Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today Chairman Oberstar, Mr. Mica, Mr. Petri and I have introduced a bill to reauthorize the programs within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)--The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007.

This legislation keeps our aviation system moving forward so that we can increase capacity and safety, modernize our air traffic control system, and continue to reduce energy consumption and improve our environment.

I have said time and again that I believe our Next Generation system can be absorbed by the existing FAA financing structure with a General Fund contribution that is consistent with, or even smaller than, recent General Fund contributions. That is what we have done here.

We are recommending to the House Ways & Means Committee that the general aviation jet fuel tax rate be adjusted for inflation from 21.8 cents per gallon to 30.7 cents per gallon, and that the aviation gasoline tax rate be increased from 19.3 cents per gallon to 24.1 cents per gallon. The forecasted growth of Trust Fund revenues, coupled with additional revenue from the recommended general aviation fuel tax rate adjusted for inflation, will be sufficient to provide for the historic capital funding levels required to modernize the ATC system, as well as to stabilize and strengthen the Trust Fund.

In addition to providing generous funding levels, aviation safety is extremely important and as a result, we have numerous initiatives and policies to make our system the safest it can be.

In particular, I want to highlight two issues that were recently raised in our NTSB Most Wanted hearing and are being addressed in this legislation. First, we are requiring the FAA to issue a final rule regarding the reduction of fuel tank flammability in aircraft no later than December 31, 2007. Second, we authorize $42 million for runway incursion reduction programs between FY08 and FY11. We also require the FAA to submit a report to Congress containing a plan for the installation and deployment of systems to alert controllers and flight crews to potential runway incursions and provide funding for runway status light acquisition and installation between FY08 and FY11.

Here at home and across the globe, more is being done to reduce energy consumption and emissions. Energy and its consumption are extremely important to our economy--we need it to drive a car; fly a plane; produce goods; and heat and light our homes and offices. We do, however, need to be responsible and aware of the environmental impacts of our energy use.

Within aviation, aircraft fuel efficiency has increased at roughly 1 percent per year, and research continues in engine efficiency, airframe aerodynamics, and the use of lighter materials, like composites currently used on the Boeing 787. Changes in a variety of other factors, such as operating procedures, aircraft routing, and load factors, can also have significant impacts on emissions.

Under this legislation, we establish new environmental provisions to help reduce emissions and energy consumption. I will highlight just a few provisions:

The CLEEN engine and airframe technology partnership which authorizes $111 million for cooperative agreements between the FAA and institutions or consortiums to research the development, maturing and certification of lower energy, emissions and noise engine and airframe technology.

Establishment of a pilot program that allows FAA to fund six projects at public-use airports that take laboratory proven environmental research concepts and implement them at actual airports. Eligible projects could include research that would measurably reduce or mitigate aviation impacts on noise, air or water quality.

Establishment of high performance and sustainable air traffic control facilities by implementing environmentally-beneficial practices for new construction and major renovation of air traffic control facilities. This provision is modeled after what is currently being done at O'Hare International Airport.

Finally, over the last eight months, passengers on our airlines have encountered delays and cancelled flights, resulting in lengthy tarmac delays. Voluntary efforts by the industry to improve airline service have come under strong criticism and I believe closer oversight of the aviation industry is needed. While I question a one-size-fits-all legislative approach to regulating consumer issues, changes must be made. During our April 2007 hearing, we learned that airlines and airports do not have emergency contingency plans in place.

I said then it should be a priority and that is why in this legislation, we require air carriers and large and medium hub airports to file emergency contingency plans with the Secretary of Transportation for review and approval. These plans must detail how the air carrier will provide food, water, restroom facilities, cabin ventilation, and medical treatment for passengers onboard an aircraft that is on the ground for an extended period of time without access to the terminal. The plans must also detail how facilities and gates will be shared. Fines will be imposed by DOT for any violations. Finally, the air carriers must update their plans every 3 years. The airports must update their plans every 5 years.

Madam Speaker, this legislation is the culmination of numerous hearings, indepth analysis, and a continued dialogue with the FAA, our colleagues, and stakeholders. These issues are important and difficult because our answers will determine our ability to continue to maintain the world's safest aviation system.

Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) for yielding, and I also thank Chairman Visclosky for his support of the FutureGen project.

FutureGen is on a fast track to break ground by 2009 and be on line by 2012. I would ask the chairman of the committee if he can assure us that it is the intent of the committee not to delay the FutureGen project.

I thank the chairman for his response, and I seek clarification from the chairman as to the committee's intentions with regard to the nature of FutureGen as a research and demonstration project. FutureGen is focused as an integrated gasification combined- cycle plant with carbon capture and sequestration. Is it the intention of the committee to alter the nature of the project?

I thank Chairman Visclosky for this colloquy, for his response, and for his support for FutureGen.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 75th anniversary of Local 318 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, headquartered in Marion,

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100th anniversary of UPS.

In 1907, Jim Casey founded the American Messenger Company, in Seattle Washington, with $100 borrowed from a friend. Within its first 12 years in business, the company would change its name to Merchants Parcel Delivery and then to United Parcel Service. That name lasted until 2003 when the company adopted the acronym, UPS, familiar to customers worldwide, as its official corporate name.

The world has changed drastically in the 100 years since Jim Casey started his delivery business in Seattle. UPS has not only adapted to those changes but it has been an industry leader through the innovative ways it conducts its business. In 1907, most deliveries of the American Messenger Company were on foot. Longer distances required the use of bicycles for transportation. Deliveries included, as the initial company name implied, messages as well as parcel deliveries from merchants and meals from local restaurants.

The reputation of the American Messenger Company grew because of the guiding principle of the founder, ``best service and lowest rates.'' As their reputation and business expanded, the company also increased its territory, first to include the entire west coast, then to the New York City market in the 1930's. Through aggressive battles with regulating agencies, UPS finally expanded its territory nationally to be the first package delivery company to have access to every address in the 48 contiguous states in 1975.

As the company's territory expanded, it had to also adapt to the evolution of its core business. As the landscape of transportation and communication improved dramatically in the early part of the 20th Century, the need for messenger service declined. With gas and rubber rationing imposed during World War II, many stores cut back on their customer deliveries. Customer demand for rapid service necessitated the need for air transportation. The need for real-time information on delivery status required new technologies and information systems. With each of these developments, UPS not only adapted, but led the industry.

Today, UPS is a global corporation that not only delivers packages but provides management and information services to meet the growing demands of their customers. UPS continues to be innovative. As an example, they have the largest fleet of alternative-fuel vehicles in the industry, traveling a combined 126 million miles since the year 2000. Through all of its growth and innovation, UPS remains true to its founder, Jim Casey's slogan, ``best service and lowest rates.''

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the management and employees of UPS as they celebrate their 100th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1469, the Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act, which will significantly enhance opportunities for Americans to gain international education, build understanding and respect among different cultures, and enhance leadership in the global community.

Senator Paul Simon embodied the role of concerned citizen, which is the essence of this program. Starting his career in the newspaper business, he served in the Illinois General Assembly and as Lt. Governor of Illinois, and later was our colleague in the U.S. Congress, where he served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Senator Simon was a great believer in the hope that good government can instill in people, and was widely regarded for his common-sense, hard work and integrity. In addition, Senator Simon was proud of Southwestern and Southern Illinois, where he got his professional start, entered politics and lived much of his life. It was a pleasure to serve with him and it is important for young Americans to know about his career and ideals.

As a professor and author of numerous books, Senator Simon was passionate about education. He was particularly interested in the need for American students to travel abroad to learn about different peoples, their languages and their cultures. In this way, the United States would be better able to understand and work with other nations.

Today, only one percent of U.S. undergraduate students participate in a study abroad program during their degree program. This statistic shows the United States is failing to take advantage of a valuable tool that should be used to enhance our standing in the world and to improve our Nation's security.

Mr. Speaker, as economic competition and national security continue to defy geographical boundaries, the need for our students to gain international knowledge greatly increases. That is why, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis for being awarded the E.H. Harriman Award in recognition of their outstanding safety achievements.

The E.H. Harriman Award was established in 1913 by Mary Harriman, wife of the late Edward H. Harriman, who controlled and expanded a number of railroads, including the Union Pacific, Southern Pacific and Illinois Central. Mary Harriman, nee Averell, was from a railroad family herself so it was fitting that she would establish this award to recognize safety achievements on the part of the railroads whose workers labored in some of the most dangerous occupations.

While the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis was established in 1889, its predecessor companies were the pioneers in the river crossing at St. Louis which played a pivotal part in the growth of the states west of the Mississippi. Originally, ferries transported cargo and passengers across the Mississippi River at St. Louis until the first bridge, the Eads Bridge which still functions today, was completed in 1874. A second bridge was added in 1890 and, with the concentration of a number of railroads crossing the Mississippi at this location, it soon became apparent that a coordinated effort was necessary to handle the growing switching operations on the Missouri side in St. Louis and on the Illinois side in St. Clair and Madison counties. The Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis was formed by the predecessor river crossing companies and the six railroads that converged at the Illinois and Missouri sides of the Mississippi River at St. Louis.

Today, the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis owns two bridges across the Mississippi, several rail lines within St. Louis, Missouri and St. Clair and Madison counties in Illinois as well as a switching facility in Madison, Illinois. At this switching facility, approximately 30,000 rail cars each month move through 80 holding tracks as they are redirected to routes that will take them, their cargo and passengers to locations all throughout the country.

Workplace safety is a critical component of any commercial enterprise and railroads have historically been among the most dangerous places to work. With the tremendous volume of traffic handled daily by the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis, the safety of their workers relies on a cooperative effort on the part of management and those workers who must engage in these hazardous activities. Terminal Railroad has been a recipient of the E.H. Harriman Award a number of times in the past and this recent award recognizes their achievement in workplace safety during 2006.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis, its management and employees for this very well-deserved award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 291, a resolution that commemorates and observes Peace Officers' Memorial Day, which honors law enforcement officers and those killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to protect the citizens of this Nation and sadly 143 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in 2006. Next week, thousands of law enforcement officers will come to Washington, DC, to pay their respects to their fallen fellow officers at the National Law Enforcement Memorial. As a former police officer, I also pay tribute to law enforcement officials who died in the line of duty in 2006 and continue to honor those police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

As a proud member of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, I strongly support critical funding for programs, such as the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, to hire additional police officers and help law enforcement acquire the latest crime-fighting technologies. I will continue to be a strong supporter of the law enforcement community and will advocate on behalf of public safety in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of our courageous law enforcement officers, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and paying respect to our valiant heroes. As a proud cosponsor of H. Res. 291, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pat and Bill Kessler, a couple who have worked together to improve the quality of life in their community. The Kesslers will be honored on May 31, 2007 as the recipients of the 2007 Circle of Care award from the Riverbend Head Start and Family Services in Alton, Illinois.

Bill Kessler retired last year after 33 years at St. Anthony's Heath Center in Alton, Illinois where he had served as the first lay administrator and longtime CEO of this institution founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. Pat was a registered nurse but has spent the past 35+ years that they have been in the Alton community raising their family of eight children and donating time to many organizations. They have both been willing, despite the significant demands of their work and family lives, to give back to their community and make meaningful contributions to the quality of life for those in the Alton area.

The Kesslers met while Pat was a student nurse and Bill was a college student working as an orderly in St. Louis. They were married in 1968 and spent their first years together overseas, with Bill serving in the U.S. Army after receiving his Masters Degree from St. Louis University. They came back to the St.

Louis area and settled in Alton, Illinois with a new and growing family.

Bill Kessler helped shape St. Anthony's Health Center into a facility that earned a ``Top 100 Hospital'' award and has branched out with a number of community outreach programs and initiatives. Bill has also found time to be involved in over 50 different professional and civic organizations through the years.

Pat Kessler, in addition to raising their eight children, with all the school and sports activities, homework, doctors visits, etc. that is required for such a large family, has also been very involved in a number of religious, educational and civic organizations.

Both Pat and Bill continue to look for ways to serve others. They have both recently completed a master's in Theological Studies Program at Quincy University and look to enhance their role within their church. Their continuing work to help others within their community is being recognized through the 2007 Circle of Care award. The Riverbend Head Start and Family Services has a mission, to ``enable children and families to discover positive solutions to life's challenges.'' Pat and Bill Kessler are living examples of this mission and are therefore very worthy recipients of this award.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to Pat and Bill Kessler for their dedicated service to their community and to wish them and their family the very best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

Today marks the anniversary of the deliberate campaign of genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire in 1915. On April 24th, the Ottoman government arrested an estimated 250 Armenian religious, political, and intellectual leaders, which were taken to the interior of Turkey and murdered. From 1915-1923, 1.5 million Armenians were killed and more than 500,000 were forced from their homeland into exile.

In spite of overwhelming evidence, particularly American diplomatic records from the time, some continue to deny the occurrence of this brutal tragedy in human history. As a member of Congress, I represent a significant population of Armenian survivors who have proudly preserved their culture, traditions, and religion and have told the horrors of the genocide to an often indifferent world.

We must continue to ensure future generations know and understand the history of the Armenian Genocide in order to learn from the mistakes of the past and prevent future atrocities. For that reason, I have again cosponsored a resolution, H. Res. 106, that calls upon the president to make recognition of the Armenian Genocide an official position of United States foreign policy.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to fully recognize the Armenian Genocide in order to right the historical record. By doing so we pay tribute to the memory of all the individuals who suffered, their family members that remain, and vow to never forget their sacrifices.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 363, the Sowing the Seeds through Science and Engineering Research Act.

The bill authorizes appropriations for basic research in science and engineering, and provides support of graduate fellowships, as well as research grants, to scientists and engineers in the early phases of their careers.

As a member of the Science and Technology Committee, I commend Chairman Gordon for crafting this important legislation and bringing it to the House floor today.

We must take bold steps now to insure that American students and workers are prepared for the careers of the future and that our nation is equipped to compete in the global economy.

The bill is based on the recommendations of the National Academies' widely-acknowledged ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm'' report, which found that the U.S. stands to lose its competitive edge in the international economy unless immediate action is taken.

Statistics show that U.S. 12th-grade students performed below the international average of 21 countries on a test of general knowledge of math and science.

In 2004, America graduated 70,000 engineers, while China turned out 10 times as many.

We know that American high-tech companies often look abroad for workers who are willing to work for less pay.

I am very concerned about the issue of off-shoring and outsourcing, and it troubles me when companies say they need to go overseas just to find employees who are skilled in math and science.

I believe there is a clear link between off-shoring and outsourcing and how these trends relate to future employment opportunities and career choices of students in the science and engineering fields.

I believe we have to raise awareness of this issue and work together in a bipartisan manner in order to keep high-wage science and engineering jobs here in the U.S. and maintain our competitive edge.

H.R. 363 puts us on the right path and demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educational programs in order produce a skilled and knowledgeable workforce here at home.

Maintaining U.S. innovation and leadership demands hard work and investment. While there are no quick fixes, we can take steps, like H.R. 363, now to accomplish these important goals.

With that, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Oberstar for yielding time to me.

Mr. Chairman, today we are considering the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. This bill addresses what the Congress has failed to do in previous years, enact a WRDA bill that addresses the critical infrastructure needs of our country.

I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar, Chairwoman Johnson, Mr. Mica, Mr. Baker, and the former chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. Duncan, for a job well done in bringing this bill to the floor today. Without their leadership and their persistence, we would not have a bill here to consider on the floor.

H.R. 1495 authorizes projects for major flood control, navigation, environmental restoration, and other water projects and authorizes several important projects to restore and enhance the Nation's environmental infrastructure.

The United States transportation system has an extensive system of highways, ports, locks and dams, and airports. Yet we continue to neglect upgrading and modernizing our infrastructure. We should not build our infrastructure and then walk away from it without maintaining and modernizing it as it becomes antiquated, like we have done with the Upper Mississippi and the Illinois Waterways lock and dam system.

In H.R. 1495 we are again authorizing the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Waterways system. This bill authorizes the replacement of 600- foot navigation locks with seven new 1,200-foot locks. In addition, the bill authorizes the largest environmental restoration program next to the Florida Everglades project to ensure that the project goes forward while respecting the environment and minimizing any adverse impact.

Our current system loses about 10 percent of its capacity due to the system failure and breakdowns because it has exceeded its life expectancy by over 20 years. The system cannot handle today's traffic in an efficient, cost-effective manner, and it is costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars to patch it together, let alone the cost in time and money to the users. Modernizing that infrastructure is the right thing to do. It is a necessity, and I am glad to see that this bill is moving forward on such a significant project to our economy and our commerce.

Mr. Chairman, again I salute Chairman Oberstar, Chairwoman Johnson, Mr. Mica, Mr. Baker, and Mr. Duncan for their leadership and hard work. And I strongly support this legislation and urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Chairman, there is a lot of confusion over the Blumenauer amendment, and let me just say that the Blumenauer amendment does not affect the language on independent review. The Blumenauer amendment will make the study process more efficient, and for that reason I ask my colleagues to support the Blumenauer amendment and support the bill.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman of the Financial Services Committee not only for yielding time to me, but for handling this bill in a very quick fashion and getting it to the floor today.

I think everything that needs to be said about this legislation has been said by the chairman and my colleague from Collinsville, Illinois.

I urge passage of this legislation.

H.R. 1515 would allow the cities of Alton and Granite City in Illinois to maintain principal city designation for entitlement purposes under the Community Development Block Grant program.

Alton and Granite City have been a part of the Madison County CDBG program since its inception in 1975 for purposes of receiving grants as entitlement communities under the CDBG program.

In 1999, Alton and Granite City deferred their entitlement status so Madison County would not lose entitlement status as a county.

This agreement proved to be satisfactory until the OMB changed definitions. OMB no longer recognizes the ``central city'' status. The new ``principal city'' designation requires a minimum population of 50,000, which neither community meets.

As a result, both communities lost entitlement status for purposes of the CDBG program, while all other ``central city'' communities were grandfathered into the program.

HUD has determined that Alton & Grantie City are the only communities to have lost CDBG entitlement status in the Nation as a result of the recent OMB changes in how counties are defined.

As a result, Granite City and Alton are no longer part of an entitlement community.

At no time did the cities or the county believe that, by deferring their status in previous years, they would be jeopardizing future funding.

Madam Speaker, I again thank Chairman Barney Frank, Ranking Member Bachus, and Congressman Shimkus, for working together in a bipartisan manner to address this unique situation.

Other information:

Both communities are older industrial cities that have suffered from job losses and have higher than local, State and national unemployment levels. Both have had large employers, including steel mills in both cities, close. Both have an older housing stock and lower income residents. Additionally, both have a disproportionate share of public housing, in comparison to the balance of the region.

Alton population: 30,500; Granite City population: 31, 301.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1591, but with some reservations. While I appreciate the care with which Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Obey and the Democratic leadership have approached this supplemental appropriations bill, we are left, as we often are, with a flawed product. But I do believe, in regard to Iraq, that it is the best we are able to do right now.

The legislation for the first time establishes performance benchmarks for the Iraqi military and government, and firmly states that it is time to bring the troops home sooner rather than later. I did not vote to authorize the Iraq war, and I do not support President Bush's troop surge, but if this bill does not pass we will be forced to pass a funding bill that does not have these benchmarks, and that would be nothing more than the status quo, which is a blank check for President Bush. I say again, I do not support everything in this legislation, but it is the best alternative available to us at the present time.

I am particularly troubled by the non-military and non-veteran spending in this bill. While I

support more funding for some of the important needs addressed here, particularly domestic spending priorities that have been severely neglected by the Bush administration over the last 6 years, they would be better considered elsewhere. The bill does address serious deficiencies in our veterans' health care system, and I whole-heartedly support this funding. We have a great deal more work to do to ensure that the brave men and women who defend this country are fully supported upon their return home, but this is a good start.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation, like the war itself, presents us with tough choices. I will support the bill, and by doing so send a signal that it is time for the Iraqis to also make tough political decisions and take control of their own destiny. My thoughts and prayers are with our troops and their families, and I will continue to work for their speedy return.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 107, a resolution calling for the immediate release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalut by Hamas, as well as urging Hezbollah to accept the mandate of the U.N. Security Council Resolution by immediately releasing Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev.

Israel has taken dramatic steps in recent years to bring about peace in the Middle East, including removing all forces from Lebanon and in 2005 unilaterally withdrawing from Gaza. In return, Israel continues to be threatened by Hezbollah, which is backed and encouraged by Iran and Syria, and Hamas, which controls the Palestinian Authority. Neither group recognizes Israel's right to exist and refuses to seek democracy and peace.

Mr. Speaker, by passing H. Res. 107, we have made a clear statement that these soldiers should be released, and that the United States will stand with Israel while continuing to work with the international community to bring peace to the region. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 107.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 222, the Good Friday Agreement for Northern Ireland. .

The United States stands committed to a peaceful resolution of the conflict which has plagued Northern Ireland for the past quarter century. The last twelve months have indeed seen historic developments which have raised hopes that at long last the parties to the conflict in Northern Ireland are working together to forge reconciliation.

Today, I strongly support H. Res. 222, to show strong support for the 1998 Good Friday Agreement as the blueprint for a lasting peace in Northern Ireland. The measure continues to support the St. Andrews Agreement of October 2006 and commends British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern for their leadership and persistence in seeking a peaceful resolution in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Speaker, we must continue to advocate for the achievement of peace, justice, human rights and political stability in Northern Ireland. That is why I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 222.