Floor Statements

Thank you for leading this Special Order on natural gas and its benefits. And thanks for your leadership on the Marcellus Shale Caucus. With natural gas, everybody wins. I am very proud to be a member of the Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Caucus. And I appreciate Mr. Reed, my good friend from just north of me in New York, acknowledging that good stewardship and good science is important. And we have both when it comes to natural gas. This is not 50, 60 years ago when we were extracting coal. This is 2012, where we have and we benefit from great science, and we know that we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the environment. I appreciate that acknowledgment.

I represent Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. There are 17 counties that I serve, and that's 22 percent of the land mass of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, 15 of my 17 counties have Marcellus shale, and I give thanks for many blessings that God has provided me in my life, and I thank God for the blessings of this natural gas at this time for our country.

I also benefit from having an institution like Pennsylvania State University, Penn State, in my district, and specifically the ag extension part of that land grant university that has experts that are out in the field helping everyday citizens with decisions about leases, leasing their land, and helping them with issues related to making sure that it is done in a way that represents good stewardship by the companies.

And here is the part I am most excited about: They are also helping them with finding the right kind of counsel for wealth management. That's the kind of problem we like to see our citizens have, a need for wealth management, because there were a lot of farmers who were going out of business. But today, they have a new John Deere tractor sitting there, and largely that is thanks to Marcellus shale. So it's going to be good for agriculture, which is good for all of America in terms of food.

Let me talk about some of the benefits because that's what we're here to focus on. And I want to start with a big one, and that's energy security. Marcellus shale is taking that large valve that controls us, all that oil that we buy from the Middle East, and we're going to be able to shut that thing off because of energy security, moving towards energy independence that natural gas is going to allow this country to have. That's something, whether you're in an area that's blessed with natural gas or not, every citizen in this country should hope and pray and give thanks for the fact that we will move ourselves in the direction of being energy secure, and that natural gas is going to contribute to that significantly.

I want to put that out there. It is the first benefit that absolutely every American, I don't care where they live in this country, is benefiting from natural gas.

Secondly, it really is jobs. I know that is localized to where the jobs occur. I happen to live in an area that has benefited significantly. I represent a very rural part of Pennsylvania, and we've had our difficult times. We have lost industries. But where we have natural gas, we are growing jobs.

Let me just give a couple of examples. In Tioga County there is a manufacturer. Actually, it's an international company. And the international company, the parent company, is looking to expand a plant. Guess where they're looking to? They're looking to Pennsylvania. And they're looking to Tioga County. And a big part of that is manufacturing, a key feedstock ingredient, whether used for heating, processing, or an ingredient, is natural gas. And the price of natural gas being delivered domestically, how it is available, so plentiful and so cheap right now, they want to build and expand the plant right there in Tioga County. That's very exciting. That's jobs.

As I wander around Tioga County, I see help wanted signs everywhere. And it's not just in traditional businesses that you would think of when you think of natural gas. It's all businesses, because the economy is good. The income is up. The unemployment is way below both State and national averages in the counties where the natural gas production has really taken off. And it's moving to other counties.

In terms of jobs, there's an entrepreneur in Elk County who I serve. This is a gentleman who's a real smart businessman. He saw something that these natural gas companies need, and he went out and he created a small manufacturing business to provide it. He's creating jobs, really good jobs for people, skilled jobs in order to produce the supplies that the companies need. And you know what, that's good for everybody. That's Elk County.

In Centre County, my home county, there's a road contractor there. We know that we have a lot of problems

with our roads. We're challenged both in the State and Federal budget in terms of money right now. But this road contractor is doing great things, as are a lot of small excavating companies, in terms of pad preparation and paving those roads. You talk about our roads are getting better. The gas companies are investing a significant amount of money early on to build roads, rebuild roads that really have never been built before.

In Pennsylvania we have what's called Pinchot roads, named for a former Governor, that don't have much of a base. So in the spring when the farmers are out there and are running their tractors, they rut up and get muddy. They've never had a firm base. Well, today, those Pinchot roads are being rebuilt really appropriately for the first time. And all of that is driven, that's a secondary benefit of the natural gas opportunity.

If you go to Warren County, we've got a longtime natural gas producer up there. It's a small, independently owned company. They've been in the oil and natural gas business I have to think for decades. Now today, they're partnering with a very large national company, so they're helping to bring outside dollars into the Fifth District of Pennsylvania, and they're creating more jobs.

The growth of the hotels, the hotel industry, is just booming, and those hospitality jobs are great jobs. In Clinton County, closer to my hometown, we have international companies that are relocating to rural Pennsylvania. International companies relocating and creating a significant amount of jobs. It's a very exciting opportunity that we're blessed with today.

I want to talk about heating costs, another benefit. This was two winters ago when the Marcellus was just starting to take off. You know, today, natural gas prices are somewhere in the neighborhood of about $2.60 for 1,000 cubic feet. Just 3 or 4 years ago, back when we didn't produce domestic natural gas--we imported it all from other countries-- natural gas was somewhere from $12 to $13 per 1,000 cubic feet, or more. And today, it's like $2.60 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Two or three winters ago, the utility in Philadelphia, about as far in Pennsylvania as you can get from where we drill natural gas, reported that the communities in Philadelphia, their home heating costs were at an all-time low. I would argue this winter, if we look in New York and Pennsylvania and all of the areas where, because of natural gas prices today, being domestically produced, those citizens who benefit from heating their homes and cooking with natural gas, their costs in a difficult economy are at an all-time low. That's something that everybody can benefit from.

In fact, one of the projects that I'm trying to work on, I think it is very important, I would like to see how we get those distribution lines for natural gas into more of our communities. My hometown doesn't have natural gas. I would love to be able to heat my home with natural gas, and I would like to at least see what Federal regulations are standing in the way of making that happen. I'm sure there's something out there that's a roadblock that we could work on.

The opportunities that we have today in terms of the benefits from natural gas are significant. They span a lot of different areas. I'm sure there are things that I haven't covered. I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for hosting this forum where we're talking about the benefits. These are really benefits that every American can experience as a result of accessing a resource that God has blessed us with.

I do. Let me talk about, just out of fairness and equity, two young men, and this was actually published in the local paper. And they were doing a coverage of the Marcellus shale. And I was very impressed with this article because it was two young men who had just graduated from a local high school, actually in Clinton County, not too far off over the line from where I live. And they had decided they were going to go for a little technical training. They were going to go to a community college setting, get a certificate program, basically for driving a truck. And they did that, and then they secured jobs with someone who I assume was hauling sand or hauling water for the Marcellus operations around the area. These young men I have no doubts are today, and fairly fresh out of high school, are earning somewhere in the neighborhood of over $60,000 a year, and probably with overtime a little more. That's a pretty incredible start for a young person.

Because I have to believe that my district, the 22 percent of the landmass of Pennsylvania that I serve is probably a lot like your district that our number one export for many years has been our young people. We educate them, and I like to think we do a good job of that, and they go to where there's opportunity. And there has not been opportunity in our economies, and our areas have been somewhat depressed economically for some time. And today, opportunity has returned. That is what this has been.

And there are jobs sitting open now of all types. And that's the exciting part. When I hear about people that are unemployed--and we have had folks protesting about not having jobs. Well, come to the Fifth District of Pennsylvania. You don't have to work in the

natural gas industry, because the natural gas industry they've kind of taken, they've been able to recruit some really good folks out of other positions. Some of those have been retail positions, service positions and manufacturing positions, but now those jobs are sitting open. And that's the effect that this kind of an economic opportunity has.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of an Eagle Scout who is planning for retirement after 37 years of distinguished professional service to the Boy Scouts of America. Bruce ``Trip'' McMillan will retire as the Area 4 director for the Northeast Region of the Boy Scouts of America.

Bruce McMillan received his bachelor's degree from Montclair State University. He is a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow and a Wood Badge recipient. He has staffed jamborees, camp schools, and countless training events.

His career serving America's youth began in 1975 as a district executive in Wayne, New Jersey. Since then, he went on to serve as a Scout executive in Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Trip was then promoted to the Northeast Region Area 4 staff in 2001 and Area 4 director in 2008.

In all capacities, Trip has served with great distinction, earning the respect and admiration of all he has served over a remarkable career. Congratulations to Trip and his devoted wife, Diane.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize a friend and scouting professional who has touched the lives of so many youth in his service to scouting. Well done, Scouter.

Less debt and more jobs, Mr. Speaker. This remains our priority as we begin

the second session of the 112th Congress.

Our national debt recently surpassed economic output, meaning the national debt is now greater than the value of the entire U.S. economy. Despite almost $1 trillion of stimulus spending, there's been 35 straight months of national unemployment averages greater than 8 percent. These are the facts, Mr. Speaker, yet some are calling for more deficit spending and tax increases, and that's just plain wrong.

The best way to reduce our debt and deficit is to get America back to work. Over the last 12 months, this has been the focus of this Chamber. The House has passed more than 30 jobs bills, most of which the Senate has refused to consider. Next week will mark 1,000 days since the Senate has passed a budget.

Today, the House again has taken the steps to disapprove of further raising the debt ceiling. Failure to address even a budget will only serve to speed up our downward spiral. Mr. Speaker, there is no way around it: Without dealing with the debt, this country's long-term economic outlook will remain unclear.

I rise today to recognize and celebrate Bill of Rights Day, which is today, December 15, 2011.

The Bill of Rights was created to ensure a level of limited government. A ``parchment barrier'' was the way many of our Founding Fathers described documents such as the Constitution and its first 10 amendments--the Bill of Rights.

Our Founders viewed them as an essential guarantee on our freedoms. These documents would serve as a barrier to an oppressive government, preventing such forces from overpowering its citizenry. Our Founders also knew that such documents weren't worth the parchment they were written on unless a diligent citizenry knew of their distinct worth. For the protections offered under the Bill of Rights to endure, they knew that all citizens must understand their content and importance.

That's why today we celebrate Bill of Rights Day--for each of us to better understand our Bill of Rights and to know that, without them, liberty cannot prosper.

Mr. Speaker, first today, I rise today to congratulate Tricia Miller of Centre County on receiving the 2012 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year award. An English teacher from the Penns Valley Area School District since 1994, Tricia is the first Centre County educator to receive the award in its 54-year history. In addition to teaching English, in 2009 Trish became the Penns Valley literacy coach for grades 7 through 12, where she has introduced new instructional strategies in the classroom.

Many variables go into a great education, but it's having great teachers that matter most. Tricia Miller is the type of teacher that goes above and beyond. She is tirelessly committed to high achievement and the success of her students, which she has demonstrated year after year.

Tricia Miller is deserving of this award and recognition. We thank her for her commitment to the teaching profession and are proud that she will go to represent the State in the National Teacher of the Year competition. Congratulations, Teacher Tricia Miller.

House Passes Extension Legislation

Mr. Speaker, I also would like to take time this morning to address and celebrate a piece of legislation that we passed out of the House of Representatives last evening, largely, almost solely with just Republican support, but a bill that deserved bipartisan support because it's great for the entire Nation.

This is a bill that addresses many of the extension bills that were lingering and will soon expire at the end of the year. In particular, there are three parts I just want to touch on briefly this morning that are incredibly important for the citizens of this Nation, and I think also parts that are transformational. And it's rare that we see a transformational piece of legislation out of this body.

First of all, the tax cuts. Tax cuts for all Americans. This is a tax cut that was actually paid for, not one that added to the national debt or certainly one that threatened in any way the integrity of the Social Security fund. I am very proud to be able to support this bill and to do it in a proper way, to pay for and allow the citizens of this country to keep money in their own pockets. Certainly they are better prepared to make decisions on how money is spent.

Secondly, the changes in the extension of the unemployment compensation. We have taken steps to move unemployment towards a workforce development program as opposed to just an entitlement program. Unemployment is important and should be used to return people to work, and the provisions of the bill that were approved yesterday do just that. It allows States to do drug screening. We've put a lot of money into retraining people for jobs when they are on unemployment or through the Workforce Investment Act only to find that there is a percentage that aren't eligible to work because they can't pass a drug test. This provision gives people a reason to clean their lives up. It takes it from 99 to 59 weeks, which is an appropriate move.

One of the last provisions, which I think is maybe one of the most important: If you are an individual and need unemployment compensation, and you don't have a high school degree or a

GED, it requires you to enroll in a qualified GED program. Education is the key to success in this country.

Finally, as a part of this bill that I was proud to support, it provides 2 years of preventing an over 27 percent cut to the Medicare part B Medicare reimbursement rates for both hospitals and physicians.

As a former health care provider, manager within rural hospitals, I know how devastating those cuts would be, and I was very proud that not only did we address that, we did it with more certainty than has ever been done in the past since 1997, when we did that for a 2-year period.

Mr. Speaker, I am very appreciative of my colleagues for supporting this bill and passing it out of the House. And I would ask, Mr. Speaker, that the Senate give it the same full due diligence in quickly moving it out of that side of Congress so that the American people can benefit from all of the provisions within that extension package.

Mr. Speaker, the hardship of all those involved in the recent tragic developments at Penn State University is heavy on our hearts as this community moves forward and these individuals and their families continue to cope with the horrific adversity and pain.

Despite these tragic events, I rise today for a different reason, something my community, the Penn State community, can be most proud of. The Chronicle of Higher Education recently reported that Penn State leads the Nation in outgoing faculty Fulbright grants for the 2011-2012 academic year. Penn State has received a total of 16 grants, 14 of which were awarded at the University Park Campus in State College.

The Fulbright Program, a program of competitive, merit-based grants for students, teachers and other professionals, is the U.S. government's premier international educational exchange program. These individuals will go on to expand our Nation's educational endeavors by strengthening partnerships with other leading institutions around the world.

These success stories also serve as an encouraging example that every individual can achieve their potential through hard work and dedication. These talented individuals have much to be proud of. Congratulations to each recipient on this esteemed award.

I thank the gentleman from Virginia.

It is no secret, Mr. Speaker, that Washington has a spending addiction. Congress has demonstrated, regardless of which party is in charge, that the out-of-control spending just does not stop. Each Congress, spending in budget reforms are enacted only to be revised or ignored by the next. Unfortunate as it is, this body has reliably circumvented any real budget process, even its own rules, in order to fulfill its spending addiction. Routine abuses and budget gimmicks, such as ``emergency'' designations, are designed to skirt budget enforcement rules and to disguise the real level of spending. Similar to rampant drug abuse in the 1980s, which led to addiction and violence at epidemic levels, our spending habits have led to a debt crisis that borders on an overdose.

Our country needs urgent help, Mr. Speaker. It's time for intervention.

That's why we're here today to consider H.J. Res. 2, a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Most importantly, the balanced budget amendment will discourage Congress from circumventing its fiscal responsibilities because a constitutional amendment cannot be revised or ignored. This measure is the only way to force the hand of Congress toward fiscal responsibility, ensuring that policymakers just say ``no'' to reckless spending.

Many economists and experts agree that the adoption of such amendment would begin to address this Nation's looming debt crisis and would lay a stronger path to long-term economic growth. The American people overwhelmingly back a balanced budget amendment. That's exactly why H.J. Res. 2 already has the strong support of a majority of my fellow Representatives, including 242 bipartisan cosponsors. Our constituents understand what it means to live within their means, and they expect nothing less from the Federal Government.

No more denial, Mr. Speaker. It is time for this body to come clean. It is time for each Member to decide whether or not this country will continue down a reckless path of debt and despair or if it will quit living beyond its means--cold turkey. It's time to rid this Chamber of its reckless spending addiction. It's time for Congress to just say ``no'' by voting ``yes'' on H.J. Res. 2.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 3086.

Madam Speaker, on October 9, 2011, a good friend and long-time scouter, John Milton Kriner II, passed away at the age of 53. A life marked with accomplishment and overcoming barriers, John was born in 1958 with Down syndrome. Despite life's challenges, John and his parents, John and Betta, always focused on the possible, not the limitations.

He graduated from State College Area High School, went on to receive certification from Centre County Vocational and Hiram G. Andrews Technical Schools, and was later employed by the State Area College School District. A member of Troop 339, Boy Scouts of America, John received the Eagle Scout with Gold Palm, Silver Beaver Award, Unit Commissioner, Honorary Camp Director, and Wood Badge Beaver Awards. He attended four BSA national jamborees, serving as a staff member, was a Vigil Honor member of the Monaken Lodge, Order of the Arrow, and an honorary member of Penn State University's Alpha Phi Omega. John was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher, greeter, and was a member of Disciples Sunday school class. He was also a State Special Olympic silver, bronze, and gold medal winner in swimming. John Kriner was a true inspiration to all who knew him. Well done, Scouter.

I rise today to honor one of the legends of college football, Penn State's football coach, Joe Paterno, who this past weekend scored his 409th victory as head coach. The win took place on a snowy State College afternoon where the Nittany Lions defeated the University of Illinois.

With this past weekend's win, Paterno becomes the winningest coach in Division I football. As if this accomplishment weren't extraordinary by itself, it is important to note that all 409 wins have come under the head coach of one school--Penn State.

Starting his football coaching career at Penn State in 1950 as an assistant coach, Paterno's tenure has spanned over 62 years. His 409- win and 136-loss record is truly unrivaled, passing over legendary coaches Bear Bryant of Alabama, Bobby Bowden of Florida State, and Eddie Robinson of Grambling.

From 1950 to today, Coach Paterno has led his team with humility, class, and integrity. He's truly one of a kind, but words can't describe his tremendous contributions to the Penn State community.

Today, I stand to honor and recognize Coach Paterno, the winningest coach in Division I football history.

Congratulations, Joe Paterno.

Mr. Speaker, rural Pennsylvania, like other parts of the country, have not been immune to difficult economic times; but today Pennsylvania is uniquely positioned to become a source of growth and strength for our State, the region, and the Nation through the development of what could be one of the world's largest natural gas fields, the Marcellus shale, much of which is located in my congressional district.

Marcellus production is offering our region and the country expanded access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy--and a new source of economic growth and stable jobs.

As Congress tackles challenges regarding jobs and the deficit, we must consider domestic energy production as a logical and obtainable solution to both of these challenges, for the United States has enormous untapped deposits of coal, oil, natural gas, and other sources of energy that can offer good-paying jobs, new sources of revenue, affordable and reliable energy, as well as national energy security.

The economic success story of the Marcellus shale can be replicated across this country by opening up all of America's domestic resources and allowing new investment and technologies to expand the exploration and production of America's own resources.

We can develop these resources, create jobs and tens of billions of dollars in revenues, but only if the Federal Government encourages and not discourages production. I'm not talking about a Solyndra-style subsidy but, rather, government's getting out of the way of accessing the natural resources that God has blessed us with.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 1 p.m. on Monday next.

Mr. Speaker, not only can we not wait; we can't afford to wait. And here in the House, we haven't waited.

With this week's passage of H.R. 1904, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011, and H.R. 674, the repeal of the 3 percent withholding rule on certain payments made to vendors by government entities, the House Chamber now has passed more than 17 job- creating bills in the 112th Congress.

H.R. 1904 will boost development of our Nation's copper resources, generating billions in new revenue and creating new environments for economic growth. Much like the costly Form 1099 requirements that we succeeded in repealing earlier this year, the 3 percent withholding rule would impose substantial new burdens on cash-strapped employers, impeding cash flows and further undermining job creation.

Passage of H.R. 674 will not only create jobs; it will relieve Federal, State and local governments of the need to comply with unfunded administrative burdens that the rule would impose.

Mr. Speaker, not only can we not wait; we cannot afford to wait. And here in the House, we haven't waited.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the goals and the ideals of National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day, both of which will be held next month in November 2011.

National Adoption Month, which was first designated in 1995, promotes national awareness of adoption, encourages the well-being of every child, and recognizes the thoughtful efforts of individuals and organizations working with orphans and foster children.

In November 2000, National Adoption Day was launched through the National Adoption Day Coalition. National Adoption Day marks the day that agencies, organizations and families come together to complete thousands of foster care adoptions. Too many foster children across the Nation, including almost 10,000 children in Pennsylvania, are waiting to be adopted.

For this reason, I've joined numerous fellow House colleagues in sponsoring H. Res. 433, a bipartisan resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day in November. This resolution will bring needed awareness to adoption and encourage our fellow Americans to ensure every child has a permanent home with a loving family.

Mr. Speaker, a lot of folks in this Chamber talk about job creation, which is important because jobs should and must be our Nation's top priority. But the solution to our economic woes isn't going to come from Washington; it's going to come from domestic industries and small businesses across this Nation.

One industry that comes to mind is the energy industry, in particular the Marcellus shale natural gas play, much of which is located in my district. During 2010, the Marcellus shale supported nearly 140,000 jobs and is projected to generate more than $12.8 billion in economic activity just in 2011. The Washington myth that government creates jobs continues to be on the lips of many inside the beltway, yet the Marcellus has been so productive in part because the Federal Government does not have direct involvement in the regulation, which remains largely in the hands of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, the government should be focused on removing barriers to growth, such as the 15 job-creating bills now passed by the House and ignored by the Senate. Here in the House, we haven't waited. It's time for our Senate colleagues to act and act now.