Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding me time. I thank the committee for their work on this and taking the position that they have had that they are simply not going to move forward on these delicate issues and extremely important issues with the States that are affected by this without the concurrence of those agencies within those States. I appreciate the gentleman taking that position.

Mr. Speaker, let me say very bluntly, as I can, that the Department of Energy language that was proposed and potentially proposed in this conference report was simply not acceptable to any of the States that were involved. I know they were not acceptable in my case because in the past I have been focused on trying to get these issues resolved with our State Department of Ecology who has jurisdiction in Washington State at Hanford. Because these things will not move forward, the acceleration that we have had success with at all of these sites, will not move forward unless you have the cooperation; and I have been focussed on getting that sort of cooperation enacted.

But I have to state what frustrates me in my case and specifically at Hanford is that I know, genuinely know, at that time Department of Energy and the Department of Ecology want to get this site cleaned up in a safe and timely manner. But I also have to say to be here on the floor and condemn the language that DOE had suggested does not solve this problem, and it will not resolve the long-term disputes that may arise in the future. So I do not consider that. This passed and will pass, of course, unanimously. This is not really a victory for the States. It is not a victory for the DOE.

The reason I say that, once again, Mr. Speaker, is to reemphasize the States, in my case the State of Washington Department of Ecology and DOE have the shared responsibility to resolve these matters and to move forward and keeping the cleanup, the acceleration, timely and safe for the workers at all these sites.

Mr. Speaker, I intend to continue to work on this to try to resolve this because, in my view, the most important thing we can do for our constituents is to make sure that this acceleration and cleanup goes in a timely and safe manner.

Mr. Speaker, I once again want to thank the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton) and the committee as a whole for their commitment to making sure that any legislation that is offered has the concurrence and the input of the States that are involved.

Mr. Speaker, I just want to clarify the point, that it is your intent, as the subcommittee chairman and the chairman of the committee, that you will not proceed on this sort of legislation without the concurrence of the States that are affected, which, of course, are South Carolina, Idaho and Washington State.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his commitment.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 375 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

(Mr. HASTINGS of Washington asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 375 is a structured rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 2557, the Water Resources Development Act of 2003. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

The rule provides that the amendments in the nature of a substitute, recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, now printed in the bill shall be considered as the original bill for the purpose of amendments and shall be considered as read. The rule also waives all points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. Furthermore, the rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Committee on Rules report accompanying this resolution. It provides that the amendments printed in the report shall be considered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report, equally divided and controlled by a proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole.

Finally, the rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report and provides for one motion to recommit, with or without instructions.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2557 is a bill providing for the conservation and development of water and related resources and authorizing the Secretary of the Army to construct various projects to improve rivers and harbors in the United States, and for other purposes.

The bill establishes a traditional 2-year cycle of congressional action to authorize, modify and improve the projects, programs and policies of the Corps of Engineers. It authorizes 13 ``Chiefs Reports'' on Federal flood damage reduction, navigation, hurricane and storm damage reduction and environmental restoration.

It should be noted, Mr. Speaker, that this bill includes provisions for streamlining and expediting Corps of Engineers project delivery and permits. It also reflects an important consensus agreement on peer review of Corps of Engineers projects.

I am particularly pleased, Mr. Speaker, that the committee has included in the manager's amendment, language permitting the Corps of Engineers employees working at dams in the Pacific Northwest, my area, to participate in wage surveys that are conducted to determine their rate of pay. This important provision would allow these employees the same participation allowed similar employees at dams in the region operated by the Bonneville Power Administration and the Bureau of Reclamation. I appreciate the committee's consideration of my request on this matter.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that implementing H.R. 2557 would cost $2.6 billion over the 2004-2008 period and an additional $2.1 billion over the following 10 years. In addition, the CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 2557 would increase direct spending by $17 billion from the 2004 to 2008 period and by $32 billion through 2013.

H.R. 2557 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. Federal participation in water resources projects and programs authorized by this bill would benefit State, local and tribal governments, and any costs incurred by those governments to comply with the conditions of this Federal assistance would be entirely voluntary.

With broad bipartisan support, this bill was reported favorably to the House on July 23 by voice vote. Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support both H.R. 2557 and the underlying rule.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

The previous question was ordered.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 339 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purposes of debate only.

(Mr. Hastings of Washington asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 339 is a modified closed rule waiving all points of order against the consideration of H.R. 2859, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2003. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate to be equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule also provides for a consideration of an amendment offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Toomey), or his designee, which shall be considered as read, shall be separately debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment. Finally, Mr. Speaker, the rule provides for one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2859 was introduced by the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations and provides $983.6 million in emergency supplemental funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency for fiscal year 2003. This emergency appropriation is necessary to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund to make certain Federal resources available for the current fiscal year to meet the needs of Americans affected by tornadoes, floods, forest fires or other national disasters. The administration has informed Congress that without supplemental funds it is estimated that the Disaster Relief Fund would soon be exhausted. Additional funds are needed to respond to emergencies created by extreme weather and deadly wildfires.

Our Nation was struck by a record 562 tornadoes, Mr. Speaker, in May alone. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters predict an above average season for tropical storms and for flooding, with Hurricane Claudette already striking the Gulf Coast of Texas.

The summer fire season is also fully upon the Western United States. The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho reported yesterday that there are currently 45 large fires burning in 12 western States. Three of these fires are burning in my State of Washington. The largest of the fires in Washington State is the Farewell Creek fire burning in the arid north central portion of the State. This fire has grown so large that it could burn, Mr. Speaker, for 3 months and not be fully extinguished until the first heavy rainfall or snowfall this winter.

The emergency appropriation included in H.R. 2859 will make certain that FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security have the funding and resources needed to meet the needs of Americans affected by these tornadoes, floods, wildfires and other national disasters. H.R. 2859 was introduced by the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations to allow for prompt consideration by the House of Representatives and by the Congress. Accordingly, I encourage my colleagues to support both the rule, H. Res. 339, and the underlying bill.

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 am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).

I am prepared to yield back after we go through the amendment process.

Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Speaker, this is an important piece of legislation. I urge my colleagues to support the previous question and the rule.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment proposes that the House of Representatives arbitrarily declare what crops a farmer can and cannot grow.

I am concerned that this amendment is being sponsored by those who do not represent the areas affected--members who are from urban areas.

This amendment is opposed by those who represent the communities that will be affected, those people who are closest to the land, and those who care the most for the land because it is where they live and where they raise their children.

This amendment is targeted at the Klamath Basin--an area that has seen its farmers and entire economy devastated by actions taken by the federal government. I have traveled to the Klamath Basin and seen the effects first-hand.

I also represent two very large reclamation projects--including one of the largest in the country--and the success of these farmers comes from their hard work, the care they give the land and diversity of their crops.

Passage of this amendment would set a very bad precedent of the government stating what crops can be grown and which can't. The impacts of the amendment would directly harm farmers and communities. The precedent it is sets would be far-reaching and very detrimental.

I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 319 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

(Mr. HASTINGS of Washington asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 319 is an open rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 2691, the Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2004. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against consideration; and under the rules of House, the bill shall be read for amendment by paragraph.

The rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI, prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in an appropriations bill, except as specified in the resolution.

The rule further waives points of order against amendments for failure to comply with clause 2(e) of rule XXI, prohibiting designated emergencies in reported appropriations bills.

Finally, the rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who have preprinted their amendments in the Congressional Record and provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2691 provides funding for the Department of Interior as well as various agencies and programs and Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Health and Human Services. H.R. 2691 appropriates $19.6 billion in new budget authority, which is $186 million less than last year's enacted level and $110 million more than the President's request. Almost half of the bill's funding finances the Interior Department's programs to manage and study the Nation's animal, plant and mineral resources and support programs benefiting Native Americans.

Among the bill's many provisions are several of special interest to residents of central Washington and my district, including $2.5 billion for Wildland Fire Fighting and the National Fire Plan. This funding will increase firefighting readiness, hazardous fuels reduction, and forest health restoration activities.

As a Member whose district includes significant Federal land holdings, I am particularly pleased that payment in lieu of taxes, or PILT, is funded at $225 million, which is $5 million above the current enacted level and $25 million above the administration's request.

In the area of fisheries management, the committee is to be commended for providing $113 million for fisheries, an increase of nearly $10 million over the administration's request, which includes an increase of $3 million for the Washington State Hatchery Improvement Project.

It should also be noted that the bill includes $4.6 million for the Partners of Fish and Wildlife Program, of which $1.4 million goes to the Washington Regional Fisheries Enhancement programs.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Taylor) for his efforts to focus attention to the critically important task of maintaining our national parks.

The bill includes $682 million to attack the enormous backlog of badly needed maintenance at our national park facilities.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is a bill which carefully balances a number of important objectives, including natural resources protections and providing access for the public to our Nation's many significant parks and refuges. It makes real progress in management of forests, fisheries. And rangeland; and it does so in a cost-effective way in these challenging budgetary times.

Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston) a member of the committee.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for the previous question and for the rule.

I just might add that this is an open rule. The subcommittee and the full committee made some difficult decisions at prioritizing needs to fund particularly the Department of the Interior. Of course, there are differences of opinion on how those priorities should be, but this open rule allows for a restructuring, if this body decides that is the correct way to go, to restructure those priorities.

So I think it is a good rule. It is an open rule. I urge my colleagues to vote for the previous question and for the rule.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 282 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

(Mr. HASTINGS of Washington asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 282 is a modified, closed rule waiving all points of order against the consideration of H.R. 1528, the Taxpayer Protection and IRS Accountability Act of 2003. The rule provides one hour of debate to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule also provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means, as modified by the amendment printed in Part A of the Committee on Rules report accompanying this resolution, shall be considered as adopted. The rule waives all points of order against the bill, as amended.

The rule further provides for consideration of the amendment printed in Part B of the report, if offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) or his designee, which shall be considered as read and shall be separately debatable for one hour, equally divided and controlled by a proponent and an opponent.

Finally, the rule waives all points of order against the amendment printed in Part B of the report and provides one motion to recommit, with or without instructions.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1528, as authored by my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman), would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to protect taxpayers and ensure accountability of the IRS. The bill would improve the efficiency of tax administration and increase the confidentiality of tax returns and related information.

In addition, H.R. 1528 reforms the penalty and interest provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and provides new safeguards against unfair IRS collection procedures.

Specifically, the bill grants a first-time penalty waiver to individual taxpayers in cases where minor negligence results in a liability that is disproportionate and unreasonable.

The bill allows taxpayers to enter into installment agreements for less than the full amount of their tax liability.

The bill also allows electronic filers until April 30 to file their individual tax returns and allows taxpayers to consult with the Taxpayer Advocate Service on a confidential basis.

Finally, the bill increases the authorization for low income taxpayer clinics from $6 million to $9 million in 2004 and from $12 million for 2005 and $15 million for subsequent years.

The Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation estimate that H.R. 1528 would decrease governmental receipts by $308 million over the 2003-2013 time period, and CBO estimates that the bill would increase direct spending by $171 million over the 2004-2013 time period.

CBO has determined that H.R. 1528 contains no private sector or intergovernmental mandates as defined by the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act and would impose no costs on State, local, or tribal governments.

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) and his colleagues on the Committee on Ways and Means are to be commended for their efforts to increase fairness in accountability in our tax collection system. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support both this rule and the underlying bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I advise my friend from New York that I have no requests for time, and I am prepared to yield back if she is prepared to yield back.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

The previous question was ordered.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 258 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

(Mr. HASTINGS of Washington asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 258 is a closed rule providing for the consideration of two measures, S. 222, the Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act, and S. 273, the Grand Teton National Park Land Exchange Act.

The rule provides that S. 222 shall be debatable in the House for 40 minutes, equally divided between the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Resources. The rule also waives all points of order against consideration of the bill and provides one motion to recommit, with or without instruction.

The rule further provides that S. 273 shall be debatable in the House for 40 minutes, equally divided between the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Resources.

Finally, the rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill and provides one motion to recommit, with or without instructions.

Mr. Speaker, both of the bills covered by this rule were considered by the House under suspension of the rules on June 3. Neither bill was adopted, having failed to receive the required two-thirds of the votes cast, but each bill was supported by a clear majority in the House.

The Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act approves a settlement of the water rights claims of the Zuni Indian Tribe in Apache County, Arizona. The bill resolves all of the claims of the Zuni Tribe to water rights in the Little Colorado River basin and elsewhere in Arizona. The bill also provides resources to restore riparian wetlands to the Zuni Heaven Reservation that are of great religious and cultural significance to the tribe and its members.

The Grand Teton National Park Land Exchange Act provides for the acquisition of land owned by the State of Wyoming within the boundaries of the Grand Teton National Park. These lands, rich in wildlife habitat, will be exchanged for other Federal lands or assets of equal value. In turn, the State will be able to acquire lands that have greater potential to generate revenue for public schools, ensuring that the State of Wyoming meets its constitutional mandate to maximize revenues from its school trust lands.

Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate that we are forced to take up the valuable time of the House to consider for a second time this week two measures that have been previously approved by a solid majority in this House. The measures have been fully debated.

Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this rule and pass the underlying bills without further delay.

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

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

The issue, of course, we are discussing is the rule for the two suspension bills that we, unfortunately, had majority vote earlier this week but, unfortunately, did not have the two-thirds. But we may have, counting myself, two speakers between now and the time we close.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston).

(Mr. KINGSTON asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks, and include extraneous material.)

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), the distinguished majority leader.

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

As I pointed out earlier, this is a rule on two suspensions that were unfortunately defeated earlier this week that deal with serious matters in the southwestern part of the United States, at least one of them does.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) to speak on one of these matters.

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

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, this is a rule on two suspension bills that were, unfortunately, not passed earlier this week. They are very important bills to those areas that are affected.

Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record the chart that the distinguished majority leader discussed earlier today.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time; and, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1954 and would like to commend the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, for his leadership on this important issue.

Mr. Speaker, I am particularly pleased that the committee's bill includes the principal provisions of my legislation, the Armed Forces Citizenship Act. I introduced my bill during the recent war in Iraq in order to make it possible for legal immigrants serving in America's Armed Forces to become U.S. citizens after 1 year in uniform rather than the 3 to 5 years required for naturalization under current law.

Mr. Speaker, these patriotic men and women have willingly volunteered to carry out one of the most solemn duties any nation can ask of its citizens, the defense of freedom. In doing so, I believe that they have truly earned the opportunity to become citizens of the country that they serve to protect.

After all, is there any better way to demonstrate our fitness for citizenship than to make that kind of commitment to what our Nation stands for? Are not these precisely, Mr. Speaker, the kinds of individuals that we should want as United States citizens? By enacting this legislation, America can do the right thing for some very brave men and women who are doing the right thing for America.

As my colleagues know, some of our troops who died in Iraq wearing the uniform of the United States gave their lives before they were truly entitled to call themselves Americans. Frankly, Mr. Speaker, that is just plain wrong, and it is an injustice; and I am pleased that Congress is moving quickly to correct that injustice.

So, Mr. Speaker, let us recognize their love of this country by voting today to enable legal immigrants serving America's Armed Forces to become citizens before, not after, they begin risking their lives to save ours.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 239 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my namesake, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

(Mr. HASTINGS of Washington asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 239 provides for the consideration of H.R. 1904 under a modified closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate in the House with 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture, 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Resources,

and 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and provides that the amendment printed in part A of the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution shall be considered as adopted. The rule also makes in order the amendment printed in part B of the report if offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) or his designee which shall be considered as read and shall be separately debated for 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. Finally, the rule waives all points of order against the amendment printed in part B of the report and provides one motion to recommit, with or without instructions.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1904, the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003, is a measure that would enable the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to better protect communities, watersheds, and certain other at-risk lands from catastrophic wildfires by conducting hazardous fuels reduction projects on National Forest System lands and Bureau of Land Management lands all across the United States.

The summers of 2000 and 2002 were the two largest and most destructive fire seasons in the past 50 years. Last year alone, Mr. Speaker, American taxpayers spent in excess of $1.5 billion to contain wildfires which claimed the lives of 23 firefighters. This subject hits particularly close to home for this Member because tragically, the summer before last, four of my constituents lost their lives fighting the Thirty Mile Fire in my district. A contributing factor in that fire and many similarly explosive wildfires destroying forests and rangelands at such an alarming rate is the unprecedented buildup of dead, dying, and diseased timber on these Federal lands. For a variety of reasons, including improved firefighting techniques and legally required environmental restrictions, the natural processes by which, until relatively recently, nature has rid forests of highly inflammable undergrowth have been overridden. The result has been to turn many of our forests and rangelands into virtual tinderboxes waiting to explode with oftentimes tragic results.

H.R. 1904 is designed to restore some much-needed balance to the management of our forests and rangelands. Through the use of environmentally responsible thinning, prescribed burns and other scientifically validated management practices, overstocked forests can be returned to a more natural balance, and the risks of catastrophic wildfires as well as insect and disease infestations greatly reduced.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that implementing H.R. 1904 would cost $12 million in fiscal year 2004 and $278 million over the next 5 years. The bill contains no intergovernmental or private sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and is projected to impose no costs on State, local, or tribal governments. In fact, Mr. Speaker, Federal funds authorized under this act would actually benefit State, local, and tribal governments. Members from the West and Southeast, particularly, are acutely aware that the fire season will soon be upon us again in full force. We need to move this legislation as rapidly as possible.

Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support both the rule and the underlying bill, H.R. 1904.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Linder), a valued member of the Committee on Rules.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tancredo).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Herger).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Otter).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake).

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden), who has been a leader on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) have any further speakers?

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon).

(Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. McInnis), the sponsor of the bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, this is a fair rule and this issue, as has been repeated several times, this issue from a policy standpoint has been debated for a long time. It is time for us to take action in this body. So I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

The previous question was ordered.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order at any time without intervention of any point of order to consider a motion to take the bill, H.R. 1298, from the Speaker's table with the Senate amendment thereto, and to concur in the Senate amendment; that the motion be debatable for 60 minutes equally divided between the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), or their designees; the Senate amendment be considered as read; and the previous question be considered as ordered on the motion to final adoption without intervening motion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to announce that I have just introduced legislation making it possible for every legal immigrant serving on active duty in America's Armed Forces to become a U.S. citizen immediately. Not in 3 years or 5 years, but immediately.

Once this bill is enacted, providing that all other requirements are met, on the same day that a young person is mustered into duty in our Armed Forces, he or she will be able to take the oath of office making them a citizen of the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, these patriotic men and women have willingly volunteered to carry out one of the most solemn duties that any nation can ask of its citizens, the defense of freedom. Thus, more than most, I believe that they have truly earned their opportunity to become citizens of the country whose uniform they wear so proudly.

By enacting the Armed Services Citizens Act, America can do the right thing for some very brave men and women who are doing the right thing for America. So, Mr. Speaker, let us recognize their love of this country by enabling legal immigrants serving America's Armed Forces to become citizens before, not after, they begin risking their lives to defend ours.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 189 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

(Mr. HASTINGS of Washington asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 189 is a structured rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2003. The rule provides 1 hour and 30 minutes of general debate, with 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and three periods of 20 minutes each to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority members of the Committees on Science, Resources, and Ways and Means.

The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill, and makes in order only those amendments printed in the Committee on Rules report accompanying the resolution.

The rule further provides that the amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report, equally divided and controlled by a proponent and opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division in the House or in the Committee of the Whole.

Finally, the rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report and provides one motion to recommit, with or without instructions.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6 is a critically important piece of legislation that will provide for security and diversity in America's energy supply while enhancing energy conservation and research and development. The bill we will consider shortly is a comprehensive measure combining key elements from four separate bills reported by the respective committees of jurisdiction.

The first section of the bill passed by the Committee on Energy and Commerce seeks to expand domestic energy sources while striking a balance between State and Federal regulation of the Nation's electrical power grid. This section of the bill would also increase the strategic petroleum reserve to 1 billion barrels and contains provisions for a renewable fuel standard that requires increased production in the use of ethanol.

The second section of the bill passed by the Committee on Science authorizes $31 billion for energy-related research and development programs, including funding for the President's hydrogen initiative and FreedomCar program, with the balance of the funding going to improvement of renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean coal technology, and nuclear programs.

The third section of the bill passed by the Committee on Resources includes a provision that would open the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge, or ANWR, to much-needed oil exploration in a way designed to ensure maximum environmental protection of that significant national resource.

Finally, the section of H.R. 6 reported by the Committee on Ways and Means means energy tax provisions amounting to $18.7 billion that would incentivize access to inexpensive energy, bolster our national security by decreasing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, and promote conservation and the use of renewable sources of energy.

As a Member of Congress from the Pacific Northwest, I am particularly pleased, Mr. Speaker, that the authors of this legislation have concluded provisions I have long supported which would streamline the process of renewing permits for major hydroelectric facilities. Many of those projects are located in our part of the country and provide a sizeable share of our region's electrical power needs.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, let me say that the war in Iraq has once again highlighted the importance of ensuring America's energy independence. This bill is designed to do that in an environmentally responsible way. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support both the rule and the underlying bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), chairman of the subcommittee that was dealing with the legislation that passed out of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller), a member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton).

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

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is left?

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Rules.

(Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to reiterate that this is a very fair rule. Over two- thirds of the amendments made in order are either bipartisan or amendments from the Democrat side of the aisle.

I also would like to say, Mr. Speaker, that the war in Iraq, I think, has awakened America to a need that we have to be more energy independent. This bill, this comprehensive bill, I think, allows for that in a long-term planning way, and I think it does it in a very environmentally friendly way.

The material previously referred to by the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter) is as follows:

Previous Question for H. Res. 189--H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of

2003

The following are the amendments made in order under the

rule:

Berkely #67 Division A. Requires the General Accounting

Office to conduct a study to provide accurate and real costs

of indemnifying those who would be harmed by a potential

nuclear plant accident or attack.

Berkley #71 Division A. Establishes a program to make loan

guarantees for qualifying businesses investing in renewable

energy solutions.

Blumenauer #53 Division D. Extends the Transportation

Fringe Benefit to commuters who carpool, bicycle, or used

car-sharing and equalize the transit benefit with the current

level offered to qualified parking plans. Allows up to $50

per month for carpoolers, bicyclists, or those using car-

sharing to commute to work. Increases the benefit available

to transit commuters to $190 per month, the same amount as

qualified parking plans.

Boucher #6 Division A. Strikes the provision of the bill

related to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

transmission siting authority on private lands and would

thereby leave decisions regarding the location of new

transmission facilities with individual states.

Boucher #7 Division A. Strikes the provision of the bill

related to the Department of Energy (DOE) transmission siting

authority on federal lands and would thereby leave the

decisions regarding the location of new transmission

facilities with the federal entities responsible for managing

such lands (e.g. the Department of Interior, the Bureau of

Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, etc.).

Capps #23 Division A. Adds four-year national phase-out

gasoline MTBE.

Capps #25 Division A. Strikes section 12401 relating to

appeals for LNG siting decisions, the Coastal Zone Management

Act, and the National Environmental Protection Act.

Carson #76 Division A. Strikes the ``Indiana Amendment''

from the Uniform Tie Act of 1966.

Costello/Calvert #8 Division B. Terminates the DOE's

authority to regulate itself with regard to nuclear and

worker safety at the Department's non-military energy

laboratories within two years of enactment. Transfers

regulatory authority to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and

to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

It is estimated that enacting the external regulation at the

labs would save DOE up to $41 million annually.

Davis (VA)/Waxman #60 Division A. Requires that a small

percentage of the energy used to power federal facilities

come from renewable energy and fuel cells. Beginning in 2005,

federal agencies would be required to obtain from these

sources 1.5% of the energy used across their facilities,

gradually rising to 7% in 2012 and beyond. Agencies could

meet these requirements either by generating energy on-site

or by purchasing renewable electricity generated off-site.

Agencies would receive extra credit for on-site renewable

energy generation that also contributes to national security.

Allows the Secretary of Energy to waive the requirements if

the agency is taking all practicable steps and the

requirements would pose an unacceptable burden. Permits

federal agencies to count acquisitions of future technology

vehicles, such as fuel efficient hybrid-electric or fuel cell

vehicles, against alternative fuel vehicle acquisition

targets.

DeFazio #11 Division A. Current law provides that the

Strategic Petroleum Reserve may be drawn down in the event of

a ``severe energy supply disruption,'' which results in ``a

major adverse impact on the national economy.'' The DeFazio

amendment would add ``or on a State or regional economy,''

after ``national economy.''

DeFazio #12 Division A. Adds ``anticompetitive conduct'' by

foreign countries, or producers, refiners, or marketers of

petroleum products, to the list of circumstances under which

the Strategic Petroleum Reserve may be drawn down.

DeFazio #13 Division A. Strikes the section of H.R. 6 that

repeals Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUHCA). PUHCA's

restrictions on ownership of utilities, the diversification

of business operations, accounting, and mergers, among other

provisions, are critical to protecting consumers from the

business decisions of energy conglomerates.

DeFazio #14 Division A. Strikes the section of H.R. 6

directing FERC to establish so-called ``incentive-based''

rates for building transmission.

DeFazio #15 Division A. Establishes an Office of Consumer

Advocacy at the Department of Justice to protect the

interests of residential and small business users of

electricity and natural gas in proceedings before FERC and

other federal entities.

DeFazio #16 Division A. Sets benchmarks for the

commencement of regional transmission organizations (RTOs) on

FERC findings that such RTOs would result in net benefits to

consumers in each affected state and minimize cost shifts

among consumers. Also requires that RTOs have adequate

transmission capacity and no chronic congestion prior to

start-up, effective market monitoring, and that existing load

service obligations are protected, among other criteria.

DeFazio #17 Division A. Prohibits market-based rates from

being considered ``just and reasonable'' under the Federal

Power Act if the rate raises above the cost-based rate that

would otherwise apply.

DeGette #22 Division A. Holds the legislative branch to the

same acquisition requirements as all other federal agencies

regarding energy-using products, systems, or designs that

meet or exceed the energy efficiency standards established by

the Energy Star program of the Environmental Protection

Agency and the Department of Energy.

Dingell/Boehlert #30 Division A. Substitute amendment for

the hydroelectric relicensing title of the bill, which is

identical to the version that passed the House last year.

Introduces flexibility into the licensing and re-licensing of

hydroelectric facilities by allowing any party to a licensing

proceeding to propose alternatives to the resource and

fishway prescriptions made by the resource agencies. The

Secretary must accept the alternative, so long as he or she

determines it provides the same level of protection for

resources, fish, and wildlife and either costs less to

implement or would result in more efficient operation of the

hydroelectric facility. Requires the resources agencies to

establish a process to expeditiously resolve any disputes

involving resource or fish and wildlife conditions. Strikes

the incentive payment program for hydro-power contained in

this title.

Green (TX) #33. Division A. Changes the ``hold harmless''

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) threshold

from $1.95 billion to $1 billion.

Hastings (FL) #69 Division C. Directs the Secretary of

Energy to take all necessary steps and efforts to mitigate

any adverse impacts that U.S. energy policy and the

provisions of H.R. 6 may have on minority, rural, Native

American, and underserved communities. Requires the Secretary

of Energy to submit to Congress an annual report detailing

the Department's efforts to implement this requirement.

Inslee-Holt-Spratt #74 Substitute. Strikes all after the

enacting clause. Sets Energy Performance Goals for the

country. Provides the tools needed to achieve the Energy

Performance Goals. These tools include innovative use of the

tax code, investment in R&D, and federal expenditures in

existing infrastructure needs. Requires the Administration to

set up a monitoring system to track progress towards the

Energy Performance Goals. Should measures be needed in

addition to the tools provided, the amendment directs the

President to initiate voluntary, regulatory, or other

actions that may be needed to achieve the Energy

Performance Goals. All expenses are offset by freezing the

upper income tax cuts scheduled for 2004, closure of the

offshore corporate tax loophole, and removal of abusive

tax shelters.

Kind #27 Division C. Strikes heading for Title II of

Division C and inserts ``(Outer Continental Shelf).''

Establishes a framework for permitting alternative-energy-

related uses on the Outer Continental Shelf not already

expressly covered by existing statutes. Assigns authority for

this program to the Department of Interior's Minerals

Management Service which, under existing law, administers

federal leasing and operations for oil, gas, and other

mineral activities on the Outer Continental Shelf. Specifies

the types of areas that should be avoided, such as marine

protected areas, and provides for more State and public input

throughout the process. Provides a mechanism for identifying,

in advance, appropriate sites for developing offshore wind

energy facilities that provide the greatest source of energy

with the least damage to the environment. Also provides a

process for soliciting competing proposals for renewable

energy facilities in the same locations and compensation to

the government for the value of the license.

Levin #72 Placeholder. Division A. Replaces the vehicle tax

incentives provisions in Section D, Title I, of H.R. 6 with a

modified version of the Clean, Efficient Automobiles

Resulting from Advanced Car Technologies Act of 2003 (CLEAR

Act). Expands the alternative vehicle tax incentives, covers

a broader array of advanced vehicle technologies, and

provides additional incentives for the purchase of

alternative vehicles.

Maloney #20 Division C. Strikes Section 30201, a section

that makes permanent the Interior Secretary's authority to

take royalties-in-kind (RIK) instead of cash payments from

leaseholders for oil and gas removed from federal and Indian

lands.

Nadler #59 Division A. Adds $30 billion to help purchase

and secure excess Russian plutonium and highly-enriched

uranium. Authorizes funding to purchase excess Russian

plutonium, convert Russian plutonium pits to oxide, and to

immobilize and irradiate up to 100 megatons of excess

plutonium. Provides for funding to purchase highly-enriched

uranium and to make improvements to the security of nuclear

material in Russia. Also provides funds to employ

knowledgeable nuclear personnel and to downsize facilities.

Oberstar #44 Division A. Strikes section 12403 relating to

the permanent exemption for construction activities

associated with oil and gas exploratory and production

operations from storm-water discharge requirements of the

Clean Water Act.

Rahall #3 Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to

Division C. Title I--Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Project;

Title II--Western Area Power Administration; Title III--

Energy Alternatives and Efficiency Regarding Federal Lands;

Title IV--Establishment of Indian Energy Programs; Title V--

Insular Areas Energy Security; Title VI--Sensible Development

of Renewable Energy Resources of the Outer Continental Shelf;

Title VII--Surface Owner Property Rights and Protection;

Title VIII--Royalty Fairness; Title IX--Reclamation of

Abandoned Coal Mine Sites; Title X--Land and Water

Conservation Fund Enhancement; and Title XI--Coastal

Withdrawals. This amendment is identical to the substitute

offered by Mr. Rahall to the Committee Print at the Resources

Committee's markup on April 2, 2003.

Rahall #5 Division D. Strikes Section 42011 of Division D,

relating to the prepayment of premium liability for coal

industry health benefits.

Sandlin #75 Replaces the tax division of H.R. 6 and

replaces it with the text of H.R. 1436, the Energy

Independence and Security Act. Additionally, the

Sandlin amendment would offset the cost of the energy tax

incentives contained within the amendment by freezing the

cut in the highest marginal tax rate.

Stupak #47 Division C. Prohibits any new drilling to

extract oil or gas reserves from any bottomlands of the Great

Lakes under federal jurisdiction.

Sessions/Hall #34 Division A. Establishes a process to

identify and implement actions the federal government can

take that will ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, the

production of domestic natural gas supplies sufficient to

provide residential consumers with natural gas at reasonable

and stable prices; provide industrial, manufacturing, and

commercial consumers with natural gas at prices that do not

result in plant closures and job losses; facilitate the

attainment of national amient air quality standards under the

Clean Air Act; allow for reductions in greenhouse gas

emissions; and to support development of the preliminary

phases of hydrogen-based energy sectors. States the goal of

the United States should

be to produce from domestic natural gas reserves at least 85%

of the annual projected domestic demand for natural gas.

Solis #29 Division A. Amends Section 12201 on hydraulic

fracturing by striking the current section and inserting

language that requires: a completed EPA hydraulic fracturing

study and independent scientific review by the National

Academy of Science; a regulatory determination by the

Administration of the EPA; preservation of federal authority

to respond in the future where endangerment or adverse health

effects are established. Citizens would be precluded from

filing lawsuits to force states to regulate under the Safe

Drinking Water Act.

Udall (CO) #31 Division C. Provides for grants of up to $20

per ton to enable operators of biomass facilities to purchase

brush, small trees, and other material removed from forests

in order to reduce the risk of forest fires. Allows the grant

money to be used only to purchase material removed from

forest lands near communities.

Udall (CO) #32 Division C. Requires companies developing

onshore federally-owned oil or gas to: replace any damaged

water supplies; assure any water injected underground does

not damage an aquifer; comply with all federal and state laws

applicable to water not injected underground; submit a

proposed water-management plan with the application for an

oil or gas lease.

Udall (NM) #39 Division A. Requires retail electricity

suppliers (except for municipal and cooperative utilities)

obtain 15% of their power production from a portfolio of

renewable energy resources by 2020, increasing to 20% by

2025.

Udall (NM) #41 Division C. Requires the creation of surface

use agreements between private landowners, ranchers and

farmers, and the oil and gas industry prior to any

development of subsurface mineral rights owned by the federal

government.

Velazquez #28 Division A. Prevents a disproportionate share

of power plants from being sited in low-income and minority

communities. Gives citizens greater influence over the

permitting and siting process.

Waxman #35 Division A. Sense of Congress that summarizes

the current scientific understanding of climate change, its

potential effects, and the position of the United States

regarding climate change. States that it is the sense of

Congress that the United States should demonstrate

international leadership and responsibility in addressing

climate change.

Waxman #36 Division A. Requires the Administration to take

voluntary, regulatory, and other actions to reduce oil demand

in the United States by 600,000 barrels per day from

projected levels by 2010. Does not per se mandate changes to

C.A.F.E. standards.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 190 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 190 waives clause 6(a) of rule XIII requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day it is reported from the Committee on Rules against certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules. The waiver authorized by this resolution applies to any special rule reported on the legislative day of April 10, 2003, providing for the consideration of or disposition of a conference report to accompany the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 95, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2004, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2003 and 2005 through 2013.

Mr. Speaker, I would advise my colleagues that adoption of this resolution is made necessary because the work of the conferees on the budget resolution has taken longer than anticipated. Fortunately, however, the conference has now completed its work, and it is imperative that the House consider the proposed conference report on the budget before beginning its April district work period.

So accordingly, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 190.

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

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

I think this is a very fair rule because, as I pointed out right from the start, we have to comply with the law which says we have to have a resolution passed by both bodies by April 15.

We all know that the Easter break we have is always a week before and a week after Easter. I congratulate the conferees on both the House and Senate for getting a budget done this year.

I would remind the gentleman, if he recalls, last year we did not have a budget. We did have a budget in the House, we did not have a budget in the Senate. As a result, we had a very difficult time putting the appropriation bills together. So I think that the conferees have done an excellent job.

This rule simply provides for consideration of the budget today.

Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Speaker, this is a rule to allow for same-day consideration of the budget resolution when the conferees finish their conference, which they did today. There is a layover of time from the time the conference was done until they reported it in the House, so we complied with the House rules.

My understanding of the provision in the rules of the House means that an adoption of this budget this year will raise the debt ceiling, which, of course, we are running deficits because of the war effort and the downturn of the economy for this year.

No. However, if our rules continue to have the provision that allows a budget vote to raise the debt, then we will take this up next year. But my understanding is this is for this year.

That is correct.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Rules.

(Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Rules.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the remaining time.

This is a rule that allows us to consider the budget resolution that we have to get out by law so we can plan for the appropriation process, which I know will be difficult. So I urge my colleagues to support this resolution that allows us to consider a rule and ultimately the budget resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

The previous question was ordered.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 191 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

(Mr. HASTINGS of Washington asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 191 waives all points of order against the conference report to accompany H. Con. Res. 95 and against its consideration. The rule also provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides 1 hour of debate in the House to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member on the Committee on the Budget.

Mr. Speaker, the conference report we will shortly be asked to consider is absolutely essential to our efforts to stimulate economic growth and to simplify and reform our Federal tax system.

The agreement would produce steadily declining deficits, and would achieve a balanced budget by the year 2012. In addition, this agreement provides for the total supplemental appropriation necessary to fund the war in Iraq, and provides separate $400 billion reserve funds in the House and Senate for Medicare reform, including prescription drug coverage.

On taxes, the budget conference report provides for total tax relief of $1.226 trillion during the years 2003 to 2013. For fiscal year 2004, the conference agreement provides for discretionary spending of $400 billion for defense and nondefense discretionary spending of $384.4 billion. The budget also includes $26.7 billion for the Department of Homeland Security, a 35 percent increase over the current fiscal year, and provides additional homeland security-related funds for the Departments of Defense, Justice and Health and Human Services.

Of special note is a provision in the budget establishing a $5.6 billion reserve fund over a 10-year period for Bioshield, which will help protect the public from emerging threats of chemical, biological, or radiological agents. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the budget agreement directs all congressional committees to identify existing waste, fraud and abuse and report back to the Committee on the Budget, with an accompanying report by the nonpartisan General Accounting Office.

Mr. Speaker, we learned the hard way last year the consequences of proceeding with the appropriation process without a budget agreed upon by both Houses of Congress. It is a lesson that I believe once learned should never be repeated. We simply must complete our work in a responsible fashion. The American people expect and deserve no less. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to adopt this rule and support the conference report on the budget for fiscal year 2004.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I reserve my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I reserve my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to yield back if the gentleman from Massachusetts is.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I would remind my colleagues, this is a rule to consider a conference report on the budget. This is a very difficult budget because we are in a war.

I might add, Mr. Speaker, that this is the first budget conference report in 2 years, because last year we did not have a budget because the other body did not adopt a budget; and we had to go through this process and ended up with an omnibus, which I think made everybody unhappy.

But we have completed our work this year. We are supposed to have a budget this time of the year. We knew we were going to break around Easter. The Committee on the Budget chairman, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nussle), has done a terrific job. I commend him for the job that he has done. I think we will have a debate on the content of the budget when we adopt this rule so we can take up the conference report.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

The previous question was ordered.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 8 o'clock and 21 minutes a.m.), the House adjourned until today, Thursday, April 10, 2003, at 10 a.m.