Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my opposition to H.R. 1911, the Smarter Solutions for Students Act.

This bill will return federal student loans to a system of market- based variable rates, an imprudent policy that seeks profits for deficit reduction at the expense of students struggling with the substantial and ever-climbing cost of post-secondary education.

With federal student loan interest rates set to double on July 1, 2013, Congress must act quickly to extend the current rate, rather than passing legislation that hurts students and families. According to the Congressional Research Service, H.R. 1911 will actually make it more expensive for students than if Congress did nothing and let the current interest rate expire. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this bill will cost students and parents an addition $3.7 billion in additional interest charges over the next 10 years.

This is unacceptable. Approximately 60 percent of students take out loans to attend college and increasing the costs of borrowing will prevent millions from being able to pursue higher education. Last year the total amount of student loan debt reached $1 trillion and the average borrower from the class of 2011 graduated with $26,600 in debt.

College educated students are the future engine of our country, and anyone who wants to pursue a post-secondary education should have the opportunity to do so without going into crushing debt. I urge my colleagues to extend the current interest rate of 3.4 percent for two years and find a true long-term solution to the cost of college worthy of our nation's young people.

Mr. Chairman, I thank our ranking member from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for allowing me to speak.

I've been a longtime supporter of the Keystone XL pipeline. I'm frustrated that the pipeline has still not been approved after four favorable environmental impact statements. It's time for the administration to approve the project.

I actually represent the refineries where most of the oil sands product will go. The fact is that these refineries will continue to seek supplies of heavy crude oil whether the Keystone XL pipeline is approved or not. The problem is that if the President does not approve the Keystone pipeline, he will force these facilities to continue to purchase oil from unstable, foreign countries with very few environmental regulations.

I want my Democratic colleagues to understand that even if we made all the investments we want to in alternative energy--and I support that--we still need to rely on oil for the next 25 or 30 years. This number comes from our administration. So if we have to purchase oil from somewhere, doesn't it make sense to purchase it from a province that regulates carbon?

I plan to support the bill this afternoon. But let me be clear about a couple of things: I support the bill because it's a message bill, and it's time for the administration to stop stalling and make a decision.

There are provisions of the bill I don't like. I do not support the precedent and policies laid out in section 4 through section 8. I also don't know why we continue to send bills that don't have a chance in the Senate except to tell them the House again will support the pipeline.

I hope this vote will put this issue behind us because I have 5 refineries in east Harris County that are ready to use that heavier crude because they're importing it from other countries like Venezuela. I would rather import it from Canada, our closest neighbor.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 271, the Resolving Environmental and Grid Reliability Conflicts Act.

I'm proud to be an original cosponsor to this bill that we worked on with my good friends, Congressman Pete Olson and Congressman Mike Doyle, last Congress. This bipartisan legislation addresses a conflict in Federal law where a company or individual can be held liable for violating environmental laws when the Federal Government orders them to generate power to avoid blackouts.

Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act gives the Department of Energy the authority to order an electric generating facility to generate power in order to avoid an electric reliability emergency.

At the same time, the possibility of violating environmental laws and regulations may restrict the operation of power plants or transmission lines. For example, a company may have mothballed a power plant because it had reached its Clean Air Act emissions limit for the year. So if a company, or publicly owned utility, is ordered by DOE to operate under section 202(c), and at the same time is prohibited from operating in accordance with the DOE order due to environmental limitations, the operator must choose which legal mandate to follow. These conflicting legal mandates should not complicate an electric reliability crisis, but they do. It is not fair for the government to put a power generator in this position.

As a longtime member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and someone who has worked on both reliability and environmental legislation during that time, I can honestly say that it was never our intention to put electric generating facilities in the position of having to choose between compliance with one law over another. And while there have only been a couple of instances to date where a generator has been in this situation, this potential for conflict will only grow as several coal- fired plants are scheduled to be taken offline in the coming years.

That is why Congress needs to address this issue. Otherwise, we risk threatening our electric reliability and for certain regions of the country, this issue is coming fast. H.R. 271 simply clarifies that if an emergency order issued pursuant to section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act may result in a conflict with an environmental law or regulation, the order shall expire no later than 90 days after issuance.

This deadline does two things. First, this ensures that the Department of Energy continues to have the necessary authority to ``keep the lights on'' in true emergencies. However, it then gives DOE the opportunity to renew or reissue the order for an additional 90-day period only after consulting with the appropriate Federal agencies and including conditions submitted by these agencies to mitigate any potential adverse environmental impacts.

This is not a messaging bill. It's not an anti-EPA bill or an anti- air toxic standards bill. Instead, it's a commonsense bill that addresses a very worrisome deficiency in current law that is only going to become more prominent in the coming years.

I want to thank our ranking member, Mr. Waxman, for his continued support of this bill. This is one of a handful of bills that actually were supported by both Democrats and Republicans in the Energy and Commerce Committee, and it has support across the utility industry. My hope is that the committee will continue to refer to the floor truly bipartisan bills like this one. It's time we get back to legislating and not messaging. With that, I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this great legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the Stolen Valor Act (H.R. 258).

This bill would amend the federal criminal code to rewrite provisions relating to fraudulent claims about military service to be subjected to a fine, imprisonment, or both.

This would apply to an individual who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefits, fraudulently holds himself or herself out to be a recipient of a military medal.

This bill was passed with overwhelming support in the previous Congress, but was found by the Supreme Court to violate the first Amendment. I commend Rep. Heck for making the necessary changes and trying again.

The men and women of our Armed Forces unselfishly answer the call of duty to defend our freedom. Congress should not allow anyone to capitalize on their accomplishments.

I urge my colleagues to stand with our Brave Men and Women and support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Patients' Rights Repeal Act.

Here we go again, and my colleague from Georgia knows it: 37 times, counting today, that the Republican majority has tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act, a law that was upheld by the Supreme Court, a law that will help not only millions of uninsured but everyone with health insurance because the Affordable Care Act improves coverage.

``Repeal'' means that insurance companies can once again deny coverage for preexisting conditions. It means college-aged dependent children will be kicked off their parents' insurance. Medicare beneficiaries will lose access to vital preventative screenings. Also, insurance company practices of the past, which frustrated the insured and drained their savings, will be allowed to return.

The Affordable Care Act means more than 80 percent of premium dollars are

spent on health care. That was in the Affordable Care Act. The law prevents insurance companies from providing their executives extraordinary perks while failing to provide health care to their customers.

But this will never happen again. The repeal of the Affordable Care Act will not be successful. It wasn't successful the first 36 times. It won't be today. That's because the American people need it. The law isn't perfect. The medical device excise tax and the Independent Payment Advisory Board should be addressed. This majority refuses to work with our side to fix the problems. The American people want to see Congress work together to fix problems. What they don't want is more political theater.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the Homes for Heroes Act of 2013 (H.R. 384).

This bill would establish within HUD a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans receive fair access to housing and homeless assistance programs and serve as a HUD liaison to the VA.

I am fully committed to strengthening the benefits and fulfilling the obligations a grateful nation owes to its veterans.

The men and women of our Armed Forces unselfishly answer the call of duty to defend our freedom. Congress has a moral obligation to support their returns with housing and other necessities.

I am proud to live in a country that has such brave men and women, and a country where citizens recognize and appreciate the sacrifices our military makes to defend us. I urge my colleagues to stand with our Veterans and support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 148, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013. The bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to authorize private employers to provide comp time or compensatory time off to private employees at the rate of 1.5 hours per hour of employment for which overtime compensation is required.

Essentially, workers would be promised comp time instead of overtime pay. Many families depend on overtime pay to make ends meet. The Fair Labor Standards Act guarantees workers will receive overtime pay for over 40 hours per week. The bill only promises the potential for future comp time without any real protections for the workers. Hardworking Americans would be unprotected against long hours and less pay without the guarantee of any compensation. H.R. 1406 falsely promises more time with their loved ones by allowing them to choose paid time off. Unfortunately, workers will only get more time with their families after they've spent long hours, for less pay, at the approval of the employer.

I stand with America's workers to oppose this legislation, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same. The 40-hour week has stood for 75 years, and it should continue.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in opposition to the Full Faith and Credit Act, H.R. 807. This bill would allow the Secretary of the Treasury to take all necessary actions to ensure U.S. public debt obligations are paid when due and allows the Secretary to forego obligations not related to public debt. What this means, essentially, is all foreign debt will take precedence over repaying important domestic programs, such as Social Security. We should pass legislation that Social Security be paid for first, not

the foreign debt. Social Security is not contributing one penny to our national debt. We must remember that it's one of the most important commitments that America has made to its citizens.

The U.S. Government has purchased credit known as ``special obligations'' from Social Security. The credits are backed by ``the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government,'' with the promise to redeem these credits. I support repaying the Social Security trust fund before any other debt is paid. Pay Social Security first before we pay other countries.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate one of the most important events in Texas history, and the history of our United States, San Jacinto Day.

On April 21, 1836, Texas forces, led by General Sam Houston, dealt a decisive blow to General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his oppressive Mexican Government. Approximately 900 Texan and Tejano volunteers overpowered a larger, professionally trained Mexican army of conscript soldiers, after suffering defeats at Goliad and the Alamo.

These outnumbered volunteers were fighting against tyranny and for their homeland, and they triumphed because of their determination to be free from oppression.

In the words of the Texas Declaration of Independence, the people's government had been ``forcibly changed, without their consent, from a restricted federative republic, composed of sovereign states, to a consolidated central military despotism.''

The Texas Revolution proved the bonds of freedom are stronger than ethnicity, as many Tejanos sacrificed their lives for Texas' freedom at the battles of Gonzalez, Bexar, Goliad, the Alamo, and San Jacinto. The war was not between Anglos and Hispanics, it was a struggle between all Texans and the military dictatorship in Mexico City.

Texans and Tejanos knew then what we know now--freedom requires sacrifice. Texas culture places high honors on heroes willing to sacrifice their lives for a better life for their fellow man, and Texans are known around the world as an honorable people who respond to the call of duty.

In that spirit, I want to highlight the work by the San Jacinto Chapter of the Daughters of the Texas Republic, who made the preservation of the San Jacinto Battleground possible by petitioning the Legislature to purchase the acreage and by donating their treasury to complete the sale in 1900.

The San Jacinto Chapter of Daughters and the Texans Veterans Association did extraordinary work to ensure that the legacy lived on, and the importance of the park has only expanded since then.

I am very proud to have formerly represented the site of the Battle of San Jacinto commemorated by the San Jacinto Monument.

This park not only has the San Jacinto Monument to recognize the brave men that defeated the military dictator General Santa Anna, it also home to the Battleship Texas, which is a symbol of sacrifices in World War I and World War II.

With the understanding of where they came from, Texans and Americans will continue to respond to calls of service, thereby continuing their legacy of respect and admiration throughout the world.

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 110, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Amendment No. 2 Offered by Mr. Connolly

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Israel, our partner in peace and prosperity, for its 65 years of independence.

On April 14, 1948, just hours before the British Mandate was due to end, Israel's Founding Fathers and Founding Mothers, led by future David Ben-Gurion declared the birth of the State of Israel in Tel Aviv.

Many of the Jews who lived in Israel in 1948 were survivors of the Second World War and the Holocaust, which pushed international opinion for the need for a homeland for the Jewish people where they could be free from persecution and free to build a better life.

Since that fateful day in Tel Aviv, Israel and its people have worked tirelessly to build a thriving democracy that is economically prosperous and at peace with neighboring nations.

The first nation to recognize Israel's independence, I am proud to say, was the United States, which welcomed Israel into the community of nations just hours after its declaration.

The bonds between our two great nations, bound together by common interests and shared values, have only grown with time.

It is also fitting to take this occasion to speak on the future of a lasting peace. As I and my colleagues in this chamber have said repeatedly, the only path to peace is through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Mr. Speaker, I hope on this joyous day that we reflect on the need to redouble our efforts to bring peace to the region and continue to tangibly support our friend and ally in its request for peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the Preventing Greater Uncertainty in Labor-Management Relations Act (H.R. 1120).

H.R. 1120 requires the NLRB to cease all activity that requires a quorum of Board members. This prohibits the Board from implementing, administering, or enforcing any decision finalized on or after January 4, 2012, that requires a quorum. This would essentially shut down the

Mr. Speaker, I rise in observance of the six million Jewish victims and millions of other victims who perished during the Shoah on Holocaust Remembrance Day.

As we commit ourselves to the memories of those lost, we must also remember the heroes and survivors of the Holocaust, whose strength and perseverance continue to inspire us to this day.

Our nation and the international community must never forget what took place throughout Europe during the Second World War at the hands of the murderous Nazis. Nor can we forget the government-sponsored discrimination, repression, and persecution that took place before the beginning of the war.

Throughout our country, Americans can observe the Holocaust at local community events, military bases, workplaces, schools, churches, synagogues, and museums. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, has designated ``Never Again: Heeding the Warning Signs'' as the theme for the 2013 observance.

In my hometown of Houston, Texas, the Holocaust Museum Houston is observing Holocaust Remembrance Day with testimonials from survivors and for concerned Houstonians to share their views about genocide and see what can be done to end genocide in the present day.

In Israel, Yom Hashoah is remembered annually with a two minute siren where the country comes to a standstill to pay tribute to the dead. Flags are flown at half mast and ceremonies and services are locally held throughout the country.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by asking our fellow citizens to take a moment this week to remember the memories of those who did not survive the Holocaust and to reflect on what we can do, as Americans, to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

Mr. Chair, I support the Democratic budget. It is a responsible roadmap that invests in our future and approaches deficit reduction in a balanced way. It accomplishes this without singling out domestic energy production with unfair tax provisions.

I cannot support the Republican budget. It cuts taxes for the wealthy and pays for it by raising taxes on middle income earners and betraying our commitment to our seniors. It is misguided and does not reflect the values Americans hold dear.

The Republican budget slashes Medicaid, which provides necessary care to our nation's most vulnerable, especially low-income seniors and children. Denying them the care they need does not make the costs go away, it just shifts the burden on to doctors, hospitals, non-profits, and others.

The Majority budget repeats the same tired and failed tactic of repealing the Affordable Care Act. Repeal increases the deficit and means Seniors will pay more for prescription drugs, receive less preventive care, and bring back the days of abusive insurance companies capping coverage and denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions.

Alternatively, the Democratic budget makes good on the commitments we have made to our Seniors. It makes sure that the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented and that the benefits are maximized to protect patients and begin to bring down the cost of healthcare. This budget also provides the necessary funding for medical research, which will spur the innovations of the future that end disease and improve outcomes.

Additionally, I appreciate the Ranking Member for making education a top priority in this budget. Investing in education is key to growing our economy, strengthening the middle class, allowing for upward mobility and ensuring our children and grandchildren have brighter futures than previous generations. Robust early education programs, jobs initiatives and financial aid programs to make college more affordable invest in our future and build a stronger America in the long-term. Making it harder for out-of-work Americans to get job training or for families to access quality early learning programs undermines the strength of our workforce and diminishes our ability to compete in the global economy.

Spending on domestic programs is already on track to be at the lowest level as a percentage of the economy since the 1960s, but the Ryan budget would make even deeper cuts. It imposes spending caps on non- defense programs for two additional years at a level that is $700 billion below the level set by the Sequester. It slashes billions of dollars in mandatory funding for Pell Grants and allows interest rates on student loans to double this summer at a time when student loan debt is nearing $1 trillion and is the only type of household debt that continued to rise through the Great Recession. We should be working to help Americans who seek to better their livelihood through higher education rather than allowing them to be crushed by debt or denied access due to skyrocketing costs.

Under the Ryan budget, students will face larger class sizes, more debt, fewer afterschool programs, and less support for special needs. Robust funding for educational investments is critical to growing our economy. Cutting these programs shortchanges our future and threatens the ability of our children to pursue the American Dream.

Finally, I want to thank our Ranking Member on the House Budget Committee and Democratic Leadership for not including provisions in this budget that would unfairly single-out and punish our domestic energy industry by repealing tax provisions for them that are afforded to any business operating in our country. The oil and natural gas industry is one of the largest employers in our country, supporting more than 9.2 million jobs. In fact, this industry delivers $86 million a day to the federal government in revenue. Any changes to these tax incentives should be addressed in the context of comprehensive tax reform and not a budget.