Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Roger E. Poole and congratulating him on his retirement as Directing Business Representative of District No. 9, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (I.A.M.A.W.).

Roger Poole has been a 41-year member of Automotive Lodge 313, joining the Machinists Union in 1967. He was elected Business Representative in 1979 before being elected to the offices of Vice President and President. In representing his Local, Roger served on an impressive list of labor councils. These included: the Belleville Union Labor Council, Southwestern Illinois Central Labor Council, Greater Madison County Federation of Labor, District Lodge 9, Illinois State Council of Machinists, Mid-West States Conference of Machinists, and the Illinois State AFL-CIO. Roger also served as a delegate to every IAM Convention since 1972.

Roger's contributions to the labor movement have brought him well- deserved accolades. He was named Labor Man of the Year by the Southwestern Illinois Central Labor Council and Community Services Labor Man of the Year by the St. Louis Labor Council.

Always active in representing the working men and women of our area, Roger expanded his involvement to civic, political and community organizations. He has been a member of the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League National Planning Committee, President of the Mid-West States Council of Machinists, President of the 12th Congressional District C.O.P.E. AFL-CIO, Vice President of both the Illinois and Missouri State AFL-CIO, Executive Board Member of the St. Louis Labor Council and the United Way of Greater St. Louis. He also found time to serve as Democratic Precinct Committeeman.

Roger and his wife, Rosalie, have two sons, Brian and Jason, and two grandchildren, Darby and Cody.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation and congratulations to Mr. Roger E. Poole, a true champion of organized labor, and to wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1512, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Extension Act of 2009. I want to thank Chairman Rangel and Ranking Member Camp for bringing this to the floor today, as well as Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Members Mica and Petri.

Earlier this month, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee marked up H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009, a long-term authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) programs. It should be to the House floor in the coming weeks. However, until H.R. 915 is signed into law, it is imperative that we not allow FAA's critical programs to lapse.

The Aviation Trust Fund is currently operating under a short-term extension that expires on March 31, 2009. To that end, H.R. 1512 would extend not only the aviation taxes and expenditure authority, but also Airport Improvement Program (AIP) contract authority, until September 30, 2009.

H.R. 1512 also provides an additional $1.95 billion in AIP contract authority, resulting in a full-year contract authority level of $3.9 billion for fiscal year 2009. These additional funds will allow airports to proceed with critical safety and capacity enhancement projects, particularly larger projects that require a full-year's worth of AIP funds to move forward.

Mr. Speaker, aviation is too important to our nation's economy-- contributing $1.2 trillion in output and approximately 11.4 million U.S. jobs--to allow the taxes or funding for critical aviation programs to expire.

Congress must ensure that this extension passes expeditiously to reduce delays and congestion; improve safety and efficiency; stimulate the economy; and create jobs. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1262, the Water Quality Investment Act. We must provide means for local communities to address wastewater treatment needs. H.R. 1262 seeks to provide $13.8 billion over five years for the clean Water State Revolving Fund and provides low interest loans to communities for wastewater infrastructure. The bill also provides $250 million in grants over five years for alternative water source projects and authorizes $1.8 billion over five years in grants to municipalities and states to control sewer overflows.

This legislation is critically needed to help meet America's clean water needs.

H.R. 1262 also renews Davis-Bacon on projects, which requires that contractors and subcontractors that receive federal funds on wastewater treatment projects be paid at least the prevailing local wage rate.

I firmly believe it is necessary that the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirement applies to all construction projects with federal funds.

I commend Chairman Oberstar and Chairwoman Johnson for reestablishing what Congress clearly intended.

Davis-Bacon is as important now as it was in the 1930s. It prevents competition from ``fly-by-night'' firms that undercut local wages and working conditions and compete, unfairly, with local contractors for federal work.

It helps stabilize the industry to workers and to employers. In addition, Davis-Bacon may help ensure better craftsmanship and it may reduce both the initial cost of federal construction through greater efficiency and decrease the need for repair and/or rehabilitation.

I oppose any such motion to strike the Davis-Bacon provisions and strongly urge my colleagues to do the same.

With that, Mr. Chair, H.R. 1262 is very important to our communities because it is another avenue for them to use for improving water quality across the country. Again, I strongly support H.R. 1262 and urge my colleagues to as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 183, a resolution expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407.

I want to thank my colleagues, Mr. Lee and the members of the New York delegation, for introducing this resolution.

On February 12, 2009, Continental Connection Flight 3407 crashed just a few miles from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. It was a tragic accident and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. Fifty people died as a result of this crash, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of that crash.

While we have the safest air transportation system in the world, we must not become complacent.

Again, we, as a nation, mourn the loss of Continental Connection Flight 3407 and urge my colleagues to strongly support H. Res. 183.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 139, a resolution to commemorate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln on the bicentennial of his birth.

As we celebrate the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth, we are reminded of Lincoln's commitment to the unity, and harmony of all people and our nation. Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12, 1809, in Kentucky, was a man of humble beginnings. He was primarily self-educated, teaching himself to read and write by candlelight, and possessed an avid thirst for knowledge. Mr. Lincoln began his political career at the age of 23, running unsuccessfully for the Illinois State Legislature. He won his first election in 1834 to that same body and began a public service career characterized by his dedication to fairness and justice and his keen political mind.

Mr. Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States during a tumultuous time in our nation's history. With the outbreak of the Civil War eminent, President Lincoln led our country through its bloodiest and most profound moral crisis. He felt the reason behind southern succession was contrary to democratic ideals and remained steadfast in his commitment to preserving our founding fathers fundamental principles as defined in the Constitution. Once the end of the Civil War was in sight, President Lincoln was accommodating and generous in his plans for peace, encouraging Southerner's to join in a speedy reunion.

Abraham Lincoln was a man of sincere integrity and virtue who will always be remembered for his commitment to the principles of freedom, democracy and union. With incredible leadership and courage, President Lincoln exemplified the American experience and became its archetype-- that anyone, no matter their background, can accomplish great things in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Illinois is proud to be known as the Land of Lincoln and we cherish the legacy he has left us.

Madam Speaker, as a cosponsor of the bill, I urge my colleagues' support.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 84) honoring the heroic actions of the pilot, crew, and rescuers of US Airways Flight 1549.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 84.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 84, a resolution honoring the heroic actions of the pilot, crew, and rescuers of US Airways Flight 1549.

I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Crowley, for introducing this resolution. LaGuardia Airport is in the congressional district represented by Congressman Crowley, and he has represented that district for some time. I know that he is very proud of all of the men and women whose actions resulted in a safe outcome for everyone. It is truly remarkable and a testament to all involved in the emergency landing and rescue that all passengers and crew got out safely, without serious injuries or death.

On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 was departing LaGuardia Airport for Charlotte, North Carolina and, within minutes, lost engine power. Captain Chesley Sullenberger III and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles realized the seriousness of the situation, and immediately sought a safe place to land.

The Hudson River was their only option, and these two pilots, as well as flight attendants Sheila Dail, Doreen Welsh, and Donna Dent, worked together to prepare the 150 passengers for the emergency landing. The crew did an excellent job on the controlled landing in the Hudson River. The flight crew and flight attendants did exactly what they were trained to do, and they did it superbly.

This incident demonstrates the importance of training and preparation, showcases the skill of our aviation and first responder workforce, and reinforces the importance of consistent vigilance and oversight of our aviation safety.

I also want to commend the emergency crews in New York City who reached the crew and passengers in record time and immediately began rescue operations.

Again, we honor the crew, passengers, and emergency responders involved in US Airways Flight 1549, and I urge my colleagues to strongly support H. Res. 84.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York, the sponsor of the resolution, Congressman Crowley.

I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York, Congressman Hall.

Madam Speaker, at this time I yield 2 minutes to my friend from New Jersey, Congressman Albio Sires.

I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California and a member of the Aviation Subcommittee, Mr. McNerney.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler).

I yield the gentleman 30 additional seconds.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. McMahon).

(Mr. McMAHON asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

I would ask how much time we have left on our side.

I yield 30 seconds to my friend.

Madam Speaker, I yield the remaining 2 minutes on our side to the Congresswoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 84, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, for the past several years, Israelis living near Gaza have endured a continual state of fear due to the thousands of rocket attacks launched from there by Hamas. When the six- month cease fire between Hamas and Israel recently ended, Hamas responded almost immediately by firing more than 70 missiles at civilian targets within Israel. On December 27th, Israel, in an act of self defense, struck at Hamas targets in Gaza in response to these continued attacks, and I want to express my strong support for Israel's right of self-defense.

Israel has taken meaningful steps in recent years to push the peace process forward, including unilaterally withdrawing from Gaza in 2005. Unfortunately, Hamas has not met Israel's efforts towards a peaceful coexistence, and has instead increased military operations against its neighbor and continues to deny Israel's right to exist.

These unfortunate developments are tragic, but have been precipitated by Hamas' aggression. Hamas must stop the rocket attacks and all parties in the region need to commit to renewing efforts at peace. The U.S. should remain involved in the peace process and I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress towards this goal.

Madam Speaker, four days ago I voted against the historic $700 billion bailout legislation proposed by President Bush and Treasury Secretary Paulson. It seemed clear to me that the message sent by that bill's defeat was that we needed to slow and consider other alternatives to deal with the problems facing our economy. Numerous professional economists and other experts, including William Isaac, former head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, FDIC, have said that we could provide the confidence the credit markets need in other, less expensive ways.

Unfortunagtely, that message fell on deaf ears. The Senate leadership took the Bush/Paulson proposal and added $100 billion in tax breaks and other so-called incentives. While I do support expanding FDIC insurance limits to $250,000, I do not see how making a $700 billion bill an $800 billion bill benefits our economy. What these additions cannot do is hide the fact that at its core, this bill is the same as the one the House rejected Monday, and I will vote against it.

Madam Speaker, I understand that many Americans are uneasy about the state of our economy. I share their anxiety. But I am equally anxious about the long-term ramifications of this legislation. I think it is highly possible that this bill will make our economic problems worse in the long run. While we should take action, we should act prudently and with a thorough review of our options. We have failed to do this, and I cannot vote to expend $800 billion in taxpayer dollars without absolute confidence in the course being taken. I will again vote no.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose H.R. 3997, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. While I realize this bill is a product of intense and lengthy negotiations between Congress and the Bush administration and between Democrats and Republicans--and I greatly appreciate the efforts of Speaker Pelosi, Leader Hoyer and Chairman Frank--I remain unconvinced that this bill will solve the problems we face on Wall Street.

This bill is an unprecedented $700 billion bailout of the financial industry on the backs of the American taxpayer. I oppose this bill because I am not convinced that it is imperative we act right now; I believe we are moving too quickly to rush this proposal through and have not adequately considered other approaches to solving the problem of bad debt and tight credit. Numerous economists have expressed that this proposal might actually make the problem worse. We should take more time to consider alternatives, as the deadline we are up against today has been set solely by the Bush administration.

American taxpayers are being told by the President that they must rescue Wall Street, despite the fact that the Bush administration and Wall Street have opposed Government oversight in the financial industry for years. I believe the financial industry should help pay for any program to heal the economy. $700 billion is too much to ask taxpayers to bear without a requisite sacrifice from the industry that bears much of the responsibility for bringing us to this point.

Madam Speaker, this is a historic vote, and we should be taking more time to ensure we have considered all options. I am not convinced that this is the best way to proceed, so I must, and will, vote no.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the distinguished career of Jerry Weller, who will be retiring at the end of the 110th Congress. I wish to express my appreciation for his service to our country and the state of Illinois.

Jerry was elected to Congress in 1994 as the representative of the 11th District of Illinois. He began his public service career working as a Congressional and Administration aide, followed by three terms in the Illinois General Assembly. He has used his seat on the Ways and Means Committee to make a strong, positive difference for families in Illinois and throughout the United States.

Jerry has worked on a number of initiatives important to Illinois' families, including his efforts to enhance Illinois' infrastructure, establish and expand veterans' outpatient clinics, and protect children from on-line predators. Jerry was instrumental in passing legislation to redevelop the Joliet Arsenal in 1995, which created thousands of union jobs by establishing North America's largest intermodal truck, rail, and freight facility. He is a tireless advocate for the needs of his constituents and his country.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to Congressman Weller for his years of dedicated service to this body and to the people of Illinois. I wish Jerry and his family the very best in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the distinguished career of Ray LaHood, who will be retiring at the end of the 110th Congress. I wish to express my appreciation for his service to our country and the State of Illinois.

First elected in 1994, Ray LaHood has represented the 18th District of Illinois for nearly 15 years. A teacher by trade, Ray began his career teaching junior high school students in Peoria, Illinois. He continued his commitment to public service by becoming a member of the Illinois General Assembly and serving Congressman Bob Michel for over a decade.

Ray has been lauded by many of his colleagues for his leadership on the local, State, and national levels. He has led efforts to preserve our waterways, improve local airports, and addressed the development of rural communities in his district. Never afraid to disagree with his party's leaders, Ray has always worked in the best interests of the State and his district, particularly as part of the Appropriations Committee.

Ray is widely regarded as someone who has a deep respect for the institution of Congress, proven by his efforts to establish a higher level of civility and decorum in the House of Representatives. His commitment to bipartisanship remains an example to all of us in Congress today. I wish Ray and his family the very best and I am proud to call him my friend.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to Congressman LaHood for his years of dedicated service to this body and to the people of Illinois.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dawn Harper, Gold Medal winner in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Growing up in East St. Louis, IL, Dawn Harper was captivated by the athletic accomplishments of a fellow East St. Louis native, Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Recognizing that Jackie Joyner-Kersee made the most of her talents and abilities through years of hard work and perseverance, Dawn dedicated herself to following a similar path.

Dawn showed early promise as a track star at East St. Louis Senior High School where she won both the 100-meter and 300 meter hurdles at the Illinois State Championships as a freshman. She would repeat that spectacular feat two more times during her high school career. Even though she was slowed by an ACL injury her sophomore year, she still placed second in the 100-meter hurdles at the state championships.

Following again in Jackie Joyner-Kersee's footsteps, Dawn decided to pursue her collegiate career at UCLA. While at UCLA, Dawn would earn honors as USA Junior champion, Pan Am Junior champion, NACAC U23 champion, and multiple All-American selections at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Dawn graduated from UCLA in 2006.

Dawn tried out for the 2004 Olympic team and finished 18th in the 100-meter hurdles. Her hard work and persistence paid off in the 2008 Olympic trials where she placed 3rd, earning her a spot on the team to represent the United States at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Dawn ran well in her preliminary heats and placed 3rd in the semifinals. This secured her place in the finals where she was not to be denied, winning the championship with a personal best time of 12.54 seconds.

In victory, Dawn displayed not only the athletic ability of a champion but also the grace and sportsmanship, congratulating her teammates for their efforts and giving thanks to those who have helped her in her quest for this momentous accomplishment.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dawn Harper, Olympic champion and Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Olympic Games and wishing her the best as she continues to pursue her athletic career and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6984) to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 6984.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6984, the Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act, Part II. I want to thank Chairman Oberstar for bringing this legislation to the floor today, as well as Chairman Rangel and Ranking Members Mica and Petri.

The Aviation Trust Fund was created to fund the development and improvement of our airport and airway system, make critical investments to the air traffic control facilities, and to ensure the safety of the flying public.

The trust fund provides revenue for the airport improvement program, which provides grants for construction and safety projects at airports; the facilities and equipment account, which funds technical improvements to the air traffic control system; and a research, engineering and development account. The fund also partially pays for the salaries, expenses, and operations of the FAA.

This trust fund is currently operating under a short-term extension that expires on September 30, 2008. In

order to continue to provide essential safety and capacity improvement funds to our airports, we must pass this extension.

While the House passed H.R. 2881, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007, which is a long-term authorization for the FAA programs, the Senate has yet to pass its version of the bill. Until H.R. 2881 becomes law, it is important that we extend the FAA's programs on a short-term basis.

To ensure continued FAA operations, H.R. 6984 would extend not only the aviation taxes and expenditure authority, but also the AIP contract authority until March 30, 2009.

Specifically, H.R. 6984 provides $1.95 billion in AIP funding for airports, which is based on the level of AIP funding we authorized in H.R. 2881 for fiscal year 2009, and is consistent with the fiscal year 2009 congressional budget resolution. These additional funds will allow airports to proceed with necessary safety and capacity enhancement projects.

Mr. Speaker, aviation is too important to our Nation's economy, contributing $1.2 trillion in output and approximately 11.4 million U.S. jobs, to allow the taxes or funding for critical aviation programs to expire.

While our economy has slowed and economic factors have created difficult times for the airlines and their passengers, Congress can provide some stability to the aviation system by passing this extension this week. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for speakers, and so I yield back the balance of my time and urge passage of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, today, we are considering H.R. 6493, the Aviation Safety Enhancement Act of 2008.

This important legislation was introduced in a bipartisan manner and I want to thank Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Members Mica and Petri for working with me on this legislation.

The United States has the safest air transportation system in the world; however, I have said time and again, we must not become complacent about our past success.

The Committee's April 3 hearing on the failure of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to properly oversee air carrier maintenance programs demonstrates the need for this Committee to ensure vigorous oversight by the FAA to maintain the highest level of safety.

Following the April 3 hearing, the Department of Transportation Inspector General (DOT IG) made several recommendations to the FAA to ensure proper safety oversight. The FAA's reluctance to accept the IG's recommendations, including establishing an independent entity within the FAA to review FAA employee safety concerns and rotating certain safety inspectors to ensure objective safety oversight is unacceptable. That is why I strongly support H.R. 6493, which establishes an independent Aviation Safety Whistleblower Investigation Office within the FAA; rotates principal supervisory inspectors every 5 years; mandates modification to FAA's customer service initiative; and requires monthly reviews of the FAA's Air Transportation Oversight System (ATOS) database. H.R. 6493 is a positive first step to ensure that FAA maintains safety as its highest priority.

In my capacity as Chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee, I have noticed a pattern with the FAA--the FAA is a reactive agency--not a proactive agency. We have seen it in the area of runway safety; improving conditions at our air traffic control facilities; congestion and delays at our airports and in the sky; and now in safety oversight.

It is a continuous pattern--the FAA only acts when pushed into action by the Aviation Subcommittee or the Full Committee. It is my hope that H.R. 6493 spurs the FAA to be proactive instead of reactive and make the necessary changes to ensure effective oversight of our Nation's aviation system. The American traveling public deserves no less.

With that, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6493.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6532, a bill to transfer money to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF). As a co-sponsor of this legislation, I know how extremely important it is to our State and local communities to make much-needed road and bridge improvements.

In Illinois, if we do not fix the HTF before 2009, the State stands to lose over $370 million, delaying many construction projects and impacting over 13,000 construction and construction related jobs.

H.R. 6532 allows $8 billion to be transferred from the General Fund to the HTF to shore up the HTF. This is the same amount that was transferred to the General Fund in 1998 when the HTF was running a surplus. Now that the HTF is facing a shortfall in 2009 and beyond, we must restore this $8 billion in highway user fee revenues. By doing so, we provide sufficient balances to allow for the full guaranteed funding for the highway program in the U.S. which is critically needed.

Madam Speaker, we must ensure our State and local Governments get the money they are due in order to make infrastructure improvements. If it is a priority to build highway infrastructure in Iraq, it should be a priority here at home. Again, I strongly support H.R. 6532 and urge my colleagues to do the same.