Floor Statements

Thank you very much, Chairman Miller, for your hard work on this legislation. I certainly am supportive of it. I want to add some provisions to it that will be brought forward in an amendment later.

As an educator myself, I believe that it is important that we have safe and healthy schools because only in those environments can children learn better, and certainly that is all our goal.

I am pleased to be supportive of this.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

This amendment, which I am offering with my friend and colleague from Colorado (Ms. Markey), will establish an advisory council to the Secretary of Education on green high-performing schools. The council will advise the Secretary on the impact of green high-performing schools on several outcomes, including teaching and learning, health effects, energy costs, and environmental impacts. The council will also work with the Secretary to identify Federal policies that are barriers to helping States to make schools green and high performing, and it will recommend Federal policies to increase the number of such schools. Additionally, the council will provide technical

assistance to States and school districts.

The 21st Century High-Performing Public School Facilities Act is an important bill that will provide our students with a healthy, safe learning environment, will create jobs, and will provide environmental responsibility. At the same time, it is moving us closer to the clean energy economy of the future.

Our amendment will provide the Secretary with the tools he needs to ensure the opportunities outlined in this important bill are available to as many schools as possible. It will also ensure that the upgrades made to school facilities meet the highest standards of quality and that the Secretary is always getting feedback about how to improve the program.

I'd like to thank Chairman Miller and Messrs. Chandler, Kildee and Loebsack for their hard work on this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I would yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from Colorado (Ms. Markey).

Mr. Chairman, I would urge just urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this because we see this council as a facilitator that will help with coordination, efficiency, best practices and accountability.

I again thank Chairman Miller, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Chandler and Mr. Loebsack.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

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

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise today with an amendment that's offered along with my friend from California (Mr. Cardoza) to H.R. 1728, the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act.

As currently written, H.R. 1728 requires mortgage originators to diligently work to present the consumer with a range of mortgage products for which the consumer likely qualifies. These products must be appropriate to the consumer's existing circumstances. The originator must disclose the comparative costs and benefits of these options.

Our amendment simply specifies how this new disclosure must be made. The amendment requires that the costs and benefits of each option are presented side by side in a simple fashion like this chart, side by side, and that the disclosures for each product have equal prominence. It would further require that this disclosure be made in writing, the understanding of which will be acknowledged by the signature of the mortgage originator and the consumer.

This amendment would add further transparency to the process of securing a residential mortgage loan and ensure that information is presented to consumers in a way that will give them the ability to easily and clearly compare all the options that are available to them. By requiring the disclosure to be presented in writing and requiring the signature of both the originator and the consumer on the document, we will ensure that the importance of this information is highlighted for the consumer.

The Las Vegas area is ground zero of the home foreclosure crisis. It is projected that just this year there will be nearly 75,000 homes lost to foreclosure in my State. The vast majority of these are in southern Nevada and in my district. It is more than likely that many of these foreclosures could have been avoided from the start if important rules such as those set forth in this bill had been implemented earlier. I believe that this amendment will help facilitate discussions about what's good for a family and, together with the underlying bill with its elimination of incentive payments and antisteering provisions, will help curb predatory lending and prevent future foreclosures in Nevada and across the country.

I would like to thank Chairman Frank, Mr. Watt, and Mr. Miller for their dedication and persistence on this important piece of legislation and Chairwoman Slaughter for accepting our amendment as part of the order.

Mr. Chairman, just briefly, I would present this simple chart of side by side. With all due respect, I think it's easy to draw up and even easier for an individual to understand. This is in the best interest of the banks so they can make good loans and the families so they can take out good loans to stay in their homes. Buying a house is a big decision, and people deserve all the information in a simple form.

Mr. Chairman, I now yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Miller).

Mr. Chairman, I would just still say that the banks want to make good loans and families want to get loans so they can that stay in their homes. And the paperwork is just a simple chart, side by side, that a second grader could make, and I show that to you again.

I would like to once again thank Chairman Frank, Mr. Watt, and Mr. Miller for their assistance on this legislation. I would urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Las Vegas Sun and reporter Alexandra Berzon for the top-notch reporting that carried them and earned them the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for public service earlier this week.

Alexandra's investigation into the deaths of construction workers on the Las Vegas Strip, combined with the efforts of editorial writers, Matt Hufman and David Clayton brought attention to this serious issue and resulted in critical safety reforms that will save lives in Nevada.

Nine workers had died on the job when Alexandra wrote her first of more than 50 stories chronicling the dangers construction workers face when safety is sacrificed for speed or profit. Her findings will be very valuable to Congress as the Education and Labor Committee examines this issue further.

The first Pulitzer for the Las Vegas Sun is a momentous occasion for the paper and for our community, so I, again, congratulate the Sun and Alexandra for earning journalism's highest honor.

I want to first thank Chairman Gordon for his hard work on this important legislation and for including the text of my amendment in his manager's amendment. This bill is critical to States like Nevada where drought constantly threatens the availabilities of our already limited water supply and, thus, our environment and our economy.

My language in this manager's amendment directs the interagency committee established in the bill to work to improve water prediction models and their applications, including analysis of variations and natural supply, watershed hydrology, human and ecological demand, and infrastructure.

As we celebrate Earth Day this week, it's important that we recognize that water has become and will continue to be a significant limiting resource for the Western United States.

So it is vital that we fully understand the current distribution of this resource while also being able to accurately predict the impacts of future conditions like growth and climate change on its availability. Accurate prediction about the availability of water resources will help our communities as they work to ensure that businesses and families have access to clean, safe and adequate water supply.

Our drinking and wastewater utilities are required to plan for a number of long-term uncertainties. In order to successfully plan and adapt to change, much more focused, applied research must be done.

The Desert Research Institute in Nevada is tackling this problem head-on by establishing the Nevada Water Resources, Data Modeling and Visualization Center. It will enable better understanding of the present and future distribution of water within our State.

Accordingly, DRI, in collaboration with UNR and UNLV, has established an experimental facility in Boulder City to collect data regarding water interactions in desert soils. This will lead to improved predictions of the potential impact of a changing climate on groundwater recharge.

The work being done at educational institutions in Nevada illustrates just how much potential there is to improve Federal coordination of predictive water modeling. Whether communities are worried about drought or flooding, snowmelt or urban runoff, the improvement of water prediction models will help communities across the country adapt to changes in the natural and the built-in environment.

So thank you again, Mr. Chairman, for your hard work and for including me in this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on Earth Day, as a member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Caucus, the so-called Green Dogs, to talk about the importance of investing in clean, renewable energy to help build a new green economy.

Investing in homegrown American renewable energy will create thousands of new American jobs that cannot be shipped overseas. In my State of Nevada, a thriving renewable energy industry will help diversify our local economy, which we so desperately need. Whether it is the researcher in the lab developing new generation biofuels, or the electrician on the roof installing solar panels, these jobs will stay right here in the United States.

We are currently losing clean energy jobs and market share to China, Germany, Korea and other countries, but now we have the opportunity to make a real difference. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that we make the investments necessary today to help create clean energy jobs for tomorrow.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University Studies Abroad Consortium. USAC developed out of an informal exchange of students and professors between the Basque Studies Program at the University of Nevada, Reno, and the University of the Basque Country in San Sebastian, Spain. Under the excellent leadership of Dr. Carmelo Urza, USAC has evolved into one of the largest and most successful study abroad programs in the United States today. Currently, there are 33 U.S. member universities offering programs in 25 countries at 39 sites, with an annual enrollment of about 2,500 students.

USAC is presently holding its annual meeting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. This brings together staff from the U.S. member universities and the resident directors of all USAC sites around the globe.

I salute them for their hard work and dedication, because we know that studying abroad provides students with a unique opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, experience, and attitudes to succeed in the global society of the 21st century.

I offer this in memory of a key member of the USAC team and a dear personal friend, Dr. Felix Menchacatorre, who passed away last August.

Estas en el corazon--you are in our heart--Felix.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud member of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus to offer my strong support for H. Res. 273, celebrating the 188th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. I am proud to follow other members of this caucus, and agree with their wonderful comments about this special occasion.

My grandfather, Arthur Costandinos Cathones, for whom I am named, came to America from Greece in 1911. He instilled in me a love of Greece and Greek culture. The Hellenic values he taught me have served me well as guiding principles throughout my career in public service, and he would be so proud to see me today on the floor of the U.S. House.

I have been blessed with this wonderful heritage throughout my life. I have

enjoyed visiting Greece a number of times to learn firsthand about the birthplace of democracy, and these trips have given me a deep understanding of the country's regions, its mythologies, its history, its food, its music, and especially its people.

The U.S. and Greece have always shared a special bond. When the new democracy was formed in Greece, they charged themselves with imitating and resembling American democracy, just like our forefathers shaped our democracy around the ideals of Aristotle and Socrates. Those are the very principles of government I teach in my political science classes at UNLV.

So, Mr. Speaker, I look forward to celebrating this holiday tomorrow with the leaders of the Hellenic community and with the President of the United States. I look forward to working to further strengthen the relationship between the United States and the wonderful Hellenic Republic of Greece.

Well, thank you so much for letting me join you and thank you, Congresswoman Berkley, for organizing this and giving me an opportunity. I know you've been talking about some of the issues already, and nobody is a stronger advocate for tourism and activities in Las Vegas than my colleague Shelley Berkley.

So I just want to add the fact that, yes, Las Vegas is a wonderful bargain and a wonderful place to come. You know, it just kind of added insult to injury when people canceled the convention, paid a cancellation fee, and then went to another city and paid a higher rate. That makes no sense whatsoever.

In Las Vegas, we have fabulous convention facilities. Nobody can feed a room of 5,000 eight courses and serve the line on time like you can in Las Vegas. So we do want you to come back.

And I was touched by the story of your daughter because that is so true. We shouldn't be thinking of this just in terms of statistics, and the statistics are staggering, but we need to think of it in terms of people.

Many of the people who live in District 3 work in the tourism industry. It's not just along the famous Las Vegas Strip, but we have the Red Rock Casino. We've got the Green Valley Ranch. We've got the new Inn that's opened, a lot of areas outside of the strip that are in District 3. So those are jobs.

Las Vegas, Nevada, has the highest unemployment rate it's had in 25 years. You know, we used to think we were recession-proof, and if you had two nickels to rub together you'd come out there to try to change your luck. That's not been the case recently. As people lose disposable income, they're not coming. Those tourism dollars aren't there, and people are losing jobs. If you lose a job or you lose hours on your job, or those tips aren't there, if you have one member of the family who is a tip earner then that leads to another problem which is the housing foreclosure.

So when you're talking about where to have your convention and what the pluses are to having it in Las Vegas, remember, those are very real people who are making those beds, serving that food, dealing those cards, dancing in that chorus line. Those are real folks that live in the district, go to school there, obey the laws, and just try to do the right thing.

So I'm very glad to be here tonight to add my voice to the notion that we've got to do more business travel and to put Las Vegas back on the list of preferred destinations.

Well, you're so right, and if you look at our population, you know, we're very American. The rest of the country is becoming more like us. We have the fastest growing senior population, fastest growing Hispanic and Asian population, fastest growing school age population. We really are a southwestern city, and so to try to paint us with just those kinds of, oh, descriptions or adjectives or hyperbole is just not fair. We are a good community, a place to live, and we are a family and go to work, go to church, go to school. So I want people to see the other side of Las Vegas, the real people side of it.

You know, I hope to do something along those lines to change the conversation a little in my role on the Homeland Security Committee. You know, there's no place that has more high-tech security personnel and equipment than Las Vegas. Everybody's heard of the ``eye in the sky'' and everywhere could learn something from us in how those giant hotels deal with emergency situations and what we would do in the case of an emergency on New Year's Eve when we have all those people on the Las Vegas Strip watching fireworks.

So I'm trying to get some more cooperation between government and the private sector to come and look back of the house to see what all those things are that we have to offer just to change the conversation, so you can see another side of Las Vegas.

I think travel is so educational. I certainly agree with what you're saying about how it enriches a person's life.

When I was growing up, my father would put my sister and me in the car--the station wagon--and we would drive across country, hitting all the National Parks. So that is something that I don't guess we do too much anymore.

If you want to look for the heart and soul of a small community, take that trip. Because there are places around the country that have the biggest rubber band ball or the biggest stack of pancakes or the biggest ear of corn, country fairs and home cooking and boiled peanuts. That's the way you really learn about this country and learn who your neighbors and fellow countrymen are.

Education is a great result of that kind of travel. That also builds tolerance and understanding when you can see and know people who aren't necessarily just like yourself. That comes from travel.

I would mention along these same lines that Las Vegas plays a big part in other things that you don't think about. Right now there's a big emphasis on renewable energy. Certainly, we are the sunniest State in the country in Nevada. Everybody goes to Las Vegas for the wonderful weather. They're calling me every day to tell me how warm it is there compared to how cool it is here.

But the architecture that relates to that renewable energy is very interesting. A very famous book was written about the architecture of Las Vegas a number of years ago. They can go back and write another one now because there was a time not too long ago that of the top 10 LEED- certified green buildings in the country. Seven of those projects were along the Las Vegas Strip.

So it's quite interesting to look at it just from an architectural environmental standpoint, as well as just from the beauty of the decor. So that is something also we have to offer.

Mr. Speaker, I also rise today in outrage over the recent news that AIG paid out over $165 million to

executives, some of whom are no longer with the company.

Every day in southern Nevada, families face tough decisions about their economic futures; can they afford to stay in their home? Are they going to be able to provide for their children's future?

I find it insulting that the CEO of AIG said that his decision to give out these bonuses was ``difficult.'' Difficult is trying to figure out how to keep a roof over your head when you've lost your job. Difficult is providing for your children when your hours at work have been cut back. Difficult is not deciding if you are going to dole out hundreds of millions of dollars to irresponsible Wall Street executives.

I urge Congress and the administration to act quickly to recoup the taxpayers' money.

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

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

I rise today in support of this amendment, which will create a National Service Reserve Corps.

In recent years, we have watched with broken hearts when the aftermath of some natural disaster has left people homeless, jobless, and helpless. But we have also felt, as we witnessed our fellow citizens rise to the occasion with perseverance and selflessness to assist those in need, a real hope for the future.

Many wonderful Americans, including Members of this body, have reached into their hearts and their pockets to help, to serve, to work, and to give. The creation of a National Service Reserve Corps will make sure that those who are most eager to serve and already have the training that communities need can be deployed quickly and effectively.

Our amendment will create a National Service Reserve Corps composed of alumni of AmericaCorps and Senior Corps programs. These wonderful volunteers can be identified and called upon in time of natural disasters and emergencies to start the relief and rebuilding process post haste. The corps members will not only have the valuable training and experience from their year of service, but they will also receive annual training sessions in emergency response.

Our Nation is facing numerous economic challenges, and Nevada, my State, is one of the hardest hit. We have endured record foreclosures and an unemployment rate that is approaching double digits. Nevada AmeriCorps volunteers have been invaluable to our communities in need. Over 2,000 AmericaCorps members have

served in 15 different programs; they have provided more than 2.5 million hours of service, and have earned over $4.7 million in education credits. In 2007, AmericaCorps programs contributed over 25,000 hours of service to Nevada, and members recruited over 3,300 community volunteers who then gave more than 23,000 hours of service.

With public need rising all across the country, we must do all we can to shore up volunteer programs and provide opportunities to those who want to be of service. By creating a National Service Reserve Corps, we will create an organized deployment system for those citizens who are ready to serve and are trained to do so.

We will also show volunteers and anyone who is considering a year of national service that we value their contributions and we will continue to honor it in the years to come. So I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment as well as final passage of the GIVE Act.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Perriello).

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

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding.

Today I rise in strong support of H. Res. 211 and National Women's History Month, which this year celebrates women who are taking the lead to save our planet. Women have played a critical role in the fight to protect the Earth as activists, scientists and public servants. In Nevada, many of the early environmental activists, like Tina Nappe, were women inspired to act by their childhood experiences in the beautiful Silver State. They have been joined by respected scientists, such as Dr. Peg Rees, dedicated to finding new ways to protect the desert for future generations.

As public servants, women have also made a significant contribution to saving our planet. In the Nevada legislature, for example, our women members have been ahead of their time, championing issues from renewable energy development, like Sheila Leslie, to smart growth, like Chris Giunchigliani. These many accomplishments are being documented, analyzed and disseminated to the public by the Women's Research Institute at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas under the able direction of Dr. Joanne Goodwin.

But Women's History Month is not only a month of remembrance of the important women of our past. It is an inspiration for the next generation of women and a call for them to continue the fight to leave this precious rock a better place to our children than we found it. So, thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you especially, Ms. Woolsey, for offering this important resolution that commemorates the 22nd anniversary of National Women's History Month.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise today with an amendment to H.R. 1106, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act.

As you know, the foreclosure crisis is wreaking havoc across the entire Nation, but my district in Southern Nevada is particularly hard hit. Nevada has the highest foreclosure rate in the country. Home prices have dropped significantly. Thousands of families are upside- down on their mortgages, and foreclosures are extending into the prime market. In fact, there was a report that was issued today by the First American CoreLogic group that stated there were 58.2 percent of Las Vegas houses upside-down and another 3.5 percent that are fast approaching that for a total of 61.7 percent of all outstanding mortgages. Compounding the problem even further, the unemployment rate in Nevada is over 9 percent, well above the national average. Families who are responsible and bought a home within their means are now facing foreclosure due to loss of a job or reduction of hours at work.

Foreclosure prevention, I believe, is a critical part of any strategy to get us back on track. I strongly believe that aggressive outreach to borrowers can help prevent unnecessary foreclosures, and that is exactly what my amendment seeks to address.

The amendment is simple and straightforward. In short, it would require that servicers who participate in the HOPE for Homeowners Program and receive government incentives paid for by taxpayer dollars notify at-risk homeowners that they may be eligible for the program and tell them how to obtain information regarding the program. It also requires that the HUD Secretary define who are at-risk homeowners and prescribe a form and manner of notifying them of their potential eligibility for assistance.

By requiring HUD to define what is meant by ``at risk'' and to prescribe the method of notification of eligible homeowners, my amendment attempts to limit the administrative burden on the servicers. At the same time, it ensures that homeowners who are in danger of losing their homes and may be eligible for help will receive as much information as possible about the HOPE for Homeowners Program. Many people in trouble do not even know what help is available to them, and this amendment will help resolve that problem so they can find out about HOPE for Homeowners in a timely fashion before it's too late. I cannot tell you how many calls I have received from constituents in my district office who are facing foreclosure and don't know where to turn. This amendment will provide them with the information and help they need under this very important legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I have discussed this issue with Chairman Frank of the Financial Services Committee and understand that he has some reservations regarding the scope of the amendment. He intended to be here but was delayed by a press conference. Although I intend to withdraw the amendment, I think it's important that we have the discussion on this issue today, and I appreciate your indulgence. I also look forward to working with Chairman Frank as we move forward to improve notification requirements and address the foreclosure crisis in our country.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to Chairman Frank.

Mr. Chairman, I would just like to comment on Chairman Frank's offer to help work on this amendment in terms of both its scope and depth. I appreciate that offer of assistance. I think we can improve the amendment. I think it is very important that we have an aggressive borrower outreach program so people who are in trouble can find out about the help that is available to them and find that out before it is too late.

Mr. Chairman, I would ask unanimous consent that the amendment be withdrawn.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Green Valley High School Marching Band and Flag Team on their magnificent performance yesterday in the inaugural parade. They joined with high schools from every State in the Union to welcome our new President, Barack Obama.

The countless hours of practice and hard work were evident during their wonderful performance that warmed the spirit on a cold Washington day. Led by director Diane Koutsulis, the Green Valley students livened up an already festive crowd with their rendition of Viva Las Vegas, bringing a hometown touch to our Nation's Capital.

I had the pleasure of welcoming the band to Washington on Monday, and saw the enthusiasm in their faces. For many, it seemed the performance was really the easy part. Early morning flights, cold weather and countless hours spent raising money for the trip were some of the challenges they overcame, exhibiting the same determination and perseverance they apply in the classroom to hone their musical talent.

It was with great pride that Nevadans in the audience and at home watched to see our students celebrate the inauguration and take their place in this historic moment.

I again congratulate them on their fine performance, and thank them for coming to Washington.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I stand on the floor of this House to represent the people of Nevada's Third District. I am humbled by the trust and faith they have placed in me, and I pledge to live up to that trust.

This is a critical time in our Nation's history. We face an economic crisis that has shaken our very roots. In my district, we have seen rampant foreclosures, record unemployment, and rising prices; but despite these challenges we remain optimistic. Next week, the band from Green Valley High School in my district will be in Washington marching in the parade to welcome our next President with hope and dreams for a brighter future. It is for them and all Americans that this President and Congress must usher in a new era.

Working together in the spirit of bipartisanship, we can bring change to our community that restores our economic security and once again fulfills the potential that made our Nation great.