Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today, Wednesday, November 7, 2007, astronaut Clayton Anderson will touch down at Kennedy Space Center aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. Clayton, a native of Ashland, NE, returns home after spending 5 months in space aboard the International Space Station.

I had the distinct honor of having a brief telephone conversation with Clay during his time aboard the International Space Station. It was truly an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.

Born in Omaha, Clayton received his bachelor of science degree in physics from Hastings College, Nebraska in 1981 and a master of science degree in aerospace engineering from Iowa State University in 1983. He joined the Johnson Space Center in 1983 and was selected as a mission specialist by NASA in June 1998. He launched to the Space Station on June 8, 2007 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis with the crew of STS-117 and was assigned as Expedition 15 flight engineer.

Nebraskans from Omaha to Scottsbluff are proud of Clayton and all he has accomplished. He is an inspiration to all who wish to pursue their own goals--whether of one day traveling to and exploring space, teaching the next generation of students, or simply being the best person they can be.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Herger and the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee for leading, I think, a terrific bipartisan effort.

I rise today in support of expanding our Nation's export markets by passing the bipartisan Peru Trade Promotion Agreement. The agreement will create significant new opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, businesses and certainly consumers by opening new markets and reducing trade barriers, leveling that playing field.

More than two-thirds of current U.S. farm exports to Peru will become duty free immediately. This trade agreement gives U.S. farmers an advantage over competitors. For example, U.S. exporters of wheat and white corn currently pay a 17 percent tariff in Peru, while Argentina pays only 3.4 percent and controls two-thirds of Peru's market.

You eliminate the 17 percent tariff and give U.S. grain exporters a leg up. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, U.S. agriculture exports could exceed $705 million, an increase of over 1,000 percent from current levels. In addition, Peru has committed to recognize the U.S. meat inspection system as the equivalent to its own, thereby allowing imports from facilities approved by our own USDA. Peru has committed to specific sanitary and phytosanitary terms, removing barriers to imports of U.S. beef, pork, poultry and rice.

Opening export markets has long been a priority of mine. Earlier this year I hosted an export seminar which drew forward-thinking individuals from across my district. They recognized just how vitally important access to foreign markets can be to our economy.

In 2006, Nebraska's agriculture exports worldwide were around $3.3 billion. A total of 1,125 companies exported goods from Nebraska in 2005. Of those, 877 were businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Despite high tariffs and other barriers on most agriculture products, including beef, corn and soybeans, U.S. exporters shipped more than $209 million in agriculture products to Peru.

Nebraska would benefit from this free trade agreement which provides U.S. suppliers with access to foreign markets and levels the playing field with our competitors. As the Omaha World Herald newspaper put it in today's edition, ``Greater trade opportunities hold clear benefit for the Midlands. In terms of Nebraska's economic interests alone, tariffs would be sharply reduced on the State's primary exports to Peru: chemical manufactures, machinery, and processed foods.''

But more than just economic interests, this agreement builds trust between two countries. By opening the doors for our exports, we also open lines of communication. We help improve lives. We foster a sense of community.

Agriculture markets are tremendously important to my district and the Nation as a whole, and I hope to help Nebraska's products continue to compete in the global marketplace. But I also want to help America remain the greatest Nation in the world. We can do so by opening the lines of trade and communications to trading partners across the globe.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bipartisan measure.

Madam Speaker, today I rise not in honor of one person, but of many. Today I rise in honor of a small slice of what makes Nebraska great.

When Gary Lindstrom, a farmer outside of Holdrege, Nebraska, was sidelined by a heart attack during harvest season, his neighbors and fellow Nebraskans showed what it truly means to be a community.

Farmers from Wilcox, Holdrege, Loomis, Ash Grove, Funk, and Ragan, eight combines, 12 grain cars and 20 trucks rallied to take care of a friend who was in need.

I think one of the volunteers, Wade Johnson of Holdrege, said it best when he said, ``It's what we all do when somebody needs some help. You help out.''

I was touched by the generosity of the community. For Mr. Lindstrom, I thank everyone who lent a helping hand. And I thank all Nebraskans who come to the aid of their neighbors whenever and wherever it may be.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend an outstanding student athlete, Daniel Jacob Woodhead, senior tailback for the Chadron State College Eagles, who shattered the NCAA all-division record for career rushing yards on October 6, 2007. On that day, Danny carried the ball 34 times for 208 yards, bringing his career rushing total to 7,441 yards, and has added 114 yards since.

He also holds the NCAA all-division record for most rushing yards in a season at 2,756 in 2006 and has 19 games in which he gained 200 yards rushing or more, a record in itself.

Danny is a First Team Academic All-American, a consensus All- American, and recipient of the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded to the outstanding player of the year in NCAA Division II football.

I commend Daniel Jacob Woodhead who, through his outstanding achievements of distinction, has brought great honor to himself, his family, his coaches and teammates, Eagles fans, Chadron State College, and the State of Nebraska.

Madam Speaker, National Chemistry Week recognizes the importance of chemistry to our modem society. Chemistry is vital to the economy and the success of the Third District of Nebraska. Nebraska is known for its food, fiber, and fuel industries-- all of which rely on chemistry. Production of ethanol from corn and biomass, manufacture of biodiesel, and creation of safe and effective agricultural chemicals are all possible because of chemistry and chemists.

More chemists are needed to continue these innovations that are so important to our rural economy. We have bright, young people in the Third District known for their great work ethic and Nebraska values, and who are sought after for jobs all over the world. We need to encourage our young people to succeed in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, also known as STEM careers. They are needed in Nebraska and all over the United States. More outreach is needed to encourage the next generation to consider chemistry and other STEM careers.

Students in chemistry clubs in Nebraska's Third District will perform outreach activities during National Chemistry Week. Students at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska, will give away ice cream and information on chemistry at the Student Union this week. The Chemistry Club at the University of Nebraska-Kearney will have a ``Chemistry in Action'' demonstration table in the Student Union and will visit area middle and elementary schools where they will perform experiments for students, including ``pink slime'' and liquid nitrogen demonstrations. I want to commend these budding chemists for reaching out to their fellow students and for introducing children to the joys of chemistry. That is what National Chemistry Week is all about.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rahall, Ranking Member Young, Subcommittee Chairwoman Napolitano, Subcommittee Ranking Member McMorris Rodgers and all of the staff for their work on the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program and Pathfinder Modification Authorization Act.

It is encouraging to see this longstanding issue finally reach a settlement. After years of study and review by the states, Federal Government, water users, land owners, and other interested parties, the time has come to resolve this matter once and for all.

I cosponsored this legislation as part of the consensus to recognize the reality of the challenges before us with collective decision-making and cooperation. However, this agreement does impact some of our farmers and ranchers, and we must continue to be cognizant of the impact of the Endangered Species Act. As we move forward with the implementation of the Program, positive and negative economic impacts must be assessed and considered in order to minimize adverse effects of the recovery efforts.

I support moving forward with this legislation as the first step of many to protect and recover species and provide long-term water use for our communities.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of a permanent research and development tax credit. We are the strongest Nation on Earth, in large part because of the innovation inspired through research and development. This has been a driving force through our history, leading us to discoveries which add convenience, comfort and productivity to our lives.

In Nebraska, now more than ever, our rural businesses grow when people are willing to face the uncertainty and risks which others find daunting. In our increasingly competitive global economy, it is essential we ensure there is a permanent, meaningful incentive for all businesses to invest in research and development.

We live in a world with limitless innovation, and I look forward to seeing what the future will bring from further research and development.

Madam Speaker, recently Congress passed House Resolution 590, supporting the goals of Domestic Violence Awareness Month while raising awareness of domestic violence throughout our country. I am here to voice my support for everyone impacted by this horrible nightmare. This is an issue which affects millions in urban and rural areas alike. It crosses economic lines, geographic lines and ethnic lines. No segment of our population is immune. One out of five women and one out of 14 men have been domestically assaulted at some point in their lives.

In my home State of Nebraska, there are more than 5,800 protection orders needed for those living in fear of violence. Domestic violence is an issue which too often is swept under the rug or ignored. So as part of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I am wearing a purple ribbon to raise awareness about the crime of domestic abuse as we work toward ending this violence.

Mr. Speaker, on Friday October 12, the Nebraska National Guard's 1074th returned to a hero's homecoming in North Platte, Nebraska. The 1074th, headquartered out of North Platte, with detachments in Broken Bow, Ogallala, and Sidney, Nebraska, returned to Nebraska after a year-long deployment to Iraq. While in Iraq, the 1074th Transportation Company's primary missions were convoy security and local humanitarian support.

The 1074th tragically lost one of their own. Sergeant Randy J. Matheny, a native of McCook, Nebraska, made the ultimate sacrifice to his country on February 4, 2007. I join my fellow Nebraskans in offering my sincere sympathy and continued thoughts and prayers for the Matheny family.

The reception the 1074th received from families, friends and supporters upon their return to Nebraska was truly inspiring, as thousands, literally thousands of well-wishers welcomed these American heroes home in an incredible display of patriotism and pride. I wish to convey appreciation to the 1074th upon their safe return to Nebraska, and certainly commend Nebraskans for their amazing show of support in giving our soldiers the warm, heartfelt reception they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of expanding our Nation's export markets. Last week Congress was challenged to implement the proposed free trade agreement with Peru. It is a challenge we need to meet.

The agreement laid on the table will create significant new opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, businesses and consumers by opening new markets and reducing trade barriers.

Nebraska's agriculture producers, manufacturers and service providers deserve more access to foreign markets. Last month I hosted a forum on the importance of exports for Nebraska and the United States.

Trade supports nearly one in five jobs in Nebraska, and Nebraska exported $2.8 billion worth of agriculture products in 2005.

Opening new export markets has long been a priority of mine. It goes without saying that agriculture markets are tremendously important to my district and the Nation as a whole, and I hope to help Nebraska's products continue to compete in the global marketplace.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay my respects to a broadcasting institution in West Central Nebraska, Paul Wice. This past Friday he turned on the microphone to host ``Talk of the Town'' one last time.

A 1962 graduate of Kearney High, and a 1966 graduate of Kearney State College, Paul has been a fixture on the airwaves for listeners in my district for nearly 40 years.

I have had the pleasure of being interviewed by him both as part of news stories, and as a guest on his show.

Never one to shy away from the tough questions, Paul 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 Kearney community in so many ways--as an instructor, a volunteer, and a member of many local community boards-- yet I fully expect this service to continue.

I wish him well in his retirement and I hope he knows how much he will be missed.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to remember a brave young man from the Third District, Pfc. Christopher Pfeifer, who passed away last week from wounds suffered in Afghanistan on August 17 when his unit came under enemy fire. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.

A talented young man, Chris has been described as the type of person who gave his very best at everything he did, and who loved the Army. Chris' death came just days before his wife, Karen, gave birth to their first child, a baby girl.

Words cannot express our gratitude for Chris' service to our country, or the loss of such a brave individual.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the FFA, commonly known as the Future Farmers of America, on the news that for the first time in 29 years, their student membership has passed 500,000 students.

It is encouraging to see groups like the FFA growing and adding new members. Through the FFA, young people in rural and urban areas alike are able to understand agriculture's economic, social and environmental impact on all Americans, as well as agriculture's history.

Agriculture is not so much of a vocation as it is a way of life. Owning and operating a farm or ranch is a labor of love, costing time, money, risk and other investments far above most careers. The FFA prepares the next generation of our Nation's family farmers as they step up on the plate.

Simply put, agriculture matters. I'm proud to represent the Third District of Nebraska, one of the largest agricultural districts in the country, and one which truly embodies the spirit of the FFA.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor a brave man from my District, Captain Scott Shimp, a 1998 graduate of Bayard High School. Captain Shimp died last week when his Black Hawk helicopter crashed during training exercises in Alabama.

Scott was an enthusiastic young man who loved serving his country. A consummate soldier and a graduate of West Point Academy, he was a credit to the Bayard community--a community which has rallied around those he left behind.

My heart goes out to Scott's family and all affected by his death. We owe him a debt of gratitude we can repay by living up to the example he set in his personal and professional life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 2669, a bill which does not reduce the cost of a college education, but creates five new entitlement programs and expands the reach of government programs over non-profit and commercial lenders.

The measure contains $21.5 billion in new spending over five years while saving only $752 million for deficit reduction. The bill cuts $22.3 billion from the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, to force a shift to the government's direct lending program, increasing the government's role.

H.R. 2669 spends $7.1 billion on college graduates by gradually phasing down interest rates from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent over four years, before allowing rates to return to the original rate in July 2012 to recover the costs of the new spending.

What we are voting on today does nothing address the problem facing college bound students--rising college costs. Instead of holding colleges and universities accountable for how they spend taxpayer dollars, we are doing the exact opposite. We are helping graduates, not students, and expanding the Federal government.

Budget gimmicks won't teach our children, and won't make college more affordable for low- to middle-income families. Until we take a real, thoughtful look at the reasons behind the skyrocketing cost of a higher education, we are simply going to continue to pass legislation that sounds good, but does little.