Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1716, the Green Energy Education Act of 2007.

Mr. Speaker, ``green energy'' is defined as energy that is produced and used in ways that lessen air pollution and other environmental impacts.

An investment in green energy education will benefit our Nation in important ways. It is good for the environment, because it reduces environmental impacts of the production and delivery of energy.

Green energy also reduces harmful greenhouse emissions.

H.R. 1716 directs the Department of Energy to contribute funds to the National Science Foundation for the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program. This program is important in supporting graduate education related to green energy projects.

The bill also supports energy technology research and development for high tech buildings and for educational activities to teach students how to improve building design that is not harmful to the environment.

Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 1716 and urge my colleagues to support it also.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 632, the H-Prize Act of 2007.

The federal government should become more involved in supporting cutting-edge technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move our nation toward renewable energy.

As a member of the House Committee on Science and Technology, I committed toward supporting a variety of renewable energy technologies--including hydrogen.

H.R. 632 would create competitive cash prizes to reward innovative research, development commercial application of hydrogen energy technologies.

Hydrogen cars and other vehicles would make such a difference in air quality, Mr. Speaker, especially in Texas. Cities in Texas have some of the poorest air quality in the Nation.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles could be designed for mass-scale use. These vehicles would emit only water vapor as a byproduct and reduce our dependence on foreign oil in the long term.

Hydrogen, solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear are all cleaner energy sources than fossil fuels. H.R. 632 is a positive step toward developing energy technologies that create a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2560, the ``Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2007.''

This legislation, offered by my colleague, Representative DeGette, specifies that it is illegal to utilize cloning technology for unethical purposes.

The bill text defines human cloning as the implantation of the product of human somatic cell nuclear transfer technology into a uterus.

In my view, H.R. 2560 would allow important stem cell research to be done in an ethical manner.

However, it specifies criminal penalties for individuals who do attempt to clone humans.

Mr. Speaker, as a nurse and long-time member of the Committee on Science and Technology, I have long advocated for federal resources to be used to support stem cell research.

After careful review of the bill text, I feel that this is a sound piece of legislation that does what it says it will do--prohibit stem cell technology from being used unethically to ``clone'' human beings.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2560.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 391, recognizing the employees of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the North Texas Commission, the USO, and the people and businesses of North Texas for their dedication to the ``Welcome Home a Hero'' program.

The ``Welcome Home a Hero'' program is a daily gathering of volunteers to celebrate the homecoming of soldiers returning from Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.

The tremendous effort has made the ``Welcome Home a Hero'' program one of the largest ongoing community service efforts in North Texas; and these committed employees have given of their time so that our troops, as well as their families, can be welcomed.

On June 12, the 500,000th soldier will come home for a well-deserved 2 weeks of rest and recuperation, and I'm proud to share that the ``Welcome Home a Hero'' program in the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport has been selected by the U.S. military to host this celebration; and, Mr. Speaker, I would ask for support when this resolution comes up. I know we couldn't do it today, but I extend my personal gratitude to the program's volunteers for their efforts in supporting our dedicated men and women in uniform who are proudly serving our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a proactive citizen from Dallas, Texas, Lucious L. Newhouse, Jr. As youth education is of great importance, I am delighted to recognize his 39 years as an educator and wish him well regarding his upcoming retirement. I would like to take a few moments to reflect on his many achievements and contributions to the city of Dallas and the Dallas Independent School District.

As the son of two educators, Lucious L. Newhouse, Jr., showed early signs of excellence, graduating as salutatorian from Galilee High School in Hallsville, Texas. Lucious then went on to obtain a bachelor of science degree from Prairie View A&M University and to star on the university's baseball team. Also to note, he obtained two graduate degrees from this same institution, a master of science and master of the arts.

Shortly after completing his undergraduate study and starting his teaching career at J.N. Irwin Junior High School in Dallas, Lucious was called to serve our great Nation as both an army sergeant and platoon leader in Vietnam. He would then return to DISD where he

taught and coached for 24 years and served as an administrator for 14.

Supplementing his 39 years as an educator, Lucious is additionally a very spiritual man and has been an active member of the community. Lucious is an avid member of the Cedar CME Crest Cathedral, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and has served as both president and vice president of the Dallas Coaches Association and Dallas Schools Administrators Association.

Lucious Newhouse, Jr., has always taken pride in his work and been dedicated to the children of Dallas. This compassionate man never failed to show that he cared for his students, his fellow teachers, administrators, and staff members. I urge the rest of my colleagues to join me in applauding Mr. Newhouse, Jr., for all he has done for Texas's educational system and the wonderful city of Dallas.

Mr. Speaker, I want to call to the attention of all of the Members that our new Clerk of the House is continuing to make impressions. She is on the cover of Crisis magazine for this month, the official publication of the NAACP. And she is president of the local chapter. I just thought that if you don't have a copy, she is standing right over there.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of the Raindrop Turkevi Foundation of Dallas, TX.

As a non-profit, relatively new organization, the Raindrop Turkevi Foundation of Dallas is committed to facilitating common ground amongst diverse communities and assisting Turkish Americans in the Dallas area. The Foundation provides Turkish Americans with various resources in order for them to prosper socially and culturally.

In regard to education, the Raindrop Turkevi Foundation hosts various cultural scholarship opportunities and creates programs that benefit the Turkish-American Youth, such as K-12 and SAT tutoring, ESL classes, Turkish classes, and college advising. As for social development, the foundation holds conferences that promote diversity.

In collaboration with various local entities, the Raindrop Turkevi Foundation hosts meaningful events as well. It sponsors and cosponsors ethnic picnics and organizes athletic events for children, such as weekly soccer games.

All in all, this organization's benevolent objectives and current exploits make it an invaluable member to the Dallas area. The Raindrop Turkevi Foundation has playing an integral part in aiding the success of the Turkish American population and unionizing different communities in Texas.

On behalf of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I am honored to recognize and commend Raindrop Turkevi of Dallas for accepting all ethnicities and for their leadership and hard work in the Dallas community as well as in the great State of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Lamar Hunt, a tireless contributor to the National Football League, NFL, and to the United States.

Originally from El Dorado, Arkansas, Lamar Hunt was educated in Texas at Southern Methodist University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and served as a 3-year reserve end on the varsity football team.

At the young age of 27, Hunt persevered through much criticism and founded the Dallas Texans, now known as the Kansas City Chiefs, and facilitated the creation of the American Football League. By undertaking these two tasks, he paved the way for the expansion of professional football.

Hunt's impeccable management skills and keen perception of the game propelled him to spearhead groundbreaking developments in the NFL. These developments include, among many others, the installation of the 2-point conversion option and the inclusion of names on the back of game jerseys. Although known for such contributions to the NFL, Hunt's commitment to the community went far beyond the football field.

Hunt was an avid supporter of societal betterment, hosting and sponsoring many philanthropic efforts. He made significant financial contributions to higher learning institutions, the Heart of a Champion foundation, and the fine arts, notably the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Dallas Museum of Art.

In closing, Lamar Hunt was a very special man who touched the lives of many Americans. I am delighted and honored to recognize such a distinguished, forward thinking gentleman, and I urge my colleagues to join me in saluting this remarkable citizen.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support this amendment and certainly want to thank the chairman of the committee and other members of the committee.

My amendment, as modified, addresses the need for public knowledge and understanding of basic financial principles. It also seeks to reduce our Nation's already enormous consumer debt. My amendment requires that anyone who receives Federal assistance through the affordable housing fund committee attend a financial literacy program.

We must educate our Nation's consumers to make informed decisions when managing their personal finances. Many consumers, especially first time homeowners, do not fully understand the complex financial agreements into which they are entering. For most families, their home is their single largest financial investment.

Therefore, it is vital to provide working families with the knowledge on how to buy and keep their homes. The number of foreclosures rise every month all over the country. And in the Dallas area, we have one of the highest foreclosure rates in the Nation.

My amendment will work to reduce the number of foreclosures and solidify a strong housing market. Education truly is the key to building a strong housing market and strong communities. Homeownership is a dream for many Americans. It represents security and it builds pride in our neighborhoods, and it is essential in creating positive, productive communities.

My amendment will help families fully understand their financial commitments and allow them to successfully achieve their part of the American dream.

I appreciate the chairman including my amendment en bloc.

Mr. Speaker, let me thank the chairman of the committee.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the COPS Improvements Act of 2007.

As violent crime continues to rise, we must address the needs of our Nation's law enforcement professionals. Law enforcement presence remains one of the greatest assets against crime. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of this program where our community cops simply work with our young people, help to break up gangs, helping them with tutoring in the evening when they are on duty in those communities. So in addition to this bill just allowing the 50,000 cops to be hired, it also allows for the increase in funding to improve technology for our police agencies. And it may be used to update police stations and cars for providing the latest technology in crime fighting.

I am delighted to see that it is being considered, and I strongly support and recommend the approval.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Oberstar and the subcommittee Chair, Mr. DeFazio, and the ranking member, Mr. Duncan. I am very pleased to join them in support of this bill.

As you know, Texas shares a longer border with Mexico than any other border State. In 2004, at Texas border ports of entry, there were 3 million commercial crossings.

The safety and congestion impacts of this pilot program will be felt the most by Texas drivers, roads and businesses. The impact will be felt particularly by my constituents as Interstates 20, 30, 35 and 45 all converge in the heart of my congressional district.

I agree with the chairman of the committee when he says we must not bolster trade with Mexico at the expense of the safety of American drivers. This bill requires that Federal motor carriers complete all safety inspections on the Mexican side of the border. The bill also mandates that safety can be assured before Mexican trucks enter our country under this program.

We in Congress cannot afford to be soft in our oversight of this matter. Passing a safety inspection in Mexico, even one administered by Federal motor carriers, is not a guarantee to Mexican trucks and drivers that they will have free rein over our roads.

In the event that this program proves successful, it is important for this body to give adequate guidance and assistance to border States like Texas to address the burden of increased freight traffic, including congestion, air quality, and wear and tear on our roads. The Department of Transportation cannot use Texas and other border States as guinea pigs and not give them the support they need.

In closing, I fully support this bill. It removes much of the uncertainty regarding safety that this committee found in the Department of Transportation's proposed pilot program.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1505) to designate the Federal building located at 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, Iowa, as the ``James A. Leach Federal Building,'' as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1505, as amended, is a bill to designate the Federal building in Davenport, IA, as the James A. Leach United States Courthouse. Our former colleague, Jim Leach, was elected to Congress in 1977 from Iowa and served for 14 consecutive Congresses. His contributions to and interests in the House of Representatives are numerous, including his longstanding support for the use of HOPE VI HUD funds to help smaller cities develop affordable housing.

A career public servant, Congressman Leach served 30 years as a Representative in Congress, where he chaired the Banking and Financial Services Committee, the Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs, and the Congressional Executive Commission on China.

He holds eight honorary degrees, has received decorations from two foreign governments, and is the recipient of the Wayne Morris Integrity in Politics Award, the Woodrow Wilson Award from Johns Hopkins, and the Adlai Stevenson Award from the United Nations Association, and the Edgar Wayburn Award from the Sierra Club.

Jim Leach was hard working, highly respected on both sides of the aisle, and dedicated to the welfare of his constituents. It is fitting and proper to honor his public service with this designation. I support 1505 and urge its adoption.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1036) to authorize the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property to the Alaska Railroad Corporation, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1036 authorizes the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property to the Alaska Railroad Corporation. Subject to certain requirements, but not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the bill, the Administrator shall convey to the Alaska Railroad Corporation a parcel of real property known as GSA Fleet Management Center.

The GSA Fleet Management Center is a parcel located at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Christensen Avenue in Anchorage, Alaska, consisting of approximately 78,000 square feet of land. The Alaska Railroad Corporation, in exchange for the land, will either provide a replacement facility for the GSA Fleet Management Center to be conveyed or the Alaska Railroad Corporation will pay the Administrator for the fair market value of the GSA Fleet Management Center based on its highest and best use as determined by an independent appraisal commissioned by the Administrator and paid by the Alaska Railroad Corporation. All proceeds derived from the possible sale of the GSA Fleet Management Center would be deposited in the Federal Buildings Fund.

I support this bill to transfer this property, Mr. Speaker, from the GSA inventory to the Alaska Railroad Corporation and particularly want to note, consistent with Transportation and Infrastructure Committee policy and guidance on these transfer matters, that the bill protects the Federal interest.

H.R. 1036 requires either the GSA is provided with a replacement facility or the railroad corporation will pay the fair market value for the building based on an appraisal of the highest and best use. Further, if the building is bought by the railroad, the proceeds will be deposited into the Federal Buildings Fund.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the chairman of the committee, Mr. Oberstar.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 123) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on House Concurrent Resolution 123.

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

Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 123 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The Capitol Police, along with the D.C. Special Olympics, will participate in the torch run to be held on June 8, 2007. The D.C. Special Olympics will work closely with the Capitol Police and the Architect of the Capitol to make sure that the event is in full compliance with rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics is run nationwide by law enforcement officials leading up to each State's or national Special Olympics summer games. Each year, nearly 50 local and Federal law enforcement agencies in Washington, D.C. participate to show their support of the D.C. Special Olympics. This torch relay event is a traditional part of the opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics. For the fifth year these opening ceremonies will take place at Catholic University in the District of Columbia. This is a worthwhile event attended by thousands of Special Olympians, their families and friends, and I support the resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 352) supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

National Public Works Week is celebrated yearly during the third week of May. The week has been designated by a variety of organizations to celebrate our public works professionals and the critical work that they do to keep our infrastructure and transportation systems working efficiently and economically. House Resolution 352 pays tribute to these professionals, recognizing their work the week of May 20 through 26, 2007.

``Public works'' are loosely defined as projects that are carried out for the public good, aptly named because they enable the public to complete its work. Hazardous materials, pipelines, municipal infrastructure such as water supply infrastructure and sewage and refuge disposal systems, and transportation systems, such as rail, highways, airports and public transit, all fall under the public works umbrella.

Our public works are vital to our Nation. Our commerce depends on the shipment of goods through rail, on our roads and through the air. Public transportation provides many with a cost-effective way of travel, while also reducing harmful effects on our environment.

Our public health depends on our water supply infrastructure as well as our sewage and disposal systems. According to a U.S. Geological survey, one person uses an average of 150 gallons of water per day. Although running water is expected in most homes in our Nation, many developing countries still consider this a luxury. Globally, 50 percent of the world's hospital beds are filled with patients suffering from water-borne illnesses, with one child killed every 8 seconds due to water-related sickness.

People in more developed nations, such as the United States, use up to 10 times more water than those in the underdeveloped poor countries. And we do take it for granted. For the importance that they play in our daily lives, our transportation and infrastructure systems and facilities often get the bad end of the deal, that is, although public works are depended on consistently, they receive no glory or praise when accomplishing the job. Rather, many only pay tribute and attention to these public works when they fail, such as sewage line breaks that flood our basements, or levee failures that result in flooded communities.

This legislative session the House has passed several key bills that will improve our water and wastewater infrastructure to further reduce facility and system failure. H.R. 569, the Water Quality Investment Act of 2007, amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for sewer overflow control grants. H.R. 700, the Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007, amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the pilot program for alternative water source projects.

H.R. 720, the Water Quality Financing Act of 2007, amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for State water pollution control revolving funds.

And lastly, H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act, authorizes water projects and U.S. Corps of Engineers policy changes.

It has been more than 6 years since a water resources bill was signed into law. And although water resource legislation is expected to be signed into law every 2 years, President Clinton was the last White House occupant to take an active role in our country's water and public health needs.

I recognize the importance of public works for our communities and our country, and I am grateful for the administrators, engineers and servicemen who continue to utilize their skills and provide hours of service and dedication to ensure these necessary facilities and systems work for our Nation.

I support this resolution and urge my colleagues to support it as well.

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

Mr. Speaker, I would urge the passage of this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.