Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the ordering of the yeas and nays on House Resolution 1199 be vacated to the end that the Chair put the question de novo.

Madam Speaker, rapidly rising gas prices are a serious concern in my home district of southern Arizona. It's a serious concern across the Nation, but I think it's important that we recognize that today's prices are the result of policies that have been put in place for many years and, in fact, for many decades. There are responsible actions that we can take now to address the problem. Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, also known as ANWR, is not one of them. In recent weeks, some of my colleagues have called for opening up the areas off of coastlines and in ANWR to drilling.

Current Federal law prevents drilling in these specific areas. Claims that opening these areas would increase drilling, would increase supplies, would bring down the prices have been made all across the House here. They would have us believe that there is nowhere else to drill in the United States except in the areas that are currently off limits to drilling. They claim that we need to increase domestic supply, and if we want to do that, our only option is to open up these incredibly sensitive environmental areas.

This information, Madam Speaker, is blatantly wrong. The oil industry has not tapped all of its drilling options. It holds leases for drilling on lands that have not yet been utilized. In the last 4 years, the Bureau of Land Management has issued over 28,000 permits to drill on public land. However, at the same time, they have only opened up or have actually drilled on fewer than 19,000. So that means that companies are effectively stockpiling 10,000 drilling permits not currently being used to increase domestic oil production for our Nation.

Of the over 47 million acres of onshore Federal lands currently leased by oil and gas companies, only about 13 million acres are currently in production. Now, the trend offshore is similar where 44 million acres are currently leased but where only 10.5 million acres are actually currently in production. Counting onshore and offshore leases, oil and gas companies hold drilling rights to almost 68 million acres of Federal land and waters that the oil companies are not drilling on.

Based on today's production rates on Federal lands and waters, we can estimate the result if oil and gas companies were to tap all 68 million leased but currently unused acres. Our country could produce an additional 4.8 million barrels of oil and 44.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas every single day. That would nearly double the total U.S. oil production and increase natural gas production by 75 percent. It would also cut U.S. oil imports by more than a third.

Finally, that amount is more than six times the estimated maximum daily production from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Six times. Calling for drilling in ANWR, I believe, is an attempt to hide years of poor energy policies that showed more support and more sympathy for the big oil and gas companies than for hardworking Americans.

We do have serious energy challenges in our country, and I agree that increasing domestic supply should be part of the solution. We do not, however, have to drill in some of the most pristine and environmentally sensitive areas in America to solve this challenge.

We have millions of acres of resources available to us right now, and we must insist that they get used. That's why I am joining with many of my colleagues to promote practical policies to solve the gas crisis.

Two responsible and reasonable bills that have been introduced offer some solutions. The first is H.R. 6251, the Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act. It's a bill that would force the oil and gas companies to either produce on their Federal leases or give them up.

The second bill is H.R. 6256, the Responsible Ownership of Public Lands Act. This is a bill which will help lower gas prices by compelling the oil companies to begin producing oil and gas on public lands that they are currently holding but not using. It will also use an escalating fee on land that oil companies have leased but are not using for production. Both of these bills would provide some strong incentives for the oil companies to stop stockpiling these leases and begin using them.

We would also help reduce the demand of oil and gas by investing in a new energy economy, revenue raised by these fees will be invested in renewable energy and energy efficiency programs to help reduce our dependency on oil. So while we continue to develop renewable energy solutions like solar energy, we have to continue to power our economy today.

That means yes, we will need gas, we will need oil, but we will need them at an affordable price. We must require that the oil and gas companies use the Federal resources that have already been given to them. By increasing domestic production on leases they already hold, they can lower prices at the pump.

That's why I support H.R. 6251, H.R. 6256, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in backing these intelligent proposals.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to acknowledge today the exceptional life and public service of Eric D. Hite, an officer with the Tucson Police Department who was tragically killed in the line of duty on June 1st, 2008.

Officer Hite was known as ``a cop's cop.'' He was dedicated, loyal and brave--everything we expect from a law enforcement officer. He took a solemn oath to protect and serve his community. When danger arose on the streets of Tucson early that Sunday morning, Officer Hite wasted no time in responding. ``Without hesitation, he ran to that call, ran towards danger,'' explained Tucson Police Chief Richard Miranda at Officer Hite's funeral. ``He gave up his life so that others can live free.''

Officer Hite was 43 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, parents, countless friends and colleagues and a grieving community. For four years, Officer Hite proudly wore the uniform of the Tucson Police Department. For 21 years before joining the department, he served with distinction in the United States Air Force. Officer Hite's entire adult life was spent in the service of his country and his community and for that we all owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude.

Every day, thousands of men and women like Officer Hite put their lives on the line in the name of something bigger than themselves. They risk everything for an ideal--the ideal of protecting American freedoms and rule of law. The death of Officer Hite is evidence of the ultimate sacrifice that can come from that ideal.

On June 10th, more than 3,000 mourners attended a service to pay their respects to Officer Hite. Following the service, thousands more lined the streets to salute him as the funeral cortege passed by. Befitting how he lived his life, Officer Hite's funeral service was attended by law enforcement personnel from every police department in Arizona and was filled with touching military and police ceremonies. His coffin was carried by colleagues in dress uniforms and an honor guard representing every law enforcement agency saluted as he passed. There were many moving eulogies but it was his son Roy who best captured the life and legacy of Officer Hite: ``He always knew what was right--what was the right thing to do, the right thing to say and the right way to act.''

I ask the House of Representatives to join with me in extending condolences to the family and friends of Officer Hite and in thanking him for his great sacrifice as he courageously carried out his duty to protect and serve. His life is an inspiration to us all and he will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I do not support the minority's effort to weaken the impact of extended unemployment benefits for Americans. In this economic downturn, our workers should be able to receive the same 13-week extension granted to workers exhausting the regular 26 weeks of unemployment benefits in other states.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, since January 2001, only 5.3 million jobs have been created nationwide. In Arizona, an average of 1,470 jobs have been lost each month for the past 6 months. Only 389,700 new jobs have been created since January 2001--or 4,480 new jobs per month--as compared with a total of 691,700 new jobs during the previous decade--or 7,950 per month.

This year, Arizona's job losses have been concentrated in construction and housing-related industries, including real estate and finance, but they are beginning to appear across a wide range of industries as this economic decline continues. I support the benefits provided by H.R. 5749 because according to the Congressional Budget Office, they are a cost-effective and fast-acting means of stimulating the economy. Every $1 spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.64 in new economic demand.

I will vote ``yea'' on final passage of H.R. 574 the Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act, and do not support the minority's efforts to undermine effective economic relief for Arizonans.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today I intended to vote ``no'' on the Motion to Recommit H.R. 5749, the Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act, vote No. 411. Despite my efforts to ensure that my vote was recorded as ``no,'' it was recorded as ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of passage of H.R. 6049, the Energy and Tax Extenders Act.

Back home in Arizona, each and every day practically, we have free energy that radiates from the sky. An Arizona utility company recently proposed a plan to take advantage of that sunshine by building one of the world's largest solar power plants, 280 megawatts. This project will inject millions of dollars into the State and regional economy, and once it's complete, will produce enough electricity to power 77,000 homes.

This exciting announcement comes with a caveat. If Congress fails to extend the 30 percent solar tax investment tax credit, this plant will not be constructed. The same stipulation has been given for a variety of solar projects across the Southwest.

H.R. 6049 provides those vital extensions for renewable energy tax credits which include solar energy, and it will be the fourth time that the United States of House of Representatives has acted on this issue.

I have repeatedly pushed for passage of these extensions because I know

that they're essential for the solar industry in our country. They will spur innovation, decrease our emission, and improve our energy independence.

With technology improving, many solar industry leaders furthermore believe that solar energy is on track to be cost competitive with fossil fuels by 2015, if not sooner. But to achieve the goal, we have to act today before the current energy tax incentive expires.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the Energy and Tax Extenders Act. This is an important piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, in my home state of Arizona we have 150,000 registered motorcycles.

With over 300 days of sunshine in our state every year, you can imagine why so many Arizonans choose to ride their bikes!

There are many other reasons why motorcycles are so popular, but one explanation is simple economics: the rising cost of gas.

Motorcycles offer a more fuel efficient--and cheaper way--of getting around.

On average, motorcycles can get between 40 and 75 miles per gallon of gas. And even as gasoline prices are hovering near $3.75 a gallon in many parts of the country, motorcycle riders can fill up for less. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, motorcycles consume 56 percent less fuel per mile traveled.

Many people are now taking the plunge to own and ride a motorcycle regularly. Over the past decade, U.S. motorcycle sales have more than tripled. They are growing in popularity as a fun and fuel-efficient alternative.

As a member of the House Science and Technology Committee, I am committed to working with all my constituents and colleagues in Congress to move our country forward and continue our tradition of international leadership on environmental Issues.

And I am proud that, as a motorcyclist for over 20 years, I am leaving a smaller footprint on our earth by just riding my bike.

But, I do have concerns about road safety and that drivers sharing the road with me aren't looking out for my well-being. That is why I introduced House Resolution 399, recognizing the importance of motorcycles and supporting the goals of ``Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.''

Motorcycles have a higher rate of fatal accidents than automobiles. U.S. Department of Transportation data for 2005 shows that for motorcycles, 75 fatal crashes occur per 100,000 registered vehicles-- four times higher than for cars.

H. Res. 399 encourages riders to always wear helmets and other protective gear, to never drink and ride, and to be properly licensed and trained. It also serves as a reminder to all riders and motorists to always share the road respectfully.

These are important messages for all road users and timely information for motorcyclists in many areas of the country gearing up for the upcoming riding season.

I, for one, am ready to dust off my boots, grab my helmet, and get on the road!

Happy ``Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.''

Madam Speaker, I strongly support the passage of H.R. 5740, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by my friend and fellow Arizonan, Representative Harry Mitchell, modernizes the ``GI Bill'' and provides expanded educational benefits for our veterans.

Let there be no doubt about our iron-clad resolve to support our troops. As a nation, we are acutely aware of the extraordinary sacrifices they are making. I have seen it first-hand in Baghdad and Bagram. We have a solemn responsibility to our service members, and one way to fulfill that responsibility is to help them prepare for life after they leave the military.

The first GI Bill was enacted more than 60 years ago for World War II veterans. It paid for the full cost of attending a public college, including tuition, fees, book purchases, and a monthly living stipend.

For example, in 1974, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bob Gent from Sierra Vista, Arizona, used his GI Bill benefits to obtain his B.A. from Arizona State University in math and computer science as well as a second degree 30 years later in astrophysics from the University of Texas.

Like Bob, over 7.8 million Americans who served our Nation have received a college education thanks to GI Bill. Unfortunately, the current Montgomery GI Bill does not fulfill the original GI Bill's promise--it does not adequately cover of the cost of attending a four- year state college or university.

In 2003, Former Marine Corps Sergeant Tommy Mendoza from Sierra Vista served as an Infantry Mortarman in support of Army Special Operation Forces in Afghanistan. When he re-entered civilian life, Tommy had a difficult time finding a competitive job. He exhausted all of his GI Bill payments on a community college education.

The only option he has left is the Veterans Administration's Vocational Education and Rehabilitation Program. The current GI Bill fails to provide him adequate benefits to attain his college education.

Modernizing the GI Bill is an investment in our future. According to the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, for every $1 the government invests in our veterans' education, approximately $7 is generated in economic growth. GI Bill benefits also play an important role in military recruitment.

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act also creates a new program in which the government matches, dollar for dollar, any additional scholarships awarded to veterans from institutions within tuition costs above the maximum amount allowed by this legislation. In addition, veterans would have up to 15 years after leaving active duty, compared to ten years under the Montgomery GI Bill, to use their educational assistance benefits.

By voting to pass this legislation, we are demonstrating our deep, unwavering commitment to the brave men and women who fight to preserve our freedom.

Mr. Speaker, thank you Congresswoman Sanchez. I appreciate your tireless work for ensuring that the Criminal Alien Assistance Program, or SCAAP, is a strong, fully-funded, functional program.

SCAAP is vital to my district in Southern Arizona. There, along 114 miles of our 2,000 mile boundary with Mexico, Federal, State, county and local law enforcement are on the frontlines defending our border.

Last year, 387,000 undocumented immigrants were apprehended in Arizona. And an average of 1,000 illegal immigrants per day were arrested and deported from Tucson. This year, over 180,000 have been apprehended.

The Tucson Sector, which includes my district, is the most porous section of the entire U.S.-Mexico Border. More than 48 percent of the Nation's drug traffic enters our country through Southern Arizona.

Securing our Nation's borders is the Federal Government's exclusive jurisdiction. However, communities through Southern Arizona and the Nation face extraordinary costs from incarcerating undocumented criminals.

SCAAP reimburses States and localities for costs associated with illegal immigrants who commit crimes in our communities.

I am pleased to be a cosponsor of H.R. 1512. This legislation would expand SCAAP's scope. It will ensure that states are more appropriately compensated for the high costs of incarcerating undocumented aliens.

Please join me in supporting our State and local law enforcement by voting to responsibly expand SCAAP by passing H.R. 1512.

Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chairman, in this period of economic downturn, we must ensure that we are doing everything we can to support American small businesses. We also have to protect our hard-working taxpayers.

American small businesses still to this day remain the backbone of our economy, and that is why I am offering this amendment today to H.R. 5819, the SBIR Reauthorization Act.

Madam Chairman, this amendment will guarantee that businesses that are awarded funding from the small business research and development programs in this bill have their primary business operations located in the United States. The amendment ensures that we continue to provide support to American-owned businesses and reiterate our commitment to protecting American jobs.

Since its inception in 1982, the Small Business Innovation Research program, SBIR, has helped small businesses compete for Federal research and development awards. Eighty-five percent of businesses competing in SBIR are small firms employing 20 or fewer persons. And the program has generated an impressive 50,000 patents over these 25 years.

I have seen the success of SBIR awards in my district at the high- tech, highly creative Breault Research Organization in Tucson, Arizona.

As we expand this program, we must keep responsible taxpaying, job- creating organizations like Breault Research in mind. We have to ensure that truly American-owned companies are winning these valuable awards. We should not be funding R&D for businesses that will develop their U.S. taxpayer financed ideas here, then those ideas turn into jobs overseas. The goal of this reauthorization bill is to boost U.S. small business innovation and competitiveness and thereby boost U.S. competitiveness.

As a former president and CEO of a small business, I know how difficult it is to compete in today's environment, I know how hard it is to grow a business. And that is why I am offering this amendment, to protect hard-working, ambitious American businesses to fulfill the underlying bill's goal to foster American competitiveness.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chairman, I now yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).

Madam Chairman, I would like to thank Chairwoman Velazquez and Ranking Member Chabot for all of their hard work on the SBIR bill. I also appreciate their support for my amendment.

This amendment will protect American small businesses and help ensure that they remain competitive in this global environment. It prevents foreign companies from reaping the benefits of hard-earned U.S. tax dollars and undermining this bill's goal to foster American innovation, create U.S. job opportunities, and uphold our commitment to American taxpayers. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support moving forward with this legislation.

I was a former small business owner, and I understand the real costs of health care, health insurance, increasing year after year. It's my understanding that the health savings account provision is not going to increase the burden on employers. The bill does not intend for employers to be subject to any additional burdens or obligations. And what it simply does is it closes the tax gap by requiring HSA trustees to report amounts paid to individuals that are not identified with medical expenses. Furthermore, we are going to be asking the GAO to study the uses of distribution from the HSAs.

So I'm really pleased to know that we are ensuring that this provision does not negatively impact our business community.

Thank you, Chairman Rangel.

I am proud to be a Member of a congressional body that, first, recognizes the fact that global warming is happening, but is also willing to take action to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and foreign energy.

In our first year, we passed the Energy Independence and Security Act which authorized a number of renewable energy programs. That legislation, I think, was a good first step towards moving us towards energy independence. But what is missing today is the passage of the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act.

I come from the great State of Arizona, a State known for a tremendous amount of sunshine. Just last week, plans were introduced to build the world's largest solar power plant in our back yard. It's going to be big enough to power over 70,000 homes. But a project like this will not be constructed without the solar Investment Tax Credits.

In recent years, the solar industry has been one of the fastest growing industries in the country. It creates high-quality jobs; it provides us with tremendous energy independence; and it addresses global warming. Our Nation cannot afford to have these vital tax incentives sunset like they're set to do in 2008 unless this Congress acts.

For our Nation, for our planet, but, most importantly, for our kids who are

going to inherit this planet that we leave behind, it is critical that we pass this legislation and we urge our colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation as well.

Madam Speaker, today I introduced a resolution officially designating July 26, 2008, as the ``National Day of the Cowboy.'' Americans are encouraged to observe the national contribution of Cowboys and Cowgirls with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

This resolution declares Congress support for honoring working Cowboys and their ongoing contributions to our communities. It also recognizes the Cowboy as a central figure in literature, film and music, occupying an important place in the public imagination. The ``National Day of the Cowboy'' honors the livelihood of the Cowboy as one that spans race, gender and generations.

Our legendary Cowboy is embraced and respected by people the world over as a symbol of rugged individualism. He represents a commitment to get the job done and do it well while depending on his own ingenuity for survival. He is loyal to an honorable code of ethics as well as persistent and tenacious in the face of any challenge.

The Cowboy is indeed the ultimate western icon, reminding us of a special time in the heart of America's history.

I am proud to be introducing this resolution today, and I urge my colleagues to join me in declaring congressional support for the ``National Day of the Cowboy.''

Mr. Speaker, tonight I would like to take a few minutes for folks here in Washington to focus on southern Arizona. There, along 114 miles of border in my district, Federal, State, county, and local law enforcement are on the front lines defending our border.

Arizona faces unimaginable immigration and border security challenges. Last year, over 387,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended in Arizona, and an average of 1,000 illegal immigrants per day were arrested and deported from Tucson.

The Tucson sector, which includes my district, is the most porous section along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border. More than 48 percent of the Nation's drug traffic enters our country through southern Arizona.

This Monday, the President released his fiscal year 2009 budget proposal, and once again his budget failed to include any funding for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, also known as SCAAP.

The President refuses to recognize the importance of SCAAP funds. Without this funding, States and localities will be financially overwhelmed by costs that are the Federal Government's sole responsibility.

Securing our Nation's borders is this government's priority, in my opinion. However, communities through southern Arizona and the Nation face extraordinary costs that are unfortunately being carried by them for incarcerating undocumented immigrants.

Because of limited Federal contributions, the bulk of these costs are being borne by some very small counties. Some of these counties are also some of the poorest in the Nation. They are currently already operating under very slim budgets and staffing. This is why it is so important and so appropriate that the Federal funding be included.

SCAAP was created by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. It is designed to reimburse States and local municipalities for the arrest, incarceration, and transportation costs associated with illegal immigrants who commit crimes in our communities.

Under Federal law, the Federal Government has two options. It can either take undocumented criminals into Federal custody or it can compensate State and local jurisdictions.

We are facing an immigration crisis here in Arizona. We are underfunding SCAAP, and the President is continuing to overburden our State and local governments. He is hampering the State's ability to protect our communities and uphold our laws.

SCAAP funding is particularly important to communities like Bisbee and Douglas and Sierra Vista, those communities along the 2,000 miles of our southern borders, those States and local governments that incur greater costs than other jurisdictions.

Over the past several years, these communities have exceeded SCAAP reimbursement funding by hundreds of millions of dollars. In fact, most counties along the U.S.-Mexico border are currently being reimbursed less than 9 percent of their cost.

Just today, Mr. Speaker, in our Western Hemisphere Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I heard from a number of Federal agencies about the President's Merida Initiative.

I believe it is unacceptable that the President would refuse to reimburse our local law enforcement agencies, while asking Congress to spend $1.44 billion in assistance to Mexico and Central America. We need to invest our dollars in local law enforcement before we spend billions of dollars across the border. We have to prioritize the safety of our American communities first. We have to take the appropriate steps to ensure that SCAAP funding is in place, especially to border States like Arizona, and that it remains a Federal priority.

I urge my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle to reject the President's cuts to SCAAP funding. Arizona, like many States, is currently facing a budget shortfall. Every dollar reduction in SCAAP reimbursement means a dollar less in Arizona or another State that they can spend on essential public safety services. So please join me in supporting our State and local law enforcement agencies by adequately funding the SCAAP program in the House fiscal year 2009 budget.

Madam Speaker, I am speaking out today in strong opposition of the President's veto of the KidsCare bill, also known as SCHIP here in Washington. I am profoundly disappointed that we were not able today to override the President's veto.

In the State of Arizona, there are over 264,000 children that currently do not have health insurance. That's about one out of every five kids. Across the country, it's estimated that over 1 million children do not have health insurance.

I am deeply concerned, in addition, because of the slowing of the economy, about the fact that we're going to see unemployment rates increase. And just last week, the Joint Economic Committee came out and stated that ``worsening economic conditions will likely create substantial increases in demands in States' Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs.''

The JEC specifically linked employment woes to demands for programs like KidsCare. Nationwide, they projected that between 700,000 and 1.1 million children per year will be added to the enrollment numbers for Medicaid and SCHIP due to the slowdown in the economy. That makes acting to ensure a strong SCHIP or KidsCare program in Arizona and across the country absolutely critical, but it also reveals how out of touch the President is and how willing he is not just to disregard our children, but to disregard the future of our Nation.

As the universal health care debate continues, there should be no debate about health care for kids. Kids can't work; kids can't afford to pay health insurance premiums, and that's why I'd like to thank the 259 colleagues on both sides of the aisle for voting today to reauthorize KidsCare.

Democrats and Republicans alike must stay united for the children of our country. We are their representatives; we are their voices, and we must speak out for them. That is precisely why I am speaking here today. It is why I will continue to speak out here in Washington and back home in Arizona and why I am not alone. I am joined by thousands and thousands of voices across southern Arizona in calling for Congress and the President to fully reauthorize KidsCare.

In this economic climate, we must not fail to recognize health care as one of the most costly economic challenges confronting businesses, confronting families, and confronting the children of our country.

Madam Speaker, in the week before we adjourned for the holidays, Congress, in a bipartisan effort, passed, and the President signed, the Energy Independence and Security Act. This bill, which is now law, represents a major stride forward towards a clean energy future. I applaud my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for moving this historic and very important legislation.

It was a good first step, but we are not there yet. The real meat of an effective energy package, which was not included in the legislation, must be the extension of critical tax incentives. These are essential for the solar industry to really take root and flourish. This is one of the reasons why I introduced H.R. 3807, the Renewable Energy Assistance Act, to improve and extend vital tax incentives for solar energy. These incentives will spur innovation, decrease our carbon emissions, and reduce our dependency on foreign energy.

In this time of economic uncertainty, it is important that we provide this critical stimulus so that we can move forward on these renewable energy efforts. We have to act this year, before the end of 2008. Doing so will get America back on track and working toward a better and brighter future.