Floor Statements

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

I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 288, supporting National Men's Health Week. In 1994, Congress established National Men's Health Awareness Week to be celebrated the week leading up to Father's Day. This week brings national attention to the critical health issues facing men and highlights the preventative measures that are necessary and available.

Every day men are reminded about the benefits of living a healthy life. Whether it's through exercise, a balanced diet, or regular visits to the doctor, these simple steps can lead to long, vibrant lives. Sadly, many men still neglect the basic preventative measures and often fail to realize the ripple effect their declining health can have on those around them.

Men have a shorter lifespan than women. On average, men live 5 years less than women. Men are also 1\1/2\ times more likely to die from heart attacks, heart disease, and cancer than

women. The reality is that men all too often neglect to seek out the medical initiatives they need. Early detection is vital and, in many cases, increases the chances for survival.

Men's Health Awareness Week helps bring this information to light and highlights the proactive steps that men can take to improve their chances for a long, healthy life. The benefits of a more proactive approach to men's health extends not only to the individual, but to their family, friends, taxpayers, and employers.

I urge my colleagues not only to support this resolution but honor its message. Men's Health Awareness Week helps broaden our understanding of serious health risks and the simple steps we can all take to help mitigate their effects.

I ask my fellow Members to join me in support of this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I rise today in support of H. Res. 546, recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day. It is important to once again remember a day when the wants and needs of the people brought our country out of one of the darkest stages of its history. It is through recognition of such an incredible achievement that we are able to pave the way for many more like it.

On June 19, 1865, 2,000 Federal soldiers marched into Galveston and notified the slaves of Texas that their lives of servitude were over. Amazingly, this action took place more than 2 years after President Lincoln's famous Emancipation Proclamation speech was delivered.

Over 100 years later, Juneteenth serves as a time when we can celebrate the true end to slavery in the United States. June 19, commonly known as Juneteenth, also reminds us that it is our duty to constantly work to better our country. On this day, we celebrate culture and, more importantly, emancipation. It is important that our children learn along with our families about the times surrounding the Civil War, but also of this monumental achievement that followed that June day in Galveston.

By taking time to celebrate Juneteenth Independence Day, we honor the richness, diversity, and heritage of all races in our Nation. I ask all my fellow Members to join me in support of H. Res. 546.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I rise in support of H. Res. 1369, recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. For the past 4 years, our country has proudly recognized the contributions that Caribbean Americans have made to our lives and our country. Since 1619, when the first Caribbean people came to the United States as indentured servants to Jamestown, the Caribbean people have held a place in our growth and development.

We are proud to count among them, as we heard earlier, leaders in government, the military and the arts. The first Secretary of the Treasury and one of our Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton, was born in the Caribbean. Former General and Secretary of State Colin Powell; Academy Award winner and musician, Sydney Poitier; and social activist, Harry Belafonte, are all of Caribbean heritage.

There are many similarities in the histories of the United States and the countries of the Caribbean. The United States and the countries of the Caribbean both have endured the trials of slavery, colonialism, and the struggle for independence. The separate countries of the Caribbean share a diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious background that is comparable to our multicultural Nation. These similarities are but a few ties that bind our countries together.

The countries of the Caribbean are also important economic partners of the United States and, importantly, represent the United States' third border. They share our commitment to peace and prosperity throughout our hemisphere. These common goals make our countries both strategically and culturally long-time allies.

I ask all my fellow Members to join me in celebrating National Caribbean-American Heritage Month and recognize the contributions Caribbean Americans have made to the history of the United States.

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

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

I rise today in support of H. Res. 1407, supporting the goals and ideals of High-Performance Building Week. The congressional High- Performance Buildings Caucus declared the week of June 13 through June 19 High-Performance Building Week in order to support and foster the engineering and innovation required for the construction of high- performance buildings.

High-performance buildings seek to address human, environmental, and economic issues inherent in the development process through the application of the highest level of design, construction, operation, and maintenance principles. These buildings can effectively guard against natural and human-caused events and disasters, including fire, flood, wind, noise, crime, and terrorism. When high-performance standards are used in schools, they also promote higher student achievement with better lighting, a more comfortable indoor environment, and improved ventilation and indoor quality.

Nearly 7.5 million Americans are employed in building design, construction, operation, and maintenance. These professions require high levels of education and training, the need for which will only intensify as the number of high-performance buildings increases. The resolution before us today seeks to promote awareness of the benefits of high-performance buildings and to illustrate continued support for research, education, and access to information in these areas.

We also recognize the important roles the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology play in developing the science necessary to create, test, integrate, and demonstrate new building technologies. Moreover, we recognize the innovative spirit and commitment of Americans to achieving excellence in this field. Our Nation's economy faces a number of obstacles, and we recognize the importance of construction and the value of every job created and maintained by this sector of our economy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution honoring the goals and ideals of High-Performance Building Week.

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

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1388, supporting the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

Every year, our coastal areas face the threat of hurricanes and tropical storms. These storms feature high wind speeds, heavy rains, and storm surges which can cause flooding and coastal erosion. With millions of Americans living within 50 miles of a vulnerable shoreline, these factors, unfortunately, can also cause loss of human life and substantial property destruction.

Over the last several decades, the increasing population density along the Nation's coastlines has contributed to the rising cost of recovering from hurricane damage. Thus, it is critical governments prepare for evacuation, ensure emergency supplies are readily available, and require adequate safety standards for infrastructure and buildings.

Each year since 1998, the National Weather Service has issued a seasonal outlook forecasting the number of storms likely to arise during the hurricane season, June 1 through November 30. This year, the National Weather Service is projecting between eight and 14 hurricanes. Storms with sustained wind speeds of 74 miles per hour or greater will form in the Atlantic basin, and between three and seven of these storms could be major hurricanes with wind speeds of at least 111 miles per hour.

Although not all storms will make landfall, a greater number of possible storms this season indicates landfall is more likely. This resolution encourages people to utilize the knowledge gained from past disasters, to learn about the potential risk of being caught in a hurricane, and how to prepare for the associated hazards.

I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1388.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).

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

Mr. Speaker, at its most fundamental level, the duty of Congress is to steward the tax revenue. Lately, all Congress has been doing is spending it. Through the first 8 months of the current fiscal year, the Federal Government amassed $941 billion in deficit spending. Every penny of debt accumulated must be paid for by our children and grandchildren. Without a budget, the only spending rule is, there are no rules.

The deadline for the House of Representatives to pass an actual budget has come and passed, and we still have nothing to show the American people. The budget process can be frustrating, but that's what we're here to do, to make the tough decisions. Families, small businesses, cities and States have to put together a budget. Congress must do the same for our country. We need a practical, workable Federal budget which restrains spending and puts us on a path to solvency, economic growth and prosperity.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hastings College President Phil Dudley for his exemplary service to Nebraska students and his community as a whole.

President Dudley has announced his retirement after nearly 40 years of dedication to Hastings College, including 10 years as President. His service is precluded by his doctoral education in economics and many leadership positions within Hastings College and the surrounding community.

As Hastings College President, President Dudley is credited for the construction of the Osborne Family Sports Complex, Barrett Family Alumni Center, Bronco Village Apartments, and the Morrison-Reeves Science Center.

President Dudley's embrace and promotion of service learning on the campus has led Hastings College students and faculty to dedicate 100,000 hours of their time to civic engagement. In recognition, Hastings College has been named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

His dedication to students is further exemplified in the expansion of academic programs. This includes the addition of majors in biochemistry, biopsychology, wildlife biology, and a nursing dual degree with Creighton University and Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital.

President Dudley's passionate commitment to Hastings College and its students will be missed as he retires in July of 2011, but his support of the institution will continue after his retirement as President Dudley will work with the Hastings College Foundation to manage the college's fund-raising and alumni activities.

I congratulate Phil on his outstanding career in higher education and thank him for his contributions to Nebraska's educational reputation.

Mr. Speaker, one of the most difficult challenges facing our Nation's future is providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy. The 2008 Farm Bill Energy Title provided a commitment to farm-based energy.

While the intent of this agenda was to expand biofuels in a timely manner, many of my constituents have expressed frustration with the slow pace of USDA's implementation. Nebraska's Third Congressional District is a leader in biofuels, and I remain committed to advancing the critical, timely development of our Nation's biofuels industry while decreasing our Nation's dependence on foreign oil.

I am confident that we can provide a cleaner environment and alleviate some of the economic pain Americans continue to experience. However, without a strong commitment, our advanced biofuels industry faces massive uncertainties, jeopardizing our Nation's path to energy independence.

Mr. Speaker, one of the most difficult challenges facing our Nation's future is providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy. Rural America has tremendous wind potential. Unfortunately, these wind energy sources lack infrastructure, including the expansion of transmission systems to deliver wind power from its sources to centers of population.

We need to have the ability to create energy in one part of the country and use it in another without significant loss in either efficiency or usability. My friends, we need to continue to explore any and all viable forms of research and development in renewable energy.

On Thursday, Members of Congress will have the chance to see what the future may hold for our Nation's energy resources at the 13th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo. There are still hurdles to overcome, and now is the time to begin working for a strong and diverse renewable energy portfolio.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jeremy Stevens of Sidney, Nebraska on becoming a member of USA TODAY's All-USA Community College Academic Team.

The All-USA Academic Team honors a prestigious group of 20 community college students from across the nation for outstanding intellectual achievement and leadership.

Jeremy, an Army Veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, attended Western Nebraska

Community College, WNCC, in Sydney prior to transferring to Creighton University. At WNCC, Jeremy earned a spot on the president's list, the Dean's List, and was an active member of the TRIO Upward Bound Program. His military honors include the Combat Infantryman's Award, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Award.

Jeremy was the President of his hometown's PTK Alpha Rho Omicron Chapter and served on the Sidney Endowment Association Board where he was an integral part of extending benefits to his fellow veterans. Jeremy also deserves recognition for the scholarship program he implemented for veterans who joined the military after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Jeremy's dedication to public service is evident as he prepares for a career as a history teacher, where he hopes to translate his ability for helping others to a classroom setting.

Once again, I congratulate Jeremy on his tremendous achievement and I wish him luck in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jeremy Stevens of Sidney, Nebraska on becoming a member of USA TODAY's All-USA Community College Academic Team.

The All-USA Academic Team honors a prestigious group of 20 community college students from across the nation for outstanding intellectual achievement and leadership.

Jeremy, an Army Veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, attended Western Nebraska

Community College, WNCC, in Sydney prior to transferring to Creighton University. At WNCC, Jeremy earned a spot on the president's list, the Dean's List, and was an active member of the TRIO Upward Bound Program. His military honors include the Combat Infantryman's Award, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Award.

Jeremy was the President of his hometown's PTK Alpha Rho Omicron Chapter and served on the Sidney Endowment Association Board where he was an integral part of extending benefits to his fellow veterans. Jeremy also deserves recognition for the scholarship program he implemented for veterans who joined the military after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Jeremy's dedication to public service is evident as he prepares for a career as a history teacher, where he hopes to translate his ability for helping others to a classroom setting.

Once again, I congratulate Jeremy on his tremendous achievement and I wish him luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Nebraska native Floyd Dominy.

Floyd, the longest serving Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, recently passed away at the age of 100.

His contributions to our nation will continue to be felt for generations. A true Nebraskan, he knew just how important access to water is for farmers, ranchers, and our communities.

He dedicated himself to the projects which would supply the necessary water resources for both agriculture and recreational purposes.

Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed H.Res. 1327--a resolution honoring Floyd for the major role he played in the development of our nation's water infrastructure.

Floyd was well known for his hard work and dedication, and I am proud to sponsor the resolution honoring Floyd's lifetime of service.

Mr. Speaker, this month we are celebrating World Trade Month to honor the nearly 300,000 American businesses which support millions of American jobs. International markets represent 73 percent of the world's purchasing power, 87 percent of its economic growth, and 95 percent of the world's consumers. More than 50 million Americans work for companies which engage in international trade and 1 in 3 acres of American farmland grows food for consumers overseas.

Unfortunately, approval of pending trade agreements with countries such as Colombia, South Korea and Panama have languished, awaiting approval by Congress. Every day we delay, the more ground our Nation and our economy lose to our international competitors. Trade is an indispensable part of American prosperity, and Congress needs to make increasing international opportunities a much higher priority.

Madam Speaker, on May 4, 2010, I was delayed due to circumstances beyond my control after participating in a hearing of the Committee on Agriculture in Cheyenne, WY. Unfortunately I was not present to vote on H. Res. 1307, H. Res. 1213, and H. Res. 1132.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all three votes.

Madam Speaker, last week this Administration announced it would allow the private investment and development of the Cap Wind Energy Project off the coast of Massachusetts.

This is a step in the right direction, toward a real, comprehensive energy plan.

As higher energy prices hit American families, it becomes once again necessary for Congress to take an ``all of the above'' approach to our energy policy.

It is absolutely essential we continue to utilize our natural energy resources through research, development, and domestic exploration.

The American Energy Act, which I support, encourages clean and renewable sources of energy such as nuclear power, solar, and wind.

It also lowers fuel costs, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and creates jobs.

We have delayed an ``all of the above'' energy strategy for too long. Now is the time to act.