Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1389 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida, my friend, Mr. Diaz-Balart. All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only. I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I also ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 1389.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 1389 provides for consideration of the conference report on H.R. 4137, the Higher Education Opportunity Act. The rule, which is a traditional conference report rule, waives all points of order against the conference report and against its consideration, and provides that the conference report shall be considered as read.

It should be noted that despite the blanket waiver, the conference report does not violate either clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The conference report fully complies with the earmark and PAYGO rules of the House.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Chairman Miller on his dedication to bringing this bill before us. I also want to thank Ranking Member McKeon and the rest of the Education and Labor Committee for their work on this bill. I also want to acknowledge Senator Kennedy for his hard work and constant commitment to this important issue.

It has been 10 years since the Higher Education Act was authorized, and with this conference agreement Congress will continue the vision of Lyndon Johnson's great society where college is accessible and affordable to every American.

As our Nation continues to experience economic uncertainty, it is imperative that we make a college education more affordable. The unfortunate reality is that skyrocketing costs are putting a college education out of the reach for many middle-class families.

According to a recent College Board report, over the last 5 years tuition and fees at 4-year public institutions have increased 31 percent after inflation. At private universities, tuition has increased 17 percent.

In addition to rising tuition, students and their families face a cumbersome Federal student aid application process that is overly complex and difficult to manage. Mr. Speaker, the Higher Education Opportunity Act will resolve many of these issues, thereby continuing this Congress' efforts to make college more affordable and accessible.

Nearly one year ago, the President signed into law landmark changes to lender subsidies and student aid, followed shortly after by a law to ensure access to loans and increase loan limits. And now, we are reauthorizing legislation that will, for the first time in 10 years, reform our higher education system so that it operates in the best interest of students and families.

Specifically, the bill will require colleges to report reasons for any tuition hikes, and plans for lowering student costs. H.R. 4137 will reform and simplify the student loan system by requiring institutions and lenders to adopt strict codes of conduct, many of which were included in the Sunshine Act which passed the House last year.

In an effort to be consumer friendly and provide full disclosure of all options available for each student, the bill requires the Secretary to develop a Web-based calculator to allow families to compare the costs of different colleges. And it also requires lenders to provide students with complete disclosure of the borrowing options, giving them 30 days after the approval of loans to find better deals.

Equally important, the bill provides for an increase in Pell Grant funding from $5,800 to $8,000. This will give more of our youth the opportunity to attend a university. The bill will also expand college access and support for low-income and minority students by allowing students to receive Pell Grant scholarship aid year around.

H.R. 4137 will also expand college opportunities for disabled citizens by expanding eligibility for Pell Grant scholarships and establishing a national center to provide support services.

During times of war, it is extremely important to ensure that our military families and returning veterans have the support services they deserve. This bill will increase college aid and support for veterans and military families, create a new scholarship program for active duty military personnel and their family members, and ensure fairness in student and housing aid for veterans.

The bill also encourages students who graduate from college to enter into public service in high-need areas by granting loan forgiveness. It also provides up to $2,000 a year for 5 years for nurses, teachers, mental health professionals, and other low-paying but crucial professionals. I know this loan assistance and forgiveness will help my home of State of California that is suffering from a lack of nurses, teachers, and other vital support professionals who protect and assist our children and most reliant Americans.

Simply put, this conference report will not only advance the opportunity for every American to go to college, but will also put us on track toward creating a better America.

As Lyndon Johnson said, ``We must open the doors of opportunity, but we must also equip our people to walk through those doors.'' Our Constitution creates those doors of opportunity, and today this bill will equip our constituents to walk through those doors.

I want to thank once again Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon for coming together on this important legislation. I stand strongly in support of the Higher Education Opportunity Act. This is long overdue, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, my friend, Mr. Fattah.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio, a fellow member of the Rules Committee, Ms. Sutton.

Mr. Speaker, I'm privileged to yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop).

Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell the gentleman I have two additional speakers.

Mr. Speaker, it's my privilege to yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu).

I have no additional speakers. I will reserve.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Diaz-Balart, and I yield myself the balance of my time.

I would like to say, first, that nearly 80 percent of offshore oil is in areas that are already open for exploration. In fact, 68 million acres, onshore and offshore, are already under lease by oil companies, but not being drilled.

Democrats have said ``use it or lose it'' to the oil companies: drill the oil or give up the lease to someone who will. And Democrats have called for mandatory leasing in the National Petroleum

Reserve in Alaska, which has more oil than the Arctic Wildlife Refuge.

Oil companies have billions of barrels of American oil available to them right now, and the President's own Department of Energy says the impact of any new drilling will be insignificant, promising only pennies per gallon a decade or two down the road.

Under Democratic leadership, the Congress has enacted into law the first new vehicle fuel efficiency standards in 32 years, saving up to $1,000 in gas per car per year; a historic commitment to American-grown biofuels, which are keeping gas prices 15 percent lower now than they would otherwise be as a result of blended fuels; action to impact record gas prices by suspending oil purchasing for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; recovery rebates that help Americans struggling with rising prices, including gas, with a check of $600 or more. And what we're doing today, making college more affordable, will help American working families.

Mr. Speaker, the rule before us today is a fair rule that allows us to highlight educational challenges and offers remedies for them in order to create a better tomorrow.

It is our responsibility to provide our constituents with greater access to a college education, especially at a time when the price of college is steadily increasing.

This bill will complete a year of important changes to higher education policy. Nearly 1 year ago, the Democratic Congress took the lead on landmark changes to lender subsidies and student aid, followed by a measure to ensure access to loans and increase loan limits. And now we will send the President yet another bill that makes college more affordable and address the student loan process.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule.

The material previously referred to by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida is as follows:

Amendment to H. Res. 1389 Offered by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida

At the end of the resolution, add the following:

Sec. 2. Immediately upon the adoption of this resolution

the House shall, without intervention of any point of order,

consider in the House the bill (H.R. 6107) to direct the

Secretary of the Interior to establish and implement a

competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in

an environmentally sound program for the exploration,

development, and production of the oil and gas resources of

the Coastal Plain of Alaska, and for other purposes. All

points of order against the bill are waived. The bill shall

be considered as read. The previous question shall be

considered as ordered on the bill and any amendment thereto

to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one

hour of debate on the bill equally divided and controlled by

the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Natural

Resources, and (2) an amendment in the nature of a substitute

if offered by Representative Rahall of West Virginia or his

designee, which shall be considered as read and shall be

separately debatable for 40 minutes equally divided and

controlled by the proponent and an opponent; and (3) one

motion to recommit with or without instructions.

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

The previous question was ordered.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and acknowledge 440 amazing young men and women that exemplify hope, dedication, and patriotism. Today, Class XIV graduates from the Western Regional Campus of the AmeriCorps NCCC program in Sacramento, California.

The National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a full time residential national service program conducting national service efforts across the country. This program is truly one of a kind and is an incredibly valuable asset to our nation. These volunteers support the foundation of our country's infrastructure: our educational system, homeland security defenses, and disaster recovery efforts. Their compassion and hope is essential to our civil society.

In a year that saw devastating tornados, catastrophic floods, dangerous wildfires, and continued recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, the Sacramento NCCC campus graduates contributed their hearts and hard work to helping their fellow citizens when those individuals needed it most.

NCCC participants learn invaluable life skills, but even more important, they learn the intangible value of service. How to pass that value along to others as engaging and organizing local volunteers is an essential part of the program's effectiveness.

In the past ten months, the 440 inspiring men and women of the Western Regional Campus have completed more than 350,000 hours of service nationwide. They have shaped lives by spending 30,000 hours tutoring nearly 10,000 elementary school students. They have given hope to those who need it most by assisting more than 46,000 families in the Gulf Coast, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oregon, and by constructing 193 new homes with Habitat for Humanity. They have been on the front lines of disaster relief by responding to 12 wildfires in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. But perhaps most important, they have taught others the tools and value of service, leveraging more than 63,000 volunteers, nearly 150 for each program participant.

Madam Speaker, these young men and women from all across the country are a shining example of the benefits of National Service. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 440 graduates of the Sacramento Western Regional NCCC Campus for their hard work and invaluable service to their country. Congratulations Class XIV!

It is my sincere hope that our country's national service infrastructure will continue to

grow and engage thousands more in the experience of serving their communities and serving their country.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time and I rise in support of H. Res. 1357.

Mr. Speaker, on August 10, 2008, this Nation will acknowledge the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Liberties Act. This anniversary is an opportunity for all Americans to appreciate our Nation's willingness to admit and remedy its past mistakes, and for Americans to learn from these past mistakes. We must never forget that from past injustice can come great awakening. And today, we remember the past to preserve our future freedoms.

On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which led to internment of over 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent, including my mother and my father, my grandparents, my aunts and my uncles and all their friends. During that moment, our government, at all levels, was blinded by war and made decisions that are contrary to our Constitution.

The failure of each branch of government to uphold the rights of individuals must be taught so that future generations resist succumbing to the politics of fear.

It took nearly three decades before the government began to acknowledge this failure. President Gerald Ford formally rescinded Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1976. And shortly after, Congress passed legislation which was signed by President Jimmy Carter on July 31, 1980.

The bill established the Commission on Wartime Relocation and internment of civilians. Its charge was to investigate the internment of Japanese Americans and legal resident aliens during World War II.

After hearing from over 750 witnesses, over 20 days of hearings, the Commission published a report entitled Personal Justice Denied. And I might say that for many of these individuals, that was the first time they ever talked about the internment.

The Commission concluded that Executive Order 9066 was not justified by military necessity. It went on to find that the decision to issue the order was shaped by race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership.

Because of these compelling findings, Congress passed the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 with bipartisan support. The bill granted reparations for interned Japanese Americans. It also formally acknowledged the fundamental injustices resulting from the Executive Order, apologized on behalf of the people of the United States for those injustices, and vowed to discourage similar injustices and violations of civil liberties in the future.

And today, 20 years later, we can reaffirm this commitment because of one of the darkest periods of our Nation's history, we learned of the damage that can be done when we let the politics of fear cloud our judgment.

Our efforts to preserve this painful period of our country's history continue to this day. Many of my colleagues are working to support internment site preservation as a physical reminder of past inequality. It is important that future generations will be able to visit the internment camps to gain understanding of the burdens of past generations that have allowed us to live in a free and just society today.

But there is still work to be done. During the interviews the Commission discovered efforts of the United States Government during World War II to relocate and intern approximately 2,300 Latin Americans of Japanese descent. These individuals were not only taken from their country to be interned in another country, but they were also exchanged for United States citizens held by axis nations.

Additionally, the government classified German-born and Italian-born immigrants as enemy aliens and required them to carry identification. They restricted their property rights and travel rights during this time period and arrested, interned and detained thousands of European Americans.

All of those who suffered from misguided government policies during

World War II deserve to have their stories come to light. Their experience should be fully recognized and preserved for future generations to learn from.

I hope every American will take this anniversary to reaffirm their commitment to our Constitution and the rights and protections it guarantees all of us. This commitment is a way to prevent such injustice from ever becoming a reality again.

As you look back on a time in our Nation's history and how our country has responded since, we should have hope for the future.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Virgil Brown's 30 years of service to the Sacramento Police Department. Lieutenant Brown leaves a lasting legacy in Sacramento and his leadership and expertise will be deeply missed. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring one of Sacramento's finest public servants.

Lieutenant Brown began his career with the Sacramento Police Department as a community service officer in June 1978. By December of that year Lieutenant Brown was promoted to the rank of police officer in the Patrol Division. During his time on patrol his work ethic distinguished himself from others and in 1983 he tested for and was assigned to the Crime Suppression Unit where he had a 92 percent conviction rate. In 1989 he was promoted to detective in the Special Investigation Division During his time as detective he conducted major multi-jurisdictional narcotic investigations, resulting in the arrest of many suspects and the recovery of thousands of pounds of cocaine and hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In 1995 Lieutenant Brown was assigned to the Office of the Chief Criminal Intelligence Unit where he worked with the Secret Service and sat on the Greater Sacramento Area Taskforce on Hate Crimes. Over the next few years Lieutenant Brown continued to distinguish himself on all of his assignments and was promoted to the rank of sergeant. In 1999 he was assigned to the North Area Patrol Division, and was promoted to his current rank of lieutenant, assigned to the Office of Operation in 2006 where he currently works as a watch commander for the south and east areas of Sacramento.

During his tenure with the Sacramento Police Department Lieutenant Brown has been honored for his hard work and dedication to Sacramento's safety. In 1991 he was named Narcotic Officer of the Year by H.I.P., the Joint Narcotic Investigation Taskforce of the Sacramento Police Department and the Sacramento Sheriff's Department. That same year he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition for the narcotic investigation of Oscar Garcia Escobar, Cali Cartel cocaine trafficker. In 1994 Lieutenant Brown was honored with a Special Award of Honor in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in the field of Narcotic Law Enforcement by the International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association in New York and was named the Narcotics Officer of the Year by the California Narcotic Officers Association.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Lieutenant Virgil Brown's distinguished commitment to law enforcement and Sacramento's safety. Lieutenant Brown's outstanding leadership and dedication to the Sacramento Police Department, has reduced crime and made Sacramento a better and safer place for us to live and work. We all are thankful for his efforts. As Lieutenant Brown's colleagues, family and friends gather to honor his service, I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing him continued good fortune in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute of Nisei Pioneer Day and the past generations of Japanese American baseball players, coaches, and teams. For over a century, Japanese American baseball has been a strong bond that brought communities and cultures together while also teaching good sportsmanship. As the Japanese American community and baseball fans gather to celebrate the Nisei Pioneer Day Program in Sacramento, I ask that all my colleagues join me in honoring Nisei baseball.

Baseball has been an important sport in the Japanese community since it was first introduced in Japan in 1872 by American school teacher Horace Wilson. By the turn of the century baseball had become the Nation's most popular sport and in 1905 Japan's national champion Waseda University team toured the United States competing against various American colleges. Unfortunately, during this same time, anti- Japanese movements were on the rise in the United States. During this difficult time, Nisei baseball was able to bring Japanese Americans into the Nation's mainstream.

The 1920s and 1930s are often referred to as the ``Golden Age'' of Japanese American baseball. During this time many Japanese American communities across the West Coast were organizing teams and leagues. This brought the Japanese American community together in the wake of increasing anti-Japanese legislation. While laws such as the Immigration Act of 1924 were effectively ending Japanese immigration into the United States, baseball was providing a valuable bridge between the East and West Coast cultures for Issei and

Nisei here in the United States. It continued to play an important role in defining and developing a cultural identity throughout the 1930s.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor and President Roosevelt's Executive Order initiating the removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans, the tradition of baseball resonated within these communities. Daily baseball games not only served as a distraction from the monotony of the internment camps, but it also provided them with a sense of normalcy and community. Today we celebrate the historical impact Nisei baseball has had not only on the Japanese American community in the United States, but across our Nation as a whole. It provided a sense of community during one of the darkest periods of our Nation's history.

In recent years Japanese ballplayers have helped transform the game of baseball at the highest levels. Japanese players competing at the major league level, such as Ichiro Suzuki, Hideki Matsui and Hideo Nomo, have been instrumental in attracting new fans to the sport. The success of these major leaguers and the strides made by past Nisei and Issei ballplayers have led to a rich and rooted history that can be celebrated for generations to come.

I am honored to pay tribute to a century of Japanese American baseball and the enduring effect it has had on the Japanese American community. On behalf of the people of Sacramento and the Fifth Congressional District of California, I ask all my colleagues to join me in commemorating the past and present Japanese American baseball pioneers and their lasting legacy on our country.

Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act. This bicameral, comprehensive cruise safety reform legislation has been informed by 2 years of research and numerous Congressional hearings.

Madam Speaker, over 12 million Americans will travel on cruise lines in 2008. Within 5 years, that number is expected to reach 20 million. Unfortunately, few of these passengers fully appreciate how vulnerable they are to crime while at sea. Cruise ships, which operate under foreign flags of convenience, are not required under U.S. law to report crimes that occur outside of U.S. territorial waters. Citizens who are victimized often do not know their legal rights or who to contact for help in the immediate aftermath of the crime.

In recent years, the media has reported on a number of high profile cases of passengers falling overboard, passengers gone missing and passengers being raped and sexually assaulted. Sadly, many of these cases remain unresolved.

My involvement in this issue began after a young woman from my district, Laurie Dishman, came to me for assistance after she had been a victim of a violent crime on a cruise ship. Laurie shared her shocking story with me in a letter 2 years ago. At its heart, this bill addresses the concerns brought to my office 2 years ago by my constituent, Laurie Dishman.

As a passenger on board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Laurie was raped by a crew member. One of the most disturbing aspects of Laurie's case is that the cruise ship on which she was raped had inadequate security staff. As a result, the cruise line promoted someone with no training to perform security personnel duties. If a real security guard had been on duty that evening, Laurie may have been spared her awful ordeal. The tragedy that ensued is something that Laurie will never forget.

Laurie was brave enough to report the incident to the crew authorities, even though they treated her poorly and with little sensitivity. She also reported the crime to the FBI. Unfortunately, the U.S. Attorney's office declined the case for prosecution just 4 days later.

I have since learned that there have been no convictions for rape cases on cruise lines in four decades. This statistic takes on a new meaning through the lens of Laurie's experience.

Laurie told her story at a Transportation and Infrastructure, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee hearing on crimes on cruise ships. At the hearing she spoke of her experience and also ways to improve prevention methods, including: peep holes and security latches on stateroom doors; instituting sensitivity training for crew members; and ensuring more CCTV cameras in hallways.

After the hearing, I introduced the Protect Americans from Crimes on Cruise Ships Resolution on September 17, 2007, with Representatives Christopher Shays and Carolyn Maloney. The resolution has over 30 cosponsors.

The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee held a follow-up hearing on September 19, 2007. We heard from other victims, some who were raped or assaulted while on a cruise; others who lost family members at sea. Unfortunately, we did not hear that the cruise lines had changed many of their standard operating procedures to reflect the previous hearing. In fact, just a few weeks before the hearing, a young woman had been raped on a cruise ship and was not given access to proper care.

These incidents beg the question: what is the process when a crime is committed on a cruise line and what recourse do victims have? The more Members of Congress have inquired, the more we have learned that there is no shortage of cases of rape, sexual assaults of minors, alcohol- related fighting and abuse, and persons overboard.

Most recently, Senator Kerry and Senator Lautenberg held a hearing on cruise safety. Less than a month before the hearing, a constituent of Senator Lautenberg's went missing while on a cruise, and was believed to have gone overboard. The family was not immediately notified of the incident. This incident occurred 4 years after Ken Carver's daughter, Merrian, went missing on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska. Since then, Ken has been instrumental in organizing victims to promote safety on cruise ships, including starting the International Cruise Victims organization and developing a 10-point program to improve safety on cruise ships.

Today, as a result of Mr. Carver, Ms. Dishman, and all of the many families of victims who have suffered so greatly, I am introducing a comprehensive reform bill with my esteemed colleagues Chris Shays, Carolyn Maloney, Lloyd Doggett and John Lewis to address the public safety concerns on cruise ships.

Our legislation seeks to improve ship safety, provide transparency in reporting, improve crime scene response, improve training procedures and enforce safety and environmental standards.

Improve Ship Safety. Our legislation would improve ship safety by mandating guard rails to reach 54 inches in height and entry doors of each passenger stateroom and crew cabin to have peep holes, security latches, and time sensitive key technology. Ship owners would be required to implement fire safety codes as well as technology to detect when a passenger falls overboard. Procedures would also be established to determine which crew members have access to staterooms and when.

Provide Transparency in Reporting. The legislation would establish a reporting structure based on the current voluntary agreement in place between the cruise industry, the FBI, and the Coast Guard. Additionally, each ship would be required to maintain a log book, which would record all deaths, missing individuals, alleged crimes, and passenger/crewmember complaints regarding theft, sexual harassment, and assault. The log books would be available to FBI and Coast Guard electronically, as well as to any law enforcement officer upon request. Statistical information would be posted on a public Web site maintained by the Coast Guard.

Improve Crime Scene Response. Each ship would be required to maintain antiretroviral medications and medications used to prevent sexually transmitted diseases after assault, as well as equipment and materials for performing a medical examination to determine if a victim has been raped. A United States licensed medical practitioner would be on every ship to perform the necessary examinations and to administer treatment. Private medical information would be protected, and would require written authorization for release. Additionally, all passengers would be given free, immediate, and confidential access to a National Sexual Assault Hotline and the FBI.

Improve Training Procedures. The legislation would establish a program designed by the Coast Guard and the FBI, and certified by the Administrator of the Maritime Administration, to train appropriate crewmembers in crime scene investigation. Each ship would be required to maintain one crewmember trained and certified under such a program.

Enforce Safety and Environmental Standards. The Coast Guard is authorized to dispatch personnel to monitor discharge of waste, to verify logbook entries related to waste treatment and disposal, and to act as public safety officers by securing and collecting evidence of alleged crimes. Additionally, the Secretary of the Coast Guard shall

conduct a study of passenger security needs and report findings to Congress.

Established Equitable Remedies. The bill also establishes fair and equal remedies for persons injured in boating disasters.

Madam Speaker, nearly all cruise ships operate under a foreign flag. U.S. citizens who are victimized onboard cruise ships often do not know their legal rights or who to contact for help in the immediate aftermath of crimes. Unfortunately, few U.S. nationals are aware that they are at risk of being the victims of crime while on their vacations. And, it is even more concerning that these victims have inadequate access to assistance or law enforcement in the aftermath of the crime. Cruises operate in a legal vacuum, where a lack of accountability empowers predators and obstructs their victims' pursuit of justice. That is an unacceptable situation, made worse by the cruise lines' own efforts to avoid scrutiny of and accountability for their own handling of the security of their passengers.

My hope is that with increased Congressional oversight, the cruise lines will finally take these crimes seriously and enact necessary reforms. This comprehensive legislation will give Americans who are victims of crime on a cruise ship access to justice, and require that necessary steps are taken to bring the perpetrators of such crimes to justice. The legislation will also ensure that the cruise industry provides information to passengers about security risks and maintain necessary security personnel on each ship.

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2008 addresses the ongoing safety concerns on cruise ships and will help ensure that the millions of men, women and children who cruise each year are informed, aware and safe on cruise ships. I urge all of my colleagues to cosponsor this important bicameral, comprehensive legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to Dennis Mangers as he retires after

nearly 27 successful years with the California Cable & Telecommunications Association. As Dennis enters the next phase in his life and his family and friends gather to celebrate his illustrious career, I ask that all my colleagues join me in honoring his many remarkable accomplishments.

For the last 27 years, Dennis has been a tireless pioneer for the cable industry. As a chief lobbyist and then the head of the California Cable & Telecommunications Association, Dennis has garnered many accolades for his efforts. In 1994, he was given the Brad Wojcoski Award, an honor reserved to recognize a cable and telecommunications industry employee whose efforts have made a significant impact in the fight against HIV and AIDS in their local community. In 1998 he received the Vanguard Award, which is the cable industry's highest decoration for outstanding service at the State and regional level. And in 2004, Dennis was inducted into the Cable Center's Cable Pioneer Exhibit, which applauds groundbreaking leaders in the cable industry.

In addition to his invaluable work in the private sector for the cable industry, Dennis has had an impressive career in the public sector. His remarkable journey began as a teacher in the Long Beach Unified School District in 1964. As an educator, Dennis worked diligently to ensure that every child received equal access to quality education. In 1968, he became one of California's youngest school principals, serving first at the Earlimart Elementary School in Tulare and later at the Fountain Valley Elementary School in Orange County.

Dennis's devotion to improving our educational system continued with him as a California State Assemblyman. Elected in 1976, he quickly became the chair of the Subcommittee on Educational Reform. This allowed him to lead the State Legislative Task Force for the Improvement of Pre- and In-Service Training for School Administrators. This program helped recruit teachers and school administrators for California's educational system. Additionally, during his time in the Assembly, Dennis authored the Gifted and Talented Education Act (GATE). The GATE program is now a staple of California's educational system and allows for unique educational opportunities for students who have been identified as high achieving.

From his love for singing, to his enthusiasm for education, to his years giving back to the public as an elected official, Dennis has experienced many great things in his lifetime while also being active with many nonprofits. Throughout his career Dennis has championed tolerance and appreciation of diversity in the Sacramento region and across California. Dennis was a founding member and currently serves as the chairman of the board of directors for the Capitol Unity Council. The council was formed after the murder of a gay couple and the torching of three of Sacramento's synagogues in 1999. The council works to promote tolerance in the community, and Dennis has been leading the effort to build a center for diversity in downtown Sacramento. Thanks to his vision, this project is moving forward and upon completion will serve as an interactive learning experience where youth and visitors will engage in programs and activities that embrace inclusion, honor California's diversity, and motivate people to play an active role in building unity in their communities.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the numerous contributions made by Dennis during his lifetime of service. During his career he has worked tirelessly to further causes he believes in and has touched many people's lives both directly and indirectly. On behalf of the people of Sacramento and the Fifth Congressional District of California, I ask all my colleagues to join me in thanking my friend, Dennis Mangers, for his public service as we wish him success in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1253 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions). All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only.

General Leave

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous materials into the Record.

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

H. Res. 1253 provides a structured rule for consideration of H.R. 6003, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008. The resolution provides 1 hour of general debate controlled by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and makes in order 8 of the 10 amendments submitted for consideration.

From coast to coast we are seeing the effects of rising fuel prices. Energy prices have been a regular topic here in Congress, in the newspapers, and at family dinner tables.

The average price of a gallon of gas in Sacramento just climbed to $4.41. My constituents are feeling this burden every single day. Driving to work and school is becoming more difficult and more costly for everyone.

The City of Sacramento also just started a major construction project on I-5, which cuts through the heart of my district. The already congested streets are going to become even more crowded.

That is why I am glad we are here considering such an important bill to reauthorize and invest in Amtrak. Our constituents are in desperate need of alternative modes of travel to combat both increased congestion as well as rising gas prices. Now is the time to capitalize on the renewed interest in passenger rail.

Millions of Americans from Atlanta to Sacramento are getting out of their cars and onto public transit. Many of these riders will be getting on rail for the first time. We must not let the opportunity to invest in our rail system pass us by.

From Greece to Paris to Tokyo, we have seen the economic benefits of intercity rail. Let's now bring these benefits to our Nation, our States, and our hometowns.

The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act takes great strides to improve Amtrak and give our constituents the flexibility they need to travel.

Amtrak was created in 1970 to preserve and reinvigorate intercity passenger rail service throughout the country. Since 1981, it has been the Nation's sole provider of regularly scheduled intercity passenger rail service.

In fiscal year 2007, Amtrak carried more than 25.8 million passengers, the fifth straight fiscal year of record ridership. Increased ridership numbers occurred across all of Amtrak's services in both corridor and long-distance routes. On average, more than 70,000 passengers ride on Amtrak every day.

Amtrak's financial performance has also improved in recent years, posting record gains in ticket sales. My region has seen the positive effects and benefits of having efficient transportation options. The Capitol Corridor line in California is showing that record numbers of Californians are choosing to use passenger rail. Ridership on the Capitol Corridor line is up 14 percent and revenue is up 21 percent from last year. On-time performance was also up from last year.

We can all agree that Amtrak needs to be brought into the 21st century. This legislation provides a comprehensive framework to improve Amtrak across the country. It increases capital and operating grants to Amtrak, helps bring the Northeast Corridor to a state of good repair, and makes various capital improvements.

H.R. 6003 also creates a new grant program for intercity passenger rail capital projects. Our urban centers will see tangible benefits and a commitment to getting cars off the streets by promoting alternative and efficient modes of transportation.

H.R. 6003 takes great strides to relieve rail congestion. It provides important congestion grants and works to resolve disputes between commuter and freight railroads. It also provides significant funding for high-speed rail corridors, including $1.75 billion for construction and equipment.

Simply put, this bill will reduce congestion and facilitate ridership growth.

I want to thank Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica for coming together on this important bipartisan legislation. I am proud that this Congress is taking this important issue and tackling it, and look forward to supporting this legislation.

Madam Speaker, passage of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act is an important step to demonstrating our commitment to infrastructure investment. This is long overdue, and I encourage everyone to support the rule and the underlying legislation to provide the country with a safe and alternative mode of travel.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, before I yield to the next speaker, I just want to remind my colleagues that all of the

Nation's major transportation systems receive significant Federal investment, with good reason. Investment in rail infrastructure creates jobs, helps with congestion, decreases our dependence on oil, and offers viable alternatives for many of our citizens, including the elderly and disabled.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Arcuri), a member of the Rules Committee and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional minute to the gentleman.

Madam Speaker, I'd just like to say that this bill creates a new State Capital Grants program for intercity passenger rail projects. These grants will help fund new facilities and equipment for intercity passenger rail and help move commuters off the roads and pollution out of the air.

The bill also authorizes $1.75 billion to develop 11 high-speed rail corridors. These corridors will help remove cars from the highway and reduce pollution.

With that, I would like to reserve my time.

Madam Speaker, I just want to point out that one of the ways we are addressing gas prices is by giving constituents alternative modes of transportation, thereby reducing the number of cars on the road. Passenger rail will reduce our demand on foreign oil and help us become more energy independent.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, first of all, at the end of the Clinton administration, oil was $27 a barrel. It is now $134 a barrel. A significant increase. And my friends on other side of the aisle are attempting to blame this newly elected Democratic Congress--I think someone on the other side said we have been here for 18 months--for this increase.

Furthermore, every bill that the Democrats bring before this Congress that attempts in any way, shape, fashion, or form to reduce the use and therefore the price of oil, the other side of the aisle votes ``no.''

The response to high oil prices was to give the big oil companies tax breaks. Well, that's not the priority of this Democratic Congress.

I want to talk about alternative energy. We want to invest in alternative modes of transportation like passenger rails which would take 8 million cars off the road. We want to reduce the dependence on foreign oil, the dependence on gas and on fossil fuels thereby making our country stronger both domestically and internationally.

The other side wants to talk about tax breaks for oil and gas companies. We're talking about investing in Amtrak and making our streets less congested, our skies cleaner, and our country less reliable on oil and gas.

What that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would like to yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown) for 3 minutes.

I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman.

Madam Speaker, I want to remind everybody that investing in Amtrak is an energy-efficient way to decrease our dependence on foreign oil. One rail line can carry the equivalent of 16 highway lanes, and Amtrak uses 50 percent less energy per passenger than air travel.

I will reserve the balance of my time.

I have no additional speakers, and I will close.

I would yield to the gentleman to use his time.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas, and I yield myself the balance of my time.

The rule before us today is a fair rule that allows us to highlight transportation challenges and our vision for a better tomorrow. It is Congress' responsibility to provide our constituents with alternative modes of transportation, especially as we see increased congestion and ever rising gas prices.

The Democratic majority is fighting to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and bring down gas prices and launch a cleaner, smarter energy future for America that lowers costs and creates hundreds and thousands of green jobs. This is a marked change from the 7 years of the current administration's energy policies of simply drilling for more fossil fuels and providing even greater taxpayer subsidies to big oil companies already earning record profits.

The underlying bill, H.R. 6033, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, takes huge steps to modernize Amtrak and give it the tools it needs to operate effectively and efficiently.

By giving this Nation viable passenger rail, we will be able to decrease our dependence on foreign oil and give commuters options to get to work and school. In fact, Amtrak takes 8 million cars off the road.

We have a commitment to maintain and improve the backbone of our Nation's transportation infrastructure system. This bill does just that, and I urge its adoption.

Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule.

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

Mr. Speaker, we are tasked with finding solutions that are innovative and multifaceted, to secure a better future for America.

Part of that responsibility is ensuring that young Americans have access to safe, constructive environments to learn in.

H.R. 3021 will help give our children and grandchildren the sound, healthy classrooms they need and deserve. It is clear that our schools are aging and in need of repairs . . . repairs that must be made to allow students to focus on learning and reaching their full potential.

Not only will we be investing in future generations of Americans, we will provide thousands of much-needed, high-quality jobs.

With the bill before us today, we are taking steps that will help address so many of the challenges we face.

The improvements made to schools will encourage green building techniques and help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. These standards will save school districts money on utilities for years to come.

In my district, the Natomas Unified School District, the state's only ``Climate Action Leader,'' recently received the Clean Air ``Government Award'' for its dedication to air quality and energy-saving techniques. It is innovative approaches like this that H.R. 3021 will encourage across the country.

I cannot help but think of my grandchildren, Anna and Robby; they are approaching school age, and I want them to be in a healthy environment that will enable them to reach their full potential.

I ask my colleagues to support the Rule and final passage of H.R. 3021.

The material previously referred to by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida is as follows:

Amendment to H. Res. 1234 Offered by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida

At the end of the resolution, add the following:

Sec. 3. Notwithstanding any other provision of this

resolution or the operation of the previous question, it

shall be in order to consider any amendment to the bill which

the proponent asserts, if enacted, would have the effect of

lowering the national average price per gallon of regular

unleaded gasoline. Such amendments shall be considered as

read, shall be debatable for thirty minutes equally divided

and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be

subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand

for division of the question in the House or in the Committee

of the Whole. All points of order against such amendments are

waived except those arising under clause 9 of rule XXI. For

purposes of compliance with clause 9(a)(3) of rule XXI, a

statement submitted for printing in the Congressional Record

by the proponent of such amendment prior to its consideration

shall have the same effect as a statement actually printed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. M. Magdalena Carrillo Mejia's years of service as the superintendent of the Sacramento City Unified School District. Dr. Mejia leaves a lasting legacy in Sacramento and she will be deeply missed. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring one of Sacramento's leaders in education.

After earning her bachelor's and master's degree in Multicultural Education from the

California State University, San Diego, Dr. Mejia has been a tireless advocate for education. She began her career in the Sweetwater Union High School District serving as a classroom teacher at Sweetwater High School and later at Mar Vista High School. Dr. Mejia's dedication to improving California's educational system led to her 1999 appointment as superintendent in the Montebello Unified School District. In 2000, Dr. Mejia received a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Southern California and was appointed superintendent of the Sacramento City Unified School District in 2003.

During her time as superintendent of the Sacramento City Unified School District, Dr. Mejia has developed and implemented a strategic plan entitled ``Success for Every Student by Name.'' This plan gives special attention to four essential areas for improving education: closing the achievement gap, ensuring a successful transition from middle school to high school, integrating physical, social and emotional supports with academics, and improving parent and community engagement. In addition, Dr. Mejia has led other innovative initiatives in Sacramento. This includes seeing that the Sacramento City School District became the first district in California to earn an international certification for standardizing procedures and practices at the central office. She undertook a rigorous district review with the guidance of the Annenberg Institute for School Reform, a process in which only ten districts in the Nation have engaged in. In 2007, Dr. Mejia was instrumental in the creation of a middle school task force to undertake reforms at that level. This has led to increased support for teachers and students alike.

Dr. Mejia has received many honors and professional recognition for her work in improving K-12 education. She was named the Association of California School Administrators Superintendent of the Year in 2006 and most recently she was one of the two California superintendents chosen by State Superintendent Jack O'Connell to represent California at the National Academy of Superintendents conference in Ohio. In addition Dr. Mejia has been awarded the first annual Administrator of the Year award from the California Association for Bilingual Education, named the Milken National Educator of the Year, and State Senator Martha Escutia's Woman of the Year for the 30th State Senate District.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Dr. M. Magdalena Carrillo Mejia's distinguished commitment to education here in Sacramento and throughout California. Dr. Mejia's outstanding leadership and dedication to the Sacramento City Unified School District has increased the performance of our schools and most importantly our students. We all are thankful for her efforts. As Dr. Mejia's husband Carlos, their two children, her colleagues, family and friends gather to honor her service, I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing her continued good fortune in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise in honor of Barbara McCarty, who passed away late last month in Hawaii.

Barbara's life was an American success story. She immigrated to the United States from England, became an American citizen, graduated from Sacramento State University and later earned a law degree. Through all of this, she raised 4 remarkable children as a single mother.

For the better part of the last 3 decades Barbara practiced law in Sacramento, primarily focusing on workers compensation cases. In 1992, she and a colleague staked out on their own and started a law practice. In addition to being a fine lawyer and wonderful mother, Barbara was a vibrant community leader. She was always active with women's causes and was engaged in many civic endeavors, even after she retired in Hawaii.

Barbara is survived by her children: Laura LaMarre; Kevin McCarty; Christopher McCarty; Trevor Nielsen; and her sister, Anne Gash. She also leaves behind 7 grandchildren and countless friends in Sacramento and Hawaii.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in paying honor to Barbara McCarty for her exemplary service to those of us in Sacramento and across the Nation. Her life and legacy--as a mother and advocate--will be an inspiration to us all. I ask that we take a moment and extend our utmost respect and condolences to her family.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Jeff McCracken's nearly 20 years of service as Director of Public Affairs for the Bureau of Reclamation's Mid-Pacific Region. Mr. McCracken leaves a lasting legacy in Sacramento and his leadership and expertise will be deeply missed. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring one of Sacramento's finest public servants.

After earning his bachelor's degree from California State University Fresno, Mr. McCracken spent more then 20 years in the broadcasting industry as a reporter, anchor and broadcast news consultant in numerous television markets across the county. He began his career with the Bureau of Reclamation in 1989 when he was appointed Director of Public Affairs and has spent nearly the last two decades communicating the complex water needs of the Mid-Pacific Region to the public. As Director of Public Affairs he is responsible not only for the Mid- Pacific Region's public affairs, but he also manages their outreach, education projects and internal employee information activities. His dedication to the Bureau of Reclamation is demonstrated through his work with the local community, the media, Members of Congress, Federal and State agency representatives, stakeholders and foreign dignitaries and has enabled the Bureau to build and maintain credibility in the water community.

During his tenure, the Mid-Pacific Region has successfully handled a prolonged drought in California, Nevada and Oregon, a toxic spill in the Sacramento River and the organization of the Bay-Delta Accord. In addition, the Bureau coordinated an extensive public involvement program to implement the 1992 Central Valley Project Improvement Act and provided essential leadership during the historic floods of 1997, the closure of Folsom Dam Road in 2003, the Prospect Island levee breach, repair, and resulting fish crisis in 2007, and the Truckee Canal breach and repair in 2008.

In 2005, Mr. McCracken was awarded a citation for superior service by Commissioner John Keys for his leadership during the Klamath Basis water and fish mortality crisis, the prolonged regional drought and the Folsom Dam spillway gate break. His guidance and accomplishments in media relations, public involvement and employee communications for the Bureau of Reclamation during these times made him truly deserving of this award. Mr. McCracken was again recognized in April of this year by Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne with a citation for meritorious service. For nearly two decades he has fostered respectful working relationships between the Region and representatives of the Federal, State and local governments, Indian Tribal governments, the media and the public. This citation justly recognized his commendable service and dedication to the Mid-Pacific Region and the Bureau of Reclamation as a whole.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Jeff McCracken's distinguished commitment to Sacramento and our water needs. Mr. McCracken's outstanding leadership and dedication to the Bureau of Reclamation, established credibility for the Bureau and has ensured better water resource management for Sacramento and the entire Mid- Pacific Region. We all are thankful for his efforts. As Mr. McCracken's wife Susan, colleagues, family and friends gather to honor his service, I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing her continued good fortune in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to one of the Sacramento Police Department's finest and bravest officers. Sacramento Police Officer Darin Miller is being awarded the Silver Medal of Valor for his heroic actions during a robbery at a Rite Aid pharmacy in Sacramento. As his law enforcement colleagues, friends and family gather to honor Officer Miller's bravery, I ask all my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing this outstanding individual.

On Halloween evening last year, Officer Miller was dispatched to what was described as a robbery in progress at a local pharmacy. While enroute, Officer Miller was informed that the suspect had stabbed one store employee and taken another one hostage. As the first on the scene, he knew that he must take quick action to ensure the safety of all involved. What followed was a display of courage and heroism in the face of adversity.

Upon his arrival at the store, Officer Miller was confronted with a chaotic scene. Store personnel directed him to the pharmacy, where the robbery was unfolding. As he arrived in the pharmacy, Officer Miller saw a victim who was bleeding from his head. Knowing the severity of the situation, he quickly found the suspect who was holding a large knife to a woman's throat.

Having already seen a previous victim, Officer Miller knew that this woman's life was in imminent danger. He carefully maneuvered himself into the tight quarters of the pharmacy, within a few feet of the suspect. At this time, the suspect was using the woman as a shield, and did not respond when Officer Miller commanded that he drop the knife. Carefully waiting until the suspect moved his head slightly, which provided a clear sight, Officer Miller then fired a single round at the suspect who fell to the ground. He then provided immediate medical attention until medics arrived on the scene.

Officer Miller's sound judgment and quick actions helped bring an end to an extremely dangerous situation and likely saved the life of an innocent woman. As a 4-year veteran of

the Sacramento Police Department, Officer Miller leveraged his previous experience and training to resolve the situation, and as a result of his actions lives were saved and further injuries averted.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Sacramento Police Officer Darin Miller who is most deserving of the Silver Medal of Valor Award. His swift actions embody the courage and bravery we entrust in our law enforcement. On behalf of the people of Sacramento and the Fifth Congressional District of California, I ask all my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the lifesaving efforts of Sacramento Police Officer Darin Miller.

I want to thank the gentleman from California for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule and the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Bill. I want to thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter for the way they worked together to craft the balanced bill before us today.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is about the men and women who serve and defend our country. One of these heroes lives in my home town of Sacramento, Sergeant Jeremiah Anderson. Sergeant Anderson is a decorated soldier who served as an armored crewman for more than 4 years. He is an American hero.

But a provision in current law has kept him from receiving the full scope of Army College Fund benefits he earned and deserves. At least 40 other veterans around the country have had the same thing happen to them. The military's educational benefits are a crucial part of the promise we make to our soldiers. We vow to repay their service by providing them with opportunities to further their education. These education benefits help our soldiers reintegrate into their communities when they return from overseas, and in return, our communities benefit from their invaluable contributions, both in the military and here at home.

We must deliver on what we promise, Mr. Speaker. I urge my colleagues to support the defense authorization bill for the good of our military families

and for the safety of our Nation in the future.

I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule and the underlying legislation. This bill is a good example of Congress taking action to address the needs of America's businesses and consumers.

Mr. Speaker, our economy is in a downturn. More and more Americans are feeling insecure about their future, and they are looking to this Congress for relief. The tax extenders package that is before us today will help millions of working families cope with everyday expenses of life from tuition to the cost of caring for their children. It will also move our Nation forward to meet the many energy challenges we face.

Investing in renewable resources is the best long-term strategy to reduce dependence on foreign oil and lower energy costs. Clean energy is also a major economic engine that will power the economy of the future.

In my hometown of Sacramento, clean energy investments made years ago are now sustaining over 90 local businesses, from solar and wind companies, to cellulosic fuel and green building enterprises. Clean energy has changed my district's business climate forever. Sacramento's clean energy economy can be replicated across this country, but Congress needs to provide the right incentives to make this vision a successful reality. This bill will help current and future generations live in a country with a healthier economy, a cleaner environment, and a more sustainable policy.

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