Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment offered by Mr. Cardoza.

He and I are fortunate to represent San Joaquin County in California, which is home to many, many miles of levees and waterways. His amendment is especially important to our constituents.

While the ``residual risk'' section of H.R. 1309 may be well intended, I believe it should be removed. We all believe that homeowners living in high-risk areas for flooding should have an insurance policy, but this language is overly broad and will hurt my constituents.

I've consulted closely with flood control officials from my district who share this concern and have expressed strong support for this amendment.

Our country is experiencing tough economic times, and we should take great care to protect homeowners from unnecessary burdens. Our homeowners are losing their homes; let's not give them an extra burden that will send many of them into the street.

I am proud to rise in support of this amendment offered by my colleague, Mr. Cardoza, which will significantly improve the bill we are considering today.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Disabled American Veterans (DAV)--Department of California on the occasion of its 90th anniversary. Founded in 1921, the DAV--Department of California has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of service-connected disabled veterans and their families.

Service officers from the DAV--Department of California offer critical support to our state's service-connected disabled veterans. The service officers--many of whom are disabled veterans themselves-- help veterans apply for disability compensation as well as the pension, health, and education benefits they've earned. They also volunteer their time at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities and rehabilitation centers, and they help disabled veterans find jobs and secure scholarships to pay for college.

In the area I represent, the Disabled American Veterans George E. Morey Chapter 59 hosts an annual Memorial Day ceremony in Lodi to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Another local chapter in my district, the Disabled American Veterans Al Jordan Chapter 15, provides food coupons to disabled veterans during the holiday season. This group also focuses on community outreach and awareness by holding an annual picnic in Stockton for disabled veterans and their families, an event which I have attended.

The Disabled American Veterans--Department of California's work is just as important today as when the organization was first established 90 years ago. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Disabled American Veterans--Department of California on the occasion of its 90th anniversary for its exceptional service to our Nation's disabled veterans.

Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

I am opposed.

Madam Speaker, I rise to offer an important motion to recommit to H.R. 910. My motion is a straightforward amendment to guarantee that America's most vulnerable children and seniors, including children with asthma and lung diseases, can be protected from the Nation's biggest polluters.

The Clean Air Act became law at a time when our cities were enveloped in smog. And since then, the act has stopped the most egregious polluters and improved public health. This motion is a substantial, important amendment, and if passed, the motion allows a vote to immediately proceed on final passage of H.R. 910. We can reduce air pollution in a way that will create jobs, strengthen our economy, bolster our national defense, and improve the health of our children.

I am gravely concerned that H.R. 910 will threaten the health and safety of our most vulnerable Americans. There's a clear connection between air pollution and respiratory diseases, and the motion I'm offering makes sure that our children can lead healthy lives.

Asthma is an especially serious threat to America's children. This problem is national in scope, but my home State is uniquely affected. I'm honored to represent part of California's San Joaquin Valley, but, unfortunately, the air quality is a persistent challenge in our communities. In fact, as many as one in five children in the valley have been diagnosed with asthma. My own son and daughter developed the condition when they moved to an area of California's Central Valley with hot temperatures and poor air quality. I know from personal experience how vitally important it is to make sure our kids have fresh, healthy air.

I'm confident that every Member of this body shares my desire to reduce the incidence of asthma among America's children. Keeping our children healthy is not a partisan issue. Fighting for the health, happiness, and well-being of our children unites us as citizens, as parents, as friends, and as neighbors.

But the statistics are sobering. According to the American Lung Association, asthma affects more than 7 million children, and more than 4 million of those children suffer from an asthma attack each year. Asthma kills 5,000 people each year in the United States and causes 14 million missed school days annually.

Treating asthma costs our country more than $20 billion every year. In fact, every day in America, 40,000 people miss work or school due to asthma; 30,000 people have an asthma attack; and 11 die from asthma. These are real children, real people.

That is why I am offering this simple, straightforward motion to recommit today. My proposal is a commonsense improvement that makes sure that our country preserves the ability to protect the air quality for our children and seniors. The text of the motion is very clear, and explicitly says that our goal is to protect children with asthma and lung disease from the effects of air pollution.

I also want to make one other point clear. Just as I know that every Member of this body cares about the health and well-being of America's children, I also know that we care about our country's economic recovery. Many in this Chamber feel passionately that we should do everything that we can to make sure that small businesses and family farms can grow and prosper without facing unnecessary regulatory burdens. I am proud to represent a district with a rich agricultural history, and I want everyone to know that this motion protects family farmers and small businesses. This motion is explicitly limited in scope to large facilities that emit 70,000 tons or more of carbon annually.

In closing, I ask my friends and colleagues in the majority to reflect on what this amendment says and what your vote will mean. The amendment simply says that ``nothing in the act shall limit the authority of the EPA to protect the health of vulnerable children and seniors from the effects of air pollution.'' What can be more simple than that? I ask my colleagues to do the right thing for our children and seniors and support this motion to recommit.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of improving our Nation's schools. I recently visited the San Ramon Valley High School and heard from many students on this important issue. I told the students then and there that I would bring their message back to Washington, D.C., and share it in our Nation's Capital.

Today's young people face an increasingly competitive world, and their education is the foundation of our country's economic success. The students at San Ramon Valley High School shared with me the importance of high quality education and teaching young people not only how to take a test, but also how to apply their skills in real life situations.

The students also asked that when Congress makes decisions about the Federal budget, that funding for schools and education should be a top priority. After all, investing in the education of our young people is an investment in our future.

I urge my colleagues to listen to the thoughts and ideas of the students at San Ramon Valley High School and the young people throughout our country.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, I rise to offer an amendment to H.R. 910.

Let's be crystal clear about two things. The bill we are considering today, which I will call the dirty air act, is an attack on science, and it's bad policy that will harm the American people. The world's scientific experts overwhelmingly agree that climate change is happening, it's primarily caused by human activities, and it has harmful consequences.

However, despite our disagreements about the merits of H.R. 910, I am offering an amendment that I think we can all support. My amendment is pro-environment, pro-consumer, and pro-business to make sure that our country can continue to administer voluntary programs to reduce pollution, improve public health, and address climate change.

I yield to the gentleman from Michigan.

I thank the gentleman.

As currently written, H.R. 910 prohibits the EPA from taking action to control greenhouse gas emissions. However, the bill provides a few narrow exceptions, such as allowing for the continuation of statutorily authorized research, development, and demonstration programs meant to combat climate change. My amendment simply clarifies that voluntary programs to control climate change are also exempted from the bill's prohibitions and can continue to take place.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the members of Soroptimist International of San Ramon Valley for their work to improve the lives of women in our community.

This is the final week of the Women's History Month; and, as such, it is fitting that we recognize an organization that is helping the next generation of women to succeed and make history.

The Soroptimists of San Ramon Valley recently held a conference for the 7th year in a row to help young women gain self-confidence and develop important life skills. The event included presentations from speakers and interactive workshops that promote leadership and help the participants to pursue their life's goals.

The Soroptimists of San Ramon Valley, which is one of many chapters of the Soroptimists International throughout the world, also issue awards to girls who are involved in community service and provides grants to women so they can participate in job training and education programs.

The Soroptimists of San Ramon Valley have made a difference for many in our community. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the members of this organization for their hard work to improve the lives of women.

Thank you, Mr. Ranking Member.

I'm proud to represent much of San Joaquin County, which is the jewel of California's Central Valley. Our valley is a great place to live and work; but, unfortunately, we've been hit very hard by the economic downturn. The valley has been ground zero for the foreclosure crisis. Over the past few years, thousands of families in San Joaquin County and throughout the valley have lost their homes.

I hosted foreclosure workshops, and I met with hardworking people who were misled by lenders who were struggling to stay on top of their mortgages. I have seen grown men cry because they couldn't keep a roof over their children's heads. I have talked to veterans who served their country, only to return home to notices of default. And I have met seniors on the brink of homelessness.

The administration's foreclosure prevention initiatives have fallen short in the valley. Simply put, the administration's programs haven't effectively served the people who are underwater on their mortgage, and the administration hasn't been tough enough on the big banks. I call on President Obama and his Cabinet to develop more effective efforts to stem the tide of foreclosures.

But despite these shortcomings, the bill the House Republicans are offering today is absolutely the wrong approach. It is throwing the baby out with the bath water. Instead of canceling foreclosure relief programs at their beginning stages, we should be strengthening them so they are more effective. Mortgage counselors from my district advise and plead to improve our efforts to get tough on big banks and provide meaningful relief to families.

Stabilizing the housing market is critical to economic recovery and creating jobs. For these reasons, I oppose H.R. 830.

Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

I am opposed in its current form.

Madam Speaker, everyone knows that times are tough and that individuals, families, and small businesses are having a difficult time making ends meet. That's why it's so important that we provide small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy, with the tools to succeed.

Yes, the gentleman wishes to address the point of order.

With rising prices of gasoline, and unemployment that remains far too high, helping small businesses is more important than ever.

Madam Speaker, this directly addresses the tax provision in the Republican bill.

This motion to recommit addresses the pay-for in the bill.

Madam Speaker, I am a former small business owner, and while I strongly supported our efforts to reform the health care----

We have a paid-for tax cut that's germane and included in the motion to recommit.

While I strongly supported our efforts to reform the health care system, I also supported repealing the 1099 reporting requirement. This requirement will negatively affect small businesses' ability to operate smoothly and efficiently. There is a broad bipartisan consensus on this point, and I have received many emails, phone calls and letters from constituents in my district who oppose the 1099 reporting requirement.

I support repealing the 1099 provision----

We have a paid for tax cut that is in order.

I stand here to offer a better alternative. It's paid for. Instead of simply agreeing to the majority's bill, the motion to recommit would repeal the 1099 requirement and provide a new tax cut to the middle-class paid for by closing tax loopholes exploited by large oil companies. It's paid for and it's germane.

Oil companies have earned record profits over the last few years, and it's just unacceptable for them to take advantage of the special loopholes when the middle class is struggling.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly great American, Major General Roger Brautigan. He is a 33-year Army veteran who has earned the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star.

Following his military service, Roger Brautigan joined the California Department of Veterans Affairs and was appointed as its secretary in 2009. Under his leadership, the department implemented California's Operation Welcome Home, a groundbreaking program that matches veterans with the services and assistance they've earned and need. General Brautigan, who recently retired from the California Department of Veterans Affairs, envisions Operation Welcome Home expanding nationwide so that all veterans may benefit from this important and effective program.

Throughout both his military service and civilian career, General Brautigan proved himself to be an exemplary leader. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Major General Roger Brautigan for his tireless service to our veterans, to the State of California, and to our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Alex Sola.

Alex was born on January 18, 1930 in Daly City, California. Alex served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, serving as a crew chief at Tyndall Air Force base in Florida. This posting allowed Alex to proudly serve his country while also pursuing his passion for working on the P- 51 Mustang aircraft. After his career in the military, Alex remained involved in the aviation field working as an air traffic controller.

In addition to his love for all things aviation, Alex enjoyed film. He earned a role in the 1987 film ``Six Against the Rock,'' playing a prison guard, and he also made appearances in various TV programs.

Alex passed away January 19, 2011, at the age of 81. He is survived by his daughter Debra, her husband Don, and their two children, Theresa and Sarah. Alex lived a long and eventful life, and I am grateful for his service to America.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Alex Sola and in sending our thoughts and prayers to his beloved family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concerns about attempts to undermine one of our country's most cherished and effective environmental policies, the Clean Air Act.

Simply put, recent attacks against environmental protections threaten the health, safety, and quality of life of the American people. All credible scientific evidence proves that emissions of carbon and other pollutants change our climate and harm our environment, posing risks for our communities and our children. Americans deserve to breathe clean air and drink clean water.

We know beyond any doubt that pollution can increase asthma, heart attacks, and cancer. I do support legitimate efforts for regulatory reform. But the majority's attempt to pass a new dirty air act by gutting needed health provisions is a travesty.

Now, the majority party, on the other side, my friends, will try to tell you that we have to make a choice between clean air and jobs. And that is a false choice. We can create, in fact, if we create clean air we will create jobs, we will create an environment where businesses will want to do business in our country. So our country needs forward- thinking energy and environmental policies that create jobs and protect public health. And we will not tolerate a return to the pollution allowed before the Clean Air Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise to discuss the importance of reducing the influence of corporate special interest money in our elections.

As a result of the Citizens United decision, corporations and other special interests are free to pump unlimited sums of money into campaign attacks. And worse yet, because of this decision there is no good mechanism to keep money from foreign sources out of our elections. We need reform that brings transparency to the campaign finance system and protects the best interests of middle class families.

I will call on the new majority to work in a bipartisan fashion to bring transparency to the campaign finance system. I supported the DISCLOSE Act last year, and I believe this bill is a good first step. I will continue standing up for middle class families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the health care law and in opposition to its repeal. The health care reform, which was signed into law last year, is clearly not perfect and could be improved. However, the law as enacted will have significant benefits to millions of American citizens, to businesses, to local governments, and to the country as a whole.

The benefits to individuals in need of health care with preexisting conditions, the seniors, the young adults under 26 years of age, and many other groups are well known and will be missed if the law is repealed.

But most significantly, the law will drive down the cost of health care by encouraging and incentivizing quality care and good outcomes in health care treatments instead of encouraging potentially unnecessary procedures. It rewards quality rather than quantity of health care. This will ultimately reduce the cost, both public and private, of health care in this country.

Because of these reasons, I strongly oppose repeal of health care reform.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1377, a resolution honoring the accomplishments of Norman Yoshio Mineta. As a proud member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), I think it is important to honor Mr. Mineta, the founder and first chair of the organization, and I commend my colleague, Mr. Honda for introducing this resolution.

Despite suffering a great historic injustice and spending several difficult childhood years in an internment camp during World War II, Norm Mineta has dedicated much of his life to public service. Mr. Mineta served our country in the Army as an intelligence officer in Korea and Japan before starting his political career as the first minority city council member in San Jose, California. He went on to serve as San Jose's mayor, after which he became a Member of Congress. Mr. Mineta was also a trusted adviser to presidents of both political parties, serving as Secretary of Commerce in the Clinton Administration and as Secretary of Transportation under President George W. Bush. In these capacities, Mr. Mineta achieved many significant accomplishments in transportation, technology, national security, commerce, and minority rights.

Norm Mineta is a true leader of our country, and it is only fitting that he is honored for his lifetime of commitment and work. I encourage my colleagues to support H. Res. 1377, and look forward to its passage.

Madam Speaker, yesterday the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4168, the Algae-based Renewable Fuel Promotion Act of 2009, a bill I am pleased to support. I would like to thank Mr. Teague for his efforts to incentivize the production of environmentally-friendly biofuels. Mr. Teague worked across party lines to advance bipartisan legislation, and he deserves recognition for his leadership.

H.R. 4168 is a significant step forward, but I believe that additional refinements could help incentivize a broader array of environmentally friendly, economically viable biofuels. As we continue working to fine tune this legislation and related proposals, we should seek to ensure that federal tax policy treats all viable technologies fairly and equitably. I look forward to working with Mr. Teague, Mr. Bilbray, and other interested members to make sure that algal biofuels produced in Northern California fully benefit from this bill.

Developing new sources of cellulosic biofuels is beneficial to the environment, the economy, and national security. I thank the authors of H.R. 4168 for their efforts.