Expressing support for designation of the month of October 2007 as "Country Music Month" and to honor country music for its long history of supporting America's armed forces and its tremendous impact on national patriotism.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Cardoza) for the time, and I would yield myself such time as I may consume.

Small business is the engine that drives our economic strength. The almost 26 million small businesses in the United States employ over half of all private sector workers and pay approximately 45 percent of total U.S. private payroll. Over the last decade, small businesses have generated 60 to 80 percent of net new jobs annually.

Congress, for decades, has acknowledged the important role small businesses play in the Federal procurement process. This is evident in the Small Business Act of 1953. The Act says that, and I quote, ``it is the declared policy of the Congress that the government should aid, counsel, assist and protect . . . the interests of small business concerns in order to preserve free competitive enterprise and to ensure that a fair proportion of the total purchases and contracts or subcontracts for property and services for the government . . . be placed with small business enterprises.''

In 2006, the Federal Government spent over $400 billion on goods and services in over 8 million separate contracts. Small businesses won about 80 billion worth of those contracts, a little over 20 percent.

The Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 established a goal of 3 percent for Federal contracts awarded to service-disabled veterans. Unfortunately, we have yet to meet that worthy goal.

The underlying legislation being brought to the floor today, H.R. 3867, the Small Business Contracting Improvements Act, seeks to expand procurement opportunities for businesses owned by service-disabled veterans by placing these businesses at the top of the priority list for receiving Federal contracts.

The legislation adjusts the net worth standard for businesses in the 8(a) program for the first time in about 20 years, to $550,000, so it is more consistent with inflation. To take part in the 8(a) program a business must be owned by citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Participants in the program are eligible for sole source and limited competition government contracts. They also can receive a 10 percent cost advantage in some procurements.

As part of their campaign, Madam Speaker, the new majority spoke often about taking the House of Representatives in a new direction. Unfortunately, that direction seems to be backwards because now the Rules Committee no longer allows Members to present their amendments even if they're a few minutes late. That is a departure from the practice of the Rules Committee under the prior majority.

Last week, several Members attempted to file amendments with the Rules Committee. The majority denied the Members even the ability to file the amendment because they were a few minutes late, thereby denying Members the right even to come before the Rules Committee to speak about the merits of their respective amendments.

Representative King attempted to file his amendment on-line as required by the committee; however, due to technical issues, he was not able to file the amendment on-line. Representative King was told by the majority on the Rules Committee that they would waive the electronic filing requirement; however, because he had spent time trying to get the amendment filed electronically, he missed by a few minutes the deadline to physically file the amendment. It's disappointing that the majority would not allow Representative King to offer his amendment when it was clear he was trying to comply with the filing requirements. Because of technical issues, he was delayed.

I understand the need the majority may have in issuing a deadline. But in the prior majority, Madam Speaker, we always allowed Members to at least file their amendments even if they were past the deadline, and even made some of those amendments in order. It is a shame that the new majority has decided to take a step back and not allow some discretion in this matter.

This new hard-and-fast time requirement is particularly difficult, if not impossible, when a Member is trying to file a second-degree amendment. As you know, Madam Speaker, a second-degree amendment is written to amend an amendment, so that it is not possible to draft such an amendment until the initial amendment was made public, and that list of amendments filed is not made public until after the amendment deadline.

We already saw how the new majority's requirement blocks amendments when, during a previous rule, Representative Akin was not allowed to offer a second-degree amendment.

It's unfortunate, Madam Speaker, by not allowing Members to even offer amendments in the Rules Committee, we believe that the majority is, in effect, silencing the voices of millions of Americans.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would ask my dear friend how many speakers he has remaining.

Madam Speaker, we reserve.

I would ask my friend if he has no other speakers.

Madam Speaker, I will be asking for a ``no'' vote on the previous question so that we can amend this rule and move toward passing a conference report on the bipartisan Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act.

The House of Representatives passed the veterans and military funding bill on June 15 of this year by a vote of 409-2, with the Senate following suit and naming conferees on September 6 of this year. Unfortunately, the majority leadership in the House has refused to move forward on this bill and name conferees.

Why has the majority decided to hold off on moving this bill, with bipartisan support, because that's what this is. This legislation has extraordinary bipartisan support. It was almost unanimously passed by this House.

Why has the majority decided to hold off on moving this bill forward?

Well, according to several publications, Madam Speaker, including Roll Call, the majority intends to hold back from sending appropriations bills to President Bush so that they can use an upcoming anticipated veto of one such bill, the Labor-HHS appropriations bill to serve as an, and I quote, ``an extension of their successful public relations campaign on the SCHIP program.''

So for purely partisan tactical reasons, Madam Speaker, the majority is holding back from sending to the President legislation to fund our veterans and military construction.

Now, recently, Madam Speaker, Republican Leader Boehner took a step towards naming House Republican conferees. Now, Speaker Pelosi should follow suit and take the steps necessary to ensure that work can begin on writing the final veterans funding bill that can be enacted into law.

Madam Speaker, every day that the majority chooses not to act to move this legislation forward, our Nation's veterans lose $18.5 million. Our veterans deserve better than partisan bickering holding back their funding. So I urge my colleagues to help move this important bipartisan legislation forward.

But, frankly, Madam Speaker, it is an unfortunate fact to have to report that this is the first time in 20 years where we have reached this date, end of October, and we are still waiting for the first spending bill to be sent to the President for his signature. It is most unfortunate. Most unfortunate.

So I urge my colleagues to help move the important legislation, the spending bill with regard to veterans and military construction, to move it forward, to send it to the President, to appoint conferees so that the final product can be sent to the President.

For that reason, Madam Speaker, we oppose the previous question and urge all of our colleagues to join us in doing so.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of the amendment and extraneous materials immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.

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

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 773 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz- Balart). All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only.

General Leave

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 773.

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

Madam Speaker, House Resolution 773 provides for the consideration of H.R. 3867, the Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act, under a structured rule.

As the Clerk reported, the rule provides 1 hour of general debate, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Small Business. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clause 9 and 10 of rule

Madam Speaker, I would respond to my friend from Florida by saying that it is the hard copy being received in Rules Committee that needs to be done by the time that has been specified by the Rules Committee. Timely filed amendments were all made in order on the Republican side for this measure. We certainly look forward to our Republican colleagues filing amendments in committee when we've called for amendments to a bill, and encourage them to file on time.

Madam Speaker, at this time I would yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

I have one additional speaker that has arrived.

Madam Speaker, I would like to, at this time, yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Ms. Giffords).

No other speakers. We will be ready to close.

Madam Speaker, the gentleman from Florida, my friend, has indicated that we are not adequately funding our Nation's veterans. I would like to remind the gentleman, my good friend, that the recent Republican-led Congress shortchanged veterans funding by failing to provide sufficient increases to keep up with VA's growing number of patients and the rising cost of health care while they were in charge.

In the summer of 2005, the VA confronted a $1.5 billion shortfall as they significantly underestimated the health care needs of the new veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. This year the VA expects to treat 5.8 million patients, 1.6 million more than in 2001.

The new Congress, under the Democratic majority, committed to taking the country in a new direction. For 2007, the Democratic-held Congress increased veterans funding by $5.2 billion, and the Congress is proposing an additional increase of $3.8 billion more than the President in fiscal year 2008. That is the largest increase in veterans funding in 77 years.

The Democratic Congress once again is bringing to the floor a bill that provides real solutions to the obstacles facing America's small business owners, innovators, and entrepreneurs. H.R. 3867 ensures that veterans, women, and minority-owned businesses and other underrepresented entrepreneurs receive the assistance they need to thrive in the Federal marketplace. It also paves the way for them to develop their companies, create jobs, and give a much-needed jolt to our economy.

Madam Speaker, securing a Federal contract is a major boon for entrepreneurs, especially those owned by minority and veteran small businesses. This bill is yet another step towards ensuring that these businesses are not, in fact, left behind, but rather given every opportunity to succeed.

I appreciate the debate with my friend from Florida, and I urge a ``yes'' vote on the rule and on the previous question.

The material previously referred to by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida is as follows:

Amendment to H. Res. 773 Offered by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart

At the end of the resolution, add the following:

Sec. 3. The House disagrees to the Senate amendment to the

bill, H.R. 2642, making appropriations for military

construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related

agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and

for other purposes, and agrees to the conference requested by

the Senate thereon. The Speaker shall appoint conferees

immediately, but may declare a recess under clause 12(a) of

rule I for the purpose of consulting the Minority Leader

prior to such appointment. The motion to instruct conferees

otherwise in order pending the appointment of conferees

instead shall be in order only at a time designated by the

Speaker in the legislative schedule within two additional

legislative days after adoption of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 58) expressing support for designation of the month of October 2007 as ``Country Music Month'' and to honor country music for its long history of supporting America's armed forces and its tremendous impact on national patriotism.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to H.J. Res. 58 into the Record.

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

(Mr. HINOJOSA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the designation of October 2007 as ``Country Music Month'' and to celebrate the long heritage of patriotism in country music.

The Country Music Association celebrated its first National Country Music Month in 1964, and October 2007 marks its 43rd annual observance. I would like to thank my fellow Texan, Congressman Ted Poe, for bringing this bill forward today.

The themes invoked in country music resonate with important American values such as responsibility, determination and hard work. Country songs foster an appreciation of the many important sacrifices made by our men and women serving in the Armed Forces. Songs like ``Only in America'' by Brooks and Dunn and ``Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly'' by Aaron Tippen encourage patriotism and the pursuit of the American Dream.

In addition to powerful patriotic lyrics, the country music industry has also directly supported the cause of our Armed Forces. Portions of the proceeds from some patriotic compilations have gone to support the USO's active duty troops and families of fallen soldiers.

Mr. Speaker, I express my support for Country Music Month and congratulate the genre on its many contributions to American society. I urge my colleagues to pass the resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, country songs foster an appreciation of the many important sacrifices made by soldiers serving in the Armed Forces.

I want to share with our Members of the House that tomorrow, Tuesday, I will be accompanying Sergeant Daniel Pena from my congressional district, a young man 28 years old serving his third tour in Iraq. While on patrol, their Humvee stepped on a land mine that exploded. One of his colleagues riding in that Humvee was killed, and he lost his right arm and his right leg.

He came back to the United States where he has stayed in Walter Reed the last 2 months and received an artificial arm and leg and has now been released by Walter Reed Hospital. I'm going to accompany him and his father and mother to Weslaco, Texas, where he is going to receive a hero's welcome.

I'm pleased to tell you that I requested that country songs like ``Only in America'' by Brooks and Dunn and ``Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly'' by Aaron Tippin be played as part of the patriotic music that we're going to have at that celebration of a hero's welcome.

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

Mr. Speaker, we have no other speakers on this resolution, and I yield back my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 58, expressing support for the designation of the month of October as ``Country Music Month'' and to honor country music for its long history of supporting America's Armed Forces and its tremendous impact on national patriotism.

Country music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the southern region of the United States. I am proud to represent the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. Country music has roots in traditional folk music, Celtic music, blues, gospel music, and old-time music and evolved rapidly in the 1920s.

Its sound and style has changed dramatically over the years. In the early years, country music was more of the honky-tonk sound from the likes of Ernest Tubbs and Hank Williams. In the 1930s and 1940s, another form of country music emerged, western country. These songs romanticized the life of the lonely, but heroic cowboy on the western frontier. Some of those famous for this western style were Gene Autry, America's singing cowboy, and Roy Rogers, who later teamed with wife Dale Evans to become the famous duo of the genre.

Country music morphed once again in the early 1950s with a sound that became known as rockabilly, a combination of rock and roll and hillbilly music. This sound was made popular by many performers who developed staying power in the country music industry. They include the Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, and, of course, the king himself, Elvis Presley.

By the 1960s, country music found its home in Nashville, Tennessee. The Nashville sound was born. This was most definitely the sound of country, but the sixties saw more steel guitars and drums in the Nashville sound. This era of country music was the beginning of the age of contemporary country music which ushered in today's most popular artists, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Reba McEntire.

Today, country music is at its highest peak of popularity. As of 2007, country is the most popular radio format in America, reaching 77.3 million adults, almost 40 percent of the adult population, every week.

Country music is a story of family, faith, freedom, pride and patriotism. It embodies the American spirit and has played an integral part in encouraging Americans to support our Armed Forces. These songs invoke feelings of determination, liberty and responsibility, all of which this great country was founded upon.

In 1964, October was declared Country Music Month in honor of its rich history and tremendous impact on national patriotism. Country music is America's music, and for this reason I urge my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 58.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for yielding me this time, and I am delighted the member from Tennessee, the country music capital, is a cosponsor of this bill.

I also thank the majority and Mr. Hinojosa for quickly getting this House resolution to the floor. I know there was some difficulty in doing it because of the timetable, but I appreciate it.

Mr. Speaker, country music is definitely a sound that is uniquely American because it speaks to the heart and soul of everyday Americans. It is about the ups and downs of everyday life, as well as the struggles individuals have in this country, and the struggles our Nation confronts as a country. They are exemplified gloriously through the gifted songwriting of our country music artists.

At no time is this more true than when songs are written during trying times for our country and for the unwavering support of our men and women who wear the uniform who are willing to fight and even die, if necessary, for this Nation.

Toby Keith sang in ``America Soldier'' about our troops. He said, ``Up and at 'em bright and early, I'm all business in my suit. I'm dressed for success from my head down to my boots. I don't do it for the glory, I just do it anyway, providing our future's my responsibility. I will always do my duty. No matter what the price. If

dying's asked of me, I'll bear that cross with an honor, 'cause freedom don't come free.''

Through songs like Darrel Worley's ``Have You Forgotten,'' and Lee Greenwood's ``God Bless the U.S.A.,'' Alan Jackson's ``Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),'' Aaron Tippin's ``Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly,'' Brooks and Dunn's ``Only in America,'' and Charlie Daniels' ``This Ain't No Rag, It's a Flag,'' and Chely Wright's ``Bumper of my SUV,'' the thoughts and emotions of everyday Americans rings out all across America through country music.

These musicians and their patriotic radio stations that air their songs of support for the military are to be commended for being on the front lines of encouragement to our remarkable, relentless troops.

Like many in this House, I've been to Iraq; but also many of our country music singers have gone overseas to Iraq and every other place where American troops are, at their own expense to show appreciation to our American military for their loyalty to the U.S.A.

It's fitting that we as a Congress take note of this and honor country music during the month of October. I urge adoption of the bill.