Floor Statements

Let me say that I stand in support of the bridge loans to the automobile companies. I speak today for workers. An overwhelming majority of my constituents in the First District support the bridge loans also. They, like me, do not want to see the Big 3 go bankrupt. This would not be good for our economy at this time in our history.

If these companies are to go into bankruptcy, it would mean that hundreds of smaller companies and suppliers would go into bankruptcy or would be economically crippled. Millions of Americans have stock in these auto companies, and I need not lecture on the further risk to their investments that this would cause. The state of the economy has already done enough damage to their investments, to pension fund investments and to the investments of business and of organizations of all kinds. The auto companies and the unions have agreements that will bring them in line with Toyota's by 2012. Cut labor costs and industry costs.

I urge the passage of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I stand today in support of the bridge loans to the automobile companies. I speak today for workers. An overwhelming majority of my constitutents in the 1st Congressional District of the State of Missouri, support the bridge loans also. They, like me, do not see bankruptcy of the ``Big 3'' as a positive for workers or the economy at this time in history.

Mr. Speaker, if these companies are to go into bankruptcy, it would mean that hundreds of smaller companies, the suppliers, would go into bankruptcy or be economically crippled.

Small businesses employ more workers in the United States than all other employers combined. The failing of the big three auto makers would put approximately 300,000 jobs at risk in the auto industry. The associated industries, that supply and contract with the auto makers, would then have in excess of 3 million workers at risk.

If the auto makers are to go into bankruptcy, the warranties on your cars are at risk. This could result in families, already cash strapped, having to pay repairs out of pocket expenses that were not a part of their budgets and perhaps that requires shifting money from another necessity to pay for the repairs.

Millions of Americans have stock in these auto companies. I need not lecture on the further risks to their investments this would cause. The state of the economy has already done enough damage to their investments, pension fund investments, and the investments of businesses and organizations of all kinds.

The auto companies and the unions have agreements that will bring them in line with Toyotas' by 2012. They continue to work together to cut labor costs and industry costs to insure the economic stability of the auto industry.

I also understand that there are other credible arguments to the contrary, but I can't agree that this is the time to consider them. Our economy is too fragile to risk this kind of hit at this time in the country's economic history.

We have used the tarp money to bail out banks and investment houses and to insure that select securities are properly backed. I voted against this approach in previous votes. I believe that we need to concentrate more on putting money in the hands of consumers through the creation of jobs and the maintaining of jobs that do exist. This legislation directly targets the workers. We do not need to have an economy with healthy institutions and securities and consumers with no money to purchase goods or invest.

I am speaking to both parties on the floor. We won't solve these economic problems confronting us working for separate results. And I do know that no Member of this floor wants to see this economy crash. I do understand that we have some differences of opinion in the methods that Government has to employ to inject life into the economy. We can work on them after the first of the year. Roll up your sleeves and come back in January ready to find the best solutions.

Join me in supporting this package today. This is only a stopgap measure, but a necessary one. We cannot afford the risk of the alternatives.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jinba Pui Chu Yee, the world's youngest world-class artist and English language calligrapher. When she was 12 years old, International Arts Publishing published and distributed around the world a collection of her works entitled Pui Chu Yee Sculptured Landscapes and Calligraphy--The World's Youngest World-Class Artist and Calligrapher.

Although Jinba Pui Chu Yee is still in high school, her highly creative powers in the field of art are incredible. The main theme of her hand-molded landscapes is natural scenery. Her captivating craftsmanship, which comes from nature yet transcends nature, takes the viewer into a world of fantasy.

The New York Academy of Art evaluated her in 2004; the Academy issued a certificate signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Stephen Farthing. That certificate contained the following evaluation: ``It has been a great pleasure for both me as Executive Director, and my Faculty at the New York Academy of Art, to get to know the artwork of such an internationally acclaimed artist as Ms. Pui Chu Yee. Her unique approach transports the viewer beyond taste and fantasy to a point where enchantment and contemporary art meet. Her work is a great achievement.''

Pui Chu Yee is also an English language calligrapher. Jinba Pui Chu Yee was invited to create signatures in calligraphic style at an assembly. Attendees of that assembly included experts and scholars from Taiwan, Tibet, Thailand, North America, and South America. Also in attendance were outstanding alumni, doctorate holders, and university professors, all of whom graduated from prestigious U.S. universities. At the assembly, Jinba Pui Chu Yee wielded her pen to the astonishment of all. Everyone expressed admiration.

Through her talent and hard work, Jinba Pui Chu Yee has opened a new chapter in the appreciation of art in this world. Under the personal guidance of Jinba Pui Chu Yee, a high-tech art studio is now producing three-dimensional artistic images never before seen in this world that are created from some of her sculptured landscapes.

Additionally, Jinba Pui Chu Yee has received numerous honors and commendations from various governmental bodies, community organizations, and entities representing all walks of life.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Ms. Jinba Pui Chu Yee, a extremely talented and creative young lady who has excellent moral character, deeply loves the United States, cares about the public good, and takes pleasure in developing the talents of others. In her honor I ask my congressional colleagues to join me in honoring her accomplishments as a premier artist around the world.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mary Frances Hillow, a distinguished student at Visitation Academy located in Town and Country, Missouri. Mary Fran continues to excel in and outside of the classroom.

Mary Fran is an outstanding student. She shows a passionate drive to achieve academic excellence. Mary Fran is also a member of National Jr. Honor Society. The national junior honor society is one of the Nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school and middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character (and Citizenship for

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Norris O. Chandler, former WWI and WWII veteran who has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to the service of others through 60 years of civilian service.

Chandler enlisted in United States Army at Jefferson Barracks and was soon assigned to a special amphibious engineering unit activated for World War II--the 149th Engineer Combat Battalion. As a Demolition Specialist for the 149th, he joined the invasion of France on Omaha Beach in 1944.

The 149th was responsible for destroying enemy bridges, probing and destroying mines and other obstacles, both on land and underwater, and for building Bailey Bridges.

Following World War II, Mr. Chandler returned to Fort Polk, Louisiana to await discharge. His unit was deactivated in December of 1945 and he became part of the newly activated Organized Reserve Corps (Individual Stand-By) until 1951.

In 1951, Mr. Chandler entered the Civilian Service with the Missouri Military District (MMD), 11th Army Corps, St. Louis, and Missouri as a warehouseman. During this time the MMD was renamed the U.S. Army Support Center. Mr. Chandler continued his services at the center, holding various positions including stock control clerk, general supply clerk, and Publications Supply officer among other things before the agency moved to Fort Sheridan, Ill.

Mr. Chandler opposed relocating to Fort Sheridan and joined the staff at the U.S. Army Adjutant General Publications Center as a packer, for over 40 years, turning down General Schedule (GS) opportunities in favor of his Wage Grade (WG) packer position.

Chandlers WWII unit received four campaign ribbons: Normandy (with bronze arrowhead), Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Mr. Chandler's civilian awards include the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service in September 1996. In addition, he currently has over 3300 hours of sick leave and usually forfeits almost all of his annual leave, except when he generously donates to other employees through the leave donation program.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Chandler, an American hero, for 60 years as a civil servant and for his noble sacrifice and courage to the United States Armed Services. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Norris O. Chandler for his service and commitment to put country first.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Margaret Williams, The Missouri Teacher of the Year 2008-2009 Recipient. The Missouri Teacher of the Year is a prestigious honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. Williams, a 37 year educator has earned the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues alike. She inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn. For the aforementioned reasons, I enthusiastically honor Mrs. Williams today before Congress.

Mrs. Williams is a graduate of Beaumont High School in St. Louis, Missouri. She was inspired by her psychology teacher Mr. Brown to pursue a career in education. Mrs. Williams went on to graduate from the University of Missouri--St. Louis.

Mrs. Williams is the social studies department chair for University City High School in University City, Missouri where she has been teaching for the last 18 years. Williams who also teaches history, government, and an African-American experience course was one of six finalists to compete in this year's competition.

The Missouri Teacher of the Year program is conducted annually by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in conjunction with the National Teacher of the Year program. Major funding for Missouri's program is provided by The Boeing Company, St. Louis, Missouri.

Before joining University City, Williams began her illustrious career in education as principal and administrator from 1986 to 1990 at West Side Christian Academy in St. Louis. After which she taught at the Visual and Performing Arts High School and Beaumont from 1971 to 1986.

Williams is the first in the University City School District to be named Missouri Teacher of the year and was honored with a special drum line presentation, and video made by the district as part of her nomination package.

Madam Speaker, Mrs. Williams has my absolute highest recommendation to be honored today. Her contributions to education and unyielding commitment to the youth of Missouri is unmatched. As a pioneer in the University City Schools and a role model to all educators that is worthy of recognition. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Margaret Williams for being a top Missouri educator and being named the Missouri Teacher of the Year 2008-2009.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 3477) to amend title 44, United States Code, to authorize grants for Presidential Centers of Historical Excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I stand to urge the passage of S. 3477. The National Historical Publications and Records Commission is the grant-making arm of the National Archives and Records Administration. The NHPRC makes grants to help identify, preserve, and provide public access to records, photographs, and other materials that document American history. The grants go to State and local archives, colleges and universities, libraries, historical societies, and other nonprofit organizations throughout the country.

This legislation provides that the Archivist, with the recommendations of the NHPRC, may grant money to eligible entities to promote the historical preservation of, and public access to, historical records and documents relating to any former President who does not have a Presidential archival depository currently managed and maintained under the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955.

This bill also includes provisions that limit the tenure of members of the NHPRC and provides for their recusal from matters that pose, or potentially pose, a conflict of interest.

The bill provides for online access to the Founding Fathers documents, establishes an advisory committee for the NHPRC, and requires that the Archivist develop a 10-year capital improvement plan with annual updates to Congress.

Additionally, this legislation authorizes the Archivist to establish an electronically searchable national database consisting of historic records of servitude, emancipation, and post-Civil War reconstruction, including the Refugees, Freedman, and Abandoned Land Records, Southern Claims Commission Records, Records of the Freedmen's Bank, Slave Impressments Records, Slave Payroll Records, Slave Manifest, and others contained within the agencies and departments of the Federal Government to assist African Americans and others in conducting genealogical and historical research.

None of the programs authorized in this act shall take precedent over existing programs funded by the Commission unless there is an increase in authorization of appropriations and an increase in appropriated funds to fund these programs.

I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve. I don't have any other speakers.

Mr. Speaker, first before I close, I would like to commend my two colleagues from Virginia, Mr. Goodlatte and Mr. Davis, as well as their two U.S. Senators for introducing this important piece of legislation and shepherding it through, and I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6669) to provide that claims of the United States to certain documents relating to Franklin Delano Roosevelt shall be treated as waived and relinquished in certain circumstances.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I rise today in support of H.R. 6669, which was introduced by Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand on July 30, 2008.

This bill waives a government interest in certain records in order to allow private owners of some personal papers of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to deliver these valuable papers, called the Tully Collection, to the FDR Presidential Library in Hyde Park, New York.

The owners of the collection currently want to donate the papers to the FDR Library, but because the National Archives asserted a claim to a portion of the collection, the owners would be ineligible for a common tax deduction for the fair market value of the donation.

I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers. I will continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time and urge my colleagues to support the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 3536) to amend section 5402 of title 39, United States Code, to modify the authority relating to United States Postal Service air transportation contracts, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

S. 3536 would eliminate the Department of Transportation's international rate-setting authority and allow the Postal Service to contract with U.S. air carriers for international mail transportation rates and services.

The Postal Service currently spends well over $200 million annually to transport international mail, at rates set by regulation, not the marketplace. The current system for setting international mail air transportation rates is almost 30 years old and does not accurately reflect the cost of international mail carriage in today's highly competitive markets.

Both the GAO and the Postal Service Office of Inspector General support the end of DOT's role in setting international mail rates. Indeed, the bill has the support of the United States air carriers and the Postal Service and reflects the collaborative efforts of both groups to develop legislation they could embrace.

Allowing the Postal Service to negotiate and contract for the international air transportation of mail at fair and reasonable prices means approximately $50 million a year in savings. According to the Postal Service, ``roughly half of that savings would be passed through to the Department of Defense, which reimburses the Postal Service for the transportation of international military mail.'' As such, S. 3536 also enjoys the support of the Department of Defense Military Postal Service Agency and DOT.

I commend my colleague, Senator Carper, for his leadership on this important legislation. I also commend Chairman Waxman and Ranking Member Tom Davis for their strong support over the years to allow the Postal Service to obtain savings for postal customers and secure much more competitive mail rates.

In closing, I support the passage of S. 3536.

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

Mr. Speaker, before I close, I would like to publicly say what a pleasure it has been to serve with my friend from Virginia (Mr. Davis). He was the former chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and now the ranking member. But since I got here in 2000, he has been nothing but a friend to me, and I appreciate his service. I know we're getting close to adjournment, but I'm sure this won't be the last time we hear from Tom Davis.

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6982) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 210 South Ellsworth Avenue in San Mateo, California, as the ``Leo J. Ryan Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of House Resolution 1436 and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6558) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1750 Lundy Avenue in San Jose, California, as the ``Gordon N. Chan Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6834) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4 South Main Street in Wallingford, Connecticut, as the ``CWO Richard R. Lee Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6859) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1501 South Slappey Boulevard in Albany, Georgia, as the ``Dr. Walter Carl Gordon, Jr. Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1392) supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Life Insurance Awareness Month,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the Senate bill (S. 3082) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1700 Cleveland Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, as the ``Reverend Earl Abel Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.