Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jersey Battered Women's Services, JBWS, located in Morris County, New Jersey, as it celebrates its 35th Anniversary.

JBWS was originally founded in 1976 by a small group of women who began a hotline to aid victims of domestic violence. The need for a confidential center became urgent and apparent when two callers were murdered by their husbands. In December of 1978, JBWS opened its shelter doors to those in need of a safe house away from an abusive family member.

With more than 75 paid staff and 120 volunteers, JBWS is a full- service, private, nonprofit domestic violence agency with a mission to prevent domestic violence through the protection and empowerment of the victim, the rehabilitation of family members, the advocacy of social reform to prevent partner violence and the education of the public about domestic violence and its consequences. Victims of domestic violence, no matter their age, race, gender, religious affiliation or ethnic background need solace and support at a time when the one they often turn to is the one they are running from.

JBWS provides fully confidential services to victims to allow for their privacy and protection. They offer numerous programs including legal services, transitional living and counseling. Their counseling services are not only for victims and their children, but also for the batterer. JBWS understands that while protecting victims is important, it is also important to educate the batterer on alternative ways to address their anger.

In addition to their 24 hour hotline and safe house, education for the prevention of domestic violence is JBWS's overarching mission. As domestic abuse is a largely unreported crime, JBWS hopes to abolish the view that family violence is a private matter through the education of victims, teens and community members.

No one should be afraid to go home. JBWS gives victims of domestic violence the opportunity to create a new safe place to call home.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jersey Battered Women's Services, its board, dedicated staff and volunteers on its 35th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the County College of Morris, located in Randolph, New Jersey, for its outstanding record as an academic institution.

CCM has long been representative of academic excellence in the State of New Jersey. Since the opening of its doors in 1968, the school has provided a diverse and enriching environment for both students and faculty alike. With the understanding that their institution provides our future leaders with the knowledge, education and experience they will need to excel in their lives, the faculty and staff of CCM have embraced the responsibility of creating a solid foundation from which our young people will grow.

Much of the CCM's success can be attributed to the exceptional leadership of Dr. Edward J. Yaw, who is celebrating his 25th Anniversary as President of CCM. In accordance with its mission to provide dynamic, challenging, high quality and accessible academic programs, Dr. Yaw helped to establish the CCM Foundation in 1987, which aims to help ease the burden of college. Since its inception, the CCM Foundation has raised more than $7 million to support programs, scholarships, staff development and numerous other projects that, while not funded through tuition and public support, are vital to the development of CCM students.

Under the leadership of Dr. Yaw, who was awarded the Community College Spirit Award in 2008 for his exemplary service to New Jersey's community colleges, CCM continues to modernize and expand the college's facilities. In a burgeoning society that is ever introducing new technology, CCM ensures its students have access to the resources necessary to develop the skills vital to success in the world beyond the classroom.

Since its founding, CCM has been a positive force in the lives of thousands of men and women who pass through its halls. Those it has influenced over the years continue to serve as leaders and role models in communities all over the world. Thanks to devoted faculty and staff, like Dr. Yaw, CCM continues to flourish and provide education for those seeking to further their knowledge and learning.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in honoring and recognizing the achievements of the County College of Morris and those who devote themselves to its continuing success as an institution of higher learning.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department, located in Essex County, New Jersey, as it celebrates 100 years of dedicated volunteer service to the Township of Fairfield.

The Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department, formerly the Township of Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department, was founded in 1911, with the help of a handful of residents. The very first firehouse in the township was built in 1912, on the lands given to the department by a generous donor. Unfortunately, the building burned in 1915. Due to a lack of necessary firefighting equipment, the department was helpless to combat the flames.

After the devastating fire, the department assumed a somewhat inactive status until a group of citizens reorganized in 1924 and erected a new firehouse in 1925 at the site of the old structure. To finance its new building, a $1500 mortgage was assumed. In 1927, the township's first fire truck, a 1926 Day-Elder Pumper, was purchased. Three years later the township purchased the truck to help alleviate the department's costs. Since that time, the township has purchased all necessary equipment used by the fire department.

In 1948, the Day-Elder was retired and replaced by a new 1948 GMC Pumper. Subsequently in 1952, the Township purchased a second GMC 1000 gallon Pumper. These two vehicles were housed at town hall, the location of the present day municipal building and Firehouse No. 1. In 1964, the department acquired a FWD four wheel drive GMC 1000 GPM Pumper, ``Old Engine 3.'' Then, in the spring of 1970, the present Firehouse No. 2 located on Plymouth Street was constructed and dedicated.

Continuing through the rapid growth of the town and the fire department, March 1974 brought the addition of the new 1500 GPM Hahn Pumper, Engine 4. Three years later, in September 1977, the nearly 30 year old GMC's were retired and replaced by two new twin Hahn 1500 GPM Custom Pumpers, Engines 1 and 2, rounding the arsenal to 4 modern pieces of apparatus.

In 1981, the members of the department designed and constructed a new Firemen's Recreation and Training Hall on land received from the town, adjacent to the Plymouth Street Firehouse. The organization sold the old firehouse which still stands today, now occupied by a privately owned business.

Three years later, the department purchased a 1984 LT1 100-foot Ladder Tower with a 1500 GPM pump. This vehicle was added to the Township's firefighting capabilities in response to the rapid growth of larger office buildings and multi-floor hotels. After 30 years of service, Old Engine 3 was soon replaced with a new Pierce 2000 GPM custom built Pumper. This engine represented the epitome of modern firefighting, with a fully enclosed cab, up-to-date radio equipment and computerized pump controls. The department also purchased a 1995 GMC Suburban Incident Command Vehicle, complete with radio equipment; enabling the department to directly communicate with any of the surrounding fire departments, State Police, West Essex First Aid Squad, paramedics and NorthStar Medical Helicopter.

Rounding off its modern arsenal of firefighting apparatus, the two 1976 Hahns were retired and replaced with twin Pierce 2000 GPM Custom Pumper Engines 1 and 2. Both trucks came with safety features and capabilities that far outperform the old equipment, including fully enclosed 6 seat cabs and computerized pump controls. The latest piece of apparatus replaced the first ladder truck with a 2005 Pierce 100 foot ladder tower with the newest technology.

Due to the high volume of industry, waterways and major highways, the department's duties have increased from basic firefighting to extra services including vehicle extrications and water rescue that demands not only the purchasing of specialized equipment but also many extra training hours. As an all-volunteer department, the members give their own time and sacrifice their safety for the good of their community and mutual aid to surrounding towns. Many members have surpassed 50 years of volunteer service to the department and for that they are commended.

From past to present the Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department has worked through many hard times, experienced its share of success and tragedies, and has developed and grown right along with the community it serves. Its past and present members should feel pride to be part of such a group of dedicated individuals.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Fairfield Fire Department as it celebrates 100 years of volunteer service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, located in Morris County, New Jersey, as they celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Originaly a working farm and personal summer house, bequeathed to the citizens of Morris County, the property is now the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, dedicated in 1971.

In 1972, The Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum was founded in an effort to support the projects of the arboretum. With the help of funding provided by the Friends, through events like their annual plant sale, the Arboretum is able to provide educational and interactive programs to people of all ages. One

such program is the Branching Out Program. This initiative gives youth in the community a chance to roll up their sleeves and work a garden, learning about plants from the garden to the table. Due to the tireless dedication of the Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, programs like these enable community members to explore the natural beauty that lies in their own backyard.

Under the guidance of the Morris County Park Commission, its mission is to support and/or sponsor projects and educational programs that will provide opportunities to the public to expand their knowledge and enjoyment of horticulture and the natural world.

The Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum is made up a dedicated group of men and women with a passion for horticultural and volunteerism. Though the Frelinghuysen Arboretum is their primary focus, the Friends also provide support to two other facilities within the Morris County Park Commission: Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center and the Willowwood Arboretum.

It is with many great thanks to the Friends, that Morris County is able to offer such an invaluable resource to its citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum on their Fortieth Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Cantor for offering this resolution regarding the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and urge my Colleagues to pass it without delay.

For the families of the over 3,000 victims of the murderous attacks of September 11, 2001, every day is painful. This Sunday marks the tenth anniversary of the events that changed our Nation forever, as violent international extremists struck in the streets of Lower Manhattan, the fields of Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon.

In addition to making the collective pledge to join together to protect our communities, we should never forget that on September 11, 2001, we saw good rise in the face of evil, and heroes rise in the face of danger. Many ran into the face of danger to help others escape it.

When the day was over, and as we learned that 700 New Jerseyans lost their lives, we witnessed neighbors and friends consoling one another and watched as Americans from all walks of life stood united, side by side waving the Stars and Stripes, and lighting candles to honor those missing or lost.

As America rebounded, we responded to these acts of terrorism with the skill and spirit of our military and our intelligence community. The war we continue to fight abroad began without provocation and without warning. It was not a war of our choosing but it became our priority. It was the slaughter of innocents by people with a twisted sense of religion who play by no rules.

So many of our heroes currently fighting terrorism across the globe put their lives on hold on September 11, 2001, to join the National Guard and Reserve, serve our country, and defend our freedom. They serve side by side as we speak with the active duty military, all volunteers, all dedicated, all courageous, all Americans. We are grateful for their service and sacrifice, and that of their families, each and every day.

May God bless those who continue to defend our freedom, and may God continue to bless America.

I urge adoption of the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Chester Library located in Morris County, New Jersey, as it celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

The Chester Library officially opened on Labor Day in 1911 as a joint library of the Chesters. The library originally occupied a very small space above a metal shoe-support factory and was only open for selected hours on Saturdays. Due to difficulty attaining funding, it constantly moved from one location to another until it finally settled in its current home in 1981.

The library expanded in 2004 with the addition of a Children's Room and a public meeting room. The new room not only provided extra meeting space for the library, but it is also available for local non-profits to use.

With a collection of over 70,000 books, music CDs, audio books, movies, video games, e-books and periodicals, the Chester Library has come a long way from its modest start with merely 138 books. Available for borrowing are books, magazines, audio books, DVDs, video tapes, CDs, video games, puppets and puzzles. Residents of Chester Borough and Chester Township, as well as any person with a Morris Automated Information Network (M.A.I.N.) card, are free to search the shelves and take advantage of all the library has to offer.

With more than 300 programs for visitors, there is something for everyone. From story time for children to book discussions with the Young Adult Club and Computer Education for seniors, the Chester Library is a rich resource for the community. The library has 12 public computers with free Internet that provide visitors with convenient access to the Internet and other databases.

The Chester Library serves a vital role in the community. Not only does it provide access to numerous books, collections and databases, but the library also offers the people of Chester with a social community where everyone is welcome to share and enjoy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Chester Library as they celebrate 100 years of supporting access to knowledge and information in the local community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Vasa Park, located in the Township of Mount Olive, Morris County, New Jersey, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Vasa Park, established in 1929, was originally created to serve as a retirement community for Scandinavian immigrants in the Morris County area. However, as time passed and the community grew, it became a vacation spot for many of those same Scandinavian immigrants and their families. Today, ancestors

of the original founders still come with their families to vacation every summer, staying in one of the many cabins dispersed throughout the park.

In the summer, the park offers 31 cabins for rent, a Cultural Center for social events and a large swimming pool for its Scandinavian members. Families descending from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden make up the over 1,000 park membership. The park itself is one of 12 New Jersey parks that is within the Vasa Order of America. The Order is an American-Scandinavian fraternal society that was established as a way for Scandinavian peoples in the United States and Canada to meet each other and share a common heritage.

In addition to providing a vacation spot for Scandinavian immigrants and their families, the park hosts an annual Scandinavian Festival every year. This year will mark its 27th year. The festival features live Scandinavian music, dancing, children's activities, and medieval games. It is a fun way for members to not only get to know one another, but also to celebrate their rich Scandinavian heritage. The surrounding community is also invited to participate in the activities.

For the last 75 years, Vasa Park has upheld the tight knit Scandinavian presence that is so important to the citizens of Mount Olive. The Mount Olive community as a whole is proud to call Vasa Park their own.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating Vasa Park for 75 years of upholding Scandinavian tradition in Morris County, New Jersey.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan, bicameral Budget Control Act.

While imperfect, this is an historic agreement. With this compromise, we are taking another step in the long and difficult, yet vital, process of forcing our government to live within its means.

Total government spending at all levels has risen to 37% of gross domestic product today from 27% in 1960--and is set to reach 50% by 2038.

To sustain the operations of the government, we borrow over 42-cents of every federal dollar we spend. As a result, our national debt has now increased to 100% of the size of our economy today, up from just 42% in 1980.

The implications for future generations of Americans of this dangerous spending spree are obvious. Enough is enough!

While far from perfect, this realistic approach finally begins to turn back the tide of federal red ink in several important ways: (1) it cuts spending by $917 billion and does not raise taxes that would fuel additional spending; (2) it creates a process that keeps our underlying fiscal policy problems front-and-center for the foreseeable future.

The bill we have before us today would extend the debt limit in two phases and avoid a default on the obligations of the United States. The first phase would provide for $917 billion in discretionary spending cuts and an immediate increase of up to $900 billion in the debt limit.

The legislation would allow for a subsequent debt limit increase of up to $1.5 trillion only if a bipartisan, bicameral committee provides, and the full Congress approves by an ``up or down'' vote, additional spending cuts in excess of the requested debt limit increase, or a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution is passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification by the end of the year.

Is this bill perfect. Absolutely not.

Granted, some well-meaning Americans have opposed the Budget Control Act because they think it does not cut enough. I would remind my Colleagues that the Committee on Appropriations has already started making tough decisions on spending. In this year's appropriations bills, we have sheared billions of dollars and imposed strict spending reductions and will complete our work and pass responsible, sustainable, and timely funding legislation.

I completely agree that the Budget Control Act is far from sufficient to solve our underlying budget problems. In that respect, it is a step in the right direction, nothing more.

I, too, wanted deeper spending cuts and greater deficit and debt reduction. However, given the stubborn insistence of the President and his Congressional allies on new taxes and still more spending, I cannot see how we achieve greater savings at this time.

I also fear that we may come to regret proposed cuts to our national security infrastructure. Our Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines are already stressed and strained by ten years of multiple deployments. Future reductions in end strength and operations and maintenance will undoubtedly lead to the ``hollow force'' that our experienced military leaders have warned us to avoid.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to put progress before partisanship and support this measure.

My constituents in New Jersey want our government to live within its means. But they also continue to ask ``where are the jobs?'' So, they want Congress to make economic growth and private-sector job creation its top priority.

This is about our country, our way of life and restoring confidence in the American Dream. Let's get on with it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Budget Control Act and urge its adoption.

America pays its bills. Default on those obligations, by not raising the debt limit, would be dangerously irresponsible.

However, the $14.3 trillion national debt is utterly unsustainable. Consider the fact that total government spending at all levels has risen to 37% of gross domestic product today from 27% in 1960--and is set to reach 50% by 2038. Today, our national debt has reached 100% of the size of our economy, up from 42% in 1980.

These are trends that, left unchecked, will saddle future generations with burdensome debt and a lack of jobs and opportunities. In this regard, our efforts this week to raise the debt ceiling while firmly addressing the debt crisis is as much a moral as an economic decision.

Over the past several months, we have told the President that we will not support his request to increase the debt limit without serious spending cuts, binding budget reforms and we will not support higher taxes on families and small businesses we are counting on to create jobs.

Last week, I supported the ``Cut, Cap and Balance Act,'' legislation designed to immediately cut federal spending to 2008 levels, before all the ``bailouts'' and the failed ``stimulus'' bills. That measure also sought to put the federal budget on a glide path to spending no more than 20 percent of our economy and requires that Congress pass a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution.

Unfortunately, the same Senate Leadership that has not proposed a budget in over two years, will now not even allow a debate on this common-sense bill.

Today, the House considers the Budget Control Act. While far from perfect, this measure finally begins to turn back the tide of federal red ink in several important ways:

It cuts spending by $917 billion and does not raise taxes that would fuel additional spending. That is a vast improvement over current law.

It keeps the pressure on the President and Congress to cut spending further by providing another opportunity later this year to debate and keeping the pressure on to cut spending.

It creates a process that keeps our underlying fiscal policy problems front-and-center for the foreseeable future rather than ignoring them until 2013.

Contrary to some published reports, the bill contains serious reductions. This legislation cuts $22 billion in FY 2012 and $42 billion in FY 2013. Yes, these are still small numbers when placed in the context of overall federal spending. One reason is that the 2012 and 2013 budgets are the only ones that will actually be under the control of this 112th Congress. But even more important is the greater reduction in the budget glide path that will be used in future years. In the years beyond the 112th Congress, the budget savings multiply.

I would add that the Budget Control Act also keeps the focus on cutting spending, requiring a plan by December that cuts at least $1.8 trillion more.

It is important to note that the debt fight we're engaged in today has set an important precedent. From now on, increases in the debt ceiling will need to be accompanied by equivalent or greater cuts in spending.

On this point, I would remind everyone of the words the President uttered just days ago in the White House briefing room. When asked about the current debt negotiations, he said, `I don't want to be here doing this. I'd rather be here talking about new programs . . .'

`New programs'? Translated: `new spending.' Clearly, the President has not listened to the American people.

That is why it is so important to prevent him and his Congressional allies from finding new ways to spend the taxpayers' money. This bill locks in spending cuts for the future.

Of course, the next logical step is to enact permanent budget reforms like a Balanced Budget Amendment to our Constitution. I voted for a balanced budget amendment over ten years ago and I voted for the ``Cut, Cap and Balance'' bill last week. I look forward to voting for another balanced budget amendment in coming days and would urge my colleagues to give the American people the opportunity to weigh in on this common- sense reform.

Some well-meaning Americans have opposed the bill because they think it does not cut enough. While $900 billion+ of spending cuts is a genuine deficit reduction, I completely agree that it is far from sufficient to solve our underlying budget problems. In that respect, this House bill is a step in the right direction, nothing more.

Mr. Speaker, I want deeper spending cuts and greater deficit and debt reduction. However, given the stubborn insistence of the President and his Congressional allies on a debt limit increase coupled with new taxes and still more spending, I cannot see how we achieve greater savings at this time.

I, for one, will not give the President a blank check and urge approval of the Budget Control Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Madison, located in Morris County, New Jersey as they celebrate their 165th Anniversary.

Bethel was the first African-American Church in the Borough of Madison, New Jersey. Its beginnings date back to 1846 when informal gatherings first took place. After being deeded property in 1850, Bethel emerged 35 years later in 1885. Bethel Madison is a testimony of growth and constancy, thriving throughout the many decades. It has been witness to over a century and a half of American history. The church has seen its fair share of hardships, but it has managed to survive and thrive.

Today, Bethel's unassuming, traditional structure remains, but what takes place inside

reflects the church's modernity. Led by Reverend Teresa Rynn Rushdan, the congregation is alive and vibrant as sermons and music professing God's love echo throughout the church each week. Bethel serves the community through numerous programs aimed at feeding and clothing the needy. The church also hosts a variety of community events that allows their followers to connect with each other and the rest of the Madison community.

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is a place where anyone is welcome to find God. It is a church that welcomes new followers with open arms, regardless of race. Though they are distinguished by the name African, they are a multicultural church. Bethel is truly an embracing ministry devoted to its followers and the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church as they celebrate their 165th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Harmony Senior Drum Corps, a non-profit band group based in the Town of Boonton, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

The Harmony Senior Drum Corps traces its origins back to St. Mary's Flute and Drum Band, organized in 1886 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Boonton, New Jersey. Originally founded as an all-male group, one of the St. Mary's Flute and Drum Band's most memorable events was its participation in the parade to dedicate the New Jersey State Firemen's Home in 1900. During World War I, trumpets were added to the band and its name was changed to the Harmony Fife and Drum Corps when it started practicing in the Harmony Engine House in Boonton. After bells were added in the 1930's, the name was again changed, this time to the Harmony Fife, Drum and Trumpet Corps. It was not until 1965 that Harmony Senior Drum Corps became the group's official name.

Over the years, the group has participated in many grand events in Boonton. The Harmony Senior Drum Corps has welcomed home veterans from both World Wars and the Gulf War, played at the celebration of Boonton's Centennial and the United States' Bicentennial in 1976, and the passing of the Olympic Torch. Additionally, the Harmony Senior Drum Corps has participated in local parade competitions, earning its first marching trophy in 1961 at a competition in Denville, New Jersey.

The Harmony Senior Drum Corps has not restricted itself to local events. Their members have marched in New York City for the St. Patrick's Day, Salute to Israel and Puerto Rican Day parades. In 1976, the Corps played at Yankee Stadium during the World Series between the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees.

In 1988, the Harmony Senior Drum Corps opened up membership to women in order to increase their membership. Many generations of the same family play and have played in the group. Presently, 50 members between the ages of 10 and 70 march, performing with fifes, bells, trumpets, baritones, drums and cymbals, as well as a color guard, while wearing distinct black and white West Point style uniforms.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the members of the Harmony Senior Drum Corps as they celebrate 125 years of providing our community with wonderful music and performances.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2560, ``The Cut, Cap and Balance Act'' of 2011.

This legislation would cut total spending by $111 billion in FY 2012 and would institute hard spending caps over the next ten years. The bill would provide for the president's request for a debt ceiling increase if and only if a Balanced Budget Amendment passes Congress and is sent to the states for ratification.

Today, we find ourselves on the precipice of a national economic calamity.

I am NOT speaking about the current debate over the debt ceiling, which is indeed very serious.

America pays its bills and default would be irresponsible!

But rather, I am referring to an unsustainable national debt--fueled by out-of-control spending and its damaging partner, rising taxes--that threatens to overwhelm our entire economy. We are truly on the verge of becoming ``Athens on the Potomac.''

Even if we were not facing a debt ceiling question, I would urge that we enact steep and immediate federal spending cuts, as the Committee on Appropriations is doing.

These reductions must be implemented now because the `promise' of cuts five or eight or 10 years from now means very little without a way to enforce them.

The only way to truly guarantee spending cuts from future Presidents and future members of Congress is to make sure that the Constitution requires it.

We've tried lower spending targets before.

We've attempted to use deficit reduction goals.

We've enacted ``across-the-board'' spending cuts.

We've impounded federal dollars.

We've even sequestered funding to force deficit reduction.

The fact of the matter is that none of them worked.

A $14.3 trillion national debate stands as an appalling monument to Washington's extravagance.

Congress and the President always find another waiver, another loophole, another procedural escape clause to get around what common- sense tells us has to be done: we must be made to live within our means.

Because we cannot continue to spend money we do not have, we are here today to cut spending immediately, set enforceable future caps on spending and send to the states for ratification a balanced budget amendment to our Constitution.

My Colleagues, the preamble to that Constitution states that we are to ``promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity . . .''

As I said earlier, we stand at a financial precipice. Our current federal fiscal policies are unsustainable for us and for our posterity--our children and their children.

The legislation before us would return us to the spirit and the letter of the Constitution's Preamble.

In closing Mr. Chairman, we find ourselves in a debt crisis not because the debt ceiling is too low, but because federal government spending is too high!

H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap and Balance Act is a Constitutional, permanent solution which will put an end to the spending-driven debt spiral and rescue our children and grandchildren from a future of bankruptcy and limited opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2354.

Will the gentleman yield?

Let me say I associate my remarks with those of the ranking member. Thank you for your very thoughtful amendment, and I share your apprehensions about the American job prospects relative to this program.

I move to strike the last word.

I yield to the gentleman from Louisiana.

I would be pleased to do so.

The gentleman from Louisiana is correct.

The intent of section 501(a) is to fund the repair of damages to levees and navigation channels caused by the floods of 2011. The committee has provided more than $1 billion dollars in title 5 of our bill to address navigation channel dimensions and make the levee repairs.

I want to thank the gentleman for his strong advocacy on behalf of his constituents and so many other Members of Congress that were affected by the incredible devastation of recent floods.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Amendment Offered by Mr. Hastings of Florida

I concur with the ranking member's view and commend you for your efforts. I have no objection.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the request for a recorded vote on amendment No. 70, offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess), be vacated to the end that the Chair put the question de novo.

I would also like to thank Ranking Member Pete Visclosky for our friendship and our working relationship in putting together this Energy and Water bill, which on the water side affects every congressional district. It's important. I think we've done the right thing. And, of course, the reliability of our nuclear stockpile, the issues relating to nonproliferation, but I think we've put together a great bill, and I want to thank you for the leadership and our working relationship. I won't mention my name since you've done it so well, the excellent staff that allows us to move forward in a really nonpartisan, bipartisan way.

To the big chairman, thank you, Mr. Rogers, for your support. It's been quite a long haul here on this bill. And I appreciate your loyal support and our working relationship.

And to the ranking member, thank you so much, Mr. Dicks, for your support and help and friendship we've had on the Defense Appropriations Committee, along with the ranking member.

Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise and report the bill back to the House with sundry amendments, with the recommendation that the amendments be agreed to and that the bill, as amended, do pass.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion.

Madam Speaker, I stand in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Our underlying bill already adequately funds cybersecurity in such grid activities, although much more work needs to be done to protect against consistent attacks on our infrastructure and computing systems.

As for the underlying legislation, it is truly a House product. It provides funds critical to our national defense. It helps to maintain and rebuild our national infrastructure. It supports an economic climate to create jobs without government interference in the private sector. It helps those devastated by the floods in the Midwest and South while fully offsetting that help. It also cuts funding in the entire Energy and Water budget down to near 2006 levels.

Madam Speaker, ours is a strong bill. I urge our Members to vote against the motion to recommit and for the underlying bill.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the further consideration of H.R. 2354 and that I may include tabular material on the same.