Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 8 o'clock and 46 minutes a.m.), the House adjourned until today, Thursday, June 17, 2004, at 10 a.m.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 672 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

(Mr. REYNOLDS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 672 is a modified, closed rule that provides for consideration of H.R. 4513, the Renewable Energy Project Siting Improvement Act of 2004; and H.R. 4529, the Arctic Coastal Plain and Surface Mining Improvement Act of 2004.

For consideration of H.R. 4513, the rule provides 1 hour of general debate and makes in order the manager's amendment printed in part A of the Committee on Rules report. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

For consideration of H.R. 4529, the rule provides 1 hour of general debate and makes in order the substitute amendment printed in part B of the Committee on Rules report. The rule also provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

Mr. Speaker, energy diversity is vital to our economy and our national security. We must continue to explore affordable and sustainable power supplies. Whether we look to wind, solar, biomass, or geothermal energy, we ought to have a straightforward method for granting project approval to future energy activities.

H.R. 4513 streamlines the process by which environmentally responsible renewable energy projects are considered and approved by Federal agencies holding jurisdiction over the project. The current system of environmental review does not allow for an expedited process in approving or disapproving a submitted project. By simplifying the review procedures, we can improve protection for the environment by directing our efforts to the most reasonable projects.

Since renewable energy projects are largely ``place-based,'' occurring in the area where the resources are found, the only decision needed is whether to authorize or not authorize the proposal. The agency should reply simply on the merits and the environmental effects of the proposal.

The provisions of H.R. 4513 also succeed in protecting capital investments by reducing the regulatory risk of doing business. The restructured system of approval will encourage the commitment to capital, to alternative energy sources without fear of extensive litigation, requiring commonsense analysis; modification through mitigation; and, if mitigation is not good enough, denial of the permit.

Mr. Speaker, just as important as meeting our energy needs with affordable, reliable, secure, and sustainable power supplies, the underlying bill also creates jobs for Americans, from highly skilled labor to a stimulation of local construction and manufacturing jobs. In general, wind power creates 2.77 jobs for every megawatt produced; solar panels create 7.24 jobs per megawatt; and geothermal energy projects create 5.67 jobs per megawatt.

The commonsense changes in the underlying bill are good for our economy, while being good for our environment.

Mr. Speaker, the second bill brought for consideration under this rule is H.R. 4529, the Arctic Coastal Plain and Surface Mining Improvement Act of 2004. The bill establishes a competitive oil and gas leasing program for exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas resources on the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

This area is the largest unexplored, potentially productive on-shore basin in the United States. And the development of the coastal plain could significantly reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign resources. In fact, it is estimated that we could produce between 1 million and 1.5 million barrels of oil a day, the equivalent of 1 million to 1.3 million barrels of oil we currently import daily from Saudi Arabia.

Under H.R. 4529, additional requirements are established to ensure that oil and natural gas activities do not have significant adverse effects on wildlife and the environment. It ensures that the best commercially available technology is utilized to achieve these environmental protections.

Furthermore, not only is there a limit of 2,000 acres surface disturbance, but the Secretary of the Interior may also designate up to 45,000 acres on the coastal plain as protected for unique or sensitive areas. These environmental controls would be the strongest ever adopted into Federal law and would not interfere with any existing State or Federal regulations.

Exploration and future development of the coastal plain also generates jobs. Based on potential sales by oil and gas producers and field surface companies, estimates show that the possible job creation is in the tens of thousands.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to conservation and development of alternative energies, any comprehensive and sensible energy plan must include increased domestic production to reduce our reliance on foreign oil. The House recognized that fact when we passed an energy conference report with strong bipartisan support of 246 to 180.

The case for increasing domestic production is compelling. In 2004, the United States relied on foreign imports for 62 percent of its crude oil needs; and according to the Energy Information Administration, that will increase to 70 percent by the year 2025. Even during the oil embargo and subsequent energy crisis in 1973, imports accounted for only 35 percent of the U.S. crude oil.

Since 2001, consumers have seen the average price of a gallon of gasoline increase by 52 percent and home heating oil by 33 percent. The price of a barrel of oil increased by 74 percent during that time, from just over $23 a barrel in 2001 to more than $40 a barrel today. To ease that dependency in just the past 3 years, we have twice approved legislation allowing for the development of the coastal plain. It is time to finally move forward to reduce our Nation's foreign dependency and explore our oil and gas production on the coastal plain.

H.R. 4529 also reauthorizes the Abandoned Mine Claims Program, the AML, for an additional 15 years. This bill continues the industry's commitment to the remediation of abandoned mines which protects communities all across this Nation. Unused mines can sometimes appear to be adventurous places, especially for children. Yet they are actually extremely dangerous and cause too many needless deaths each year. The reclamation of these mines is essential to keep the communities around unused sites as safe as possible.

H.R. 4529 additionally resolves the historic State share reclamation funding issue by providing for reimbursement of funds owed to States.

Another key component of the legislation provides for the permanent solvency of the Combined Benefits Fund, which provides health care benefits for retired miners and their dependents. This will be achieved with a Federal share of money received from future oil production on the coastal plain, providing long-term solvency for the Combined Benefits Fund and future health care premiums of those coal miners currently being funded by the so-called ``reachback'' companies.

Mr. Speaker, the Committee on Resources, in consultation with the Committee on Ways and Means, has worked on these commonsense and fair reforms for some time, and I would like to commend both the chairmen and the ranking members of these committees for their tireless support of so many issues surrounding our Nation's energy resources and ask my colleagues to support the underlying bills.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, my colleague the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) covered a lot of ground in his opening remarks, and I think with the basis of the four bills that we were considering we need to review a few things to set the record clearly straight.

First, the gentleman and I agree. There should be an energy policy. This House had ample debate on an energy policy. The other body had ample debate on an energy policy. And then we came together as we sent our conferees with the other body's conferees and we came together with a hammered agreement between the two bodies. The House passed that agreement and the House bills were met with the Democratic minority's obstructionism in the other body. And if we would have had a comprehensive energy policy in 2001, we would not have some of the problems we have here today.

The average price of a gallon of gasoline has increased by 52 percent, from $1.34 a gallon in 2001 to $2.05 today. U.S. imports of oil have increased by more than 10 percent. The price of a barrel of oil increased by 74 percent from just over $23 a barrel in 2001 to more than $40 a barrel today, all while the Senate obstructionism on the Democratic side held up an ample debate of the conference committee report.

The cost of home heating oil, which has a real impact to the Northeast where I come from, has increased by more than 33 percent since 2001. The cost of natural gas to heat America's homes has increased by 92 percent. The U.S. has sent more than $300 billion to foreign nations for oil. This amounts to a massive export in American jobs, national security and our economic growth and vitality.

The Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan has recently testified that energy prices are the single greatest threat to job creation and to the continued growth of an otherwise burgeoning economy. And so if the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) agrees with me that we should have an energy policy then it would have been nice to see a conference report just passed by the other body and we would have law today.

But now when we look at four pieces of legislation established under two rules, I will remind my colleagues that while the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) was discussing his amendments, it was for another rule that will come behind there. It was not on the rule that we are now considering in the debate before us. As a matter of fact, in addition to the two manager's amendments which the rule provides for, there was only one other amendment and it was offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kanjorski), and I wanted to find why in my view as a member of the Committee on Rules it was not made in order. And so again in the legislation before us there was only one other amendment that came before the Committee on Rules other than the two manager's amendments, the gentleman from Pennsylvania's (Mr. Kanjorski). And what it did in the amendment, instead of paying the combined benefits fund through the Federal share of money received from future oil production on the coastal plain, the Kanjorski amendment would provide tax credits to the States to bond the issue.

This approach would amount to an estimated $20 billion in bonds, which scores at about $7 billion. In contrast, the approach used in the underlying bill costs only an estimated $2 to $3 billion, which is not only a substantial decrease in the cost to the Federal Government but it is paid for.

As we look at the debate that this body has had on energy policy on the ANWR issue, the full Committee on Resources had a hearing in March of 2003. There was a full committee markup on the overall energy package, including ANWR. The House then approved the energy bill with ANWR in it in April of 2003 and the previous House vote on ANWR was in 2001.

When we look at the AML issue, which is included in the rule today, H.R. 313, the Coal Accountability and Retired Employee Act of the 21st Century, was introduced by the ranking member of the Committee on Resources and is a major component to this ANWR/AML bill.

On October 1, 2003 the full Committee on Resources considered that bill. No amendments were offered and the bill was favorably reported to the House by unanimous consent. H.R. 3796, the Abandoned Land Mines Reclamation Reform Act of 2004, and H.R. 3778, the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program Extension and Reform Act of 2004, were both subject to a Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources hearing on March 30, 2004. Portions of each of these bills are included in the text of this ANWR/AML bill.

Finally, on the renewable energy portion that is in this rule, not to be debated in the next rule, the H.R. 1904, the Healthy Forest Restoration Act, discusses the NEPA in that it reduces the number of alternatives that the decision maker has to choose from, and our program of renewables bill draws upon the very same concept.

Mr. Speaker, it is clear that in the two bills before us there has been an ample debate by this body on times before. There have been hearings. And in addition we had an ample Committee on Rules forum yesterday where hearings were held and rules were sent to the floor of these two pieces of legislation which are for consideration today as we have outlined, 4513 and 4529, of which there was only one amendment, which was a far more expensive plan than what is before us in the underlying legislation.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I listen to my colleague talking about regular order and then I do not know, as he has quoted my chairman of the Committee on Rules on, it is either a closed rule or an open rule, but I know the chairman when I was a new member 6 years ago took great pains to guide me on the fact that there is open rules, there is modified rules, there is modified open rules, modified closed rules, structured rules, closed rules; and he began to teach how each one becomes effective and appropriate in doing its duties for the Committee on Rules. But as I listen to my colleague here talk about whether this is political or whether it is governmental, I look and say, great debate in 2003 on energy policy and most people saying that they agreed that there was not an energy policy in the Clinton administration or the Bush 41 administration, and that this President asked the Congress to move forward and establish an energy policy in America.

We had the hearings. We had the debate in the House and the other body had their debate, and as I said earlier in my remarks, we approved conferees to go work with the other body's conference, to have the conferees come together if they could, and they did. We negotiated. This body did not get all they wanted. The other body did not get all that they wanted, a true compromise; and we passed the conference report in this body in a bipartisan fashion.

The other body, they were in a situation where because of the unusual rules that might be foreign to us that exist in the other body, they have got to have 60 votes to stop the debate on an energy policy that was agreed to by a conference of this body and the other body, they could not come up with two extra votes. If my colleagues look, it was a pretty partisan decision.

The reality is as we come down to it is the other body has not done its work.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. Speaker, point of order, I just would like to be able to explain in this debate to my colleagues how we might say that it has not been on the floor because they cannot get it there. I am looking for any direction there could be because it just plain has not been voted on by the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, I would yield.

I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Were they what?

Mr. Speaker, to be quite frank, I know many in my district do not really understand this body and the other body. So I am trying to follow the spirit of the law. I do not know if I can answer the gentleman's question.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

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

The one thing we should look at is, I am told that from time to time the minority Members of the other body have not gone to conferences. So I am not sure that other than watching that happen, there is anything we can do about it, whether they participate or they do not.

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

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

The two bills before us make sense on U.S. energy policy. They make sense for our economy, and they make sense for our environment.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Thomas J. McMahon of Williamsville, New York, for his fifty years of active service as a volunteer firefighter.

For the past fifty-plus years, Thomas McMahon served the Williamsville community as a volunteer firefighter in the Hutchinson Hose Company of the Williamsville Fire Department.

Tom graduated from Bennett High school in 1939, and went on to complete a two-year course at the Chown School of Business. He was drafted into military service in 1942, and served our country as an Army Air Corps aircraft photographer. After the war, Tom and his wife Mary returned to the Buffalo area, settling in Williamsville in 1952. Shortly thereafter, in 1953, he joined the volunteer fire service, and still serves today.

Anytime a citizen volunteers his or her time for the betterment of the community, it is commendable. For one man to have given fifty years to volunteer firefighting is nothing short of remarkable. His commitment to his fellow citizens and dedication to his community truly exemplify the ideals of public service. Through his dedication, Tom has made a considerable and lasting contribution to our community, and for that he deserves our deepest gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in honoring Mr. Thomas J. McMahon of Williamsville, New York, and thank him for his fifty years of active service as a volunteer firefighter.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts from Dodge Elementary School in East Amherst, New York, for having been chosen to receive the President's Environmental Youth Award.

In 2002, the Dodge Elementary Scouts began a wetland enhancement project in the Town of East Amherst. The project, now in its third year, has been a tremendous success, as is evidenced by the children being selected to receive the President's Environmental Youth Award. The project not only aids the environment and beautifies the Town, but also benefits the Scouts by teaching them the ideals of conservation and community service.

In the project's first year, the group planted four hundred tree seedlings around a one-acre pond in the town. Bird boxes were also placed around the pond for further wetland habitat enhancement. In 2003, these young men and women planted over eight hundred trees. The work was done as part of Amherst's Arbor Day celebrations. In that single day, the Scouts planted seven hundred and eighty seedlings, as well as fifty weeping willows, black willows, and green ash trees, varying from five to eight feet in height. It was a remarkable effort. This year, the Scouts have already placed several dozen bird boxes, bat boxes, and duck boxes, and have scheduled another tree-planting day for April 25th.

Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, April 22nd, members of the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts from Dodge Elementary School will be at the White House to be honored by President Bush as recipients of the President's Environmental Youth Award, and I ask that this House join me in congratulating them on this well-deserved award.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to congratulate the Williamsville North High School Spartans of Amherst, New York. On March 21, 2004, the Spartans brought home the school's second Division I State Hockey Championship.

Williamsville North, playing in their record fourth-straight Division I championship game, defeated Seton Catholic 5-2. The Spartans displayed dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the entire season, and the Championship is a testament to the hours of hard work they put in during practice and the effort and desire to win they brought to the rink each game. The State Title was achieved by a team of 27 devoted young men. They are: Vincent Amigone Jr, Eric Bennett, Tim Burow, Jason Burzik, Jason Dodson, Ryan Geary, Steven Jacobs, Kenny Joseph, Robert Klein, Ryan Kovel, Ryan Lydon, Ryan Moskal, Matt Nigro, Tyler Walser, Kurt Ziemann, John Cavagnaro, Ryan Clifford, Kevin Dunn, Dan Hartman, Alex Morrison, Alex Ponitowski, Matt Ruckdaschel, Nathan Ruckdaschel, Shane Sims, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Chris Keller, and Ben Sawicki.

I would like to offer this Congress' congratulations to the team, including the Head Coach, Bob Rosen; his Assistant Coaches, Dan Mancuso, Tim Digiulio, David Smith, and John Burns; the Williamsville North Athletic Director Steve Ferenczy; and the Principal, Dr. William Krone.

The entire Western New York community is proud of all that they have accomplished.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in honoring and recognizing the Williamsville North Spartans Hockey team for bringing home the school's second Division I State Championship.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to congratulate the Williamsville East High School Flames of Amherst New York. On March 21, 2004, the Flames brought home the school's first ever Division II State Hockey Championship. It was also the first state championship in any sport for the school.

Williamsville East triumphed 3-2 in an exciting overtime Division II title game. The Flames displayed dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the entire season, and the Championship is a testament to the hours of hard work they put in during practice and the effort and desire to win they brought to the rink each game. The State Title was achieved by a team of 21 devoted young men. They are: Graham Townsend, Mike Ross, Kyle Lucey, Matt Gelia, Joe Ash, Paul Clair, Mike Calzi, Alex Durinka, Mike Kaminska, Justin Rusek, Sean Sheeran, Matt McGlone, Jason Tartick, Lyle Rocker, Phil Bermel, Jarrod Etengoff, Andrew Ross, Jamie Tuchiarelli, Richard Calzi, Anthony Clair, and Jonathan Toole.

I would like to offer this Congress' congratulations to the team, including the Head Coach, Mike Torrillo; his Assistant Coaches, Derek Gilham, Dan Hartman, and Manager Joe Guadagnino; Williamsville East Athletic Director Scott Taylor; and Principal Neal Miller.

The entire Western New York community is proud of all that they have accomplished.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in honoring and recognizing the Williamsville East Flames Hockey team for bringing home the school's first ever Division II State Championship.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 546 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

(Mr. REYNOLDS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 546 is a modified open rule that provides for consideration of H.R. 3752, the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate and makes in order under the 5-minute rule any amendments preprinted in the Congressional Record. The rule also provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

Mr. Speaker, recent discoveries in the space program have reinvigorated our Nation's enthusiasm for space travel and discovery and, while in its infancy, commercial human space flight is becoming a new and exciting industry. As this concept continues to mature, there is hope of regular and safe round trips into space for paying customers. Eventually these trips will also serve as an important tool for investigation into commercial remote sensing and microgravity and atmospheric research. Currently there is no clear, defined structure to preside over this emerging new concept. Failing to provide a precise and consistent form of management will negatively affect the industry's ability to plan for its future, compete with international providers and attract financing from investors.

The underlying bill creates a process for all commercial space flight and grants authority over commercial human space flight to the FAA's Office of the Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation. This will clearly define the structure to allow flights of suborbital rockets carrying human beings. Centrally locating this within the Administrator's office will also expedite the issuance of permits and licenses for commercial space travel. The Administrator will also be charged with drafting a policy for crews relating to training and medical condition prior to space travel.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3752 is a noncontroversial bill that moved easily through the committee process and is necessary to support this emerging space industry. I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

The previous question was ordered.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan for yielding me this time.

I rise before the House today to remember a great man, a mentor to many of us both in Congress today and Congresses of the past, and that is Barber Conable, who passed away a few months ago.

Barber Conable distinguished himself as a Member of Congress for 20 years and had the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. He was notable also for an esteemed academic career and his professional knowledge on a wide variety of issues, from taxes to Social Security, and his willingness to tackle any problem head on. Always lending a helping hand was a signature trait of Barber's. He never let partisanship get in the way of progress.

Barber Conable was the best example of what a public servant ought to be. He loved his country, his community, and his family. He never strayed from the strong values he was raised on. His genuine sophistication as a legislator came effortlessly, revealing the compassion and unselfishness that was the hallmark of his public service.

Today, it is fitting that we pay tribute to a great Congressman, a great public servant who never forgot the roots of his hometown and his community that we name the Batavia post office after Barber Conable. I appreciate the support of my colleagues not only from New York but throughout the Congress that have joined me in cosponsorship of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, as the Western New York community gathers tonight to celebrate the life and career of the Honorable Judge Joseph Mattina, I rise to pay tribute to this outstanding jurist and dedicated public servant.

Throughout his career, Judge Mattina has been an exemplary community leader. Over his 40 years as a Supreme Court and Surrogate Court Judge, he has displayed a selfless commitment to our fellow citizens and to the betterment of our community. He has truly served our society with tireless devotion, and his community contributions distinguish him as an example for us all.

As a judge, his name has become well known throughout both New York State and our nation. He has presided over significant and challenging trials, such as the Attica Prison Rebellion. He has also been influential in overseeing important programs throughout the State.

But Judge Mattina is known not only for his contributions to his profession, but for his contributions to our community. He is a decorated awardee, recipient of such awards as ``Outstanding Citizen of the Year'' and the ``National Brotherhood'' award. He has been honored by Time Magazine and has been inducted as a charter member of the Hall of Honor at the National Judicial College. He will be honored yet again this year when a state-of-the-art medical center located in Buffalo, NY is named after him: the Judge Joseph S. Mattina Medical Center. This is in recognition of his more than 35 years of service as a volunteer and as an important advocate of the construction of this facility.

Judge Mattina has earned a legacy of outstanding leadership and superb dedication. He has made significant and considerable contributions to our community, for which we are all incredibly thankful.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in honoring Judge Joseph Mattina, and wish him the best of luck upon his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Number 8, I was unable to be in the Chamber to cast a vote on the Baldwin Substitute Amendment to S. 1920 before time elapsed on the vote. My absence was due to my attendance at the Memorial Service for former Representative Barber Conable of New York.

Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted ``no,'' on the Baldwin Substitute Amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before the House of Representatives today in remembrance of a great man who once served in Congress--former Representative Barber B. Conable, Jr. During his twenty years in Congress he represented both his constituents and this institution with grace and integrity. Regardless of where his service led him, Barber always remained true to his Western New York roots.

While he distinguished himself as a Member of Congress and earned the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Barber was also notable for his esteemed academic career, his professional knowledge on a wide variety of issues from taxes to Social Security, and his willingness to tackle any problem head on. Always lending a helping hand was a signature trait of Barber's; he never let partisanship get in the way of progress.

Barber Conable was the best example of what a public servant ought to be. He loved his country, his community and his family, never straying from the strong values he was raised on. His genuine sophistication as a legislator came so effortlessly, revealing the compassion and unselfishness that was a hallmark of his public service.

In devoting his life to serving others, Barber exemplified loyalty to his country as a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. With a thirst for knowledge, Barber shared his experiences when he taught at the University of Rochester and later went on to become President of the World Bank. Though no matter what national or global stage he was on,

his commitment to the community never waned as he joined countless local boards and organizations over the years.

As a fellow Member of Congress, Barber was the model representative we should all aspire to. As a fellow Western New Yorker, I strive to serve the region with the same humility and regard Barber once did. The legacy of his warmth and generosity will live on in those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will always be remembered as a true leader and a true friend. Like the many others fortunate to call Barber Conable a friend, I will miss him dearly.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this rule and the underlying legislation.

For the first time in the nearly 40-year history of the Medicare program, Congress tonight has the opportunity to provide more than 40 million seniors

and disabled Americans a guaranteed prescription drug benefit.

In my home State of New York, this means nearly 3 million Medicare beneficiaries will have greater access to life-saving prescriptions. For many of these beneficiaries, this amounts to drug coverage that they would not otherwise have; and for countless others, it means vastly improved benefits.

In providing a prescription drug discount card, greater access to less-expensive generic drugs, enhanced ability to create individualized health savings accounts and strong protections for retirees with current coverage, this bill helps bring Medicare into the 21st century.

What the bill also accomplishes is improved access to care in a variety of other areas that will help Americans all across the country get the care they need and deserve. For example, by updating the critical hospital formulas for marketbasket and indirect medical education, New York State will be infused with over $1.2 billion over the next 10 years.

Of that, hospitals in my congressional district will receive close to $40 million. In cash-strapped regions of western New York that I represent, this payment relief is great news for patients of all ages and income levels.

New York will also be bolstered by many other funding streams that will bring critical Federal funds into the State and help mitigate local fiscal burdens. And the Federal Government assuming costs of New York beneficiaries eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, the State will save over $3 billion over 8 years on prescription drug coverage for its Medicaid population.

Because New York already provides a popular, generous prescription drug program, well over 300,000 seniors, the State will have access to $125 million over 2 years in transitional assistance to help the new Federal drug program coordinate with the existing State program.

These funds will ensure a seamless transition and coordination of benefits for many seniors who want to remain in the State program, yet still receive enhanced benefits through the Federal plan.

Mr. Speaker, this body is poised to make history. Today begins the final step in a journey that began not 3 days ago, not 3 years ago, but nearly a decade ago. Congress promised a prescription drug benefit. Congress promised to make Medicare stronger, and it took this majority to deliver on that promise.

I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying legislation.

Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 444 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

(Mr. REYNOLDS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Madam Speaker, House Resolution 444 is a standard rule that provides for consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 2754, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004. The rule waives all points of order against the conference report and against its consideration. The rule also provides that the conference report will be considered as read.

Madam Speaker, the underlying conference report is the result of hard work and compromise by the energy and water appropriations conference committee. The conference report suggests a strong civil works program with the Army Corps of Engineers. By concentrating $4.5 billion on the traditional tasks such as flood control, shoreline protection, and navigation, which yield the most economic benefit for the Nation, the bill ensures the highest possible return on taxpayer investment.

Within the agreement, the Department of Energy is provided with $22 billion. Included in that funding is nearly $350 million for renewable energy programs and $393 million for nuclear energy programs. Specific programs funded within the Department are the nuclear energy research initiative of $11.6 million, $6.5 million for the nuclear hydrogen initiative, and $68 million for the advanced fuel cycle initiative. Adequate and needed funding is provided for science programs within the Department, including high-energy physics, nuclear physics, biological and environmental research, fusion energy research, and advanced scientific computing research.

The nuclear waste program continues to be one of our highest environmental priorities and one that is of particular importance to my region. I am also pleased that the conference report provides a total of $580 million for nuclear waste disposal. Additionally, $7.6 billion is provided for environmental management cleanup activities, continuing the strong commitment to accelerate cleanup schedules at contaminated sites throughout the country.

This funding is vital in reducing public health and safety risks. The conference report also provides $8.7 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration, which includes the nuclear weapons program, defense nuclear nonproliferation, and Naval reactors.

In closing, Madam Speaker, I would like to commend the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Hobson) and all of the distinguished conferees on both sides of the aisle for their hard work and dedication to our Nation's energy and

water priorities. I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying conference report.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

I take with good note the ranking member of the full Committee on Appropriations on the compliments to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson) as chair of the subcommittee, and I know that he works hard in those endeavors to achieve that, but it is not easy to get such a fine accolade on behalf of the ranking member, and on behalf of the chair of the subcommittee I will pass along his kind remarks.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons).

(Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

The previous question is ordered.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 8 o'clock and 51 minutes a.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until today, Tuesday, November 18, 2003, at 10 a.m., for morning hour debates.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before the House of Representatives today to honor the life of Vincent A. Bruni. As a prominent figure within the Rochester community, Mr. Bruni shared his vision and his love for music with others for over fifty years.

Mr. Bruni, more commonly known as ``Mr. B,'' raised the drum and bugle corps movement in North America to new and exciting levels. The Bruni name is synonymous with modern-day drum corps, in part because Mr. Bruni dedicated his life to entertaining people all over the country and all over the globe.

Always one to give back to the community, Mr. Bruni led his national and world champion Empire Statesmen Drum and Bugle Corps in local parades, winter and spring concerts, and in efforts to support high school bands and other groups throughout Western New York. As a result of the heart and soul he demonstrated and instilled in others, the Empire Statesmen became the only corps in history to win the Triple Crown: the American Legion, Drum Corps Associates, and World Show Band championship titles all in one year.

For decades, Mr. Bruni represented the City of Rochester, New York proudly with his unfaltering commitment to teaching children and adults of all ages. His lessons were not simply about music, but about what it means to work hard as a team, have pride in what you do, and how to stand tall in the face of great adversity. Musicians, performers and fans of drum corps all around the world know ``Mr. B'' as a man of integrity, someone that others will continue to strive to be like even now that he is gone.

Vince Bruni will be remembered as a true patriot--someone who loved serving his country as a veteran of the United States Navy, as a schoolteacher, but most importantly as an entertainer. Mr. Bruni has done Rochester and America proud, and while he will be sorely missed, he will forever be remembered by the countless people whose lives he touched over his long and distinguished career.