Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time.

I would also like to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), chairman of the full committee; the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar); the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan), the chairman of the subcommittee, for all of his hard work; and of course the work of the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), our ranking member on the subcommittee, for a job well done for bringing this legislation to the floor today. Without their strong leadership, dedication and persistence, we would not have a bill before us to consider.

H.R. 2864 authorizes projects for major flood control, navigation, environmental restoration, and other water resource projects, as well as it includes authorization of several important projects to restore and enhance the Nation's environmental infrastructure.

The United States transportation system is the envy of the world. We have an extensive system of highways, ports, locks and dams, and airports. Yet we have neglected to upgrade and modernize our infrastructure over the years. We should not build infrastructure in this country and then walk away from it without maintaining it and modernizing it as it becomes antiquated like we have done with the Upper Mississippi River and the Illinois Waterways lock and dam system.

This bill, after 15 years of talking and inaction, finally authorizes the modernization of the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Waterway system. The 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, to ensure that the project goes forward respecting the environment and minimizing any adverse impact.

At a time when other countries are investing and improving their navigation systems, we are still operating a lock and dam system that is well over a half century old, built to handle 600-foot barges, not the 1,200-foot barges of today, and a system that exceeded its life expectancy over 20 years ago and is very expensive to maintain and repair. Our current system loses about 10 percent of its capacity every year due to system failures and breakdowns.

The gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake), my friends, have offered an amendment that I urge all of my colleagues to oppose. In my opinion, if this amendment is adopted, it will further delay and most likely kill the modernization project. They raise questions about the need for the project and have concerns about the environment. They believe that, with the increased use of ethanol here in the United States, that traffic will decrease in the coming years on the Mississippi River and the Illinois waterways. On the question of the need to modernize for the future of the system, some studies have said that major increases in traffic will take place. Others have indicated that the demand

will decrease. It depends on which study we look at and read and which study we want to believe.

What we do know for certain is that other countries are investing in modernizing their navigation system and our system on the Upper Mississippi and the Illinois waterway system outlived its life expectancy over 20 years ago. The system cannot handle today's traffic in an efficient and 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.

On the issue of ethanol, I agree with my friends that there will be an increase in the production of ethanol and more of a demand here at home.

Let me also say that increase in demand here at home will require that we transport both grain and DDGS both in the United States and abroad. Already, in the first quarter of this year, we have seen an 11 percent increase in DDGS shipped to other countries using ethanol through the New Orleans Port.

Lastly, the environment. I am as concerned about the environment as anyone. I would not support the modernization of the Upper Mississippi without the safeguards in this bill that respect the environment. This project will have the second largest environmental restoration program in the Nation.

Finally, we do not need another study. We do not need further delays. We need to move forward with the project to modernize the navigation system, while providing congressional oversight in making certain that the environmental restoration protections are implemented.

The gentleman from Tennessee (Chairman Duncan) has indicated that this bill probably has more support from the business community and labor unions than any bill that we will consider this year.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for yielding me this time.

I said previously, and I will say again, that I am in opposition to this amendment. Almost 70 percent of U.S. ag exports travel the upper Mississippi River and the Illinois waterway system. The current locks are 50 to 70 years old. They were built to handle 600-foot barges, not the 1,200-foot barges today. We are spending millions of dollars in emergency repairs. I have four pages of a computer printout in small print where we have spent $65 million in repairs, emergency repairs, to the current locks. Taxpayers are spending millions of dollars to put a Band-Aid on a system that is antiquated. We must modernize these locks. We cannot waste time. We cannot delay the project.

There is not another bill that has come to this floor this session that I am aware of that has had the support of the business community and labor unions. The building trades as well as the American Chamber of Commerce and a number of other groups and organizations have come together in support of this bill. I ask that our colleagues reject this amendment and vote ``yes'' on final passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2745, which focuses on reform at the United Nations. I do so not because I am against the mission of the U.N. To the contrary, I support the U.N.'s role in facilitating diplomacy, mediating disputes, keeping the peace and feeding the hungry. Moreover, I continue to advocate for a much larger role for

the U.N. in Iraq as a means of bringing U.S. troops home.

However, I believe that on the heels of the Oil for Food scandal, we must send a strong signal that reform at the U.N. must proceed. I am voting yes today because the current structure and operations of the U.N. must be reviewed, as just about every speaker on the floor today has acknowledged. Even the U.N. leadership itself has acknowledged the need for reform and, to its credit, has put forward a number of useful proposals for consideration.

Like many bills we consider in the House, I do not like every aspect of this legislation. I am particularly concerned for how it would affect peacekeeping activities. But this legislation importantly calls for a more focused and accountable U.N. budget, one that reflects what should be the true priorities of the organization. I am hopeful that the prospect of this bill will force the U.N. to implement the kinds of changes we all agree are necessary to make the body more effective and efficient.

Mr. Chairman, voting yes today sends a strong signal that we are serious about ensuring a strong United Nations for the future. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 2745.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Roho Group, of Belleville, Illinois, for being awarded the President's ``E'' Award for Excellence in Exporting.

ROHO was founded in 1973 by Robert H. Graebe, an electrical engineer who wanted to develop a means to heal the pressure sores that plagued so many patients at the hospital where he was working. Mr. Graebe invented a dry flotation technology in which a cushion mimics the properties of water, in a dry, air-fluid environment. This technology has proven, in clinical studies, to assist in effectively healing and preventing pressure sores.

ROHO has since developed many variations of their original cushion model to address special seating and positioning needs in the medical industry. Besides producing a wide range of cushion models, ROHO has developed back support systems, mattresses and pressure measurement devices.

In the late 1990's, ROHO entered the consumer marketplace with cushions designed for motorcycles, trucks and heavy equipment. ROHO is continuing to develop new products and update its product line to provide their customers with the best seating and positioning solutions available worldwide.

The Presidential ``E'' Award was created by Executive Order of President Kennedy in 1961 as the nation's highest award to honor U.S. exporters. U.S. firms are recognized for their competitive achievements in world markets and their contributions in increasing U.S. exports.

The selection process for this prestigious award begins with a written application, accompanied by samples of the company's international marketing materials. U.S. Export Assistance Center directors make their endorsements of applicants and forward these to a committee representing the U.S Government's various trade interests. Final selection is made by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, in the name and by the authority of the President.

Roho Group has distinguished itself as a world leader in the production of support surface products used in rehabilitation and wound care. The President's ``E'' Award recognizes Roho as a shining example of the innovation, product quality and continuous improvement that are required to keep U.S. companies competitive in today's global marketplace.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating CEO Tom Oleksy and all the employees of Roho Group for being awarded the Presidential ``E'' Award for Excellence in Exporting.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Southern Illinois Airport for being awarded the General Aviation Airport of the Year for 2005 by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Southern Illinois Airport is located between Carbondale and Murphysboro, and is among the busiest airports in the state, with 120,000 takeoffs and landings each year. In addition to the private and business customers who use the airport on a daily basis, Southern Illinois Airport is also home to the Aviation Management and Flight programs for Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The airport is designed to accommodate aircraft from the smallest propeller airplanes to the small jets used in business fleets. Its proximity to the commercial, recreational and educational facilities of Southern Illinois make it convenient for the private or business traveler.

Location alone is not responsible for the success of Southern Illinois Airport. Airport Manager Gary Shafer and approximately 200 full and part-time employees have earned through their hard work and commitment to excellence no only the General Aviation Airport of the Year Award for 2005 but the continued respect and confidence of the flying public. This marks the fourth time that Southern Illinois Airport has been the recipient of this prestigious award, the second highest number among all the airports in the state of Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Airport Manager Gary Shafer, the Commissioners and staff of Southern Illinois Airport for this very well-deserved award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 27, which would withdraw the United States from further participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO). I do so not because I am against international institutions, or even the stated purpose of the WTO. I am voting yes today to voice my opposition to U.S. trade policies that continue to augment the ``race to the bottom'' international trade culture that has sent good-paying American jobs overseas in pursuit of ever-lower wages and lax labor and environmental standards. Instead of pursuing policies that lift up and improve the lives of workers in this country and

around the world, we have crippled U.S. communities while enabling the exploitation of foreign workforces.

I believe Congress must send a strong signal to the current administration that the past ten years have demonstrated the serious failures of U.S. trade policy. In light of our massive trade deficit, loss of manufacturing jobs and the ongoing currency manipulation by foreign countries, my vote today supports the hard working families in America. To have fair, sustainable, and balanced international trade, we need a fundamental review of U.S. international trade policies, and Congress and the Bush administration should take this opportunity to lead this effort.

There are serious national security considerations inherent in our trade policy, and I believe we ignore these ramifications at our own risk. Our social fabric is also endangered--as jobs leave the country, as people that have worked hard their entire lives lose their pensions and healthcare, what are these families to do? What made the U.S. the greatest country in the world is the ability of high school educated Americans to make a good living in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. These jobs increasingly have moved overseas, and it is hard to support a family on service sector wages. Meanwhile, I have tried twice in the last year to pass an amendment to simply study the issue of the outsourcing of American jobs, and have twice been defeated on close votes.

Mr. Speaker, voting yes today will not solve these problems, but it will signal that we will reevaluate the trade policy of this nation. I urge my colleagues to undertake this work and vote yes on H.J. Res. 27.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the rule on H.R. 1817, the Homeland Security Authorization Act for FY2006. Republicans on the Rules Committee blocked the consideration of several amendments offered by me and my colleagues to this bill. This body should have the right to discuss and to consider each amendment.

One of the amendments blocked was the amendment I offered which would put passenger security fees into two funds that will guarantee that TSA will spend the authorized amounts of $650 million a year and $250 million for the installation of inline baggage screening systems and passenger checkpoint explosive detection, respectively.

We are currently collecting over $1.5 billion a year from the passenger security fee for aviation security services. Given that these security investments are financed by the existing passenger security fee, the Congressional Budget Office has determined that the increased investment does not increase the size of the deficit.

In April, the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General (DHSIG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) both released reports that indicate that our airport screening system still needs improvement. While the traveling public is more secure today than before September 11th, 2001, airport screeners are not detecting prohibited items at the level we need. Without a significant investment and commitment by Congress and this Administration to upgrade our technology, our screening system will continue to fail. We must and can do better.

Last year, the 9/11 Commission specifically recommended that the TSA and the Congress improve the ability of screenings checkpoints to detect explosives on passengers. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (P.L. 108-458) authorized $250 million for the research and deployment of advanced passenger screening technologies, such as trace portals and backscatter x-ray systems.

To date, only about $30 million has been appropriated specifically for the passenger screener technologies. The recent DHS IG report clearly stated that the ``lack of improvements since our last audit indicates that significant improvement in performance may not be possible without greater use of technology.'' Further, the TSA concurred with the 9/11 Commission recommendation that we must ``expedite the installation of advanced (in-line) baggage screening equipment.''

In addition, in-line baggage screening systems have a much higher throughput than stand-alone systems. If we install in-line systems, more bags will be screened by explosive detection systems instead of less reliable, alternative methods.

The TSA and airport operators rely on commitments in letters of intent (LOIs) as their principal method for funding the modification of airport facilities to incorporate in-line baggage screening systems. The TSA has issued eight LOIs to cover the costs of installing systems at 9 airports for a total cost to the Federal Government of $957.1 million over 4 years. The GAO reports that TSA has estimated that in- line baggage screening systems at the 9 airports that received LOI funding could save the Federal Government $1.3 billion over 7 years.

TSA further estimated that it could recover its initial investment in the in-line systems at these airports in a little over one year. In total, the GAO reports that 86 of 130 airports surveyed are planning or are considering installing in-line baggage screening systems throughout or at a portion of their airports.

Yet, the TSA has stated that it currently does not have sufficient resources in its budget to fund any additional LOIs. While $650 million is authorized for the installation of in-line baggage screening systems, annual appropriations have not allowed for any new LOIs to be signed.

We know what needs to be done to improve screener performance, and we must take action now. We must demonstrate leadership and deploy technologies that will keep the American public secure. Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to vote no on the rule so we can work to deploy technologies that will help our screeners do their jobs and keep the American traveling public safe.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 136, a resolution that honors and celebrates the 24th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service Observance Day on May 15, 2005. As a former police officer, I salute those law enforcement officials who died in the line of duty in 2004 and continue to honor those police officers who gave their lives in past years. As a 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. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the career and retirement of Mrs. Josephine (Jo) Poshard, third grade teacher at the Carterville Community Unit School District No. 5, in Carterville, Illinois.

Mrs. Poshard has devoted 32 years to educating the youth of Southern Illinois, serving as a teacher, cheerleading sponsor, choral director and yearbook sponsor. She has been the third grade teacher at the Carterville Community Unit School District No. 5 for the past 20 years. During that time, in addition to her devoted education of the students in her classroom, Mrs. Poshard has served on numerous committees and in many capacities. One of her most significant extra-curricular contributions has been as Team Leader of the Math School Improvement Plan. Through her leadership, the school has consistently excelled on the Illinois Standard Achievement Test.

Mrs. Poshard graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with University Honors. While at Southern Illinois University, she was asked to join Alpha Lambda Delta, a national society that honors academic achievement.

Mrs. Poshard began her teaching career at Thompsonville High School in Thompsonville, Illinois. She taught four sections of English as well as Journalism, Girls' Physical Education and she was the Cheerleading sponsor.

After 3 years at St. Elmo Junior High School and a year as a substitute teacher in several community schools, Mrs. Poshard accepted a position as first grade teacher at the New Simpson Hill School District at Tunnel Hill. While at New Simpson Hill, Mrs. Poshard earned certification for Gifted and Talented students and implemented the Gifted program at her school. With this new program, she was teaching gifted students in grades four through eight while also teaching first grade.

In 1984, Mrs. Poshard brought her years of experience and dedication to Carterville Community Unit School District No. 5, in Carterville, Illinois, as a third grade teacher. She has served that community by guiding, molding and enriching the lives of the boys and girls entrusted to her care from 1984 until her retirement this year.

Mrs. Poshard has demonstrated her dedication to her chosen profession of teaching in numerous ways. She has consistently devoted an average of 50 to 60 hours a week to her job, refusing to be absent unless she was extremely ill. She applies the same expectation of excellence to herself that she does to her students. The real measure of Mrs. Poshard's success lies in the accomplishments of her students. Even though she is retiring at the end of this school year, Mrs. Poshard's influence will live on in the lives of the over 1,000 students she has taught over 32 years.

Mrs. Poshard is married to one of our former colleagues, the Honorable Glenn Poshard, and lives in Murphysboro, Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to Mrs. Josephine Poshard for her years of dedicated service to education and to wish her the very best in the future.

Mr. Chairman, those of us who come from coal-producing states, like Illinois, believe that DOE's fossil energy research and development program is very important to the future of coal utilization. Over the years, the coal R&D program of the Department of Energy has been broad-based and has led to many of the combustion and gasification technologies now in use. These technologies represent both environmental and energy-efficiency improvements over the technologies they have replaced. In last year's energy bill passed by the House, Science Chairman Boehlert and I reached agreement on a set of coal programs of research, development and demonstration priorities for the next decade. We also agreed that the authorizations for the coal programs set out in what are now sections 963, 965 and 967 should be at least 60 percent of the total authorization in section 968(a). The agreed-upon language from last year has been omitted from the version of H.R. 6 before us today. The requirement that at least 60 percent of fossil energy research and development funds be spent on coal remains in the Committee on Science's report, but not in the H.R. 6 bill language. There, the traditional categories of coal research funding are removed and replaced with a series of objectives, which are consistent with the roadmap for these programs developed by the Department in conjunction with industry. Therefore, it is my assumption and will be my position going forward into Conference that the intent of the House of Representatives towards coal research and development has not changed. We still favor a fossil R&D program that allocates at least the historical 60 percent of funds to coal R&D and that the House is not mandating significant structural changes in the program that we set out in last year's version of H.R. 6.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Congressman Oberstar, Congressman DeFazio and I have introduced a bill to enhance the security of the U.S. passenger air transportation system--The Airport Screener Technology Improvement Act of 2005. We are currently collecting over $1.5 billion a year from the passenger security fee for aviation security services. Our bill will put this fee into two funds that will guarantee that TSA will spend the authorized amounts of $650 million a year and $250 million for the installation of in-line baggage screening systems and passenger checkpoint explosive detection, respectively.

Mr. Speaker, last week the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General (DHS IG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) both released reports that indicate that our airport screening system still needs improvement. While the traveling public is more secure today than before September 11th, 2001, airport screeners are not detecting prohibited items at the level we need.

Mr. Speaker, this Congress has arbitrarily capped the number of airport screeners at 45,000, and has provided neither the resources nor the technology for the screeners to get the job done. Without a significant investment and commitment by Congress and this Administration to upgrade our technology, our screening system will continue to fail. We must and can do better!

Last year, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (``the 9/11 Commission'') specifically recommended that the TSA and the Congress improve the ability of screenings checkpoints to detect explosives on passengers. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (P.L. 108-458) authorized $250 million for the research and deployment of advanced passenger screening technologies, such as trace portals and backscatter x-ray systems. To date, only about $30 million has been appropriated specifically for the general deployment of these types of technologies.

The 9/11 Commission also recommended that the TSA ``expedite the installation of advanced (in-line) baggage screening equipment.'' The Chairman of the 9/11 Commission testified before Congress that the Commission supports moving explosives units out of airport lobbies and into a secured area which will allow for movement of bags from the check-in counter to the loading area in a seamless, in-line process, promoting greater security and efficiency.

In addition to these benefits, in-line baggage screening systems have a much higher throughput than stand-alone systems. If we install in- line systems, more bags will be screened by explosive detection systems instead of less reliable, alternative methods.

The TSA and airport operators rely on commitments in letters of intent (LOIs) as their principal method for funding the modification of airport facilities to incorporate in-line baggage screening systems. The TSA has issued eight LOIs to cover the costs of installing systems at nine airports for a total cost to the federal government of $957.1 million over four years. The GAO reports that TSA has estimated that in-line baggage screening systems at the nine airports that received LOI funding could save the federal government $1.3 billion over seven years. TSA further estimated that it could recover its initial investment in the in-line systems at these airports in a little over one year.

In total, the GAO reports that 86 of 130 airports surveyed are planning or are considering installing in-line baggage screening systems throughout or at a portion of their airports. Yet, the TSA has stated that it currently does not have sufficient resources in its budget to fund any additional LOIs. While $650 million is authorized for the installation of in-line baggage screening systems, annual appropriations have not allowed for any new LOIs to be signed.

Mr. Speaker, the recommendations, findings and statements of the 9/11 Commission, the DHS IG, GAO and TSA all indicate that we need better technology to improve security at our airports. We have been put on notice, and we must take action now. We must demonstrate leadership and deploy technologies that will keep the American public safe and secure. I urge my colleagues to join me in working to pass this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1158, the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act. I want to thank my friend and colleague from Illinois, Representative Biggert for her leadership, as well as Representative Melissa Hart, for her persistence in introducing this legislation in the 108th Congress and again in the 109th Congress.

I am pleased Chairman Boehlert and Ranking Member Gordon acted quickly in the House Science Committee to mark-up this bill and bring it to the floor today because it helps our steel, aluminum, copper, and other metal

industries stay competitive in today's global marketplace.

H.R. 1158, the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness bill before us today authorizes the Department of Energy to develop a public and private partnership to build upon important research goals, such as energy efficiency, increasing competitiveness of the U.S. metals industries, and improving the environment. By working together, both the taxpayers and share holders can benefit from this federal cost share between the government and the metals industries.

The domestic steel industry alone has come a long way since the steel crisis began in 1988. In my home state of Illinois, the crisis has resulted in four steel companies filing for bankruptcy, including Laclede Steel and the parent company for Granite City Steel, which are in my Congressional District. Approximately 5,000 steel workers lost their jobs in Illinois alone.

Now, prices are stabilizing and the industry is restructuring and consolidating. All of this has happened without hampering the availability of competitively priced steel products. However, aggressive trade laws and other international pressures can damage the progress that was made. Therefore, it is important we continue down the path of successful recovery because the overall prospects for our steel industry can affect our future economic and national security.

As a member of the Congressional Steel Caucus, I am deeply committed to making sure the metals industries stay competitive and for these reasons, I support to this bill and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the victims of one of history's most terrible tragedies, the Armenian Genocide.

April 24, 1915 is remembered and solemnly commemorated each year by the Armenian community and others throughout the world. On that day, Armenian religious, political, and intellectual leaders were arrested in Constantinople, taken to the interior of Turkey and murdered. From 1915 through 1923, Armenians that lived under Ottoman rule were systematically deprived of their property, freedom, and dignity. In addition, one and a half million Armenians were massacred, with 500,000 more deported.

Despite the efforts of some to minimize the scope and deny the occurrence, the Armenian Genocide is a historical fact. In my district, there is a significant population of Armenian survivors and their families that showed heroic courage and a will to survive. Many of the survivors of the genocide came to the United States, where they and their descendants have contributed to our society in countless ways. With faith and courage, generations of Armenians have overcome great suffering and proudly preserved their culture, traditions, and religion and have told the story of the genocide to an often indifferent world. It is through their unforgettable tragedy that we are able to share in their history and strong heritage. The history of the Armenian Genocide must never be forgotten. As Members of Congress and people of conscience, we must work to overcome the indifference and distortions of history, and ensure that future generations know what happened.

Mr. Speaker, it is impossible to imagine an evil more forceful than the efforts to systematically wipe out a people and a culture as well as individual lives. Denying that genocide took place when there are recorded accounts of barbarity and ethnic violence is an injustice. This was a tragic event in human history, but by paying tribute to the Armenian community we ensure the lessons of the Armenian genocide are properly understood and acknowledged. I am pleased my colleagues and I have this opportunity to ensure this tragedy is remembered.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of

2005. Completion of this energy bill is a step forward in our struggle for energy security and independence. A reliable and affordable energy supply is crucial to America's economic vitality, security, and quality of life.

While this energy bill is not perfect, we continue to make progress towards promoting energy conservation and efficiency; increasing the use of all domestic energy resources, including coal and ethanol; improving our energy infrastructure; and promoting the development of advanced energy technologies.

The combustion of fossil fuels is essential to our energy policy and must continue to be a part of a balanced energy plan for this country. Coal is absolutely critical to our nation's economic health and global competitiveness because there is no present alternative to coal to meet our energy needs. Coal accounts for more than 50 percent of U.S. electricity production in the U.S., and in my home state of Illinois, the coal reserves contain more BTU's than the oil reserves of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Twenty-three of the state's 82 generating facilities run on coal and employ over 2,883 employees. However, a majority of the coal facilities burn Western coal. The coal provisions included in today's energy bill could help these plants switch back to Illinois coal, keep them operating in a more environmentally friendly way, and maintains jobs.

I am pleased this year's energy bill contains provisions for clean coal technologies to burn coal more efficiently and cleanly with the hope of achieving a healthier environment while maintaining jobs. Specifically, I am referring to an important provision in H.R. 6 that authorizes $200 million for fiscal years 2006 through 2014 for the Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI) to direct the Secretary of Energy to carry out pollution control and coal gasification projects to promote environmentally safe energy production using performance goals for coal emissions, awarding grants and funding coal gasification projects. I am also pleased the energy bill again contains my language to create national centers for coal research, one of which is Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) because of the university's proven record of demonstrating clean coal technologies. Further, this year in the House Science Committee, I introduced a new initiative that was included in today's energy bill to create a program to develop advanced technologies to remove carbon dioxide from coal emissions and permanently sequester it below ground. This is one of the technologies that the FutureGen project is designed to use. Southern Illinois is the perfect location for FutureGen, which is a clean coal power plant with emissions equal to those of natural gas that has been proposed by President Bush and needs Congress's support.

In addition to the clean coal provisions, the bill contains provisions instrumental in helping increase conservation and lowering consumption. Included in this are ethanol provisions that are used as a replacement and additive for gasoline consumption. Under this legislation, ethanol use would increase, nearly tripling the current requirement. This is expected to increase the average price of corn paid to farmers 6.6 percent, or 16 cents per bushel and increase average net cash income to farmers by $3.3 billion over the next decade, or more than six percent. This increased use of ethanol will save 1.3 billion barrels of oil by 2016, improve the trade deficit by $28.5 billion over 15 years, add $135 billion to the American economy by 2016 through increased agricultural demand and new capital spending, and generate $32 billion in income for American consumers over 15 years. Illinois currently produces over 800 million gallons of ethanol per year at 7 different plants, roughly 28% of all U.S production, employing 1,168 people.

Although I am pleased the energy bill promotes essential investments in energy efficiency, renewable fuels, and advanced vehicle technologies, much more is needed. The security and environmental challenges can no longer be overlooked if our country wants to truly reduce our oil dependence. Therefore, I am disappointed the Boehlert/ Markey amendment which I supported did not pass. This would have increased the fuel economy of America's vehicles to 33 miles per gallon by 2015. The technology exists today to make all vehicles to go farther on a gallon of gas while improving safety and consumer choice. This amendment would save American consumers money at the gas pump, protects the environment, and cuts America's dangerous dependence on oil.

I am also disappointed an amendment offered by Representatives Markey and Johnson that would prohibit drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). I have consistently opposed oil and gas exploration, development, and production in the Arctic Refuge and voted in favor of the Markey/Johnson amendment to strike the title from the bill.

Finally, I supported a motion to strike a provision in H.R. 6 that has been identified by the Congressional Budget Office as an unfunded mandate on state and local governments and the private sector. This provision shifts the clean-up of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), burden on communities and the federal government. Clean up is a huge and growing problem in communities across the country, including my congressional district, as MTBE contamination is extremely expensive, and taxpayers should not be obligated to pick up the tab.

Mr. Chairman, America deserves an energy policy that makes the country safer and more secure. There are many aspects of the energy bill, such as the coal and ethanol provisions that help Illinois, and I will work with my colleagues to ensure they are an integral part of our energy future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the career and retirement of Dr. James Rosborg, ``Superintendent of Belleville School District #118.

Dr. Rosborg has devoted 33 years to the education of our youth, serving as a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent. He has been the superintendent of Belleville District #118 for the past 11 years. During that time, Dr. Rosborg has achieved recognition at both the state and national level for his leadership and hands-on involvement in the success of the students in his district. Typically, Dr. Rosborg has credited the faculty, staff and parents for the high level of student achievement and it has been the collaboration of these groups, along with community leaders, that has been a cornerstone of Dr. Rosborg's success.

Belleville School District #118 consists of eight elementary schools, two junior high schools and one early childhood facility, with a total enrollment of approximately 3700 students. In spite of a high percentage of low-income students, compared to state averages, the district has won numerous awards for high achievement. These awards include Golden Spike Awards, State and National Blue Ribbon School Awards, the national AFT-Saturn/UAW Collaboration Award and Illinois Spotlight School Awards.

In addition to these awards for the District, Dr. Rosborg has been the recipient of the Illinois Master Teacher Award, the Illinois State Board of Education ``Those Who Excel'' Award, the Illinois State Board of Education ``Break the Mold'' Award and the Boy Scouts of America Russell C. Hill Award for outstanding contribution to character education. Last year, Dr. Rosborg was named the 2004 Illinois School Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. Rosborg's service extends beyond District #118 while, at the same time, he still enjoys meeting individually with the students of his district. He has served as an adjunct college professor at both St. Louis University and Lindenwood University. He has served as President of the Illinois statewide Elementary District Organization and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Association of School Administrators. Dr. Rosborg is the Illinois superintendent representative on the State Superintendent's Testing Task Force, which is dealing with the federal ``No Child Left Behind'' legislation and its impact on state testing in Illinois.

According to Dr. Rosborg, the bottom line of success in any district rests with the individual teachers in the classrooms. He has the highest regard for educators as professionals and believes that the main goal for administrators should be to foster an environment where teachers can maximize the educational achievement of each student.

Dr. Rosborg is a product of Illinois education. After graduating from Hoopeston High School in Hoopeston, Illinois, he received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and both his masters and doctorate degrees from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

Dr. Rosborg and his wife, Nancy, have three children; Mike, a civil engineer, and his wife Wendy; Kyle, employed by LaSalle Bank in Chicago; and Carol, a senior in accounting at the University of Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to Dr. James Rosborg for his years of dedicated service to education and to wish him and his family the very best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Knights of Columbus Council 1028 of Belleville, Illinois.

In 1905, 31 members of the Knights of Columbus Council in East St. Louis, who lived in or near Belleville, Illinois, desired to have their own Council. After several rounds of negotiations with Bishop Janssen, the first bishop of the Belleville Diocese, this committee was successful in obtaining his approval. The National Council issued the charter and the first meeting of Belleville Council 1028 was held on July 7, 1905.

From this small but determined group of initial members, Council 1028 would grow to a peak of approximately 700 knights at the time of their Golden Jubilee, in 1955. During this time of growth, the goals of the Knights of Columbus, Charity, Unity and Fraternity, would be the guiding principals of the Belleville Council.

In 1906, one year after the Council was formed, and again in 1907, Council 1028 presented Bishop Janssen with checks of $1,000,--a substantial sum in those days!--for the support of 81st. John's Orphanage. For the remaining time that 81st. John's was in existence as an orphanage, that institution was a favorite charity of Council 1028. Other worthy recipients of support through the years have been 81st. Elizabeth's Hospital, the Newman Foundation at Illinois Universities, Parent Teachers of Exceptional Children, the Mamie O. Stookey School, the Autism Society of Illinois, the Murray Center, Special Olympics and numerous local organizations.

The Belleville Council has always been a supporter of local youth activities. Boy Scout Troop 16, at St. John's Orphanage, was organized by the Council and supported for years. Catholic grade school field days were sponsored and numerous trophies were supplied for individual and team sports. The Council still sponsors local youth sport teams and continues to hold annual and recreational programs and many religious activities have helped promote camaraderie among the knights and their families.

While the names are too numerous to mention of those who have been instrumental in the history of the Belleville Council, one name is now officially linked to the Council. The Belleville Council is now named Monsignor Leonard A. Bauer Council 1028 to honor the dedicated service of Monsignor Bauer as the Council Chaplain for many years.

Council 1028 has seen many changes through the last 100 years but they have always stayed true to the Knights of Columbus goals of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Knights of Columbus Council 1028 and wish them the best for continued service in the future.