Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my strong support for the Chemical and Water Security Act of 2009.

I would like to thank Chairman Thompson for his hard work in crafting this vital piece of legislation.

I support this legislation because it will enhance the security of our Nation in terms of chemicals, drinking water, and wastewater facilities. This legislation lessens the vulnerability of our most critical sectors, one of which I live in.

More specifically, I rise today to speak to a provision that I offered which protects workers who identify and report violations affecting the safety and security of chemical facilities. When it comes to the security of our facilities, we should not leave our first preventers at the door. We depend upon them to be competent, to be vigilant, and to be proactive. We owe them the assurance that they will not be penalized for doing their jobs properly. That is why I am pleased that the bill also incorporates a provision that requires the facility owners to certify in writing their knowledge of protections for whistleblowers.

So, Mr. Chairman, when we look at H.R. 2868, the answers are really clear. All you have to look back at is the poison gas leak of a Union Carbide plant in 1984 which killed 10,000 people in 72 hours, and that was an accident. Imagine the economic and strategic damage that could be done to our country.

Let's talk about my district, the 37th. I am a proud Representative of the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant in Carson, California. That wastewater treatment plant switched from using chlorine gas to liquid bleach disinfection. We need to do this throughout the country, and this legislation will enable us to do that.

I applaud Chairman Thompson for his work and for working with our other colleagues on the other committees.

I urge my colleagues on the other side: we can't wait. We can't wait anymore because our constituents are in danger.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to express my strong support for the Chemical and Water Security Act of 2009. I would also like to thank Chairman Oberstar, Chairman Waxman, and my distinguished colleague on the Homeland Security Committee, Chairman Thompson, for their hard work in crafting this vital legislation.

I support this legislation because it will enhance the security of our nation's chemical, drinking water, and wastewater facilities and it lessens the vulnerability of our most critical sectors to a terrorist attack. Specifically, this legislation:

Protects our nation by making critical infrastructure more secure;

Helps my district by enhancing the security of its chemical, drinking water, and wastewater facilities; and

Helps our economy by providing greater protection to the nation's major job creating sectors and by providing incentives to spur production and technological innovation.

I also support H.R. 2868 because it contains a provision I offered that protects workers who identify and report violations affecting the safety and security of chemical facilities to management or regulatory authorities from retaliation and reprisal. When it comes to the security of our chemical, drinking water, and wastewater facilities, the employees who work in them are the ``First Preventers.'' We depend on them to be competent, vigilante, and pro-active. We owe them the assurance that they will not be penalized for doing their jobs properly. That is why I am pleased the bill also incorporates a provision I offered requiring facility owners to certify in writing their knowledge of the protections provided whistleblowers and the Secretary's power to protect them.

Mr. Chair, eight years ago this September 11 terrorists attacked our country and inflicted incalculable damage to our people, economy, and national psyche. We responded to the horror and trauma of that day by resolving to honor the victims and heroes of 9-11 by doing all we can to protect our homeland and our people from any future attack.

There is a simple answer for those who question the timing or need for a comprehensive legislation to safeguard these facilities.

The poison gas leak at Union Carbide's Bhopal plant in 1984 that killed 10,000 people within 72 hours, and more than 25,000 people since, was an accident! Imagine the carnage that could result from an intentional act of terrorism or sabotage.

Mr. Chair, the chemical industry alone employs nearly a million Americans and it accounts for nearly $600 billion of the GDP. More than 70,000 industrial, consumer, and defense-related products--from plastics to fiber optics--are produced by the nation's chemical facilities.

The economic and strategic value of the chemical industry makes it an attractive target to terrorists because many chemicals, either in their base form or when combined with others, can cause significant harm to both humans and the environment if misused.

My congressional district alone abuts one of the nation's largest ports and is home to several major oil refineries, as well as gas treatment and petrochemical facilities. It is, as they say in the military, a ``target rich environment.''

So I am not willing to wait. The time has come for us to approve legislation that puts in place the necessary protections and authorizes the necessary resources to keep our chemical, wastewater, and drinking water facilities secure. This bill does that.

Chemical facilities determined by the Secretary to be at risk are required to conduct a Security Vulnerability Assessment (``SSV''). Based upon that assessment, the facility must then develop and implement a Site Security Plan (``SSP''), which is subject to review, approval, and inspection by the DHS Office of Chemical Facility Security.

The legislation also authorizes the DHS Secretary to require, where appropriate, that chemical facilities in the highest risk tiers implement ``methods to reduce the consequences of a terrorist attack'' by utilizing ``inherently safer technologies'' (IST). And it authorizes the Secretary to award $225 million in grants to provide technical assistance and funding to finance the capital costs incurred in transitioning to inherently safer technologies.

I am also pleased to note that facilities around the country have already begun taking

action to make their chemical processes safer. For example, in the 37th district, of which I am a proud representative, the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant in Carson, California, a wastewater treatment plant, switched from using chlorine gas to liquid bleach disinfection. This legislation is already spurring companies to make important changes that will keep our country and our communities safer.

Mr. Chair, I could go on but it suffices to state that this legislation is a balanced and pragmatic response to a critical security need. And again, I want to thank Chairman Oberstar, Chairman Thompson, and Chairman Waxman for their leadership in crafting this extraordinary bill.

I support the Chemical and Water Security Act and urge all members to do likewise.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3854 ``The Small Business Financing and Investment Act'' which will help support our small businesses and hasten our economic recovery. As we all know, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. More than half of all Americans work at or own a small business. Small businesses have been responsible for most of the new jobs created in this country. Anyone who talks about getting our economy on track and does not talk about what we need to do for small business is missing a huge piece of the puzzle.

I firmly support H.R. 3854 because, among other things, it channels investment capital into small business start-ups through public private partnerships, makes microloans more affordable for budding entrepreneurs, and reduces fees for lending programs to help more small businesses afford to raise the capital they need to succeed. Equally important, the legislation will provide much needed assistance to entrepreneurs and communities that need it most by expanding equity investment to low income communities and helping rural and veteran- owned businesses obtain loans.

Mr. Chair, H.R. 3854 all told the bill is expected to support about $44 billion in small business lending annually, which will help to create or save approximately 1.5 million jobs each year. For our economy to recover and continue to grow, it needs to create jobs for persons seeking work. This legislation will create jobs and thus is worthy of our support. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 3854.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to show you the headlines from my community: ``It's Official: It's a Stinker.'' And what's a stinker? According to the U.S. Census and the American Community Survey, in Los Angeles County 22.3 percent of the people do not have health insurance. In Long Beach, 18.8 percent have no insurance; in Compton, 25.5 percent. In other words, one out of four people are without health insurance. And that should matter to all of us.

Why are we the only industrialized nation that doesn't provide health care? Why is it that my friends on the other side of the aisle can support spending billions for a war, but we can't spend the same for health care? Something is wrong.

Today, the rising number of uninsured, along with the increasing costs of healthcare, has adversely affected our economy. The rising cost of health care burdens American businesses as they weigh health benefit costs against other business investments. It is estimated that by 2015, the share of the national economy devoted to health care will increase from 14 to 20 percent. Growing health care expenses make our businesses much less competitive in the global marketplace, and restrict job creation here at home. In addition, every percentage increase in the unemployment rate results in 1 million more people becoming uninsured. Providing health care for the uninsured costs insured American families an extra $100 billion every year.

I applaud Congress and the Senate for stepping up and tackling this problem. We need to do this, and we need to do it now. The hour is late, the need is great, we cannot wait. Congress must pass comprehensive legislation this year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 783 which recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrates the vast contributions that Hispanic

Americans have made to the United States in the past and that they continue to make today.

One of the most recent contributions of the Hispanic community came when Sonia Sotomayor was nominated and confirmed to the Supreme Court, becoming the first Latino to serve on our Nation's highest court. Other history-making Hispanic Americans include the Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, and the Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar. By making these nominations, President Obama showed his commitment to have executive and judicial branches that reflect the diversity of our Nation and include the voice of the Hispanic community.

But the contributions of Hispanic Americans are not limited to the executive of judicial branches. Today, we have over 20 Hispanic Members of Congress. Nydia Velazquez was the first Puerto Rican elected to Congress in 1992 and she has since become the first Hispanic woman to chair a full committee. Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard became the first Mexican-American woman elected to Congress in 1992. The 111th Congress would not be the same diverse, dynamic body without the input of its Latino Members.

Mr. Speaker, we need lot look to the Federal Government for evidence of how Hispanic Americans contribute to this country. The 37th Congressional District of California, which I am privileged to represent, is home to a considerable number of Latinos who are making a difference every day.

My city is a city of heroes, of people who work hard to better themselves but who never forget where they come from. I want to share an amazing story with you today about one of our local heroes, Leslie Jimenez. Leslie overcame adversity and graduated from Compton High School, a school that at that time had a very low rate of graduating seniors. Not only did Leslie graduate, but she went on to attend and graduate from Harvard University, too. This fall, Leslie returned to Compton and began teaching advanced placement biology and anatomy and physiology through Teach for America. Leslie took her success and chose to give back to her community and serve as a role model to other Latino students.

Mr. Speaker, I have much hope for the future because Hispanic Americans and all Americans are working together to ensure equality and advancement not only of the Latino community, but of all communities. I look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans this year and for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 817, which supports the goals and ideals of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should raise awareness of domestic violence issues and support programs designed to end domestic violence.

Twenty-two years ago, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed and since 1989 legislation designating October as National Violence Awareness Month has passed every year. Domestic violence affects people of every age, race, ethnicity, religion, and gender. Women are most disproportionately affected and nearly one in four women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. Every single day in the United States, more than three women are murdered by their significant other. Young women ages 16 to 24 experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence. Every year, over 15 million children are exposed to domestic violence and these children are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs, attempt suicide, and become involved in teenage prostitution. These statistics are sobering.

In a struggling economy, domestic violence programs are needed more than ever. Earlier this year marked the 15th anniversary of the passage of the Federal Violence Against Women Act; however, more work must be done to protect victims of domestic violence. In my home State of California, cuts in state financing have led to elimination of funding for shelter services. This has translated to cuts in services and fewer victims being served. Ultimately, this sends a message that victims of domestic abuse are not a priority to our State.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting the goals and ideals of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a very significant event that occurred in my district last Friday, October 23, 2009. That day marked the public introduction of an important new book, ``Filipinos in Carson and the South Bay.'' I am proud that the co-authors of this book are my constituents, Mr. Florante Peter Ibanez, and his wife, Roselyn Estepa Ibanez. Florante is a library manager at Loyola Law School and adjunct professor at Loyola Marymount University where he teaches a course entitled ``The Filipino American Experience.'' Rose serves as the board chair for the Filipino American Library and works for the City of Los Angeles in the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment.

Their work, ``Filipinos in Carson and the South Bay,'' chronicles the rich history and significant contributions made by Filipino Americans to the City of Carson, the state of California, and the United States. It is an extensively researched and meticulously documented history of the Filipino experience. In addition to the general population, students of history, political science, anthropology, sociology, and other academic disciplines will find this work a welcome addition. I thank Florante Peter Ibanez and Roselyn Estepa Ibanez for undertaking this enormous task and salute their achievement.

Madam Speaker, October 2009 has been proclaimed Filipino American History Month in my home state of California and the U.S. Senate adopted a similar resolution earlier this month. It is my hope and expectation that the House will act very soon and favorably on H. Res. 155, a resolution I am proud to co-sponsor. This resolution will put the House on record in strong support of observing October as Filipino American History Month.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to represent the people of the 37th Congressional District of California, which is one of the most ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse congressional districts in the country. This is especially true of Carson, one of the major cities in the district. Carson is comprised of roughly equal populations of Hispanics, African Americans, Caucasians, and Asian/ Pacific Islanders. The majority of Asian Pacific Americans are Filipinos who settled there as early as the 1920s to work on the farms or in factories, or serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, or to start their own businesses, or to serve their community as doctors, lawyers, and members of the clergy.

In the years since the descendants of these pioneers have prospered and made Carson and the South Bay one of the most livable communities in the nation and a preferred destination for Filipinos looking to start a new life in our country.

The vibrant Filipino community in Carson and the South Bay hosts an annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture which is one of Southern California's oldest, largest, and most heavily attended community festivals.

Madam Speaker, the authors, Florante Peter Ibanez and Roselyn Estepa Ibanez, chronicle the remarkable story of the Filipino experience in Carson and the South Bay. Their book adds a long overdue chapter to the American story. I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring Florante Peter Ibanez and Roselyn Estepa Ibanez and applauding their major contribution to Filipino American History Month.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address the House for 1 minute and revise and extend my remarks.

On Monday, October 26, and Friday, October 23, I was unavoidably delayed on my return to Washington from American Samoa and Samoa where I had been monitoring ongoing relief and recovery efforts of FEMA and others currently underway in response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck those islands on September 29. As the Member of Congress with the nation's largest concentration of Samoan Americans on the mainland and as a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, undertaking this fact-finding mission was directly related to my representational, legislative, and committee responsibilities.

Because of this excused absence I was not present for rollcall votes 814 through 815.

Had I been present I would have voted as follows:

1. On rollcall No. 814. I would have voted aye. H. Res. 368-- Congratulating the University of Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team on winning the 2009 NCAA Division I National Wrestling Championships (Rep. Loebsack--Education and Labor).

2. On rollcall No. 815, I would have voted aye. H. Res. 562-- Congratulating Syracuse University for winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men's Lacrosse Tournament (Rep. Maffei--Education and Labor).

I would like to show you the headlines from my community; ``It's Official: It's a Stinker.'' And what's a stinker? That, according to the U.S. Census and the American Community Survey, in the largest county in this Nation, 22.3 percent of the people do not have health care insurance. In my district, Long Beach, 18.8 percent; in Compton, 25.5 percent. That's one out of four people are walking around and do not have health care. And that's important to all of us.

Why are we the only industrialized nation that doesn't provide health care? Why is it that for my friends on the other side of the aisle we can spend billions for a war, but we can't spend the same for health care? Something is wrong.

We applaud the Congress and the Senate and Senator Reid for stepping up. We need to do this, and we need to do it now. I'm not willing to look one out of four constituents in the face and say you're not good enough. Everyone deserves health care. And, oh, by the way, it helps all of us.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Detective Ebrahim Ashabi, an 11-year veteran of the Long Beach, California, Police Department. I applaud his contributions to our community and wish him much future success.

Detective Ashabi's unique background has provided him with the tools to excel in his chosen profession. Born in Iran as a Shiite Muslim, Detective Ashabi lived through the Iranian Islamic Revolution of the late 1970s as well as the Iran-Iraq war. In 1982, Detective Ashabi fled from Iran into the Kurdish area of Northern Iraq and then into Turkey. After a few months in Europe, he emigrated to the United States, where he lived in New York and Washington, DC.

In 1990, Detective Ashabi moved to the Los Angeles area and in 1997 joined the Long Beach Police Department. Detective Ashabi now serves in the Long Beach Police Department's Office of Counter Terrorism, protecting the citizens of Long Beach and the United States from domestic and foreign homeland security threats. He is responsible for analyzing, collecting, and investigating criminal intelligence as it relates to terrorism, organized crime, and extremist activities. Detective Ashabi shared his expertise earlier this year at a first response training conference and exposition for law enforcement, military, security, corrections, and federal agencies. He presided as a keynote speaker and presented ``A Brief History of Radical Islam,'' to his colleagues. Detective Ashabi also provides invaluable assistance in investigations with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force.

For the past five years, Detective Ashabi has trained law enforcement officers and his expertise is a tremendous asset to our community. Detective Ashabi holds a bachelor's degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne and is currently working on his master's degree at California State University, Long Beach.

In closing, Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the achievements of Detective Ebrahim Ashabi and wishing him continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ms. Marybell Brazile Bakewell for her dedication to her family and community. Earlier this month, Ms. Bakewell passed away at Arcadia Methodist Hospital, at the age of eighty four.

Ms. Bakewell was born on April 10, 1925 and was the daughter of Edward and Camille Brazile. She spent over forty years in a loving relationship with her husband, Eddie Trepagnier. Ms. Bakewell graduated from Straights Business School where she received her secretarial certificate. As a result of hard work and determination, she was hired full time at the National Maritime Union. She committed herself wholeheartedly to her job and remained working there for over forty years until she retired.

Ms. Bakewell was a native of New Orleans until she recently had to relocate to Los Angeles, California after her beloved city was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. While living in New Orleans she was a life member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church and the Sisters of The Holy Family. Ms. Bakewell spent her entire life staying connected to family, school, work, and her neighbors throughout the City of New Orleans. Her wittiness, charming personality, and uplifting spirit shall remain a legacy in the hearts of many.

Even though she can no longer be with us physically, I know that Ms. Bakewell is very proud of her family, including her two children, Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. and Pamela A. Bakewell, both of whom are prominent in Los Angeles civic affairs. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Family was always the highlight of her life and she will forever be remembered as the Matriarch of the Bakewell Family.

Madam Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to her remarkable life and extending our condolences to her family.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address the House for 1 minute and revise and extend my remarks.

On Wednesday, October 21, 2009, I was in Long Beach, California hosting Deputy Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari and Maritime Administrator David T. Matsuda at an important national transportation conference held in my district.

On Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, I was in American Samoa and Samoa monitoring the ongoing relief and recovery efforts of FEMA and others currently underway in response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck those islands on September 29. As the Member of Congress with the nation's largest concentration of Samoan Americans on the mainland and as a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, undertaking this fact-finding mission was directly related to my representational, legislative, and committee responsibilities.

Because of these excused absences I was unable to return in time for rollcall votes 793 through 813.

Had I been present I would have voted as follows:

1. On rollcall No. 793, I would have voted ``aye.'' S. 1793. Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009.

2. On rollcall No. 794, I would have voted ``aye.'' H. Res. 811. Expressing support for designation of October 2009 as ``National Principals Month.''

On rollcall No. 795, I would have voted ``aye.'' H. Res. 837. Recognizing Kentucky Wesleyan College for their service as an institution of higher education for over 150 years.

On rollcall No. 796, I would have voted ``aye.'' H. Res. 660. Recognizing the distinguished history of the Laurinburg Normal Industrial Institute.

On rollcall No. 797, I would have voted ``aye.'' S. Con. Res. 43. Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to former Senator Edward Brooke.

On rollcall No. 798, I would have voted ``aye.'' Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule for H.R. 3585--Solar Technology Roadmap Act of 2010 (H. Res. 846).

On rollcall No. 799, I would have voted ``aye.'' H. Res. 846. Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3585--Solar Technology Roadmap Act of 2010.

On rollcall No. 800, I would have voted ``aye.'' H. Res. 797. Expressing the sense of Congress with respect to raising awareness and enhancing the state of cyber security in the United States, and supporting the goals and ideals of the sixth annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month (Representative Clarke--Science and Technology).

On rollcall No. 801, I would have voted ``no.'' Broun (GA) amendment. Changes the number of years for which the Committee is authorized from five to three; reduces to $250,000,000 the amount authorized in each of the three years, from 2011 to 2013.

On rollcall No. 802, I would have voted ``aye.'' Kaptur (OH) amendment. Requires the Roadmap Committee to provide recommendations to strengthen the use of research and development strategies in making domestic industry more competitive and to assist in the commercialization of solar technologies.

On rollcall No. 803, I would have voted ``aye.'' Klein (FL) amendment. Includes research on solar energy storage technology as eligible for funding under the Secretary of Energy's research and development program.

On rollcall No. 804, I would have voted ``aye.'' Titus (NV)/Teague (NM)/Cohen (TN) amendment. Includes the development of solar technology products that are water efficient as a focus of the bill.

On rollcall No. 805, I would have voted ``aye.'' Heinrich (NM) amendment. Requires the Solar Technology Roadmap Committee to release a draft Roadmap to the public at least one month prior to publication in order to receive public input.

On rollcall No. 806, I would have voted ``aye.'' Himes (CT) amendment. Clarifies that solar thermal technologies and concentrating solar photovoltaic technologies will be included within the scope of the research and development program authorized by the bill.

On rollcall No. 807, I would have voted ``aye.'' Final Passage of H.R. 3585. Solar Technology Roadmap Act of 2010.

On rollcall No. 808, I would have voted ``aye.'' H. Res. 175. Condemning the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights.

On rollcall No. 809, I would have voted ``aye.'' Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule for H.R. 3619--Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (H. Res. 853).

On rollcall No. 810, I would have voted ``aye.'' H. Res. 853. Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3619--Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010.

On rollcall No. 811, I would have voted ``aye.'' H. Res. 836. Expressing support for Teen Read Week.

On rollcall No. 812, I would have voted ``aye.'' Kratovil (MD) amendment. Requires the Coast Guard to study the facility infrastructure requirements needed to fulfill the Coast Guard's missions and capabilities, and ensure that the department in which the Coast Guard is operating maintains the ability to utilize the latest technologies.

On rollcall No. 813, I would have voted ``aye.'' Final Passage of H.R. 3619. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, a member of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cyber Security, and Science and Technology, and a co-sponsor of this legislation, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 797, the ``National Cyber Security Awareness Month Resolution.'' October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and in this digital age when so much of our country's economic and financial transactions are conducted in cyberspace over distributed computing networks, there are few higher priorities than cyber security.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Yvette Clark, the gentle lady from New York and Chair of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cyber Security, and Science and Technology, for her leadership and vision in recognizing the importance of cyber security in our overall national security. I could not agree more with Congresswoman Clarke that it is not enough to just acknowledge the importance of this issue. In this digital age, we must work with federal agencies, national organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to strengthen existing security measures and to develop new methods to enhance the cyber security of the United States.

The tragedy of September 11th shook our national security like no event before or since. Although our Nation has remained safe and secure from physical attacks during the eight years since that terrible day, in this digital age we must remain vigilant against a possible terrorist attack on our cyber networks.

Such an attack could have devastating and immediate consequences for our nation and all of our citizens; funds could not be accessed from ATMs; mail service would be interrupted; the efficient movement of goods would be severely curtailed; capital markets could be shut down; and emergency response operations would be deprived of the information needed to save lives and property.

While this doomsday scenario has been the subject of the silver screen in recent years (e.g., ``Die Hard or Live Free,'' ``Eagle Eye''), make no mistake--the danger is very real and we ignore or minimize it at our peril. Many nations, including Russia, China, and North Korea, already possess the capability to launch cyber attacks against unprepared adversaries or competitors. And terrorist groups like al Qaeda are working round the clock to acquire this capability. Clearly, the United States must be proactive if we are to secure the physical and cyber networks of our country.

That is why I am also an original co-sponsor of H.R. 2195, the ``Critical Electric Infrastructure Protection Act.'' Among other things, this legislation provides the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to create mandatory physical and cyber security standards for the electric power system. I look forward to the day when the Homeland Security Committee reports this legislation favorably to the House.

But today, I am very proud to stand with Chairwoman Clarke in support of H. Res. 797, which is a clarion call to action to secure our nation's cyber networks. I urge all Members to join with me in voting for this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2442, the Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Expansion Act of 2009, which will provide Californians 2.6 billion gallons of water per year, enough to meet the needs of 24,225 households, and should create at least 3,600 jobs. It is a concrete example of the sustainable solutions we should be looking for to address drought and promote economic development.

I would like to thank Chairman Rahall for his skill and leadership in shepherding this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleague, Chairman Miller, for skillfully crafting such an imaginative and workable solution to one of the critical challenges facing California and other western States.

Mr. Speaker, the Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Expansion Act authorizes federal assistance for six recycling projects that are estimated to create more than 8,000 acre-feet of water annually by 2010, and more than 14,000 acre-feet annually by 2025. Additionally, the legislation is crafted so that fresh water withdrawals from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are limited and treated wastewater discharges into the San Francisco Bay or the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are reduced. The cost to the federal government to realize all these benefits is only 25 percent of the total cost of a project.

Finally, this legislation is endorsed by many local government and water management organizations, including the Association of California Water Agencies, WaterReuse Association, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, Dublin San Ramon Services District, City of Mountain View, Redwood City, and the City of Palo Alto.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this bill because it will create badly needed jobs while replenishing clean water supplies. This legislation is another example of how the new majority is making good on the promise to chart a new direction for our Nation. I want to thank Chairman Miller again for his leadership in crafting this extraordinary legislation that has my full support.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2442. I yield the remainder of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise in strong support of H.R. 816, to mourn the loss of the lives and all of the tragedy that we had with the earthquake and the subsequent tsunami that devastated American Samoa and the independent State of Samoa.

May I first of all take a moment to really commend Congressman Eni Faleomavaega from American Samoa. There is no tougher time as a Member that we have when a disaster hits our community to respond where he has been working over the last week visiting all of the territories, all of the areas to assess and to understand how we can help best.

You might ask how I got involved. Why would an 8.3 magnitude earthquake 120 miles away, that caused a tsunami, that caused death throughout many of our communities, why would I be engaged? Well, in the United States we have over 80,000 Samoans who live here, over 52,000 who live in California, and almost 30,000 of those actually live in my district. So this is beyond an issue of just a concern of a community that had a disaster. It's actually family and friends and people that I've worked with for a long time who are looking for help and assistance.

So when we stand today, I want to stand in full support with Congressman Eni Faleomavaega to really look at the tragedy that has happened but also how we can move forward. The Congressman has been successful in working with the Secretary to be able to send aid this very week that's going to go to western Samoa which the chairman has been a chairman over for many years on the committee. But we need to continue to work so when disasters like this occur, we can get help and assistance quickly, and time should not be with delay

I also want to thank Secretary Clinton publicly for her assistance. We appreciate the initial efforts that had been done in American Samoa, but much more needs to be done, and we will work in concert to ensure that that continual work supplies things that many people care desperately for actually get to the people.

As I conclude my comments, I want to say that as Members, as we stand together to deal with this tragedy, people should know that there are over 60 organizations in my district who have now donated over 200,000 pounds of various supplies: water, food, clothing, things that people desperately need. But what they really need is they need to also know from us as leaders that they're not there alone, that we are watching what's happening, we are watching the response of FEMA and the other aspects of our government, and we are committed to them not only today but we're committed as they're going to have to rebuild which will take for many months to come.

I commend you, Congressman, for all your efforts. You passionately lead the people in your community. We're fortunate to have you here. And I will work with you and other members of our caucus to ensure not only this support, but all of the support that you need that you have us right there standing side by side.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and a cosponsor of this bill I rise to lend my strong support of Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009. This important piece of legislation increases commercial pilot training requirements and requires the Federal Aviation Administration to convene a multidisciplinary review panel aimed at improving pilot response to a variety of conditions. It would also create an FAA task force to identify industry best practices.

These are just a few of the many safety improvements in this bill. And while the safety record of our aviation system is admirable, mistakes in the sky can devastate hundreds of lives and we must do everything possible to ensure our pilots are adequately trained, well rested, and best practices are always used.

I urge my colleagues to pass this important piece of legislation to make the skies safer for us all.