Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, S. 37, authored by Senator Feinstein of California, extends the special postage stamp for breast cancer research for 2 years.

Eight years ago, the Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act established the Breast Cancer Research Stamp Program and directed the U.S. Postal Service to issue a new breast cancer stamp with proceeds benefiting breast cancer research at the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Programs. The first semi postal stamp in U.S. history, it has raised nearly 44 million dollars for biomedical breast cancer research.

The legislation we are considering today reauthorizes the breast cancer research stamp program through the year 2007. The stamp marks the first time that a portion of the proceeds of stamp sales have gone to fund research. Funding is directed to prevention, detection, diagnosis arid treatment research projects.

A National Cancer Institute report estimates that about one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, accounting for 30 percent of all cancers in women. When people choose to purchase the Breast Cancer Stamp, they turn that simple little act into a meaningful and effective way to participate in the fight against breast cancer.

Finally Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Government Reform, I would like to thank Chairman Joe Barton of the Commerce Committee and Chairman Duncan Hunter of the Armed Services Committee, whose committees' share jurisdiction with the Government Reform Committee over this program for their support and for agreeing to expedite the consideration of this bill.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Briefly, I want to note that the existing committee print already gives the regulator power to force Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to sell assets for any possible safety and soundness problems. I am not sure that adding an additional test, one that is ill-defined, will accomplish any additional good.

And it could do some harm. Here is why: under this amendment, a regulator could decide to force a healthy, over-capitalized Freddie or Fannie to sell assets at a time when the housing market could ill afford it. The ripple effects on local homeowners, communities, and economies could suffer, all in the name of this theoretical term of ``systemic risk.''

I should add this approach is not consistent with the banking world. This power to punish a healthy institution in advance of any real safety and soundness problem does not exist in the banking world. And many banks are now the same size as Freddie and Fannie. I urge Members to support the well-balanced committee print language.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3549, a bill to designate a post office in Warren, Pennsylvania, as the ``William F. Clinger, Jr. Post Office Building.''

Mr. Clinger was the distinguished chairman of the Government Reform and Oversight Committee when I first came to Congress in 1995. I became one of his subcommittee chairmen, and I will be forever grateful to him for showing me the ropes on this Committee.

Many of my colleagues are probably familiar with the Clinger-Cohen Act, which transformed the way the Federal Government plans for, acquires and manages information technology investments.

I was proud to have worked with Chairman Clinger on this important law that will be celebrating its 10th anniversary early next year.

Anyone who knows Bill Clinger would not be surprised with his response upon learning that a post office would be named in his honor. He told us he considered it a major success when a dog run in Punxatawny and a sewage treatment plant in Dubois, Pennsylvania were named for him--having a post office named after him was beyond his wildest dreams.

Mr. Clinger's graciousness and respect for others set an example for all Members who served with him.

I am proud to be here today to express my strong support for H.R. 3549, a lasting tribute to the life and work of William F. Clinger.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vienna Woman's Club located in Vienna, Virginia.

The Vienna Woman's Club is a service and civic organization that was formed under the name of the Vienna Hills Woman's Club by 22 women on October 12, 1955. The following year, the group became affiliated with the General Federation of Women's Clubs in January of 1956, and membership was expanded to all Vienna women. The club meets the third Wednesday of the month, and is responsible for numerous projects that enhance and contribute to the Vienna community.

Some instrumental projects the club has participated in for years include the club's scholarship program and the Policeman of the Year award. The Vienna Woman's Club inaugurated its scholarship program in 1962, and since that time has awarded approximately $100,000 in scholarships to Vienna high school students. In 1967, the club awarded its first Policeman of the Year award. Each year, the club recognizes a Town police officer and holds a banquet in his or her honor. The recipient also participates in the annual Vienna Halloween Parade, which is enjoyed by many Northern Virginia residents.

In addition, the club has helped to improve the community by helping to establish a branch of the Fairfax County Library, furnishing a room at Fairfax Hospital for a more comfortable stay for hospital patients, and has set up eye testing clinics for pre-school children. Some philanthropic events the club has participated in include the Annual Harvest Bazaar and Craft Fair, to which the proceeds are donated to the scholarship program, and contributing a generous donation to the Vienna Community Center. The club members have also worked to promote holiday cheer by acting as hostesses at the Annual Christmas Sing-Along held at Wolftrap Farm Park.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to commend and congratulate the Vienna Woman's Club on 50 years of success. They have served the interests of their community well, truly meriting recognition. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding their past accomplishments and in wishing the club continued success in the many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mel Riddile, the MetLife/National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) National High School Principal of the Year.

Dr. Riddile, the principal for J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church Virginia, was named National High School Principal of the Year and will be recognized in Washington, DC, during the Principals' Institute for State and National Principals of the Year on November 11- 12, 2005.

Dr. Riddile received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from George Mason University. He received his doctorate in Educational Leadership from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. He has served Fairfax County Public Schools for over 33 years, first as a social studies teacher and then serving as assistant principal in three area Fairfax County High Schools before taking the head position at J.E.B. Stuart High School in 1997.

He is a member of numerous educational associations including the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum and Development. He has been invited to speak all over the country to share his experience with other educational leaders, and has been recognized by the International Baccalaureate of North America and featured in National Geographic Magazine.

During his tenure, J.E.B. Stuart High School moved from being one of the lowest achieving schools in Fairfax County to becoming a NASSP Breakthrough High School. Dr. Riddile's campaign to achieve literacy for all students has been a success. He integrated annual pre- and post-testing of all students; and established a reading lab and mandatory after-school tutoring for at-risk students. He and his staff developed a differentiated approach to increase adult and student contact outside the normal classroom setting, creating a school of achievement while creating a sense of community. The school now serves as a national model for serving disadvantaged and diverse students. In addition, Dr. Riddile has worked with the PTSA in successfully growing the school's scholarship fund, to help graduates achieve their dreams of higher education.

Dr. Riddile has dedicated his life to ensuring that all students are given the opportunity to achieve success. Over the past 33 years, he has made a lasting impact on thousands of students and truly deserves recognition for his achievements. I am proud to know him and to have the opportunity to work with him.

I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Dr. Mel Riddile and congratulating him on this distinguished achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mrs. Sallie Flavin upon her retirement from the Federal Government after more than 30 years of distinguished service.

Mrs. Flavin began her career as a young clerk typist and through years of tenacity and diligence, rose to the top echelons of the federal acquisition community. After a brief stint with the Geological Survey, Mrs. Flavin entered the Air Force Copper Cap Intern Program and soon found herself immersed in the daily welter of the procurement office at Pope AFB in North Carolina. That assignment would prove to be the first rung in a career ladder that Mrs. Flavin would climb to reach the pinnacle of the intricate and demanding realm of defense contract management. Now, some three decades later, she will end her career as a member of the Senior Executive Service and as the deputy director and highest-ranking civilian of the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). DCMA is a worldwide organization of 11,000 employees responsible for ensuring that the supplies and materials going to our men and women in uniform are delivered on-time and are of the highest quality.

Over the past year, her contribution to the efficacy and integrity of defense acquisition was particularly notable. She led a high-profile team that investigated and successfully identified recent improprieties at executive levels within the military acquisition community. Moreover, she was recently selected as a recipient of the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service, a highly prestigious Executive Branch honor recognizing her unwavering integrity and her role in making her agency a pacesetter in the government's adoption of performance-based management principles.

Having served in high-level positions with the Air Force, the Missile Defense Agency, and the Army Materiel Command, it is indeed fitting that she will end her career while employed with a joint-service agency. During her long run on the defense acquisition stage, she has played key roles in the introduction of many major systems, including the Theatre High Altitude Area Defense Missile System (THAAD), the Space-Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS), the Aegis Missile System, and the Stryker.

During her 3-year tenure as the deputy director of DCMA, Mrs. Flavin demonstrated true result-producing leadership that advanced acquisition excellence within the Defense Department. Additionally, she served as the agency's standard bearer in its campaign to invigorate and refashion its workforce to meet the challenges of today's fast-paced, technology-driven acquisition environment. The indelible mark Mrs. Flavin has left on DCMA will ensure its viability as a combat support agency for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to congratulate Sallie Flavin for her service to our country. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding her past accomplishments and wishing her and her husband, Mark, the best of luck in all future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to and honor the 45th anniversary of the Nation's leading and longest-running educational television program, the Emmy-winning show, ``It's Academic.''

``It's Academic'' is a nationwide, weekly high school competition that began in Washington, D.C. Since its inception 45 years ago, ``It's Academic'' shows have spread to other cities. During the current school year, 27 high schools in my congressional district will compete against the brightest students from public and private schools throughout the District of Columbia region. These students will be coached and encouraged by dedicated teachers and principals on a wide variety of academic subjects and the challenges of a competitive format under the television lights.

Every Saturday morning, viewers tune in to watch local high school students compete in their knowledge of math, literature, history, and current events. In many schools, students compete for the opportunity to be on the show. Not only do they enjoy the camaraderie with their peers in learning challenging information and developing team skills, but they get the added bonus of being on television and performing under pressure, something many students on the football team and the drama club can simply envy.

The goals of ``It's Academic'' are more than showcasing intelligent students. All the students, including members of the losing teams, receive scholarship money from the corporate sponsors, which in my area has been primarily Giant Food.

In a recent editorial, The Washington Post said of the show: ``Amid all the disturbing news about declining test scores and failing schools, this homegrown Saturday morning staple serves as a welcome reminder of what is right with education.''

Madam Speaker, I wholeheartedly agree and look forward to the partnership between ``It's Academic'' and our communities and schools for many more years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and to recognize the importance of democracy in the Americas.

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th to October 15th each year and is an occasion for all Americans to recognize the invaluable achievements and contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to our nation. The first day of Hispanic Heritage Month also marks the anniversary of independence for six Latin American countries--Mexico, Costa Rica, EI Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Hispanic Americans are members of a rapidly expanding and increasingly influential community in this nation, and they have played a vital role in shaping our nation's culture. They have contributed to every aspect of enhancing our society including serving as leaders in business, government, law, science and the arts. Additionally, they have sacrificed in the defense of this nation's freedom by serving in every major American conflict. Currently more than 10 percent of our active duty force is of Latino descent.

During this month's celebration, it is important to take time to recognize the value of the role Hispanics have taken in the democratic process both here in the United States and abroad. Hispanics in this country have taken an active role in democracy by increasing voter participation and striving to be model citizens, truly meriting recognition. Hispanic Americans' dedication to democracy is an extension of their strong commitment to community, hard work, and family unity.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I call upon my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 437, establishing a select bipartisan committee to investigate the preparation and response for Hurricane Katrina.

We have all spent much of the past two weeks witnessing and examining the aftermath of this catastrophic disaster. It has become increasingly clear that local, State, and Federal Government agencies failed to meet the needs of the residents of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Now it's this Congress's job to figure out why, and to make sure we as a country are better prepared for the future.

First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers go out to the hurricane's victims, their families, and their friends. The loss of life, of property, of livelihoods and dreams has been enormous. And we salute all Americans who have stepped to the plate to help in any way they can.

Congress has a responsibility to conduct oversight, but at this stage, the oversight needs to conduct oversight in a manner that does not interfere with rescue and relief efforts. Many questions need to wait; no one wants to take people away from the massive job at hand.

But I also think some issues can and should be looked at now. Members want to begin doing oversight, and the American people are demanding it as well.

The formation of a bipartisan select committee, composed of Members from the numerous House committees that bear responsibility for various aspects of our Nation's failure to respond to this disaster, would enable this Congress to take a thoughtful.

Whatever the threat, Katrina has forced officials across America to take another look at disaster plans that may not be as solid as they previously thought.

It has forced officials across America to take another look at the laws and regulations governing disaster response to identify ways to cut bureaucratic red tape in order to respond as quickly as possible.

This is not the time to attack or defend government entities for political purposes. This is a time to do the oversight we're charged with doing. Our goal should be to investigate aggressively what went wrong and what went right. We'll do it by the book, and let the chips fall where they may.

It's hard not to point fingers and assign blame in the aftermath of tragedy. I understand human nature, and I understand politics. But I think most Americans want less carping and more compassion. I think most Americans want a rational, thoughtful, bipartisan review of what went wrong and what went right. I think most Americans want to know we'll be better prepared the next time.

It remains difficult to understand how government could respond so ineffectively to a disaster that was predicted for years, and for which specific dire warnings had been issued for days. If this is what happens when we have advance warning, I shudder to imagine the consequences when we do not. If ever there were a time for leaders at all levels of government to come together and review and coordinate their emergency plans, it's now.

Some people are suggesting that only an independent body could properly investigate the Katrina tragedy. I think that point of view diminishes this House and the Members of this House. The voters didn't send us here to appoint commissions to do our jobs for us.

All over this country Americans are digging deep and making sacrifices. If we can't lead this Country then let's at least follow their lead and stand up and do our job.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 35th year of the International Children's Festival, held in Fairfax County, Virginia.

The International Children's Festival is produced by the Arts Council of Fairfax County in cooperation with the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and the National Park Service. Since 1971, the Festival has allowed children from all over the world to come together and share cultural traditions through the international language of the arts. The inaugural event attracted 7,000 spectators, volunteers and performers. In two years the event became the International Children's Festival, which was extended to a two day event and nearly doubled its audience.

Many celebrities have served to make the event a success, and to bring attention to a worthy cause. Past participants include First Lady Nancy Reagan and Bob McGrath, also known as ``Bob of Sesame Street''. Some previous highlights have included the twentieth annual International Children's Festival themed, ``The Americas, a Rainbow of Colors''. This festival featured performers from North, South, and Central America. In the following years, performers from Europe, Jordan, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Siberia, Taiwan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan attended the festival giving the children an even wider appreciation of the arts from around the globe. Since 1971, groups from over 35 countries have participated in the festival. This year's event features international youth performers from Georgia, India, Mexico, and Nigeria. While many have traveled far to contribute, it has also remained close to its roots showcasing a variety of cultural arts performed by student groups from throughout the Washington metropolitan area.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to commend and congratulate the International Children's Festival on its 35th year. The Festival has enriched many lives, truly meriting recognition. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding the International Children's Festival's past accomplishments and in wishing it continued success in the many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bob McGrath for his commitment to educating and entertaining children and for his contributions to the International Children's Festival.

Mr. McGrath is most often referred to as ``Bob on Sesame Street'' where he has performed for 34 years, but he is also an accomplished musician and successful author. He began his professional career singing and recording with the Robert Shaw Chorale and Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians. He later spent five years as the featured tenor soloist on Mitch Miller's series, ``Sing Along With Mitch'', and traveled to Japan to expand his resume ultimately resulting in a career that has afforded him the opportunity to appear with over 100 symphony orchestras. His successful children's albums have sold over half a million copies, and some have received recognition from the Parents' Choice Award and the American Library Association. He has also utilized his talent by writing children's books. For example, Oops! Excuse Me Please! And Other Mannerly Tales has educated countless children about the importance of manners. Mr. McGrath's other books have effectively taught children life skills, and most have received tremendous acclaim.

Among his many professional accomplishments, Mr. McGrath has dedicated his time to serve as Chairperson of National UNICEF day, host of the United National celebration for the ``Rights of the Child'', and host for World Children's Day at the UN General Assembly. Most notably, he has generously acted as host and consultant for seventeen consecutive years for the International Children's Festival held in Vienna, Virginia. Each year the International Children's Festival is produced by the Arts Council of Fairfax County in cooperation with the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and the National Park Service. Since 1971, the Festival has allowed children from all over the world to come together and share cultural traditions through the international language of the arts. Much of the success of the Festival can be attributed to Mr. McGrath's efforts and expertise.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank Mr. McGrath for his continued support of the International Children's Festival. I call upon my colleagues to join me in recognizing his accomplishments, and wish him the best of luck in all future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the most influential jurists of the 20th Century, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, the 16th Chief Justice of the United States upon his passing on the evening of Saturday, September 3, 2005.

First appointed to the Supreme Court as an Associate Justice by President Richard Nixon in 1972, Rehnquist would go on to serve for 33 years, the final 19 of which as Chief Justice. During his time on the Court, Rehnquist

earned the reputation as a conservative intellectual who would challenge the status quo in the name of judicial restraint and federalism principles. He respected the Court's role as an independent body whose role was not to legislate subjectively on the issues of the day; but rather, to serve as the objective arbiter of the rule of law.

Notwithstanding the politically charged nature of the Court during the latter half of the 20th Century, Rehnquist was very well liked and respected by all his colleagues, even those with whom he frequently disagreed. In fact, Justice John Paul Stevens, the Justice with whom Rehnquist most frequently disagreed, commented on ``the efficiency, good humor and absolute impartiality that [Rehnquist had] consistently displayed when presiding at [Supreme Court] Conferences.'' This ability to work closely with all of his colleagues was a testament to Chief Justice Rehnquist's affability, professionalism and evenhandedness.

Not only will Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist be missed as a jurist, he will also be missed as a loving family man. Though his wife preceded him in death, he is survived by three wonderful children to whom he no doubt passed his strong work ethic, patriotism, and deep and abiding respect for our American institutions.

In closing Mr. Speaker, please let me extend my condolences to Chief Justice Rehnquist's family and friends on their loss. He was a great American and will be missed by us all.

Mr. Speaker, I have spent much of the past week examining the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, one of the most tragic natural disasters in our Nation's history. My heart goes out to each and every person who has suffered in the wake of this situation. I grieve for the loss of life, and I sympathize with those who have lost their livelihood as a result of this terrible tragedy.

First and foremost, it is important to give credit to countless brave men and women, both volunteer and professional, who have been working tirelessly on our recovery and rescue operations. Their heroic efforts have saved countless lives, and we need to ensure they have the support and tools they need to accomplish their jobs. In addition, it is important to recognize National Guard Units and other emergency management professionals who have been attempting to restore order under exceptionally trying circumstances.

Hurricane Katrina has proven to be one of the most damaging storms ever experienced by the people of the Gulf Coast. It will take a long time for this area of the country to regain some semblance of normalcy--a process that will depend on the collective acts of kindness, generosity, and selflessness of all Americans as much as it does the acts of government. I salute those who have already volunteered their services, donated money or goods, or opened their homes to their displaced countrymen.

In the weeks and months to come, much of our attention in Washington will be focused on the response to Katrina. There will be much to say and plenty of time to say it. But for now I want to pause to remember the victims of this storm and to grieve for their passing. For the survivors, I offer my condolences and, through the work we will pursue together, as one Nation, the prospect of hope.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3045, the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act.

I'm an unapologetic avid free-trader. I believe we are in the midst of a globalization revolution. I believe the United States has an enormous role to play in that revolution.

We are the nation that benefits most from global economic integration, so it is our job to make sure globalization is sustainable. That it creates more winners than losers, in as many places as possible, on as many days as possible.

But Mr. Speaker, we need to understand that CAFTA is more than just a trade pact. It's a signal of U.S. commitment to democracy and prosperity for our neighbors. And it's the best immigration, anti-gang, and anti-drug policy at our disposal.

I recently returned from leading a congressional delegation to El Salvador, Venezuela, and Colombia. The trip left me more convinced than ever that a large part of the answer to so many questions confronting the D.C. region and the entire United States is, quite simply, free trade.

Want to fight the ever-more-violent MS-13 gang activity originating in El Salvador but prospering in Northern Virginia? Pass CAFTA.

Want to begin to ebb the growing flow of illegal immigrants from Central America? Pass CAFTA.

Want to curb the still-steady stream of illegal drugs to American streets? Pass CAFTA.

Want to help make sure Al-Qaeda and other foreign terrorist groups don't easily utilize the southern border to enter the United States and do us harm? Pass CAFTA.

The reality is, CAFTA has profound implications for not only U.S. economic interests, but geo-political and homeland security concerns as well. My fear is that we are now so focused on promoting freedom and democracy in Iraq that we risk missing a critical and timely opportunity to further those causes in our own backyard--all because of some misguided but politically compelling opposition rhetoric.

Take the so-called ``labor concerns,'' for example. I discussed this with Salvadoran President Tony Saca, and he chuckled at the illogical nature of the criticism. ``We have a profound respect for unions,'' he said. ``But if we don't have more jobs, we won't have more unions. Because I haven't seen any jobless unions.''

Saca knows what opponents won't admit: the economic benefits arising from CAFTA would significantly increase wealth in El Salvador--wealth that will allow Saca to enforce existing, and even implement new, labor environmental safeguards.

Each of the CAFTA nations is unique, but they share traits, including an urgent need for investment and jobs. Do we really think there is no connection between a lack of economic opportunity in Central America and illegal immigration to the U.S.? Or no connection between rising gang activity and poverty, underemployment, and broken homes? Our own neighborhoods are not insulated from the lack of economic opportunity abroad.

Our best immigration policy is one that strengthens economies south of our border.

For U.S. economic interests, the gains are equally clear: U.S. exports to the six nations total about $15 billion a year; that would increase by $4 billion in the pact's first year, resulting in a net gain of about 25,000 U.S. jobs.

And, having seen firsthand the growing hostility toward America in Venezuela under Hugo Chavez, I can only conclude that American national security interests are also at stake with CAFTA. While the collective attention of our Nation has been primarily focused on Iraq, a string of troubling events has been unraveling in South America.

Economic collapse in Argentina. Growing instability and leftist populism in Bolivia and Ecuador. Chavez consolidating power in oil-rich Venezuela, and extending his anti-US influence into the Caribbean and across the Andes. Brazil signing huge economic deals with China.

Meanwhile, the six CAFTA countries comprise some of our most reliable, steadfast allies anywhere. El Salvador, to this day, maintains hundreds of troops in Iraq in support of the U.S.-led mission.

Some say CAFTA is a move to ship U.S. jobs to Central America; in actuality, it offers a path toward importing apparel and other goods from Central American allies instead of China.

The CAFTA countries are dominated not by Chavez-like dictatorships with a ``democratic'' face, but by 21st century leaders who realize that when people are given a larger economic role in their community, they in turn demand a greater role in how that community is governed.

But this rising democratic tide could be easily turned back unless Central Americans see--and see soon--that democracy delivers more than promises. The best way to make

promises a reality for all is to open our doors to trade.

It may also be the best way to fight some of our biggest societal problems here at home.

Mr. Speaker, Chairman Barton, thank you for the way you managed this difficult process. Being an outside conferee on a bill this size can often be an exercise in futility. But throughout this Conference, you and your staff remained responsive and helpful. Also, I also want to commend all the conferees for working hard to listen to each other and compromise when appropriate.

There are two sections of this bill which I am particularly excited about from an acquisition policy point of view. First is the section authorizing the continued use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts-- these contracts have, over recent years, provided agencies with an effective tool to rapidly improve the energy efficiency of their buildings without increasing costs to the taxpayer.

Some have suggested limitations to this program, but such limitations will translate into reductions in the energy efficiency of government facilities. In my opinion, that is heading in the wrong direction and I'm happy to see such limitations were not included in the final bill.

Second, this legislation authorizes the use of Other Transactions for the Department of Energy's critical research and development efforts. These arrangements support research and development without using standard procurement contracts, grants or cooperative agreements.

Other Transactions authority has been used successfully in the Department of Defense for years to great effect. I appreciate the Science Committee's willingness to work with me and the Senate to craft language that allows the use of this valuable tool where appropriate. It is a shame when the government is denied a technological advance simply because our standard acquisition policies are not suitable for the development of cutting edge solutions.

Finally, I want to note that the conference has decided to include a request for a report on China and the CNOOC offer to acquire Unocal. This report will be conducted simultaneously with the regular review conducted by the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States. The report will essentially develop the same information required by the CFIUS review. In other words, the Conference has decided to duplicate the review process. The conference's time would be better spent studying our Nation and how we plan to secure our energy over the next 50 years instead of worrying about the actions of our most valuable trading partners. With this one exception, the Energy Policy Act is a step in the direction of answering those questions.