Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this rule because of the flood relief provisions included in the supplemental funding bill. I'm pleased that this amendment includes $2.65 billion for flood relief in my State and others. And I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this rule because of this important funding.

Iowa is currently experiencing record flooding which is having a widespread and unprecedented impact on people, property and agriculture in the State. Governor Culver has issued an emergency proclamation for 83 of Iowa's 99 counties, all experiencing significant damage due to the combination of severe rainfall, tornadoes, high winds and flooding. Fifty-five Iowa counties have been declared Presidential disaster areas. Seventeen citizens have lost their lives, and many more have been injured. Over 38,000 Iowans have been displaced from their homes already, and thousands more have been disrupted because of the closure, through evacuation, of Iowa hospitals, nursing homes, businesses and schools. More than 18 shelters have been in operation in more than a dozen counties. And it is estimated that 20 percent of the State's cropland has been destroyed. And the flooding still continues.

This flooding has impacted everyone in Iowa. And the scope of damages to Iowans' homes, lives and livelihoods is almost beyond description. Some are calling this disaster ``the Katrina of the Midwest.'' If you were to travel around Iowa, you would understand what they are talking about.

This unprecedented destruction needs and deserves a swift and special response from Congress. That's why this $2.65 billion flood relief package is so important. Iowans and people across the Midwest impacted by this flooding need immediate help to restart their businesses, salvage their farms and rebuild their lives after this devastating flood.

When things get tough in Iowa, Iowans come together to help one another. I would look to thank the Appropriations Committee and the House leadership for coming together and working with me and my colleagues from Iowa to provide this urgently needed flood relief funding. This disaster relief funding is a crucial first step on the road to Iowa's full recovery. And I urge all of my colleagues to support it by voting for this rule.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I was unable to vote on Wednesday, June 11 and Thursday, June 12 due to massive flooding throughout Iowa's 1st Congressional District. Although I realize how important it is to cast votes in Washington, the well-being of my constituents comes first, and I need to be in the District to assist in any way I can.

On rollcall 397, H.R. 6003, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 398, H.R. 6003, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 399, H.R. 6003, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 400, H.R. 6003, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 401, H. Res. 1258, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 402, H. Res. 1235, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 403, H.R. 5749, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 404, H. Res. 977, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 405, H. Res. 1257, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 406, H. Res. 1257, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 407, H. Res 1265, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 408, H. Res. 1265, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 409, H.R. 1553, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 410, H.R. 5749, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 411, H.R. 5749, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 412, H.R. 5749, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 413, S. 2146, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Chairman, I am in strong support of my amendment that will help improve our ability to forecast deadly tornadoes. I regret my absence today to speak and vote in favor of this amendment. However, I have had to return to Iowa due to major flooding in my district. I would like to thank Chairman Gordon for offering this amendment today in my absence.

In the last three weeks, 12 people have lost their lives in Iowa due to tornadoes. On May 25, parts of my district in northeastern Iowa were hit by an EF-5 tornado with winds of up to 205 miles per hour. Eight people died, and over 70 people were injured due to this tornado, which was the strongest to hit Iowa in 32 years. Just yesterday, a tornado ripped through a Boy Scout camp in Harrison County killing 4 Boy Scouts and injuring 48 people. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Boy Scouts, their family members, friends and all those affected by this devastating tornado in western Iowa. I hope that all of those injured in the western Iowa tornado make a speedy recovery so that they can continue on with their lives.

It is clear that the destruction caused by this tornado would have resulted in more injuries and lives lost had it not been for the warning sirens that went off before the tornado hit. Those warning sirens gave most people the time needed to evacuate and take shelter. However, this warning was, unfortunately, not enough to ensure the safety of every person in the path of these deadly storms.

I'm offering this amendment today to ensure that NASA is actively pursuing research opportunities to accurately predict and forecast tornadoes. My amendment would require NASA to cooperatively work with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, on tornado research. NOAA is actively involved in tornado research at its Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, and coordination between these agencies could

prove very beneficial. At the Prediction Center, NOAA is studying ways to improve the prediction and location of tornadoes.

I believe that NASA has a lot of valuable technology and input to offer on the study of tornadoes. However, it seems that NASA has done very little work with NOAA on this important life saving research. My amendment will give NASA and NOAA the opportunity to find ways to work cooperatively on tornado research which will help us accurately predict these deadly storms.

My amendment would also require NASA to make any existing cooperatives with NOAA on tornado research a high priority. In the past, NASA has proven that they have a lot to offer with tornado research. Their past work with NOAA on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite has shown us that sudden increases in lightning in strong super-cell thunderstorms can increase the chances of a tornado touchdown. NASA must commit more resources to this program and other programs dealing with tornado research. Committing more resources to already existing programs will help us accurately forecast tornado touchdown locations.

I urge the House to adopt this amendment to give NASA a better opportunity to offer its technology and expertise in the area of tornado research, and to improve and provide additional resources to its already existing tornado research programs.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I was unable to make the following votes yesterday because of a developing crisis in Iowa's 1st Congressional District. Massive flooding is leading to evacuations and it is only expected to get worse. Although I realize how important it is to cast votes in Washington, the well-being of my constituents comes first, and I need to be in the District to assist in any way I can.

On Rollcall 394, H. Res. 1063, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yea.''

On Rollcall 395, H. Con. Res. 318, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yea.''

On Rollcall 396, H. Con. Res. 336, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Chairman, today I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6003, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008. I am glad to see this bill on the House floor, as it shows a commitment by this Congress to strengthening and improving America's passenger rail system and moving Amtrak forward.

I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation. This bill includes development of new intercity passenger rail services, including $500 million per year to states to cover the capital costs of investing in new intercity passenger rail services. By investing in new rail

infrastructure, this legislation creates jobs, increases tourism and spurs economic development in the communities impacted by new rail service.

In Iowa's First District, this bill will help fund two new routes that would both increase rail services and provide economic benefits. The routes between Chicago and the Quad Cities and Chicago to Dubuque, Iowa would encourage economic development in both Iowa and Illinois, while creating local jobs and decreasing traffic and congestion. Both of these routes would provide another piece to a new transportation corridor through the center of the country, which would be beneficial for business and recreation from coast-to-coast.

I am also glad to see Section 220 up for House passage today that includes the `Study of the Use of Biobased Lubricants.' This language instructs the Federal Railroad Administration to issue a report on the feasibility of using readily biodegradable lubricants by freight and passenger railroads, partly through comparisons of these lubricants with the petroleum-based lubricants traditionally used. The National Ag-Based Lubricants Center (NABL) at the University of Northern Iowa would be a perfect partner for the Federal Railroad Administration in this study, as NABL's expertise and resources in biobased lubricants is unmatched, and it is the only entity whose primary mission is the research and testing of agricultural-based lubricants.

I thank Chairman Oberstar, Chairwoman Brown, and the rest of Transportation & Infrastructure Committee for their work on this legislation, and I look forward to seeing these important changes becoming law.

Madam Speaker, today I encourage constituents to ``Buy American.''

Unfortunately, I am unable to speak on the floor today in support of H. Res. 977 because of a developing crisis in Iowa's 1st Congressional District. Massive flooding is leading to evacuations and it is only expected to get worse. Although I realize how important it is to cast votes in Washington, the well-being of my constituents comes first, and I need to be in the district to assist in any way I can.

This January 29th Congress passed a bipartisan economic stimulus bill that provides rebate checks of up to $600 per individual and $1200 per married couple, plus an additional $300 per child. This stimulus package is temporary, timely, and targeted, and it will bring relief to working families. On February 13th President Bush signed this stimulus legislation into law.

Just prior to that, on February 12th, I introduced H. Res. 977, a bipartisan Congressional resolution urging Americans receiving economic stimulus bill tax refund checks to buy American-made goods or services from American-owned companies with these rebates.

Under the economic stimulus package passed by the House and Senate, 1.2 million Iowa households--and 117 million American households--will receive a tax rebate. The average Iowa household will receive a rebate of $917.

The purpose of the economic stimulus package is to provide a jump- start to the American economy. The economic stimulus legislation will put money back into the hands of low-income and middle-income Americans--those who need it most.

In 2007 the U.S. manufacturing sector lost 269,000 jobs. Manufacturing employment now accounts for less than 10 percent of the job market for the first time since data began being collected in the 1930s. Buying American would help keep manufacturing jobs in the United States.

The annual trade deficit has grown to the $700 billion range in the past decade, up from the $100 billion range in the early 1990s. If constituents use their rebate checks to ``Buy American,'' they will not be contributing to the size of the growing trade deficit, which many economists contend is unreasonably large.

If the millions of American families receiving tax rebates from the stimulus spend their checks on American-made goods and services, the effect of the stimulus will be magnified. Buying American will infuse an additional $10 billion into the American economy, creating jobs here in America and helping to narrow our growing trade deficit.

I am proud this bill has been endorsed by a long list of organizations, including the Communications Workers of America; United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; United Steelworkers; International Brotherhood of Boilermakers; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; United American Nurses; United Mineworkers of America; Air Line Pilots Association; American Federation of Teachers; International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers; National Association of Letter Carriers; Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO; and the United Association of Pipefitters and Plumbers.

I want to thank Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell and Ranking Member Joe Barton, for their support in bringing this important legislation to the Floor.

I'm pleased this bill has such strong bipartisan support, with 106 of my colleagues as cosponsors. I want to thank them for joining me today in letting the American people know we are behind them when it comes to doing everything we can to promote a strong U.S. economy and to ensure access to stable, good-paying jobs.

Madam Speaker, while the Iraq war has stretched our military thin and our troops continue to struggle with multiple deployments,

House Democrats are fighting to improve the lives of soldiers when they return home.

Last month we passed a new and improved GI Bill that restores the promise of a full 4-year college scholarship. The original GI Bill sparked economic growth and expansion in America after World War II. This new bill will be an integral part of rebuilding our failing economy. It will also make military service more attractive and improve the quality of recruits as we work to strengthen our military. The new GI Bill goes further than current law, which only covers a small portion of public and private college education.

Madam Speaker, the education of our Nation's veterans should be considered a cost of the war which they rightfully have earned after completing their military service.

Madam Speaker, the U.S. has never gone wrong when it properly invests in education and rewards our veterans. I would only hope that President Bush would reconsider his opposition to the new GI Bill. It is the right thing to do for both our military and our economy.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall 379, H.R. 3021, I was not present. If I had been there, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and celebrate the life of Karen Fitzsimmons. Karen passed away on April 2, 2008, after serving as the Scott County, Iowa, auditor for over 32 years.

Karen was elected auditor in 1976 and held that position until her untimely death this spring. From her first day in office to her last she brought integrity and professionalism to government. Under Karen's leadership Scott County elections were fair, transparent, and inclusive. Citizens trusted Karen because they were confident she would count and report every vote in every election. She set a standard for ethics and integrity in elections to which other counties in Iowa aspire.

Karen was a trailblazer for women in Iowa public life. She is one of the longest serving female elected officials in Iowa history. She was a 27-year-old professional and single-mother when she won her first election. She thrived as a public official and was never afraid to challenge ``old boys club'' attitudes at any level of government.

Madam Speaker, Karen was an admired leader who defended the principle at the heart of our democracy: the right to vote. Her memory will be cherished.

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, May 25, when many of us were enjoying the Memorial Day holiday, my district was hit with an F5 tornado that left a path of death and devastation in its wake. The cities of Parkersburg, New Hartford, Dunkerton, Hazleton and Lamont were the cities that were hit hardest. Eight people were killed, 350 people lost their homes, thousands more had their

homes severely damaged, and 50 businesses were destroyed, including 21 in the small town of Parkersburg alone.

I would ask at this time for a moment of silence for those who lost their lives and to remember the sacrifice that is being made right now.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding results achieved by North Scott High School wrestler Adam Perrin. This winter Adam captured the Iowa Class 3A Individual Wrestling Championship in the 103 pound weight class.

Adam won a thrilling championship match. He defeated his final opponent in a 6-5 decision.

Madam Speaker, I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of Adam and the North Scott High School Wrestling team, both on and off the court. Perhaps Paul ``Bear'' Bryant, the late, great coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team says it best: ``Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.'' This year, Adam Perrin and North Scott High School proved just that.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding results achieved by the Pleasant Valley High School Boys Cross Country team. This past fall Pleasant Valley captured the Iowa Class 4A Cross Country Championship!

The Pleasant Valley team finished the course with a team average time of 16 minutes, 10 seconds. And the individual winner of the meet was Pleasant Valley runner Devin Allbaugh who finished the course in 15 minutes, 39 seconds.

Madam Speaker, I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of the Pleasant Valley Boys Cross Country team, both on and off the court. Perhaps Paul ``Bear'' Bryant, the late, great coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, says it best: ``Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.'' This past weekend, Pleasant Valley proved just that.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding results achieved by Clinton High School wrestler Byron Tate. This winter Byron captured the Iowa Class 3A Individual Wrestling Championship in the 215 pound weight class.

Byron won a thrilling championship match. He defeated his final opponent in a 5-2 decision.

Madam Speaker, I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of Byron and the Clinton High School Wrestling team, both on and off the court. Perhaps Paul ``Bear'' Bryant, the late, great coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team said it best: ``Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself'' This year, Byron Tate and Clinton High School proved just that.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding results achieved by the Monticello High School Boys Cross Country team. This past fall Monticello captured the Iowa Class 2A Cross Country Championship.

The Monticello team finished the course with a team average time of 16 minutes, 55 seconds. And the individual winner of the meet was Monticello runner Nate Dotterweich who finished the course in 15 minutes, 43 seconds.

Madam Speaker, I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of the Monticello Boys Cross Country team, both on and off the court. Perhaps Paul ``Bear'' Bryant, the late, great coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team says it best: ``Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.'' This past weekend, Monticello proved just that.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding results achieved by Dubuque Senior High School swimmer Jordan Huff in the 2007-2008 season. This year Jordan won two individual State championship events. Jordan captured titles in the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle.

Madam Speaker, I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of Jordan and the Dubuque Senior High School Boys Swimming Team, both in and out of the pool. Perhaps Paul ``Bear'' Bryant--the late, great coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team--said it best: ``Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.'' This year, Dubuque Senior High School proved just that.