Floor Statements

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

Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield myself such time as I may consume.

I would first like to thank Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica for all of their efforts to promote clean water and infrastructure investment. Despite these good efforts, I find it hard to believe that the majority would include a job-killing provision known as Davis-Bacon in this legislation.

With Davis-Bacon and the majority's introduction of the Card Check legislation earlier this week, the Democrat leadership is telling big labor that they are open for business and it is time to cash in on the backs of hardworking American taxpayers.

As Members of Congress, one of our jobs is to make certain that our country has safe, accessible and modern infrastructure. It is our responsibility as legislators to foster a competitive environment that enables businesses to hire the workers they need and to meet these goals.

Sadly, this is a bill we should all be able to support. But with the poison pill of the Davis-Bacon provision, this becomes unacceptable legislation, and I in good faith cannot support it.

The Davis-Bacon Act passed in 1931 is a throw-back to failed Depression-era economic policies and is fiscally irresponsible. Davis- Bacon is basically a federally mandated super-minimum wage provision that applies to federally funded infrastructure projects. Davis-Bacon provisions force construction projects to deal with unnecessary red tape and lead to higher construction costs. It ensures that wages are artificially set by bureaucrats, not by the free-market forces.

Currently 18 States, including my home State of Florida, have no prevailing wage laws. With the inclusion of Davis-Bacon, my constituents, along with 17 other States, will see increased costs of public construction, thereby reducing the volume of projects and jobs.

Mr. Chairman, I stand up for Florida and other States today. Do not burden them with this reckless policy. This bill today represents an unprecedented expansion of Davis-Bacon. The Clean Water Investment Act mandates that any project funded even in part by the State Revolving Fund is subject to the prevailing wage requirements.

To be blunt and simple, Davis-Bacon is fiscally irresponsible policy and should not be included in this legislation. Repealing Davis-Bacon would save taxpayers billions in construction and administrative costs. These numbers may seem trivial to some of my colleagues, especially in this time when the majority has spent more than a trillion dollars in the last few months, but to my constituents, this is completely unacceptable.

If we repeal Davis-Bacon, we could use these savings to create more jobs and improve our water supply, rather than just lining the pockets of big labor. I cannot believe that Members can sit back and allow this provision to be part of the underlying legislation. Our taxpayers deserve better.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon).

Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King).

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the remaining time.

Mr. Chairman, in listening to the arguments, earlier a gentleman spoke about Lee County, Florida. Well, let me tell you what he didn't say. He didn't talk about the thousands of people that are out of work and that would like to have a job, that lost their job maybe in the construction industry and that would like to go back to work. With the Davis-Bacon provision in this bill, we won't be able to hire as many people as we would like. That means fewer jobs and fewer opportunities for the families that live in southwest Florida and all over this country.

Mr. Chairman, at a time when we are debating solutions to jump-start our economy and the importance of job creation, the Democrat majority has incorporated a provision in this bill that would do just the opposite. Repealing Davis-Bacon would create jobs, save money, and allow for more critical projects to be completed.

Including this provision in the bill means fewer jobs for fewer workers at a time when we want more people to have more opportunity. But Mr. Chairman, it comes as little surprise that in the same week the majority would ram through these Davis-Bacon provisions, they would introduce the Card Check bill. These reckless policies promote inefficiency and end up hammering all of our constituents. I hope this Congress will once and for all eliminate the outdated barrier to job creation.

Mr. Chairman, we need to leave Davis-Bacon and these failed Depression-era policies where they belong--in the history books.

I urge all Members to vote for my amendment to strip the Davis-Bacon provisions and to stand up for the American people, not Big Labor.

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

I ask unanimous consent to reclaim my 30 seconds to thank the chairman.

Mr. Chairman, I failed to mention earlier that, in the committee, when I brought this amendment forward, Chairman Oberstar was gracious and kind to allow this debate to happen on the floor, and I think that shows great character. I want to thank him for his efforts to have the debate on the floor so we can let the people in the United States hear what the Congress is up to on this amendment. Thank you so much.

I would first like to thank Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica for all of their efforts to promote clean water and infrastructure investment. Despite these good efforts, I find it hard to believe that the majority would include a job-killing provision known as Davis-Bacon in this legislation.

Mr. Chairman, with Davis-Bacon and the majority's introduction of the card check legislation earlier this week, the Democratic leadership is telling Big Labor that we're open for business and it's time to cash in on the backs of hardworking American taxpayers!

As Members of Congress, one of our jobs is to make certain that our county has safe, accessible, and modern infrastructure. It is our responsibility as legislators to foster a competitive environment that enables businesses to hire the workers they need to meet these goals.

Sadly, this is a bill we should all be able to support, but with the poison pill of the Davis-Bacon provision, this becomes unacceptable legislation and I in good faith cannot support it.

The Davis-Bacon Act, passed in 1931, is a throwback to failed Depression-era economic policy and is fiscally irresponsible. The act was originally passed with the intent of preventing nonunionized and immigrant laborers from competing with unionized workers for very scarce jobs. This provision forced communities to hire workers at higher prices and completely eliminated the pool of competition and competitive wages.

Davis-Bacon is essentially a federally-mandated, super-minimum wage provision that applies to federally-funded infrastructure projects. Many studies have concluded that Davis-Bacon provisions force construction projects to deal with unnecessary red tape and lead to higher construction costs.

Davis-Bacon requirements ensure that wages are artificially set by bureaucrats not by free market forces.

Currently 18 states, inducting my home state of Florida have no prevailing wage laws. With the inclusion of Davis-Bacon, my constituents, along with the 17 other states will see increased costs of public construction, thereby reducing the volume of projects and jobs.

Mr. Chairman, I stand up for Florida and other states today--do not burden them with this reckless policy.

In 1987, the Clean Water Act stated that Davis-Bacon rates would only apply to contracts where direct federal dollars were used.

This bill today represents an unprecedented expansion of Davis-Bacon. The Clean Water Investment Act mandates that any project funded even in part by the State Revolving Loan Fund, is subject to the prevailing wage requirements.

To be blunt and simple, Davis-Bacon is a fiscally irresponsible policy and should not be included in this legislation.

Repealing this Act would save federal taxpayers billions on construction and administrative costs. These numbers may seem trivial to some of my colleagues--especially in this era where the majority has spent more than a trillion dollars in the last month--but to my constituents this is completely unacceptable! If we repealed Davis- Bacon, we could use this savings to create more jobs and improve our water supply rather than just lining the pockets of Big Labor.

According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, Davis-Bacon has been shown to increase public construction costs by as much as 38 percent. A recent estimate from the Beacon Hill Institute suggests Davis-Bacon costs taxpayers $8.6 billion per year. I cannot believe that Members can sit back and allow this provision to be part of this underlying legislation.

Our taxpayers deserve better.

Mr. Chairman, at a time when we are debating the solutions to jumpstart our economy and the importance of job creation, the Democratic majority has incorporated a provision in this bill that would do just the opposite.

Repealing Davis-Bacon would create jobs, save money, and allow for more critical projects to be completed. Including this provision in this bill means fewer jobs for fewer workers at a time when we want more people to have more opportunity.

It comes as little surprise that in the same week the majority would ram through these Davis-Bacon provisions, they introduce the card check bill. These reckless policies promote inefficiency, and end up harming all of our constituents.

I hope this Congress will once and for all eliminate this antiquated barrier to job creation in the private sector.

We need to leave Davis-Bacon and these failed Depression-era policies where it belongs: in the history books!

I urge all members to vote for my amendment to strip the Davis-Bacon provisions and stand up for the American people, not Big Labor.

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

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the people of El Salvador as they head to the polls this weekend to elect a new president.

Over the past years, the people of El Salvador have shown great resilience as they transformed their economy. From the privatization of state enterprises, to trade and financial liberalization, to the adoption of the United States dollar as its official currency, El Salvador and its people have chosen freedom and prosperity over communism and repression.

Madam Speaker, the relationship between the people of El Salvador and of the United States has been a strong one. The Salvadorian government was a faithful ally in the war in Iraq where they once had as many as 6000 soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

We in the United States also have stood by our friends in El Salvador. For example, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, El Salvador is currently receiving $461 million of investment in projects including education, public services, agricultural production, rural business development, and transportation infrastructure.

In addition, El Salvador receives nearly $4 billion a year in remittances--almost 20% of its annual gross domestic product--from several million Salvadorans living in the United States.

And, even more important for our national security interests is that El Salvador is host to the United States Navy's primary Forward Operating Location (FOL) in Central America which is used to monitor and intercept drug traffic.

Madam Speaker, these examples reveal why this approaching election is so fundamental, and why it will have a great impact on the future direction of El Salvador and the relationship with the United States.

The two primary presidential candidates are Rodgrigo Avila of the National Republican Alliance (ARENA) party and Mauricio Funes of the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) party.

Madam Speaker, the FMLN is a party that was formed from communist guerrillas that fought against the El Salvador government in one of the last battles in the Cold War. Nearly 70,000 people were killed during the 12-year war in El Salvador and brutal atrocities were committed by the FMLN.

Today the FMLN and its communist candidates--with funding from Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez--have fought hard to manipulate the democratic process in El Salvador in order to take at the ballot box what they couldn't by force.

The FMLN has actively worked to undermine United States policy in the region by, among other things, openly supporting terrorist organizations such as the FARC in Colombia. And the FMLN candidate for vice president, Sanchez Ceren, is a known militant and guerrilla commander who staunchly opposes the United States.

Should the FMLN win this Sunday, El Salvador likely would quickly become a satellite and proxy of Venezuela, Russia, and perhaps Iran. While we must always work and stand with our allies in the region, a government in El Salvador that is run by the FMLN and its cronies would clearly undermine the good relationship the current government in El Salvador has with the United States.

Our close relationship with El Salvador is based on mutual respect for freedom and the rule of law. This relationship has allowed our people and our governments to work together in the past several years towards common goals.

As we look to the future, we must weigh the potential ramifications of this election and its impact on our relations--more importantly, the longstanding and open policies related to TPS and the flow of remittances.

Madam Speaker, the stakes are high this weekend for the people of El Salvador. As they go to the polls to select their next president and, more importantly, the future direction of their nation, I urge them to reject the FMLN and the failed ideas of the past.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding funding that my district received as part of the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 (H.R. 1105).

Requesting Member: Congressman Connie Mack

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service,

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Naples Toastmasters Club upon the celebration of their 50th anniversary.

Anyone who has ever had to give a speech in front of an audience knows what a tense and sometimes nerve-racking experience it can be. Fortunately, Toastmasters International and its chapters across the globe have been helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience for over 80 years.

The Naples Toastmasters Club in Naples, Florida provides a mutually supportive and positive learning environment for members to develop their communication and leadership skills. Increasingly, these skills have become vital to success in the classroom, in the workplace, and in life. Perhaps even more importantly, Toastmasters helps people increase their self-confidence and allows them to reach their professional and personal goals.

The members of the Naples Toastmasters Club are some of the most giving and productive members of our community. They continue to empower a new generation of Southwest Floridians to develop the leadership and communication skills needed to make significant contributions to our community.

Madam Speaker, the Naples Toastmasters Club's enthusiasm and passion for serving our community is inspiring, and their efforts have helped to make Southwest Florida a great place to live, work and visit. It is truly an honor and a privilege to represent the members of the Naples Toastmasters Club in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, the Venezuelan people will go to the polls to determine the future of freedom and democracy in their country. Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, in his continued quest for power, is demanding that the people of Venezuela get rid of presidential term limits.

Chavez has just celebrated 10 years in power, and his legacy is clear: Higher poverty, more crime, rampant inflation, growing anti- Semitism, less freedom, alliances with Iran, Russia, and Cuba, and a loss of hope and opportunity for the Venezuelan people.

Mr. Speaker, Venezuelans cannot afford to have Chavez leading them into the Communist abyss. Today, I am introducing a resolution calling upon the Members of the House to stand for free and fair elections this weekend in Venezuela. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the important resolution and to stand with the Venezuelan people in their fight for freedom from the iron fist of Hugo Chavez.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Oliver ``Ollie'' Conover of Lehigh Acres, Florida upon his retirement from the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce.

Ollie served as the Executive Director of the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce for the last seven years, and during that time, has helped to make the Chamber an influential organization in Lehigh Acres.

Ollie's community and public service didn't start with the Chamber, however. Ollie served in the Ordnance Corps in the U.S. Army and continued on to serve in the Reserves when his active duty service was completed.

Ollie's subsequent professional career spanned 22 years as an insurance agent and broker, and 25 years in non-profit fundraising for educational and cultural organizations. It's this unique experience that made him well-suited to take the helm of the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce in 2002.

Since moving to Lehigh Acres 10 years ago, and serving with the Chamber for the last seven, Ollie has made an indelible mark on a community that is growing by leaps and bounds. In fact, Ollie has joined a number of community officials and activists on the Lehigh Acres Community Planning Corporation to put together a master plan for controlling the substantial growth in the area. Ollie's leadership and guidance on the issue of controlling Lehigh's growth while expanding opportunities for residents and businesses will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Corporation, its members and the people of Lehigh Acres.

Madam Speaker, Ollie's enthusiasm and passion for serving his community is inspiring. His efforts have helped to make Southwest Florida a great place to live, work and visit. It is truly an honor and a privilege to represent Ollie in the U.S. House of Representatives, and I wish Ollie and his family all the best during his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding young hero from my district, Bridget McCue of Cape Coral, Florida, for her extraordinary bravery during a fire.

On July 31, 2008, a small fire broke out in the computer room at the McCue home. Thanks to 13-year-old Bridget's quick thinking, she was able to get her younger brother and sister out of the house and to safety. She then called 911 from a neighbor's house and called her parents, who were returning home from an errand.

Bridget's parents, Randy and Barbara, credit Bridget's training through a Red Cross babysitting class for her quick thinking and bravery. She is a role model for other teenagers across southwest Florida and is very deserving of the Lee County Red Cross' Certificate of Recognition for Extraordinary Personal Action. The people of southwest Florida and I are very proud of Bridget and her accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege to represent such a courageous young lady as Bridget McCue in Congress. I wish Bridget and her family all the best and congratulate her on a job well done.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Florida Addictions Institute's second graduating class. These dedicated individuals will go on to become certified drug addiction counselors throughout southwest Florida and the rest of the State.

There's no question that being a drug and alcohol counselor is not an easy job and garners little public recognition. But it's a personally rewarding job, and one that can have a profound impact on shaping addicts' lives to make them productive, giving members of society.

Sadly, 1 in 10 persons is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol at some time in their lives--making substance abuse one of our Nation's top health problems. It is estimated that 5,000 new addictions professionals are needed each year to replace those leaving the field.

That's why the work of the Florida Addictions Institute is so vital. The institute trains the next wave of caring, certified substance abuse counselors to help people from all walks of life overcome substance abuse.

Madam Speaker, it is a true honor and a privilege to represent the staff and graduates of the Florida Addictions Institute in Congress, and I wish this year's graduating class all the best as they set out to make a difference in the lives of others. The people of southwest Florida join me in thanking them for their selfless and dedicated service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Scott Henderson for years of tireless service in my office and to the people of the Fourteenth Congressional District of Florida.

I've had the pleasure of knowing Scott for over 8 years. Throughout that entire time he has been a dedicated public servant, a strong advocate for the principles we share and cherish, and most importantly, a true friend.

I first met Scott when I was running for the Florida Legislature and Scott was working for the Republican Party of Florida. I soon hired him and he helped me win my first race for State Representative in 2000. After taking office, I hired him to be my assistant, and he quickly proved to be an invaluable friend and colleague as we navigated the challenges and opportunities of serving in Tallahassee.

When I decided to run for Congress in 2003 Scott stayed by my side and helped implement a winning campaign. After I was elected to the House, Scott became my Deputy Chief of Staff. His has been a diverse role--managing special projects, meeting with constituents, and providing critical support for a number of important initiatives.

Among Scott's many accomplishments--and the one I am most proud of-- was his critical work to secure the release of two Cuban dentists from Bahamian custody who fled Cuba seeking freedom. Because of Scott's efforts, these dentists were reunited with their loved ones in Florida and today live in freedom.

But after 8 years of working by my side, Scott has been afforded a wonderful professional opportunity that will allow him to continue to grow and flourish in his career.

Scott is moving to New Jersey to become a Manager of State Government Affairs for Covanta Energy, a waste-to-energy company. While we will all miss Scott's presence and good nature in the office, we are excited for him as he begins the next phase of his life and career. I'm certain that he will make significant contributions to his new company and his new community, and know that he will always have a special place in his heart for the State he loves so much.

Madam Speaker, the State of Florida and the people of southwest Florida are better off today because of Scott Henderson's diligent efforts to ensure it remains a great place to live, work and visit.

On behalf of the people of Florida's Fourteenth Congressional District, I want to thank Scott for his years of service to the people of Florida and the Nation. He is my friend, he is a true public servant in every sense of the word, and I wish him all the best as he and his wife Betsy begin this new and exciting chapter of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of America's greatest art pioneers of the 20th century, Robert Rauschenberg, who passed away on Monday at the age of 82 on Captiva Island. He led an extraordinary life and his unique approach to abstract expressionism helped to pave the way for a new generation of contemporary artists.

Mr. Rauschenberg was born in 1925 in Port Arthur, Texas. His love for art grew while he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and had a chance to visit an art museum at the age of 18. When he returned home from the war, he used his GI Bill benefits to pay his tuition at art school.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Mr. Rauschenberg's portfolio was varied and diverse. He rejected abstract expressionism and searched for a new method of painting. Incorporating his enthusiasm for popular culture, he turned to pop art, and used materials traditionally outside of the mainstream. He was also a sculptor and choreographer.

Mr. Rauschenberg moved to Captiva Island in the 1970s. Perhaps the thing that Mr. Rauschenberg will most be remembered for in southwest Florida was his contributions to the art community in our region. He generously donated to the gallery on the Edison College campus in Fort Myers, giving them the rights to reproduce his prints and posters and thus allowing the institution to support itself financially.

In addition, Mr. Rauschenberg enjoyed sharing his love of art to art students and the general public and was often on hand at gallery openings to support local artists. He was also a strong supporter of Arts for ACT, a charity that supports a shelter for abused women.

Although Mr. Rauschenberg is no longer with us on earth, his memory will live on in the paintings he loved so much, the art community in southwest Florida he fostered and supported, and the people he met and inspired every day.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Naples High School Softball Team for winning this year's Class 4A Florida State Championship last week.

Thanks to the pitching of sophomore Jaclyn Traina, who had 10 strikeouts in seven innings, and the hitting of senior Ashley Pinkerton, who had a batting average over .400 for the season, the Golden Eagles beat Pembroke Pines 5-2 and cinched their 12th overall state championship title.

With fierce determination and spirit, the Golden Eagles Softball Team worked together to defeat the No. 1 ranked school in the country.

Any of us who have played competitive sports understands the valuable lessons of hard work, teamwork and commitment. These memories and lessons will stay with these players for the rest of their lives and are made all the sweeter by their incredible win.

Madam Speaker, I know the people of Southwest Florida join me in offering our heartiest congratulations to the Naples High School Softball Team, their coaches, students and fans. We couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments this season.

I want to thank the ranking member for the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lend my strong support to passage of this important legislation, which would restore $10 million to the critical widening of I-75, which is now underway in Southwest Florida. It is the same language that we included in the transportation bill when we voted on it in 2005.

By ensuring this $10 million will be spent to widen I-75 in Lee and Collier Counties in Florida, we are protecting the economic viability, quality of life, and public safety for all who rely on it. For that, I thank my colleagues for supporting this important legislation.

While this matter has received well-deserved scrutiny, the legislative process, however flawed it has been, is now

doing what the people want and deserve. I would hope that as a result of what we have learned and what we may continue to learn that this institution will be better and that we will ensure it never happens again.

Again, I want to thank my colleagues for supporting this legislation and for doing what is best and right for the people of Southwest Florida.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for our friends in Taiwan as they celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Twin Oaks estate here in Washington, DC.

Twin Oaks estate was built in 1888 by Gardiner Greene Hubbard, the founder of the National Geographic Society. This beautiful home was built as a summer residence for his family. Mr. Hubbard had two daughters, Grace and Mabel. Mabel later lived at Twin Oaks with her husband, Alexander Graham Bell.

Years later, Grace inherited the property. In 1937, she rented the property to the Republic of China's Government to serve as the ambassador's residence. A decade later, the Republic of China purchased the property and it served as the official residence of each successive Republic of China ambassador.

After extensive renovation that brought it back to its original elegance in the early 1980s, Twin Oaks was recognized and named as a national historic site in Washington, DC. Over the past two decades many functions have been held at Twin Oaks and today the estate continues to stand proudly as a symbol of the strong friendship between the United States and Taiwan.

Madam Speaker, the people of Taiwan live in a vibrant democracy and, as such, Taiwan has become a beacon of freedom and an engine of prosperity in the Pacific region. As we celebrate Twin Oaks' long and vibrant history, we are reminded of our strong ties, abiding mutual relations, and deep friendship with Taiwan.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida for spreading awareness about the dangers of drug use and underage drinking at its second annual Drug House Odyssey. Over 10 community agencies have partnered with the Coalition to infirm children, teenagers and parents about substance abuse at this year's event. Last year's Drug House Odyssey attracted over 3,000 students, teachers, and parents, and I'm confident that this year's event in Cape Coral will be an even bigger success.

For nearly 20 years, the Lee County Coalition has educated tons of thousands of students in Southwest Florida about substance abuse. From school visits to conferences, community celebrations to professional counselor training, the Lee County Coalition has been empowering teenagers and families to make the right choices about drug and alcohol use. Their work is just a vital part of what makes Southwest Florida a great place to live, work and visit.

The focus of the Lee County Coalition's annual Drug House Odyssey is prevention: teaching children and teenagers about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and encouraging them to make smart decisions about their health. It's appropriate that this year's event will be held during National Alcohol Awareness Month. The facts are staggering: according to a recent Florida Youth Substance Abuse survey, over 35 percent of teenagers in Lee County have reported using alcohol in the last 30 days; nationally, the average is 16 percent.

That's why the good work that the Lee County Coalition performs every day to help children and teenagers make smart decisions about drugs and alcohol is so important, and why I ardently support their mission.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege to represent the staff and volunteers of the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida in Congress, and I wish them all the best at their second annual Drug House Odyssey.