Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, pursuant to my leave of absence, I am submitting for the Record how I would have voted if I had been present earlier today, in addition to comments that I request also be entered into the record.

I would have voted as follows on today's recorded votes: rollcall No. 27--Yea--H. Con. Res. 31--Honoring the Mare Island Original 21ers for their efforts to increase equal employment opportunities in the military, rollcall No. 28--Yea--H.R. 434--Short Term Extension of the Small Business Administration, rollcall No. 29--Nay--Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule for H.R. 5, rollcall No. 30--Nay-- Adoption of the Rule for H.R. 5, rollcall No. 31--Yea--Republican Motion to Recommit for H.R. 5, and rollcall No. 32--Nay--Final Passage of H.R. 5.

H.R. 5 which is being considered without regular order or Republican input, falls far short of their original proposal to cut all student loan interest rates in half, increase Pell grants and increase tax deductions for parents of college students. This legislation is not part of a comprehensive approach which provides accountability and transparency for escalating tuition costs. A temporary interest rate decrease for college graduates is only part of the solution. The reduced interest rate does not apply to PLUS loans, consolidation loans, or unsubsidized Stafford loans.

Rollcall No. 33--Yea--H. Res. 58--To Honor Muhammad Ali, global humanitarian, on the occasion of his 65th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to my leave of absence, if I had been present earlier today, I would have voted as follows on today's recorded votes:

Rollcall No. 27--``Yea''--H. Con. Res. 31--Honoring the Mare Island Original 21ers for their efforts to increase equal employment opportunities in the military;

Rollcall No. 28--``Yea''--H.R. 434--Short Term Extension of the Small Business Administration;

Rollcall No. 29--``Nay''--Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule for H.R. 5;

Rollcall No. 30--``Nay''--Adoption of the Rule for H.R. 5;

Rollcall No. 31--``Yea''--Republican Motion to Recommit for H.R. 5;

Rollcall No. 32--``Nay''--Final Passage of H.R. 5; and

Rollcall No. 33--``Yea''--H. Res. 58--To Honor Muhammad Ali, global humanitarian, on the occasion of his 65th birthday.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to my leave of absence, I am submitting for the Record how I would have voted if I had been present earlier today.

I would have voted ``aye'' on all suspension measures put to the House for a rollcall vote which are as follows:

Rollcall No. 24 ``aye''--H. Res. 61--observing and celebrating the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Rollcall No. 25 ``aye''--H. Res 39--Commending the University of Florida Gators for their victory in the 2006 BCS. Rollcall No. 26 ``aye''--H. Res. 43--Commending the Boise State University Broncos football team for winning the 2007 Fiesta Bowl and Completing an undefeated season

Madam Speaker, we open the 110th Congress, I rise today to honor a fine American and a devoted public servant and to congratulate him on a significant achievement. Donald Bowen Richwine, Jr. serves our Nation as a Marine Corps Officer and served the Congress as a Congressional Fellow in my office from December 2003 to December 2004. Recently he served our Nation's ongoing efforts in the Global War on Terror by his exemplary conduct in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from October 2005 to April 2006. As a result of his devotion to duty and excellence as an officer, Bowen was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on January 3, 2007 in a ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Additionally, Bowen was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious achievement in connection

with combat operations against the enemy as Department of Border Enforcement Coordinator. The formal citation for this Medal follows below. I heartily congratulate Lt. Col. Richwine on his promotion and the recognition of his meritorious achievement. I share the pride felt by his wife Angela and their children, Owen and Charlie, at this time in Bowen's career.

For meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Department of Border Enforcement Coordinator, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) and I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 04-06 and 05-07 from October 2005 to April 2006. During this period, Major Richwine was directly responsible for the development of Iraqi border forces along over 1000 kilometers of Iraq's borders. Coordinating movements of border forces, border fort construction, and Border Transition Teams, his determined efforts led to the strategically significant restoration of Iraq's borders on 30 November 2005. Identifying a significant problem at the Ports of Entry, Major Richwine developed an innovative plan involving the creation of a multi-agency task force formed to train, advise, and mentor the forces at the Ports of Entry. Ultimately this solution was briefed to the Commanding General Multi National Forces-Iraq who decided to duplicate this idea at other locations throughout Iraq. Finally, displaying an unusually prescient grasp on the mechanisms needed to grow new units, Major Richwine on his own initiative and despite the absence of Military Occupational Specialty Schools for the border police, sought out school seats at Ministry of Defense schools across Iraq. His vigorous efforts have led to the very first school trained Iraqi Border Police, giving them critical life support capabilities which will permit them to develop logistics systems that will support their force long after the Coalition Forces depart Iraq. Major Richwine's total effectiveness, forceful leadership, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a group of patriots whose dedication and contributions to the United States space community has been exceptional. For the past 2 years I have served as the Chairman of the Science Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics and have had the honor to work with a staff comprised of some of the best and brightest in the fields of space and earth science, aeronautics and space exploration.

In the 2 years that I've been Chairman, the staff has worked diligently to implement the President's Vision for Space Exploration, maintain robust science and aeronautics programs and open opportunities for the private sector and space entrepreneurs. In short, they have tried to give America's space-farers the ``Rules and Tools'' to succeed in the Second Space Age. Last year, the President signed into law the first NASA Authorization Act in 5 years. Anyone can tell you how difficult it is to draft legislation that must balance the many needs of the Agency's various stakeholders while keeping the original Vision intact. The majority subcommittee staff worked tirelessly to secure passage and I commend their hard work and dedication. It certainly has paid off--NASA is charging full speed ahead with the Vision for Space Exploration and a commitment to ten healthy centers.

The subcommittee completed several resolutions commending successful shuttle launches and their crews; conducted hearings on a wide range of topics including ``The Future of Aeronautics at NASA,'' ``Future Market for Commercial Space,'' and ``The NASA Workforce''; and conducted several legislative mark-up hearings on other relevant bills. The subcommittee even conducted the first hearing in Congressional history with a witness testifying from space when NASA astronaut John Phillips, a member of the crew aboard the International Space Station in June 2005, participated via satellite. The efforts of the subcommittee staff also enabled me to visit all of NASA's Centers, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Applied Physics Laboratory, during the 109th Congress. None of this would have been possible without the intelligence and perseverance of the staff.

At this time I would like to recognize the individuals responsible for the subcommittee's many accomplishments:

Bill Adkins, former Staff Director. Bill was a thoughtful advisor and an influential force in the passage of the NASA Authorization Act during the 18 months we worked together.

Johannes Loschnigg, current Staff Director. Johannes has done a terrific job and has offered solid leadership to the subcommittee.

Ed Feddeman, Professional Staff. Ed is the resident expert on aeronautics and space science. I have appreciated his depth of

knowledge on these issues and his expertise during several NASA Center visits.

Ken Monroe, Professional Staff. Ken is the subject matter expert on the space shuttle program and financial management at the Agency. His first-hand experience, and strong attention to detail has been a true asset during the last 2 years.

Tind ``Shep'' Ryen, Professional Staff. Shep is the go-to-guy on the space exploration agenda being implemented by NASA, including the Constellation Systems program, NASA Workforce and Commercial Space issues. As one of the more recent additions to the staff, Shep has not wavered from delving deeply into his work and has exercised excellent oversight over these exciting new programs.

Tom Hammond, Professional Staff. Tom handles a long list of issues including the International Space Station, Earth Science, Remote Sensing, and International and National security programs. I appreciate Tom's dedication and know he will continue to excel in all his future endeavors.

Devin Bryant, Staff Assistant. Devin is the support system to all of the staff and has done an incredible job. As a fellow Californian, I appreciate his enthusiasm for America's space program as it reminds me of the ripple effect of NASA's achievements--inspiring the next generation of explorers.

Roselee Roberts, Chairman's Designee/Professional Staff. Roselee has been a tremendous asset to my chairmanship and the subcommittee. It was an honor to designate her as my representative. It has been a pleasure to work with her these past 2 years. She has been a trusted confidant to me and my staff and I appreciate her dedication and loyalty. She will always be a part of the Calvert team.

I would be remiss if I did not also mention my deep gratitude to David Goldston, Chief of Staff of the Science Committee. David impressed me with his intelligence, tireless work ethic, and his love of science policy. During the past 2 years we have shared some great conversations and debates and I believe I have been a better Chairman for them. I appreciate the tremendous support and expertise he has provided me and my staff during my Chairmanship.

To all of the subcommittee staff, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your hard work, diligence, passion, and service. I salute your dedication and wish you all the best of luck.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding and professional effort of the staff working in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Printing and Design Office for their high quality work, and contribution to NASA's overall mission. Throughout the course of a legislative cycle, NASA officials meet with Members of Congress and their staff via meetings, briefings and Congressional Hearings. The effectiveness of these interactions is directly attributed to the quality of the products developed by the staff of NASA's Printing and Design Office. Under the outstanding leadership and commitment of the Printing and Design staff, the Agency has been prepared and able to present professional briefing charts, Congressional testimony, posters and publications to the United States Congress in an exemplary manner.

The staff includes: the Head of Printing and Design Office, Michael Crnkovic; the Printing Officer, Stanley Artis; the Printing Specialist, Jeffrey McLean; the Customer Service personnel, Frantz Casmir; the Duplication Specialists, Carl Hammond and Ondray Mackin; and, the Distribution Clerk, Carl Paul. In addition, the competent, professional and expert Exhibit Design Team, consisting of Michael Barnes, Ray Brown and Steve Schaeberle, has enabled NASA to present montages depicting various Space Shuttle missions to Members of Congress that are proudly displayed and observed by all who visit these Members' offices.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing NASA's Printing and Design Team for its role in presenting the Vision for Space Exploration.

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Mr. Ehlers and his Subcommittee for its excellent oversight of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, Within the Department of Commerce. The agency was established originally as a part of the Department of Commerce by Executive Order in 1970. NOAA has operated under Executive Order for 36 years now. However, with no legislative ``organic act'' NOAA was restrained from taking a real leadership role in national oceanic and atmospheric policy.

This legislation sets up guidelines and oversight of programs as any authorizing legislation should do for a Federal agency. NOAA now will: have a defined leadership structure and organization; defined missions and authorities; provide strategic plans to the Congress; and be able preserve current NOAA rules and regulations within its legal structure.

I realize that the legislation has been 2 years in the making and that the other body has yet to act, but this is exactly what an authorizing committee ought to be doing exercising its oversight powers. I commend Chairman Ehlers, and Ranking Democrat Wu your persistence in pursuing the goal of passing the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I inadvertently voted ``aye'' on rollcall 417, a Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 2830. I would like the Record to show that I had intended to vote ``no.''

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 892, which recognizes the dedication of the employees at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, Michoud Assembly Facility. The end of next month is the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall on our Gulf coast. Today we celebrate the bravery exhibited by the ``Michoud Hurricane Ride-out Team,'' which saved not only the facility, but also our Nation's manned space program.

Last week, both Houses of Congress passed H. Con. Res. 448, which commended the men and women of NASA, the crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery, and NASA Administrator Mike Griffin for the successful conclusion of the second return to flight test mission--STS-121. This would not have been possible without the 38 brave members of the Michoud Ride-out Team. Many of the members of this team lost their homes and did not know the fate of their families until days after the Hurricane. They risked their lives manning generators and pumps at the Michoud Facility to protect the Shuttle's external tank program and, hence, the future of the manned space program.

Despite the facility's proximity to the center of the hurricane's destructive path, only one external tank was damaged when a concrete panel fell and bounced off the side of the tank. Despite the extensive damage to the 832-acre facility and the entire surrounding area, the Ride-out team exhibited the bravery and the pride for the importance of the space program not only to our Nation, but also to the area in Louisiana.

In September, as Chairman of the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, I am planning to travel to both the Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana and the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. I am looking forward to meeting some of these brave individuals, both at Michoud and at Stennis. Since I became the Chairman of this Subcommittee in 2005, I have visited 7 of NASA's 10 facilities around the country. I am looking forward to visiting and to learning even more of the importance of these NASA centers to our Nation's space program. Today, I want to extend thanks and gratitude from the American people for the outstanding work of these brave individuals at both the Michoud Assembly Facility and at the Stennis Space Center.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 448) commending the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on the completion of the Space Shuttle's second Return-to-Flight mission.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 448, the concurrent resolution now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in hearty support of H. Con. Res. 448, which commends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for its successful completion of the space shuttle's second return-to- flight test mission. NASA gave the United States a birthday present and the best fireworks show imaginable with the breathtaking launch of the Discovery mission, also known as STS-121, on the Fourth of July this year.

The shuttle Discovery spent nearly 13 days in orbit, 9 of which were spent docked to the international space station. During the 18th shuttle mission to the international space station, the STS-121 crew members delivered over 28,000 pounds of equipment and supplies and transported one additional crew member to the station for a 6-month stay. The astronauts also performed three successful space walks to test equipment and to conduct maintenance.

This Discovery mission is an essential building block for the Vision for Space Exploration to the Moon, Mars, and Beyond. NASA is already fast at work on preparation for the next shuttle launch, with a window that begins on August 28, just a little more than a month away. This mission will resume the assembly of the international space station with the delivery of two truss sections and a set of solar arrays.

NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, the Discovery crew, and the men and women of NASA deserve accolades from the American public for a successful STS-121 mission and for effectively reviving America's space program to the heights of its glory. These astronauts represent the best of humankind. As the President stated upon the return of the Discovery crew on Monday: ``Your courage and commitment to excellence have inspired us all, and a proud Nation sends its congratulations on a job well done. America's space program is a source of great national pride.''

I urge the passage of H. Con. Res. 448.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Paul), the author of this resolution and a great supporter of the great work of NASA.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Once again, I want to congratulate the crew, the NASA team, the contractors for the successful completion of STS-121. We look forward to future success as we continue our journey exploring the unknown and to do things that require skill, technical expertise, courage, and the will to succeed.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, last night, during a series of two-minute votes, I inadvertently voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 340. I had intended to vote ``aye.'' I would like to make it clear for the record, that I do not support the multilingual ballot provision in the Voting Rights Act, and that I oppose such provisions that mandate financial burdens on the states and further divide this great Nation.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act. The legislation before us represents a balanced approach to expanding domestic energy production and, for the first time, gives

states an opportunity to determine what occurs along their shores.

I represent a coastal California district that includes beautiful beaches up and down the City of San Clemente's shoreline. I take the responsibility to protect those beautiful beaches seriously and I have worked with local officials over the years to do just that. I would not be supporting the bill if I did not believe it gave local and state officials the necessary authorities they need to protect our invaluable coastlines. Our coastal states deserve the right to make energy production decisions that affect their people, environment, and economy.

I also believe we must ensure that our military needs throughout the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) are accounted for and protected. Our military conducts significant training and operations in the OCS to protect our mainland and maintain readiness for future conflicts. As many of my colleagues from the Armed Services Committee know, military training and operations are under a seemingly constant threat of encroachment from many sources.

In fact, just this week a lawsuit was filed by an environmental group to prevent the Navy from conducting exercises in the Pacific Ocean. While people will undoubtedly disagree about the merits of the lawsuit, there should be no disagreement about the fact that the cumulative effect of encroachments upon our military restricts the ability of our servicemembers to protect our nation.

To that end, I believe we must enact OCS drilling policies that do not place another level of work-around restrictions on our military and require OCS leasing programs be developed with the consultation and concurrence of the Secretary of Defense. We did so in the Energy Policy Act as it relates to siting LNG facilities and we should do it again in the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act as we develop OCS energy supply. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee and Resources Committee to ensure that any OCS drilling legislation sent to the President provides the proper and necessary authorities to protect our military ranges, training and operations.

With the July Fourth holiday just around the comer, Americans are reminded of the liberties and freedoms secured by our nation's military. There are many ways Americans can express their appreciation for our military. One way this Congress can express our appreciation is to enact policies that protect our military from unintended encroachments to military training, operations, and readiness.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment. We have laid out a compelling vision and mission for the civil space program to conduct a robust program of human and robotic space exploration.

Last year, this Congress overwhelmingly endorsed the President's Vision for Space Exploration with a vote of 383-15 on the NASA Authorization Act. This amendment would abandon those plans endorsed by Congress.

We cannot turn back NASA's long-range plans. I certainly urge all of my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and let's stay on track.

Mr. Chairman, do not make any mistake about this. The Weiner amendment will gut NASA. Do not make any mistake. This amendment will transfer the preeminence that we presently have in space to India and others and China especially.

As my friend, Mr. Feeney, from Florida was saying, China is investing significant amounts of dollars in their program, and their program is not a civil space program.

Our country's economy and success is because we prevailed in doing hard things. That is why we have the technology and the ability to do the computers, the cell phones, the satellites, that NASA helped create.

Do not vote for this amendment. It is the wrong thing to do. Vote down the Weiner amendment.

Mr. Chairman, this Nation's investment in the sciences is not only the right thing to do; it is critical to our very survival as a global leader. Throughout the 20th century, one of the strengths of the United States was our knowledge-based resources, particularly science and technology. But now we are at a crossroad and we have the ability to continue to strengthen the scientific and technological foundations of our economic leadership, which appear to be eroding at a time when many other nations are building their innovative capacity.

Recently, Chemical and Engineering News reported that 75 percent of all new R&D sites are planned to be established in China and India over the next 3 years. Currently, China awards 59 percent of its undergraduate degrees in the areas of science and engineering, compared with 32 percent in the United States.

As chairman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, I believe the National Aeronautics and Space Administration should be funded at a higher level than the President's request, but I know the realities of funding allocations.

Aviation is currently the country's largest manufacturing export. The average sales in the aerospace industry is about $200 billion a year. It is one of the main contributors to our global competitiveness. We are main contributors to our global competitiveness. We are facing an increasing economic challenge from abroad and cannot take a chance of faltering. If we begin to slip in the wrong direction, reversing directions is even more difficult.

As my friend, Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist for the Hayden Planetarium, has told me, ``Much work remains to convince the public and Congress of America's need for sustained investment in NASA, with returns on education, the economy and the security. It is not just about Tang and Velcro; it is about a way of enabling the future we all want to occupy.''

The House Appropriations Committee has done a great job in trying to funnel funding into the science agencies within its jurisdiction, despite its very tight allocation. I want to commend those members of the committee and ask this body to support this carefully balanced appropriations bill. We cannot move funding from science to the other areas, and we cannot rob Peter to pay Paul by moving funding from one science agency to another.

I urge my colleagues to vote against any amendments that would strip NASA of funding to add to other accounts, regardless of how well- intended those other programs may be.