Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Mr. Amadeo Saenz, executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation.

He has served his agency with great dedication since 1978, and it is indeed fitting to recognize his contributions.

Mr. Saenz, a native of Hebbronville, Texas, earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering with honors from the University of Texas at Austin and initially began working as an engineering laboratory assistant in the Pharr district.

In October of 1993, he was appointed district engineer in the Pharr district; he was named assistant executive director for engineering operations in Austin eight years later, whereupon, he implemented and managed policies, programs, and operating strategies according to federal and state laws and Texas Transportation Commission regulations and directives. Since 2007 he has acted as the executive director of the agency, managing, directing, and implementing policies, programs, and operating strategies.

A notable Texan, Mr. Saenz served his profession as a member of the Civil Engineering External Advisory Committee for UT-Austin, and has been active in his community as a member of the Rotary Clubs of Laredo and Pharr and by giving generously of his time and talents to the Boy Scouts in the McAllen area.

In all his endeavors, Mr. Saenz enjoys the support and encouragement of his wife, Geraldine, and their children, Priscilla and David. He owns and operates a small ranch in south Texas and takes pleasure in horseback riding and hunting.

He has worked to benefit the citizens of Texas throughout a tenure in public service spanning three decades, and he may reflect with pride on his achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the commitment to service exhibited by the executive director of the Department of Transportation, Amadeo Saenz, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of the late Barbara Ann Kazen, former President of the Bethany House in Laredo, Inc., a settlement house for the homeless and indigent in Laredo, Texas. Mrs. Kazen served the community by dedicating herself to charitable, cultural and civic organizations.

Mrs. Kazen was born on January 3, 1941 in Abilene, Texas to Virginia Lee Lively and James Lee Sanders, a humble family of ranchers. She lived much of her life in Albany and Texarkana, Texas. She passed away surrounded by her close family and friends on March 15, 2011 after a courageous fight with cancer. She graduated from Texas High School in 1959 and continued her education at Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Austin as a Latin and Ancient History major. She continued to pursue her interests in communication by attending Laredo Junior College to study journalism, languages, and Food and Beverage Management. At UT Austin, Mrs. Kazen met her husband, U.S District Judge George B. Kazen. She is survived by her husband, children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Kazen's career is both a multifaceted and praiseworthy one. Her professional career includes working as a hostess and producer of the shows High Noon, Profile, and Consumer Report. She also served as director of catering and sales at both La Posada Motor Hotel and the Laredo Country Club. Most importantly, Mrs. Kazen's devotion to community, church and charitable work is truly commendable. She led Bethany House of Laredo, Inc. as president from 1996 until 2011; and also served as vice-president of the American Cancer Society. Moreover, she contributed to cultural and civic organizations such as the Laredo Civic Ballet Association, the Laredo Little Theatre, and Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center by serving on the Board of Directors at each of these institutions. She was also an active member of the Society of Martha Washington, a debutante presentation in Laredo, serving as publicity chair, historian, and second vice-president. She further illustrated her commitment to charitable work as a founding Charter Member of the Laredo Homeless Coalition and her dedication to the Blessed Sacrament Parish.

Mrs. Kazen was recognized by many organizations for her many contributions to the community. These recognitions include the American Cancer Society's ``Award for Outstanding Service'' in 1971, the Laredo March of Dimes ``Lady of the Year'' in 1978, and the Laredo Seven Flags Rotary Club's, ``Paul Harris Fellow'' in 2000. Her commitment to the city of Laredo was invaluable.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the late Barbara Ann Kazen. She proved herself to be indispensable for her dedication to charitable work and the betterment of the state of Texas and Laredo. Her example is an inspiration for us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important work of Manuel Cantu, Jr., Judge Ramon Garcia and the American Legion Post 408 of Edinburg, Texas. These gentlemen, along with the Legion Post, are planning a remarkable and poignant event for this Saturday in McAllen, Texas, that pays a debt 38 years overdue.

Four years ago, Judge Ramon asked Mr. Cantu, then Legion Post commander, if the Vietnam Veterans in South Texas had ever gotten a proper homecoming celebration after their service in the war. No such recognition had ever been given and the good people of South Texas have worked to correct that omission.

Their efforts culminate in the three day ``LZ: RGV''--Landing Zone: Rio Grande Valley--a sincere welcome home to the veterans of the Vietnam conflict.

The honor, duty and sacrifice of these veterans could not be clearer. Of the two and a half million men and women who served in Vietnam, six hundred and sixty spent time as prisoners of war, three hundred thousand were wounded--seventy-five thousand suffering permanent disability, over two thousand remain missing, and fifty-eight thousand died in service to their country.

However, when these servicemembers returned home, they were overshadowed by the crossfire of public debate over our nation's involvement in the Vietnam War. As a result, these brave men and women never received the welcome home, salute and gratitude they justly deserved.

Today, thanks to the efforts of Post 408, as well as other veteran organizations and fellow Texans, there will be a spectacular and fitting recognition of the Vietnam veterans. Centered around the McAllen, Texas Convention Center and stretching from Thursday, April 7 to Saturday, April 9, LZ: RGV will feature the traveling Wall That Heals (a half scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial), dedication of a new memorial to Texans who died in the Vietnam War, a day of education and exhibits, dramatic presentations, and a motorcycle procession headed by the Warriors Watch Riders.

I am heartened by the support of the whole community in making this event special and meaningful for Vietnam Veterans. Five countries, several cities, and the Texas House and Senate in concurrent resolution, have proclaimed Saturday, April 9 as Welcome Home South Texas Vietnam Veterans Day. The list of sponsors is long and filled with public agencies, businesses, nonprofit groups, and private individuals. Several individuals have given their time and talent to produce a first-class experience.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the time to recognize LZ: RGV, which so fittingly and joyously acknowledges, appreciates, and celebrates the sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and provides the welcome home they deserved.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to support my amendment.

The intent of my amendment is quite narrow. This amendment makes the underlying legislation a question of authority, not a question of science. The amendment strikes the finding of the language from the particular bill. This ensures that H.R. 910 is only about Article I of the Constitution, giving the U.S. Congress the right to say whether the EPA can or cannot regulate greenhouse gas.

Also, the amendment preserves the authority of the agency to improve the efficiency of automobiles and light trucks, an issue on which there is widespread agreement. While H.R. 910 intends to exempt auto standards, the legislation would stop the EPA from improving on any future car efficiency standards. This amendment does not remove any enforcement power the EPA has previously exercised since enactment of the Clean Air Act.

At the same time, this amendment does not authorize new regulatory initiatives beyond what the agency has done for decades. For example, the agency is in no way authorized by the amendment to undertake low carbon fuel standards or new emission guidelines for permitting obligations for stationary sources.

Finally, my amendment refines the definition of H.R. 910 by removing water vapor. This is consistent with the legislation we have considered in the past of what is and isn't greenhouse gas. Water vapor is not a long-term harmful warming cause.

In short, this amendment makes the underlying legislation a question of the EPA's authority granted under the Clean Air Act.

Madam Chair, I thank you for the consideration of this amendment. I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I thank my colleague from Houston and my colleague from Dallas also. Just because we drafted this doesn't mean it was poor drafting. With all due respect, if they have a problem with whether they want to put language there on science, that is one thing. My amendment is on the same page as what they are trying to do. My amendment just strikes the findings. What we want to do is H.R. 910 is only about Article I of the Constitution, giving the U.S. Congress the right to say whether EPA can or cannot regulate greenhouse gas.

This should not be a question of science. I think this should be a question of authority. We are on the same page, but I see that the majority wants to keep the findings, and I can understand that. I just ask, Madam Chairwoman, the support of this particular amendment.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield myself the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, again, my amendment is just about saying that H.R. 910 should be article I of the Constitution. The question is, does Congress have the right to regulate or do we let the bureaucrats decide? This is what my amendment does. It just says that we, the Members of Congress, should decide whether the EPA can or cannot regulate greenhouse gas. Again, this is a question of authority and should not be a question of science.

With that, Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Mr. Blas Castaneda. Mr. Castaneda is the External Affairs and Economic Development Officer at Laredo Community College in Laredo, Texas. He dedicates his career to educating the next generation of highly skilled workforce and fostering growth in the business community in Laredo and South Texas.

Mr. Castaneda contributes to the community of South Texas by fostering close working relations between public and private partnerships and regional planning for public and higher education. He is continuously and proactively engaged with the local, state, and international businesses along the Texas-Mexico border. As Laredo Community College's economic development officer, he has brought major capital facilities for the Laredo Community College. He is the leader in developing and maintaining the distance learning program that is part of the virtual college of Texas online systems. Mr. Castaneda also established the Laredo District V Scholarship Bound program in 1989, which has awarded several hundred thousand dollars in scholarships to talented youth of limited income.

His career began when he was elected council member to the Laredo City Council in 1988 and served for eight years, including as Mayor pro tempore. Governor Ann Richards appointed him to the Texas Workforce Investment Council in 1990 where he served for four years. By 2006, he was on the Board of the Future of the Region Inc. as Ex-Officio President and as President. This organization serves a 47-county, non- profit economic development initiative that addresses key issues in South Texas. In January of 2009, Mr. Castaneda was nominated to be a member of the South Texas Workforce Solutions Board and he represents Adult and Continuing Education. He also serves on the Board for the Texas Migrant Council, which promotes family literacy, education, and consumer education in Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, New Mexico, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Nevada. Mr. Castaneda continues his efforts for the community as a member of organizations including Big Brother/Big Sister, Rio South Texas Workplace Literacy Council, and the Texas Community College Teachers Association.

Mr. Castaneda is a highly respected member of the South Texas community. He has received numerous awards such as the Liberty Bell Award, the ``Salute to Labor'' Star Award, and the Tejano's High Achievers Award. The Laredo Independent School District recently named him a ``Tiger Legend'' for his dedication and for serving as a role model to Laredo's youth.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize Mr. Blas Castaneda's accomplishments and service in South Texas. His tireless efforts for economic development and education have truly impacted the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Major Robert Camina for his dedication and contributions to the United States Army and the Army Texas National Guard.

Major Camina started his military career on November 10, 1939 in San Antonio, Texas. He joined with the Mechanized Group Troop of the 124th Cavalry of the 56th Cavalry Brigade. Major Camina originally joined to ride horses, but when WWII broke he was given overseas orders and his unit became the last Cavalry Regiment to be dismounted. During his tour in the China-Burma-India Theatre, Major Camina served as a M.G. Squad Leader and fought alongside 1st Lieutenant Jack L. Knight, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor. For his service in the tour, Major Camina received the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.

After the war, Major Camina was discharged from military service, but rejoined in the Army Texas National Guard for 1 year. After Major Camina's military term, the U.S. Department of Agriculture hired him for the next 5 years to aid in their campaign to eradicate Hoof and Mouth Disease from Mexico. Later, Major Camina returned to Brownsville, Texas and joined the A/112th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He served in the 112th until the 49th Armored Division was activated into Federal Service by President Kennedy due to the Berlin Crisis. In 1966, Major Camina served as a Mess Steward for the next 15 years. In 1981, Major Camina retired from the Army Texas National Guard and was commissioned as a Captain in the Texas State Guard. He served as Company Commander, S-3 and S-4 in the 304th Military Police Battalion in Brownsville, Texas. He retired on October 29, 1989--almost 50 years to the date of his enlistment of the Texas National Guard.

During his time in military service, Major Camina was a highly decorated soldier. The Major received the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Texas Outstanding Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Texas Faithful Service Medal and the Texas State Guard Service Medal. He also received many awards as a Mess Steward and helped his company win the Eisenhower Trophy twice.

Military service runs in his family, as four of his brothers also served in military branches. Armando Camina served in the United States Army, was considered for up to six Congressional Medals of Honor, and received a silver medal. Tino Camina served in the United States Navy and Ernest Camino served in the Air Force. Major Camina and his brothers fought for the United States and served to protect this great nation.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the time to recognize the dedication, accomplishments, and commitment of the late Major Robert Camina.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the celebration of Ms. Aurelia Lopez Gonzalez's 90th birthday. With nearly a century passing, Ms. Gonzalez has dedicated her life to her family, loved ones, and giving back to the community.

Ms. Gonzalez was born March 11, 1921 at the San Bartolo Ranch near Cadereyta Jimenez, Nuevo Leon. At a young age, Ms. Gonzalez and her parents migrated to the United States after their wooden home was washed away in a flood. At the age of nine, Ms. Gonzalez enrolled in the La Escuellita Amarilla Public School. She went on to attend Christen Jr. High School and by 1943 she graduated from Martin High School. In 1993, Ms. Gonzalez was able to attend the Martin High School's 50 year reunion at the La Posada Hotel in Laredo, Texas.

Throughout her life, Ms. Gonzalez has worked to support herself and her family at the Law Offices of Phelps and Phelps, S & H Kress Store, McCllends and H.E.B. grocery store. By 1948, she married Mr. Eusebio Busto Gonzalez. A year later, Mr. and Mrs. Gonzalez welcomed their first child, Adolfo and later would go on to have two more children, Thomas and Eusebio Jr. Unfortunately, Mr. Gonzalez contracted Lou Gehrig Disease in 1950. For the next 10 years, she tried to find a cure for the disease through taking trips around Texas and Mexico. In November of 1960, Eusebio passed away leaving her to care for herself and their three sons. After her husband's passing, Ms. Gonzalez went back to work with S & H Kress, until they closed down in 1970. Soon after, Ms. Gonzalez started working with H.E.B. grocery store in Laredo, Texas. She worked with them for 12 years until her retirement in 1982.

In her spare time, Ms. Gonzalez garnered a passion for baking. Her cakes and cookies,

known as Ojaracas, can be found around Laredo in weddings, Quinceaneras, birthdays, and Christmas. Additionally, after her time with H.E.B., Ms. Gonzalez took up teaching classes on cake decorating. The annual Wilton Cake decorating convention is where she picked up many new ideas to take back to her students. She also decorates bouquets, which can be seen during All Saints Day. Currently, Ms. Gonzalez spends her days tending to her home garden, exercising, and staying healthy. Her devotion to the Catholic faith does not waiver; she attends church every week. For nearly a century, Ms. Gonzalez has dedicated her life to the community and touching the lives of her family and loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the time to recognize and celebrate the tremendous life of Ms. Aurelia Gonzalez and her 90th birthday celebration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Si McCurdy for his retirement from his position as Dean of Students from the Saint Anthony Catholic School. Mr. McCurdy contributed to the San Antonio and Randolph Air Force Base, Texas area for decades with his military and education background.

Mr. McCurdy attended the Elliott School of Saint Mary's Hall for two years, and then he studied at the San Antonio Academy and the Texas Military Institute in San Antonio, Texas. In 1970, he obtained a Bachelor Associates degree from Hampden Sydney College in Virginia. In the summer of 1969, Mr. McCurdy worked as a Train Order Operator for the Southern Pacific Railroad in San Antonio. After graduating from Hampden Sydney College, he received his Master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin. His exceptional academic achievements propelled him to hold outstanding positions in Air Force bases in Texas and the nation and ultimately serve as a Dean for the Saint Anthony Catholic School.

In 1971, Mr. McCurdy enrolled in the Air Force at Office Training School in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant. He later moved to Wichita, Kansas, at the McConnell Air Force Base where he served as Combat Crew Commander, Command Post Controller, and Emergency War Order Coordinator for seven years. After his time in Kansas, he moved to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, where he served as an Instructor at Officer Training School from 1979 to 1982. He also became a ROTC Instructor at the University of California in Berkeley for three years. By 1989, Mr. McCurdy returned to Texas and lived at the Randolph Air Force Base as a Texas Officer Accessions for four years. In October of 1993, he retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel.

After his retirement from the Air Force, Mr. McCurdy began his career in education at the Saint Anthony Catholic School in 1993, and was appointed Dean. He pursued his passion for teaching history and classics to grade levels sixth, seventh, and eighth. His tireless dedication to students and education continued for eighteen years at Saint Anthony Catholic School. After nearly two decades of service to the school and students, he retires leaving his mark as a great leader and educator.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have this time to pay tribute to Mr. Si McCurdy for his outstanding service to Air Force bases throughout the nation and recognize his retirement from the Saint Anthony Catholic School after eighteen years of service. He has truly contributed to the community and nation in his efforts to protect the nation and serve our schoolchildren. Thank for you this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Fernando ``Chito'' Salinas for his dedication and contributions to the City of Laredo and South Texas.

Mr. Salinas was born in 1924 in Laredo, Texas. ``Chito'', as he was known by friends, attended Christen Junior High School and later graduated from Martin High School in 1942. After he graduated, he attended Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. He transferred to Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana where he pursued a medical career. However, he found that his true calling was in fashion and retail. After moving back to Laredo, he helped his father run the family retail business, Los Dos Laredos. In 1952, Mr. Salinas opened his own store, Don Antonio's Men's Wear. After a brief trip to Europe in the 1960s, Mr. Salinas added the Castilian room to Don Antonio's that would specialize in high-end styles and hats. He was known both locally and internationally for the quality of clothes, but especially for the unique hats that his store carried. Mr. Salinas would travel regularly around the world to fashion hot spots, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Europe, to bring high-end fashion back to southern Texas.

Aside from his impact on the fashion industry in Laredo, Mr. Salinas started the Fernando A. Salinas Charitable Trust in 2005 to benefit Laredo and Webb County. This Trust was designed to provide funding to charitable programs around Laredo and has made donations to over 75 different charitable organizations and government agencies. Mr. Salinas had a commitment to improve his community, especially its education, religion and health programs. The Trust has made it possible for the youth in Laredo to go to college through the scholarship portion and also provided healthcare services to the underserved. Javier B. Santos, trustee for the Salinas Trust on behalf of Fernando Salinas, will continue to provide services to Laredo and Webb County.

In December of 2008, Mr. Salinas was honored as a ``Paul Harris Fellow''. He also worked heavily with the South Texas Food Bank and helped start Kids Cafes in El Cenizo, Rio Bravo and at the Main Boys and Girls Club in Laredo. He renovated the main building and set up an endowment for its maintenance for one million dollars. He has continued his philanthropic efforts with all organizations and institutions qualifying as 501 agencies in the community and completed the renovation of the Saint Anthony de Padua Chapel at St. Augustine High School. In 2008, he pledged one million dollars to Texas A&M International University for its College of Business Administration.

At the time of his passing, his trust had initiated his contract for Laredo property that will serve as an off campus site of Laredo Community College. The property, a landmark home, will house special events, small classes and receptions, and allow for easier registration and information.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the time to recognize the dedication, accomplishments, and commitment of the late Fernando ``Chito'' Salinas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career of Major General Jose S. Mayorga, who is completing his service as the Adjutant General for the State of Texas and Commander of the Texas National Guard. General Mayorga has served our United States and the State of Texas for over 33 years in the Active Army Component, in the Army Reserve, and as a member of the Texas National Guard.

Jose Mayorga began his career on a Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship at Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. During his studies, he was recognized as a Distinguished Military Student and was inducted into the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society--an honor that acknowledged his distinguished scholarship and exemplary character.

He began his military service with four years on active duty as an Army Engineer Officer. In the following years, as a National Guard Officer, he held progressively more responsible command positions including Deputy Commanding General for United States Army South and Commander of the 36th Infantry Division. Among his many accomplishments was the advocacy of strong ties between the Texas National Guard and the Czech Republic and the Republic of Chile under the State Partnership Program. As Division Commander and Adjutant General he was responsible for deploying over 12,000 soldiers and airmen to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as, for the development of the first ever Joint Strategic Plan for the Texas National Guard.

General Mayorga has gone on to earn a Master of Business Administration from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

General Mayorga is the recipient of the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

In the true spirit of the citizen-warriors who make up our National Guard, General Mayorga, born in Brownsville, is a life long resident of Texas, where he and his wife, Maria, have raised their son, Jose, a recent proud graduate of Baylor University. General Mayorga, a registered Professional Engineer, also served the State for 27 years in the Oil and Gas Division of the Railroad Commission as a Petroleum Engineer and Director, responsible for plugging over 20,000 non- producing oil and gas wells.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the time to recognize the dedication, commitment, and leadership of the Adjutant General for the State of Texas, Major General Jose S. Mayorga.

Mr. Speaker, in the long rich history of Congress, when a prior Congress passes a piece of legislation, the prudent step is to look at that legislation and agree on making the changes on what doesn't work. I think to come today and just say to repeal and not have a health plan in place is not a prudent plan to take. We have to see what works and what doesn't work, and I think that would be the prudent step to take today.

We have to focus on the deficit and focus on jobs. Deficit is important. I think we can come together and work in a bipartisan approach. Jobs, we certainly have to look at. But to just come in and say this is something that kills jobs is not the right step to take.

If you look at, for example, the FNIB Research Foundation, when they looked at this piece of legislation, they said that a number of health care profession jobs would be created by this

legislation. This is something that we need to look at. Again, the prudent step is to look at what works and what doesn't work. Mr. Speaker, that is what we need to look at.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the varsity football team of Byron P. Steele II High School in Cibolo, Texas on winning the 2010 University Interscholastic League 5A Division II Football State Championship. This is Steele High School's first state championship. The Steele Knights football team victoriously ended a long season on December 18, 2010 at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

A crowd of more than 37,000 watched the Steele Knights varsity football team win 24-21 over the Wildcats of Denton Guyer High School. In their extremely competitive 14 win, two loss season, this outstanding football team proved that hard work, dedication, and skill are the perfect recipe for champions. These football players were led to the championship title through the tireless leadership of their head football coach, Mike Jinks and his commendable staff. I congratulate the educators and leaders of this superb team, including the leadership of athletic director Robert Lehnhoff. Key players on this team include Malcolm Brown, running back and Most Valuable Player during the championship game and Ryan Simmons, linebacker and Most Valuable Defensive Player during the championship game. Although these young players stood out during the final game, it was the hard work and commitment from the entire team that lead Steele to their first title. This is not only a victory for the players, students and faculty, but for the parents, community and fans as a whole.

Steele High School is part of the Schertz Cibolo Universal City Independent School District and opened in the fall of 2005. By 2006, this school set the area record for most wins by a new school and has continued this winning tradition since its inception.

I am honored to praise the accomplishments of Cibolo, Texas' home team, the Steele Knights varsity football team as the 5A Division II State Champion. Congratulations.

Madam Speaker, I was absent due to personal family matters, but if present, I would have voted ``yes'' on:

S. 3481--Amending the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Federal responsibility for stormwater pollution.

S. 372--Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act.

Senate Amendment to H.R. 6523--Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Speaker may postpone further proceedings on the following measures as though under clause 8(a)(1)(A) of rule XX: motion to concur in Senate amendment to H.R. 2142, and motion to concur in Senate amendments to

Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1781, I call up the bill (H.R. 2142) to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council, with the Senate amendment thereto, and I have a motion at the desk.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Madam Speaker, H.R. 2142, the Government Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Performance Improvement Act, will do just what the title of the bill says. This bill will make the Federal Government more effective, more efficient, and improve the performance of Federal agencies.

This bill is a sweeping move to increase transparency and accountability by requiring Federal agencies to establish performance goals that can be measured and reported to Congress and to taxpayers. No one can afford to waste money, especially not the government and especially not now. It's time that we put a new system in place to review the results of each Federal program and evaluate its effectiveness.

The message is simple: Better information yields better decisions. This legislation will help Congress invest in what works, fix what doesn't, and eliminate wasteful overlap. This will make our Federal Government more results-oriented.

This is a commonsense bill that received wide bipartisan support. The

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform approved H.R. 2142 by voice vote on May 20, 2010. The House passed the bill by voice vote on June 16, 2010, and the Senate amended the bill and passed it by unanimous consent on December 16, 2010.

H.R. 2142 modernizes the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993. We have learned a lot in the past 17 years. It is time to apply these lessons so that agencies and Congress have the information needed to make good decisions. H.R. 2142 improves the 1993 law by requiring agencies to identify ambitious goals and to perform frequent performance reviews. With this bill, we can hold agencies more accountable by requiring them to consider input from Congress and members of the public when developing program goals. The public can now have input for the first time. Just imagine that. The general public will have a say-so in developing Federal agency goals.

Some changes were made to the bill during consideration by the Senate, and I support those changes, which I believe will enhance and strengthen the bill. Under the Senate amendment, OMB is required to develop a Federal Government performance plan that addresses program efforts across agencies. OMB is also required to work with agencies to develop Federal program priority goals that cut across different agencies and measure progress toward meeting those goals. This will help agencies avoid duplicating efforts and become more efficient. Duplication and overlap at a time when so many Americans are struggling to make ends meet isn't just a waste of resources; it's shameful. The Senate amendment also establishes the position of chief operating officer in the 24 biggest agencies.

Key provisions for the bill approved in the House are still intact, such as the establishment of performance improvement officers at each agency and the establishment of the performance improvement council. These provisions codify an Executive order issued by President George W. Bush.

Also, as in the House-passed bill, OMB and agencies are required to improve the transparency of performance reviews by making the results available online.

Senator Coburn added an amendment making changes to the bill that requires for increasingly stringent requirements for agencies that do not meet performance goals, which can ultimately end up, for a nonperforming agency or program, with budget reduction or even elimination.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that implementation of the bill, as amended by the Senate, will cost about $15 million a year. This bill does not have any mandatory spending requirements, and it does not violate PAYGO. Also, CBO, as you know, does not estimate the cost savings that would have been generated by this bill. Agencies will save money by identifying wasteful practices. Consolidating and eliminating unnecessary reporting will also save taxpayers' dollars.

H.R. 2142 will make the government more cost effective because it would require agencies to evaluate their performance. This will allow agencies to identify waste and inefficiencies and change what isn't working. This is what successful corporations in the private sector do regularly, and this is what the government should do also.

President Bush's top performance management official wrote in a letter supporting this legislation in a bipartisan way, ``I led performance improvement efforts during my tenure in the George W. Bush administration. Additionally, while a Republican staff member in the legislative branch, I oversaw agency efforts to measure and improve their performance. The provisions of this bill would have greatly enhanced these efforts had they been in place at the time.''

This is a timely, commonsense bill, and I urge all Members to join me in a bipartisan way in supporting this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

If the gentleman would yield, I would be happy to do that.