Floor Statements

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

Mr. Speaker, first let me thank my good friend, the chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), for his cooperation and his friendship and his leadership in bringing this legislation to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support S. 2022, a bill to designate the Federal building located at 250 West Cherry Street in Carbondale, Illinois, as the Senator Paul Simon Federal Building.

S. 2022 was introduced by Senator Durbin and Senator Fitzgerald. I was honored to sponsor the House companion bill, H.R. 3717, along with the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Johnson), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Emanuel), and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk) to honor the legacy of the distinguished Senator from Illinois, Paul Simon.

On December 9, 2003 we lost Senator Paul Simon, a great public servant and a true and trusted friend. Paul Simon was born in 1928 in Eugene, Oregon. He attended the University of Oregon and Dana College in Blair, Nebraska.

As a 19-year-old teenager, he became the Nation's youngest editor/ publisher when he accepted a local Lion's Club challenge to save the Troy Tribune newspaper in Troy, Illinois. By 1966, Paul Simon had built a chain of 13 newspapers in southern and central Illinois, which he later sold to better be able to concentrate on public service and writing.

In 1954, Paul was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, and in 1962, he was elected to the Illinois State Senate. During his State legislative career, he earned a reputation for political integrity and courage. While a member of the Illinois Legislature, he won the Independent Voters of Illinois ``Best Legislator Award'' every session. In 1968, Paul Simon was elected Lieutenant Governor of Illinois and was the first person in the State's history to hold that post with the Governor of another party.

In 1974, Paul Simon was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and

served in this body for 10 years. His legislative skills were put to use on issue areas including education, disability policy and foreign affairs. He played a crucial role in establishing the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

In 1984, he upset three-term incumbent U.S. Senator Chuck Percy to win election to the United States Senate. Most recently, Paul Simon taught political science and journalism at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and headed up the Public Policy Institute which he founded.

Senator Simon was known for exceptional constituent service. His colleagues appreciated his personal warmth and sense of humor. He was an exceptional friend who guided and motivated most aspiring public servants with his dedication and work ethic. His even-handed, balanced approach to topics and controversial issues earned him friends on both sides of the aisle.

Paul Simon set a standard for honesty in public life. He was true to his values, his life and his work. It is truly fitting and proper we honor the outstanding public career of Senator Paul Simon with this designation.

Mr. Speaker, at Senator Simon's funeral, Senator Ted Kennedy said, ``In another era, he would have been a Founding Father. He was that good. He'll never be forgotten.''

Senator Simon was a good man that served our country with honor and dignity. It is fitting that we honor him by naming the Federal building in Carbondale, Illinois, after him.

Mr. Speaker, I support S. 2022 and urge my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), my friend.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush).

Mr. Speaker, we have no additional speakers, and I yield back the balance of our time.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3147 is a bill that designates the Federal building located at 324 Twenty-Fifth Street in Ogden, Utah, as the James V Hansen Federal Building.

Congressman Hansen began his public career in local government in Farmington, Utah, and later served four terms in the Utah House of Representatives. He was elected to the United States Congress from Utah's 1st Congressional District in 1980 and served 11 terms. He held a senior position on the Committee on Armed Services and served as chairman of the Committee on Resources where he was actively involved in developing sound energy policy. Congressman Hansen also was active in passing the first tort reform legislation in over 40 years.

In addition, he authored and passed legislation that revised the Private Mortgage Insurance program to benefit American homeowners.

It is both fitting and proper to honor the distinguished career of Jim Hansen with this designation. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 3147 and urge its passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to urge passage of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the career and retirement of Edward Geppert, the Chief of Staff of the Illinois Federation of Teachers since 1994.

Prior to that, Ed served the IFT as Director of Organization (1983- 1994), Field Service Director (1997-1983) and Executive Board Member (1975-1977).

Ed began his career in education as a social science teacher at Cahokia High School (1969-77) teaching government, sociology and history. He has been an IFT member since 1969 and is the forma president of the Cahokia Federation of Teachers, Local 1272. In 1977, he became a field service director for the IFT, organizing locals in Southern Illinois. He has also served as a delegate on the East St. Louis (now Southwestern Illinois) Central Labor Council and the Southwest Area Council, IFT/AFT/AFL-CIO. Ed has also been a member of the Glassblowers and Bottlers Union and the United Rubber Workers.

His expertise in education and labor has been recognized by such groups as the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Learning Partnership and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He is also an active member of the Labor Committee of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois.

Ed and his wife Marti, a teacher in Cahokia, have three sons, Brad, Steve and Dan and reside in Belleville, Illinois. Their special joy is daughter-in-law Laurie and grandson Jack. Ed also serves his community through his involvement with the Illinois Learning Partnership.

I have known Ed for many years through his involvement with my wife Georgia, who is also an educator. I consider Ed my friend and have the utmost respect for him and the work he has done for education in our area and our state. Many times I have sought Ed's advice on issues related to the educational system in our country.

The IFT is an organization that is 85,000 strong with 23 offices around the state to service members and provide program support to each member. Ed has the courage of his convictions, and the IFT we know today is due in no small part to Ed's tremendous ability to build a team, keep everybody involved and continue working for our most democratic American institution, public education.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of Ed Geppert and wish him and his family the very best in the future.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Ms. Carson).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larsen), a member of the committee.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Lampson), a member of the committee.

Mr. Chairman, first let me say thank you for a job well done to Chairman Young, Mr. Oberstar, Mr. Petri, and Mr. Lipinski for their leadership on bringing this bill to the floor today.

Without their leadership and persistence we would not have a bill to even consider today.

Despite a threat of a veto and suggestions that we should have a scaled down bill that would not even provide enough funding to the states to do general operations and maintenance of their transportation systems and other suggestions that we should have a 2-year bill, we are here today to consider a good, six-year bill.

While I would have preferred the original bipartisan bill that the committee supported at

the $375 billion funding level over 6 years, I support the bill before us today in hopes that we can make the bill even better in conference.

The bill before us provides $275 billion over 6 years and maintains roughly an 80/20 split in hwy and transit funding.

Also, I am pleased that we have a section in the bill for mega projects--projects that are very important to our nation's transportation system that otherwise could not be funded out of the normal state funding formula.

Finally, it is important that we pass this bill out of the House and conference quickly. When we invest a billion dollars in our infrastructure we create 47,500 new jobs and $6.2 billion in economic activity. This bill will help our economy at a time when our economy needs it most--we must act now so that we can put people to work during this construction season.

Mr. Chairman, I again salute and thank Chairman Young, Mr. Oberstar, Mr. Petri, and Mr. Lipinski for their leadership and hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the Mascoutah Public Library and the contributions of the Mascoutah Women's Club at helping establish the library.

In 1929 a small group of civic-minded women had a dream. Their dream was for Mascoutah to have a free public library. In their first formal meeting in January, 1929, Mrs. William Freivogel stated that the members of the Mascoutah Women's Club would take an active interest in civic affairs and that they would try to start a library. They then discussed the feasibility of undertaking such a large project.

Establishing a library was a huge task for 19 women who had no money, no books, no building to house the library and no furnishings. Their first major step was to find a suitable building for their needs. For six dollars a month they rented a small, two room brick house at 15 West Main Street across from the Cottage Hotel, the present site of the Mascoutah Post Office. Their goal was to have the building ready for occupancy by April 1, 1929. The women, along with a high school teacher and his assistants, built shelving and tables and opened the library with a small number of donated books.

The women's club then looked for a funding source for their new library. Funding was secured for the library by going directly to the citizens of the community. The club divided Mascoutah into sections and assigned members a group of homes or businesses to visit and ask for financial support for the library. Citizens were eager to support the library and their first fundraiser netted $125.61. The club also appealed for donations of books for the new library and the response from the public was overwhelming.

By 1930, the library had between 1,500 and 1,800 books on its shelves. Other fund-raising projects by the Women's Club included public card parties and tea receptions. The Club also saved and redeemed soap wrappers for cash and sponsored book reviews. However, financial operations for the library continued to be a burden. It was during this time that the Works Progress Administration (WPA) opened many libraries in the area and they became interested in assisting the Mascoutah Public Library. The WPA-aided library reopened on October 31, 1938 and extended the operating hours. With the addition of these new funds, a librarian and custodian were appointed.

In January, 1939, another step was taken toward giving Mascoutah a very modern, up-to-date library. At a meeting of the Women's Club Executive Committee and the Library Committee, Mascoutah Mayor Raymond Pfeifer announced that a room in the new City Hall would be set aside for the library. Not only would the city supply the room, but they would furnish tables, chairs, and book shelves.

The new room would be on the second floor of the new City Hall and would extend across the entire front of the building. As the new City Hall was still under construction, the library would be available for occupancy when the municipal building was complete. When the library moved from 15 West Main Street into its new City Hall location on June 30, 1939, it owned 900 books. At this time the Women's Club added an even larger number of volumes to the existing collection. Dedication of the City Hall took place July 4, 1939.

The WPA continued to staff and maintain the library until 1941, when the Mascoutah Women's Club again resumed responsibilities for operation and management. Hours were curtailed, however, to two afternoons a week due to financing constraints. With overwhelming public support, on March 16, 1942, the city council voted to adopt the library as their project and a small tax was levied for its operation and management. The City Council also appointed members of the Women's Club to the Library Board.

Through the years the Mascoutah Women's Club continued to support the library in many ways from financial support and donations of books to serving as members of the new library board. It is through the direct efforts of this group of dedicated women that has allowed Mascoutah to enjoy a community library providing many opportunities for the young people of the area to learn about their community and the world.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the Mascoutah Public Library and the contributions of the Mascoutah Women's Club at helping to establish this important community resource.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the career and retirement of David W. Hayes, the Financial Secretary-Treasurer of the Bluff City Lodge 660, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in East Alton, Illinois.

David Hayes has honorably served the area and the union in a number of capacities for nearly 45 years--27 of those as an officer of the union. The local that Dave represents has over 4400 retirees and workers at 14 area businesses--Olin Corporation, Beall Manufacturing, Conoco Phillips, Lenhardt Tool and Die, Owens-Illinois, Rotary Ram, Dugan Tool and Die, Dooling Machine Products, ASF Keystone, Gebco Machine, M&W Machine and Gear Shop, Cooper B-Line and the Warren G Murray Development Center.

Dave started his career at Olin in 1959 and held in-plant positions with the union that included Steward, Committeeman, Lodge Trustee, Recording Secretary and Chairman of the Mechanical Groups. He was elected as the full-time Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Bluff City Lodge 660 in 1989 and has been re-elected four times since. He has served as the First Vice President of the Greater Madison County Federation of Labor for the past 15 years and has represented the Federation on the Board of Directors of the Greater Alton/Twin Rivers Growth Association. He has been the Labor Representative on the United Way Partnership for many years, serving on both their Executive Board and Personnel Committee. As part of the Federation of Labor, Dave served on their Political Committee for many years and has served on both the 12th and the 19th Congressional District COPE Committees.

Each year, Dave is also responsible for organizing the Alton, Illinois Labor Day parade. During the two-month Olin strike, Dave was responsible for the payments of over 2.1 million dollars in strike benefits to the 2,538 Machinists on strike at Olin. Dave has been the recipient of the 2001 Labor Leader of the Year Award presented by the Federation of Labor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of David Hayes and 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 Hirth Plumbing and Heating Company in Belleville, Illinois.

Throughout 2004, Hirth Plumbing and Heating Company will celebrate its 100-year Anniversary. On January 15, 1904 George Hirth founded the company in Belleville, Illinois. Mr. Hirth owned and operated the company until his death in 1932.

The company then passed ownership and operation to George Hirth's daughter Mame ``Hirth'' Neuf and her husband Arthur Nuef Jr. until their retirement. The company was then owned and operated by Elizabeth Anne ``Nuef'' Terschluse and her husband Herbert E. Terschluse Jr.

Today, Hirth Plumbing and Heating is in its fourth generation of ownership and is operated by Stephen, David and James Terschluse. The company employs 40 people and operates as a plumbing, heating and air conditioning contractor serving the entire metro east with a customer base of over 9000. Hirth has offices in Alton, Collinsville, Columbia, Edwardsville, Freeburg, Granite City, Mascoutah, Jerseyville and New Athens, Illinois and they continue to maintain their home office operations in Belleville, Illinois.

Hirth Plumbing & Heating Company has been in continuous operation by the same family since 1904, providing prompt, professional and courteous service to their customers, family, friends and neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Hirth Plumbing and Heating Company in Belleville, Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my friend, the ranking member, for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 489 to honor my good friend Senator Paul Simon, who sadly passed away on December 9, 2003.

Senator Simon was a good friend and a dedicated public servant. Paul worked as a newspaper publisher, public servant, author, and teacher. He was elected to the Illinois general assembly in 1954 and the Illinois senate in 1962 and was elected lieutenant governor of Illinois in 1968.

While a member of the Illinois legislature, Paul won the Independent Voters of Illinois' ``Best Legislator Award'' every session of the legislature.

Senator Simon served in this body for 10 years, beginning in 1974 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, then the United States Senate for 8 years and ran for President of the United States in 1988. Throughout his public service, Paul was known for his honesty and his integrity. That was his hallmark.

As a Member of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate, he balanced fiscal conservatism with social liberalism. Paul was a champion of a balanced budget amendment and worked to overhaul the Federal student loan program so that students and their families could borrow money directly from the U.S. Government. Paul also led efforts to curb television violence, leading the industry to monitor the amount of violence on their TV screens. In addition, Paul was instrumental in the establishment of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Paul Simon was always concerned about the cultural isolation of U.S. college students and young Americans in general. One of his first books was ``The Tongue-Tied American'' on the need for American students to learn a second language. Paul sponsored several programs to increase international education and understanding in American schools, and he was working to create a foreign exchange program to allow more American students to study abroad.

As impressive as his legislative record was during his tenure in Congress, he never forgot his constituents and was known for exceptional constituent service. During his service in the U.S. Senate, Paul held over 600 town meetings throughout the State of Illinois to hear the issues that were important to the citizens of Illinois.

Paul's career began at age 19, when he became the youngest editor- publisher of the Troy Tribune in Troy, Illinois, in Madison County, Illinois. By 1966 he had built a chain of 13 newspapers in southern and central Illinois, which he sold in order to concentrate more time on public service and writing.

Upon his retirement from the U.S. Senate, Paul formed the Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale to share his wisdom and advocacy with the next generation of students. In addition to chairing the Public Policy Institute, he also taught classes in political science, history, and journalism at SIU.

Senator Simon is survived by his two children, and Martin, his four grandchildren, Reilly Marie, Corey Jeanne, Brennan and Nicholas, and his second wife, Patti and her two children, Jennie and Bill. Jennie currently works right here on the Hill for our good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Norwood).

Mr. Speaker, at Senator Simon's funeral, Senator Ted Kennedy said, ``In another era, he would have been a founding father. He was that good. He will never be forgotten.''

Senator Simon was a great man that served our country with honor and distinction. It is fitting that we honor him with this resolution today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. James Rosborg, Superintendent of Belleville Public School District No. 118 and his being named the State of Illinois School Superintendent of the Year.

In his tenth year as superintendent, James Rosborg has achieved success by consistently building a climate of collaboration with teachers, students, the school board, parents, and community leaders to benefit all students in his district. These efforts have resulted in some of the highest school district test scores in the State of Illinois. In addition, Belleville District No. 118 schools have received Golden Spike Awards, State and National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards, the national AFT-Saturn/UAW Collaboration Award, and most recently, the Northern Illinois University's Spotlight Awards for theiracademic achievement.

Dr. Rosborg is no stranger to awards and commendations. He is a past 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's Russell C. Hill Award for outstanding contribution to character education. This year he was selected as the 2004 Illinois School Superintendent of the Year and will join representatives of all 50 States and U.S. overseas schools in the National Superintendent of the Year award competition in February 2004.

The key to Jim's success is his capacity to help every student achieve, regardless of ability. He takes the opportunity to meet with children, read to them, and listen to what they have to say. Jim operates under the principle that each of his actions as superintendent should be based on ``what's best for the kids.'' He also draws on his vast experience in education serving as a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, principal, and assistant superintendent before assuming the position as superintendent. The Illinois Association of School Administrators has recognized his strong leadership skills by selecting him as Illinois' Superintendent of the Year.

His service extends beyond District No. 118 boundaries. Dr. Rosborg has served as an adjunct college professor to both St. Louis University and Lindenwood University. He is the Illinois Association of School Administrators' representative on the State Test Task Force concerning the No Child Left Behind Act and serves on the Illinois Association of School Administrators Board of Directors. Further, Dr. Rosborg leads an educational team in District No. 118 that has been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and the Belleville News-Democrat for high state test scores and quality instructional programs. In addition, he collaborated on a textbook, ``What Every Superintendent and Principal Needs to Know'', which was co-authored with Dr. Max McGee and Mr. Jim Burgett.

Under his guidance and direction, the district has completed five new buildings and provided computers in every classroom and computer labs in every school. In addition, all 12 facilities in the district are air-conditioned, when just 5 years ago, only two of the facilities had air-conditioning.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Rosborg has the uncanny ability to communicate effectively and always encourages others to take ownership of the educational process. He is a great advocate for children, families and what is right. He leads by example and puts his own family and faith in everything he does. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the service and the achievements of Dr. Jim Rosborg and wish him and his family the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2003 Conference Report. Completion of this energy bill is yet another 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 final conference report is not perfect, we continue to make progress towards promoting energy conservation and efficiency; increasing the use of all domestic energy resources, including coal; improving 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. Coal accounts for more than 50 percent of U.S. electricity generation, far ahead of nuclear power, natural gas, hydroelectric power, petroleum and other sources. There is no present alternative to coal to meet our energy needs. New and improved technologies hold the promise of far greater emissions reductions and increased efficiency.

Clean coal provisions are included in the final conference report that would assist in burning coal more efficiently and cleanly. These clean coal technology initiatives encourage development of new technologies for cleaner, higher efficiency coal combustion in new and established plants with the hope of achieving a healthier environment while maintaining jobs. America's substantial investment in clean coal technology creates 62,000 jobs and ensures Americans new electricity that is abundant, reliable, affordable and cleaner than ever before.

The bill includes a $1.8 billion authorization for the Secretary of Energy to carry out the Clean Coal Power Initiative, which will provide funding to those projects that can demonstrate advanced coal-based power generating technologies that achieve significant reductions in emissions. Further, the bill authorizes $1.422 billion for coal research and development. I fought hard for increases to coal within the fossil energy research and development budget and I was glad to see they were included in the final version.

Finally, the legislation includes a provision, which I authored, called the Clean Coal Centers of Excellence. Under this provision, the Secretary of Energy will award competitive, merit-based grants to universities that show the greatest potential for advancing new clean coal technologies. Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), which I represent, continues to be a leader in clean coal technology research, doing extensive work at its Coal Research Center. With funding and collaborative support from industry and government, SIUC has conducted long-term projects relating to surface mine reclamation, mine subsidence, coal desulfurization, coal characterization and combustion, coal residue management and utilization, coal market modeling, and environmental policy. Faculty, staff, and students in fields as diverse as engineering, science, business, education, law, and agriculture have contributed to the University's international reputation in coal research. It is well-positioned to be a potential recipient of the Clean Coal Centers of Excellence.

In addition to the clean coal provision, the bill contains provisions instrumental in helping increase conservation and lowing 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.

Mr. Speaker, this energy bill will shape energy policy for the next decade and beyond. I am glad coal and ethanol remain an integral part of our energy future and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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

(Mr. COSTELLO asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks, and include extraneous material.)

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 135, the 21st Century Water Commission Act of 2003. This bill is a step towards addressing the availability of clean and safe water resources to meet the Nation's needs.

Madam Speaker, clean, safe and available sources of water are essential to the physical and economic well-being of this country. Commercial fishing, agriculture, real estate, manufacturing, and recreation and tourism are just a few of the economic sectors that rely on clean water to operate and ensure productivity. Every day, the U.S. economy relies on the availability of clean water to grow, process, or deliver products and services.

However, at the same time, there is an emerging concern about the availability of adequate safe supplies of water to meet the growing list of often competing needs.

Throughout the first three-quarters of the 20th century, demand for water in the United States dramatically increased.

However, this Nation made progress in reducing the overall consumption of water resources in the past 20 years. Water withdrawals in the United States are now 10 percent below their peak. In addition, industrial water use dropped nearly 40 percent from its height as industrial water-use efficiency improved and as the mix of U.S. industries changed. At the same time, industrial productivity continues to rise, demonstrating that improvements in water-use efficiency are possible without negatively impacting economic growth.

In the past few years, considerable media attention has focused on the availability of adequate water supplies to meet current and future demands. In the last 2 years, regions of the country that have not traditionally experienced water resource concerns, including the Midwest and the Northeast, often found themselves with a greater demand for water resources than were available--and were forced, in some communities to ration water use.

While this debate has long existed in the more arid regions of the West, these experiences in the eastern half of the country have served as a wake-up call to the fact that water supply problems can occur in almost every region of the country. The question is now being asked, ``What can be done to ensure adequate water to meet current and future needs?''

This legislation would create a Federal commission of experts on water policy to study this issue, and to recommend strategies and changes to current law that may be necessary to ensure the availability of adequate water resources for future generations.

Madam Speaker, it is important for this Nation to have a dialogue on what can be done to ensure that sufficient water resources are available to meet current and future needs. I do have some concerns with this legislation, and with the broader topic of planning for water resource needs. We need to fully discuss what the Federal role in water resource planning should be, and how Federal financial resources are to be expended to address this growing concern.

In addition, I believe that the scope of any national water resource planning study must include all affected parties, and must look to both structural and non-structural approaches to reduce consumption and ensure adequate, safe, and reliable sources of water for generations to come.

If this Congress truly wants to enter the debate on a national water resource policy, we must make sure that the record is complete, and that all alternatives are examined to determine the appropriate means to resolve this important question.

I hope that we can continue to work together on this legislation as it continues through the legislative process.

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

Madam Speaker, I support this legislation strongly. I commend our colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Linder), who came before our committee for a hearing, and to urge the adoption of this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I raise today in support of H.R. 3181, the Predisaster Mitigation Act Reauthorization Act of 2002. I would like to commend my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Chairman Young, Subcommittee Chairman Latourette and Subcommittee Democratic Ranking Member Norton, for all of their work on this important bill.

This bill makes a limited number of necessary amendments to the Stafford Act, which governs the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) responsibilities to help communities prepare for and respond to disasters. The Stafford Act authorizes programs that provide funding for both post-disaster recovery, and for important pre-disaster hazard mitigation projects.

The pre-disaster mitigation program was authorized to begin in fiscal year 1999; however, the program began in earnest only a few months ago. The program allowed FEMA to award grants to states on a competitive basis to implement pre-disaster mitigation plans. Because of its late start, no competitive grant applications have yet been received by FEMA, and none of the competitive grants have been awarded. Among other things, this bill extends the authorization of this program for another three years to give FEMA the time necessary to implement the program and to give Congress the time necessary to fairly evaluate it.

Madam Speaker, I believe this is a good bill that provides a balanced approach to both pre- and post-disaster mitigation programs. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1, the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 conference report. Since coming to Congress, I have consistently promised over 70,000 seniors in my district that I would not support legislation that would fundamentally change the nature of Medicare and provide a prescription drug benefit that relies solely on insurance companies. This legislation does just that and I cannot in good faith support it.

Medicare has been a success because it provides guaranteed coverage for all elderly and disabled Americans. This legislation would end Medicare as we know it and may particularly harm rural areas that depend on the traditional Medicare program. Beginning in 2010, up to 6.8 million people could be part of a demonstration program that forces the Medicare fee-for-service program for doctors and hospital visits to compete with private insurance plans. People who wanted to remain in traditional Medicare would find their premiums going up as other beneficiaries opted for private insurance coverage. Seniors and the disabled would essentially be forced out of the traditional fee-for- service program and into some form of managed care.

In addition, this approach does not guarantee the same benefits for all seniors. Seniors who live where hospitals and doctors negotiate lucrative contracts with managed care plans would have to pay more; seniors with higher incomes would have to pay more; seniors in rural areas would have fewer choices of doctors and pharmacies; and seniors with low incomes but with assets such as a savings account might get nothing at all. These provisions violate the central promise of Medicare: to provide a consistent, guaranteed benefit that allows everyone, no matter where they live, how much they have, or how sick they are, access to quality medical care.

Further, I support a voluntary prescription drug benefit paid for by Medicare. However, this ill-conceived plan before us today will result in as many as three million retirees losing their employer-sponsored drug coverage which is more comprehensive than this legislation. At present, employer-sponsored retiree health benefits are the greatest source of coverage for retirees, providing drug coverage for one in three Medicare beneficiaries. Yet, this conference agreement creates an incentive for employers to drop retiree coverage they currently provide, rather than encouraging them to maintain it. In addition, it fails to help retirees from state and local government, multi-employer groups, and non-profit organizations. The additional funding, under the premise of shoring up retiree coverage, is meaningless to those who retire from public service, such as teachers, firefighters, and police, or other organizations with no tax liability.

Finally, the conference agreement is flawed because it offers seniors an inadequate prescription drug benefit. I am committed to providing a comprehensive benefit that is affordable and dependable for all beneficiaries with no gaps or gimmicks in its coverage. However, this legislation provides a huge gap in coverage leaving half of seniors without prescription drug coverage for part of every year.

Further, the bill is sorely lacking in any provision that might restrict the skyrocketing costs of the drugs themselves. It does not include meaningful reimportation language, strong language ensuring access to generic drugs, or the ability to negotiate prices as is done currently by the Veterans Administration.

This legislation relies too heavily on the insurance industry to bring drug costs down and does not guarantee seniors access to the medicine prescribed by their doctor or that they can get prescriptions filled at their local pharmacy. Seniors deserve fair drug prices and a real, affordable prescription drug plan.

Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I oppose the conference report. I ask my colleagues to join me and reject this bill and send it back to the committee with instructions to bring the bill back to the floor with a real prescription drug plan that guarantees seniors affordable and dependable coverage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the motion of Mr. Filner to instruct the conferees on H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2003, and to reject the waiver of the Clean Water Act being considered currently in conference.

Mr. Speaker, the conferees on the Energy Conference are preparing to approve a permanent exemption from the Clean Water Act for all construction activities associated with oil and gas exploration and production. This is unprecedented and needs further review.

Polluted runoff from precipitation events is the greatest remaining impediment to the Nation meeting its stated goal of clean, fishable and swimmable waters. Yet, even as the Environmental Protection Agency and the states are implementing reasonable measures to reduce such pollution, the Energy Bill conferees are preparing to approve a permanent exemption for one particular industry.

This exemption is also quite unnecessary. EPA, after much pressure from the oil and gas industry, decided to grant the oil and gas industry a two-year moratorium from the new rule that became effective this past March. However, not content with having EPA take another look at the issue, the industry now seeks a permanent exemption. The exemption applies regardless of the size of the construction site, regardless of the water quality impacts, and regardless of the wishes of an affected state.

Mr. Speaker, blanket exemptions from the Clean Water Act should bear the highest burden of proof before this House ever grants its approval. This never happened.

This provision was a stealth addition to the energy bill when it was considered at the Commerce Committee. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee was never given the opportunity to consider the provision. When the bill was on the House Floor, I joined with Ranking-Member Oberstar and Mr. Markey to strike the provision through amendment, but we were denied the opportunity. The entire process has been disappointing.

If the conferees approve the Clean Water Act exemption it will harm human health and the environment; it does not belong in the Energy bill; and I strongly urge support of Mr. Filner's motion to instruct the conferees.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the conference report for H.R. 2115.

I am deeply disappointed that despite this Congress's actions to recommit the bill to the conference committee, we are still dealing with a flawed bill. Over three months ago, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed a good bill out of committee, a bill that had my strong support.

Two times, this bill has come out of Conference Committee, and both times the resulting product has been unacceptable. This bill contains significant changes from the committee passed bill--changes that have not previously been approved by the House or the Senate. I believe it is telling that not a single Democrat in the House or the Senate signed onto the conference report either time because of these egregious changes.

The version of the bill that we are considering today removes the language that would allow the FAA to contract out the operation of air traffic control towers at 69 towers nationwide. However, this is not an improvement over the previous version of the bill. Simply striking the provision does nothing to ensure that our nation's air traffic control system will not be contracted out to the lowest bidder. In fact, this bill would make it easier to privatize the air traffic control system by not prohibiting future privatization. We know that the administration supports privatization, as demonstrated by their many outsourcing initiatives and the reclassification of air traffic control as a ``commercial activity.'' Every tower in this Nation is now at risk for privatization.

In addition, this bill fails to address concerns that were in the previous version of the bill, which include allowing China essentially open access to our cargo markets, modifications to the Essential Air Service program requiring small communities to pay a substantial sum for their air service, and changes to the flight attendant training programs that basically gut the requirements.

Mr. Speaker, this is a bad bill. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``no'' on this legislation.