Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, the bill under consideration today represents the core of what the American people send us here to do. It invests in children's health and encourages our young people to serve their communities. It helps people train for the workplace and provides funding for crucial education programs. It represents the best of what government by the people can do.

That is why I am pleased to support the rule and the underlying legislation, Madam Speaker. I am particularly encouraged by the investments it makes in children's health and in national service.

Today's appropriations package fully funds the National Children's Study. This Study is a perfect example of the kinds of long-term health initiatives that the government is perfectly positioned to lead.

It will examine 100,000 children from before birth to age 21. The data generated by the Children's Study will help us develop cures for diseases like autism, asthma, childhood obesity, and diabetes.

The Children's Study is the first of its kind, Madam Speaker. But we do not have to wait decades for the Study to change lives. In just a few short years, it will begin generating useful data on premature birth, common birth defects, and prenatal links to autism.

I am pleased that today's appropriations package invests so wisely in the National Children's Study, and I urge all my colleagues to support it as a result.

Madam Speaker, the conferees also recognized the importance of our National Service Programs. Over the last few years, service members have provided humanitarian and educational assistance to the victims of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. More recently, they have offered their services to help calm the wildfires that have devastated my home State of California.

I am pleased that the conferees appropriated high funding levels to help sustain and grow our service programs. National Civilian Community Corps received over $24 million in funding. Currently, there are only three of these campuses in our Nation, and I am glad that this funding will help build two new campuses.

I am also pleased to see that the other important programs--like Learn and Serve America, Volunteers in Service to America and AmeriCorps State and National programs--all received high levels of funding. These National Service Programs are essential to the health of our communities and Nation.

Madam Speaker, today's legislation is about making our priorities clear. Protecting children's health and encouraging national service are not choices we have as Members of Congress. They are responsibilities. I am pleased that today's legislation fulfills our collective responsibilities as representatives of the people.

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

The material previously referred to by Mr. Hastings of Washington is as follows:

Amendment to H. Res. 794

Offered by Mr. Hastings of Washington

At the end of section 1, insert ``It shall be in order for

a separate vote to be had upon demand on that portion of the

conference report consisting of Division B.''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the reappointment of Roger Sant to the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

I am a new member of the Board of Regents since January. And although the past eleven months have been challenging for the Smithsonian . . . this period of transition will result in a new Secretary, an improved governance structure and a stronger relationship with Congress and the American people. I believe that much of the changes can be attributed to Mr. Sant's leadership during this time.

In March, Mr. Sant led the effort to create both an Independent Review Committee, headed by Chuck Bowsher, formerly the Comptroller General of the United States . . . and an internal Governance Committee, on which I serve.

As a result of both of the committees' work, the Regents adopted a comprehensive set of governance reforms, comprised of 25 specific changes in June, 2007. In broad terms, these reforms will ensure that the Board of Regents and the Secretary of the Smithsonian work together in a constructive partnership, and will improve the Smithsonian's culture of accountability and transparency. To date, eleven of these 25 reforms have been implemented in whole or in part, and the remainder will be implemented by May, 2008.

Additionally, Mr. Sant serves on the new Facilities Revitalization Committee. The Committee is addressing shortfalls in funding for Smithsonian facilities revitalization and maintenance, estimated to require $1 billion above current funding levels over the next ten years. The Regents are hard at work developing a plan to fund this shortfall and return the Smithsonian's museums and other facilities to the condition expected by the American public.

My colleagues and I on the Board of Regents are fully committed to ensuring that the Institution operates at the highest level of integrity and transparency. Mr. Sant has been involved at every level of reform and has done a tremendous amount of work, as have my fellow Regents. The Board is guided by the same principals that guide our work in Congress . . . operating as a public trust . . . following only the highest ethical standards . . . and conducting business with an increased ethos of transparency.

The Board's accomplishments during these few months are notable, as are its plans for future improvements. The Board of Regents is currently conducting a search for a new Secretary, and is still in the midst of a thorough and thoughtful process to reform its governance structure. We have the momentum and the dedication from the Board Members and need to be able to continue our work.

I applaud Chairman Brady and Ranking Member Ehlers for moving Mr. Sant's reappointment at this time. And for their continued commitment to the betterment of the Institution.

Let me conclude by saying that each year, over 25 million visitors come to the Smithsonian. The National Collections, containing over 135 million items, are cared for, displayed, and made available for research by this beloved institution.

The Smithsonian faces many challenges as it pursues its mission for ``the increase and diffusion of knowledge.'' While the Board works to find a new Secretary, institute governance reforms and address facilities needs . . . the Smithsonian continues to mount world-class exhibitions and conduct cutting-edge research in science, history, art, and culture.

The Smithsonian offers a uniquely American experience to all of our constituents when they come to the nation's capitol. Mr. Sant's dedication and commitment to the Smithsonian benefit us all.

I would urge my colleagues to support his reappointment to ensure that all of the reforms that he has helped to implement are executed in a prompt and timely manner. I thank him for his leadership during this period of transition.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Sisters of Mercy and their 150 years of service in Sacramento. One and a half centuries ago an extraordinary group of women traveled from Ireland to California to improve the lives of the poor, sick and uneducated. Their spirit and dedication still lives on in the work of today's Sisters of Mercy. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring some of Sacramento's finest citizens.

The Sisters of Mercy were founded in 1831 by Catherine McAuley in Dublin Ireland. In 1854, eight sisters arrived in San Francisco to begin their ``Mercy mission.'' On the morning of October 2, 1857, at the request of Bishop Joseph Alemany of San Francisco, the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Sacramento. Led by Mary Baptist Russell, four sisters traveled to a new community. They immediately established a school, cared for orphans and assisted the poor.

Over the past 150 years, the Sisters have cared for countless Sacramentans and expanded their services in hopes of reaching the entire community. They established the Catholic Orphanage of Sacramento and provided social services for those in need. In 1875, the Sisters opened St. Joseph's Academy, offering women an education, employment trainings and boarding school accommodations. At a time when women were often shut out of the public sphere, the academy was dedicated to expanding women's contributions in society. The Sisters of Mercy have since grown to include over fourteen elementary schools and

four high schools, as well as the Mercy Educational Resource Center Sacramento which opened in 1992. This center offers services to all in need, especially those who are emotionally distressed and educationally disadvantaged due to learning disabilities and societal circumstances. It is a comfortable environment that offers students a wonderful place to learn.

Coming to Sacramento as teachers, the Sisters of Mercy also became the first visiting nurses in the region. In times of need, including the devastating floods in December of 1861 that kept parts of Sacramento under water for six months, the Sisters treated malaria, typhoid fever and tuberculosis. Their contributions did not go unnoticed as members of the medical community encouraged the Sisters to open a hospital in hopes of expanding their efforts. In 1896, the sisters added a hospital ministry. In 1897, to strengthen this new ministry, the sisters opened the first private hospital in Sacramento, the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, which also was known as the Sister's Hospital. Following the hospital's opening, a nursing school was added to train others.

The Sisters of Mercy's mission has been preserved and strengthened throughout the years. In 1925, the sisters opened the new Misericordiae Hospital, now known as Mercy Hospital in Sacramento. In 1950, Mercy Children's Hospital was opened. This hospital focuses on the special needs of the community's youth. Today there are four local Mercy hospitals, Mercy General Hospital, Methodist Hospital of Sacramento, Mercy Hospital of Folsom, and Mercy San Juan Medical Center, as well as five free healthcare clinics that continue to assist those who cannot pay for their medical care. The sisters have also created Mercy Housing, which develops affordable housing and support services for those in need. They have since created hundreds of affordable housing units across Sacramento.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Sisters of Mercy's distinguished commitment to the well-being of the Sacramento community. Their dedication has withstood both physical and financial hardships. Over the last 150 years, the Sisters have expanded their mission with the changing of times and have been true champions of the needy. As the Sisters of Mercy's colleagues, supporters, families and friends gather together at the 150th gala celebration, I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing them continued good fortune.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 780 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purposes 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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 780.

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

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 780 provides for consideration of H.R. 2262, the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act, under a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources. It also makes in order an amendment in the nature of a substitute reported by the Natural Resources Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this rule and the underlying legislation. My home State of California is what it is today because of the business of mining. When James Marshall discovered gold in the American River in my area more than two centuries ago, California was not yet a State.

The economic boom that followed the discovery of gold helped to remake the West. It infused our young Nation with renewed energy and capital. It began one of the most well-known episodes in our country's history: the Gold Rush.

Without mining, the City of Sacramento, which I represent proudly, would probably not be the capital of the largest State in the Union. Without mining, States like Nevada and Utah would be without the economic basis upon which they are now growing. Without mining, the western half of the United States would be a different place.

But in the West, Mr. Speaker, we have more than hardrock minerals. We also have rivers, streams, mountain ranges, and millions upon millions of people. These are natural resources just like gold and silver, and they must be protected from environmental harm.

Unfortunately, the law that currently governs mining operations is extremely outdated. It was signed by President Ulysses S. Grant. This was during the time when miners used shovels and pickaxes. Now, huge machines and industrial equipment are the tools of the mining trade.

Times have changed, Mr. Speaker. In the year 2007, we recognize that the term ``natural resources'' includes more than what we extract from the Earth. Its definition now encompasses the whole environment in which we live, from the water we drink, to the land we farm, to the air we breathe.

All Americans have a stake in preserving this environment, Mr. Speaker, and mining companies should contribute their fair share. However, they currently enjoy access to Federal land that no other industry does, not natural gas, not oil shale, not coal.

Under the 1872 law, mining companies pay next to nothing to extract metal from publicly owned lands. American taxpayers foot the bill for the extensive environmental remediation that many abandoned mines require.

Other old mines simply never get cleaned up. They sit empty and vacant, leaching chemicals into groundwater, polluting watersheds, and posing safety hazards for the public. After 135 years' worth of this subsidy, it is long past time for mining companies to pay their fair share.

This bill received three subcommittee hearings and a full committee hearing that stretched over 2 days. The rule makes in order seven total amendments, five of which are Republican.

This legislation has been considered and debated in the best tradition of the U.S. Congress. It is good environmental policy in the very same tradition. It is also good social policy. The bill also takes into account industry concerns and provides economic assistance to mining communities. One-third of the revenue created by this bill will go to a community assistance fund to help mitigate the social and economic impacts of the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, my hometown of Sacramento grew up around a place called Sutter's Fort. It was originally built to be a base for agricultural trade. The discovery of gold in the foothills northeast of Sutter's Fort changed its history and the history of our Nation forever. Because of gold, what was once Mexican territory soon became our 31st and most prosperous State.

Mining has left a permanent imprint on this country. Yes, it has led to increased economic gain and the development of the western United States. At the same time, it has had negative impact on our public lands. As Members of Congress, we are stewards of this Federal land. We have the responsibility to update our laws so that the mining industry helps ensure that our public lands and natural resources are preserved for future Americans.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Costa), the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Ms. Giffords).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Costa).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia, chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources, Mr. Rahall.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Perlmutter).

Mr. Speaker, I'm the last speaker on this side, so if the gentleman would like to close.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I'd like to say that we are discussing H.R. 2262, and it's about more than protecting water quality and preserving the environment, which it does. It also takes into account industry concerns and provides economic assistance from mining communities. One-

third of the revenue created by this bill will go to a community assistance fund to help mitigate the social and economic impacts of this legislation.

Both the Rules and Natural Resources Committees held hearings on this bill, during which time Republicans and Democrats were given the opportunity to offer amendments to the bill. In fact, the Natural Resources Committee held four hearings on this bill that stretched over five different days. During this time, they adopted a bipartisan set of amendments.

After the bill made its way through the legislative process and maintained bipartisan support, the Rules Committee allowed for seven amendments to be considered on the floor. These seven amendments address major issues in the bill. This will give opponents the opportunity to debate on the floor the merits of key issues of the bill. Of the seven amendments allowed under this rule, more than half, five, are Republican amendments.

Mr. Speaker, we all know that this bill is long overdue. It should have been passed decades ago. But it's never too late to strengthen current law so that it preserves the environment, protects communities, and addresses public safety. This legislation does all three.

I commend Chairman Costa and Chairman Rahall on crafting a balanced and bipartisan bill. This legislation is proof that we can reap the benefits of our Nation's abundant natural resources while also preserving them for future generations.

Metals like gold, silver and copper help make this country what it is, Mr. Speaker. How we manage these resources going forward will make us what we are in the future.

With that in mind, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule.

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

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

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

I rise today to offer an amendment to this much-needed legislation. My amendment clarifies that river watersheds will be eligible to receive some of the cleanup funding that will be generated by this bill.

Watersheds are crucial for the health of our Nation. They help move our goods, preserve our ecosystems, and protect our communities from flooding. Managing our Nation's watersheds in a holistic and responsible way is essential. If we do not protect and maintain them, we jeopardize critical parts of our environment that support commerce and recreation.

In arid States like California, Nevada, and Utah, river watersheds are even more important to economic and environmental health. Watersheds support a variety of agricultural, economic, and recreational activities. In my home State of California, for example, the Sacramento River Watershed forms the basis for fertile farmland, thriving urban areas, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

However, many watersheds are located near active and abandoned mines. Years ago rivers represented great economic opportunity. Rivers are where many precious metals are located. But the drive for these minerals has left a negative environmental legacy.

In Nevada, more than 7,000 tons of mercury were deposited into the Carson River Watershed during the quest for silver. In the California foothills, tens of thousands of mines were dug for the gold that was discovered in the watershed running through my district. More than 4,000 of these abandoned mines pose environmental hazards.

We must protect these river watersheds that are vital to our way of life. That is why my amendment is needed. It does not change the underlying structure of this very good bill. But it does make it crystal clear that cleaning up watersheds affected by mining is a priority.

Mr. Chairman, mining impacts water all across the West. Our river watersheds feel the effects of mining to a great degree. Addressing these impacts requires a comprehensive management approach. My amendment is crafted, and offered today, with this in mind. And it acknowledges that good watershed management is a critical tool of maintaining our natural resource. It recognizes that by protecting watersheds, we are investing in a public good that all Americans use. And it ensures that this public good will be maintained for future generations.

I urge all Members to support my amendment.

I yield to the gentleman from West Virginia.

I thank the chairman.

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

I thank the gentleman.

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

I thank the gentleman from Vermont for yielding me time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the rule and the underlying legislation, the Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007.

I want to congratulate Chairman Rangel and members of the Ways and Means Committee on bringing this bill before us.

In 1962, Congress and President Kennedy created the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program to protect American workers and communities adversely impacted by international trade.

Back then, our Nation enjoyed a large trade surplus, our manufacturing industry was thriving, and our economy was moving forward.

By establishing the TAA program then, our Nation had the foresight to recognize that even when economic times were good, international trade and development could also cause a rift in our workforce and in our communities.

Now it is our time to provide the foresight for future generations of workers and companies who will face the continued pressure of globalization. The mark of a strong Nation is this ability to create a vision for itself and to adapt to that vision.

Like our economy, the TAA must change and evolve to meet the new challenges of the day. Under current law, the TAA program only offers benefits to those workers who lost their jobs in the manufacturing industry due to international trade.

Today, no sector in our economy is safe from outsourcing or trade activities. We are seeing IT jobs, call center jobs, and other U.S. service jobs move abroad.

Our commitment to the American worker is more important now than ever before. It is critical to continue to improve the benefits for displaced workers. But it is also essential that we not ignore other sectors of the economy that have been hard hit by outsourcing or trade competition.

That is why I'm pleased that the bill before us today expands current TAA coverage to include the service workers. More than 70 percent of our workforce today is in the service industry. Updating the TAA program to reflect this shift in the workforce is essential to the long-term health of our country.

This bill also improves health care benefits in the TAA program to make it a more affordable option for our workers. This bill also doubles the current funding to better train and relocate displaced workers.

Madam Speaker, the impact of globalization on our economy is not limited to workers. These affected workers reside in communities that experience massive job losses due to unfair trade practices. This bill attempts to help those communities get back on their feet.

Now more than ever, the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program is needed to position our workforce and economy at the forefront of an increasingly global economy. This bill moves us forward in the right direction.

Madam Speaker, Congress needs to be a partner to the communities in which we serve. This bill lays the groundwork for that. The Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007 represents a big step in the right direction.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of the Sacramento International Airport and their 40 year anniversary. In 1967, the first flight was flown out of the Sacramento Metropolitan Airport and since that time the Airport has become a gateway to Northern California destinations and major cities across the United States. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in saluting the 40 years of service provided by the Sacramento International Airport.

Located just northwest of downtown Sacramento, the Sacramento International Airport is situated on 6,000 acres of former farmland. The Airport was constructed when the region's aviation needs outgrew the Sacramento Executive Airport. The $17.8 million dollar project was completed in 1967 and in the following year the nearly a million people flew on the airport's five initial carriers; Delta, Pacific, United, West Coast and Western. Since that time airlines have come and gone at the airport, but the high level of customer satisfaction remains.

Over the last 40 years the Sacramento International Airport has made great strides to improve its facilities. Nine years ago, the Sacramento Metropolitan Airport was officially renamed the Sacramento International Airport when it started hosting nonstop flights to Mexico and Canada. These international flights were made possible by the completion of an International Terminal and Terminal A, which represented a stark contrast to the older and outdated Terminal B.

In 2006, Airport officials announced they would be replacing the aging Terminal B with a brand new terminal. Under the leadership of Sacramento County Airport System Director Hardy Acree and the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, this modernization of the Airport will be complete in 2012. The state-of-the-art facility will be equipped with 23 new gates, a two-level access roadway designed to reduce traffic congestion and additional taxiways that will allow aircrafts to reach terminals more promptly. All of these features will improve the overall efficiency and enjoyment of the traveling experience.

Forty years after being built, the Airport welcomes more than 10 million passengers each year and has two fully operational runways. It is estimated that by 2020, the Airport will serve over 17.7 million passengers as a growing regional hub and international transit point. With flights to New York City, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Vancouver, Ontario, Honolulu, all of California's major cities and many more, the airport is an attractive option for all Northern California travelers. Thanks to the construction of a new six-story parking garage three years ago, the Airport now accommodates over 16,000 cars, making the traveling experience more enjoyable.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the 40 years of growth and prosperity at the Sacramento International Airport. In the coming years the Sacramento International Airport will continue to expand as an international airport and gateway for our region. As the Airport's supporters gather to celebrate their 40 anniversary, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring their storied past and vision for the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2007 with my colleague from Florida, Representative Mario Diaz-Balart.

The purpose for this legislation is to provide incentives for States to adopt higher building code standards, which will ultimately help preserve property, promote public safety and make Americans and America's communities safer.

This bill's timeliness can be seen in a recent CBS News Poll that revealed 29 percent of Americans knew someone affected by Hurricane Katrina. As reported by CBS News, the comparable statistic from Hurricane Andrew in 1992 was barely half that--16 percent. This report provides a clear metric of the extent that today's Americans know and understand how disaster can hurt a community.

This report also highlights the clear public merit of the Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2007 which I introduce today. Building codes strengthen and make safe the homes, businesses and places where our citizens work, play and live. They reflect the collective wisdom of design professionals, builders, and public safety officials who have sought to understand and apply the lessons of past tragedies.

Building codes use a tried and true format to document the reasonable steps that can be taken while new construction is underway to protect our neighbors and their communities from risks that, because they can be foreseen, can and should be minimized. These codes are truly the ``ounce of prevention'' that is worth far more than any after-the-fact pound of cure which must otherwise be borne by people and communities after they've suffered through a tragic loss of life, stability and treasured belongings and memories.

Where strong building codes are in place and enforced, natural disasters are less likely to be compounded by failures of preparation.

Today's model building codes govern all aspects of construction and help to protect homes and buildings from disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, flood, fire, ice storms and other natural catastrophes.

Strong building codes serve as the backbone of a community's preparedness against natural disasters.

As a Member of Congress my top priority has been public safety since taking office in 2005. My district, Sacramento, CA, is the most at risk river city in the country for catastrophic flooding. The city of Sacramento is located at the confluence of two major rivers, the American and Sacramento.

To a state like California, where we are experiencing significant population growth, and especially to a growing region such as Sacramento, the building standards we incorporate now will go a long way in providing a stable and safer future for our communities and property owners.

Why we need The Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2007

In the aftermath of the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes, studies illustrate that the damages associated with high winds could have been avoided or minimized by statewide adoption of model building codes in the Gulf States.

What has become increasingly apparent in the wake of Katrina and other natural disasters that have struck our communities in recent years is that the Federal Government and the private sector are paying billions for disaster relief and rebuilding of communities.

Overwhelming evidence demonstrates the adoption and enforcement of strong statewide building codes greatly reduce disaster-related property damage and personal injuries while providing more efficient economic development and sustainable business operations after an event.

For example, in January 2006, a Louisiana State University, LSU, Hurricane Center study concluded that an estimated 65 percent reduction in Katrina wind related damage to homes in Louisiana could have been avoided if structures had been built to current model building code standards.

Despite these benefits, most states have not enacted mandatory statewide building codes and related inspection and enforcement measures for both commercial and residential structures.

Additionally, where Statewide codes exist, it is not uncommon to allow individual jurisdictions, such as cities of a particular class, or counties, to deviate from the State standards, occasionally resulting in a weakening of the model minimum standards or to opt out of the standards altogether, leaving areas within a State more vulnerable than others.

As a result, State standards for construction, code-related inspection and enforcement vary widely across the country.

I am not typically a proponent of a one-size-fits all approach to public policy, but when it comes to public safety I believe it is important to set the standards high and for our communities to meet these standards.

What the Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2007 would do

Under the current authorities in the Stafford Act, mitigation funds are generally available through two programs--the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program. My legislation creates incentives within each of these programs for States to adopt and enforce the highest safety standards before disaster strikes.

After a disaster strikes a community or State and the Federal Government provides disaster relief funding, States with an approved Mitigation Plan are eligible to receive Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding equal to 15 percent of the total Federal disaster relief spending for that event.

Additionally, a State may elect to prepare a more comprehensive Enhanced Mitigation Plan which would qualify the State for additional mitigation funding up to 20 percent of the amount awarded for grants.

Regardless of what the State mitigation plan is, under the Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2007 a State would be eligible for an additional 4 percent of Federal disaster relief spending if it has adopted a mandatory Statewide building code and has effective enforcement measures in place.

However, if a State decides not to adopt a mandatory Statewide building code, it will not be penalized and would still be eligible to obtain a minimum 15 percent of the post-disaster mitigation funding under the HMGP.

My legislation merely serves as an incentive for States to seek additional funding of 4 percent by adopting a mandatory Statewide building code and implementing effective enforcement measures.

In addition, the Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2007 will allow, as well as encourage, State, local and tribal governments to use PDM funds to establish building code enforcement programs prior to the occurrence of a disaster, which helps States to begin standardizing construction in previously unregulated areas.

In my view, this funding is well placed. A little prevention will go a long way and in the case of disaster relief funding it can save the taxpayers billions in recovery funds.

The benefit of stronger more up-to-date building codes is twofold.

The first benefit is by encouraging and providing stronger building codes, our buildings are more likely to withstand higher impacts and therefore remain intact if a storm hits a community.

The second benefit is that if a catastrophe does devastate a community, by enacting these stricter standards recovering communities would be eligible for more Federal funds under my proposed legislation.

The best case scenario is that a community will never be in a position to need these extra funds. But by enacting stronger building codes and encouraging more community plans we are taking a positive and proactive step in that direction.

In closing, as we reflect on the tragedy of Katrina and continue to rebuild the Gulf Coast region, we should also be viewing this as a time and an opportunity to rebuild a public policy that will serve the American taxpayer more efficiently as well as protect our communities more effectively.

I ask my colleagues to support the Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2007.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of the Sacramento Public Library's 150 years of providing excellent service to Sacramento residents. In 1857 the Sacramento Library was established by community leaders and has grown to include 26 other branches and bookmobiles. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in saluting 150 years of first-rate service provided by the Sacramento Public Library.

The Central Library, located in downtown Sacramento has evolved since Sacramento's leaders established it as the center for scholarly thought in the region in 1857. Led by the efforts of distinguished Sacramentans such as Leland Stanford, Charles Crocker, Collis Potter Huntington, Mark Hopkins and Newton Booth, the library officially opened on November 6, 1857. At its inception, the library originally served about 40 visitors per day and issued 150 books per week. A decade later the library association's prosperity continued to increase, and they were able to purchase a downtown lot on I Street. Eventually, through donations from the Carnegie Foundation and the city, the Central Library moved into the distinctive 3 story brick building on April 23, 1918. Today, the Central Library's vast collection has grown to include nearly 300,000 volumes, with more than 1,000 periodical subscriptions. Their catalog also includes special collections and a variety of historic government documents.

The Sacramento Public Library provides service to 1,269,000 residents in the Sacramento region making it the fifth largest library in California. Its extensive collection makes it the sixth largest library in terms of materials held. The library's 340 staff members help to operate the 27 branches. The library owns over 100,000 audio-visual items, subscribes to 4,000 periodicals and provides 345 technology workstations for public use.

In 1984, The Sacramento Public Library Foundation was created as a nonprofit corporation to encourage and support the benefits of the Sacramento Public Library. The Foundation has been instrumental in raising money to purchase books, computers, reading enrichment programs, bookmobiles, literacy classes, and after school homework centers. Without the $7 million raised by the Foundation to date, many of these vital services would not be possible. The Foundation's strength stems from its wide support of over 16,000 donors who have been supportive of the Sacramento Public Library and its abundance of resources.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the 150 years of service provided by the Sacramento Public Library. In the coming years the library will continue to expand its collection and make its services more readily available to Sacramento residents. As the Sacramento Community and library's supporters gather to celebrate 150 years of success, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the Sacramento Public Library.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Beverley A. Scott's service as Genera Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Sacramento Regional Transit District. Dr. Scott 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 finest public servants.

Dr. Scott has been a tireless advocate for public transportation. After earning a doctorate in political science from Howard University, she started her career in 1977 at Texas Southern University as one of four national recipients of a Carnegie Foundation Fellowship. Dr. Scott went on to work as the general manager at the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority as well as holding executive management positions with transit agencies in New York, New Jersey and Washington, DC. In New York, Dr. Scott was the first woman appointed vice president of surface transit and she was responsible for the daily transit operations of New York and Staten Island Rail.

With such an accomplished past, Dr. Scott joined the Sacramento Regional Transit District in October of 2002 and increased morale immediately. Using a variety of tools, Dr. Scott created a new strategic plan involving a wide variety of partners, both inside and outside of Regional Transit's organization. Under her leadership, the Regional Transit successfully expanded light rail to Sunrise Boulevard, followed by an extension to the City of Folsom. Light rail has also expanded in downtown Sacramento to the Amtrak station.

Dr. Scott played an instrumental role in the renewal of Measure A, which provides local funding for mass transit and transportation priorities. For the past 3 years, Regional Transit has been awarded a financial accountability award of excellence for their improved budget reporting, and fiscal management. Dr. Scott also created the Regional Transit University to improve employee training. With Transit Etiquette Program forums and the restructuring of RT's Mobility Advisory Committee Dr. Scott's leadership has helped Regional Transit serve all of us in Sacramento that use public transit.

The Sacramento Regional Transit District, also known as RT, has recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of light rail. RT operates a comprehensive public transit system that includes 97 bus routes and 37 miles of light rail, covering a 418 square-mile service area. Buses and light rail run 365 days a year from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., giving riders ample opportunities to utilize their services. Using 76 light rail vehicles, 254 buses powered by compressed natural gas and 17 shuttle vans, RT is not only affordable and convenient but also environmentally friendly.

Personally, Dr. Scott has been a pleasure to work with. Her compassion and spirit has made her a wonderful addition to the Sacramento community as well. She is a caring, smart and thoughtful administrator, who knows how to be tough when needed. I have been told that she is affectionately known as ``Hurricane Bev'' for her energy, enthusiasm and dedication to getting the job done, while those who work with her also call her ``Mummy.''

For her work in Sacramento and across the Nation, Dr. Scott has received numerous awards, including awards from the U.S. Department of Transportation, American Public Transportation Association, National Business League, Women's Transportation Seminar, Rhode Island Professional Engineers Society, Sierra Club, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, the Urban League, City Year, and Paratransit.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Dr. Beverly A. Scott's distinguished commitment to Sacramento's public transportation. Dr. Scott has stood as an instrumental force behind the advancement of the Sacramento Regional Transit District and has helped improve the overall quality of life for generations to come. We all are thankful for her efforts. As Dr. Scott's 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, I was unavoidably detained on Wednesday afternoon, October 17, 2007 and missed 2 votes. Please note in the appropriate place in the Congressional Record that had I been present, I would have voted as noted below: Rollcall vote 979 nay; Rollcall vote 980 yea.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 724 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 (Mr. Lincoln Diaz- Balart). All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only.

General Leave

Mr. 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.

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

Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 724 provides a structured rule for consideration of H.R. 2095, the Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007. The resolution provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule makes four amendments in order. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI.

As the debate in the Rules Committee demonstrated, Members on both sides of the aisle are focused on getting this bill to conference and onto the President's desk, and this rule reflects that consensus.

I want to thank Chairman Oberstar and Chairwoman Brown for their leadership in addressing rail safety issues. Attention and investment to the safety of our rail infrastructure and workers is needed.

Congress last reauthorized the Federal Railroad Administration, also known as FRA, rail safety programs in 1994 and that authorization lapsed in 1998. In the time since Congress last took a comprehensive look at railroad safety, much has changed with our Nation's freight and passenger rail infrastructure. The amount of goods transported by rail has increased dramatically and more often our population is turning to rail as an alternative to getting into their cars. This is creating a greater demand on our rail infrastructure.

The bill before us today, the Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007, would authorize our Federal rail safety programs at $1.2 billion over 4 years. This bill makes important investments in our current rail safety programs and creates new grant programs for grade crossing safety and train control technology.

Additionally, the importance of safety will be reflected in the renaming of the FRA to the Federal Railroad Safety Administration. This is significant because a new name would emphasize the Federal role in the safety of rail transportation.

A fresh look at rail safety is long overdue. Over the next 20 years, the demand for freight and passenger rail is expected to grow and continue to play an important role in our economy and in our communities. Now is the time to make an investment in the safety of our rail infrastructure, as well as the training of the men and women who work on the rail lines. This way we can embrace the growth of our Nation's infrastructure and face it in a responsible way.

For example, the Department of Transportation has estimated that the amount of freight moved on rail will increase by 50 percent from 1998 to 2020. If you live in a community with a rail line, you are already experiencing this growth firsthand. In my district of Sacramento, there are two freight lines, and the largest railroad switching yard west of the Mississippi lies just outside of my district in Roseville. I understand how big a role freight lines play in a community. When something goes wrong with a freight line, the community knows about it immediately. Freight carried by these rail lines must be transported safely and securely, particularly when it travels through densely populated urban areas.

As the freight rail industry continues to grow, it will need a well- trained and safe workforce. Addressing safety and training issues now will benefit all our communities and our national economy in future years.

This bill makes that investment and nearly doubles the number of FRA inspectors from 440 to 800.

Safety on our passenger rail lines is equally important. In fiscal year 2007, close to 26 million passengers chose to take trains. This is a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year. We can only expect these ridership numbers to increase as Americans seek travel alternatives in an attempt to turn away from congested highways and overstressed airlines.

In northern California, the Capital Corridor line has shown incredibl increases in ridership. In 1998, 544,000 passengers traveled on the Capital Corridor line. In 2007, the Capital Corridor ridership has almost tripled to almost 1.5 million passengers.

In 2007, throughout the entire State of California, 5 million passengers rode

on rail. Translated to vehicle miles, that is 500 million miles, which, simply put, means half a billion vehicle miles not on our highways and thus saving gas, reducing congestion and not polluting our air.

I say this because we need to protect and encourage this upward trend not only in California but across the Nation.

To do this, it is important that we invest in safety at a proportional rate to our ridership growth and freight growth. Our citizens must continue to have confidence in our rail infrastructure.

Finally, the demand on our rail infrastructure has outgrown our ability to keep our rail system safe. We must also ensure that our rail workers are getting the training they need, but also the rest between shifts.

According to the FRA, 40 percent of all train accidents are the result of human factors, and one in four of those accidents result from fatigue. These accidents are preventable, and it's time that we address the problem.

This bill makes the necessary changes to address employee fatigue. It increases the minimum rest period for employees from 8 to 10 hours and also phases in a limit of 10 hours of the amount of limbo time an employee can accrue each month.

In closing, this bill addresses the critical issues of worker fatigue, timely and thorough inspections, as well as enforcement of safety regulations. In short, this bill reinstates rail safety as a top priority for our communities, workforce, and the millions of people who ride our rail lines.

I encourage my colleagues to vote for this rule and the underlying bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to inquire of the gentleman from Florida if he has any more speakers.

Okay. I'm prepared to close after he's finished.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida and yield myself the balance of my time.

Let me first say that the earmark rule is not waived in this rule despite the claims of my colleagues. I urge them to read lines 6 and 7, that the rule specifically excludes the earmark rule from the waiver. Any suggestion otherwise is simply untrue.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is important to our economy and the millions of Americans who travel on trains every year. This is the first time in well over a decade that Congress has taken a comprehensive look at our rail safety programs. During that time, the demand on our freight and passenger rail infrastructure has increased dramatically.

This bill addresses the critical issues of worker fatigue, timely and thorough inspections, as well as enforcement of safety regulations.

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. 724 Offered by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida

At the end of the resolution, add the following:

Sec. 3. That immediately upon the adoption of this

resolution the House shall, without intervention of any point

of order, consider the resolution (H. Res. 479) to amend the

Rules of the House of Representatives to provide for

enforcement of clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House

of Representatives. The resolution shall be considered as

read. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on

the resolution to final adoption without intervening motion

or demand for division of the question except: (1) one hour

of debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and

ranking minority member of the Committee on Rules; and (2)

one motion to recommit.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of the 2007 Sacramento River Cats, the champions of the 2007 Pacific Coast League and winners of the Triple-A Championship. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in honoring this excellent achievement.

The River Cats remarkable playoff run began when they clinched the Pacific Coast League Southern Division by finishing the regular season with a record of 84-60. Despite falling behind two games to none against Salt Lake City in the first round of the playoffs. The River Cats came back to win the next three games. Using that positive momentum, the River Cats quickly beat the New Orleans Zephyrs in three games, winning the Pacific Coast League title for the third time in 5 years. The series final game was seen before a spirited and soldout crowd of 14,414 fans at Sacramento's Raley Field. During this impressive playoff run, the River Cats strung together seven straight playoff victories to end their season. The final victory came against the Richmond Braves in the second annual Bricktown Showdown. By defeating the International League Champion in the one game playoff, Sacramento was able to lay their claim as outright Triple-A champions.

This year's Sacramento River Cats team exhibited resilience in the face of adversity. Despite continually loosing players to their parent affiliate, Major League Baseball's Oakland A's, to replenish their injured roster, the River Cats overcame more then 180 roster changes to win the championship. This meant that they accomplished the feat by receiving contributions from numerous and sometimes unlikely sources. No one epitomized this more then Nick Blasi, who spent much of the season with Class-A Stockton before becoming a playoff catalyst and the Pacific Coast League's Series MVP. Blasi hit a remarkable .457 in the playoffs.

Throughout this roster shuffle, every member of the 2007 River Cats demonstrated outstanding commitment to team play and hard work. Manager Tony DeFrancesco once again was a steady mentor for his young and ever changing roster. The River Cats featured some of baseball's brightest prospects who are destined to become the stars of tomorrow. The roster was anchored by contributions from recently promoted major leaguers: Daric Barton, Kurt Suzuki and Santiago Casilla, as well as prospects Jason Perry, J.J. Furmaniak and Brad Knox.

Under the leadership of President and CEO Art Savage, the River Cats players reaffirmed the front office's commitment to the people of Sacramento. On the Opening Day of the season, the River Cats unveiled the Mario Encarnacion Humanitarian Award which will annually honor a young student athlete who shows a commitment to his or her teammates and classmates. Furthermore, the River Cats Foundation has been providing support to Sacramento non-profits that assist with youth and family activities. The River Cats commitment to the community was reciprocated by the Sacramento fans, as the River Cats led the Pacific Coast League in attendance for an astounding 8th year in a row. 710,000 fans attended River Cats 71 home contests this year, and since beginning play at Raley Field in 2000, the River Cats have drawn over 6,000,000 fans.

Madam Speaker, now that the Sacramento River Cats have concluded their championship season, I am honored to pay tribute to the many hard working men and women of the River Cats organization who brought so much joy and pride to the people of Sacramento. Their successes are highly commendable. I ask all my colleagues to join me in celebrating the River Cats 2007 championship season.

Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of the 10-year anniversary of the Challenger Learning Center at the Discovery Museum of Sacramento's Science and Space Center. For a decade, the Challenger Learning Center has been a vital educational resource for the Sacramento community. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in acknowledging the 10 successful years of the Discovery Museum's Challenger Learning Center.

On January 28, 1986, the United States lost seven astronauts aboard the Challenger Space Shuttle. It was a tragedy that we will never forget. To memorialize the lives and the commitment to education of the astronauts aboard the Challenger, their families founded a nonprofit known as the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. Utilizing realistic and interactive mission scenarios, Challenger Learning Centers aim to give students an educational experience that incorporates the importance of math and science. The simulated space missions offered at the Discovery Museum's Challenger Learning Center combine the joy of learning with the unbridled enthusiasm of space travel. Whether students want to ``Voyage to Mars'' or ``Rendezvous with Comet Halley,'' the missions allow them to experience the excitement of discovery that the astronauts aboard the Challenger surely would have felt.

Since 1997, the Discovery Museum's Challenger Learning Center has been the premier field trip destination in Sacramento and has proved to be a vital resource tool for teachers. Increasingly, the Challenger Learning Center's space missions have become a favorite of local businesses; as the center offers a unique team-building opportunity and allows employees to enhance their communication skills.

In July, the Smithsonian Institution, our Nation's premier museum and research organization, named the Discovery Museum as a Smithsonian Affiliate. Under the leadership of the Discovery Museum's Executive Director Evangeline Higginbotham, this designation will allow their Science and Space Center, as well as the Gold Rush History Center, to share in the Smithsonian's unmatched wealth of resources and artifacts. It was a distinct honor, as the Discovery Museum was the first museum in California's Central Valley to be named as an Affiliate.

Madam Speaker, as the Sacramento community and the Discovery Museum's supporters gather tomorrow, I am honored to recognize the 10 years of educational insight provided by the Challenger Learning Center. Their work has inspired countless Sacramento residents over the last decade to embrace the wonders of science. As the Challenger Learning Center embarks on 10 more successful years, I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing them continued successes.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Ohio for yielding me time.

I rise today in strong support not only of this bill but also of increased accountability in Iraq. From the outset, this misguided war has been characterized by gray areas, gray areas of policy, of motivation and of legitimacy. One consequence of these gray areas has been the collapse of law and order in Iraq. Many military contractors, contractors paid by our government, contribute to the chaos there.

Mr. Speaker, the Iraq war is a first major conflict in which private contractors perform tasks typically done by uniformed military. Employees from companies like Blackwater provide security for military and political figures. They protect buildings. Rumors have swirled that they may soon guard military convoys.

Mr. Speaker, private contractors acting in military roles should be held to the same standards as our armed services. They should not have free rein to shoot, maim and kill people in the name of security. If they act illegally, they must be punished accordingly. This, Mr. Speaker, is what law and order means. We cannot convince the world that we value peace and security if American contractors are undermining it in Iraq. It is hypocritical for us to ask Iraqis to obey the rule of law when we do not demand the same from the contractors we are paying. Like all of my colleagues, I want our brave young men and women in Iraq to be as safe as they can be. The legislation before us today will help restore the trust of the Iraqi public and of the international community.

During World War II, only 5 percent of our in-theater forces were private contractors. Today, we have just as many contractors in Iraq as we do American soldiers, contractors who are not accountable to the American people but who are paid for by the American people. Crimes committed by these contractors are the reason why this bill is so long overdue. It finally holds contractors accountable for their actions. But the larger issue is that our men and women in uniform are overburdened. Our military is in danger of collapsing under the strain of a never-ending war. This is one of the many reasons why we must change course in Iraq.

That, Mr. Speaker, is my objective. It is the objective of a clear majority in the House. It is the will of the American people. We must do everything we

can to increase oversight of contractors. This legislation is a step in the right direction.

I urge my colleagues to take this step today so that in the coming days, we can finally change our Nation's course in Iraq.