Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment to cut by 5 percent all of the discretionary spending in the Fiscal Year 2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act. I offer this amendment because it is imperative that Washington finally take notice and start acting to combat this year's record budget deficit and fast-growing national debt, which at last count amounted to an astounding $13.2 trillion.

Just 2 weeks ago, the cochairs of the nonpartisan Debt and Deficit Commission, former Republican Senator Alan Simpson and former Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton, Erskine Bowles, said that if the government fails to take action, our debilitating Federal debt will destroy the country from within. Bowles further described the debt as a cancer on our Nation.

There are plenty of folks in my district and all across the country who are finding ways to raise families, run small businesses, and pay their bills despite having lost their jobs or taking deep pay cuts in this economic downturn. If the families in my district have been able to tighten their belts, then surely the Federal Government can do the same.

Congress should be leading by example when facing tough economic decisions. My proposed 5 percent congressional pay cut is just one way Members can show they are serious about tackling the looming fiscal crisis. That is why I have previously supported budget cuts to Federal programs and will continue to support such cuts as our economy recovers, and that is why I am offering this amendment.

I strongly support building our national infrastructure--roads and bridges, affordable housing, quality education, and expanding broadband--but our long-term fiscal health depends on Congress making hard choices today to protect our ability to provide critical infrastructure tomorrow.

This amendment makes a 5 percent cut to the programs funded in this bill, but ordinary families are seeing much bigger cuts to their income. I have to believe that if those families can continue to make ends meet in these tough times, the Transportation and Housing Departments can keep the important programs going with 95 cents out of each dollar.

We are here to represent the folks back home, the folks who understand that the old ways of Washington no longer work for the American people. Please join me in supporting this cut.

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

Will the chairman yield?

Chairman Olver, the intent is to cut only discretionary spending by 5 percent. I will be happy to work with you to clarify that language.

I agree to work with you.

Madam Speaker, Arizonans are tired of being let down by Washington on the border. For years, we have been calling on the Federal Government to start fulfilling its duties, and again and again, the Federal Government has debated, delayed, and stumbled.

By withholding funding for critical border resources in the Supplemental Appropriations Act, Congress is adding another black mark to its record of failure on this issue.

The fact is that border security is national security. The Federal Government has a responsibility to address threats to our communities, both abroad and at home. They are neglecting that responsibility with this bill. The House has previously accepted that expanding the border patrol is a necessary step to keep Arizonans safe. Why can't we find a way to get this done today?

Once again, lack of political will is being allowed to put our communities at risk. Folks have had enough of the culture in Washington that prizes scoring political points over solving problems. The people of my district and my State deserve better than this from Congress.

Madam Speaker, on Sunday, two leading voices from both sides of the aisle outlined as clearly as ever the consequences of Washington's unrestrained spending. The cochairs of the nonpartisan Debt and Deficit Commission, former Republican Senator Alan Simpson and former Clinton administration Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles said that if the government stays on its current path, our crushing Federal debt will ``destroy the country from within.'' Bowles went on to describe it as a ``cancer'' on our Nation.

These are just the latest warnings of the disaster we face if Congress does not begin making the tough choices to restore fiscal discipline. Washington politicians have heard it from policy experts, from public servants, and, above all, from the people. When will they start to listen? How much plainer can we make the stakes? What more will it take to get the message through?

I was proud to fight for the strongest possible debt commission, and I will push Congress for an up-or-down vote on each of their recommendations. But the cochairs have already laid out what needs to be done to get our fiscal house in order, and this House must not waste any opportunity to take action.

As Members put together the appropriation bills for the next fiscal year, they should work creatively and aggressively to cut spending levels and do more with less. As I have proposed, they should start by reducing congressional pay by 5 percent. Congress needs to lead by example. Before they ask the rest of the Federal Government to make cuts, they must go on to find big and small ways to save billions of taxpayer dollars.

Paying down the debt and balancing the budget will not be easy. There will be politically unpopular decisions to be made. But as Senator Simpson and Mr. Bowles reminded us, leaving the hard calls for another day is no longer an option.

Mr. Speaker, to succeed in today's global economy, our children need a great education. And as any mom knows, a great education comes from great teachers, working hard and giving every student the attention they deserve.

Though schools are starting their summer breaks, Arizona's teachers, administrators, and support staff are still putting in very long days. They are taking the time to get ready for fall so they can work with parents to help their students along the path to college or the job they want.

Even as many of our State's educators face layoffs and pay cuts this year, they remained devoted to making sure our kids can realize their potential and their dreams. In my district, where we have been hit hard by the downturn, they are finding creative ways to do their jobs with fewer resources.

As parents and as citizens, we owe our teachers, administrators, and support staff thanks for all their efforts. This Congress should do whatever it can to better support them in the coming school year.

Mr. Speaker, we are entering the heart of wildfire season in Arizona. Over the coming months, folks in my district will be faced with serious threats to their lives and property time and again; and time and again, these threats will be contained thanks to our firefighters.

As much as anyone, we in District One know the risk firefighters take to protect our communities. We remember how hard they worked to keep us safe when the Rodeo-Chediski fire forced thousands of Arizonans to evacuate their homes. We saw them heading into the forest to battle the Boggy fire, which they successfully contained 18 miles from Alpine just yesterday.

These brave men and women face incredible danger as a basic part of their jobs. So far this year, 34 firefighters have lost their lives in the line of duty. We must honor their service and sacrifice and renew our commitment to providing them with the support they need to fulfill their duties. It is the least we can do.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday folks across America gathered together to celebrate our national flag. For 233 years now, the Stars and Stripes have been a unique symbol of freedom and democracy across the globe, the representation of all we are and all that we stand for. Millions of young men and women fought and died for their country under that flag, and every day our servicemembers risk their lives in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world to protect the ideals it represents.

To burn or desecrate it is an insult to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe and to those who helped build our great Nation. It should be illegal, and this Congress should make it illegal by finally passing a constitutional amendment to ban the burning of a U.S. flag. Every day this House begins its work by pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. We need to live up to that pledge.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of a true American hero. On May 28, we lost another of the last surviving Navajo code talkers: Reverend Lemuel Yazzie of Whitecone, Arizona.

Navajo code talkers saved the lives of countless Americans during World War II and the Korean War by using Dine to help the Marines communicate without risk of interception by the enemy. Reverend Yazzie served bravely and honorably as part of this legendary group.

After leaving the military, he kept giving back, serving for years as a missionary, staying involved with community work, and helping organize a committee to aid workers suffering from the effects of uranium exposure.

An active member of the Navajo Cold Talker Association, Reverend Yazzie was dedicated to recognizing all Dine fighting men and women have done for this country. We must follow his lead.

In his honor, I will continue my efforts to keep our promises to veterans in Navajo Country and across the Indian Nation.

Madam Speaker, the administration is acknowledging what I and folks across the country have been saying for months: The time for business as usual in Washington is over and the time to cut spending is right now. Our demands for action are finally being heard.

I have repeatedly called on the White House to crack down on this kind of waste. If done right, this push could mean real progress toward a balanced budget. But this is Washington, and everyone knows it's easier to talk about eliminating inefficiency than to make the tough choices required to actually get it done.

We need to hold this plan to its promises. The Federal Government has to fully commit to doing more with less. Agencies must be creative and aggressive, using 5 percent cuts at a minimum and not a final goal. This Congress should also play an active role in finding cost-effective ways to achieve our goals. This is an opportunity that cannot be allowed to slip by.

Mr. Speaker, it seems, at times, that Washington has forgotten that Americans don't need millions of dollars to create jobs. They can do plenty if the government just gives them a chance to succeed.

In my district, we are set to create new opportunities in the tourism industry with Federal action, not Federal dollars. Millions of people already visit greater Arizona to see our natural wonders, with a tremendous economic impact. We can grow our economy by preserving these sites for future generations.

I am getting the ball rolling with legislation to designate the Sedona Red Rocks as a national scenic area and to expand the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. These bills will protect these magnificent attractions, bringing new visitors to Arizona, and help us get folks to work with almost no cost.

The Natural Resources Committee has scheduled a hearing on these measures. I appreciate their willingness to help us make progress. Congress needs to pass these job-creating provisions as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, Memorial Day, folks across America will come together to pay tribute to our greatest heroes--those who fought and died to keep this Nation safe and free. We owe them and all of our men and women in uniform an eternal debt of gratitude.

Sadly, Washington has not always done enough to pay their debt. Even now, many Native American veterans are struggling to keep a roof over their heads because of their service. They are being denied housing assistance because they are receiving benefits that they have earned with their sacrifices.

I introduced the Indian Veterans Housing Opportunity Act to right this wrong. This commonsense bill makes sure that veterans disability and survivor benefits are not counted as income under a critical Native American Housing Act. This program will bring housing to our veterans who have already paid the price.

This House approved the bill unanimously last month, and Native veterans should not have to wait any longer for justice. I call on the Senate to observe this Memorial Day by passing this important measure.

Madam Speaker, over the past months, we have witnessed firsthand the potential consequences of allowing the national debt to continue growing out of control. Greece borrowed heavily during the last decade during the boom and the bubble and found itself at risk of default when global credit dried up. Now the country is facing financial disaster.

The crisis should serve as a warning to Washington. This country's debt is now $12.9 trillion and is approaching unsustainable levels. We must address the fiscal imbalance here before it's too late. Washington must start by making major changes to the budget--changes that go beyond freezing spending and instead look to make significant budget cuts. That means we have to crack down on the consequence-free spending culture in Congress. Washington needs to put a priority on eliminating waste and finding cost-effective ways to achieve this country's goals.

Budget cuts are not always easy or popular, but business as usual in Washington is not working. Greece's rapid spiral shows that it is past time that we start to take serious steps--both big and small--to address our fiscal health.

Mr. Speaker, Arizonans are dealing with the consequences of Washington's failed border policies, and the dangers are growing worse as cartel violence increasingly threatens our communities.

Friday's attack on a Pinal County sheriff's deputy is just the latest example. Our law enforcement is doing the best they can, but border security is a national problem. It is time for the Federal Government to start fulfilling its responsibilities. Washington needs a comprehensive strategy to tighten security and they need to provide the resources to execute the plan.

I introduced legislation to put more boots on the ground along the border, and I firmly believe that any long-term solution must include greatly expanding the Border Patrol. The Federal Government should move forward and enlist thousands of additional agents.

Since that process will take time, I call on Washington to immediately deploy the National Guard to the border. This is a necessary step for the short-term. The risks to Arizonans are too great to allow the inaction to continue.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the House passed a bill to stop the 2011 congressional pay hike. I am proud to cosponsor this effort. Member salaries come out of taxpayer dollars. Washington needs to know it would be unacceptable to have taxpayers who are making less pay us more.

When millions of Americans are tightening their belts, folks have the right to expect their elected officials to do the same. Blocking the pay hike was a necessary first step, but it cannot be the last. Washington can and must do more.

Members have not reduced their salaries for 77 years, since the Great Depression. I do not know anyone back in Arizona who has gone eight decades without a pay cut. Senators and Representatives should be no different. That is why I introduced legislation to cut congressional pay by 5 percent. This Congress needs to pass my bill now. Americans are tired of waiting for Washington to get it.

Mr. Speaker, while we are beginning to see signs of recovery, hardworking families and small business owners are still contending with the worst economic downturn in decades. Creating jobs and helping to get Arizona back on track remains my top priority.

Washington can serve those goals by providing much needed tax relief for middle class households and entrepreneurs. It will be the American people, not the government alone, who will get our economy moving again. This Congress needs to support them by helping them keep more of their hard-earned money.

That's why I fought for the largest middle class tax cut in American history. According to a report by Citizens for Tax Justice, 99 percent of working Arizonans benefited from that package on tax day, saving an average of over $1,000 each.

Tax relief is putting money back into our local economies, spurring job creation and growth. I am proud to be standing up for this effort every step of the way.

I wish to extend my thanks to Mr. Cleaver for the opportunity to address my bill, H.R. 3553, the Indian Veterans Housing Opportunity Act. And I also want to thank Chairman Frank and Ranking Member Bachus for their support of this. I especially want to thank Chairwoman Maxine Waters and her staff, Jeff Riley and Keo Chea, who traveled the long distance to Window Rock, Arizona, to have a field hearing on April 10 on this bill.