Recognizing the contributions of environmental systems and the technicians who install and maintain them to the quality of life of all Americans and supporting the goals and ideals of National Indoor Comfort Week.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

We are here today to consider legislation honoring the contributions of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industries, a large segment of our small business constituency. Although we often fail to think about the relevance to our everyday lives, the impact of these industries and firms can be seen in every household across the Nation. This resolution honors the men and women that strive to improve the lives of Americans by providing quality services on a daily basis.

This industry has helped to drive the economy by creating thousands of good-paying jobs every year. In 2002, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers held nearly 250,000 jobs, and approximately 15 percent of these workers were classified as self- employed.

The heating and cooling industry has also set the standard for creating innovative, environmentally safe products that help to preserve and strengthen our environment for future generations to enjoy. New technologies are constantly developed to ensure efficient energy use so that we can keep indoor environments safe and comfortable while protecting our outdoor environments. Without the modern conveniences and environmental advances the industry has developed, Americans would not have the means to enjoy the quality of life as we know it today. Clearly, given the unique contributions of the small businesses in this industry, it is only fitting that we find ways to recognize the exceptional work of these service men and women.

In recognizing what they have brought to the table, we must also strive to equip the indoor cooling industries with the resources they need to succeed, including access to capital, reduction of regulatory burden, affordable health care, business development and technical assistance. Entrepreneurs in service industries across the board deserve our full support in ensuring that these programs and initiatives are utilized to their fullest potential.

I would like to take a moment to recognize Tim Slattery and Allyson Ivans of the House Small Business Committee minority staff and Piper Largent of the majority staff for their work on this legislation. I would also like to commend the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This organization has been instrumental over the years in demonstrating how vital their industry is to communities across the country.

I am pleased to offer my support in designating the week of April 17- 23, 2005, as National Indoor Comfort Week. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industries are deserving of our attention. I cannot overstate the important role that the small businesses in these industries have played in improving our health, safety and overall quality of life.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 130) recognizing the contributions of environmental systems and the technicians who install and maintain them, the quality of life of all Americans and supporting the goals and ideals of National Indoor Comfort Week, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

This resolution recognizes the contributions of indoor environmental systems, commonly known as heating and air conditioning, and the technicians who install and maintain these systems. On a day like today where the temperature is expected to go above 80 degrees, I am particularly grateful for air conditioning that makes it easier to do our jobs each day. Heating and air conditioning provide a high quality of life for all Americans. This resolution simply supports the goals and ideals of National Indoor Comfort Week, which is taking place this week and sponsored by the Air Conditioning Contractors Association.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America are comprised mainly of small businesses. In fact, over 98 percent of HVAC contractors are small businesses. This is an industry that many of us take for granted, until we call upon them for service. They are responsible for ensuring that in the winter our heating systems work and in the summer our air conditioner hums along without interruption.

And it is because of air conditioning that many parts of our great Nation, particularly in the South and West, have grown into booming areas, creating new jobs and enhancing our economy.

There are very few people left in our country who can remember what it was like without refrigeration. Now refrigeration takes away most of the concerns we used to have about how our food is preserved. Refrigeration also protects vital medicines from contamination and helps us conquer diseases that have plagued mankind for generations.

Children and seniors have cleaner, safer air to breathe. The filtration systems in many HVAC units in our homes, office buildings and factories help purify the air that we breathe, helping to lower the effect of airborne diseases.

For all these reasons and more, I urge all of my colleagues to support passage of this resolution and salute the small business men and women who work in the HVAC industry.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.