Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, our constituents have asked us to put them first, not say no and support the status quo. I ask my colleagues from the other side, from both sides, to listen to them and help them.

I have a constituent who has had health problems since she was 21, who has spent her life shackled by high co-pays, inaccessible insurance, and little care, and is asking us to help her. She has endured through two bankruptcies and many undertreated health problems that cause her pain every day.

Another constituent is facing increases of 20 percent each year in premiums for her business. Each year, these insurance costs are skyrocketing, and neither she nor her employees can afford them.

Throughout the country, the American people are asking us to help, but we keep hearing ``no''--``no'' to those with illnesses and ``no'' to those who struggle with the high cost of health care.

Let us do what's right. Let's come together. Let's have the courage to say yes for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I have heard from constituents across my district who are suffering at the hands of health insurance companies.

I have heard from doctors who do their best to treat those without insurance.

I have heard from entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses but fear that they won't be able to find coverage for their sick children because they have preexisting conditions.

I have heard from women who can't replace their ill children's used catheters because they were denied by their insurance companies.

I have heard from small business owners struggling to afford coverage that their employees depend on.

They need us to act, they are asking us to act, they are demanding us to act, and that's why we must.

We need to fix our broken health insurance system. We need a health insurance system that works for men, for women, for children, seniors and families, for everyone. We need action to combat rising health care costs to make health care more accessible and to offer real choice.

We need a public option. We must demand a public option.

I thank the gentleman from Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I speak today in support of H.R. 3585, in support of the rule in support of the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, a bill that I cosponsored and supported proudly during the committee process. And I commend Congresswoman Giffords for her work on this important bill.

Mr. Speaker, I come from a State that has over 300 days of sunshine, a State that has abundant solar resources, a State that recognizes that we have to get out in front of this. But as we talk about the Southwest and where we have a lot of sunshine, we cannot lose sight that countries like Germany, that don't have the abundant solar resources that we do here in the United States, but especially in the Southwest, are still ahead of us. They're outproducing us, they're generating more power from the sun. We have to get out in front of this issue, Mr. Speaker.

Solar energy production will support economic growth by creating jobs and opportunities for a clean energy workplace.

You know, as we talk about this issue, we see and we remember that this technology, solar technology, was invented and developed right here in the United States, right here in America; yet we're falling further and further behind. We talk about the need for more jobs, for making sure that we're getting ahead of this important energy issue. There is no reason that solar energy can't be and should not be--and it must be--a big part of the solar mix of the energy mix that we have right here in the United States.

When we talk about the investment in education, the emphasis with technology, engineering, mathematics, and science, making sure that we're building up that young group, those talented young people that will solve tomorrow's problems, investment in solar technology in developing a road map that will be essential in fully deploying and developing this technology is critically important. Our national laboratories at the forefront here are our colleges and universities. We have to invest in our engineers, our scientists, our researchers to provide this path forward.

The solar technology road map lays out a clear path for identifying our country's solar technologies, development needs and staying on track to address its importance. It lets us get back in the front on this issue, Mr. Speaker. The Solar Technology Roadmap Act will provide resources to our academic institutions, our national laboratories for research and development, and a demonstration of advanced techniques and manufacturing a variety of solar energy products.

Mr. Speaker, we can't wait any more. We all need to come together when we talk about the future of our energy needs in our country, solving our dependence on foreign sources of energy, getting back out in front of this very important issue.

This piece of legislation will allow us to get there and allow us to pave the way and, once again, Mr. Speaker, allow America, allow the United States, allow our scientists our entrepreneurs, our business people to use their hands, use their minds, use their hearts and their souls to get back out in front of this issue.

I urge my colleagues to vote for the rule and support this legislation that will set our country on a path to be a leader in solar energy.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to commend my colleague, Representative Paul Tonko, for his work on the Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2009, a bill that I proudly cosponsored and supported during the committee markup process.

Much of our clean energy future depends on our ability to harness and use the renewable power of wind. New Mexico is well positioned to be a leader in renewable energy development, and wind and solar energy have the potential to power an entire country.

New Mexico's wind energy resources are vast. And as home to Department of Energy national laboratories in New Mexico, with Sandia and Los Alamos, New Mexico is a hub of scientific discovery and innovative technology.

We are also investing in clean energy job training and education programs. In my district, the North American Wind Research and Training Center at Mesalands Community College has established curriculum and provided job training opportunities to create a strong labor force to support a robust renewable energy economy.

Still, we have a lot of work to do, and we must continue to invest in renewable energy research and development. Investment in science and technology will be the key to our clean energy future, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, we come here today and we continue to hear this important debate as it surrounds health care. Well, I hope that there is not any disagreement that the health care system we have today is broken.

We continue to hear from our friends on the other side of the aisle that we need to contain costs, that we need to extend coverage, that we need to be looking after people. Well, we have a plan, Mr. Speaker. We have a plan on this side of the aisle with our Democrats that has come forward that will say to insurance companies, No more taking away health care from those that are sick--that can happen today. No more keeping insurance from those that are sick today because they have something called a preexisting condition.

As I travel across the district, across the great State of New Mexico, and we get to hear from people, you look them in the eye and they tell you they're sick, they tell you that they can't afford their health coverage, they tell you that they lost their job. And where do they go today? What about their kids?

Well, it is time that we look those people in the eye, those people that have entrusted us to do a good job on their behalf, and tell them that we're here to act for them, that we are going to fight for that public option, we are going to fight to give them choice. We are going to help keep those health care costs down. It is time to act now for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, at a time when families throughout my district and throughout our Nation are struggling with the rising costs of health care, a robust public option will expand choice and increase competition, driving down costs and making affordable health care a reality.

We need a strong public option for the single mother in my district who changed jobs and lost her insurance, who deserves the chance to get the coverage she needs for herself and for her kids.

We need health care reform for the self-employed businessperson who will finally have a chance to get affordable, comprehensive health care without worrying about constraints on his business.

There should be no question that our current health care system is broken. We have an opportunity to work with one another to truly look after the American people and make a difference in their lives. We need a strong public option because our constituents, our constituents, deserve affordable, accessible health care.

Mr. Speaker, we have come to work. We have come to look after the general welfare of the American people. Year after year we have had an opportunity, and we have squandered it, to be able to address the problems that are afflicting the American people, people struggling today. And we have an opportunity to either work to come up with some solutions or not present any ideas.

Mr. Speaker, we have some great ideas here, and it is about time that we take some action.

Madam Speaker, due to scheduling conflicts, I was unable to be present for rollcall vote No. 607. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

I thank my friend as well.

I will tell you and my colleagues here on the floor that, as I was sitting in the office, watching the discussion that was taking place, I felt compelled to come down because, in my office, we were looking at some of the letters that have been sent to my office. I'll tell you there is story after story, whether it's in writing or by e-mail or by phone or in person, as we talk to our friends in the district, of the concerns that we have of those who have insurance but who say when that bill comes in and when they see that denial on there, Well, I was paying into the system. I was working hard, I was paying my bills. I thought I had coverage. I went to go see the doctor because I was sick. Then they get the rejection letter and denial after denial.

There is something that's not being talked a lot about today. Some of those who are opposed to health care reform, to the public option and to the legislation that we're working on aren't talking about some of the protections that are in this legislation, even to those who have coverage today. As we've been talking about this and as we've been advocating for a strong public option to give competition and to provide choice for our patients out there for those who are so in need of good care today, the other element of this is, if they like the coverage they have, they can keep it.

One of the problems that exists therein, though, is how insurance companies are denying these claims one after another. This whole idea and this notion that government is going to get in the way of people being able to make decisions about their health care with their physicians couldn't be more wrong. The problem that exists today is that the bureaucrats who are in place today within some of the insurance companies and who review these claims one at a time are not your physicians. They get this submittal from a doctor, and they ask, Well, should we provide coverage or not? Then they reject that letter.

You know, before I came to Congress, I was part of a commission that had the State superintendent of insurance under it. It was where the State regulatory reform took place. We had the responsibility of having to work with patients to look at some of those denials. I'll just share one little story with you.

There was one young lady whom I ran into who asked, Ben, don't you do something with insurance? I explained to her, yes, I did. What was going on? Well, she and her husband were trying to have a baby, and they were not having much luck. They had a 1-year-old son, but they weren't having much luck. So she went to see the doctor, and the doctor diagnosed her, and said, Well, there may be something wrong here.

Well, it turns out what they diagnosed her with was related to something that wasn't included in her coverage. They were trying to say, Well, we diagnosed you with this illness about 2 years ago, but now that they were trying to have a son, to grow their family and to live the American dream in their home that they had just purchased, the insurance company said, Well, we're not going to cover this. As a matter of fact, you have to go back and pay 2 years of bills that we've been treating you for.

Well, the family was in dire need because, when they tried paying this bill, they were going to have to sell their home. They were going to be out on the street. There was no telling what was going to happen to them. Well, it turns out that the insurance company wrongfully denied this claim.

Now, how many more millions of people are out there who have coverage today who are getting those claims denied?

One of the strong elements of this piece of legislation is all of the consumer protections that are built in. It's important that we talk about those because, as we talk about building a strong public option and about providing protections, about extending coverage, and about lowering costs, it's important that those who have coverage today are going to get the protections they deserve. Those who are opposed to this legislation aren't talking about those protections.

It's important that we continue to advocate for them because people across this United States and across my district, I'll tell you, want coverage and need coverage, and they're crying out every day. It's about time that we start listening to them. That's why I had to come down here to my colleagues, to my good friends who are all down here visiting with the American people about the importance of this legislation that we're working on as we advocate for lower costs, for squeezing what we can out of the system to make sure that we're looking after the general welfare of the American people and to make sure that we're providing the consumer protections that Americans deserve.

So, with that, I yield back. It's an honor to be here with you, and we'll continue working day in and day out to make sure we're able to advocate for the well-being of the American people. Health care reform is what we need.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 607) celebrating the Fortieth Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 607, the resolution now under consideration.

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

I rise in strong support of House Resolution 607 which was introduced by Ranking Member Hall, with Chairman Gordon, Chairwoman Giffords, and Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Member Olson as original cosponsors. I want to thank Mr. Hall and the others for their initiative in introducing this resolution.

The Apollo 11 Moon landing was one of the most significant events of the 20th century. It is only fitting that we celebrate it today as we mark the 40th anniversary of that historic event. That successful landing was a culmination of 8 years of sustained hard work and dedication by countless engineers, scientists, technicians and others to meet the audacious challenge laid down by President John Kennedy in 1961 at a time when it looked as though the Soviet Union had an insurmountable lead in the space race. It took the efforts of many to make Apollo a success, and they all can take pride in what they accomplished.

What had seemed only a lofty centuries-old goal of humanity a mere decade earlier became a wonderful reality when Mission Commander Neil Armstrong proudly announced on July 20, 1969, ``Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.''

Mr. Speaker, the inspiration and hard work that undergirded the successful Apollo 11 mission also laid the foundation for a host of technologies on which today's society depends. Apollo also stimulated as well as enthused generations of engineers and scientists who have contributed so much to our Nation's well-being in the ensuing decades.

In short, the Apollo program continues to deliver benefits to our country even today. Yet the legacy of Apollo is also the example of the brave astronauts who carried out those risky, challenging missions. Let us all honor the unforgettable accomplishments of the crew of Apollo 11: Mission Commander Neil Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin, and Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, who participated in the first expedition to set foot on another celestial body. Their cool bravery and professionalism captured the imagination of the American people, and they remain genuine national heroes 40 years after they returned home from the Moon.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would again like to recognize and thank Ranking Member Hall for introducing this resolution along with Chairman

Bart Gordon, Chairwoman Gabrielle Giffords, and subcommittee Ranking Member Olson. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill

(H.R. 2729) to authorize the designation of National Environmental Research Parks by the Secretary of Energy, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2729, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased that today the House will consider H.R. 2729, a bill that will formally authorize the National Environmental Research Parks at Department of Energy sites across the country, including one in my district at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Los Alamos National Laboratory includes a landscape of canyons, mesas and mountains, and the Rio Grande, providing a diverse range of ecosystems to explore.

The Los Alamos Park conducts ongoing environmental studies on everything from containment transport to woodland productivity to long- term climate change effects on the land. These parks have been a critical resource to the national and the global environmental research community for decades, yet they have never had a clearly defined source of support in the department before. This bill finally addresses this issue and provides important guidance for research, development, education and outreach on the parks.

H.R. 2729 was developed through a collaborative process that took into account comments and concerns from each of the DOE sites, as well as helpful input and amendments from both minority and majority Members. I'm happy to present a bill with bipartisan cosponsorship, and I look forward to working with our Senate colleagues to send this to the President's desk as soon as possible.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1622) to provide for a program of research, development, and demonstration on natural gas vehicles, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 1622, the bill now under consideration.

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

H.R. 1622 was introduced by Mr. Sullivan of Oklahoma and cosponsored by myself, my friends from Texas, Mr. Hall and Mr. Green, my colleague from Oklahoma (Mr. Boren) and a number of other Members that recognize the potential of natural gas as an alternative transportation fuel.

This bill reauthorizes the Department of Energy's research, development and demonstration program in natural gas powered vehicles and related infrastructure. The vehicle fleet of the future will include a diverse range of fuels and vehicle technologies.

Since it is both cleaner than petroleum and domestically available, natural gas will play an important role in a more sustainable transportation sector. Moreover, the estimated domestic reserves continue to grow, indicating that natural gas could play a long-term role in helping to alleviate our dependence on foreign oil.

I support H.R. 1622 and urge its passage.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, as we look to see how we can truly work together in the Chamber, I think that the legislation before us, H.R. 1622, directly addresses some of our concerns when it

comes to energy in our great Nation. H.R. 1622 is a bipartisan piece of legislation that looks to see how we can come together and work together to be able to alleviate our dependence on foreign oil.

And, Mr. Speaker, I certainly agree with my colleague that we have to look to diversity when it comes to energy, that we have to be good stewards of the environment, and that's why I stood up proudly to support the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

We talk about what we have to do to invest in our future, Mr. Speaker, and as we look out to future generations and how we as a Nation have to come together, how our leaders have to come together, how we have to work anywhere that we possibly can to be able to address these deep concerns, it's with honor that I come before you, Mr. Speaker, to be able to work on these issues as a new Member of Congress, as a Member of Congress that's ready to work, and as a Member of Congress that's ready to look at new ideas where we can come together.

H.R. 1622 is the continuation of a good idea on how we can continue to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil.

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

Mr. Chairman, I would first like to commend my good friend from Arizona (Mr. Pastor) for the strong commitment this bill shows toward shoring up both science and the national security of this country. The strong support for the Office of Science will be well received in my home State of New Mexico.

I'm seeking the commitment of the gentleman from Arizona to work with me on refurbishing LANSCE, the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. This facility plays a crucial role in providing one-of-a-kind experimental capabilities to further the lab's science mission. In addition, it's a key draw for new scientific talent in Los Alamos National Laboratory and high-tech research into northern New Mexico. The capabilities resident within the LANSCE facility cannot be duplicated in a cost- effective manner anywhere else in the country. The investment in the capabilities the refurbishment will sustain will pay for itself many times over.

I yield to Mr. Pastor.

Mr. Chairman, again, I would like to commend my friend, the gentleman from Arizona for this legislation, and I thank him for his willingness to work with me on this important issue.

Madam Speaker, due to scheduling conflicts, I was unable to be present for rollcall Vote No. 488. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Madam Speaker, due to scheduling conflicts, I was unable to be present for rollcall vote No. 431. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Our country's dependence on foreign oils threatens our economy and security. We need to take bold steps to become energy independent by growing a new energy economy. Comprehensive energy reform will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, making us more secure as a Nation.

The energy bill we consider today will also create clean-energy jobs, inspiring a new economy. As a former utility commissioner, I saw firsthand the positive impact energy reform had on my State of New Mexico. We instituted a renewable energy standard that increased the generation of renewables. We encouraged energy efficiency to reduce costs for homes and businesses. And it's now time to see these steps at a national level.

For too long we have accepted the status quo on energy, and now, with the American Clean Energy and Security Act, we can put America on a path to energy independence, make America the global leader in energy technology, cut costly and harmful pollution, create new jobs, and save billions in the long run.

I support this rule and urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this rule and this legislation.