. A Senator LEAHY has fought for human jeopardized, highlights the perils of large portion of the population are on fixed rights at home and abroad. As the lead rushing legislation through in a par- incomes that do not rise with inflation or en- sponsor of the Innocence Protection tisan manner and not consulting with ergy costs. Another large portion of the pop- Act, he has worked to ensure that inno- the committees of jurisdiction. ulation barely earned enough to feed their cent people are not subject to the Mr. BAUCUS. I thank Senator families when gas was $1.25 a gallon. Many of death penalty. He has been the fore- GRASSLEY. We worked together on the those same Americans are still earning the most champion in Congress in the cam- Fostering Connections to Success and same or slightly better wages, though infla- paign against antipersonnel landmines, Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 in tion and higher energy costs have effectively authoring the first legislation by any what was a model of bipartisan and bi- caused a net reduction in their incomes. cameral legislating. I do not want to Personally, it is hard to find work, I have government to ban the export of land- turned in dozens of applications without mines. see any provisions of that work jeop- even a single interview. So, I decided to get I want to pay tribute particularly to ardized. my degree online, since it was out of the Chairman LEAHY for creating the While I am certain that our col- question to commute to a campus because of Human Rights and the Law sub- leagues on the Appropriations Com- fuel costs. My best friend commuted for his committee in January 2007 and for giv- mittee in no way mean to jeopardize entire two years of community college, ing me the opportunity to chair this the adoption incentive provisions of roughly 60 miles round trip every day. How- subcommittee during the 110th Con- the Fostering Connections and Increas- ever, it is prohibitively expensive to do so gress. I was proud to work with Sen- ing Adoptions Act, I also feel that com- now. I am also self-employed, doing whatever work I can find, though it never amounts to ator LEAHY in the 110th Congress to munication with the Finance Com- much more than paying what expenses I do enact the Genocide Accountability Act, mittee would have led to an easy rem- have. Lately I have been selling firewood to which makes it a crime to commit edy. My staff, working with the Con- help cover the increases in gas prices, since genocide anywhere in the world; the gressional Research Service, caught I am a small-scale miner/gold prospector and

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:02 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.045 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2962 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 wish to explore some gold-producing regions nology, efficiency, and precision, and that any of the gold or silver coins which shall be in this great state this year. auto makers should produce more vehicles struck or coined at the said mint shall be de- I recall hearing that the government re- with these 4-cylinder diesels. based or made worse as to the proportion of moved gasoline from the Consumer Price I know, the environmentalists have for the the fine gold or fine silver therein contained, Index in the 80s; if this is true, it was a grave most part banned diesel in many places. or shall be of less weight or value than the mistake. These gasoline and oil prices will However, what makes it cleaner and better same out to be pursuant to the directions of cause inflation almost as fast as the Federal for the environment to burn 2.5 to 3 gallons this act, through the default or with the con- Reserve having a license to print money as of gas than to burn 1 gallon of diesel? nivance of any of the officers or persons who fast as they can. I do believe it is wrong to say that Amer- shall be employed at the said mint, for the As an American, and Idahoan, I want to ica is addicted to oil. We aren’t addicted to purpose of profit or gain, or otherwise with a state that we need to lift the bans on off- oil; there is no alternative, and nothing that fraudulent intent, and if any of the said offi- shore oil drilling. Norway, I believe, has al- we can put in our tanks has the same energy cers or persons shall embezzle any of the ways drilled offshore, and they export quite potential gallon for gallon as gasoline or die- metals which shall at any time be com- a bit of oil, as well as keeping their own en- sel. However, I recall vaguely a quote I read mitted to their charge for the purpose of ergy costs down compared to other areas of that was said by Nikola Tesla, basically say- being coined, or any of the coins which shall the world. I understand that we are not drilling it was barbaric for an nation to use up its be struck or coined at the said mint, every ing much offshore; however, I have heard crude oil reserves. But I say it is equally bar- such officer or person who shall commit any that Cuba and other Caribbean countries baric to use food crops to produce alter- or either of the said offenses, shall be have been, which means if we do not pump native fuels, AKA ethanol. Why cannot we deemed guilty of felony, and shall suffer the oil ourselves, someone else will. turn noxious weeds such as knapp weed and death.’’ Second, hydroelectric is the safest, cheap- bull thistles into ethanol? Why does it have America is not being held hostage by the est, and most superior form of electricity to be corn?! People are starving, and here we gas pumps, or the oil companies. Probably any country can harness and possess. Instead are gassing up with food that should be used the greatest mistake any civilization could of demolishing dams, we need to build more to feed people. People cannot eat oil or gaso- make was breaking up Standard Oil. As soon if possible. Licenses need to be granted to all line. It is my understanding that the U.S. as Standard Oil was broken up, fuel prices existing dams if there is any possible way for government pays subsidies to farmers so went up quite a bit history records. America them to expand their generating capacity. they do not plant hundreds of millions of is being held hostage by the monetizers of Environmentalists cry we need more solar acres of land to keep prices up on certain debt, printing instead of legal tender, prom- power. Solar panels are inefficient given that crops. If corn must be used, it should be from issory notes which take a perfectly valuable it takes a huge surface area to generate a the land that the government is paying them commodity like paper and ink, and make small amount of energy. I suppose if they not to plant, since the other corn crops are them truely worthless, as stated by Ludwig could be installed in places that are rarely sufficient for food needs. Von Mises when he was talking about fiat used, and out of sight, so much the better, so It is also my understanding that the currency. Solar panels should be installed on the roofs world’s largest deposit of oil shale exists in Economist John Maynard Keynes, who was of city buildings, would not take up valuable the United States. It amounts to almost dou- chief architect of the fiat currency system, land that is so desperately needed for farm- ble the proven recoverable crude oil reserves had stated ‘‘The best way to destroy the cap- ing, and other uses. in the world. Why are not we mining and italist system is to debauch the currency. By As far as gasoline and alternative fuels, I processing this oil shale? Further, I do not a continuing process of inflation, govern- would petition Congress to reopen the inves- see how the oil companies are making record ments can confiscate, secretly and tigation into the Ocean Thermal Energy profits. unobserved, an important part of the wealth Conversion, which was experimented with The one thing it has been politically incor- of their citizens.’’ And indeed that is what is during the 70s, but later abandoned after the rect to talk about is inflation. If you adjust happening. oil crisis. It would use the naturally-heated the oil companies’ incomes for inflation, ev- Patrick Henry had stated ‘‘This great na- water, pumped through heat exchangers, eryone will find that in real wealth, their tion was founded not by religionists, but by earnings are breaking no records. When gas causing refrigerants to be evaporated in a Christians; not on religions, but on the Gos- was 25 cents a gallon, it was a silver quarter closed system, driving turbines, creating pel of Jesus Christ!’’. I agree with this state- that was being paid. The amount of silver in electricity which could then be used to syn- ment. However, our government has gone a silver quarter is worth now approximately thesize the ammonia fuel, which ammonia is from the wise ways of a Republic, with the $3 to $4. So in terms of REAL wealth, con- not combustible in normal atmospheric pres- Biblical honest weights and measures, to a stitutional money as per Article One, Sec- sure, but when introduced into a high pres- corrupted system that is now based almost tion Ten, the price has gone from, what, 25 sure environment, such as a combustion entirely on the system of usury. cents a gallon to 30 cents maybe? It is not There is no shortage of oil, and people are chamber, it will combust. In the early part that prices are going up; it is that the Fed is willing to pay the prices they are paying for of this decade it was estimated that the fuel printing too much money driving the value it now. They have no choice, and those prices could be produced and distributed with prob- of the dollar down faster than wages can go being paid now, are the result of a paper cur- ably no higher than a 50-cent per gallon cost. up, and this usury needs to stop. rency that is constantly being inflated. A Just a small fleet of ships around the equa- They used to claim that there was not barrel of Oil is always worth a barrel of Oil, tor would be able to supply the entire enough silver to maintain a silver standard and an ounce of silver is always worth an world’s energy. Combustion of the ammonia and supply enough money for everyone. ounce of silver. A dollar is not always worth would produce only water vapor. I studied Hmmmm. . . Guess what that causes? Defla- a dollar. this in high school thanks to being in the tion! The money would increase in pur- So, while I still have the 1st Amendment U.S. Academic Decathlon, and it grabbed my chasing power, and the same amount of sil- rights, I am going to send this letter, and interest so I did what research I could on the ver would continue to be sufficient for the pray that it does not fall on deaf ears. matter. needs of the economy. ADAM. Another main objective should be to get Sometimes I feel like I am the only Amer- the oil fields in Iraq back in production ican who understands this problem. In response to your email requesting some ASAP. I have read production reports from I would like to point out: Heads should stories about the rising oil costs, I would before and after the Iraq invasion. I forget have rolled after we abandoned the gold and like to contribute the following. This will how much Iraq was producing prior to the in- silver standards. I am sure you know what not be a simple paragraph or two and, for vasion, but afterwards, there has been neg- debasing currency is. This is what helped that, I apologize. ligible amounts of oil being produced there. bring Rome to an end. They figured out that I grew up in Helena, Montana, and crawled I would also propose that tax incentives most people would accept a coin for face around in mines and mills as a kid and should be given to wealthy landowners in re- value regardless of content. So, instead of young adult. I have seen firsthand, the long- gions that have historically been productive say, 90% gold, the Romans started to debase term effects of mine waste and tailings piles for wildcatting. The incentives being to get their coinage, so they could make more where nothing would grow on the waste for the landowners who can afford to, to explore money with less gold. The coins dropped in 100 years, the small streams and creeks ran their properties for oil. purity. More and more copper was added orange in Butte and the banks were brown There is also another solution which I feel until their gold coins contained almost no for up to 10 feet on either side. Now, I also the auto industry purposely avoids telling gold. This is what happened in this country understand back then, this was not seen as people. It is a fact, that I have seen, and rode in the 60s when we abandoned silver. Our damaging and there were plenty of open in, never could find one for sale, SUVs, small Founding Fathers understood the problem, spaces and clear skies for the infant country pick-ups and the like, with 4-cylinder diesel so I would like to point out the one capital of the USA and, without these mines and engines that provided plenty of power, with crime that no one has been sentenced for. mills, the U.S. would not be what it is today. a fuel economy of anywhere from 45 to 60 According to the Coin Act of 1792, those I worked for almost 27 years in the oil ex- miles per gallon. Rudolph Diesel, who in- who debased the currency, ‘‘or otherwise ploration industry and almost 16 years of vented the Diesel engine had stated that his with a fraudulent intent’’ were to suffer the that was working and living in Brasil so I life’s work would be complete once it was death penalty: have firsthand exposure to the shortcomings used in automobiles. I firmly believe the ‘‘Penalty of Death for de-basing the coins. and failures of alcohol fuels and the damage Germans have been at the forefront of tech- Section 19. And be it further enacted, That if it has done to the economy of Brasil.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:02 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.035 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2963 Further, I have seen what the U.S. has fuel to make. Since the government sub- Trooper Chris Steward from the Dry done to destroy the drilling industry in the sidizes this, we the tax payers loose big time Ridge Post received the award for the states as well as driving out any U.S. Coast and the environment suffers at an even ac- highest number of speed citations. Guard licensed personnel, U.S. flag vessels celerated rate. Trooper Steward was praised by the and shipyard work done in the U.S. (4) It takes food out of circulation and Dry Ridge Post Commander for his Now let us consider alcohol fuels and raises prices. blended gasoline: (5) Who wins? Big oil for more demand, the dedication to saving lives on Ken- As a developing country, Brasil needs oil, automobile industry, farmers and the gov- tucky’s roads. they do not have a large export economy and ernment in the form of more taxes. Sergeant Steve Walker from the Lon- until recently, did not have a large internal (6) Who loses? The American citizen. don Post received the award for the oil supply. To offset the cost of importing Now, what have I seen? Well, much of the highest number of DUI arrests in 2008. oil, they mandated the use of alcohol as a U.S. does not have public transport and we DUI related fatalities numbered 175 in fuel for their automobiles. Since labor is have to drive for food, work, shopping and Kentucky in 2008 and Sergeant Walk- cheap and technology was not, Brasil had a anything else. I have seen my gasoline bills er’s extra effort to remove impaired huge labor intensive industry of raising almost double in the past 6 months and I am drivers from the road has made Ken- sugar cane for the purpose of making fuel. In driving much less. fact this was nothing more that rum! tucky roadways a safer place to travel. Much of the U.S. does not have natural gas Trooper Walt Meachum from the Sugar cane derived fuel is still recognized and we use propane. Propane has jumped 50% as the ‘‘hottest’’ fuel as compared to corn. in price the past 6 months that means heat- Harlan Post received the award by Brasil mandated that alcohol fuel be the ing bills have jumped 50%. Even thought we hosting 484 community education same price as gasoline and forced Petrobras are mainly hydroelectric for electricity, my events relative to highway safety to manufacture and distribute alcohol to do power bill has increased an average of 25% issues. Trooper Meachum’s vigorous so. due to pressure from fossil fuel increases. commitment to educating younger peo- Even at $50/ month average worker wages, I am retired and on a fixed income and can- ple about unsafe driving is something sugar cane growing almost unattended, IE no not afford to pay my bills any longer due to every Kentucky citizen is grateful for. need for irrigation or fertilizers, the cost per the significant increases! Sergeant Derris Hedger from the liter of alcohol was 4 to 5 times that of the And please do not get me started on the Campbellsburg Post received the award cost the same liter of gasoline! This resulted fallacy of fluorescent lighting and electric in an enormous tax base to Brasilian citi- for the highest number of seat belt ci- autos. Both are dangerous and will cause tre- tations in 2008. This area has seen a 50- zens, up to 60% and a horrid inflation spiral mendous heavy metal pollution as well as a you cannot imagine, inflations of 100% per larger demand for mining and thus more percent reduction in highway fatalities month! toxic waste. compared to 2007, and Sergeant Hedg- In my opinion, alcohol is not only a stupid Not to be a cynic but I know this will fall er’s efforts are playing a direct role in idea; it accelerates the consumption of oil on deaf ears as it is not politically expedient those reductions. and the earth’s resources and causes MORE to take the correct position instead of the Officer Anthony Bersaglia from the pollution. Here is why: one Washington currently has taken. Pikeville Commercial Vehicle Enforce- (1) Alcohol loves water and will absorb FRANK, Spirit Lake. ment division received the award for water while in storage and in use. This the highest number of Commercial causes any iron or steel parts in the engine We recently took a three-night trip to Yel- to wear out faster. This means more parts Motor Vehicle citations in 2008. Officer lowstone Park, driving from Boise. Our VW Bersaglia’s work ethic and dedication and or more engines are needed sooner. Passatt station wagon, a roomy and very These parts can only be derived from metal are unmatched. comfortable car, uses about half the fuel of a Officer Travis Rogers from the Lon- which means more mining, smelting and pickup truck (29 to 34 mpg highway). For more heavy metal pollution. this trip for four adults, the cost of lodging don Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (2) Alcohol does not give as much power and food (meals eaten in restaurants) Region received the award for the high- per unit of liquid as gasoline, no matter dwarfed the cost of gasoline. est number of Commercial Motor Vehi- what! Anyone can do this and it does not The higher price of fuel will spur both in- cle safety inspections. Officer Rogers need a scientific degree for real average Joe novation (www.aptera.com) and conserva- continually strives to make Ken- results. Drive in South Dakota where it is tion. As Boise is close to being under EPA mandated to have 10% alcohol/ 90% gasoline tucky’s roads a safer place and he is a ‘‘supervision’’ for air quality non-attainment blended fuel. The interstate is flat so you credit to the division. (ozone), the higher price of gas can only help can set your cruise control. I did this in my Officer Glenn Perry of the Louisville as demand slackens. Mazda pickup and have seen similar results Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Re- Let us face it, most of us are not wise users by being forced to use alcohol fuels in Wash- gion has received this award for the of energy, and with a little extra effort we ington in other vehicles. By driving say 320 highest percentage of Commercial all could reduce our consumption by 10% to miles on the interstate with gasoline only, 25%. I see many more pedestrians and bicy- Motor Vehicle ‘‘Out of Service’’ inspec- you can achieve say 20 miles per gallon cles on the streets, most of us need more ex- tions. The work Officer Perry performs which would use 16 gallons of gasoline. ercise. Our consumptive habits and the on a daily basis and his professionalism Now, blended fuel decreases the fuel effi- growth of said consumption is not sustain- on the roads is unmatched. ciency of any internal combustion and low- able—innovation and conservation will have Inspector Marty Young from the ers its economy. This same vehicle with the to happen to solve our energy problems. blended fuel gets anywhere between 20 to Georgetown Commercial Vehicle Re- In reading your email regarding this prob- 25% less MPG. In our same example, this ve- gion received the award for the number lem, I have to ask you who is responsible for hicle would get 15 to 16 MPG, which means of ‘‘Out of Service’’ inspections by a ci- lack of public transportation in this coun- the same 320 miles would take 21 to 20 gal- vilian employee. Investigator Young’s try? lons of blend. Now, this blended fuel is 90% success is evident in the Georgetown DAVID, Boise. gasoline in 21 gallons of blend there is 21 × 0.9 Region and his eye for detail has made = 18.9 gallons of gasoline and 20 gallons of f a significant impact on highway safety. × blend is 20 0.9 = 18 gallons of gasoline. ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS I am humbled and grateful of the So, our blended fuel consumes at least 20% men and women who serve this agency more gasoline!!!!! In this journey that means every day by patrolling our roadways an average of 3 gallons more of gasoline for and keeping the Commonwealth safe. I the trip. HONORING EIGHT KENTUCKY These are real results I did myself! STATE POLICE am also confident that the coworkers of these eight individuals are proud to Even autos designed for alcohol blends get ∑ Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I less economy and consumes more fuel! You work along side of them. can check in Phoenix, Arizona, as they man- invite my colleagues to join me in con- Mr. President, I would like to thank date blended fuels in the summer and the gratulating eight members of the Ken- these individuals for their contribu- cars get poorer economy. tucky State Police. These brave indi- tions to the State of Kentucky and I So, what does alcohol fuels do? viduals went above and beyond to help wish them well as they continue to (1) Consumes more oil keep the Commonwealth safe. The Ex- protect the citizens of the Common- (2) Consumes more of the earth’s metals by cellence in Highway Safety Awards are wealth.∑ wearing out engines quicker given to troopers who have the highest (3) Consumes more of the earth’s energy. f numbers in driving under the influence, You have to plant, harvest, ferment, distill MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT and purify corn to generate alcohol. It costs occupant protection, speed, and com- about 6 times more per gallon to make than mercial vehicle citations written in Messages from the President of the gasoline and wastes water, electricity and 2008. United States were communicated to

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:44 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.038 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2964 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 the Senate by Mr. Williams, one of his EC–928. A communication from the Acting EC–938. A communication from the Direc- secretaries. Assistant Secretary, Office of Legislative Af- tor of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Direc- fairs, Department of State, transmitting, tor of National Intelligence, transmitting, f pursuant to law, a report relative to overseas pursuant to law, the report of change in pre- EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED surplus property; to the Committee on For- viously submitted reported information in eign Relations. As in executive session the Presiding the position of Principal Deputy Director of EC–929. A communication from the Acting National Intelligence, received in the Office Officer laid before the Senate messages Director, Strategic Human Resources Policy, of the President of the Senate on March 5, from the President of the United Office of Personnel Management, transmit- 2009; to the Select Committee on Intel- States submitting sundry nominations ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ligence. which were referred to the appropriate titled ‘‘Federal Employees Health Benefits EC–939. A communication from the Direc- committees. Program Acquisition Regulation: Miscella- tor of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Direc- (The nominations received today are neous Clarifications and Corrections’’ tor of National Intelligence, transmitting, (RIN3206–AL66) received in the Office of the pursuant to law, the report of discontinu- printed at the end of the Senate pro- President of the Senate on March 5, 2009; to ceedings.) ation of service in acting role in the position the Committee on Homeland Security and of Principal Deputy Director of National In- f Governmental Affairs. telligence, received in the Office of the Presi- EC–930. A communication from the Acting MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE dent of the Senate on March 5, 2009; to the Director, Strategic Human Resources Policy, Select Committee on Intelligence. At 2:26 p.m., a message from the Office of Personnel Management, transmit- EC–940. A communication from the Direc- House of Representatives, delivered by ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- tor, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, titled ‘‘Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living Al- Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- transmitting, pursuant to law, an annual re- lowance Rates; 2007 Interim Adjustments: port relative to crime victims’ rights; to the nounced that the House has passed the Puerto Rico’’ (RIN3206–AL65) received in the Committee on the Judiciary. following bill, in which it requests the Office of the President of the Senate on EC–941. A communication from the Acting concurrence of the Senate: March 5, 2009; to the Committee on Home- Assistant Secretary, Office of Legislative Af- land Security and Governmental Affairs. H.R. 131. An act to establish the Ronald fairs, Department of State, transmitting, Reagan Centennial Commission. EC–931. A communication from the Chair- man, Council of the District of Columbia, pursuant to law, a report relative to data- f transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on mining activities; to the Committee on the EXECUTIVE AND OTHER D.C. Act 18–19, ‘‘Disclosure to the United Judiciary. COMMUNICATIONS States District Court Temporary Amend- f ment Act of 2009’’ received in the Office of The following communications were the President of the Senate on March 5, 2009; INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND laid before the Senate, together with to the Committee on Homeland Security and JOINT RESOLUTIONS accompanying papers, reports, and doc- Governmental Affairs. The following bills and joint resolu- EC–932. A communication from the Chair- uments, and were referred as indicated: tions were introduced, read the first EC–922. A communication from the Federal man, Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on and second times by unanimous con- Co-Chair, Appalachian Regional Commis- sent, and referred as indicated: sion, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- D.C. Act 18–20, ‘‘Metropolitan Police Depart- port of two violations of the Antideficiency ment Subpoena Limitation Temporary By Mr. UDALL of Colorado (for himself Act that occurred within the Appalachian Amendment Act of 2009’’ received in the Of- and Mr. BENNET): Regional Commission; to the Committee on fice of the President of the Senate on March S. 555. A bill to provide for the exchange of Appropriations. 5, 2009; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- certain land located in the Arapaho-Roo- EC–923. A communication from the Direc- rity and Governmental Affairs. sevelt National Forests in the State of Colo- EC–933. A communication from the Chair- tor, Pentagon Renovation and Construction rado, and for other purposes; to the Com- man, Council of the District of Columbia, Program Office, Department of Defense, mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on transmitting, pursuant to law, the Office’s By Mr. VITTER: D.C. Act 18–21, ‘‘Library Kiosk Services Tem- Annual Report for the year ending March 1, S. 556. A bill to amend chapter 44 of title porary Act of 2009’’ received in the Office of 2009; to the Committee on Armed Services. 18, United States Code, to modernize the the President of the Senate on March 5, 2009; EC–924. A communication from the Vice process by which interstate firearms trans- to the Committee on Homeland Security and Chair and First Vice President, Export-Im- actions are conducted by Federal firearms li- Governmental Affairs. port Bank of the United States, transmit- censees; to the Committee on the Judiciary. EC–934. A communication from the Chair- By Mr. MARTINEZ (for himself and ting, pursuant to law, a report relative to man, Council of the District of Columbia, Mr. KOHL): transactions involving U.S. exports to Tur- transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on S. 557. A bill to encourage, enhance, and in- key; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, D.C. Act 18–22, ‘‘Vending Regulation Tem- tegrate Silver Alert plans throughout the and Urban Affairs. porary Act of 2009’’ received in the Office of United States, to authorize grants for the as- EC–925. A communication from the Acting the President of the Senate on March 5, 2009; sistance of organizations to find missing Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, Na- to the Committee on Homeland Security and adults, and for other purposes; to the Com- tional Marine Fisheries Service, Department Governmental Affairs. of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant to law, EC–935. A communication from the Direc- mittee on the Judiciary. the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Taking and Im- tor of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Direc- By Mr. CARPER (for himself, Ms. MUR- porting Marine Mammals; Taking Marine tor of National Intelligence, transmitting, KOWSKI, Mr. BURR, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. Mammals Incidental to Space Vehicle and pursuant to law, the report of a vacancy in NELSON of Florida, and Mr. Test Flight Activities from Vandenberg Air the position of General Counsel, received in VOINOVICH): Force Base (VAFB), California’’ (RIN0648– the Office of the President of the Senate on S. 558. A bill to amend the Federal Food, AX08) received in the Office of the President March 5, 2009; to the Select Committee on In- Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to nu- of the Senate on March 9, 2009; to the Com- telligence. trition labeling of food offered for sale in mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- EC–936. A communication from the Direc- food service establishments; to the Com- tation. tor of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Direc- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and EC–926. A communication from the Prin- tor of National Intelligence, transmitting, Pensions . cipal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Ef- pursuant to law, the report of change in pre- By Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Mr. ficiency and Renewable Energy, Department viously submitted reported information in GRASSLEY, Mr. HARKIN, Ms. of Energy, transmitting, pursuant to law, a the position of Associate Director of Na- KLOBUCHAR, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. NEL- report entitled ‘‘Implementation Report: En- tional Intelligence and Chief Information Of- SON of Nebraska, and Mr. ROBERTS): ergy Conservation Standards Activities’’; to ficer, received in the Office of the President S. 559. A bill to provide benefits under the the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- of the Senate on March 5, 2009; to the Select Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Ab- sources. Committee on Intelligence. sence program for certain periods before the EC–927. A communication from the Chief of EC–937. A communication from the Direc- implementation of the program; to the Com- the Trade and Commercial Regulations tor of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Direc- mittee on Armed Services. Branch, Customs and Border Protection, De- tor of National Intelligence, transmitting, By Mr. REID (for Mr. KENNEDY (for partment of Homeland Security, transmit- pursuant to law, the report of discontinu- himself, Mr. HARKIN, Mr. DODD, Ms. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ation of service in acting role in the position MIKULSKI, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. REED, titled ‘‘Extension of Import Restrictions Im- of Associate Director of National Intel- Mr. SANDERS, Mr. BROWN, Mr. CASEY, posed on Archaeological Material from Hon- ligence and Chief Information Officer, re- Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. BYRD, Mr. INOUYE, duras’’ (RIN1505–AC11) received in the Office ceived in the Office of the President of the Mr. LEAHY, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. KERRY, of the President of the Senate on March 5, Senate on March 5, 2009; to the Select Com- Mr. ROCKEFELLER, Mr. REID, Mr. 2009; to the Committee on Finance. mittee on Intelligence. LIEBERMAN, Mr. AKAKA, Mrs. BOXER,

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:02 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.043 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2965 Mr. FEINGOLD, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. DUR- S. Res. 72. A resolution expressing the (Mr. VITTER) was added as a cosponsor BIN, Mr. JOHNSON, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. sense of the Senate regarding drug traf- of S. 484, a bill to amend title II of the NELSON of Florida, Mr. CARPER, Ms. ficking in Mexico; to the Committee on For- Social Security Act to repeal the Gov- STABENOW, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. LAU- eign Relations. ernment pension offset and windfall TENBERG, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. CARDIN, By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself and Mr. Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. BENNETT): elimination provisions. UDALL of New Mexico, Mrs. SHAHEEN, S. Res. 73. A resolution authorizing ex- S. 542 Mr. BEGICH, Mr. BURRIS, Mr. KAUF- penditures by committees of the Senate for At the request of Mrs. LINCOLN, her MAN, and Mrs. GILLIBRAND)): the periods March 1, 2009, through September name was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 560. A bill to amend the National Labor 30, 2009, and October 1, 2009, through Sep- 542, a bill to repeal the provision of law Relations Act to establish an efficient sys- tember 30, 2010, and October 1, 2010, through that provides automatic pay adjust- tem to enable employees to form, join, or as- February 28, 2011; considered and agreed to. ments for Members of Congress. sist labor organizations, to provide for man- f datory injunctions for unfair labor practices At the request of Mr. REID, the names of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. during the organizing efforts, and for other ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS purposes; to the Committee on Health, Edu- BROWN), the Senator from West Vir- cation, Labor, and Pensions. S. 61 ginia (Mr. ROCKEFELLER), the Senator By Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself, Ms. At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the from Colorado (Mr. BENNET), the Sen- MURKOWSKI, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. WYDEN, name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. ator from Montana (Mr. TESTER), the Mr. UDALL of New Mexico, Ms. CANT- BROWN) was added as a cosponsor of S. Senator from New York (Mrs. WELL, Mr. TESTER, Mr. JOHNSON, Mrs. 61, a bill to amend title 11 of the United GILLIBRAND), the Senator from North MURRAY, Mr. UDALL of Colorado, and States Code with respect to modifica- Carolina (Mrs. HAGAN), the Senator Mr. HATCH): S. 561. A bill to authorize a supplemental tion of certain mortgages on principal from Michigan (Ms. STABENOW), the funding source for catastrophic emergency residences, and for other purposes. Senator from Alaska (Mr. BEGICH), the wildland fire suppression activities on De- S. 261 Senator from Minnesota (Ms. partment of the Interior and National Forest At the request of Mr. GRAHAM, the KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from Michi- System lands, to require the Secretary of the name of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. gan (Mr. LEVIN), the Senator from Col- Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to AKAKA) was added as a cosponsor of S. orado (Mr. UDALL), the Senator from develop a cohesive wildland fire management Delaware (Mr. CARPER), the Senator strategy, and for other purposes; to the Com- 261, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. enue Code of 1986 to restore the deduc- from Missouri (Mrs. MCCASKILL), the By Mr. NELSON of Florida (for him- tion for the travel expenses of a tax- Senator from New Mexico (Mr. UDALL), self, Ms. SNOWE, and Ms. KLOBUCHAR): payer’s spouse who accompanies the the Senator from Illinois (Mr. BURRIS), S. 562. A bill to require accurate and rea- taxpayer on business travel. the Senator from Rhode Island (Mr. sonable disclosure of the terms and condi- S. 277 REED), the Senator from Nebraska (Mr. tions of prepaid telephone calling cards and At the request of Mr. UDALL of Colo- NELSON), the Senator from Arkansas services, and for other purposes; to the Com- (Mr. PRYOR), the Senator from Penn- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- rado, his name was added as a cospon- sylvania (Mr. CASEY) and the Senator tation. sor of S. 277, a bill to amend the Na- By Mr. BENNETT (for himself and Mr. tional and Community Service Act of from Wisconsin (Mr. FEINGOLD) were HATCH): 1990 to expand and improve opportuni- added as cosponsors of S. 542, supra. S. 563. A bill to direct the exchange of cer- ties for service, and for other purposes. S. 546 tain land in Grand, San Juan, and Uintah S. 317 At the request of Mr. REID, the Counties, Utah, and for other purposes; to names of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. At the request of Mr. FEINGOLD, the the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- DURBIN), the Senator from Arkansas sources. name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. (Mrs. LINCOLN), the Senator from Mas- By Mr. FEINGOLD (for himself, Mr. WEBB) was added as a cosponsor of S. sachusetts (Mr. KERRY), the Senator GRASSLEY, Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. KEN- 317, a bill to repeal the provision of law NEDY, Mr. CARDIN, and Mr. WYDEN): that provides automatic pay adjust- from Massachusetts (Mr. KENNEDY), the S. 564. A bill to establish commissions to ments for Members of Congress. Senator from Connecticut (Mr. review the facts and circumstances sur- LIEBERMAN), the Senator from Ohio S. 423 rounding injustices suffered by European (Mr. BROWN), the Senator from Rhode Americans, European Latin Americans, and At the request of Mr. AKAKA, the Island (Mr. WHITEHOUSE), the Senator Jewish refugees during World War II; to the name of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. from South Dakota (Mr. JOHNSON), the Committee on the Judiciary. ENSIGN) was added as a cosponsor of S. Senator from Oregon (Mr. WYDEN) and By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. COCH- 423, a bill to amend title 38, United RAN, Mr. LEVIN, and Mr. DORGAN): the Senator from Alabama (Mr. SHEL- States Code, to authorize advance ap- BY) were added as cosponsors of S. 546, S. 565. A bill to amend title XVIII of the propriations for certain medical care Social Security Act to provide continued en- a bill to amend title 10, United States titlement to coverage for immuno- accounts of the Department of Vet- Code, to permit certain retired mem- suppressive drugs furnished to beneficiaries erans Affairs by providing two-fiscal bers of the uniformed services who under the Medicare Program that have re- year budget authority, and for other have a service-connected disability to ceived a kidney transplant and whose enti- purposes. receive both disability compensation tlement to coverage would otherwise expire, S. 428 from the Department of Veterans Af- and for other purposes; to the Committee on At the request of Mr. DORGAN, the Finance. fairs for their disability and either re- By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. SCHU- names of the Senator from California tired pay by reason of their years of MER, and Mr. KENNEDY): (Mrs. BOXER) and the Senator from military service of Combat-Related S. 566. A bill to create a Financial Product New Mexico (Mr. BINGAMAN) were Special Compensation. Safety Commission, to provide consumers added as cosponsors of S. 428, a bill to S. RES. 60 with stronger protections and better infor- allow travel between the United States At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the mation in connection with consumer finan- and Cuba. cial products, and to give providers of con- names of the Senator from Indiana S. 475 sumer financial products more regulatory (Mr. LUGAR) and the Senator from certainty; to the Committee on Banking, At the request of Mr. BURR, the name Utah (Mr. BENNETT) were added as co- Housing, and Urban Affairs. of the Senator from Louisiana (Ms. sponsors of S. Res. 60, a resolution LANDRIEU) was added as a cosponsor of f commemorating the 10-year anniver- S. 475, a bill to amend the sary of the accession of the Czech Re- SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to public, the Republic of Hungary, and SENATE RESOLUTIONS guarantee the equity of spouses of mili- the Republic of Poland as members of The following concurrent resolutions tary personnel with regard to matters the North Atlantic Treaty Organiza- and Senate resolutions were read, and of residency, and for other purposes. tion. referred (or acted upon), as indicated: S. 484 S. RES. 64 By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the At the request of Mrs. BOXER, the KERRY, Mr. DODD, and Mr. LUGAR): name of the Senator from Louisiana name of the Senator from Vermont

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:02 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.057 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2966 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 (Mr. SANDERS) was added as a cospon- 2—on Sugar Loaf Road. The original Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest sor of S. Res. 64, a resolution recog- permit was approved of in 1970, and had and managed accordingly. nizing the need for the Environmental an expiration date of December 31, 1991. The bill provides that the Forest Protection Agency to end decades of The permit boundary included 2 acres. Service shall determine the values of delay and utilize existing authority The special use permit issued in 1994 all lands involved through appraisals in under the Resource Conservation and combined the two permits for stations accordance with Federal standards. If Recovery Act to comprehensively regu- 1 and 2 into one. The new permit for the lands conveyed by the Fire District late coal combustion waste and the station 2 reduced the permit area to are not equal in value to the lands need for the Tennessee Valley Author- one acre, because the area of impact where the fire stations are located, the ity to be a national leader in techno- and existing improvements did not ex- Fire District will make a cash payment logical innovation, low-cost power, and ceed one acre. to make up the difference. If the lands environmental stewardship. The Fire District entered into discus- being conveyed to the Federal govern- S. RES. 70 sions with the Forest Service about a ment are worth more than the lands At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the land swap. In August 1997, the Fire Dis- where the fire stations are located, the name of the Senator from West Vir- trict filed an application to acquire the Forest Service can equalize values by property under stations 1 and 2 pursu- ginia (Mr. BYRD) was added as a co- reducing the lands it receives or by sponsor of S. Res. 70, a resolution con- ant to the Small Tracts Act, STA. The paying to make up the difference or by gratulating the people of the Republic STA allows for transfers of small min- a combination of both methods. The of Lithuania on the 1000th anniversary eral fractions by the sale of property bill requires the Fire District to pay of Lithuania and celebrating the rich for market value, or by the exchange of for the appraisals and any necessary properties of nearly equal value. The history of Lithuania. land surveys. application proposed trading a mining f The bill permits the Fire District to claim surrounded by National Forest, modify the fire stations without wait- STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED for approximately 3 acres under station ing for completion of the exchange if BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS 1 and 1.5 acres under station 2. the Fire District holds the Federal gov- The Fire District worked in good By Mr. UDALL, of Colorado (for ernment harmless for any liability faith to comply with the STA. In No- himself and Mr. BENNET): arising from the construction work and vember 2002, officials from the Fire S. 555. A bill to provide for the ex- indemnifies the Federal Government District met with officials from the change of certain land located in the against any costs related to the con- Forest Service. Upon review of the STA Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests in struction or other activities on the application, the Forest Service con- the State of Colorado, and for other lands before they are conveyed to the cluded that the parcel under station 2 purposes; to the Committee on Energy Fire District. did not qualify for a land exchange and and Natural Resources. This is a relatively minor bill but one that the Fire District would have to Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, today I that is important to the Fire District pursue a new special use permit for the am introducing the Sugar Loaf Fire and the people it serves. I think it de- property under station 2. As a result, Station Land Exchange Act of 2009. serves enactment without unnecessary the Fire District is interested in secur- This bill is the same as the version I delay. introduced in the House of Representa- ing ownership of the land under these tives in the last Congress, H.R. 3181. It stations through this exchange legisla- By Mr. REID (for Mr. KENNEDY will facilitate a fair exchange of lands tion. (for himself, Mr. HARKIN, Mr. The Fire District has occupied and on the Arapaho-Roosevelt National DODD, Ms. MIKULSKI, Mrs. MUR- operated these fire stations on these Forest near Boulder, CO., between the RAY, Mr. REED, Mr. SANDERS, properties for over 30 years. If they can Forest Service and the Sugar Loaf Fire Mr. BROWN, Mr. CASEY, Mr. secure ownership, the lands will con- District. The Fire District is seeking MERKLEY, Mr. BYRD, Mr. tinue to be used as sites for fire sta- this exchange so that they can main- INOUYE, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. LEVIN, tions. The Fire District has made a tain and upgrade their fire stations Mr. KERRY, Mr. ROCKEFELLER, strong, persistent, good faith effort to serving the Sugar Loaf community and Mr. REID, Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. acquire the land under the stations other nearby communities and prop- AKAKA, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. FEIN- through administrative means and has GOLD, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. DURBIN, erties—areas that are in the wildland/ demonstrated its sincere commitment Mr. JOHNSON, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. urban interface and thus at risk of to this project by expending its mone- NELSON of Florida, Mr. CARPER, wildfires. In fact, these fire stations tary resources and the time of its staff Ms. STABENOW, Ms. CANTWELL, serve the area that was burned in the to satisfy the requirements set forth by Mr. LAUTENBERG, Mr. MENEN- Black Tiger Fire in 1989. That fire was the Forest Service. the motivation for the Sugar Loaf com- However, those efforts have not suc- DEZ, Mr. CARDIN, Ms. munity to invest more strongly in fire ceeded and it has become evident that KLOBUCHAR, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, protection. The Fire District has grown legislation is required to resolve the Mr. UDALL of New Mexico, Mrs. a lot over the years, and will be cele- situation. SHAHEEN, Mr. BEGICH, Mr. brating its 40th anniversary this Au- The Fire District is willing to trade BURRIS, Mr. KAUFMAN, and Mrs. gust. the property it owns for the property GILLIBRAND)): The bill relates to two fire stations. under the stations. However, the Fire S. 560. A bill to amend the National The Fire District acquired station 1 District is firm in its position that it Labor Relations Act to establish an ef- through an original mining claim wants land under both stations, and ficient system to enable employees to under the 1872 mining laws. In 1967, a that the amount of land must be ade- form, join, or assist labor organiza- public meeting was held on this prop- quate to satisfy both its current and tions, to provide for mandatory injunc- erty to establish a fire district and anticipated needs. tions for unfair labor practices during modify the old school building on the Under the bill, the land exchange will the organizing efforts, and for other site into a firehouse to hold a fire proceed if the Fire District offers to purposes; to the Committee on Health, truck and other firefighting equip- convey acceptable title to a specified Education, Labor, and Pensions. ment. On May 14, 1969, the U.S. Forest parcel of land amounting to about 5.17 Mr. KENNEDY. We are facing a pro- Service approved a special use permit, acres in an unincorporated part of found economic crisis, the likes of which allowed the fire department to Boulder County within National Forest which we have not seen since the Great use both the firehouse and approxi- boundaries between the communities of Depression. Countless working families mately 5 acres of the property under it. Boulder and Nederland. In return, the who were already living on the edge of The special use permit was reissued on land—about 5.08 acres—where the two financial disaster have been hit hard, August 11, 1994, with a life of 10 years. fire stations are located will be trans- and they have nothing to fall back on. In 1970, the fire department applied ferred to the Fire District. Their faith in the American dream has for a special use permit to operate and The lands transferred to the Federal been replaced by fear for their families maintain a second firehouse—station government will become part of the and their future.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:34 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.044 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2967 We have already taken some much- to organize without threats or dirty gally during organizing campaigns or needed actions to put our country back tricks. They have formed strong part- first-contract bargaining. These impor- on track, but more needs to be done. In nerships with their employees, and tant changes will put real teeth in the these perilous times, working families they have prospered. But these indi- law, and give employers a financial need security. They need new skills vidual good examples are not enough to reason to respect workers’ rights. and new opportunities. And they need a solve the problem. We need to deal With these basic reforms, the Em- voice in the decisions that will affect with the bad actors. We need to stop ployee Free Choice Act will fix the cur- their families and their futures. the lawbreaking that has become rent broken system and level the eco- Now more than ever, workers need alarmingly common and provide nomic playing field for millions of someone on their side, fighting for stronger protections for workers’ American workers. It will help them them. Now more than ever, they need rights. obtain real, tangible benefits that will unions. Unions were fundamental in That is why we need the Employee make a difference in their lives and in building America’s middle class, and Free Choice Act. This important legis- the lives of their families. they have a vital role to play today in lation will give American workers the By restoring fairness to the Amer- restoring the American dream for real freedom to choose a union without ican workplace, and strengthening the working families. fear of threats or intimidation. voice of American workers, we can re- First and foremost, unions enable First, the bill gives workers two pos- build the land of opportunity—a land workers to obtain their fair share of sible ways to choose whether they with good jobs, fair wages, and fair the benefits that their hard work cre- want a union. They can rely on an elec- benefits that can support a family. We ates. Union wages are 30 percent higher tion, or—if they fear intimidation from can revitalize the American middle than nonunion wages. Eighty percent their employer during the election class and restore the American dream. of union workers have health insur- process—they can use a process called I urge all of my colleagues to support ance, compared to only 49 percent of majority sign-up, which enables work- this important legislation and help put their nonunion counterparts. Union ers to choose whether they want a working families back on the path to members are four times more likely to union by deciding whether to sign their prosperity. have a guaranteed pension. name on a card calling for a union. Equally important in this crisis, Majority sign-up has always been a By Mr. NELSON, of Florida (for unions provide greater security and valid way to form a union. Since 2003, himself, Ms. SNOWE, and Ms. greater promise of fair treatment. At a more than half a million private sector KLOBUCHAR): time when workers who lose their jobs workers have formed a union through S. 562. A bill to require accurate and can remain unemployed for a year or this efficient and democratic process. reasonable disclosure of the terms and more, those who are represented by a The problem is that under current conditions of prepaid telephone calling union have better job security and the law, workers may use the majority cards and services, and for other pur- assurance of knowing they will have a sign-up process only if their employer poses; to the Committee on Commerce, voice at the table when difficult deci- agrees. That is not fair. Workers—not Science, and Transportation. sions are made. their bosses—should get to choose how Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. Presi- It is little wonder that so many they make the important decision dent, prepaid telephone calling cards Americans want a union on their side. about whether they want union rep- are used by many Americans to stay in In a recent survey, more than half of resentation. The Employee Free Choice touch with loved ones around the coun- all nonunion workers—nearly 60 mil- Act puts this choice in workers’ hands. try and throughout the world. Unfortu- lion men and women—say they would Second, the bill ensures that workers nately, some providers and distributors join a union if they could. who choose a union will have a fair of these cards are scamming con- The problem is that most workers process for getting a first contract. It sumers—by imposing undisclosed junk who want a union can’t get one. Those provides that if the union and the em- fees, charging exorbitant rates, and who attempt to exercise this funda- ployer don’t reach a contract within 90 selling cards that expire shortly after mental right often find that the cur- days, either side can seek mediation consumers start using them. rent system is rigged against them. from the Federal Mediation and Concil- Over the past couple of years, a num- Unscrupulous employers routinely iation Service. The agency has pro- ber of State Attorneys General and the break the law to keep unions out. They vided collective bargaining mediation Federal Trade Commission have opened fire union supporters. They intimidate services—including mediation of first investigations and found that a number workers, harass them, and discriminate contract negotiations—for more than of providers and distributors are engag- against them. They close down whole 50 years, and it has an 86 percent suc- ing in unfair and deceptive business departments—or even entire plants—to cess rate. practices. These practices include avoid a union. A recent study by the In the rare instance when the medi- charging customers for calls where Center for Economic and Policy Re- ation process fails, the bill provides for they receive busy signals, imposing search found that union supporters are binding arbitration, which will be han- weekly ‘‘maintenance fees’’ that may fired in more than one quarter of all dled by a panel of highly qualified arbi- take away up to 20 percent of the union organizing campaigns. trators who have long experience in de- card’s overall value, and billing for Even when workers prevail in a union veloping contract provisions that are calls in 3-minute increments. election, employers can steal the vic- fair to both sides. This type of arbitra- As a result of these investigations, tory by refusing to bargain fairly for tion is a tried-and-true method of re- some companies have been fined or the first union contract. They drag solving contract disputes that is al- have entered into consent decrees for- their feet, delay bargaining, and use a ready used in the rail and airline indus- bidding them from engaging in some variety of other tactics to prevent an tries, and for public sector workers in deceptive practices. In addition, some agreement. One study found that in at least 25 States. states—including Florida—have im- more than a third of hard-won union Finally, the Employee Free Choice posed certain regulatory requirements elections, workers are denied a con- Act improves remedies for workers who on prepaid calling card providers and tract because of employers’ delaying face discrimination or retaliation when distributors. To date, however, neither tactics. they seek to organize or obtain a first the Federal Communications Commis- Many of these abuses by employers contract. Under the bill, employers will sion nor the Federal Trade Commission are illegal, but employers have no inno longer be able to violate the law has taken any action to impose up- centive to change their behavior. The with impunity and write off the insig- front nationwide consumer protection penalties for violating workers’ rights nificant penalties as a minor cost of requirements on this industry. This are so weak that they simply become a doing business. The act takes away lack of federal standards allows many minor cost of doing business. these perverse incentives for employers of these unscrupulous operators to Obviously, not all employers see to break the law by increasing the rem- move from state to state, and create unions as the enemy. Many successful edies for workers, and by imposing new new ‘‘shell companies’’ to escape con- companies have allowed their workers penalties on employers who act ille- sumer protection regulations. This is

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:34 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10MR6.033 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2968 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 wrong, and I think we need to fix this (4) PREPAID TELEPHONE CALLING CARD.— SEC. 3. REQUIRED DISCLOSURES OF PREPAID situation. (A) IN GENERAL.—The terms ‘‘prepaid tele- TELEPHONE CALLING CARDS OR SERVICES. That’s why I rise today to introduce phone calling card’’ and ‘‘card’’ mean— the Prepaid Calling Card Consumer (i) a card or similar device that allows (a) REQUIRED DISCLOSURE; RULEMAKING.— users to pay in advance for a specified Not later than 180 days after the date of en- Protection Act of 2009. amount of calling, without regard to addi- The Prepaid Calling Card Consumer actment of this Act, the Commission shall tional features, functions, or capabilities prescribe regulations that require every pre- Protection Act of 2009 requires the Fed- available in conjunction with a prepaid tele- paid telephone calling service provider or eral Trade Commission to draft com- phone calling service; or prepaid telephone calling card distributor to prehensive rules requiring all prepaid (ii) any right of use purchased in advance disclose the following information relating telephone calling card providers and for a sum certain linked to an access number to the material terms and conditions of the distributors to disclose the rates and and authorization code that— prepaid telephone calling card or service: fees associated with their calling cards (I) enables a consumer to use a prepaid (1) INFORMATION RELATING TO DOMESTIC up-front, at the point of sale. It also re- telephone calling service; and INTERSTATE CALLS.— (II) is embodied on a card or other physical (A) The number of calling units or minutes quires providers who market their object, or purchased by an electronic or tele- cards in languages other than English of domestic interstate calls provided by such phonic means through which the purchaser card or service at the time of purchase; or to disclose rates and fees in that lan- obtains access numbers and authorization (B) the dollar value of such card or service guage as well. Furthermore, the legis- codes that are not physically located on a and the domestic interstate rate per-minute lation requires providers to honor the card, its packaging, an Internet website, or provided by such card or service at the time cards for at least a year after the time other promotional materials. of purchase. the card is first used. (B) EXCLUSION.—The terms ‘‘prepaid tele- (2) INFORMATION RELATING TO INTER- To enforce these disclosure require- phone calling card’’ and ‘‘card’’ do not in- NATIONAL PREFERRED DESTINATIONS.—The ap- ments, the bill gives the Federal Trade clude cards or other rights of use that pro- plicable calling unit or per-minute rates for vide access to— each international preferred destinations Commission, State Attorneys General, (i) service provided for free, or at no addi- and state consumer protection advo- served by such card or service. tional charge as a promotional item accom- (3) INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL cates the ability to sue the fraudsters panying a product or service purchased by a INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS.— who violate these requirements in fed- consumer; or (A) The applicable calling unit or per- eral court. In addition, the law pre- (ii) a wireless telecommunications service minute rates for each individual inter- serves additional state consumer pro- account with a wireless service provider that national destinations served by such card or tection requirements—such as state the purchaser has a preexisting relationship service. utility commission certification or with or establishes a carrier customer rela- (B) That the applicable calling unit or per- tionship with via the purchase of a prepaid minute rates for each individual inter- bonding requirements. wireless telecommunications service handset I invite my colleagues to join with national destination may be obtained package. through the prepaid telephone calling card Senators SNOWE, KLOBUCHAR and my- (5) PREPAID TELEPHONE CALLING CARD DIS- provider’s toll-free customer service number self in supporting the Prepaid Calling TRIBUTOR.— and Internet website. (A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘‘prepaid tele- Card Consumer Protection Act of 2009. (C) Whether those rates fluctuate. phone calling card distributor’’ means any We should waste no time in ensuring (4) OTHER MATERIAL TERMS AND CONDI- person that— that military servicemembers, seniors, TIONS.—Other material terms and conditions (i) purchases prepaid telephone calling immigrants and other Americans using pertaining to the use of such card or service, cards or services from a prepaid telephone including— these prepaid telephone calling cards calling service provider; and (A) the amount and frequency of all fees; are protected from bad actors in the (ii) sells, resells, issues, or distributes pre- (B) a description of applicable policies re- marketplace. paid telephone calling cards to 1 or more dis- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- tributors of such cards or to 1 or more retail lating to refund, recharge, decrement, or ex- sent that the text of the bill be printed sellers of such cards. piration; and (C) limitations, if any, on the use or period in the RECORD. (B) EXCLUSION.—The term ‘‘prepaid telephone calling card distributor’’ does not in- of time for which the displayed, promoted, or There being no objection, the text of advertised minutes or rates will be available the bill was ordered to be printed in clude any retail merchant or seller of prepaid telephone calling cards exclusively en- to the customer. the RECORD, as follows: gaged in point-of-sale transactions with end- (5) SERVICE PROVIDER INFORMATION.—Infor- S. 562 user customers. mation relating to the service provider, in- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (6) PREPAID TELEPHONE CALLING SERVICE.— cluding— resentatives of the United States of America in (A) IN GENERAL.—The terms ‘‘prepaid tele- (A) the name of the service provider; Congress assembled, phone calling service’’ and ‘‘service’’ mean (B) the address of such service provider, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. any real time voice communications service, which shall be made available on the pro- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Prepaid regardless of the technology or network uti- vider’s website (if any), together with the Calling Card Consumer Protection Act of lized, paid for in advance by a consumer, uniform resource locator address thereof; 2009’’. that allows a consumer to originate voice and SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. telephone calls through a local, long dis- (C) a toll-free telephone number that may In this Act: tance, or toll-free access number and author- be used to contact the customer service de- (1) COMMISSION.—The term ‘‘Commission’’ ization code, whether manually or electroni- partment of such service provider, together means the Federal Trade Commission. cally dialed. with the hours of service of the customer (2) FEES.— (B) EXCLUSION.—The terms ‘‘prepaid tele- service department. (A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘‘fees’’ means phone calling service’’ and ‘‘service’’ do not (b) CLEAR AND CONSPICUOUS DISCLOSURE OF all charges, fees, taxes, or surcharges, in- include any service that provides access to a REQUIRED INFORMATION AND LANGUAGE RE- cluding connection, hang-up, service, wireless telecommunications service account QUIREMENTS.—In prescribing regulations payphone, and maintenance charges, which if the purchaser has a preexisting relation- under subsection (a), the Commission shall may be— ship with the wireless service provider or es- require, at a minimum, that— (i) required by State or Federal statute or tablishes a carrier-customer relationship via (1) the required disclosures (other than the by regulation or order of the Commission or the purchase of a prepaid wireless tele- disclosure required by subsection (a)(3)(A)) a State; or communications service handset package. for prepaid telephone calling cards are print- (ii) permitted to be assessed by a State or (7) PREPAID TELEPHONE CALLING SERVICE ed in plain English in a clear and con- Federal statute or by regulation or order of PROVIDER.—The term ‘‘prepaid telephone spicuous location on the card, or on the the Commission or a State. calling service provider’’ means any person packaging of the card, so as to be plainly (B) EXCLUSION.—The term ‘‘fees’’ does not providing prepaid telephone calling service visible to a consumer at the point of sale; include the applicable per unit or per-minute to the public using its own, or a resold, net- (2) the required disclosures (other than the rate for the particular destination called by work offering real time voice communica- disclosure required by subsection (a)(3)(B)) a consumer. tions service regardless of the technology for prepaid telephone calling service that (3) INTERNATIONAL PREFERRED DESTINA- utilized. consumers access and purchase via the Inter- TION.—The term ‘‘international preferred (8) WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERV- net are displayed in plain English in a clear destination’’ means a specific international ICE.—The term ‘‘wireless telecommuni- and conspicuous location on the Internet site destination named on a prepaid telephone cations service’’ has the meaning given the from which the consumer purchases such calling card or on the packaging material ac- term ‘‘commercial mobile service’’ in section service, and include conspicuous instructions companying a prepaid telephone calling 332(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 and directions to any link to such disclo- card. U.S.C. 332(d)). sures;

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(3) the required disclosures (other than the (4) EXPIRATION.—To provide, sell, resell, (c) LIABILITY.—A prepaid telephone calling disclosure required by subsection (a)(3)(A)) issue, or distribute a prepaid telephone call- service provider or a prepaid telephone call- for advertising and other promotional mate- ing card that expires— ing card distributor may not avoid liability rials are printed on any advertising for the (A) before the date that is 1 year after the under this section by stating that the dis- prepaid telephone calling card or service date on which such card is first used; or played, announced, promoted, or advertised used at the point of sale, including on any (B) in the case of a prepaid telephone call- minutes, or the per-minute rate to a specific signs for display by retail merchants, dis- ing card or service that permits a consumer destination, are subject to fees or charges. A played on any Internet site used to promote to purchase additional usage minutes or add prepaid calling service provider or prepaid material, and on any other promotional ma- additional value to the card, before the date calling distributor shall not be liable for the terial used at the point of sale that is pre- that is 1 year after the date on which the disclosure of lawful fees, charges, or limita- pared by, or at the direction of, any person consumer last purchased additional usage tions made pursuant to regulations pre- that is subject to the requirements of this minutes or added additional value to the scribed by the Commission under section 3, Act; and card. including lawful conditions of use. (4) if a language other than English is pre- (5) CHARGES FOR UNCONNECTED CALLS.—To (d) IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS.—The Com- dominantly used on a prepaid telephone call- assess any fee or charge for any unconnected mission may, in accordance with section 553 ing card or its packaging, or in the point-of- telephone call. For purposes of this para- of title 5, United States Code, prescribe such sale advertising, Internet advertising, or pro- graph, a telephone call shall not be consid- regulations as the Commission determines motional material of a prepaid telephone ered connected if the person placing the call are necessary to implement this section. calling card or prepaid telephone calling receives a busy signal or if the call is unan- SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT BY THE FEDERAL TRADE service, then the required disclosures are swered. COMMISSION. provided in that language on such card, (6) MAXIMUM BILLING INCREMENTS.—To as- (a) UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE ACT OR PRAC- packaging, advertisement, or promotional sess or deduct a per-minute rate (or equiva- TICE.—Notwithstanding any other provision material in the same manner as if they were lent calling unit) in an increment greater of law, a violation of a regulation prescribed provided in English. than 1 minute of calling time for calls that under section 3 or the commission of an un- (5) if a language other than English is pre- are less than 1 full minute. It shall not be a lawful act proscribed under section 4 shall be dominantly used on a prepaid telephone call- violation of this section for a prepaid tele- treated as a violation of a rule defining an ing card or its packaging, or in the point-of- phone calling service provider to deduct dif- unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed sale advertising, or promotional materials of ferent destination-specific rates (or equiva- under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade a prepaid telephone calling card or prepaid lent calling units) for each full minute of Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)). telephone calling service, then the customer calling time in accordance with properly dis- (b) AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION.—The service department reached via a toll-free closed rates or other terms and conditions. Commission shall enforce this Act in the number must provide basic customer support (b) PREPAID TELEPHONE CALLING CARD DIS- same manner and by the same means as (per-minute rate or equivalent calling units TRIBUTOR.—It shall be unlawful for any pre- though all applicable terms and provisions of for each destination, fees, and terms of serv- paid telephone calling card distributor to do the Federal Trade Commission Act were in- ice) in that language. any of the following: corporated into and made a part of this Act. (c) IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS.—The Com- (1) UNDISCLOSED FEES AND CHARGES.—To as- Notwithstanding section 5(a)(2) of the Fed- mission may, in accordance with section 553 sess or deduct from the balance of a prepaid eral Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. of title 5, United States Code, prescribe such telephone calling card any fee or other 45(a)(2), communications common carriers other disclosure regulations as the Commis- amount for use of the prepaid telephone call- shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the sion determines are necessary to implement ing service, except— Commission exclusively for the purposes of this section. (A) the per-minute rate or value for each this Act, and section 5(a)(2) shall not be oth- particular destination called by the con- erwise affected. SEC. 4. UNLAWFUL CONDUCT RELATED TO PRE- sumer; and (c) FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION PAID TELEPHONE CALLING CARDS. (B) fees that are disclosed as required by AUTHORITY.— (a) PREPAID TELEPHONE CALLING SERVICE regulations prescribed under section 3. (1) To the extent that the Federal Trade PROVIDER.—It shall be unlawful for any pre- (2) MINUTES AS PROMOTED AND ADVER- Commission has authority under this Act paid telephone calling service provider to do TISED.—To sell, resell, issue, or distribute with respect to prepaid calling cards, prepaid any of the following: any prepaid telephone calling card that the calling card providers and prepaid calling (1) UNDISCLOSED FEES AND CHARGES.—To as- distributor knows provides fewer minutes card distributors, the Federal Communica- sess or deduct from the balance of a prepaid than the number of minutes promoted or ad- tions Commission shall not exercise any au- telephone calling card any fee or other vertised, or a higher per-minute rate to a thority that it may otherwise have with re- amount for use of the prepaid telephone call- specific destination than the per-minute rate spect to such cards, providers and distribu- ing service, except— to that specific destination promoted or ad- tors; (A) the per-minute rate or value for each vertised, on— (2) Except as provided in paragraph (1), particular destination called by the con- (A) the prepaid telephone calling card that nothing in this Act affects the authority of sumer; and is prepared by or at the direction of the pre- the Federal Communications Commission (B) fees that are disclosed in accordance paid telephone calling card service dis- with respect to such prepaid calling card pro- with the regulations prescribed under sec- tributor; viders and distributors. tion 3. (B) any point of sale material relating to SEC. 6. STATE ENFORCEMENT. (2) MINUTES AND RATES AS PROMOTED AND the card that is prepared by or at the direc- (a) IN GENERAL.— ADVERTISED.—With respect to a prepaid tele- tion of the prepaid telephone calling card (1) CIVIL ACTIONS.—In any case in which the phone calling card for a service of the pre- service distributor; or attorney general of a State, a State utility paid telephone calling service provider, to (C) other advertising relating to the card commission, or other authorized State con- provide fewer minutes than the number of or service. sumer protection agency has reason to be- minutes promoted or advertised, or to charge (3) MINUTES ANNOUNCED, PROMOTED, OR AD- lieve that an interest of the residents of that a higher per-minute rate to a specific domes- VERTISED THROUGH VOICE PROMPTS.—To sell, State has been or is threatened or adversely tic destination or international preferred resell, issue, or distribute a prepaid tele- affected by the engagement of any person in destination than the per-minute rate to that phone calling card that such distributor a practice that is prohibited under this Act, specific destination promoted or advertised, knows provides fewer minutes than the num- the State, as parens patriae, may bring a on— ber of minutes announced, promoted, or ad- civil action on behalf of the residents of that (A) the prepaid telephone calling card; vertised through any voice prompt given to a State in a district court of the United States (B) any point-of-sale material relating to consumer at the time the consumer places a of appropriate jurisdiction— the card that is prepared by or at the direc- call to a dialed destination with the prepaid (A) to enjoin that practice; tion of the prepaid telephone calling card telephone calling card or service. (B) to enforce compliance with this Act; service provider; or (4) EXPIRATION.—To provide, sell, resell, (C) to obtain damage, restitution, or other (C) other advertising related to the card or issue, or distribute a prepaid telephone call- compensation on behalf of residents of the service. ing card that expires— State; or (3) MINUTES ANNOUNCED, PROMOTED, AND AD- (A) before the date that is 1 year after the (D) to obtain such other relief as the court VERTISED THROUGH VOICE PROMPTS.—To pro- date on which such card is first used; or may consider to be appropriate. vide fewer minutes than the number of min- (B) in the case of a prepaid telephone call- (2) NOTICE TO FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION.— utes announced, promoted, or advertised ing card that permits a consumer to pur- (A) IN GENERAL.—Before filing an action through any voice prompt given by the pre- chase additional usage minutes or add addi- under paragraph (1), the attorney general of paid telephone calling service provider to a tional value to the card or service, before the a State, a State utility commission, or an consumer at the time the consumer places a date that is 1 year after the date on which authorized State consumer protection agen- call to a dialed domestic destination or the consumer last purchased additional cy shall provide to the Commission— international preferred destination with a usage minutes or added additional value to (i) written notice of the action; and prepaid telephone calling card or service. the card or service. (ii) a copy of the complaint for the action.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:34 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.050 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2970 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 (B) EXEMPTION.— (A) imposes higher fines or more punitive fleeing Nazi persecution during World (i) IN GENERAL.—Subparagraph (A) shall civil or criminal remedies, including injunc- War II. This bill is long overdue. not apply to the filing of an action under tive relief, for any violation of this Act, or I am very pleased that my colleagues paragraph (1) if the attorney general of a the rules, regulations, or orders issued by State, a State utility commission, or an au- the Commission under this Act; or Senators GRASSLEY, KENNEDY, thorized State consumer protection agency (B)(i) relates to terms, conditions, or issues LIEBERMAN, INOUYE, CARDIN and WYDEN filing such action determines that it is not that are not addressed by this Act, or by the have joined me as cosponsors of this feasible to provide the notice described in rules, regulations, or orders issued by the important bill. I thank them for their subparagraph (A) before the filing of the ac- Commission under this Act; and support. And I thank Congressman tion. (ii) is not determined by the Commission WEXLER, who has been the unflagging (ii) NOTIFICATION.—In an action described to be inconsistent with the public interest. champion of this legislation and will be (b) PETITIONS CONCERNING PREEMPTION.— in clause (i), the attorney general of a State, introducing an identical bill in the a State utility commission, or an authorized (1) PETITIONS BY PROVIDERS.— State consumer protection agency shall pro- (A) AUTHORITY TO PETITION.—A prepaid House of Representatives. vide notice and a copy of the complaint to telephone calling card provider or a prepaid The victory of America and its allies the Commission at the time the action is telephone calling card distributor may sub- in the Second World War was a tri- filed. mit a petition to the Commission to chal- umph for freedom, justice, and human (b) INTERVENTION BY FEDERAL TRADE COM- lenge a State law or regulation— rights. The courage displayed by so MISSION.— (i) as inconsistent with this Act or the many Americans, of all ethnic origins, rules, regulations, or orders issued by the (1) IN GENERAL.—Upon receiving notice should be a source of great pride for all under subsection (a)(2), the Commission may Commission under this Act; or intervene in the action that is the subject of (ii) as inconsistent with the public inter- Americans. such notice. est, if the measure relates to terms, condi- But, at the same time that so many (2) EFFECT OF INTERVENTION.—If the Com- tions, or issues that are not addressed by brave Americans fought for freedom in mission intervenes in an action under sub- this Act, or the rules, regulations, or orders Europe and the Pacific, the U.S. Gov- section (a), the Commission may— issued by the Commission under this Act. ernment was curtailing the freedom of (A) be heard with respect to any matter (B) DEADLINE FOR COMMISSION ACTION.— people here at home. While it is, of Within 90 days after receiving a petition that arises in that action; and course, the right of every nation to (B) file a petition for appeal. under subparagraph (A), the Commission (c) CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this Act shall issue a final determination on the protect itself during wartime, the U.S. may be construed to prevent an attorney issues presented in the petition. The Com- Government must respect the basic general of a State, a State utility commis- mission may issue an order staying the effec- freedoms for which so many Americans sion, or an authorized State consumer pro- tiveness of any State law or regulation that have given their lives. War tests our tection agency from exercising the powers is the subject of the petition during, but for principles and our values. And as our conferred on the attorney general, a State no longer than, such 90-day period. Nation’s recent experience has shown, utility commission, or an authorized State (2) PROCEEDINGS ON UNADDRESSED ISSUES.— it is during times of war and conflict, If, on the basis of any petition under para- consumer protection agency by the laws of when our fears are high and our prin- that State— graph (1), the Commission determines that a (1) to conduct investigations; term, condition, or issue is not addressed by ciples are tested most, that we must be (2) to administer oaths or affirmations; sections 3 or 4 of this Act, or the rules issued even more vigilant to guard against (3) to compel the attendance of witnesses by the Commission under this section 3 of violations of the basic freedoms guar- or the production of documentary and other this Act, the Commission shall, within 180 anteed by the Constitution. evidence; days after the date of such determination, Many Americans are aware that dur- (4) to enforce any State consumer protec- conduct an inquiry or other proceeding to ing World War II, under the authority tion laws of general applicability; or determine whether the Commission should, of Executive Order 9066, our Govern- (5) to establish or utilize existing adminis- in the public interest, promulgate a rule, trative procedures to enforce the provisions pursuant to section 3(c), to address such ment forced more than 100,000 ethnic of the law of such State. term, condition, or issue. Japanese from their homes and ulti- (d) VENUE; SERVICE OF PROCESS.— SEC. 9. GAO STUDY. mately into internment camps. Japa- (1) VENUE.—Any action brought under sub- Beginning 1 year after the date on which nese Americans were forced to leave section (a) shall be brought in the district final regulations are promulgated pursuant their homes, their livelihoods, and court of the United States that meets appli- to section 3(a), the Comptroller General shall their communities and were held be- cable requirements relating to venue under conduct a study of the effectiveness of this hind barbed wire and military guard by Act and the disclosures required under this section 1391 of title 28, United States Code. their own government. Through the (2) SERVICE OF PROCESS.—In an action Act and shall submit a report of such study brought under subsection (a), process may be to the House Committee on Energy and Com- work of the Commission on Wartime served in any district in which the defend- merce and the Senate Committee on Com- Relocation and Internment of Civil- ant— merce, Science, and Transportation no later ians, created by Congress in 1980, this (A) is an inhabitant; or than 2 years after the date of enactment of shameful event finally received the of- (B) may be found. this Act. ficial acknowledgement and condemna- SEC. 7. APPLICATION. tion it deserved. The regulations prescribed under section 3 While I commend our Government for By Mr. FEINGOLD (for himself, and the provisions of sections 3 and 4 shall finally recognizing and apologizing for apply to any prepaid telephone calling card Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. LIEBERMAN, the mistreatment of Japanese Ameri- issued or placed into the stream of com- Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. CARDIN, and cans during World War II, I believe merce, and to any advertisement, promotion, Mr. WYDEN): point-of-sale material or voice prompt re- S. 564. A bill to establish commis- that it is time that the Government garding a prepaid telephone calling service sions to review the facts and cir- also acknowledge the mistreatment ex- that is created or disseminated more than cumstances surrounding injustices suf- perienced by American citizens or resi- 120 days after the date on which the regula- fered by European Americans, Euro- dents of German or Italian descent and tions prescribed under section 3 are pub- persons of European descent living in lished in the Federal Register. pean Latin Americans, and Jewish refugees during World War II; to the Com- Latin American countries, as well as SEC. 8. EFFECT ON STATE LAW. Jewish refugees. (a) PREEMPTION.— mittee on the Judiciary. (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise pro- Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, today The Wartime Treatment Study Act vided in this section, this Act preempts the I introduce the Wartime Treatment would create two independent, fact- laws of any State or political subdivision Study Act. This bill would create two finding commissions to review this un- thereof to the extent that such laws are in- factfinding commissions: one commis- fortunate history, so that Americans consistent with this Act, or the rules, regu- sion to review the treatment by our can understand why it happened and lations, or orders issued by the Commission Government during World War II of work to ensure that it never happens under this Act. American citizens or residents of Ger- again. One commission will review the (2) EXCEPTIONS.—This Act shall not pre- treatment by the U.S. Government of empt any provision of State law or enforce- man or Italian descent and persons of ment action that provides additional en- European descent living in Latin German Americans, Italian Americans, forcement protection to consumers of pre- American countries, and another com- and other European Americans, as well paid telephone calling cards if such provision mission to review the U.S. Govern- as European Latin Americans, during of law or enforcement action— ment’s treatment of Jewish refugees World War II.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:34 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.050 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2971 I believe that most Americans are Americans who were repatriated or de- some remaining in custody for years after unaware that the U.S. Government des- ported to hostile, war-torn European cessation of World War II hostilities, and re- ignated more than 600,000 Italian-born Axis powers, often in exchange for patriated, exchanged, or deported European and 300,000 German-born United States Americans being held in those coun- Americans, including American-born children, to European Axis nations, many to be resident aliens and their families as tries. exchanged for Americans held in those na- ‘‘enemy aliens.’’ The U.S. Government Finally, there has been no justice for tions. unfairly subjected many to arrest, de- the thousands of Jews, like those (3) Pursuant to a policy coordinated by the tainment, and relocation. Indeed, as aboard the German vessel the St. Louis, United States with Latin American nations, was the case with Japanese Americans, who sought refuge from hostile Nazi thousands of European Latin Americans, in- approximately 11,000 ethnic Germans, treatment but were callously turned cluding German and Austrian Jews, were ar- 3,200 ethnic Italians, and scores of Bul- away at America’s shores. rested, relocated to the United States, and interned. Many were later repatriated or de- garians, Hungarians, Romanians or The injustices to European Ameri- ported to European Axis nations during other European Americans living in cans, European Latin Americans, and World War II and exchanged for Americans America were taken from their homes Jewish refugees occurred more than 60 and Latin Americans held in those nations. and placed in internment camps during years ago. Americans must learn from (4) Millions of European Americans served World War II. Even less well known is these tragedies now, while the people in the armed forces and thousands sacrificed the U.S. policy coordinated with many who survived these injustices are still their lives in defense of the United States. Latin American countries that resulted with us, and are still here to teach us. (5) The wartime policies of the United States Government were devastating to the in thousands of European Americans, We cannot put this off any longer. German American and Italian American including German and Austrian Jews, Their numbers are rapidly dwindling. I communities, individuals, and their families. being arrested, shipped to the United spoke on the Senate floor in the last The detrimental effects are still being expe- States by U.S. military transport, and Congress about one such former in- rienced. interned. Many European Americans ternee, Max Ebel, who died still wait- (6) Prior to and during World War II, the and European Latin Americans were ing for his country to acknowledge his United States restricted the entry of Jewish later repatriated or deported to Euro- internment and those of many other refugees who were fleeing persecution or pean Axis nations during World War II, genocide and sought safety in the United European Americans. If we wait any States. During the 1930’s and 1940’s, the and some were exchanged for Ameri- longer, even more people who were af- quota system, immigration regulations, visa cans and Latin Americans held in those fected will no longer be here to know requirements, and the time required to proc- nations. We must learn from this his- that Congress has at last recognized ess visa applications affected the number of tory and explore why we failed to pro- their sacrifice and resolved to learn Jewish refugees, particularly those from tect the basic freedoms of our fellow from the mistakes of the past. Germany and Austria, who could gain admit- Americans and those brought here We should never allow this part of tance to the United States. from Latin America. (7) The United States Government should our Nation’s history to repeat itself. conduct an independent review to fully as- A second commission created by this And, while we should be proud of our sess and acknowledge these actions. Con- bill will review the treatment by the Nation’s triumph in World War II, we gress has previously reviewed the United U.S. Government of Jewish refugees should not let that justifiable pride States Government’s wartime treatment of who were fleeing Nazi persecution and blind us to the treatment of some Japanese Americans through the Commis- genocide. We must review the facts Americans by their own government. sion on Wartime Relocation and Internment here as well and determine how restric- I was very pleased that the Senate of Civilians. An independent review of the treatment of German Americans and Italian tive immigration policies failed to pro- approved this bill by an overwhelming vide adequate safe harbor to Jewish Americans and of Jewish refugees fleeing bipartisan majority as an amendment persecution and genocide has not yet been refugees fleeing the persecution of Nazi to the immigration bill in 2007. I urge undertaken. Germany. It is a horrible truth that my colleagues to join me in supporting (8) Time is of the essence for the establish- the United States turned away thou- the Wartime Treatment Study Act ment of commissions, because of the increas- sands of refugees, delivering many ref- again this Congress, and to allow this ing danger of destruction and loss of relevant ugees to their deaths at the hands of bill to become law as soon as possible. documents, the advanced age of potential the Nazi regime. I have been seeking to enact this legis- witnesses and, most importantly, the ad- As I mentioned earlier, there has vanced age of those affected by the United lation for eight years. It is long past States Government’s policies. Many who suf- been a measure of justice for Japanese time for a full accounting of this tragic fered have already passed away and will Americans who were denied their lib- chapter in our Nation’s history. never know of this effort. erty and property. It is now time for Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. the U.S. Government to complete the sent that the text of the bill be printed accounting of this period in our Na- in the RECORD. In this Act: tion’s history. It is now time to create There being no objection, the text of (1) DURING WORLD WAR II.—The term ‘‘dur- independent, fact finding commissions the bill was ordered to be printed in ing World War II’’ refers to the period between September 1, 1939, through December to conduct a full and thorough review the RECORD, as follows: of the treatment of all European Amer- 31, 1948. S. 564 (2) EUROPEAN AMERICANS.— icans, European Latin Americans, and Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘‘European Jewish refugees during World War II. resentatives of the United States of America in Americans’’ refers to United States citizens Up to this point, there has been no Congress assembled, and resident aliens of European ancestry, in- justice for the thousands of German cluding Italian Americans, German Ameri- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Americans, Italian Americans, and cans, Hungarian Americans, Romanian This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Wartime Americans, and Bulgarian Americans. other European Americans who were Treatment Study Act’’. branded ‘‘enemy aliens’’ and then (B) GERMAN AMERICANS.—The term ‘‘Ger- SEC. 2. FINDINGS. man Americans’’ refers to United States citi- taken from their homes, subjected to Congress makes the following findings: zens and resident aliens of German ancestry. curfews, limited in their travel, de- (1) During World War II, the United States (C) ITALIAN AMERICANS.—The term ‘‘Italian prived of their personal property, and, Government deemed as ‘‘enemy aliens’’ more Americans’’ refers to United States citizens in the worst cases, placed in intern- than 600,000 Italian-born and 300,000 German- and resident aliens of Italian ancestry. ment camps. born United States resident aliens and their (3) EUROPEAN LATIN AMERICANS.—The term There has been no justice for Latin families, requiring them to carry Certifi- ‘‘European Latin Americans’’ refers to per- Americans of European descent who cates of Identification and limiting their sons of European ancestry, including Ger- were taken from their homes, shipped travel and personal property rights. At that man or Italian ancestry, residing in a Latin time, these groups were the two largest for- American nation during World War II. to the United States, and interned eign-born groups in the United States. (4) LATIN AMERICAN NATION.—The term here. (2) During World War II, the United States ‘‘Latin American nation’’ refers to any na- There has been no justice for the Eu- Government arrested, interned, or otherwise tion in Central America, South America, or ropean Americans and European Latin detained thousands of European Americans, the Caribbean.

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TITLE I—COMMISSION ON WARTIME a list of such companies and the terms and (b) GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AND CO- TREATMENT OF EUROPEAN AMERICANS type of employment), exchange, repatri- OPERATION.—The European American Com- SEC. 101. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION ON ation, and deportation, and the immediate mission may acquire directly from the head WARTIME TREATMENT OF EURO- and long-term effect of such actions, particu- of any department, agency, independent in- PEAN AMERICANS. larly internment, on the lives of those af- strumentality, or other authority of the ex- (a) IN GENERAL.—There is established the fected. This review shall also include a list ecutive branch of the Government, available Commission on Wartime Treatment of Euro- of— information that the European American pean Americans (referred to in this title as (A) all temporary detention and long-term Commission considers useful in the dis- the ‘‘European American Commission’’). internment facilities in the United States charge of its duties. All departments, agen- (b) MEMBERSHIP.—The European American and Latin American nations that were used cies, and independent instrumentalities, or Commission shall be composed of 7 members, to detain or intern European Americans and other authorities of the executive branch of who shall be appointed not later than 90 days European Latin Americans during World War the Government shall cooperate with the Eu- after the date of enactment of this Act as II (in this paragraph referred to as ‘‘World ropean American Commission and furnish all information requested by the European follows: War II detention facilities’’); American Commission to the extent per- (1) Three members shall be appointed by (B) the names of European Americans and mitted by law, including information col- the President. European Latin Americans who died while in lected under the Commission on Wartime (2) Two members shall be appointed by the World War II detention facilities and where they were buried; and Internment of Civilians Act (Public Law Speaker of the House of Representatives, in 96–317; 50 U.S.C. App. 1981 note) and the War- (C) the names of children of European consultation with the minority leader. time Violation of Italian Americans Civil Americans and European Latin Americans (3) Two members shall be appointed by the Liberties Act (Public Law 106–451; 50 U.S.C. who were born in World War II detention fa- majority leader of the Senate, in consulta- App. 1981 note). For purposes of section cilities and where they were born; and tion with the minority leader. 552a(b)(9) of title 5, United States Code (com- (c) TERMS.—The term of office for members (D) the nations from which European Latin monly known as the ‘‘Privacy Act of 1974’’), shall be for the life of the European Amer- Americans were brought to the United the European American Commission shall be ican Commission. A vacancy in the European States, the ships that transported them to deemed to be a committee of jurisdiction. the United States and their departure and American Commission shall not affect its SEC. 104. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. powers, and shall be filled in the same man- disembarkation ports, the locations where The European American Commission is au- ner in which the original appointment was European Americans and European Latin thorized to— made. Americans were exchanged for persons held (1) appoint and fix the compensation of (d) REPRESENTATION.—The European Amer- in European Axis nations, and the ships that such personnel as may be necessary, without ican Commission shall include 2 members transported them to Europe and their depar- regard to the provisions of title 5, United representing the interests of Italian Ameri- ture and disembarkation ports. States Code, governing appointments in the cans and two members representing the in- (2) An assessment of the underlying ration- competitive service, and without regard to terests of German Americans. ale of the decision of the United States Gov- the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter (e) MEETINGS.—The President shall call the ernment to develop the programs and poli- III of chapter 53 of such title relating to clas- first meeting of the European American cies described in paragraph (1), the informa- sification and General Schedule pay rates, Commission not later than 120 days after the tion the United States Government received except that the compensation of any em- date of enactment of this Act. or acquired suggesting these programs and ployee of the Commission may not exceed a (f) QUORUM.—Four members of the Euro- policies were necessary, the perceived ben- rate equivalent to the rate payable under pean American Commission shall constitute efit of enacting such programs and policies, GS–15 of the General Schedule under section a quorum, but a lesser number may hold and the immediate and long-term impact of 5332 of such title; hearings. such programs and policies on European (2) obtain the services of experts and con- (g) CHAIRMAN.—The European American Americans and European Latin Americans sultants in accordance with the provisions of Commission shall elect a Chairman and Vice and their communities. section 3109 of such title; Chairman from among its members. The (3) A brief review of the participation by (3) obtain the detail of any Federal Govern- term of office of each shall be for the life of European Americans in the United States ment employee, and such detail shall be the European American Commission. Armed Forces, including the participation of without reimbursement or interruption or (h) COMPENSATION.— European Americans whose families were ex- loss of civil service status or privilege; (1) IN GENERAL.—Members of the European cluded, interned, repatriated, or exchanged. (4) enter into agreements with the Admin- American Commission shall serve without (4) A recommendation of appropriate rem- istrator of General Services for procurement pay. edies, including public education programs of necessary financial and administrative (2) REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES.—All and the creation of a comprehensive online services, for which payment shall be made by members of the European American Commis- database by the National Archives and reimbursement from funds of the Commis- sion shall be reimbursed for reasonable trav- Records Administration of documents re- sion in such amounts as may be agreed upon el and subsistence, and other reasonable and lated to the United States Government’s by the Chairman of the Commission and the necessary expenses incurred by them in the wartime treatment of European Americans Administrator; performance of their duties. and European Latin Americans during World (5) procure supplies, services, and property SEC. 102. DUTIES OF THE EUROPEAN AMERICAN War II. by contract in accordance with applicable COMMISSION. (c) FIELD HEARINGS.—The European Amer- laws and regulations and to the extent or in (a) IN GENERAL.—It shall be the duty of the ican Commission shall hold public hearings such amounts as are provided in appropria- European American Commission to review in such cities of the United States as it tion Acts; and the United States Government’s wartime deems appropriate. (6) enter into contracts with Federal or treatment of European Americans and Euro- (d) REPORT.—The European American Com- State agencies, private firms, institutions, pean Latin Americans as provided in submission shall submit a written report of its and agencies for the conduct of research or section (b). findings and recommendations to Congress surveys, the preparation of reports, and (b) SCOPE OF REVIEW.—The European not later than 18 months after the date of other activities necessary to the discharge of American Commission’s review shall include the first meeting called pursuant to section the duties of the Commission, to the extent the following: 101(e). or in such amounts as are provided in appro- (1) A comprehensive review of the facts and SEC. 103. POWERS OF THE EUROPEAN AMERICAN priation Acts. circumstances surrounding United States COMMISSION. SEC. 105. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Government action during World War II with (a) IN GENERAL.—The European American There is authorized to be appropriated respect to European Americans and Euro- Commission or, on the authorization of the $600,000 to carry out this title. pean Latin Americans pursuant to United Commission, any subcommittee or member SEC. 106. SUNSET. States laws and directives, including the thereof, may, for the purpose of carrying out The European American Commission shall Alien Enemies Acts (50 U.S.C. 21 et seq.), the provisions of this title, hold such hear- terminate 60 days after it submits its report Presidential Proclamations 2526, 2527, 2655, ings and sit and act at such times and places, to Congress. 2662, and 2685, Executive Orders 9066 and 9095, and request the attendance and testimony of TITLE II—COMMISSION ON WARTIME and any directive of the United States Gov- such witnesses and the production of such TREATMENT OF JEWISH REFUGEES ernment pursuant to these and other perti- books, records, correspondence, memo- SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION ON nent laws, proclamations, or executive or- randum, papers, and documents as the Com- WARTIME TREATMENT OF JEWISH ders, including registration requirements, mission or such subcommittee or member REFUGEES. travel and property restrictions, establish- may deem advisable. The European Amer- (a) IN GENERAL.—There is established the ment of restricted areas, raids, arrests, in- ican Commission may request the Attorney Commission on Wartime Treatment of Jew- ternment, exclusion, policies relating to the General to invoke the aid of an appropriate ish Refugees (referred to in this title as the families and property that excludees and in- United States district court to require, by ‘‘Jewish Refugee Commission’’). ternees were forced to abandon, internee em- subpoena or otherwise, such attendance, tes- (b) MEMBERSHIP.—The Jewish Refugee ployment by American companies (including timony, or production. Commission shall be composed of 7 members,

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:34 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.051 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2973 who shall be appointed not later than 90 days mission, any subcommittee or member TITLE III—FUNDING SOURCE after the date of enactment of this Act as thereof, may, for the purpose of carrying out SEC. 301. FUNDING SOURCE. follows: the provisions of this title, hold such hear- Of the funds made available for the Depart- (1) Three members shall be appointed by ings and sit and act at such times and places, ment of Justice by the Consolidated Secu- the President. and request the attendance and testimony of rity, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing (2) Two members shall be appointed by the such witnesses and the production of such Appropriations Act, 2009 (Public Law 110– Speaker of the House of Representatives, in books, records, correspondence, memo- 329), $1,200,000 is hereby rescinded. consultation with the minority leader. randum, papers, and documents as the Com- (3) Two members shall be appointed by the mission or such subcommittee or member By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. majority leader of the Senate, in consulta- may deem advisable. The Jewish Refugee COCHRAN, Mr. LEVIN, and Mr. tion with the minority leader. Commission may request the Attorney Gen- DORGAN): (c) TERMS.—The term of office for members eral to invoke the aid of an appropriate S. 565. A bill to amend title XVIII of shall be for the life of the Jewish Refugee United States district court to require, by the Social Security Act to provide con- Commission. A vacancy in the Jewish Ref- subpoena or otherwise, such attendance, tes- ugee Commission shall not affect its powers, timony, or production. tinued entitlement to coverage for im- and shall be filled in the same manner in (b) GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AND CO- munosuppressive drugs furnished to which the original appointment was made. OPERATION.—The Jewish Refugee Commis- beneficiaries under the Medicare Pro- (d) REPRESENTATION.—The Jewish Refugee sion may acquire directly from the head of gram that have received a kidney Commission shall include two members rep- any department, agency, independent instru- transplant and whose entitlement to resenting the interests of Jewish refugees. mentality, or other authority of the execu- coverage would otherwise expire, and (e) MEETINGS.—The President shall call the tive branch of the Government, available infor other purposes; to the Committee first meeting of the Jewish Refugee Commis- formation that the Jewish Refugee Commis- on Finance. sion not later than 120 days after the date of sion considers useful in the discharge of its Mr. DURBIN. March 12 is recognized enactment of this Act. duties. All departments, agencies, and inde- (f) QUORUM.—Four members of the Jewish pendent instrumentalities, or other authori- as World Kidney Day, a day to raise Refugee Commission shall constitute a ties of the executive branch of the Govern- awareness of the major health and soci- quorum, but a lesser number may hold hear- ment shall cooperate with the Jewish Ref- etal costs of kidney disease. Today, 26 ings. ugee Commission and furnish all information million American adults have chronic (g) CHAIRMAN.—The Jewish Refugee Com- requested by the Jewish Refugee Commission kidney disease, and 500,000 have irre- mission shall elect a Chairman and Vice to the extent permitted by law. For purposes versible kidney failure, or end-stage Chairman from among its members. The of section 552a(b)(9) of title 5, United States renal disease ESRD. These patients re- term of office of each shall be for the life of Code (commonly known as the ‘‘Privacy Act quire dialysis or a kidney transplant to the Jewish Refugee Commission. of 1974’’), the Jewish Refugee Commission (h) COMPENSATION.— shall be deemed to be a committee of juris- survive. (1) IN GENERAL.—Members of the Jewish diction. Fortunately, medical advancements have transformed organ transplan- Refugee Commission shall serve without pay. SEC. 204. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. (2) REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES.—All tation from an experimental procedure The Jewish Refugee Commission is author- members of the Jewish Refugee Commission ized to— into the accepted and often best treat- shall be reimbursed for reasonable travel and (1) appoint and fix the compensation of ment for organ failure. Transplan- subsistence, and other reasonable and nec- such personnel as may be necessary, without tation has prolonged and improved the essary expenses incurred by them in the per- regard to the provisions of title 5, United lives of thousands of Americans. Over formance of their duties. States Code, governing appointments in the 16,000 Americans received a kidney SEC. 202. DUTIES OF THE JEWISH REFUGEE COM- competitive service, and without regard to MISSION. transplant in 2007, and 150,000 today are the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter living with functioning kidney trans- (a) IN GENERAL.—It shall be the duty of the III of chapter 53 of such title relating to clas- Jewish Refugee Commission to review the plants. sification and General Schedule pay rates, Many of these kidney transplants United States Government’s refusal to allow except that the compensation of any em- Jewish and other refugees fleeing persecu- ployee of the Commission may not exceed a were paid for by the Medicare system, tion or genocide in Europe entry to the rate equivalent to the rate payable under which provides health care to aged and United States as provided in subsection (b). GS–15 of the General Schedule under section disabled Americans, as well as those (b) SCOPE OF REVIEW.—The Jewish Refugee 5332 of such title; living with ESRD. For these ESRD pa- Commission’s review shall cover the period (2) obtain the services of experts and con- tients, Medicare also covers dialysis between January 1, 1933, through December sultants in accordance with the provisions of for patients who have not received a 31, 1945, and shall include, to the greatest ex- section 3109 of such title; tent practicable, the following: donor kidney and immunosuppressive (3) obtain the detail of any Federal Govern- drugs for kidney transplant recipients. (1) A review of the United States Govern- ment employee, and such detail shall be ment’s decision to deny Jewish and other without reimbursement or interruption or Organ transplant recipients must take refugees fleeing persecution or genocide loss of civil service status or privilege; immunosuppressive drugs every day for entry to the United States, including a re- (4) enter into agreements with the Admin- the life of their transplant to reduce view of the underlying rationale of the istrator of General Services for procurement the risk of organ rejection. United States Government’s decision to of necessary financial and administrative In 2000, Congress wisely eliminated refuse the Jewish and other refugees entry, services, for which payment shall be made by the 36-month time limitation for aged the information the United States Govern- reimbursement from funds of the Commis- ment received or acquired suggesting such and disabled beneficiaries who had sion in such amounts as may be agreed upon Medicare status at the time of trans- refusal was necessary, the perceived benefit by the Chairman of the Commission and the of such refusal, and the impact of such re- Administrator; plant. So today, for an older or dis- fusal on the refugees. (5) procure supplies, services, and property abled person on Medicare, immuno- (2) A review of Federal refugee law and pol- by contract in accordance with applicable suppressive drugs are covered by Medi- icy relating to those fleeing persecution or laws and regulations and to the extent or in care for the life of the transplant. genocide, including recommendations for such amounts as are provided in appropria- However, we still have an unfair and making it easier in the future for victims of tion Acts; and unrealistic gap in coverage for people persecution or genocide to obtain refuge in (6) enter into contracts with Federal or with ESRD who are neither disabled the United States. State agencies, private firms, institutions, (c) FIELD HEARINGS.—The Jewish Refugee nor elderly. For those transplant re- and agencies for the conduct of research or cipients, coverage for immuno- Commission shall hold public hearings in surveys, the preparation of reports, and such cities of the United States as it deems other activities necessary to the discharge of suppressive drugs ends 36 months after appropriate. the duties of the Commission, to the extent transplantation. This is economically (d) REPORT.—The Jewish Refugee Commis- or in such amounts as are provided in appro- inefficient and morally wrong. Without sion shall submit a written report of its find- priation Acts. regular access to immunosuppressive ings and recommendations to Congress not drugs to prevent rejection, many pa- later than 18 months after the date of the SEC. 205. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. first meeting called pursuant to section There is authorized to be appropriated tients find themselves back in a risky 201(e). $600,000 to carry out this title. and frightening place—in need of a new SEC. 203. POWERS OF THE JEWISH REFUGEE SEC. 206. SUNSET. kidney. COMMISSION. The Jewish Refugee Commission shall ter- Since Medicare covers the cost of the (a) IN GENERAL.—The Jewish Refugee Com- minate 60 days after it submits its report to transplant for end stage renal disease, mission or, on the authorization of the Com- Congress. it makes sense for Medicare to preserve

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:34 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.051 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2974 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 this investment by covering ‘‘(ii) the coinsurance amount applicable for sive as the coverage provided by such plan or antirejection drugs. It would be far less such drugs (as determined under this part). issuer on the day before the date of enact- expensive for Medicare to cover im- ‘‘(D) If the individual is an inpatient of a ment of the Comprehensive Immuno- munosuppressive drugs at a cost of hospital or other entity, the individual is en- suppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Trans- titled to receive coverage of such drugs plant Patients Act of 2009, and such require- $10,000 to $20,000 a year than to pay for under this part. ment shall be deemed to be incorporated into dialysis—$71,000 a year—or another ‘‘(2) ESTABLISHMENT OF PROCEDURES IN this section.’’. transplant, $106,000, if a patient’s kid- ORDER TO IMPLEMENT COVERAGE.—The Sec- (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— ney fails and he is once again eligible retary shall establish procedures for— (A) Section 732(a) of the Employee Retire- for Medicare coverage. ‘‘(A) identifying beneficiaries that are en- ment Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. I am pleased to introduce today, titled to coverage of immunosuppressive 1191a(a)) is amended by striking ‘‘section along with my colleague from Mis- drugs by reason of section 226A(b)(2); and 711’’ and inserting ‘‘sections 711 and 715’’. ‘‘(B) distinguishing such beneficiaries from (B) The table of contents in section 1 of the sissippi, Senator THAD COCHRAN, the beneficiaries that are enrolled under this Employee Retirement Income Security Act Comprehensive Immunosuppressive part for the complete package of benefits of 1974 is amended by inserting after the Drug Coverage for Transplant Patients under this part.’’. item relating to section 714 the following Act. This legislation would allow kid- (3) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.—Subsection (c) new item: ney transplant recipients to continue of section 226A of the Social Security Act (42 ‘‘Sec. 715. Coverage of immunosuppressive Medicare coverage for the purpose of U.S.C. 426–1), as added by section drugs.’’. immunosuppressive drugs only. All 201(a)(3)(D)(ii) of the Social Security Inde- (c) APPLICATION TO GROUP HEALTH PLANS other Medicare coverage would end 36 pendence and Program Improvements Act of UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF months after the transplant. 1994 (Public Law 103–296; 108 Stat. 1497), is re- 1986.—Subchapter B of chapter 100 of the In- It is time to take this step to provide designated as subsection (d). ternal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended— (b) EXTENSION OF SECONDARY PAYER RE- (1) in the table of sections, by inserting continuous coverage for immuno- QUIREMENTS FOR ESRD BENEFICIARIES.—Sec- suppressive drugs through Medicare. after the item relating to section 9813 the tion 1862(b)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act following new item: This is a logical and moral move that (42 U.S.C. 1395y(b)(1)(C)) is amended by add- ‘‘Sec. 9814. Coverage of immunosuppressive will reduce the need for dialysis and ing at the end the following new sentence: drugs for kidney transplant re- ‘‘With regard to immunosuppressive drugs kidney retransplants and provide reli- cipients.’’; able, sustained access to critically im- furnished on or after the date of enactment and portant, lifesaving medications for of the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Pa- (2) by inserting after section 9813 the fol- thousands of Americans. In the long tients Act of 2009, this subparagraph shall be lowing: run, we will save both money and lives. applied without regard to any time limita- ‘‘SEC. 9814. COVERAGE OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- tion.’’. DRUGS FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT sent that the text of the bill be printed (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments RECIPIENTS. in the RECORD. made by this section shall apply to drugs ‘‘A group health plan shall provide cov- There being no objection, the text of furnished on or after the date of enactment erage of immunosuppressive drugs in connec- of this Act. tion with a kidney transplant that is at least the bill was ordered to be printed in as comprehensive as the coverage provided the RECORD, as follows: SEC. 3. PLANS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN COV- ERAGE OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE by such plan on the day before the date of S. 565 DRUGS FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT enactment of the Comprehensive Immuno- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- RECIPIENTS. suppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Trans- resentatives of the United States of America in (a) APPLICATION TO CERTAIN HEALTH INSUR- plant Patients Act of 2009, and such require- Congress assembled, ANCE COVERAGE.— ment shall be deemed to be incorporated into SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (1) IN GENERAL.—Subpart 2 of part A of this section.’’. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Comprehen- title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments sive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for (42 U.S.C. 300gg–4 et seq.) is amended by add- made by this section shall apply to plan Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2009’’. ing at the end the following: years beginning on or after January 1, 2010. SEC. 2. PROVISION OF APPROPRIATE COVERAGE ‘‘SEC. 2708. COVERAGE OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS DRUGS FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. UNDER THE MEDICARE PROGRAM RECIPIENTS. SCHUMER, and Mr. KENNEDY): FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPI- ‘‘A group health plan (and a health insur- S. 566. A bill to create a Financial ENTS. ance issuer offering health insurance cov- Product Safety Commission, to provide (a) CONTINUED ENTITLEMENT TO IMMUNO- erage in connection with a group health consumers with stronger protections SUPPRESSIVE DRUGS.— plan) shall provide coverage of immuno- and better information in connection (1) KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS.—Sec- suppressive drugs in connection with a kid- tion 226A(b)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 ney transplant that is at least as comprehen- with consumer financial products, and U.S.C. 426–1(b)(2)) is amended by inserting sive as the coverage provided by such plan or to give providers of consumer financial ‘‘(except for coverage of immunosuppressive issuer on the day before the date of enact- products more regulatory certainty; to drugs under section 1861(s)(2)(J))’’ after ment of the Comprehensive Immuno- the Committee on Banking, Housing, ‘‘shall end’’. suppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Trans- and Urban Affairs. (2) APPLICATION.—Section 1836 of the Social plant Patients Act of 2009, and such require- Mr. DURBIN. When consumers pur- Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395o) is amended— ment shall be deemed to be incorporated into chase tangible consumer products such (A) by striking ‘‘Every individual who’’ this section.’’. as toasters or televisions, they can be and inserting ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Every indi- (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section reasonably confident that the products vidual who’’; and 2721(b)(2)(A) of the Public Health Service Act (B) by adding at the end the following new (42 U.S.C. 300gg–21(b)(2)(A)) is amended by in- are safe for their families to use. In subsection: serting ‘‘(other than section 2708)’’ after ‘‘re- America we don’t say ‘‘buyer beware’’ ‘‘(b) SPECIAL RULES APPLICABLE TO INDIVID- quirements of such subparts’’. when it comes to lead paint in toys or UALS ELIGIBLE ONLY FOR COVERAGE OF IM- (b) APPLICATION TO GROUP HEALTH PLANS risky drugs. But when Americans pur- MUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS.— AND GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE chase financial products such as mort- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In the case of an indi- UNDER THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME gages or credit cards, they often have vidual whose eligibility for benefits under SECURITY ACT OF 1974.— little idea whether those products this title has ended except for the coverage (1) IN GENERAL.—Subpart B of part 7 of sub- of immunosuppressive drugs by reason of title B of title I of the Employee Retirement —and the mountain of fine print that section 226A(b)(2), the following rules shall Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1185 et come with them—are good for their apply: seq.) is amended by adding at the end the fol- families. Why? ‘‘(A) The individual shall be deemed to be lowing new section: The answer is that consumer prod- enrolled under this part for purposes of re- ‘‘SEC. 715. COVERAGE OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE ucts are subject to oversight, while fi- ceiving coverage of such drugs. DRUGS FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT nancial products are not. Professor ‘‘(B) The individual shall be responsible for RECIPIENTS. Elizabeth Warren, Chairperson of the the full amount of the premium under sec- ‘‘A group health plan (and a health insur- Congressional Oversight Panel for the tion 1839 in order to receive such coverage. ance issuer offering health insurance cov- ‘‘(C) The provision of such drugs shall be erage in connection with a group health $700 billion Troubled Assets Relief Pro- subject to the application of— plan) shall provide coverage of immuno- gram, was right when she said ‘‘we ‘‘(i) the deductible under section 1833(b); suppressive drugs in connection with a kid- need more oversight.’’ That was more and ney transplant that is at least as comprehen- than a year ago.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:34 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.052 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2975 Today there are no fewer than 10 Sec. 10. Enforcement. or malfeasance in office, but for no other Federal regulators with responsibility Sec. 11. Reports. cause. Sec. 12. Authorization of appropriations. for consumer protections from preda- (b) TERM; VACANCIES.— SEC. 2. FINDINGS. tory or deceptive financial products, (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in Congress finds that— paragraph (2)— but none have oversight as its primary (1) the Nation’s multiagency financial (A) the Commissioners first appointed objective. services regulatory structure has created a under this section shall be appointed for The legislation that I am introducing dispersion of regulatory responsibility, terms ending 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 years, respec- today with Senators SCHUMER and KEN- which in turn has led to an inadequate focus tively, after the date of enactment of this NEDY would create a Financial Product on protecting consumers from inappropriate Act, the term of each to be designated by the Safety Commission that would focus consumer financial products and practices; President at the time of nomination; and (2) the absence of appropriate oversight has (B) each of their successors shall be ap- exclusively on the interests of con- allowed excessively costly or predatory consumers. I am pleased that Congressmen pointed for a term of 5 years from the date sumer financial products and practices to of the expiration of the term for which the BILL DELAHUNT and BRAD MILLER will flourish; and predecessor was appointed. be introducing the House companion. (3) the creation of a regulator whose sole (2) LIMITATIONS.—Any Commissioner ap- The objectives of the Financial Prod- focus is the safety of consumer financial pointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to uct Safety Commission would be to re- products would help address this lack of con- the expiration of the term for which the duce consumer risk in using financial sumer protection. predecessor thereof was appointed shall be products, coordinate enforcement with SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. appointed only for the remainder of such For purposes of this Act— term. A Commissioner may continue to serve other Federal and State regulators, (1) the terms ‘‘Commission’’, ‘‘Chair- and report to the public regarding the after the expiration of such term until a suc- person’’, and ‘‘Commissioner’’ mean the Fi- cessor has taken office, except that such state of consumer financial product nancial Product Safety Commission estab- Commissioner may not continue to serve safety. lished under this Act and the Chairperson more than 1 year after the date on which the The Financial Product Safety Com- and any Commissioner thereof, respectively; term of that Commissioner would otherwise mission would fulfill that mission by (2) the term ‘‘consumer financial product’’ expire under this subsection. includes— preventing predatory and deceptive fi- (c) RESTRICTIONS ON OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES.— (A) any extension of credit, deposit ac- (1) POLITICAL AFFILIATION.—Not more than nancial practices, educating consumers count, payment mechanism, or other product 3 Commissioners may be affiliated with the on the responsible use of financial or service within the scope of— same political party. products and services, establishing a (i) the Truth in Savings Act (12 U.S.C. 4301 (2) CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.—No individual regulatory floor beneath which con- et seq.); may serve as a Commissioner if that indi- (ii) the Consumer Credit Protection Act (15 sumer financial product safety could vidual— U.S.C. 1601 et seq.); or not fall, and recommending the steps (A) is in the employ of, holding any official that should be taken to improve the (iii) article 3 (relating to negotiable instru- ments) or article 4 (relating to bank depos- relation to, or married to any person en- value of financial products for con- its) of the Uniform Commercial Code, as in gaged in selling or devising consumer finan- sumers. effect in any State; cial products; The bill is supported by over 55 na- (B) any other extension of credit, deposit (B) owns stock or bonds of substantial tional and State organizations, includ- account, or payment mechanism; and value in a person so engaged; ing Consumer Federation of America, (C) any ancillary product, practice, or (C) is in any other manner pecuniarily interested in a person so engaged; or Center for Responsible Lending Leader- transaction; (3) the term ‘‘appropriate committees of (D) engages in any other business, voca- ship Conference on Civil Rights, tion, or employment. NAACP, La Raza, AFL-CIO, SEIU, Na- Congress’’ means the Committee on Bank- ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Sub- (d) VACANCIES; QUORUM; SEAL; VICE CHAIR- tional Consumer Law Center, Con- committee on Financial Services and Gen- PERSON.— sumers Union, Public Citizen, and U.S. eral Government of the Committee on Ap- (1) VACANCIES.—No vacancy on the Com- PIRG. I include a statement of support propriations of the Senate, and the Com- mission shall impair the right of the remain- for the RECORD. mittee on Financial Services and the Sub- ing Commissioners to exercise all the powers As Congress embarks on financial committee on Financial Services and Gen- of the Commission. regulatory reform, our improved regu- eral Government of the Committee on Ap- (2) QUORUM.—Three members of the Com- mission shall constitute a quorum for the latory system must focus not just on propriations of the House of Representatives, and any successor committees, as may be transaction of business, except that— the safety and soundness of the pro- constituted; (A) if there are only 3 members serving on viders of financial products but also on (4) the term ‘‘consumer’’ means any nat- the Commission because of vacancies on the the safety of the consumers of financial ural person and any small business concern, Commission, 2 members of the Commission products. The Financial Product Safe- as defined in section 3 of the Small Business shall constitute a quorum for the trans- ty Commission will do just that. Act (15 U.S.C. 632); and action of business; and Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- (5) the term ‘‘credit’’ has the same mean- (B) if there are only 2 members serving on sent that the text of the bill and sup- ing as in section 103 of the Truth in Lending the Commission because of vacancies on the Act (15 U.S.C. 1602). Commission, 2 members shall constitute a porting material be printed in the SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION. quorum for the 6-month period (or the 1-year RECORD. (a) ESTABLISHMENT; CHAIRPERSON.— period, if the 2 members are not affiliated There being no objection, the mate- (1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established with the same political party) beginning on rial was ordered to be placed in the the ‘‘Financial Product Safety Commission’’ the date of the vacancy which caused the RECORD, as follows: which shall be an independent establish- number of Commissioners to decline to 2. S. 566 ment, as defined in section 104(1) of title 5, (3) SEAL.—The Commission shall have an United States Code. official seal, of which judicial notice shall be Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (2) MEMBERSHIP.— taken. resentatives of the United States of America in (A) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall be (4) VICE CHAIRPERSON.—The Commission Congress assembled, comprised of 5 commissioners, appointed by shall annually elect a Vice Chairperson to SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. the President, by and with the advice and act in the absence or disability of the Chair- (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as consent of the Senate. person or in case of a vacancy in the office of the ‘‘Financial Product Safety Commission (B) CONSIDERATIONS.—In making appoint- the Chairperson. Act of 2009’’. ments to the Commission, the President (e) OFFICES.—The Commission shall main- (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- shall consider individuals who, by reason of tain a principal office and such field offices tents for this Act is as follows: their background and expertise in areas re- as it determines necessary, and may meet Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. lated to consumer financial product safety, and exercise any of its powers at any other Sec. 2. Findings. are qualified to serve as members of the place. Sec. 3. Definitions. Commission. (f) FUNCTIONS OF CHAIRPERSON; REQUEST Sec. 4. Establishment of Commission. (3) CHAIRPERSON.—The Chairperson of the FOR APPROPRIATIONS.— Sec. 5. Objectives and responsibilities. Commission shall be appointed by the Presi- (1) DUTIES.—The Chairperson shall be the Sec. 6. Coordination of enforcement. dent, by and with the advice and consent of principal executive officer of the Commis- Sec. 7. Authorities. the Senate, from among the members of the sion, and shall exercise all of the executive Sec. 8. Collaboration with Federal and State Commission. and administrative functions of the Commis- entities. (4) REMOVAL.—Any Commissioner may be sion, including functions of the Commission Sec. 9. Prohibited acts. removed by the President for neglect of duty with respect to—

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(A) the appointment and supervision of they may be provided in a manner that is in- (e) COORDINATION OF RULEMAKING.—Any de- personnel employed by the Commission (and consistent with the objectives specified in partment or agency designated in subsection the Commission shall fix their compensation subsection (a); and (d) that engages in a rulemaking affecting at a level comparable to that for employees (C) establish requirements for such clear consumer financial products shall consult of the Securities and Exchange Commission); and adequate warnings or other information, with the Commission in the promulgation of (B) the distribution of business among per- and the form and manner of delivery of such such rules. sonnel appointed and supervised by the warnings or other information, as may be ap- SEC. 7. AUTHORITIES. Chairperson and among administrative units propriate to advance the objectives specified (a) AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT HEARINGS OR of the Commission; and in subsection (a); OTHER INQUIRIES.— (C) the use and expenditure of funds. (2) establish and maintain a best practices (1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission may, by (2) GOVERNANCE.—In carrying out any of guide for all providers of consumer financial one or more of its members, or by such the functions of the Chairperson under this products; agents or agency as it may designate, con- subsection, the Chairperson shall be gov- (3) conduct such continuing studies and in- duct any hearing or other inquiry necessary erned by general policies of the Commission vestigations of consumer financial products or appropriate to its functions anywhere in and by such regulatory decisions, findings, industry practices as it determines nec- the United States. and determinations as the Commission may, essary; (2) MEMBER PARTICIPATION.—A Commis- by law, be authorized to make. (4) award grants or enter into contracts for sioner who participates in a hearing, or (3) REQUESTS FOR APPROPRIATIONS.—Re- the conduct of such studies and investiga- other inquiry described in paragraph (1), quests or estimates for regular, supple- tions with any person (including a govern- shall not be disqualified solely by reason of mental, or deficiency appropriations on be- mental entity), as necessary to advance the such participation from subsequently par- half of the Commission may not be sub- objectives specified in subsection (a); ticipating in a decision of the Commission in mitted by the Chairperson without the prior (5) following publication of a rule, assist the same matter. approval of a majority vote of the Commis- public and private organizations or groups of (3) NOTICE REQUIRED.—The Commission sion. consumer financial product providers, ad- shall publish notice of any proposed hearing (g) AGENDA AND PRIORITIES; ESTABLISH- ministratively and technically, in the devel- in the Federal Register, and shall afford a MENT AND COMMENTS.—Not later than 30 days opment of safety standards or guidelines reasonable opportunity for interested per- before the beginning of each fiscal year, the that would assist such providers in com- sons to present relevant testimony and data. Commission shall establish an agenda for plying with such rule; (b) COMMISSION POWERS; ORDERS.—The Commission action under its jurisdiction (6) comment on selected rulemakings of Commission shall have the power— and, to the extent feasible, shall establish agencies designated in section 6(d) affecting (1) to require, by special or general orders, priorities for such actions. Before estab- consumer financial products; and any person to submit in writing such reports lishing such agenda and priorities, the Com- (7) establish and operate a consumer finan- and answers to questions as the Commission mission shall conduct a public hearing on cial product customer hotline which con- may prescribe to carry out a specific regu- the agenda and priorities, and shall provide sumers can call to register complaints and latory or enforcement function of the Com- reasonable opportunity for the submission of receive information on how to combat mission, and such submission shall be made comments. anticonsumer products or practices. within such reasonable period and under SEC. 5. OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. SEC. 6. COORDINATION OF ENFORCEMENT. oath or otherwise as the Commission may (a) OBJECTIVES.—The objectives of the (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any con- determine, and such order shall contain a Commission are— current or similar authority of any other complete statement of the reasons that the (1) to minimize unreasonable consumer agency, the Commission shall enforce the re- Commission requires the report or answers risk associated with buying and using con- quirements of this Act. specified in the order to carry out a specific sumer financial products; (b) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—The authority regulatory or enforcement function of the (2) to prevent and eliminate practices that granted to the Commission to make and en- Commission; lead consumers to incur unreasonable, inap- force rules under this Act shall not be con- (2) to administer oaths; propriate, or excessive debt, or make it dif- strued to impair the authority of any other (3) to require by subpoena the attendance ficult for consumers to repay existing debt, Federal department or agency to make and and testimony of witnesses and the produc- including practices or product features that enforce rules under any other provision of tion of all documentary evidence relating to are abusive, fraudulent, unfair, deceptive, law, provided that any portion of any rule the execution of its duties; predatory, anticompetitive, or otherwise in- promulgated by any other such department (4) in any proceeding or investigation to consistent with consumer protection; or agency that conflicts with a rule promul- order testimony to be taken by deposition (3) to promote practices that assist and en- gated by the Commission and that is less before any person who is designated by the courage consumers to use credit and con- protective of consumers than the rule pro- Commission and has the power to administer sumer financial products responsibly, avoid mulgated by the Commission shall be super- oaths and, in such instances, to compel testi- excessive debt, and avoid unnecessary or ex- seded by the rule promulgated by the Com- mony and the production of evidence in the cessive charges derived from or associated mission, to the extent of the conflict. Any same manner as authorized under paragraph with consumer financial products; portion of any rule promulgated by any (3); (4) to ensure that providers of consumer fi- other such department or agency that is not (5) to pay witnesses the same fees and nancial products provide credit based on the superseded by a rule promulgated by the mileage costs as are paid in like cir- ability of the consumer to repay the debt in- Commission shall remain in force without cumstances in the courts of the United curred; regard to this Act. States; (5) to ensure that consumer credit history (c) AGENCY AUTHORITY.—Any department (6) to accept voluntary and uncompensated is maintained, reported, and used fairly and or agency designated in subsection (d) may services relevant to the performance of the accurately; exercise, for the purpose of enforcing compli- duties of the Commission, notwithstanding (6) to maintain strong privacy protections ance with any requirement imposed under the provisions of section 1342 of title 31, for consumer transactions, credit history, this Act, any authority conferred on such de- United States Code, and to accept voluntary and other personal information associated partment or agency by any other Act. and uncompensated services (but not gifts) with the use of consumer financial products; (d) DESIGNATED DEPARTMENTS AND AGEN- relevant to the performance of the duties of (7) to collect, investigate, resolve, and in- CIES.—The departments and agencies des- the Commission provided that any such serv- form the public about consumer complaints ignated in this subsection are— ices shall not be from parties that have or regarding consumer financial products; (1) the Board of Governors of the Federal are likely to have business before the Com- (8) to ensure a fair resolution of consumer Reserve System; mission; disputes regarding consumer financial prod- (2) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora- (7) to— ucts; and tion; (A) issue an order requiring compliance (9) to take such other steps as are reason- (3) the Office of the Comptroller of the Cur- with applicable legal requirements; able to protect users of consumer financial rency; (B) issue a civil penalty order in accord- products. (4) the Office of Thrift Supervision; ance with section 10(b); (b) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Commission (5) the National Credit Union Administra- (C) initiate, prosecute, defend, intervene shall— tion; in, or appeal (other than to the Supreme (1) promulgate consumer financial product (6) the Federal Housing Finance Authority; Court of the United States), through its own safety rules that— (7) the Federal Housing Administration; legal representative and in the name of the (A) ban abusive, fraudulent, unfair, decep- (8) the Department of Housing and Urban Commission, any civil action, if the Commis- tive, predatory, anticompetitive, or other- Development; sion makes a written request to the Attor- wise anticonsumer practices, products, or (9) the Federal Home Loan Bank Board; ney General of the United States for rep- product features; (10) the Federal Trade Commission; and resentation in such civil action and the At- (B) place reasonable restrictions on con- (11) any successor to the agencies, referred torney General does not, within the 45-day sumer financial products, practices, or prod- to in paragraphs (1) through (10), as may be period beginning on the date on which such uct features to reduce the likelihood that constituted. request was made, notify the Commission in

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writing that the Attorney General will rep- rule, if the protection afforded by such State (2) PUBLICATION OF SCHEDULE OF PEN- resent the Commission in such civil action; law to any consumer is greater than the pro- ALTIES.—Not later than December 1, 2009, and tection provided by the consumer financial and December 1 of each fifth year thereafter, (D) whenever the Commission obtains evi- product safety rule or this Act. Nothing in the Commission shall prescribe and publish dence that any person has engaged in con- this Act or any rule promulgated under this in the Federal Register a schedule of the duct that may constitute a violation of Fed- Act precludes any remedy under State law to maximum authorized civil penalty that shall eral criminal law, including a violation of or on behalf of a consumer. apply for any violation of section 9 that oc- section 9, transmit such evidence to the At- (b) PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE FEDERAL-STATE curs on or after January 1 of the year imme- torney General of the United States; and COOPERATION.— diately following the date of such publica- (8) to delegate any of its functions or pow- (1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall es- tion. ers, other than the power to issue subpoenas tablish a program to promote cooperation (3) RELEVANT FACTORS IN DETERMINING under paragraph (3), to any officer or em- between the Federal Government and State AMOUNT OF PENALTY.—In determining the ployee of the Commission. governments for purposes of carrying out amount of any civil penalty in an action for (c) NONCOMPLIANCE WITH SUBPOENA OR this Act. a violation of section 9, the Commission— COMMISSION ORDER.—If a person refuses to (2) AUTHORITIES.—In implementing the pro- (A) shall consider— obey a subpoena or order of the Commission gram under paragraph (1), the Commission (i) the nature of the consumer financial issued under subsection (b), the Commission may— product; (subject to subsection (b)(7)) or the Attorney (A) accept from any State or local author- (ii) the severity of the unreasonable risk to General of the United States may bring an ity engaged in activities relating to con- the consumer; action in the United States district court for sumer protection assistance in such func- (iii) the number of products or services the district and division in which the inquiry tions as data collection, investigation, and sold or distributed; is carried out or any other appropriate educational programs, as well as other as- (iv) the occurrence or absence of consumer United States district court seeking an order sistance in the administration and enforce- injury; and requiring compliance with the subpoena or ment of this Act which such States or local (v) the appropriateness of such penalty in order. governments may be able and willing to pro- relation to the size of the business of the per- (d) DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION.—No per- vide and, if so agreed, may pay in advance or son charged; and son shall be subject to civil liability to any otherwise for the reasonable cost of such as- (B) shall ensure that penalties in each case person (other than the Commission or the sistance; and are sufficient to induce compliance by all United States) for disclosing information to (B) commission any qualified officer or em- regulated entities. the Commission. ployee of any State or local government (4) COMPROMISE OF PENALTY; DEDUCTIONS (e) CUSTOMER AND REVENUE DATA.—The agency as an officer of the Commission for FROM PENALTY.— Commission may, by rule, require any pro- the purpose of conducting investigations. (A) IN GENERAL.—Any civil penalty under vider of consumer financial products to pro- (c) COOPERATION OF FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS this section may be compromised by the vide to the Commission such customer and AND AGENCIES.—The Commission may obtain Commission. revenue data as may be required to carry out from any Federal department or agency such (B) CONSIDERATIONS.—In determining the this Act. statistics, data, program reports, and other amount of such penalty or whether it should (f) PURCHASE OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL materials as it may determine necessary to be remitted or mitigated and in what PRODUCTS BY COMMISSION.—For purposes of carry out its functions under this Act. Each amount, the Commission— carrying out this Act, the Commission may such department or agency shall cooperate (i) shall consider— purchase any consumer financial product with the Commission and, to the extent per- (I) the nature of the consumer financial and it may require any provider of consumer mitted by law, furnish such materials to the product; financial products to sell the product to the Commission. The Commission and the heads (II) the severity of the unreasonable risk to Commission at cost. of other departments and agencies engaged the consumer; (g) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—The Commis- in administering programs relating to con- (III) the number of offending products or sion is authorized to enter into contracts sumer financial product safety shall, to the services sold; with governmental entities, private organi- maximum extent practicable, cooperate and (IV) the occurrence or absence of consumer zations, or individuals for the conduct of ac- consult in order to ensure fully coordinated injury; and tivities authorized by this Act. efforts. (V) the appropriateness of such penalty to (h) BUDGET ESTIMATES AND REQUESTS; LEG- the size of the business of the person SEC. 9. PROHIBITED ACTS. ISLATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS; TESTIMONY; charged; and It shall be unlawful for any person— COMMENTS ON LEGISLATION.— (ii) shall ensure that compromise penalties (1) to advertise, offer, or attempt to en- (1) BUDGET COPIES TO CONGRESS.—Whenever remain sufficient to induce compliance by force any agreement, term, change in term, the Commission submits any budget esti- all regulated entities. fee, or charge in connection with any con- mate or request to the President or the Of- (C) AMOUNT.—The amount of a penalty sumer financial product, or engage in any fice of Management and Budget, it shall con- compromised under this paragraph, when fi- practice, that is not in conformity with this currently transmit a copy of that estimate nally determined, or the amount agreed on Act or an applicable consumer financial or request to the appropriate committees of compromise, may be deducted from any product safety rule under this Act; or Congress. sums owing by the United States to the per- (2) to fail or refuse to permit access to or (2) LEGISLATIVE RECOMMENDATION.—When- son charged. ever the Commission submits any legislative copying of records, or fail or refuse to estab- (c) COLLECTION AND USE OF PENALTIES.— recommendations, testimony, or comments lish or maintain records, or fail or refuse to (1) ESTABLISHMENT OF FUND.—There is es- on legislation to the President or the Office make reports or provide information to the tablished within the Treasury of the United of Management and Budget, it shall concur- Commission, as required under this Act or States a fund, into which shall be deposited rently transmit a copy thereof to the appro- any rule under this Act. all criminal and civil penalties collected priate committees of Congress. No officer or SEC. 10. ENFORCEMENT. under this section. agency of the United States shall have any (a) CRIMINAL PENALTIES.— (2) USE OF FUND.—The fund established authority to require the Commission to sub- (1) KNOWING AND WILLFUL VIOLATIONS.—Any under this subsection shall be used to defray mit its legislative recommendations, testi- person who knowingly and willfully violates the costs of the operations of the Commis- mony, or comments on legislation, to any of- section 9 shall be fined not more than sion or, where appropriate, provide restitu- ficer or agency of the United States for ap- $500,000, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or tion to harmed consumers. proval, comments, or review, prior to the both for each such violation. (d) PRIVATE ENFORCEMENT.— submission of such recommendations, testi- (2) EXECUTIVES AND AGENTS.—Any indi- (1) IN GENERAL.—A person may bring a civil mony, or comments to the appropriate com- vidual director, officer, or agent of a busi- action for a violation of section 9 for equi- mittees of Congress. ness entity who knowingly and willfully au- table relief and other charges and costs in an SEC. 8. COLLABORATION WITH FEDERAL AND thorizes, orders, or performs any of the acts amount equal to the sum of— STATE ENTITIES. or practices constituting in whole or in part (A) any actual damages sustained by such (a) PREEMPTION.—Nothing in this Act or a violation of section 9 shall be subject to person as a result of such violation, if actual any rule promulgated under this Act may be penalties under this section, without regard damages resulted; construed to annul, alter, affect, or exempt to any penalties to which that person may be (B) twice the amount of any finance charge any person from complying with the laws of otherwise subject. in connection with the transaction, except any State, except to the extent that those (b) CIVIL PENALTIES.— that such liability shall not be less than laws are inconsistent with a consumer finan- (1) IN GENERAL.—Any person who violates $1,000, such minimum to be adjusted on an cial product safety rule promulgated by the section 9 shall be subject to a civil penalty in annual basis by the Commission based upon Commission, and then only to the extent of an amount established under paragraph (2). the consumer price index; and the inconsistency. For purposes of this sec- A violation of section 9 shall constitute a (C) reasonable attorney fees and costs. tion, a State law is not inconsistent with separate civil offense with respect to each (e) JURISDICTION.— this Act or a consumer financial product consumer financial product transaction in- (1) IN GENERAL.—Any action under this Act safety rule, or the purposes of the Act or volved. may be brought in any appropriate United

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States district court, or in any other court of (b) REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT AND CON- that would ensure the fairness, safety and competent jurisdiction, not later than 2 GRESS.— sustainability of credit and payment prod- years after the date of the discovery of the (1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall ucts. It is now widely accepted that the cur- violation. prepare and submit to the President and the rent international economic crisis was trig- (2) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.—This section appropriate committees of Congress, at the gered by the failure of federal regulators to does not bar a person from asserting a viola- beginning of each regular session of Con- stop abusive lending, particularly in the tion of this Act in an action to collect a gress, a comprehensive report on the admin- housing sector. By creating a separate agen- debt, or if foreclosure has been initiated, as istration of this Act for the preceding fiscal cy focused exclusively on credit safety, your a matter of defense by recoupment or set-off. year. legislation will not only better protect con- An action under this Act shall not be the (2) REPORT CONTENT.—The reports required sumers, but the entire economy. basis for removal of an action to a United by this subsection shall include— Under this legislation, the FPSC would be States district court. Neither this section (A) a thorough appraisal, including statis- empowered to ensure that credit and pay- nor any other section of this Act preempts or tical analyses, estimates, and long-term pro- ment products do not have predatory or de- otherwise displaces claims and remedies jections, of the incidence and effects of prac- ceptive features that can harm consumers or available under State law, except as other- tices associated with the provision of con- lock them into unaffordable loans, such as wise specifically provided in this Act. sumer financial products that are incon- pre-payment penalties, unjustified fees, or (f) STATE ACTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS.— sistent with the objectives specified in sec- hair-trigger interest rate increases. The (1) AUTHORITY OF STATES.—In addition to tion 5(a), with a breakdown, insofar as prac- agency would also conduct ongoing research such other remedies as are provided under ticable, among the various sources of injury, and investigation into credit industry prod- State law, if the chief law enforcement offi- as the Commission finds appropriate; ucts and services. In addition, it would pro- cer of a State, or an official or agency des- (B) a list of consumer financial product vide consumers with high-quality informa- ignated by a State, has reason to believe safety rules prescribed or in effect during tion about how to avoid abusive lending or that any person has violated or is violating such year; credit problems. This approach offers two section 9, the State— (C) an evaluation of the degree of observ- crucial improvements over the current splin- (A) may bring an action to enjoin such vio- ance of consumer financial product safety tered, ineffectual regulatory system: lation in any appropriate United States dis- rules, including a list of enforcement ac- A FPSC would put consumer protection trict court or in any other court of com- tions, court decisions, and compromises of first. Federal regulatory agencies have often petent jurisdiction; civil penalties, by location and company treated consumer protection as less impor- (B) may bring an action on behalf of the name; tant than or even in conflict with their mis- residents of the State to recover— (D) a summary of outstanding problems sion to ensure the safety and soundness of fi- (i) damages for which the person is liable confronting the administration of this Act in nancial institutions. In addition, the inde- to such residents under subsection (d) as a order of priority; pendence of regulators like the Office of the result of the violation; and (E) an analysis and evaluation of public Comptroller of the Currency and Office of (ii) civil penalties, as established under and private consumer financial product safe- Thrift Supervision has been threatened be- subsection (b); and ty research activities; cause they are directly and almost entirely (C) in the case of any successful action (F) a list, with a brief statement of the funded by the institutions they oversee. As a under subparagraph (A) or (B), shall be issues, of completed or pending judicial ac- result, federal agencies dithered for years in awarded the costs of the action and reason- tions under this Act; implementing regulations to stop unfair and able attorney fees, as determined by the (G) the extent to which technical informa- deceptive mortgage and credit card lending court. tion was disseminated to the research and practices, finally producing only after the (2) RIGHTS OF FEDERAL REGULATORS.— consumer communities and consumer infor- current foreclosure and consumer debt crisis (A) NOTICE OF STATE ACTION.—A State shall mation was made available to the public; took hold. Regulators have left other types serve prior written notice of any action (H) the extent of cooperation between of dangerous products completely untouched, under paragraph (1) upon the Commission Commission officials, representatives of the such as high-cost ‘‘overdraft’’ loans that are and provide the Commission with a copy of consumer financial products industry, and triggered without consumer permission. The its complaint, except in any case in which other interested parties in the implementa- FPSC would be required to make consumer such prior notice is not feasible, in which tion of this Act, including a log or summary protection its top priority, which will also case the State shall serve such notice imme- of meetings held between Commission offi- better ensure the soundness of financial in- diately upon instituting such action. cials and representatives of industry and stitutions. A FPSC would stop regulatory agencies (B) COMMISSION AUTHORIZATION.—Upon no- other interested parties; from competing among themselves to lower tice of an action under subparagraph (A), the (I) an appraisal of significant actions of standards. Right now, financial institutions Commission shall have the right— State and local governments relating to the freely switch charters between federal and (i) to intervene in the action; responsibilities of the Commission; state regulation, and between various federal (ii) upon so intervening, to be heard on all (J) such recommendations for additional charters, in order to reduce the level of over- matters arising therein; legislation as the Commission deems nec- sight and the costs associated with it. Under (iii) to remove the action to the appro- essary to carry out the purposes of this Act; a FPSC, regulated institutions could not priate United States district court; and and choose the agency that regulates them. The (iv) to file petitions for appeal. (K) the extent of cooperation with, and the FPSC would be empowered to establish fed- (3) INVESTIGATORY POWERS.—For purposes joint efforts undertaken by, the Commission eral minimum standards for all credit prod- of bringing any action under this subsection, in conjunction with other regulators with ucts and the institutions that offer them, so nothing in this subsection or in any other whom the Commission shares responsibil- that competition between state and federal provision of Federal law shall prevent the ities for consumer financial product safety. regulators would only exist to improve the chief law enforcement officer of a State, or SEC. 12. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. quality of consumer protection. an official or agency designated by a State, There are authorized to be appropriated to Unless the structure of financial services from exercising the powers conferred on the the Commission for purposes of carrying out regulation is realigned to change not just chief law enforcement officer or such official this Act such sums as may be necessary. the focus of regulation but its underlying by the laws of such State to conduct inves- philosophy, it is unlikely that consumers tigations or to administer oaths or affirma- 56 DIVERSE NATIONAL, STATE ORGANIZATIONS will be adequately protected from unfair or tions or to compel the attendance of wit- SUPPORT FINANCIAL PRODUCT SAFETY COM- dangerous credit products in the future. The nesses or the production of documentary and MISSION ultimate result of this crucial legislation other evidence. Hon. RICHARD J. DURBIN would be an agency designed to protect con- (4) LIMITATION ON STATE ACTION WHILE FED- Majority Whip, U.S. Senate sumers from the corrosive effects of unsafe ERAL ACTION PENDING.—If the Commission Washington, DC. credit, which has a regulatory perspective has instituted a civil action or an adminis- Hon. WILLIAM DELAHUNT that is truly independent of the institutions trative action for a violation of section 9, a House of Representatives it regulates. Just as importantly, this agen- State may not, during the pendency of such Washington, DC. cy would not be under constant pressure to action, bring an action under this section Hon. CHARLES SCHUMER keep protection standards low. You have cre- against any defendant named in the com- U.S. Senate ated a template for regulatory moderniza- plaint of the Commission for any violation of Washington, DC. tion that will protect consumers, financial section 9 that is alleged in that complaint. Hon. BRAD MILLER institutions and the economy for years to SEC. 11. REPORTS. House of Representatives come. (a) REPORTS TO THE PUBLIC.—The Commis- Washington, DC. We applaud your leadership on this issue sion shall determine what reports should be DEAR SENATORS DURBIN AND SCHUMER AND and look forward to working with you to produced and distributed to the public on a REPRESENTATIVES DELAHUNT AND MILLER: enact this proposal. recurring and ad hoc basis, and shall prepare The undersigned organizations strongly sup- Sincerely, and publish such reports on a website that port your legislation to create a federal Fi- Gregory L. Jefferson, Sr., Legislative Rep- provides free access to the general public. nancial Product Safety Commission (FPSC) resentative, American Federation of Labor

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:34 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.059 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2979 and Congress of Industrial Organizations Paul Schlaver, Chair, Massachusetts Con- tons of heroin and 10,000 metric tons of mari- (AFL–CIO). sumers’ Coalition juana each year; Jim Campen, Executive Director, Ameri- Paheadra B. Robinson, Staff Attorney, Whereas, in confrontations with the Gov- cans for Fairness in Lending. Mississippi Center for Justice ernment of Mexico and with each other, the Linda Sherry, Director, National Prior- Mike Cherry, President/CEO, Consumer drug trafficking organizations have adopted ities, Consumer Action. Credit Counseling of Springfield, Missouri, tactics intended to intimidate the public at Mike Calhoun, President, Center for Re- Inc. large, corrupt law enforcement officials, and sponsible Lending. Dan L. Wulz, Deputy Executive Director, create a perception of increased violence Travis Plunkett, Legislative Director, Con- Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Inc. among the people of Mexico; sumer Federation of America. Peter Skillern, Executive Director, Com- Whereas, in 2008, approximately 6,200 peo- Rosemary Shahan, President, Consumers munity Reinvestment Association of North ple in Mexico died as the result of violence for Auto Reliability and Safety. Carolina related to drug trafficking, more than twice Pamela Banks, Policy Counsel, Consumers Al Ripley, Counsel for Consumer and Hous- as many as in 2007; Union. ing Affairs, NC Justice Center Whereas drug-related killings continued in Tamara Draut, Vice President of Policy & Jim McCarthy, President/CEO, Miami Val- Mexico during 2009, and on February 9, 2009, Programs, Demos. ley Fair Housing Center, Inc., Ohio a total of 35 people were killed in drug-re- Alan Reuther, Legislative Director, Inter- Sue Berkowitz, Director, South Carolina lated violence in Mexico; national Union, United Automobile, Aero- Appleseed Legal Justice Center Whereas drug trafficking organizations in space & Agricultural Implement Workers of Corky Neale, Director of Research, Mem- Mexico have brazenly targeted and executed America (UAW). phis Responsible Lending Collaborative, Ten- many high-ranking public officials in Mex- Wade Henderson, President & CEO, Leader- nessee ico; ship Conference on Civil Rights. Don E. Baylor, Jr., Senior Policy Analyst— Whereas more than 800 police officers and Hilary O. Shelton, Vice President for Advo- Economic Opportunity, Center for Public soldiers in Mexico have been killed in the cacy/Director, NAACP Washington Bureau. Policy Priorities, Texas line of duty since late 2006; Ricardo C. Byrd, Executive Director, Na- Alex R. Gulotta, Executive Director, Legal Whereas efforts by the Government of Mex- tional Association of Neighborhoods. Aid Justice Center, Virginia ico and the United States Government to John Taylor, President and CEO, National Michael H. Lane and Ward R Scull, Co- combat drug trafficking organizations and Community Reinvestment Coalition. Founders, Virginians Against Payday Loans power struggles between the drug trafficking Lauren Saunders, Managing Attorney, Na- Irene E. Leech, President, Virginia Citi- organizations themselves have resulted in tional Consumer Law Center. zens Consumer Council growing violence along the 2000-mile border Sally Greenberg, Executive Director, Na- Janice ‘‘Jay’’ Johnson, Chairperson, Vir- between the United States and Mexico; tional Consumers League. Whereas drug-related violence affects cit- Janis Bowdler, Associate Director, Wealth- ginia Organizing Project James W. (Jay) Speer, Executive Director, ies and towns on both sides of the border, as Building Policy Project, National Council of drug trafficking organizations from Mexico La Raza. Virginia Poverty Law Center Bruce D. Neas, Legislative Coordinator, form partnerships with criminal organiza- Shanna L. Smith, President and CEO, Na- tions based in the United States; Columbia Legal Services on behalf of clients, tional Fair Housing Alliance. Whereas law enforcement authorities in Washington David Arkush, Director, Public Citizen’s the United States have reported an increase Catherine M. Doyle, Chief Staff Attorney, Congress Watch. in the number of killings, kidnappings, and Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee, Inc., Mil- Alison Reardon, Director of Legislation, home invasions linked to Mexican drug traf- waukee, Wisconsin Service Employees International Union. ficking organizations in a number of cities in Ed Mierzwinski, Consumer Programs Di- f the United States, some of which are thou- rector, U.S. PIRG. sands of miles from the Mexican border; STATE ORGANIZATIONS SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS Whereas a 2008 report by the Department Kimble Forrister, Statewide Coordinator, of Justice indicated that Mexican drug traf- Alabama Arise ficking organizations now operate in 195 cit- Leslie Kyman Cooper, Executive Director, SENATE RESOLUTION 72—EX- ies in the United States; Phyllis Rowe, President Emeritus, Arizona PRESSING THE SENSE OF THE Whereas the 2008 National Drug Threat As- Consumers Council SENATE REGARDING DRUG sessment by the Department of Justice iden- Diane E. Brown, Executive Director, Ari- TRAFFICKING IN MEXICO tified drug organizations from Mexico as the zona PIRG greatest criminal threat to the United Albert Sterman, Secretary/Treasurer, Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. States; Democratic Processes Center, Arizona KERRY, Mr. DODD, and Mr. LUGAR) sub- Whereas the Government of Mexico is H. C. ‘‘Hank’’ Klein, Founder, Arkansans mitted the following resolution; which strengthening the institutions of a demo- Against Abusive Payday Lending was referred to the Committee on For- cratic state that adheres to the rule of law, Alan Fisher, Executive Director, California eign Relations: supports a free press, and is committed to Reinvestment Coalition human rights; S. RES. 72 Jim Bliesner, Director, San Diego City/ Whereas the inauguration of President County Reinvestment Task Force, California Whereas Mexico is 3 times the size of the Felipe Caldero´ n in December 2006 rep- Lynn Drysdale, Managing Attorney, Con- State of Texas and has a population of ap- resented another step forward in the process sumer Law Unit, Jacksonville Area Legal proximately 110,000,000 people; of strengthening institutions in Mexico; Aid, Inc., Florida Whereas Mexico has the 12th largest econ- Whereas President Caldero´ n has made de- Bill Newton, Executive Director, Florida omy in the world, with an annual gross do- feating drug trafficking organizations a top Consumer Action Network mestic product of just under $1,000,000,000,000; priority of his administration, increasing the Brad Ashwell, Consumer & Public Health Whereas Mexico is the 8th largest exporter security budget of Mexico from $2,000,000,000 Advocate, Florida Public Interest Research of crude oil in the world and provides ap- in 2006 to $4,000,000,000 in 2008 and deploying Group proximately 1⁄3 of the oil imported by the nearly 36,000 federal troops to carry out anti- Dan McCurry, Coordinator, Chicago Con- United States; drug operations; sumer Coalition, Illinois Whereas Mexico is the 2nd largest buyer of Whereas the Government of Mexico has un- Lynda DeLaforgue and William McNary, exports from the United States; dertaken reforms that, together with signifi- Co-Executive Directors, Citizen Action/Illi- Whereas Mexico has the largest Spanish- cant changes to the code of criminal proce- nois speaking population of any country in the dure and the penal code, could transform the Brian C. White, Executive Director, Lake- world; justice system in Mexico to be more open side Community Development Corporation, Whereas there is a tragically consistent de- and transparent, protect human rights, and Illinois mand for heroin, marijuana, devote resources to investigating and pros- Rose Mary Meyer, Director, Project methamphetamines, and cocaine from drug ecuting crimes; IRENE, Illinois users in the United States; Whereas President Caldero´ n has taken sig- Larry M. McGuire, Field Missionary Coor- Whereas the Government of Mexico is nificant steps to crack down on corruption dinator, Community of Christ and Inter-Reli- locked in an extremely violent struggle within the police forces and other govern- gious Council of Linn County, Iowa against drug trafficking organizations that ment institutions of Mexico; Jason Selmon, Executive Director, Sun- produce and transport narcotics; Whereas officers of the Government of flower Community Action, Kansas Whereas the drug trafficking organizations Mexico have succeeded in seizing record Richard Seckel, Director, Kentucky Equal in Mexico are well organized, heavily armed, quantities of narcotics from drug trafficking Justice Center and wealthy criminal enterprises, with esti- organizations; Charles Shafer, President, Maryland Con- mated criminal earnings of more than Whereas law enforcement officials in Mex- sumer Rights Coalition $25,000,000,000 every year; ico are cooperating with law enforcement Debra Gardner, Legal Director, Public Jus- Whereas it is estimated that Mexican drug agencies in the United States at unprece- tice Center, Maryland trafficking organizations produce 8 metric dented levels, with Mexico extraditing 83

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:34 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.064 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2980 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 major drug traffickers to stand trial in the (7) the Senate applauds and fully supports (2) to employ personnel; and United States in 2007, and another 93 major efforts by President Felipe Caldero´ n, the (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- drug traffickers in 2008; people of Mexico, and the Government of ment department or agency concerned and Whereas the police and army units of Mex- Mexico to confront the drug trafficking or- the Committee on Rules and Administration, ico are often outgunned by members of the ganizations, apprehend their members, and to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- drug trafficking organizations, who employ bring them to justice; able, basis the services of personnel of any heavy machine guns, high-powered assault (8) the Department of State should— such department or agency. weapons such as the AK-47, 0.50 caliber snip- (A) ensure prompt delivery of the equip- (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- er rifles, military hand grenades, rocket-pro- ment, technical assistance, and training for TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the compelled grenade launchers, and sophisticated which Congress appropriated funds in fiscal mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through technology like night vision goggles and year 2008 as part of the Merida Initiative; September 30, 2009, under this section shall communication interception devices; (B) continue to support the Government of not exceed $2,735,622, of which amount— Whereas a large majority of the weapons Mexico in its efforts to strengthen institu- (1) not to exceed $200,000, may be expended and ammunition used by the drug trafficking tions and the rule of law, root out corrup- for the procurement of the services of indi- organizations come from sources in the tion, and protect human rights; and vidual consultants, or organizations thereof United States, particularly gun dealers and (C) ensure full accountability for all assist- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- gun shows in Texas, Arizona, and California; ance and equipment provided by the United lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. Whereas approximately 90 percent of all States Government to the Government of 72a(i))); and firearms recovered at crime scenes in Mexico Mexico; and (2) not to exceed $40,000, may be expended are illicitly trafficked across the border from (9) the United States Government should for the training of the professional staff of the United States to Mexico; employ its broad diplomatic and law enforce- such committee (under procedures specified Whereas the people of Mexico and the mili- ment resources, in partnership with the Gov- by section 202(j) of that Act). tary and civilian officials of the Government ernment of Mexico and governments (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- of Mexico have demonstrated tremendous throughout the Americas, to defeat drug-re- RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the courage in confronting the drug trafficking lated criminal enterprises. period October 1, 2009, through September 30, organizations; f 2010, under this section shall not exceed Whereas the United States Government, $4,809,496, of which amount— along with law enforcement agencies in the SENATE RESOLUTION 73—AUTHOR- (1) not to exceed $200,000, may be expended United States and Mexico, has escalated its IZING EXPENDITURES BY COM- for the procurement of the services of indi- efforts to disrupt the trafficking of nar- MITTEES OF THE SENATE FOR vidual consultants, or organizations thereof cotics, money, people, and arms across the THE PERIODS MARCH 1, 2009, (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- border and to combat drug trafficking orga- THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2009, lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. nizations; AND OCTOBER 1, 2009, THROUGH 72a(i))); and Whereas the United States Government (2) not to exceed $40,000, may be expended can and should do more to reduce the de- SEPTEMBER 30, 2010, AND OCTO- for the training of the professional staff of mand for illegal drugs in the United States BER 1, 2010, THROUGH FEBRUARY such committee (under procedures specified and stop the illegal exportation of money 28, 2011 by section 202(j) of that Act). and weapons; Mr. SCHUMER (for himself and Mr. (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY Whereas the efforts by the United States BENNETT) submitted the following reso- 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, Government to combat trafficking are out- lution; which was considered and through February 28, 2011, expenses of the lined in the National Drug Control Strategy committee under this section shall not ex- (2008), the Southwest Border Counter- agreed to: ceed $2,048,172, of which amount— narcotics Strategy (2007), and the U.S. Strat- S. RES. 73 (1) not to exceed $200,000, may be expended egy for Combating Criminal Gangs from Cen- Resolved, for the procurement of the services of indi- tral America and Mexico (2007); SECTION 1. AGGREGATE AUTHORIZATION. vidual consultants, or organizations thereof Whereas, on October 22, 2007, the United (a) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of carrying (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- States Government and the Government of out the powers, duties, and functions under lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and Mexico announced a multiyear security the Standing Rules of the Senate, and under (2) not to exceed $40,000, may be expended agreement called the ‘‘Merida Initiative’’, the appropriate authorizing resolutions of for the training of the professional staff of which is intended to combat drug trafficking the Senate there is authorized for the period such committee (under procedures specified and other criminal activity along the border March 1, 2009, through September 30, 2009, in by section 202(j) of that Act). of the United States and Mexico and in Cen- the aggregate of $69,152,989, for the period SEC. 3. COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES. October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010, tral America; and (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out in the aggregate of $121,593,254, and for the Whereas Congress has appropriated its powers, duties, and functions under the period October 1, 2010, through February 28, $465,000,000 for the Merida Initiative, allo- Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance 2011, in the aggregate of $51,787,223, in ac- cating to the Government of Mexico a total with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such cordance with the provisions of this resolu- of $400,000,000 in equipment, technical assist- rules, including holding hearings, reporting tion, for standing committees of the Senate, ance, and training in fiscal year 2008, which such hearings, and making investigations as the Special Committee on Aging, the Select is now in the process of being delivered: Now, authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule Committee on Intelligence, and the Com- therefore, be it XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, mittee on Indian Affairs. Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate (b) AGENCY CONTRIBUTIONS.—There are au- the Committee on Armed Services is author- that— thorized such sums as may be necessary for ized from March 1, 2009, through February 28, (1) Mexico is a key strategic partner of the agency contributions related to the com- 2011, in its discretion— United States; pensation of employees of the committees (1) to make expenditures from the contin- (2) a secure, prosperous, and democratic for the period March 1, 2009, through Sep- gent fund of the Senate; Mexico is indispensable to the goal of the tember 30, 2009, for the period October 1, 2009, (2) to employ personnel; and United States to have prosperity and peace through September 30, 2010, and for the pe- (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- throughout the Americas and the world; riod October 1, 2010, through February 28, ment department or agency concerned and (3) the people and the Government of Mex- 2011, to be paid from the appropriations ac- the Committee on Rules and Administration, ico have launched a sustained attack on drug count for ‘‘Expenses of Inquiries and Inves- to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- trafficking organizations based in Mexico; tigations’’ of the Senate. able, basis the services of personnel of any (4) the increasing violence and criminality SEC. 2. COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRI- such department or agency. of drug trafficking organizations threaten TION, AND FORESTRY. (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- the well-being of the people of the United (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- States and Mexico and pose security chal- its powers, duties, and functions under the mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through lenges to cities and towns in the United Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance September 30, 2009, under this section shall States; with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such not exceed $4,639,258, of which amount— (5) drug-related violence is a ‘‘cross-bor- rules, including holding hearings, reporting (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended der’’ problem that requires close cooperation such hearings, and making investigations as for the procurement of the services of indi- between the Government of Mexico and the authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule vidual consultants, or organizations thereof United States Government; XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (6) the United States Government and the the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. Government of Mexico have a shared interest and Forestry is authorized from March 1, 72a(i))); and and responsibility in defeating drug traf- 2009, through February 28, 2011, in its discre- (2) not to exceed $30,000, may be expended ficking organizations, and a comprehensive tion— for the training of the professional staff of strategy, jointly conceived and executed, is (1) to make expenditures from the contin- such committee (under procedures specified required for significant progress to be made; gent fund of the Senate; by section 202(j) of that Act).

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(c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (2) to employ personnel; and RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and ment department or agency concerned and 2010, under this section shall not exceed (2) not to exceed $500, may be expended for the Committee on Rules and Administration, $8,158,696, of which amount— the training of the professional staff of such to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- (1) not to exceed $80,000, may be expended committee (under procedures specified by able, basis the services of personnel of any for the procurement of the services of indi- section 202(j) of that Act). such department or agency. vidual consultants, or organizations thereof SEC. 5. COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET. (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. its powers, duties, and functions under the mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through 72a(i))); and Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance September 30, 2009, under this section shall (2) not to exceed $30,000, may be expended with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such not exceed $4,529,245, of which amount— for the training of the professional staff of rules, including holding hearings, reporting (1) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended such committee (under procedures specified such hearings, and making investigations as for the procurement of the services of indi- by section 202(j) of that Act). authorized by paragraph 1 of rule XXVI of vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY the Standing Rules of the Senate, the Com- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, mittee on the Budget is authorized from lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. through February 28, 2011, expenses of the March 1, 2009, through February 28, 2011, in 72a(i))); and committee under this section shall not ex- its discretion— (2) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended ceed $3,475,330, of which amount— (1) to make expenditures from the contin- for the training of the professional staff of (1) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended gent fund of the Senate; such committee (under procedures specified for the procurement of the services of indi- (2) to employ personnel; and by section 202(j) of that Act). vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- ment department or agency concerned and RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and the Committee on Rules and Administration, period October 1, 2009, through September 30, (2) not to exceed $30,000, may be expended to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- 2010, under this section shall not exceed for the training of the professional staff of able, basis the services of personnel of any $7,963,737, of which amount— such committee (under procedures specified such department or agency. (1) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended by section 202(j) of that Act). (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- for the procurement of the services of indi- SEC. 4. COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof URBAN AFFAIRS. mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out September 30, 2009, under this section shall lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. its powers, duties, and functions under the not exceed $4,384,507, of which amount— 72a(i))); and Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance (1) not to exceed $35,000, may be expended (2) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such for the procurement of the services of indi- for the training of the professional staff of rules, including holding hearings, reporting vidual consultants, or organizations thereof such committee (under procedures specified such hearings, and making investigations as (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- by section 202(j) of that Act). authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and 72a(i))); and through February 28, 2011, expenses of the Urban Affairs is authorized from March 1, (2) not to exceed $70,000, may be expended committee under this section shall not ex- 2009, through February 28, 2011, in its discre- for the training of the professional staff of ceed $3,391,751, of which amount— tion— such committee (under procedures specified (1) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended (1) to make expenditures from the contin- by section 202(j) of that Act). for the procurement of the services of indi- gent fund of the Senate; (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- (2) to employ personnel; and RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- ment department or agency concerned and 2010, under this section shall not exceed lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and the Committee on Rules and Administration, $7,711,049, of which amount— (2) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- (1) not to exceed $60,000, may be expended for the training of the professional staff of able, basis the services of personnel of any for the procurement of the services of indi- such committee (under procedures specified such department or agency. vidual consultants, or organizations thereof by section 202(j) of that Act). (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- SEC. 7. COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. RESOURCES. mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through 72a(i))); and (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out September 30, 2009, under this section shall (2) not to exceed $120,000, may be expended its powers, duties, and functions under the not exceed $4,204,901, of which amount— for the training of the professional staff of Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance (1) not to exceed $11,667, may be expended such committee (under procedures specified with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such for the procurement of the services of indi- by section 202(j) of that Act). rules, including holding hearings, reporting vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY such hearings, and making investigations as (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. through February 28, 2011, expenses of the XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, 72a(i))); and committee under this section shall not ex- the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- (2) not to exceed $700, may be expended for ceed $3,284,779, of which amount— sources is authorized from March 1, 2009, the training of the professional staff of such (1) not to exceed $25,000, may be expended through February 28, 2011, in its discretion— committee (under procedures specified by for the procurement of the services of indi- (1) to make expenditures from the contin- section 202(j) of that Act). vidual consultants, or organizations thereof gent fund of the Senate; (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (2) to employ personnel; and RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, (2) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended ment department or agency concerned and 2010, under this section shall not exceed for the training of the professional staff of the Committee on Rules and Administration, $7,393,024, of which amount— such committee (under procedures specified to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- (1) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended by section 202(j) of that Act). able, basis the services of personnel of any for the procurement of the services of indi- SEC. 6. COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, such department or agency. vidual consultants, or organizations thereof AND TRANSPORTATION. (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. its powers, duties, and functions under the mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through 72a(i))); and Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance September 30, 2009, under this section shall (2) not to exceed $1,200, may be expended with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such not exceed $3,833,400. for the training of the professional staff of rules, including holding hearings, reporting (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- such committee (under procedures specified such hearings, and making investigations as RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the by section 202(j) of that Act). authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule period October 1, 2009, through September 30, (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, 2010, under this section shall not exceed 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and $6,740,569. through February 28, 2011, expenses of the Transportation is authorized from March 1, (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY committee under this section shall not ex- 2009, through February 28, 2011, in its discre- 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, ceed $3,148,531, of which amount— tion— through February 28, 2011, expenses of the (1) not to exceed $8,333, may be expended (1) to make expenditures from the contin- committee under this section shall not ex- for the procurement of the services of indi- gent fund of the Senate; ceed $2,870,923.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:34 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.062 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2982 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 SEC. 8. COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUB- mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. LIC WORKS. September 30, 2009, under this section shall 72a(i))); and (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out not exceed $5,210,765, of which amount— (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended its powers, duties, and functions under the (1) not to exceed $17,500, may be expended for the training of the professional staff of Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance for the procurement of the services of indi- such committee (under procedures specified with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such vidual consultants, or organizations thereof by section 202(j) of that Act). rules, including holding hearings, reporting (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY such hearings, and making investigations as lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule 72a(i))); and through February 28, 2011, expenses of the XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, (2) not to exceed $5,833, may be expended committee under this section shall not ex- the Committee on Environment and Public for the training of the professional staff of ceed $3,214,017, of which amount— Works is authorized from March 1, 2009, such committee (under procedures specified (1) not to exceed $100,000, may be expended through February 28, 2011, in its discretion— by section 202(j) of that Act). for the procurement of the services of indi- (1) to make expenditures from the contin- (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof gent fund of the Senate; RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (2) to employ personnel; and period October 1, 2009, through September 30, (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and 2010, under this section shall not exceed ment department or agency concerned and (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended $9,161,539, of which amount— the Committee on Rules and Administration, for the training of the professional staff of to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- (1) not to exceed $30,000, may be expended such committee (under procedures specified able, basis the services of personnel of any for the procurement of the services of indi- by section 202(j) of that Act). such department or agency. vidual consultants, or organizations thereof SEC. 11. COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- LABOR, AND PENSIONS. TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through 72a(i))); and its powers, duties, and functions under the September 30, 2009, under this section shall (2) not to exceed $10,000, may be expended Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance not exceed $3,529,786, of which amount— for the training of the professional staff of with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such (1) not to exceed $4,667, may be expended such committee (under procedures specified rules, including holding hearings, reporting for the procurement of the services of indi- by section 202(j) of that Act). such hearings, and making investigations as vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. through February 28, 2011, expenses of the the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, 72a(i))); and committee under this section shall not ex- and Pensions is authorized from March 1, (2) not to exceed $1,167, may be expended ceed $3,901,707, of which amount— 2009, through February 28, 2011, in its discre- for the training of the professional staff of (1) not to exceed $12,500, may be expended tion— such committee (under procedures specified for the procurement of the services of indi- (1) to make expenditures from the contin- by section 202(j) of that Act). vidual consultants, or organizations thereof gent fund of the Senate; (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (2) to employ personnel; and RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, (2) not to exceed $4,167, may be expended ment department or agency concerned and 2010, under this section shall not exceed for the training of the professional staff of the Committee on Rules and Administration, $6,204,665, of which amount— such committee (under procedures specified to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- (1) not to exceed $8,000, may be expended by section 202(j) of that Act). able, basis the services of personnel of any for the procurement of the services of indi- SEC. 10. COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS. such department or agency. vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- its powers, duties, and functions under the TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through 72a(i))); and with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such September 30, 2009, under this section shall (2) not to exceed $2,000, may be expended rules, including holding hearings, reporting not exceed $5,973,747, of which amount— for the training of the professional staff of such hearings, and making investigations as (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended such committee (under procedures specified authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule for the procurement of the services of indi- by section 202(j) of that Act). XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, the Committee on Foreign Relations is au- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- through February 28, 2011, expenses of the thorized from March 1, 2009, through Feb- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. committee under this section shall not ex- ruary 28, 2011, in its discretion— 72a(i))); and ceed $2,641,940, of which amount— (1) to make expenditures from the contin- (2) not to exceed $25,000, may be expended (1) not to exceed $3,333, may be expended gent fund of the Senate; for the training of the professional staff of for the procurement of the services of indi- (2) to employ personnel; and such committee (under procedures specified vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- by section 202(j) of that Act). (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- ment department or agency concerned and (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and the Committee on Rules and Administration, RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (2) not to exceed $833, may be expended for to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, the training of the professional staff of such able, basis the services of personnel of any 2010, under this section shall not exceed committee (under procedures specified by such department or agency. $10,503,951, of which amount— section 202(j) of that Act). (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended TEMBER for the procurement of the services of indi- SEC. 9. COMMITTEE ON FINANCE. 30, 2009.—The expenses of the committee for the period March 1, 2009, through vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out its powers, duties, and functions under the September 30, 2009, under this section shall (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance not exceed $4,291,761, of which amount— lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such (1) not to exceed $100,000, may be expended 72a(i))); and rules, including holding hearings, reporting for the procurement of the services of indi- (2) not to exceed $25,000, may be expended such hearings, and making investigations as vidual consultants, or organizations thereof for the training of the professional staff of authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- such committee (under procedures specified XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. by section 202(j) of that Act). the Committee on Finance is authorized 72a(i))); and (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY from March 1, 2009, through February 28, (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, 2011, in its discretion— for the training of the professional staff of through February 28, 2011, expenses of the (1) to make expenditures from the contin- such committee (under procedures specified committee under this section shall not ex- gent fund of the Senate; by section 202(j) of that Act). ceed $4,473,755, of which amount— (2) to employ personnel; and (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the for the procurement of the services of indi- ment department or agency concerned and period October 1, 2009, through September 30, vidual consultants, or organizations thereof the Committee on Rules and Administration, 2010, under this section shall not exceed (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- $7,546,310, of which amount— lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and able, basis the services of personnel of any (1) not to exceed $100,000, may be expended (2) not to exceed $25,000, may be expended such department or agency. for the procurement of the services of indi- for the training of the professional staff of (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof such committee (under procedures specified TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- by section 202(j) of that Act).

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:34 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.062 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2983 SEC. 12. COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY noncompliance of such corporations, compa- (x) relations with other oil producing and AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS. nies, or individuals or other entities with the consuming countries; (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out rules, regulations, and laws governing the (xi) the monitoring of compliance by gov- its powers, duties, and functions under the various governmental agencies and its rela- ernments, corporations, or individuals with Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance tionships with the public; the laws and regulations governing the allo- with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such (B) the extent to which criminal or other cation, conservation, or pricing of energy rules and S. Res. 445, agreed to October 9, improper practices or activities are, or have supplies; and 2004 (108th Congress), including holding hear- been, engaged in the field of labor-manage- (xii) research into the discovery and devel- ings, reporting such hearings, and making ment relations or in groups or organizations opment of alternative energy supplies; and investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 of employees or employers, to the detriment (G) the efficiency and economy of all and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of of interests of the public, employers, or em- branches and functions of Government with the Senate, the Committee on Homeland Se- ployees, and to determine whether any particular references to the operations and curity and Governmental Affairs is author- changes are required in the laws of the management of Federal regulatory policies ized from March 1, 2009, through February 28, United States in order to protect such inter- and programs. 2011, in its discretion— ests against the occurrence of such practices (2) EXTENT OF INQUIRIES.—In carrying out (1) to make expenditures from the contin- or activities; the duties provided in paragraph (1), the in- gent fund of the Senate; (C) organized criminal activity which may quiries of this committee or any sub- (2) to employ personnel; and operate in or otherwise utilize the facilities committee of the committee shall not be (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- of interstate or international commerce in construed to be limited to the records, func- ment department or agency concerned and tions, and operations of any particular the Committee on Rules and Administration, furtherance of any transactions and the manner and extent to which, and the iden- branch of the Government and may extend to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- to the records and activities of any persons, able, basis the services of personnel of any tity of the persons, firms, or corporations, or other entities by whom such utilization is corporation, or other entity. such department or agency. (3) SPECIAL COMMITTEE AUTHORITY.—For (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- being made, and further, to study and inves- the purposes of this subsection, the com- TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- tigate the manner in which and the extent to mittee, or any duly authorized sub- mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through which persons engaged in organized criminal committee of the committee, or its chair- September 30, 2009, under this section shall activity have infiltrated lawful business en- man, or any other member of the committee not exceed $6,742,824, of which amount— terprise, and to study the adequacy of Fed- or subcommittee designated by the chair- (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended eral laws to prevent the operations of orga- man, from March 1, 2009, through February for the procurement of the services of indi- nized crime in interstate or international 28, 2011, is authorized, in its, his, hers, or vidual consultants, or organizations thereof commerce; and to determine whether any their discretion— (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- changes are required in the laws of the (A) to require by subpoena or otherwise the lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. United States in order to protect the public attendance of witnesses and production of 72a(i))); and against such practices or activities; correspondence, books, papers, and docu- (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended (D) all other aspects of crime and lawless- ments; for the training of the professional staff of ness within the United States which have an (B) to hold hearings; such committee (under procedures specified impact upon or affect the national health, (C) to sit and act at any time or place dur- by section 202(j) of that Act). welfare, and safety; including but not lim- ing the sessions, recess, and adjournment pe- (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- ited to investment fraud schemes, com- riods of the Senate; RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the modity and security fraud, computer fraud, (D) to administer oaths; and period October 1, 2009, through September 30, and the use of offshore banking and cor- (E) to take testimony, either orally or by 2010, under this section shall not exceed porate facilities to carry out criminal objec- sworn statement, or, in the case of staff $11,856,527, of which amount— tives; members of the Committee and the Perma- (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended (E) the efficiency and economy of oper- nent Subcommittee on Investigations, by for the procurement of the services of indi- ations of all branches and functions of the deposition in accordance with the Com- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof Government with particular reference to— mittee Rules of Procedure. (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (i) the effectiveness of present national se- (4) AUTHORITY OF OTHER COMMITTEES.— lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. curity methods, staffing, and processes as Nothing contained in this subsection shall 72a(i))); and tested against the requirements imposed by affect or impair the exercise of any other (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended the rapidly mounting complexity of national standing committee of the Senate of any for the training of the professional staff of security problems; power, or the discharge by such committee such committee (under procedures specified (ii) the capacity of present national secu- of any duty, conferred or imposed upon it by by section 202(j) of that Act). rity staffing, methods, and processes to (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY make full use of the Nation’s resources of the Standing Rules of the Senate or by the 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, knowledge and talents; Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946. through February 28, 2011, expenses of the (iii) the adequacy of present intergovern- (5) SUBPOENA AUTHORITY.—All subpoenas committee under this section shall not ex- mental relations between the United States and related legal processes of the committee ceed $5,049,927, of which amount— and international organizations principally and its subcommittee authorized under S. (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended concerned with national security of which Res. 89, agreed to March 1, 2007 (110th Con- for the procurement of the services of indi- the United States is a member; and gress) are authorized to continue. vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (iv) legislative and other proposals to im- SEC. 13. COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY. (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- prove these methods, processes, and relation- lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and ships; (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended (F) the efficiency, economy, and effective- its powers, duties, and functions under the for the training of the professional staff of ness of all agencies and departments of the Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance such committee (under procedures specified Government involved in the control and with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such by section 202(j) of that Act). management of energy shortages including, rules, including holding hearings, reporting (e) INVESTIGATIONS.— but not limited to, their performance with such hearings, and making investigations as (1) IN GENERAL.—The committee, or any respect to— authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule duly authorized subcommittee of the com- (i) the collection and dissemination of ac- XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, mittee, is authorized to study or inves- curate statistics on fuel demand and supply; the Committee on the Judiciary is author- tigate— (ii) the implementation of effective energy ized from March 1, 2009, through February 28, (A) the efficiency and economy of oper- conservation measures; 2011, in its discretion— ations of all branches of the Government in- (iii) the pricing of energy in all forms; (1) to make expenditures from the contin- cluding the possible existence of fraud, mis- (iv) coordination of energy programs with gent fund of the Senate; feasance, malfeasance, collusion, mis- State and local government; (2) to employ personnel; and management, incompetence, corruption, or (v) control of exports of scarce fuels; (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- unethical practices, waste, extravagance, (vi) the management of tax, import, pric- ment department or agency concerned and conflicts of interest, and the improper ex- ing, and other policies affecting energy sup- the Committee on Rules and Administration, penditure of Government funds in trans- plies; to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- actions, contracts, and activities of the Gov- (vii) maintenance of the independent sec- able, basis the services of personnel of any ernment or of Government officials and em- tor of the petroleum industry as a strong such department or agency. ployees and any and all such improper prac- competitive force; (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- tices between Government personnel and (viii) the allocation of fuels in short supply TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- corporations, individuals, companies, or per- by public and private entities; mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through sons affiliated therewith, doing business (ix) the management of energy supplies September 30, 2009, under this section shall with the Government; and the compliance or owned or controlled by the Government; not exceed $6,528,294, of which amount—

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:34 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.062 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2984 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 (1) not to exceed $116,667, may be expended such committee (under procedures specified rules, including holding hearings, reporting for the procurement of the services of indi- by section 202(j) of that Act). such hearings, and making investigations as vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. through February 28, 2011, expenses of the the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs is au- 72a(i))); and committee under this section shall not ex- thorized from March 1, 2009, through Feb- (2) not to exceed $11,667, may be expended ceed $1,346,931, of which amount— ruary 28, 2011, in its discretion— for the training of the professional staff of (1) not to exceed $21,000, may be expended (1) to make expenditures from the contin- such committee (under procedures specified for the procurement of the services of indi- gent fund of the Senate; by section 202(j) of that Act). vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (2) to employ personnel; and (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and ment department or agency concerned and period October 1, 2009, through September 30, (2) not to exceed $4,200, may be expended the Committee on Rules and Administration, 2010, under this section shall not exceed for the training of the professional staff of to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- $11,481,341, of which amount— such committee (under procedures specified able, basis the services of personnel of any (1) not to exceed $200,000, may be expended by section 202(j) of that Act). such department or agency. for the procurement of the services of indi- SEC. 15. COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS AND (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof ENTREPRENEURSHIP. TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. its powers, duties, and functions under the September 30, 2009, under this section shall 72a(i))); and Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance not exceed $1,565,089, of which amount— (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such (1) not to exceed $59,000, may be expended for the training of the professional staff of rules, including holding hearings, reporting for the procurement of the services of indi- such committee (under procedures specified such hearings, and making investigations as vidual consultants, or organizations thereof by section 202(j) of that Act). authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, 72a(i))); and through February 28, 2011, expenses of the the Committee on Small Business and Entre- preneurship is authorized from March 1, 2009, (2) not to exceed $12,000, may be expended committee under this section shall not ex- for the training of the professional staff of ceed $4,890,862, of which amount— through February 28, 2011, in its discretion— (1) to make expenditures from the contin- such committee (under procedures specified (1) not to exceed $83,333, may be expended by section 202(j) of that Act). for the procurement of the services of indi- gent fund of the Senate; (2) to employ personnel; and (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, ment department or agency concerned and lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and 2010, under this section shall not exceed the Committee on Rules and Administration, (2) not to exceed $8,333, may be expended $2,752,088, of which amount— to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- for the training of the professional staff of (1) not to exceed $100,000, may be expended able, basis the services of personnel of any such committee (under procedures specified for the procurement of the services of indi- such department or agency. by section 202(j) of that Act). vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- SEC. 14. COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINIS- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- TRATION. lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out 72a(i))); and its powers, duties, and functions under the September 30, 2009, under this section shall (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance not exceed $1,693,240, of which amount— for the training of the professional staff of with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such (1) not to exceed $25,000, may be expended such committee (under procedures specified rules, including holding hearings, reporting for the procurement of the services of indi- by section 202(j) of that Act). such hearings, and making investigations as vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. through February 28, 2011, expenses of the the Committee on Rules and Administration 72a(i))); and committee under this section shall not ex- is authorized from March 1, 2009, through (2) not to exceed $10,000, may be expended ceed $1,172,184, of which amount— February 28, 2011, in its discretion— for the training of the professional staff of (1) not to exceed $42,000, may be expended (1) to make expenditures from the contin- such committee (under procedures specified for the procurement of the services of indi- gent fund of the Senate; by section 202(j) of that Act). vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (2) to employ personnel; and (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and ment department or agency concerned and period October 1, 2009, through September 30, the Committee on Rules and Administration, (2) not to exceed $8,334, may be expended 2010, under this section shall not exceed for the training of the professional staff of to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- $2,976,370, of which amount— able, basis the services of personnel of any such committee (under procedures specified (1) not to exceed $25,000, may be expended by section 202(j) of that Act). such department or agency. for the procurement of the services of indi- SEC. 17. SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING. (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through its powers, duties, and functions imposed by lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. section 104 of S. Res. 4, agreed to February 4, September 30, 2009, under this section shall 72a(i))); and not exceed $1,797,669, of which amount— 1977 (95th Congress), and in exercising the (2) not to exceed $10,000, may be expended (1) not to exceed $30,000, may be expended authority conferred on it by such section, for the training of the professional staff of for the procurement of the services of indi- the Special Committee on Aging is author- such committee (under procedures specified vidual consultants, or organizations thereof ized from March 1, 2009, through February 28, by section 202(j) of that Act). (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- 2011, in its discretion— (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. (1) to make expenditures from the contin- 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, 72a(i))); and gent fund of the Senate; through February 28, 2011, expenses of the (2) not to exceed $6,000, may be expended (2) to employ personnel; and committee under this section shall not ex- for the training of the professional staff of (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- ceed $1,267,330, of which amount— such committee (under procedures specified ment department or agency concerned and (1) not to exceed $25,000, may be expended by section 202(j) of that Act). the Committee on Rules and Administration, (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- for the procurement of the services of indi- to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the vidual consultants, or organizations thereof able, basis the services of personnel of any period October 1, 2009, through September 30, (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- such department or agency. 2010, under this section shall not exceed lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- $3,161,766, of which amount— (2) not to exceed $10,000, may be expended TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- (1) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended for the training of the professional staff of mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through for the procurement of the services of indi- such committee (under procedures specified September 30, 2009, under this section shall vidual consultants, or organizations thereof by section 202(j) of that Act). not exceed $1,892,515, of which amount— (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- SEC. 16. COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS. (1) not to exceed $117,000, may be expended lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out for the procurement of the services of indi- 72a(i))); and its powers, duties, and functions under the vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (2) not to exceed $10,000, may be expended Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- for the training of the professional staff of with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:34 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.062 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2985 (2) not to exceed $10,000, may be expended committee under this section shall not ex- (3) an amount not to exceed $3,125,000, shall for the training of the professional staff of ceed $3,108,302, of which amount— be available for the period October 1, 2010, such committee (under procedures specified (1) not to exceed $27,083, may be expended through February 28, 2011. by section 202(j) of that Act). for the procurement of the services of indi- (b) AVAILABILITY.—The special reserve au- (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof thorized in subsection (a) shall be available RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- to any committee— period October 1, 2009, through September 30, lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and (1) on the basis of special need to meet un- 2010, under this section shall not exceed (2) not to exceed $833, may be expended for paid obligations incurred by that committee $3,327,243, of which amount— the training of the professional staff of such during the periods referred to in paragraphs (1) not to exceed $200,000, may be expended committee (under procedures specified by (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (a); and for the procurement of the services of indi- section 202(j) of that Act). (2) at the request of a Chairman and Rank- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof SEC. 19. COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS. ing Member of that committee subject to the (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- approval of the Chairman and Ranking Mem- (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and ber of the Committee on Rules and Adminis- its powers, duties, and functions imposed by (2) not to exceed $15,000, may be expended tration. section 105 of S. Res. 4, agreed to February 4, for the training of the professional staff of 1977 (95th Congress), and in exercising the f such committee (under procedures specified authority conferred on it by that section, by section 202(j) of that Act). NOTICES OF HEARINGS the Committee on Indian Affairs is author- (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY ized from March 1, 2009, through February 28, COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, 2011, in its discretion— RESOURCES through February 28, 2011, expenses of the (1) to make expenditures from the contin- Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I committee under this section shall not ex- gent fund of the Senate; would like to announce for the infor- ceed $1,416,944, of which amount— (2) to employ personnel; and (1) not to exceed $85,000, may be expended mation of the Senate and the public (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- for the procurement of the services of indi- that a hearing has been scheduled be- ment department or agency concerned and vidual consultants, or organizations thereof fore the Senate Committee on Energy the Committee on Rules and Administration, (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- and Natural Resources. The hearing to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and able, basis the services of personnel of any will be held on Wednesday, March 18, (2) not to exceed $5,000, may be expended such department or agency. 2009, at 9:30 a.m., in room SD–366 of the for the training of the professional staff of (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- Dirksen Senate Office Building. such committee (under procedures specified The purpose of the hearing is to re- by section 202(j) of that Act). TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the committee for the period March 1, 2009, through ceive testimony on nuclear energy de- SEC. 18. SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE. September 30, 2009, under this section shall velopment. (a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—In carrying out not exceed $1,449,343, of which amount— Because of the limited time available its powers, duties, and functions under S. (1) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended for the hearing, witnesses may testify Res. 400, agreed to May 19, 1976 (94th Con- for the procurement of the services of indi- gress), as amended by S. Res. 445, agreed to by invitation only. However, those vidual consultants, or organizations thereof wishing to submit written testimony October 9, 2004 (108th Congress), in accord- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- ance with its jurisdiction under sections 3(a) lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and for the hearing record may do so by and 17 of such S. Res. 400, including holding (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended sending it to the Committee on Energy hearings, reporting such hearings, and mak- for training consultants of the professional and Natural Resources, United States ing investigations as authorized by section 5 staff of such committee (under procedures Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510–6150, or of such S. Res. 400, the Select Committee on specified by section 202(j) of that Act). by e-mail to Aman- Intelligence is authorized from March 1, 2009, (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- da [email protected]. through February 28, 2011, in its discretion— l RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the (1) to make expenditures from the contin- For further information, please con- period October 1, 2009, through September 30, gent fund of the Senate; tact Sam Fowler at (202) 224–7571 or 2010, under this section shall not exceed (2) to employ personnel; and Amanda Kelly at (202) 224–6836. $2,546,445, of which amount— (3) with the prior consent of the Govern- COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL (1) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended ment department or agency concerned and RESOURCES for the procurement of the services of indi- the Committee on Rules and Administration, vidual consultants, or organizations thereof Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimburs- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- would like to announce for the infor- able, basis the services of personnel of any lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and mation of the Senate and the public such department or agency. (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended that a hearing has been scheduled be- (b) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING SEP- for training consultants of the professional TEMBER 30, 2009.—The expenses of the com- fore the Senate Committee on Energy staff of such committee (under procedures mittee for the period March 1, 2009, through and Natural Resources. The hearing specified by section 202(j) of that Act). September 30, 2009, under this section shall will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY not exceed $4,151,023, of which amount— at 10 a.m., in room SD–366 of the Dirk- 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, (1) not to exceed $37,917, may be expended through February 28, 2011, expenses of the sen Senate Office Building. for the procurement of the services of indi- committee under this section shall not ex- The Committee will conduct an over- vidual consultants, or organizations thereof ceed $1,083,838, of which amount— sight hearing on energy development (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- (1) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended on public lands and the outer Conti- lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. for the procurement of the services of indi- 72a(i))); and nental Shelf. vidual consultants, or organizations thereof (2) not to exceed $1,167, may be expended Because of the limited time available (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- for the training of the professional staff of for the hearing, witnesses may testify lative Reorganization Act of 1946); and such committee (under procedures specified by invitation only. However, those (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended by section 202(j) of that Act). wishing to submit written testimony for training consultants of the professional (c) EXPENSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 PE- staff of such committee (under procedures for the hearing record may do so by RIOD.—The expenses of the committee for the specified by section 202(j) of that Act). sending it to the Committee on Energy period October 1, 2009, through September 30, and Natural Resources, United States SEC. 20. SPECIAL RESERVE. 2010, under this section shall not exceed Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510–6150, or $7,298,438, of which amount— (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Within the funds in (1) not to exceed $65,000, may be expended the account ‘‘Expenses of Inquiries and In- by e-mail to for the procurement of the services of indi- vestigations’’ appropriated by the legislative [email protected]. vidual consultants, or organizations thereof branch appropriation Acts for fiscal years For further information, please con- (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legis- 2009, 2010, and 2011, there is authorized to be tact Patty Beneke at (202) 224–5451 or lative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. established a special reserve to be available Gina Weinstock at (202) 224–5684. 72a(i))); and to any committee funded by this resolution COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS (2) not to exceed $2,000, may be expended as provided in subsection (b) of which— Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I would for the training of the professional staff of (1) an amount not to exceed $4,375,000, shall like to announce that the Committee such committee (under procedures specified be available for the period March 1, 2009, by section 202(j) of that Act). through September 30, 2009; and on Indian Affairs will meet on Thurs- (d) EXPENSES FOR PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY (2) an amount not to exceed $7,500,000, shall day, March 12, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. in room 28, 2011.—For the period October 1, 2010, be available for the period October 1, 2009, 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Build- through February 28, 2011, expenses of the through September 30, 2010; and ing to conduct an oversight hearing to

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:17 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.062 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE S2986 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 10, 2009 discuss tribal priorities in the fiscal will commence at 2:30 p.m. in room 430 legislative session; and that any state- year 2010 budget. of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. ments relating to the nomination be Those wishing additional information The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without printed in the RECORD. may contact the Indian Affairs Com- objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without mittee at 202–224–2251. COMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY objection, it is so ordered. f Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask f unanimous consent that the Senate AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO EXECUTIVE SESSION MEET Committee on the Judiciary be authorized to meet during the session of the COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES Senate, to conduct a hearing entitled EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask ‘‘Patent Reform in the 111th Congress: unanimous consent that the Com- Legislation and Recent Court Deci- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask mittee on Armed Services be author- sions’’ on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at 10 unanimous consent that the Senate ized to meet during the session of the a.m., in room SD–226 of the Dirksen proceed to executive session to con- Senate on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at Senate Office Building. sider Calendar Nos. 15 and 16; that the 9:30 a.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without nominations be confirmed, en bloc, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, en bloc; that no further mo- objection, it is so ordered. COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY tions be in order; that upon confirma- COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask tion, the President be immediately no- AFFAIRS unanimous consent that the Senate tified of the Senate’s action; that the Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask Committee on the Judiciary be author- Senate resume legislative session; and unanimous consent that the Com- ized to meet during the session of the that any statements relating to the mittee on Banking, Housing, and Senate, to conduct a hearing entitled nominations be printed in the RECORD; Urban Affairs be authorized to meet ‘‘Executive Nominations’’ on Tuesday, further, that the cloture motions with during the session of the Senate on March 10, 2009, at 2:30 p.m., in room respect to these nominations be with- Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. to SD–226 of the Dirksen Senate Office drawn, en bloc. conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘Enhancing Building. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Investor Protection and the Regulation The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. of Securities Markets.’’ objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The nominations considered and con- COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS objection, it is so ordered. firmed are as follows: Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL unanimous consent that the Com- RESOURCES mittee on Veterans’ Affairs be author- Austan Dean Goolsbee, of Illinois, to be a Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask Member of the Council of Economic Advis- ized to meet during the session of the ers. unanimous consent that the Com- Senate on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at mittee on Energy and Natural Re- Cecilia Elena Rouse, of California, to be 9:30 am. The Committee will meet in Member of the Council of Economic Advis- sources be authorized to meet during room 418 of the Russell Senate Office ers. the session of the Senate on Tuesday, Building. f March 10, 2009, at 10 a.m., in room SD– The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Build- objection, it is so ordered. LEGISLATIVE SESSION ing. SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the previous order, the Senate will now objection, it is so ordered. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Select return to legislative session. COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Committee on Intelligence be author- f Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask ized to meet during the session of the APPOINTMENT unanimous consent that the Com- Senate on March 10, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. mittee on Finance be authorized to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. The meet during the session of the Senate objection, it is so ordered. Chair announces, on behalf of the Re- on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at 10 a.m., f publican Leader, pursuant to the provi- in 215 Dirksen Senate Office Building. sions of S. Res. 105, adopted April 13, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREE- 1989, as amended by S. Res. 149, adopted objection, it is so ordered. MENT—EXECUTIVE CALENDAR October 5, 1993, as amended by Public COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, as in ex- Law 105–275, adopted October 21, 1998, AND PENSIONS ecutive session, I ask unanimous con- further amended by S. Res. 75, adopted Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask sent that the cloture motion with re- March 25, 1999, amended by S. Res. 383, unanimous consent that the Com- spect to the nomination of David adopted October 27, 2000, and amended mittee on Health, Education, Labor, Ogden be withdrawn, and that on by S. Res. 355, adopted November 13, and Pensions be authorized to meet, Wednesday, March 11, at 11:30 a.m., the 2002, and further amended by S. Res. during the session of the Senate, to Senate proceed to executive session to 480, adopted November 21, 2004, the ap- conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘Rebuilding consider Calendar No. 21, the nomina- pointment of the following Senator as Economic Security: Empowering Work- tion of David Ogden; that the time a member of the Senate National Secu- ers to Restore the Middle Class’’ on until 4:30 p.m. be equally divided and rity Working Group for the 111th Con- Tuesday, March 10, 2009. The hearing controlled between the leaders or their gress: the Senator from South Caro- will commence at 10 a.m. in room 106 of designees; that when the Senate re- lina, Mr. GRAHAM. the Dirksen Senate Office Building. sumes consideration of the nomination f The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without on Thursday, March 12, there be 2 objection, it is so ordered. hours remaining for debate, equally di- ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, vided and controlled between the lead- 11, 2009 AND PENSIONS ers or their designees; that upon the Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask use of time on Thursday, the Senate unanimous consent that when the Sen- unanimous consent that the Com- then proceed to vote on confirmation ate completes its business today, it ad- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, of the nomination; that upon confirma- journ until 11 a.m., Wednesday, March and Pensions be authorized to meet, tion of the nomination, the motion to 11; that following the prayer and the during the session of the Senate, to reconsider be laid upon the table, no pledge, the Journal of proceedings be conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘The Next further motions be in order, the Presi- approved to date, the morning hour be Generation of National Service’’ on dent be immediately notified of the deemed expired, the time for the two Tuesday, March 10, 2009. The hearing Senate’s action, and the Senate resume leaders be reserved for their use later

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:17 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR6.061 S10MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with SENATE March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2987 in the day, and the Senate proceed to a THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE ARMY THOMAS F. KELLY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12211: LARA I. LARSON period of morning business until 11:30 STEVEN C. MALLER To be colonel a.m. with Senators permitted to speak ROY C. MARLOW THOMAS M. CARDEN, JR. MARK T. MEANS for up to 10 minutes each with the time TIMOTHY J. CLAYS COLIN A. MIHALIK controlled by the Republicans; further, RODERICK R. LEONGUERRERO ENDER S. OZGUL ERIC W. OLSEN MARIA SANTOS that following morning business the CURTIS J. ROYER JESUS L. SOJO Senate proceed to executive session WILLIAM H. STEVENSON LUKE UNDERHILL ROSE M. WOJCIK under the previous order. ANTHONY WOODS IN THE AIR FORCE THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR objection? THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR Without objection, it is so ordered. FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be lieutenant colonel f To be colonel FEDERICO C. AQUINO, JR. MICHAEL F. ADAMES KEITH L. CLARK PROGRAM DEAN B. BORSOS THOMAS P. EDMONSON JAMES R. CLAPSADDLE AMAR KOSARAJU Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, under ROBERT H. COTHRON III WILLIAM K. LIN the previous order, the Senate will de- PATRICK L. DAWSON DOUGLAS M. LITTLEFIELD DONALD L. FAUST PAUL A. LONGO bate the Ogden nomination until 4:30 EDWIN A. HURSTON VICTOR B. MAGGIO p.m. tomorrow and vote on confirma- PHILIP E. JONES FERNANDO A. MARAVI BRIAN E. KING ALAN J. NAPOLES tion of the nomination on Thursday. DARRELL W. LANDREAUX DARON C. PRAETZEL REX A. LANGSTON ENRIQUE E. ROSADO f STEVEN B. REESE JENNIE L. STODDART REBECCA C. SEESE STEPHANIE A. STOUDER ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 11 A.M. PAUL M. SKALA KIM L. WILKINSON TOMORROW THOMAS A. STEINBRUNNER JUNKO YAMAMOTO TRACY A. TENNEY THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT WILLIAM R. TYRA Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, if there TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR KATHRYN D. VANDERLINDEN is no further business to come before FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT the Senate, I ask unanimous consent TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR To be lieutenant colonel that it adjourn under the previous FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: JOSELITA M. ABELEDA order. To be colonel DEMETRIO J. AGUILA III TODD J. ALAN There being no objection, the Senate, RICHARD D. BAKER TALIB Y. ALI CATHERINE S. BARD at 7:31 p.m., adjourned until Wednes- PATRICK F. ALLAN RICHARD J. BEAN JAY R. ALLEN day, March 11, 2009, at 11 a.m. JAMES E. BOYD MICHAEL D. ALMALEH MARKHAM J. BROWN KURT W. ANDREASON f LESLIE R. BRYANT III LOUISE M. BRYCE JASON G. ARNOLD NOMINATIONS JEFFREY S. CALDER MATTHEW J. AUNGST CHERYL L. CARTER KERI A. BAACKE Executive nominations received by GEORGE W. CHRISTOPHER JOSE E. BARRERA THOMAS F. CLARKE STEVEN M. BAUGHMAN the Senate: DAVID D. COPP VIKHYAT S. BEBARTA JOHN A. BENSON DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY MARCEL V. DIONNE ROLAND E. ENGEL JAMES E. BERMUDEZ DAVID S. COHEN, OF MARYLAND, TO BE ASSISTANT MICHAEL J. EPPINGER JOHN N. BERRY SECRETARY FOR TERRORIST FINANCING, DEPARTMENT EDWARD L. FIEG ANTHONY I. BEUTLER OF THE TREASURY, VICE PATRICK M. O’BRIEN, RE- JOHN M. GOOCH CHRISTOPHER T. BIRD SIGNED. PATRICIA L. GOODEMOTE JUSTIN B. BOGE LEE H. HARVIS KEVIN J. BOHNSACK EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT CLAUDE A. HAWKINS MICHAEL I. BOND ERIC C. BURDGE SHERBURNE B. ABBOTT, OF TEXAS, TO BE AN ASSO- ANN L. HOYNIAKBECKER JEREMY W. CANNON CIATE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECH- TIMOTHY W. HUISKEN KYLE L. CARTER NOLOGY POLICY, VICE DUNCAN T. MOORE, RESIGNED. MYLENE T. HUYNH JEFFERY L. JOHNSON MICHAEL T. CHARLTON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES G. KAHRS STEPHEN R. CHEN PETER B. KOVATS JERRY M. CLINE DANA G. GRESHAM, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO MARK KRAUTHEIM SAMUEL G. CLOUD BE AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION, ERIC A. NELSON JAMES C. CONNAUGHTON VICE SIMON CHARLES GROS. ERIK J. NELSON ROBERT W. CRAIGGRAY DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY MICHAEL J. PASTON MIKI M. CRANE JOSEPH P. PELLETIER PAUL F. CRAWFORD, JR. ALAN B. KRUEGER, OF NEW JERSEY, TO BE AN ASSIST- THOMAS R. PIAZZA PETER G. CRAWLEY ANT SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, VICE PHILLIP L. HEATHER R. PICKETT ERIC P. CRITCHLEY SWAGEL, RESIGNED. TRACY L. POPEY SCOTT M. CUMMIS JERRY W. PRATT JEAN F. CYRIAQUE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANTHONY M. PROPST MICHAEL R. DAVIS JOHN MORTON, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT SEC- JAMES R. RICK ANTONIO J. DELGADO RETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY, VICE JULIE L. STEPHEN P. ROBERTS BRIAN L. DELMONACO MYERS, RESIGNED. CHRISTOPHER G. SCHARENBROCK ALAN J. DELOSSANTOS JANET C. SHAW JAMES A. DOMBROWSKI DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SARADY TAN KELLY L. DORENKOTT DONALD E. TRUMMEL CHRISTOPHER M. DRESS JAMES N. MILLER, JR., OF VIRGINIA, TO BE DEPUTY SHAWN M. VARNEY MATTHEW D. DUNCAN UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR POLICY, VICE DALE A. VOLQUARTSEN RORY C. DUNHAM CHRISTOPHER RYAN HENRY. APRIL C. WALTON KENNETH S. EGERSTROM IN THE AIR FORCE DANIEL C. WEAVER MATTHEW D. FAUBION JAMES W. WHELAN DOUGLAS J. FEELEY THE FOLLOWING NAMED INDIVIDUALS FOR APPOINT- DANA J. WINDHORST BRADLEY J. GOEKE MENT TO THE GRADES INDICATED IN THE REGULAR AIR MICHAEL S. XYDAKIS ROBERT GONZALEZ FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 531(A): EVELINE F. YAO JAMES A. GRAHAM GREGORY B. YORK CHRISTOPHER M. GRUSSENDORF To be lieutenant colonel ROBERT S. GUERZON THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT GEORGE B. GOSTING CHAD A. HAMILTON TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR CHRISTIAN T. HANLEY, JR. To be major FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: RICHARD R. HARVEY To be colonel JASON T. HAYES JOSEPH S. PARK CHRYSTAL D. HENDERSON IN THE ARMY JEFFREY L. ANDRUS BRUCE W. HESS KENNETH J. BOONE RACHEL A. HIGHT THE FOLLOWING NAMED ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OF DAVID J. BOWERS ERIKA K. HILL THE UNITED STATES OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO GARY J. GERACCI CHAD M. HIVNOR

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MICHAEL G. HODGES CHRISTOPHER L. PODLIN TOBY J. GENRICH ERIC F. HOLT ALLEN M. PRATT CHRISTOPHER B. GERLACH BRANDON R. HORNE THASANAI ROONGRUANGPHOL GEORGE R. GIBSON III DELLA L. HOWELL STEVEN J. SCHMOLDT KELLY GIDUSKO CHRISTOPHER M. HUDSON ERIN M. SPEIER THOMAS O. GIFFORD SEAN L. JERSEY BRADSHAW M. STOUT SEAN C. GLASGOW ROBERT A. JESINGER MARK A. VANZANT KRISTEN R. GLASS KIMBERLY S. JOHNSON BRENT J. WALDMAN BRIAN B. GLODT KEVIN J. KAPS STERLING J. WHIPPLE CRAIG A. GOOLSBY TONY S. KIM AARON J. WHITE DANIEL W. GOWDER JEFFREY D. KUETER ANDREW P. WIGHTMAN IAN D. GREGORY MARK S. LASHELL JAESUK YOO JOHN T. HARDY PAULETTE D. LASSITER JAMES M. YOUNG BRANDE M. HARRIS CHARLES A. LEATH III STACEY E. ZAIKOSKI JAMES C. HARTLEY MAXIMILIAN S. LEE JOSHUA A. HARTMAN WILLIAM C. LEWIS THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT MATTHEW S. HAYES TREVOR D. LIM TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR BRIAN B. HEARN JOHN C. LIN FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: KERMIT G. HELO III JONATHAN D. LOPEZ To be major SARAH J. HENNEMANN MANUEL A. LOPEZ ANTONIO J. HERNANDEZ MICHAEL A. MADRID AMANDA J. ADAMS BERNARD A. HILDEBRAND, JR. DAVID S. MALLETTE JOSE C. AGUIRRE JESSICA D. HILDEBRAND MELVIN J. MARQUE III ANGELA M. ALBRECHT RYAN C. HILL ROBERT A. MAXEY ERIC M. ALCARAZ KIRK S. HINKLEY IV DEAN L. MAYNARD DOUGLAS R. ALFAR MATTHEW C. HOLLANDER ROBERT C. MCDONOUGH III JENNIFER A. ALFAR ROBIN A. HOLZER STEPHEN E. MESSIER JACOB A. ALLGOOD GREGORY H. HOUGH KYLE J. MICHAELIS DARIN K. ALLRED BORISLAV HRISTOV ANTHONY L. MITCHELL WILLIAM T. ALLRED MARK W. HUBBELL KRISTINA D. MONEY JOSHUA P. ALPERS DAVID J. HUME JOHN V. MONTORELLO BRENDAN C. ANZALONE JOSEPH A. HUSEMAN II THOMAS O. MOORE DAVID A. APPEL STEVEN M. INDRA KAREN L. ARNOLD REINALDO MORALES, JR. BRENT IZU BLAINE T. BAFUS MICHAEL S. MORRIS MATTHEW A. JANIGA BRUCE R. BALL ANGELA J. MORTLAND BRADLEY W. JOHNSON ADAM G. BALLS EVAN B. MOSER SCOTT R. JOHNSON HEATHER M. BARBIER TERESA D. NESSELROAD JOSHUA R. JOHNSTON AMY A. BARNES BRENDAN M. NOONE CHRISTOPHER E. JONAS BRENT B. BARNSTUBLE CATHIE T. JONES SAMIA A. OCHIA TRAVIS C. BATTS EVAN M. JONES ADEDAYO ODUNSI SARA J. BECKER GREGORY P. JONES SAMUEL T. OLATUNBOSUN RHODORA J. BECKINGER JOY K. JONES SYLVIA L. PARRA SHELLY F. BEHLEN NEIL D. JONES MICHAEL A. PECK CLAYNE BENSON KEVIN P. JUOZAPAVICIUS CLIFFORD M. PEREZ ALEXANDER L. BINGCANG PAUL D. KARTCHNER MICHAEL C. PETRO SCOTT L. BLEAZARD MARTIN P. KASZUBOWSKI THEODORE W. POPE CHRISTA B. BLECHER KATHLEEN M. KATARIYA JENNIFER L. RAVENSCROFT JEFFERY J. BLONSKY CHRISTOPHER KEIRNS STEPHEN S. REICH KORY R. BODILY PATRICK L. KELLER JOSEPH R. RICHARDS MATTHEW R. BORGMEYER BERNARD J. KELLEY TIMOTHY A. RICHTER HIMABINDU BORRA JASON A. KELLY GREGORY A. RIDDLE RICHARD K. BOWES KARIN E. KEMP MATTHEW K. RIEDESEL JASON D. BOYD STACEE M. KESSINGER KISMET T. ROBERTS TRACY K. BOZUNG SAMUEL J. KJOME JAMES B. SAMPSON RUTH BRENNER ADAM C. KOERTNER ANDRE G. SARMIENTO CASSANDRA M. BRESNAHAN CHRISTOPHER M. KOLLY CECELIA E. SCHMALBACH TIMOTHY M. BRESNAHAN JASON A. KOSKINEN GREGORY A. SCHNERINGER HEATHER M. BRIGHTHOFFMEYER MICHAEL J. KRIER NEIL L. SCHWIMLEY AARON S. BROCKBANK KRAIG A. KRISTOF ZAIGA K. SEARS TYSON C. BROWN KIMBERLYANN M. KROSS ROBERT M. SHIDELER WILLIAM E. BROWN JUAN C. LACAYO RICHARD A. SORENSEN CHRISTOPHER W. BUNT MARY K. LAFFERTY RENEE V. SPITZER JEFFREY S. BURBIDGE CHRISTOPHER K. LAWLER DAVID L. STEINHISER II STEVEN K. BURKHEAD EDGAR L. LECLAIRE MATTHEW R. TALARCZYK NEAL C. BUSK CHRISTOPHER J. LINBERG PERLITA K. TAM LORI A. CALOIA BRETT E. LINCK LINDA P. THOMAS CHAD C. CARTER CHRISTOPHER J. LINCOSKI JEFFERSON R. THURLBY DANIELLE J. CERMAK NATHAN J. LINSTROM THOMAS J. TOFFOLI ANDREW C. CHA JASON K. LOWRY RAJESH TULI JONATHAN C. CHANG BRENDAN P. LUCEY GALE T. TUPER, JR. WENDY CHAO LAURIE L. MARBAS KREANGKAI TYREE SPENCER C. CHECKETTS MICHELLE MARINO MELISSA M. TYREE MARCELLA L. CHERRY DOUGLAS M. MARTIN CEASAR A. VALLE JENNY CHOU SEAN P. MARTIN CHRISTOPHER S. WALKER DONALD S. CHRISTMAN LESLIE D. MATESICK GRAHAM W. WALLACE JARED G. CLAY DEREK M. MATHESON STEVEN R. WARD GREGORY C. CLIMACO TARA C. MAURO JOHN C. WESKE BRIAN T. COCKE JOHN J. MAXEY MARIE J. WESTPHAL CHARLES B. COFFMAN TIMOTHY J. MCDONALD STEVEN E. WHITMARSH JASON M. COGDILL BRADLEY A. MCGREGOR JAMES F. WIEDENHOEFER ADAM J. COLE RYAN C. MCHUGH CAROLYN A. WILD ANGELIQUE N. COLLAMER NECIA M. MCREE JON P. WINKLER MARIA A. CONLEY SAMUEL M. MEDARIS JOHN R. WITHEROW CHAD E. CONNOR JOHN N. MELANDER RAMON YAMBOARIAS WENDY I. CONWAY DAVID C. MILLER GABRIEL ZIMMERER CHANTAL COUSINEAUKRIEGER CHRISTINE A. MIRABAL THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT CARLTON J. COVEY JAMES D. MITCHELL TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR CRISTALLE A. COX OKENY D. MODI FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: KEVIN M. CRAWFORD BENJAMIN MONSON To be major TERESA A. CRUTCHLEY KEITH A. MONTGOMERY JULIA CUERVO GLENVILLE G. MORTON THOMAS J. BAUER EDITH M. CULLEN ANDREW E. MUCK GREGORY BELL JOHN R. CUNNINGHAM LEIGH A. MUELLER RHETT B. CASPER BRANDON J. CUTLER MICHAEL W. MUNAGIAN JAMES K. CULLEN DERRICK R. DARNSTEADT RANDY M. NAIDOO JULIE C. DAMBLY BETHANY J. DERHODES STEFANIE M. NANCE MICHAEL W. DUERS JOSEPHINE DEGUZMAN KELLY E. NATION RORY B. FREDERICK DILLARD L. DEHART III MOLLY J. NELSEN SCOTT F. GRUWELL CHRISTIAN A. DEVAUX SUZIE C. NELSON MICHAEL L. HETSKO STEFANI L. DIEDRICH CRAIG L. NERBY PAULA K. HOANG DOUGLAS M. DOWNEY ADAKU N. NJOKU MATTHEW M. HUFFAKER JAMES T. DUNLAP CATHERINE E. NOBLE BETH L. JABLONOWSKI JENNIFER E. DUNLAVY CADE M. NYLUND THEODORE M. JACKSON MEGAN E. DURHAM DANIEL T. OCONNOR JOANNA B. JAMINSKA ANDREW B. EBERT DAVID M. OLDHAM NEAL B. JONES LANCE D. EDMONDS MICHELLE M. OLDS JINYOUNG KIM BRIAN C. EPPRIGHT DARON E. OLMSTED MISUKE KIM MATTHEW R. ESKRIDGE MICHAEL P. OREJUDOS MARCUS P. KROPF NATHAN R. EVANS LEE F. OZAETA BRENDAN M. LANE KRISTIN E. EVEARITT CASEY L. PARINI WENDY D. LOBRE SARAH A. FACKLER STEPHEN M. PAULSON AMBER M. MACIAS ELEANOR C. FAHERTY EMILY N. PAVLIK BLAKE E. MOORE ROBERT J. FELIX HEATHER R. PECK VARUN K. NARULA BRIAN M. FITZGERALD PETER P. PELLEGRINO ALAN K. NEAL JASON A. FOLTZ JASON M. PFLUKE PATRICK B. PARSONS JONATHAN R. FUNK REBECCA A. PIOTROWSKI JAMES M. PIPER II BRUCE J. GARDNER II MARK I. POGEMILLER

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BHARATH POLA ELIZABETH L. SOMSEL SANDY K. YIP DAMIEN C. POWELL SAMUEL A. SPEAR ALBERT S. YU JOHN W. POWELL JAMES T. STEEN PHILIP Y. ZHUO VIDHYA PRAKASH DANIEL A. STEIGELMAN DON L. ZUST, JR. KELLY A. PRICE ALLEN I. STERING SHAY L. PRICE GREGORY M. STROUP IN THE NAVY CHAD A. PRIOR TERESA L. STUMP THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT FRANCISCO J. RAMIREZ BRYAN D. SZALWINSKI IN THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY BENJAMIN L. RAWSON KENJI L. TAKANO UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 5589: JOEL A. REYES TRAVIS C. TAYLOR ELIZABETH M. REYNOSO SHANNA C. TENCLAY To be lieutenant commander ERIK J. RICHARDSON KAROLYN M. TEUFEL MICHAEL J. RIGGALL WILLIAM TOTH GREGORY G. GALYO RICHARD J. ROBINS DONALD J. TRAVER OLIVER C. MINIMO DAVID M. ROSS II PHUONG C. TRUONG VANCE M. ROTHMEYER VIRGINIA A. UNDERWOOD NAPOLEON P. ROUX III JENNIFER S. VANNESS f AARON M. RUBIN KENNETH W. VAWTER MICHAEL A. SACCOCCI MARK VISHNEPOLSKY BRIAN S. SAKAMOTO TIM N. VU CONFIRMATIONS MEREDITH A. SARDA ALICIA T. WAITS MICHAEL R. SAVONA BRIAN M. WATERS Executive nominations confirmed by MATTHEW R. SCHMITZ JASON M. WEBB the Senate, Tuesday, March 10, 2009: FAYE B. SERKIN LISA M. WEEKS JENNIFER A. SEXTON JACOB M. WESSLER EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT RYAN C. SHEFFIELD ROBB J. WIEGAND JEREMY M. SIKORA SAMANTHA L. WIEGAND AUSTAN DEAN GOOLSBEE, OF ILLINOIS, TO BE A MEM- KAREN SKY NED L. WILLIAMS BER OF THE COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS. CHRISTINE A. SMETANA PETER M. WILLIAMS CECILIA ELENA ROUSE, OF CALIFORNIA, TO BE MEM- JESSICA K. SMYTH SCOTT A. WILTZ BER OF THE COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS. DUSTIN M. SNELLING VANESSA W. WONG THE ABOVE NOMINATIONS WERE APPROVED SUBJECT CHARLES J. SNOW CURTIS J. WOZNIAK TO THE NOMINEES’ COMMITMENT TO RESPOND TO RE- MARCUS S. SNYDER STEPHANIE M. WRIGHT QUESTS TO APPEAR AND TESTIFY BEFORE ANY DULY MALCOLM J. SOLLEY FI A. YI CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE.

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SENSE OF HOUSE REGARDING NA- prevent these adverse outcomes. Children of its budget. This creates a sad trend: our TIONAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST getting breakfast at school also are sick less Forest Service is turning into the Fire Service. PROGRAM often, have fewer problems associated with Furthermore, both the Forest Service and hunger, such as dizziness, stomachaches and the Department of the Interior have had to SPEECH OF ear aches, and do significantly better than ‘‘Rob Peter to Pay Paul’’ by borrowing funds HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE their peers who do not get a school breakfast from other agency accounts to cover the esca- OF TEXAS in terms of cooperation, discipline and inter- lating costs of wildland fire suppression. In personal behaviors. 2007, for example, the Forest Service spent IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, our failure to fully utilize the $741 million more than was budgeted for Monday, March 9, 2009 School Breakfast Program has substantial wildland fire suppression, and the Department Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, costs, costs that greatly reduce the return on of the Interior spent $249 million more than H. Res. 210 seeks to express the sense of the educational investment in communities and was budgeted for wildland fire suppression. House of Representatives that providing states across the nation. Moreover, longer- And in the case of the Forest Service, the breakfast in schools through the National term costs also are borne by young children costs of catastrophic, emergency wildland fire School Breakfast Program has a positive im- who arrive at school unable to fully participate suppression activities account for the vast ma- pact on classroom performance. I salute my in the educational process due to lack of ade- jority of suppression expenditures, as two per- colleague, Rep. MOORE from Wisconsin, in her quate nutrition. cent of fires account for 80 percent of costs. efforts to promote the National School Break- We, as Members of Congress, cannot allow Madam Speaker, it is clear that something fast Program, and to recognize the positive for a matter such as child hunger, which we needs to be done to resolve this problem. impact that it has on our students. I urge my as Congress can help eradicate, to act as an That is why today I am reintroducing the colleagues to support this important resolution. impediment to the education of our children. FLAME Act. It has often been said that the children are President Obama articulated very fittingly, that The FLAME Act establishes a federal our future. As Members of Congress and ‘‘in a global economy where the most valuable FLAME fund for catastrophic, emergency adults, we must do all that we can to provide skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good wildland fire suppression activities. The Sec- their well-being, safety, and excellence in education is no longer just a pathway to op- retary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the school. portunity—it is a pre-requisite.’’ Interior may declare catastrophic, emergency A former U.S. Surgeon General once articu- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to sup- wildland fire suppression activities eligible for lated, ‘‘This is expensive stupidity . . . trying port H. Res. 210, expressing the sense of the the FLAME fund by issuing a Suppression to educate children with half starved bodies.’’ House of Representatives that providing Emergency Declaration. The declaration will While educators, parents and policymakers breakfast in schools through the National evaluate the size, severity, and threat of the generally agree that children need breakfast in School Breakfast Program has a positive im- individual wildland fire incident. order to learn, function and grow, the nation pact on classroom performance, because the The FLAME Act continues our stewardship still has a ways to go to insure that all needy School Breakfast Program represents a key of all lands by making funds available for cata- and at-risk children receive a daily school way to protect these children and to get a bet- strophic, emergency wildland fire suppression breakfast. While nearly 100,000 individual ter return on educational investments as well. activities on State and private land consistent schools across the country offer a school f with existing agreements. Funds will also be lunch, more than 15,000 of them still do not available for catastrophic, emergency wildland make breakfast available to children who are FEDERAL LAND ASSISTANCE, fire suppression on Indian lands. in need. In some states, only 50–60% of the MANAGEMENT, AND ENHANCE- The FLAME Act also requires that the Sec- schools serving students lunch also provide MENT (FLAME) ACT retary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the them with a breakfast to start the day. Interior submit a long-overdue report to Con- We must endorse programs aimed to en- HON. NICK J. RAHALL II gress containing a cohesive wildland fire man- hance the educational welfare of our children. OF WEST VIRGINIA agement strategy. This report will improve ef- As President Obama recently stated in his first IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES forts to prevent fires on our public lands, by address to a joint session of Congress, addressing critical fire prevention issues such ‘‘These education policies will open the doors Tuesday, March 10, 2009 as indentifying a system for assessing the of opportunity for our children. But it is up to Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, today I am level of fire risk to communities, and us to ensure they walk through them.’’ introducing the Federal Land Assistance, Man- indentifying a system to ensure that the high- Beginning over twenty years ago, and con- agement and Enhancement Act, or the est priority fuels reduction projects are being tinuing today, scholarly research has estab- FLAME Act. funded first. lished that the School Breakfast Program sig- Last year, our country experienced the dev- Last Congress, we worked to ensure nificantly improves the cognitive abilities and astating effects of catastrophic, emergency House-passage of the FLAME Act. The bill learning capacities of children. Matched con- wildland fires in California. For the past sev- drew support from the five former living Chiefs trolled studies, for example, indicate that low- eral years, we have witnessed tragic fire sea- of the Forest Service, over 40 different organi- income children who receive school breakfasts sons that have put American lives and our zations, 56 Members of Congress, and the do significantly better on a variety of indicators treasured public lands in harm’s way. Fire Speaker of the House. However, the Senate than low-income peers who go without break- seasons are getting longer and more intense did not act upon the measure. This Congress, fasts. Notably, the better outcomes associated due to climate change, drought, and other fac- I am pleased that Senate Energy and Natural with school breakfast include both educational tors. Resources Committee Chairman JEFF BINGA- preparedness (attendance, energy, alertness, As a result, federal fire suppression spend- MAN and Ranking Member LISA MURKOWSKI memory) and educational outcome measures ing has increased substantially over the past will be introducing the Senate companion (math scores, grades, reading ability). 10 years and projections appear to indicate measure to the FLAME Act. I look forward to When a child misses even one meal, let that this trend will continue into the foresee- working with our colleagues in the other body alone experiences chronic food shortages, im- able future. to ensure enactment of this important legisla- pairments occur whether they are lethargy and The dramatic rise in these costs is eroding tion in the 111th Congress. inattention, tiredness and distraction, or actual other non-fire programs and impacting the Madam Speaker, I am pleased that Presi- physical symptoms such as stomachaches core mission of the Federal land management dent Obama has indicated that he is sup- and headaches. The research from the United agencies. In the case of the Forest Service, portive of working together on this issue. I States Department of Agriculture shows that for example, wildland fire suppression activi- thank him for his leadership on this issue by feeding children breakfast in school helps to ties now account for approximately 48 percent addressing it in his Fiscal Year 2010 budget.

∑ 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 Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.001 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E602 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 10, 2009 I also will be working with the esteemed Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in Lee County, Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Chairman of the Committee on the Budget, Sarasota County, and Manatee County, Flor- Account: Department of Education, Higher Chairman JOHN SPRATT, to include language ida. Education in the Budget Resolution to support the Amount: $2,076,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Florida FLAME Act. Requesting Member: Congressman CONNIE Gulf Coast University Madam Speaker, catastrophic, emergency MACK Address of Requesting Entity: 10501 FGCU wildland fires can cause tragic loss of life and Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Blvd, S., Fort Myers, Florida 33965 property. I am proud to be joined in intro- Account: United States Army Corps of Engi- Description of Request: The requested fund- ducing the FLAME Act today by my col- neers, O&M ing will be utilized by the Florida Gulf Coast leagues Rep. NORM DICKS, Rep. RAU´ L Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Collier University in order to conduct a study of how GRIJALVA, Rep. MIKE SIMPSON, Rep. GREG County, FL coastal watersheds respond to changing fresh- WALDEN, and Senators JEFF BINGAMAN and Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 East water flow. LISA MURKOWSKI In the other body. I look for- Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112 Amount: $333,000 ward to working together towards enactment Legal Name of Entity Receiving Funds: Requesting Member: Congressman CONNIE this Congress to ensure that our country has United States Army Corps of Engineers MACK the necessary tools to combat catastrophic, Address of Entity Receiving Funds: 441 G Bill Number: H.R. 1105 emergency wildland fires. Street, NW., Washington, DC 20314 Account: Department of Transportation, Buses and Bus Facilities f Description of Request: This funding will be utilized for dredging the Gordon River Pass in Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lee EARMARK DECLARATION Collier County, Florida. The dredging is nec- County Transit (LeeTran) essary because shoaling has diminished the Address of Requesting Entity: 6035 Landing HON. CONNIE MACK water depth in the channel. View Road, Fort Myers, Florida 33907 Description of Request: The requested fund- OF FLORIDA Amount: $597,000 ing will be utilized to purchase new buses and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Requesting Member: Congressman CONNIE replace existing buses in LeeTran’s fleet. Tuesday, March 10, 2009 MACK Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Buses stand as an important mode of trans- Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, pursuant to Account: Department of Justice, OJP-Byrne portation for a large number of citizens in Lee the House Republican standards on earmarks, Discretionary Grants County. As a result, this funding will help I am submitting the following information re- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Florida LeeTran to better accommodate the crucial garding funding that my district received as Gulf Coast University need for reliable and environmentally clean part of the Omnibus Appropriations Act of Address of Requesting Entity: 10501 FGCU mass transit in Lee County, Florida. 2009 (H.R. 1105). Blvd., S., Fort Myers, Florida 33965 Amount: $475,000 Requesting Member: Congressman CONNIE Description of Request: This funding will be Requesting Member: Congressman CONNIE MACK utilized for the development of tools for train- MACK Bill Number: H.R. 1105 ing and processing crime scenes for use by Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Transportation, Account: Cooperative State Research Edu- law enforcement and public safety officials. Transportation, Community, and System Pres- cation and Extension Service, SRG This work will be done at the Florida Gulf ervation Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University Coast University in its Law Enforcement and Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Collier of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Public Safety department. County, FL Sciences Amount: $150,000 Address of Requesting Entity: 700 Experi- Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 East Requesting Member: Congressman CONNIE ment Station Red, Lake Alford, Florida 33850 Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112 MACK Description of Project: This project will con- Legal Name of Entity Receiving Funds: Flor- Bill Number: H.R. 1105 tinue vital citrus canker and greening re- ida Department of Transportation Account: Department of Justice, COPS Law Address of Entity Receiving Funds: 605 Su- search. Enforcement Technology Amount: $1,217,000 wannee Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Collier Requesting Member: Congressman CONNIE Description of Request: The requested fund- County, Florida MACK ing will be utilized to improve Interstate 75/ Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 East Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Collier Boulevard/SR 84 in Collier County, Account: United States Army Corps of Engi- Tamiami Trail, Naples, Florida 34112 Florida. The improvements are necessary to neers, Construction Description of Request: The funding will be help this important stretch of road meet the re- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lee utilized for the acquisition of public safety quirements necessary to fulfill the regions County, FL technology equipment for the Collier County commercial and transport needs. Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 398, Emergency Services Center. The funding is Amount: $570,000 Fort Myers, FL 33902 important because it will help to better equip Requesting Member: Congressman CONNIE Legal Name of Entity Receiving Funds: Collier County’s emergency service providers MACK United States Army Corps of Engineers to respond to events that could endanger the Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Address of Entity Receiving Funds: 441 G safety of the citizens of Collier County, Florida. Account: Department of Transportation, Street, NW., Washington, DC 20314 Amount: $350,000 Transportation, Community, and System Pres- Description of Request: The requested fund- Requesting Member: Congressman CONNIE ervation ing will be utilized for reimbursement for beach MACK Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Charlotte renourishment for the Gasparilla Segment in Bill Number: H.R. 1105 County, FL Lee County, Florida. Account: Environmental Protection Agency, Address of Requesting Entity: 18500 Amount: $191,000 STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Murdock Circle, Suite 536, Port Charlotte, FL Requesting Member: Congressman CONNIE Project 33948 MACK Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lee Legal Name of Entity Receiving Funds: Flor- Bill Number: H.R. 1105 County, Florida ida Department of Transportation Account: United States Army Corps of Engi- Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 398, Address of Entity Receiving Funds: 605 Su- neers, O&M Ft. Myers, Florida 33902 wannee Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: West Description of Request: The requested fund- Description of Request: The requested fund- Coast Inland Navigation District ing will be utilized for water and sewer system ing will be utilized for design and expansion of Address of Requesting Entity: 200 East improvements in Lee County, Florida. The the Burnt Store Road to a four-lane divided ar- Miami Avenue, Venice, FL 34285 project will help to ensure that Lee County’s terial with shoulders to enhance the overall Legal Name of Entity Receiving Funds: water and sewer system is environmentally safety of the road. Burnt Store Road is a very United States Army Corps of Engineers sound and provides the highest level of safety important transportation artery that doubles as Address of Entity Receiving Funds: 441 G and service to the people of Lee County. an evacuation route. Street, NW., Washington, DC 20314 Amount: $275,000 Amount: $380,000 Description of Request: This funding will be Requesting Member: Congressman CONNIE Requesting Member: Congressman CONNIE utilized for maintenance dredging along the MACK MACK

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.002 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E603 Bill Number: H.R. 1105 brates her ninety-eighth birthday on March formed citizen body. I wish to extend my grati- Account: Economic Development Initiatives 9th. tude to The State News for its achievements, Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Trust Ebby first arrived in Dallas in 1938 and soon and I ask my colleagues to join me in recog- for Thomas Edison & Henry Ford Winter Es- after owned and ran her own boutique called nizing its 100 years in serving the East Lan- tates, Inc. Ebby’s Hats. After being approached by a de- sing community as a successful student-run Address of Requesting Entity: 2350 veloper in 1945, Ebby went from selling hats newspaper. McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida to selling houses. Together with her beloved f 33901 husband, Maurice Acers, Ebby Halliday Real- Description of Request: The requested fund- tors was founded. The company’s inventory PERSONAL EXPLANATION ing will be utilized for the restoration of the began with fifty-two houses on the old Walnut Edison and Ford Estates research laboratory. Hill Golf Course in North Dallas, but has HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON Amount: $142,500 steadily grown year after year into one of the OF ILLINOIS f most successful and widely recognized real IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES estate firms in the country. Aside from her en- IN RECOGNITION OF SOCCER TEAM trepreneurial spirit, her success can be attrib- Tuesday, March 10, 2009 AT URSULINE ACADEMY OF DAL- uted to the great care and attention she gives Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Madam Speaker, LAS to her employees and agents as well as her unfortunately on Friday March 6, 2009, I was buyers. This personal touch includes nurturing unable to cast my votes on Approving the HON. PETE SESSIONS talent as well as meeting with new employees, Journal, the Motion to Recommit on H.J. Res. OF TEXAS making them feel welcomed. Over the course 38, and H.J. Res. 38 and wish the record to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of her career she has received numerous reflect my intentions had I been able to vote. awards such as the Horatio Alger Award in Had I been present for rollcall No. 107, on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 2005 and the Visionary Award from Founda- Approving the Journal, I would have voted Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise tion Fighting Blindness and the Linz Award in ‘‘aye’’. today to proudly recognize the soccer team at 2008. Had I been present for rollcall No. 108, on Ursuline Academy of Dallas on winning the Aside from her professional achievements, the Motion to Recommit on H.J. Res. 38, the prestigious TAPPS 5A State Championship Ebby is also known for her philanthropic spirit. Continuing Resolution, extending it through title for the 19th consecutive year. She has generously given of her time and ef- the end of Fiscal Year 2009, I would have At the Mata Stadium in San Antonio, Ursu- fort in addition to monetary contributions. voted ‘‘aye’’. line and Nolan Catholic High School of Fort Many nonprofit organizations and causes such Had I been present for rollcall No. 109, on Worth battled for the State Championship title as St. Paul Medical Center, United Way of passing H.J. Res. 38, the Continuing Resolu- for the eighth consecutive year. In this final Metropolitan Dallas and the Communities tion through March 11, 2009, I would have game, Ursuline successfully defended its title Foundation of Texas have benefitted greatly voted ‘‘nay’’. It is high time we buckled down with a score of 2 to 1. Both goals were scored from her love for and dedication to her com- and got our work done in a timely fashion and in the first half by Sophie Campise. Led by munity. There is no doubt that the great City in an open and transparent process. This Om- Head Coach Jamie Cantrell, these young la- of Dallas is a better place because of her. nibus Appropriations bill is long overdue, but dies committed themselves to a tradition of Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join at the same time we should not be throwing winning and dedicated countless hours prac- me in expressing our heartiest congratulations a bill on the House floor that has been cob- ticing to hone their ability to perform as a to Ebby as she celebrates her ninety-eighth bled together by a select few Democrats be- team. This prestigious title of State Champion birthday. I wish Ebby many more years of hind closed doors. The result is what we wit- speaks loudly of their discipline and hard health, happiness, and prosperity. May we all nessed in the Senate where it could not pass work. strive to have the same generosity and dedi- by the time the current CR expired and the Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join cation that she exemplifies. need arose to pass another short term CR me in expressing our heartiest congratulations f through March 11, 2009. This process needs to the members of the soccer team for their RECOGNIZING THE STATE NEWS reform and it is my hope that the FY2010 Ap- well deserved victory. I wish them all the best FOR 100 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE propriations process will move under regular in their future endeavors. IN JOURNALISM order and by the start of the new fiscal year f on October 1, 2009. f PERSONAL EXPLANATION HON. MIKE ROGERS OF MICHIGAN IN RECOGNITION OF J.L. LONG HON. RON KLEIN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MIDDLE SCHOOL CELEBRATING ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF FLORIDA Tuesday, March 10, 2009 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the State News HON. PETE SESSIONS Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at Michigan State University as they celebrate OF TEXAS Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I their 100th anniversary. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rise today to submit how I would have voted The State News was founded in 1909 as Tuesday, March 10, 2009 on March 9, 2009, when I was tending to a the Holcad in order to defend the Michigan family commitment, for which the timing was Agricultural College against a series of articles Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise not flexible. and critical remarks published in the Lansing today to honor J.L. Long Middle School in Dal- Had I voted, I would have voted ‘‘yes’’ on Journal. In 1925, as the Michigan Agricultural las, Texas which will be celebrating its 75th rollcall No. 110; ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall No. 111; College changed its name to Michigan State anniversary on April 2, 2009. ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall No. 111. College, the Holcad became the Michigan Initially established as the second junior f State News. In 1971, the State News became high school in Dallas, J.L. Long first opened a 501(c)3 organization, run independently of its doors to 550 students in 1933. Over the IN CELEBRATION OF EBBY the university. course of its history, this school has educated HALLIDAY’S 98TH BIRTHDAY Each year, the State News employs hun- thousands of bright young minds, providing dreds of students, training them in the areas them with a firm foundation for success. In HON. PETE SESSIONS of reporting, photography, design, and adver- 2006, its student body expanded to include OF TEXAS tising that are critical to a career in journalism. sixth graders. The J.L. Long science team was IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Throughout its 100 years, the State News has named state champion in the 2005–2006 and served as a way for students to connect to 2006–2007 school years while the math team Tuesday, March 10, 2009 each other on campus, voice opinions, and act consistently placed in the top six in the state Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise as a watchdog for the East Lansing commu- for the past several years. Aside from its many today to honor a true Dallas icon and a leg- nity. academic accomplishments, J.L. Long Middle endary woman that has changed the real es- Madam Speaker, a commitment to jour- School boasts an impressive history and tate industry, Ebby Halliday Acers. She cele- nalism is the foundation for creating a more in- record of parental involvement. The Works

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.004 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E604 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 10, 2009 Progress Administration (WPA) Depression ment, African Americans sang spirituals to NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS Mural by Olin Travis is proudly displayed in give each other hope. And during the Great AND INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME their library and in 2004 the school was des- Depression, there were always music and CLASS OF 2009 ignated as a Dallas Historical Landmark. The dance shows to lift the spirits of the ‘‘Forgotten PTA Board has been recognized for gener- Man.’’ HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY ously contributing over 8,500 volunteer service OF INDIANA Now, in the great city of Augusta, Georgia, hours. J.L. Long Middle School’s commitment IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Divine Performing Arts will be displaying to education and character building will help Tuesday, March 10, 2009 these individuals grow up to become mature, their ‘‘amazing’’, ‘‘magnificent’’, and ‘‘spectac- responsible citizens and our next generation of ular’’ abilities on stage. This group of world- Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great leaders. class performers will be presenting the beauty deep respect and admiration that I rise to Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join of traditional Chinese art as their way of fight- commend five exceptional business leaders from Northwest Indiana who will be honored me in congratulating J.L. Long Middle on sev- ing ‘‘against the negative impacts of the cur- as the Northwest Indiana Business and Indus- enty five years of academic achievement. I rent economic situation and its consequences try Hall of Fame’s class of 2009. Created by wish them many more years of success. in the Augusta area.’’ The Times and BusINess magazine, induction f As many cities across the world have al- into the Indiana Business and Industry Hall of HONORING THE ADRIAN COLLEGE ready witnessed, these performers bring a Fame is determined by a panel of local civic ON THEIR SESQUICENTENNIAL message of kindness, compassion, and cour- and business leaders. While there were many CELEBRATION age, while rousing viewers to help the down- deserving nominees, the individuals selected trodden in their community. Certainly, these as the 2009 Indiana Business and Industry themes are inspirational and benefit all of the Hall of Fame inductees are: Calvin Bellamy, HON. MARK H. SCHAUER Don Burrell, Bruce Leetz, Cynthia Powers, and communities that they have visited. OF MICHIGAN Burton Ruby. For their many contributions to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Madam Speaker, I encourage my col- the enhancement of Northwest Indiana, these Tuesday, March 10, 2009 leagues to join me in both welcoming and ap- honorees will be recognized at a ceremony Mr. SCHAUER. Madam Speaker, I am plauding the Divine Performing Arts group to taking place at the Radisson Hotel at Star proud to honor today Adrian College on the ‘‘The Garden City’’. They have shown past Plaza in Merrillville, Indiana, on Thursday, occasion of their Sesquicentennial Celebra- success in breaking down cultural barriers, March 12, 2009. Cal Bellamy is the former president and tion. Adrian College evolved from a theological and I hope my constituents in Augusta take chief executive officer of the former Bank Cal- institute founded by the Wesleyan Methodist the time to appreciate this special perform- umet, where he worked for an astonishing thir- ance. denomination in 1845. ty-one years. Having served as Bank Cal- On March 28, 1859, Adrian College was umet’s CEO for twenty-four of those years, chartered by the Michigan legislature as a de- f Cal made a lasting impression on the North- gree-granting institution with Dr. Asa Mahan west Indiana community through his immense HONORING THE ADRIAN DOMINI- as its first President. For almost 100 years, dedication to many worthwhile causes. Now CAN SISTERS ON THEIR 125TH the campus consisted of several brick build- an attorney with Krieg DeVault LLC, where he ANNIVERSARY ings stretching along Madison Street. In the specializes in financial planning, Cal has con- mid-1950s, the College, encouraged by the tinued to champion the needs of his commu- generosity of Ray W. Herrick, embarked in a nity. From working to improve schools to work- building program that established the basis for HON. MARK H. SCHAUER ing to develop small businesses and afford- the current campus. Today, when students OF MICHIGAN able housing, Cal has led the charge toward walk in the area bounded on the east by Madi- bettering the quality of life in Northwest Indi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES son Street and edged by Downs Hall, North ana. Hall, Cornelius House and Herrick Tower, they Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Don Burrell is the founder and President of tread on the same ground that students hur- Burrell Color Imaging in Crown Point, Indiana. ried across in 1859. Mr. SCHAUER. Madam Speaker, I am Don, having gotten his start in the business In an era of many constant challenges that proud to honor today the Adrian Dominican world with a few hundred dollars he obtained face our daily lives, the tireless efforts of edu- Sisters on the occasion of their 125th Anniver- from the sale of his car, truly understands cational institutions like this one, help to make sary. The Adrian Dominican Sisters are a what hard work and perseverance can attain. our community, state and country an out- Roman Catholic Congregation of more than This is why a key aspect of his business strat- standing place to learn, live and work. It is 850 vowed religious women who trace their egy is to respect his employees and allow with deep appreciation of the significance of them to advance to their full potential. While heritage to St. Dominic in the 13th century. this milestone that I commend Adrian College his business has been very successful, it is Also serving with them are around 195 associ- on the occasion of their Sesquicentennial Don’s commitment to those most in need that Celebration. ates, non-vowed men and women who are is most commendable. Throughout the years, f committed to sharing in their mission and vi- Don’s staunch support for the Burrell Cancer sion. Institute at Saint Anthony’s Medical Center HONORING THE DIVINE PER- and the Saint Jude House women’s and chil- FORMING ARTS GROUP FOR They minister in 31 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, dren’s shelter has been truly remarkable. THEIR EFFORTS TO BRING A Bruce Leetz joined North Coast Distributing MESSAGE OF HOPE AND COUR- and in the nations of Canada, the Dominican Republic, Italy and Swaziland. in 1963 as a driver. By 1970, he was named AGE TO AUGUSTA, GEORGIA president of the family owned business that The Adrian Dominican Sisters serve in a va- has grown to become a multi-million-case dis- HON. PAUL C. BROUN riety of ministries depending on the needs of tributor based out of Valparaiso, Indiana. OF GEORGIA the people to whom they are sent. They also Bruce’s explanation for the success is the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sponsor numerous schools, hospitals, retreat company culture, which is based on values that he has always lived by: passion, respect, Tuesday, March 10, 2009 centers and a variety of many other businesses and institutions. integrity, commitment, and excelling, which he Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Madam Speaker, refers to as the PRICE of success. While The weekend of May 15th through the 17th As a medical doctor, I can tell you without any other companies throughout Northwest Indiana doubt that music and the arts have routinely of 2009 will mark the 125th Anniversary of the have surely replicated this structure, it is the proven to have a positive psychological affect Adrian Dominican Sisters’ establishment of exemplary commitment to their community that on those with low spirits. All through history their permanent presence in the city of Adrian, set Bruce Leetz and North Coast Distributing we have seen the use of music and dance lift Michigan. It is with deep appreciation of the apart. In 2008 alone, North Coast raised near- hearts and minds. During the American Revo- significance of this milestone that I commend ly $80,000 for Saint Jude Children’s Research lution and Civil War, music was a way of for- the Adrian Dominican Sisters on the occasion Hospital to help find a cure for childhood can- getting the horrors of war. During enslave- of their 125th Anniversary. cer.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MR8.003 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E605 Cynthia Powers is the owner of Century 21 NJ by performing channel exams, mainte- Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Army Powers Realty, Inc. Well-respected and well- nance dredging of the ferry area, Cape May Corps of Engineers—Construction—Con- known for her success as a businesswoman in Canal bank stabilization & maintenance, reha- tinuing Authorities Program Section 1135 Northwest Indiana, she may be even more bilitation of the steel bulkhead, repairing Point Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army recognizable for her immeasurable contribu- Pleasant Canal Old Bridge Abutments, and Corps of Engineers tions to her church and her community. As a maintenance dredging segment 2. Description of Request: Funding for the cancer survivor, Cynthia truly understands the 2.) Requesting Member: Rep. CHRIS SMITH Assunpink Creek Basin, NJ will be used to im- importance of faith, and her commitment to Bill Number: H.R. 1105 plement the Project Partnership Agreement her church, First African Methodist Episcopal Account: Army Corps of Engineers—Oper- and initiate and complete the design. Funding Church in Gary, can be seen in the more than ations and Maintenance can also be used to award the construction twenty years she has led the youth choir. In Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army contract. Corps of Engineers the Northwest Indiana community, a more giv- 7.) Requesting Member: Rep. CHRIS SMITH ing person could not be found. To name a few Description of Request: This Manasquan Bill Number: H.R. 1105 of her contributions, Cynthia has served as River, NJ project provides safe, reliable, and chairman and on the board of directors for the efficient navigation channel for the busiest Account: Army Corps of Engineers—Con- Lake Area United Way, and she has served inlet in NJ. Funding in the amount of $337,000 tinuing Authorities Program—Section 205 on the board of directors for The Discovery Al- will be used to monitor the jetty, perform main- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army liance, Tradewinds, and the Friends of Hos- tenance dredging of the entrance channel and Corps of Engineers pice of the Calumet Area. repair retaining wall curb. Description of Request: The Assunpink Burton ‘‘Bud’’ Ruby, chairman of Jamar- 3.) Requesting Member: Rep. CHRIS SMITH Creek study area is located between the flood Ruby, has spent over seventy years with the Bill Number: H.R. 1105 control dam at Mercer County Park in West company founded by his father over ninety- Account: Army Corps of Engineers—Con- Windsor and the City of Trenton. Benefits from three years ago. After learning the trade from struction flood damage reduction projects include sav- the shop floor, Bud advanced in the ranks, Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army ing structures and contents from flood dam- eventually becoming president and chief exec- Corps of Engineers age, the savings from alleviation of cleanup utive officer in 1957. Today, at age 89, Bud Description of Request: Funding in the costs, and reduction of the costs of flood fight- remains chairman of the company, which now amount of $957,000 will be used for the ing and evacuation. The ACE will use the conducts business under the name Trans-Ap- Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet, NJ project to funding for flood plain reconnection, stream parel Group. In addition to his success as a continue the construction of the sand re- restoration, wetland creation, impervious cover businessman, Bud knows a thing or two about nourishment phase of Section II of this critical removal, flood proofing and flood plain man- serving his community; he is a World War II shore protection project, an area that extends agement to be the most likely alternative given veteran. Locally, Bud has served the commu- from Belmar to Manasquan, NJ and incor- the highly urbanized setting of the area. nity through his service with several councils porates the beaches of several coastal towns 8.) Requesting Member: Rep. CHRIS SMITH and foundations, including: the Duneland in Monmouth County, NJ. The New Jersey Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Department of Environmental Protection is the Health Council, where he serves as its chair- Account: Department of Energy EERE— non-Federal sponsor of this project and will man, and the Purdue University North Central Solar Energy pay a third of the costs. Chancellor’s Advisory Board and the Unity Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Isles, Inc. Foundation of LaPorte County, where he 4.) Requesting Member: Rep. CHRIS SMITH Address of Requesting Agency: 10 Wood serves on each of their boards of directors. Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08618 Additionally, he has been a member of Rotary Account: Army Corps of Engineers—Inves- International since 1939. tigations—Feasibility Study Description of Request: The ‘‘Solar and Madam Speaker, I ask you and my distin- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Green Retrofit’’ project will house an environ- guished colleagues to join me in commending Corps of Engineers mental center and be a showcase for green these outstanding leaders on their induction Description of Request: Funding for the NJ buildings, with renovations incorporating cut- into the Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Shoreline Alternative Long-Term Nourishment ting-edge, high performance environmental Fame. These individuals are most deserving in the amount of $96,000 will be used to con- technology, including solar photovoltaic panels of being named the class of 2009, and for tinue the Feasibility phase of this study. Work on the roof, expansive interior day lighting, their leadership and commitment to the North- will continue to evaluate all of New Jersey’s and energy efficient heating and cooling sys- west Indiana community, each of the recipi- coastal projects, including the different tems. ents is worthy of our respect and admiration. reaches of beach replenishment projects, as a Financial Plan: system to ensure maximum benefits are f Green Roof Installation $100,000 achieved from the Federal investment and re- Solar Array Installation $100,000 EARMARK DECLARATION duce long-term periodic nourishment costs. Associated Design Fees $37,875 This includes developing a regional sediment TOTAL $237,875 budget and an improved understanding of re- HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH 9.) Requesting Member: Rep. CHRIS SMITH OF NEW JERSEY gional coastal processes, implementation of Bill Number: H.R. 1105 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES an efficient regional monitoring program, and development of a comprehensive beach, inlet, Account: Department of Energy EERE— Tuesday, March 10, 2009 and borrow area management strategy. New Other Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, Jersey Department of Environmental Protec- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of I would like to submit the following earmark re- tion is the non-Federal sponsor and will pro- Trenton quest: vide a 50/50 cost share. Address of Requesting Agency: 319 East 1.) Requesting Member: Rep. CHRIS SMITH 5.) Requesting Member: Rep. CHRIS SMITH State Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08608 Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Description of Request: The city of Tren- Account: Army Corps of Engineers—Oper- Account: Army Corps of Engineers—Inves- ton’s Green Renewable Energy Feasibility ations and Maintenance tigations—Feasibility Study Study will use the funding in the amount of Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army $475,000 to examine the utility of windpower Corps of Engineers Corps of Engineers and solar panel demonstration projects in Description of Request: The New Jersey In- Description of Request: Funding in the Trenton, which have the potential to save the tracoastal Waterway navigation project pro- amount of $277,000 will be used to continue City significant fiscal resources while simulta- vides a safe, reliable, and efficient navigation the plan formulation effort for the Feasibility neously realizing a positive outcome for the channel for the East Coast’s largest and the study to evaluate the alternative solutions to environment. 5th most valuable commercial fishing fleet in the region’s problems regarding flooding along Financial Plan: the U.S. and nine U.S. Coast Guard Stations, the Delaware River and tributaries will begin. including the only U.S. Coast Guard enlistee The New Jersey Department of Environmental City Personnel $100,000 training base in the U.S. Funding in the Protection is the non-Federal sponsor and will Energy Consultant $328,250 amount of $888,000 will be used to repair a provide a 50/50 cost share. Indirect Costs $47,500 critically damaged bulkhead in Point Pleasant, 6.) Requesting Member: Rep. CHRIS SMITH TOTAL $475,750

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR8.006 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E606 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 10, 2009 HONORING RICHARD M. SCHECK, My bill makes permanent a provision of the and pursuits have exemplified the spirit of raw MAYOR OF NORTH RIVERSIDE, Medicare Modernization Act that provided pay- determination, fortitude, entrepreneurship and ILLINOIS ments to eligible providers for procedures for virtues of citizenship demonstrated by so undocumented aliens. The bill authorizes $250 many of those immigrating to this great coun- HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI million a year to reimburse eligible providers try of ours. On Thursday, March 12th 2009, OF ILLINOIS for this care. Two-thirds of the funds are di- Campos Brothers Farms will receive the Nisei IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES vided among the 50 states and the District of Farmers League’s 2009 Agriculturalist of the Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Columbia based on their relative percentages Year Award, an award given to an outstanding of undocumented aliens, the last third is di- member of the Nisei Farmers League who has Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today vided among the 6 states with the largest shown exceptional leadership skills, devotion, to honor Mayor Richard M. Scheck of North number of undocumented aliens. and who truly makes a valuable contribution to Riverside, Illinois. Richard Scheck will be retir- f agriculture. Many things contribute to Califor- ing in April after having given 20 years of nia’s bountiful crops and the economic well- dedicated public service as the mayor of North A PROCLAMATION HONORING THE being of the state, but one significant under- Riverside. 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AP- lying factor in California’s agricultural success Richard Scheck was first elected to his post PALACHIAN LEADERSHIP ACAD- has been the presence of men such as as mayor in 1989. He has garnered statewide EMY Fermin and Tony Campos. recognition for his excellent record of financial Fermin and Antonio Campos were born in management and achievement, effective com- HON. ZACHARY T. SPACE Olondriz, Spain in the Province of Navarra, munication with residents and businesses, and OF OHIO where they were two of nine children. Tony earnest work for the health and well-being of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES came to the United States in 1952 at the age the North Riverside community. I have been of 17 as a sheepherder with Fermin arriving Tuesday, March 10, 2009 honored to work with Mayor Scheck on nu- three years later. After five years of hard work merous issues to help our constituents. Rich- Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: they were proud to become U.S. Citizens be- ard Scheck has been a true public servant, Whereas, the Appalachian Leadership ginning their American Dream. In 1957, the selflessly giving his time and energy to his Academy was formed in 1998 out of a partner- brothers formed their partnership known as community while also running a successful en- ship between the Institute for Local Govern- Campos Brothers Farms. Over the years they gineering company. Through his 20 years as ment Administration and Rural Development at have been active in many capacities and in- mayor, he has made North Riverside an even Ohio University’s Voinovich Center for Leader- dustries. Early they worked with sheep, later better place to live. ship and Public Affairs and the Corporation for raising crops such as alfalfa, cotton, black-eye Richard Scheck has also been very suc- Ohio Appalachian Development; and beans, raisins and grapes before beginning cessful in his philanthropic work to raise Whereas, the Academy is designed to help their endeavors with almonds. The brothers money to fight breast cancer. Through the prepare middle management employees for were also proud to be associated with the ‘‘Betty Scheck Walk for Cancer,’’ the ‘‘Betty leadership roles within their agencies and start of the Caruthers Raisin Packing Com- Scheck Shuffle,’’ and other fundraisers, he has communities; and pany where Tony served as President for five helped raise over $1.2 million for the American Whereas, the Academy has graduated 170 years. Both brothers were actively involved in Cancer Society. And in 2007, Seguin Serv- leaders into Ohio Appalachian communities; the raisin industry serving on the Raisin Ad- ices—which helps children and adults with dis- and ministrative Committee as well as the Raisin abilities—awarded Richard Scheck the Presi- Whereas, the goal of the Academy is to en- Bargaining Association. dent’s Award for ‘‘his support as a community hance the knowledge of the participants not In 1980, the Campos Brothers built their first leader, a donor, an employer, a connector and only in leadership but about the Appalachian almond huller. Along with their wives and chil- as an inspiration to others.’’ Region as a whole in order to better prepare dren they watched the company blossom I ask my colleagues to join me today in rec- them to use their skills in the Appalachian under their mutual hard labor becoming one of ognizing the many achievements of Mayor communities of Ohio; therefore, be it the most respected producers, processors, Richard M. Scheck. It is my honor to acknowl- Resolved that along with the friends, alumni and sellers of quality almonds in the world edge him for his outstanding leadership and of the Academy, and the residents of the 18th today. Tony and Fermin have been active on commitment to public service in the Village of Congressional District, I commend the Appa- the California Almond Board and its various North Riverside and the Third Congressional lachian Leadership Academy for their stead- committees. Both Tony and Fermin have been District of Illinois. fast efforts to offer educational leadership op- active supporters of their local FFA organiza- f portunities, and congratulate them on their tion, Fresno State Agricultural Program and HELP BORDER HEALTHCARE 10th anniversary. the California Agricultural Leadership Program. f They are proud members of the Nisei Farmers League continually advocating for California HON. BOB FILNER PERSONAL EXPLANATION OF CALIFORNIA Agricultural interests. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES We recently lost Fermin. His passing has HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY left a large hole in not only the family and the Tuesday, March 10, 2009 OF NEVADA family business, but in agriculture in general. Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Agriculture indeed misses Fermin’s contribu- to introduce H.R. 1386, the Pay for All Your Tuesday, March 10, 2009 tions and passion. Tony continues to carry on Undocumented Procedures (PAY UP!) Act of the family tradition of pride, passion, excel- 2009. This bill will provide payments for emer- Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I was unable lence and advocacy. So I believe it very fitting gency services provided to undocumented to vote on rollcall numbers 110 through 112. today to rise before you my colleagues, to aliens. Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘aye’’ honor Fermin and Tony Campos, Nisei Farm- The costs of uncompensated emergency on each. ers League’s 2009 ‘‘Agriculturalists of the care for undocumented immigrants are sky f Year.’’ high and border area hospitals, physicians, f and ambulance providers are choking on the IN HONOR OF TONY AND FERMIN costs that they have to eat. My bill, the Pay for CAMPOS; 2009 NISEI FARMERS HONORING RICHARD M. SCHECK, All Your Undocumented Procedures (PAY LEAGUE AGRICULTURALISTS OF MAYOR OF NORTH RIVERSIDE, UP!) Act of 2009, is the first step to solving THE YEAR AWARD ILLINOIS this problem which is well known in border communities. HON. JIM COSTA HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI Undocumented aliens receive emergency OF CALIFORNIA OF ILLINOIS services in a hospital and yet that hospital is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES not reimbursed for these services. My bill will ensure that the healthcare providers are reim- Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Tuesday, March 10, 2009 bursed for the emergency services they pro- Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today vide. pay special tribute to two brothers whose lives to honor Mayor Richard M. Scheck of North

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MR8.008 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E607 Riverside, Illinois. Richard Scheck will be retir- A PROCLAMATION CONGRATU- EARMARK DECLARATION ing in April after having given 20 years of LATING THE CHILLICOTHE HIGH dedicated public service as the mayor of North SCHOOL CHEERLEADING SQUAD HON. JOHN M. McHUGH Riverside. ON THEIR EIGHTH STATE TITLE OF NEW YORK Richard Scheck was first elected to his post IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES as mayor in 1989. He has garnered statewide HON. ZACHARY T. SPACE Tuesday, March 10, 2009 OF OHIO recognition for his excellent record of financial Mr. MCHUGH. Madam Speaker, pursuant to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES management and achievement, effective com- the House Republican standards on earmarks, munication with residents and businesses, and Tuesday, March 10, 2009 I am submitting the following information for earnest work for the health and wellbeing of Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: publication in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD re- the North Riverside community. I have been Whereas, the Chillicothe High School garding earmarks I received as part of H.R. honored to work with Mayor Scheck on nu- Cheerleading Squad has won the Ohio State 1105 FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act: merous issues to help our constituents. Rich- Title in the Division II Mount Category; and Requesting Member: Congressman JOHN ard Scheck has been a true public servant, Whereas, having won in 2007 they have MCHUGH selflessly giving his time and energy to his now reclaimed their state title; and Bill Number: H.R. 1105 community while also running a successful en- Whereas, the CHS Cheerleading squad has Account: Environmental Programs and Man- gineering company. Through his 20 years as worked long, tireless hours to perfect their rou- agement Legal Name of Requesting Entity: National mayor, he has made North Riverside an even tines; therefore, be it Rural Water Association better place to live. Resolved that with the parents, friends, students of CHS and alumni of the CHS Address of Requesting Entity: 2915 South Richard Scheck has also been very suc- Cheerleading Squad, along with the residents 13th Street, Duncan OK 73533. cessful in his philanthropic work to raise of the 18th Congressional District, I congratu- Description: Provide an earmark of money to fight breast cancer. Through the late the squad on their eighth Ohio State Title, $11,500,000 to help ensure that small commu- ‘‘Betty Scheck Walk for Cancer,’’ the ‘‘Betty and commend them on their hard work, and nities operate safe, clean water supplies and Scheck Shuffle,’’ and other fundraisers, he has winning spirit. comply with federal environmental mandates. I helped raise over $1.2 million for the American certify that I have no financial interest in this Cancer Society. And in 2007, Seguin Serv- f project ices—which helps children and adults with dis- EARMARK DECLARATION f abilities—awarded Richard Scheck the Presi- EARMARK DECLARATION dent’s Award for ‘‘his support as a community HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN leader, a donor, an employer, a connector and OF VIRGINIA HON. MIKE ROGERS as an inspiration to others.’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MICHIGAN I ask my colleagues to join me today in rec- Tuesday, March 10, 2009 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ognizing the many achievements of Mayor Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, pursuant Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Richard M. Scheck. It is my honor to acknowl- to the House Republican standards on ear- Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, edge him for his outstanding leadership and marks, I am submitting the following informa- pursuant to the House Republican standards commitment to public service in the Village of tion regarding earmarks I received as part of on earmarks, I am submitting the following in- North Riverside and the Third Congressional H.R. 1105, Consolidated Appropriations for formation regarding earmarks I received as District of Illinois. Fiscal Year 2009. part of H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appro- Project Name: Chesapeake Bay Oyster Re- priations Act: f covery Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE Account/Amount: Army Corps of Engineers ROGERS (MI) EARMARK DECLARATION (ACOE): Construction, $2,000,000 Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Requested By: ACOE Norfolk District Capa- Account: United States Department of Agri- bility/Virginia Institute of Marine Science culture/Cooperative State Research, Edu- HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO Project Description: Project will contribute to cation, and Extension Services (USDA/ OF NEW JERSEY multi-agency and private efforts to restore oys- CSREES) Special Grants Account ter populations in the Chesapeake Bay. The Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES project elements include; development of deci- State University Tuesday, March 10, 2009 sion documents, construction and rehabilita- Address of Requesting Entity: 484 Adminis- tion of oyster reefs to create sanctuaries and tration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824 Mr. LOBIONDO. Madam Speaker, as per spat on shell production areas, development Description of Request: Provide funding of the requirements of the Republican Con- of capability to produce disease tolerant $346,000 for fire blight research at Michigan ference Rules on earmarks, I secured the fol- broodstock and spat oysters for seeding, State University. Approximately, $148,000 is lowing earmark in H.R. 1105. planting of the disease tolerant spat and for the salaries of laboratory and field research brood-stock oysters in locations which best personnel; and $36,000 is for materials and Requesting Member: Congressman FRANK foster oyster reproduction and health, and supplies. Michigan State University has ob- LOBIONDO (NJ–02) oversight of project monitoring by the Virginia tained funding from the Michigan Apple Com- Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). Construc- mittee and industry sources and will continue Account: Interior and Environment; Environ- tion of the first phase of reefs in the to fund the fire blight research at MSU at a mental Protection Agency, Environmental Pro- Lynnhaven river was completed in 2007. level of $52,500 in FY09. Reefs have added approximately 200 million grams and Management Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE oysters to the Great Wicomico system. ROGERS (MI) Legal Name of Requesting Entity: National Financial Plan: FY09 funds would be used Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Rural Water Association to initiate and complete construction and moni- Account: United States Department of Agri- Address of Requesting Entity: 2915 South toring of approximately 30 cares of oyster culture/Cooperative State Research, Edu- 13th St., Duncan, OK 73533 reefs in the Lynnhaven and Great Wicomico cation, and Extension Services (USDA/ rivers, and partnering with the Baltimore Dis- CSREES) Special Grants Account Description of Request: A joint request to trict, ACOE, for development of the bay-wide Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan provide an earmark of $11.5 million to support Oyster Restoration Master Plan Decision Doc- State University rural water grassroots environmental and com- ument. The ACOE estimated on 2/5/09 that Address of Requesting Entity: 484 Adminis- pliance initiatives, specifically rural water tech- the estimated federal cost is $50,000,000 and tration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824 nical assistance, source water protection and the estimated non-federal cost is $66,700,000. Description of Request: Provide funding of ground water protection in New Jersey and The project received $19,213,000 through $104,000 for research of Armillaria Root Rot. across the nation. FY07 and $1,968,000 in FY08. Approximately, $84,000 is for the salaries of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.011 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E608 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 10, 2009 laboratory researchers; $9,000 is for operating funds will be used for salaries of key per- Approximately 35% for a Fiber Optic Commu- costs; $1000 is for travel to field sites; and sonnel and graduate students. Grant funds will nications Network; 25% for an In-Car Video $10,000 is for equipment necessary. also be used to purchase equipment, mate- Camera System; 20% for a Public Video Sur- Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE rials and supplies needed. Michigan State Uni- veillance System; 10% for a Patrol Vehicle ROGERS (MI) versity provides in excess of $500,000 in sup- Laptop Workstation Replacement; and 10% for Bill Number: H.R. 1105 port of this project annually through use of lab a Detention Camera Replacement. This re- Account: United States Department of Agri- space, equipment, and personnel assigned to quest is consistent with the intended and au- culture/Cooperative State Research, Edu- the project. thorized purpose of the COPS Law Enforce- cation, and Extension Services (USDA/ Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE ment Technology account. At least $500,000 CSREES) Special Grants Account ROGERS (MI) in local City of Lansing funds will be provided Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan Bill Number: H.R. 1105 as matching funds. Lansing public safety ca- State University Account: United States Department of Agri- pabilities lag current standards in law enforce- Address of Requesting Entity: 484 Adminis- culture/Cooperative State Research, Edu- ment, and require upgrading in order to best tration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824 cation, and Extension Services (USDA/ secure the jurisdiction. Through support re- Description of Request: Provide funding of CSREES) Special Grants Account quested of the federal government, the City of $246,000 for research of Bovine Tuberculosis. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Natural Lansing would be able to realize significant in- Approximately, $174,252 is for Salaries and Resources Conservation tegrated upgrades. support for 2 graduate students; $72,978 is for Address of Requesting Entity: 2805 S. In- Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE Laboratory supplies; and $8,770 for research dustrial Hwy, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 ROGERS (MI) related travel. Michigan State University will Description of Request: Provide funding of Bill Number: H.R. 1105 provide $127,500 in-kind funding. $404,000 for reducing soil erosion and control- Account: United States Department of Ener- Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE ling sediment. Grant funds will be used for sal- gy’s Solar and Renewable Energy Account ROGERS (MI) aries, materials and supplies and for equip- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Con- Bill Number: H.R. 1105 ment purchases and travel costs. sortium for Plant Biotechnology Research Account: United States Department of Agri- Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box culture/Cooperative State Research, Edu- ROGERs (MI) 20634, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 cation, and Extension Services (USDA/ Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Description of Request: Provide $475,750 CSREES) Special Grants Account Account: United States Department of Agri- for detailed investigation of the most promising Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan culture/Cooperative State Research, Edu- technologies to determine the value propo- State University cation, and Extension Services (USDA/ sition that is needed to interest commercial Address of Requesting Entity: 484 Adminis- CSREES) Special Grants Account partners in the further development of bio tration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan based production of fuels, chemicals, and ma- Description of Request: Provide funding of State University terials. Funds will cover salaries; materials and $147,000 to improve fruit practices for sugar Address of Requesting Entity: 109 Agri- supplies; and equipment purchases and travel beets and dry beans. Approximately, $101,440 culture Hall, East Lansing, Michigan 48824 costs. is for salaries and expenses and $40,560 is Description of Request: Provide $346,000 in Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE for lab maintenance and equipment. In addi- funding for Phytophthora research at Michigan ROGERS (MI) tion to the federal funds provided by this grant, State University. Approximately 85 percent of Bill Number: H.R. 1105 this research is supported by personnel, the funding will go to researchers, technicians Account: United States Department of En- equipment, and facilities funded by the Michi- and students. Approximately 15 percent will be ergy gan Agricultural Experiment Station and Michi- used for materials, supplies and administra- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan gan State University Extension. tion. Michigan State University has received State University Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE outside sources of funding for Phytophthora 20634, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 ROGERS (MI) research as well. This funding is consistent Description of Request: Provide $3,806,000 Bill Number: H.R. 1105 with the authorized purpose of the Coopera- for research and commercialization for clean Account: United States Department of Agri- tive State Research, Education and Extension. energy, national energy security, and a clean- culture/Cooperative State Research, Edu- Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE er environment. Approximately, 7.4% for peer cation, and Extension Services (USDA/ ROGERS (MI) reviewed competitions and 92.6% is for re- CSREES) Special Grants Account Bill Number: H.R. 1105 search projects. The Consortium for Plant Bio- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan Account: United States Department of Agri- technology Research has stated that they are State University culture/Cooperative State Research, Edu- able to match Federal funds, on average, Address of Requesting Entity: 484 Adminis- cation, and Extension Services (USDA/ 130% with non-federal funds. Industry also tration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824 CSREES) Special Grants Account Description of Request: Provide funding of Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan provides at least 50% cash matching, addi- $266,000 to enhance the environmental sus- State University tional in-kind matching, and substantial invest- tainability of food and agricultural systems Address of Requesting Entity: 302 Adminis- ments in technology development. Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE under research at Michigan State University. tration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824–9190 ROGERS (MI) Approximately, $325,000 is for salaries of 11 Description of Request: Provide $384,000 Bill Number: H.R. 1105 researchers; $5,000 is for travel expenses; for detailed investigation of the most promising Account: United States Army Corps of Engi- $10,000 is for farmer stipends; $15,000 is for technologies to determine the value propo- neers materials and supplies; and $45,000 is for sition that is needed to interest commercial Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The City communication and outreach. Michigan State partners in the further development of bio of Lansing University expects to leverage at least based production of fuels, chemicals, and ma- Address of Requesting Entity: 124 W. Michi- $150,000 in state, local, and private funds to terials. Funds will cover salaries; materials and gan Ave, Lansing, MI 48933 expand the impacts of the special grant. supplies; and equipment purchases and travel Description of Request: Provide $48,000 for Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE costs. Grand River Waterfront Restoration—next ROGERS (MI) Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE phase planning activities based on 2004 Bill Number: H.R. 1105 ROGERS (MI) Corps Pre-Planning Reconnaissance Study for Account: United States Department of Agri- Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Grand River shoreline and habitat restoration, culture/Cooperative State Research, Edu- Account: COPS Law Enforcement Tech- including potential modifications to Moores cation, and Extension Services (USDA/ nology and North Lansing Dams. CSREES) Special Grants Account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan Lansing ROGERS (MI) State University Address of Requesting Entity: 124 W. Michi- Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Address of Requesting Entity: 484 Adminis- gan Avenue, 9th Floor, Lansing, MI 48933 Account: Energy Efficiency and Renewable tration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824 Description of Request: Provide $500,000 to Energy Description of Request: Provide funding of enable the procurement of crime-fighting tech- Legal Name of Requesting Entity Cleary $4,545,000 for wood utilization. The requested nology critical to the safety of the community. University

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Address of Requesting Entity: 3750 Cleary EARMARK DECLARATION Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE Drive, Howell, Michigan 48843 ROGERS (MI) Description of Request: $475,750 for the de- HON. MIKE ROGERS Bill Number: H.R. 1105 sign and implementation of a Geothermal En- Account: Employment and Training Adminis- OF MICHIGAN ergy System at the Livingston Campus Com- tration IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES munity Center, part of a broader renovation of Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Oakland the Livingston Campus Community Center. Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Community College Approximately 15% of funding will be used on Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, Address of Requesting Entity: 2480 Opdyke Design and Engineering of the Geo-thermal pursuant to the House Republican standards Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304-2266 field, 40% will be used for Well Drilling and on earmarks, I am submitting the following in- Description of Request: To provide Piping and 45% will be used for circulation formation regarding earmarks I received as $285,000 for an educational consortium to pumps, equipment and installation. part of H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appro- support the economic transformation in Michi- Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE priations Act: gan from manufacturing to knowledge-based. ROGERS (MI) Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE Approximately $134,000 is for Salaries, Bill Number: H.R. 1105 ROGERS (MI) Wages and Benefits; $34,000 for consulting Account: Financial Services Bill Number: H.R. 1105 services; $67,000 for Consortium Sub- Legal Name of Requesting Entity Cleary contracts; $23,000 for supplies and materials; University Account: STAG Water and Wastewater In- frastructure $20,000 for technology and equipment; and Address of Requesting Entity: 3750 Cleary $7,000 for communication and printing. The Drive, Howell, Michigan 48843 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Mason, Michigan focus of the project in 2009 will be expanding Description of Request: To provide the consortium from supporting Oakland $100,000 for the development of a Micro Busi- Address of Requesting Entity: 201 West Ash St. Mason, MI 48854 County’s ‘‘Emerging Sectors’’ initiative to sup- ness Incubator at Cleary University in Howell, porting workforce and economic development Michigan. Approximately $80,000 of the fund- Description of Request: City of Mason initiatives throughout southeast Michigan. This ing will go toward the acquisition of a suitable Water Treatment Plant $500,000.00 The pur- request is consistent with the intended and au- adjacent building, $11,000 of the funding will pose of this project is to construct a water thorized purpose of the Employment and go toward renovations and $9,000 will go to- treatment plant for use by the City of Mason. Training Administration account. The project is ward office equipment. The Water Treatment facility is necessary to a continuation and expansion of an FY2008 f comply with federal water safety regulations. Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE appropriation. The project is supported by the MAUREEN McCARRICK 2009 PRU- ROGERS (MI) Education and Workforce Committee of the DENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Oakland County Business Roundtable, Oak- AWARD MARYLAND RECIPIENT Account: Science and Technology land County government, local and state eco- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Con- nomic development entities and the Workforce HON. ROSCOE G. BARTLETT sortium for Plant Biotechnology Development system. The Oakland County OF MARYLAND Address of Requesting Entity: PO Box Michigan Works! Agency is underwriting the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 20634 St. Simons Island, GA 31522 cost of a skills assessment inventory—a critical foundational piece for the Educational Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Description of Request: $750,000 for research and commercialization of clean energy Consortium—at cost of $280,000. Mr. BARTLETT. Madam Speaker, I would technologies. Approximately, 7.4% for peer re- Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE like to congratulate and honor a young student viewed competitions and 92.6% is for research ROGERS (MI) from my district who has achieved national projects. The Consortium for Plant Bio- Bill Number: H.R. 1105 recognition for exemplary volunteer service in technology Research has stated that they are Account: Fund for the Improvement of Post- her community. Maureen McCarrick of able to match Federal funds, on average, secondary Education Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Cleary Myersville has been named one of the top 130% with non-federal funds. Industry also honorees in Maryland by the 2009 Prudential University provides at least 50% cash matching, addi- Spirit of Community Awards program, an an- Address of Requesting Entity: 3750 Cleary tional in-kind matching, and substantial invest- nual honor conferred on the most impressive Drive, Howell, Michigan 48843 ments in technology development. student volunteers in each state and the Dis- Description of Request: To provide an ear- Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE trict of Columbia. mark of $238,000 for an Early College Dual Ms. McCarrick is being recognized for co- ROGERS (MI) Enrollment Program. Approximately 36% for Bill Number: H.R. 1105 founding a children’s theatre troupe that computers, printers and servers; 18% for lab Account: Fund to Improve Post-Secondary stages performances every summer to benefit equipment; 18% for interior enhancements; Education disabled and disadvantaged people in her 13% for classroom furniture and supplies; and Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lansing community. What started as a show for neigh- 13% for virtual classroom enhancements. This Community College bors and friends in the backyard, the produc- request is consistent with the intended and au- Address of Requesting Entity: 210 W tion of the Kids Theatre grew over time with thorized purpose of the Fund for the Improve- Shiawassee St, Lansing, MI 48933 performances now taking place at a town pa- ment of Postsecondary Education account. Description of Request: To provide vilion and on a high school stage. In addition Cleary University maintains and is working to $190,000 to create a Military Medic Transition to canned food, the troupe has raised thou- expand an Early College partnership with local Program to allow military medics to transition sands of dollars through ticket sales to buy public schools to provide collegiate level in- first to civilian paramedic certification and then benefits for struggling families and individuals. struction for high school students. These funds through a fast-track nursing program. Approxi- I believe it is vital that we encourage and would directly benefit Kensington Wood High mately $85,000 for curriculum development; support the kind of selfless contribution that School, Livingston Education Service Agency, $85,000 for personnel; and $20,000 for recruit- Maureen has made. People of all ages need Brighton Area Schools, Hartland Area ing and marketing. This request is consistent to think more about how we, as individual citi- Schools, Howell Public Schools, and Pinckney with the intended and authorized purpose of zens, can work together at the local level to Community Schools. the Fund to Improve Post-Secondary Edu- ensure the health and vitality of our towns and Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE cation account. In a short period of time, this neighborhoods. ROGERS (MI) I heartily applaud Ms. McCarrick for her ini- innovative program has the ability to provide Bill Number: H.R. 1105 tiative in seeking to make her community a fast-track training to job seekers and assist- Account: IM better place to live, and for the positive impact ance to hospitals and first responders in filling Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Road she has had on the lives of others. Her ac- their vacancies. The potential impact of this Commission of Oakland County tions show that young Americans can—and program has been recognized by the State of Address of Requesting Entity: 31001 Lahser do—play important roles in our communities, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Road, Beverly Hills, Michigan 48025 and that America’s community spirit continues Growth, Primia Civitas Foundation, Sparrow Description of Request: Provide funding of to hold tremendous promise for the future. Health Care Systems, Capitol Health Care $237,500 for the purchase of right of ways Young volunteers like Maureen are inspiring Employment Council, and Delhi Township Fire necessary to complete the widening of Bald- examples to all of us, and are among our Department; all whom have indicated their win Road from two lanes to a four lane boule- brightest hopes for a better tomorrow. support for this initiative. vard between Brown Road and Waldon Road,

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MR8.014 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E610 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 10, 2009 a distance of 2.0 miles as access to the I-75 Under existing accounting rules, any bank- Brandel of Melville, New York, was elected interchange. This project P.E. is funded with ruptcy loss may be considered an indication of president of The International Association of previous congressional budget appropriations impairment. The term that is used by account- Lions Clubs at the association’s 91st Inter- and High Priority Program funds from ants is ‘‘other than temporarily impaired’’, or national Convention, held in Bangkok, Thai- SAFETEA–LU. ‘‘OTTI’’. I want to make sure that the House land, June 23–27, 2008. Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE understands the consequences of this problem Mr. Brandel is a retired police detective. For ROGERS (MI) in the real world. Even if a company took a many years he investigated child abuse and Bill Number: H.R. 1105 small bankruptcy loss on one of the residential neglect, juvenile delinquency, domestic vio- Account: IM mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) that it lence involving children and missing children. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The owns, the amount of loss that would be recog- Mr. Brandel was a member of the West Michigan Department of Transportation nized in that company’s income statement is a Hempstead Lions Club since 1975 and an as- Address of Requesting Entity: Michigan De- full writedown to deeply depressed market val- sociate member of the Melville Lions Club, partment of Transportation, 425 W. Ottawa St. ues, not just the amount deemed to be a International President Brandel has held many Lansing, MI 48909 bankruptcy. Any loss of principal, current or fu- offices in the association, including club presi- Description of Request: Provide funding of ture, requires this treatment no matter what dent, district governor and international direc- $570,000 for the purchase of right of ways term is used to describe the loss. If a judge tor. He has also served as a presenter and necessary to complete the construction of an can adjust principal, then a significant detri- panelist at USA/Canada Lions Leadership Fo- interchange and overpass at the interchange mental impact to the company will automati- rums. He worked with the Long Island Lions of Interstate 96 and Latson Road. cally follow. Eye Bank as a transporter and has been the Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE The House must clearly understand that the Lions Representative to UNICEF in New York ROGERS (MI) losses which would be recognized by financial for 10 years. Mr. Brandel also helped coordi- Bill Number: H.R. 1105 institutions in this situation are far greater than nate Lions relief effects at the World Trade Account: 5309 Legal the amount of the bankruptcy losses. Any Center following September 11, 2001. Name of Requesting Entity: The Capital RMBS holder will have to record these losses In recognition of Albert Brandel’s contribu- Area Transportation Authority in the same manner, and so the threat of tions, he has received numerous awards, in- Address of Requesting Entity: 4615 Tranter bankruptcy ‘‘cramdowns’’ casts a huge shad- cluding the 100% Club President Award, the Street, Lansing, MI 48910 ow across the entire financial services indus- 100% District Governor Award, 15 Inter- Description of Request: Provide funding of try. For example, if a company owns five mil- national President’s Awards and the Ambas- $1,900,000 for the purchase of approximately lion dollars ($5,000,000) in RMBS with a cur- sador of Good Will Award, the highest award 3 40 foot hybrid buses, 2 60 foot hybrid buses, rent market value of $2,500,000, and there is the association grants to its members. He is 2 small buses, 2 rural service buses and 7 a bankruptcy loss per the judge of fifty thou- also a Progression Melvin Jones Fellow. Mini-Hybrid fan systems. sand dollars ($50,000 economic loss) to the In addition to his Lions activities, Mr. Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE preferred RMBS tranche, the required financial Brandel has served as a Little League volun- ROGERS (MI) statement loss under existing accounting rules teer and a Eucharistic minister. He is a former Bill Number: H.R. 1105 would be two million five hundred thousand member of the board of directors of the United Account: 5309 dollars ($2,500,000). In this example, account- Nations Association of the USA. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Cap- ing rules require booking the financial state- ital Area Transportation Authority ment loss at fifty times the actual economic f Address of Requesting Entity: 4615 Tranter loss. Street, Lansing, MI 48910 This is a stark, but true, statement of the COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING Description of Request: Provide funding of horrific impact that existing accounting rules WOMEN OF SOMERSET COUNTY $712,500 for the renovation and expansion of are likely to have on the financial services in- the existing bus storage facility. The funding dustry in the event this legislation becomes will be distributed such that 50% will pay for HON. LEONARD LANCE law. It would only take a few of these kinds of OF NEW JERSEY renovations and 50% for expansion construc- losses to destroy the current year operating IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion that will extend the useful life of the facil- positions of any company and greatly impact ity. its overall capital position. Tuesday, March 10, 2009 f This means that the cramdown legislation Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor the House considers today carries with it a HELPING FAMILIES SAVE THEIR of National Women’s History Month, and I virus that threatens to consume significant HOMES ACT OF 2009 would like to congratulate a number of out- parts of the financial services industry, particu- standing women who will be recognized at the SPEECH OF larly any company that is a significant holder Somerset County’s Commission on the Status of RMBS. The Majority either does not under- of Women awards in New Jersey’s Seventh HON. FRANK D. LUCAS stand, or has chosen not to deal with, this sig- Congressional District. OF OKLAHOMA nificant and looming problem. Likewise, there The Commission presents awards annually IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES is a lack of understanding about the major role in celebration of National Women’s History Thursday, March 5, 2009 that accounting rules and treatments play in it. Month in March. This year there are 17 I earnestly hope that our colleagues in the women being honored, including entre- The House in Committee of the Whole other body will address this issue squarely, House on the State of the Union had under preneurs, educators and hometown heroes consideration the bill (H.R. 1106) to prevent and understand that cramdown without ac- whose community service is considered ex- mortgage foreclosures and enhance mortgage counting reform and strict limitations on the traordinary. credit availability: discretion of bankruptcy judges has the poten- This year’s Volunteerism Award winner is Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong tial to create significant and unanticipated col- Tina Rear of Hillsborough. She is the founder opposition to this legislation. lateral damage to our financial system, as well of Care to Share Support Network. Many of my colleagues today have made as loss of credibility with financial services in- Tina founded the organization after her son excellent points about the real effect of this dustry customers and widespread negative was diagnosed with autism. It now serves spe- legislation. This legislation will most certainly ratings from all rating agencies. cial-needs children and their families. not help those who it is designed to help. It f She also established a grant program to off- will drive up the cost of loans, limit the number A TRIBUTE IN REMEMBRANCE OF set the financial hardships related to the ther- of loans that can be made, raise interest rates, ALBERT BRANDEL apy and medical care needed by children with and increase opportunities for abuse in the disabilities. bankruptcy system. Tina has worked with police to create an I want to focus the House today on another HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS Emergency Data Sheet to help such children OF NEW YORK important problem that has not been dis- in case of an emergency. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cussed: how the bankruptcy laws and the ac- I am pleased to congratulate Tina Rear for counting rules and treatments combine to do Tuesday, March 10, 2009 her outstanding efforts and share her good potentially substantial and lasting damage to Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today work with my colleagues in the United States the financial system. to in recognition of Albert Brandel. Albert F. Congress and the American people.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR8.015 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E611 INTRODUCING THE LEGAL I am pleased to congratulate Nicolette Ash 3. Grants to Combat Sexual Abuse of Chil- SERVICES BENEFIT ACT for her outstanding efforts and share her good dren—this provision establishes a grant pro- work with my colleagues in the United States gram for law enforcement agencies to combat HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK Congress and the American people. sexual abuse of children with authorized ap- OF CALIFORNIA f propriations of the necessary sums for fiscal years 2010–2014. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ADAM WALSH CHILD PROTECTION 4. Jessica Lunsford Address Verification AND SAFETY REAUTHORIZATION Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Grant Program—this provision creates the ACT OF 2009 Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I am pleased Jessica Lunsford Address Verification Grant to join my friend Mr. RYAN in reintroducing the Program to enable state, local and tribal grant- Legal Services Benefit Act. HON. LAMAR SMITH ees to verify the addresses of registered sex This bill reinstates the tax preference for OF TEXAS offenders with authorization of the necessary companies to provide access to affordable IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES appropriations for fiscal years 2010–2014 and preventive legal services for employees arid Tuesday, March 10, 2009 the requirement of an Attorney General’s re- retirees. This preference existed for many Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, port on the effectiveness of the program. years, until it was allowed to sunset in 1991. today I introduce the Adam Walsh Child Pro- 5. Fugitive Safe Surrender—this provision Group legal service plans provide employ- tection and Safety Reauthorization Act of instructs the Marshals Service to establish and ees with low cost, basic legal services, includ- 2009. This bill reauthorizes a number of pro- coordinate a Fugitive Safe Surrender program ing assistance with the purchase of a home, grams set to expire at the end of 2009 that in designated cities for the capture of fugitives the preparation of a will, probate services and help to track and apprehend sex offenders. from federal, state and local justice. It author- the resolution of domestic conflicts, such as In 2006, Congress passed the Adam Walsh izes appropriations of $8 million for that pur- child support collection. With rising evictions Act to protect the public, particularly children, pose in fiscal years 2010–2014. and mortgage foreclosures, families need from sexual predators. Under the Act, sex of- 6. Sex Offender Apprehension Grants; Juve- more help in these areas than ever. When fenders must register with state or local juris- nile Sex Offender Treatment Grants—this pro- hard times hit and families face difficult chal- dictions after incarceration or while on proba- vision creates a grant program available to lenges, legal plans can help keep employees tion. The Act expanded the National Sex Of- both public and private entities that assist in in their homes and focused on their jobs. fender Registry by integrating the information treatment of juvenile sex offenders or that as- The Legal Services Benefit Act will restore in state sex offender registry systems and en- sist the states in their enforcement of sex of- the historic pre-tax treatment of group legal suring that law enforcement agencies across fender registration requirements. Appropria- services. This change to the tax code will the United States have access to this informa- tions are authorized for fiscal years 2010– again make legal service plans affordable for tion. The Act further requires states to make 2014 in such amounts as are necessary in the both employers and employees, and will pro- registry information available to the public via case of the enforcement grants and in the vide access to legal services for millions of government Internet websites. A number of amount of $10 million per year in the case of middle-income Americans who might other- new grant programs were also authorized to the juvenile sex offender grants. wise let legal troubles get out of hand. assist states in improving sex offender reg- Madam Speaker, Congress should move Last year, this bill became part of the Tax- istration and related requirements of the Act. It quickly to reauthorize these programs. Con- payer Assistance and Simplification Act of is several of these grant programs and some gress should also appropriate necessary funds 2008, and passed the House 238—179. related provisions that are expiring at the end for the full implementation of these programs. I ask my colleagues to again join me again of this year, though the registration require- I urge my colleagues to support the Adam in supporting this important bill that will help ments and related authorities are not. Walsh Child Protection and Safety Reauthor- workers and businesses. Unfortunately, many of the programs authorization Act of 2009. f ized by the Adam Walsh Act, including the ex- f piring programs reauthorized by this bill, have COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING received insufficient or no direct funding from PERSONAL EXPLANATION WOMEN OF SOMERSET COUNTY Congress. There are currently more than 100,000 HON. SAM GRAVES HON. LEONARD LANCE missing sex offenders who have failed to reg- OF MISSOURI OF NEW JERSEY ister as required under current law. These IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES predators are working, attending school, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Tuesday, March 10, 2009 living in close proximity to our children unbe- knownst to parents and law enforcement offi- Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I would like Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor cials. to state for the record my position on the fol- of National Women’s History Month, and I By reauthorizing these important Adam lowing votes I missed due to personal rea- would like to congratulate a number of out- Walsh Act programs, Congress will dem- sons. standing women who will be recognized at the onstrate its commitment to empower federal, On Monday March 9, 2009 I missed rollcall Somerset County’s Commission on the Status state and local law enforcement agencies to votes 110, 111, and 112. Had I been present, of Women awards in New Jersey’s Seventh protect children and identify, locate and appre- I would have voted ‘‘aye’’ on those rollcall Congressional District. hend sex offenders. votes. The Commission presents awards annually These programs were specifically drafted to f in celebration of National Women’s History provide the Department of Justice and state Month in March. This year there are 17 and local law enforcement agencies the tools COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING women being honored, including entre- necessary to track and apprehend absconders WOMEN OF SOMERSET COUNTY preneurs, educators and hometown heroes from the Sex Offender Registry. These expir- whose community service is considered ex- ing programs reauthorized by this bill include: HON. LEONARD LANCE traordinary. 1. The Sex Offender Management Assist- OF NEW JERSEY This year’s Volunteerism Award winner is ance Program (SOMA)—this provision awards IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Nicolette Ash of Bridgewater. She is a 17- grants to states to assist with the implementa- Tuesday, March 10, 2009 year-old founder of MADE or Making A Dif- tion of the sex offender registry under the ference Everywhere. AWA. Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor The organization provides volunteer oppor- 2. Pilot Program for Monitoring Sexual Of- of National Women’s History Month, and I tunities to teens in the Bridgewater area and fenders—this provision empowers the Attorney would like to congratulate a number of out- allows them to gain community-service hours General to make grants to state, local and trib- standing women who will be recognized at the required for school, scholarships and religious al governments in order to outfit sex offenders Somerset County’s Commission on the Status groups. with electronic monitoring devices. It author- of Women awards in New Jersey’s Seventh Projects have included cleaning trash along izes appropriations of $5 million for fiscal Congressional District. the Raritan River, raking leaves for senior citi- years 2010–2014 and thereafter requests the The Commission presents awards annually zens, preparing food bundles for needy fami- Attorney General to report on the effective- in celebration of National Women’s History lies and many more. ness of the program. Month in March. This year there are 17

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.014 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E612 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 10, 2009 women being honored, including entre- the large and growing global demand for sea- I am pleased to congratulate Edith Lit for preneurs, educators and hometown heroes food, to reduce fishing pressure on declining her outstanding efforts and share her good whose community service is considered ex- wild fish populations, and to improve our na- work with my colleagues in the United States traordinary. tion’s food security and health. The growing Congress and the American people. This year’s Shirley Noble Volunteerism demand for marine fishery resources is cur- f Award will be given to Doris Zampella, owner rently being met through imported seafood PERSONAL EXPLANATION and executive vice president of E.A. produced in coastal ponds or sea cages in Boniakowski Agency Inc. in Green Brook. other countries around the world. Doris also is a founding partner of two insur- f HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON ance agencies, Jaz Maz Enterprises LLC, and OF ILLINOIS owns and operates three Rita’s franchises in EARMARK DECLARATION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Central Jersey. She is a volunteer Emergency Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Medical Technician with the Martinsville Res- HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Madam Speaker, cue Squad. OF FLORIDA unfortunately last night, March 9, 2009, I was I am pleased to congratulate Doris Zampella IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES unable to cast my votes on H. Res. 210, H. for her outstanding efforts and share her good Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Res. 222, and H.R. 131. work with my colleagues in the United States Had I been present for Roll Call #110, on Congress and the American people. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, pursuant suspending the Rules and passing H. Res. f to the House Republican standards on ear- 210, Expressing the sense of the House of marks, I am submitting the following informa- Representatives that providing breakfast in EARMARK DECLARATION tion regarding an earmark I received as part of schools through the National School Breakfast H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act for Program has a positive impact on classroom HON. VERN BUCHANAN Fiscal Year 2009. performance, I would have voted ‘‘Aye.’’ OF FLORIDA Member requesting: Congressman GUS M. Had I been present for Roll Call #111, on IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BILIRAKIS suspending the Rules and passing H. Res. Bill number: H.R. 1105 Tuesday, March 10, 2009 222, Congratulating the National Assessment Account: OJP—Byrne Discretionary Grants Governing Board on its 20th Anniversary in Mr. BUCHANAN. Madam Speaker, pursuant Name of requesting entity: Phoenix House measuring student academic achievement, I to the Republican Leadership standards on Address of requesting entity: 6604 Harney would have voted ‘‘Aye.’’ earmarks, I am submitting the following infor- Road, Tampa, Florida 33610 Had I been present for Roll Call #112, on mation regarding earmarks I received as part Description: The $200,000 will be used to suspending the Rules and passing H.R. 131, of H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act, help develop an enhanced residential sub- the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission 2009: stance abuse treatment program for women in Act, I would have voted ‘‘Aye.’’ Requesting Member: Congressman VERN Hillsborough County, Florida. This funding is f BUCHANAN justified because Byrne discretionary grants Bill Number: H.R. 1105 are used to help states and local communities EARMARK DECLARATION Account: NOAA—Operations, Research, prevent drug abuse and crime, which is the and Facilities purpose of this program. HON. JO ANN EMERSON OF MISSOURI Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Mote Ma- f rine Laboratory IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Address of Requesting Entity: 1600 Ken COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING Tuesday, March 10, 2009 WOMEN OF SOMERSET COUNTY Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Fl. 34236 Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, pursuant Description of Request: I secured $500,000 to the House Republican standards on ear- for Science Consortium for Ocean Replenish- HON. LEONARD LANCE marks, I am submitting the following informa- ment (SCORE) at Mote Marine Laboratory. OF NEW JERSEY tion in regards to H.R. 1105, the Consolidated SCORE is a multi-state initiative for the re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009. covery of the nation’s ocean fisheries. Its ap- Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Requesting Member: Rep. JO ANN EMERSON proach is to replenish diminishing marine fish- Bill Number: H.R. 1105 eries stocks based on scientific protocols de- Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor Account: COPS-Meth veloped through a highly coordinated national of National Women’s History Month, and I Requesting Entity: Southeast Missouri Drug effort focused on demonstration of successful would like to congratulate a number of out- Task Force stock enhancement. This fast-track strategy standing women who will be recognized at the Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box has the potential to be more cost-effective and Somerset County’s Commission on the Status 1763, Sikeston, Missouri 63801 timely than policy measures traditionally used of Women awards in New Jersey’s Seventh Description of Request: Provide an earmark to conserve and sustain ocean resources. The Congressional District. of $165,000 to supplement and support oper- consortium includes institutions from Florida, The Commission presents awards annually ations of the Southeast Missouri Drug Task New Hampshire, Washington and University of in celebration of National Women’s History Force (SEMO DTF). SEMO DTF is a multi-ju- Southern Mississippi. Month in March. This year there are 17 risdictional drug task force unit that serves a Requesting Member: Congressman VERN women being honored, including entre- 10 county area of Southeast Missouri. The BUCHANAN preneurs, educators and hometown heroes unit conducts both cover and overt investiga- Bill Number: H.R. 1105 whose community service is considered ex- tions into the possession, manufacture, and Account: Cooperative State Research Edu- traordinary. distribution of controlled substances. The cation and Extension Service—SRG Legal This year’s Hometown Hero Award winner is funds will be spent as follows: $28,000 for per- Name of Requesting Entity: Mote Marine Lab- Edith Lit of Manville. sonnel, $68,000 for overtime compensation, oratory For the past seven years, Edith has orga- $60,000 for equipment, $2,500 for tele- Address of Requesting Entity: 1600 Ken nized a ‘‘Wish List’’ campaign to make the communication services, $5,000 for supplies, Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Fl. 34236 holidays brighter for clients of Alternatives Inc. and $1,500 for personnel expenses. Description of Request: I secured $416,000 by encouraging her fellow Somerset County f sustainable aquaculture food technology inno- Library System employees to adopt a person COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING vations. or family. WOMEN OF SOMERSET COUNTY Mote Marine Laboratory and the University For the past three years, she has included of Texas Marine Science Institute are seeking the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter in the funds for a five-year research program to de- libraries’ ‘‘Wish List’’ drive. HON. LEONARD LANCE OF NEW JERSEY velop innovative and sustainable technologies Edith also participates in the ‘‘point in time’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to farm marine fishes on land and to expand survey conducted by the county Department of the supply of safe seafood for U.S. con- Human Services to identify homeless individ- Tuesday, March 10, 2009 sumers. A critical need exists for inland re-cir- uals and families, and actively organizes co- Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor culating aquaculture technologies to reduce workers and friends to help too. of National Women’s History Month, and I

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MR8.020 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E613 would like to congratulate a number of out- And finally, light switches and thermostats Month in March. This year there are 17 standing women who will be recognized at the must be at a reachable height from a wheel- women being honored, including entre- Somerset County’s Commission on the Status chair. preneurs, educators and hometown heroes of Women awards in New Jersey’s Seventh Adopting these standards for a single family whose community service is considered ex- Congressional District. home is not prohibitively expensive. The aver- traordinary. The Commission presents awards annually age added cost for homes built with accessi- This year’s Education Award winner is in celebration of National Women’s History bility features is between $100 and $600. Ret- Helen ‘‘Chickie’’ Haines of Hillsborough. Month in March. This year there are 17 rofitting a home, on the other hand, can cost Chickie has helped educate thousands of stu- women being honored, including entre- several thousand dollars. dents in her 38 years with the Bound Brook preneurs, educators and hometown heroes Architects and builders would also have lati- School District. whose community service is considered ex- tude in how they comply with the act. For ex- She started as an elementary school teach- traordinary. ample, the zero step entrance can be placed er, and in 2004 became principal of the Lafay- This year’s Education Award winner is at the front, side, or back of the home. The ette and LaMonte elementary schools, earning Karyn Malinowski of Manville. Karyn is the di- accessible route can even go through an at- the ‘‘Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers’’ rector of the Rutgers Equine Science Center tached garage. In addition, the zero step en- award in 2002. Chickie has served on at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment trance requirements can be waived if the ter- Hillsborough’s Township Committee, Zoning Station in New Brunswick. rain makes compliance impractical. Board, environmental commission and open Karyn has been a faculty member at Rut- When homes are accessible, it benefits not space committee. gers University since 1978. She is believed to only today’s disability community but also all I am pleased to congratulate Helen Haines be the first female equine-extension specialist of us who have friends and family members on her outstanding efforts and share her good in the nation. with disabilities. Accessible homes also benefit work with my colleagues in the United States I am pleased to congratulate Karyn many people who are not currently disabled Congress and the American people. Malinowski for her outstanding efforts and but may experience a temporary injury or per- f share her good work with my colleagues in the manent disability during their lifetimes. In fact, STOCK MARKET RECOVERY ACT, United States Congress and the American 3 out of 10 people will face a disability before H.R. 1406 people. age 67. In addition, by making more new homes ac- f cessible, we also make it possible for more HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK INTRODUCTION OF THE INCLUSIVE seniors to age at home—an issue that is in- OF ILLINOIS HOME DESIGN ACT creasingly important as the population grows IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES older. In 2000, there were 30.5 million people Tuesday, March 10, 2009 HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY between 65–84 years old; that number will Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, the stock mar- OF ILLINOIS grow to 47 million by 2020. 58 percent of peo- ket’s loss over the last six weeks suggests IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ple over the age of 80 suffer from some kind that the policies of this Congress are magni- of physical impairment. Often, the prohibitive fying the depths of this recession, not aiding Tuesday, March 10, 2009 cost of making existing homes accessible de- its recovery. Let’s look at recent events: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise prives seniors of their independence and 1. Stocks are now traded in a bear market today to announce the introduction of the In- pushes them into nursing homes. Allowing that declined 20 percent since the President’s clusive Home Design Act. This critical legisla- more people to age at home will both save inauguration. This decline is faster than any tion will make more new homes accessible, or taxpayers money and help improve the quality other President since the First World War. The inclusive, for people with disabilities. I want to of life for our seniors. decline is steeper than Presidents Hoover or thank my colleagues SAM FARR, MADELEINE Many towns and states have already incor- Roosevelt experienced. In fact, by this point in BORDALLO, and JIM MCGOVERN for joining me porated visitability standards. This list includes the Roosevelt administration, the market today as original cosponsors of this legislation. Chicago, Naperville, Bolingbrook, and Urbana, showed gains. I would also like to thank Eleanor Smith of Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; Iowa City, Iowa; St. 2. The market decline accelerated as the Concrete Change and Beto Barrera and the Petersburg, Florida; Pima County, Arizona; Congress and President promulgated their staff of Access Living for their tireless efforts Vermont; Texas; Kansas; Minnesota; and oth- policies: to move this legislation forward. This legisla- ers. The United Kingdom also passed a law in a. From the year’s-end to the inauguration, tion is supported by the Paralyzed Veterans of March 1998 mandating that every new home the market fell 5 percent. America and many other national and local become accessible. A federal law in the b. From inauguration to Secretary Geithner’s disabilities rights organizations. United States will build on the momentum that speech, the market rose 2.5 percent in antici- Currently, only five percent of new single- has already been created. pation of good economic policies. c. From Secretary Geithner’s speech to the family homes and townhouses built with fed- Passage of the Inclusive Home Design Act would mean that all homes built with federal budget release, the market fell 12 percent. eral assistance require any design features d. From the budget release to March 6, the that make it possible for people with mobility dollars would be accessible, and the number of homes available for people with disabilities market fell another 11.2 percent. impairments to live in or even visit the homes. As details of congressional legislation and would be greatly increased. I am looking for- The remaining 95 percent are built with unnec- the Administration’s plans were published, the ward to working with my colleagues to pass essary architectural barriers. market accelerated its fall. A number of ‘‘re- this legislation, the Inclusive Home Design The Inclusive Home Design Act is based on cession-proof’’ industries lost value after the Act, into law. the concept of integrating basic accessibility President released his budget. Oil prices rose features into newly-built homes and builds on f nearly 4 percent, but the value of American the movement of establishing ‘‘visitability’’ COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING energy companies fell by the following standards. Visitability is an affordable, sustain- WOMEN OF SOMERSET COUNTY amounts up to 20 percent. able, and inclusive design approach that will In other words, Americans are paying higher improve the availability of accessible housing gas prices while the American companies that for individuals with mobility impairments, in- HON. LEONARD LANCE OF NEW JERSEY hire our people for this sector expect to see cluding disabled veterans and seniors. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lower returns on capital. This is not a good Specifically, the legislation would require all trend and sends a strong market signal to newly-built single-family homes and town- Tuesday, March 10, 2009 serve the U.S. market (where prices are high- houses receiving federal funds to meet four Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor er) from offshore facilities (where costs are accessibility standards: of National Women’s History Month, and I lower). First, there must be at least one accessible, would like to congratulate a number of out- Congress should consider more than just or ‘‘zero step,’’ entrance into the home. standing women who will be recognized at the spending and borrowing from abroad. Key Second, the doorways on the main level of Somerset County’s Commission on the Status policies that would make stocks more attrac- the home must be wide enough to accommo- of Women awards in New Jersey’s Seventh tive include: date a wheelchair. Congressional District. Suspending the Mark-to-Market rule that Three, at least one bathroom on the main The Commission presents awards annually makes banks look less valuable than they ac- floor must be wheelchair accessible. in celebration of National Women’s History tually are.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MR8.022 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E614 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 10, 2009 Reinstating the Uptick rule so that short sell- parliamentarians internationally quadrupled. This year’s Education Award winner is Car- ers do not have an advantage in driving down Women like Benazir Bhutto, the first woman ole Payne of Boonton. Carole serves as the the value of stocks. prime minister of a Muslim country, are de- school nurse at Crim School. Carole helps de- Today, I am introducing the ‘‘Stock Market monstrative of the truly universal role women velop health policies and procedures in the Recovery Act of 2009,’’ mandating the SEC to are playing in leadership and the progress we Bridgewater-Raritan School District. The New implement these reforms. I am confident this have made. Jersey Department of Health asked her to will be a first step continuing the 4 percent rise While these numbers are encouraging, there come up with a manual on emergency care in we have seen today. is still a long journey to true global equality for the school setting for school nurses. f women. Seventy percent of the 1.2 billion indi- Carole is a certified EMT and active on the viduals living in poverty are women. Similarly, Boonton First Aid Squad. She also teaches at THRIFT SAVINGS FUND eighty percent of world’s refugees are women. IMPROVEMENT ACT Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark and won While women control $14 trillion in assets, the distinguished Johnson & Johnson School they only own 1 percent of the world’s land. Nurse Fellowship. HON. RON PAUL Women are responsible for two-thirds of the I am pleased to congratulate Carole Payne OF TEXAS world’s work, but are paid only 10 percent of for her outstanding efforts and share her good IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the world’s income. In third-world countries, women continue to be oppressed, mutilated, work with my colleagues in the United States Tuesday, March 10, 2009 and trafficked and they do not have the rep- Congress and the American people. Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, I rise to intro- resentation to stand up to these injustices. duce the Thrift Savings Fund Improvement As a woman, I wanted to take the oppor- f Act. This legislation expands the investment tunity to speak to the progress we have made RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING MILI- options available to congressional and other and the progress we have yet to achieve. I TARY FAMILIES OF OUR NATION federal employees by creating a precious met- look forward to working with my colleagues in als investment fund in the Thrift Savings Plan Congress to ensure the continued progress for (TSP). Adding a precious metals fund to the women internationally and at home. HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS TSP will enhance the plan’s ability to offer f congressional employees a wide range of in- OF WASHINGTON vestment options that can provide financial se- EARMARK DECLARATION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES curity even during difficult economic conditions. HON. SAM GRAVES Tuesday, March 10, 2009 The Thrift Savings Plan is one of the most OF MISSOURI Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Madam important benefits offered to congressional IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Speaker, I join with my colleagues today the employees. A strong TSP can obviously play Tuesday, March 10, 2009 opportunity to recognize the outstanding mili- a key role in attracting and retaining talented tary families of our nation. In Eastern Wash- individuals to serve in the legislative branch. Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on ear- ington, I could not be more proud of the mili- Adding a precious metals option will strength- tary families as well as our community that en the TSP. In the last year, the price of gold marks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of stands behind them. There is probably no rose by 5.5 percent while the Dow Jones ex- other group more schooled in the art of pa- perienced one of its worst years ever, falling H.R. 1105; Requesting Member: Congressman SAM tience than our military families. They have to by 33.8 percent, while the NASDQ declined by GRAVES learn to be flexible and to endure because 40.5 percent! Bill Number: H.R. 1105 they are apart of a system that for all its struc- Recent gains aside, precious metals have a Project expected to be included in the FY09 ture is still quite unpredictable. number of features that make them a sound Omnibus Appropriations Act: Last August, the 81st Brigade from Wash- part of a prudent investment strategy. In par- Description of Request: I am requesting ington State deployed to Iraq. Although it is ticular, inflation does not erode the value of funding for the Missouri Western State Univer- challenging for the men and women who precious metals is not eroded over time. Thus, sity, St. Joseph, MO project in fiscal year serve, it is sometimes harder for those at precious metals can serve as a valuable ‘‘in- 2009. The entity to receive funding for this home. More often than not, as soon as the flation hedge.’’ Precious metals also maintain, project is Missouri Western State University lo- service member deploys, the spouse is faced or even increase, their value during times of cated at 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO, with an unforeseen obstacle like their brand stock market instability, such as what the 64507. The funding would be used for the ac- new car needing to go back to the shop or the country is currently experiencing. Thus, invest- quisition of technology and equipment for Insti- refrigerator deciding not to work. Children ments in precious metals can help ensure that tute for Industrial and Applied Life Sciences. often times go back to school and find it hard an investment portfolio maintains its value dur- This funding is located in the Higher Education to understand why mom or dad has to miss ing times of economic instability. FIPSE account. Federal employees could greatly benefit their baseball game or piano recital. The fami- from the protection against inflation and eco- f lies of the 81st Brigade have much catching nomic downturns provided by prudent invest- COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING up to do when they return home this summer. ments in precious metals. I, therefore, once WOMEN OF SOMERSET COUNTY They will have a Thanksgiving to celebrate, again urge my colleagues to cosponsor the Christmas presents to open, birthday candles Thrift Savings Fund Improvement Act. to blow out, Easter eggs to hunt and many, HON. LEONARD LANCE many kisses and hugs to share. f OF NEW JERSEY A military spouse once wrote that ‘‘the cycle IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY of deployments, missed holidays, lonely anni- Tuesday, March 10, 2009 versaries, and long separations, isn’t governed HON. CAROL SHEA-PORTER Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor by any war or what’s being debated on CNN. OF NEW HAMPSHIRE of National Women’s History Month, and I It is as much a part of our daily living as IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES would like to congratulate a number of out- weekend business trips and conference calls standing women who will be recognized at the are to the average business person. It is part Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Somerset County’s Commission on the Status of the job description.’’ To all the military fami- Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise of Women awards in New Jersey’s Seventh lies in our nation, your character and bravery today in recognition of International Women’s Congressional District. make you role models to us all and your serv- Day. Globally, women have made great ad- The Commission presents awards annually ice does not go unnoticed. Know that our na- vances in recent years. Currently, there is the in celebration of National Women’s History tion is tremendously grateful for your commit- largest number of women serving in Congress Month in March. This year there are 17 ment in standing beside your Soldier, Sailor, in the history of the United States, including 9 women being honored, including entre- Airmen, or Marine so that he or she can fight new female members of the House of Rep- preneurs, educators and hometown heroes to continue to protect our freedoms. Please resentatives and 3 new female Senators. Be- whose community service is considered ex- accept my utmost and sincerest ‘‘thank you’’ tween 1945 and 1995, the number of woman traordinary. for your honorable service.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.022 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E615 SECRETARY CLINTON VISIT Turkey and the United States pledge contin- The Commission presents awards annually ued cooperation to deal with the global eco- in celebration of National Women’s History nomic crisis and efforts to increase and di- Month in March. This year there are 17 HON. ROBERT WEXLER versify bilateral economic relations with OF FLORIDA particular emphasis on trade, investment, women being honored, including entre- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES scientific and technological cooperation. preneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered ex- Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Babacan discussed Turkey’s accession to the traordinary. Mr. WEXLER. Madam Speaker, as Co-Chair European Union as a member, a goal the This year’s Education Award winner is Eliza- of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkish United States continues to strongly support, beth Stitley of Somerville. She currently serves Relations and Turkish Americans, I was great- as well as the Government of Turkey’s con- as a supervisor of Allied Health Programs at ly encouraged by the recent visit of U.S. Sec- tinued emphasis on reform process. With Somerset County Technology Institute since retary of State Hillary Clinton to our ally, Tur- their commitment to Transatlantic relations 2003. key. This historic visit sends a clear signal that and as Allies in a strong NATO, they pledge continued cooperation in Afghanistan, in- In this capacity, Elizabeth has spearheaded the United States greatly values its strategic cluding through continued Turkish contribu- the growth of the program, which now offers partnership with Turkey—which has benefited tions to Afghanistan. They reiterated their two full-time, day practical nursing programs both of nations for over half a century. commitment to the sovereignty, unity and and an evening program. She was instru- During the visit, Secretary Clinton an- territorial integrity of Iraq as well as reiter- mental in adding a new skills laboratory with nounced an upcoming trip to Turkey by Presi- ated their support for a democratic, plural- a task-training center that will soon be dent Barack Obama, and together with Turkish istic, unified and federal Iraq. They also wel- equipped with cameras. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Babacan re- come Turkey’s deepening relations with the Elizabeth has served as president of the Government of Iraq as evidenced by high leased a Joint Statement. Practical Nurse Educators Council and of the Over the coming months, I am convinced level visits as well as trilateral meetings to discuss cooperation against the PKK. Turkey New Jersey League for Nursing, and received that U.S.-Turkish relations will continue to and the United States will strongly back the the league’s 2004 President’s Award. She also deepen and flourish under the stewardship of United Nations Security Council in its work is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the inter- President Obama, Secretary Clinton and the to maintain global peace and security for the national nursing honor society. new Administration. It is clear that a strong prevention and removal of threats to the I am pleased to congratulate Elizabeth and mutually respectful friendship is in the na- international community and in this context Stitley for her outstanding efforts and share tional interests of the United States and Tur- will cooperate in dealing with issues includ- her good work with my colleagues in the ing terrorism, drug trafficking, organized key, and also serves to promote regional United States Congress and the American peace, security and prosperity. To that end, I crime and the threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means people. encourage all of my colleagues to review the of delivery in the region and beyond. f text of Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Finally, they reaffirmed their determina- Babacan’s joint statement, which I am includ- tion to diversify the broad based bilateral re- EARMARK DECLARATION ing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. lations particularly between the Turkish and JOINT STATEMENT BY TURKEY AND THE UNITED American people. In that context, the Sec- HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO retary and Minister announced the establish- STATES OF AMERICA ON THE OCCASION OF OF WEST VIRGINIA THE VISIT OF U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE ment of ‘‘Young Turkey/Young America: A IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON UPON THE INVI- New Relationship for a New Age.’’ This ini- TATION OF MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF tiative will enable emerging young leaders in Tuesday, March 10, 2009 TURKEY ALI BABACAN, MARCH 7, 2009 Turkey and the United States to develop initiatives that will positively impact people’s Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, pursuant to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the House Republican standards on earmarks, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan today re- lives and invest in future ties between the affirmed the strong bonds of alliance, soli- leadership of our two countries. I am submitting the following information re- darity and strategic partnership between the f garding earmarks I received as part of H.R. Republic of Turkey and the United States, as 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations well as the commitment of both countries to PERSONAL EXPLANATION Bill. the principles of peace, democracy, freedom, Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE and prosperity enshrined in the Shared Vi- HON. J. GRESHAM BARRETT CAPITO sion and Structured Dialogue document OF SOUTH CAROLINA Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus agreed to in July 2006. Appropriations Act Turkey and the United States reiterated IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Account: CJS: COPS Law Enforcement their determination to continue close co- Tuesday, March 10, 2009 operation and consultation on all issues of technology common concern. They pledge to contribute Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Charles to peace and stability in the Middle East and Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded Town Police Department in this context, to support a permanent set- votes on the House floor on Friday, March 6, Address of Requesting Entity: 114 West Lib- tlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, includ- 2009. erty Street, Charles Town, West Virginia ing alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Had I been present, I would have voted 25414 Gaza and resolving the Israeli-Palestinian Description of Request: Provide an earmark conflict on the basis of a two-state solution; ‘‘Nay’’ on Rollcall vote #107 (on approval of to enhance energy security and to expand the journal), ‘‘Aye’’ on Rollcall vote #108 (Mo- of $124,000: The Charles Town Police Depart- the Southern corridor of natural gas and oil tion to Recommit with instructions to H.J. Res. ment is seeking funds to upgrade their techno- infrastructure to enable Caspian basin and 38), ‘‘Nay’’ on Rollcall vote #109 (on passage logical capabilities to meet the needs of a Iraqi energy producers to reach European of H.J. Res. 38). growing community. This funding will be used and world markets; to promote peace, sta- f to provide computers that can be used in the bility, and prosperity in the south Caucasus, office and in police vehicles that will allow including through U.S. support for the ef- COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING them to integrate into various databases that forts of Turkey and Armenia to normalize WOMEN OF SOMERSET COUNTY are available via the intranet and internet; pro- relations and joint support for the efforts of the Minsk Group to resolve the Nagorno vide a server with enough space to allow them Karabakh conflict; to continue to cooperate HON. LEONARD LANCE to utilize various databases for information in the Balkans; to support strongly a com- OF NEW JERSEY storage and retrieval; provide a case manage- prehensive and mutually-acceptable settle- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment system that will allow the police department of the Cyprus question under the aus- ment to generate forms, conduct searches as pices of the UN and in this context ending Tuesday, March 10, 2009 well as integrate case and document manage- the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots; and to Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor ment; and provide the police department the enhance their cooperation in the fight of National Women’s History Month, and I opportunity to store documents electronically against terrorism, particularly against their common enemies, the PKK and al-Qaeda. would like to congratulate a number of out- versus a paper format. The United States will continue its intel- standing women who will be recognized at the Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE ligence support for Turkish operations Somerset County’s Commission on the Status CAPITO against the PKK and is reviewing ways to be of Women awards in New Jersey’s Seventh Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus more supportive. As members of the G–20, Congressional District. Appropriations Act

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Account: CJS: COPS Law Enforcement Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE and Human Resources, due to mineral and bi- technology CAPITO ological contamination. One of the goals of Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Weston Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Kanawha County’s comprehensive plan is to Police Department Appropriations Act provide potable water to its residents which Address of Requesting Entity: 102 West Account: Energy & Water: Corps of Engi- will enhance their quality of life. If this project Second St., Weston, WV 26452 neers: Construction is not constructed the problem will continue to Description of Request: Provide an earmark Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Wirt Co. perpetuate the nearly intolerable conditions of $100,000: Weston, a small rural community Commission that currently exist. in West Virginia, is seeking funds to upgrade Address of Requesting Entity: Court & Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE their communications capabilities to help them Washington Street, Elizabeth, WV 26143 CAPITO meet the needs of their community and the Description of Request: Provide an earmark Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus surrounding county. These funds will help es- of $287,000: The Wirt County Commission is Appropriations Act tablish a computer network in all police vehi- hoping to effect permanent, long lasting re- Account: Labor HHS: HRSA cles that is networked with the 911 center and pairs to the Wells Lock/Dam. The Department Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Family the Weston Police Department and sur- of Natural Resources has attempted tem- Care Health Center rounding counties. porary repairs by filling old lock chamber with Address of Requesting Entity: 301–6 Great Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE large stones, but this is considered a tem- Teays Boulevard, Scott Depot, WV 25560 CAPITO porary repair. If the water pool established by Description of Request: Provide an earmark Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus the dam is lost, it will cause considerable ero- of $347,000: Northern Putnam County is un- Appropriations Act sion of river banks alongside the Town of Eliz- derserved for primary and preventive care, Account: CJS: COPS Law Enforcement abeth, including Sportsman Park, schools, and with only one doctor located in the area and technology various roadways. Funds will be used for a a population close to 10,000 people. Family Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Morgan more long term repair to this vital piece of in- Care, a Section 330 Community Health Center County Commission frastructure. (FQHC) has its main office in the Teays Dis- Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 28, Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE trict of Putnam County and is interested in Berkeley Springs, WV 25411 CAPITO working with a community coalition from Description of Request: Provide an earmark Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Northern Putnam County to establish a full- of $576,000: The Morgan County Commission Appropriations Act time health center in this growing community is requesting funding for two emergency and Account: Interior: STAG so that families can access healthcare closer communication towers to be built in the west- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Central to their homes and schools. Funding will be ern part of the county. Not only will this tower Hampshire PSD used to purchase an existing building in the provide better Cellular and Internet service for Address of Requesting Entity: Rural Route town of Eleanor, renovate it to accommodate our citizens in this rural area, but more impor- 1, Box 84, Augusta, WV 26704 a 5,000 sq. ft. health clinic, and support the tantly, it will increase emergency operations in Description of Request: Provide an earmark first two years of operation until the new site these areas. The second tower will be located of $500,000: The Central Hampshire PSD’s is financially stable. in Paw Paw, West Virginia and will provide existing wastewater treatment plant is at ca- Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE great service for not only the residents of Mor- pacity and the PSD has imposed a morato- CAPITO gan County, but also those that travel through rium on new sewer connections. While Hamp- Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus the area. shire County has land suitable for residential, Appropriations Act Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE commercial and industrial development adja- Account: Labor HHS: HRSA CAPITO cent to the City of Romney the moratorium on Legal Name of Requesting Entity: St. Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus new connections precludes this development. Francis Hospital Appropriations Act The City of Romney is developing a new Address of Requesting Entity: 333 Laidley Account: CJS: COPS Law Enforcement wastewater treatment plant that will meet fed- St. P.O. Box 471, Charleston, WV 25322 technology eral and state standards. The City is devel- Description of Request: Provide an earmark Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Hamp- oping the facility with sufficient capacity to of $190,000: The Prime of Life health screen- shire County Multi-Agency RMS Communica- serve immediately adjacent areas of the Cen- ing program at St. Francis offers monthly tions tral Hampshire PDS that currently rely on the screenings at free or reduced rates. St. Address of Requesting Entity: 66 North High existing overburdened Central Hampshire Francis currently offers a free blood sugar and Street, Room 2, Romney, WV 26757 Treatment Plant. The PSD must construct an blood pressure screening as well as a choles- Description of Request: Provide an earmark inter-connector line to access this treatment terol check, prostate exam, thyroid stimulating of $93,000: Hampshire County’s Sheriff’s of- capacity. Accessing the Romney wastewater hormone test, hemoglobin A1C test for pa- fice is seeking funds to implement a new, treatment plant will allow the PSD to lift the tients with diabetes and a complete blood modern, Windows based, multi-jurisdictional moratorium and serve new development. count for $10 per test. Federal funding would Record Management System (RMS), which Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE allow St. Francis to expand the screening ca- will link the sheriff’s department, two city po- CAPITO pacity and to educate patients and the re- lice departments, 911 Center, and the pros- Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus gional population on health prevention, en- ecuting attorney’s office. This shared line of Appropriations Act courage them to take personal responsibility communication is critical to the county’s ability Account: Interior: STAG for their health, and act as a preventative to respond to emergencies and threats to the Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kanawha health resource. Greater Washington metropolitan area as the County Commission Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE county is on the front line for eastern evacu- Address of Requesting Entity: 407 Virginia CAPITO ation routes for the city. Street East, Charleston, WV 25301 Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE Description of Request: Provide an earmark Appropriations Act CAPITO of $184,000: The requested funding will allow Account: Labor HHS: HRSA Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus the Kanawha County Commission to fully fund Legal Name of Requesting Entity: E.A. Appropriations Act this project and continue providing water to Hawse Health Center Address of Requesting Account: Energy & Water: Corps of Engi- residents of Kanawha County. Currently, Entity: PO Box 97 17978 State Rt. 55 Baker, neers: Construction Kanawha County is approximately 98% served WV 26801 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Rep. by a viable water system. The construction of Description of Request: Provide an earmark SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO this water project will bring water to an addi- of $190,000: E.A. Hawse Health Center (HHC) Address of Requesting Entity: 2443 Rayburn tional 45 families that are in dire need of is seeking federal funding to provide oral HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 water. These residents have relied on wells health care for the underserved in the three Description of Request: Provide an earmark that are no longer functioning, shallow wells, county region of Berkeley, Morgan and Jeffer- of $1,435,000: This money is to fund certified cisterns, springs and are hauling water to their son counties in West Virginia. The funding will water and wastewater projects and is of great residents. Many of these systems producing allow HHC to lease, renovate, and equip a value to small communities with aging or inad- water does not meet the drinking water quality 3,000+ sq. ft. building located in Martinsburg equate water systems. requirements of the WV Department of Health for the practice site. Initial staffing will be 2

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.029 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E617 FTE Dentists, 1 FTE Dental Hygienist, 2.5 Description of Request: Provide an earmark have been residents of the Morgan County FTE Dental Assistants, 2 FTE clerical staff of $237,500: The city is asking for funding to area for their entire lives, but now find a shift- and 1 FTE Office Manager. It is estimated that help with the cost involved in the repairs that ing of their housing needs as they age. Cur- the practice will provide 5,700 encounters for need to be done. The entire decking on this rently there are no senior housing facilities in 2,500 users by the second year of the service bridge is failing and must be replaced as well Berkeley Springs. The construction of this expansion project period. as the sidewalks on the bridge. The federal project will be the first in the area and will Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE funding if granted will be used entirely on the meet a demonstrated need. CAPITO planning and replacement costs. A bridge re- Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE Bill Number: H.R. 1105 FY 2009 Omnibus port is available should it be required. This CAPITO Appropriations Act bridge is one of the main arteries in to the city. Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Account: Labor HHS: HRSA It also is the only available way for the stu- Appropriations Act Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Marshall dents who attend South Charleston Middle University Mid-Ohio Valley Center Address of School to cross over in order to get to the Account: T–HUD: HUD: EDI Requesting Entity: One John Marshall Way school. As it is now it is not as safe as it Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Randolph Point Pleasant, WV 25550 needs to be for all the traffic that passes over County Development Authority/City of Elkins Description of Request: Provide an earmark whether it is by foot or automobile. The fund- Address of Requesting Entity: 10 11th of $190,000: This funding will go towards ing for this project will help us accomplish our Street, Elkins, WV 26241 building a medical simulation lab, a state of goal to replace the decking and sidewalks on Description of Request: Provide an earmark the art training facility that will provide the the Central Avenue Overpass. We hope to of $142,500: This project will help ensure both most current clinical situations. This lab will meet a goal of new decking, sidewalks and to downtown revitalization and preservation of provide challenging medical situations that re- replace all the fencing and rails for all traffic. the City of Elkins’ historic commercial core. quire critical thinking skills for all levels of The benefit of this project is to ensure that we Funding is needed because the City of Elkins medical professionals, in addition to the hands have a safe entry into our city in order to keep and the RCDA have exhausted both of their on interventions of medical care. This funding our economic growth at a steady rate. It also resources investing in the skeleton of the Re- will allow the center to continually train all will allow a safe and direct way for our School vitalization effort. The City has upgraded medical professionals for the rural setting. It is students to get to and from school if their only water, sewer, and storm sewer lines, while the imperative to provide this training for these way to school is to walk. RCDA has installed road beds, underground unique medical cases. Not only will the train- Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE utilities, restored the historic depot, and at- ing assist in saving lives, but the care given at CAPITO tracted private developers into the downtown. the first contact will aid in a faster diagnosis Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE and treatment which could assist in the recov- Appropriations Act CAPITO ery process Account: HUD: EDI Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kanawha Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus CAPITO Co. Public Library Appropriations Act Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Address of Requesting Entity: 123 Capitol Account: HUD: EDI Appropriations Act Street Charleston, WV 25301 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Central Account: Labor HHS: HRSA Description of Request: Provide an earmark Appalachia Empowerment Zone of WV Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Thomas of $237,500: The funds appropriated for the Address of Requesting Entity: 135 Main Memorial Hospital project will go towards building new parking Street P.O. Box 176, Clay, WV 25043 Address of Requesting Entity: 4605 facilities a small business center, career cen- MacCorkle Avenue SW., South Charleston, ter, and meeting room space. Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $190,000: This funding will be used for min- WV 25309 Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE ing reclamation. With the planning and design Description of Request: Provide an earmark CAPITO of $95,000: Thomas Memorial Hospital is Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus of the site the coal company will work with the seeking funding to assist in the completion of Appropriations Act engineer firm, WV Housing Development Fund a clinical pavilion that will provide critically Account: HUD: TCSP and the Clay County Board of Education to needed patient beds and surgical suites. The Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Berkeley make sure the reclaimed sites are left in the hospital serves an 8 county radius and needs County Development Authority proper condition for construction, water and the additional patient beds and surgical suites Address of Requesting Entity: 110 West sewer, housing. By using reclaimed mine to address the demands of an aging patient Burke Street, Martinsburg, WV, 25401 sites, Clay County will be able to have devel- population and an increased number of births Description of Request: Provide an earmark opable land for much needed housing and in- at the facility. of $332,500: Funding is needed to continue dustrial sites. The benefits to the district will Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE the construction of necessary infrastructure at be affordable housing for the residents of the CAPITO Tabler Station Businesses Park. These funds district and land to develop industry. Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus would be directed toward projects including: Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE Appropriations Act Transportation and Roads, Water and Sewer CAPITO Account: Labor HHS: HRSA Lines, Storm Water Management, Electrical Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Legal Name of Requesting Entity: St. Jo- Power, and Telecommunications. This project Appropriations Act seph Hospital received an EDA grant of $1.2 million in 2007. Account: HUD: TCSP Address of Requesting Entity: 1 Amalia Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE Legal Name of Requesting Entity: HOPE Drive, Buckhannon, WV 26201 CAPITO Community Development Corporation, Description of Request: Provide an earmark Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Charleston, WV of $95,000: St. Joseph’s is seeking funds to Appropriations Act establish twenty skilled nursing beds on hos- Account: HUD: EDI Address of Requesting Entity: 407 Virginia pital campus. The twenty skilled nursing beds Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Morgan Street East, 600 Kanawha Boulevard, West, are an integral component of the proposed County Commission Charleston, WV 25302 senior retirement community in Upshur County Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 28, Description of Request: Provide an earmark that will provide independent living, assisted Berkeley Springs, WV 25411 of $712,500: The funding will allow HOPE living, and skilled nursing living facilities. Description of Request: Provide an earmark CDC to establish a Home Ownership Zone on Requesting Member: SHELLEY MOORE of $190,000: It is proposed to build a senior the West Side of Charleston to provide home- CAPITO housing project on a vacant CSX site in down- ownership opportunities to low to moderate in- Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus town Berkeley Springs. The monies would be come families on The West Side to increase Appropriations Act used for site acquisition and some site im- the number of homeowners on the West Side Account: FHWA: IM provements. Despite growth in the area, there of Charleston. The establishment of an Entre- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of remains a long-term population of the area preneurial Economic and Workforce Develop- South Charleston who need affordable housing and who are ment Center will Result in the creation of jobs Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box gradually being priced out of the market. This and economic business opportunities for resi- 8597, So. Charleston, WV 25303 includes many persons aged 55 or over who dents on the West Side of Charleston.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.031 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E618 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 10, 2009 COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING pleased to introduce the ‘‘Healthcare En- Generally, premium conversion is not avail- WOMEN OF SOMERSET COUNTY hancement for Local Public Servants Act of able to retirees. This is so because of an In- 2009’’ or HELPS II legislation to provide a pre- ternal Revenue Service (IRS) determination HON. LEONARD LANCE tax deduction of up to $3,000 to retired public that distributions from qualified retirement OF NEW JERSEY servants for health or Long Term Care (LTC) plans are always subject to taxes, aside from IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES insurance premiums. several minor exceptions. Consequently, retir- Tuesday, March 10, 2009 This legislation builds off the successful lan- ees are precluded from recasting pension pay- guage added to the Pension Protection Act ments as pretax income and thus denied this Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor (P.L. 109–280), which included a provision tax benefit. of National Women’s History Month, and I permitting retired public safety officers to take The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (P.L. would like to congratulate a number of out- up to $3,000 in pre-tax income and use it for standing women who will be recognized at the 109–280) allows certain retired public safety health care costs or long term care expenses. officers to pay up to $3,000 of qualified health Somerset County’s Commission on the Status Today, we expand this successful measure insurance and/or Long Term Care (LTC) insur- of Women awards in New Jersey’s Seventh to all retired public employee. Congressional District. This concept was born several years ago ance premiums from their pensions on a The Commission presents awards annually during the 108th Congress in the Portman- pretax basis. This tax advantage, which in celebration of National Women’s History Cardin pension bill (H.R. 1776) which included makes health care more affordable, has be- Month in March. This year there are 17 language to provide the ability of all retirees to come increasingly important as health insur- women being honored, including entre- use pre-tax dollars to pay for health plan pre- ance premiums have increased in recent preneurs, educators and hometown heroes miums. Unfortunately, this provision and H.R. years. whose community service is considered ex- 1776 did not become law, and so today we in- While I support making premium conversion traordinary. troduce this as a free standing bill. available to all Americans, a good first step This year’s Distinguished Honoree is Raritan This language will benefit our nation’s hard would be to make it available to retired state Borough Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak, who is being working public sector retirees. and local public employees through the enact- honored for her decades as a teacher, volun- The average monthly pension benefit of a ment of the Healthcare Enhancement for Local teer work at Somerset Medical Center in Som- retired public servant is $1,725 and many do Public Servants Act of 2009. Accordingly, I erville, and her service on the Somerset Coun- not have Social Security benefits. A significant look forward to working with the Gentleman ty Planning Board. She also created the bor- portion of a retired public servants’ monthly from New York to enact this measure. ough’s annual John Basilone Memorial pa- pension check is going towards health or Long rade. Jo-Ann is the third generation in her Term Care insurance premiums. In many family to hold office in Raritan Borough, be- f came the municipality’s first female mayor in cases, the retired public servant is using the ALLISON HARMON, DISTINGUISHED 2007. I am pleased to congratulate Raritan entire pension benefit to pay for health insur- FINALIST, 2009 PRUDENTIAL Borough Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak for her out- ance premiums. Additionally, HELPS II would streamline the SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS standing efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress administrative requirements of the program so and the American people. that it will run more smoothly for those who already enjoy this tax benefit our nation’s retired HON. ROSCOE G. BARTLETT f public safety officers. OF MARYLAND EARMARK DECLARATION Therefore, we are pleased to introduce this legislation and will work for its enactment to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR. ensure that all of our nation’s retired public Tuesday, March 10, 2009 OF TENNESSEE safety officers and all of our nation’s retired IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES public servants have a streamlined ability to Mr. BARTLETT. Madam Speaker, I would Tuesday, March 10, 2009 pay for health and long term care costs in like to congratulate and honor a young student their golden years. from my district who has achieved national Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, consistent f recognition for exemplary volunteer service in with House Republican Earmark Standards, I her community. Allison Harmon of Hampstead INTRODUCTION OF THE am submitting the following earmark disclo- has been named a distinguished finalist by the HEALTHCARE ENHANCEMENT sure information for project requests that I 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards FOR LOCAL PUBLIC SERVANTS made and which were included within H.R. program, an annual honor conferred on the ACT OF 2009 1105, the ‘‘Omnibus Appropriations Act, most impressive student volunteers in each 2009.’’ state and the District of Columbia. Requesting Member: Congressman JOHN HON. JOHN M. McHUGH Ms. Harmon has been an active community DUNCAN OF NEW YORK volunteer, going back to the sixth grade. She Bill Number: H.R. 1105 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Account: Corps of Engineers—Section 206 has coordinated drives to collect school sup- Project Amount: $0—It is a named project. Tuesday, March 10, 2009 plies, clothing, food and toys for the needy; tu- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Mr. MCHUGH. Madam Speaker, I rise today tored and mentored young students; volun- Corps of Engineers—Nashville District, PO as a proud cosponsor of the Healthcare En- teered at hospitals; and participated in many Box 1070, Nashville, TN 37202. hancement for Local Public Servants Act of other service activities. Description of Request: Maryville, TN is in- 2009, or HELPS II, Act. I appreciate the work I believe it is vital that we encourage and terested in the restoration of the area’s hydrol- my friend, Mr. CROWLEY, has done to develop ogy, streambank stabilization, and construction support the kind of selfless contribution that this important legislation, which would make Allison has made. People of all ages need to of a sediment basin. Recommended features health care and Long Term Care (LTC) pre- include sediment removal, bioengineering res- think more about how we, as individual citi- miums more affordable for retired public serv- zens, can work together at the local level to torations, and wetland restoration and devel- ants. opment. ensure the health and vitality of our towns and Currently, active American workers who par- neighborhoods. f ticipate in a cafeteria plan option known as I heartily applaud Ms. Harmon for her initia- INTRODUCTION OF ‘‘HEALTHCARE ‘‘premium conversion’’ may elect to reduce their taxable wages by having their share of tive in seeking to make her community a bet- ENHANCEMENT FOR LOCAL PUB- ter place to live, and for the positive impact LIC SERVANTS ACT OF 2009’’ health insurance premiums paid on a pretax basis. Such an arrangement reduces both in- she has had on the lives of others. Her ac- come and employment taxes. Since October tions show that young Americans can—and HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY 2000, this option has been available to federal do—play important roles in our communities, OF NEW YORK employees who participate in the Federal Em- and that America’s community spirit continues IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ployees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). to hold tremendous promise for the future. Tuesday, March 10, 2009 This option is also available to private sector Young volunteers like Allison are inspiring Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, along with and state or local government employees with examples to all of us, and are among our my New York colleague, JOHN MCHUGH, I am their employers’ permission. brightest hopes for a better tomorrow.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR8.026 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E619 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH scarecrows. In less than four months, more chased illegally on the Internet by underage than five thousand scarecrows were placed minors. Unfortunately, those existing safe- HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY within the city limits. That’s more than forty per guards designed to prevent minors from pur- OF RHODE ISLAND day. chasing cigarettes online have proven ineffec- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Hoschton Fall Festival was then held tive. For example, although 80 percent of ciga- last year on September 26 and 27 and drew rette vendor websites allege that transactions Tuesday, March 10, 2009 more than 25,000 people who traveled far and with minors will not be completed, there is little Mr. KENNEDY. Madam Speaker, every wide to view a new World Record. It must also in place to enforce this policy. In fact, one March, we celebrate women’s history and we be noted that the other outstanding members study found that only seven percent of online remember their struggle for justice and equal- of the Hoschton Fall Festival Committee were: vendors require driver’s license information, ity. It’s an occasion on which we honor the Chuck Cope, Chris Hoffman, Theresa Kenerly, while more than 50 percent simply require brave women who fought to improve and re- Leah Nelson, Nancy Rhodes, John Schulte, customers to verify their age by selecting an define America. Richard Shepherd, Kristen Smith, Lisa Stovall, ‘‘I am over 18 years old’’ option. These and My home state of Rhode Island has known Ray Vaughn, Tom Walden, and Mark Wil- other safeguards clearly did not deter the its share of extraordinary women. From Anne liams. Furthermore, this great feat received 50,000 minors estimated, based on U.S. Cen- Hutchinson, a religious and social activist who state, national, and international media atten- ters for Disease Control and Prevention data, challenged male hegemony, to Isabelle tion. to have purchased cigarettes online in 2003. Ahearn O’Neill, who became Rhode Island’s I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring As Internet commerce expands, the number of first woman legislator, women have fought this great American town. Its accomplishments persons (including minors) purchasing ciga- with courage and perseverance for the free- show all of America what can be done when rettes online is expected to increase dramati- dom and equality that are rightfully theirs. a dedicated community works together to cally. In the last two years alone, we have wit- meet, and in this case surpass, a stated goal. The problem H.R. 1400 is designed to ad- nessed the first female Speaker of the House f dress is illustrated by the disturbing results of Representatives and the first major female from Internet ‘‘sting’’ operations conducted by candidate for the Presidency of the United EARMARK DECLARATION over 15 states in recent years. In New York States. In January, the first action taken by State, 24 out of 26 websites sold cigarettes to Congress and the President, was to make the HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN minors as young as nine years old. Moreover, Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act law. This legisla- OF NEW JERSEY in 2005, a group of Upstate New York teen- tion brings us one step closer to making sure IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES agers in my Congressional District conducted that our female students someday enter our a similar experiment in collaboration with law Tuesday, March 10, 2009 workforce at a wage equal to their male coun- enforcement. Half of their orders were suc- terparts. At a time when we celebrate wom- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, cessfully delivered, and, unfortunately, 90 per- en’s achievements, we must not, however, pursuant to the Republican Standards on ear- cent were delivered via the United States lose sight of the work that still lies ahead. In marks, I am submitting the following informa- Postal Service. the effort to empower women, we must con- tion regarding an earmark I received as part of In addition to helping curb the usage of to- tinue their fight for pay equity, eliminating the FY2009 Omnibus. bacco products among minors, H.R. 1400 health disparities, and strengthening domestic Division I: Transportation, Housing and would end tax evasions that hurt our States violence laws. Urban Development, and Related Agencies and local governments. These revenues are As we look towards the challenges we face, Appropriations Act, 2009 not insignificant. Rather, annual tax revenues we must not forget those that got us to where Account: Department of Transportation, estimated at $1.4 billion are being lost; in we are today, and continue to encourage and Technical Corrections 2005, New York State alone lost $400 million. seek progress. Legal Name of Entity: County of Morris Madam Speaker, Congress has the opportunity to combat underage tobacco use and f Address of Requesting Entity: 30 Schuyler Place, Morristown, New Jersey 07940 tax evasion by enacting H.R. 1400. Accord- HONORING HOSCHTON, GEORGIA Description of Request: $800,000 was au- ingly, I ask my colleagues to work with me to FOR SETTING THE RECORD FOR thorized under section 1702 of the Safe, Ac- enact this important measure. ‘‘THE MOST SCARECROWS IN ONE countable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation f LOCATION’’ Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (P.L. 109–59), COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING to divert traffic from the steep grade at WOMEN OF SOMERSET COUNTY HON. PAUL C. BROUN Schooley’s Mountain Road and add roadway, OF GEORGIA construct a bridge over the Raritan River, and HON. LEONARD LANCE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES replace existing culverts. The technical correction will modify the current language of ‘‘Con- OF NEW JERSEY Tuesday, March 10, 2009 struct Long Valley Bypass,’’ with ‘‘Planning, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I design, engineering, environmental analysis, Tuesday, March 10, 2009 rise today to share with my colleagues a great acquisition of rights-of-way, and construction Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor accomplishment that occurred in my district in for the Long Valley Bypass.’’ This is a tech- of National Women’s History Month, and I the town of Hoschton, Georgia. nical correction to an existing authorization would like to congratulate a number of out- Hoschton, Georgia is a classic American and has no budgetary impact. standing women who will be recognized at the town in Jackson County that cherishes a f Somerset County’s Commission on the Status model American history. In 1865, the Hosch of Women awards in New Jersey’s Seventh INTRODUCTION OF H.R. 1400 brothers founded this town on entrepreneur- Congressional District. ship and the American dream when they built The Commission presents awards annually the town’s first store. This small town grew on HON. JOHN M. McHUGH in celebration of National Women’s History these American ideals and, among other OF NEW YORK Month in March. This year there are 17 things, built two banks, a cotton gin, a cotton IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES women being honored, including entre- oil mill, and a train depot. In May 2008, the Tuesday, March 10, 2009 preneurs, educators and hometown heroes town decided to strive for yet another mile- whose community service is considered ex- stone—to set the world record for ‘‘the Most Mr. MCHUGH. Madam Speaker, on March traordinary. Scarecrows in One Location.’’ 9, 2009, I introduced H.R. 1400, a bill de- This year’s Entrepreneur Award winner is Mayor Bill Copenhaver and life-long resident signed to further combat and reduce underage Lisa Kent of Hillsborough. She is the founder Robbie Bettis co-chaired the Hoschton Fall smoking. Specifically, this measure would and president of the Luminations Group, a Festival Committee that conceived of this chal- make cigarettes and certain other tobacco strategy and innovation firm. lenge. The goal was clear. They needed four products nonmailable through the United The company began as a nonprofit enter- thousand scarecrows within the city limits by States Postal Service. prise that helped Hillsborough retailers and September 1, 2008. But these great commu- This bill is necessary because the United businesses develop marketing plans and ma- nity leaders pulled Hoschton’s citizens to- States Postal Service is being used to facili- terials. Today, the company includes eight fe- gether and surpassed their goal by 1,441 tate the delivery of cigarettes that were pur- male principals with more than 100 years of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.037 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E620 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 10, 2009 combined marketing and general-management ning. The incredible breadth of her experience IN SUPPORT OF SMALL, experience, and serves large brands and en- in the medical field also includes time spent as MINORITY-OWNED BANKS trepreneurial endeavors. Lisa’s company takes the director of patient care services at the De- on pro-bono projects through Luminations’ partment of Public Health’s Community Health HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER ‘‘Charity of Choice’’ program. Network. OF MISSOURI She co-chairs the Hebrew Education Com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Madam Speaker, the astounding accom- mittee at Congregation Kehilat Shalom in Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Hillsborough and volunteers with the Central plishments of Gene Marie O’Connell make us Jersey MS Society. all proud. Through her leadership, San Fran- Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, on behalf I am pleased to congratulate Lisa Kent for cisco General has risen to the top of public of Congressman AL GREEN and myself, I wish her outstanding efforts and share her good hospitals and her initiatives guarantee that it to submit copies of letters sent by the work with my colleagues in the United States will continue to be an innovative and compas- Greenling Institute of Berkeley, California, and Congress and the American people. sionate member of our community. She has by the National Bankers Association, which highlight the need for small banks, including f left an indelible mark on the hospital and all minority owned banks that work with the inner those it serves and her efforts ensure its per- IN RECOGNITION OF GENE MARIE city communities, to receive some of the fed- sistent growth and prominence. Our commu- O’CONNELL eral Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) nity owes her a debt of gratitude and special monies that are being distributed largely to the HON. JACKIE SPEIER thanks go to her supportive husband, Joel national financial institutions. While AIG, Hurwitz, and children, Tanya and Thorin, for Citibank, JPMorganChase and others are re- OF CALIFORNIA sharing this very special woman with all of us. ceiving billions of dollars in aid, the opportunity IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to save a minority bank, OneUnited, with Tuesday, March 10, 2009 f twelve million dollars is not only right and justi- Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, for more fied, it is essential. It is these small banks, SUPPORTING THE EMPLOYEE than a decade, Gene Marie O’Connell has typified by OneUnited that are vital to the com- FREE CHOICE ACT OF 2009 faithfully served the city we share as CEO of munities we represent. San Francisco General Hospital, the city’s pri- We commend the actions taken by Rep- mary safety-net hospital. Under her skilled and resentative FRANK in urging the Department of passionate leadership, San Francisco General HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK the Treasury to notice and come to the aid of achieved designation as a level one trauma OF CALIFORNIA OneUnited. It is not a coincidence that so center, the only one of its kind serving San much attention has been devoted to what is a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Francisco and northern San Mateo County. relatively small amount of money in the context of the hundreds of billions of dollars that Additionally, the hospital received the notable Tuesday, March 10, 2009 distinction of ‘‘certified stroke center’’ and has have been distributed. OneUnited has been a been deemed ‘‘baby friendly’’ by the World Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in profitable bank for every quarter for the last Health Organization—the only health care fa- support of the Employee Free Choice Act of ten years, but had its capital wiped out when Fannie and Freddie preferred shares were cility in the Bay Area with that designation. 2009, which my good friend GEORGE MILLER deemed valueless due to the takeover of Gene Marie’s own accomplishments are has reintroduced today. nearly as impressive as those of the hospital Fannie and Freddie by the Federal govern- Passage of the Employee Free Choice Act ment. The preferred stock of Fannie and she serves so well. In 2007 she was named is long overdue. Middle-class Americans are chair of the National Association of Public Freddie were always highly recommended in- the backbone of the economy, and yet they vestments and, in the case of OneUnited, a Hospitals and Health Systems, an organization took a back seat to corporate giants over the Community Development Finance Institution, that represents more than 100 health systems these investments fit the mission of the bank. nationwide. Ever cognizant of the needs of past eight years. The previous Administration Before any TARP money was invested, public hospitals and those they serve, Gene decided to protect big business at the expense OneUnited first received an investment of $17 Marie made it a priority for the organization to of their employees, and corporate profits million dollars of additional private capital. This improve the quality of patient care and to se- ballooned while real worker wages stagnated bank, like others, is trying to cope in this new cure adequate Medicare and Medicaid fund- or even declined. financial world. We see every reason that mi- ing. Right now, employers can use coercive tac- Gene Marie has further devoted her time nority banks are worthy of federal assistance tics in the run-up to an employer-forced elec- and should be treated with the same care that and talents to the medical field as a board tion even when a majority of workers want to member of the National Public Health & Hos- the larger, and I might add, more irresponsible form a union, they can stall indefinitely during and careless banks have been treated by the pital Institute, the branch that handles the na- contract negotiations, and they can engage in tional association’s research initiatives. Her Federal Government. illegal labor practices and receive only a slap Again, Madam Speaker, Congressman achievements attest to her steadfast devotion on the wrist. American workers deserve better. GREEN and I applaud the actions taken by our to providing exceptional medical care and colleague, Chairman FRANK in support of treatment while seeking solutions to the field’s The Employee Free Choice Act levels the OneUnited a small minority owned bank. We most pressing issues. playing field between employees and employ- encourage the Treasury Department and the As we both know, Madam Speaker, ers by allowing workers to decide whether to federal financial regulators to treat all stressed healthcare is an ever-changing arena. Despite hold a NLRB election or instead show that a financial institutions fairly regarding usage of this, Gene Marie’s tireless dedication to the majority of workers support unionization. The the TARP funds during this very difficult finan- field and her genuine desire to positively im- Act prevents employers from stonewalling and cial situation. pact the lives of those in need has remained makes it easier for employees to reach a col- constant. Such attributes attest to the mag- THE GREENLINING INSTITUTE, lective bargaining agreement. Finally, the Em- Berkeley, CA, January 26, 2009. nitude of her influence on patients, co-work- ployee Free Choice Act stiffens penalties One united and creating equal opportunities ers, and members of the medical community against employers who violate the law. for minority-owned banks under TARP. who have benefited from her devoted care The current economic recession makes pas- Congressman BARNEY FRANK, and faithful service. sage of the Employee Free Choice Act even Rayburn H.O.B., Bolstering a personal philosophy that em- Washington, DC. phasizes the importance of compassion and more important. Workers with higher wages DEAR BARNEY, Greenlining Institute met support, Gene Marie has proved indispensible will stimulate the economy, spur investment, with the Federal Reserve, OCC and FDIC on in all the positions she has held. Prior to her and get America back on the road to pros- November 17th and 18th to, in part, formally post as CEO of San Francisco General, she perity. That’s why I’m proud to be a co-spon- complain that none of the fifty-two Latino or African American-owned banks, as of served as the hospital’s chief operating officer, sor of the Employee Free Choice Act of 2009, and why I urge all of my colleagues to support early November, had received any bailout the senior associate administrator for clinical funds. We contended that many were better services, the director of emergency services, this vital piece of legislation. It’s time to recog- equipped than Citigroup, for example, to as- and the director of staff development, re- nize and support American workers instead of sist Main St. borrowers but lack the clout to search, quality assurance, and discharge plan- leaving them behind. advance their interests.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MR8.027 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E621 We are pleased and very supportive of your Relief Program bill. You nevertheless have adopted, this elective treatment initially pro- efforts to urge that TARP funds also be con- refused to back down from your critics or vided significant incentives to the use of settle- sidered for our nation’s fifty-two small Afri- abandon the plight of minority banks. Rath- ment trusts to further the ANCSA settlement, can American and Latino-owned banks such er, you have continued to publicly recognize as One United. (Wall St. Journal, 1/22/09.) that many minority institutions are facing a and Alaska Native corporations utilized this In contrast to banks like One United, Mer- dire economic outlook through no fault of provision to provide benefits through Alaska rill Lynch and BofA spent $8 million dollars their own, and that these institutions, which Native settlement trusts. in lobbying regulators and Congress in 2008. are often the lifeblood of their communities, As I mentioned earlier, Section 646 is (Wall St. Journal, 1/24/09). Small banks ($1 deserve the same opportunities as the largest scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2010, billion dollars or less) can’t afford to do this banks in the country to benefit from our despite the positive effects it has had for the and need all the indirect advocacy that you government’s attempt to strengthen the U.S. Alaska Native community. The principal aim of and a few others have advanced for small mi- economy. settlement trusts is to provide funds to the nority-owned banks. We are truly grateful for your continued Since African American and U.S. Latino- backing and assistance of minority banks— Alaska Native beneficiaries. These bene- owned banks have less than $8 billion dollars even in the face of undue criticism—which ficiaries are among the most economically dis- in aggregate assets, the maximum they are allow us to continue to support you in your advantaged persons in our country. Section eligible for under TARP would be just $240 broader efforts to revitalize urban America. 646 has worked well to provide an incentive million dollars. This is approximately a This letter is only a small token of our ap- for the use of settlement trusts, and must be mere one-tenth of one percent (00.1%) of the preciation. We cannot thank you enough for continued. amount the major banks have already re- the support that you unfailingly have shown However, the looming expiration of Section ceived in TARP bailouts. And this represents for us and our members. 646 has had a chilling effect in recent years only a half of one percent of the $45 billion Sincerely. upon the establishment of new Alaska Native dollars Citigroup has so far received from MICHAEL A. GRANT, J.D., TARP. President. settlement trusts. Alaska Native corporations Thanks for continuing to advocate for have no desire to exchange the corporate tax f Main St. problems they already face for the tax prob- Warm Regards, REGARDING H.R. 1381 lems accompanying the trust form that they ORSON AGUILAR, will face if Section 646 is allowed to sunset. In Executive Director. October 2008, the Alaska Federation of Na- BOB GNAIZDA, HON. DON YOUNG Consultant. OF ALASKA tives formally endorsed the permanent exten- NATIONAL BANKERS ASSOCIATION, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sion of Section 646, and in December 2008 Washington, DC, February 23, 2009. Tuesday, March 10, 2009 the Joint Committee on Taxation scored the Hon. BARNEY FRANK, permanent extension of Section 646 as cost- House of Representatives, Rayburn House Office Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, re- ing approximately $33 million. Bldg., Washington, DC. cently, I introduced H.R. 1381, which would I introduced H.R. 1381, because a perma- DEAR CHAIRMAN FRANK, I write to you on make permanent the provisions of Section 646 nent extension of Section 646 will immediately behalf of the National Bankers Association of the Internal Revenue Code. Currently, these (the NBA), which, as you know, represents remove the disincentive for Alaska Native cor- the interests of minority- and women-owned provisions are slated to expire on December porations to use settlement trusts to provide financial institutions from across America. 31, 2010. benefits to their Alaska Native shareholders The NBA would like to thank you for your In 1971 Congress passed, and President otherwise presented by the sunset of Section continued and unwavering advocacy on be- Nixon approved, landmark legislation known 646. half of minority banks. as the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act f You have always maintained open lines of (ANCSA). This legislation settled the aborigi- communication with us by, among other nal land claims of Native Alaskans in ex- EARMARK DECLARATION things, meeting with us during our annual change for land selection rights and cash. The Legislative Summit, and you are always in tune with what minority banks and the com- law was, and is, a bold and organic national HON. STEVE SCALISE munities they serve need and deserve. More- experiment in Native land claims settlement. OF LOUISIANA over, you have taken actions that have led However, it has needed revision and refine- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to Government Accountability Office studies ment many times since 1971. I am proud to on, and, as Chairman of the House Financial have worked with my Colleagues over the Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Services Committee, you have held hearings past several years to accomplish these im- Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, pursuant to on, the regulation of minority banks. Your provements. the Republican Leadership standards on Con- actions have led to increased support, finan- In 1988, Congress enacted legislation to au- gressionally-directed project funding, I am sub- cial and otherwise, for programs that allow thorize Alaska Native corporations to establish us to continue to serve the communities that mitting the following information regarding our members target and that are often ig- ‘‘settlement trusts.’’ Their purpose was to pro- project funding I requested for Southeast Lou- nored by majority financial institutions. vide benefits to Alaska Natives and permit a isiana as part of the FY 2009 Omnibus. With your unceasing assistance, the minor- legal structure that would protect and pre- Requesting Member: Congressman STEVE ity banking sector has remained financially serve, for current and future Alaska Native SCALISE sound, and our members have continued to generations, much of the value of the land Bill Number: FY 2009 Omnibus operate in accordance with their commit- claims settlement. The original ANCSA re- Account: HHS, Health Resources and Serv- ment to extending credit to ordinary Ameri- quired Native groups to form Alaska state law ices Administration (HRSA)—Health Facilities cans. We remain confident that you recognize corporations to receive, administer, and dis- and Services the importance of minority banks in this tribute the ANSCA settlement, and the 1988 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: West Jef- country, particularly to our inner cities, legislation was recognition that the corporate ferson Medical Center where they not only provide critical finan- form had not always been well-suited to this Address of Requesting Entity: 1101 Medical cial services, but, as importantly, serve as a task. In part, this was due to the federal tax Center Boulevard, Marrero, Louisiana 70072 beacon of hope to underserved minority resi- problems that attend the corporate form, al- Description of Request: I have secured dents. You have consistently acknowledged though ironically in the years after 1988, it be- $190,000 for West Jefferson Medical Center in that minority banks have maximum impact came apparent that the federal tax rules rel- Marrero, Louisiana. This funding will be used in the communities that need their services and that inner cities depend on minority ative to trusts present their own complexities to relocate and upgrade emergency electrical banks for their financial and psychological and problems that discouraged the use of set- system switchgear to above the 1st floor of survival. Thus, these institutions are an es- tlement trusts. the hospital to prevent loss of power due to sential element of our banking community. Congress enacted Section 646 of the Tax possible flooding. It would also add on-site As you stated recently, ‘‘To help a minority Code to address these problems. Section 646 electrical generation capacity to power the en- bank stay in business—that is what democ- provides for an elective regime for Alaska Na- tire facility with on-site diesel fuel for up to racy means.’’ tive settlement trusts that (i) provides for a seven days. The upgrade would add an addi- We recognize that, despite your cham- pioning of such worthy causes, you have trust level tax at various rates ranging up to tional 1,500 KW generator and a 24,000 gal- been the target of a significant amount of 10% in lieu of beneficiary level taxes; (ii) al- lon diesel fuel tank capacity. It relocates and negative press in recent months with regard lows contributions to be made to these trusts rewires the existing 13 mission critical elec- to a provision designed to aid minority on a tax favored basis; and (iii) streamlines trical switchgear locations to an upper level to banks that you put in the Troubled Assets administrative reporting for these trusts. When ensure continued operation in the event of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.042 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E622 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 10, 2009 flooding and municipal power interruption. I Description of Request: I have secured recognition for exemplary volunteer service in certify that neither I nor my spouse has any fi- $175,000 for the Regional Planning Commis- his community. Travis Robinson of Taneytown nancial interest in this project. sion. The funding would be used for construc- has been named a distinguished finalist by the Requesting Member: Congressman STEVE tion of a Service Road of I–10 between LA 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards SCALISE 433 and US 190B in Slidell. This area of the program, an annual honor conferred on the Bill Number: FY 2009 Omnibus Northshore has seen significant growth and most impressive student volunteers in each Account: Department of Labor, Employment development in the last decade. This trend is state and the District of Columbia. and Training Administration (ETA)—Training anticipated to continue and to expand further Mr. Robinson is being recognized for raising and Employment Services (TES) as the New Orleans region resettles as a re- nearly $10,000 in cash and food donations to Legal Name of Requesting Entity: South- sult of Hurricane Katrina. The Department of support the Carroll County Food Sunday pro- eastern Louisiana University Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) gram. Upon learning that donations at the food Address of Requesting Entity: SLU Box will be the grant recipient on behalf of St. pantry had been ruined by the high summer 10784, Hammond, Louisiana 70402 heat, Travis conducted a series of food drives Description of Request: I have secured Tammany Parish and the State of Louisiana. $190,000 for the Southeastern Louisiana Uni- I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any in his community. I believe it is vital that we encourage and versity Economic and Workforce Development financial interest in this project. support the kind of selfless contribution that Initiative. The funding would be used to ex- Requesting Member: Congressman STEVE Travis has made. People of all ages need to pand its pilot initiative to provide one stop eco- SCALISE think more about how we, as individual citi- nomic/workforce development and community Bill Number: FY 2009 Omnibus zens, can work together at the local level to planning/smart growth assistance to meet the Account: DOT, Transportation, Community needs of Post-Katrina southeast Louisiana. I and System Preservation ensure the health and vitality of our towns and certify that neither I nor my spouse has any fi- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: St. Tam- neighborhoods. I heartily applaud Mr. Robinson for his initia- nancial interest in this project. many Parish government tive in seeking to make his community a better Requesting Member: Congressman STEVE Address of Requesting Entity: PO Box 628, place to live, and for the positive impact he SCALISE Covington, Louisiana 70434 Bill Number: FY 2009 Omnibus Description of Request: I have secured has had on the lives of others. Travis’ actions Account: DOT, Transportation, Community $237,500 for St. Tammany Parish govern- show that young Americans can and do play and System Preservation ment. This funding would be used for an inter- important roles in our communities, and that Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Regional change at 1–12 and LA Highway 1088 in America’s community spirit continues to hold Planning Commission order to take traffic congestion off LA Highway tremendous promise for the future. Address of Requesting Entity: 1340 Poydras 59 and US Highway 190. Traffic congestion is Young volunteers like Travis are inspiring Street, Ste. 2100, New Orleans, Louisiana very heavy due to the continued population examples to all of us, and are among our 70112 migration into St. Tammany Parish, the need brightest hopes for a better tomorrow. Description of Request: I have secured for more schools and the expansion of retail f $285,000 for the Regional Planning Commis- and commercial businesses and residential THE FREEDOM TO BANK ACT sion. The funding would be used for geometric subdivisions. I certify that neither I nor my and signalization improvements to Almedia spouse has any financial interest in this Road (LA 50) at its intersections with US 61 project. HON. RON PAUL to the north and LA 48 to the south. Almedia Requesting Member: Congressman STEVE OF TEXAS Road is a key north-south connector route on SCALISE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the eastbank of St. Charles Parish linking pe- Bill Number: FY 2009 Omnibus Tuesday, March 10, 2009 trochemical facilities, refineries, and grain ele- Account: DOT, Transportation, Community vators along the Mississippi River with the na- Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to and System Preservation introduce legislation repealing two unconstitutional highway system, specifically, US 61, 1– Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Regional 310 and 1–10. I certify that neither I nor my tional and paternalistic federal financial regula- Planning Commission tions. First, this legislation repeals a federal spouse has any financial interest in this Address of Requesting Entity: 1340 Poydras project. regulation that limits the number of with- Street, Ste. 2100, New Orleans, Louisiana drawals someone can make from a savings Requesting Member: Congressman STEVE 70112 SCALISE account in a month’s time without being as- Description of Request: I have secured sessed financial penalties. As hard as it is to Bill Number: FY 2009 Omnibus $237,500 for the Regional Planning Commis- Account: DOT, Transportation, Community believe, the federal government actually forces sion. This funding would be used for the wid- and System Preservation banks to punish people for accessing their Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Regional ening of US 190 to a four lane section be- own savings too many times in a month. This Planning Commission tween US 11 and LA 433 in Slidell. The bill also repeals a regulation that requires Address of Requesting Entity: 1340 Poydras project is needed to alleviate severe conges- bank customers to receive a written monthly fi- Street, Ste. 2100, New Orleans, Louisiana tion along the roadway that services the City nancial statement from their banks, regardless 70112 of Slidell and eastern St. Tammany Parish. of whether the customer wants such a com- Description of Request: I have secured The project would help alleviate increasing munication. $356,250 for the Regional Planning Commis- congestion along the I–10/1–12 corridor by These regulations exceed Congress’s con- sion. The funding would be used to upgrade providing an alternative to the interstate. The stitutional powers and violate individual prop- transportation and drainage on Clearview Department of Transportation and Develop- erty and contract rights. Furthermore, these Parkway (LA Hwy. 3152) at the interchange ment (LaDOTD) will be the grant recipient on regulations insult Americans by treating them area with Earhart Expressway (LA 3139) in behalf of St. Tammany Parish and the State of as children who are unable to manage their the Elmwood area of Jefferson Parish. The Louisiana. I certify that neither I nor my own affairs without federal control. I urge my Department of Transportation and Develop- spouse has any financial interest in this colleagues to show their respect for the Con- ment (LaDOTD) will be the grant recipient on project. stitution and the American people by cospon- behalf of Jefferson Parish and the State of f soring the Freedom to Bank Act. Louisiana. I certify that neither I nor my TRAVIS ROBINSON DISTINGUISHED f spouse has any financial interest in this FINALIST 2009 PRUDENTIAL HELPING FAMILIES SAVE THEIR project. SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS Requesting Member: Congressman STEVE HOMES ACT OF 2009 SCALISE Bill Number: FY 2009 Omnibus HON. ROSCOE G. BARTLETT SPEECH OF Account: DOT, Transportation, Community OF MARYLAND HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE and System Preservation IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF TEXAS Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Regional Tuesday, March 10, 2009 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Planning Commission Address of Requesting Entity: 1340 Poydras Mr. BARTLETT. Madam Speaker, I would Thursday, March 5, 2009 Street, Ste. 2100, New Orleans, Louisiana like to congratulate and honor a young student The House in Committee of the Whole 70112 from my district who has achieved national House on the State of the Union had under

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.045 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E623 consideration the bill (H.R. 1106) to prevent Because of the pervasive home fore- cation that the debtor has received notice that mortgage foreclosures and enhance mortgage closures, federal legislation is necessary to the holder of a claim secured by the debtor’s credit availability: curb the fall out from the subprime mortgage principal residence may commence a fore- Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Chair, I rise in crisis. For consumers facing a foreclosure sale closure proceeding against such residence. strong support of H.R. 1106, ‘‘Helping Families who want to retain their homes, Chapter 13 of This is important because it affords the Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of the Bankruptcy Code provides some modicum debtor the maximum relief without having to 2009.’’ I would like to thank Chairman CON- of protection. The Supreme Court has held undergo a slow credit counseling process. YERS of the House Judiciary Committee and that the exception to a Chapter 13’s ability to This will help prevent the debtor’s credit situa- Chairman BARNEY FRANK of the Financial modify the rights of creditors applies even if tion from worsening, potentially spiraling out of Services Committee for their leadership on the mortgage is under-secured. Thus, if a control, and result in the eventual loss of his this issue. I also would like to thank Arthur D. Chapter 13 debtor owes $300,000 on a mort- or her home. Sidney of my staff who serves as my able gage for a home that is worth less than Section 4 of the Manager’s Amendment re- Legislative Director. $200,000, he or she must repay the entire laxes certain bankruptcy requirements under Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support Chapter 13 so that the debtor can modify the this bill because it provides a viable medium amount in order to keep his or her home, even though the maximum that the mortgage would terms of the mortgage secured by his or her for bankruptcy judges to modify the terms of primary residence. This is an idea that I have mortgages held by homeowners who have lit- receive upon foreclosure is the home’s value, i.e., $200,000, less the costs of foreclosure. long championed in the TARP legislation—the tle recourse but to declare bankruptcy. ability of debtors to modify their existing pri- This bill could not have come at a more Importantly, H.R. 1106 provides for a relax- ation of the bankruptcy provisions and waives mary mortgages. Section 4 allows for a modi- timely moment. This bill is on the floor of the fication of the mortgage for a period of up to House within weeks after the President’s ad- the mandatory requirement that a debtor must receive credit counseling prior to the filing for 40 years. Such modification cannot occur if dress before the Joint Session of Congress the debtor fails to certify that it contacted the where President Obama outlined his economic bankruptcy relief, under certain circumstances. The waiver applies in a Chapter 13 case creditor before filing for bankruptcy. In this plan for America and discussed the current way, the language in the Manager’s Amend- economic situation that this country is facing. where the debtor submits to the court a certification that the debtor has received notice that ment allows for the creditor to demonstrate To be sure, there are many economic woes that it undertook its ‘‘last clear’’ chance to that saddle this country. The statistics are the holder of a claim secured by the debtor’s principal residence may commence a fore- work out the restructuring of the debt with its staggering. creditor before filing bankruptcy. closure proceeding against such residence. Home foreclosures are at an all-time high Importantly, the Manager’s Amendment This bill also prohibits claims arising from and they will increase as the recession con- amends the bankruptcy code to provide that a violations of consumer protection laws. Spe- tinues. In 2006, there were 1.2 million fore- debtor, the debtor’s property, and property of cifically, this bill amends the Bankruptcy Code closures in the United States, representing an the bankruptcy estate are not liable for fees to disallow a claim that is subject to any rem- increase of 42 percent over the prior year. and costs incurred while the Chapter 13 case edy for damages or rescission as a result of During 2007 through 2008, mortgage fore- is pending and that arises from a claim for the claimant’s failure to comply with any appli- closures were estimated to result in a whop- debt secured by the debtor’s principal resi- cable requirement under the Truth in Lending ping $400 billion worth of defaults and $100 dence. billion in losses to investors in mortgage secu- Act or other applicable state or federal con- Lastly, I worked to get language in the Man- rities. This means that one per 62 American sumer protection law in effect when the non- ager’s Amendment that would allow the debt- households is currently approaching levels not compliance took place, notwithstanding the ors and creditors to negotiate before a dec- seen since the Depression. prior entry of a foreclosure judgment. laration of bankruptcy is made. I made sure The current economic crisis and the fore- H.R. 1106 also amends the Bankruptcy that the bill addresses present situations at the closure blight has affected new home sales Code to permit modification of certain mort- time of enactment where homeowners are in and depressed home value generally. New gages that are secured by the debtor’s prin- the process of mortgage foreclosure. This is home sales have fallen by about 50 percent. cipal residence in specified respects. Lastly, done with a view toward consistency predict- One in six homeowners owes more on a mort- the bill provides that the debtor, the debtor’s ability and a hope that things will improve. gage than the home is worth which raises the property, and property of the bankruptcy es- RULES COMMITTEE possibility of default. Home values have fallen tate are not liable for a fee, cost, or charge in- During this time, debtors and average nationwide from an average of 19 percent curred while the Chapter 13 case is pending homeowners found themselves in the midst of from their peak in 2006, and this price plunge and that arises from a debt secured by the a home mortgage foreclosure crisis of unprec- has wiped out trillions of dollars in home eq- debtor’s principal residence, unless the holder edented levels. Many of the mortgage fore- uity. The tide of foreclosure might become of the claim complies with certain require- closures were the result of subprime lending self-perpetuating. The nation could be facing a ments. practices. housing depression—something far worse I have long championed the rights of home- I have worked with my colleagues to than a recession. owners, especially those facing mortgage fore- strengthen the housing market and the econ- Obviously, there are substantial societal and closure. I have worked with the Chairman of omy, expand affordable mortgage loan oppor- economic costs of home foreclosures that ad- the House Judiciary Committee to include lan- tunities for families at risk of foreclosure, and versely impact American families, their neigh- guage that would relax the bankruptcy provi- strengthen consumer protections against risky borhoods, communities and municipalities. A sions to allow those facing mortgage fore- loans in the future. Unfortunately, problems in single foreclosure could impose direct costs closure to restructure their debt to avoid fore- the subprime mortgage markets have helped on local government agencies totaling more closure. push the housing market into its worst slump than $34,000. MANAGER’S AMENDMENT in 16 years. I am glad that this legislation is finally on the Because I have long championed the rights Before the Rules Committee, I offered an floor of the United States House of Represent- of homeowners facing mortgage foreclose in amendment that would prevent homeowners atives. I have long championed in the first the recent TARP bill and before the Judiciary and debtors, who were facing mortgage fore- TARP bill that was introduced and signed late Committee, I have worked with Chairman closure as a result of the unscrupulous and last Congress, that language be included to CONYERS and his staff to add language that unchecked lending of predatory lenders and fi- specifically address the issue of mortgage would make the bill stronger and that would nancial institutions, from having their mortgage foreclosures. I had asked that $100 billion be help more Americans. I co-sponsored sections foreclosure count against them in the deter- set aside to address that issue. Now, my idea of the Manager’s Amendment and I urge my mination of their credit score. It is an equitable has been vindicated as the TARP today has colleagues to support the bill. result given that the debtors ultimately faced included language and we here today are con- Specifically, I worked with the Chairman mortgage foreclosure because of the bad tinuing to engage in the dialogue to provide CONYERS to ensure that in section 2 of the practices of the lender. monies to those in mortgage foreclosure. I amendment, section 109(h) of the Bankruptcy Simply put, my amendment would prevent have also asked for modification of home- Code would be amended to waive the manda- homeowners who have declared mortgage owners’ existing loans to avoid mortgage fore- tory requirement, under current law, that a foreclosure as a result of subprime mortgage closure. I believe that the rules governing debtor receive credit counseling prior to filing lending and mortgages from having the fore- these loans should be relaxed. These are infor bankruptcy relief. Under the amended lan- closure count against the debtor/homeowner deed tough economic times that require tough guage there is now a waiver that will apply in the determination of the debtor/home- measures. where the debtor submits to the court a certifi- owner’s credit score.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.048 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E624 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 10, 2009 Specifically, my amendment language was (3) extend the negotiation period from 15 to Second, the Manager’s amendment already the following: 30 days, requiring the debtor to certify that he allows lenders to get back a substantial por- SEC. 205. FORBEARANCE IN CREATION OF CREDIT SCORE or she contacted the lender, provided the tion of any amount a home appreciates after (a) In General—Section 609 of the Fair lender with income, expense and debt state- bankruptcy. But it leaves in place incentives Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681g) is ments, and that there was a process for the for homeowners to maintain and improve amended by adding at the end the following borrower and lender to seek to reach agree- homes. new subsection: ment on a qualified loan modification. Third, the Price amendment is opposed by (h) Foreclosure on Subprime Not Taken Into The Conyers Amendment would require a the Center for Responsible Lending, Con- Account for GAO study regarding the effectiveness of sumers Union, Leadership Conference on Civil Credit Scores— mortgage modifications outside of bankruptcy Rights, National Association of Consumer Ad- (1) In General—A foreclosure on a subprime and judicial modifications, whether there vocates, National Association of Consumer mortgage of a consumer may not be taken should be a sunset, the impact of the amend- Bankruptcy Attorneys, National Community into account by any person in preparing or cal- ment on bankruptcy courts, whether relief Reinvestment Coalition, National Consumer culating the credit score (as defined in sub- should be limited to certain types of home- Law Center, National Legal Aid and Defender section (0(2)) for, or with respect to, the con- owners. The GAO must analyze how bank- Association, National Policy and Advocacy sumer. ruptcy judges restructure mortgages, including Council on Homelessness, and USPIRG. (2) Subprime Defined—The term ‘subprime the number of judges disciplined as a result of For the foregoing reasons, I oppose the mortgage’ means any consumer credit transactions taken to restore mortgages. Price Amendment and I urge my colleagues to The Conyers Amendment would clarify that action secured by the principal dwelling of the vote ‘‘no’’ on this amendment. loan modifications, workout plans or other loss consumer that bears or otherwise meets the PETERS, GARY AMENDMENT mitigation plans are eligible for the servicer terms and characteristics for such a trans- safe harbor. Further, it would require HUD to I support this amendment. This amendment action that the Board has defined as a receive public input before implementing cer- is straightforward and is intended to help the subprime mortgage.’. tain FHA approval provisions. borrower by providing a last clear chance to (b) Regulations—The Board shall prescribe With respect to the HOPE for Homeowners garner much needed information. It is my regulations defining a subprime mortgage for Program: recasts the prohibition against hav- hope that this information would be used to purposes of the amendment made by sub- ing committed fraud over the last 10 years provide financial assistance and education to section (a) before the end of the 90-day period from a freestanding prohibition to a borrower the consumer. beginning on the date of the enactment of this certification. The Conyers Amendment would In many cases, proper education about the Act. amend the National Housing Act to broaden use of credit and mortgages could have made (c) Effective Date—The amendment made eligibility for Home Equity Conversion Mort- all the difference in the consumers choices. by subsection (a) shall take effect at the end gage (HECM) or ‘‘reverse mortgage.’’ Simply put, if the consumers made wise and of the 30-day period beginning on the date of Provides that the GAO must submit to Con- informed credit decisions in the first instance, the enactment of this Act and shall apply with- gress a review of the effects of the judicial they might not have been in bankruptcy or fac- out regard to the date of the foreclosure. modification program. ing foreclosure. I find this amendment incred- The homeowners should not be required to Requires the Comptroller of Currency, in co- ibly prudent and helpful to debtors and con- pay for the bad acts of the lenders. It would ordination with the Director of Thrift Super- sumers. I urge my colleagues to support this take years for a homeowner to recover from a vision, to submit reports to Congress on the amendment. mortgage foreclosure. My amendment would volume of mortgage modifications and issue TITRUS AMENDMENT have strengthened this already much needed modification data collection and reporting re- The Titrus Amendment would require a and well thought out bill. quirements. servicer that receives an incentive payment I intend to offer a bill later this Congress to Expresses the Sense of Congress that the under the HOPE for homeowners to notify all address this issue. I am delighted however Treasury Secretary should use amounts made mortgagors under mortgages they service who that the Judiciary Committee has expressed available under the Act to purchase mortgage are ‘‘at-risk homeowners’’ (as such term is de- their willingness to incorporate my language in revenue bonds for single-family housing. fined by the Secretary), in a form and manner the Conference language for this bill. Without Expresses the Sense of Congress that fi- as shall be prescribed by the Secretary, that a doubt, this issue is important to me and it is nancial institutions should not foreclose on any they may be eligible for the HOPE for Home- critical to Americans who are facing mortgage principal homeowner until the loan modifica- owners Program and how to obtain informa- foreclosure and bankruptcy. tion programs included in H.R. 1106 and the tion regarding the program. President’s foreclosure plan are implemented OTHER AMENDMENTS The HOPE for Homeowners (H4H) program There were four amendments that were and deemed operational by the Treasury and was created by Congress to help those at risk made in order by the Rules Committee. I will HUD Secretaries. of default and foreclosure refinance into more Establishes a Justice Department Nation- address my support or non-support for each affordable, sustainable loans. H4H is an addi- wide Mortgage Fraud Task Force to coordi- amendment. tional mortgage option designed to keep bor- nate anti-mortgage fraud efforts. Would pro- CONYERS AMENDMENT vide that the Treasury Secretary shall provide rowers in their homes. I support the Manager’s Amendment offered that the limit on the maximum original principal The program is effective from October 1, by Chairman CONYERS. The amendment obligation of a mortgage that may be modified 2008 to September 30, 2011. makes sense and makes clear that H.R. 1106 using EESA funds shall not be less than the HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS is intended to help those that cannot afford to dollar limit on the maximum original principal There are four ways that a distressed home- repay their mortgage without intervention. In- obligation of a mortgage that may be pur- owner could pursue participation in the HOPE deed it is strength to the underlying bill by pro- chased by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage for Homeowners program: viding finality to the decisions worked out by Corporation that is in effect at the time the 1. Homeowners may contact their existing the bankruptcy courts. These decisions would mortgage is modified. lender and/or a new lender to discuss how to provide finality between lendors and bor- PRICE, TOM AMENDMENT qualify and their eligibility for this program. rowers. Moreover, the debtors are afforded I oppose the Price amendment. The Price 2. Servicers working with troubled home- certain protections by the Second Degree Amendment provides that if a homeowner who owners may determine that the best solution Amendment. The Second Degree Amendment has had a mortgage modified in a bankruptcy for avoiding foreclosure is to refinance the provides that the lender could receive addi- proceeding sells the home at a profit, the lend- homeowner into a HOPE for Homeowners tional funding from the sale of the foreclosed er can recapture the amount of principal lost loan. home. in the modification. 3. Originating lenders who are looking for The Manager’s Amendment would do the I oppose the Price amendment for the fol- ways to refinance potential customers out from following: lowing reasons. under their high-cost loans and/or who are (1) require courts to use FHA appraisal First, the Price amendment would make willing to work with servicers to assist dis- guidelines where the fair market value of a homeowners into renters for life. It will lead to tressed homeowners. home is in dispute; poorly maintained homes and lower property 4. Counselors who are working with troubled (2) deny relief to individuals who can afford values for all of us. It takes away any incen- homeowners and their lenders to reach a mu- to repay their mortgages without judicial mort- tive for homeowners to maintain their homes tually agreeable solution for avoiding fore- gage modification; and or insist on competitive sale prices. closure.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.050 E10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E625 It is envisioned that the primary way home- tinues. In 2006, there were 1.2 million fore- upon this week has included language that owners will initially participate in this program closures in the United States, representing an would give $100 billion to address the issue of is through the servicing lender on their existing increase of 42 percent over the prior year. mortgage foreclosure. I am continuing to en- mortgage. Servicers that do not have an un- During 2007 through 2008, mortgage fore- gage in the dialogue with Leadership to pro- derwriting component to their mortgage oper- closures were estimated to result in a whop- vide monies to those in mortgage foreclosure. ations will partner with an FHA-approved lend- ping $400 billion worth of defaults and $100 I have also asked for modification of home- er that does. billion in losses to investors in mortgage secu- owners’ existing loans to avoid mortgage fore- Because I am committed to helping Ameri- rities. This means that one per 62 American closure. I believe that the rules governing cans obtain homes and remain in their homes, households is currently approaching levels not these loans should be relaxed. These are in- I support the HOPE for Homeowners Program seen since the Depression. deed tough economic times that require tough and I support this amendment. I urge my col- The current economic crisis and the fore- measures. Again, I feel a sense of vindication leagues to support this bill. Indeed, I feel per- closure blight has affected new home sales on this point, because this bill, H.R. 1106 ad- sonally vindicated that Congress has set aside and depressed home value generally. New dresses this point $100 bill to address the issue of mortgage home sales have fallen by about 50 percent. foreclosure, an issue that I have long cham- One in six homeowners owes more on a CREDIT CRUNCH pioned in the 110th Congress. mortgage than the home is worth raising the A record amount of commercial real estate HOUSING, FORECLOSURES, & TEXAS possibility of default. Home values have fallen loans coming due in Texas and nationwide the Texas ranks 17th in foreclosures. Texas nationwide from an average of 19% from their next three years are at risk of not being re- peak in 2006 and this price plunge has wiped would have faired far worse but for the fact newed or refinanced, which could have dire out trillions of dollars in home equity. The tide that homeowners enjoy strong constitutional consequences, industry leaders warn. Texas of foreclosure might become self-perpetuating. protections under the state’s home-equity has approximately $27 billion in commercial The nation could be facing a housing depres- lending law. These consumer protections in- loans coming up for refinancing through 2011, clude a 3 percent cap on lender’s fees, 80 sion—something far worse than a recession. Obviously, there are substantial societal and ranking among the top five states, based on percent loan-to-value ratio (compared to many data provided by research firms Foresight other states that allow borrowers to obtain 125 economic costs of home foreclosures that adversely impact American families, their neigh- Analytics LLC and Trepp LLC. Nationally, percent of their home’s value), and mandatory Foresight Analytics estimates that $530 billion judicial sign-off on any foreclosure proceeding borhoods, communities and municipalities. A of commercial debt will mature through 2011. involving a defaulted home-equity loan. single foreclosure could impose direct costs Still, in the last month, in Texas alone there on local government agencies totaling more Dallas-Fort Worth has nearly $9 billion in com- have been 30,720 foreclosures and sadly than $34,000. mercial debt maturing in that time frame. 15,839 bankruptcies. Much of this has to do Recently, the Congress set aside $100 bil- Most of Texas’ $27 billion in loans maturing with a lack of understanding about finance— lion to address the issue of mortgage fore- through 2011—$18 billion—is held by financial especially personal finance. closure prevention. I have long championed institutions. Texas also has $9 billion in com- Last year, American’s Personal income de- that money be a set aside to address this very mercial mortgage-backed securities, the third- creased $20.7 billion, or 0.2 percent, and dis- important issue. I believe in homeownership largest amount after California and New York, posable personal income (DPI) decreased and will do all within my power to ensure that according to Trepp. Americans remain in their houses. $11.8 billion, or 0.1 percent, in November, ac- Mr. Chair, my amendment would have cording to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. BANKRUPTCY helped alleviate these problems. Although my Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) de- We have come full circle in our discussion amendment language was not included in the creased $56.1 billion, or 0.6 percent. In India, today. The bill before us today is on bank- bill, I am confident that it will be included in household savings are about 23 percent of ruptcy and mortgage foreclosures. the Conference language. their GDP. I have long championed in the first TARP Even though the rate of increase has bill that was introduced and signed late last All in all, I believe that this bill is important showed some slowing, uncertainties remain. Congress, that language be included to spe- and will do yeoman’s work helping America Foreclosures and bankruptcies are high and cifically address the issue of mortgage fore- get back on the right track with respect to the could still beat last year’s numbers. closures. I had asked that $100 billion be set economy and the mortgage foreclosure crisis. Home foreclosures are at an all-time high aside to address that issue. Now, my idea has I wholeheartedly urge my colleagues to sup- and they will increase as the recession con- been vindicated as the TARP that was voted port this bill.

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HIGHLIGHTS Senate passed H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009. Senate Grassley (for Vitter and others) Amendment No. Chamber Action 621, to repeal the provision of law that provides Routine Proceedings, pages S2919–S2989 automatic pay adjustments for Members of Congress. Measures Introduced: Twelve bills and two resolu- (By 52 yeas to 45 nays (Vote No. 95), Senate tabled tions were introduced, as follows: S. 555–566, and the amendment.) Pages S2924, S2946–47 S. Res. 72–73. Pages S2964–65 Withdrawn: Kyl Amendment No. 629, to provide that no Measures Passed: funds may be used to resettle Palestinians from Gaza Omnibus Appropriations Act: Senate passed H.R. into the United States. Pages S2920, S2927 1105, making omnibus appropriations for the fiscal Bunning Amendment No. 665, to require the year ending September 30, 2009, after taking action Secretary of State to issue a report on investments by on the following amendments proposed thereto: foreign companies in the energy sector of Iran. Pages S2920–54 Pages S2920, S2940 Rejected: During consideration of this measure today, Senate By 32 yeas to 64 nays (Vote No. 90) Cornyn also took the following action: Amendment No. 673, to prevent the collection of By 62 yeas to 35 nays (Vote No. 96), three-fifths excessive contingency legal fees by lawyers hired to of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having protect the public interest. voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion to close further debate on the bill. Pages S2953–54 Pages S2920–21, S2922–23, S2941 By 38 yeas to 59 nays (Vote No. 91) Cornyn Authorizing Expenditures by Committees of the Amendment No. 674, to prohibit the use of funds Senate: Senate agreed to S. Res. 73, authorizing ex- to implement an Executive Order relating to em- penditures by committees of the Senate for the peri- ployee notice of rights under Federal labor laws. ods March 1, 2009, through September 30, 2009, Pages S2921–22, S2936, S2941–42 and October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010, By 47 yeas to 50 nays (Vote No. 92) Thune (and and October 1, 2010, through February 28, 2011. others) Amendment No. 662, to prohibit the use of Pages S2954–60 funds by the Federal Communications Commission Appointments: to repromulgate the Fairness Doctrine. Senate National Security Working Group: The Pages S2931–32, S2935–36, S2942 Chair announced, on behalf of the Republican Lead- Sessions Amendment No. 604, to extend the pilot er, pursuant to the provisions of S. Res. 105, (adopt- program for employment eligibility confirmation es- ed April 13, 1989), as amended by S. Res. 149, tablished in title IV of the Illegal Immigration Re- (adopted October 5, 1993), as amended by Public form and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 for Law 105–275, (adopted October 21, 1998), further 6 years. (By 50 yeas to 47 nays (Vote No. 93), Sen- amended by S. Res. 75, (adopted March 25, 1999), ate tabled the amendment.) and S. Res. 383, (adopted October 27, 2000), and Pages S2920, S2924, S2936, S2937–38, S2942–44 amended by S. Res. 355, (adopted November 13, By 39 yeas to 58 nays (Vote No. 94) Ensign 2002), and further amended by S. Res. 480, (adopt- Amendment No. 615, to strike the restrictions on ed November 21, 2004), the appointment of the fol- the District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship lowing Senator as a member of the Senate National Program. Security Working Group for the 111th Congress: Pages S2920, S2927–30, S2936–37, S2939–40, S2944–45 Senator Graham. Page S2986 D236

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:17 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D10MR9.REC D10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with DIGEST March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D237 Ogden Nomination—Agreement: A unanimous- Record Votes: Seven record votes were taken today. consent-time agreement was reached providing that (Total—96) Pages S2941–45, S2947, S2954 the cloture motion relative to the nomination of Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and ad- David W. Ogden, of Virginia, to be Deputy Attor- journed at 7:31 p.m., until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, ney General be withdrawn; that at 11:30 a.m. on March 11, 2009. (For Senate’s program, see the re- Wednesday, March 11, 2009, Senate begin consider- marks of the Acting Majority Leader in today’s ation of the nomination of David W. Ogden, of Vir- Record on page S2987.) ginia, to be Deputy Attorney General; provided further, that the time until 4:30 p.m. be equally divided and controlled between the Majority and Re- Committee Meetings publican Leaders, or their designees; that when Sen- ate continues consideration of the nomination on (Committees not listed did not meet) Thursday, March 12, 2009, that there be two hours NATIONAL SECURITY THREATS remaining for debate, equally divided and controlled Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded between the Majority and Republican Leaders, or open and closed hearings to examine current and fu- their designees; provided further, that upon the use ture worldwide threats to the national security of the of time on Thursday, March 12, 2009, Senate vote United States, after receiving testimony from Dennis on confirmation of the nomination of David W. C. Blair, Director, National Intelligence; and Mi- Ogden, of Virginia, to be Deputy Attorney General. chael D. Maples, United States Army, Director, De- Page S2986 fense Intelligence Agency, and David J. Dorsett, Di- Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the fol- rector, Naval Intelligence, both of the Department of lowing nominations: Defense. Cecilia Elena Rouse, of California, to be Member of the Council of Economic Advisers. SECURITIES MARKETS Austan Dean Goolsbee, of Illinois, to be a Mem- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: ber of the Council of Economic Advisers. Committee concluded a hearing to examine enhanc- Pages S2986, S2989 ing investor protection and the regulation of securi- Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- ties markets, after receiving testimony from Lynn E. lowing nominations: Turner, former Chief Accountant, Securities and Ex- David S. Cohen, of Maryland, to be Assistant Sec- change Commission; John C. Coffee, Jr., Columbia retary for Terrorist Financing, Department of the University Law School, T. Timothy Ryan, Jr., Secu- Treasury. rities Industry and Financial Markets Association, Sherburne B. Abbott, of Texas, to be an Associate and Robert Pickel, International Swaps and Deriva- Director of the Office of Science and Technology tives Association, all of New York, New York; Paul Policy. Schott Stevens, Investment Company Institute, Alex- Dana G. Gresham, of the District of Columbia, to andria, Virginia; Mercer E. Bullard, University of be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation. Mississippi School of Law, Oxford; Damon A. Sil- Alan B. Krueger, of New Jersey, to be an Assist- vers, American Federation of Labor and Congress of ant Secretary of the Treasury. Industrial Organizations (AFL–CIO), Takoma Park, John Morton, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Sec- Maryland; and Thomas Doe, Municipal Market Ad- retary of Homeland Security. visors, Concord, Massachusetts. James N. Miller, Jr., of Virginia, to be Deputy BUDGET PROPOSAL Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Committee on the Budget: Committee concluded a hear- Routine lists in the Air Force, Army, and Navy. ing to examine the President’s proposed budget for Pages S2987–89 fiscal year 2010, after receiving testimony from Peter Messages From the House: Page S2964 R. Orszag, Director, Office of Management and Executive Communications: Page S2964 Budget. Additional Cosponsors: Pages S2965–66 WATER RESOURCES Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee Pages S2966–85 concluded a hearing to examine S. 531, to provide Additional Statements: Page S2963 for the conduct of an in-depth analysis of the impact of energy development and production on the water Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Pages S2985–86 resources of the United States, after receiving testi- Authorities for Committees To Meet: Page S2986 mony from Carl O. Bauer, Director, National Energy

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:17 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D10MR9.REC D10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with DIGEST D238 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST March 10, 2009 Technology Laboratory, Department of Energy; Lon PATENT REFORM W. House, Association of California Water Agencies, Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a Cameron Park; Stephen Bolze, General Electric hearing to examine patent reform in the 111th Con- Power and Water, Schenectady, New York; Peter H. gress, focusing on legislation and recent court deci- Gleick, Pacific Institute, Oakland, California; and sions, after receiving testimony from Steven R. Ap- Michael E. Webber, University of Texas Center for pleton, Micron Technology, Inc., Boise, Idaho; Phil- International Energy and Environmental Policy, Aus- ip S. Johnson, Johnson and Johnson, New Bruns- tin. wick, New Jersey; David J. Kappos, International HEALTH CARE PROPOSALS Business Machines Corporation (IBM), Armonk, New York; Taraneh Maghame, Tessera, Inc., San Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing Jose, California; Herbert C. Wamsley, Intellectual to examine the President’s fiscal year 2010 health Property Owners Association, Washington, DC; and care proposals, after receiving testimony from Peter Mark A. Lemley, Stanford Law School, Stanford, R. Orszag, Director, Office of Management and California. Budget. NOMINATIONS REBUILDING ECONOMIC SECURITY Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: hearing to examine the nominations of Lanny A. Committee concluded a hearing to examine rebuild- Breuer, of the District of Columbia, who was intro- ing economic security, focusing on empowering duced by Representative Harmon, Christine Anne workers to restore the middle class, after receiving Varney, of the District of Columbia, who was intro- testimony from Paula B. Voos, Rutgers the State duced by Senator Schumer, and Tony West, of Cali- University of New Jersey, New Brunswick; Wade fornia, each to be an Assistant Attorney General, Henderson, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, after the nominees testified and answered questions and Jim Wallis, Sojourners, both of Washington, in their own behalf. DC.; Anne Layne-Farrar, LECG, LLC, Chicago, Illi- nois; Deborah Kelly, International Brotherhood of BUDGET FOR VETERANS PROGRAMS Electrical Workers, Anchorage, Alaska; Kelly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Committee concluded Badillo, Service Employees International Union, Jer- an oversight hearing to examine Department of Vet- sey City, New Jersey; Larry Getts, Dana Corporation, erans Affairs budget programs for fiscal year 2010, Albion, Indiana; and Sharon Harrison, AT&T Mobil- after receiving testimony from Eric K. Shinseki, Sec- ity, Lebanon, Virginia. retary of Veterans Affairs; Carl Blake, Paralyzed Vet- erans of America, Fredericksburg, Virginia; Kerry NATIONAL SERVICE Baker, Disabled American Veterans, Cold Spring, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Kentucky; Raymond C. Kelley, AMVETS, Lanham, Committee concluded a hearing to examine the fu- Maryland; Dennis M. Cullinan, Veterans of Foreign ture of national service, after receiving testimony Wars, Kansas City, Missouri; Steve Robertson, from Alan Solomont, Weston, Massachusetts, Chair- American Legion, Indianapolis, Indiana; and Rick man, and Stephen Goldsmith, Vice-Chairman, Cam- Weidman, Vietnam Veterans of America, Silver bridge, Massachusetts, both of the Board of Direc- Spring, Maryland. tors, Corporation for National and Community Serv- ice; former Montana Governor Marc Racicot, NOMINATION Bigfork; Lester Strong, Experience Corps, and Shirley Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee concluded a Sagawa, Center for American Progress, both of hearing to examine the nomination of David S. Kris, Washington, DC; Michael Brown, City Year, Inc., of Maryland, to be an Assistant Attorney General, Boston, Massachusetts; and Michelle Bouchard, after the nominee testified and answered questions in HealthCorps, New York, New York. his own behalf.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:17 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D10MR9.REC D10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with DIGEST March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D239 House of Representatives Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules Chamber Action and pass the following measures: Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 22 pub- J. Herbert W. Small Federal Building and lic bills, H.R. 1404–1425; and 7 resolutions, H. United States Courthouse Designation Act: H.R. Con. Res. 70; and H. Res. 228, 230–234, were in- 813, to designate the Federal building and United troduced. Pages H3144–45 States courthouse located at 306 East Main Street in Additional Cosponsors: Pages H3145–46 Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the ‘‘J. Herbert Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: W. Small Federal Building and United States Court- H.R. 813, to designate the Federal building and house’’, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 427 yeas with United States courthouse located at 306 East Main none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 114; Street in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the ‘‘J. Pages H3114–15, H3126 Herbert W. Small Federal Building and United Ronald H. Brown United States Mission to the States Courthouse’’ (H. Rept. 111–27); United Nations Building Designation Act: H.R. H.R. 837, to designate the Federal building lo- 837, to designate the Federal building located at cated at 799 United Nations Plaza in New York, 799 United Nations Plaza in New York, New York, New York, as the ‘‘Ronald H. Brown United States as the ‘‘Ronald H. Brown United States Mission to Mission to the United Nations Building’’ (H. Rept. the United Nations Building’’; Pages H3115–16 111–28); R. Jess Brown United States Courthouse Des- H.R. 842, to designate the United States Court- ignation Act: H.R. 842, to designate the United house to be constructed in Jackson, Mississippi, as States Courthouse to be constructed in Jackson, Mis- the ‘‘R. Jess Brown United States Courthouse’’ (H. sissippi, as the ‘‘R. Jess Brown United States Court- Rept. 111–29); house’’, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 424 yeas with H.R. 869, to designate the Federal building and none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 115; United States courthouse located at 101 Barr Street Pages H3116–18, H3126–27 in Lexington, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Scott Reed Federal Building and United States Courthouse’’ (H. Rept. Scott Reed Federal Building and United States 111–30); Courthouse Designation Act: H.R. 869, to des- H.R. 887, to designate the United States court- ignate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, house located at 101 Barr Street in Lexington, Ken- Iowa, as the ‘‘James A. Leach United States Court- tucky, as the ‘‘Scott Reed Federal Building and house’’ (H. Rept. 111–31); United States Courthouse’’; Pages H3118–19 H. Con. Res. 37, authorizing the use of the Cap- James A. Leach United States Courthouse Des- itol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box ignation Act: H.R. 887, to designate the United Derby (H. Rept. 111–32); States courthouse located at 131 East 4th Street in H. Con. Res. 38, authorizing the use of the Cap- Davenport, Iowa, as the ‘‘James A. Leach United itol Grounds for the National Peace Officers’ Memo- States Courthouse’’; Pages H3119–21 rial Service (H. Rept. 111–33); Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for H. Con. Res. 39, authorizing the use of the Cap- the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby: H. Con. itol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Res. 37, to authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run (H. Rept. for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; and 111–34); and Pages H3121–22 H. Res. 229, waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules Enforcement Torch Run: H. Con. Res. 39, to au- (H. Rept. 111–35). Pages H3143–44 thorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Dis- Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she trict of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement appointed Representative McIntyre to act as Speaker Torch Run. Pages H3123–24 Pro Tempore for today. Page H3107 Suspension—Proceedings Postponed: The House Recess: The House recessed at 10:50 a.m. and re- debated the following measure under suspension of convened at 12 noon. Page H3109 the rules. Further proceedings were postponed:

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Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the following officials of the Department of Home- the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service: H. land Security: Jayson Ahern, Acting Commissioner, Con. Res. 38, to authorize the use of the Capitol U.S. Customs and Border Protection, David Aguilar, Grounds for the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Chief, U.S. Border Patrol, Mark Koumans, Deputy Service. Pages H3122–23 Assistant Secretary, International Affairs; and March Privileged Resolution: The House agreed to table Forman, Director, Office of Investigations, U.S. Im- H. Res. 228, raising a question of the privileges of migration and Customs Enforcement; and a public the House, by a yea-and-nay vote of 228 yeas to 184 witness. nays with 14 voting ‘‘present’’, Roll No. 113. STATE AND FOREIGN OPERATIONS Pages H3124–26 APPROPRIATIONS Advisory Committee on the Records of Con- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State gress—Reappointment: Read a letter from the and Foreign Operations held a hearing on The Clerk of the House wherein she reappointed Mr. Merida Initiative. Testimony was heard from the fol- Bernard Forrester of Houston, Texas to the Advisory lowing officials of the Department of State: Thomas Committee on the Records of Congress. Page H3127 Shannon, Assistant Secretary, Western Hemisphere Senate Message: Message received from the Senate Affairs; David Johnson, Assistant Secretary, Inter- today appears on pages H3109–10. national Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; Senate Referrals: S. Con. Res. 4 was referred to the Roger Garner, Mission Director for Mexico, U.S. Committee on Foreign Affairs and S. Con. Res. 10 Agency for International Development; and public was referred to the Committee on Armed Services. witnesses. Page H3143 TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND Quorum Calls—Votes: Three yea-and-nay votes de- URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED veloped during the proceedings of today and appear AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS on pages H3125, H3126, and H3126–27. There Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Trans- were no quorum calls. portation, Housing and Urban Development and Re- Adjournment: The House met at 10:30 a.m. and lated Agencies, hearing on Department of Transpor- adjourned at 4:53 p.m. tation Inspector General and GAO, Top Manage- ment Challenges and High Risk. Testimony was Committee Meetings heard from Calvin Scovel, Inspector General, Depart- ment of Transportation; and Katherine Siggerud, COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND Managing Director, Physical Infrastructure Team, RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS GAO. Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Com- merce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a LITTORAL COMBAT SHIP PROGRAM hearing on Major Challenges Facing Federal Prisons, Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Parts I and II. Testimony was heard from Harley Seapower and Expeditionary Forces held a hearing on Lappin, Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Depart- Littoral Combat Ship program update. Testimony ment of Justice; and public witnesses. was heard from the following officials of the Depart- The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Of- ment of the Navy, Department of Defense: RADM fender Drug Abuse Treatment Approaches. Testi- Victor G. Guillory, USN, Director, Surface Warfare mony was heard from a public witness. Division, N86; RADM William E. Landay, USN, DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Program Executive Officer, Ships; and E. Anne Sandel, Program Executive Officer, Littoral and Mine Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense Warfare. held a hearing on Marine Corps Ground Equipment. Testimony was heard from LTG George J. Flynn, STRENGTHENING EMPLOYER-BASED USMC, Department of Defense; Deputy Com- HEALTH CARE mandant, Combat Development and Integration. Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions held a hearing HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS on Strengthening Employer-Based Health Care. Testi- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Home- mony was heard from public witnesses. land Security held a hearing on Secure Border Initia- COAL FUTURE UNDER CLIMATE tive and Control of the Land Border, and on Depart- LEGISLATION ment of Homeland Security Response to Violence on Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on En- the Border with Mexico. Testimony was heard from ergy and Environment held a hearing on the Future of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:42 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D10MR9.REC D10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with DIGEST March 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D241 Coal under Climate Legislation. Testimony was heard ida, and encouraging the people of the United States from public witnesses. to observe the 450th birthday of the settlement of HEALTH CARE SYSTEM REFORM Pensacola, Florida, and remember how the rich his- Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on tory of Pensacola, Florida, has likewise contributed Health held a hearing on Making Health Care Work to the rich history of the United States; H. Res. for American Families with emphasis on Designing 178, Expressing the need for enhanced public aware- a High Performance Healthcare System. Testimony ness of traumatic brain injury and support for the was heard from Glenn Hackbarth, Chairman, Medi- designation of a National Brain Injury Awareness care Payment Advisory Commission; Alan Levine, Month; H. Res. 211, Supporting the goals and ideals Secretary, Department of Health and Hospitals, State of National Women’s History Month; H.R. 918, To of Louisiana; and public witnesses. designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 300 East 3rd Street in Jamestown, FEDERAL CYBERSECURITY MISSION New York, as the ‘‘Stan Lundine Post Office Build- Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on ing;’’ H.R. 955, to designate the facility of the Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and United States Postal Service located at 10355 North- Technology held a hearing entitled ‘‘Reviewing the east Valley Road in Rollingbay, Washington, as the Federal Cybersecurity Mission.’’ Testimony was ‘‘John ‘Bud’ Hawk Post Office;’’ H.R. 987, To des- heard from Dave Powner, Director, Information ignate the facility of the United States Postal Service Technology and Management Issues, GAO; and pub- located at 601 8th Street in Freedom, Pennsylvania, lic witnesses. as the ‘‘John Scott Challis, Jr. Post Office;’’ H.R. PERFORMANCE RIGHTS ACT 1216, To designate the facility of the United States Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on H.R. Postal Service located at 1100 Town and Country 848, Performance Rights Act. Testimony was heard Commons in Chesterfield, Missouri, as the ‘‘Lance from public witnesses. Corporal Matthew P. Pathenos Post Office Build- ing;’’ H.R. 1217, To designate the facility of the STATE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY COMPLIANCE United States Postal Service located at 15455 Man- chester Road in Ballwin, Missouri, as the ‘‘ Specialist Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Peter J. Navarro Post Office Building;’’ H.R. 1218, Terrorism and Homeland Security held a hearing on to designate the facility of the United States Postal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act Service located at 112 South 5th Street in Saint (SORNA): Barriers to Timely Compliance by States. Charles, Missouri, as the ‘‘ Lance Corporal Drew W. Testimony was heard from Laura Rogers, Previous Weaver Post Office Building;’’ and H.R. 1284, To Director, SMART Office, Department of Justice; and designate the facility of the United States Postal public witnesses. Services located at 103 West Main Street in McLain, FEDERAL POWER MARKETING Mississippi, as the ‘‘Major Ed W. Freeman Post Of- BORROWING AUTHORITY fice.’’ Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight hearing on Fed- SAME-DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN eral Power Marketing Administration Borrowing RESOLUTIONS REPORTED BY THE RULES Authority: Defining Success. Testimony was heard COMMITTEE from the following officials of the Department of Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by a non- Energy: Timothy Meeks, Administrator, Western record vote, a rule waiving clause 6(a) of rule XIII Area Power Administration; and Steve Wright, Ad- (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the ministrator, Bonneville Power Administration; Steve same day it is reported from the Rules Committee) Ellenbecker, Energy Policy Advisor, Office of the Governor, State of Wyoming; and public witnesses. against certain resolutions reported from the Rules Committee. The rule applies the waiver to any reso- MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES lution reported on the legislative day of March 11, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered 2009, providing for consideration or disposition of reported the following measures: H.R. 1387, amend- any measure making appropriations for the fiscal ed, Electronic Message Preservation Act; H.R. 1320, year 2009, and for other purposes. The rule provides Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of that House Resolutions 218 and 219 are laid on the 2009; H.R. 1323, Reducing Information Control table. Designations Act; H. Res. 166, Recognizing the 450th birthday of the settlement of Pensacola, Flor-

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:17 Mar 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D10MR9.REC D10MRPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with DIGEST D242 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST March 10, 2009 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS NEW PUBLIC LAWS AND TECHNOLOGY—FORENSIC SCIENCE (For last listing of Public Laws, see DAILY DIGEST, p. D 231) ROLE S. 234, to designate the facility of the United Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on States Postal Service located at 2105 East Cook Technology and Innovation held a hearing on Street in Springfield, Illinois, as the ‘‘Colonel John Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: H. Wilson, Jr. Post Office Building’’. Signed on The Role of the National Institute of Standards and March 9, 2009. (Public Law 111–7) Technology. Testimony was heard from Pete Marone, f Director, Technical Services, Department of Forensic Science, State of Virginia; John Hicks, former, FBI COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, Laboratory, Department of Justice; and public wit- MARCH 11, 2009 nesses. (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Senate ADMINISTRATION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Sub- Committee on the Budget: to hold hearings to examine the committee on Economic Development, Public Lands and President’s proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 Emergency Management held a hearing on EDA Reau- for the Department of Energy, 10 a.m., SD–608. thorization: Rating Past Performances and Setting Goals Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: During an Economic Crisis. Testimony was heard from to hold hearings to examine violent Islamist extremism, the Sandra R. Walters, Acting Assistant Secretary of focusing on al-Shabaab recruitment in America, 10 a.m., Commerce for Economic Development, Economic Devel- SD–342. opment Administration, Department of Transportation; Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Con- Jonathan Sallet, former Assistant to the Secretary and Di- stitution, to hold joint hearings with the House Com- rector, Office of Planning and Strategic Planning, Depart- mittee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitu- ment of Commerce; and public witnesses. tion, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties to examine S.J. Res. 7 and H.J. Res. 21, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the election VA BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2010 of Senators, 10 a.m., SH–216. Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Held a hearing on U.S. Committee on Rules and Administration: to hold hearings Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for to examine voter registration, focusing on assessing cur- Fiscal Year 2010. Testimony was heard from Eric K. rent problems, 10 a.m., SR–301. Shinseki, Secretary of Veterans Affairs; representa- House tives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Livestock, COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Dairy, and Poultry, hearing to review animal identification systems, 10 a.m., 1300 Longworth. Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Com- Trade met for organizational purposes. merce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, on Assess- ment of the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initia- tive, 9:30 a.m., on Innovative Prisoner Reentry, 1:30 Joint Meetings p.m., and 3 p.m., H–309 Capitol. Subcommittee on Defense, on Soldier Equipment, CLIMATE REMEDIATION POLICIES Ergonomics and Injuries, 10 a.m., and executive, on Army and Marine Corps Readiness, 1:30 p.m., H–140 Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: Com- Capitol. mission concluded a hearing to examine the impact Subcommittee on Financial Services, and Government of potential climate remediation policies on carbon- Operations, on SEC Actions Relating to the Financial intensive United States industries and creating cli- Crisis, 10 a.m., 2220 Rayburn. mate-friendly economic and trade policies, focusing Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related on ways the financial crisis impacts the implementa- Agencies, on U.S. Forest Service Oversight, 9:30 a.m., tion of climate-friendly policies within the United B–308 Rayburn. Committee on Armed Services, hearing on security chal- States and among trading partners, after receiving lenges arising from the global financial crisis, 10 a.m., testimony from Richard D. Morgenstern, Resources 2118 Rayburn. for the Future, Trevor Houser, Rhodium Group Pe- Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats terson Institute for International Economics, and and Capabilities, hearing on Tracking and Disrupting Rob Bradley, World Resources Institute, all of Terrorist Financial Networks: A Potential Model for Washington, DC. Inter-Agency Success? 3:30 p.m., 2118 Rayburn.

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Committee on the Budget, hearing on Members’ Day, Committee on Rules, to consider H.R. 1262, Water Qual- 10:30 a.m., 210 Cannon. ity Investment Act of 2009, 3:30 p.m., Capitol. Committee on Education and Labor, to mark up H.R. Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on 1388, Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Edu- Energy and Environment, hearing on FutureGen and the cation Act, 10 a. m., 2175 Rayburn. Department of Energy’s Advanced Coal Program, 10 Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Health, hearing on How Do You Fix Our Ailing Food Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Regula- Safety System? 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. tions and Healthcare, hearing entitled ‘‘Impact of Food Committee on Financial Services, to consider the fol- Recalls on Small Businesses, 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn. lowing: S. 383, Special Inspector General for the Trou- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Sub- bled Asset Relief Program Act of 2009; and a Committee committee on Coast Guard, and Maritime Transportation, Print entitled ‘‘Views and Estimates of the Committee on Financial Services on Matters to be Set Forth in the Con- hearing on overview of Coast Guard Drug and Migrant current Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2010,’’ Interdiction, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. 9:30 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Ways and Means, to consider Budget Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Views and Estimates to be submitted to the Committee Credit, hearing on Mortgage Lending Reform: A Com- on the Budget, 10 a.m., hearing on Health Reform in the prehensive Review of the American Mortgage System, 21st Century: Expanding Coverage, Improving Quality 2:30 p.m., 2128 Rayburn. and Controlling Costs, 10:30 a.m., 1100 Longworth. Committee on Foreign Affairs, hearing on The Summit of Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, to consider pend- the Americas: A New Beginning for U.S. Policy in the ing business, 4:45 p.m., 304, HVC. Region? 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Trans- Joint Meetings portation Security and Infrastructure Protection, hearing Joint Hearing: Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Sub- entitled ‘‘The Mumbai Attacks: A Wake-Up Call for committee on the Constitution, to hold joint hearings America’s Private Sector,’’ 2 p.m., 311 Cannon. with the House Committee on the Judiciary Sub- Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commer- committee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil cial and Administrative Law, hearing on Circuit City Unplugged: Why Did Chapter 11 Fail to Save 34,000 Liberties to examine S.J. Res. 7 and H.J. Res. 21, pro- Jobs? 2 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. posing an amendment to the Constitution of the United Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Sub- States relative to the election of Senators, 10 a.m., committee on Domestic Policy, hearing on Peeling Back SH–216. the TARP: Exposing Treasury’s Failure to Monitor the Joint Economic Committee: to hold hearings to exam- Ways Financial Institutions are Using Taxpayer Funds ine Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) accountability Provided under the Troubled Assets Relief Program, 10 and oversight, focusing on achieving transparency, 10:30 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. a.m., SD–106.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 11 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 11

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Wednesday: After the transaction of any Program for Wednesday: To be announced. morning business (not to extend beyond 11:30 a.m.), Sen- ate will begin consideration of the nomination of David W. Ogden, of Virginia, to be Deputy Attorney General.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Graves, Sam, Mo., E611, E614 Rogers, Mike, Ala., E603, E607, E609 Jackson-Lee, Sheila, Tex., E601, E622 Scalise, Steve, La., E621 Barrett, J. Gresham, S.C., E615 Johnson, Timothy V., Ill., E603, E612 Schakowsky, Janice D., Ill., E613 Bartlett, Roscoe G., Md., E609, E618, E622 Kennedy, Patrick J., R.I., E619 Schauer, Mark H., Mich., E604, E604 Berkley, Shelley, Nev., E606 Kirk, Mark Steven, Ill., E613 Sessions, Pete, Tex., E603, E603, E603 Bilirakis, Gus M., Fla., E612 Klein, Ron, Fla., E603 Shea-Porter, Carol, N.H., E614 Broun, Paul C., Ga., E604, E619 Lance, Leonard, N.J., E610, E611, E611, E612, E612, Smith, Christopher H., N.J., E605 Buchanan, Vern, Fla., E612 E613, E614, E615, E618, E619 Smith, Lamar, Tex., E611 Capito, Shelley Moore, W.Va., E615 Lipinski, Daniel, Ill., E606, E606 Space, Zachary T., Ohio, E606, E607 Cleaver, Emanuel, Mo., E620 LoBiondo, Frank A., N.J., E607 Speier, Jackie, Calif., E620 Costa, Jim, Calif., E606 Lucas, Frank D., Okla., E610 Stark, Fortney Pete, Calif., E611, E620 Crowley, Joseph, N.Y., E618 McHugh, John M., N.Y., E607, E618, E619 Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E610 Duncan, John J., Jr., Tenn., E618 McMorris Rodgers, Cathy, Wash., E614 Visclosky, Peter J., Ind., E604 Emerson, Jo Ann, Mo., E612 Mack, Connie, Fla., E602 Wexler, Robert, Fla., E615 Filner, Bob, Calif., E606 Paul, Ron, Tex., E614, E622 Wittman, Robert J., Va., E607 Frelinghuysen, Rodney P., N.J., E619 Rahall, Nick J., II, W.Va., E601 Young, Don, Alaska, E621

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