Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7110, the Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act, which will provide funding for job creation and preservation initiatives, infrastructure investments, and economic and energy assistance. This important measure represents our commitment to help hard-working Americans weather these turbulent economic times.

In February, Congress passed the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act, which aimed to inject $150 billion into our economy to revitalize our markets, increase consumer confidence, and protect against recession. This legislation provided rebates to Americans that put money directly into their pockets. While this short-term recovery plan was helpful to American families, our country's economic crisis has since worsened, and additional action by Congress is necessary. In August, 84,000 Americans lost their jobs, making it the eighth straight month that our economy has seen reductions in the workforce. The number of unemployed

Americans is the highest it has been since 1992, and unemployment claims have increased by more than 38 percent this year. Sadly, in my home State of Rhode Island, the unemployment rate has risen to 8.5 percent--the second highest in the Nation. My constituents have reached out to me and the Federal Government because they need help in this struggling economy to refinance their mortgages, pay their home heating bills, secure good-paying jobs, and find affordable health care.

H.R. 7110 begins to answer their call by providing a critical and immediate boost to the many Rhode Islanders, and Americans across the Nation, who are struggling to find work. It provides 7 weeks of extended benefits for those ho have exhausted regular unemployment compensation. This is in addition to the 13-week extension passed in June of this year. Residents in high unemployment Sates, like Rhode Island, may also be eligible for an additional 13 weeks of benefits. In addition this measure provides $500 million for job training, including assistance for dislocated workers programs, youth employment activities, and customized help to those receiving unemployment benefits. This bill will give hard-working Americans another chance to continue their job search and provide for their families.

This bill also includes investments in infrastructure and renewable energy technologies that will have an immediate impact on the economy by creating jobs and meeting existing needs in our country. While Rhode Island's coastline is one of the most beautiful in the Nation, it presents our State with unique infrastructure challenges. H.R. 7110 provides $12.8 billion for highway infrastructure, which is critical to the hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders who rely on the safety of our State's highways and bridges. I am pleased that the bill also provides an increase in funding for the Nation's drinking water infrastructure, which has been underfunded by the Bush Administration for the past several years. Three billion dollars is also included to repair and upgrade our schools, $1 billion for repair and construction projects for public housing, and $4.6 billion to upgrade and expand public transportation.

Also included within the stimulus package is a temporary increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) to assist State Medicaid programs. This is particularly important for Rhode Island, which is currently faced wIth a $400 million budgetary deficit fueled in part by unsustainable increases in Medicaid expenditures. These funds are designed to prevent cuts to health insurance and health care services for low-income children and families, as well as generate business activities, jobs, and wages that Rhode Island would otherwise not see.

Our country has faced economic hardships and recessions before, and I have no doubt we will weather this current downturn. However, we must provide Americans with the necessary tools to turn this economy around. I encourage my colleagues to pass this bill and give a hand up to those who are most vulnerable during these trying times.

Madam Speaker, on September 26, 2008, I was unavoidably detained and unable to be in the Chamber for a rollcall vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 645, Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 1502.

Stated against:

Madam Speaker, on September 22, 2008, I was unavoidably detained and unable to be in the Chamber for a rollcall vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 616, H.R. 6685, legislation to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide an annual grant to facilitate an iron working training program for Native Americans.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5244, the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act. As a cosponsor of this legislation, I believe it is a sensible approach to reforming major credit card abuses and improving consumer protections for cardholders.

Credit cards have become an integral part of the American economy, offering consumers instant access to a convenient, flexible source of financing. Unfortunately, more and more Americans are turning to their credit cards to help pay medical and utility bills, buy groceries, and make ends meet in this troubled economy. Credit card debt now consumes a sizeable portion of the average family's income. To make matters worse, the playing field between card companies and consumers has become very one-sided in recent years. A credit card agreement is a contract between a card company and a cardholder, but these companies have taken advantage of their customers with deceptive billing practices and hidden fees. Meanwhile, money that families are forced to devote to these unfair rates and charges is money that is not being spent on goods and services that could help bolster our struggling economy.

Cardholders deserve more bargaining power, and the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act helps level the playing field. Cardholders are entitled to accurate information and the right to make decisions about their own credit. This bill will ban interest rate increases on an existing balance unless the borrower is 30 days overdue and require card companies to give cardholders notification 45 days before any interest rate increase. This legislation also protects vulnerable consumers from fee-heavy subprime cards and prohibits issuing cards to minors. H.R. 5244 would also ban ``universal default'', where a card company raises the interest rate on one card if the cardholder misses a payment on a separate credit card or their credit score lowers. All of the provisions in this bill are the result of careful study and analysis over the past year, and I believe this deliberative approach has produced a very balanced and moderate bill.

Madam Speaker, instead of looking the other way while Americans fall deeper into debt, Congress must protect their financial interests and put an end to the tricks and traps made by credit card companies that undermine a competitive market. The balanced reforms in the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights will help do just that, while also helping to foster fair competition and the values of the free market. I encourage all my colleagues to vote for H.R. 5244.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3036, the No Child Left Inside Act, which would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to promote the expansion and development of environmental education in our classrooms from kindergarten to grade 12.

Environmental education is so important for our students, especially with the growing crisis facing our climate. Yet across the country, these types of programs are facing cuts due to school budget woes. H.R. 3036 helps alleviate this problem by extending the National Environmental Education Act through 2009 and strengthening the Environmental Education Training program under current law. This legislation also establishes the National Capacity Environmental Education Grant Program, which would authorize the Secretary of Education to award 1-3 year competitive grants to nonprofit organizations, state educational agencies, local education agencies, or institutions of higher education.

The No Child Left Inside Act will help our students see the real world beyond the classroom and better prepare them for the 21st century. I am proud that my home State of Rhode Island already stands out in this area because of its steadfast commitment to protecting its resources--the Narragansett Bay, beaches, parks and forests, lakes and rivers, and other beloved spaces. Rhode Island has been ahead of the curve in promoting renewable energy sources and conducting climate change research. Now we must work to make sure this legacy is passed on to future generations. Just as we have worked in our cities and towns to preserve the environment, we must ensure that our national policies build on these actions. With so many teachers and students already involved, the No Child Left Inside Act will only boost our work in Rhode Island.

I would like to thank my colleague, Congressman Sarbanes, for introducing this bill, as well as my colleague and fellow Rhode Islander, Senator Jack Reed, for introducing the companion bill.

Mr. Chairman, this bill has bipartisan support and both environmental groups and schools are ready to implement these programs. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce this resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Each year, the National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) joins with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) and other partners to support National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The goal of National Cyber Security Awareness Month is to show everyday Internet users that by taking simple steps, they can safeguard themselves from the latest online threats and respond to potential cyber-crime incidents.

It would be dangerous to believe, however, that simple steps by end users will sufficiently combat the larger threats associated with a growing networked society. As Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I have held eight hearings in the 110th Congress on our nation's cybersecurity posture and the various vulnerabilities in our critical information infrastructure. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities can significantly impact our national and economic security. This issue has been largely ignored and misunderstood for too long. The oversight that the Homeland Security Committee is undertaking will help change that, but much work remains to be done.

I thank my colleagues for cosponsoring this resolution, and look forward to working with them on these critical issues in the future.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 3406, the Senate-approved ADA Amendments Act of 2008. Passage of this bill will clear the way for the President's signature and finally renew our promise to the American people that discrimination in any form will never be tolerated.

I would like to thank my good friend, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, who has been a real leader and champion on behalf of the disabilities community. I would also like to express my appreciation to Chairman Miller for his continued leadership on this critical issue, as well as Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner. This has truly been a bipartisan effort.

The ADA was groundbreaking civil rights legislation. And as someone who has lived with the challenges of a disability both before and after the ADA's enactment in 1990, I have experienced firsthand the profound changes that this law has effected within our society.

The bill before us today reaffirms the protections of the ADA and upholds the ideals of equality and opportunity on which this country was founded. In July, we celebrated the 18th anniversary of the ADA. It was a day to reflect on our past accomplishments, our current challenges, and future opportunities. I can think of no better way to honor the spirit of this landmark bill and the spirit of all those who fought for its passage than by passing the ADA Amendments Act and restoring Congress' intent to ensure the ADA's broad protections.

Mr. Speaker, people with disabilities represent a tremendously valuable, and yet in many ways untapped, resource in this country. By fostering an environment of inclusion and empowerment, we can provide the means for every individual to fulfill his or her God-given potential.

The ADA Amendments Act will help us realize this important goal. I strongly urge my colleagues to support the passage of this bill and send it to the President for his signature. Again, I thank all those who were part of making this day possible, particularly, again, our majority leader, Steny Hoyer, for his great leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act, and I would like to thank the Democratic Leadership of the House of Representatives for bringing this critical bill to the floor. In my home State of Rhode Island, the high cost of oil and gas have become the top concern for families and businesses struggling to keep up in today's economy. This legislation promotes short term solutions to increase supply of domestic oil and gas, while establishing a long term national energy policy that invests in the development of renewable energy resources.

This legislation will open the Outer Continental Shelf to responsible oil and gas development between 50 and 200 miles off the coast, requiring state approval between 50 and 100 miles. It will protect national marine monuments and sanctuaries, as well as the Georges Bank fishing area off the coast of New England. Further, the Interior Department will be required to ensure that drilling is only approved if it can be done in a manner that protects the coastal environment, marine environment, and human environment of the State coastal areas and the Outer Continental Shelf. We cannot sacrifice the health of our coastlines and the people who live there, and I am pleased that this bill takes a safe and responsible approach to domestic drilling.

While I support the provisions to increase domestic oil production, I have said time and time again that we cannot drill our way out of our national energy crisis. The U.S. represents 25 percent of the world's daily oil consumption, yet we only have two percent of the world's reserves--relying solely on new production simply doesn't add up. Under this bill, revenue from domestic offshore production will be reinvested into the development of renewable energy resources, such as wind, solar, and bio-fuels, to bring clean, affordable solutions to our Nation. I also strongly support a provision in this bill to require electric power companies to produce at least 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Furthermore, the legislation includes several proposals requiring the Department of Energy and Department of Housing and Urban Development to create new efficiency standards for both residential and commercial buildings and to help educate consumers on how to become more energy efficient, therefore limiting our demand for foreign oil.

I am also pleased to see tax credits included for the promotion of more energy efficient appliances and vehicles. Increased demand for green products will bring new jobs in green technology to our communities. Further, because this bill rolls back tax breaks to big oil and uses revenues from drilling to pay for the increased investment into renewable resources, we will not leave debt behind to be paid for by future generations.

I believe that it is critical for our nation to achieve energy independence and to end our reliance on foreign oil, while preserving our environment for future generations in a fiscally responsible manner. The Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act reaches a careful balance in support of these efforts, and I am pleased that this Congress is putting the safety and security of our Nation's families ahead of excessive industry profits. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of energy independence by voting yes on the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Conference Report on H.R. 4040, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. This measure will improve and reform the Nation's consumer product safety system by restructuring and increasing resources for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which has long been underfunded and stretched too thin.

Unfortunately, this past year we learned the extent to which the CPSC had failed to protect the American consumer by the high volume of recalls, including children's toys and cribs. To help get this agency back on track, H.R. 4040 provides a comprehensive response to the toy safety crisis by creating the toughest lead standard in the world for children's products and helps ensure consumers know when products are recalled. This legislation also strengthens the currently underfunded and understaffed Consumer Product Safety Commission and significantly increases CPSC resources to hire additional staff and for laboratory renovations.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act also creates new authority for the CPSC to immediately share information about dangerous products with the public and ensures State public health agencies are kept informed. Finally, the bill requires manufacturers to place distinguishing marks on products and packaging to aid in recalls of products.

I am confident that this bipartisan bill will take great strides in protecting consumers and children.

Madam Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I rise to recognize the loss of an important local figure, Captain Phil Ruhle, Sr., affectionately known to so many as Captain Phil. A resident of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, Captain Phil was lost at sea on July 23rd when his fishing boat capsized off the New Jersey shore. I join his family and the people of Rhode Island in mourning this great loss.

An experienced fisherman who spent the majority of his life fishing the Atlantic Ocean, Captain Phil was deeply devoted to his career, and his passion for responsible fishing was unparalleled. Born in Oceanside, NY, he moved to Rhode Island early in life. He hails from a long line of fishermen, including his grandfather, father and brother, and his son has followed in his footsteps. Throughout his life, Captain Phil was tested many times. Twice before, he was aboard a fishing vessel that sank. However, despite those setbacks, he continued to persevere and pursue his passion in life.

Captain Phil will be remembered as one who strongly advocated for those in his field,

applying his vast knowledge and determination to serve as a key voice for the fishing industry. Most notably, he worked with fishermen and researchers to develop the ``Eliminator'' trawl, designed to catch haddock while reducing by-catch of cod and flounder, permitting a faster recovery of depleted stocks and benefiting the entire industry. I had the opportunity to see the trawl first-hand just a few weeks ago on a visit to Galilee, Rhode Island. While there, I also had the pleasure of discussing a variety of policy matters with the Captain's son, Phil, Jr. I know his dad would have been proud of his deep knowledge and commitment to the issues that impact their industry.

Captain Phil engaged deeply in policy matters, representing Rhode Island on the New England Fisheries Management Council. He was a familiar face in my office, frequently visiting and calling to keep us apprised of the most recent developments in fisheries policy and regulations. I appreciated his advice and his counsel, and he will be deeply missed.

Captain Phil is survived by his mother, Gloria, his wife, Donna, his children Phil Jr., Roger, and Alicia, and seven grandchildren. May we keep his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers as they endure this difficult period.

With this loss, we are reminded that fishing is an important but dangerous profession. I ask that we all remember the sacrifices that have been made and that we pray for the safe return of all those away at sea.

Madam Speaker, on July 22, 2008, I was unavoidably detained and unable to be in the Chamber for a rollcall vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 512, the Aviation Safety Enhancement Act of 2008.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Conference Report on H.R. 4137, the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which will reauthorize the Higher Education Act through Fiscal Year 2012. This is the first time in almost a decade that this bill has been reauthorized, and I am proud to be part of a Congress that has placed such a high priority on making college a reality for all of our Nation's students. This bill builds on legislation that passed last year to help lower college costs and boost federal loan support for our students. Given the state of our economy, it is imperative that we invest in our education system to promote new employment and ensure that today's students can adapt to the jobs of tomorrow.

Two of the main goals of the Higher Education Opportunity Act are to make a college education accessible to all students and to lower college costs for those students and their families. I am pIeased that this bill increases the maximum amount of Pell Grants, which help 5.5 million low-income and minority students attend college, from $5,800 to $8,000 by the 2014 academic year. This meaure also boosts funding for the TRIO program and the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP), which provide college readiness and support for low-income and first-generation students. H.R. 4137 ensures equal college opportunities for students with disabilities by creating the National Center for Information and Technical Support to improve college recruitment, retention, and completion of students with disabilities, and would also expand eligibility for Pell Grants for students with intellectual disabilities.

H.R. 4137 also establishes a user-friendly website to provide students and families with helpful information about college pricing, and will streamline the cumbersome filing process for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Families will now be able to receive estimates of their expected contribution and the amount of financial aid they may receive. H.R. 4137 requires higher education institutions and student loan providers to give borrowers fair and full information on their loan terms and repayment options, as well as promote financial literacy and education for students and families.

One of the goals of the 110th Congress is to create a new generation of innovators so that we continue to build an educated, skilled workforce in the vital areas of science, math, engineering and information technology. To maintain our international competitiveness and economic advantage in the coming years, our Nation must invest more in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. That is why I am pleased that H.R. 4137 includes many new initiatives and increases STEM funding. These new programs include grants for colleges and universities to provide incentives for students in STEM majors to teach in these academic areas; the YES Partnership Grant Program, which provides funding to eligible colleges to support minority youth engagement in STEM fields through outreach and hands-on experiential learning; and the Robert C. Byrd Mathematics and Science Honors Scholarship Program, which focuses on encouraging students to earn degrees in math and science.

H.R. 4137 increases college aid and support for our veterans and military families by requiring colleges and universities to treat students returning from military service as continuously enrolled students and preventing active duty servicemembers from accruing interest on student loans for the duration of their activation. The measure also encourages those students who commit to a job in high-need areas and public service for at least five years by establishing a $10,000 loan forgiveness program for nurses, early childhood educators, foreign language specialists, child welfare workers, school counselors, public sector employees, medical specialists, and mental health professionals. This measure further addresses the

shortage of nursing faculty by establishing competitive grants to fund scholarships for nurses studying for advanced degrees with the intention of becoming faculty.

In recent years, our country's college and university campuses have seen terrible tragedies. H.R. 4137 will boost campus safety by helping all colleges develop and implement state of the art emergency systems and campus safety plans, and will also create a National Center for Campus Safety at the Department of Justice. Administrators and students on campuses across the country have also pushed for environmental, or ``green,'' initiatives, and this measure supports these efforts by providing funding for environmental sustainability programs.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4137 shows that Congress is committed to the success of our students, and we will work to make sure that they can pursue their dreams without the burdens of unnecessary costs and debt. While we may find ourselves facing hard economic decisions, we must empower the next generation with the necessary tools and invest in their education. The College Opportunity and Affordability Act will set a blueprint for the future, and I encourage all my colleagues to vote for this bill.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1338, the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would narrow the wage gap between men and women. As a cosponsor of this bill, as well as a cosponsor in previous Congressional sessions, I am pleased to see this legislation finally debated on the House floor.

H.R. 1338 would strengthen the Equal Pay Act, which makes it unlawful for an employer to pay unequal wages to men and women that have similar jobs within the same establishment. The Paycheck Fairness Act would allow women to sue for punitive damages, as well as compensatory damages. Currently, women who seek compensation for unequal pay can only recover back pay, or in some cases, double back pay. While this bill would increase penalties for employers who pay different wages to men and women for equal work, it also provides incentives such as training programs for employers to eliminate pay disparities and grant programs to help strengthen the negotiation skills of girls and women.

Some may argue that these changes are not necessary, but the numbers speak for themselves. Despite greatly increased commitment to the labor force over the past 45 years, women working full time make 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man--less than a 20 percent increase since the Equal Pay Act was signed into law in 1963. Even more troublesome, African-American women earn 66 cents to the dollar and Latina women earn 55 cents to the dollar. According to a Census Bureau study, male high school graduates earned $13,000 more than female high school graduates in 2006. Women with a bachelor's degree employed year-round earned $53,201, while similarly educated men earned an average of $76,749. This same study also noted that the pay difference between men and women grows wider as they age.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill so that women like Lilly Ledbetter do not have to argue their case for equal pay all the way to the Supreme Court, so that single mothers do not have to worry whether or not they are being treated fairly by their employers while they provide for their children, and so that daughters entering college can reach their full potential when they graduate.

Finally, I would like to thank my friend Congresswoman DeLauro for her many years of leadership on this issue, as well as inspiring women of all ages across our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1108, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. This bill is a pioneering step forward in a decades-long struggle to safeguard the health of our citizens by ensuring that tobacco products are properly regulated. I am proud that the House of Representatives is taking this historic action on such an important public health issue.

The dangers of tobacco products are no secret. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the adverse health effects from cigarette smoking account for an estimated 438,000 deaths, or nearly 1 out of every 5 deaths, each year in the United States. Additionally, a report released by the National Cancer Institute states that smokeless tobacco contains 28 cancer causing agents. Despite these and a multitude of other troubling revelations, the tobacco industry has remained virtually outside the realm of transparency or oversight. This groundbreaking measure will empower the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with meaningful authority to regulate tobacco product content and marketing for the first time in our nation's history.

H.R. 1108 authorizes the FDA to restrict the sale and distribution of tobacco products, including its advertising and promotion, particularly as it affects children. It requires tobacco companies to disclose the nicotine levels and chemical contents of their tobacco products, and mandates reporting on changes to the products and any research regarding their health effects. This legislation does not permit the removal of nicotine from tobacco; however, it will grant the FDA authority to eliminate harmful ingredients and additives, and reduce nicotine levels. It will also prohibit terms such as ``light,'' ``mild'' and ``low-tar'' that mislead consumers into believing that certain cigarettes are safer than others.

Tobacco is a drug with well known adverse health effects, and it should be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration like any other. This bill will provide the FDA with the necessary regulatory and oversight authority to address how tobacco products are manufactured, advertised, and marketed. Further, it will fund this authority with user fees to ensure that other efforts at the FDA are not compromised.

The CDC estimates that every day, approximately 4,000 youth try a cigarette for the first time, and another 1,000 will become new, regular daily smokers. One-third of these youth will eventually die prematurely as a result. At a time when our nation's health care system is already straining under the increased weight of chronic disease, this Congress must take action to directly address the dangers of tobacco. To that end, I remain ready to work with my colleagues on this important issue and urge that they support the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Homeland Security Network Defense and Accountability Act of 2008, H.R. 5983. The United States and its allies face a significant and growing threat to our information technology, IT, systems and assets, and to the integrity of our information. The acquisition of this information by outsiders threatens to undermine and over time could cost the United States our advantage over our adversaries. This is a critical national security issue that we can no longer ignore.

As chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I have prioritized this issue in the 110th Congress. I have held seven hearings on cybersecurity issues, heard from hundreds of experts on how best to tackle these problems, reviewed information security best practices in the public and private sectors, investigated cyber incidents across the spectrum--from the State and Commerce Departments to our nation's electric grid--and uncovered and assisted law enforcement in investigating breaches at the Department of Homeland Security. It has become clear that an organization is only as strong as the integrity and reliability of the information that it keeps.

The legislation we're considering today represents a critical step toward improving the cybersecurity posture at the Department of Homeland Security by addressing two key issues: ensuring a robust defense-in-depth of our information systems, and holding individuals at all levels accountable for mitigating vulnerabilities.

This measure is composed of several important provisions. First, it establishes authorities and qualifications for the Chief Information Officer, CIO, position at the Department. In a number of hearings, I have heard concerns that the lack of an information security background can hamper the CIO's understanding and efforts to secure the Department's networks. We cannot allow future Presidents to repeat the mistakes made by this Administration in appointing unqualified individuals to this important office.

Second, the bill establishes specific operational security practices for the CIO, including a continuous, real-time cyber incident response capability, a network architecture emphasizing the positioning of security controls, and vulnerability assessments for each external- facing information infrastructure. These are fundamental elements of a comprehensive information security program.

Third, the bill establishes testing protocols to reduce the number of vulnerability exploitations throughout the Department's networks. Time and again we have heard that the Federal Information Security Management Act--or FISMA--does not operationalize security, and does not effectively reduce the number of successful attacks. We must change this, and we can do so by bringing together the heads of appropriate federal agencies to mitigate known attacks against our governmental infrastructure.

The fourth major provision of the bill requires the DHS Secretary to determine if the internal security policy of a contractor who provides network services to the Department is consistent with the Department's requirements. Again, this is standard operating procedure for all private sector companies; it should be so for the Federal Government as well.

Finally, this bill seeks a formal report from the Secretary on meeting the deadlines established by the Office of Management and Budget, OMB, for Trusted Internet Connections, TIC, encryption and authentication mandates. These are critical for the Department's efforts in information security, and I am not confident that the proper deadlines are being met.

I encourage my colleagues to support the Homeland Security Network Defense and Accountability Act of 2008 and thank Chairman Thompson for his leadership in bringing this important measure to the floor.