Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

I am opposed to it in its current form.

Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, American families are hurting right now. When the cost of gas at the pump rises, that means that the cost of groceries goes up, the cost of goods goes up, and the cost of just getting to work goes up. The American people need relief; and the way this legislation is written, it will do nothing to decrease the price at the pump, and it will do nothing to lower the international price of oil.

All day today, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have suggested that drilling more is the solution to high gas prices. If my Republican colleagues really believe that increasing drilling in the U.S. will lower gas prices, then we should all be able to agree that oil produced in America should stay in America to help American families and American businesses.

That's why I am offering this final amendment today--to ensure that oil resources that are produced through leasing under this act are kept here and sold here in the United States. Simply put, this means, if we produce it here, we should keep it here for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I come from a State that has oil and gas production, and we know how important domestic production is. We don't disagree that production in the United States is important. Personally, I favor a more comprehensive plan to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil, one that includes natural gas, wind, solar, one that grows new industries and creates jobs that cannot be outsourced out of the United States.

While I disagree with my Republican colleagues' approach, I think that we can all agree that something must be done to reduce the price of gasoline for consumers. The American people want us to work together to lower gas prices, plain and simple. They know our country is far too reliant on foreign oil, and they want us to do something real about it, plain and simple. Mr. Speaker, some things deserve to be repeated, and I'll tell you that the American people want us to come together to lower gas prices, plain and simple.

At a time when gas prices are at historic highs, if we're going to produce more from American drilling, we should keep it in America to help Americans. We've heard from the other side that the solution is as simple as producing more oil in the U.S., but that's not going to lower costs in international energy markets. That's not how it works.

Mr. Speaker, U.S. domestic oil production is already at its highest level in almost a decade, and that's a fact. In the last 2 years, oil production from the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf has increased by more than a third, and that's a fact. So, while we see our domestic production going up, the price at the pump is going up even higher, and that's hurting families.

Without this amendment, there is nothing in the Republican bill that would guarantee that oil produced under this act would stay in the United States to offer relief for the American people. Yet, Mr. Speaker, we can change all of that, and we can do it together and do what's right for the American people. We can support this amendment that simply says that oil produced in the United States under these leases would stay in the United States.

My Republican colleagues will tell us that this bill is about sending a message to OPEC and to the world that we are willing to produce our own oil. If we're going to send a message, Mr. Speaker, let's send the message that when we drill on the taxpayers' land that America's oil should stay right here in America to lower prices at the pump, plain and simple.

To my colleagues, when you go home to your districts this weekend, ask your constituents if they think oil produced in the U.S. should be kept in the U.S. and refined in the U.S. for American consumers, American families, and American businesses or if they think it should be shipped out of the country.

What do you think they'll say?

Quite simply, that is the choice, and that is all this final amendment says.

It will not kill this bill. If it is adopted, it will be immediately incorporated into the underlying bill, and the bill will be voted upon immediately. Let's do something for the American people, and plain and simple, let's support this amendment. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

I yield back the balance of my time.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Marine Sergeant Robert Treadway, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation.

Sergeant Treadway was killed in a plane crash in 1976 while on active duty; however, it wasn't until earlier this week, nearly 35 years later, that Sergeant Treadway received the memorial service befitting all of our fallen heroes. On Monday, a memorial service was held for Sergeant Treadway at the Sante Fe National Cemetery, helping bring closure to his mother, Theresa Treadway.

For nearly two decades, Mrs. Treadway tried several times to arrange for the memorial service that Sergeant Treadway had earned. Her unwavering dedication to her son brought her to my office. I was honored to have the opportunity to help Mrs. Treadway pay tribute to her son, a marine to his core.

The men and women who serve our country in the armed services sacrifice a tremendous amount, but so do their loved ones they leave behind while they protect and serve our great Nation. This is why I was honored to be able to help Mrs. Treadway finally give her son a memorial that is befitting of his sacrifice and honors his memory.

To Sergeant Treadway and his mother, thank you for being examples of the American spirit at its finest.

Mr. Speaker, our Nation faces serious economic challenges that require solutions that will create jobs and strengthen our economy. At a time when our top priorities should be creating jobs for the American people, our Republican colleagues have lost focus on working families.

The House budget that Republicans introduced this morning fails to put our country on a path to prosperity. Budgets are about priorities and values, and the Republican budget makes wrong choices for hardworking families.

Let's talk the Republican dictionary:

Premium support system. When they talk about a premium support system, they mean vouchers and privatization.

Pro-growth changes to the Tax Code. When they talk about pro-growth changes, in fact, when they talk about anything that's going to change the Tax Code, they mean more cuts for millionaires and billionaires.

The Republican plan ends Medicare and Medicaid as we know it. By privatizing Medicare, millions of seniors who rely on this program will be left out in the cold.

While it's critical that we tighten our belts, we have choices to make. Let's choose not to do it on the backs of our seniors.

Mr. Speaker, due to my participation in a meeting with some of my constituents, I was unable to be present for rollcall vote No. 174. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on this vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Marine Corporal Joe Silversmith, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 86. As a Navajo code talker, Corporal Silversmith earned the Silver Congressional Medal of Honor for his service during World War II when he answered the call of duty and served his country in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1946.

Corporal Silversmith was part of an invaluable group of Navajo men who transmitted secret communications during the war that contributed to victory for the Allied forces.

As we take this moment to remember the contributions of Corporal Silversmith, we are reminded of the brave service of all Navajo code talkers. Corporal Silversmith and his brothers in arms were nothing short of heroes for their efforts during the war. Joe Silversmith went on to become a minister after returning home from the war and a well- respected member of the community, always supporting those he ministered to. He will be missed.

As we mourn the passing of Joe Silversmith and celebrate his life, my thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Ramona, and their two daughters during this sad time.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

I rise today in opposition to the drastic cuts in this continuing resolution and the amendments that make further cuts that threaten to weaken our economy and destroy jobs.

It is critical that while we face growing budget constraints we do not shortchange investments that will create jobs or provide vital services that New Mexicans rely on.

Unfortunately, many of the cuts proposed in this bill and in a number of amendments would negatively impact our communities in New Mexico. For example, in the wake of the natural gas outages that left thousands of homes across the State without heat, this bill cuts the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program that helps working families, senior citizens, and disabled individuals heat their homes.

At a time when New Mexico needs critical investments in education so that we can prepare our children to be the next generation of leaders, the House Republican plan makes drastic cuts to education at all levels. Beginning with early education, Republicans cut the Head Start program, which helps build a strong foundation for New Mexico's children. The bill also cuts programs that help poor school districts. With more than one-third of New Mexico's students failing to graduate from high school, we must do more, not less, to ensure our children succeed. In addition, the Republican bill cuts Pell Grants that our young adults rely on to help make college more affordable.

Arbitrary cuts to New Mexico's national labs that are contained in this bill will hinder their ability to promote U.S. competitiveness and job creation.

We're ending our ability to win the race before we can even begin. Instead of making these cuts, we need to outpace the competition. We need to out-educate and out-innovate the rest of the world in order to grow our economy and put people back to work right here in New Mexico.

And as we debate the proposed amendments in this section of the bill, I am extremely concerned with amendments that will be proposed today that make cuts to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. In New Mexico, we take pride in our beautiful landscapes and the protection of our water. The LWCF has helped to protect dozens of New Mexico icons, including Tent Rocks National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve, Rio Grande River Gorge, Santa Fe National Forest, and Petroglyphs National Monument, just to name a few.

These attacks on the Land and Water Conservation Fund would eliminate a bipartisan program that has existed for 45 years by preventing revenues deposited in the LWCF account from being used for their authorized purposes, such as protecting public lands and promoting recreation.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund was established by Congress in 1964 as a bipartisan conservation offset for offshore oil and gas drilling. Under current law, Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leases and royalty receipts are deposited in a dedicated LWCF account in the Treasury. However, only a fraction of the annual receipts deposited in the LWCF have been appropriated, despite a surplus of over $17 billion.

In New Mexico, outdoor recreation is an integral part of the economy, and I know when I visit with many of our colleagues here in the Congress, Democrats and Republicans, everyone is eager to get out to New Mexico. The Outdoor Industry Association reports that recreation contributes about $730 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supports nearly 6.5 million jobs across the country, and generates $88 billion in annual State and national tax revenues.

A recent study by The Trust for Public Land found that every $1 invested in the LWCF returns $4 in economic value. Protecting the Land and Water Conservation Fund will expand opportunities for all Americans to have access to parks and natural areas for outdoor recreation and for hunting.

Protecting the Land and Water Conservation Fund has immediate relevance to our efforts to create jobs in this country, and it is critically important that we ensure funding for this important Federal program is protected, while also working together to find a permanent solution to LWCF funding shortfalls over the long term.

I urge my colleagues to oppose these amendments and vote ``no'' on this shortsighted spending bill that will hurt families and put more people out of work. While Republicans say, So be it, to chopping American jobs, the people of New Mexico deserve better.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize and pay tribute to MAJ Gerard ``Gerry'' Acosta, United States Army, on the occasion of his departure from the Army House Liaison Office to pursue Command and General Staff College studies at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. I, and many other members of this chamber, have had the pleasure of working with him over the past 3 years that he has served as a part of the U.S. Army Office of Legislative Affairs and as a Liaison Officer in the Army Liaison Office in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Major Acosta has had a remarkably varied and successful career. He was born in the Panama Canal Zone, Panama. As a military brat, Major Acosta grew up in Central and South America, eventually residing in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In 1997, after completing the United States Military Academy Preparatory School and Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and 2 years at the United States Military Academy, Gerry had to transfer to the University of Florida to support a family emergency. In 1999, Gerry graduated, with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a minor in Chemical Engineering Design. After completion of the Reserve Officer Training Corps, Major Acosta was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Quartermaster Branch and branch-detailed to the Infantry.

Major Acosta's initial assignment was to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he served as a Motor Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and later Assistant Brigade Logistics Officer (S-4) in the 3d Brigade, Second Infantry Division. Major Acosta then attended the Combined Logistics Career Course and Petroleum Officer Course in Fort Lee, Virginia. Upon completion of his courses, Major Acosta served 13 months as an Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General of Army Material Command, Southeast Asia in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait and Bagram, Afghanistan.

Upon his return to the United States, Major Acosta served 31 months as a Quartermaster Direct Support Company Commander in the

593d Sustainment Brigade, Fort Lewis, Washington. He deployed again in late 2006 for 14 months with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Forces at Camp Al-Asad, Iraq. After his return from Iraq, Major Acosta was selected as a Congressional Fellow and served a year in the personal office of U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss of Georgia.

Following his fellowship in the Senate, Major Acosta was assigned to the Army House Liaison Office. I have come to know Major Acosta well during his assignment to the House of Representatives through his work with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and with Wounded Warriors. He has never failed to impress me with his energy and dedication to soldiers, their families, and the U.S. Army. He is a superb representative of Army values.

It is my great honor to congratulate MAJ Gerard ``Gerry'' Acosta on his service to the Army and our Nation and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of this soldier, citizen, and friend.

Madam Speaker, during these difficult economic times that we're facing, it's critical that we make job creation a top priority. That is why I'm concerned about the impact H.R. 2 will have on small businesses.

The Republican plan will repeal a 35 percent tax credit for small businesses that offer health insurance to their employees. It would allow insurers to deny a business coverage if their employees had preexisting conditions.

As a result of health insurance reform, New Mexicans no longer face this discrimination. If this protection is repealed, having cancer or diabetes or even being a victim of domestic violence could lead to a denial of insurance. Discrimination for preexisting conditions will be alive and well. All of that would be dangerous for New Mexicans.

People like Yvonne from Santa Fe would once again have to worry about losing their health care. Yvonne lost her job when the company she worked for was shipped overseas. Yvonne was diabetic, and because of the high cost of COBRA, she was forced to ration her medicine. As a result, she became gravely ill and had to visit the emergency room. There, doctors noticed another problem that required further examination. Yet because Yvonne could not afford COBRA and because private insurance companies would not insure her because she had diabetes, the hospital released her. The only option Yvonne had left was to wait 2 months to be seen at the University of New Mexico Hospital. After that visit, she was diagnosed with a form of lung cancer that would have been caught earlier if she had not been kicked out. Yvonne passed away from complications resulting from the cancer, having resulted through a system that discriminated against her.

We simply cannot return to the days when people like Yvonne are forced to suffer because of insurance companies' bad practices. Please, let's not turn a blind eye on people like Yvonne.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to mourn the victims of Saturday's tragic shooting that took the lives of six people, injured numerous others, and left our friend and colleague, Gabrielle Giffords, fighting for her life. In an instant, the Tucson community, and indeed the entire country, was shocked by the senseless violence and saddened by the loss.

For four years, Gabby Giffords has been a well-respected member of this body, serving her constituents with determination and distinction. To those who know her, it comes as no surprise that she is fighting with such tenacity to recover from this severe injury. I wish her all the best on a full and speedy recovery and look forward to the day when we will welcome her back to this chamber.

I know I join with my constituents in New Mexico in honoring those who lost their lives in this heinous attack, those who wanted nothing more than to be part of our democratic process and speak with their elected representative or dedicate themselves to public service. Their memory will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those involved in this tragedy as well as their families and friends during this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 3903) to authorize leases of up to 99 years for lands held in trust for Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to ask my colleagues to support an important measure that will allow the Pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh, in Northern New Mexico, to expand economic opportunities for their tribal members.

Ohkay Owingeh is a small tribal community (Pueblo) in the northern part of my district and is part of the cultural fabric of Northern New Mexico. Since before Spanish rule, and American Manifest Destiny the small pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh used it's surrounding lands to provide for its people.

As history moved to present day the Federal government and tribal communities entered into trust treaties to provide for the well being of Indian people across our nation. As part of the federal government's trust obligation to tribal communities, putting lands into trust for use by tribal people is something that is fundamental to the government-to-government relationship between the United States and individual tribal communities.

In the modern age many tribes develop part of their trust lands to create economic opportunities for their people. In many cases their ventures are successful and the tribe can use their trust lands as they see fit, but in other cases like that of Ohkay Owingeh the cumbersome nature of obtaining approval to lease their lands for economic activity can prevent very beneficial business ventures from ever taking place and, thus, hindering the tribes ability to provide for its own people.

The importance of allowing tribal governments to enter into long term leases is paramount to giving them the ability to create better opportunities for their tribal members, their children and future generations. Many tribes have vast lands that can benefit the tribe and surrounding areas economically, but because of the process of getting secretarial approval to lease their own lands can be detrimental for the tribe.

I am asking my colleagues to support this no cost measure that will allow the tribe of Ohkay Owingeh to enter into long term leases to expand economic opportunities for the tribe and to lift the cumbersome requirement of Secretarial Approval for use of their own lands.

Many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have supported such measures for other tribes around the country in this congress and in congresses past; and this kind bipartisan support is crucial to providing opportunities for the small Pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh.

The bill was ordered to be read a third time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may revise and extend their remarks on the measures considered by unanimous consent today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Established by a land grant from the Government of Mexico, the City of Las Vegas was founded on the Gallinas River on April 6th, 1835. Las Vegas soon found prosperity as a trading hub on the Sante Fe Trail, and later as a stop on the railroad between Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe.

Throughout its 175 years, Las Vegas has flourished; becoming a regional center for cultural and social diversity; seeing the establishment of theaters, schools, newspapers, and libraries. As many historic towns in America have experienced, the people of Las Vegas have seen challenges throughout their storied history including epidemics, economic depressions, and political turmoil.

However, with over 900 buildings recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, and the claim to forming the New Mexico Militia and the 1st United States Volunteer Calvary, Las Vegas can point to a strong and proud history of perseverance and dedication that is worthy of admiration.

I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the celebration of the people of Las Vegas as they celebrate their city's anniversary. The longevity of Las Vegas is a testament to the communal bonds established there, and it is an inspirational achievement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to enable Navajo Nation

to enter into 99-year commercial leases for economic development purposes.

Navajo Nation is the largest tribe in the United States. It's comprised of over 250,000 members and extends over 27,000 square miles of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

Today's Navajo Nation has worked to provide economic development opportunities and partnerships with individuals, small business owners, and large commercial establishments. With successful initiatives including the Dine Power Authority and the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry, the Nation has been at the forefront of economic development on tribal lands.

Today I am introducing legislation that I hope will enable the Nation to develop new projects and exercise their tribal sovereignty. This bill will authorize the Navajo Nation to enter into commercial leases of up to 99 years on their tribal lands. This simple revision of current law will level the playing field for the Nation by allowing it to enter into the same terms that commercial leases are typically offered.

It is my hope that the offering of 99-year leases will trigger additional economic growth on the Navajo Nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this necessary legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the return of the sacred Blue Lake lands to the people of Taos Pueblo.

The people of Taos Pueblo have continuously occupied the Blue Lake lands since before Spain established rule over what is now the Southwestern United States. The lake and its surrounding mountains constitute the spiritual and religious center of Pueblo life and culture. After the Spanish conquest, the Pueblo was granted possessory rights over these lands and those rights were honored by subsequent Mexican and United States governments.

In 1906, with the passage of the Antiquities Act, the U.S. Government unlawfully seized the Blue Lake lands and incorporated it into Carson National Forest. Upon the severance of the Pueblo from its spiritual homelands, the Pueblo's leaders began a 60-year-long struggle to reclaim its native lands. In 1965, the U.S. Indian Claims Commission affirmed that the United States had unjustly taken these lands; however, it was not until 1970 that a bipartisan Congress passed legislation to finally return 48,000 acres of scared tribal lands to the Pueblo.

On signing the legislation, President Nixon declared that ``This bill indicates a new direction in Indian affairs in this country in which there will be more of an attitude of cooperation rather than paternalism, one of self-determination rather than termination, one of mutual respect.'' The Blue Lake lands are sacred to Taos Pueblo, but they are a vital symbol of the sovereignty and self-government for all of Indian Country.

I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the dedication of the leaders of Taos Pueblo as they celebrate the anniversary of the return of their sacred lands. The perseverance of the Pueblo to obtain justice when faced with decades of opposition is an inspiration to us all.

Madam Speaker, for too long New Mexicans have been put at financial risk by the irresponsible actions of Wall Street. Because of their risky gambles, our country lost 8 million jobs and $17 trillion in retirement savings and net worth. That's why I voted against the Wall Street bailout in 2009, and why Wall Street reform is needed.

We need to protect consumers and hold Wall Street accountable, and the current Wall Street reform package is an important step in that direction. It will rein in banks with their big bonuses, help put an end to bailouts, help put an end to too-big-to-fail, and introduce more transparency into the financial system.

We must keep working so that Wall Street is held accountable and is never again allowed to endanger the financial security of New Mexicans and people all across our great Nation.