Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Henry S. Miller, Jr. who passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Mr. Miller was an icon in the Dallas community who created a real estate empire with over 1,300 employees and 41 offices. After joining the business his father founded, Miller steered Henry S. Miller Co. to success by pioneering the concept of specialization of services. Essentially, Miller championed the idea of creating specialists in commercial real estate fields like industrial, retail, and multifamily. By doing this, he created a real estate culture that encouraged employees to be incredibly knowledgeable in specific areas, allowing the company to move forward quickly and effectively in those fields.

Throughout his career and life, Mr. Miller was regarded as an honest and humble man, and maintained these traits in an industry where it is easy to devolve into something much different. Known throughout the community as a businessman of integrity and knowledge, he was a pioneer in the Dallas real estate industry and helped to develop it into the powerhouse that it is today.

Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in honoring this great man who truly was ahead of his time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Henry S. Miller, Jr. who passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Mr. Miller was an icon in the Dallas community who created a real estate empire with over 1,300 employees and 41 offices. After joining the business his father founded, Miller steered Henry S. Miller Co. to success by pioneering the concept of specialization of services. Essentially, Miller championed the idea of creating specialists in commercial real estate fields like industrial, retail, and multifamily. By doing this, he created a real estate culture that encouraged employees to be incredibly knowledgeable in specific areas, allowing the company to move forward quickly and effectively in those fields.

Throughout his career and life, Mr. Miller was regarded as an honest and humble man, and maintained these traits in an industry where it is easy to devolve into something much different. Known throughout the community as a businessman of integrity and knowledge, he was a pioneer in the Dallas real estate industry and helped to develop it into the powerhouse that it is today.

Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in honoring this great man who truly was ahead of his time.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 978, 979, and 981, I would have voted ``yea.'' On rollcall No. 980, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, today I will vote against H.R. 2194, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act. This legislation seeks to expand economic sanctions against Iran. I believe that the foundation of this act reflects a misguided and self-defeating approach to United States foreign policy. Economic sanctions will target the Iranian people not just the Iranian government. These sanctions seek to make the Iranian people miserable enough so they will pressure their government to change course. We have seen from the past Iranian Presidential elections that public pressure directed at the government has, and did not, work. We have seen from the past with countries, such as Cuba and Iraq, that these sanctions harm the people and not the ruling government. I believe that these economic sanctions take authority away from the President and States of Department by tying their hand from achieving a diplomatic national security strategy. Let me be clear, I do not approve of Iran's nuclear

program or of this governments human rights record. I believe that we must trust in our President and State Department to lead international pressures on Iran.

Madam Speaker, I have always promoted diplomacy, peace, and human rights. In 2001, I created ``A World of Women for World Peace'' to bring greater visibility to peacemaking and peace-building activities in communities around the world. I firmly believe that the burden of peacemaking, peace building, and nation building cannot be left to one institution, gender or political party. It must be a shared responsibility that encompasses all, regardless of race, class, gender and religion. If these sanctions are passed, they will block Americans and Iranians from working together promoting peace, nation building, and human rights.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 940 recognizing and honoring the National Guard on the occasion of its 373rd anniversary.

The security and freedom we enjoy in the United States of America is due in great part to the sacrifices made by the oldest component of the Armed Forces, the National Guard. From the Revolutionary War to the latest military operations in the Middle East, the Citizen-Soldiers of the National Guard have competently responded to the call of duty. In addition to serving overseas, these men and women make up the forces in the state divisions, such as the Texas National Guard, and have been key in serving the local community during natural disasters and civil emergencies.

As we reflect on the 68th anniversary of Pearl Harbor this week, it reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice members of the National Guard have bravely made, and will continue to make, for our country. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 940 to recognize and honor the National Guard on the occasion of its 373rd anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 35 to express the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should provide increased federal funding for continued type 1 diabetes research.

This legislation is particularly timely as roughly 3 million people suffer from type 1 diabetes across the country. It is important for us to move forward in the fight against this disease and increase funding for research that aims to prevent and treat diabetes. It is estimated that over $4 billion will be necessary to fund the National Institute of Health's research goals for type 1 diabetes through 2013, and as this disease continues to affect millions of people across America, it is imperative that we fund research at increased levels to see its end.

I would also like to mention one of the efforts that we are undertaking in North Texas to help combat diabetes. Recently the Baylor Health Care System announced that it would be transforming the Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center in south Dallas to the area's first and only diabetes health and wellness institute. This center will help to save lives by offering improved diabetes care, educational programs, and conducting research in addition to encouraging healthy lifestyles for those living with the disease. The center will also educate the community on preventative measures for type 2 diabetes so that a preventative lifestyle becomes a natural and normal part of everyday life in this neighborhood. It is my hope that increased funding for diabetes research will encourage similar centers to be created across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my fellow colleagues to join me in supporting this important resolution so that we recognize the need for diabetes research funding and help countless people across the country living with the disease.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an incredibly gifted personal injury lawyer and dedicated philanthropist, Mr. John O'Quinn.

Mr. O'Quinn spent his career serving others by fighting to make sure the most vulnerable members of our society received justice. As a lawyer, his unwavering commitment to his clients was legendary, and throughout his legal career, he used his unique personality and staggering intellect as an advocate for the powerless. In his life, he was named one of the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America by the National Law Journal, 100 Legal Legends of Texas by Texas Lawyer magazine, Five Best Texas Trial Lawyers of the Past Century by the Houston Chronicle, and was recognized in Harvard Law's ``Best Lawyers in America.''

It is important to note, however, that Mr. O'Quinn's remarkable capacity in the courtroom was only one part of his dynamic personality. As a notable philanthropist, he handsomely endowed his alma mater, the University of Houston, by helping to fund the John O'Quinn Law Library and the John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium. He served as a Regent for the university as well as a Trustee for the law school foundation. Additionally, he assisted numerous other charitable organizations including the Children's Assessment Center, the Women's Center, Baylor College of Medicine, the End Hunger Network, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, and the South Texas College of Law Advocacy Center.

Madam Speaker, the world truly lost a gracious soul with the untimely death of John O'Quinn. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in both honoring this brilliant attorney and celebrating his life and countless accomplishments. He will be truly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of Sam Houston Elementary School in the Oak Lawn neighborhood of northern Dallas.

On December 6, 1909, the Oak Lawn School opened its doors to roughly 200 students under the leadership of Principal Mary Spears. The school included eight classrooms, five of which were used for academic purposes, and was located near the corner of Throckmorton Street and Dickason Avenue. Within a year, a petition was filed with the Texas Board of Education to begin a kindergarten program in the unused rooms of the school, and in March 1910 the first free kindergarten under the control of the Dallas School Board opened with an attendance of 25 students. Shortly thereafter, the Oak Lawn School changed its name to the Sam Houston School in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto.

Today, Sam Houston Elementary School stands as the oldest school in the Dallas Independent School District to continue to operate in its original building. For 100 years, the faculty and staff of this institution have educated young people in North Texas to become responsible and productive members of society. Through their hard work, Sam Houston Elementary has developed a legacy of excellence, and I am so proud to have this school within my District in Texas.

Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in celebrating the success of this institution's century of existence and to recognize the faculty and staff's hard work and continued determination to ensure a quality education for children in north Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I support the Democratic health care bill because it eliminates disparities that harm a woman's health.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill, H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. It is a long time we should have been here. We have been trying this for so very long.

You know, if this bill said anything as bad as what I have heard from the Republicans, I wouldn't support it. But it does not do that. I don't know what bill they are reading.

I want to share, though, that I know this will bring relief to my constituents. In my district, there are 35.6 percent of the residents uninsured, and the adjoining district, District 32 of Texas, has about the same number, but we are on different sides for bringing that relief.

The American people have heard so many untruths, they must be confused. Having access, though, to better coverage will show them what the truth is. This bill is a win for all Americans. I stand in strong support of this legislation and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

Madam Speaker, I am very privileged today to recognize the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport as one of the country's leading green power purchasers. Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency released a list of the top twenty local government organizations that are green power purchasers in the United States. Both the City of Dallas and the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport were included in this listing. Impressively, the DFW Airport receives 18 percent of its total electricity from green power purchases, and this is equivalent to removing 7,000 vehicles from the road or powering 5,000 homes annually.

Green power purchasing is important for a variety of reasons. The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport uses large amounts of energy, and green power purchases ensure that this energy is generated from renewable resources like solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and low- impact hydro. In turn, this leads to a reduction of green house gas emissions that will help to create a greener future for us all.

While this is a very prestigious honor, it is important to note that this is one of numerous distinctions that the airport has received in recent years. As the third busiest airport in the world, the Dallas- Fort Worth International Airport offers over 1,500 flights per day and serves roughly 57 million passengers in a year. Despite its busy nature, DFW was named the ``Best Airport for Customer Service in North America'' by an Airports Council International survey of passengers in 2006 and 2007.

Madam Speaker, I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments that the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport has achieved, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in celebrating this airport as a leader among green power purchasing organizations.

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 869, I had a personal emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Amendment No. 2 Offered by Mr. Barton of Texas

Mr. Speaker, the time has come-- it is long past time--that we should pass health care reform.

I know there is a lot of influence that is passing out a lot of information that is not true. We are not cutting Medicare. We are rearranging it so that it can cover more people, but there is no cut in services.

It's so easy to say things that are not true, to have scare tactics. Actually, all we have to do is try to understand the bill and tell the truth.

The people of this Nation want this change. It is time for the change. It is time for all people to have access to insurance. All the people--47 million, or whatever--that are not insured now could very well be insured if the insurance companies would insure them and allow them to use the insurance. That is not happening.

We have to think of another way. And the insurance companies can still live, but hopefully with some competition.

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

I rise in support of H.R. 2868, the Chemical and Water Security Act of 2009.

I join my chairman, Mr. Oberstar, in thanking the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security and the chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce for including an amended text of my bill, H.R. 2883, the Wastewater Treatment Works Security Act of 2009, as title III in H.R. 2868.

Enactment of the Wastewater Treatment Works Security Act, in concert with the underlying language produced by the Committees on Homeland Security and Energy and Commerce, will preserve the historical relationship between wastewater utility operators and the Environmental Protection Agency in meeting both the security enhancements called for in this measure as well as the goals and purposes of the Clean Water Act.

In the wake of September 11, 2001, our Nation has learned the importance of protection of our critical infrastructure. In the weeks following 9/11, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held several hearings on the overall vulnerability of infrastructure to terrorist attack, including the vulnerability of the Nation's wastewater utilities.

Since these hearings, the position of our committee, both under Democratic and Republican majorities, has been consistent. We must strive to reduce the vulnerability of wastewater infrastructure and to minimize the potential adverse impact to human health, critical infrastructure and the environment that could occur from an intentional act.

According to EPA, there are over 16,000 publicly owned treatment works in the United States as well as 100,000 major pumping stations, 600,000 miles of sanitary sewers, and another 200,000 miles of storm sewers. Taken together, these systems represent the backbone of the Nation's primary sewage treatment capacity, as well as an extensive network that runs near or beneath key buildings and roads and alongside many critical communication and transportation networks.

Significant damage to the Nation's wastewater treatment facilities or collection systems could result in the loss of life, catastrophic environmental damage to rivers, lakes and wetlands, contamination of drinking water supplies, long-term public health impacts, destruction of fish and shellfish production areas, and disruption to commerce, the economy and the Nation's way of life.

In the same light, certain wastewater treatment works throughout the United States use chemicals in their disinfectant process, such as chlorine gas, that pose a threat to public health if improperly released into the environment.

Title III of this bill, the Wastewater Treatment Works Security Act, ensures that all large- and medium-sized wastewater treatment facilities--those that treat at least 2.5 million gallons of sewage per day--perform a nationally consistent threshold security assessment and take proactive steps to reduce their overall vulnerability.

According to EPA, the provisions of title III of this act should cover approximately 17 percent of the 16,000 publicly owned treatment works in this country, yet addresses an estimated 70 percent of the population served by municipal wastewater treatment.

For those facilities that possess sufficient quantities of potentially dangerous chemicals, such as chlorine gas, this legislation requires an assessment of whether inherently safer technologies can be implemented to reduce the overall risk posed by the facility.

Yet while it is appropriate that we take action to improve the overall safety and security of our Nation's wastewater treatment facilities, we must also be aware of the unique role and public service played by our water and wastewater utilities.

Unlike typical chemical manufacturing facilities, water and wastewater facilities must remain in constant operation and cannot simply be turned off.

Mr. Chairman, a majority of the Nation's wastewater is treated by publicly owned treatment works. Discharges from these facilities, more commonly known as sewage treatment plants, are typically subject to regulation under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program, established under the Clean Water Act.

Today, all but five States have received EPA approval to manage their point-source discharge programs. However, whether it is an approved State or EPA, the appropriate permitting authority is responsible for establishing

designated uses for waters and for establishing water quality criteria sufficient to protect those uses.

The permitting authority then issues Clean Water Act permits for facilities, such as sewage treatment plants, that limit the amount of pollution they may legally discharge in order to meet the established water quality criteria and the uses.

During formulation of the Chemical and Water Security Act of 2009, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure worked with the Committees on Homeland Security and Energy and Commerce to ensure that the security-related requirements of this bill not negatively impact the ability of wastewater treatment facilities to meet their clean water obligations.

Equally as important, this bill preserves the historic oversight of EPA and approved States in implementation of the security-related requirements of this legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I have heard that this legislation will place an unnecessary financial burden on local governments or ratepayers, or that the inherently safer technologies called for in this legislation cannot be implemented.

To answer this first concern, title III authorizes $1 billion over 5 years in grants to publicly owned treatment works to carry out the requirements of the title. State and local governments would be eligible for up to 75 percent of the costs to carry out vulnerability assessments, site security and emergency response plans, and to implement measures to improve the overall security of publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities.

This legislation also provides grant funding for emergency response training to first responders and firefighters who may be called upon in the event of a terrorist attack.

In response to the second concern about inherently safer technologies, I would highlight the findings of the 2006 report of the Government Accountability Office which noted that over half, 56 percent, of the largest wastewater facilities use an alternative chlorine gas in their disinfectant process. Of the remaining facilities surveyed by GAO in 2006, an additional 20 percent of the facilities that used chlorine gas have reported plans to switch to another form of disinfectant.

One key example is here in the Nation's Capital, just across the Anacostia River. In 2001, the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant, which serves the Capitol complex, switched from chlorine gas to a concentrated bleach formula for disinfection of wastewater. While the changes had been planned for some time, heightened security concerns following 9/11, including the potential impact of a terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol complex, led facility personnel to accelerate the implementation of the inherently safer technology. If the switch from chlorine gas to the other inherently safer product was important enough to protect Members of Congress, it should be equally as important to protect our families throughout the United States.

This legislation has been endorsed by the leading wastewater utility organizations, including the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the California Department of Sanitation Agencies, and the American Public Works Association.

I support the passage of this legislation.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Sires).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Boswell).

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

Mr. Chairman, I would like to include for the Record correspondence from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and the California Association of Sanitation Agencies.

October 29, 2009.

Hon. Nancy Pelosi,

Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington,

Mr. Chairman, as the designee of the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 831 to support the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month. This resolution seeks to promote awareness of adoption and the foster care system and remind all of us of the importance that adoption plays in the lives of countless Americans across the country.

Today there are nearly half a million children in foster care in the United States with roughly 130,000 waiting for families to adopt them. The awareness and encouragement that National Adoption Day and Month brings have helped numerous children find loving families. It is expected that 4,500 foster care children will be adopted this year on National Adoption Day which takes place on November 21.

Mr. Speaker, a loving family can have a lifelong impact on a child, and it is important that we acknowledge the sacrifices and celebrate the importance that every party in the adoption process has. I encourage my colleagues to join me today in supporting House Resolution 831 so that we can continue to recognize the on-going efforts of America's adoptive families and their adopted sons and daughters.