Floor Statements

Let me thank the distinguished gentleman from Georgia, and let me thank him very much for his very important statement on this important resolution. And as well I would like to thank the chairman of our full committee, Mr. Berman, and the ranking member of our full committee, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, and the manager of this legislation for the minority for the words that I believe are enormously important.

Let me indicate to my colleagues that this may be the most important, or one of the most important, and devastating humanitarian crises that we have faced over the time frame that we have been in Congress. And let me say this. We have gone through Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. As I stand here today, there are a number of hurricanes that are in the gulf region. We add our sympathy to the people in California experiencing an enormous and terrible explosion. To my friend from Utah, he knows that those dear friends have experienced their own share of concerns certainly with natural disasters. So we don't take anything away from the suffering of the American people or others. Many of us remember the tsunami, for all of our communities were engaged in trying to get our hands around that natural disaster and to be of help.

But as many have expressed as they have come back to the United States from Pakistan, Madam Speaker, I can assure you that this looms so large that it is without description. The reason is because we know that there was rain, we know that there was a flood, or flooding, but we probably are not aware that the water has remained in place in so much and so many areas of Pakistan that it equals the size of States like Rhode Island. So we have people who cannot return even to see what remains or what losses they have experienced, or to even begin to recover and to rebuild.

I would encourage my colleagues to see the extent of that damage by way of a presentation that is being made today, the Pakistan Flood Disaster Photo Exhibit, from which I will just share one picture. And you can go to the Rayburn Foyer all day today and see the depth of the devastation.

So I want to thank you, Madam Speaker, as I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1613, expressing condolences to, and solidarity with, the people of Pakistan in the aftermath of the devastating floods that began on July 22, 2010. I would like to thank my colleague, Chairman Berman, for introducing this important and timely resolution, which I offer and know that many have cosponsored, including myself.

On July 22, Pakistan experienced one of the heaviest monsoon rains in at least 80 years in the region. For those who have been to Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, we understand the terrain of that Nation and realize that it is again unspeakable in its description. The massive amount of rain triggered both flash floods and river flooding throughout Pakistan, leading to widespread displacement, infrastructure damage, and contamination of water sources.

Madam Speaker, I have spoken about the value of clean water for many years as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, but as well in general in this Congress. And I will tell you that as Pakistani Americans have come to my office, they have said the most deadly aspect of this flood is for mothers and babies and children and families not to be able to have clean water. And therefore disease being spread through lack of clean water, seeing malnourished children, but children who are likewise devastated by not having water suffering from infection and disease.

The flooding has caused a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions that has affected over 20 million people, which aid agencies assert has a greater human impact than Pakistan's earthquake in 2005, the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, and the recent earthquake in Haiti combined.

More than 1,750 people have been killed; 2,700 have been injured; and millions of men and women and children are displaced. Let me be very clear: we do not do one-upsmanship in disasters. We do not diminish Haiti; we do not diminish the tsunami or the earthquake. What we are saying is that the disaster we speak of today is ongoing, as there are in other places around the world, but ongoing to the extent that people who want to help, to come in and help and be part of recovery, cannot get to where they need to be.

Moreover, flooding is expected to intensify as rains continue. In the Sindh and Punjab provinces, for example, earlier rainfall in the north has led to rising levels in the Indus River and is expected to coincide with increased rainfall.

The flood disaster, which started 2 months ago as a result of heavy monsoon rain, has left more than 20 million people suffering in the ravaged conditions. One-fifth of Pakistan is submerged in water, destroying critical infrastructure, schools, homes, hospitals, business and farms.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the families in Pakistan and those individuals here in the United States who have loved ones in the affected areas. I am urging our government to offer resources and expertise, including assistance and recovery efforts, to help our friends in Pakistan make it through this tragic episode.

We are now discussing how we provide new technology to decontaminate the water, and I hope that the State Department will receive the information that my office has to work on this new technology and literally carry it over to be able to decontaminate this water and to provide clean water to the refugee camps but also to those who may have been able to make it close to where their home was.

I have been working with the State Department to increase humanitarian relief funds for Pakistan and have asked for additional funds that have already been authorized for Pakistan to be reprogrammed in order to bolster relief and reconstruction efforts.

I again want to mention the Foreign Affairs Committee. I want to again mention our chairman and ranking member who have never stepped away from the international devastation that so many of our friends experience. The Foreign Affairs Committee has stood front and center to work with the Senate and work with the administration to ensure that the faith and the friendship of the United States is front and center on these terrible disasters. I thank the committee again.

I also wrote a letter to President Obama with Representative Dan Burton, my fellow cochair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, expressing our deep concern for the humanitarian tragedy in Pakistan and asking them to expedite the flow of U.S. aid, supplies and workers in the region.

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the President to aid Pakistan and to add Pakistan to his trip to South Asia, which is planned for the fall, and hope that we could join with him.

Madam Speaker, the key is how do we find solutions, and I would ask that we as Americans not be defined, as small news postscripts suggest, that we are not contributing to the aid of the Pakistani people. First of all, we are moving emergency dollars, but I also hope that we can draw upon Americans' individual caring and humanitarian commitment so that we can send a mercy plane stocked with medicine and baby formula and clothing for children and school supplies in short order to this devastated region.

In Houston, a number of my constituents met as a part of the Pakistan Caucus to commit themselves to this great humanitarian effort, and we would call upon all who can hear my voice to participate in helping us pursue that. This

resolution is a very important statement that says to the American people and to our colleagues that we are supporting the people of Pakistan who need our help.

I do again want to acknowledge the partnership of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus and the Pakistani American Leadership Center that is bringing these Pakistan relief workers here to discuss the devastating conditions in Pakistan.

I also want to mention Ambassador Anne Patterson, who is still in Pakistan, who has been a stalwart of representation of the United States, who has been through the earthquake, who has been through the tragedy of the loss of Benazir Bhutto and now this unspeakable tragedy of flooding and has maintained the leadership of the United States.

I am very glad that we have this resolution on the floor of the House. I want to thank my friend and colleague who likewise has given a very important statement, as well as the gentleman from Georgia, to acknowledge this resolution to express our commitment to the people of Pakistan.

I look forward to visiting Pakistan to see firsthand the extent of the devastation and to assess and assist in the relief efforts. With the need for reconstruction and recovery efforts growing, I believe it is vital that we lead a congressional humanitarian mission to Pakistan, which will signal to those people that the friendship between the United States and Pakistan remains unbroken as we fight the war on terror and continue to hope to improve the lives of the men, women and children of this great nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1613, ``Expressing condolences to and solidarity with the people of Pakistan in the aftermath of the devastating floods that began on July 22, 2010.'' I would like to thank my colleague, Chairman Berman, for introducing this important and timely resolution.

On July 22, 2010, Pakistan experienced one of the heaviest monsoon rains in at least 80 years in the region. The massive amount of rain triggered both flash floods and river flooding throughout Pakistan, leading to widespread displacement, infrastructure damage and contamination of water sources. The flooding has caused a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions that has affected over 20 million people, which aid agencies assert is a greater human impact than Pakistan's earthquake in 2005, the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, and the recent earthquake in Haiti combined. More than 1,750 people have been killed, 2,700 have been injured, and millions of men, women, and children are displaced. Moreover, the flooding is expected to intensify as rains continue. In Sindh and Punjab provinces, for example, earlier rainfall in the north has led to rising water levels in the Indus River and is expected to coincide with increased rainfall.

The flood disaster, which started two months ago as a result of heavy monsoon rain, has left more than 20 million people suffering in ravaged conditions. One fifth of Pakistan is submerged in water, destroying critical infrastructure, schools, homes, hospitals, businesses, and farms. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families in Pakistan and those individuals here in the United States who have loved ones in the affected areas. I am urging our government to offer any resources and expertise, including assistance with recovery efforts, to help our friends in Pakistan make it through this tragic episode. I have been working with the State Department to increase humanitarian relief funds for Pakistan and have asked for additional funds that have already been authorized for Pakistan to be reprogrammed in order to bolster relief and reconstruction efforts. I also wrote a letter to President Obama with Rep. Dan Burton, my fellow Co-Chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, expressing our deep concern for the humanitarian tragedy in Pakistan and asking him to expedite the flow of U.S. aid, supplies, and workers into the region.

I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage President Obama to add Pakistan to his trip to South Asia, which is planned for this fall. In light of the recent devastation affecting Pakistan and our important alliance with Pakistan in our anti-terrorism efforts in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, I think President Obama's visit would communicate to both the people and government of Pakistan the extent of our national commitment to their welfare.

Madam Speaker, the scale of the devastation is so large that it will take months before we know the actual death toll and be able to assess the damage of the flood. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the injured and thousands of people are stuck on their rooftops and in higher areas as they try to escape rushing floodwaters. Thousands of victims require additional shelter with the cold weather approaching; falling temperatures, food shortages, and water-borne diseases are making it necessary for Pakistan to shelter, cloth, and feed the millions of displaced and homeless before freezing temperatures arrive.

As Co-Chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, I am extremely concerned with the security of the region. It is critical that the United States offer the economic and humanitarian assistance necessary for Pakistan in its recovery efforts. In a region of political and religious turmoil, the United States must do all it can in order for Pakistan's fragile democracy to survive and thrive.

Furthermore, as Co-Chair of the Pakistani Caucus, I have taken the initiative to work with several Pakistani organizations and members of the Pakistan community in Houston and throughout the United States to increase awareness and coordinate relief efforts in Pakistan. I have organized meetings and briefings in both Houston and Washington, D.C. as well. This includes a photo exhibit that is occurring in the Rayburn House Office Building foyer today that is being hosted by the Congressional Pakistan Caucus and the Pakistani American Leadership Center (PAL-C) illustrating the extent of the damage caused by the floods in Pakistan. My commitment to the people of Pakistan is unwavering, and I look forward to visiting Pakistan soon to see firsthand the extent of the devastation and to assess and assist in the relief efforts. With the need for reconstruction and recovery efforts growing, I believe it is vital to lead a Congressional humanitarian mission to Pakistan, which will signal to the people and the nation of Pakistan the extent of our commitment to addressing the challenges they face in the recovery efforts.

Congress of the United States,

Washington, DC, September 8, 2010.

Hon. Barack Obama,

President of the United States of America, The White House,

Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. President: As co-chairs of the Congressional

Pakistan Caucus we remain deeply concerned about the

humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Pakistan due to the recent

historic floods. We respectfully ask you to do everything

possible within your authority to help expedite the flow of

U.S. and international aid supplies and workers into the

region.

By all accounts, the flooding in Pakistan has now affected

more than 20 million people, which aid agencies say is a

greater human impact than Pakistan's earthquake in 2005, the

Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, and the recent earthquake in

Haiti combined. Sadly, despite the commendable generosity of

the American people and the international community to date,

the situation appears to remain perilous. Reports indicate

that waterborne disease is rapidly spreading among tens of

thousands of flood victims. In addition, food shortages are

becoming a major concern as the market prices of essential

foods have skyrocketed after billions of dollars worth of

crops were destroyed by the flood waters.

We commend the United States Agency for International

Development (USAID) for immediately undertaking an aid

mission to the region; however, we concur with John Holmes,

the UN Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs'

opinion that ``these unprecedented floods pose unprecedented

logistical challenges, and this requires an extraordinary

effort by the international community.'' The United States

has an historic opportunity to reshape America's image in

Pakistan by taking the lead in aggressively addressing

Pakistan's immediate relief needs as well as forging

international consensus to address Pakistan's longer-term

reconstruction needs. For example, last year Congress

authorized $7.5 billion in civilian aid to Pakistan; of which

approximately $1 billion was set aside for democracy

building. While we strongly support efforts to strengthen

Pakistan's democratic institutions, relief and rehabilitation

of the floods victims is a more pressing need. Reprogramming

those funds for humanitarian relief would immediately

quadruple U.S. aid funds--hopefully spurring other nations to

follow suit--and it would do so at no additional cost to the

U.S. taxpayer.

We also respectfully urge you to give all due consideration

to using the power of the Presidency's bully pulpit to

highlight the plight of Pakistanis to the U.S media and

encourage Americans to consider donating to the relief

effort. The American people are extremely generous. Time and

time again, whenever they have been asked, the American

people have rallied to help people around the world. We are

confident that the American people will once again

demonstrate their generosity by donating to the Pakistani

relief efforts if they are made more aware of the tragedy;

and a statement from the White House is certain to garner

such media attention. To that end, we respectfully ask you to

consider making a public appeal to the American public on

behalf of the people of Pakistan.

Mr. President, the global fight against extremists who

exploit the religion of Islam is not only a military struggle

but a struggle to win the hearts and minds of the Muslim

world; particularly the young people. We

know that the U.S. response to the 2005 earthquake in

Pakistan led to a short-term positive increase in public

opinion of the United States in Pakistan. A significant and

long-term commitment by the United States to help Pakistan

recover from these devastating floods could have an even more

profound affect. If we do not seize this opportunity we

significantly increase the chances that Pakistan may fall

under the influence of extremist elements; that would be

disastrous for our future security. We must address the human

tragedy unfolding in Pakistan now before it is too late. So

once again, we respectfully ask you to everything possible

within your authority to help expedite the flow of U.S. and

international aide supplies and workers into the region.

We thank you for giving your personal time and attention to

this critically important matter.

Sincerely,

Dan Burton,

Member of Congress.

Sheila Jackson Lee,

Member of Congress.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, seeing that we have no other speakers, let me simply conclude by thanking my distinguished friend from Utah. We worked together on other issues.

If I might take a point of personal privilege, I have never doubted his commitment when we speak of these humanitarian issues, and I want to thank you for that. As well, I want to thank Mr. Barrow for his leadership on the issue and hope that he will join us as we work on these devastating conditions in Pakistan.

I ask my colleagues to support this very important legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res 1610--a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. The legacy of the events of September 11, 2001 still resonates today. We will never forget the harrowing experience of the loss of more than 3,000 lives that marked this national tragedy. We will never forget the events of that day, nor those who paid the ultimate price. We will forever remember how the country suffered profound sadness, the likes of which we as a nation hope to never experience again.

Madam Speaker, I recall vividly the intense emotions evoked as the attacks unfolded. The nation watched in horror as two airliners crashed into the Twin Towers and brought down the World Trade Center. That horror intensified as we witnessed an attack on the Pentagon, and a crashed airplane in Pennsylvania. Horror turned to anger as it came to light that the attacks were the actions of hate-filled cowards who had no respect for human life. I remember too, that in the aftermath of these senseless attacks, we came together as a nation and with friends from around the world united in grief and sadness. That moment transformed our country and the world, as the resolve of our nation strengthened and our principles hardened.

We remember the heroes from that day; those who ran into the danger, sacrificing themselves to save strangers. They were the brave firefighters, police officers, and civil servants who died in the service of protecting others. We remember the heroes from United Flight 93 who overpowered the terrorists and gave their own lives to prevent the deaths of countless others. We hope that their families can take some small measure of comfort knowing that Americans have made a permanent place for those heroes in our hearts.

In Houston, we mourned the loss of two of our own: Naval Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel Martin Caballero and Army Lieutenant Colonel Karen Wagner. Twenty-one-year-old Petty Officer Caballero was an electronics technician who had a bright life ahead of him. Forty-year- old Lt. Col. Wagner had a distinguished career as a medical personnel officer in the office of the Army surgeon general. Both lives were taken when United Flight 77 was steered into the Pentagon.

Madam Speaker, I ask that we also pay tribute today to those who have fought the wars borne from September 11th. In the years since that tragic day, our country has fought ardently to eliminate the enemies who would work to perpetuate the culture of fear and violence borne from 9/11.

In Afghanistan and Iraq, our Armed Forces demonstrate that a resolved and determined America will always prevail. The men and women of the U.S. military prove daily that their commitment to protecting and defending our country is steadfast. Let us remember those who fought and died while serving the country, let us honor those who continue to fight, and let us pledge our unending support for our soldiers and their families.

As Chairwoman of the Homeland Security Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee and a Senior Member of the Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees, I believe that we must continue to honor the fallen by working to prevent needless deaths. In the years since September 11, 2001, Congress has worked hard to make sure that such a tragedy will never happen again. In large part, we have taken heed of the advice of the 9/11 Commission and built a strong system to prevent future attacks.

Madam Speaker, I rise before this body to say that our work is not yet done. Domestic terrorism is alive. Last year we witnessed both the Time Square and the Christmas Day failed terrorist attempt at Detroit- bound Flight 253. We must not let another tragedy occur.

Preventing terrorism at home begins with addressing terrorism abroad. We must engage nations that are susceptible to the influence of extremists and arm them with the tools to fight radicalism. That means not only providing weapons of war but also increasing education, improving living conditions, and increasing the capacity to govern. The struggle against terrorism will be won in the hearts and minds of people around the world.

Madam Speaker, I urge all members to join me in supporting H. Res. 1610. Let us remember this day and the tragedy that befell the nation by properly honoring the victims with our renewed commitment to America's security.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning because three teenagers are dead.

I have made a commitment as a mother to reconcile this horrific tragedy and to ask our government for help.

I believe every American should have the opportunity to have the feeling that, when all else fails, our government will stand there and assist us where they can. Americans don't ask for handouts. They don't ask to have their lives interrupted. They simply want to know there is a Federal Government that can stand up for them. Whether or not it is a young man or woman in the United States military, whether or not it is a senior who needs Medicare or Social Security, we need to know that when there is a need that the Federal Government can fulfill, they will do so.

In the middle of July in Houston, Texas, Sajan Tamalshina, a native of Nepal, decided to drive his car through a red light. In the course of that, he hit a family that were bringing their teenagers home from a legitimate night out in a legitimate teenage club, if you will, picked up by their parents and being driven home, as families will do across America. Rashaundra 17, Avianca 13, Detrihanna 13, were all happily and busily talking about the fun they just had, and the right way that it was done where the parents picked them up and took them home. But Sajan Tamalshina decided to drink and run the red light, and now three teenagers are dead, expelled from the car, laying on the hard cement.

The police came and looked at the situation. He refused to take an on-scene Breathalyzer, so he was taken to the hospital and, as you well know, chemical tests go about. The police even called the District Attorney who came to the scene and decided that he could be released. My heart aches for that decision, because I asked the question, Mr. Speaker, three dead children on the ground does not at least require some common sense and judgment to hold someone overnight? Parents are asking now for justice and I am asking our Nation for justice.

The police department said they contacted the U.S. Marshal. There is an investigative arm of the State Department, but yet we look like the most powerful Nation in the world, and we have our hands tied. You cannot reach the U.S. Marshal's office. They will not respond. They are talking about maybe something will happen. Because he is in Nepal, there is no diplomatic relationships with them.

Three teenagers are dead. The letter says, ``Unfortunately, the United States does not have a treaty with Nepal that can serve as a basis to secure Mr. Tamalshina's extradition. In some cases, in the absence of an extradition treaty, countries may be able to expel or otherwise remove from their territory persons wanted for prosecution in another jurisdiction. However, expulsion or removal usually are not viable options when the person sought is a national of a country of refuge.'' As Mr. Tamalshina appears to be a national of Nepal, it is highly likely that an expulsion or other removal from their country will be possible.

The Department's criminal division works closely with Federal, State, and local prosecutors and the Department of State to seek the extradition or other lawful return of fugitives wanted for prosecution in the United States. In cases involving State charges, we can initiate an extradition only upon request of the State prosecutors. Prosecutors in our criminal division have worked with the Harris County District Attorney's Office on fugitive matters and we have discussed this case. Just a benign conversation. It doesn't matter. Three teenagers are dead.

Well, I say to the Justice Department, wake up and do something. The U.S. Marshal needs to stop hiding from my office and get over to my office to discuss why you can't do something. You can engage in diplomatic dialogue. You can ask the country of Nepal to be able to work with you to return this individual. He will not be getting the death sentence. Maybe 60 years. You

are leaving crying parents with no justice because you let someone go.

To the district attorney of Harris County, what a ridiculous thing to see three dead bodies and refusing to hold an individual whose alcohol was 1.27 to 1.62. He is legally drunk. The legal amount is 0.8. When are we going to understand that drunk driving can cause death? And to those of you who drive while drinking or drive under the influence, you are a menace to society.

Three dead teenagers. I am calling on the Justice Department and the Attorney General of the United States to recognize that they are here to protect the people of the United States, and these three dead teenagers are in need of their protection in their loss, and their families want justice. I am asking for the U.S. Marshal to show up and work with us to do something on behalf of these Americans and these families that are mourning.

Madam Speaker, I am very glad that Democrats are doing the responsible thing, and we know we need to be doing more. This is an important step because it substitutes for some of the misguided legislative initiatives that States are promoting, such as Arizona and Texas.

I know there is a sense of desperation, but we on this side of the border have to ensure and have to be able to move forward on border security, and as well for those of us who are arguing vigorously for the comprehensive approach, addressing the needs of so many who are here simply wanting to work. We have to look to both directions.

So I am rising to support this bill and this legislation, recognizing that there are people who are crying their heart out, saying when is this Congress going to do comprehensive immigration reform? But just as we have to clean this up, we've got a problem in those on the other side of the aisle not recognizing that we have to do this as a total package. But the Border Patrol agents funding, the CBP funding, $68 million to hire 250 new Customs and Border Protection personnel is important. The tactical communications is important.

For those of us who live on the border, who have been to the border, who know border areas, we understand that the value of this is also to save lives, save the many people who are coming here for work but are dying in the desert, children, women who are coming here--yes, out of desperation, but still they are coming and dying in these deserts. This has to be stopped.

We do need more monies for ATF and DEA. In my own city of Houston, it is a center point, unfortunately, for a lot of drug cartels and gunrunning. So I know that there is an emergency. It is relevant to do this today.

But I wish my friends as well would stop blocking us from looking holistically at real, comprehensive immigration reform, so that people who want to come here to work can, so that young people who want to go to school can, so that families who are innocent and want to be here without being jeopardized by phony laws and can stay here and pay and invest into this Nation.

I support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to come before you today in support of H.R. 6080, the ``Emergency Border Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010,''--a bill that appropriates $600 million for border security activities along the Southwest Border, including $254 million for Customs and Border Protection, of which $176 million would be used to hire additional border patrol agents, as well as $196 million for the Justice Department, and $80 million for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

As Chairwoman of the Homeland Security Transportation Security & Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee, I want to thank Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Lewis for your leadership on this timely legislation. This is an important bill that provides the necessary funding that is essential to the assistance our Border States so greatly needs.

Our Border States are frustrated and in need of targeted assistance. In recent months, I have attended a number of different hearings, meetings with local and state officials, and press conferences on immigration, combating the drug trade, and improving the border, and in almost all instances, I have heard the same comment: Border States are frustrated. The deeply misguided Arizona Law, (SB1070) for example, is an expression of that frustration. Unless we want to see more of a backlash, we in the Federal Government must do more to help our Border States, which is vital to securing our nation and upholding our immigration laws, and helping local and state officials secure our Border States.

The United States continues to fight the battle against the powerful drug trafficking organizations that have plagued our sister cities just across the border with violence. We have been fortunate thus far that for the most part the violence has not spilled over into the United States, but we cannot depend on being insulated forever. Instability abroad is a danger to stability at home, and we have a vested interest in helping our neighbors to the southwest power away from the criminal organizations that have threatened the safety of their citizens and brought drugs into our country.

First of all, we need to do more than just provide ``boots on the ground'' to help secure our borders. While deterrence through additional personnel is essential to improving security, several members of the law enforcement community have stressed the importance of providing more resources for investigators and detectives, who can help to ferret out and dismantle the criminal activities taking place on our borders.

Moreover, while federal agencies have improved their coordination with the Border States, communication within local and State authorities continues to be problematic. Communication in disperse rural areas presents a particular challenge. At a hearing on the Merida Initiative, I heard the moving testimony of a rancher from rural Arizona, Mr. Bill McDonald. He pointed out how a lack of resources and a rapid turnover rate make communication extremely important, but extremely lacking. These rural areas, and the people who live there, are in many cases the most vulnerable to human traffickers and drug traffickers.

There is a desperate need for Border States to receive the necessary support to effectively secure our borders from threats and ensure a safe and stable environment for our border residents. More robust, well funded, and well resourced law enforcement systems are exactly what our Border States and residents demand.

These appropriations to improve law enforcement efforts at our Border States are only a small part of more comprehensive reforms to our immigration system. Reforms that the American people are crying out for and that I sincerely hope my fellow Members will stand behind. This legislation honors our first responsibility to protect the American people by giving law enforcement the tools they need to address the threat of violence near the U.S.-Mexico border. With investments in expanding the number of Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection officers, improving our border surveillance efforts, and increasing resources for anti-smuggling investigations, we are tackling our border security challenges head on. This is one of the central pillars of bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform.

I know that as my colleagues listen to the debate on the floor of the House, they don't have the full picture of Members returning from work recess, where we have been meeting with constituents, to come here today to take this important step. We are the People's House, and it certainly gives us no trouble to fly in to be able to make this important decision.

But this is out of the ordinary. And it is out of the ordinary because you are looking at people who really care about what is happening, the strangulation of our States and the losses and the pink slips that teachers are getting so that our children cannot learn and be part of the competitive edge in the world. I know it factually, having more than seven school districts in my community.

Today we are doing something that Chairman Obey deserves credit for, for his vision and his tenacity, someone who knows what it is to be without. Today we are talking about helping people. And I am sorry that the other body took so long, and I am sorry they took it out of EITC, and I am sorry they did not handle this in the right way, but we have a crisis going on.

So these thousands of dollars that will help per teacher to save these teachers and firefighters and police officers, so that maybe the three little girls that were killed by a drunk driver in my district would not have faced such, with more law enforcement to tell people you can't drive while you are drunk.

So I rise today to support this and ask anybody with good judgment, why would you vote against it? As I said, I don't like the pay-fors, but it is paid for. We will fix that.

But let me tell you what is happening in Texas. Texas is taking money out of the mouths of children and putting it somewhere else. So I am supporting it because we have language that says to the Governor of the State of Texas, don't fool with money for children and education. And we have 40 school districts saying we support the legislative language that members of the Texas legislation have proposed.

That would guarantee these emergency Federal education funds are actually spent on education in Texas. As drafted, this Texas fix has no impact on anything else. I am standing here because it is about education and public safety. I believe we are doing the right thing, and I ask my colleagues to vote on the underlying bill and the rule.

I rise in strong support of the rule for H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act. I support this legislation because it will save and create 319,000 American jobs--many of them in the education and health sectors.

In less than a month, millions of American students will return to school eager to begin a new year of academic and personal growth. However, the quality of the schools they return to is a matter to be determined. Throughout the country, thousands of teachers have lost, or risk losing, their jobs. This is something our children and our educators can ill afford. As we work to regain economic ground, this legislation provides a total of $10 billion in funding for education jobs to sustain thousands of schools educating millions of children. Moreover, this includes $830.2 billion dollars for primary and secondary schools in the state of Texas.

I am pleased that this legislation includes a provision that requires Governor Perry to certify that these emergency appropriations for public education will be used solely to add new funds for public education and not misused for other purposes. We all recall what happened last year when Governor Perry misused the Economic Recovery Act State Stabilization funds. In that instance, Governor Perry used $3.2 billion in similar aid last year as a substitute for, not an addition to, state aid to school districts. That was outrageous.

It ignored the intent of our legislation, and it denied our children the education that they deserved.

I want to stress that the provision will not create a compliance burden on the state of Texas. Rather, it says only that the state cannot take the federal aid and then use it as an excuse to make disproportionate cuts in state education aid to school districts, relative to other parts of the state budget that might also have to take a hit in the next budget cycle. This required assurance is no more onerous than assurances Governor Perry has given previously to receive billions of dollars in other federal funds. Texas cannot afford to be left out again, and I join the Texas Democratic Delegation and groups of teachers, principals and administrators from across the state of Texas who strongly support this provision.

Madam Speaker, I applaud you for reconvening this week to pass this crucial legislation. We have a bold vision for creating and sustaining an education system that prepares our children to excel. As President Obama said yesterday in Texas, ``education is the economic issue of our time.'' I could not agree more. Today we have the opportunity to pass legislation that will impact education jobs today and our children's job prospects tomorrow. With schools forced to make difficult personnel decisions before the start of the school year, this legislation is the necessary action at the necessary time. According to updated estimates from the Department of Education, the $10 billion education funding will save 161,000 teacher jobs.

In addition to education jobs funding, this legislation will also save and create jobs in the health sector. According to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute, a non-partisan think tank, the Medicaid funds will save and create 158,000 jobs, including preventing the layoff of police officers and firefighters. More than half these jobs will be in the private sector, including workers who contract for or supply services to state and local governments.

Under the Recovery Act, enacted in February 2009, the federal Medicaid matching rate was increased by 6.2 percentage points for all states and by additional percentage points for states with high unemployment. These temporary provisions were enacted in response to the state fiscal crisis--with the increased Medicaid caseloads and decreasing state revenues resulting from the deep recession. However, these provisions are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2010, with dire consequences for our economy.

As the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found: ``If Congress does not extend the enhanced Medicaid matching funds in last year's Recovery Act, most states will cut public services or raise taxes . . . without more federal aid, state budget-closing actions could cost the national economy 900,000 public- and private-sector jobs.''

Due to the deep and enduring recession, states have lost tax revenue for the last two years and revenues are projected to remain at severely-reduced levels throughout fiscal year 2011. As a result, states have been forced to scale back spending and implement large service cuts to balance their budgets. While fiscal austerity is important, budget cuts impact more than a bottom line--the local health and emergency personnel need their jobs to make ends meet for themselves and their families. By extending the Medicare matching funds, we will help state and local governments save money and allow them to stay afloat while the economy improves. At least 34 states will cut jobs and services if this assistance is not enacted. This legislation will have a direct impact on Texas by providing an estimated $858,000,000 for Medicaid fiscal relief which will, in turn, save and create thousands of jobs.

Madam Speaker, I thank you again for calling us back to session to save America's jobs.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act. I support this legislation because it will save and create 319,000 American jobs--many of them in the education and health sectors.

In less than a month, millions of American students will return to school eager to begin a new year of academic and personal growth. However, the quality of the schools they return to is a matter to be determined. Throughout the country, thousands of teachers have lost, or risk losing, their jobs. This is something our children and our educators can ill afford. As we work to regain economic ground, this legislation provides a total of $10 billion in funding for education jobs to sustain thousands of schools educating millions of children. Moreover, this includes $830.2 billion dollars for primary and secondary schools in the state of Texas.

I am pleased that this legislation includes a provision that requires Governor Perry to certify that these emergency appropriations for public education will be used solely to add new funds for public education and not misused for other purposes. We all recall what happened last year when Governor Perry misused the Economic Recovery Act State Stabilization funds. In that instance, Governor Perry used $3.2 billion in similar aid last year as a substitute for, not an addition to, state aid to school districts. That was outrageous. It ignored the intent of our legislation, and it denied our children the education that they deserved.

I want to stress that the provision will not create a compliance burden on the state of Texas. Rather, it says only that the state cannot take the federal aid and then use it as an excuse to make disproportionate cuts in state education aid to school districts, relative to other parts of the state budget that might also have to take a hit in the next budget cycle. This required assurance is no more onerous than assurances Governor Perry has given previously to receive billions of dollars in other federal funds. Texas cannot afford to be left out again, and I join my colleague Lloyd Doggett and groups of teachers, principals and administrators from across the state of Texas who strongly support this provision.

Madam Speaker, I applaud you for reconvening this week to pass this crucial legislation. We have a bold vision for creating and sustaining an education system that prepares our children to excel. As President Obama said yesterday in Texas, ``education is the economic issue of our time.'' I could not agree more. Today we have the opportunity to pass legislation that will impact education jobs today and our children's job prospects tomorrow. With schools forced to make difficult personnel decisions before the start of the school year, this legislation is the necessary action at the necessary time. According to updated estimates from the Department of Education, the $10 billion education funding will save 161,000 teacher jobs.

In addition to education jobs funding, this legislation will also save and create jobs in the health sector. According to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute, a non-partisan think tank, the Medicaid funds will save and create 158,000 jobs, including preventing the layoff of police officers and firefighters. More than half these jobs will be in the private sector, including workers who contract for or supply services to state and local governments.

Under the Recovery Act, enacted in February 2009, the federal Medicaid matching rate was increased by 6.2 percentage points for all states and by additional percentage points for states with high unemployment. These temporary provisions were enacted in response to the state fiscal crisis--with the increased Medicaid caseloads and decreasing state revenues resulting from the deep recession. However, these provisions are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2010 with dire consequences for our economy.

As the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found: ``if Congress does not extend the enhanced Medicaid matching funds in last year's Recovery Act, most states will cut public services or raise taxes . . . without more federal aid, state budget-closing actions could cost the national economy 900,000 public- and private-sector jobs.''

Due to the deep and enduring recession, states have lost tax revenue for the last two years and revenues are projected to remain at severely-reduced levels throughout fiscal year 2011. As a result, states have been forced to scale back spending and implement large service cuts to balance their budgets. While fiscal austerity is important, budget cuts impact more than a bottom line--the local health and emergency personnel need their jobs to make ends meet for themselves and their families. By extending the Medicare matching funds, we will help state and local governments save money and allow them to stay afloat while the economy improves. At least 34 states will cut jobs and services if this assistance is not enacted. This legislation will have a direct impact on Texas by providing an estimated $858,000,000 for Medicaid fiscal relief which will, in turn, save and create thousands of jobs.

Madam Speaker, I thank you again for calling us back to session to save America's jobs.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 5850, the ``Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2011.'' This bill includes important funding and necessary investments in our transportation, housing and other critical aspects of this country's infrastructure. This bill also provides assistance to the most vulnerable Americans, including the homeless, disabled, low-income and elderly. Additionally, this bill provides support for our veterans who serve this nation so valiantly and who have earned a right to adequate housing.

Mr. Chair, this bill includes funding for critical transportation projects that will improve mobility and stimulate economic activity in communities across the country. What I am particularly proud of is the funding for two light rail lines in Houston, Texas--the North and Southeast lines. These projects have successfully gone through the Federal Transit Administration's New Starts review process, and I am looking forward to passage of this bill and funding of these projects. As the fourth largest city in the country, we are anxiously awaiting construction of an integrated rail network that will create jobs, provide mobility and spur economic development. Funding for these projects will be a significant step towards achieving our goals.

This bill also invests in National Infrastructure to Support Jobs. It includes funding for:

Highway infrastructure

There is $45.2 billion in the bill to improve and repair our nation's aging highway infrastructure. It is estimated that this increased investment will support more than 142,000 additional jobs across all sectors of the economy, according to the job model developed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). According to the DOT's 2008 Conditions and Performance Report, an average annual investment of $105.6 billion from all levels of government is needed just to sustain the current conditions of our highways and bridges, and $174.6 billion is needed to improve our current system. In addition, the report of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission issued in December 2007 recommended investing $225 billion annually over the next 50 years to maintain, upgrade, and expand our transportation networks.

Public Transportation Investments

There is also $11.3 billion to support bus and rail projects, including capital expenditures. The increase from last year will support an estimated 20,000 additional jobs for transit workers around the country. The Federal Transit Administration estimates that our nation's public transportation system has a state-of-good-repair backlog of nearly $78 billion.

Public Housing Capital Fund

Additionally, the bill includes $2.5 billion to help Public Housing Authorities make critical repairs and improvements to public housing units and improve living conditions for residents, including green and sustainable rehabilitation. Every dollar invested in the Capital Fund produces $2.12 in economic return for local economies.

I thank the distinguished chairman and I thank you for your constant forward thinking on the workers of America.

Coming from the gulf region, I don't know if any of you have ever seen an oil rig, particularly one as large as Deepwater Horizon. It is the home of the workers. It is their home away from home. They eat there, they sleep there, they work very hard there, and they recreate there. They're there 24 hours a day. Some may be a cook. Someone may be a sophisticated engineer. Some may be a seaman and that is their profession. But they're working there; and, therefore, they are looking to ensure that their home away from home is safe.

As I've listened to administration officials who are now all about the gulf, I can tell you that the workers who love their industry and love their jobs are excited about the call for transparency and protection and increased safety for this industry. They're excited about what is going on as it relates to those who would engage in telling the truth. If you look at the facts in some of the hearings that we've been in, you will know that there have been a lot of conversations with subordinates trying to talk to supervisors. Something was awry, but no one listened. We may have even heard that some companies left the rig early on because they were disturbed. Or as my colleague mentioned, the young man by the name of Jason who even told his wife, ``Prepare my will.'' And so it is important today that we stand up for the workers.

This is a concise, articulate, whistleblower language and legislation, prohibiting an employer from discharging or otherwise discriminating against anyone who talks to State or Federal officials or anyone else; telling the truth, saving lives. As well, it protects them if they prepare or testify in front of any governmental entity talking about unsafe conditions. Imagine how many lives that could save in any other industry as well.

The bill establishes a process for an employee to appeal, giving them the justice of the Constitution that does not deny you benefits without due process. Is that a problem? They live there. This is their home. It makes an aggrieved employee eligible for reinstatement and back pay. Some of these jobs are the only jobs these men or women can secure to protect and provide for their family. We live in the gulf. We're shrimpers and fishermen and oystermen; and yes, we work in this industry. It requires employers to post a notice that explains employee rights and remedies under the act.

I look forward to working with the chairman as we look at other ways of helping these employees who are under stress, providing mental health services and counseling after this terrible devastation. It may have to continue even after BP finishes their work. But this is the right direction to go. This speaks well of this Congress who will stand alongside of workers and make a difference in their lives and the lives of their families.

I ask you to vote for this legislation.

Today, I rise in support of H.R. 5851--the Offshore Oil and Gas Worker Whistleblower Protection Act. We are all well aware of the disaster that occurred when the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded, but it might have been prevented if we had listened to voices expressing concern. The men and woman who bravely come out and expose the injustices and violations that take place at their place of work are the eyes and ears for the American public. These people should be able to speak out freely with no fear of unfair repercussion.

In the aftermath of the disaster, it became clear that workers on the Deepwater Horizon rig harbored safety concerns prior to the explosion, but chose not to vocalize them over fear of retribution. Take, for example, Jason Anderson, who told both his wife and father that working conditions were not safe on the Deepwater Horizon. According to his wife Shelley's testimony before the Senate's Commerce, Science and Transportation committee, Jason was reluctant to talk about these concerns while on the rig and told her: ``I can't talk about it now. The walls are too thin.'' Another worker, Dewey Revette, reportedly had concerns with BPs plans to begin shutting down the well on the day it exploded. He continued to work despite his reluctance and lost his life hours later.

Workers on oil rigs, like the Deepwater Horizon, risk losing their jobs if they report dangerous workplace conditions. The workers performing clean-up activities on the Outer Continental Shelf similarly have no protections against employer retaliation for raising health and safety concerns. It is essential that workers be protected when they raise concerns about unsafe working conditions, and they must have the right to stop working if they fear they could be injured or killed. All workers, especially those in dangerous jobs, are in the best position to discover safety hazards. You can't have inspectors at all facilities at all times--these workers are enforcement agencies' eyes and ears when it comes to safety compliance.

Currently, there is no Federal law that protects offshore workers for blowing the whistle on workplace health and safety problems. This bill extends whistleblower protections to workers regarding Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas exploration, drilling, production, or cleanup, whose employers are engaged in those activities.

Federal whistleblowers have attempted to expose government actions that violate the law or harm the environment for decades. Their disclosures have helped the Federal Government improve environmental protection, nuclear safety, and national security, and their claims have helped safeguard the welfare of American citizens. Whistleblowers have gained credibility in recent years thanks in great part to organizations like the National Whistleblower Center (NWC), the Liberty Coalition, and the Government Accountability Project. The NWC is a non- profit, tax exempt educational and advocacy organization dedicated to helping whistleblowers make their case to lawmakers and other government leaders--a modern day safe haven for those who are willing to put their careers on the line to improve their government.

The bill is modeled after other modern whistleblower statutes and would prohibit an employer from discharging or otherwise discriminating against an employee who reports to the employer, or a Federal or State Government official that he or she reasonably believes the employer is violating the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). The legislation would also protect covered employees who prepare and/or testify about the alleged violation, report injuries or unsafe conditions related to the offshore work, refuse to work based on a good faith belief that the offshore work could cause injury or impairment or a spill, or refuse to perform in a manner that they believe violates the OCSLA.

Mr. Speaker, it is essential to protect workers with the courage to speak out when they see life-threatening safety-hazards or shortcuts. If we do not, we risk dire consequences. Whistleblowers are often forced to choose between remaining silent about a dangerous or illegal situation and risking their careers by telling the truth. We must reverse this unacceptable and unsustainable choice by passing this legislation.

Mr. Chair, I rise to speak on H.R. 3534, the Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources (CLEAR) Act.

I would like to recount the facts of April 30th, 2010 for this House and the American people. First, let us remember the names of the eleven brave men who tragically lost their lives in the Deepwater Horizon explosion:

1. Jason Anderson, 35;

2. Aaron Dale Burkeen, 37;

3. Donald Clark, 34;

4. Stephen Curtis, 39;

5. Gordon Jones, 28;

6. Roy Wyatt Kemp, 27;

7. Karl Klepping, 38;

8. Blair Manuel, 56;

9. Dewey Revette, 48;

10. Shane Roshto, 22; and

11. Adam Weise, 24.

What the eleven names do not reveal is that there are families with children, widows, and many other family members who are still mourning the loss of their loved ones. I believe we have a moral obligation to remember all of the lives affected by the loss of these eleven dedicated oil rig workers. They were tough workers, but also gentle fathers, brothers, husbands, as well as friends to many. Congress must always consider how to best protect American lives, and in doing so protect the safety of the American oil industry worker. In addition to the lives lost, every individual, business and community adversely affected by

the oil spill must be taken into account as we consider legislative responses. Unfortunately, now with more than 92 million estimated gallons of oil spilled and the fishing, tourism, boating, shrimping industries, and the oil industry itself brought to a grinding halt, we can anticipate other losses.

This tragedy begs the American people to act to promote safety, spur technology, and to protect people in the Gulf Region. We owe it to them to provide the kind of protection and legal framework that will ease their minds, and help them receive what they are entitled to through the claims process. Unfortunately, the original claims system was an abomination with numerous claims unresolved, unpaid and ignored. BP has received many claims and has issued many statements and reports, but the fact of the matter is they have not delivered on those early promises. We must make sure that they do what is right, and meet their financial obligations to the many claimants still waiting to reconstruct their lives and livelihoods.

The urgency of the energy situation in our country calls for immediate action by Congress in developing a national energy policy. I would have fully supported targeting the culprits in the Gulf oil spill and getting the Gulf region back on track, as long as we also develop effective policies to ensure that we set a high bar of expectations for these companies in a system based on culpability. The people in the Gulf region need to be assured that we will preserve their way of life, while ensuring that their best interests are taken to heart. Their jobs must be restored and preserved for future generations who may want a livelihood in the oil and gas industry. I do not believe you can graft a broader national energy policy for the future onto a bill meant primarily to address the myriad of complex issues currently facing the energy industry.

Regarding the Remedies Act, on July 1, 2010, I introduced a bill to address some of the larger issues raised by oil spill related developments in the Gulf of Mexico. Although a pronouncement of the issue, I believe it captures the most substantive matters. I have tried to adapt some of the provisions of that bill as amendments to the CLEAR Act, to try and make a weak bill better.

I introduced an amendment under which applicants for permits to drill in the Gulf of Mexico will be required to have spill prevention, mitigation, and recovery plans that are vetted by impartial experts, rather than rubber stamped by industry friendly regulators; the amendment would also require that there be legitimate, effective back- up plans in case the first response is ineffective. Another of my amendments would allow the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish, immediately, an independent claims process for those whose property and livelihoods have been damaged by oil spills much like the process only now being set up under Special Master Feinberg. Finally, I am proud to cosponsor Representative Teague's (NM-2D) amendment, introduced the same Amendment which will allow several small companies working together in joint venture and partnerships to pool their financial resources for the necessary Certificate of Oil Field Responsibility, the price of admission to work in the Gulf. Without the option of pooling their resources, or joint insurance, independent oil companies will be driven from the Gulf, leaving it the province of only three or four massive, multinational oil companies. If we can not preserve the independent oil companies, responsible for 80 percent of the drilling in the Gulf and 30 percent of the oil, then we are likely to doom an industry that is one of the most prolific job generators in the nation, particularly at a time when job creation in most American industries is stagnant or minimal at best.

We must also take into consideration the importance of the environment as it relates to our national energy policy and the quality of life in the Gulf and the rest of the country, not to mention the rest of the globe. We have no idea what the long-term impact of the Gulf oil spill will be, as we are just beginning to understand the issues of connectivity related to the environment and ecological system. When birds nest in polluted wetlands and migrate to other parts of the U.S. and the globe, what impact might their exposure to oil have on the environmental quality of the environment in that part of the world?

There are many complicated questions that we must answer before we proclaim that we have a solution to protecting the environment to massive oil spill in one bill. It is impossible to accomplish, and at best any environmental strategy is merely a band-aid approach rather than the comprehensive environmentally policy we need to consider. For example we really need a major direct clean-up fund, and we have to provide for environmental inspections. I urge a sense of immediacy as it relates to the environment and to protect the people of the Gulf from the long-term health consequences of the spill.

As a person who has lived in, worked in, and knows the Gulf region well, I see the vibrant mixture of businesses there, from fishermen to oil workers, who represent the quintessential hardworking American. These Americans deserve applause for their contribution to our productivity. We owe it to them to demand of the oil companies the same high level of excellence that these hardworking men and women have demonstrated. We must provide for appropriate penalties for safety violations and breaches of compliance, while recognizing the importance of the industry to job creation and job growth. As we did in this tragic incident, we must come down hard on BP, but not eliminate them from the picture, lest the whole industry be penalized.

There are some good things in this bill, although some of my ideas were not adopted as part of the manager's amendment. For example, one amendment would have required that businesses applying for permits to drill and produce crude oil in the Gulf of Mexico submit detailed spill mitigation and recovery plans as part of the permitting process. Not only must they have recovery plans, but they will be required to have backup plans, in case their first response fails. Additionally, those plans must be vetted by impartial experts, rather than rubber-stamped by insufficiently vigilant regulators.

Most important Representative Teague's amendment, which I cosponsored, will prevent small, independent oil companies from being driven out of the Gulf of Mexico. The problem with the current requirements for the Certificate of Oil Field Responsibility (COFR) is that smaller operators will be unable to establish the $300 million necessary COFR to even begin exploration and development. By allowing smaller companies--who frequently work together in joint ventures--to pool their resources for COFR purposes, we will prevent the Gulf from becoming the exclusive province of companies big enough to self-insure, and allow the small businesses of the Gulf Coast communities to continue to provide jobs and drive our economy.

Again, Mr. Chair, my central concern is that we promote job creation, ensure long term investment and fiscal discipline, guarantee safety, focus on the industry and accountability as we work to craft an effective energy policy, and utilize energy related to fossil fuels in a more responsible way, while we continue to make investments in research and development, rather than pitting industries against each other.

We just witnessed the development of a prescriptive policy related to the coal industry, as a result of a tragedy with the mines in West Virginia. That legislative business model is a useful example of how we can develop energy policy related to oil. We must also continue to promote new forms of green energy, while we keep our promise to the American people to protect jobs in the oil and gas industry.

Unfortunately, our job is made very difficult when we see major global energy companies and domestic industry excluded from a sensible national energy policy. We must promote a strong process that will help us deliver on these promises, both to the stakeholders and to the American people. Everyone needs to buy-in to a national energy policy in order for it to be successful.

Let me say that we must establish a seamless energy policy that all sectors of the energy industry can support, cementing the United States in the energy industry as the most independent producer globally, while making it the worlds' leader in green energy.

Mr. Chair, I look forward to working with my Colleagues on this approach to America's energy future. In addition, I strongly support the Buy America Provision in the bill and the American Worker Provision. As the CLEAR Act moves to the Senate, we must remember the interests of the communities of the Gulf Coast, and of all those affected by the devastation of the oil spill. We must remain committed to protecting lives, protecting jobs and protecting the environment.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the manager's amendment to H.R. 3534, ``The Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources (CLEAR) Act.'' The manager's amendment provides a number of provisions that will ensure that there is greater chance of preventing an incident such as the April 30, 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill.

The Manager's amendment includes my amendment which requires redundancy in accident and spill response plans as part of the permitting process under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

Specifically, my amendment will require that businesses applying for permits to drill and produce crude oil in the Gulf of Mexico submit detailed spill mitigation and recovery plans as part of the permitting process. Not only must they have recovery plans, but they will be required to have backup plans, in case their first response fails. Additionally, those plans must be vetted by impartial experts, rather than rubber-stamped by insufficiently vigilant regulators. With this additional layer of response planning, there is a better chance that we will be better prepared to respond to future incidents like the Gulf oil spill.

The Manager's amendment also includes provisions that do the following:

Clarifies that the Secretary of the Interior may enter into cooperative education and training agreements with safety training firms in establishing the National Oil and Gas Health and Safety Academy.

Clarifies that the Secretary is permitted to consult with industry representatives regarding training program curricula, but is not authorized to utilize industry representatives as instructional personnel for the trainings.

Imposes civil penalties on CEO's who certify to false information about a company's capability to prevent or contain an oil spill.

Establishes a Citizen's Advisory Committee composed of non-energy industry individuals to assist the Gulf Coast Restoration Task Force in its work.

Clarifies that the Regional Assessment and Regional Strategic Plan created by the Great Lakes Regional Coordination Council shall include only renewable and not non-renewable energy resources.

Ensures that Gulf residents would have the right of first refusal for processing the claims filed due to the oil spill.

Replaces the requirement for dispersant manufacturers to disclose their product's chemical formula with a requirement to disclose dispersant products' ingredients.

Provides that discharges resulting from salvage activities consistent with the National Contingency Plan or as directed by the President are exempt from liability under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Authorizes a study of the economic, safety, and environmental impacts of requiring a relief well be drilled in tandem with the drilling of some or all wells.

Requires the GAO to complete a study to determine whether the reforms to the Department of the Interior mandated in this legislation have increased oversight and decreased conflicts of interest within the department.

Includes in the Environmental Study an analysis of the cumulative impact of drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf.

Requires oil and gas companies to pay royalties on all oil that is discharged from a well, including spilled oil.

Directs GAO to study the impact of assessing a fee on the processing of oil and gas leases and using the proceeds to fund the gathering of baseline environmental data necessary for the permitting process.

Directs the Secretary of the Interior to arrange with the National Academy of Engineering to study and report to the Secretary regarding whether the accuracy of collection of royalties on production of oil, condensate, and natural gas under leases of federal lands would be improved by implementing certain prescribed measures; and

Amends the liability provisions in the Oil Pollution Act to protect claimants from signing broad liability releases, and to clarify that the new cause of action under OPA for damages to human health does not supersede remedies under other federal law.

Mr. Chair, I support this manager's amendment which includes my amendment that will require redundancy in accident and spill response plans as part of the permitting process under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

I thank the gentleman from New Mexico and I thank him for working together with me on this amendment and for his leadership. I offered a similar amendment and was very pleased to join this amendment as the Teague-Jackson Lee amendment. It is important to note that this is a fair amendment that does something. It really does do something for the small, independent companies. This amendment would allow the financial responsibility required to operate in the gulf to be pooled among companies working together. It means that we give them the opportunity because of the $300 million necessary COFR to be able to do business in the gulf and not go out of business. What it really means is preserving thousands of jobs.

First of all, the U.S. independent operators in the gulf because of their operations, they have a major contribution to energy security and energy supply providing reasonably priced fuels for our families and economy. Eighty-one percent of oil producing in the gulf is in the independent leases and 46 percent of the gulf's producing deepwater leases as well. Independents have drilled 1,298 wells in the deepwater and safely. Independents operate an average of 70 percent of the farmed-out acreage that originally were in the hands of the majors over the past 10 years. Almost 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent in reserves that were originally found by the majors are now operated by independents; small companies that create a lot of jobs. This is an amendment that will allow them to work together, pool their resources, and do the right thing, not put the burden on the taxpayers.

Let me also acknowledge that I am glad my requirement to have redundancies in actions and fuel resources plans was also included in the manager's amendment.

I thank the gentleman from New Mexico for his leadership. It's my pleasure to be able to work with you for an amendment that is doing something, is helping the independents stay in business and create jobs, and it is helping them do the work that will allow for the American people to have quality oil for cheap prices.

I rise to speak in support of the Teague/Jackson Lee Amendment to H.R. 3534, The Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources (CLEAR Act). The Jackson Lee Amendment would allow the financial responsibility required to operate in the Gulf of Mexico to be pooled among the companies working together.

With the potential of unlimited liability looming large over the smaller independent companies, this amendment will prevent small, independent oil companies from being driven out of business and out of the Gulf of Mexico. The problem with the current requirements for the Certificate of Oil Field Responsibility (COFR) is that smaller operators will be unable to establish the $300 million necessary COFR to even begin exploration and development. By allowing smaller companies--who frequently work together in joint ventures--to pool their resources for COFR purposes, we will prevent the Gulf from becoming the exclusive province of companies big enough to self-insure, and allow the small businesses of the Gulf Coast Community to continue to provide jobs and drive our economy.

I urge my colleagues to vote for this amendment and vote for small businesses, saving jobs, and the American people.

I was listening to the gentleman from Florida, and I want to thank him for framing the discussion as he has done, and really speaking to our colleagues and the American people. I was trying to discern what my colleague was saying, good friend from the other side of the aisle. And I would only say that the only people that are shaking their heads are those who are trying to pay their mortgages, who are trying to make sure that their incoming freshman or upper classman has the tuition that they need to finish school.

Americans are asking us to stop the chatter about procedures and begin to do the work that they need to rebuild this Nation. That's the business of this Democratic leadership, of which I am proud to associate with.

My friends talk about the story of the Recovery Act, and they are absolutely right. We've been so busy with our elbow to the grindstone that we haven't been able to tell the story of the many, many jobs created by the Recovery Act. But watch us in the month of August, when we go home and shine the light on the many, many jobs. In the 18th Congressional District, over $800 million, 97 projects, job-creating, bridge-making programs to help those in that district.

So today we take another leap of faith. And I hope that we can get an understanding about what this bill does. The bill closes the loopholes, something Americans are very clear about, that are given to corporations to take jobs overseas. If they can do their business here, they need to do it. But in the meantime, what do we give you? First of all, we all know that the government cannot use all the dollars that are issued. When you give money to State and local governments, what do they do? They contract with small businesses in that community who then either keep the employees they have or they expand and need to hire.

And let me give you an example. Build America Bonds is part of this legislation, an exciting way to invest in America. More than $106 billion of infrastructure investments nationwide will come about because of this. It will not be government workers that will be nailing and cementing and designing, it will be local businesses that will be part of this exciting opportunity. Recovery Zone Bonds that will provide $10 billion in Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds and $15 billion in Recovery Zone Facility Bonds, all having to bring in small businesses.

In my own community of Houston, we are looking at ways to improve our water and sewer. Most communities have aging water systems and sewer systems. There has usually been a cap on how much money a State can spend on water and sewage. We are lifting those caps so that bonds can be issued so that the burden does not fall right away on the taxpayer. These are what we are trying to do to infuse capital not in the pockets of the government, but in the pockets of our businesses that will in turn reinvest in the community and in the government by way of the general churning of the economy. Building, expanding, improving the quality of life that is necessary.

Those who are in need of TANF would be helped. Those who are in need of the expansion of business will be helped. And then what I think is enormously important, we will be investing in real American jobs because we will extend the Emergency Fund for Job Creation and Assistance. These programs provide for short-term, one-time aid for needy families, and subsidized employment programs help these families put money back into the economy.

So I would argue that we can chatter about procedure, and that's a good talk for inside this august body.

But I can tell you that if anybody is scratching their head at the kitchen table as to how I am going to make next month's payment or tomorrow's payment, if anyone is confused, they're not confused about a procedure that is going to allow this bill to move forward to give them help and not a hand out. They are going to be ready to take advantage of these constructive, financial, and fiscally sound, paid-for vehicles which they can utilize to rebuild their local communities, both rural and urban. That's what America is all about. That's what this debate will be about today.

And in conclusion, I would say adding to a grand and great Transportation-HUD bill, one of the greatest ones that will provide for massive mobility and housing in this Nation, that's what Americans are looking for, for us to stand up and be counted and move this Nation forward. I thank the gentleman for the time. I ask that you vote for the rule and this bill.

Thank you very much to the manager of this bill, and thank you for allowing me to rise to salute our colleague, Congressman John Lewis, and the list of honorees that he listed just a few minutes ago, part of the founding foundation of SNCC.

So many of us associated ourselves as we looked to this group of young people who were willing to leave the comfort of classrooms around America, college classrooms, and begin to stand alongside of those who might have been considered elders in the movement.

You know, there are many discussions about whether an entity or a group is a movement. We've heard that of late over the last couple of few years. But those of us who know the civil rights movement and know about SNCC, know about the SCLC, we really understand what a movement was and what it is.

Fifty years is appropriate to commemorate a group that sacrificed themselves in the name of peace and nonviolence. Remember now, they were young people, energized, active, dedicated young people, full of energy, and certainly tempted by the violence that was around them. But because of leaders like John Lewis, their president, they were able to truly create a movement. They provided the legs and the genius of the sit-in movement as they went around the places of the South.

You know, when you're young, you can sit for a long time. You have the tenacity to be able to withstand the back-bending sitting that it requires. You are able to draw upon your strength to not eat while you're sitting at the counter because they were denying you that right.

And so there was a special role, and I thank the gentleman for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and they have a very special place in history.

I'm very grateful that this great leader and hero who is amongst us today, John Lewis of Georgia, was able to come to the floor, with the help of his great staff, to give us the opportunity to commemorate those who many may not know, but to realize that they truly were part of a movement. They had a cause, a belief, a passion, a determination and a commitment to the freedom of all people.

Thank you to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and thank you, John Lewis.

Thank you to the manager of this legislation, Congresswoman Chu, for her very kind and astute words and to Mr. Cao for his words in recognizing that gospel music is part of Americana.

And that's why I stand today to be able to reflect the history of America and to be able to say that it is important that we preserve our history, cherish uniqueness of American history and American history in music.

Today I rise in support of H.J. Res. 90, expressing support for the designation of September 2010 as Gospel Music Heritage Month and honoring gospel music for its valuable and long-standing contributions to the culture of the United States.

It was in my own hometown of Houston, listening to the wide range of gospel artists from many different disciplines, that the idea came to seek an opportunity for all of America, no matter from where they may have come, from what walk of life, what religion, what ethnicity, what background to really celebrate this very special part of American history.

As you may know, gospel music is an American art form that has spanned hundreds of years and across several generations. It has touched millions of lives around the world while demonstrating its profound ability to transcend secular music and many other forms of music.

As you can note, you can see that when we play or sing gospel music in a very diverse form, people are happy. They are joyful. They are having a wonderful time.

By surpassing culturally constructed boundaries, gospel music has emerged as a musical thread uniting the fabric of America. Gospel music is when we are sad. Gospel music is when we are joyous. Gospel music is when we need comforting.

Whether you are rich or poor, young or old, and even Democrats and Republicans alike have been uniquely interlinked by gospel's undeniable influence to American culture. For this reason it is important that we recognize and celebrate the vital role that gospel music has played in shaping music history. If

you talk to many of our military personnel on battlefields, you will note that many will hum a gospel song or a hymn that began with the origin of gospel music.

While gospel music has become a multibillion-dollar industry, gospel music's historic roots have originated in the humble and soulful melodies of African American spirituals, as well as in the far ranges of Appalachia and other places around the Nation. Its sound contains diverse elements from African music, melodic influences from Irish folk songs, hymns and ultimately borrows from other uniquely American musical styles, including ragtime, jazz and blues. The legacy of gospel music can be heard in the voices of pioneers in American history like Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, James Vaughan, Roberta Martin and many, many more.

The influence of gospel music can be found infused in all forms of secular music, including rock and roll, country, soul, R&B and countless other styles. Gospel music laid down the foundation for legendary recording artists such as Elvis Presley. I heard many say that Elvis's best words and music were the gospel songs that he sang, and I believe that someone reminded me that Elvis Presley won a Grammy because of a gospel song that he sang. Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Buddy Holly, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Bob Dylan, and Randy Travis.

While there are many elements, situations and issues that divide our Nation, gospel music has found a unique way to highlight our similarities and influence the cultural makeup of our society. Instead of emphasizing our differences, gospel music has found a way to cater to the fundamental elements that unite people around the world, focusing on the soul of an individual rather than the mind.

If you look at these pictures, you can see how people are inspired and seemingly caught up in the emotion and the feeling of the song.

With that, it is important that we do not take this art form for granted. In fact, this evening I was speaking to Kurt Carr, and it may be important that as we celebrate Gospel Music Heritage Month we find a way to translate this musical art to our children. We must make sure that the heritage of gospel music is recognized, honored, and celebrated. As I said, it is part of Americana. It is part of American history. It is a song which pioneers took west with them and others found comfort in their times of stress.

Over the years, songs like ``Amazing Grace,'' which was written by John Newton, a young boy who left school at the age of 11 and began a life as a pirate seaman. Eventually he engaged in slavery capturing people from west Africa and selling them to slave markets around the world. But some would say by the grace of God fear was put into his heart when he was caught in a violent and fierce storm upon the sea, and lo and behold, he designed, wrote, felt and offered to the world the song, ``Amazing Grace,'' which offered to us that one could be saved when you felt lost and blind.

And so it is important that as we reflect on how wonderful it is to live in this great country, how many attributes we have, we have brought to this Congress the opportunity to commemorate and designate September as Gospel Music Heritage Month.

There are some icons that I want to mention in this statement tonight.

Dr. Bobby Jones, who founded and is the director and anchor and presenter of ``Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel,'' a program that has been on cable TV for 30 years, I did not say 10, I did not say 20, this is the longest-running cable TV program in the Nation, not longest gospel TV program, the longest gospel program of 30 years. And so I thank you, Dr. Jones, for providing for aspiring artists and the many gospel singers that have had their opportunity to be on your program.

Singers like Kurt Carr, V. Michael McKay and Don Jackson, who was the founder of the Stellar Awards, which is the great honorable program that honors all gospel singers. Certainly V. Michael McKay, as I indicated, just wrote a book of hymns that has a gospel touch; to Jazzy Jordan, who manages a number of artists and to many of those whose names have been listed in this legislation, names like the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Kirk Franklin, Theola Booker, Yolanda Adams, Edwin and Walter Hawkins--and certainly we mourn the passing of brother Walter Hawkins--Sandi Patty, the Winans, Kathy Taylor, Brenda Waters, Carl Preacher--the late Carl Preacher--Shirley Joiner of B, C & S. All of these may not still be with us today, but we recognize their value.

What about those who started with a grounding in gospel music like Sam Cooke, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Alan Jackson and many, many others.

So I hope that as we celebrate, we will find the opportunity to be able to have a gospel music heritage event in every location around America. Again, no matter what your background, you can celebrate gospel music.

This bill has generated bipartisan support with 65 cosponsors, and I urge the rest of my colleagues to join us in honoring and celebrating this historic musical art form and pass H.J. Res. 90 today so that we can establish September as Gospel Music Heritage Month in the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support my bill H.J. Res. 90, ``Expressing Support for the Designation of September 2010 as `Gospel Music Heritage Month' and Honoring Gospel Music for its Valuable and Longstanding Contributions to the Culture of the United States.''

As you may know, gospel music is an American art form that has spanned hundreds of years and across several generations. It has touched millions of lives around the world while demonstrating its profound ability to transcend secular musical genres. By surpassing culturally constructed boundaries, gospel music has emerged as the musical thread uniting the fabric of America. Rich, poor, young, old, and even Democrats and Republicans alike have been uniquely interlinked by gospel music's undeniable influence and contribution to American culture. For this reason, it is important that we recognize and celebrate the vital role that gospel music has played in shaping music history.

While gospel music has become a multibillion-dollar industry, gospel music's historic roots have originated in the humble and soulful melodies of African American spirituals. Its sound contains diverse elements from African music, melodic influences from Irish folk songs and hymns, and ultimately borrowed from other uniquely American musical styles including ragtime, jazz, and blues. The legacy of gospel music can be heard in the voices of pioneers in American history, such as Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, James Vaughan, Roberta Martin, and many more.

The influence of gospel music can be found infused in all forms of secular music including rock & roll, country, soul, R&B, and countless other styles. Gospel music laid down the musical foundation for legendary recording artists such as Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Buddy Holly, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Bob Dylan, and Randy Travis.

While there are many elements, situations, and issues that divide our Nation, gospel music has found a unique way to highlight our similarities and influence the cultural make of our society. Instead of emphasizing our differences, gospel music has found a way to cater to the fundamental elements that unite people around the world, focusing on the soul of an individual rather than the mind. With that, it is important that we do not take this art form for granted. We must make sure that the heritage of gospel music is recognized, honored and celebrated.

Over the years, songs like ``Amazing Grace,'' which was written by John Newton, a young boy who left school at the age of eleven and began a life as a pirate seaman. Eventually he engaged in slavery, capturing people from West Africa and selling them to slave markets around the world. But by the grace of God, fear was put into his heart when he was caught in a violent and fierce storm upon the sea. Newton was so afraid of a shipwreck that he began to read ``The Imitation of Christ'' by Thomas a' Kepis. Calling himself a wretch who was lost and blind, John Newton recognized that God had used this book to lead him to a dramatic change in his way of life and this episode led him to write one of the most amazing songs throughout history.

My bill will designate the month of September as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month,'' honoring gospel music for its valuable long-standing contributions to American culture. This bill has generated bipartisan support with 65 cosponsors. I urge the rest of my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating this historic musical art form, and to pass H.J. Res. 90 today.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4899, the ``Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010.'' I oppose the Senate amendments because they will deny job programs to Americans, while continuing to fund a war that has gone for far too long.

I want to thank Chairman Obey for his timely leadership on this legislation. Clearly, opposing a bill that you are charged with bringing to the floor is not easy. However, this is an important moment to decide the direction that our military involvement and national economy are headed. Without some of the programs cut by the Senate, and with the knowledge revealed by the leaked documents, the sum of this bill is no longer palatable.

As originally conceived, H.R. 4899 would have provided funding for the needs of the American people, from national security, housing, employment, health, to education. I fully support these efforts and want to stress that we must continue to provide policies and funding that ensure that the United States remains a global leader in science and technology, including space exploration, which not only results in knowledge-building, but also in hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the Nation.

The legislation would provide resources to support over 350,000 jobs for youth ages 16 to 21 through summer employment programs. This age group has some of the highest unemployment levels, 25 percent for those aged 16 to 24. This funding will allow local Workforce Investment Boards to expand successful summer jobs programs that were funded in the Recovery Act.

The legislation would also fully fund the settlement of both the Cobell and Pigford class action lawsuits. The Cobell settlement concerns the government's management and accounting for over 300,000 American Indians, trust accounts, and the Pigford settlement ends a decades-old discrimination lawsuit brought by black farmers against

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4692, the ``National Manufacturing Strategy Act of 2010''. This legislation provides a pragmatic and forward-looking means to enhance, develop, and secure our nation's manufacturing industry for the future. Its contributions to our economy and the sheer size of this industry make it imperative that we take the necessary steps to

ensure its continued growth and success. I commend my colleague, Representative Daniel Lipinski, for introducing this legislation to do just that.

Mr. Speaker, as you may know, the manufacturing industry generates \2/3\ of U.S. exports, employs over 11 million American workers, and serves as an industrial base to assure that our national defense remains strong and to sustain infrastructure. This bill addresses the growing importance of the manufacturing sector to our nation's health and economy. It directs the President, every four years, to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the nation's manufacturing sector and to submit to Congress a National Manufacturing Strategy. It also requires the President, in developing each strategy, to convene a Manufacturing Strategy Task Force to make recommendations regarding specified matters for incorporation into the Strategy, including short- and long-term goals for the manufacturing sector. Furthermore, the bill directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct quadrennial studies concerning U.S. manufacturing and to report each study's results to Congress and the President. Finally, the bill requires the President, in preparing each annual budget, to include information regarding that budget's consistency with the goals and recommendations included in the latest Strategy.

The enactment of this bill would express that it is the view of Congress that policies should be promoted to support and secure the growing manufacturing industry. We should support efforts that seek to create sustainable economic growth, increase employment, productivity, exports, and global competitiveness, and that improve our national and homeland security. As other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and China, have already engaged in similar strategic development plans for manufacturing, it is only fitting that the world's largest manufacturing nation do the same. I have supported for a long time America moving back to making products and creating jobs. It is long overdue.

Furthermore, as this bill does not call for mandatory action, its benefit is purely inherent in the positive effects of information and preemptive planning. Therefore, the door remains open for governmental action that may need to be taken in order to promote growth and provide efficient outcomes in the manufacturing industry. I strongly believe that more information and strategic planning in the immense manufacturing sector can only put the nation's economy in a better position for the future.

For these reasons I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4692.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5156, the ``Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2010''. This legislation, which provides for the establishment of a Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Fund, will go a long way to ensure that American clean energy technology firms possess the information and assistance required to become and remain competitive in the world markets. The bill will also focus our priorities in the energy sector to reduce production costs, encourage innovation, and promote investment and productivity.

Mr. Speaker it is imperative that the U.S. remain a leader in global exports of innovative technology, particularly clean energy. It is no secret that our dependence on foreign oil and other fossil fuel energy sources is too great. The Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2010 will assist us in our efforts to move away from this problematic energy paradigm. It will provide our domestic clean energy firms the means to keep the U.S. ahead of the curve.

This bill directs the Secretary to provide information, tools, and other assistance to U.S. businesses to promote clean energy technology manufacturing and facilitate the export of clean energy technology products and services. It also promotes the implementation of a national clean energy technology export strategy.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is a practical means to assist our direction in clean energy technology. For these reasons I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5156.