Floor Statements

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Kirsten Talken-Spaulding, a National Park Service fellow working on the staff of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources this year, be granted the privilege of the floor for today and for the remainder of the Senate's consideration of H.R. 1586.

Mr. President, among the many casualties of our economic downturn is the collapse of the primary form of private financing to construct affordable housing. I rise today to introduce the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Recovery Act, which would restore investment in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. In doing so, the bill will create tens of thousands of new affordable housing units and, in turn, thousands of construction jobs. I am grateful to my Finance Committee colleagues, Senators Kerry, Cantwell, Menendez, Stabenow, and Schumer for joining me in introducing this bill.

Many of us are familiar with the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program's importance; indeed, I consider it the most successful affordable housing production program in our nation's history. Since its enactment in 1986, the program has spurred the creation of more than 1.7 million units of affordable housing nationwide, including nearly 20,000 units in my home State of New Mexico.

But today, the Housing Credit program is facing tremendous challenges in attracting private investment. Having incurred significant losses, many traditional investors cannot currently use these tax credits, and thus have temporarily exited the market. Moreover, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac--which until recently provided a significant share of private investment in Housing Credit projects in New Mexico and nationwide--have pulled out entirely. Our bill will help attract new private investment to Housing Credit projects in New Mexico and across the country.

First, the bill will permit existing investors to carryback their unusable existing housing credits for up to five years. A major impediment to new investment today is that traditional Housing Credit investors have incurred business losses that prevent them from utilizing tax credits on previous investments. Consequently, these traditional investors have become disinclined to make new investments-- as doing so would generate further credits they could not use for some time. But through a 5-year carryback, many of these traditional investors will be able to make use of accumulated credits. Only investors who are committed to creating additional affordable housing deserve this tax treatment. Accordingly, the bill makes the 5-year carryback election available only to the extent that carryback proceeds are entirely invested in new affordable housing credit investments.

Additionally, the bill provides that Housing Credits generated from future investments can be carried back 5 years. With its 10-year credit stream and 15-year tax compliance period, the Housing Credit program faces hurdles lining up investors, as compared to other tax credit programs with shorter investment horizons. Without shortening the compliance period, a 5-year carryback will make the Housing Credit more competitive with other tax credits, by providing greater flexibility. This will result in more stable investor demand and thus more resources for affordable housing.

Our bill is based on consensus proposals developed by a broad coalition of affordable housing organizations--including housing advocates, state housing finance agencies, developers, and investors-- to restore private investment in affordable housing. That these proposals will create tens of thousands of affordable housing units and thousands of construction jobs was endorsed in studies by Harvard University's Joint Center on Housing and Ernst & Young's Tax Credit Advisory Services Center.

I am grateful for the coalition's efforts, as well as input that New Mexico stakeholders--including the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, Enterprise Community Partners, and the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness--provided as I developed this bill.

We must act swiftly to ensure continued progress in constructing affordable housing, to meet our nation's affordable housing needs and create jobs. I look forward to working with my colleagues to see these provisions enacted into law.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, among the many casualties of our economic downturn is the collapse of the primary form of private financing to construct affordable housing. I rise today to introduce the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Recovery Act, which would restore investment in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. In doing so, the bill will create tens of thousands of new affordable housing units and, in turn, thousands of construction jobs. I am grateful to my Finance Committee colleagues, Senators Kerry, Cantwell, Menendez, Stabenow, and Schumer for joining me in introducing this bill.

Many of us are familiar with the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program's importance; indeed, I consider it the most successful affordable housing production program in our nation's history. Since its enactment in 1986, the program has spurred the creation of more than 1.7 million units of affordable housing nationwide, including nearly 20,000 units in my home State of New Mexico.

But today, the Housing Credit program is facing tremendous challenges in attracting private investment. Having incurred significant losses, many traditional investors cannot currently use these tax credits, and thus have temporarily exited the market. Moreover, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac--which until recently provided a significant share of private investment in Housing Credit projects in New Mexico and nationwide--have pulled out entirely. Our bill will help attract new private investment to Housing Credit projects in New Mexico and across the country.

First, the bill will permit existing investors to carryback their unusable existing housing credits for up to five years. A major impediment to new investment today is that traditional Housing Credit investors have incurred business losses that prevent them from utilizing tax credits on previous investments. Consequently, these traditional investors have become disinclined to make new investments-- as doing so would generate further credits they could not use for some time. But through a 5-year carryback, many of these traditional investors will be able to make use of accumulated credits. Only investors who are committed to creating additional affordable housing deserve this tax treatment. Accordingly, the bill makes the 5-year carryback election available only to the extent that carryback proceeds are entirely invested in new affordable housing credit investments.

Additionally, the bill provides that Housing Credits generated from future investments can be carried back 5 years. With its 10-year credit stream and 15-year tax compliance period, the Housing Credit program faces hurdles lining up investors, as compared to other tax credit programs with shorter investment horizons. Without shortening the compliance period, a 5-year carryback will make the Housing Credit more competitive with other tax credits, by providing greater flexibility. This will result in more stable investor demand and thus more resources for affordable housing.

Our bill is based on consensus proposals developed by a broad coalition of affordable housing organizations--including housing advocates, state housing finance agencies, developers, and investors-- to restore private investment in affordable housing. That these proposals will create tens of thousands of affordable housing units and thousands of construction jobs was endorsed in studies by Harvard University's Joint Center on Housing and Ernst & Young's Tax Credit Advisory Services Center.

I am grateful for the coalition's efforts, as well as input that New Mexico stakeholders--including the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, Enterprise Community Partners, and the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness--provided as I developed this bill.

We must act swiftly to ensure continued progress in constructing affordable housing, to meet our nation's affordable housing needs and create jobs. I look forward to working with my colleagues to see these provisions enacted into law.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a business meeting has been scheduled before Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The business meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at 10 a.m., in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The purpose of the business meeting is to consider the nomination of Jeffrey Lane to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs) and cleared legislative agenda items.

For further information, please contact Sam Fowler or Amanda Kelly.

Mr. President, this amendment is completely unrelated to the FAA reauthorization legislation. It deals with a matter that is in the jurisdiction of the Energy Committee. It would make, in my view, inappropriate changes to a program that provides assistance to six coastal States.

I oppose the amendment. I urge my colleagues to oppose it as well. In my view, it will dilute the authority of the Secretary of Interior to properly oversee and ensure the accountability for the funds that are being spent in these programs.

I raise a point of order that the pending amendment violates section 311(a)(2)(A) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.

Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate that the hearing scheduled before the Subcommittee on National Parks, for Wednesday, March 17, 2010, will begin at 3:30 p.m., in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on the following bills:

S. 553, to revise the authorized route of the North Country

National Scenic Trail in northeastern Minnesota to include

existing hiking trails along Lake Superior's north shore and

in Superior National Forest and Chippewa National Forest, and

for other purposes;

S. 1017, to reauthorize the Cane River National Heritage

Area Commission and expand the boundaries of the Cane River

National Heritage Area in the State of Louisiana;

S. 1018, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to

enter into an agreement with Northwestern State University in

Natchitoches, Louisiana, to construct a curatorial center for

the use of Cane River Creole National Historical Park, the

National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, and

the University, and for other purposes;

S. 1537, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting

through the Director of the National Park Service, to

designate the Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Birthplace and Childhood

Home in Cresco, Iowa, as a National Historic Site and as a

unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes;

S. 1629, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to

conduct a special resource study of the archeological site

and surrounding land of the New Philadelphia town site in the

state of Illinois, and for other purposes;

S. 2892, to establish the Alabama Black Belt National

Heritage Area, and for other purposes;

S. 2933, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to

conduct a special resource study to determine the suitability

and feasibility of designating the Colonel Charles Young Home

in Xenia, Ohio, as a unit of the National Park System, and

for other purposes;

S. 2951, to authorize funding to protect and conserve lands

contiguous with the Blue Ridge Parkway to serve the public,

and for other purposes; and

H.R. 3804, to make technical corrections to various Acts

affecting the National Park Service, to extend, amend, or

establish certain National Park Service authorities, and for

other purposes.

Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send it to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510-6150, or by e-mail to [email protected] .gov.

For further information, please contact David Brooks at (202) 224- 9863 or Allison Seyferth at (202) 224-4905.

Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at 2:30 p.m., in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on the following bills:

S. 1546, to provide for the conveyance of certain parcels

of land to the town of Mantua, Utah;

S. 2798, to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire

through the facilitation of insect and disease infestation

treatment of National Forest System and adjacent land, and

for other purposes;

S. 2830, to amend the Surface Mining Control and

Reclamation Act of 1977 to clarify that uncertified States

and Indian tribes have the authority to use certain payments

for certain noncoal reclamation projects; and

S. 2963, to designate certain land in the State of Oregon

as wilderness, to provide for the exchange of certain Federal

land and non-Federal land, and for other purposes.

Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send it to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510-6150, or by email to [email protected] .gov.

For further information, please contact Scott Miller at (202) 224- 5488 or David Brooks at (202) 224-9863.

Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate the University of New Mexico men's basketball team for achieving a second straight Mountain West Conference title.

The team's accomplishments include a school record 28 wins, including 10 road wins this season. In addition, their remarkable achievements include 14 consecutive victories and top 10 rankings in both the AP and ESPN/USA Today polls.

Renowned for passionate fans, the University of New Mexico men's basketball team dedication to character and teamwork has brought tremendous pride to the people of New Mexico and offers our country a reflection of this spirit.

I also wish to commend the leadership of senior cocaptain Roman Martinez for his excellence in the classroom and his contributions to the community. As an Academic All-American, Roman exemplifies the true character of a student-athlete. Knowing Roman's dedication to service in the community, it is clear that his role in this most worthy pursuit will be even greater in the years to come.

Along with my fellow New Mexicans, I wish these students much success as they prepare to compete in the Mountain West Conference and NCAA tournaments, and I applaud their achievements.

Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at 9:30 a.m., in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The purpose of the hearing is to consider the nomination of Jeffrey Lane, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs).

Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record may do so by sending it to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510-6150, or by e-mail to Amanda_Kelly@energy .senate.gov.

For further information, please contact Sam Fowler or Amanda Kelly.

Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at 9:30 a.m., in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on energy efficiency bills, including S. 1696, the Green Gaming Act of 2009; S. 2908, the Water Heater Rating Improvement Act of 2009; S. 3059, the National Energy Efficiency Enhancement Act of 2010; S. 3054, a bill to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish efficiency standards for bottle-type water dispensers, commercial hot food holding cabinets, and portable electric spas; and for other purposes.

Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record may do so by sending it to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510-6150, or by e-mail to Rosemarie_Calabro @energy.senate.gov.

For further information, please contact Allen Stayman or Rosemarie Calabro.

Mr. President, this is to correct the purpose of a hearing before the Subcommittee on Water and Power of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources previously announced on March 1st. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 10 a.m., in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC.

The purpose of this oversight hearing is to receive testimony on the Bureau of Reclamation's implementation of the SECURE Water Act, (Title 9501 of P.L. 111-11) and the Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART program which includes the WaterSMART Grant Program, the Basin Study Program and the Title XVI Program.

Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send it to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510-6150, or by e-mail to [email protected] .gov.

For further information, please contact Tanya Trujillo or Gina Weinstock.

Mr. President, I am pleased to join with the Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Lisa Murkowski, in introducing the National Energy Efficiency Enhancement Act of 2010. This legislation would implement several agreements that have been negotiated between appliance manufacturers and energy efficiency advocates to increase national energy efficiency standards for a range of commercial products, strengthen our economy, create jobs, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The major energy consuming products that would have standards established or enhanced by this legislation include furnaces, air conditioners, street lights, and external power supplies. The bill would also modify the Secretary of Energy's authority regarding administration of the program. For example, there would be changes to the criteria used by the Secretary when determining where to set a standard, so as to include consideration of the impact of a proposed standard on average energy prices and the impacts of smart grid technology. A more detailed description section-by-section summary of the bill is included at the end of these remarks.

Representatives from the energy efficiency community, such as the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, ACEEE, the Alliance to Save Energy, and the National Resources Defense Council, along with industry representatives from the National Electric Manufacturers Association, the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and others, have done a commendable job in working through very difficult and technical issues to develop this remarkable consensus legislation. Their successes were set forth in several agreements that have been included in this bill. It is a testament to what can be achieved for the nation when interests groups work together with a commitment to the common good.

The savings from these new standards, if enacted, are estimated at 258 trillion Btu in 2020, and 677 trillion Btu in 2030. In addition, greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to be reduced by 14.6 million metric tons of CO2 in 2020, and 39 million metric tons in 2030. Other benefits of increased efficiency include consumer savings due to lower energy costs and new jobs created by the use of consumer savings for other purchases and investments.

This legislation demonstrates the continuing commitment of the Energy

Committee to build on the bipartisan bill it reported last June--the American Clean Energy Leadership Act of 2009, or ACELA. Title II of ACELA directs the Energy Department to establish new energy efficiency standards for portable lamps and commercial furnaces and would yield estimated energy savings in 2030 of 551 trillion Btu, and carbon dioxide emission reductions of 31.3 million metric tons. Combined, the savings from these two bills would be 1228 trillion Btu and 70 million metric tons in 2030. Note: all estimates by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

The energy efficiency provisions of ACELA when combined with this new legislation would substantially enhance one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools the Federal Government has to strengthen our economic and energy security.

The appliance standards program has been saving energy and money for families, businesses, and government consumers for more than 20 years. DOE currently administers standards for 35 products, and the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy estimates cumulative program savings of 5.1 Quadrillion Btu through 2010. The ACEEE projects another 3 Quadrillion Btu of savings from current standards by 2020.

This program's savings in electricity are the most significant, with an estimated reduction of nearly 16 percent in national electricity use by 2020 below what would have been used without the program.

Greater energy efficiency strengthens our economy, enhances our security, saves consumers money, creates jobs, and reduces greenhouse gas pollution. No single program or policy is going to completely end our nation's waste of energy or its carbon emissions, but increased energy efficiency through cost-effective energy standards for appliances and consumer products remains the single most-powerful tools for meeting these goals.

I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Energy Committee, in the Congress, and in the Administration to enact the National Energy Efficiency Enhancement Act of 2010. It would be a major enhancement to the energy savings anticipated from ACELA--more than doubling the savings--and both bills should be a part of any comprehensive national energy legislation.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill and a bill summary be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I am pleased to join with the Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Lisa Murkowski, in introducing the National Energy Efficiency Enhancement Act of 2010. This legislation would implement several agreements that have been negotiated between appliance manufacturers and energy efficiency advocates to increase national energy efficiency standards for a range of commercial products, strengthen our economy, create jobs, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The major energy consuming products that would have standards established or enhanced by this legislation include furnaces, air conditioners, street lights, and external power supplies. The bill would also modify the Secretary of Energy's authority regarding administration of the program. For example, there would be changes to the criteria used by the Secretary when determining where to set a standard, so as to include consideration of the impact of a proposed standard on average energy prices and the impacts of smart grid technology. A more detailed description section-by-section summary of the bill is included at the end of these remarks.

Representatives from the energy efficiency community, such as the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, ACEEE, the Alliance to Save Energy, and the National Resources Defense Council, along with industry representatives from the National Electric Manufacturers Association, the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and others, have done a commendable job in working through very difficult and technical issues to develop this remarkable consensus legislation. Their successes were set forth in several agreements that have been included in this bill. It is a testament to what can be achieved for the nation when interests groups work together with a commitment to the common good.

The savings from these new standards, if enacted, are estimated at 258 trillion Btu in 2020, and 677 trillion Btu in 2030. In addition, greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to be reduced by 14.6 million metric tons of CO2 in 2020, and 39 million metric tons in 2030. Other benefits of increased efficiency include consumer savings due to lower energy costs and new jobs created by the use of consumer savings for other purchases and investments.

This legislation demonstrates the continuing commitment of the Energy

Committee to build on the bipartisan bill it reported last June--the American Clean Energy Leadership Act of 2009, or ACELA. Title II of ACELA directs the Energy Department to establish new energy efficiency standards for portable lamps and commercial furnaces and would yield estimated energy savings in 2030 of 551 trillion Btu, and carbon dioxide emission reductions of 31.3 million metric tons. Combined, the savings from these two bills would be 1228 trillion Btu and 70 million metric tons in 2030. Note: all estimates by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

The energy efficiency provisions of ACELA when combined with this new legislation would substantially enhance one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools the Federal Government has to strengthen our economic and energy security.

The appliance standards program has been saving energy and money for families, businesses, and government consumers for more than 20 years. DOE currently administers standards for 35 products, and the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy estimates cumulative program savings of 5.1 Quadrillion Btu through 2010. The ACEEE projects another 3 Quadrillion Btu of savings from current standards by 2020.

This program's savings in electricity are the most significant, with an estimated reduction of nearly 16 percent in national electricity use by 2020 below what would have been used without the program.

Greater energy efficiency strengthens our economy, enhances our security, saves consumers money, creates jobs, and reduces greenhouse gas pollution. No single program or policy is going to completely end our nation's waste of energy or its carbon emissions, but increased energy efficiency through cost-effective energy standards for appliances and consumer products remains the single most-powerful tools for meeting these goals.

I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Energy Committee, in the Congress, and in the Administration to enact the National Energy Efficiency Enhancement Act of 2010. It would be a major enhancement to the energy savings anticipated from ACELA--more than doubling the savings--and both bills should be a part of any comprehensive national energy legislation.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill and a bill summary be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that the hearing scheduled before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, previously announced for February 9th, has been rescheduled and will now be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at 10 a.m., in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The purpose of the hearing is to examine financial transmission rights and other electricity market mechanisms.

Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record may do so by sending it to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510-6150, or by e-mail to Gina_Weinstock@energy .senate.gov.

For further information, please contact Leon Lowery at (202) 224-2209 or Kevin Huyler at (202) 224-6689 or Gina Weinstock at (202) 224-5684.

Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will be held on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at 10 a.m., in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The purpose of the hearing is to review legislative proposals designed to create jobs related to energy efficiency, including a Majority Staff Draft on energy efficient building retrofits.

Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record may do so by sending it to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510-6150, or by e-mail to Rosemarie_Calabro@energy .senate.gov.

For further information, please contact Deborah Estes at (202) 224- 5360 or Rosemarie Calabro at (202) 224-5039.

Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that the hearing scheduled before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, previously announced for February 9th, has been rescheduled and will now be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 10 a.m., in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The purpose of this oversight hearing is to receive testimony on the Bureau of Reclamation's implementation of the SECURE Water Act, (Title 9501 of P.L. 111-11) and the Bureau of Reclamation's Water Conservation Initiative which includes the Challenge Grant Program, the Basin Study Program and the Title XVI Program.

Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send it to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510-6150, or by email to [email protected] .gov.

For further information, please contact Tanya Trujillo at (202) 224- 5479 or Gina Weinstock at (202) 224-5684.

Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Subcommittee on National Parks.

The hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at 2:30 p.m., in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on the following bills:

S. 553, to revise the authorized route of the North Country

National Scenic Trail in northeastern Minnesota to include

existing hiking trails along Lake Superior's north shore and

in Superior National Forest and Chippewa National Forest, and

for other purposes;

S. 1017, to reauthorize the Cane River National Heritage

Area Commission and expand the boundaries of the Cane River

National Heritage Area in the State of Louisiana;

S. 1018, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to

enter into an agreement with Northwestern State University in

Natchitoches, Louisiana, to construct a curatorial center for

the use of Cane River Creole National Historical Park, the

National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, and

the University, and for other purposes;

S. 1537, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting

through the Director of the National Park Service, to

designate the Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Birthplace and Childhood

Home in Cresco, Iowa, as a National Historic Site and as a

unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes;

S. 1629, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to

conduct a special resource study of the archeological site

and surrounding land of the New Philadelphia town site in the

state of Illinois, and for other purposes;

S. 2892, to establish the Alabama Black Belt National

Heritage Area, and for other purposes;

S. 2933, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to

conduct a special resource study to determine the suitability

and feasibility of designating the Colonel Charles Young Home

in Xenia, Ohio, as a unit of the National Park System, and

for other purposes;

S. 2951, to authorize funding to protect and conserve lands

contiguous with the Blue Ridge Parkway to serve the public,

and for other purposes; and

H.R. 3804, to make technical corrections to various Acts

affecting the National Park Service, to extend, amend, or

establish certain National Park Service authorities, and for

other purposes.

Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send it to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510-6150, or by email to [email protected] .gov.

For further information, please contact David Brooks at (202) 224- 9863 or Allison Seyferth at (202) 224-4905.

Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the motion of the Senator from South Carolina to suspend rule XXII and offer an amendment to prohibit the establishment of national monuments under the Antiquities Act or any other law.

I understand that the proposed amendment is in response to allegations that a portion of an internal planning memo at the Department of the Interior identified several areas throughout the country as areas that may be appropriate for potential national monument consideration.

The Secretary of the Interior has stated that the document was simply a brainstorming exercise to identify sites on public land that might merit more serious consideration for possible management options, and that no decisions have been made about which areas, if any, might merit more serious review and consideration.

I don't think it makes sense to try to legislate every time an article appears in a newspaper. I would observe that even the document in question that was leaked to certain Members of Congress states that ``further evaluations should be completed prior to any decision, including an assessment of public and Congressional support,'' and Secretary Salazar has publicly stated his view that new designations and conservation initiatives work best when they build on local efforts. So I think that any attempt to legislate at this time is very premature.

Apart from the substantive problems with the proposed DeMint amendment, the travel promotion bill is not the appropriate legislation to consider this issue, and waiving the Senate rules to allow for consideration of an amendment that would not otherwise be in order is, in my view, not appropriate.

For these reasons, I oppose the motion to suspend rule XXII.