Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 957, the Green Energy Education Act of 2009.

This bill authorizes the Department of Energy to partner with the National Science Foundation to help universities to develop the next generation of engineers and architects. These students will be trained to work effectively together to produce buildings that incorporate the latest in energy efficient technologies.

Especially in this economy, we need to train our workforce in the latest, most relevant technologies in the green energy job sector in order to help us realize many of our energy policy goals.

In the 110th Congress, I was able to add a provision to the Energy Independence and Security Act that allows colleges and university to research woody biomass, a new form of alternative fuel that shows promise in meeting our energy needs.

We should also continue to support legislation that takes advantage of the growing opportunities to educate and train our college and university students to develop new technologies and find jobs in the green energy economy.

Along with my place on the House Science and Technology Committee, I am also a member of the Education and Labor Committee, and co-chair of the Congressional Community College Caucus. I know that good sustainability practices are a vital component of the effort to move toward a clean, energy independent future. Because community colleges and universities are often at the forefront of this movement, they are a natural place to focus such efforts.

By training students in the latest technologies, we are helping guarantee that companies will have the educated workforce necessary to grow and prosper in coming decades.

I am happy to support this bill, and I am committed to continuing to advocate for policy, partnerships, and projects that will keep universities and community colleges at the forefront of our nation's burgeoning green energy economy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

Statistics are handed out on this floor like candy. Because numbers are often passed off as nothing more than empty words, we fail to recognize how staggering they are. For instance, smoking-related diseases cause an estimated 440,000 American deaths each year. Smoking costs the United States over $150 billion annually in health care costs. And a 2004 study by the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion found that cigarette smoke contains over 4,800 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer.

Ninety percent of adult smokers are addicted to tobacco before they reach the age of 18; 50 percent before the age of 14. Currently the average age of initiation to tobacco is 11.

48 million adults smoke in the U.S., which is 22.9 percent of the population overall, and 33 percent of youth currently smoke.

To be quiet honest Madam Speaker, these statistics are more than staggering--they are atrocious.

It was Irving Selikoff, a medical researcher who co-discovered a cure for tuberculosis who said, ``Statistics are real people with the tears wiped away.''

Those real people are our parents and children, our family and friends, who suffer the consequences of addiction to tobacco. I want my children to grow up healthy and to make healthy decisions. To help that happen, H.R. 256 will put in place the proper authority for the Food and Drug Administration to establish regulations over tobacco products. We need the FDA to protect our population from the harmful effects of cigarettes and tobacco products by being able to provide sound, scientific regulations governing these products.

Even with all the warnings, and the money spent on education campaigns, kids are still picking up smoking at the alarming rate of 3,000 a day in the United States.

The health concerns that will face these children are costly, painful, and deadly. But they are also ultimately preventable.

I ask my colleagues to please pass H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act.

For 60 years, the United States and Taiwan have fostered a close relationship that has been of mutual political, economic, cultural, and strategic benefit. When the United States shifted diplomatic relations from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the People's Republic of China in January 1979, Congress moved quickly to pass the Taiwan Relations Act to ensure that the United States would have continued commercial, cultural, and other relations with Taiwan. With President Carter's signature on April 10, 1979, this important and lasting piece of legislation became law and codified the basis for relations between the United States and Taiwan. This year will mark the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act.

Over these past 30 years, Taiwan has seen remarkable changes, from rapid economic growth to significant political transformation. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Taiwan witnessed a peaceful transition of political power from a one-party state under martial law to a full- fledged democracy and a multi-party political system. In March of last year, the people of Taiwan participated in Taiwan's fourth direct and democratic presidential election. The smooth and peaceful transition from one administration to another is a testament to Taiwan's continued dedication to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

The Taiwan Relations Act has also been instrumental in maintaining peace, security, and stability across the Taiwan Strait. When the Taiwan Relations Act was signed into law, it affirmed that the United States' decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China was based on the expectation that the future of Taiwan would be determined by peaceful means. The Act also states that ``the United States will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.'' I believe that, in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States should continue to support the legitimate defense needs of Taiwan.

It is my hope that the United States, Taiwan, and the People's Republic of China can continue to work together to promote enduring peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, especially across the Taiwan Strait. Let us recognize the past 30 years of the Taiwan Relations Act and maintain and strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to inform the House that I missed rollcall No. 187. If I had been present I would have voted ``aye'' on the final passage of H.R. 1256. Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, April 2, 2009, I was delayed in a Congressional Hispanic Caucus meeting and was not able to vote on rollcall No. 187. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on passage of H.R. 1256--Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Free Flow of Information Act, and I thank the chairman for his work on this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, our nation's founders understood that a free and independent press is the lifeblood of a functioning democracy.

Confidential sources supply journalists with critical information on matters of public importance. The freedom of the press to cultivate relationships with confidential sources facilitates this vital exchange.

These relationships should be protected, because it is fundamentally in the interest of our republic that the free exchange of ideas and information remain unadulterated.

We must never silence those who inform our democracy.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 146, The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. This legislation includes many important provisions that will protect and preserve America's public land heritage. It is a compilation of bills that enjoys broad bipartisan support in both Chambers of Congress, and I hope that the majority of the House will see fit to pass this omnibus legislation today.

Included in this package are several bills that highlight my home State of Oregon's scenic and ecological diversity, including the salmon-producing

Coast Range waters of the Elk River in southeastern Oregon, the high desert badlands near Bend, the prairies overlooking the John Day River in central Oregon, and the high alpine forests of the Siskiyous.

One provision of particular importance to me adds additional land protections within the Columbia River Gorge, which I and many other Oregonians consider the crown jewel of Oregon's natural heritage. The Gorge Face wilderness additions reflect the continued commitment of this Congress to keep this remarkable area safe from inappropriate development.

I would also like to voice my support for the provisions that will protect nearly 127,000 acres around Mount Hood and almost 80 miles on nine free-flowing stretches of river, as well as create a 34,550-acre National Recreation Area. Mount Hood is one of the enduring symbols of Oregon's love of the outdoors, and this bill is an important signal to future generations that we wish to continue providing opportunities to enjoy all that nature has to give.

In these tough economic times, the protection of these natural spaces also supports Oregon's economy. Oregon's vibrant outdoor recreation industry supplies 73,000 jobs, and it injects almost $6 billion annually into Oregon's economy.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to reiterate my strong support for H.R. 146.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Mr. Speaker. As President Obama said recently, ``small businesses are the heart of the American

economy.'' They are responsible for half of all private-sector jobs, and they've created about 70 percent of all new jobs in the past 10 years.

We need to build our economy from the ground up, create stable jobs, and foster innovation that will lead to long-term growth. To do this, we need to support the small high-tech companies that grow our economy.

The Federal Government supports these innovative small businesses through the Small Business Innovative Research program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program, which help companies commercialize Federally funded research. The programs now distribute more than $2.5 billion each year and constitute the largest tech- transfer commercialization programs that we have in the Federal Government.

However, these programs must be updated to reflect the current innovation environment. Award sizes should be increased to reflect inflation and the growth of operating costs; the issue of venture capital participation needs to be resolved; flexibility must be instilled between phase one and phase two grants; and data collection needs to be improved so that we can better target the program and determine its effectiveness.

Last year, the House overwhelmingly passed H.R. 5819, which made these necessary changes based on suggestions from hearings in my Technology and Innovation Subcommittee and in conjunction with our work with Chairwoman Velazquez and Ranking Member Graves. However, good legislation, once again, died in the other Chamber.

Today, we find the House needing to pass an extension to keep these programs alive. This extension is necessary because the SBA and SBIR serve important purposes. But, moving forward, if we are to continue realizing the full value of programs like SBIR, we must reauthorize them with changes that reflect the evolving innovation environment, rather than simply extending the current authorization. It must be an innovation program as well as a jobs and small business program.

At a time when credit is tight and jobs are scarce, SBIR and STTR can have a significant role in jump-starting our economy. The House and Senate need to pass legislation this year that will reauthorize these programs, innovate new products and services, support small businesses, and create well-paying jobs for decades to come.

Madam Speaker, I'd like to first welcome my father, K.C. Wu, to the House gallery.

It is also my distinct pleasure and honor to welcome our guest chaplain for today, Ms. Cherita Potter.

Ms. Potter is the national chaplain for the American Legion Auxiliary and one of my constituents in Oregon. She is also an active member of Community Presbyterian Church in Cannon Beach, Oregon, where she participates in Vacation Bible School, choir and Bible study.

Ms. Potter has served in a number of leadership roles at both the State and national levels of the American Legion Auxiliary, and I would like to thank her personally for her ongoing service to our Nation's veterans.

She is joined today by her husband, Toby, a retired Navy Seabee.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Potter for her service to our country.

Madam Speaker, on February 14, 2009 we will mark the 150th anniversary of Oregon's admission to the Union. We have much to reflect upon and celebrate since Oregon became the 33rd state. As we commemorate this occasion, I would like to highlight the role of Indian tribes in Oregon.

We must not forget the original inhabitants of what we now call Oregon. Native Americans have been living in this region for well over 12,000 years. During this time tribes developed strong cultures and economies, many of which were well documented first via oral histories, and later by white settlers. Many of the tribes were formally recognized by the United States when treaties were signed in 1855, four years before Oregon became a state.

We must not attempt to overlook the loss of lives, culture, and well- being that tribes have experienced during the last several hundred years. However, what we can do, and must do, is remember and celebrate the first Oregonians; their history before Oregon; and their cultural, economic, and political contributions during the last 150 years.

Nine federally recognized tribes exist in Oregon. Each tribe has its own history that is interwoven with the history of Oregon. Today many tribes are experiencing economic development and cultural revitalization through self-determination. For others, more work needs to be done. Poverty in Indian country continues to be greater than in the rest of the United States. But as we move into the next 150 years of Oregon's history, it is my hope that the federal government, the state of Oregon, and the tribes can work together to improve the lives of tribal members and others in their communities.

So on the occasion of Oregon's sesquicentennial, I recognize the Indian tribes for their historical, cultural, political, and economic contributions to the state of Oregon.

Mr. Speaker, Wendell Wyatt passed away last week at the age of 91. He represented the First Congressional District of Oregon from 1964 to 1975. He was my predecessor's predecessor's predecessor. He represented Oregon with integrity and compassion, and he will be remembered for his constituent service, his willingness to work toward consensus, and for his service in the Marine Corps during World War II as a fighter pilot.

Oregon has lost a statesman, but we remain indebted to Wendell Wyatt's service and legacy.

I am pleased to yield to the gentleman from Oregon.

I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Wendell Wyatt's life and expressing condolences to his family by requesting a moment of silence.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the Nadler/DeFazio/ Lipinski/McMahon/Ellison amendment to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that would further emphasize the need for America to invest in transit projects across this country by committing $3 billion more to transit projects.

Except for education, there is almost no better way to stimulate the economy than to invest in transportation projects. Additionally, to move us forward to a clean energy economy, relieve traffic congestion, and provide for safer roadways, public transit is one of the best investments the federal government can make.

An additional $3 billion for federal transit projects, which would be distributed by adding $1.5 billion to the Transit Capital Assistance formula program and providing $1.5 billion for New Starts, brings the total funding for transit projects in this bill to $12 billion. This amendment would provide adequate resources to invest in the estimated 736 shovel-ready transit projects across the country.

These projects would bring jobs and a more efficient transportation system into many American communities.

I urge support of this worthy amendment.

I thank the gentlelady, and I rise in support of the underlying legislation.

I want to commend President Obama, his administration, Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Obey and Chairman Gordon for their leadership and commitment to ensure that this bill provides strong funding for science, technology, and long-term economic growth in order to get our economy back on track. We need to rebuild from the ground up. We need to invest in research that will create the jobs of the 21st century, including those jobs in health information technology.

Health IT has the potential to reduce medical errors, decrease inefficient, unnecessary, duplicative treatments that cost our health care system $300 billion annually. Health IT should lower our health care costs while improving the quality and safety of care. Health IT is economic stimulus.

However, one study states that more than 40,000 health care IT workers will be needed in health care facilities, and jobs already exist in this field. We just need qualified workers. Without the staff needed, our investments in health IT will do little to meet the potential of this field. That is why I am happy to see the provisions of the 10,000 Trained by 2010 Act, a bill that I introduced, are included as part of this legislation. My legislation helps train individuals

in health IT, and provides the seed corn to create the jobs of our new economy in a field that will help curb the cost of health care for years to come. I urge my colleagues to support the provision and the legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Hostelling International-USA on their 75th anniversary. Since 1934, Hostelling International-USA has encouraged cultural interaction among its guests by providing affordable overnight accommodations for domestic and international travelers.

In my home state of Oregon, Hostelling International-USA operates three facilities, which together welcome more than 35,000 visitors each year.

J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote: ``Not all those who wander are lost.'' Travel reminds us of the unity in our diverse world, and I believe that the more we interact with others, the more we can understand of ourselves.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Hostelling International-USA on this important occasion.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember a courageous and pioneering Oregonian who we lost on September 19, 2008, Nancy Russell. Her love of the outdoors and of Oregon history led her to co-found an organization that assisted in obtaining Federal protection for the Columbia River Gorge--``Friends of the Columbia River Gorge.''

Madam Speaker, and my fellow colleagues, if you have never seen the Columbia River Gorge, let me explain to you: It is Oregon's Grand Canyon, our Yellowstone, the crown jewel of Oregon's natural heritage, a spectacular and unique 80-mile-long, 4,000-feet-deep sea level cut through the Cascade Mountain Range. The Gorge is home to more than 800 species of wildflowers, six endangered and threatened animal species, and more than 40 other sensitive species.

As a self-taught wildflower expert, Nancy shared her love of wildflowers by developing the Wildflower Walkers program for the Portland Garden Club, which helped others understand and love the Gorge the way Nancy did.

In the late 1970s, development in the Portland area was threatening to spill into the Gorge, and a group of prominent conservationists recruited Nancy to lead the effort for Federal protection. In the face of pressure from opponents of scenic area designation, and even bumper stickers that read ``Save the Gorge from Nancy Russell,'' she and her fellow supporters persevered in 1986, when

President Reagan signed into law the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act. This act, quite notably, was the only stand-alone environmental legislation passed during the Reagan administration, and was the first such designation.

After a tremendous accomplishment such as this, most people would claim victory and rest on their laurels. However, Nancy proved tireless and continued to pursue further Gorge protection. She successfully advocated for the purchase of 40,000 acres that were passed into public ownership, and personally purchased more than 30 properties to ensure their protection from development.

Sadly, in 2004 she was diagnosed with ALS, also know as Lou Gehrig's Disease, but like any true champion, her dedication did not fade. Nancy made one final trip to the Gorge in August with close friends. I am sure that she was thinking that no matter how much you do in your lifetime you always want it to carry on for others to learn from and enjoy.

Madam Speaker, the Columbia River Gorge continues to see threats from unwanted development, but I know that the organization she founded, and the strength and spirit that Nancy Russell left us all with is the strength and spirit to not budge an inch on our commitment to the protection of the crown jewel of Oregon's natural heritage. That commitment is what I want to commemorate today, Madam Speaker, and that commitment is what I will continue to draw strength from in my fight to protect the Columbia River Gorge.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember a man who dedicated his life to the art of photography and the history of Oregon, Terry Toedtemeier. We sadly lost Terry on December 10, 2008. Terry served as the curator of the Portland Art Museum's photography collection and was widely known as one of the Pacific Northwest's finest landscape photographers. Terry and a colleague had recently published a book, Wild Beauty: Photographs of the Columbia River Gorge, 1867-1957, and Terry had finished curating a show of the same name at the Portland Art Museum.

Terry Toedtemeier was a passionate explorer of the Gorge and one of its greatest interpreters. He was a trained geologist, photographer, photo historian, curator, and educator, who realized this stretch of the Columbia River is one of the natural wonders of America. Terry studied geology at Oregon State University. He had a strong desire to understand the forces of the earth that created the world around us, and it was being outdoors and experiencing Oregon's geological features that inspired him. As a student, one day Terry spied through fog- obscured sunlight a freshly plowed field and in the middle, growing serenely, a tree that he could only describe later as ``scrubby'' and ``a wreck.'' Terry took a photo and when he printed the image he said that he understood ``this creative possibility with the camera.''

A colleague of his noted that Terry had immersed himself in the photographic history of the Northwest over the course of his career. Terry's curated show at the Portland Art Museum, Wild Beauty, revealed his technical expertise in describing geologic and geographic changes, as well as a photographic history of the Gorge over 90 years, ending in 1957 when the construction of The Dalles Dam submerged one of the last great Native American fishing grounds at Celilo Falls.

From the images taken by Carleton Watkins in 1867 when Americans were first establishing industry in the West, to those by Al Monner as the federal government was constructing hydroelectric dams throughout the area, the Columbia River Gorge has served as a place of meditation, wonder, and discovery for artists. It has been Terry's astute effort that has brought these artists' visions together to teach us about the vastness, power, and beauty of the Columbia River Gorge.

Madam Speaker, I commemorate the life of Terry Toedtemeier and share with you his commitment to the preservation of our knowledge and history in the Pacific Northwest and the Columbia River Gorge. I believe in his work reflects why we must act to protect and preserve the crown jewel of Oregon's natural heritage.