Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent of mine that is very special to me and my fellow southern New Mexicans.

Stephen C. DuBois is a resident of Tularosa, New Mexico. He is 89 years old and is a veteran. But over six decades ago today, Mr. DuBois was stationed in Hawaii, and he survived one of the worst and most cowardly attacks on our Nation in our country's history--the attack on Pearl Harbor.

When the attack occurred, Mr. DuBois was a hospital corpsman in the Navy and was only 19 years old. He was in a tent when the Japanese began their assault. A marine came into the tent and mistaking Mr. DuBois for another marine, he told him, ``follow me.'' Together, they charged on to take control of an anti-aircraft turret.

The marine was surprised at the way DuBois handled the weapon and asked where in the world he had been trained.

Mr. DuBois answered that he had been trained in Newport, which shocked the marine even further. He replied, ``Newport? That's where the Navy gets trained!''

To which Mr. DuBois could only reply, ``Well, that's what I am, Navy!''

Whether he was a Marine or in the Navy didn't seem to matter much after that. Working with that marine, Mr. DuBois was able to bring down at least two Japanese planes that were attacking Pearl Harbor. While it is difficult to say with any certainty how many more casualties would have been inflicted by those two planes, you can be sure that the gallant actions of Mr. DuBois and his friend did save lives that day.

And while we look back on that terrible day that brought so much pain and anguish to our nation and its citizens, we are also reminded of something else that was proven that day. We are reminded that when placed in tough situations, Americans can be some pretty extraordinary people.

Stephen C. DuBois didn't take that gun for fame or fortune, for glory or for revenge. Instead he did what so many of our sons and daughters have done over time. He did it because he was ordered to. He did it because it was his duty. And by doing his duty, he saved so many lives and really he saved our country.

So today, I want to honor not only those brave Americans that we lost at Pearl Harbor, but all of those brave Americans like Mr. DuBois who protected us and our beloved country. May God bless him and his family and may God continue to bless America.

Madam Speaker, I am an oil man. I always have been and always will be. When I was 9 years old, we moved from Caddo County, Oklahoma, to Hobbs, New Mexico, so my daddy could get a job in the oil patch. A few years later, at age 17, with my parents sick and the bills still needing to get paid, I went to work in the oil fields to earn a paycheck and support the family. Eventually, I built a small business from the ground up; and we employed 250 people, drilling oil and gas wells for other people and fixing them when they were broke.

Most every hamburger that I have ever had has come somehow from American oil and gas. The industry employs almost 20,000 people in New Mexico. It's a critical source of wealth, jobs, energy, and education funding in my State; and I've been proud to fight for New Mexico oil and gas in Congress.

While New Mexico has been successful developing its oil and gas resources, we have failed to develop the diverse alternative energy resources that my State also possesses in great abundance. And, unfortunately for thousands of New Mexicans looking for work today, we have failed to create those alternative energy jobs.

Madam Speaker, if we want to create our energy jobs here in America and stop sending a billion dollars to countries like Saudi Arabia and Venezuela every day, we need a ``Do it all, do it in America'' energy policy. We need to drill for more oil and natural gas. We need to build new nuclear facilities. We need to capture the wind, the sun, and the Earth's geothermal heat for electricity. We need to produce billions of gallons of liquid biofuels to burn in cars, trucks, and airplane engines, and we need to do it right here in America.

Madam Speaker, a pillar of a ``Do it all, do it in America'' approach to energy is producing biofuels from algae. Algal biofuels have high energy density and the near-term potential to produce more energy in a small footprint than earlier generation biofuels. They can be grown using brackish water not suitable for human consumption and on land not suitable for agriculture. And all the algae needs is ample sunlight and a source of nutrition, like cow manure, to grow and get fat with oil.

Although the companies and researchers that are now producing algal biofuels have intensively experimented with various techniques and algae breeds over many years, when it comes down to it, getting oil out of algae is pretty simple: You dig a pond, line it, and fill it with water. You fill the pond with algae, keep them fed. When the algae are good and fat, you squeeze the oil out of the organisms. And depending on your technology, you put it right to use or refine it into gasoline, diesel, or jet fuel. Additionally, many algal biofuels are designed to function on a drop-in basis, so you can pour green crude right into the pipeline or tanker truck coming out of the oil patch. This means we can replace imported oil with homegrown fuel without costly investments in new refining and transportation infrastructure.

My district of southern New Mexico is among the many areas across the country primed to become a center for algal biofuel production and job creation. Our wide open spaces, ample sunlight, and brackish water make us the perfect place to produce our Nation's next generation of biofuels. We already have algal biofuel facilities in Dona Ana County and Eddy County. Luna County will soon be home to another facility which will create 700 jobs when it breaks ground this fall. The potential, though, is so much greater. Algal biofuels are poised to power America with homegrown energy on a large scale.

However, algal biofuels face an uneven playing field within our Nation's energy policy framework, most notably in our tax code. Under current law, algal biofuels do not qualify for tax incentives that currently benefit other biofuels, like cellulosic biofuels.

When these tax laws were written, cellulosic biofuels and biodiesel were the only renewable fuels on the lawmakers' radars and considered capable of actually reducing America's dependence on foreign oil. Since these laws were written, however, significant advances in the algae- based fuel industry have readied algae for prime time. Now, because algae has many advantages over cellulosic feedstocks and is operating on a near-term commercialization timeline similar to cellulosic fuels, algae-based fuel producers should receive tax incentives on par with those currently received by cellulosic biofuel producers.

H.R. 4168, the Algae-based Renewable Fuel Promotion Act, simply gives algal biofuels tax parity with cellulosic

biofuels. The legislation contains a limitation on the products that will qualify for the tax incentives. They must be derived solely from qualifying feedstocks. Qualifying feedstocks include, in addition to cellulosic materials, cultivated algae, cyanobacteria, and lemna. Beyond that, the bill does not distinguish among these feedstocks with regard to the manner of cultivation, including nutrients or other inputs used to develop the feedstock and the biofuel. It is the intent of this provision to encompass all technologies using qualified feedstocks such as algae.

Bottom line, tax parity will help algal biofuel producers attract needed capital to produce energy right here at home and create hundreds of thousands of jobs for new energy in New Mexico and across this great country.

Madam Speaker, when Americans go to the pump to fill up their tanks today, they are sending 70 cents of every dollar to other countries, many of which don't like us very much, and are creating jobs in places like Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. I don't want Americans to be creating jobs for the supporters of Hugo Chavez when they use energy. We should be creating energy jobs right here at home, employing American workers to produce the energy our economy and military needs.

Passing this bill today is a step toward a ``Do it all, do it in America'' energy policy. We can create American jobs and make our country more secure by producing our energy right here at home. This is a commonsense bipartisan bill that will create jobs and move America toward energy independence.

I would like to thank Chairman Levin, Ranking Member Camp, and members of the Ways and Means Committee for their support.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer a simple but important amendment.

My amendment would add another means by which facilities may demonstrate compliance with the financial responsibility provisions of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.

The amendment enables two or more companies to meet individual financial responsibility requirements by pooling resources or obtaining joint insurance coverage. Such arrangements would avoid redundant coverage, reduce insurance costs, and enhance access to insurance.

In the event of a liability incident, any party to such an arrangement would have access to the full coverage amount. Provisions would be made in a joint insurance plan for automatic reinstatement, by the parties, of the original coverage amount.

This amendment does not substitute or change current provisions for meeting financial responsibility. Rather, it simply adds another method for meeting financial responsibility requirements. There is no reduction in protection of the public interest, and no reduction in protection for the environment.

Mr. Chairman, ever since I arrived in Congress, I made it my mission to fight for the little guys--the companies whose names you don't see in television commercials, but that provide jobs for millions of Americans and produce so much of our Nation's domestic energy. You find a lot of those companies around my hometown of Hobbs, New Mexico, and you find a lot of those hardworking companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico.

Having independent oil and gas producers providing American energy in the Gulf of Mexico is critical to moving away from foreign oil. The big oil companies are generally interested in producing only the biggest plays with the biggest potential payoffs. It's the independent companies that are going in and producing American energy that would not get produced otherwise.

According to a recent report, independent oil and natural gas companies currently account for about half of the nearly 400,000 jobs and $20 billion in Federal, State and local revenues generated by the industry in 2009.

This amendment simply allows smaller independent companies the flexibility they need to meet financial responsibility requirements. I ask for broad, bipartisan support of this amendment.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Thank you, Chairman Price, and thank you for the work that you've done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in support of a supplemental appropriation bill to secure our border now.

A drug war is being waged along our border, threatening communities, families and our livelihoods in border States. And while the violence only continues to escalate, Congress seems content to step back and ignore the issue.

The drug violence is an immediate threat, and it calls for immediate action. It is deeply troubling that the Senate failed to take this opportunity to protect our national security and secure our borders. That is why I am proud to bring this bill to secure our borders to the floor tonight.

Mr. Speaker, deploying our National Guard troops to the border is critical, but we also need an increased and sustained presence of Border Patrol to protect our citizens. This bill does that by providing additional Border Patrol agents and resources for local law enforcement agencies located near the border through important programs like Operation Stonegarden.

Something important that this bill will fund are added forward operating bases for our Border Patrol. FOBs get our agents on the ground, on the border, where they can protect our citizens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Currently, to protect the fine Americans living in the New Mexico boot heel, Border Patrol agents must travel 85 miles from their station in Lordsburg, New Mexico. This costs the Border Patrol agents hours in travel time before they even begin their work. This bill will get agents on the line protecting New Mexican citizens.

Mr. Speaker, the safety of our communities and our country is too important to subject to partisan politics.

The House has already passed this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to stand up for our national security once more. Vote ``yes'' to protect the communities along the southern border.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to protect the promise made to more than 50 million Americans who depend on Social Security to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.

Seventy-five years ago, in the wake of our country's worst economic crisis, we introduced Social Security as a pledge to stand by hardworking Americans, despite old age, disability, or the death of a loved one. And, as we emerge from hard financial times, we are still keeping this promise to our mothers and our fathers, to our grandparents and to our children.

Unfortunately, there are those who would like to break this promise. By privatizing Social Security, we would be gambling with this important safety net that many of our seniors rely on, subjecting people's entire life savings to the whim of the stock market and threatening our own financial stability.

We cannot allow America's retirement to be gambled away. I stand by this commitment I made to southern New Mexico, and I urge my colleagues to join me in protecting Social Security.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of my bill, H.R. 4307, which would name the VA veterans health clinic in Artesia, New Mexico, in honor of Alejandro Renteria Ruiz, a southern New Mexican who was awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II.

Alejandro Ruiz was ultimately a sergeant in the United States Army. He was born and raised in Loving, New Mexico, down in southern Eddy County. When war broke out, he traveled north to Carlsbad and enlisted in the Army. After basic training, he was assigned to the 27th Infantry Division.

The 27th Infantry Division was part of the largest amphibious operation in the Pacific theater, the Allied invasion of Okinawa, code name Operation Iceberg. It was during this invasion that, on April 28, 1945, Private Ruiz' unit was pinned down by machine gun fire from a camouflaged Japanese pillbox. They were unable to advance until Ruiz grabbed an automatic rifle and charged the pillbox, right in the face of machine gun fire and grenades. Unfortunately, his rifle jammed, and one of the enemies attacked Ruiz. Without hesitation, he used the rifle as a club and beat back his enemy. Ruiz then returned to his original position, all the while under fire from machine guns and grenades from the pillbox. On his second attempt to free his unit, Ruiz was able to overtake the enemy pillbox and save the lives of fellow soldiers.

For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented to him by President Truman on June 26, 1946, in a ceremony at the White House.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand before you to honor this American hero. We should all work every day to remember individuals like Sergeant Ruiz. He and the multitudes of his fellow Americans who battled for the freedom of Europe, Asia, and the Americas left the world a legacy of liberty, security, and prosperity.

After the war, Sergeant Ruiz would tell the story of how he came to serve in the Army. As a young man working for a cattle farmer in Carlsbad, he was told to transport an animal to another farm. Now, I am as familiar with the long, lonely roads of southern New Mexico as much as anyone is, and I can tell you, your mind wanders on those long drives. That day more than a half a century ago, Mr. Ruiz' mind wandered to thoughts of a girlfriend. Well, those thoughts in mind, he drove straight to Barstow, Texas, 122 miles away, to speak with that young woman, and he brought the cow with him. Seeing as he'd now stolen a cow, Mr. Ruiz was detained, and the judge told Mr. Ruiz he would either be sent to jail for taking the cow or he could enlist in the Army. He chose the Army.

Sergeant Ruiz died on November 20, 2009. He was survived by two children, Selia Ruiz and Alejandro Ruiz, Jr., a sister, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, Sergeant Ruiz was a member of the Greatest Generation. As that generation grows older and many of them leave this Earth, it is important that their sacrifices, their acts of heroism, their accomplishments, and, of course, their names not be forgotten. It would be a great mistake for us to forget how the lives we live today, the freedoms we cherish, and the comforts we enjoy were earned by the heroism of Sergeant Ruiz, the blood of his fellow soldiers, and the sacrifice of an entire Nation.

Madam Speaker, upon enactment of this bill, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic located at 1700 West Main Street in Artesia, New Mexico, will bear the name of Alejandro Renteria Ruiz, the son, citizen, and defender of a grateful Nation.

I thank Chairman Filner for his support, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the DISCLOSE Act, a bill that I am proud to cosponsor. Several months ago, in the Citizens United case, the Supreme Court made a dangerous decision to allow unlimited corporate and union money into our elections. The consequences of this decision for our democracy are dire.

Unless we act, massive corporations can secretly funnel hundreds of millions of dollars through shadowy front groups to influence elections. A foreign company like British Petroleum could even retaliate against Members of Congress who want to hold them accountable by secretly funding millions in attack ads.

If we don't act to stop this injustice, limitless corporate money will flood into our political system and drown out the voice of the American people. Debates between citizens will be replaced by hours of televised ads secretly funded by corporate interests.

Some people say this is a First Amendment free speech issue. Of course it is. The court decision actually lets foreign corporations influence our elections. What this bill does is protect the speech of American citizens.

Mr. Chair, the DISCLOSE Act says free speech is for people. The DISCLOSE Act also says pick a side. Do you support protecting the voice of the American people?

I ask everyone to support the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on the evening of June 24, 2010, and was unable to record my votes for rollcalls 393 and 394. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on the Senate Amendments to H.R. 3962, the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010 and H.R. 2194, the Conference Report on Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act.

Although I believe we should legislate a permanent solution to the sustainable growth rate for Medicare and TRICARE, it is critical that we prevent impending cuts for the sake of our doctors, our seniors, and our veterans.

Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I congratulate Agnes Dill for being awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the University of New Mexico for her many years of outstanding service and dedication to Indian Country.

Agnes earned her bachelor of Arts degree in education in 1937 and then taught at BIA schools in Oklahoma for over a decade. Along with becoming an educator, Agnes devoted much of her time in the 1970's to serving as an advocate for Native American people, particularly Native American women. Agnes served as one of the founding members of the North American Indian Women's Association and served as its President in 1973.

All of her efforts led to Agnes being appointed by President Ford to the National Advisory Council on Women's Education in 1975.

Not being one to rest on her laurels, Agnes took all of her knowledge and traveled extensively through the country to set up job and talent banks that would encourage Native American women to seek careers that were thought of as ``non-traditional'' during the time. These efforts encouraged Native American women to seek jobs in the fields of medicine, law and business. All of her work was driven by one motivating factor that she described in her own words in a recent interview: ``Anything a man was doing, I tried to get a woman to do.''

Agnes continued to drive policy on these issues when she served on the board of directors of Indian Pueblo Marketing, Inc., which promotes and funds the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Agnes also served on the National Advisory Committee for the White House Conference on Aging and has extended her focus to Native American youth serving as President of the New Mexico chapter of NAIWA and Director of New Mexico Indian Council on Aging.

With such an amazing history as an advocate, I am very proud of her numerous accomplishments and I'm proud to represent and honor her today in the Congress. From her beginnings as an educator, to her national advocacy roles, she has demonstrated how commitment to public service for Native American communities can inspire us all to improve our own lives and get involved with these important issues.

Even at the youthful age of 96 years old, her unwavering commitment to advocating for improvements to Native American education and healthcare is a great example for all of us to look to and continue her work into the future.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize Prospero J.J. Sanchez, someone who truly loves our country and is a veteran of the Army who makes his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

A few years ago, after some arm twisting by his father, Prospero, Sr., a World War II Marine Veteran, he was taken for the first time 30 years ago to attend the American Legion New Mexico Boys State. After that year there was no more arm twisting involved with Prospero Sanchez attending the annual Boys' State session. This year's American Legion New Mexico Boys' State session being held at the Campus of Eastern New Mexico University will mark Prospero J.J. Sanchez's 30th consecutive session of attendance.

Prospero has held many positions thoughout the American Legion New Mexico Boys' State organization which has taught thousands of New Mexico High School Seniors the rights and responsibilities of being citizens of this great country of ours. Numerous members of our society have attended an American Legion Boys State or an American Legion Auxiliary Girls State session held annually on campus across this nation.

The program's alumni has held positions as CEO's, Artists, Athletes, Newscasters, Justices on the Supreme Court, both chambers of the House and Senate and even held the Position of President of the United States. It is organizations such as the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary, who after wearing the uniform of our country, return home and continue to selflessly serve the communities to which they belong such as Prospero Sanchez has, not only as a very active member of the American Legion where he is one of the New Mexico's Past Department Commanders and the Current Alternate National Executive Committee Man.

Prospero J.J. Sanchez is commended for his dedication of many years of service to the youth of the nation at American Legion New Mexico Boys State, where he currently holds the position of President of the American Legion New Mexico Boys State Board of Directors. I thank him for his many years of service and I am honored to have the opportunity to have him recognized in the Congress today.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize a patriotic American who has given much of himself in securing the future of this country. Mr. Ralph Kemp is a veteran of the Marine Corps and the Vietnam War. Mr. Kemp also served as a retired Albuquerque Police Department Lieutenant in his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico a few years after his military service. Some years ago, after some arm twisting he was taken on a trip to attend the American Legion New Mexico Boys' State. After that year there was no more arm twisting involved.

This year's American Legion New Mexico Boys' State session being held at the Campus of Eastern New Mexico University will mark Ralph Kemps' 30th consecutive session of attendance.

Ralph has held many positions thoughout the American Legion New Mexico Boys' State organization which has taught thousands of New Mexico High School Seniors the rights and responsibilities of being citizens of this great country of ours. Numerous members of our society have attended an American Legion Boys State or an American Legion Auxiliary Girls' State Session held annual on campus across this nation.

The program's alumni has held positions as CEO's, Artists, Athletes, Newscasters, Justices on the Supreme Court, both chambers of the House and Senate and even held the Position of President of the United States. It is organizations such as the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary, who after wearing the uniform of our country, return home and continue to selflessly serve the communities of which they belong such as Ralph Kemp.

Ralph Kemp currently serves as the Executive Director of the American Legion New Mexico Boys' State program. Besides the dedicated week Ralph gives to the Boys' State program he has also served on the American Legion Boys Nation Staff for the past 15 years.

This is a week-and-a-half-long program where two boys from each state are selected to come to the Nation's Capitol to learn about government at the federal level. If two and half weeks of volunteer time working with this nation's youth is not enough, Ralph Kemp volunteers and additional week of his summer serving as the Director of the American Legions Junior Shooters programs annual competition. Ralph Kemp is to be commended for his dedication of many years of service to the youth of the nation at American Legion New Mexico Boys State and American Legion Programs. I thank him for his service and am very proud to have him recognized in the House of Representatives.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer this amendment to increase the maximum age for children eligible for medical care under the CHAMPVA program.

My amendment will ensure that our disabled veterans benefit from one of the most popular provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, allowing dependents to stay on the parents' health care insurance until age 26.

CHAMPVA is the health insurance program for dependents of veterans who have been rated permanently and totally disabled and surviving dependents of servicemembers whose deaths were due to service-connected injuries. Currently, under CHAMPVA, health insurance coverage can be provided to dependent children up to the age of 23. Under the PPACA that was signed into law earlier this year, individuals with private health insurance will be able to provide coverage to their dependent children up to the age of 26. CHAMPVA is a Department of Veterans Affairs program and governed by a different section of the United States code. It was not altered by the PPACA. As such, the maximum age for dependent children under CHAMPVA remains 23.

Our disabled veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and it is our duty to make sure that they and their families have access to quality affordable health care. This amendment

would amend title 38 to increase the maximum age for coverage of dependent children under CHAMPVA from 23 to 26. At the very least, we must provide these heroes with the same health insurance benefits afforded civilians.

We should correct this wrong immediately. We should do what's right for our veterans. Vote ``yes'' on this amendment.

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

I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize one of my constituents for his unwavering commitment to our

country and his exemplary citizenship. His name is Austin Harris.

Austin is someone who exercises his patriotism on a daily basis. His room is decorated red, white and blue, and he watches the Congressional proceedings on television. Not only that but he also makes a habit of reading remarks made by the President of the United States.

While he keeps himself updated on a regular basis on the affairs of the federal government, Austin has also distinguished himself locally. He has served as an advocate for public transportation and represented his city in the ``All-American Cities'' competition in Atlanta, Georgia.

Austin has also taken the time to travel to our state capitol and lobby the State Legislature for services for persons with developmental disabilities. His volunteerism hasn't stopped there; Austin is also a volunteer at his local senior center, City Zoo and Teen court.

The fact that a young man would take the time to do so much is impressive enough. Oftentimes in our society, it seems as though we have to do a lot to get young folks interested in civics and community service. The fact that Austin has done this on his own sets him apart from his peers. The fact that Austin has cerebral palsy and is epileptic elevates him above his peers.

The fact that Austin has an uphill battle in dealing with issues we take for granted every day and still gives back to his community is itself, unique. It is unique to Austin and it is uniquely American.

I am proud to say that this young man hails from my district. I wish that more young people across America had his sense of duty and pride in his country. Austin realizes that for America to continue to be great, everyone must do their part every day. I am honored to recognize him today and wish him continued success. His actions do us all proud and are a shining example of what it truly means to be an American citizen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an extraordinary individual who has been a relentless supporter of our troops. For over 5 years, Maggie Fazenbaker of Alamogordo, New Mexico, has been stuffing care packages to be sent to the men and women of our Armed Forces.

Now the simple act of stuffing care packages for servicemembers is honorable enough, but there are a couple of extra twists when we look at Maggie's story. You see, Maggie is only 17 years-old. Also, on May 14, Maggie and her corps of loyal volunteers stuffed hundreds more packages, bringing the total number of care packages that Maggie has sent to 10,000.

The care packages Maggie sends to our troops give them a small amount of comfort as they pursue their dangerous and important missions. We owe our troops great effort for even small comforts. Thank you, Maggie.

God bless.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5128) to designate the Department of the Interior Building in Washington, District of Columbia, as the ``Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building,'' as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5128.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

H.R. 5128, as amended, is a bill introduced by Congressman Heinrich, Congressman Lujan, and myself to designate the Department of the Interior building in Washington, District of Columbia, as the Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building.

Stewart Lee Udall was the consummate public servant, serving four terms in the United States Congress and 9 years as the Secretary of the Interior. Secretary Udall also enlisted in the Armed Forces during World War II, serving as a gunner in Europe with the 15th Air Force until 1944.

After his service in World War II, Secretary Udall later returned to the University of Arizona and earned a law degree in 1948. He opened a law practice with his brother, former U.S. Congressman Morris Udall, and then ran for and won election as a Member of the House of Representatives from Arizona. During his time in the House of Representatives, Secretary Udall served on the Committee on the Interior and Insular Affairs and the Committee on Education and Labor.

Secretary Udall's service in the House ended when he was appointed by John F. Kennedy as Secretary of the Interior in 1961. From this perch, Secretary Udall earned his reputation as a giant amongst men in the environmental community, authoring several major legislative acts that have served as the framework for modern environmental conservation.

Secretary Udall served for 9 years as head of the Interior Department acting as the administration's primary advocate for preservation and responsible environmental stewardship. Among his other accomplishments, Secretary Udall presided over the expansion of several national parks and preserves, including the Redwood National Park, the Appalachian Scenic Trail, and the North Cascades National Park.

After the Secretary's service in the Cabinets of President Kennedy and President Lyndon B. Johnson, he rejoined the private sector as a member of a law firm and focused on environmental advocacy by filing lawsuits on behalf of Native Americans impacted by nuclear pollution.

Secretary Udall also went on to serve as adjunct professor at Yale University and authored several books on conservation and highlighting the national treasures of the United States of America.

Former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall died on March 20, 2010, surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by six children and eight grandchildren, including his son and his nephew, Mark and Tom Udall, who were both Members of the House of Representatives before being elected to the other body.

Given his service to his country, it is fitting that we honor the memory of former Interior Secretary Stewart Lee Udall and designate the United States Department of the Interior building located at 1849 C Street, NW, in Washington, DC, as the Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Mexico, Mr. Martin Heinrich.

Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Mexico, Mr. Ben Ray Lujan.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.