To provide for a program of research, development, and demonstration on natural gas vehicles.

Mr. Speaker, as we discuss this bill about natural gas, I think we need to look much beyond that one issue. Republicans have introduced legislation called the American Energy Act. It's an all-of-the-above solution to our problems with dependence upon foreign oil, and, Mr. Speaker, we've got to stop that dependence upon foreign oil.

We're buying oil from countries that hate us, and they're utilizing our dollars to fight us, to kill our men and women in service. And the only way we are going to bring an end to that is to not only look to natural gas, but to look to nuclear energy, look to alternative sources of energy, look to things such as wind, solar, biomass. We need to find ways of having clean coal technology. I know a lot of people find that to be an oxymoron, but, in actuality, there is technology today that will lead to clean coal technology.

Mr. Speaker, we have to be good stewards of our environment. That tax-and-trade bill--some call it cap-and-trade. I call it tax-and-trade or cap-and-tax because it is about revenue--that's not going to do anything about our environment. All it's going to do is create more revenue for the Federal Government to pay for this ObamaCare plan that we are going to be debating in committees here in the House this week and possibly voting before we leave for the August break.

But, Mr. Speaker, America is suffering. We're suffering from high energy costs. Certainly, the gasoline prices have been lowered from $4, as it was not many months ago. Just recently I saw gas, as I drove to the airport this morning in Walnut Grove, Georgia, was $2.169, but that's still too high, and we're headed higher in the near future.

Mr. Speaker, it's extremely difficult for Georgia Power to get the permitting for the two new reactors that they want to put at plant Vogtle, just south of my district, just south of Augusta, Georgia. It's extremely difficult for people to do the research and development to look for alternative sources of fuel. Natural gas is being shut out as a means of powering our vehicles, powering many things that it could power.

Mr. Speaker, we need an all-of-the-above energy plan. I hope that the U.S. Senate will defeat the tax-and-trade bill that we passed here because it will be disastrous. It will raise the costs of all goods and services here in America. It will raise the cost of health care, medicines in the drug store, doctor bills, hospital bills. It will raise the cost of food. It will cost every single individual in this country more money, and I hope the American people will stand up and say ``no'' to the tax-and-trade bill that this House passed and that the Senate is considering, will consider this fall. I hope they'll stand up and say ``no'' to ObamaCare, which will increase the time it takes for people to get x rays and surgeries and the necessary medical evaluation and treatment that they need. Thus, people who have cancer will be denied the life-saving drugs that they so desperately need or the surgery that they need.

Mr. Speaker, we're heading down the wrong road in this country. This House is taking this country down the wrong road of higher deficits.

And I hear people on the other side blame President Bush for the deficits he's created, but President Bush's deficits are piker levels compared to the deficits that have been created by this Congress since this administration took over 6 months ago. This President has presented a budget that was passed by this House that will create more debt in the next 5 years than every President, including George Bush, from George W. Bush all the way back to George Washington, more deficit, more debt than has been created by every single President.

We cannot continue to spend our grandchildren's future. Our grandchildren are going to live at a lower standard of living than we do today because of this tremendous debt that we've created.

Mr. Speaker, it has to stop, and I hope the American people rise up and say ``no'' to ObamaCare. I hope they will stand up and say ``no'' to this tax-and-trade, tax-and-cap bill that the Senate's considering. I hope they will say ``no'' to a new stimulus package, nonstimulus bill that the President talks about that he wants to bring forward.

Mr. Speaker, we've got to stop spending the money of our children's future. It has to stop. It's outrageous, and the American people need to understand that they are the key to rising up and telling their Member of Congress in the House and the Senate ``no.'' ``No'' to cap- and-trade, ``no'' to ObamaCare, ``no'' to any more stimulus, ``no'' to any more Wall Street bailout, ``no'' to taking over any more financial institutions, ``no'' to spend, spend, spend.

Mr. Speaker, we cannot tax and spend our way to prosperity. It never has worked. It was tried during the Great Depression, and it didn't work then. It's not going to work today. We seem to have elitists that think that they can do it better, but socialism never has worked, never will work, and it's time for the American people to stand up and say ``no'' to it.

Mr. Speaker, we need to have natural gas as an alternative source of fuel for our automobiles and buses and trucks. We need to have all these energy sources. We need the American Energy Act passed into law. We need to cut taxes on small business and leave dollars in their pockets so that they can create jobs, so they can buy inventory, so we can get our economy back on track.

Mr. Speaker, the Republicans are charged by the Democratic folks on the other side of being the Party of No, but it's actually the Democratic Party that's been the Party of No. We are, as Republicans, the Party of K-N-O-W. We know how to stimulate the economy. We know how to lower the cost of health care. We know how to fix the problem that we have with energy.

And, Mr. Speaker, it's time for the American people to stand up and say ``no'' to this steamroller of socialism being driven by Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, fueled by Barack Obama, and say ``yes'' to the Republican alternatives that we desperately need, as a Nation, to fix the economy, to lower the cost of health care for all Americans, to get people back to work, and stop this killing jobs and killing our economy.

So the American people, Mr. Speaker, need to stand up and say ``no'' to the Democratic plan and ``yes'' to the Republican plan.

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

Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today in support of H. Res. 1622, ``Honoring the historic contributions of veterans throughout all conflicts involving the United States.'' I would like to begin by thanking my colleague, Representative Baca, for introducing this resolution to the House, as honoring those who have fought for our Nation should remain a priority. I urge my colleagues to also support this resolution, which recognizes that our great Nation stands strong today because of the dedication and sacrifice of American veterans. The United States is surely indebted to the veterans of every conflict, who have made great sacrifices for themselves and their families in defense of our national security. Our freedom is intertwined with the sacrifices of our veterans, whose devotion to our way of life is unparalleled. I am privileged to officially honor their sacrifices and the role they play in our Nation.

Every Veterans Day, Americans come together to remember those who have served our country around the world in the name of freedom and democracy. The debt that we owe to them is immeasurable. Their sacrifices and those of their families are freedom's foundation. Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and Coast Guardsmen and their families, our country would not live so freely.

This resolution not only solidifies the importance of Veterans Day, but also extends the importance of support for veterans throughout the year. In observing Veterans Day, the people of the United States must also encourage the education of our youth on how those dedicated individuals have contributed to the United States history and today's society. We must continue the tradition of honoring those who have served for the greatest causes, freedom, democracy, and justice; their commitment to the United States at home and abroad should never be forgotten. I am truly proud to rise in support of the recognition of the courage, service, and sacrifice of all United States veterans.

We recognize and honor the veterans of the Armed Forces not only of today, but also of years past, who have sacrificed their lives for our great Nation. House Resolution 1622 recognizes the historic contributions of the United States veterans in the involvement of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Eastern Indian Wars, Mexican War, Civil War, Western Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam Conflict, Lebanon crisis of 1958, Persian Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, among other conflicts. This resolution reaffirms our country's utmost respect and pride for our service people who have contributed to the shaping of the United States' history and our current place in the world today. This resolution expresses our deepest gratitude to United States Armed Forces veterans throughout history who have committed and sacrificed their lives to serve their country and its dedication to democracy. Currently, our Nation has 3 million troops and reservists, and 23 million veterans, who deserve the greatest respect from their fellow citizens. Our Nation has a proud legacy of appreciation and commitment to the men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of this country, and we must ensure that this legacy continues in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of House Resolution 1622, legislation I introduced to honor the historic contributions of veterans throughout all conflicts involving the United States.

Every Veterans Day, Americans come together to remember those who have served

our country in the name of freedom and democracy.

It's important that all Americans reflect on the sacrifices made by men and women in uniform from all conflicts involving the United States, from the Revolutionary War to current wars and conflicts.

Regardless in time of peace or in the time of war--the service and sacrifice of generations of men and women shaped America's history and transformed our society.

A great example of this courage is one of my constituents from Fontana, California--CPL Ernest Gonzalez, who received the bronze star for actions against Cambodian armed and hostile forces in 1970, including bravely exposing himself to enemy fire to retrieve his platoon leader.

For most veterans, their contributions extend well beyond active duty, and include their service as valuable members of our communities.

Another constituent of mine, Robert Allen Bartleman, from San Bernardino, California recently received military decorations for his courageous service as a combat Marine in Vietnam. He is now active in the legal community in my district.

Pete Martinez, an Airborne Paratrooper during the Korean war, is currently active in the Inland Empire Airborne Association in my district. He continues to work on behalf of veterans and is a great asset to his community.

After serving his country, Marine Col. John Kazalunas--formerly of the Rialto Unified School Board--went on to obtain his Ph.D. in Education to further contribute his talents and hard work in the field of education.

John Weininger, a proud Marine and Army veteran, and formerly a member of my district staff, remains a dedicated supporter and true champion of veterans after his service to this country.

Two additional veterans I'd like to mention are Mike Trujillo, a former member of my district staff and Jess Vizcaino, currently on my district staff. Both have been valuable assets to me by providing outstanding public service to the constituents of my district.

Another dedicated veteran is Anthony Acevedo, a World War II veteran who was 1 of 300 captured American soldiers held prisoner at a Nazi slave labor camp.

Through his courageous work as a medic, Mr. Acevedo kept a detailed diary of his imprisonment. Decades later he worked tirelessly to obtain the recognition of the U.S. Army for this group; his diary is now part of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

This resolution: Urges all Americans to recognize and encourages schools to educate students about the historic contributions of all veterans; and makes a request to the President to issue a proclamation for Veterans Day.

I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H. Res. 1622. As a Vietnam- era veteran, I am committed to ensure America keeps its promises to our nation's troops and the 23 million plus American veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank my ranking member and friend from Texas for yielding me time to express my support for H. Res. 607, the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing.

Like all members of my generation, I remember very well where I was when Neil Armstrong stepped out of the Eagle and into history. But today, as we look back, I offer this question: Where will we be when those next steps are taken on the Moon? For millions of Americans, those steps will be their first chance to witness history.

It is right and fitting that we take this time to honor the men and women of Apollo 11. And I say men and women, because although three brave men were willing to strap themselves on top of a Saturn V rocket, it took the support of thousands of men and women to make their success.

For some, there are questions about why even go back to the Moon? It's true we can't replace Apollo, but we should try. And I don't mean simply at NASA.

First, it boggles the mind that those Apollo journeys, which should have been the beginning of lunar exploration, were the end of them. Budget cuts forced the cancellation of Apollo 18, 19 and 20, and we've been endorsing those cuts ever since.

NASA is on a path to return to the Moon and on to Mars and beyond, but

we need the support, both here in Congress and among the general public, for these worthy goals. By exploring, we create jobs, we inspire our youth to go into math and science fields, and we ensure that the aerospace industry, which is currently American-centered and American-dominated, remains that way.

But the lessons of Apollo should not be limited to NASA. It has become cliche for politicians to reference Apollo when talking about our need to create domestic alternatives to solve our energy solutions.

Our Nation wants to rally around a worthy goal, to achieve great things. This is what Apollo showed us, and we should look to that in this Chamber as we debate the issues of the day that will impact the generations to come.

Apollo won't be replicated, because you can't replicate Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Mike Collins. They've become icons in American culture, exhibiting those uniquely American traits: boldness, courageousness, excellence. They, as individuals, were the finest in their fields. But as a crew, and as an extension of the NASA family that made Apollo such a success, and as representatives of this great Nation that sent them forth through the heavens, they became heroes worthy of the praise that will be offered over the next few days.

May the example they set as individuals drive us personally. May the success of the lessons of the Apollo program guide us selectively, and may the knowledge of what they achieved as a Nation inspire us to do bold things going forward.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1622) to provide for a program of research, development, and demonstration on natural gas vehicles, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 1622, the bill now under consideration.

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

H.R. 1622 was introduced by Mr. Sullivan of Oklahoma and cosponsored by myself, my friends from Texas, Mr. Hall and Mr. Green, my colleague from Oklahoma (Mr. Boren) and a number of other Members that recognize the potential of natural gas as an alternative transportation fuel.

This bill reauthorizes the Department of Energy's research, development and demonstration program in natural gas powered vehicles and related infrastructure. The vehicle fleet of the future will include a diverse range of fuels and vehicle technologies.

Since it is both cleaner than petroleum and domestically available, natural gas will play an important role in a more sustainable transportation sector. Moreover, the estimated domestic reserves continue to grow, indicating that natural gas could play a long-term role in helping to alleviate our dependence on foreign oil.

I support H.R. 1622 and urge its passage.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, as we look to see how we can truly work together in the Chamber, I think that the legislation before us, H.R. 1622, directly addresses some of our concerns when it

comes to energy in our great Nation. H.R. 1622 is a bipartisan piece of legislation that looks to see how we can come together and work together to be able to alleviate our dependence on foreign oil.

And, Mr. Speaker, I certainly agree with my colleague that we have to look to diversity when it comes to energy, that we have to be good stewards of the environment, and that's why I stood up proudly to support the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

We talk about what we have to do to invest in our future, Mr. Speaker, and as we look out to future generations and how we as a Nation have to come together, how our leaders have to come together, how we have to work anywhere that we possibly can to be able to address these deep concerns, it's with honor that I come before you, Mr. Speaker, to be able to work on these issues as a new Member of Congress, as a Member of Congress that's ready to work, and as a Member of Congress that's ready to look at new ideas where we can come together.

H.R. 1622 is the continuation of a good idea on how we can continue to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil.

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