Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I also would like to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, tonight we consider legislation of great importance to Florida's Space Coast and to our Nation, the NASA Authorization Act.

I want to echo the sentiments of my colleagues who have suggested that the uncertainty surrounding NASA and our manned space exploration has caused a great deal of anguish and difficult times for my constituents, literally thousands of individuals, families and businesses.

This legislation will define NASA's future by building on its past. The legislation mandates one additional shuttle flight next year, which will provide additional job stability for thousands of workers and ensure the long-term viability of the international space station, a national laboratory, 200 miles above our heads, only now complete after 10 years of construction, which has endless research and education possibilities.

The bill also directs the development of new NASA-led heavy lift vehicles utilizing shuttle and constellation work, which will make our astronauts have the opportunity for even greater exploration to asteroids and eventually to Mars sooner than the current program. This exploration mission will drive technological innovation as we strive to address its challenges, as well as to inspire our students to become engineers and astronauts. And the bill provides funding to update the infrastructure at Kennedy Space Center so it will truly be America's 21st-century gateway to space.

Finally, the authorization bill seeds the commercial spaceflight industry, which includes new entrepreneurial small businesses, along with the giants of aerospace and decades of experience sending our astronauts and cargo into space.

This will provide new job opportunities for our skilled workforce and options for researchers and tourists to experience spaceflight.

On Friday in my district, about 900 workers will lose their jobs as the shuttle program begins to wind down. We must do everything that we can possibly do to preserve this unique workforce, as was referred to my by colleague earlier.

We cannot afford to lose our technological supremacy because we have failed to act. Failure is not an option. Please vote ``yes'' on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor and privilege today to recognize on the floor of the United States House of Representatives Dr. Pam Carbeaner for her extensive community service and her spirit of volunteerism.

Dr. Carbeaner has dedicated her life's work to helping people in need. She's had a particular focus on women and children, and she has dedicated her energies to a wide range of causes including eating disorders, children's advocacy, sexual assault, and maternal health.

Additionally, she has served the public with her expertise on the Halifax Health Board of Commissioners, which is the governing body of the area's largest health service providers. Dr. Carbeaner currently practices medicine at Halifax OB/GYN Associates in Daytona Beach, Florida, and she resides in Ormond Beach with her husband, Frank, and their three wonderful children, Sarah, Charlie, and Katie.

Today I would like to officially thank Dr. Carbeaner for her tireless work and her dedication to the health, wellbeing, safety, and care not only of her patients but also to the countless citizens who her volunteerism has served. She is recognized as an accomplished and outstanding community leader for the greater Halifax region of central Florida.

Thank you, Dr. Carbeaner.

Madam Speaker, on the 36th anrniversary of the invasion of Cyprus, it is important to remind ourselves of the continuing human rights violations that have left the island and its people divided. The occupation that began on July 20, 1974 has resulted in the forced removal of Greek Cypriots from their homes in the occupied zone, the destruction and desecration of Greek Orthodox churches and chapels, and years of suffering for families with missing relatives whose fates may never be known.

An occupation force of over 40,000 Turkish troops has allowed for the colonization of the seized lands by 160,000 settlers from mainland Turkey. These settlers are unlawfully occupying property seized from Greek Cypriots that have either fled their homes or been expelled in the wake of the invasion. This unlawful occupation has resulted in the adoption of 75 resolutions by the U.N. Security Council calling for the return of the refugees to their homes and properties and for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops from Cyprus.

In the face of continuing oppression and hardship, President Demetris Christofias has been partaking in continuing negotiations with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community in an effort to reach a comprehensive settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation as a single sovereignty, with a single citizenship that is recognized as a single international entity. The only acceptable solution must reunite the island, its people, its institutions and its economy while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all Cypriots and ensuring the withdrawal of Turkish occupation forces from Cyprus.

Such a solution would not only serve the best interests of all Cypriots, but it would also serve the interests of Turkey and ultimately the interests of the United States in promoting peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5551) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to make a certification when making purchases under the Small Business Lending Fund Program, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

I yield myself 3 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, last Friday, the House approved H.R. 5297, the Small Business Lending Fund Act, which creates important programs designed to increase access to capital for small businesses and which allows them to create new jobs.

I would like to thank Chairman Frank, Congressman Gary Peters, Congresswoman Melissa Bean, and Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez for their hard work and effort on this legislation. The bill will encourage new lending by financial institutions, and this will help small businesses access the capital they need to continue innovating, growing, and creating jobs in our communities.

During the debate on this bill, the minority offered a good suggestion for the oversight of the Small Business Lending Fund, specifically regarding the disbursement of the funds provided for under the program. Today, we are here to take action on their suggestion to enhance this oversight.

I am pleased to sponsor, along with Mr. Driehaus, H.R. 5551, which will require the Secretary of the Treasury to certify, under oath, to the Inspector General that determinations on the disbursements from the Small Business Lending Fund are based on economic need and not political considerations. We believe this enhanced oversight to be a good addition to the already existing oversight for the program, and we believe that it will go further to make sure that the necessary funds are made available to the small businesses in the areas of the country and of the economy that need it the most. H.R. 5551, together with H.R. 5297, will provide much-needed assistance to small businesses across the Nation. I urge my colleagues to support this effort.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Driehaus).

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Driehaus).

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1434) recognizing National Homeownership Month and the importance of homeownership in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes.

This bipartisan resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Homeownership Month and reaffirms Congress' commitment to helping working families fulfill a fundamental part of the American Dream. Importantly, this resolution recognizes the vital role that homeownership plays, together with safe and affordable rental housing, and building strong communities and families, and it affirms the central role that responsible homeownership plays in our economic recovery.

I hope my colleagues will join in support of this resolution that will send an important signal to the American people that creating fair and responsible homeownership opportunities requires commitment and cooperation, and that Washington is up to the challenge.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa).

I yield an additional 10 seconds to the gentleman.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5569) to extend the National Flood Insurance Program until September 30, 2010.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

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

I thank the gentleman from Texas who earlier spoke on this particular issue.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about this crucial bill, H.R. 5569, the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2010, which would extend

the National Flood Insurance Program through the end of September this year.

The flood insurance program provides valuable protection for approximately 5.5 million homeowners. Unfortunately, the lack of a long-term authorization has placed this program at risk. The program has lapsed three times now since the beginning of this year: for 2 days in March, for 18 days in April, and again since June 1.

These lapses meant that FEMA was not able to write new policies, renew expiring policies, or increase coverage limits. This also means that each day 1,400 home buyers who wanted to purchase homes located in flood plains are unable to close on their homes. Given the current crisis in the housing market, this instability in the flood insurance program is hampering the market's recovery, and it must be addressed.

This bill would simply extend the current program through September 30, 2010, to address the immediate issue of individuals being able to close on their homes.

Soon I will be able to support Ms. Waters in bringing comprehensive flood insurance reform to the floor. This bill passed out of the Financial Services Committee on a simple voice vote in April. Ms. Waters' bill would restore stability to the flood insurance program by reauthorizing the program for 5 years and would address the impact of new flood maps by delaying the mandatory purchase requirement for 5 years and then phasing in actuarial rates for another 5 years.

Ms. Waters' bill also makes other improvements to the program by phasing in actuarial rates for pre-FIRM properties, raising maximum coverage limits, providing notice to renters about contents insurance, and establishing a flood insurance advocate similar to the taxpayer advocate at the Internal Revenue Service.

In the meantime, we must extend the current National Flood Insurance Program. This country is reeling from major floods in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. And we are now officially in hurricane season. I urge my colleagues to stand with me in support of this important extension, and I thank Ms. Waters and Chairman Frank, and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute to make a comment.

I want to suggest how important I think this legislation is and to also say as a member of the National Association of Realtors myself for over 30 years, and having been an active member of the realty community assisting friends and neighbors in my community to achieve the American Dream of

homeownership, I am pleased to offer a letter of support from the NAR and include it for the Record.

National Association of

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment to enable the Department of Defense and NASA cooperation in the utilization of a unique strategic capability. The NASA Shuttle Logistics Depot (NSLD) employs approximately 300 highly-skilled workers who service and fabricate about 700 individual pieces of shuttle hardware, including avionics, cargo bay hydraulics, and cockpit windows.

Due to the scheduled ending of the shuttle program later this year or early next year, the Space Coast is facing the loss of up to 10,000 direct jobs. As part of an effort to maintain this unique workforce, the NSLD has partnered with DoD on several pilot projects, including the fabrication of M2 50 Caliber Machine Gun parts and F-16 wing spar attach fittings, in an effort to diversify work, maintain the unique skills and capabilities, and fulfill DoD needs.

In order to allow this important work to go forward, my amendment would direct DoD and NASA to conduct a study on the feasibility of joint usage of the NSLD so that the military can utilize its unique capabilities such as engineering and reverse-engineering analysis and development of innovative manufacturing techniques. The facility could also take part in developing innovative technology and processes to improve product procurement and reduce risk, cost, and cycle time of system delivery.

I urge the adoption of this important amendment in order to enable the continued utilization of this unique capability.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor and privilege to recognize on the floor of the United States House of Representatives Dr. Pamela Carbiener for her extensive community service and spirit of volunteerism.

Dr. Carbiener has dedicated her life's work to helping those in need, with a particular focus on women and children. She is the cofounder and member of the Community Outreach to Prevent Eating Disorders, medical supervisor for the Children's Advocacy Center for Victims of Assault, medical supervisor for the Volusia County Rape Crisis Center, and board and coalition member for Healthy Start of Volusia and Flagler Counties. She also serves as the chair of Daytona State College's Women's Advocacy Board.

Dr. Carbiener practices at Halifax OB/GYN Associates in Daytona Beach, Florida, and she resides in nearby Ormond Beach with her husband, Frank, and their three children, Sarah, Katie, and Charlie.

Dr. Carbiener's contributions to Halifax Health and their board of directors, which is the governing body of the largest health care provider in the area, are numerous, generous, and valuable.

Today I would like to officially thank Dr. Carbiener for her tireless work and dedication to the health, well-being, safety, and care not only of her patients, but also to the countless citizens who are affected by her volunteerism and her work in the community. She is recognized as an accomplished and outstanding community leader for the greater Halifax region. Congratulations, Dr. Carbiener.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of Daytona Beach Shores on its 50th Anniversary. Since its founding on April 22, 1960, the City of Daytona Beach Shores has been a resort and retirement community located on the barrier island bordered on the east side by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west side by the Intercoastal Waterway (Halifax River).

The City of Daytona Beach Shores has a storied history, featuring a pristine beach where famed race car drivers once vied to set world speed records. The Legends Walk of Fame tribute features bricks dedicated to these famous drivers and the Otto Schultze Memorial is a tribute to the late City Councilman that includes the seven flags used in automobile racing. The City is also home to The Court of Flags, a rotating display of 12 flags representing the national originals of its residents and highlighting the cultural diversity that unifies our nation.

The citizens of Daytona Beach Shores also have a strong history of responsible governance and stewardship as evidenced most recently by the approval of a local tax to fund underground placement of all utility lines, thus mitigating damages from dangerous tropical storms.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary, the City will place items in a time capsule to be opened at the 75th anniversary of the City in 2035.

Living up to the City's motto of ``a better life,'' the residents of Daytona Beach Shores truly have enjoyed ``50 years of a better life'' since its founding on April 22, 1960.

On April 22, 2010, the 50th Anniversary of the City of Daytona Beach Shores, I encourage all residents to recognize and show their appreciation for the many memories and contributions of the community over the years.

Thank you very much. I thank you for yielding and for hosting this important forum on small business.

I appreciate the picture that has been painted here on the large issues nationally and how they are affecting our economy, but I come to speak from a personal perspective as a person who has been a small business owner, self-employed my entire adult life. And that means that in my community, most of my friends and colleagues are also small business owners small- to medium-sized business owners, and I recognize the things that are important to them. We recognize them, of course, as the engines of our economy.

And what we know for sure is that, over the last decade, 70 percent of new jobs created in this country have been created through small businesses. That is why they are so critically important to us during this economic time. We want to ensure that they are able to survive and thrive, and I think we all are working together in order to make that happen. We recognize that the Recovery Act has been important to these small businesses and that measures have been introduced to help them have access to loans and to capital, but I know that in my district and in others, businesses are still struggling in order to access the capital that they need in order to grow and add jobs.

Just last week, I visited VaxDesign, which is a truly innovative biotech company, in my district, that wants to expand; but in order to do so, they are going to need to attract resources. And so what we really need to do is to take additional steps to open up the flow of capital to small businesses, and that is why I have introduced a bill that will eliminate the capital gains tax on long-term investments in small business stock. We have done that so that innovative companies can attract the long-term investors that they need and grow new jobs. We all recognize that that is a very important part of what we are trying to do during this particular economic downturn.

As was previously stated by Representative Dahlkemper, the House has recently passed legislation that plays an important role in providing a payroll tax break for businesses and also a $1,000 credit for keeping new hirees on, and these are very important incentives.

I have also introduced several other measures that I think are extremely important based on my experience in small business and my recognition of the issues that are important to them in my district. Some of these include incentives to encourage private sector investment in areas of high unemployment, which is a serious problem in many districts but about 12 percent in parts of my district. And while we have had these incentives in place in the past for low-income areas, we are now wanting to apply those incentives to high-unemployment areas.

I have long suggested that we should allow sole proprietors of small businesses to be able to deduct the cost of their health care, which they are not currently able to do. This has the benefit, of course, of providing them with a tax incentive but also encouraging them to have health care for themselves and their families.

We have introduced legislation that increases the new business startup deduction from $5,000 to $20,000, and also a Shop Act which we introduced that allows small businesses to pool together to purchase insurance.

Some of these, of course, will be taken care of in other ways and through other pieces of legislation, but they are important initiatives that I have personally taken on as part of my own agenda for my district.

We also passed an amendment to support the photonics industry through the Small Business Innovation and Research Act, and this is very key to central Florida, an area where that area is growing rapidly.

These are some examples of what I call common sense, and they are bipartisan solutions that I believe will help our small businesses spur investments and create jobs. And it would be my intention to continue to work with my colleagues and to try to continue to find new ways to increase opportunities for small businesses to grow and to hire more folks in central Florida and across the country.

I certainly am proud to be here this evening and concur with, as I say, the big picture that you have painted as to how small business is connected to the educational system, and the opportunity for innovation that grows out of small business is a very important component of how we see improving our educational system at all levels.

So I thank you again for bringing this issue before us and for the opportunity to speak tonight.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my good friend, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, for her personal courage, but also for her focus on this very important issue and to commend her for introduction of this important resolution.

Each of us knows, whether in our own personal lives or in that of our family and friends, how important it is that people get early detection and intervention for any type of cancer, but we know that breast cancer steals the lives of our women in this country--mothers, friends, sisters, and daughters.

Despite the task force report, we need to listen to commonsense and scientific-based guidelines that tell us that breast cancer screening for women ages 40 to 49 is extremely important and should not be ignored, despite the recommendation of the task force. Because we know these things to be true, the resolution states that the task force would not be used for insurers to deny coverage for routine screenings.

So through our support here of this resolution, my colleagues and I encourage all women to remain vigilant and to protect their health by getting regular mammograms at early ages.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

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

I would like to thank the chairwoman of the committee and the committee for their hard work and leadership in introducing this important bill that will give small businesses greater access to capital.

H.R. 3854, the Small Business Financing and Investment Act of 2009, establishes an early-stage investment program that will provide financing to support small businesses in targeted business sectors. By investing in fledgling companies, America's small businesses will be able to grow and create jobs.

I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 3854, which would add photonics technology to the list of targeted industries qualified to receive grants under the new early-stage investment program.

Photonics technology, which includes fiber optic communications and laser technology, is a key industry in central Florida and is a supporting technology for almost every industry, including energy, telecommunications, health care, robotics, astronomy, aerospace, and defense.

According to the Opto-electronics Industry Development Association, the fast-growing, global photonics market is estimated to be worth half a trillion dollars today. In Florida alone, photonics provides over 27,000 jobs and brings billions of dollars to our State each year. We must ensure that America remains competitive in this industry and that, as the market expands, American small businesses and workers benefit.

Numerous small businesses in the photonics industry are at the very early stages of development, and therefore, they need this support and access to capital in order to grow and become profitable. By including photonics in the list of targeted business sectors, we will ensure that the photonics industry will continue to play a vital role in developing new technologies for use in every area of our economy. And this bill and my amendment will give small businesses in this industry the opportunity to succeed.

Again, I commend the chairwoman and the committee for the bill. I ask my colleagues for their support of this amendment.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Thank you. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim the time in opposition, although I do not oppose the amendment.

I rise in support of the Posey-Kosmas amendment and of this bill, H.R. 3246, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act.

Our amendment would direct the Department of Energy to establish an Innovative Automotive Demonstration Program to award competitive grants for the purpose of demonstrating and for bringing to the market very high energy-efficient vehicles, achieving at least 70 miles per gallon in the near term.

Creating opportunities such as this ensures that we are utilizing the expertise of both the Department of Energy and of those in the industry who have real-world experience. This program will help to ensure that our Nation remains competitive in the world automotive market. Here at home, it will not only help us to meet new mileage and emissions requirements but to far exceed them.

Right now, companies across the Nation, including in central Florida, are researching and developing vehicles that will use lightweight materials and highly efficient engines, enabling them to potentially reach 100 miles per gallon. This program will help ensure that these companies are able to move past the R&D stage to demonstration and to full-scale manufacturing in the near term. Our Nation can lead the world in innovation and in technology achievements if we are willing to make the investment.

I would like to thank my friend and colleague, Congressman Posey, for working with me on this important program which, I think, will be beneficial to consumers, which will help us to reduce our emissions and dependence on foreign oil, and which will lead to new jobs in central Florida and across the Nation.

I urge my colleagues to support the bipartisan Posey-Kosmas amendment and the underlying bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to Chairman Bart Gordon.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 607, a resolution recognizing and honoring the three American heroes of the Apollo 11 mission, as well as the tens of thousands of engineers, scientists, and support personnel whose efforts were essential to the mission's success and the American qualities of ingenuity, exceptionalism, and creativity that drove their achievements.

In this very chamber, President Kennedy asked for every scientist, engineer, serviceman, technician, contractor, and civil servant to give their personal pledge that this nation will move forward, with the full speed of freedom, in the exciting adventure of space. When he made this request of our nation it was on a scale equaled only by two other feats in the history of the world; the digging of the Panama Canal and The Manhattan Project.

Just as we honor those that made the Apollo program a success, this occasion should be a time to recognize the rich history and tradition of aeronautical innovation in our nation's past and recommit ourselves to continuing this spirit of adventure and innovation that made our nation what it is today. From the Wright Brothers and Charles Lindbergh to Robert Goddard and Von Braun's Saturn V; from Alan Sheppard and John Glenn to Neil Armstrong, ``Buzz'' Aldrin, and Michael Collins, Americans have broken technological barriers and risked their lives in the quest to push the boundaries of gravity, human endurance, and space.

By dedicating themselves to pushing the boundaries of discovery at great personal risk, the three men of Apollo 11, along with the thousands of men and woman who supported them on the ground, cemented our nation's leadership in science and technology and paved the way for future accomplishments in space. It is only fitting as our nation plans to return to the moon that we honor their great accomplishments today.

I would also like to remind my colleagues and all Americans that our achievements in space have led to numerous advancements on Earth. Many discoveries and innovations, including water filtration, improvements in solar energy, and advanced flight simulation training, improve our everyday lives, and it is vital that we strongly support our human spaceflight program so that we can continue to inspire, invent, and achieve over the next 40 years and beyond.

I thank my friend Mr. Hall, a great supporter of NASA, for introducing this resolution and urge my colleagues to join us in honoring this historic occasion.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, pursuant to the rule, I send to the desk a modification of amendment No. 3.

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

I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009. I would like to thank the chairwoman for her support of this important amendment, which will assist small businesses in my District and across the Nation that support NASA's space shuttle program.

With suppliers in nearly every State, the retirement of the space shuttle program will have a significant economic impact. In my district alone, over 300 businesses work with NASA and these small businesses had over $200 million in contracts last year.

This amendment will provide that these businesses have the opportunity to commercialize and that they get assistance in doing so so that they can continue to thrive and contribute to our economy following the expiration of the shuttle program. The contributions the shuttle program has made to our economy and to the improvement of our everyday lives are countless, and we must continue to utilize the knowledge, innovation, and unique workforce that has supported NASA throughout the years. Helping small businesses by increasing their potential to produce products for the marketplace will ensure that this exceptional workforce and this small business sector will not be dispersed and lost, but will be able to continue developing vital technologies and growing our economy.

NASA's innovative partnerships program has a strong history of engaging small businesses in developing technology for NASA needs and transferring that technology to the public benefit. In 2008, NASA's SBIR awards went to 205 firms spanning 31 States. NASA also identified 1,110 newly developed technologies last year that could lead to patenting and to transfer. Technologies developed by and for NASA lead to new products deployed to the fields of health and medicine, transportation, public safety, agriculture, industrial productivity, and of course computer technology.

Helping small businesses affected by the retirement of the shuttle program transition to work in related or unrelated industries will encourage cutting-edge research and development and preserve the unique workforce which has made us the world leader in innovation.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.