Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Relay For Life, held in Bridgeview, Illinois. The event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is considered the organization's signature activity. This year is especially significant as the June 22-23 event at the Bridgeview Park District marks the 15th anniversary of the first Relay For Life event in Illinois.

Relay For Life is an overnight event designed to bring together those who have been touched by cancer in our communities. At the event, participants celebrate survivorship, remember those lost to cancer, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society. Proceeds fund its mission of helping those who have been touched by cancer, empowering individuals to fight back, and saving lives.

Programs such as Road to Recovery, Look Good Feel Good, Support Recovery, and the American Cancer Society's Patient Navigation Services all benefit from the annual event. These programs and services assist patients with educational, technological, logistical, and emotional support, and further the search for a cure.

Through the tireless participation of families, schools, companies, hospitals, and other community groups, Relay For Life has assisted

those affected by cancer for well over a decade. Today, I am honored to recognize this important event, its participants, and its worthy mission. I am especially pleased to acknowledge and congratulate the supporters of Relay For Life in Bridgeview, Illinois. The work and dedication of these individuals ensure a brighter future for those affected by cancer and serve as an inspiration to all citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1716) to authorize higher education curriculum development and graduate training in advanced energy and green building technologies, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 1716, the bill now under consideration.

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

Today, I rise in support of H.R. 1716, the Green Energy Education Act of 2007. I'd like to thank Mr. McCaul and Mr. Hill for their leadership on this important legislation.

This bill authorizes the Department of Energy to contribute funds to the National Science Foundation's successful Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program, known as IGERT. IGERT awards prepare doctoral students by integrating research and education in innovative ways that are tailored to the unique requirement of newly emerging interdisciplinary fields and new career options.

Many future green energy technologies, such as thin film solar technologies, will require interdisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers such as those trained under the IGERT program.

This bill also authorizes the Department of Energy's high- performance-building technology programs to contribute to the National Science Foundation's ongoing curriculum development activities with the goal of improving the ability of engineers and architects to design and construct high-performance buildings.

Innovative technologies, coupled with a whole-buildings approach that optimizes interactions among building systems and components, enable buildings to use considerably less energy, while also helping to meet national goals for sustainable development, environmental protection and energy security.

The high-performance, or green, building movement is growing rapidly, but it is still a very small slice of the multibillion dollar building industry; and there's a real gap in university level education and training for the next generation of green building professionals. This bill helps address that gap.

In summary, this bill addresses a critical need to provide resources to universities to update their curricula and research efforts in alternative energy and high-performance buildings, and it improves coordination between the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation in achieving this goal.

I'm pleased to support H.R. 1716, the Green Energy Education Act of 2007. Again, I want to commend Mr. McCaul and Mr. Hill for this important legislation; and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1716.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, this is another great effort that we are making, another important step in helping to reduce our energy consumption in this country. It's critical for national security, our economic security and to combat global climate change, and certainly energy efficient buildings, great work is being done in this, and much more work needs to be done.

I have seen at the Department of Energy lab the work that is being done on some of this. I think much more needs to be done. This bill will help to provide these opportunities for more students, more people to learn about what it takes to make our buildings more energy efficient.

Again, I commend Mr. McCaul and Mr. Hill for this bill, and I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 632) to authorize the Secretary of Energy to establish monetary prizes for achievements in overcoming scientific and technical barriers associated with hydrogen energy, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 632, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 632, the H-Prize Act of 2007, an innovative bill I introduced, along with Mr. Inglis of South Carolina, and that we passed in this House last year by a vote of 416- 6.

America faces a great challenge today, finding a new clean energy source that will free us from our dependence on foreign oil and will combat global climate change. Hydrogen has great potential to be this new source and the H-Prize Act will help focus America's technological and entrepreneurial talent on making it happen.

Hydrogen-fuel cars already exist. Last year I had the opportunity to drive a hydrogen-fuel car. It didn't drive much differently than a gas- powered car, except for the silence, silence that I am used to somewhat from driving a hybrid. But that was the only real performance difference. There is no performance difference. The only difference I know of is the silence.

But there are really currently significant technical and economic barriers that must still be overcome before we can put a hydrogen car in every American garage. Current hydrogen-powered vehicles cost about $1 million. But while several significant technological advances are necessary, they are within reach.

Just yesterday, it was reported in the Chicago Tribune that engineers at Purdue University are researching methods of producing hydrogen gas by combining aluminum with another metal, gallium, and adding water. This research could yield ways of overcoming hydrogen storage problems, allowing automobile engines to burn this gas with little modification.

While we must continue to invest in traditional grants to fund university research, we in Congress have the responsibility to find creative and new ways to inspire researchers, business leaders and our youth to solve the problems that society faces today.

The H-Prize will help expand the possibility of hydrogen research, promoting people not normally involved in Federal research to explore one of the greatest challenges facing us today.

Specifically, this legislation would establish competitively awarded cash prizes to spur innovations that advance the use of hydrogen as a fuel for transportation. Every 2 years, four $1 million prizes would be given for advances in the production, storage, distribution and utilization of hydrogen, and one $4 million prize would be awarded for advances in prototype hydrogen vehicles. At the end of 10 years, one grand prize of $10 million would be given for a transformational advance in hydrogen energy technology.

In addition to this $10 million grand prize, we are also seeking to raise up to $40 million to add to that grand prize, $40 million in private contributions.

When these advances are made, hydrogen can fill critical energy needs even beyond transportation. Hydrogen will also be used to provide heat and generate electricity. The future possibilities of this energy source are enormous.

Most importantly, hydrogen will be a clean, domestic energy source. When used for energy, hydrogen produces no emissions besides water, zero emissions, an amazing advance over current energy resources. By utilizing hydrogen, we can improve our national security by lessening our dependence on foreign oil that often comes from unstable countries.

Mr. Speaker, America has always been at the forefront of technological breakthroughs. We have responded to great challenges, perhaps most famously, President John F. Kennedy's challenge to land a man on the moon before the end of the 1960s. We have seen that prizes have been an effective way to inspire technological advances.

Perhaps most famously the prize won by Lindbergh for his successful nonstop flight across the Atlantic. More recently, the Ansari X-Prize given to the first private team to build and fly a spaceship 100 kilometers above earth. The H-Prize is patterned after this X-Prize.

We have seen that challenges and prizes help to spark the imagination of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, who invest blood, sweat, tears and often large sums of money, sums of money even larger than the prizes being given, to achieve a great goal.

I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill today. Perhaps one day we will look back on the H-Prize as a catalyst to a better, cleaner, more secure America and world.

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 yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation is another great example of what we have been able to do on the Science and Technology Committee by working together in a bipartisan manner. Led by Chairman Gordon, working with Ranking Member Hall, I hope that we can continue this cooperation on other critical issues related to America's future technological competitiveness, energy dependence and global climate change. This is the type of bipartisan work we need to continue to be doing to make progress.

I'd also like to thank Mr. Inglis for all the work he has done on this. We worked on this bill last year. We worked together on that, and Mr. Inglis is the one who came forward at that time with the original idea on this. He's worked very well. We have continued to work to make progress, and I'm very hopeful that this year we have worked with the Senate and the administration. We can get this past not just the House but signed into law. Because I think this H-Prize act has really great potential. It has the great potential to solve the great energy challenge we face today. But perhaps it may be most important in spurring the imagination of our youth, our most valuable resource in this country.

I remember in the 1970s there was great excitement about alternative energy. There was an environmental movement, and there was the gasoline crisis, and there was great interest in helping clean up the environment, investing in alternative energy.

It's something that really got me excited. I was caught up in it when I was in grade school back in the 1970s. I remember I did my eighth grade science

fair project on solar energy. That was back in 1980. We saw, unfortunately, though, that the interest in alternative energy really dropped off after that time. Not only interest, but then Federal funding dropped off.

Just in talking to the Science Coalition this morning, they talked about how critical that was when that research funding dropped off. We can't afford to let that happen again. But what did happen with me is it really inspired me, got me interested. I went out and got a degree in mechanical engineering, and although I did not continue down that road, today I bring that background to this House and continue to work on these issues, understanding the importance of this issue and understanding the importance of the Federal Government's really investing in our future and especially in alternative energy. And these challenges are great. We must really confront them.

So today maybe this H-Prize Act will inspire another child out there today. He or she may become an engineer or a scientist or an entrepreneur who plays a hand in the next technological breakthrough. So there is great hope with this H-Prize Act. And today, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me by passing this bill, and hopefully in the future we can look back to today and see it as a major change and a major move forward for America and for the world.

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional educator in my district, Mr. Michael Hogan. For 30 years, Mr. Hogan has devoted his time and energy to the

students and families of High School District 204 in Cook County. Now, as he prepares for his retirement, I would like to thank him for his years of dedicated service.

Mr. Hogan's decision to become a teacher led him to college to complete his degree and education certification in 1978. To finance his education, Mr. Hogan took on a wide variety of service jobs, where he developed a disciplined attitude and strong work ethic that continues to guide his life. Mr. Hogan's awareness of the importance of family, friends, integrity, and career is the foundation of his professional success, and has led his colleagues and the communities he serves to hold him in the highest regard.

Mr. Hogan began his career in education as a special education teacher at Lyons Township High School, serving students who felt disconnected from their families, school, and peers because of emotional and behavioral disabilities. He provided the structure, empathic concern, and skill-building activities that his students needed to allow them an opportunity to develop trusting relationships with others and graduate from high school to become productive citizens. Mr. Hogan later became the Dean of Students in High School District 204. Again, his commitment to teaching the skills of responsible decision-making and his willingness to help individuals understand and assume responsibility for their actions resulted in a positive, life-changing experience for countless students.

For the final 15 years of his career, Mr. Hogan has served as Associate Principal, dedicating himself to his principle of ``making the school work''. His fairness, integrity, and meticulous attention to detail have impacted the daily lives of all those he has served: the faculty, staff, and families of Lyons Township High School.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Michael Hogan as an outstanding educator, and recognize his tireless efforts to educate and develop generations of confident, responsible, and disciplined students. He has done nothing less than an extraordinary job in preparing future generations for their challenges ahead. I thank and congratulate Michael for his service and dedication and wish him a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding educator in my district, Mrs. Judy Hanley. In June, Mrs. Hanley will retire from School District 105 after 48 years of distinguished service and leadership. Her remarkable contributions to students, colleagues, and the entire District 105 community will always be remembered and her presence will be sorely missed. As we approach the end of this school year, I would like to extend my appreciation to Mrs. Hanley for her dedication and commitment to providing quality education.

Mrs. Hanley will retire from Hodgkins Elementary School as Assistant Principal. Throughout her impressive career, she has taken an active role in the leadership of the school. Specifically, Mrs. Hanley has served on the curriculum committee, the professional development committee, and the staff development committee. In addition to Mrs. Hanley's committee positions, she has also served as President of the School District 105 Teacher's Association. Together, these combined efforts have helped to make School District 105 a better place for staff to work and children to learn.

Mrs. Hanley's tireless work has also benefited the local Hodgkins community. She has played a leading role in organizing the local book fair and has acted as a sponsor of the annual pumpkin decorating contest--a Hodgkins tradition. In 1999, the Whispering Oak Girls Scout Council recognized Mrs. Hanley with the Woman of Distinction Award in Education and, in 2000, the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce honored Mrs. Hanley with the Millennium Award. In addition to these special awards, she was also a 1999 and 2000 Legacy Award Finalist.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Judy Hanley for her half-century of service as a dedicated educator. Throughout her career, she has shown a strong commitment to teaching and to her community. As a result of her passion, her work has significantly impacted the lives of countless students, parents, and fellow teachers alike. I thank Judy for her lifelong service to her community and wish her a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois for yielding to me and also for all the hard work that he has done in his short career in Congress but in many years before that for America's workers.

I rise today with serious concerns about the trade policy of our country. This is a concern shared by tens of millions of Americans who have concerns every day about keeping their jobs or they have lost their jobs and being unable to find another job where they could possibly earn as much money as we see the trade policy of this country destroying so many good American jobs.

This trade policy has contributed to a record high, soaring trade deficit. There is wage depression and loss of quality, high-paying jobs. With the Panama, Peru, Colombia, and South Korea trade agreements pending congressional approval, we must take action now to correct the mistakes of previous trade agreements and ensure

that any new trade agreements benefit all Americans, be enforceable, and be enforced.

It is clear that our previous trade agreements have not benefited everybody. For evidence of this, look no further than North American Free Trade agreement and the damaging record that it has provided us. Since NAFTA was signed into law, the U.S. has seen enormous amounts of production shift to Mexico and Canada, while real wages for U.S. workers have fallen.

My district, which includes parts of Chicago and its suburbs and the larger Great Lakes region, has been particularly hard hit by job losses. This has been the case especially in manufacturing. Between 1995 and 2005, the United States lost more than 3 million manufacturing jobs. More than one-third of this job loss occurred in the seven Great Lakes States, with Chicagoland losing over 100,000 manufacturing jobs.

Losses in manufacturing jobs are important. I know there are some people who say a job is a job. It doesn't matter. If you lose these jobs, you will get other jobs.

Well, first of all, manufacturing jobs are special. America must be able to make products, first for our national security, but these manufacturing jobs are high-paying jobs, and they are jobs that add so much value and create other jobs in this country. They offer high wages, good benefits, and they offer jobs to many Americans who do not have college degrees. When our manufacturing jobs leave to cheaper labor markets, weaker labor standards, lax environmental protections and to countries practicing unfair trade practices, workers are left behind.

In my district, I hear constantly from manufacturers who are talking about their struggles to compete largely today against China, China's manipulated currency, which is largely undervalued. All the work that these manufacturers are doing to try to keep jobs in the United States, unfortunately, we see so many of these jobs going and so many of these plants closing.

What happens to these workers? Many of them go looking for other jobs. They find jobs in the service sector. Ninety-eight percent of the net new jobs in 1990s were in the service sector. Unfortunately, compensation in the service industry is only 81 percent of the manufacturing sector's average; and then the influx of these displaced workers just drives down these wages even more.

Yet still we always hear from those in favor of these flawed trade deals that trade creates more jobs than it displaces. Unfortunately, the facts show this is not the case. In fact, in the first 10 years after NAFTA, the displacement in production from the United States to Mexico and Canada directly led to a net loss of 879,000 U.S. jobs. My State, Illinois, lost a net total of 47,000 jobs. Mr. Hare knows very well, he has seen it in his district, how hard these losses have hit, as I have seen them in my district. This has decreased our average earnings, our quality of life and our ability to provide for our families.

The fact that our government negotiated trade agreements that yielded these kinds of results is, at best, embarrassing. We must ensure that these mistakes are not repeated in future trade deals.

This year congressional leaders on trade have been negotiating with the administration to improve the pending trade deals with Panama, Peru, Colombia, and South Korea. On May 10, an agreement was announced that would incorporate some environmental and labor protections into the pending trade agreements with Panama and Peru. While this is certainly a start, these negotiations must not be viewed as complete. There is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of NAFTA, CAFTA, and all our other failed trade deals. I hope in the coming weeks and months that Congress can address these past failures and make trade work for everyone.

And in this, also, we must, we must, include addressing currency manipulation, especially by China. Lack of enforcement of intellectual property, which is, again, another problem that hits Americans very hard, unfair subsidies that are given by some countries to some of their industries and dumping that is done, all of these greatly hurt the United States, and we must make sure that all this is included anytime that we are dealing with trade. The livelihood of so many Americans, millions and millions of Americans and their families, depend on it.

We are working together with my colleagues here to make sure that we create good trade deals for America and Americans. The purpose of American trade policy should be to create good jobs for Americans. The bottom line should not just be profits. The bottom line has to be the lives and the work of millions of Americans, and we must make sure that we stand up strong every day for them.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Southwest Conference of Mayors, SCM, on its 25th anniversary. Through dedicated and distinguished leadership, the Mayors' Conference continues to foster the improvement of local government, provide services to citizens, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents in southwest Cook County.

Since its inception in 1982, the Southwest Conference of Mayors has served as the regional council of governments, COG, in southwest Cook County. Currently, the Mayors' Conference has five standing committees, which focus on the areas of economic development, legislative advocacy, public works, transportation, and utilities. The committees strive to lower the costs of government, promote managerial expertise, coordinate experience and find solutions to problems of mutual concern, and develop a common voice on municipal concerns.

Today, the Southwest Conference of Mayors encompasses 21 municipalities that include: the village of Alsip; the village of Bedford Park; the city of Blue Island; the village of Bridgeview; the city of Burbank; the village of Chicago Ridge; the village of Crestwood; the village of Evergreen Park; the city of Hickory Hills; the city of Hometown; the village of Justice; the village of Lemont; the village of Merrionette Park; the village of Oak Lawn; the village of Orland Hills; the village of Orland Park; the city of Palos Heights; the city of Palos Hills; the village of Palos Park; the village of Willow Springs; and the village of Worth.

Given the outstanding service and direction of the Southwest Conference of Mayors, I am especially privileged to acknowledge the founding and current SCM President, Mayor Jerry Bennett of Palos Hills; SCM vice president, Mayor Gene Siegel of Chicago Ridge; SCM vice president, Mayor Jim Sexton of Evergreen Park; and SCM treasurer, Mayor Bob Straz of Palos Heights. The hard work, insight, and leadership of these mayors ensure the future success of the Mayors' Conference and its positive impact on southwest Cook County.

The contributions made by the Southwest Conference of Mayors to the citizens of southwest Cook County are extraordinary. Today, I am pleased to recognize the organization's current and past leadership, member villages and cities, staff members, and all those who make the activities of the Mayors' Conference possible. As we celebrate this 25- year milestone, I look forward to continuing to work with SCM leaders to serve our communities and improve the lives of all area residents.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter for placing this amendment en bloc. It is a bipartisan amendment that I offered along with Mr. Inglis, Mr. Markey, and Mr. Kirk.

This amendment simply requires the Department of Defense, where feasible, to begin using high-efficiency light bulbs whenever a light bulb is installed. Currently, compact fluorescent light bulbs, known as CFLs, are the most energy efficient. CFLs use about 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs, last 8 to 10 times longer and can save over $74 over the lifetime of a single bulb.

When you consider that the DOD has over 240,000 buildings in the U.S. alone, it is clear that this requirement is a practical way to make significant progress in lowering energy consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting energy independence while at the same time saving millions of taxpayer dollars.

At a time when we struggle with a new energy plan, this is a rare win-win-win opportunity, and I ask for your support.

I certainly agree with the gentleman, and I think we need to do more to make sure we are enforcing our Buy America provisions that we currently have in law, and certainly we need to do it here.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor two innovative organizations that positively impact over 30 Chicagoland communities-- the West Central Municipal Conference (WCMC) and the West Cook County Solid Waste Agency (WCCSWA). Through dedicated and distinguished leadership, these associations continue to foster the improvement of local government, provide quality service to citizens, and enhance the overall quality of life for area residents. Today, I would especially like to recognize and thank WCMC and WCCSWA Executive Director Richard Pellegrino, 2007 WCMC Executive Committee President Harold J. Wiaduck, and 2007 WCCSWA Executive Committee President Michael J. Garvey.

Since 1980, the West Central Municipal Conference has served as the regional council of governments (COG) in west suburban Cook County. Currently, WCMC has eight standing committees that focus on areas such as buildings and codes, finance, legislative advocacy, intergovernmental affairs, public works, transportation, and public safety. The committees strive to achieve municipal cooperation, communication, community outreach, and fiscal responsibility.

I am privileged today to acknowledge the incoming 2008 WCMC Executive Committee members: President Daniel Pritchett of Franklin Park; Vice President Paul Gattuso of Westchester; Treasurer Roy F. McCampbell of Bellwood; Director Frank A. Pasquale of Bellwood; Director Peter N. Silvestri of Elmwood Park; Director Anthony T. Calderone of Forest Park; Director James L. Discipio of LaGrange Park; Director Jeffrey T. Sherwin of Northlake; Director Patrick T. Rogers of Lyons Township; Director John D. Dalicandro of Elmwood Park; Director Patrick R. Higgins of Western Springs; and Ex-Officio Member Harold J. Wiaduck of Riverside.

The West Cook County Solid Waste Agency, established in 1989, facilitates the efficient and environmentally sound collection, transportation, transfer, processing, treatment, storage, disposal, recovery, and reuse of municipal waste in west Cook County, Illinois. WCCSWA not only administers recycling programs such as the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program, the Regional Disposal Project, and the Electronics Recycling Program, but organizes community events that include lawn care buy-backs and paint exchanges. Through its consumer assistance and school education programming, the agency helps citizens make sound environmental decisions and promotes the importance of recycling to young people.

I am also honored today to recognize the 2008 WCCSWA Executive Committee members: President Michael J. Garvey of Brookfield; Vice President Wayne Straza of Countryside; Treasurer Roy F. McCampbell of Bellwood; Director Kevin Barr of Schiller Park; Director Guy Belmonte of North Riverside; Director Karen Rozmus of Oak Park; and Director Marilyn May of River Grove.

The service and contributions made to west Cook County by the West Central Municipal Conference and the West Cook County Solid Waste Agency are extraordinary. I am pleased to honor the staff members, the committee members, and all those who make the activities of these organizations possible. As we work tirelessly to improve the lives of area citizens, I look forward to continuing to serve our communities with the current 2007 and future 2008 Executive Committee members, as well as other WCMC and WCCSWA leaders.

Mr. Chairman, as a past NSF grant recipient, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1867, the National Science Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2007. I want to thank Chairman Gordon, Chairman Baird and Dr. Ehlers for their work in bringing this strong bill to the floor today.

Today, we stand at the cusp of numerous technological breakthroughs that will completely revolutionize our way of life; from hydrogen and other advanced fuels technologies that will free us from our addiction to oil, to nanotechnology that has the potential to impact virtually every sector of our economy.

Much of this research has been made possible by grants from NSF, and by passing this bill we are continuing our support of American researchers, scientists, engineers, educators and students who will ensure that these breakthroughs continue and that America continues to lead the world technologically and economically.

I would like to point out that consideration of this legislation comes on the heels of last week's passage of the 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds and Sowing the Seeds legislation. Both of these bills were introduced in response to the recommendations of the Rising Above the Gathering Storm report, which was commissioned by Congress to help the U.S. compete, prosper and be secure in the global community of the 21st century.

This legislation we are considering today, which puts us on a path to double NSF funding over 10 years, will further build our commitment to competitiveness, being led in the House by Chairman Gordon.

The NSF has a broad mission of supporting science and engineering and funding basic research across many disciplines. Basic research is very necessary, yet oftentimes, because it does not directly, only indirectly lead to advances, does not receive private funding. The NSF does this.

This legislation also specifically calls on the director of NSF to give special consideration to research proposals having high importance for future national economic competitiveness. This is critically needed.

One example is nanotechnology, a very promising field of research that has the potential to revolutionize our society from defense to health care to energy to environmental cleanup. This will help.

The bill also gives special consideration to partnerships between academics, industrial scientists and businesses. I have spoken to a lot of professors and administrators at universities who say this is a major problem in our country of taking research and getting it to the market, and this will help to do this.

Mr. Chairman, earlier today I had the opportunity to meet with five American scientists who each just recently won a Nobel Prize. They all emphasize that continued support of the NSF is crucial to America's future success, just as it is critical to their successes.

So, as a proud cosponsor of this bill, I urge the House to heed the advice of those on the cutting edge of science and take another step in bolstering American competitiveness by passing H.R. 1867.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Matsui amendment. As Members of Congress, we all understand just how critical communications skills are, whether we are trying to influence our colleagues during debate such as tonight, or trying to explain a vote to our constituents.

If you cannot communicate effectively, the value of ideas can be lost and all of your work may be lost. The same is true for our Nation's scientists as they attempt to convey their work to colleagues and especially to nonscientific audience.

This afternoon, when I had the opportunity to speak with five recent American Nobel laureate scientists, I was very impressed by their ability to explain their work. I may even say I was surprised. Why? Because, unfortunately, scientists are not always the most gifted speakers, and this is not a skill that we regularly find taught in graduate schools. Dr. Ehlers was obviously doing a much better job when he was a professor, but this is not something that I have found as a professor that is taught very often. And I speak from experience both as a professor and as an engineer, and perhaps some may say I personally provide evidence supporting this generalization.

So the Matsui amendment addresses this problem by helping to provide communication training to our Nation's young scientists. If scientists can help better explain their research, it will help us as policymakers as they come to explain and we could choose the best path to move forward, especially in the Science Committee. And perhaps business leaders will be better able to turn some academic research into a good marketable product if they can understand what this research can do.

Finally, I believe that the ability of our scientists to more effectively communicate scientific information will inspire more children to pursue a career in science. No one is inspired by something that they don't know because they are unable to understand it.

I thank Congresswoman Matsui for offering this amendment, and I urge my colleagues for joining me in supporting it.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 362, a bill that is critically important for America's future.

I thank Chairman Gordon for his hard work on this issue of science education and for making H.R. 362 a priority in this Congress. I also thank Representative Hall, ranking member of the committee, for his work on this bill and for his continuing work in a bipartisan manner in this committee to get things done that we need done for America.

Numerous studies have shown that our students are falling behind the international curve on math and science. When I was a college professor, I certainly saw far too many students coming to college unprepared.

Today, we see that America is at a crossroads. The path that we choose will dictate our standing in the world for decades to come. If we continue business as usual, we jeopardize America's competitiveness and the prosperity that we have all come to enjoy.

Instead, we must do all that we can to make sure that Americans are prepared by a world-class math and science education. America's high standard of living depends on this.

That is why H.R. 362 is a vital part of an American innovation agenda that will help to guarantee a continued prosperity in America's future. Right now, many school districts throughout the country are finding it increasingly difficult to find good math and science teachers.

Lyons Township High School Superintendent Dennis Kelly has spoken to me recently about the difficulties that they are having finding these teachers, and I hear this all across my district and all across the country. This bill targets this problem and offers viable solutions to recruiting new teachers, as well as developing and supporting current ones.

H.R. 362 will expand the Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program at the National Science Foundation allowing more universities to be able to host programs for recruiting students into teaching. This is a vital part of our educational system, connecting universities with K-12 education. This will ensure that our children have an abundance of qualified, well-equipped math and science teachers who will prepare them for their future.

I have a special understanding of the impact that teachers have on children's lives, especially when it comes to inspiring students in math and science. In addition to being a former college professor, I am only one of the handful of Members of Congress with a degree in engineering. In addition, my wife has a degree in math, and we often talk about the teachers who have inspired us.

I will always remember my high school physics teacher, Father Fergus, who inspired me to pursue a degree in engineering, and I also will always remember Father Thul who really inspired me in mathematics.

It is vital that we pass this bill and continue to produce these teachers that continue to inspire our children and make our future more secure.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to conform the table of contents to the text of H.R. 362.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill, H.R. 363, as amended.

Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Bulb Replacement In Government with high-efficiency Technology Energy Savings Act, otherwise known as the BRIGHT energy savings act.

Today Americans are rightly concerned about the impact of foreign energy dependence on our national security and the effect of global climate change on the future of our planet. The BRIGHT Energy Savings Act will help us to address both of these issues by cutting down significantly on energy use by the Federal government, and at the same time it will save millions of taxpayer dollars. It's a win for the environment, a win for national security, and a win for American taxpayers.

This bill directs the GSA to replace commonly used low efficiency light bulbs with high efficiency bulbs whenever a new bulb is installed in a GSA-owned federal building.

The impact of the BRIGHT Energy Savings Act could be significant. The GSA owns approximately 1,800 facilities with about 174 million square feet of space. At least 3 million lights throughout the Federal government could be upgraded to high efficiency bulbs.

One type of high efficiency bulb that could be used is the Energy Star-certified Compact Fluorescent Light bulb, also known as a CFL. CFLs use approximately 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light and they last approximately 8-10 times longer. Replacing an ordinary bulb with a comparable CFL saves up to $74 in energy costs over the bulb's lifetime. It's easy to see that hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars can be saved by implementing this bill.

As an engineer by training, I am fascinated by the promise of new and emerging technologies and what they mean for our future. In addition to CFLs, new halogen technologies are expected to become commercially available later this year. Further down the road, LEDs (light-emitting diodes) will revolutionize the lighting industry, leading to vastly more efficient lighting and the prospect of bulbs that do not burn out. Much of this technology represents American ingenuity and innovation, and provides hope for a brighter future. And with the Federal government purchasing large quantities of these high efficiency bulbs, this next generation of technology will be less costly to put in American homes.

Reduced energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and saved taxpayer dollars. It's a common sense, practical measure that is simply the right thing to do. A bipartisan group of more than 35 members have already joined us on the BRIGHT Energy Savings Act; clearly, the future is bright.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1126) to reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1126, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 1126, legislation reauthorizing the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988, also known as the Metals Initiative.

Today, the steel industry and other metals industry, including aluminum and copper, are important parts of our national economy; and they must remain innovative in order to stay competitive in the increasingly global economy. It is vital to ensure that these industries are fully prepared to confront the challenges they face. This bill will help develop the innovative tools needed to grow valuable American jobs and businesses, and to protect the environment, by tapping into good old-fashioned American ingenuity.

Originally passed by the 100th Congress, the Metals Initiative authorizes Federal cost-sharing of research whose goals are threefold: first, enhancing energy efficiency; second, increasing the competitiveness of American industries; and, third, improving the environment through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

More specifically, this legislation promotes collaborative, public- private cost-shared research between American industry, the Department of Energy, and institutions of higher education. The bill would reauthorize the Metals Initiative at $12 million per year for fiscal year 2008 through fiscal year 2012 to fund advanced metals research.

The success of the American steel industry has a special personal significance to me. My father-in-law was a steelworker at Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, until he lost his job when his plant closed due to foreign competition. This bill will help prevent further loss of good American jobs like his by using American innovation to increase the competitiveness of our domestic industry.

While American industries have significantly modernized, the pace of technology and the competition from overseas is relentless. Reauthorization of this bill is essential to grow American jobs, keep the customers of metal industries strong, and ensure that we have a domestic supply of the materials we need for our national defense.

The results of this program speak for themselves. Since its inception, the Metals Initiative has delivered numerous technologies to the factory floor, resulting in incredible environmental and energy savings while increasing the competitive position of the steel industry and the domestic manufacturing sector.

In the Chicago area, schools such as my alma mater Northwestern University have participated in this program, as well as companies such as IPSCO. Because of the advances made in steel production, partially through the industry's partnership with DOE, the steel industry as a whole used 28 percent less energy per ton in 2004 than it did in 1990.

In addition, this research has produced several successful and important technological breakthroughs, including the development of advanced high-strength steels and ultra-lightweight steel automobile bodies, meaning lighter, safer and more energy-efficient cars.

Recently, these advanced technologies were applied to a new, lightweight military vehicle, yielding performance improvements including 25 percent weight savings and 50 percent fuel efficiency improvements. Through this partnership program, the U.S. Army now has a next generation tactical vehicle that is agile and responsive. These advances, applied to the civilian versions of the vehicle, add a substantial further positive impact to our Nation's economy.

It is also important to note that the Federal funds in this program are given to the schools to conduct the research. Companies are not the recipients of funds, and they must provide a share of the cost of the research. But the American company that provides that match has the first opportunity to take advantage of the research findings and improve their manufacturing operations, benefiting American workers.

H.R. 1126 is simply a great example of how public-private partnership can benefit American workers and taxpayers, while saving energy, improving the environment, and accelerating the development and implementation of modern technology.

All Americans can benefit from commonsense programs such as this one, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1126.

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

Mr. Speaker, this bill represents a great example of what we can be doing and should be doing in this country. We have legislation here that takes advantage of our great American universities and all of the knowledge, wisdom that is there, the research ability of these institutions, and puts that together with American industry to come up with ways that we can both save American jobs, grow American jobs, and help to protect the environment.

As Representative Hall said, a dollar in this program saves a barrel of oil. It is a great opportunity and a great example of what we should be doing more of here in this Congress.

I would like to thank Representatives Ehlers and Akin for their support also on this legislation. I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation.

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