Floor Statements

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in strong support of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act, which will reauthorize certain provisions of the Project Bioshield Act of 2004 and Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act of 2006. This legislation was passed by Congress to help the U.S. develop countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorism agents and to provide a mechanism for Federal acquisition of these newly developed countermeasures.

Our Nation remains vulnerable to these threats because many of these vaccines and medicines that are needed to protect our citizens do not exist. Developing and stockpiling these medical countermeasures require time, resources, and research--all of which will be provided under the legislation before us today. I'm pleased that the language I supported during the committee process was included, aimed at increasing emphasis on regionalized trauma care systems.

This bill is also very important to me because the University of Texas Medical Branch's Galveston National Laboratory is in my backyard. The Galveston National Lab is the only BSL-4 lab located on a university campus. At the lab, scientists conduct research to develop therapies, vaccines, and diagnostic tests for naturally-occurring emerging diseases such as SARS and avian influenza, as well as for microbes that might be employed by terrorists. This is exactly the type of research we hope to encourage under the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act.

As an original cosponsor of the bill with Mr. Rogers, I'm very pleased how quickly we moved this rare bipartisan piece of legislation. I want to thank Mr. Rogers, Chairman Upton, Ranking Member Waxman, Ranking Member Pallone, Mrs. Myrick, Ms. Eshoo, and Mr. Markey for their work on H.R. 6672. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today, due to unforeseen circumstances, I missed the following votes:

Senate Amendment to H.R. 3783--Countering Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act of 2012--had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on this bill.

H.R. 6621--To correct and improve certain provisions of the Leahy- Smith America Invents Act and title 35, United States Code--had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on this bill.

S. 3642--Theft of Trade Secrets Clarification Act of 2012--had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on this bill.

Madam Speaker, I support the Asthma Inhalers Relief Act, H.R. 6190. This bill is simple; it will allow remaining stocks of Primatene Mist to be made available to asthma patients. This is a drug that was on the shelves for decades, but was removed due to environmental concerns regarding CFCs. Primatene was not removed due to safety concerns.

Limiting releases of CFCs is important and we must make sure that consumer products do not contain these harmful chemicals. However, the small remaining amount of Primatene poses no real threat to the environment and could potentially save the lives of Asthma patients in the midst of an attack. Right now there are no over-the-counter rescue inhalers available.

Releasing the remaining doses of Primatene is a temporary solution until a non-CFC inhaler is approved by the FDA. I have heard from constituents of mine who would greatly benefit from access to this medicine. If these inhalers endangered their safety, of course, it would not be appropriate to put them back on the shelves, but that is not the case.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, as announced earlier by Congressman Ralph Hall, we lost a memorable Texas legislator, Congressman Jack Brooks, who proudly served his southeast Texas district for 42 years after he was first elected in 1952, ultimately serving as dean of this House of Representatives and dean of our congressional delegation.

I knew Jack Brooks from my days in the State legislature, and he was one of my mentors when I first came to the House of Representatives. Representative Brooks was known for his tough persona and for chewing on his cigar while commanding a room. But he had a heart of gold. I remember sitting down with him when I first came to the House of Representatives. When he asked me what committee I wanted to serve on, I thought, well, I'll get what I need. I told him I wanted Energy and Commerce. He chewed on his cigar and said, You'll get Ed and Labor and like it.

But Jack was a great leader and a role model. He supported civil rights bills, refused to sign the segregationist Southern Manifesto in 1956, and helped write the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964 that banned racial segregation.

May we always remember Congressman Jack Brooks. He was a great man, political figure, U.S. Marines veteran, and a friend that I'll never forget.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to this chamber's attention the on-going attacks taking place in Israel.

Over the past several days, Hamas militants in Gaza have launched a concerted offensive against Israel, our partner in peace in the region.

Nearly 350 rockets have landed in Israel from Gaza in the past three days. Three Israelis were killed in a rocket attack on Thursday.

Yesterday and today, warning sirens rang in Tel Aviv, Israel's largest city, for the first time since the Gulf War.

As the right of any country to protect its people from attacks, such as Turkey has taken in recent weeks in response to Syria's civil war, Israel has initiated Operation Pillar of Defense to halt the rockets being launched from Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud

Barak has already announced that 30,000 reservists would be called up to help protect innocent civilians from these attacks.

I condemn these heinous attacks on innocent Israeli civilians and ask our country to support action to bring these terrorist actions to a swift and immediate end.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor Texas State Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr. For many years, we have worked side by side to help improve the quality of life for many people around the Houston area. He was a champion for education and Latino rights, along with many other numerous issues. Senator Gallegos passed away on October 16th, and the Houston Chronicle printed his obituary. In honor of Senator Gallegos, I would like to submit the text.

State Sen. Mario Gallegos, 62, a Democratic lawmaker whose

22-year career in the Texas Legislature was marked by

courage, controversy and dogged commitment to issues of

importance to the Hispanic community, died Tuesday afternoon

at Methodist Hospital in Houston from complications of liver

disease.

Gallegos, the first Hispanic elected to the state Senate

from Harris County, took a special interest in public

education, redistricting and other issues he believed would

have an effect on the lives of the predominantly working-

class residents in Senate District 6.

In 2007, only weeks after undergoing a liver transplant, a

sick and weakened Gallegos ignored a doctor's call to return

to Houston and installed a hospital bed in the office of the

Senate sergeant-at-arms so he could cast his vote against a

bill requiring voters to show photo identification. Gallegos

argued the bill would discriminate against minority voters.

In 2011, Gallegos opposed a measure sponsored by state Sen.

Dan Patrick, R-Houston, requiring women seeking an abortion

to undergo a sonogram. Gallegos told his fellow senators that

although he opposed abortion, he didn't believe he should

impose legislative restrictions on a woman about ``how to

govern her body.''

``There were few issues that Mario and I agreed upon,''

Patrick said, ``but throughout my six years in the state

Senate he always treated me with kindness and courtesy and

professionalism. And he was a friend.''

State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, described

Gallegos as ``a man of matchless generosity who worked

tirelessly for his district. I've never known anyone who

fought harder for the underdog--for the most vulnerable in

our state.''

Mario Valentin Gallegos Jr. was born in Houston on Sept. 8,

1950, and grew up in Magnolia Park, an East End neighborhood

near the Ship Channel. He graduated from Milby High School

and received his undergraduate degree from the University of

Houston-Downtown in 2001.

Gallegos joined the Houston Fire Department at 18 and

served for 22 years, rising to the rank of senior captain.

His involvement in union affairs as a firefighter whetted his

interest in politics.

``As a union member working with (former Houston City

Councilman) Ben Reyes, he fell in love with politics,'' said

Marc Campos, a Houston political consultant who met Gallegos

in 1979. ``He made a number of trips to Austin to lobby for

firefighter issues.''

In 1990, Gallegos was elected to the Texas House of

Representatives, where he served for two terms before being

elected to the state Senate in 1994. Never a legislative

tactician or policy expert, Gallegos was a reliable liberal

vote on most issues.

Suffering from cirrhosis of the liver a few months later,

he received last rites and made plans for his body to be

displayed near the Capitol Rotunda before being transported

to his grave in afire truck

With about a month to live, he received a phone call on

Jan. 18, 2007, informing him that the unexpected death of a

teenage boy meant he would get a liver transplant.

Sworn in as president pro tempore later that year, he told

his colleagues that he intended to run for office until he

died.

Survivors include his mother, Olga Gallegos; his wife,

Theresa Gallegos; three children, Ali Templer, Melissa

Gallegos and Mario Elias Gallegos; four sisters and two

brothers; and five grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, on October 24, 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed the FREEDOM Support Act into law. This legislation provided for monetary assistance to be provided to the countries of the former Soviet Union to aid their transition to democracy and build-up their civil societies.

Included in the legislation was Section 907, a provision which precluded the Republic of Azerbaijan from receiving any assistance through the FREEDOM Support Act. Azerbaijan was the only country to be singled out in the statute from receiving assistance.

Since then, cooperation between the United States and Azerbaijan has expanded beyond recognition--encompassing military, intelligence, economic, business, academic, and cultural ties. This has resulted in increasing the security and prosperity of both countries.

Given Azerbaijan's strong partnership with allies such as Israel, and its proximity to Iran, the extent of their contribution to our security cannot be overstated. For this reason, Section 907 has been waived by Executive Order every year since 2001 by Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

While these Executive Orders have largely mitigated the practical effects of Section 907, its lingering presence as a part of U.S. law is offensive to Azerbaijan and its people. As American companies prosper from helping access and transport Azerbaijan's rich natural resources, and as Azerbaijani troops stand side-by-side with America's heroes against international terrorism, it is disingenuous to single out our ally as a pariah state.

Every Secretary of State over the past two decades and many prominent members of the American business community support the repeal of Section 907. Twenty years after it was signed into law, Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act has become a relic of a previous era and a slap in the face to America's closest ally in the Caspian Region, and I call on my colleagues in Congress to help stand up in support of our friend, Azerbaijan, and repeal Section 907 as expeditiously as possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Center for Mexican American Studies at the University of Houston and to honor the accomplishments of this program.

For the past 40 years, the Center for Mexican American Studies, CMAS, has served as a pioneer of intellectual thought regarding people of Mexican descent in the United States. Established in 1972, CMAS is an interdisciplinary academic program encompassing the liberal arts, education, and social sciences focusing on the Mexican American and broader Latino experience in the United States. Through its courses, publications, conferences, speakers and other programs and activities, CMAS has been at the forefront of bringing insight and understanding about the country's growing Mexican American community.

As the student population became more diverse in the 1970s, members of the U of H Mexican American Youth Organization, MAYO, saw a need for courses that would include the history, culture, folklore, political behavior and salient social issues of Mexican Americans. This student group encouraged the administration to establish such a program and in the fall of 1972, CMAS was created. The courses included in the program work to counter stereotypes and convey the many contributions that people of Mexican descent have made to our great nation.

CMAS has become an academic program focused on advancing knowledge, promoting critical thinking and fostering the value of service to the community, and has expanded beyond the classroom by providing mechanisms to increase the number of Mexican Americans and other Latino students on the U of H campus and develop true leaders.

As a center for intellectual thought and leadership development, CMAS has advanced the Mexican American community on campus, enhanced understanding of the Mexican American experience, and built linkages to the broader Latino community in Houston and throughout the state of Texas. On the 40th anniversary of the Center for Mexican American Studies, I rise to honor the work and accomplishments of this program.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September 21, 2012, as Alzheimer's Action Day and to offer my support to the Alzheimer's Association for their work to provide care and support for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

The Alzheimer's Association, Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter has served Southwest Houston since 1980, when caregivers Harry Walker and Al Malyn created the chapter at a local church to care for their wives. The organization now includes over 300 volunteers who serve 37 countries. With chapters like this, the Alzheimer's Association is able to make a difference. I would like to congratulate this chapter's hard work and accomplishments and thank them for their leadership in our community.

Alzheimer's disease leaves millions of American families in emotional and financial ruin. It affects more than 4 million people nationwide and will affect as many as 14 million by 2050. Additionally, almost 15 million Americans are caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia.

My mother-in-law battled this disease, so I appreciate how devastating it can be. During the last Congress, I was a cosponsor of the National Alzheimer's Project Act, introduced by our colleague Representative Markey. This important law created the Office of the National Alzheimer's Project and called for a National Alzheimer's Plan. During this Congress, I am pleased Representative Markey continues his efforts aimed at combating Alzheimer's by introducing the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act, which I have cosponsored and I believe it deserves consideration by the House.

Making advances in Alzheimer's is a goal in our national interest. We must continue funding programs aimed at education, support and

research. This enjoys bipartisan support and I am proud to work with our colleagues to maintain our Nation's commitment to this effort.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Republican leadership in the House on their two greatest accomplishments this Congress: 1) thanks to their leadership, we have had the least productive Congress in modern history and 2) thanks to their leadership Congress has the lowest approval rating ever.

Time and time again, the House Republicans showed Americans that they would rather play politics by putting messaging bills on the Floor that never stood a chance of passing in the Senate than work with us and the Senate on legislation our country desperately needs.

House Republicans found time to vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act 33 times but we can't find the time to extend the Farm Bill.

In fact, halfway through 2012, the House Majority Leader Eric Cantor declared that ``serious legislating is all but done until after the election.''

This is not what Americans want and the majority should be ashamed of themselves for creating an environment where compromise is avoided at all costs.

Mr. Speaker, I have served many years in the House of Representatives and am proud of the fact that I often work with my colleagues across the aisle to find solutions that make sense for my constituents, industry and the environment.

But this Congress, it's been different. Their mentality is that you're either with us or against us. But Mr. Speaker, that is no way to lead a chamber that represents various constituencies around the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend, Dr. Cleothus Montgomery, D. Min., for his fifty years of service as the pastor of the Northside Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.

In September 1962, Dr. Montgomery founded the Northside Missionary Baptist Church and has been its leader ever since. In this time, he transformed the church from a gathering of a few people in his living room into a vehicle for community change, with more than 450 members. He is currently working on an ambitious plan to build senior housing and a nursing home, and to cultivate small businesses, in an effort to further the church's work toward improving the community.

Montgomery grew up one of nine siblings on a farm in Henderson, Texas. He met and married Emma Tinch and together they reared five children. He is a grandfather to nine grandchildren and great- grandfather to three great-grandchildren.

Dr. Montgomery has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Science and a Bachelor of Theology. He is a graduate of Houston Civilian Police Academy and has earned a Master of Ministry, a Doctorate of Ministry, and two Honorary Doctorates: Honorary Doctorate of Divinity and Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Theology.

In addition to leading Northside Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Montgomery currently serves as the president of the CDC Association of Greater Houston. He has served as Vice President and Chairman of the Board at the College of Biblical Studies, Executive Director of Greater Northside Plaza, President of the Houston Christian Minister's Fellowship Northeast Houston, Chairman of the Board of the World Christian Training Center, and Vice President of the Ministerial Advisory Board to the Mayor of Houston.

The city of Houston is a better place because of Dr. Montgomery. On the 50th Anniversary of Northside Missionary Baptist Church which coincides with Dr. Montgomery's 80th birthday, I rise to thank and honor him for his tireless dedication to his parish and the greater community.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 585, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

I thank our ranking member for allowing me to speak.

Mr. Chairman, as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, I have been involved in the investigation of the Solyndra loan for several months.

During the investigation, I learned that the Department of Energy made a mistake, and I join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in expressing my frustration that such a mistake could have happened. I was angered even more to find out that the taxpayers' investment would be paid back after the investments of outside investors. I believed we explicitly outlawed this in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The Department of Energy did what other administrations have done--they went lawyer shopping to find a legal opinion that allowed them to do what they wanted.

This shouldn't have happened. Early on, it appeared the best way to make sure there would be no more Solyndras was to close this loophole, something I believed there would have been bipartisan support to do. Instead, my Republican friends--smelling blood in the water--decided to take a different approach. They are pursuing more political theater, virtually ensuring that the loan guarantee program will continue to be broken. Worse yet, the bill doesn't even accomplish what they want to do, so their allies, like the Heritage Foundation, oppose it.

When we go home this weekend, we will once again be confronted with frustrated constituents who will be asking us, Why can't you work together in Washington? After seeing this bill pass on a mostly party- line vote, what are we supposed to tell them--that we were faced with the opportunity to cut government waste, to close a loophole and to protect the interest of the taxpayers but that we didn't do it?

We are passing a bill that will never become law. The problems we identified in the Solyndra investigation will continue to exist, and we will be leaving our constituents on the hook for future Solyndras. I urge my colleagues to vote against the bill. It is bad policy and undoes a bipartisan compromise from 2005. Instead, let's work together to find common ground and pass a bill that will fix the problems without the politics.

Thank you for the time.

Mr. Speaker, Members, the original law that this bill amends today was actually created, the loan program, was in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, passed by a Republican Congress and signed by a Republican President. The law does need to have minor reforms, but this bill goes way too far.

The majority had the opportunity in our committee of Energy and Commerce to work in a bipartisan fashion to actually fix the problems with the loan guarantee program. I offered an amendment to the Rules Committee that had been supported by Republicans in our committee, but not a majority of the Republicans, to fix the problems with the program and find middle ground that would be suitable to both Democrats and Republicans alike.

But the majority chose a different path. They decided to forge ahead with a partisan messaging bill that stands no chance of becoming law even when it passes the House today. So despite the name, this bill will not prevent another Solyndra. It's the worst of election-year politics.

We had a chance to work together, something the American people want to see; and one of the things we were sent here to do was fix a broken program. Instead, we're playing more politics one more time.

The bill is bad policy. It doesn't do what conservatives want to do, so the Heritage Foundation opposes it. It doesn't do what the liberals want to do. It eliminates a well-balanced, bipartisan agreement struck years ago, so it isn't what moderates want to do. It's legislating without accountability.

The majority doesn't care that it's bad policy because it will never become law.

Instead, I urge my colleagues to find the bipartisanship. Let's take this opportunity to fix the problem that we see and craft a bipartisan bill. This is a chance to show our country that Congress can do things.

One of the reasons Congress has a 10 percent approval rating is we're not legislating. We're messaging. This is probably the worst example of it. We're talking past each other. This is a chance to show our country that Congress can do things. Instead, this partisan circus helps confirm the belief that Congress is broken, and it's working against the interest of the American people.

I urge a ``no'' vote on the rule and support a bipartisan effort to really make sure there are no more Solyndras.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 710, the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act.

As the Ranking Member of the House Environment and Economy Subcommittee, I have long advocated for the establishment of an e- manifest system.

I am pleased that not only our subcommittee produced legislation to create this important system but that we did so in a bipartisan manner.

It's not very often that we in the House not only agree on a product but that it also has support from both industry and the environmental groups.

That is why it is so important to that my colleagues support this bill today.

The benefits of an electronic manifest are obvious--ranging from reduced paperwork and administrative burdens to the millions of dollars that such a system could save.

More importantly, though, with this e-manifest system we will ensure that hazardous wastes is successfully tracked and managed from generation to its final destination.

This is a good bill and I look forward to passing it and urge my colleagues to support it.