Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Printing, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Robert E. Schwenk, Managing Director of Plant Operations at the Government Printing Office, who is retiring next month following 45 years of dedicated Federal service, most of it at the GPO in support of the Congress and Federal agencies.

Beginning as a GPO apprentice in 1962, Mr. Schwenk rose through the ranks to become Managing Director of Plant Operations in 2003. As Managing Director, he oversaw the daily operation of GPO's printing services, including prepress, press, and binding services, as well as the ancillary services supporting them, including supply stores and engineering functions. Employing approximately 1,200 skilled men and women, these operations are responsible for producing the publications that are essential to the legislative operations of this House and the Senate in the discharge of our constitutional obligations--the daily Congressional Record, bills, reports, hearings, committee prints, and the host of other documents created as we conduct the people's business. Without them, there would be no publicly accessible record of our work, no documentation for the media, judiciary, educational and research institutions, and the American people to refer to and rely upon as the foundation for our government of laws and democracy. He also oversaw production of the daily Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulations, the annual Budget of the United States, and other significant Federal documents, including U.S. passports.

One of the many fundamental changes in GPO's printing systems which took place during Mr. Schwenk's career was the development of congressional and other Federal information databases that could be used not only for printing, but for online and other electronic dissemination. Since 1986, when Mr. Schwenk was appointed to head GPO's electronic photocomposition division, he played a major role in the development of GPO's information technology operations, guiding successive generations of upgrades to GPO's prepress systems, leading the implementation of computer-to-plate technology, and assisting in GPO's transition to online dissemination in the 1990's with the creation of GPO Access, which quickly became one of the Federal Government's largest and most heavily used Web sites. GPO's transition to these systems has improved access to congressional information immeasurably, and yielded significant savings in congressional printing costs.

Mr. Schwenk's expertise in electronic systems and production operations were combined in his most recent achievement at GPO, in which he oversaw the implementation of electronic chips in U.S. passports and managed the growth in passport production from approximately 11 million total in 2003 to more than 2 million each month today. When the demand for passports increased exponentially over the past year, GPO quietly fulfilled its role, increasing both its staffing and productivity to meet the State Department's requirements. Mr. Schwenk leaves the GPO with the staffing, equipment, and plans in place to meet the future demand for this important document.

During his career at the GPO, Mr. Schwenk witnessed and participated in vast changes in Federal printing operations, as the impact of new technologies reduced GPO's staffing needs from its peak of nearly 8,500 in the mid-1970's to 2,300 today, while at the same time leading to an explosion in the access to Government information via the Internet. During that period, Mr. Schwenk saw history being made-and helped record it for posterity--at the GPO, as that office worked to produce the official versions of the Warren Report, historic civil rights and other legislation, photographs of the first landing on the moon, transcripts of hearings on Vietnam, Watergate, and Iran-Contra, the report on the Challenger space shuttle disaster, and many more.

Next month, he will retire from a long and distinguished career of public service. I ask my colleagues to join me in conveying our thanks to Mr. Schwenk and best wishes for a healthy and happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 3690) to provide for the transfer of the Library of Congress police to the United States Capitol Police, and for other purposes.

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

Mr. Speaker, the House passed H.R. 3690 on December 5. Aware of the urgency of this bill, the Senate passed it last night by unanimous consent with two amendments. One is a technical correction, and the other is a clarification. Neither makes a policy change.

I know of no controversy and urge the House to concur in the Senate amendment, clear the bill for the President, and expedite implementation of this long overdue merger.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote, and yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for

Members to have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the matter just considered.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3690) to provide for the transfer of the Library of Congress police to the United States Capitol Police, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill now under consideration.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

As chairman of the House Administration Committee, I am pleased to recommend H.R. 3690, the United States Capitol Police and Library of Congress Police Merger Implementation Act of 2007, to the House. This bill will implement the merger of the Library Police into the Capitol Police. Our committee believes the merger plan contained in this bill is sound and that Congress should enact it as soon as possible.

This day has been a long time coming. In 2003, Congress passed legislation merging the Library Police and the Capitol Police. The goal was to create

``seamless security'' on Capitol Hill. The legislation called for the two agencies to develop a merger plan for congressional approval.

Since 2003, many people in both agencies devoted countless hours to the task. For several reasons, 4 years later, the merger has not yet been implemented. This is unfortunate. Much valuable time has been lost.

It's time to get on with it. If done carefully and well, this merger will make Capitol Hill more secure for the millions who visit every year and the thousands privileged to work here every day.

Briefly, H.R. 3690 will implement the merger plan written by the Library and the Capitol Police and jointly recommended to our committee and our Senate counterpart. Under their plan, all Library Police employees will move to the Capitol Police by September 30, 2009. Library officers who meet age and service requirements and who complete Capitol Police training will continue as officers. Library officers who do not meet those requirements will be offered Capitol Police civilian jobs.

This is important: under this plan, nobody will lose their job or suffer a reduction in pay, rank, leave, or other benefits. Officers now represented by the Library's Fraternal Order of Police will transfer to the Capitol Police's FOP who will bargain with management over seniority and other labor matters that may arise during the merger.

The plan shifts jurisdiction over Library buildings in Washington to the Capitol Police. The Librarian will retain responsibility for design of security systems and will issue regulations to protect his collections and maintain order. Finally, the bill provides for handling employment-related claims during the transition and authorizes Library reimbursement of Capitol Police costs for special events. As PAYGO rules require, a minor increase in direct spending is fully offset.

Mr. Speaker, the committee believes this is a sound plan. I commend everyone involved in both agencies, especially for ensuring that nobody loses a job or pay. It has been my pleasure working with the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) who spent much time on this matter while chairman of the committee during the last Congress. We would not be here today without his efforts. I urge an ``aye'' vote.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, for the Record, I include the following exchange of letters between the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on House Administration concerning H.R. 3690:

House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and

Government Reform,

Washington, DC, December 5, 2007.

Hon. Robert A. Brady

Chairman, Committee on House Administration, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Brady: I am writing to confirm our mutual

understanding with respect to the consideration of H.R. 3690,

the U.S. Capitol Police and Library of Congress Police Merger

Implementation Act of 2007.

As you know, on November 7, 2007, the Committee on House

Administration ordered H.R. 3690 reported to the House. The

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform appreciates your

effort to consult regarding those provisions of H.R. 3690

that fall within the Oversight Committee's jurisdiction. More

specifically, those sections involving the federal workforce.

In the interest of expediting consideration of H.R. 3690,

the Oversight Committee will not separately consider this

bill. The Oversight Committee does so, however, with the

understanding that this does not prejudice the Oversight

Committee's jurisdictional interests and prerogatives

regarding this bill or similar legislation.

I respectfully request your support for the appointment of

outside conferees from the Oversight Committee should H.R.

3690 or a similar bill be considered in conference with the

Senate.

I also request that you include our exchange of letters on

this matter in the Congressional Record during consideration

of this legislation on the House floor.

Thank you for your attention to these matters.

Sincerely,

Henry A. Waxman

Chairman.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate joint resolution (S.J. Res. 8) providing for the reappointment of Patricia Q. Stonesifer as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on this joint resolution and to include extraneous matter.

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

This joint resolution would reappoint Patricia Stonesifer to a new 6- year term as a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Institute. Her current term will expire December 22. Ms. Stonesifer is the chief executive officer of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a renowned philanthropic institution based in Seattle, Washington. She was previously a senior vice president at Microsoft.

On the Smithsonian Board of Regents, Stonesifer is currently Chair of the Executive Committee, the institution's most important internal panel which acts on behalf of the board between its meetings. She also chairs the Compensation and Human Resources Committee.

Ms. Stonesifer previously chaired the Governance Committee which guided the board's most significant action this year, preparing its comprehensive report last June responding to the broad range of issues emerging from the resignation of former Secretary Lawrence Small. Proper implementation of this report will be critical to the effective reform and modernization of the Smithsonian.

The House Administration Committee, as the House panel with exclusive jurisdiction over Smithsonian governance matters, will exercise vigorous oversight to ensure that the board approves additional significant changes.

As the Smithsonian Board of Regents undertakes the urgent task of reinventing itself as a full-time management and policymaking body, Ms. Stonesifer's expertise and willingness to communicate with Congress will continue to be a valuable asset. Members of the House Administration Committee held a briefing with her 3 weeks ago, were impressed by her continued commitment to the task ahead, and agreed to move this joint resolution expeditiously. I want to thank the ranking member again, Mr. Ehlers, for his active participation and cooperation in these actions.

Madam Speaker, I urge the passage of the joint resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize W. Cody Anderson, who has been a strong voice on the radio airwaves for decades. He holds the belief that everyone deserves to be heard, and he has worked hard to make that a reality for people from all walks of life.

He began his career in radio as vice president and general manager of WDAS radio in Philadelphia. He continued on to purchase and operate WHAT radio, and then started a public relations firm with his two sons. Mr. Anderson also worked with Dr. and Mrs. Walter Lomax to make 900 AM WURD radio accessible to the African American community in the Philadelphia area.

Mr. Anderson has also taken the time to travel to several prisons to speak with inmates who have been separated from their families and give them a chance to tell their stories. He is an extremely compassionate individual who has respect for everyone from the top celebrities and politicians to the everyday working man. He and his wife have taken this respect south to New Orleans to help Katrina victims, and across the ocean to Africa, where he was honored by being enstooled as a chief in Senegal.

W. Cody Anderson's friendly and engaging personality and his love of communication have made him one of the most sought after speakers in the Tri-State area and a constant

member of Philadelphia's Top Ten Most Influential African-Americans. I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize him today.

Well, Mr. Herger, thank you for that. Let me just bore you on something. What you said was that under the Democrat proposal, all of President Bush's tax relief is set to expire, so an average family in Texas, for example, we had the expert run the numbers up here, our average Texas family would face an annual tax increase of about $2,800 a year, $2,800 a year. And I know that doesn't sound like a lot of money here in Washington, but back home, that is an awful lot of money to a family.

Will families in California and other parts of the country face that same type of tax increase?

I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

I rise in support of H.R. 513, the National Heroes Credit Protection Act.

Just after the start of the Iraq war, I met a lady who served in Operation Desert Storm. This young lady told me that problems in notifying her creditors of deployment had almost cost her to lose her home. Her problems are all too common. This simple piece of legislation was written with those heroes in mind.

H.R. 513 would amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require credit reporting agencies, when asked, to include a notation in a consumer report or credit score for reserved members of the U.S. Armed Forces when they are called up or deployed. The bill would also require consumer reporting agencies to refer the explanations to other consumer reporting agencies.

More than 300,000 guardsmen and reservists have been called up since September 11. They are doing more missions and activations with fewer personnel. They shouldn't have to worry about protecting their credit while they're keeping us safe.

This bill is revenue neutral. CBO estimates that it would have no significant effect on the Federal budget and minimal costs to the private sector. My staff have discussed this report with representatives of the credit and credit reporting agencies. They have been helpful in suggesting ways to improve the bill's protection for our troops and support the purpose and intent of the measure.

This legislation protects creditors by continuing to require repayment of a soldier's debts, but it provides important new protections for our troops by making it easier for them to take advantage of rights they already have.

I know that Chairman Filner and Chairwoman Herseth Sandlin have worked closely with the minority on their committee, and we are happy to include provisions suggested by the minority. I want to thank them as well as Ranking Members Buyer and Boozman.

Mr. Speaker, the bill will make a major difference in the lives of our heroes and their families. I urge all my colleagues to support the National Heroes Credit Protection Act.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate joint resolution (S.J. Res. 7) providing for the reappointment of Roger W. Sant as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks in the Record and include extraneous matter.

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

Mr. Speaker, this joint resolution will reappoint Roger W. Sant to be a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Institution for a second 6-year term. The last few years have been very difficult ones for the Smithsonian. The aftermath of the September 11 attacks

caused a significant drop in public attendance at the Smithsonian facilities, which has only recently begun to bounce back. Many believe the Institution has become too closely identified with donors and corporate sponsors of its buildings and activities, which threatens its reputation for independence.

Mr. Speaker, the House Administration Committee thought long and hard about whether it would be appropriate to replace some members of the Board of Regents. In prior years, the committee had essentially rubber- stamped appointment recommendations from the board, and candidates seeking a second term routinely received it. This year, two citizens regents are seeking reappointment, including Mr. Sant, and two additional seats will be filled by new members who have who not yet been recommended to us. So there is a process of natural rotation.

We ultimately decided to give the board more time to implement the promising reforms recommended both by its Governance Committee and the Independent Review Committee. The committee expects the board to appoint a secretary who will be fully responsive to the board and protect the values the American public has expected of the Smithsonian.

As part of the process of considering this joint resolution, committee members met with Mr. Sant 2 weeks ago to hear his views about recent events in the Smithsonian and assessment of the pace of the ongoing reforms at the Institution. We were cautiously optimistic that the board is on the right track. Mr. Sant has broad understanding of the Smithsonian operation and its past flaws, and we believe he can make a useful contribution to the restructuring of the board.

He also informed the committee that he is not running for the new and enhanced position of chairman of the board, which is expected to be created January 2008 as one of the principal reform recommendations. We think the new occupant of this position should bring a fresh perspective of the management of the board's affairs.

For these reasons, we have decided to recommend Mr. Sant's reappointment to the board for a second 6-year term and urge his approval by the House.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 2206) to provide technical corrections to Public Law 109-116 (2 U.S.C. 2131a note) to extend the time period for the Joint Committee on the Library to enter into an agreement to obtain a statue of Rosa Parks, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks in the Record and include extraneous matter.

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

Mr. Speaker, this bill will provide technical corrections to Public Law 109-116 to extend the time period for the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain a statue honoring Rosa Parks, and for other purposes.

In November of 2005, this House passed Public Law 109-116, then H.R. 4145, which provided for the placement of a statue of Rosa Parks in the National Statuary Hall. Due to technical drafting errors, we failed to provide the Architect of the Capitol with the resources necessary to acquire such a statue.

The original bill set a deadline of December 1, 2007, for acquisition of the statue, and S. 2206 would extend the deadline for 2 years. Further, the bill authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to enter into any agreement or contract necessary to have the statue rendered.

It is imperative that we honor the memory of Rosa Parks in Statuary Hall as soon as possible. The House is in agreement today, as it was 2 years ago, that this is long overdue. Her contributions to the civil rights movement and to the historical record of this country deserve to be reflected in Statuary Hall.

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson) for such time as he may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I would again like to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson) for his participation and for his voting record also. And I thank my friend from Michigan, the ranking member, for all he has done. We have a great working relationship, and I thank him for continuing that relationship.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise on this occasion to honor Wanda Chaney, a dedicated employee of the CAO, for her service to the House of Representatives.

Wanda Chaney began her career at the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 serving as a user information specialist in the User Assistance Office, now known as the CAO Technology Call Center. Wanda soon went on to be a technical support representative (TSR) providing excellent service with enthusiasm and passion. Wanda's dedication and leadership qualities soon found Wanda leading a team of TSRs whose mission was to provide timely and efficient services to Member offices.

Throughout Wanda's career, she continued to expand her services beyond technical support. Wanda's contribution to the transitioning of Congresses cannot be overstated. Wanda moved services to a higher standard, raising the bar for all who assisted her in these endeavors. Wanda identified the problems facing Members as they transition in and out of Congress and presented practical and time-saving solutions for Members and staff. Wanda can be credited for infusing technology in the dissemination of information critical to new Members of Congress. She created an interactive CD-ROM to familiarize Members with technology services provided by the House. She introduced an interactive web page to help offices navigate through the transition.

Wanda's contribution to the rollout of U.S. Active Directory for user authentication to the House ensured that Members' requirements were satisfied and complete. There are countless examples of how Wanda made a difference in the provisioning of technology services to Member offices.

A common theme shared by her customers and colleagues speaks to her commitment, resourcefulness and drive to provide a meaningful solution to any problem sent her way. Wanda's ability to see the ``big'' picture, understand the needs of her customers and passion for doing what's right are inspiration to all.

Wanda gave tirelessly in the pursuit of excellence and it is an honor to recognize her service to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a man who rose through the Sheet Metal Worker ranks to become a figurehead and an important contributor to the Sheet Metal Worker community. Joseph Sellers, Jr. is a self-made man who has worked hard to get to where he is today. He began as an apprentice in 1980, and became a journeyman in 1984.

Joseph Sellers, Jr. began his career on the Local 19 Executive Board in 1994. Two years after, he was elected to the position of training coordinator, which he held for 4\1/2\ years. He followed this position with the position of business representative, and then was unanimously elected by the Local 19 Executive Board to the office of president and business manager. In June of 2003, he was again unanimously elected to this position. He is currently serving his third term in this office.

During his tenure on the Local 19 Executive Board for the Sheet Metal Workers, Mr. Sellers has held a number of other important positions, and left his mark in each of them. These titles include President of the Pennsylvania State Council of Sheet Metal Workers, President for the Metropolitan Association of Presidents and Business Representatives, President of the Board of Directors for the National Energy Management Institute, Vice President of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, and Vice President of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO.

These are only a fraction of the prestigious positions Mr. Sellers has held. He has been an influential leader among all of the Sheet Metal Workers in Philadelphia and beyond. It is no small wonder, then, that he has been selected to receive the esteemed Labor Man of the Year Award for his unparalleled service and dedication to the Sheet Metal Workers community across Pennsylvania. I would like my colleagues to join me in honoring Joseph Sellers, Jr., without whom the title of Sheet Metal Worker would not have the same honor.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Joann E. Evans, one of my most distinguished constituents, for her service to the people of Philadelphia. Throughout her life, Ms. Evans has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to her community and church. The recipient of numerous rewards, she has held a number of leadership positions that allowed her to better our city.

She has showcased her administrative skills by serving as the Director of Support Services for the Center City Association and the Client Relations Manager for Penn Health Pass Corporation. In her efforts with Philadelphia's Mariama House and the United Negro College Fund, Ms. Evans has worked to advance the city's young adults.

In addition to her involvement in the community, Ms. Evans has furthered her commitment to education through participation in her church. She has worked as a youth minister and retreat leader for parochial schools and religious organizations throughout the Nation. As a contributing writer for The National Catholic Reporter and the Faith Alive Series, Ms. Evans shares this sense of faith and activism with readers.

As a native of Philadelphia, Ms. Evans has made a remarkable contribution to her city. I assure you that her leadership is felt by all members of this community. Once again, I congratulate and thank Ms. Evans for her immeasurable service to this Philadelphia.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3571) to amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to permit individuals who have served as employees of the Office of Compliance to serve as Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, or General Counsel of the Office, and to permit individuals appointed to such positions to serve one additional term.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks in the Record on H.R. 3571.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Office of Compliance is an independent agency that was tasked by Congress to oversee the administration of the Congressional Accountability Act, which provides congressional and legislative branch employees with workplace protections enjoyed by other Federal and private sector workers.

Being responsible for the oversight of 12 workplace protection, health care, labor and civil rights laws is a huge task that requires a well-seasoned and experienced staff. Unfortunately, when the Congressional Accountability Act was signed into law in 1995, the law barred the Office of Compliance from promoting from within. This lack of flexibility threatens to impact the effectiveness of the office by preventing them from building on the expertise gained by certain personnel.

This legislation would lift the current ban on hiring former legislative branch employees within 4 years of their appointment to the Office of Compliance, as well as allowing for the reappointment of executive staff for one additional term. Congress passed legislation during both the 108th Congress and 109th Congress to temporarily address the issue of reappointment. Both pieces of legislation, H.R. 5122 and H.R. 3071, were noncontroversial and passed both Chambers unanimously.

Let us continue to provide the Office of Compliance with the tools needed to carry out their mandate of ensuring that all of our workers' rights are protected.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3068) to prohibit the award of contracts to provide guard services under the contract security guard program of the Federal Protective Service to a business concern that is owned, controlled, or operated by an individual who has been convicted of a felony, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3068.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I would like to note that I am here for the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) and if she does come in, I will relinquish my duties.

But in the meantime, Mr. Speaker, this bill, H.R. 3068, as amended, is the result of two oversight hearings held by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that examined the role of Federal Protective Service, FPS, in providing security for our Nation's public buildings. There was evidence of serious allegations of wrongdoing, chaos, and irregularities in contracting employment of private security guards who protect Federal employees and facilities.

This legislation intends to preserve the security of the country's most sensitive buildings. Due to the security needs of a Federal building, it is surprising that an individual with a felony conviction would hold a contract for security services in a Federal building.

This bill codifies the commonsense approach to providing security for Federal buildings. Specifically, this bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security not to award any security guard contracts through the Federal Protective Service to any company that is owned, controlled, or operated by a convicted felon. The bill would ensure that contractors are capable, responsible and ethical as required by the Federal Acquisition Regulations.

Contract security officers are a critical component of Federal strategies to protect the safety and security of Federal employees, visitors to Federal buildings and the surrounding community. Given the critical role these guards play in Federal security, this bill will hold owners of companies who provide security to Federal buildings to the highest standards. I urge all Members to vote for H.R. 3068, as amended.

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

I ask unanimous consent to relinquish control of the time to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).