Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the men and women of Arizona's 8th Congressional District who for the past two years have served as members of my Military Academy Nominating Committee.

These 23 dedicated citizens have played an invaluable role in assisting me with one of my most important duties as a member of the House of Representatives: nominating young men and women for admission into our nation's military service academies.

As a result of this committee's wise counsel and careful consideration, in my first year I nominated 24 constituents for admission to the U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force and Merchant Marine academies.

Committee members spent countless hours reviewing applications, interviewing students and drafting their recommendations for nomination to the academies. Their singular goal was to make sure that the best and brightest students received a nomination.

My Military Academy Nominating Committee members are:

Ellen Ackerman, Jim Ackerman, Steve Alexander, Terri Allaire, Adalberto Araiza, Larry Bahill, Bill Benedict, Dan Cavanagh, Ed Cerutti, Mike Crawford, Mimi Finch, Bruce Greenberg, Doug Kliman, Robert Nichols, Chris Palmenberg, Bob Parson, Larry Putman, Joe Sciabarra, Burney Starks, Bob Strain, Tim Timmins, Paul Weishaupt, and Jessica Woelbling.

I commend them for their commitment to this important nominating process and for their help in identifying the United States military leaders of the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute today to the team of intrepid men and women at the University of Arizona who significantly advanced our knowledge of the universe through their work on the Phoenix Mars Mission. They were led by Peter Smith, principal investigator for the project.

These 21st century explorers achieved a great engineering and scientific triumph earlier this year when the 770-pound Phoenix traveled 420 million miles and successfully parachuted to the rocky surface of Mars. That odds-defying landing, however, was only the beginning of Phoenix's awe-inspiring accomplishments.

On the surface of the Red Planet, Phoenix harnessed the power of the sun to scoop up and analyze the Martian soil. This data--including a series of remarkable photographs--was transmitted back to Earth where scientists made what must surely be one of the most significant discoveries in human history: the presence of frozen water.

For as long as humankind has peered into the heavens, we have wondered whether or not we are alone in the universe. From our earliest ancestors to medieval theologians to the scientists of our day, this question has loomed over us like the stars themselves. Mars has been the focus of much of this speculation. More than 40 missions have been launched to explore this planet but only six have been successful. Foremost among them is the University of Arizona-led Phoenix Mars Mission.

The discovery of frozen water on Mars by Phoenix did not definitively confirm or deny the age-old question of our uniqueness in the universe. No one ever expected it would. But it did give us a deeper understanding of the fourth planet from the sun. This new knowledge is a testimony to the creativity of the men and women who made Phoenix possible at the University of Arizona, the first public university to lead a mission to Mars.

The Phoenix Mars Mission Team members are: Cherie Achilles, Douglas Archer, Chris Adams, Paul Allvin, Maria Banks, Stephanie Barnes, Jean Barret, Carla Bitter, Rolfe Bode, Matt Bomhoff, William Boynton, Robert Bovill, Dennis Bowers, Cassie Bowman, David Burke, Sanlyn Buxner, Ryan Brestel, James Cantone, Chewie Chu, Kevin Corcoran, Jesse Cornia, Michael Drake, Gerard Droege, Alex Ebadirad, Jacob Egan, Heather Enos, Lisa Fahey, Charles Fellows, Tony Ferrow, Michael Finch, Kenny Fine, Mike Fitzgibbon, Gwennie Furr, Connie Garcia, Justin Giacotto, Gabrielle Gilbertsen, Joseph Gotobed, Stephen Gray, Dave Hamara, Sara Hammond, Lori Harrison, Dustin Harshman, Karl Harshman, Chelsea Hodson, John Hughes, Robert Jaw, Monty Kennedy, Hamza Kolaghsi, Frankie Kolb, Melissa Lamberton, Jeffrey Landgreen, Lynn Lane, Therese Lane, Pamela Larrow, Abel Levario, Colleen Lester, Andrew Levine, Robert Logan, Douglas Lombardi, Peter Manning, Katelun May, Rick McCloskey, Evan McKelvy, Trevor Merkley, John Moores, Bryan Morgante, Sean Mulvey, Julie Norwood, Carroll Oquest, Jerry Penegor, Federico Pennacchini, Ian Phillips, Amy Philips, John Pursch, Siddhartha Ray, Robert Reynolds, Garret Richards, Joaquin Ruiz, David Sage, Tisha Saltzman, Walter Seaman, Jeff Seligman, Andrew Shaner, Adam Shaw, Robert Shelton, Chris Shinohara, Peter Smith, William Sperry, Lori Stiles, Johnathan Strootman, Kari Sturm, Roger Tanner, Lisa Tatge, Lisa Tidwell, Cheryl Tomoeda, Kimmie Varela, Cindi Ward, Heather Weisacosky, Mike Williams, Galen Woida, Patrick Woida, Rigel Woida, Patricia Wroblewski.

I commend them for their success and for all they have done to expand our knowledge of the planet Mars.

Madam Speaker, I am honored today to acknowledge the inspiring life of Grayce Bogden Noteboom Arnold, a woman who made great contributions to cultural development in my district and to the community of Patagonia, Arizona.

Grayce Bogden Noteboom Arnold arrived in Patagonia in 1976. Her route to Arizona from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, took her first to Guadalajara, Mexico, where her husband, John Patton Arnold, had been commissioned by Popular Mechanics and the American Automobile Association to publish the first motor tourist guide of Mexico in the mid-1950s. Mexican President Luis Echevarria later recognized this guide as opening ``the gateway'' to motorized travel in Mexico.

Grayce and John also built one of the first prototype house cars (recreational vehicles) by converting a 1949 Ford panel truck, nicknamed ``La Tortuga''. When they returned to the United States from Guadalajara, Grayce, John and their two children, John David and Elaine, settled in Nogales, Arizona. Subsequently, they moved to Tucson where Janie was born and John Senior passed away in 1972. During all this time Grayce had been developing her artistic talent. She took sand cast candle lessons from famed Tucson artist Ted DeGrazia.

In 1976, Grayce moved into the Miner's Old Home in Patagonia, which had been built in 1905 as the residence for the chief mine engineer Mr. McDonald. The house was in very poor condition and was extensively remodeled to provide living quarters and ultimately became home to Grayce's Gift and Candle Shop and Museum. Grayce's reputation as an artist and entrepreneur flourished. Her contributions include designing Patagonia's first 3 postcards and her civic involvement to promote Patagonia as a tourist destination. Over the years, her notable business contacts included film stars Faye Dunaway and Joanna Cassidy.

Visitors to Grayce's shop see immediately that it is more than a place of business. It is part museum, art gallery, and gift and candle shop. They also receive a personalized guided tour and explanation of the artistic renderings. The guest book contains entries from thousands of people from all walks of life from around the world who have left their names and cheerful comments about their visit. Grayce's artistic collection includes her award-winning sand cast candle dioramas. The Tree Spirit, Cocoon, Desert Storm and other creative masks are the centerpiece of her artistic creations. Two of the masks have been featured on postcards which she designed. One of Grayce's greatest sculptures is her rendition of a Tarahumara man in traditional dress squatting in contemplation. At Grayce's you will find unique southwestern arts, crafts from indigenous Mexican cultures including the Tarahumara, Yaqui, and Seri Indians.

People who knew Grayce are inspired that a person of her age was so full of life, physically active and ran her own business until age 97. Grayce would be the first to tell you that age is irrelevant as she did belly dancing, remarried and launched her artistic career in her 60s. She always told her children to never stop dreaming, to be creative and to help others.

Grayce has been an inspiration to all of us. She stands as a wonderful example of the significant contributions that women in the west make to the cultural and economic development of our communities.

This week, Congress is grappling with grave economic issues, issues that are facing our Nation's economy, and we're all being called upon right now to ensure that America's financial situation is secure. But today we also have an opportunity to look beyond the present and ensure that America's future is strong, and that's what this energy tax bill is all about.

In particular, I want to call your attention to the solar tax credits. Solar power is clean, it's domestic, it's renewable, it's going to bring us closer to energy independence and provide us with powerful economic benefits across our great Nation.

According to a recent study, an 8-year extension of the solar ITC could lead to more than 440,000 jobs and attract $232 billion in investment. Not only is that serious economic stimulus, it will foster a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable world. But without the solar ITC being signed into law this year, it will not happen.

We have to pass this bill. We must work with the Senate. We must work with the White House.

Time is not on our side.

Mr. Speaker, the bill before us this evening is a strong response to one of the most challenging issues that faces our country: securing American energy independence. Meeting this challenge requires the comprehensive approach on the floor tonight: drilling, conservation, and renewable power.

I am particularly pleased that this bill contains an 8-year extension of the

solar investment tax credit, or the ITC. Solar power represents one of our Nation's best hopes for a clean, secure, and sustainable future. It will provide powerful economic benefits in my district in southern Arizona but to the rest of the country as well.

According to a new study by Navigant Consulting, an 8-year extension of the solar ITC could lead to more than 440,000 permanent jobs and attract $232 billion in investment through 2016.

I thank the leadership. I thank the chairman. I thank those who have worked so hard at listening to the people of southern Arizona and across this country about this newer, brighter future.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this balanced bill and call on our colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation as well.

There are three big problems that face America today. First, our dependence on foreign oil; second, climate change; and third, America's innovation and the fact that we are not as competitive as this country needs to be. One of the best solutions to these three major problems is solar energy.

The investment tax credit, Mr. Speaker, the ITC, will expire at the end of the year. At home in southern Arizona and across this great Nation, free energy radiates from the sky almost every day of the year. Across my district, residents, businesses, utilities, and individuals are all working to do their part to take advantage of that sunshine. But major projects, large projects, but also small projects, will not move forward without the extension of the ITC.

Southern Arizonans are willing to do their part. We here in Congress have to do ours by working across party lines and working in the Senate to ensure that the ITC is extended. This is critical for our country, for our competitiveness, for climate change, and for ending our dependency on foreign oil.

I urge my colleagues to work together to pass the ITC.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and great respect to Louise L. Francesconi, as she retires after 33 years of service to our great Nation as the President of Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Arizona.

Ms. Francesconi is retiring from this position after leading the world's largest missile company, with sales of $5B and nearly 13,000 employees, which for years has helped guarantee our Nation's security and interests worldwide. Her systems have been employed to protect

the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines around the world.

Louise began her remarkable career in 1975 in Canoga Park, CA, as a financial analyst with Hughes Missile Systems Company. In fact, she comes from a family of ``missileers.'' Louise credits her father, Leo Langlois, an engineer with Hughes, for getting her into the business right after her graduation from Scripps College in Claremont, CA.

After joining Hughes, Louise began her meteoric rise through the company. Louise quickly became known and had the well-deserved reputation of being able to not only structure a win-win business deal, but also help the organization think through complex issues and challenges.

In 1993 and the years that followed, she became Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President of Hughes Missile Systems Company and eventually, after the Hughes merger with Raytheon, President of Raytheon Missile Systems. Throughout her career, Louise has been known as an inspiring mentor, teacher and role model to all. Her mastery of business strategy enabled the Missile Company to grow over 100 percent in sales over the last 6 years rising to become southern Arizona's number one employer. Louise's dedication to the U.S. warfighter and our allies and friends around the world is legendary. From the Tomahawk Cruise Missile to the complex Missile Defense Systems that guard our homeland, she has provided for the collective defense of this great Nation.

Grounded by her strong love of family, to include her husband John, their children, her parents, in-laws and brother and sister, she has continued to provide strength and inspiration to her Raytheon family. Her long-lasting legacy will be her dedication to the people of Raytheon and her strong core values of inclusiveness, personal and professional ethics and leadership excellence.

I join with my colleagues on behalf of all the freedom loving people around the world to offer our heartfelt congratulations and thanks to a true American patriot. Louise has earned our respect and admiration as a champion for freedom and a role model for all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the urgent issue of extending the renewable energy tax credits. These tax credits are due to expire this year. As we all know, their extension is critical to the young renewable energy industry in our Nation.

The House has passed extensions four separate times, and I applaud my colleagues for doing so. But our job is not done. I urge our colleagues in the Senate to work with us to pass a responsible extender bill quickly.

Solar power and other renewables are poised to be one of the biggest opportunities of the 21st century. Yet unlike our foreign competitors, we still haven't made a firm national commitment to this industry.

America can do better. We have always looked to the future, imagined a better world, and then partnered with the private sector to build it: railroads, the highways, the Internet as well. Government support was critical to every one of these technologies in its earliest stages. Renewable energy is no different.

I refuse to believe that we cannot get this legislation passed. I call on the leadership to pass it immediately. There's no time to waste.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

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

Mr. Chairman, as the President and CEO of my family's small tire business, I know the challenges that small businesses face in America, not just to thrive but truly to survive in a rapidly increasingly global economy. Small businesses are truly the backbone of a strong and vibrant community, and women are major economic contributors since we constitute over 45 percent of small business employees.

That is why I strongly support H.R. 1338, the Paycheck Fairness Act, because it recognizes women's valuable role in the workplace.

It is also important, though, to make sure this legislation is fair. So today I'm offering an amendment that will clarify the legal standard for punitive damages as requiring malice or reckless indifference. This commonsense amendment means that businesses will not be subject to punitive damages unless they act with malice or reckless intent. This standard mirrors the burden that applies in other civil rights laws.

Today, as we close loopholes in the Equal Pay Act that have allowed women to continue to be underpaid for equal work, we must do so fairly. It is unacceptable for society to undervalue the work that women do and underpay us for equal work. According to the United States Department of Labor, American women are earning 74 cents for every dollar earned by a man, taking women 16 months to earn what men earn in 1 calendar year. This disparity is not just unfair, but it is also a major economic concern for millions of hardworking American families.

Closing the wage gap will also have a long-term impact on women's economic security especially during their retirement years. Women, of course, are living longer. Men are living longer, too, but women longer than men. Over time, lower wages translate into less income that counts for calculating pension and Social Security benefits. Older women are less likely than older men to receive pension income. And when they do, they only receive one-half of the benefits that men do.

As a cosponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act, I am proud to join with 229 of my colleagues in showing strong support for this legislation.

I urge the House to pass this amendment that has been endorsed by the United States Chamber of Commerce. It is time that America, the land of equal opportunity, recognize equal pay between men and women. I am proud to be part of this historic effort.

I'm particularly proud that my mother is here in the gallery today to witness this historic act of Congress.

So thank you, Congresswoman DeLauro, for your tireless effort over so many years, and Chairman Miller as well, for continuing to fight for the people that are truly underrepresented in so many ways.

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

Mr. Chairman, as I said earlier, I'm really proud that one of my experiences that I bring to the United States Congress is running a family tire and automotive company. There are not that many Members of Congress that know what it's like to make a payroll, to know what it's like to have laws imposed on them at the local, at the State, at the Federal levels, and I think that that background is really critical. That's one of the reasons that I am pleased that the United States Chamber of Commerce has endorsed this amendment.

With that, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join with me in passing this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Thank you, Chairwoman Lofgren, for all of your help in bringing the Employment Verification Amendment Act, H.R. 6633, to the floor today. This legislation is the result of a lot of hard work from Members on both sides of the aisle, and I appreciate the fact that Members have joined together to reauthorize the Department of Homeland Security's Basic Pilot Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program, also known as E-Verify. I particularly appreciate that this legislation calls for investigations into various aspects of E-Verify and ensures that we safeguard Social Security.

E-Verify was one of three employee verification pilot programs created in 1997, and it has remained a voluntary program at the Federal level for 11 years with actually very few employers enrolled. However, recent actions at the State and the Federal levels are increasing demand on E-Verify and the Social Security system that it relies on. In the last 2 years, over a dozen States have passed employee verification laws, and some, like my home State of Arizona, have mandated E-Verify for all employers and imposed severe sanctions against those who do not comply.

The administration is also increasingly requiring E-Verify's use. On June 6, 2008, President Bush signed an amendment to an executive order requiring more than 200,000 Federal contractors to use E-Verify.

E-Verify relies on the Social Security Administration's data and systems to verify the citizenship and Social Security numbers of all newly hired individuals for their eligibility to work. According to the GAO, 100 percent of E-Verify queries are first checked against the Social Security database. The need to reauthorize the E-Verify this year presented us with an important opportunity to focus on key components of our Nation's immigration crisis, that is, the need for an effective Federal employee work authorization system.

I have been very clear that the current E-Verify system needs to be replaced or reformed. We need to create a mandatory Federal system that is both reliable and effective.

Americans from across the country all agree that our farms, our factories, and other businesses should not abet the flow of illegal immigrants into the United States by providing them a place to work. Yet the Federal Government has failed on many accounts to enforce existing immigration laws. That forces local and State governments to do the Federal Government's work. Employment verification is vital to solving our immigration crisis, and that is why we are here today. Right now, the only options for States is E-Verify. It is still, though, a voluntary pilot program with some obvious flaws. As I have testified to three House committees, we can do better.

But while this debate continues, E-Verify will expire this November. That is why I have introduced the Employee Verification Amendment Act to extend E-Verify, but only for 5 years. By reauthorizing E-Verify for 5 years instead of the 10, we can move to a Federal mandatory system more quickly. Within 5 years or less, the Federal Government must develop a mandatory system that operates uniformly across all 50 States. This is critical to fixing our broken immigration system.

Developing the best mandatory system possible requires us to understand the pitfalls in the current E-Verify system, and that is why this bill includes some studies into how E-Verify impacts small businesses and accurately confirms workers' eligibility.

Congress has to learn from the experience of employers and employees in States like Arizona. We are on the front lines of this immigration debate. Lessons learned from Arizona will help us develop a mandatory program that can identify undocumented workers in an efficient manner without fostering identity theft or violating workers' rights of United States citizens.

This bill also requires DHS to provide timely and appropriate payments to Social Security. In order for E-Verify or any employee verification system to work, the Social Security database and system has to have the funding that it needs to handle the increased demand created by a verification system.

The Social Security protections in this bill will keep E-Verify operational. They will also prevent interference with Social Security services to seniors, people with disabilities, and also to survivors. The AARP and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare sent letters to the Ways and Means Committee reflecting these concerns.

Before I close, again I want to thank Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren for bringing this bill to the floor. I also want to thank Representatives Michael McNulty, Sam Johnson, Lamar Smith, and Ken Calvert as well as for their leadership on the bill and all of the staff's hard work.

Illegal immigration continues to be a major problem for the United States of America. The Employee Verification Amendment Act is a step forward towards solving one aspect of the problem. This is the best approach at this critical time, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

I thank the gentleman from Vermont.

The high costs of fuel are being felt throughout my southern Arizona district, and people are really hurting out there right now.

To bring down the cost of oil--this is pretty common sense--what we're going to have to do is force those big oil and gas companies to increase their production. That means drilling on the 68 million acres of Federal land that is already under control from these big oil companies.

Today, we're going to vote on H.R. 6515, the Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands, or Drill Act. This bill is going to require both oil and gas companies to start using their Federal leases both onshore and offshore, and if they don't use it, they should lose it.

It will also accelerate the leasing process in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, and that's an additional 20 million acres. We have to be realistic, and I don't think the American people are being fooled. It's going to take 5 to 7 years before we benefit from increased drilling.

That's why we're also calling on the President to immediately release a small amount of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The hardworking taxpayers of my district have paid for that reserve supply to be used in a time of crisis. And when I talk to my constituents across the over 9,000 square miles of my district, we know because they agree that $4 to $5 a gallon is a crisis.

So I urge the President to take action on the SPR, and I also ask my colleagues to join with me in passing H.R. 6515. We have to address this energy challenge, stabilize our economy immediately, but then look to the future in terms of renewable energy. And in Arizona, solar energy is certainly the key to that.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud that today the House is considering H. Res. 984, a resolution I sponsored that officially designates July 26, 2008, as the ``National Day of the Cowboy.''

Located in beautiful Willcox, Arizona, the National Day of the Cowboy organization works to increase national support for the proclaimed ``Cowboy Day,'' and to publicize news and information about the resolution and campaign, so that active participation in celebration of the National Day of the Cowboy continues to grow each year.

Many thanks to Bethany Braley, executive director and publisher of the National Day of the Cowboy organization, for her tireless vision to remind future generations of the cowboys' contribution to America's rich western heritage.

While the U.S. Senate has recognized the National Day of the Cowboy in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, H. Res. 984 represents the first time that the U.S. House of Representatives has officially recognized the contribution of the cowboy and cowgirl to America's culture and heritage. I am pleased to be a part of the 4th Annual National Day of the Cowboy designation. On June 20, 2008, the National Day of the Cowboy resolution also passed in the Arizona State Legislature, making Arizona the first State to pass the resolution.

Our legendary cowboy and cowgirl are embraced and respected by people the world over as symbols of rugged individualism. Each represents a commitment to explore, work hard and seek adventure while demonstrating the personal determination to survive. He/she is loyal to an honorable code of ethics as well as persistent and tenacious in the face of any challenge.

In honor of cowboys and cowgirls worldwide, I encourage Americans to observe the National Day of the Cowboy on Saturday, July 26, 2008, with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would like to submit for the Record the following concerns and suggestions regarding certain sections of S. 2284, the Senate version of the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act. These specific concerns were expressed to me by officials from the town of Marana, Arizona. They relate to the potential adverse effects these sections could have on the Marana community. I urge my House and Senate colleagues to take all of these concerns into consideration while negotiating the final version of this bill.

The specific concerns relating to Section 6 are the reason I voted ``no'' on the Republican Motion To Instruct Conferees that was offered on the floor today.

The town of Marana's concerns are as follows:

1. Section 6, Reform of Premium Rate Structure: Much of

this Section seeks to disallow preFIRM (Flood Insurance Rate

Map) rates for second homes, repetitive loss structures,

substantially improved structures, commercial structures, and

others. However, the current language could have unintended,

adverse consequences. Of concern to Marana is Subsection

(g)(1), which states:

``(g) No Extension of Subsidy to New Policies or Lapsed

Policies.--The Director shall not provide flood insurance to

prospective insureds at rates less than those estimated under

subsection (a)(1), as required by paragraph (2) of that

subsection, for--(1) any property not insured by the flood

insurance program as of the date of enactment of the Flood

Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2008;'' . . .

We are concerned that Subsection (g)(1) would preclude the

writing of any new pre-FIRM policies after the enactment of

the legislation. This could negatively affect residences that

were built pre-FIRM but then placed into a floodplain by a

subsequent map change after the legislation is enacted.

2. Section 7, Mandatory Coverage Areas: The intent of this

Section appears to be the accurate portrayal of risk behind

man-made flood control structures. Subsection 107(b)(1) reads

as follows:

(1) include any area previously identified by the Director

as an area having special flood hazards under section 102 of

the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a);

This language would essentially require properties located

in areas that had once been designated as floodplain, but

since removed from the floodplain, to continue to carry

mandatory flood insurance. Marana would like to point out

that many Letters of Map Revision (LOMR) incorporate better

information (hydrology or topography) than was available when

the maps were originally created. These types of LOMRs do not

involve physical construction and therefore the areas removed

are not typically residual risk areas. Areas that are at a

residual risk after a LOMR from a physical change would be

accounted for in Subsection 107(b)(2), which reads as

follows:

(2) require the expansion of areas of special flood hazards

to include areas of residual risk, including areas that are

located behind levees, dams, and other man-made structures

We recommend this language be revised. It is problematic in

that it equates residual risk areas to Special Flood Hazard

Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are high hazard areas requiring normal

flood insurance. Residual Risk areas typically require less

flood insurance or preferred risk policies. Also, the

language is not clear regarding man-made structures that are

distinct flood control structures.

The language could be revised as follows:

(2) define residual risk areas to include areas that are

located behind levees, dams, and other man-made flood control

structures

3. Section 8, Premium Adjustment: This section overrides

the practice of grandfathering original zone designations.

Grandfathering has been an important part of the National

Flood Insurance Program and has been used to help mitigate

the impact of zone changes when flood maps are revised.

Section 8 discredits floodplain management. Structures that

are compliant with the code and mapping in effect at the time

of their construction should be grandfathered and remain

compliant.

I thank the gentleman.

Next year will be the 400th anniversary of when the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei first pointed a telescope into the night sky. Galileo did not invent the telescope, but he was the first one to use it for astronomy. The observations he made ultimately revolutionized humanity's understanding of the solar system and of the universe.

Though his telescope was crude, certainly by modern day standards, he was able to see craters and shadows and mountains on the Moon. He also saw the planet Venus go through phases just like our moon does. And he saw moons orbiting the planet Jupiter. He saw all of this at a time when conventional wisdom held that all celestial objects orbited our planet, the planet Earth. These discoveries marked the beginning of modern astronomy.

It is because of the importance of these discoveries that countries all around the world have chosen to recognize the 400th anniversary year, 2009, as the International Year of Astronomy. This celebration of astronomical discoveries is designed to increase interest in astronomy and science. Throughout next year, a wide variety of events

and activities and meetings at parks and museums and other public spaces will promote a greater understanding and appreciation of astronomy and science throughout the United States and throughout the world.

It is only befitting that the United States is taking a lead role in this international celebration, because today the United States is at the forefront in astronomical research. We have built telescopes that would astound Galileo and his contemporaries. We have telescopes on earth with mirrors 400 inches across. We also have telescopes that orbit our planet far above the earth's surface. Indeed, NASA's space- based telescopes, including Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer, Chandra, and many others, regularly produce images that amaze and inspire people around the world and yield scientific discoveries on everything from the formation of stars and the solar systems to the fate of our universe itself.

Now, I am particularly excited about the opportunity to use the International Year of Astronomy to engage and inspire young people in mathematics and science generally and particularly. I am pleased that the 110th Congress has come to great lengths to increase our Nation's emphasis on science and math, most notably by passing the America COMPETES Act last year. But we can always do more. And nothing captures and engages the mind of students, young and old alike, than the process of discovery. This is the fundamental essence of astronomy, and it is my hope that the events and the activities sponsored by the International Year of Astronomy will inspire many new young people to embrace worlds that will open them through the study of math and science.

Astronomy has a strong history in my southern Arizona district, and one of the brightest stars we have is Dr. Roger Angel, a professor of astronomy and recipient of a MacArthur Foundation genius award. In Dr. Angel's own words, ``from the study of astronomy, students today can learn about energy in all of its forms, as well as gain an appreciation for the beauty of the universe. They learn practical tools needed to address the energy and climate crisis. Astronomy know-how even has practical value. I am using it to figure out good ways to harness the sun's energy on Earth with big, telescope-like mirrors.''

Thus, we see an example of how students today can build a foundation, and exactly the kind of scientific understanding and technological skill that we need to solve some of society's most pressing problems, climate change, global warming, and our energy needs in the future.

In the United States, some key organizations sponsoring, promoting and organizing events and activities for the International Year of Astronomy include the American Astronomical Society, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the Astronomical League, the American Association of Variable Star Observers, NASA, and the National Science Foundation.

Ultimately, astronomy is the study of everything that is not on Earth. It appeals to our sense of wonder and curiosity and our place in the vast cosmos. The German astronomer Johannes Kepler, whose laws of planetary motion are still used today said, ``The treasures hidden in the heavens are so rich that the human mind shall never be lacking in fresh nourishment.''

It is those treasures of the heavens, and the men and women who study them, that we will celebrate and honor and discover in 2009 with the International Year of Astronomy.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, with my enthusiastic support, the House passed the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, H.R. 6331.

In Cochise County, which is a rural part of my southern Arizona district, access to primary health care is a real challenge, but it is a challenge that particularly impacts our seniors.

This legislation protects payments for community physicians, for critical hospitals and for ambulances in rural areas. In southern Arizona, these doctors and hospitals provide vital services to our seniors throughout a very rural part of America, including areas like Naco, Sierra Vista, Douglas, and Bisbee, Arizona.

I would like to take a moment to thank members of my senior advisory council and my health care advisory council. They have worked diligently to highlight the need for improving access to health care for our seniors, especially in underserved and remote areas.

Yesterday was a good day in the House of Representatives. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take swift action this week to also pass this legislation and to send it to the President.