Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3820, the Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2009, which we will be taking up later today.

This legislation reauthorizes and amends the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act and the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act, ensuring agencies as diverse as FEMA, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Institute of Science and Technology have continuing appropriate authorizations to research the causes and forecasting of natural disasters, as well as ways to limit their negative impact.

The recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile have certainly demonstrated the importance of developing improved methods of predicting and mitigating natural disasters. The contrast in outcomes between these two quakes has also demonstrated the clear benefit of preparedness and scientifically based building codes in containing casualties from a major disaster, if not the economic losses.

Nearly every part of the United States is susceptible to natural disasters in some form or another, and reauthorizing the programs in H.R. 3820 will ensure we remain at the forefront of this important research.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the men and women who are striving to realize the American dream and who will be integral in our economy's recovery. This week we are recognizing and thanking American small businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them.

Entrepreneurs are a key component to our Nation's economy now more than ever. They are responsible for the creation of two-thirds of all new jobs each year, and their small businesses comprise more than 97 percent of all employers in the United States--nearly 30 million businesses in all.

Entrepreneurs are important for the entire nation, but in Nebraska they are vital. In the most recent report from the Small Business Administration, Nebraska has an estimated 163,077 small businesses which employed more than 50 percent of the non-farm private labor force, bringing in $6.7 billion in income. Quite simply, we need small businesses and entrepreneurs. They deserve our support and recognition as they work to rebuild our economy.

All too often there is a tendency to rely on the government to create wealth and prosperity when, in reality, these are created in the private sector by risk-taking entrepreneurial Americans with ideas, innovation, and their own hard work.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the President unveiled his $1 trillion health care bill which is nearly the same as the two previous bills which have already been rejected by the American people. The American people have rejected those bills because they raise taxes, kill jobs, and increase costs to fund a government takeover of health care virtually.

The new taxes and regulations on small businesses alone will kill jobs at a time when nearly 1 in 10 Americans are already out of work. The plan unveiled yesterday still lacks fiscal responsibility and still levels mandates on individuals and employers and still puts Federal bureaucrats in control of private citizens' personal health care decisions. However, it does nothing to bring about true reform such as ending junk lawsuits or allowing individuals to purchase affordable health insurance across State lines.

This new plan is simply more of the same as what we have seen before--a series of half-measures moving in a proven wrong direction.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take the time to recognize a group of students from Nebraska's Third District, who have decided to put aside personal benefit in order to help those in need. The junior class at Hay Springs High School, like high schools throughout the nation, spent the school year raising funds for their annual prom. However, this class has decided to forgo their ``expensive'' prom to help the less fortunate.

A destructive earthquake struck the island of Haiti in January, causing tremendous damage and loss of human life. The survivors now face collapsed buildings, limited resources, and a ruined country.

For the entire school year, the junior class have sold magazines, offered soup suppers, and held raffles to help finance prom. Their fund raising efforts earned them more than $5,000, but this money will not be used to support their prom. Rather, it has been designated for a non-profit organization helping in the recovery by setting up hospitals and schools in Haiti.

When such a devastating event takes place, we must come together as a people in order to help the less fortunate. I want to take this opportunity to thank the junior class of Hay Springs High School for their selflessness and their willingness to help in a time of crisis.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take a few moments today to acknowledge a great group of Nebraska students who have graciously put forth efforts to aid the people of Haiti in their time of need.

After the destructive earthquake which hit the island of Haiti, many are surviving without basic necessities. A third-grade class in Arnold, Nebraska had been studying citizenship when the crisis in Haiti occurred. When a student suggested the class aid in the efforts to help Haiti recover from the earthquake, the rest of the class sprung into action.

The students gathered as many clothes, blankets, medical supplies and shoes as they could and teamed up with the Grain Train, an organization which has been sending supplies to the Haiti orphanages for years.

Their efforts should not go unnoticed, and I am grateful to have such outstanding students doing what they can to extend Nebraska's ``Good Life'' worldwide.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, Congress received the White House's budget proposal. The President's budget more than doubles our national debt, drives spending to a record $3.8 trillion, pushes the deficit to an unheard of $1.6 trillion, and raises taxes by more than $2 trillion over the next 10 years. It also includes $36.5 billion in direct tax and fee increases on American oil, natural gas, and coal. These tax increases will only serve to reduce American energy production, increase energy prices, and destroy American jobs.

I support an all-of-the-above approach to our energy policy, one which encourages research and exploration for all forms of American- produced energy. Let's take this opportunity to do what is right for the future of our country by tapping into domestic energy resources and creating American jobs here at home.

Madam Speaker, I want to take a few moments today to congratulate the Hruby family--Tim, Stephanie and daughter Sophie--who recently earned the Excellence in Agriculture award.

The award is part of the Young Farmers and Ranchers program, which recognizes young farmers and ranchers who are contributing to their local communities, the agriculture industry, and our state through their involvement, leadership, and participation.

My district, like many rural areas throughout our country, faces a ``brain drain'' as we lose young people to more urban areas. If we are going to reverse this trend, we need more Nebraskans like the Hrubys to step up and take the lead.

Agriculture isn't an occupation. Rather, as Tim and Stephanie can tell you, it is a way of life and I thank them for their dedication to their community and our state.

I rise to honor the Nebraska Firefighters Museum and Education Center in Kearney, Nebraska. In addition, I also want to thank Linsay Schluntz and Wayne Olson for their energy, dedication and hard work in making the museum a reality.

The museum covers Nebraska's firefighting history from 1856 to the present and its exhibits feature restored fire trucks, uniforms, breathing equipment, fire extinguishers and other various firefighting implements.

Additionally, I'm proud to note a portion of the museum is dedicated to fire prevention education and features interactive exhibits targeted to school-age children.

Opened on August 14, 2009, the museum has seen more than 3000 visitors with many more expected to tour the facilities in the coming months. Later this year, construction will begin on a memorial garden featuring several granite tablets with the engraved names of Nebraska firefighters who have dedicated their lives and safety to protecting their communities.

It has been a great honor of mine to work with Nebraska's firefighters and other emergency personnel. The Nebraska Firefighters Museum is a reminder of the sacrifices and dedication these brave men and women make to our state.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a broadcasting icon in western Nebraska, John Brandt. Yesterday, Ogallala joined together to thank John for his 40 years of broadcasting service to the area.

A 1963 graduate of Superior High School in Superior, Nebraska, John has been a fixture on the airwaves for listeners in my district since December of 1969.

Never one to shy away from the hard-hitting questions, John earned his reputation as being a tough but fair interviewer, whose only motivation was to provide his listeners with the most up-to-date information available.

He has given back to the Ogallala community in so many ways and I fully expect this service to continue. I wish him well as he continues to serve the community and our State as a whole.

Mr. Speaker, since 2007, our national debt has increased 39 percent from nearly $9 trillion to more than $12 trillion. This works out to be $39,000 for every man, woman, and child in America just to pay off our country's debt. Now there is a push to increase our Nation's debt ceiling to $13.9 trillion, despite warnings this increase will be harmful to the U.S. economy.

At a time of double-digit unemployment and with more than 2.6 million jobs lost since the so-called stimulus was passed by Congress, isn't it time we institute fiscally sound policies?

Over the last 11 months, the American people have seen unprecedented spending from Washington, D.C. They are certainly not impressed. They know any economic recovery starts with tax relief for working families and small businesses and fiscal discipline from Washington.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to join in honoring the Scotts Bluff National Monument--which will be celebrating its 90th anniversary this Saturday.

On December 12th, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson signed a Presidential Proclamation, officially establishing Scotts Bluff National Monument on approximately 2,000 acres.

One of the highest points in Nebraska, Scotts Bluff played an important role in our country's westward expansion. A natural landmark, the formation served as a point of reference for travelers on the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express Trails.

Today, visitors to the monument can hike the Saddle Rock Trail, see a magnificent view from the summit, visit the Oregon Trail Museum and Visitor Center, and even relive life on the Oregon Trail during special ``Living History'' programs during the summer. The north face of the monument shows more geological history than any other formation in Nebraska, spanning a time period extending millions of years.

Having grown up in the shadow of the monument, I know full well just how important this monument has been for our country, for Nebraska, and for the local economy. It is with great pleasure I join with all Nebraskans to celebrate the 90th birthday of such an icon.

Madam Speaker, I rise to express my concerns about the rush of some of my colleagues that they seem to be in to enact cap-and-trade legislation. We are seeing serious doubts on the validity of the science which is driving this flawed policy. In fact, the EPA has formally declared greenhouse gas emissions as dangerous pollutants, an action which could prove costly to America's farms, ranches, and small businesses.

At a time of double-digit unemployment, the last thing our country needs is a jobs-killing tax regime imposed on our family-run small businesses and agriculture producers. Agriculture is an energy- intensive industry, relying on fuel for the truck, fertilizer for the crops, and generators to keep heaters on during the winter.

This national energy tax is the wrong way to go, and it's based on flawed science.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose suspending the rules to pass H.R. 3570, the Satellite Home Viewer Update and Reauthorization Act.

I understand this legislation must be reauthorized by December 31 to ensure satellite television viewers have continued access to local stations. In many rural areas--including large portions of my district--satellite television carriage of local stations is one of the only sources for up-to-the-minute news and weather. It is vital we maintain that link.

I am pleased this legislation addresses two issues of concern to my constituents. It includes language allowing satellite carriers to provide in-state public television signals to all viewers in the state, regardless of television market, DMA. This means the thirteen counties in my district served by the Denver DMA will have improved access to the quality programming of NET--Nebraska's statewide PBS station.

The bill also takes steps to encourage satellite carriers to carry all 210 DMAs. Currently, 31 DMAs, including the city of North Platte in my district, are not carried by either of the two major satellite carriers and another 76 are carried by only one of the two. These unserved and underserved markets are typically small, rural areas and are often in the greatest need of satellite carriage for distant viewers to receive their signals. I am pleased the bill takes steps to encourage their coverage rather than implementing strong new mandates on these private companies.

However, I must oppose passage of this legislation under suspension of the rules. It does not contain language to address the needs of consumers in out-of-state DMAs who wish to receive in-state broadcast programming over satellite. Under suspension of the rules, no member will have the opportunity to offer an amendment to address this issue.

Under this legislation the thirteen counties which would gain access to Nebraska public television would still be forced to watch local broadcast programming from the Denver DMA. This includes places such as Sheridan and Cherry Counties which are over 400 miles from Denver and have three closer and arguably more local markets unavailable to them on satellite--North Platte, Scottsbluff-Cheyenne, and even Rapid City, South Dakota.

With this in mind, I must oppose suspending the rules to pass this legislation today in hope that this bill can be brought back up under a rule with the opportunity to make these needed changes for my constituents.

Mr. Speaker, the estate tax, also known as the death tax, has been a drag on America's family-owned small businesses for decades. It threatens our Nation's farms and ranches, the very businesses which produce 86 percent of U.S. agricultural products.

Farmers and ranchers work their entire lives to build their land and equipment for their operations; yet the existence of the death tax could take it all away.

The death tax impedes economic growth because it lowers incentives for small family businesses to invest capital in their own economic endeavors. In other words, it punishes success.

This flies in the face of the very principles upon which our country was founded.

The estate tax is inappropriate, and it needs to be eliminated once and for all. Doing so in the right way would lift a tremendous weight off the shoulders of America's family-owned small businesses, farms, and ranches.

Madam Speaker, a week ago, our Nation celebrated Veterans Day. I rise today to honor a couple who have done a great service for Nebraska's Veterans.

Bill and Evonne Williams have organized seven Heartland Honor Flights which made it possible for 1,454 World War II veterans to come to Washington D.C. in 2008 and 2009 to receive the recognition they deserve.

Veterans participating were able to visit the World War II memorial, as well as other points of interest here in the Nation's capital.

I know their visit to Washington was a trip of a lifetime for each and every one of them, and I know I speak for all of us when I thank them for their service to our country. Bill and Evonne also deserve our thanks for making these moments possible. Without their dedication and commitment, we would not have been able to honor these men and women who have helped make our Nation great.