Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Rahall and subcommittee Chairman Grijalva for bringing this timely resolution to the floor today.

I rise in strong support of H. Res. 688, a resolution I introduced with my colleagues from the Nevada congressional delegation in support of the goals and ideals of National Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Day.

Wild horses and burros are living symbols of the independent, free spirit of the American West. My State of Nevada is home to more than half the wild horses in the country, and our State quarter depicts a trio of wild mustangs.

The Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act, which became law in 1971, gave the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior responsibility for the humane capture, removal, and adoption of wild horses and burros. The agencies ensure that healthy herds thrive on healthy rangelands. But because these animals have no natural predators, herd sizes can increase dramatically in very short periods of time.

In order to maintain balance on the rangelands, wild horses and burros are gathered and offered for adoption and sale. Currently, there are some 31,000 wild horses in short-term and long-term holding facilities, with 18,000 young horses available for adoption.

Although reasonable people might disagree on the appropriate number of

horses that should be allowed to roam free, ranchers, wild horse advocates, environmentalists, animal lovers, and taxpayers alike can agree that there is a pressing need to improve upon the adoption programs to remove horses from these holding facilities and place them in good adoptive homes.

On September 26, 2009, a number of private organizations will assist with the adoption of excess wild horses and burros in conjunction with the first National Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Day. State BLM offices, as well as rescue centers, wild horse groups, environmentalists, and volunteers from all walks of life will be engaged in activities leading up to and on this important day.

BLM, the American Horse Protection Association, the Mustang Heritage Foundation, the Humane Society of the United States, and Wild Horses 4Ever all support National Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Day, and more than 65 adoption and educational events will take place across the country in support of its goals. Wild horse advocates have set a 1,000 horse and burro adoption goal for National Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Day. This will save taxpayers $1.5 million. This process has already begun as we saw last weekend with a successful adoption event in Pahrump, Nevada.

The resolution we are considering today supports the goals of National Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Day to be held annually in coordination with the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture. It also recognizes that creating a successful adoption model for wild horses and burros is consistent with the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burros Act of 1971 and beneficial to the long-term interests of the people of the United States in protecting wild horses and burros.

Lastly, my resolution encourages Americans to adopt a wild horse or burro and own a living symbol of the historic and pioneer spirit of the American West, just as my sister, Rho Hudson, did when she adopted a wild burro, Sadie, who is a nice addition to her ranch in Pea Vine Canyon, Nevada.

More than 220,000 wild horses and burros have been adopted since 1973. By placing this renewed emphasis on the importance of wild horse adoption programs, we will protect the welfare of these majestic animals and save taxpayer dollars at the same time.

I urge passage of this important resolution.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3221. Nevada has been particularly hard hit by the economic downturn. We're facing record unemployment. The investments in this bill will help Nevada's students and dislocated workers obtain the education and training they need to compete in the workforce, and it will do so in a fiscally responsible way.

Specifically, this bill invests more than $60 million in Pell Grants for Nevada's Third Congressional District, making more than 13,000 students eligible for aid. It also provides $1 million a year for the next 5 years to bolster colleges' access and completion support programs for students in Nevada. It strengthens our community colleges by ensuring that Nevada receives nearly $19 million to help finance projects to renovate and construct state-of-the-art facilities; and finally, it invests in 21st century green high-performing public schools by providing Nevada's school districts with more than $25 million over the next 2 years for school modernization, renovation and repairs to create healthier, safer and more energy-efficient teaching and learning climates, the implementation of which will put Nevadans to work.

I am also pleased that this bill includes an amendment that I offered to establish an advisory council to the Secretary of Education on green high-performing schools. Quality education is the key to prosperity for individuals and for our country. I urge your support.

As Congress returns to Washington to focus on the Nation's business, we bring back the many stories we heard while we were home in our districts.

I spent much of August traveling around my district in southern Nevada talking to folks about health care. I held roundtables, I convened a Congress on the Corner, I participated in telephone town halls, and I visited community health clinics. I shared my views on reform; I dispelled many of the myths that were circulating by those who want to protect the status quo; and I heard from people who cannot afford health care or found out that they don't have the coverage for the medical treatment that they need.

It is clear that we can no longer afford business as usual. The worst we can do is do nothing. The current health care system obviously isn't working, so it's time to enact real health care reform, health care reform that provides people with choice, lowers the cost of care, expands access, and provides Nevadans and all Americans with peace of mind should they or their families become ill.

Mr. Speaker, during the upcoming work session, I will return to southern Nevada, which is ground zero for the foreclosure crisis that triggered our current recession. During my time at home, I will be working with constituents who need help with their mortgages, many in homes that are underwater.

Families throughout my district are struggling to make their mortgage payments, and one out of every 16 homeowners in Nevada has faced a foreclosure filing. Folks in District Three clearly need assistance to stay in their homes and avoid foreclosures.

Tonight in kitchens across the country and in every congressional district, families worry about losing the roof over their heads. I'm sure that every one of my colleagues in Congress will hear from such families during the upcoming district work period. I hope they will bring their stories back to Washington. And when Congress reconvenes in September, let us place a renewed focus on helping families stay in their homes and providing them the assistance they need.

There is much more that Congress can and should do, and I commit to working on this issue when we come back after Labor Day. I hope you will all join me in this effort.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 681) expressing condolences to the family and loved ones of Agent Robert Rosas and standing in solidarity with the brave men and women of the United States Border Patrol as they remember the service and sacrifice of Agent Rosas and continue their mission to preserve and defend our borders, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, families in southern Nevada have been hit hard during this economic recession. Unemployment is at a 25-year high and our tourism industry has struggled as the national economy has slowed. But already, the economic recovery package that Congress passed is beginning to

provide assistance to 95 percent of Nevadans in the form of tax cuts.

Over the past few months, the Making Work Pay tax credit has put extra money in the pocket of workers. Nevada has already received more than $75 million to extend unemployment benefits for those struggling to find work. Seniors and veterans have received a $250 recovery payment, and schools in Nevada got $340 million to keep teachers from being laid off and to develop programs. Funding through the recovery package has also helped Nevada's efforts to create a clean energy economy. Just yesterday, $13.8 million was announced from the Department of Energy to help fund energy initiatives that will lead us to the next steps to creating clean energy jobs. Clearly the Recovery Act has helped the people in Nevada.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a dear friend and admired leader in our community of Las Vegas, Dr. Jim Nave. Dr. Nave was recently recognized for his outstanding work as a veterinarian at the American Veterinary Medical Association's Annual Convention, where he received their award for his distinguished contributions to the advancement of veterinary medical organizations.

His achievements in the veterinary field are incomparable, both in quantity and in quality. He has served as president of the Nevada Veterinary Medical Association and on the Nevada Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. He was also named Nevada's outstanding Veterinarian of the Year in 1988.

In addition, he has been both the chair of the AVMA executive board and president of that organization, where he helped establish a mentoring program, create the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues, and restore the rank of brigadier general to the leader of the Army Veterinary Corps, in which he served, earning the Bronze Star for his brave action in Vietnam.

Dr. Nave is an internationally respected leader in the field, and I congratulate him for receiving AVMA's most prestigious award. I also thank him on behalf of the people of Las Vegas and their beloved pets for all his compassion and his dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome the new Ambassador from Greece to Washington. Ambassador Vassilis Kaskarelis has a long and distinguished diplomatic career having represented Greece at the U.N., NATO, and the E.U., among other posts. No doubt he will be an excellent partner as we move to strengthen Greek-American relations on issues like Cyprus and the ecumenical patriarch, for example, as well as on Greece's pivotal position in the geopolitics of the region and in the new global economy.

I also congratulate Greece on the recent opening of the spectacular Acropolis Museum. I was honored to represent President Obama and the United States at its inauguration. Built in stone from the region and bathed in natural light reflected from the nearby Aegean, it houses some of the world's greatest antiquities. Accordingly, it cries out for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Titus- Giffords-Heinrich amendment, which the manager's amendment incorporates into the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

Our amendment will create clean-energy jobs, promote deployment of renewable energy technology, and put the Federal Government in a position to lead by example. Our amendment extends the limit for the Federal Government to 20 years on a contract for the acquisition of electricity generated from a renewable energy resource, often referred to as a power purchase agreement. This provision will encourage wide- scale deployment of renewable energy technology at Federal buildings, BLM land, and Superfund sites. Additionally, it will allow agencies to plan for more sustainable and

affordable energy use over an extended period of time. This small change will open the door to government investments in cleaner, more sustainable, and ultimately more cost-beneficial energy technologies.

Our amendment also establishes a Renewable Electricity Standard for Federal agencies. This RES will ensure that the Federal Government meets 20 percent of its electricity demands through renewable energy by 2020. It will drive demand for new, clean-energy technologies and help create new, clean-energy jobs. Indeed, we will be leading by example.

I'm proud to have joined my fellow members of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, chaired by Jay Inslee and Steve Israel, on this provision. I would like to thank Chairman Waxman for his assistance on this important amendment.

I too will miss you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson who, after 12 years of excellent service to our community, led his final city council meeting on Tuesday night. I also want to thank Jack Clark, who has served not only as a Henderson council member for the past 16 years, but also as a member of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Jim Gibson guided Henderson during a critical time in its history when it experienced unprecedented growth. Under his leadership, the city met the challenges and the opportunities that growth brings.

Mayor Gibson provided a vision and a plan for the city that promoted development while also preserving valuable open space and recreation areas. In addition, he was instrumental in bringing Nevada State College to Henderson.

As the City of Henderson turns a page after more than a decade of leadership from these two outstanding public servants, I want to congratulate our new mayor, Andy Hafen, and new City Councilwoman Kathleen Boutin. I look forward to working closely with them and wish them all the best in their new positions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of efforts to spur investment in clean-energy and energy-efficiency technology that will create clean-energy jobs back home in Nevada and across our country.

Investments in clean-energy technologies like solar, wind, geothermal, smart grid and advanced batteries will help the United States regain its competitive edge in a global green economy, reduce our reliance on foreign oil and improve our energy security.

Clean-energy jobs, like manufacturing solar panels and windmills and constructing new energy-efficient buildings, are jobs that can stay right here at home in the United States. But the United States is currently losing the clean-energy jobs and marketplace share to countries like China, Germany and Korea.

A thriving clean-energy economy will ensure that the United States creates a sustainable manufacturing base that will compete with the rest of the world. I look forward to working with

my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make the investments necessary to help create a booming, clean-energy economy right here in the United States.

Madam Chairman, I rise in support of the Teague-Titus- Giffords amendment to establish a global clean energy exchange program. This new program will strengthen research, educational exchange, and international cooperation with the aim of promoting the development and deployment of clean and efficient energy technologies.

The development of next-generation solar, wind, geothermal, carbon capture and storage, and other clean energy technologies that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil's going to take cooperative efforts from every corner of the world.

Our amendment provides much-needed support for exchange programs dedicated to providing developing clean-energy and energy-efficient technologies. These exchange programs between the United States and other countries will be available to teachers, students, and entrepreneurs.

In addition to promoting the development and deployment of clean- energy technology, this exchange program will help address issues of energy poverty in developing countries and extend the reach of American clean-energy technologies and innovation that would be beneficial to developing countries.

I urge passage.

Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday, I had the honor and pleasure of participating in a wonderful Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration. It featured native songs and dances, beautiful flowers and costumes and excellent food from around Asia. The event was sponsored by the Clark County Asian American Democratic Caucus under the able leadership of Sanje Sedera and Raheela Haq. Community advocates were honored and scholarships were awarded.

Asian Americans are the fastest growing minority group in Nevada and are becoming an increasingly powerful and positive force in our society, our economics, and our political scene. We welcome their valuable contributions and honor their delightfully rich cultural traditions.

I rise today in support of the TSA reauthorization bill and to thank Chairman Thompson for his leadership in this important issue. I also would like to highlight two elements of the bill that I particularly support.

It's been over 7 years since the attacks of September 11 and there are still no guidelines for security training for flight attendants. H.R. 2200 requires that these individuals undergo mandatory and standardized security training.

Flight attendants are the only working group in the cabin aboard every commercial flight. They are literally on the front lines. They are an integral part of air security.

This legislation provides for meaningful training that will equip these flight attendants with danger detection and self-defense techniques and other important skills needed in the event of a crisis. This mandatory security training, which is needed and wanted by flight attendants, is an important step in ensuring our skies are as safe as they can be.

The second aspect of this legislation that I'd like to address is general aviation. In 2008, there were more than 400,000 general aviation flights from the Las Vegas area serving an estimated 1.3 million passengers. From our three local airports, you can take one of these flights to view the grandeur of the Grand Canyon and the desert which surrounds our city.

General aviation flights are also critical to supplying goods to Las Vegas. And they also are an efficient means for business travelers to reach our great city, one of the most popular business travel destinations.

This is a vital industry to my district, and I will be a voice for it here in Congress. I am hopeful that the TSA will involve this important industry in rulemaking, and I'm confident that they will.

Mr. Speaker, after 8 years of economic policies that have left our Nation's fiscal house awash in red ink, this Congress is taking important steps to restore fiscal responsibility. We inherited a fiscal and economic mess that included soaring unemployment, a record deficit and a

housing crisis. Faced with the worst recession in a generation, this Congress took unprecedented action in an effort to end our economic slide and turn our economy around.

First was the recovery package that invested in needed infrastructure and provided tax relief to 95 percent of working Americans. And now, with a budget that calls for health care reform, job creation, clean energy and investments in education, we will grow our economy while cutting the deficit by two-thirds over the next 5 years. By providing real oversight and honest accounting and with a commitment to fiscal responsibility, we are changing the way business is done in Washington.