| 00:00:01 | none | COMMERCE, JUSTICE AND SCIENCE PROGRAMS. |
| 00:00:06 | MS. SANCHEZ | THANK YOU, MADAM SPEAKER. I RISE TODAY TO COMMEND MY FELLOW DEMOCRATIC COLLEAGUES FOR THEIR COMMITMENT, THEIR COMMITMENT TO REFORMING THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM WITH THE GOAL OF REDUCING COSTS AND IMPROVING ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS. HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS ARE INCREASING AT AN ALARMING RATE. IN FACT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS THEY HAVE DOUBLED. AND CURRENTLY OVER $1,000 OF THE AVERAGE AMERICAN FAMILY'S ANNUAL HEALTH CARE PREMIUM GOES TO SUPPORT UNINSURED AMERICANS. AND STILL WE HAVE OVER 46 MILLION AMERICANS WHO DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE AND 20% OF THEM ARE CHILDREN. I BELIEVE THAT WE MUST WORK CREATIVELY TO BUILD ON THE BEST OF WHAT WORKS IN THE CURRENT SYSTEM WHILE FOSTERING COMPETITION AMONG PRIVATE PLANS AND PROVIDING PATIENTS WITH QUALITY CHOICES. WE CAN AND WE MUST ENSURE THAT ALL AMERICANS HAVE AFFORDABLE AND QUALITY HEALTH CARE AND I URGE ALL MY COLLEAGUES TO WORK TOGETHER TOWARDS THIS GOAL. I YIELD BACK, MADAM SPEAKER. |
| 00:00:58 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA RISE? |
| 00:01:03 | MR. THOMPSON | REQUEST UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE. REVISE AND EXTEND. |
| 00:01:06 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION. THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:01:12 | Thompson, Glenn "G.T." | MADAM SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO CONGRATULATE THE LADY EAGLES IN PENNSYLVANIA. FOR WINNING THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SOFTBALL TITLE ON FRIDAY, JUNE 12. IT WAS THE PENNSYLVANIA INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION'S CLASS DOUBLE-A TITLE GAME AGAINST THE BRANDYWINE HEIGHTS SCHOOL DISTRICT AND BOTH ARE OUTSTANDING TEAMS. LED BY THE TEACHER THEY WON BY A SCORE OF 2-0 AGAINST THE LADY BULLETS IN A MATCH WHERE THEY HAD A BETTER RECORD WITH 27 WINS AND NO LOSSES. THE EAGLES' RECORD WAS 23 WINS AND THREE LOSSES. THIS IS A STORY ABOUT HEART AND DETERMINATION AFTER THE LADY EAGLES LOST LAST YEAR IN THE STATE FINALS. THEY WON TWO YEARS OUT OF FOUR AND ARE FIERCE COMPETITORS. SCORING RUNS WERE BY BROOK KLEINFELDER AND AT THISER LORE PARSONS. ONE BUNTED IN THE SECOND AND GAVE A BASE HIT. THE COACH CAN BE JUSTIFIABLY PROUD OF THESE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS AND THE HARD WORK THAT GOT THEM INTO THE FINALS AND MADE THEM STATE CHAMPIONS. GREAT JOB, LADY EAGLES. MADAM SPEAKER, I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 00:02:14 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS RISE? |
| 00:02:20 | Poe, Ted | REQUEST PERMISSION TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE. |
| 00:02:22 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION. THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:02:25 | Poe, Ted | MADAM SPEAKER, WITH THE BANNER CRY THEY NEVER FOUND A TAX THEY DIDN'T LIKE, THE TAX-A- CRATS WANT TO TAX THE ENERGY CONSUMPTION. USE THE TAX TO PAY FOR THE NATIONAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAM. IN FACT DUKE ENERGY HAS ALREADY ASKED FOR A $13.5% RATE INCREASE ON ITS CUSTOMERS TO PAY FOR THE TAX. TAXES ON AMERICAN ENERGY COMPANIES WILL BE PASSED ON TO THE REST OF US AND SO IT BEGINS. FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES ARE ALREADY STRUGGLING DURING THESE NEW TIMES OF CHANGE. THE STIMULUS BILL HAS ONLY MADE THINGS WORSE. SO THE GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO AUTOMATICALLY RAISE THE COST EVER EVERYTHING THAT COMES FROM ENERGY, WHICH IS ALMOST EVERYTHING, AND THE CONSUMER PAYS. WHILE OUR SMALL MANUFACTURING COMPANIES GO OUT OF BUSINESS BECAUSE OF THESE NEW ENERGY TAXES. AND NOW WE LEARN THE NEW ENERGY TAX PLAN WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO SAVE PLANET EARTH WILL HAVE LITTLE OR NO EFFECT ON THE CLIMATE. BUMMER. SO WHY PUNISH AMERICAN ENERGY COMPANIES THAT PASS THE PAIN ON TO CITIZENS? HERE'S THE REASON. THE GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY OF 2009 IS, IF SOMETHING MOVES, REGULATE IT. IF IT KEEPS MOVING, TAX IT. AND IF IT STOPS MOVING, NATIONALIZE IT. THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS. . |
| 00:03:41 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLELADY FROM TEXAS RISE? |
| 00:03:45 | Jackson Lee, Sheila | ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR FIVE MINUTES, REVISE AND EXTEND. |
| 00:03:49 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLELADY IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:03:52 | Jackson Lee, Sheila | I THANK THE GENTLELADY VERY MUCH, SPEAKER. I RISE TODAY TO CONTINUE TO BRING ATTENTION TO MS.LING AND MS. LEE FOR BEING HELD TODAY BY NORTH KOREA. AND I REALIZE THAT WE HAVE HAD OVER THE YEARS SIX PARTY TALKS AND THAT ENGAGEMENT IS IMPORTANT. I AM NOT ADVOCATING WAR, I AM ADVOCATING A RESOLUTION TO THE HOLDING OF TWO INNOCENT AMERICANS, ONE A MOTHER, BOTH RENOWNED JOURNALISTS, BOTH LOVED BY THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS. I BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT FOR NORTH KOREA TO BE PART OF THE WORLD COMMUNITY AND IMAGINE THE CONCERNS THAT WOULD BE EXPRESSED BY ANYONE HOLDING A NORTH KOREAN. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING AS A MEMBER OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WITH THE ADMINISTRATION FOR THE BEST APPROACH AND ONGOING AND CONTINUING DISCUSSION, DISCUSSING THE NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION ALONG WITH THE RELEASE OF THESE TWO HOSTAGES BUT WE MUST MAKE A STATEMENT AND ACT TO HAVE THE RELEASE OF MS. LING AND MS. LEE AND WE MUST DO IT NOW. |
| 00:05:05 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS RISE? |
| 00:05:09 | >> | ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE, REVISE AND EXTEND. |
| 00:05:13 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS |
| 00:05:15 | Kirk, Mark Steven | THANK YOU. CENTRISTS IN THE HOUSE HAVE PUT FORWARD A BILL THAT DEFENDS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR DOCTOR AND EXTENDS COVERAGE. THE A BETTER BILL THAN THE SENATE BILL WHICH HAS $1 TRILLION IN COST. C.B.O. SAYS THAT BILL WILL COVER 31 MILLION AMERICANS BUT ANOTHER 15 MILLION WILL LOSE COVERAGE UNDER THE LEGISLATION. GIVING A NET OF JUST 16 MILLION AMERICANS GETTING COVERAGE. AT A COST OF $1 TRILLION, THAT MEANS IT COSTS $62,500 PER PATIENT OVER 10 YEARS. OUR CENTRIST PLAN COVERS MORE PEOPLE AT MUCH LESS COST WHILE FINALLY GUARANTEEING THE RIGHTS OF YOUR MEDICAL TREATMENT AGAINST ANY GOVERNMENT RESTRICTION. THIS HOUSE IS SUFFERING FROM TRILLION-DOLLAR STICKER SHOCK FROM THE SENATE BILL. OUR CENTRIST HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL IS MORE RESPONSIBLE AND WILL NOT BREAK THE TREASURY. |
| 00:06:16 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLELADY FROM PENNSYLVANIA RISE? |
| 00:06:20 | >> | PERMISSION TO SPEAK TO THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE. |
| 00:06:24 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLELADY IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:06:27 | >> | MADAM SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO ANNOUNCE THE INTRODUCTION OF MY FIRST PIECE OF LEGISLATION, THE YOUNG ADULT HEALTH CARE COVERAGE ACT OF 2009. OR AS I LIKE TO CALL IT, THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES BILL. I AM THE MOTHER OF FIVE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. AND THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESSES WHAT IS KNOWN AS -- WHAT WILL COVER ADULTS AGES 19 TO 29. THIS BIPARTISAN, NO-COST BILL PROVIDES THESE YOUNG ADULTS WITH THE OPTION TO ACCESS THEIR PARENT' HEALTH INSURANCE. THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE YOUNG ADULTS HAVE THE HIGHEST UNINSURED RATE OF ANY GROUP IN THE COUNTRY AT 31%. THE RESULT IS EXTREME MEASURES SUCH AS BORROWING LEFTOVER PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FROM A FRIEND, SETTING THEIR OWN BROKEN BONES OR TRIPS TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM THAT COST THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER MILLIONS. 30 STATES HAVE ALREADY ENACTED SIMILAR LEGISLATION. THIS BILL WILL CREATE A NATIONWIDE UNIFORM STANDARD. I THANK CONGRESSMAN LANCE AND OTHERS WHO ARE CO-SPONSORING THIS BILL AND I ASK MY COLLEAGUES TO JOIN US AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 00:07:31 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM KENTUCKY RISE? |
| 00:07:35 | >> | UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE, REVISE AND EXTEND MY REMARKS. |
| 00:07:39 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:07:43 | Davis, Geoffrey "Geoff" C. | MADAM SPEAKER, BY 2035, THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION ESTIMATES THAT CHAIRMAN WAXMAN'S LEGISLATION WILL CAUSE A 90% INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY RATES AND A 55% RISE IN RESIDENTIAL NATURAL GAS PRICES. EXPERTS PREDICT THIS WILL RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL NUMBERS OF UNITED STATES JOBS GOING TO COUNTRIES LIKE CHINA AND INDIA THAT HAVE NOT ADOPTED A NATIONAL IT ENERGY TAX. AT A TIME WHEN NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS SOARING, APPROACHING 10% IN THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS AND THE KENTUCKY UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS GETTING DANGEROUSLY HIGH, WE CAN'T AFFORD TO ENACT THIS LENSLATION -- LEGISLATION TO CREATE ADDITIONAL HARDSHIPS. ENERGY PRICES ARE A MAJOR FACTOR IN DETERMINING THE COST OF LIVING AND THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS IN A PARTICULAR LOCATION. IN FACT, KENTUCKY IS ONE OF THE LOWEST ENERGY COST STATES IN THE NATION, DEPENDS ON THIS FROM ELECTRICITY PRODUCED FROM COAL. I RECENTLY MET WITH LEADERS WHO REITERATED THAT THE COST OF ENERGY IN THE COMMONWEALTH IS A REASON THEY CHOSE TO BASE THEIR BUSINESSES IN THE COUNTY. THIS ENERGY TAX WILL DRIVE THOSE BUSINESSES AWAY OR OUT OF BUSINESS, LOSING AMERICAN JOBS BECAUSE IT'S NOT CONSIDERING A LONG-TERM ECONOMIC IMPACT, LET ALONE THE LACK OF ENVIRONMENTAL VERACITY. THE A POSITIVE STORY WE HEAR THROUGHOUT OUR COMMONWEALTH IS LOW ENERGY CREATES JOBS AND I YIELD BACK. |
| 00:08:56 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM INDIANA RISE? |
| 00:09:00 | Burton, Danny "Dan" Lee | I ASK UNANIMOUS CONCEPT TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE, REVISE AND EXTEND MY REMARKS. |
| 00:09:07 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:09:10 | Burton, Danny "Dan" Lee | MADAM SPEAKER, THE NATIONAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAM AS ADVERTISED BY THE ADMINISTRATION, THEY ESTIMATE IT WILL COST $1 TRILLION JUST TO INSURE 1/3 OF THE UNINSURED IN THIS COUNTRY. SO IT WILL COST $3 TRILLION IF YOU ADD ALL THOSE PEOPLE TO THE HEALTH CARE ROLLS. MONEY THAT WE JUST DON'T HAVE. AND THE THING THAT REALLY BOTHERS ME IS ABC NEWS OVER THE NEXT WEEK IS GOING TO BE ADVERTISING A TWO-HOUR INFOMERCIAL THAT'S GOING TO TAKE PLACE BY THE PRESIDENT, THE WHITE HOUSE, IN THE NEXT WEEK. AND THEY'RE DOING THIS AT THE WHITE HOUSE. ABC IS ACTUALLY MOVING INTO THE WHITE HOUSE TO ADVERTISE THIS FOR THE PRESIDENT. YOU KNOW, THE PRESIDENT'S ON TELEVISION EVERY SINGLE DAY AND THE PRETTY OBVIOUS THAT CBS, NBC AND CNN ARE ALL VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THE PRESIDENT. THEY'RE ADVOCATING EVERYTHING HE'S TALKING ABOUT. BUT ABC IS GOING OVERBOARD. THEY'RE ABSOLUTELY FLIPPING BY GOING TO THE WHITE HOUSE AND SUPPORTING AND ADVERTISING FOR THE PRESIDENT'S PROGRAM. YOU KNOW, I THINK THIS IS JUST DEAD WRONG. IT'S OK TO BE SUPPORTIVE OF THE PRESIDENT, BUT I DON'T THINK ABC SHOULD BECOME OBAMA NEWS. |
| 00:10:16 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM SOUTH CAROLINA RISE? |
| 00:10:22 | >> | ADDRESS THE HOUSE, REVISE AND EXTEND MY REMARKS. |
| 00:10:25 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:10:29 | Brown, Henry E. Jr. | MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO CONGRATULATE THE INTERNATIONAL PAPER MILL IN GEORGETOWN, SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR RECENTLY REACHING A SAFETY MILESTONE OF LOGGING FOUR MILLION SAFE WORK HOURS WITHOUT ANY EMPLOYEES MISSING WORK DUE TO INJURED SUSTAINED ON THE JOB. NOT AN EASY TASK. WITH NEARLY 700 EMPLOYEES WORKING AT THE PAPER MILL DAILY, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE TEAM IN GEORGETOWN HAS BEEN WORKING HARD TO DEVELOP NEW WAZE TO -- WAYS TO PROACTIVELY PREVENT ACCIDENTS. OUR GOAL IS TO LEAVE WORK EVERY DAY IN THE SAME OR BETTER CONDITIONS WE ARRIVED FOR OURSELVES AND OUR FAMILIES SAID THE MILL MANAGER. RECENTLY EMPLOYEES IMPLEMENTED A NEW SAFETY PROCESS FOCUSING ON PEOPLE ACTING, CARING AND THINKING SAFELY. THEY SEE THIS AS A GREAT WAY TO FOCUS ON SAFETY BUT ALSO REALIZE THERE'S NO SINGLE ACTION THAT CAN CREATE ANOTHER SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND EVERYONE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GEORGETOWN MILL TEAM. I SPEAK FOR MYSELF AND EVERYONE IN THE FIRST DISTRICT WHEN I SAY WE ARE PROUD OF YOU AND ENCOURAGE THE TEAM TO KEEP WORKING TOWARDS THOSE SAFETY MILESTONES AND THANK YOU AND I YIELD BACK. |
| 00:11:38 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM INDIANA RISE? |
| 00:11:43 | >> | UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE, REVISE AND EXTEND MY REMARKS. |
| 00:11:47 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:11:51 | Pence, Mike | FOR THE FIFTH DAY IN A ROW, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF IRANIAN CITIZENS HAVE TAKEN TO THE STREETS ON BEHALF OF FREE ELECTIONS AND DEMOCRACY. SADLY, THE RESPONSE BY THE IRANIAN GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN MORE OPPRESSION. VIOLENCE AGAIN ITS OWN PEOPLE, DEATHS CONFIRMED, HUNDREDS OF CITIZENS BEATEN AND FOREIGN JOURNALISTS INTIMIDATED AND BANNED FROM THE STREETS. WE ARE WITNESSING AITY EN-- TIANANMEN IN TEHRAN. WHILE I RESPECT THE FACT THAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES HAS DENOUNCED THE VIOLENCE, THAT HE HAS SAID THAT THE PROTESTERS HAD A RIGHT TO BE, QUOTE, HEARD AND RESPECTED, THIS ADMINISTRATION HAS NOT YET EXPRESSED THE UNQUALIFIED SUPPORT OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FOR THOSE WHO ARE COURAGEOUSLY TAKING TO THE STREETS ON BEHALF OF SELF-GOVERNMENT AND FREE ELECTIONS IN IRAN. YESTERDAY I INTRODUCED HOUSE RESOLUTION 549, A RESOLUTION THAT WOULD GIVE VOICE TO COUNTLESS AMERICANS WHO WANT OUR NATION TO SUPPORT THE DISDENSE -- DISSIDENTS IN IRAN WHO ARE STRUGGLING FOR THEIR OWN FREEDOM. THE AMERICAN CAUSE IS FREEDOM AND IN THIS CAUSE, AMERICA MUST NEVER BE SILENT. |
| 00:13:03 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA RISE? |
| 00:13:10 | >> | ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE, REVISE AND EXTEND. |
| 00:13:13 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:13:17 | Stearns, Clifford | GOOD AFTERNOON. THE LATE SENATOR DANIEL MOIN HAN PUBLISHED A PAPER ON DEFINING DEEVE YENSY DOWN IN WHICH SOCIETY LOWERS ITS STANDARDS, WHERE BY UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT BECOMES ACCEPTABLE. I RECENTLY HEARD FROM A NUMBER OF MY CONSTITUENTS ABOUT AN ABUSIVE ATTACK ON GOVERNOR SARA PALIN'S 14-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER. GOVERNOR PALIN AND HER 14-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER HAD ATTENDED A YANKEE GAME AND DAVID LETTERMAN DID A TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE JOKE ABOUT THEM. LAST YEAR DAVID SHUSTER MADE AN INAPPROPRIATE COMMENT ABOUT CHELSEA CLINTON. THE PRESIDENT OF NBC APOLOGIZED AND SUSPENDED SHUSTER FROM THE NETWORK. THE PALIN FAMILY RECEIVED A BELATED APOLOGY A WEEK LATER. I HOPE THE HOST REALIZES THAT CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE THE TARGETS OF SEXUALLY CHARGED JOKES OR DO WE ALLOW THE UNACCEPTABLE TO BECOME THE ACCEPTABLE? I YIELD BACK. |
| 00:14:13 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA RISE? |
| 00:14:18 | >> | REQUEST TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE. |
| 00:14:21 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:14:24 | Herger, Wally | MADAM SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO PROTECT THE DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP. PRESIDENT OBAMA AND MANY CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS HAVE BEEN PUSHING FOR GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE. LOOKING AT THE RESULTS OF GOVERNMENT-RUN PLANS ACROSS THE WORLD, IT'S A MISTAKE WE SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD. GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE WILL BE BAD FOR DOCTORS, BAD FOR PATIENTS AND BAD FOR THE TAXPAYERS. THAT'S WHY I INTRODUCED LEGISLATION TO ENSURE THAT WASHINGTON BUREAUCRATS DO NOT USE COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS RESEARCH TO MAKE HEALTH CARE DECISIONS FOR YOU BASED ON COSTS. THE DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP AND RESEARCH ACT FOCUSES ON THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, THE PATIENT AND THEIR DOCTOR. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO JOIN ME IN PROTECTING AMERICANS FROM GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE. |
| 00:15:24 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM LOUISIANA RISE? |
| 00:15:30 | >> | I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE, REVISE AND EXTEND MY REMARKS. |
| 00:15:36 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:15:39 | Boustany, Charles W. Jr. | LAST WEEK CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATICS UNVEILED SEVERAL SWEEPING OVERHAULS OF AMERICAN HEALTH CARE. EACH OF THEIR PLANS INCLUDES A GOVERNMENT-RUN BUREAUCRACY THAT WOULD PUT RED TAPE BETWEEN PATIENT AND THEIR DOCTORS. I SAW THIS FIRST-HAND AS A DOCTOR WHEN PATIENTS WITH GOVERNMENT-RUN MEDICAID COVERAGE OFTEN AFTER HEART SURGERY HAD DIFFICULTIES FINDING DOCTORS FOR FOLLOW-UP CARE. A FAILURE TO GET FOLLOW-UP CARE AFTER HEART SURGERY IS A GREAT WAY TO GUARANTEE A POOR QUALITY RESULT FOR PATIENTS AND HIGHER COSTS FOR TAXPAYERS. FAR TOO OFTEN PATIENTS IN OUR CURRENT GOVERNMENT-RUN PROGRAMS LACK REAL ACCESS TO A DOCTOR, LEAVING THEM OUT OF THE SYSTEM. TODAY HOUSE REPUBLICANS PUT FORWARD A COMMONSENSE PLAN TO REVITALIZE THE AMERICAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AND IMPROVE COMBAULT -- QUALITY. OUR PLAN PUTS PATIENTS AND THEIR DOCTORS BACK IN CONTROL OF THEIR HEALTH CARE DESTINY. OUR PLAN MAKES HEALTH CARE FOR AFFORDABLE AND MORE ACCESSIBLE WITH PATIENTS ABLE TO SEE A DOCTOR OF THEIR CHOICE. WE ALL AGREE IMPROVE OUR SYSTEM WILL MAKE AMERICA MORE COMPETITIVE AND GIVE FAMILIES PEACE OF MIND. LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO PUT THE DOCTOR AND PATIENT BACK IN CONTROL. I YIELD BACK. |
| 00:16:48 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY RISE? |
| 00:16:53 | >> | UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE, REVISE AND EXTEND MY REMARKS. |
| 00:16:59 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:17:02 | Lance, Leonard | THANK YOU. MADAM SPEAKER, LAST WEEK THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ANNOUNCED THE REPAYMENT OF TARP FUNDS FROM 10 BANKS, TOTALING $6 .3 BILLION RETURNED TO THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM. THE TARP REPAYMENT NEWS IS A PROMISING SIGN THAT OUR BELEAGUERED FINANCIAL SYSTEM IS BEGINNING TO STABILIZE AND TAXPAYER FUNDS ARE BEING RETURNED. WHILE MANY OF MY COLLEAGUES AND I HAVE CALLED FOR THESE REPAYMENTS TO BE APPLIED TO HELP PAY DOWN THE NATIONAL DEBT, TREASURY SECRETARY GEITHNER HAS INDICATED THAT THE RETURN FUNDS WOULD FREE UP RESOURCES FOR FUTURE BAILOUT LOANS. I RESPECTFULLY DISAGREE WITH THE SECRETARY'S POSITION THAT THESE MONIES SHOULD BE REUSED IN THE FUTURE. THE REPAY TAXPAYER FUNDS SHOULD ONLY BE USED TO PAY DOWN THE EVER GROWING NATIONAL DEBT. I CALL ON CONGRESS TO PASS H.R. 2119, LEGISLATION I AM CO-SPONSORING, THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE TREASURY TO APPLY RETURNED TARP FUNDS TO DEBT REDUCTION ITCHT YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 00:18:01 | Diaz-Balart, L. | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA RISE? THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. . UPON EARNING A DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FROM NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY IN SOUTH FLORIDA. AS PART OF THE PROGRAM, DR. OCHOA COMPLETED A GRUELING PROGRAM IN DIFFICULT DISCIPLINES. ALTHOUGH GREATLY RESPECTED FOR HIS CAREER IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY, HE HAS CONTINUED TO DEEPEN HIS KNOWLEDGE OF BUSINESS AND THE BANKING INDUSTRY. HIS ADMIRABLE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE IN HIS FIELD WILL BE OF GREAT ASSISTANCE TO OUR SOUTH FLORIDA COMMUNITY. ON SATURDAY, DR. OCHOA WILL GRADUATE FROM NOVA SOUTHEASTERN HAVING BEEN GRANT THE HIS DOCTORATE. IT IS MY PRIVILEGE AND HONOR TO CONGRATULATE YOU ON THIS GREAT ACHIEVEMENT. I KNOW THAT YOUR DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY WELL. |
| 00:18:58 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK RISE? |
| 00:19:03 | MS. SLAUGHTER | MADAM SPEAKER, BY DIRECTION OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES I CALL UP HOUSE RESOLUTION 552 AND ASK FOR ITS IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION. |
| 00:19:12 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE CLERK WILL REPORT THE RESOLUTION. |
| 00:19:14 | THE CLERK | HOUSE CALENDAR NUMBER 74, HOUSE RESOLUTION 552. RESOLVED, THAT DURING FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL, H.R. 2847, MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE AND JUSTICE AND SCIENCE AND RELATED AGENCIES, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2010, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. NO FURTHER GENERAL DEBATE SHALL BE IN ORDER. NOTWITHSTANDING CLAUSE 11 OF RULE 18, AND HOUSE RESOLUTION 544, AND EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 2, NO FURTHER AMENDMENT SHALL BE IN ORDER EXCEPT ONE, AMENDMENTS NUMBERED 3, 6, 19, 22, 25, 31, 35, 41, 59, 60, 62, 63, 69, 71, 93, 96, 97, 98, 100, 102, 111, 114 AND 118 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OF JUNE 15, 2009, PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 8 OF RULE 18, WHICH MAY BE OFFERED ONLY BY THE MEMBER WHO SUBMITTED IT FOR PRINTING OR A DESIGNEE. AND TWO, NOT TO EXCEED 10 OF THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS IF OFFERED BY THE RANKING MINORITY MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS OR HIS DESIGNEE. AMENDMENTS NUMBERED 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 104, 105, 106, 107, AND 108 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OF JUNE 15, 2009 PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 8 OF RULE 18. EACH AMENDMENT LISTED IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS READ, SHALL BE DEBATABLE FOR 10 MINUTES EQUALLY DIVIDED AND CONTROLLED BY THE PROPONENT AN AN OPPONENT. AND SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO A DEMAND FOR DIVISION OF THE QUESTION IN THE HOUSE OR IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. ALL POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST SUCH AMENDMENTS ARE WAIVED EXCEPT THOSE -- EXCEPT THAT AN AMENDMENT MAY BE OFFERED ONLY AT THE APPROPRIATE POINT IN THE READING. AT THE CONCLUSION OF CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL FOR AMENDMENT, THE COMMITTEE SHALL RISE AND REPORT THE BILL TO THE HOUSE WITH SUCH AMENDMENTS AS MAY HAVE BEEN ADOPTED. THE PREVIOUS QUESTION SHALL BE IN CONSIDERED AS ORDERED ON THE BILL AND AMENDMENTS THERETO TO FINAL PASSAGE WITHOUT INTERVENING MOTION EXCEPT ONE MOTION TO RECOMMIT WITH OR WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS. SECTION 2, THE CHAIR AND RANKING MINORITY MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS OR THEIR DESIGNEES EACH MAY OFFER ONE PRO FORMA AMENDMENT TO THE BILL FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEBATE. SUCH AMENDMENT MAY BE REPEATED BUT ONLY AFTER CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT LISTED IN THE FIRST SECTION OF THIS RESOLUTION. SECTION 3, THE CHAIR MAY ENTERTAIN AOTION THAT THE COMMITTEE RISE ONLY IF OFFERED BY THE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS OR HIS DESIGNEE. THE CHAIR MAY NOT ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO STRIKE OUT THE ACTING WORDS OF THE BILL AS DESCRIBED IN CLAUSE 9 OF RULE 18. |
| 00:22:24 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE HOUR. |
| 00:22:27 | MS. SLAUGHTER | THANK YOU, MADAM SPEAKER. FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEBATE ONLY I YIELD THE CUSTOMARY 30 MINUTES TO MY FRIEND FROM FLORIDA, MR. DIAZ-BALART. ALL TIME YIELDED DURING CONSIDERATION OF THE RULE IS FOR DEBATE ONLY. I YIELD MYSELF SUCH TIME AS I MAY CONSUME. I ALSO ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT ALL MEMBERS MAY HAVE FIVE LEGISLATIVE DAYS TO REVISE AND EXTEND THEIR REMARKS ON HOUSE RESOLUTION 552. MADAM SPEAKER H.RES. 552 PROVIDES FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2847, THE COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND STATE APPROPRIATIONS BILL FOR F.Y. 2010 UNDER A STRUCTURED RULE. |
| 00:23:09 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION. THE GENTLELADY IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:23:12 | MS. SLAUGHTER | MADAM SPEAKER, I KNOW IT'S SAFE TO SAY THIS HAS BEEN A MEMORABLE APPROPRIATIONS PROCESS. FOR BOTH SIDES. WE ARE ONLY GETTING STARTED ON THIS BUMPY RIDE. APPROPRIATION BILLS OFTEN GENERATE VERY EMOTIONAL RESPONSES ON ALL SIDES AND THIS YEAR IS NO DIFFERENT. THE PROCESS IS TIME CONSUMING AND STRESSFUL AND MY COLLEAGUES ON RULES KNOW THAT WE WERE NOT MEETING WELL AFTER 1:00 A.M. THIS MORNING SIMPLY BECAUSE WE LIKE EACH OTHER'S COMPANY. THE RULE WE RISE TO CONSIDER TODAY CAME ABOUT AS A RESULT OF CONCERN FROM THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE THAT WE WERE UNLIKELY TO GET AN AGREEMENT FROM THE MINORITY FOR SET AND REASONABLE SCHEDULE -- TO CONSIDER THESE SPENDING BILLS. WITHOUT SUCH AN AGREEMENT THERE WAS A VERY REAL FEAR ON OUR SIDE THAT THE PROCESS COULD HAVE DEGENERATE FOOD A DRAWN OUT BATTLE JEOPARDIZING OUR PARTY'S COMMITMENT TO GETTING EACH OF THE 12 APPROPRIATIONS BILLS COMPLETED ON TIME THIS YEAR. AT ALL COSTS OUR PARTY WANTED TO AVOID A REPEAT OF THE DISASTROUS TWO-MONTH STALEMATE THAT SHUT DOWN THE GOVERNMENT IN 1995 AND 1996. AND WHILE IT'S SOMETIMES TEMPTING FOR THE PARTY AND MINORITY TO CLOWBLOW UP THE PROCESS, AS LEADERS IN THE HOUSE WE ARE DETERMINED TO LEGISLATE IN A WAY THAT SEEKS COMMON GROUND AND MAKES EVERYBODY PROUD. MOREOVER, WE HAVE IN RECENT YEARS DETECTED A TREND WHERE MORE AND MORE AMENDMENTS ARE GIVEN TO US EACH YEAR ON APPROPRIATIONS BILLS. OFTEN FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN POLITICAL GAMESMANSHIP OR STUNTS. THERE IS NOT A SINGLE AMENDMENT TO THIS BILL IN FISCAL YEAR 2003, BUT THIS YEAR WE HAD 127 AMENDMENTS FILED ON THE BILL AS OF THE TUESDAY DEADLINE. THAT SUGGESTED TO US WE WERE IN FOR WHAT POTENTIALLY COULD HAVE BEEN A REPETITIVE CHANGE OF DILL TEAROUS AND ILL CONSIDERED AMENDMENTS NONE OF OF WHICH WOULD HAVE ALLOWED US OF GETTING CLOSER TO OUR GOAL OF GETTING THESE BILLS COMPLETED AND SIGNED INTO LAW BY THE PRESIDENT. WHAT BECAME CLEAR THIS WEEK THE MINORITY WAS NOT READY TO AGREE TO A CLEAR AND FIRM SCHEDULE FOR THE FINISHING THE WORK ON APPROPRIATIONS BILLS, WE DECIDED WE HAD NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO GO AHEAD WITH A CLEAR AND CONCISE PLAN. OUR PROPOSAL SETS OUT A BEST BALANCING ACT BETWEEN DOING THE PEOPLE'S BUSINESS AND STILL GIVING BOTH PARTIES AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE THE BILLS WITH AMENDMENTS AND DISCUSSION. UNDER THE SCHEDULE WE WILL SETASIDE A STRUCTURED RULE THAT PROVIDES FOR NO ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS OTHER THAN THE ONES PREVIOUSLY AGREED TO BY THE RULES COMMITTEE. EACH OF THOSE AMENDMENTS SHALL BE DEBATABLE FOR 10 MINUTES. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT GIVEN THE REFUSAL OF THE MINORITY TO AGREE TO A SCHEDULE FOR GETTING THE WORK DONE, THAT THIS REPRESENTS A WORKABLE COMPROMISE THAT WILL ALLOW US TO VOTE ON THE APPROPRIATIONS BILLS IN A TIMELY AND EFFICIENT WAY. MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT ALLOWS US TO MOVE EACH OF THESE APPROPRIATIONS BILLS IN THE NEXT SIX WEEKS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME MAKING PROGRESS ON OTHER CRUCIAL LEGISLATION FACING CONGRESS SUCH AS HEALTH CARE, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS. I HOPE MY COLLEAGUES ON BOTH SIDES WILL JOIN ME THIS MORNING IN SUPPORTING THIS RULE. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 00:26:31 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA. |
| 00:26:33 | Diaz-Balart, L. | THANK YOU, MADAM SPEAKER. I'D LIKE TO THANK MY FRIEND THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK, MS. SLAUGHTER, FOR THE TIME. I YIELD MYSELF SUCH TIME AS I MAY CONSUME. |
| 00:26:41 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:26:44 | Diaz-Balart, L. | MADAM SPEAKER, I SINCERELY BELIEVE THE MAJORITY WILL COME TO REGRET THIS DECISION TO CLOSE DOWN THE DELIBERATIVE PROCESS OF THE HOUSE ON APPROPRIATIONS BILLS. YESTERDAY THE HOUSE PASSED, ALREADY AN UNORTHODOX RULE, THAT PROBING WITH PRECEDENT, IT WAS RESTRICTIVE. AND PURSUANT TO THAT RULE, 127 AMENDMENTS WERE FILED, BY MEMBERS OF THIS HOUSE. AFTER DEBATE ON THE FIRST REPUBLICAN AMENDMENT, THE FIRST ONE, THE MAJORITY DECIDED TO HALT CONSIDERATION OF THE LEGISLATION AND CALLED AN EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE RULES COMMITTEE. WHICH BEGAN AT 10:45 P.M. LAST NIGHT. IN RESPONSE TO THAT FIRST REPUBLICAN AMENDMENT, THE MAJORITY IS NOW BRINGING FORTH THIS RULE THAT WILL BLOCK CONSIDERATION OF MOST OF THE AMENDMENTS THAT WERE MADE IN ORDER UNDER THE PREVIOUS RULE. PROPOSED BY THE MAJORITY AND PASSED BY THIS HOUSE. SO ALL THOSE MEMBERS WHO FOLLOWED THE RULE PREVIOUSLY PASSED AND FILED THEIR AMENDMENTS BY THE DEADLINE WILL BE LEFT WITHOUT THE CHANCE TO REPRESENT THE INTERESTS OF THEIR CONSTITUENTS. I THINK THIS RULE IS UNJUST. I THINK IT'S UNNECESSARY. I THINK THE MAJORITY'S MAKING A BIG MISTAKE. DURING YESTERDAY'S LATE NIGHT MEETING, THE DISTINGUISHED CHAIRMAN OF THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE CITED THE LARGE NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS THAT WERE PREPRINTED PURSUANT TO THE PREVIOUS RULE AS A REASON FOR SHUTTING DOWN THE APPROPRIATIONS PROCESS. HE WENT ON TO CITE WHAT HE CONSIDERED HIS OBLIGATION TO MOVE THE APPROPRIATIONS BILLS ON SCHEDULE. AS A MATTER OF FACT HE WAS KIND ENOUGH TO HAND OUT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE RULES COMMITTEE THIS COPY OF PROPOSED SCHEDULE. I UNDERSTAND HIS CONCERN. BUT THE REASON PRECISELY FOR THE HIGH NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS THAT WERE FILED YESTERDAY WAS BECAUSE THE MAJORITY HAD ABANDONED THE USE OF THE TRADITIONAL OPEN APPROPRIATIONS RULE AND THEY HAD REQUIRED MEMBERS TO PREPRINT THEIR AMENDMENTS. THAT FORCED MEMBERS TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE AMENDMENTS THAT THEY CONCEIVABLY THOUGHT THEY MIGHT WISH TO INTRODUCE, TO CONSIDER, EVEN IF THEY EVENTUALLY DID NOT PLAN TO OFFER THEM. UNDER THE PREVIOUS RULE MEMBERS WERE ALSO BARRED FROM MAKING GERMANE AMENDMENTS TO THEIR AMENDMENTS, CHANGES TO THEIR AMENDMENTS SO MEMBERS SUBMITTED DUPLICATIVE AMENDMENTS TO COVER ALL POSSIBLE ANGLES. MEMBERS HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO THEIR CONSTITUENTS TO REPRESENT THEM ON APPROPRIATIONS BILLS AND TO REPRESENT THE INTEREST OF THEIR COMMUNITIES. YES, EVEN THOUGH 120 AMENDMENTS WERE SET FOR DEBATE, THE REALITY , MAM SPEAKER, IS THAT WE NEVER WOULD HAVE CONSIDERED ALL THOSE AMENDMENTS. MEMBERS WERE HEDGING THEIR BETS. THEY WERE SUBMITTING DUPLICATIVE AMENDMENTS THAT IN MOST INSTANCES THEY DIDN'T PLAN TO ACTUALLY OFFER FOR DEBATE. MR. BURTON, FOR EXAMPLE CAME BEFORE THE RULES COMMITTEE LAST NIGHT, WE WERE THERE TILL ALMOST 2:00 IN THE MORNING AND HE TESTIFIED HE SUBMITTED A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS, BUT HE ONLY WAS GOING TO HAVE -- ASK FOR ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS TO BE DEBATED. SO I ASK, MADAM SPEAKER, IF THE MAJORITY REALLY BELIEVED THAT THE MINORITY WAS USING DILATORY TACTICS, WHY DID THEY STOP DEBATE AFTER THE FIRST MINORITY AMENDMENT? AND CALL FOR AN EMERGENCY RULES MEETING. THEY SHOULD HAVE FOLLOWED THE ADVICE OF MY COLLEAGUE ON THE RULES COMMITTEE, MR. PERLMUTTER, AND ALLOWED DEBATE TO CONTINUE LAST NIGHT AND PROCEEDED TO WORK THROUGH THE AMENDMENTS. INSTEAD AFTER ONE MINORITY AMENDMENT, THEY HALTED THE FLOOR PROCESS SO THAT THE RULES COMMITTEE COULD MEET LATE LAST NIGHT. BY THE TIME THE MEETING WAS OVER AT ALMOST 2:00 A.M., THE HOUSE COULD HAVE ACTUALLY CONSIDERED ALREADY A NUMBER OF THE AMENDMENTS AND MOST LIKELY COULD HAVE AGREED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, WHICH IS THE TRADITION ON APPROPRIATIONS BILLS, TO LIMIT TIME ON REMAINING AMENDMENTS AND THE DEBATE TIME. IF AFTER DEBATING FOR A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME THE MAJORITY SINCERELY CAME THEN TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE MINORITY WAS USING DILATORY TACTICS, THE MAJORITY THEN COULD HAVE CALLED THE RULES COMMITTEE TO SEEK A STRUCTURED RULE. INSTEAD THE MAJORITY GAVE UP AFTER JUST ONE MINORITY AMENDMENT, AND IMMEDIATELY DECIDED TO USE THE HEAVY HAND OF THE RULES COMMITTEE TO CLOSE DOWN THE DELIBERATIVE PROCESS. . SO I WONDER IF THEY REALLY HAD ANY INTENTION AT ALL TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON THEIR INITIAL CALL FOR MEMBERS TO BE ALLOWED TO OFFER AMENDMENTS THAT WERE PREPRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. NOW, UNDER THE RULE THAT WE'RE CONSIDERING AT THIS TIME, ONLY 22 SPECIFIC AMENDMENTS CHOSEN BY THE MAJORITY ARE MADE IN ORDER AND THE RULE ALSO CALLS FOR THE APPROPRIATION'S RANKING MINORITY MEMBER TO DECIDE WHICH 10 ADDITIONAL EARMARK RELATED AMENDMENTS SHALL BE CONSIDERED. SO THEY'RE BUCKING THE DECISION ON WHICH OF THEIR AMENDMENTS THEY WILL BLOCK. THE MINORITY MUST NOW HAVE TO SILENCE OUR OWN MEMBERS, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT OUR DECISION TO LIMIT AMENDMENTS. I THINK THAT REALLY IS UNFORTUNATE CONDUCT BY THE MAJORITY. IF THE MAJORITY WANTS TO BLOCK AMENDMENTS, THEY SHOULD HAVE THE COURAGE TO SAY WHOSE AMENDMENTS THEY WISH TO BLOCK. SO, MADAM SPEAKER, I THINK TODAY WE'RE WITNESSING A SAD PAGE IN THE HISTORY OF THIS BODY. I THINK WE'RE WITNESSING A DAY THAT, WITHOUT DOUBT, WILL COME TO BE REGRETTED BY THE MAJORITY. I RESERVE. |
| 00:34:20 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK. |
| 00:34:23 | >> | MADAM SPEAKER, I YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK, MR. HINCHEY. |
| 00:34:27 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES. |
| 00:34:31 | Hinchey, Maurice | THANK YOU, MADAM SPEAKER, AND I WANT TO THANK CHAIRWOMAN SLAUGHTER FOR YIELDING ME THIS TIME. I'D LIKE TO COMMEND CHAIRMAN MOLLOHAN FOR DOING AN OUTSTANDING JOB WITH THIS YEAR'S COMMERCE, JUSTICE AND SCIENCE BILL. AND I INTEND TO VOTE FOR IT, SUPPORT IT ENTHUSIASTICALLY. I KNOW THAT HE HAD TO MAKE SOME HARD CHOICES AND I AM PLEASED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO FUND NEARLY ALL OF THE ADMINISTRATION'S REQUESTS FOR THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION IN PARTICULAR. HOWEVER, A PROVISION IN THE REPORT CONCERNING MATERIALS RESEARCH HAS JUST BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION AND I AM HOPEFUL THAT AS THIS BILL MOVES TO CONFERENCE WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO ADDRESS THIS LANGUAGE. THE BASIC RESEARCH AND FUNDAMENTAL SCIENCE FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ARE VITALLY IMPORTANT TO THE FUTURE OF OUR NATION. HOWEVER, THERE IS LANGUAGE IN THE REPORT ELIMINATING THE PRESIDENT'S PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE N.S.F.'S MATERIALS RESEARCH BUDGET AND IT SAYS SO, QUOTE, IN LIGHT OF SIMILAR INVESTMENTS AND ENERGY SCIENCES, ALLEGEDLY AT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS MAY NOT BE THE CASE. THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION'S DIVISION OF MATERIALS RESEARCH FUNDS RESEARCH ON THE FUNDAMENTAL BEHAVIOR OF MATTER AND MATERIALS THAT LEAD TO THE CREATION OF NEW MATERIALS AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES. IN ADDITION, MATERIALS RESEARCH SUPPORTS INSTRUMENTS AND FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE CORNELL ELECTRON STORAGE RING AND CORNELL HIGH ENERGY. THAT SOURCE LOCATED IN NEW YORK AND THEY ARE CRUCIAL, BOTH OF THEM, FOR ADVANCING IN SCIENTIFIC FIELD -- THIS SCIENTIFIC FIELD. UNTIL THIS YEAR THE CORNELL FACILITIES HAD BEEN FUNDED BY THE N.S.F.'S DIVISION OF PHYSICS. THEY ARE CURRENTLY TRANSITIONING TO THE DIVISION OF MATERIALS RESEARCH WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED SOME CONFUSION. THE PRESIDENT ASKED FOR AN INCREASE TO SUPPORT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT THESE CORNELL FACILITIES. THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY DOES NOT HAVE A FACILITY COMPARABLE TO CORNELL'S AND THE WORK DONE AT CORNELL IS THE MOST ADVANCED IN THE WORLD AS FAR AS WE KNOW. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO DISCUSS THIS FURTHER AND I HOPE THAT WE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO CLARIFY THE REPORT LANGUAGE ON THE N.S.F. MATERIALS RESEARCH BUDGET SO THAT I WILL -- SO THAT IT, RATHER, WILL NOT AFFECT THE WORK OF THESE IMPORTANT FACILITIES AND I THANK YOU VERY MUCH. |
| 00:37:04 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA. |
| 00:37:08 | Diaz-Balart, L. | I YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM INDIANA, MR. PENCE. |
| 00:37:13 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:37:15 | Pence, Mike | UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO REVISE AND EXTENDS MY REMARKS, MADAM SPEAKER. |
| 00:37:20 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION, SO ORDERED. |
| 00:37:22 | Pence, Mike | FEDERAL SPENDING IS OUT OF CONTROL AND I RISE IN STRONG OPPOSITION TO THIS RULE. HERE ARE THE FACTS. WE'RE RUNNING A $2 TRILLION FEDERAL DEFICIT. THE SECOND TRAUNCH OF THE TARP FUNDING ALLOWED TO BE SPENT ANOTHER $350 BILLION, THE STIMULUS BILL PASSED EARLY ERR THIS YEAR IS OVER $-- EARLIER THIS YEAR IS OVER $1 TRILLION, AN OMNIBUS BILL OF $400 MILLION AND A BUDGET PASSED BY THIS ADMINISTRATION AND CONGRESS THAT WILL DOUBLE THE NATIONAL DEBT IF FIVE YEARS AND TRIPLE IT IN 10. NOW COMES THE FIRST SPENDING BILL FOR COMMERCE, JUSTICE AND STATE TO THE FLOOR -- WITH AN 11.7% INCREASE IN FEDERAL SPENDING AND REPUBLICANS OFFERED BUT 100 AMENDMENTS WHICH WERE DESIGNED TO CUT FEDERAL SPENDING AND RESTORE FISCAL DISCIPLINE TO THIS VERY FIRST BILL AND AFTER 30 MINUTES OF DEBATE ON THE FIRST AMENDMENT THAT WAS OFFERED, THE MAJORITY CUT OFF DEBATE. THE DEMOCRATS IN THIS CONGRESS APPARENTLY BELIEVE THE REPUBLICAN AMENDMENTS TO CUT RUN AWAY FEDERAL SPENDING WOULD TAKE TOO MUCH TIME. APPARENTLY THE MAJORITY CAN'T SPEND OUR MONEY FAST ENOUGH. TRUTH IS, THIS WAS AN OUTRAGEOUS ABUSE OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS. BUT THIS DEBATE IS NOT ABOUT PROCESS. THIS DEBATE IS ABOUT RUN AWAY FEDERAL SPENDING AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF IT. REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS BELIEVE THAT CONGRESS HAS TIME TO GET IT RIGHT. WE BELIEVE THIS CONGRESS SHOULD TAKE THE TIME NECESSARY TO DEBATE AND TO RESTORE FISCAL DISCIPLINE TO OUR FEDERAL BUDGET. TODAY BEGINNING AT THIS VERY HOUR, WE WILL STAND UP FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, FOR THEIR RIGHT, FOR A BUDGET THAT REFLECTS THE SAME DISCIPLINE AND SACRIFICE THAT EVERY AMERICAN FAMILY AND EVERY SMALL BUSINESS ARE MAKING DURING THESE DIFFICULT TIMES. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO OPPOSE THIS RULE AND TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST RUN AWAY FEDERAL SPENDING BEGINNING HERE, BEGINNING NOW. |
| 00:39:17 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK. |
| 00:39:23 | MS. SLAUGHTER | MADAM SPEAKER, I YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TEXAS, MS. JACKSON LEE. |
| 00:39:28 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLELADY IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 00:39:31 | Jackson Lee, Sheila | I THANK THE DISTINGUISHED CHAIRWOMAN OF THE RULES COMMITTEE AND I RISE TO SUPPORT THE UNDERLYING RULE AND TO INDICATE THAT WE ARE IN SOME VERY CHALLENGING TIMES. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION HAS BEEN FUNDED AND IN PARTICULAR THE SECOND CHANCE BILL THINK A WORKED ON WITH A NUMBER OF MY COLLEAGUES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO PROVIDE FOR THE REHABILITATION, THE OPPORTUNITY FOR WORK, FOR A NUMBER OF THOSE WHO ARE EX-OFFENDERS. AND I RAISE SOME CHALLENGES. I HAD INTENDED TO YOU ARE A AND RESPOND TO -- OFFER AND RESPOND TO THE SHORT AND OF THE NASA FUNDING IN THIS BILL SHORT OF THE PRESIDENT'S MARK. BUT AS WE HAVE HAD THE DELIBERATIONS WE REALIZE THAT THE AUGUSTINE REPORT IS COMING FORWARD. I WANTED TO INCLUDE $400 MILLION AND I -- THAT I THINK WOULD HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATELY INDUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR SPACE EXPLORATION BECAUSE WE BUILT THE SPACE STATION. THAT WAS OUR GENIUS AND WE DID IT WITH OUR COLLABORATORS AND ALLIES THAT ENTITY WILL PROVIDE THE NEXT GENERATION OF RESEARCH AND THE ONLY WAY TO ENGAGE THE SPACE CENTER IN A NATIONAL SPACE STATION IS TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THE C.E.V. VEHICLE AND CONTINUE HUMAN SPACE EXPLORATION. BUT THE RESOLVE IS, IN THE REPORT LANGUAGE IT SPECIFICALLY NOTES THAT THIS DOES NOT DISALLOW THE ADDITION OF THOSE DOLLARS AS WE MAKE OUR WAY THROUGH THIS LEGISLATION AND TO THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE. THE AUGUSTINE REPORT WILL COME FORWARD AND I HOPE THAT WILL NOT BE A CHALLENGE. FOR IT WILL BE IN ESSENCE AN ABANDONMENT OF A FUTURE THAT HELPS TO EMPLOY PEOPLE AND CREATE JOBS. WE KNOW THAT IN JOHNSON SPACE CENTER ALONE, 11 MILLION VISITORS HAVE GONE THROUGH IN HOUSTON, TEXAS, AND AS A 12-YEAR FORMER MEMBER OF THE SCIENCE COMMITTEE, HAVING WORKED ON SAFETY ISSUES DEALING WITH THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION, I KNOW THE VALUE OF HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT AND THAT SPACE STATION. I ALSO WOULD HAVE ADDED LANGUAGE TO RESTORE THE PRESIDENT'S AUTHORITY TO CLOSE GUANTANAMO BAY. I KNOW THAT WE ARE LOOKING AT THAT IN A WAY THAT SOME AGREE WITH AND SOME DON'T. I BELIEVE THE LANGUAGE THAT PROHIBITS THAT IS LANGUAGE THAT HOPEFULLY WE WILL CONSIDER AS WE MAKE IT THROUGH AND THE PRESIDENT PROVIDES ALL THE INFORMATION THAT CONGRESS WANTS THEM TO HAVE. AND THEN I WANT TO AT LEAST PLACE IN THE RECORD THE INTERESTS OF CONTINUING IT TO WORK WITH OUR JUVENILES THAT ARE ENGAGED IN VIOLENT JUVENILE CRIMES. WE HAVE SEEN THE LOSS OF LIFE IN MANY OF OUR MAJOR CITIES AND I HAD AN AMENDMENT THAT WOULD HAVE PROVIDED FOR $20 MILLION FROM THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS, REDIRECTING THOSE FUNDS TO YOUTH MENTORING AND DELINQUENCY PROGRAMS. RECOGNIZING THAT VIOLENT CRIMES BY JUVENILES LARGELY TAKE PLACE AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY BETWEEN 3:00 P.M. AND 4:00 P.M. IT FURTHER CAUSES THE COST TO EDUCATE WHILE TO INCARCERATE IS MORE. IN TEXAS WE ARE REEF -- REACHING A POINT WHERE WE HAVE MORE YOUTH IN A CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM THAN IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM. I ASK MY COLLEAGUES AS WE MOVE FORWARD TO THINK OF THESE ISSUES AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 00:42:50 | Diaz-Balart, L. | I YIELD TWO MINUTES TO MR. HASTINGS. |
| 00:42:53 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM WASHINGTON STATE IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES. |
| 00:42:57 | Hastings, Richard "Doc" | THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO REVISE AND EXTEND MY REMARKS AND ADD EXTRANEOUS MATERIAL TO MY REMARKS. |
| 00:43:04 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION. |
| 00:43:07 | Hastings, Richard "Doc" | THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MR. SPEAKER,LAST EVENING I WAS PATIENTLY WAITING HERE ON THE HOUSE FLOOR TO OFFER AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMMERCE AND JUSTICE BILL WHEN THEY CUT OFF OUR ABILITY TO REPRESENT OUR CONSTITUENTS WITH IDEAS TO IMPROVE THIS LEGISLATION. AT 8:00 P.M. LAST NIGHT THE RULES OF THE HOUSE ALLOWED ME TO OFFER MY AMENDMENT. BUT THIS MORNING UNDER THE REWRITING OF THE RULES, I AM BLOCKED FROM DOING SO. I DEEPLY REGRET THIS UNFAIRNESS. AND THIS HOSTILITY TO LETTING REPRESENTATIVES, MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, COME TO THE HOUSE FLOOR FOR JUST FIVE MINUTES AND OFFER AN AMENDMENT -- TO A BILL THAT SPENDS RDS 64 MILLION. THE AMENDMENT THAT I AM BLOCKED FROM OFFERING IS FRANKLY VERY SIMPLE. IT WOULD RESTORE THE PACIFIC COASTAL SALMON RECOVERY FUND THAT HAS RECEIVED STRONG BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR YEARS AND IS AN EXISTING PROGRAM, BUT WHICH THIS BILL EXPLICITLY ELIMINATED. THE PACIFIC COASTLE SALMON RECOVERY FUND IS A SUCCESSFUL GRANT TO STATES PROGRAM TO HELP RECOVER AND RESERVE, ENDANGERED AND AT-RISK TRIBAL RUNS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IN APRIL, PRESIDENT OBAMA PROPOSED IN HIS BUDGET TO ELIMINATE THIS FUND AND TRANSFER THE FUNDS TO ANOTHER FUND. FROM THE NORTHWEST, THE REACTION WAS BIPARTISAN AND VERY SWIFT. THE SUCCESS OF THIS LONG-STANDING PROGRAM WAS SO COMPELLING THAT THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION REVERSED ITS COURSE, TO THEIR CREDIT, AND SENT A LETTER TO CONGRESS SEEKING TO RESTORE THE FUNDS TO THIS RECOVERY PLAN. MY AMENDMENT, WHICH I AM NOW BLOCKED FROM OFFERING ON THIS FLOOR, WOULD SIMPLY ADOPT THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION'S POSITION. SO, MR. SPEAKER, I REGRET THIS UNPRECEDENTED RULE, RESTRICTING HOUSE DEBATE, AND THIS SUCCESSFUL EPDANGERED SALMON RECOVERY PROGRAM WILL SUFFER FOR IT. IN THE HOUSE ACTION TO ELIMINATE THIS PLAN FRANKLY WILL MAKE IT MUCH, MUCH MORE DIFFICULT FOR OUR SENATORS TO DO SO IN THE OTHER BODY. |
| 00:45:12 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. |
| 00:45:15 | Hastings, Richard "Doc" | WITH THAT I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 00:45:17 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK. |
| 00:45:20 | MS. SLAUGHTER | MR. SPEAKER, I DON'T HAVE ANY MORE SPEAKERS PRESENT ON THE FLOOR SO I WILL RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 00:45:26 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA. |
| 00:45:31 | Diaz-Balart, L. | MR. SPEAKER, I YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE DISTINGUISHED RANKING MEMBER OF THE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE, MR. WOLF. |
| 00:45:37 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES. |
| 00:45:41 | Wolf, Frank R. | I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO REVISE AND EXTEND. |
| 00:45:44 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION, SO ORDERED. |
| 00:45:46 | Wolf, Frank R. | MR. SPEAKER, I HAVE A CHART SHOWING THAT THIS COUNTRY IS PRETTY MUCH FACING BANKRUPTCY. WE HAVE $11 TRILLION OF DEBT. TRADITIONALLY IT HAS BEEN THE PRACTICE AROUND HERE WHERE THE REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT TO HAVE OPEN RULES WHEREBY MEMBERS COULD OFFER THE AMENDMENT WHATEVER THEY SEE FIT. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE REALIZE THAT WE'RE LIVING IN A TRYING ECONOMIC TIME AND RIGHTFULLY EXPECT THEIR ELECTED OFFICIAL TO EVALUATE DIFFERENT SPENDING PROGRAMS TO SEE WHETHER THEY SHOULD BE FOR OR AGAINST THEM. IF WE CANNOT EVEN CUP UM -- COME UP WITH A FAIR PROCESS TO DEBATE ANNUAL SPENDING BILLS, THERE IS VERY LITTLE HOPE, THERE IS VERY LITTLE HOPE, THERE IS VERY LITTLE HOPE FOR THIS COUNTRY TO DEAL WITH THIS. $56 TRILLION OF DEBT, $11 TRILLION OWED TO THE CHINESE AND THE SAUDIS. THE BANKRUPTCY SYSTEM IS COMING. WE SHOULD GO BACK TO THE RULES COMMITTEE, REPORT OUT THE ORIGINAL BILL TO ALLOW ANY MEMBER WHO WANTS TO OFFER ANY AMENDMENT, OTHERWISE WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO DO TO THIS PROCESS, AND I'VE BEEN HERE FOR A FEW YEARS, YOU'RE GOING TO RADICALIZE THIS PROCESS WHERE NOBODY WILL FEEL THAT THEY HAVE ANY INVESTMENT IN THIS BILL. SO I URGE THE DEFEAT OF THIS RULE, SEND IT BACK, HAVE AN OPEN RULE WHERE EVERY MEMBER CAN OFFER ANY AMENDMENT, REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT, THAT THEY WANT TO. OTHERWISE WE WILL NEVER RESOLVE THIS ISSUE OF $11 TRILLION. NEXT TIME WE COME HERE IT WILL BE $12 TRILLION. |
| 00:47:05 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK. |
| 00:47:11 | MS. SLAUGHTER | I CONTINUE TO RESERVE. |
| 00:47:13 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HER TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA. |
| 00:47:20 | Diaz-Balart, L. | MR. SPEAKER, I YIELD THREE MINUTES TO MR. SCHOCK. |
| 00:47:24 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES. |
| 00:47:28 | MR. SCHOCK | THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. LAST NIGHT I OFFERED A SIMPLE AMENDMENT TO STUDY THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THIS BODY DELAYING THE ENACTMENT OF THE COLOMBIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT. WHILE MAJORITY ACCEPTED MY AMENDMENT, IT WAS CLEAR THAT MY AMENDMENT WOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE FINAL VERSION OF THE BILL. AND AS SUCH, I REQUESTED A RECORDED VOTE AS IS MY RIGHT AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THIS RIGHT WAS THEN DENIED TO ME BY THE MAJORITY. THIS GOES DIRECTLY AGAINST WHAT THE SPEAKER SAID IN HER NEW DIRECTION FOR AMERICA AND I QUOTE, EVERY PERSON IN AMERICA HAS A RIGHT TO HAVE HIS OR HER VOICE HEARD. NO MEMBER OF CONGRESS SHOULD BE SILENCED ON THE FLOOR, END QUOTE. I HAD AN ISSUE THAT I THOUGHT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE BILL AND I HAVE A RIGHT TO TRY TO AMEND THE BILL TO INCLUDE THIS PROVISION. I FOLLOW THE MAJORITY'S REQUIREMENTS, JUMPED THROUGH ALL OF THEIR NEW HOOPS TO OFFER THIS AMENDMENT. I FOLLOWED ALL OF THE RULES YET WAS DENIED NOT BECAUSE OF PROCEDURE, NOT BECAUSE OF DECORUM, AND NOT EVEN BECAUSE MY AMENDMENT LOST THE VOTE, RATHER I WAS DENIED BY THE MAJORITY BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T WANT THEIR MEMBERS TO HAVE TO TAKE A STAND. NOW I COME FROM THE GREAT STATE OF ILLINOIS. I LOVE MY STATE, THE LAND OF LINCOLN, THE HOME OF OBAMA. BUT MY STATE IS ALSO HOME TO GEORGE RYAN, A GOVERNOR WHO IS NOW IN PRISON, GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH, A MAN WHO IS ON HIS WAY, AND A HOME WHO'S HOME TO CHICAGO POLITICS. I SEE THIS BODY HEADED IN THE SAME DIRECTION. WHAT HAPPENED HERE LAST NIGHT WAS A CLEAR STEP IN THE WRONG DIRECTION. THE MAJORITY HAS SHUT US OUT OF ONE OF THE LAST RIGHTS OF THE MINORITY, THE ABILITY TO OFFER AN AMENDMENT TO APPROPRIATION BILLS. THE MAJORITY NOW HAS EVEN CONTINUED THIS TREND INTO RULES DISALLOWING SEVERAL NONCONTROVERSIAL AMENDMENTS, A SECOND OF WHICH I OFFERED THAT WOULD HAVE ADDED MORE FUNDING TO THE MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AN AGENCY WHICH UNDER THE CURRENT BILL WILL SEE A FUNDING DECREASE OVER WHAT THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE APPROVED LAST YEAR. . MR. SPEAKER, I ASK THE MAJORITY THIS. WITH A 40-SEAT MAJORITY, WHAT DO THEY FEAR IN AN OPEN ARENA IN THE COMPETITION OF IDEAS? WHAT DO THEY FEAR WITH LETTING A GOOD IDEA STAND THE TEST OF TIME, ALLOW A HEARING, ALLOW DEBATE, AND ALLOW THEIR MEMBERS TO VOTE THEM UP OR DOWN? WITH THE 40-SEAT MAJORITY, PARTISAN AMENDMENTS, AMENDMENTS THAT REALLY HAVE NO SUBSTANCE, WOULD CLEARLY DIE ON A PARTISAN VOTE. BUT THOSE AMENDMENTS WHO CARRY VALUE, THOSE AMENDMENTS WHO WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME, AND THOSE AMENDMENTS THAT ARE RIGHT FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, INDEPENDENTS, REPUBLICANS, AND DEMOCRATS ALIKE WILL PASS THIS BODY AND SHOULD LOUED -- ALLOWED A VOTE. THE MAJORITY LAST NIGHT ARGUED THAT WE WERE DILATORY. I WOULD ARGUE IT WAS DEMOCRATCY. 20 MINUTES ON AN AMENDMENT IS HARDLY DILATORY. WITH 120 AMENDMENTS, THE WORST CASE SCENARIO, MR. SPEAKER, WOULD BE FOUR 10-HOUR DAYS. I'D ASK FOR 30 MORE SECONDS. |
| 00:50:32 | Diaz-Balart, L. | 30 SONDS. |
| 00:50:33 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS IS RECOGNIZED FOR 30 SECONDS. |
| 00:50:40 | MR. SCHOCK | IS FOUR-10-HOUR DAYS TO DEBATE 64 BILLION OF AMERICAN TAXPAYER DOLLARS? WE HAVE SEEN THE WASTE CREATED BY THE HASTE OF THIS BODY OF THE HAPPY SPENDING MAJORITY THAT THIS BODY HAS. WITH THE STIMULUS BILL, THE OVERBLOATED OMNIBUS BILL, AND NOW THIS BILL WHICH SEEKS TO INCREASE SPENDING BY OVER 12%. I URGE A NO VOTE ON THIS RULE TO ALLOW DEMOCRACY TO CONTINUE IN THIS BODY. I YIELD BACK. |
| 00:51:06 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK. |
| 00:51:09 | MS. SLAUGHTER | I RESERVE. |
| 00:51:10 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA. |
| 00:51:11 | Diaz-Balart, L. | I YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK, MR. LEE. |
| 00:51:15 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES. |
| 00:51:18 | Lee, Christopher | I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA FOR YIELDING. I RISE TO STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS RULE. I WAS HERE ON THE FLOOR LAST NIGHT AND WAITING TO OFFER AN AMENDMENT TO THE PENDING APPROPRIATIONS BILL THAT WOULD GIVE CONGRESS THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A STEP TOWARDS RESTORING FISCAL REALITY IN WASHINGTON. UNFORTUNATELY THE MOMENTS BEFORE MY AMENDMENT WAS TO BE CONSIDERED, THE HOUSE WAS SHUT DOWN AND WITH IT THE ABILITY TO HAVE SORELY NEEDED DEBATE ABOUT THE NEED FOR BELT TIGHTENING. IRONICALLY NOT LONG BEFORE THAT I WAS HOLDING A TELEPHONE TOWN HALL MEETING WITH RESIDENTS FROM THROUGHOUT WESTERN NEW YORK AND ONE OF THE QUESTIONS I RECEIVED WAS ABOUT WHETHER I WAS DISHEARTENED WITH THE PROCESS IN WASHINGTON MY RESPONSE WAS THAT, AFTER FIVE MONTHS IN CONGRESS, I WAS FRUSTRATED MOSTLY WITH THE WAY IN WHICH WASHINGTON CONTINUES TO SPEND TAXPAYER DOLLARS FREELY WITHOUT ANY UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE MIDDLE CLASS LIVES IN THESE DIFFICULT ECONOMIC TIMES. AND HOW WE WILL EVER PAY BACK THIS EXORBITANT AMOUNT OF DEBT. MY AMENDMENT AND THOSE OFFERED BY MY COLLEAGUES PRESENTED A VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY TO TURN BACK THE PAGE ON THE EXCESSIVE SPENDING AND WORK IN A BIPARTISAN BASIS TO IDENTIFY WAYS TO MAKE WASHINGTON DO MORE WITH LESS. THESE SPENDING BILLS CALL FOR ACROSS-THE-BOARD INCREASES IN ALREADY BLOATED PROGRAMS WHILE GHORKS MY DISTRICT STRUGGLE HOW TO FIGURE OUT HOW THEY'LL GET BY AND IN MANY CASES FAR LESS THAN THEY ARE USED TO HAVING. OUR CONSTITUENTS STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET DESERVE BETTER. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO VOTE DOWN THIS RULE SO WE CAN HAVE A TRULY OPEN DISCUSSION OF THE SHARED SACRIFICES REQUIRED TO PUT OUR NATION'S FISCAL HOUSE IN ORDER. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 00:53:12 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK CONTINUES TO RESERVE THE BALANCE OF HER TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA. |
| 00:53:18 | Diaz-Balart, L. | I YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS, MR. ROSKAM. |
| 00:53:23 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MUN. |
| 00:53:26 | Roskam, Peter | I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR YIELDING. FROM WATCHING THE ATTITUDE AND REALLY THIS SPENDING ADVENTURE THAT THE MAJORITY HAS TAKEN ON REALLY REMINDS ME OF SOMEBODY THAT'S PAVING A HIGHWAY. WHAT THEY HAVE DONE IS THEY WANT TO COMPLETELY FLATTEN OUT ANY O OPPOSITION TO REALLY RUN AWAY FEDERAL SPENDING. JUST ABSOLUTELY NO RESTRAINING INFLUENCE WHATSOEVER, MR. SPEAKER. SO HERE YOU HAVE A GROUP OF HOUSE REPUBLICANS WHO ARE TRYING TO ARTICULATE A SENSE OF RESTRAINT. WE ARE HEARING FROM OUR CONSTITUENTS WHO ARE INCREDIBLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE PACE OF SPENDING, AND YET THE SPEED BUMPS THAT WE ARE HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY FLATTENED OUT. I OFFERED AN AMENDMENT WHICH WOULD HAVE SAID, LOOK, THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE RECENTLY ACCUSED PEOPLE OF COMMITTING A FEDERAL CRIME. A CRIME THAT IS PUNISHABLE IF TRUE BY FIVE YEARS IN PRISON. THE AMENDMENT THAT I OFFERED THAT MET THE PREVIOUSLY ARTICULATED PREPRINTING REQUIREMENT WOULD HAVE SAID WE ARE GOING TO ALLOCATE MONEY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO INVESTIGATE THIS ACCUSATION OF A FEDERAL CRIME. AND YET WHAT DOES THE MAJORITY DO LATE AT NIGHT IN THE WEE HOURS WHEN NOBODY'S WATCHING? THEY COMPLETELY INTAME DATE BY AN OPEN AND ROBUST DEBATE. THIS RULE IS REALLY AN INCREDIBLE DISAPPOINTMENT. I THINK IT'S AN INCREDIBLE INSULT TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC THAT WANTS TO TALK ABOUT SPENDING. AND IS WEARY OF THE ATTITUDE THAT HAS COME THROUGH FROM THE MAJORITY. WE KNOW WHAT WE NEED TO DO. WE NEED TO STAND UP FOR THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER. STAND UP FOR OUR CHILDREN. STAND UP FOR OUR GRANDCHILDREN WHO ARE BEING SADDLED WITH A LEGACY OF DEBT AND VOTE AGAINST THIS RULE. I YIELD BACK. |
| 00:55:15 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK. |
| 00:55:17 | MS. SLAUGHTER | I WILL CONTINUE TO RESERVE. |
| 00:55:19 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA. |
| 00:55:21 | Diaz-Balart, L. | I ASK MY FRIEND IF SHE HAS ANY ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS. |
| 00:55:24 | MS. SLAUGHTER | I HAVE NOT. |
| 00:55:25 | Diaz-Balart, L. | I YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE DISTINGUISHED REPUBLICAN LEADER, MR. BOEHNER. |
| 00:55:30 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO, THE MINORITY LEADER, IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE. |
| 00:55:33 | Boehner, John A. | LET ME THANK MY COLLEAGUE FOR YIELDING. REMIND MY COLLEAGUES THAT THE CONSTITUTION PROVIDES THAT THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES SHALL DETERMINE SPENDING. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES ALSO EMPOWERS OUR CITIZENS TO SEND THEIR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE TO WASHINGTON TO REPRESENT THEM. COLLECTIVELY WE REPRESENT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. IF YOU THINK ABOUT WHERE WE HAVE BEEN THIS YEAR, WE HAD THE NEARLY $1 TRILLION STIMULUS PLAN WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE INTEREST THAT'S GOING TO BE PAID ON IT. WE HAD OVER $400 BILLION OMNIBUS APPROPRIATION BILL THAT HAD 9,000 EARMARKS IN IT. WE HAD A BUDGET THAT CAME THROUGH HERE THAT HAS TRILLION DOLLAR DEFICITS FOR AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE. WE BAILED OUT WALL STREET. WE HAVE BAILED OUT THE AUTO COMPANIES. WE ARE SPENDING MONEY AND RACKING UP DEBT AT RECORD LEVELS. SO HERE WE ARE, WE ARE STARTING THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS PROCESS. 12 APPROPRIATION BILLS THAT WILL SPEND NEARLY $1.5 TRILLION THAT WE DO NOT HAVE. $1.5 TRILLION WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BORROW FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND FURTHER IMPRISON OUR KIDS AND GRANDKIDS. AND YOU WOULD THINK THAT AS WE ARE DEBATING THE SPENDING OF THIS $1.5 TRILLION THAT THE MAJORITY WOULD DO AS IT HAS DONE FOR MOST OF OUR HISTORY AND ALLOW FOR AN OPEN DEBATE. ALLOW FOR A PROCESS THAT PROTECTS THE FRANCHISE OF EACH MEMBER OF THIS BODY. BUT, NO, WE COULDN'T DO THAT. THERE WERE CONVERSATIONS OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS ABOUT HOW TO LIMIT THIS PROCESS. AND I MADE IT CLEAR TO THE MAJORITY LEADER AND TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE THAT I WASN'T GOING TO AGREE TO LIMIT THE ABILITY OF MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCESS AS WE TRY TO CONTROL SPENDING IN THIS BODY. I MADE IT VERY CLEAR TO MR. OBEY AND TO MR. HOYER WE WOULD WORK WITH THEM IN AN OPEN PROCESS TO FACILITATE IT TO TRY TO MAXIMIZE THE NUMBER OF BILLS THAT COULD BE FINISHED BEFORE THE AUGUST RECESS. BUT APPARENTLY THAT WASN'T GOOD ENOUGH. SO WE CAME UP WITH THIS CONVOLUTED PROCESS WHERE WE WERE GOING TO REQUIRE MEMBERS TO PREPRINT THEIR AMENDMENTS. AND ALL THAT DID WAS DRIVE UP THE NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS, MOST OF WHICH PROBABLY WERE NEVER GOING TO BE OFFERED. BUT THE REAL POINT HERE IS THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS ISSUE ABOUT HOW MUCH SPENDING AND HOW MUCH DEBT IS PILING UP ON THE BACKS OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. MEMBERS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE WANT TO HAVE A REAL DEBATE ABOUT HOW MUCH SPENDING IS ENOUGH. AND IF WE ARE GOING TO SPEND, WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE WAY TO SPEND? THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SENT US HERE AND THEY GAVE US THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE CREDIT CARD. I WOULD ALSO DESCRIBE IT AS THE MOST DANGEROUS CREDIT CARD IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. IT'S A VOTING CARD FOR A MEMBER OF CONGRESS. AND OUR CONSTITUENTS EXPECT US TO USE THIS RESPONSIBLY ON THEIR BEHALF. I CAN TELL YOU THAT MOST OF MY COLLEAGUES ON THIS SIDE OF THE AISLE BELIEVE THAT THE MAJORITY IS USING THIS CARD RECKLESSLY TO BUILD UP DEFICITS AND BUILD UP DEBT TO RECORD LEVELS. THE AMOUNT OF DEBT AND THE AMOUNT OF SPENDING IS GOING TO IMPRISON OUR KIDS AND GRANDKIDS. ALL WE WANT TO DO IS HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEBATE JUST HOW MUCH SPENDING IS ENOUGH. THAT'S WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR. BUT TO DENY US OUR RIGHTS, PROTECTED UNDER THE CONSTITUTION, DENIES THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THEIR CHANCE TO SAY HOW MUCH SPENDING IS ENOUGH. I'M GOING TO ASK MY COLLEAGUES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE, LET'S DO THE RIGHT THING. LET'S DEFEAT THIS RESOLUTION THAT'S IN FRONT OF US THAT WILL RESTRICT THE RIGHTS OF ALL MEMBERS. IF WE CAN DEFEAT THIS RESOLUTION, WE CAN GO TO A PROCESS THAT CAN WORK IN A BIPARTISAN WAY TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF MEMBERS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE AND WE CAN DO IT IN A BIPARTISAN WAY. VOTE NO. |
| 01:00:00 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK. |
| 01:00:04 | MS. SLAUGHTER | MAY I INQUIRE OF MY COLLEAGUE FROM FLORIDA IF HE HAS ANY FURTHER SPEAKERS? |
| 01:00:08 | Diaz-Balart, L. | YES. |
| 01:00:10 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA. |
| 01:00:12 | Diaz-Balart, L. | MR. SPEAKER, I YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA, MR. GOODLATTE. |
| 01:00:16 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES. |
| 01:00:20 | Goodlatte, Robert "Bob" | I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO REVISE AND EXTEND MY REMARKS. |
| 01:00:22 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION. |
| 01:00:24 | Goodlatte, Robert "Bob" | MR. SPEAKER, IT'S NOT SURPRISING TO ME THAT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RULES COMMITTEE CONTINUES TO RESERVE HER TIME IN THAT THERE ARE FEW DEMOCRATS WHO HAVE COME DOWN TO THE FLOOR TO DEFEND THIS TERRIBLE RULE OR THIS EMBARRASSING BILL THAT THE RULE BRINGS TO THE FLOOR. IT'S A DISGRACE WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT AFTER ONLY A FEW MINUTES OF DEBATE, LEGITIMATE DEBATE ON LEGITIMATE AMENDMENTS, THE MAJORITY MOVES TO RISE, GOES BACK TO THE RULES COMMITTEE, AND WRITES A RULE THAT SLAMS DOWN MORE THAN 80 REPUBLICAN AMENDMENTS, A NUMBER OF DEMOCRATIC AMENDMENTS, TOO. BUT FAR MORE REPUBLICAN AMENDMENTS WITHOUT ANY CONSIDERATION WHATSOEVER. WE HAVE HEARD FROM SOME OF THOSE SPEAKERS HERE JUST IN THE LAST FEW MINUTES. PEOPLE WHO HAD GOOD, SOUND AMENDMENTS TO OFFER. BUT I'D LIKE TO TALK ABOUT THE OVERALL BILL. THAT'S MY CONCERN. THIS BILL SPENDS $64.31 BILLION, AN 11.7% INCREASE. WHERE IS THAT MONEY COMING FROM? EVERY PENNY OF THAT INCREASE IS GOING TO BE BORROWED. IN FACT, THE BUDGET THAT THE DEMOCRATS ADOPTED FOR THIS COMING YEAR, THAT THIS APPROPRIATION BILL IS A PART OF, SPENDS $1.2 TRILLION MORE THAN IS COMING IN IN REVENUES. $3.6 TRILLION IN EXPENDITURES, $2.4 TRILLION IN REVENUES COMING IN. A $1.2 TRILLION DEFICIT IN ONE YEAR. YOU KNOW UNTIL THIS YEAR, WE HAVE NEVER HAD A SINGLE YEAR IN OUR NATION'S HISTORY WHEN WE HAVE HAD MORE THAN A $500 BILLION DEFICIT. $500 BILLION IS A STAGGERING AMOUNT OF MONEY. YET THE BUDGET THEY JUST ADOPTED FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS, EVERY SINGLE YEAR EXCEEDS $550 BILLION, RISING AT THE END OF THE 10 YEARS TO ABOUT $700 BILLION. YEAR AFTER YEAR AFTER YEAR, DOUBLING OUR NATIONAL DEBT AND PUTTING OUR COUNTRY IN GREAT JEOPARDY. PEOPLE DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT $1 TRILLION IS. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO REJECT THIS RULE AND BRING BACK A BILL THAT WE CAN ADJUST AND CUT SPENDING. |
| 01:02:37 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK. |
| 01:02:39 | MS. SLAUGHTER | RESERVE. |
| 01:02:40 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK CONTINUES TO RESERVE THE BALANCE OF HER TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA. |
| 01:02:44 | Diaz-Balart, L. | I YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM MICHIGAN, MR. ROGERS. |
| 01:02:47 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM MICHIGAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES. . |
| 01:02:54 | Rogers, Michael "Mike" | THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER, I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH THE MAJORITY FOR NOT ALLOWING A FAIR AND FREE DEBATE ON SOME VERY IMPORTANT ISSUES. I MEAN, OBVIOUSLY THIS BILL SPENDS TOO MUCH MONEY. IT HAS EARMARKS THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN VETTED. BUT WE BROUGHT OTHER ISSUES OF EQUAL IMPORTANCE, THIX THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE -- THINGS THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE TO HEAR. I HAD AN AMENDMENT THAT SAYS WE NEED TO STOPMY RAN DIESING TERRORISTS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES, AFGHANISTAN, FOR ATTACKING OUR TROOPS AND BEING DETAINED. AND MIRANDA RIGHT, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO A LAWYER. IT'S HAPPENING NOW. THE WORST PART OF THIS IS THAT EVEN THE MAJORITY WASN'T BRIEFED EITHER OR IF THEY WERE THEY'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT IT. WE HAD ONE OPPORTUNITY TO STAND UP TODAY AND SAY, ENOUGH. YOU CAN'T CRIMINALIZE THE BATTLEFIELD. WE HAVE F.B.I. AGENTS WHO AFTER OUR SOLDIERS PICK THEM UP, AFTER TRYING TO KILL MEMBERS OF THE 82ND AIRBORNE OR THE 101 RT OR OUR MARINES -- 101ST OR OUR MARINES, TAKE THEM TO A DETENTION FACILITY AND READ THEM THEIR RIGHTS. THEY'RE NONUNITED STATES CITIZENS, THEY'RE FOREIGNERS. WE WANT THE OPPORTUNITY TO TELL AMERICA, WE THINK THAT'S CRAZY. YOU'RE GOING TO TELL A TERRORIST WHO JUST CAME OFF THE BATTLEFIELD THAT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT. HOW MUCH INFORMATION WILL THEY NOT GIVE THAT MIGHT SAVE THE LIFE OF ONE OF OUR SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN TODAY? AND THE BIGGEST TRAFFICESTY TODAY ASK YOU NEVER GAVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT IT. TO MOVE THE ISSUE FORWARD. WE'VE HAD ABOUT THREE DIFFERENT OPINIONS FROM THIS ADMINISTRATION ON IF THEY ARE OR AREN'T DOING IT. KY TELL YOU, I'VE BEEN THERE AND I'VE SEEN IT. OUR SOLDIERS ARE GOING TO GET FRUSTRATED, I KNOW OUR F.B.I. AGENTS ARE FRUSTRATED, OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY IS FRUSTRATED AND THE BEST YOU CAN DO IS SAY, DEBATE IS INCONVENIENT FOR US TODAY AND SOME THINGS ARE JUST BETTER LEFT UNSAID. LIKE THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN THIS BILL THAT SPENDS TOO MUCH MONEY THAT WE DON'T HAVE, THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO BORROW FROM THE CHINESE OR THE RUSH YAB -- RUSSIANS OR THE SAUDIS. OR THE FACT THAT WE HAVE TO LOOK IN THE EYES OF THOSE SOLDIERS AND SAY, WE CAN'T EVEN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT IT ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE. |
| 01:05:09 | MS. SLAUGHTER | MR. SPEAKER, I YIELD FOUR MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK, MR. HINCHEY. |
| 01:05:14 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | FOUR MINUTES. |
| 01:05:16 | MS. SLAUGHTER | FOUR MINUTES. |
| 01:05:17 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK IS RECOGNIZED FOR FOUR MINUTES. |
| 01:05:22 | Hinchey, Maurice | THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. SPEAKER. I CAN'T SAY HOW MUCH I'VE BEEN AMUSED BY THE STATEMENTS THAT WE HAVE HEARD FROM OUR DEAR FRIENDS ACROSS THE AISLE. THEY KNOW VERY WELL WHAT KIND OF ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES THIS COUNTRY IS IN. THEY KNOW VERY WELL THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION AND THIS CONGRESS INHERITED ONE OF THE LARGEST NATIONAL DEBTS IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY FROM THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION AND FROM THEIR 12 YEARS IN CONGRESS. AND THEY ARE AMUSINGLY FIGHTING TO PREVENT US FROM TRYING TO OVERCOME THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT THEY HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT AND WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH. YES, WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS HUGE ECONOMIC PROBLEM. AND WE ARE DEALING WITH IT. WE'RE DEALING WITH IT BY INVESTING MONEY IN THE INTERNAL NEEDS OF THIS COUNTRY. BY BRINGING ABOUT BETTER SYSTEMS OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE, CREATING NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND NEW INDUSTRIES AND HUGE NUMBER OF JOBS AS A RESULT OF THOSE INVESTMENTS. ALL OF WHICH THEY ARE OPPOSED TO. AND YOU HAVE TO ASK YOURSELF, WHY WOULD THEY BE OPPOSED TO SOMEONE ELSE TRYING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEMS THAT THEY INITIATED? WELL, I THINK THE ANSWER TO THAT IS VERY CLEAR. THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE EFFORTS TO CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS STOPPED. OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS. AND THEY WOULD THEN BE ABLE TO SAY THAT WHAT WE HAVE TRIED TO DO WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL. THEY WOULDN'T ADMIT THEY STOPPED IT IF THEY WERE ABLE TO DO IT BUT THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THEY'RE TRYING TO DO. THEY'RE TRYING TO PREVENT INTELLIGENT, ECONOMIC INVESTMENT IN THE INTERNAL NEEDS OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. THEY'RE TRYING TO STOP INTELLIGENT, INTERNAL INVESTMENTS IN THE ECONOMY OF OUR COUNTRY. THEY'RE TRYING TO STOP THE CREATION OF NEW JOBS, THEY'RE TRYING TO STOP THE UPGRADING OF THE QUALITY OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF OUR NATION. THEY'RE TRYING TO STOP IMPROVEMENTS IN EDUCATION, THEY'RE TRYING TO STOP IMPROVEMENTS IN HEALTH CARE. ALL OF WHICH THEY HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR BRINGING ABOUT OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST EIGHT YEARS. SO THAT'S THE SITUATION THAT WE'RE DEALING WITH. THIS PARTICULAR BILL IS A VERY STRONG INVESTMENT IN THE INTERNAL NEEDS OF AMERICA. THEY WANT TO HALT IT AS MUCH AS THEY CAN. DRAG IT OUT AS LONG AS POSSIBLE AND IF THEY WERE SUCCESSFUL WITH THIS APPROPRIATIONS BILL, THEN THEY WOULD TRY TO DO THE SAME THING WITH EVERY SINGLE OTHER APPROPRIATIONS BILL. THE APPROPRIATIONS THAT THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA NEED AND NEED BADLY AS A RESULT OF THE HUGE DEBT THAT THEY BROUGHT ABOUT AND WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO OVERCOME. AND WE WILL OVERCOME IT. WE WILL OVERCOME IT IN LARGE MEASURE WITH SOME OF THE THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN DONE, THE ECONOMIC STIMULATION BILL WHICH THEY WERE OPPOSED TO, WHICH IS HAVING A VERY POSITIVE EFFECT ON THE ECONOMY OF THIS COUNTRY, AND FURTHERMORE, THE ECONOMIC STIMULATION THAT WILL OCCUR IN EACH ONE OF THESE APPROPRIATIONS BILLS. SO THAT IS BASICALLY THE SITUATION THAT WE'RE DEALING WITH HERE AND THAT IS WHY WE HAVE TO HAVE THIS RULE AND THIS BILL. BECAUSE OF THE NEEDS OF OUR COUNTRY AND BECAUSE OF THE INTELLIGENT, REASONABLE AND EFFECTIVE WAY IN WHICH WE ARE ADDRESSING THOSE NEEDS. I THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. SPEAKER. |
| 01:09:08 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE CHAIR WILL REMIND ALL PERSONS IN THE GALLERY THAT THEY ARE HERE AS GUESTS OF THE HOUSE AND THAT ANY MANIFESTATION OF APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF PROCEEDINGS OR OTHER AUDIBLE CONVERSATION IS IN VIOLATION OF THE RULES OF THE HOUSE. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA RISE? |
| 01:09:38 | Diaz-Balart, L. | I WOULD ASK MY FRIEND AGAIN IF SHE HAS ANY FURTHER SPEAKERS. |
| 01:09:43 | MS. SLAUGHTER | I DO NOT. I CONTINUE TO RESERVE. MAY INQUIRE IF MY FRIEND HAS ANY MORE SPEAKERS? |
| 01:09:50 | Diaz-Balart, L. | A COUPLE MORE. |
| 01:09:51 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA. |
| 01:09:54 | Diaz-Balart, L. | NOT THE FIRST TIME OUR STATES HAVE BEEN CONFUSED. GOT MINUTES TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO, MR. LAMBORN. |
| 01:10:02 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES. |
| 01:10:06 | Lamborn, Doug | I THANK THE GENTLEMAN. MR. SPEAKER, LIES TODAY TO OPPOSE H.R. 2847, A BILL THAT COULD USE TAXPAYER DOLLARS FOR A PURPOSE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE ADAMANTLY AGAINST, HOUSING GUANTANAMO DETAINEES IN FEDERAL PRISONS IN THE UNITED STATES. IN A MAY GALLOP POLL, 65% OF AMERICANS WERE OPPOSED TO CLOSING GUANTANAMO. FURTHER, 74% OF AMERICANS OPPOSED MOVING THEM TO THEIR OWN STATE. THIS BILL LEAVES OPEN THE POSSIBILITY FOR THE BUREAU OF PRISONS TO USE TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO HOUSE GUANTANAMO DETAINEES IN OUR COMMUNITIES. IN DIRECT CORRECTION TO THE WILL OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. THE AMENDMENT THAT I WANTED TO SUBMIT BEFORE THE DEMOCRATS IN THE RULE COMMITTEE ISSUED THEIR GAG ORDER SPECIFIED THAT NONE OF THE FUNDS APPROPRIATED BY THIS ACT MAY BE USED BY THE BUREAU OF PRISONS TO INCARCERATE INDIVIDUALS CURRENTLY HELD IN GUANTANAMO BAY. MR. SPEAKER, THESE DETAINEES ARE NOT CONVICTED CRIMINALS REPAYING THEIR DEBT TO SOCIETY BUT RATHER THE MOST DANGEROUS PEOPLE ON THE FACE OF THE PLANET, TERRORISTS WHO WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO KILL ANY AND ALL AMERICANS THAT THEY CAN. WE CANNOT ALLOW TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO BE SPENT BRINGING THESE TERRORISTS TO LIVE AMONG THE CIVILIANS THEY HAVE SWORN TO DESTROY. ALSO OUR PRISONS ARE ALREADY AT CAPACITY. IN MY COLORADO DISTRICT, SUPER MAX FEDERAL PRISON IS AT 99.7% CAPACITY, LEAVING ROOM FOR ONLY ONE ADDITIONAL INMATE. YET THERE ARE 226 PRISONERS NOW AT GUANTANAMO. OTHER MAXIMUM SECURITY FACILITIES IN THE U.S. ARE LIKEWISE OPERATING AT 55% ABOVE CAPACITY. THE FACT IS, WE DO NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO HOUSE TERRORISTS ON OUR OWN SOIL WITHOUT ENDANGERING PRISON EMPLOYEES AND POSING A RISK TO THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH THEY ARE SENT. THE PRESIDENT SIMPLY DOES NOT HAVE A PLAN. IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT MY DEMOCRATIC COLLEAGUES DO NOT WANT TO DEBATE THIS VITAL ISSUE. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO DEFEAT THIS BILL AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 01:12:08 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. |
| 01:12:11 | MS. SLAUGHTER | I RESERVE. |
| 01:12:13 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA. |
| 01:12:16 | Diaz-Balart, L. | MR. SPEAKER, I YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS, MR. MCCAUL. |
| 01:12:21 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE. |
| 01:12:24 | McCaul, Michael | I THANK THE GENTLEMAN. MR. SPEAKER, EVERY PERSON IN AMERICA HAS THE RIGHT TO HAVE HIS OR HER VOICE HEARD. NO MEMBER IN CONGRESS SHOULD BE VIOLENCED ON THE FLOOR. BILLS SHOULD COME ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE PROCEDURE THAT ALLOWS OPEN DEBATE, CONSISTING OF FULL AMENDMENT PROCESS THAT GRANTS THE MINORITY THE RIGHT TO OFFERITY ALTERNATIVES. SPEAKER PELOSI, A NEW DIRECTION FOR AMERICA, THIS RIGHT HAS BEEN DENIED, THIS IS NOT A NEW DIRECTION, IT IS A WRONG DIRECTION. MY AMENDMENT WOULD BLOCK TAXPAYER DOLLARS FROM BEING USED FOR MONUMENTS TO ME AFTER SITTING MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. I'D LIKE TO YIELD THE REMAINDER OF MY TIME TO THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE RULES COMMITTEE AS TO WHETHER SHE AGREES THAT TAX DOLLARS SHOULD BE USED TO FUND MONUMENTS TO ME AFTER SITTING MEMBERS OF CONGRESS? I WOULD LIKE TO YIELD THE BALANCE OF MY TOIMTO THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE RULES COMMITTEE -- TO THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE RULES COMMITTEE TO WHETHER SHE AGREES THAT TAXPAYER DOLLARS SHOULD BE USED TO DEFEND MONUMENTS TO ME AFTER SITTING MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND IF SHE DOES NOT AGREE WITH THAT, WHY MY AMENDMENT WAS BLOCKED WHEN IT'S BEEN RULED IN ORDER TWICE BEFORE. |
| 01:13:27 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK. |
| 01:13:31 | MS. SLAUGHTER | I RESERVE. |
| 01:13:32 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA. |
| 01:13:35 | Diaz-Balart, L. | MR. SPEAKER, I'LL BE ASKING FOR A NO VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION SO THAT WE CAN AMEND THIS RULE AND ALLOW AN OPEN RULE CONSISTENT WITH TRADITION AND WITH FAIRNESS. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO CONSIDER WHAT WE'RE ABOUT TO DO AND TO VOTE NO ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION SO THAT WE CAN UPHOLD OUR TRADITION OF ALLOWING FREE AND OPEN DEBATE ON APPROPRIATIONS BILLS. MR. SPEAKER, I BELIEVE IF NOT THE MAJORITY WILL COME TO REGRET THIS DECISION TO CLOSE DOWN THE DELIBERATIVE PROCESS OF THE HOUSE ON APPROPRIATIONS BILLS. I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO INSERT THE TEXT OF THE AMENDMENT AND EXTRANEOUS MATERIALS IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION. |
| 01:14:17 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION. |
| 01:14:19 | Diaz-Balart, L. | AND AGAIN, I ASK FOR A NO VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION SO THAT WE CAN UPHOLD THE TRADITION OF OPENNESS ON APPROPRIATIONS BILLS AND FAIRNESS. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 01:14:30 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK. |
| 01:14:36 | MS. SLAUGHTER | MR. SPEAKER, I URGE A YES VOTE ON THE RULE AND PREVIOUS QUESTION AND I WILL MOVE THE PREVIOUS QUESTION. |
| 01:52:28 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | ON THIS VOTE THE YEAS ARE 223, THE |
| 01:53:01 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | ON THIS VOTE THE YEAS ARE 221, THE NAYS ARE 201. WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED -- THE RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED. WITHOUT OBJECTION, A MOTION TO RECONSIDER IS LAID ON THE |
| 01:53:17 | >> | MR. SPEAKER. |
| 01:53:20 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE HOUSE WILL COME TO ORDER. THE HOUSE WILL COME TO ORDER. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA RISE? |
| 01:53:36 | MR. SCHIFF | MR. SPEAKER BY THE DIRECTION OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY, I SUBMIT A PRIVILEGE RESOLUTION FOR FILING UNDER THE RULE. |
| 01:53:45 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE CLERK WILL REPORT THE TITLE OF THE RULE. |
| 01:53:48 | THE CLERK | REPORT TO ACCOMPANY HOUSE RESOLUTION 520, RESOLUTION IMPEACHING SAMUEL B. KENT, JUDGE OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS. |
| 01:53:58 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | REFERRED TO THE HOUSE CALENDAR AND ORDERED PRINTED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 01:54:07 | Mollohan, Alan B. | MR. SPEAKER, I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT ALL MEMBERS MAY HAVE FIVE LEGISLATIVE DAYS TO REVISE AND EXTEND THEIR REMARKS AND INCLUDE EXTRANEOUS MATERIAL ON H.R. 2847. AND THAT I MAY INCLUDE TABULAR MATERIAL IN THE SAME. |
| 01:54:22 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | WITHOUT OBJECTION, SO ORDERED. PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552 AND RULE 18, THE CHAIR DECLARES THE HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSE ON THE STATE OF THE UNION FOR THE FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL H.R. 2847. WILL THE GENTLEMAN FROM OREGON, MR. BLUMENAUER, KINDLY TAKE THE CHAIR? |
| 01:55:03 | THE CHAIR | THE HOUSE IS IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSE ON THE STATE OF THE UNION FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2847 WHICH THE CLERK WILL REPORT BY TITLE. |
| 01:55:12 | THE CLERK | A BILL MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE AND JUSTICE AND SCIENCE AND RELATED AGENCIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2010, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. |
| 01:55:24 | THE CHAIR | WHEN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ROSE ON TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2009, AMENDMENT NUMBER 8 OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS, MR. SCHOCK, HAD BEEN DISPOSED OF AND THE BILL HAD BEEN READ THROUGH PAGE 4, LINE 7. PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, NO FURTHER GENERAL DEBATE SHALL BE IN ORDER. NO FURTHER AMENDMENT SHALL BE IN ORDER EXCEPT, ONE, AMENDMENTS NUMBER 3, 6, 19, 22, 25, 31, 35, 41, 59, 60, 62, 63, 69, 71, 93, 96, 97, 98, 100, 102, 111, 114 AND 118 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OF JUNE 15, 2009, WHICH MAY BE OFFERED ONLY BY THE MEMBER WHO SUBMITTED IT FOR PRINTING OR A DESIGNEE. AND, TWO, NOT TO EXCEED 10 OF THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS IF OFFERED BY THE RANKING MINORITY MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS OR HIS DESIGNEE. AMENDMENTS NUMBERED 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 100 AND 108 PRINTED JUNE 15, 2009. EACH AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS READ, SHALL BE DEBATABLE FOR 10 MINUTES EQUALLY DIVIDED AND CONTROLLED BY AN OPPONENT AND PROPROPONENT AND SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT FOR DEMAND ON THE QUESTION. AN AMENDMENT SMAY BE OFFERED BY -- A PRO FORMA AMENDMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEBATE FOLLOWING CONSIDERATION ANY AMENDMENT PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED. THE CLERK WILL READ THE BILL. CAN WE ASK FOR CONVERSATIONS BE REMOVED FROM THE FLOOR SO WE MAY PROCEED? THE CLERK WILL READ THE BILL. |
| 01:57:20 | THE CLERK | PAGE 4, LINE 8, BUREAU OF INDUSTRY AND SECURITY, OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION, $10 0,403,000,000. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, $255 MILLION. SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $38 MILLION. MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, $31 MILLION. ECONOMIC AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $97,255,000 TO REMAIN VALUE -- AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2030. SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $254,290,000. PERIODIC CENSUS AND PROGRAMS, $7,700,000 OF WHICH $206 MILLION SHALL BE DERIVED FROM AVAILABLE AND UNOBLIGATED BALANCES PREVIOUSLY APPROPRIATED TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2011. NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $19,999,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2011. PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES, PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION, $20 MILLION. UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $1,930,361. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES, $510 MILLION. INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, $124,700,000. CONSTRUCTION OF RESEARCH FACILITIES, $76,500,000. NOONOO -- NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, OPERATIONS, RESEARCH AND FACILITIES, $3,198,793 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2011. |
| 01:59:35 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM GUAM RISE? |
| 01:59:39 | Bordallo, Madeleine | MR. CHAIRMAN, I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK. IT IS NUMBER 19 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON JUNE 15, 2009. |
| 01:59:46 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 01:59:48 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 19 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY MS. BORDALLO OF GUAM. |
| 01:59:54 | THE CHAIR | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM GUAM AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM GUAM. |
| 02:00:06 | Bordallo, Madeleine | THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I OFFER THIS AMENDMENT FOR THE PURPOSES OF ENSURING THAT NOT LESS THAN $500,000 -- |
| 02:00:14 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLELADY WILL SUSPEND. MAY WE RESPECTFULLY ASK THAT PEOPLE REMOVE CONVERSATIONS FROM THE FLOOR SO THAT THE GENTLELADY CAN BE HEARD? THANK YOU. |
| 02:00:24 | Bordallo, Madeleine | I OFFER THIS AMENDMENT FOR THE PURPOSES OF ENSURING THAT NOT LESS THAN $500,000 IS APPROPRIATED TO THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION FOR GRANTS TO BE AWARDED IN 2010 BY THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR WESTERN PACIFIC FISHERY DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS. THE AMENDMENT ENSURES FUNDING IS PROVIDED FOR THIS AUTHORIZED COMPETITIVE-BASED GRANTS PROGRAM IN FISCAL YEAR 2010. THE WESTERN PACIFIC DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS PROGRAM IS AUTHORIZED BY PUBLIC LAW 104-297, THE SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES ACT. THE PROGRAM WAS FUNDED AT THE MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED LEVEL, $500,000 EACH YEAR FROM 1999 THROUGH 2005. MY AMENDMENT WOULD RESTART THE PROGRAM AT THE SAME LEVEL OF FUNDING. VALUABLE AND ECONOMICALLY INNOVATIVE PROJECTS IN WESTERN PACIFIC FISHERIES HAVE BEEN DEMONSTRATED AND EXPLORED THROUGH THIS PROGRAM IN PREVIOUS ROUNDS OF COMPETITION. THE PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT TO THE COMMUNITIES REPRESENTED ON THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONAL FISHERY MANAGEMENT CONSULT WHICH INCLUDES MY OWN DISTRICT, THE TERRITORY OF GUAM. MR. SPEAKER -- MR. CHAIRMAN, THE PROGRAM'S CHIEF PURPOSE IS TO AUTHORIZE AND ESTABLISH NOT LESS THAN THREE AND NOT MORE THAN FIVE FISHERY DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS, FOSTER AND PROMOTE TRADITIONAL INDIGENOUS PRACTICES. IN THE LAST ROUNDS OF COMPETITION IN 2004 AND 2005 FIVE GRANTS WERE AWARDED TO APPLICANTS IN THE STATE OF HAWAII, THREE EACH TO AMERICAN SAMOA AND THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS AND ONE TO GUAM. THE HOUSE IS NOT IN ORDER. THE GENTLEMAN IS CORRECT. CAN WE ASK THAT MEMBERS REMOVE THEIR CONVERSATIONS FROM THE FLOOR SO THE GENTLELADY CAN BE HEARD AND WE CAN PROCEED? WOULD THE STAFF REMOVE THEIR CONVERSATIONS FROM THE FLOOR? I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO OFFER THIS AMENDMENT AND I WANT TO THANK THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA, MR. MOLLOHAN, AND OUR COLLEAGUE FROM VIRGINIA, MR. WOLF, AT THIS TIME AND THEIR STAFF'S ATTENTION TO THIS AMENDMENT. I HOPE TO SECURE THEIR SUPPORT TODAY FOR ADOPTION OF THIS AMENDMENT AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THEM TO ENSURE THAT THIS ISSUE IS ADDRESSED APPROPRIATELY IN CONFERENCE. AND FINALLY, I WANT TO STATE THAT THE ISSUE OF PROTECTING INDIGENOUS CULTURE AS THIS AMENDMENT DOES WITH RESPECT TO TRADITIONAL FISHING PRACTICES IS IMPORTANT NOT ONLY TO MYSELF BUT TO OUR COLLEAGUES FROM AMERICAN SAMOA AND HAWAII. AND I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 02:03:04 | THE CHAIR | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 02:03:07 | >> | CLAIMING THE TIME BUT I'M NOT IN OPPOSITION. |
| 02:03:11 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 02:03:13 | Wolf, Frank R. | I HAVE NO OBJECTION AND YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF THE TIME. |
| 02:03:17 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLELADY FROM GUAM. |
| 02:03:20 | >> | WILL THE GENTLELADY YIELD FOR PURPOSES OF ACCEPTING THE AMENDMENT? |
| 02:03:26 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 02:03:29 | >> | WE HAVE NO OBJECTION TO THE AMENDMENT AND ACCEPT THE |
| 02:03:34 | THE CHAIR | DOES THE GENTLELADY YIELD BACK? |
| 02:03:39 | Bordallo, Madeleine | I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 02:03:43 | THE CHAIR | THE QUESTION IS ON THE MOTION BY THE GENTLELADY FROM GUAM. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. |
| 02:03:51 | Wolf, Frank R. | I ASK FOR A RECORDED VOTE. |
| 02:03:54 | THE CHAIR | IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES HAVE IT. THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA. |
| 02:04:00 | THE CHAIR | FURTHER PROCEED OPTION THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM -- GENTLEWOMAN -- THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA WILL BE POSTPONED. THE CLERK WILL -- |
| 02:04:10 | Wolf, Frank R. | MR. CHAIRMAN, STRIKING THE REQUISITE NUMBER OF WORDS. |
| 02:04:15 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 02:04:18 | Wolf, Frank R. | I FEEL THE OBLIGATION TO MAKE A COMMENT TO PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE, PARTICULARLY AS THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE WATCHING, BECAUSE I THINK WHAT WE'RE DOING TODAY IS SETTING A VERY BAD AND DANGEROUS PRECEDENT. I'VE BEEN AROUND THE HOUSE FOR A WHILE AND I'VE BEEN INVOLVED IN DEBATES ON SCORES OF APPROPRIATIONS BILLS. TRADITIONALLY, WHETHER IT'S BEEN DEMOCRATS OR REPUBLICANS IN THE MAJORITY, WE'VE HAD OPEN RULES ON SPENDING BILLS AND A RESPECTFUL WORKING RELATIONSHIP ACROSS THE AISLE. THAT'S THE WAY IT SHOULD BE AND THAT'S WHAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE EXPECT, THE COOPERATIVE ATTITUDE AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR FULL SCRUTINY OF HOW THEIR TAX DOLLARS ARE BEING SPENT. I DIDN'T LIKE THE PREPRINNG REQUIREMENTS FOR AMENDMENTS THE MAJORITY INSTITUTED TO START THE APPROPRIATIONS PROCESS ON THE FLOOR THIS SESSION WITH THE COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE BILL. I SUPPORTED AN OPEN RULE SO EVERY MEMBER COULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW THE ENTIRE BILL AND IF THERE WERE PROGRAMS MEMBERS BELIEVED COULD BE CUT, WE COULD DEBATE THAT AMENDMENT AND THE HOUSE COULD WORK ITS WILL. SO WE START AT THE -- WE STARTED THE PROCESS LATE LAST NIGHT AND TO DEBAIT THE PREPRINTED AMENDMENTS, 21 MINUTE INTO THE AMENDMENT DEBATE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE PULLED THE PLUG ON THAT PROCESS AND ON MEMBERS WHO REALLY IN GOOD FAITH FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS IN PREPRINTING. THEY DID EVERYTHING ASKED OF THEM. THE RULES, MR. CHAIRMAN, WERE THEN CHANGED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND NOW WE HAVE EVEN A MORE CONTROLLED PROCESS. MEMBERS ON MY SIDE AND I THINK IF YOU KIND OF DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO TOWN YOU, COULD THINK IF YOU WERE IN THAT SITUATION AND HAD GONE THROUGH THE SAME THING MEMBERS ON OUR SIDE, HOW YOU WOULD FEEL. MEMBERS ON MY SIDE HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE THEIR VOICE HEARD AND OFFER AMENDMENTS TO CONTROL SPENDING. MEMBERS ON BOTH SIDES HAVE SUBSTANTIVE, THOUGHTFUL AMENDMENTS, MR. CHAIRMAN, THE PLACE IS NOT IN ORDER. I CAN'T EVEN HEAR MYSELF SPEAK. THE GENTLEMAN'S POINT IS WELL TAKEN. MAY WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT CONVERSATIONS BE REMOVED AWAY FROM THE SPEAKER SO THEY CAN AT LEAST HEAR THEMSELVES. I APPRECIATE THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA'S POINT. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. MEMBERS ON MY SIDE HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE THEIR VOICE HEARD AND OFFER AMENDMENTS, WHATEVER THEY MAY BE, TO CONTROL SPEND OR WHATEVER. MEMBERS ON BOTH SIDES ALSO HAD SUBSTANTIVE AND THOUGHTFUL AMENDMENTS THAT WERE GERMANE AND IN ORDER AND NOW THOSE MEMBERS HAVE LOST THE OPPORTUNITY TO OFFER THEM. FOR EXAMPLE, MR. ROGERS FROM MICHIGAN, AN F.B.I. AGENT WHO WENT TO AFGHANISTAN, GOD BLESS HIM FOR TAKING THE TIME FOR THE OVERSIGHT WHO SERVES ON THE INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE, HAD A VERY IMPORTANT AMENDMENT REGARDING AN APPARENT POLICY INITIATIVE BY THIS ADMINISTRATION TO EXPAND THE PRACTICE OF READING MIRANDA RIGHTS TO DETAINEES IN THE CUSTODY OF U.S. ARMED FORCES IN AFGHANISTAN. IT'S CALLED GLOBAL JUSTICE. MR. ROGERS WANTED TO TALK ABOUT THAT AND OFFER AN AMENDMENT WHETHER WE WOULD PASS IT OR NOT HE HAD EVERY RIGHT TO DO SO. NOW MR. ROGERS AND OTHER MEMBERS HAVE LEGITIMATE CONCERNS ABOUT SUCH POLICIES. HE SIMPLY WANTED THE OPPORTUNITY TO OFFER HIS AMENDMENT AND LET THE HOUSE VOTE. HE COMPLIED WITH THE PRINTING REQUIREMENT HE TESTIFIED LATE LAST NIGHT, SAT UP THERE LATE INTO THE NIGHT, UNTIL 12:30 OR 1:00 IN THE MORNING, TESTIFIED AT THE RULES COMMITTEE AND YET NOW HE IS UNABLE TO EVEN OFFER THIS AMENDMENT THAT DEALS WITH THE WHOLE FUNDAMENTAL ISSUE OF THE WAR ON TERROR, WHAT'S TAKING PLACE IN AFGHANISTAN AND ALL THESE ISSUES. CLOSING, THIS IS A DEPARTURE FROM THE TRADITION OF OPEN RULE THEANSD COMITY THAT HAS CHARACTERIZED THE APPROPRIATIONS PROCESS OVER THE YEARS. IF WE CAN'T EVEN COME UP WITH A FAIR PROCESS TO DEBATE ANNUAL SPENDING BILLS ON THIS FLOOR, HOW CAN WE EVER HOPE TO EVER, EVER FIND SOLUTIONS TO THE BIG PROBLEMS THAT THIS COUNTRY HAS? WITH THAT, I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 02:08:32 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM WISCONSIN. |
| 02:08:38 | Obey, David R. | I MOVE TO CLAIM THE -- TO SPEAK OUT OF ORDER. |
| 02:08:43 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 02:08:46 | Obey, David R. | I WOULD LIKE TO PUT IN PERSPECTIVE WHY WE ARE HERE UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES. AS EVERYONE IN THIS CHAMBER UNDERSTANDS, WE HAVE FOR THE LAST FOUR MONTHS BEEN DEALING WITH THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC EMERGENCY AND AN ABSOLUTE CRISIS IN TERMS OF THE WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST, ESPECIALLY IN PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN. SO THIS CHAMBER HAS BEEN HUGELY OCCUPIED FOR FOUR MONTHS AND NOW FINALLY AFTER FINISHING OUR MAJOR ECONOMIC LEFTOVERS FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR, WE'RE NOW TURNING TO THE APPROPRIATIONS BILLS. THE HARD FACT IS THAT EVERYONE SAYS THEY WANT APPROPRIATIONS BILLS TO BE FINISHED INDIVIDUALLY, NOT COLLECTIVELY IN AN OMNIBUS, YET WE ONLY HAVE SIX WEEKS TO ACCOMPLISH THAT. WE HAVE TO PASS 12 MAJOR APPROPRIATIONS BILLS IN SIX WEEKS AND STILL LEAVE ENOUGH TIME ON THE CALENDAR TO DEAL WITH HEALTH CARE, DEAL WITH CLIMATE CHANGE TO DEAL WITH THE MILITARY AUTHORIZATION BILL AND SEVERAL OTHER CRUCIAL ISSUES. SO WE -- SO MR. HOYER, THE MAJORITY LEADER, AND I WENT TO THE -- TO OUR FRIENDS ON THE REPUBLICAN SIDE OF THE AISLE, WENT TO BOTH THE MINORITY LEADER AND THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE, AND ASKED WHETHER OR NOT WE COULD REACH AGREEMENT THAT WOULD ENABLE US TO MEET THAT SCHEDULE AND WE POINTED OUT THAT THE SCHEDULE THAT WE HAVE SET REQUIRES WE SET ASIDE NO MORE THAN ABOUT EIGHT OR NINE HOURS TO DEBATE EACH OF THE BILLS WITH ALL THE AMENDMENTS THERETO. WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT BELIEVE THAT THEY COULD PARTICIPATE IN THAT KIND OF TIGHT SCHEDULE. SO THEN WE TRIED TO PROCEED ANYWAY. WE ASKED MEMBERS TO PREFILE AMENDMENTS SO THAT EVERY MEMBER OF THIS HOUSE WOULD KNOW WHAT THEY WERE EXPECTED TO VOTE ON. WE -- WE CONFRONTED THE FACT THAT 127 AMENDMENTS WERE FILED. THAT WILL TAKE AT LEAST 23 OR 24 HOURS JUST TO DEBATE THOSE AMENDMENTS, AND THAT BLOWS THE ENTIRE SCHEDULE FOR THE ENTIRE SIX WEEKS. ONE MEMBER TODAY SAID, WELL, WHAT'S WRONG IF IT TAKES 40 HOURS TO PASS THIS BILL? THE FACT IS THAT THAT WOULD BE 1/3 OF THE TIME REMAINING ON THE SCHEDULE FOR ALL 12 APPROPRIATIONS BILLS. WE'VE GOT AN OBLIGATION TO GET OUR WORK DONE. SO WHAT MR. HOYER AND I DID WAS EN OFFER THE MINORITY LEADER THE OPPORTUNITY IN A COMPRESSED NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO SELECT THEIR OWN AMENDMENTS, ANY AMENDMENTS THEY WANTED. BUT THEY DID NOT WANT TO BE LIMITED IN NUMBER OR TIME. I DON'T FAULT THEM FOR IT, I'M SIMPLY STATING FACTS. WE HAVE ONE MISUNDERSTANDING AROUND HERE. WE HAVE THE IMPRESSION THAT SOMEHOW APPROPRIATION BILLS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN CONSIDERED IN OPEN RULES. THE FACT IS I HAVE A SHEET HERE WHICH SHOWS ON 25 PREVIOUS OCCASIONS WHERE APPROPRIATIONS HAVE BEEN CONTINUED UNDER STRUCTURED OR MODIFIED OR EVEN CLOSED RULES. AND THIS DOES NOT -- THIS IS ONLY WHEN REPUBLICANS ARE IN CONTROL. THIS DOES NOT COUNT THE MORE THAN A DOZEN TIMES UNDER DEMOCRATIC CONTROL WHEN WE HAD SIGNIFICANTLY LIMITED RULES FOR APPROPRIATIONS BILLS, INCLUDING THE FOREIGN OPERATIONS BILL, THE DEFENSE BILL, INTERIOR AND THE LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS BILL. SO I SIMPLY STATE THIS NOT TO GET INTO A PERENNIAL ARGUMENT, BUT TO MAKE CLEAR WE HAVE TRIED EVERY WAY WE CAN TO INVOLVE THE MINORITY, WE'VE ASKED THEM SEVERAL TIMES IF THEY COULD PARTICIPATE IN A COMPRESSED SKI JILE. I DON'T THINK IT'S NECESSARY TO DEBATE ALL OF THESE BILLS FOR 40 HOURS. BUT WE ARE GIVING -- THERE ARE GOING TO BE 33 AMENDMENTS OFFERED TO THIS BILL UNDER THE RULE. AND ONLY NINE OF THEM ARE DEMOCRATIC AMENDMENTS. THE REST ARE REPUBLICAN AMENDMENTS. I THINK THAT'S TREATING THE MINORITY ESPECIALLY FAIRLY. |
| 02:13:00 | Wolf, Frank R. | WOULD THE GENTLEMAN |
| 02:13:03 | Obey, David R. | SURELY. |
| 02:13:04 | MR. LEWIS | WE HAD A DISCUSSION ON THE FLOOR YESTERDAY WHERE YOU ESSENTIALLY WERE ASKING THE THIS QUESTION, HOW COULD WE GET A HANDLE ON REASON R.N.ABLY CONTROLLING THE TIME, ETC. I'VE HAD BACK AND FORTH REGARDING THAT DISCUSSION. I APPRECIATE YOUR CONCERN ABOUT THE SCHEDULE HERE. BUT MY GOODNESS, WHEN YOU HAVE THE NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS WE HAD FILED ON THIS BILL AND WE KNEW MANY OF THEM WOULD FALL OFF WE DISCUSSED THAT CLEARLY BETWEEN EACH OTHER BUT THEN THE FIRST AMENDMENT, TO HAVE THAT TAKE US BACK TO THE RULES COMMITTEE IS INCREDIBLE. I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'D D THAT. |
| 02:13:37 | Obey, David R. | LET ME SIMPLY SAY THAT -- THIS IS THE THIRD YEAR THAT WE'VE BEEN IN THIS SITUATION WHERE WE'VE BEEN FILL BUSTERED BY AMENDMENT. WE RECOGNIZE THE FILIBUSTER BY AMENDMENT WHEN WE SEE IT. |
| 02:13:52 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL READ. |
| 02:13:55 | THE CLERK | PAGE 15, LINE 1, IN ADDITION FOR NECESSARY RETIRED PAY EXPENSES UNDER THE RETIRED SERVICEMEN'S BENEFIT PLAN, SUCH SUMS AS MAY BE NECESSARY. PROCUREMENT ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION, $4,149,480,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 20 12. POSTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT FUND, NOT TO EXCEED $3 BILLION. FISHERIES FINANCE ACCOUNT, NOT TO EXCEED $59 MILLION FOR TRADITIONAL DIRECT LOANS AS AUTHORIZED BY THE MERCHANT MARINE ACT OF 1936. DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $60 MILLION. |
| 02:14:44 | >> | MR. CHAIRMAN. I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK. |
| 02:14:47 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 02:14:50 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER THREE, PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY MS. MOORE OF WISCONSIN. |
| 02:14:57 | Roe, David "Phil" P. | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM WISCONSIN, AND A MEMBER OPPOSED, EACH WILL CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM WISCONSIN. |
| 02:15:09 | Moore, Gwen | MY AMENDMENT INCREASES FUNDING FOR CRITICAL PROGRAM, THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BY $4 MILLION. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK REPRESENTATIVE POE FOR HIS DILIGENT WORK ON THIS AMENDMENT AND I ALSO WANT TO THANK REPRESENTATIVE MOLLOHAN FOR HIS COMMITMENT ON THIS ISSUE AS WELL. WE ALL MAKE LAWYER JOKES, BUT TO THE WOMEN WHO FACE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND NEED LEGAL REPRESENTATION TO SUCCESSFULLY FLEE THEIR ABUSERS, OBTAIN ORDERS OF PROTECTION, AND RETAIN CUSTODY OF THEIR CHILDREN, THE LACK OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION IS DEFINITELY NOT A LAUGHING MATTER. NEARLY 70% OF WOMEN WHO BRAVELY TAKE THEIR ABUSERS TO COURT DO SO WITHOUT LEGAL REPRESENTATION. AND TOO OFTEN, HAVING AN ATTORNEY PRESENT IS THE DECIDING FACTOR IN OBTAINING THAT LIFE-SAVING PERSONAL PROTECTION ORDER OR GETTING CUSTODY OF YOUR KIDS OR RECEIVING TRANSITIONAL HOUSING. IT'S A SAD DAY WHEN A FAMILY IS FORCED TO STAY WITH THEIR ABUSER BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO NAVIGATE THROUGH THE COURT SYSTEM. EARLIER THIS WEEK, MR. CHAIRMAN, I HEARD FROM CHRIS IN WISCONSIN WHOSE HUSBAND SENT HER TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM A DOZEN TIMES, BROKE HER FOOT, HELD A GUN TO HER HEAD, AND THREATENED TO POISON HER FOUR CHILDREN BEFORE SHE WAS ABLE TO ESCAPE WITH THE HELP OF LEGAL ASSISTANCE AFTER FIVE LONG YEARS OF TORTURE. I ALSO HEARD FROM DANIELLE OF MADISON, WISCONSIN WHO OBTAINED A DIVORCE FROM HER WEALTHY ATTORNEY HUSBAND, WHO REPEATEDLY BEAT AND STABBED HER. BUT WAS LEFT BATTLING HER HUSBAND'S EXPENSIVE ATTORNEY FOR CUSTODY TWO YEARS AFTER THE DIVORCE. HER EFFORT TO STUDY THE WISCONSIN STATUTES AND DEFEND HERSELF IN COURT DREW RIDICULE AND REBUKE FROM THE JUDGE. THESE ARE JUST A COUPLE OF EXAMPLES. I SURE WOULD LIKE TO YIELD TIME TO MR. MOLLOHAN AND RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 02:17:10 | Mollohan, Alan B. | THANK YOU, GENTLELADY, AND THANK THE AMENDMENT. WE ARE PREPARED TO ACCEPT THE AMENDMENT. |
| 02:17:17 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLELADY RESERVES. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 02:17:22 | Wolf, Frank R. | I CLAIM THE TIME IN OPPOSITION, I'M NOT IN OPPOSITION, I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS, JUDGE POE. |
| 02:17:28 | Poe, Ted | THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. MR. POE 13K I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR YIELDING AND I APPRECIATE THE GENTLELADY FROM WISCONSIN AND HER REPRESENTATION AND HARD WORK ON THIS AMENDMENT. THIS AMENDMENT IS A STRONG AMENDMENT AND PUTS FORTH THE PROPOSITION THAT VICTIMS' ISSUES AREN'T PARTISAN ISSUES, THEY'RE PEOPLE ISSUES. I STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS AMENDMENT TO INCREASE LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS BY $4 MILLION THAT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE MUCH BUT IT'S A LOT OF MONEY FOR A VICTIM -- FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME. IT WILL BRING THE TOTAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS' ASSISTANCE GRANTS TO $41 MILLION THIS FUNDING IS OFFSET BY $4 MILLION REDUCTION IF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SALARIES AND EXPENSES ACCOUNT. I THINK THAT MONEY WOULD BE BETTER SERVED RATHER THAN GIVING SALARIES AND RAISES TO THE DEPARTMENT, THAT WE GIVE IT TO LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS. THESE LEGAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS PROVIDE MUCH-NEDED FUNDING FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS TO SEEK PROTECTIVE ORDERS, CHILD CUSTODY, CHILD SUPPORT AND HOUSING AND PUBLIC BENEFITS ASSISTANCE. AS I FOUND IN 30 YEARS AS A PROSECUTOR AND JUDGE, TOO OFTEN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS HAVE TO APPEAR IN COURT BY THEMSELVES AND ALOEB. THEY DON'T HAVE HIGH-DOLLAR LAWYERS PLEADING THEIR CASES OR GUIDING THEM THROUGH THE COMPLEX AND BURDENSOME LEGAL SYSTEM WE HAVE IN OUR STATES AND COURTS. INSTEAD, EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE WHO SUPPOSEDLY LOVED THEM CHOSE TO BEAT THEM UP, THEY HAVE TOE PAY THE PRICE TO FIGHT THEIR WAY THROUGH THE LEGAL SYSTEM TO REQUEST CIVIL PROTECTION. THIS SHOULDN'T BE. WE NEED TO MATCH CIVIL JUSTICE WITH OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES FUNDING TO MEET LEGAL NEEDS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS. IT IS, MR. SPEAKER, THE ONLY FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAM DESIGNED TO MEET ALL THE CIVIL LEAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS OF VICTIMS. IT'S ONE OF THE MOST CRUCIAL AND LIFE-SAVING PROGRAMS IN THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT AND REMAINS CRITICALLY UNDERFUNDED. THE DEMAND FOR LEGAL SERVICES IS SO HIGH THE OFFICE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN RECEIVE ALMOST 300 APPLICATIONS PER YEAR, BUT THAT OFFICE IS ONLY ABLE TO FUND 1/3 OF THE TOTAL REQUESTS. WE HAVE A DUTY TO PROTECT THE INNOCENTS. WE MUST ENSURE THAT VICTIMS ARE NOT FURTHER VICTIMIZED BY THEIR YOU A BUICERS THROUGH A LEGAL -- ABUSERS. I SUPPORT THIS AMENDMENT. I STRONGLY URGE ITS PASSAGE AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 02:20:05 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLELADY FROM WISCONSIN. |
| 02:20:08 | Moore, Gwen | WELL, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I WANT TO SAY WHAT AN AMAZING PARTNER MR. POE HAS BEEN IN THIS INITIATIVE. AND INDEED THIS IS NOT A PARTISAN ISSUE. MR. POE MENTIONED THAT THESE FUNDS WILL BE DRAWN FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE SALARIES AND EXPENSES WHICH IS -- THEY ARE PROVIDED $60 MILLION. THAT'S $7 MILLION OVER LAST YEAR'S FUNDING. AND, OF COURSE, LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS HAVE STEADILY DECLINED SINCE 2003. AND ONLY ABOUT A THIRD OF WOMEN WHO APPEAR IN COURT OF THE ADVOCATES WHO ACTUALLY APPLY FOR THIS LEGAL FUNDING ACTUALLY RECEIVED FUNDING. SO THIS IS REALLY CRITICAL FUNDING AND SUPPORT TO HELP THESE WOMEN LEAVE THEIR ABUSERS. FOR EVERY DANIELLE AND CHRIS WHO'S ABLE TO FREE THEMSELVES OF THEIR ABUSERS, THERE ARE FOUR OTHER WOMEN OUT THERE WHO ARE STILL BEING SILENCED BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO ADEQUATE LEGAL REPRESENTATION. THIS $4 MILLION IS VERY APPRECIATED. IT'S NOT ENOUGH BUT IT'S A GREAT START. THE LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE TOOLS TO ENSURE THAT BATTERED WOMEN AND CHILDREN HAVE A VOICE IN OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM. I URGE SUPPORT FOR THIS AMENDMENT AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 02:21:30 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLELADY YIELDS BACK. ALL TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE QUESTION IS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLELADY FROM WISCONSIN. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AMENDMENT IS AGREED TO. |
| 02:21:45 | King, Steve | I ASK FOR A RECORDED VOTE. |
| 02:21:49 | King, Steve | PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMOUNT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM WISCONSIN WILL BE POSTPONED. THE CLERK WILL READ. |
| 02:21:57 | THE CLERK | HERBERT C. HOOVER BUILDING FOR THE NATION AND MODERNIZATION, $5 MILLION. OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL, $27 MILLION. GENERAL PROVISIONS, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS, SECTION 101, APPROPRIATIONS AND FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE BY THIS ACT SHALL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE ACTIVITIES SPECIFIED IN THE ACT OF OCTOBER 26, 1949. SECTION 102, APPROPRIATIONS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE DEPARTMENT BY THIS ACT FOR SALARIES AND EXPENSES SHALL BE AVAILABLE FOR HIRE OF PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLES AS AUTHORIZED. SECTION 103, NOT TO EXCEED 5% OF ANY APPROPRIATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT, MAY BE TRANSFERRED BETWEEN SUCH APPROPRIATIONS BUT NO SUCH APPROPRIATIONS SHALL BE INCREASED BY MORE THAN 10%. SECTION 104, ANY COSTS INCURRED BY A DEPARTMENT RESULTING FROM PERSONNEL ACTIONS TAKEN SHALL BE ABSORBED WITHIN THE BUDGETARY RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO SUCH DEPARTMENT. SECTION 10 5, THE REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH BY SECTION 112 OF DIVISION B OF PUBLIC LAW 110-161 ARE HEREBY ADOPTED. SECTION 106, THE SECRETARY MAY FURNISH SERVICES IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THE OPERATIONS THAT PERSONS ARE AUTHORIZED PURSUANT TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, COOPERATIVE USE ACT OF 1976. SECTION 107, THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION IS AUTHORIZED TO USE WITH THEIR CONSENT SUBJECT TO THE LIMITS OF AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS THE LAND OF ANY DEPARTMENT INSTRUMENTALITY OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY STATE, FOR PURPOSES RELATED TO CARRYING UTT THE RESPONSIBILITIES. |
| 02:23:37 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM IOWA RISE? -- |
| 02:23:44 | THE CHAIR | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM IOWA RISE? |
| 02:23:50 | Boswell, Leonard L. | I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK. |
| 02:23:53 | THE CLERK | ADMINISTERED BY THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. THIS TITLE MAY BE CITED AS THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATIONS ACT 2010. TITLE 3, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, GENERAL ADMINISTRATIONS, SALARIES AND EXPENSED, $118, 488,000. |
| 02:24:14 | Boswell, Leonard L. | I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK. |
| 02:24:17 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 02:24:19 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. BOSWELL OF IOWA. |
| 02:24:22 | Roe, David "Phil" P. | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEMAN FROM IOWA AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM IOWA FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 02:24:31 | Boswell, Leonard L. | THANK YOU. I'D LIKE TO THANK CHAIRMAN MOLLOHAN AND RANKING MEMBER WOLF FOR THEIR HARD WORK ON H.R. 2847, THE COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT OF 2010. THIS AMENDMENT WOULD PROVIDE AN INCREASE OF $2.5 MILLION FOR THE NATIONAL CRIMINAL HISTORY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO THE FLOOR FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW AND IT CONSISTENTLY RECEIVES BIPARTISAN SUPPORT. I THANK MY COLLEAGUES FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND THEIR COMMITMENT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND PUBLIC SAFETY. I BELIEVE THAT THIS INCREASE IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. WE MUST ENSURE THAT THE INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS ARE UP TO DATE AND ACCURATE. THE NATIONAL CRIMINAL HISTORY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM ENSURES THAT STATES IMPROVE THEIR INFRASTRUCTURE TO CONNECT TO THE NATIONAL RECORD SYSTEM. IT HELPS PROTECT OUR MOST VULNERABLE POPULATIONS BY IMPROVING LAW ENFORCEMENT'S ABILITY TO IDENTIFY PERSONS INELIGIBLE TO HOLD POSITIONS INVOLVING CHILDREN OR THE DISABLED OR ELDERLY. IT HELPS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES FROM INDIVIDUALS WITH HISTORIES OF STALKING AND COMMITTING ACTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. I THINK MY COLLEAGUES WILL AGREE. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT INVESTMENT. I'D LIKE TO YIELD TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM WISCONSIN, MR. OBEY. |
| 02:25:53 | Obey, David R. | I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR YIELDING. LET ME SIMPLY SAY ON THIS SIDE OF THE AISLE THE COMMITTEE SERNING AGREES WITH THE GENTLEMAN'S ASSERTIONS AND WILL BE HAPPY TO ACCEPT THE AMENDMENT. |
| 02:26:04 | Boswell, Leonard L. | THANK YOU. WITH THAT I URGE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT AND RESERVE FOR ANY COMMENTS MADE FOR OPPOSITION. |
| 02:26:14 | Wolf, Frank R. | WE HAVE NO OBJECTION TO THE AMENDMENT, SUPPORT THE AMENDMENT AND YIELD BACK THE BALANCE. |
| 02:26:19 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM IOWA. |
| 02:26:22 | Boswell, Leonard L. | WITH THAT I URGE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT AND YIELD BACK MY TIME. THANK YOU. |
| 02:26:27 | THE CHAIR | ALL TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE QUESTION SON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM IOWA. THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES HAVE IT. THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. |
| 02:26:41 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | I REQUEST THE YEAS AND NAYS. |
| 02:26:43 | THE CHAIR | DOES THE GENTLEMAN ASK FOR A RECORDED VOTE? |
| 02:26:46 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | YEAH. |
| 02:26:47 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM IOWA WILL BE POSTPONED. THE CLERK WILL CONTINUE READING. |
| 02:26:55 | THE CLERK | TITLE 2, PAGE 23, LINE 1. NATIONAL DRUG INTELLIGENCE CENTER, $44,023,000. JUSTICE INFORMATION SHARING TECHNOLOGY, $109,417,000. TACTICAL LAW ENFORCEMENT WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, $205,143,000. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW AND APPEALS, $3,685,000. DETENTION TRUSTEE, $1,438, 663 ,000. OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL, $84,368,000. UNITED STATES PAROLE COMMISSION, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $12,859,000. LEGAL ACTIVITIES, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, GENERAL LEGAL ACTIVITIES, $875,900,000. IN ADDITION FOR REIMBURSEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH PROCESSING CASES UNDER THE NATIONAL CHILDHOOD VACKSINE INJURY ACT OF 19 -- VACCINE INJURY ACT OF 1986, $783,000. SALARIES AND EXPENSES, ANTITRUST DIVISION, $163,170,000. SALARIES AND EXPENSES, UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS, $1,934,3,000. UNITED STATES TRUSTEES SYSTEM FUND. SALARIES AND EXPENSES, FOREIGN CLAIMS SETTLEMENT COMMISSION, $2,117,000. FEES AND EXPENSES OF WITNESSES, $168,300,000. SALARIES AND EXPENSES, COMMUNE RELATIONS SERVICE, $11,479,000. ASSETS FORFEITURE FUND $29,900,000. UNITED STATES MARSHAL SERVICES, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $1,038, 388,000. CONSTRUCTION, $14 MILLION. NATIONAL SECURITY DIVISION, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $87,938,000. INTRAAGENCY LAW ENFORCEMENT -- INTERAGENCY CRIME AND DRUG ENFORCEMENT, $528,569,000. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONS, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $7,718,741. CONSTRUCTION, $132,796,000. DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $2,019,682. BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $1,105,772. -- $1,105,772,000. |
| 02:29:58 | THE CHAIR | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TENNESSEE RISE? |
| 02:30:03 | Roe, David "Phil" P. | I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK. |
| 02:30:05 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 02:30:08 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 25 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY MR. ROE OF TENNESSEE. |
| 02:30:13 | THE CHAIR | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEMAN FROM TENNESSEE AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TENNESSEE. |
| 02:30:22 | Roe, David "Phil" P. | THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I YIELD MYSELF 2 1/2 MINUTES. |
| 02:30:26 | >> | MR. CHAIRMAN, I RAISE TIME IN TIME FOR OPPOSITION. |
| 02:30:32 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN WILL BE RECOGNIZED FOR AN APPROPRIATE POINT. |
| 02:30:36 | Roe, David "Phil" P. | I BELIEVE THE LEVEL OF SPENDING IN THIS BILL IS IRRESPONSIBLE IN LIGHT OF OUR DEFICITS BUT I ALSO KNOW MY VIEW IS IN THE MINORITY. THIS IS ABOUT PRIORITIES AND IT'S ABOUT MORALS. THIS YEAR WE'RE GOING TO PASS $1,8 TRILLION IN NEW DEBT ONTO OUR CHILDREN'S GENERATION. I WOULD ARGUE THAT PASSING THIS LEVEL OF DATE ON TO OUR NEXT GENERATION IS IMMORAL. SO FAR THERE'S BEEN NOT ONE IOTA OF INTEREST IN SETTING PRIORITIES FROM THE MAJORITY. THEY'VE DECIDED TO FUND EVERYTHING AND CALL THAT GOOD. THEY WON THE ELECTION AND THEY ARE ENTITLED TO RUN OUR CREDIT CARDS WELL PAST ITS LIMIT TO NEVER BEFORE SEEN LEVELS. WHEN IT COMES TO SPENDING IN BUDGETS IT'S CLEAR FROM DEBATES THERE'S NO INTEREST IN ADOPTING REPUBLICAN IDEAS AND MY FRIENDS ON THE -- FROM MY FRIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE. SO I WENT TO A SOURCE PRESIDENT OBAMA'S BUDGET. THE PRESIDENT HAS REQUESTED NEARLY $6 BILLION FOR THE FEDERAL PRISON SYSTEM. THE DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS HAS INCREASED THAT BY $97.4 MILLION. WE'RE TRYING TO SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT AND SHOW A LITTLE BIT OF FISCAL RESTRAINT BY ADOPTING THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGETED LEVEL. IN PERCENTAGE TERMS THIS MEANS WE'RE GROWING THE PROGRAM AT 6.8% -- GROWING AT 6.8% INSTEAD OF 8.6%. IF IT PASSES, IT WILL NOT BE HUGE BUT IT SENDS A MESSAGE HOWEVER SMALL THAT THIS CONGRESS IS NOT COMPLETELY TONE DEAF TO THE CONCERNS ABOUT THE DEFICIT AND RUNAWAY SPENDING. IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THIS IS NOT A VOTE ON WHETHER TO CUT THE PROGRAM. IT'S A VOTE ON WHETHER TO PROVIDE THE PROGRAM THE PRESIDENT'S PROPOSED INCREASE OR TO PROVIDE THE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP'S PROPOSED INCREASE. MR. SPEAKER, I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 02:32:13 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 02:32:18 | Mollohan, Alan B. | MR. SPEAKER, I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE AMENDMENT. |
| 02:32:22 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 02:32:24 | Mollohan, Alan B. | THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. MR. CHAIRMAN, I RISE IN STRONG OPPOSITION TO THIS AMENDMENT. INDEED, THIS WOULD BE A HUGE IMPACT ON THE BUREAU OF PRISONS. THERE'S NOT AN AGENCY IN THIS BILL THAT IS IN GREATER NEED OF ADDITIONAL SALARIES AND EXPENSES MONEY. THIS AMENDMENT WOULD ELIMINATE $97.4 MILLION, AND IT'S AN INCREASE FOR THE BUREAU OF PRISONS' SALARIES AND EXPENSES ACCOUNT THAT THE COMMITTEE PROVIDED ABOVE THE BUDGET REQUEST. THE AMOUNT OF THE INCREASE WAS NOT PULLED OUT OF THIN AIR. IT WAS PRECISELY CALCULATED BASED ON AN IN DEPTH ANALYSIS BY OUR COMMITTEES, THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEES, SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATIONS' STAFF TO BE THE MINIMUM AMOUNT NECESSARY TO RESTORE B.O.P.'S BASE BUDGET WHICH HAS BEEN PROGRESSIVELY HALLOWED OUT IN RECENT YEARS BY INADEQUATE BUDGET REQUESTS. WITHOUT THIS $97.4 MILLION, THE BUREAU OF PRISONS WILL BE UNABLE TO HIRE ADDITIONAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS WHICH IT DESPERATELY NEEDS AND WILL LIKELY BE UNABLE TO ACTIVATE TWO NULL CONSTRUCTED PRISONS -- NEWLY CONSTRUCTED PRISONS AND THE B.O.P. CANNOT SUSTAIN ANOTHER YEAR WITHOUT SUFFICIENT PRISON CAPACITY AND STAFFING. THE BUREAU OF PRISON'S POPULATION IS CURRENTLY 37%, 37% ABOVE RATED CAPACITY FOR B.O.P. FACILITIES AND THE PRISONER-TO-STAFF RATIO IS AN APPALLING 4.9 TO 1. AND SOMETHING IN THE AREA OF 3.2, 3. SOMETHING IN THAT AREA IS SOMETHING FOR THE STATE. NOT ONLY DOES INADEQUATE INVESTMENT IN FEDERAL PRISONS RESULT IN UNSAFE WORKING CONDITIONS FOR PRISON STAFFS AS WE HAVE SEEN FROM A TAX AND EVEN A FAY -- ATTACKS AND EVEN FATALITIES IN OUR PRISON GUARD SYSTEMS, IT ALSO MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DO THE KIND OF RE-ENTRY PROGRAMMING NECESSARY TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM. THE RESULT IS MORE CRIME IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND A HIGHER LONG-TERM COST TO THE TAXPAYER OF FUTURE INCARCERATIONS. . I'M NOT EXAGGERATING THAT THERE IS NO OTHER AGENCY IN THE BILL ABOUT WHICH I'M MORE CONFIDENT ABOUT THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES. I URGE MY MEMBERS TO REJECT THIS AMENDMENT. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 02:34:49 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TENNESSEE. |
| 02:34:55 | Roe, David "Phil" P. | I YIELD MYSELF ONE MINUTE. I UNDERSTAND E BUDGET CONSTRAINTS. I HAVE BEEN A MAYOR. I HAD A JAIL SYSTEM UNDER MY SUPERVISION. AND I ALSO KNOW THAT AROUND THIS NATION THERE ARE CITIES AND STATES THAT ARE DEALING WITH BUDGET DEFICITS NEVER BEFORE SEEN. AND HERE IS THE ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD WHERE WE CALL A CUT, WE RAISE IT 9% AND GIVE THE PRESIDENT EXACTLY WHAT HE WANTED AND CALL THAT A DRACONIAN CUT. IT IS NOT. WE SHOULD SHOW SOME FISCAL RESTRAINT IN THE HOUSE AS AN EXAMPLE TO THE PEOPLE AROUND THIS COUNTRY, FAMILIES AND CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES AND STATES THAT ARE WORKING HARD TO BALANCE THEIR BUDGET. IN MY OWN HOMETOWN, THEY'RE DOING THAT BY MAKING REAL CUTS. THIS IS A VERY MINIMAL CUT -- NOT A CUT, JUST REDUCTION. AND IT'S EXACTLY WHAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES ASKED FOR. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 02:35:55 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 02:36:00 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I URGE OPPOSITION TO THE AMENDMENT. YIELD BACK. |
| 02:36:03 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TENNESSEE. |
| 02:36:08 | Roe, David "Phil" P. | I YIELD BACK. |
| 02:36:09 | THE CHAIR | THE QUESTION IS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM TENNESSEE. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE NOES HAVE IT. |
| 02:36:21 | Roe, David "Phil" P. | I ASK FOR A RECORDED VOTE. |
| 02:36:24 | Blackburn, Marsha | PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6, RULE 18, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM TENNESSEE WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 02:36:34 | Wolf, Frank R. | STRIKE THE REQUISITE NUMBER OF WORDS. |
| 02:36:36 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 02:36:39 | King, Steve | I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA FOR YIELDING TIME TO ME IN THIS DEBATE. AND THERE IS A LOT MORE TIME YIELDED FOR THIS DEBATE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN YIELDED WITHIN THE ORIGINAL AGREEMENT THAT CAME FROM THE RULES COMMITTEE. THIS APPROPRIATIONS BILL DIDN'T COME TO THIS FLOOR UNDER AN OPEN RULE. HAS BEEN BEEN A DEEP AND LONG-STANDING TRADITION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. IT CAME TO THE FLOOR UNDER A STRUCTURED OPEN RULE. AND UNDER THE REQUEST THAT SAID PRINT YOUR AMENDMENTS INTO THE RECORD AND THERE WILL BE FIVE MINUTES DEBATE ON EACH SIDE AND WE'LL GO THROUGH ALL OF THOSE. ANYBODY WOULD HAVE KNOWN ALL THE AMENDMENTS THAT WERE PRINTED WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN OFFERED. AND I WILL SUBMIT THIS AND I DON'T BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN SAID HERE, MR. CHAIRMAN, IS THAT THESE AMENDMENTS THAT WERE PRINTED INTO THE RECORD LAID OUT THE ENTIRE AMENDMENT STRATEGY OF THE MINORITY PARTY. AND THEN THE MAJORITY PARTY TOOK THEIR LEISURE TO THUMB DOWN THROUGH THE AMENDMENTS AND DECIDED THEY DIDN'T WANT TO HAVE A GOOD DEBATE ON A GOOD NUMBER OF THEM. WHEN THE CHAIRMAN OF THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE MENTIONED SOME 20 TIMES THAT THIS CONGRESS HAS DEVIATED FROM AN OPEN RULE ON APPROPRIATIONS, IT WAS UNCLEAR TO ME WHETHER THE CHAIRMAN ACTUALLY INCLUDED UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENTS, WHICH HAVE BEEN A FAIRLY CONSISTENT COMPONENT OF THE OPEN-RULE PROCESS, NOT A STRUCTURED RULE, NOT SOMETHING THAT WAS RIGID AND DEVISED FROM THE BEGINNING OR SOMETHING UNNEGOTIATED AS THIS WAS BUT UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT THAT ALLOWS ANY MEMBER TO OBJECT. THAT ISN'T THE CASE WE'RE DEALING WITH HERE. SOME WILL SAY -- I'M TRYING TO TASK THE LOGIC OF WHAT AMENDMENTS WERE APPROVED AND WHICH ONES WERE NOT APPROVED. THERE IS NO LOGIC IN THIS MAJORITY PARTY EXCEPT IN THE IDEA THAT WE HAVE GO UP TO RULES COMMITTEE AND SIT DOWN FOR THREE HOURS AND WAIT FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK THAT STACKED RULES COMMITTEE FOR AN OPPORTUNITY JUST TO OFFER AN AMENDMENT HERE ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THERE'S NO WAY YOU CAN GO HOME AND SAY TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS. I DIDN'T HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY EVEN TO OFFER AN AMENDMENT, LET ALONE PERFECT SOMETHING AND GET A LEGITIMATE DEBATE OR A VOTE. SO I ANALYZED THESE 124 REMAINING AMENDMENTS AFTER THAT FIASCO LAST NIGHT AND CAME WITH THESE STATISTICAL DATA THAT IS INTERESTING TO THIS CONGRESS. OUT OF THE 124 AMENDMENTS, 20 TO 23 WERE ABOUT MONEY APPROVED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE. THAT WOULD TELL ME THAT DEMOCRATS DON'T MIND VOTING FOR MORE SPENDING. THAT'S A CLEAR CONCLUSION THAT ONE CAN DRAW. BECAUSE OF THE 94 AMENDMENTS THAT WERE REJECTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE, NONE OF THEM CAN BE CHARACTERIZED AS SPENDING AMENDMENTS EXCLUSIVELY. THEY ARE POLICY AMENDMENTS. AND IN THAT INCLUDES AMENDMENTS THAT WOULD HAVE BLOCKED FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ACORN, AN ORGANIZATION THAT HAS THE ELEMENTS OF A CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE AND HAS ADMITTED TO PRODUCING 400,000 FRAUDULENT VOTING REGISTRATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN INTIMIDATING LENDERS AND NOW UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE UNITED STATES WHITE HOUSE. AND WE CAN'T GET A DEBATE ON THAT AND VOTE ON AN AMENDMENT LIKE THAT AND CAN'T HAVE A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE INTELLIGENCE IMPASSE THAT HAS BEEN CREATED BECAUSE OF THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE C.I.A. MADE BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE AND WE ARE SUPPOSED TO OPERATE A GOVERNMENT WITH THESE HUGE POLICY ISSUES THAT HANG IN FRONT OF US AND DO A DEBATE ON SPENDING, WHICH EVERYTHING THAT'S OFFERED BY THE MINORITY PARTY THAT REDUCES THE SPENDING IS GOING TO BE VOTED DOWN BY THE MAJORITY PARTY BECAUSE THEY HAVE SAID, LET'S HAVE A DEBATE ON THAT, THEY ARE EAGER TO VOTE FOR MORE SPENDING. AND THIS BILL WHICH INCREASES FUNDING UNDER THESE TITLES BY LAST YEAR BY $12 BILLION, EXPANSIVE GROWTH OF GOVERNMENT AND NOW WE'RE SHUTTING DOWN HERE THE DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WE MOVE ON FROM THIS APPROPRIATIONS PROCESS WITHOUT A RULE THAT ALLOWS FOR DEBATE -- AND WE'RE GO TO GO ACCEPT THE ARGUMENT THAT COMES FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE THAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, I CAN GUARANTEE YOU THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN. AND IF THEY DON'T DEFEND THEMSELVES NOW, IT WILL BE LESS REASON THE NEXT TIME AND WE HAVE SETTLED INTO A MODE NOW THAT THE COMMITTEE THAT WOULD RULE, NO CAMERAS IN THE ROOM, SELDOM EVEN A REPORTER IN THE ROOM, BUT MEMBERS OF CONGRESS SITTING THERE IN LITTLE CHAIRS WAITING FOR THE CHANCE TO SAY, OH, PLEASE, COULD I OFFER MY AMENDMENT HERE ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. YOU CAN'T RUN A GOVERNMENT THAT WAY. IT'S NOT CONSISTENT WITH OUR CONSTITUTION. IT WOULD CAUSE INDIGESTION OF ALL OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS. AND IT'S GOT TO STOP AND GET BACK TO A REGULAR ORDER THAT ALLOWS FOR OPEN RULES AND LEGITIMATE DEBATE. AND WE CAN FACE THIS DEBATE, WIN OR LOSE. LET'S DO IT THE RIGHT WAY, MR. CHAIRMAN. I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA. AND I YIELD BACK. |
| 02:41:54 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL READ. |
| 02:41:55 | THE CLERK | PAGE 39, LINE 19, BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES. $96,744,000. FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED, FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE EXPENDITURES. LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES, FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED, NOT TO EXCEED $2 MILLION 700,000. SHALL BE AVAILABLE FOR ITS ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. STATE AND LOCAL ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES, OFFICE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION AND PROSECUTION PROGRAMS. $400 MILLION. OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAM, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $192,388,0000 |
| 02:42:46 | THE CHAIR | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK RISE? |
| 02:42:50 | >> | I HAVE AN AMENDMENT MADE IN ORDER AT THE DESK. |
| 02:42:52 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 02:42:55 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 31 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY MR. NADLER OF NEW YORK. |
| 02:43:00 | THE CHAIR | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK. |
| 02:43:09 | Nadler, Jerrold | I YIELD MYSELF THREE MINUTES. |
| 02:43:11 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES. |
| 02:43:14 | Nadler, Jerrold | MR. CHAIRMAN, I RISE IN SUPPORT OF MY AMENDMENT WHICH I AUTHORED WITH REPRESENTATIVES ME CHAUD AND CAROLYN MALONEY. IT IS THE DEBBIE SMITH PROGRAM AND CORRESPONDING DECREASE IN GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES IN THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE. UNLIKE EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY AND CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE, D.N.A. PROVIDES ASSURANCE AND HAS RESULTED IN THE CONVICTION OF COUNTLESS PERPETRATORS OF VIOLENT CRIMES AND FREED HUNDREDS OF INNOCENT PEOPLE. WE CAN IDENTIFY THE GUILTY AND EXCLUDE THE INNOCENT WITH CERTAINTY WITH JUST A LITTLE BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE AND A SCIENTIFIC TEST. THE PROBLEM, OF COURSE, IS THEY HAVE TO COLLECT THEIR BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE, DO THAT TEST AND RECORD THE INFORMATION. IF YOU DO NOT, THE POWER OF D.N.A. EVIDENCE IS UNREALIZED. UNFORTUNATELY, THERE IS A BACKLOG IN THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS IN THE ANALYSIS OF D.N.A. EVIDENCE. THIS BACK LOG INCLUDES OFFENDERS FROM CRIME SCENES AND RAPE KITS. WHEN SUCH A POWERFUL TOOL IS USED, WE MUST ACT. AND I HELPED PASS LEGISLATION TO DO JUST THAT. DEBBIE SMITH D.N.A. BACKLOG PROGRAM GIVES GRANTS TO STATES INCLUDING RAPE KITS TO ANALYZE RAPE SAMPLES AND EXPAND D.N.A. CAPACITY. THAT MONEY IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND WE MUST ENSURE IT IS AVAILABLE. CONGRESS PROVIDED $151 MILLION TO THE GRANT PROGRAM FOR FY 2009 AND RE-AUTHORIZED THE PROGRAM AT THIS LEVEL THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2014. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS BILL CUTS THIS BY $5 MILLION FOR THE COMING FISCAL YEAR. AND MY AMENDMENT WOULD RESTORE $251 MILLION. I UNDERSTAND THE BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS FACED BY THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, THIS PROGRAM IS NOT REDUCED WHEN THE GRANTS MEANS PROTECTING THE LIVES OF INNOCENT AMERICANS AND REDUCING SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND RAPES. I THANK CONGRESSMAN ME SHAUD AND MALONEY FOR THEIR HELP. I WILL YIELD. |
| 02:45:23 | Mollohan, Alan B. | THIS IS AN IMPORTANT PROGRAM AND WE ARE INCLINED TO ACCEPT HIS AMENDMENT. |
| 02:45:28 | Nadler, Jerrold | I THANK THE GENTLEMAN. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 02:45:34 | Wolf, Frank R. | I CLAIM TIME IN OPPOSITION TO THE AMENDMENT. I'M NOT OPPOSED. |
| 02:45:38 | THE CHAIR | WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 02:45:45 | Nadler, Jerrold | MR. SPEAKER, HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE LEFT? |
| 02:45:50 | THE CHAIR | THREE MINUTES LEFT. |
| 02:45:51 | Nadler, Jerrold | I NOW YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE THE GENTLEMAN FROM MAINE. |
| 02:45:58 | Michaud, Michael | I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR YIELDING ONE MINUTE. THE DEBBIE SMITH ACT PROVIDES STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES FUNDING TO COMBAT SERIOUS CRIME SUCH AS RAPE, SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND MURDER. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK CONGRESSMAN NADLER AND CONGRESSWOMAN MALONEY FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE. OUR AMENDMENT WILL FULLY FUND THIS VALUABLE PROGRAM. EACH UNTESTED D.N.A. SAMPLE REPRESENTS A MISSED CHANCE TO KEEP THESE VIOLENT OFFENDERS OFF OUR STREETS. IN ONE CASE IN CALIFORNIA, A REPEAT SEX OFFENDER RAPED A WOMAN BEFORE THE TEST COULD BE PROCESSED BY STATE CRIME LABS AND THEN ATTACKED TWO ADDITIONAL WOMEN AND A CHILD AS WELL. IN MAINE, WE HAVE A BACKLOG OF OVER 4,000 SAMPLES THAT NEED TO BE ANALYZED. WITH NO ADDITIONAL FUNDING, MANY OF OUR COLD CASES WILL GO UNSOLVED AND THIS BACKLOG WILL CONTINUE. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS VERY IMPORTANT AMENDMENT. AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 02:46:57 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA. |
| 02:47:04 | Wolf, Frank R. | I RESERVE THE BALANCE. |
| 02:47:05 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK. |
| 02:47:10 | Nadler, Jerrold | I YIELD ONE MINUTE TO MRS. MALONEY. |
| 02:47:14 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLELADY IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE. |
| 02:47:16 | Maloney, Carolyn | I RISE IN SUPPORT OF THE AMENDMENT THAT WOULD FULLY FUND THE DEBBIE SMITH BACKLOG GRANT PROGRAM AND I APPLAUD ALL LIKE-MINDED MEN WHO ARE STANDING UP IN LEADERSHIP ROLES TO FUND WHAT MANY HAVE CALLED THE DEBBIE SMITH ACT THE MOST IMPORTANT ANTI-RAPE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION BILL EVER TO PASS THIS CONGRESS. I PARTICULARLY APPLAUD MY COLLEAGUE FROM NEW YORK, WHO HAS BEEN A GRAD YATOR IN SUPPORT OF WOMEN'S ISSUES, A STRONG DEFENDER AND WORKED HARD TO HELP US IN MANY WAYS. AND I APPLAUD CONGRESSMAN MOLLOHAN FOR APPROPRIATING $146 MILLION EARLIER THIS YEAR FOR THE DEBBIE SMITH GRANT PROGRAM. THIS BILL I AUTHORED WITH MARK GREEN ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE. IT WAS TRULY A BIPARTISAN MISSION AND IT HAS SAVED LIVES FOR EVERY SINGLE UNPROCESSED RAPE KIT, REPRESENTS THE VICTIM WHO HAS BEEN DENIED JUSTICE AND A PREDATORY WHO CAN ATTACK OTHER WOMEN. BY INCREASING THE PROGRAM'S FUNDING BY $5 MILLION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010, IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR TO DELIVER FULL FUNDING FOR THIS VITAL ANTI-CRIME PROTECTION OF WOMEN, ANTI-RAPE LEGISLATION. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO STAND WITH US AND SUPPORT THIS IMPORTANT AMENDMENT. AND I APPLAUD MY LIKE-MINDED MALE LEADERS WHO HAVE STOOD STRONG TO PROTECT AND DEFEND WOMEN FROM VIOLENCE AND ONE OF THE WORST CRIMES OF ALL, RAPE. THANK YOU. . |
| 02:48:54 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA. |
| 02:48:57 | Wolf, Frank R. | I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF THE TIME. |
| 02:48:59 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK. |
| 02:49:03 | Nadler, Jerrold | THANK YOU. I YIELD MYSELF SUCH TIME AS I MAY CONSUME. |
| 02:49:07 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 02:49:09 | Nadler, Jerrold | MR. CHAIRMAN, IN CLOSING I WANT TO THANK CHAIRMAN MOLLOHAN FOR ACCEPTING THE AMENDMENT. I WANT TO THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA FOR NOT OPPOSING IT. AND I WANT TO ENCOURAGE ALL MEMBERS TO SUPPORT THIS INCREASE IN FUNDING SO WE CAN REDUCE THE D.N.A. TESTING BACKLOG, WE CAN PUT GUILTY PEOPLE BEHIND BARS, WE CAN FREE INNOCENT PEOPLE, WE CAN PREVENT FUTURE RAPES AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND MAKE OUR COUNTRY SAFER. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 02:49:34 | Nadler, Jerrold | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. ALL TIME HAVING EXPIRED, THE QUESTION IS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK, MR. NADLER. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES HAVE IT. THE AMENDMENT IS -- |
| 02:49:47 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | I ASK A RECORDED VOTE. |
| 02:49:50 | THE CHAIR | PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK WILL BE POSTPONED. |
| 02:50:00 | THE CLERK | $226 BILLION. STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE, $1,312, 500,000. WEED AND SEED PROGRAM FUND, $15 MILLION. JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS, $385 MILLION. PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER BENEFITS, $5 MILLION. COMMUNITY-ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES, $802 MILLION. GENERAL PROVISIONS, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, SECTION 201, NOT TO EXCEED $75,000 FROM FUNDS APPROPRIATED AND THIS ENTITLE SHALL BE AVAILABLE TO THE TURN GENERAL FOR OFFICIAL EXPENSES. NONE OF THE FUNDS SHALL BE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR AN ABORTION EXCEPT FOR THE LIFE OF THE MOTHER WOULD BE ENDANGERED. SECTION 203, NONE OF THE FUNDS SHALL BE USED TO REQUIRE ANY PERSON TO PERFORM ANY ABORTION. SECTION 204, NOTHING IN THE PROCEEDINGS -- PRECEDING SECTION SHALL REMOVE THE OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE ESCORT SERVICES NECESSARY FOR FEMALE INMATE TO RECEIVE SUCH SERVICE OUTSIDE THE FEDERAL FACILITY. SECTION 205, NOT TO EXCEED 5% OF THE APPROPRIATION IN THIS ACT MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO SUCH APPROPRIATION BUT NO APPROPRIATION SHALL BE INCREASED BY MORE THAN 10%. SECTION 206, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS AUTHORIZED TO EXTEND THE PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT DEMONSTRATION PROJECT. SECTION 207, PUBLIC LAW 102-395, SECTION 102-B SHALL EXTEND TO THE BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES IN THE CONDUCT OF UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATIVE OPERATIONS AND SHALL APPLY WITHOUT FISCAL YEAR LIMITATIONS. SECTION 208, NONE OF THE FUNDS MAY BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRANSPORTING AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS A PRISONER OTHER THAN TO A PRISON OR FACILITY CERTIFIED BY THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS AS APPROPRIATELY SECURE FOR HOUSING SUCH A PRISONER. SECTION 209, NONE OF THE FUNDS MAY BE USED BY FEDERAL PRISONS TO PURCHASE CABLE TELEVISION SERVICES OR OTHER AUDIO-VISUAL OR EQUIPMENT USED FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES. SECTION 210, NONE OF THE FUNDS AVAILABLE SHALL BE EXPENDED FOR CENTENNIAL OR OTHER MAJOR NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM IN EXCESS OF $100 MILLION. SECTION 211, THE NOTIFICATION AND THRESHOLDS SET FORTH IN SECTION 505 SHALL APPLY DEVIATIONS FROM THE AMOUNTS DESIGNATED FOR A SPECIFIC ACTIVITY. SECTION 212, NONE OF THE FUNDS MAY BE USED TO PLAN FOR OR IMPROVE A PUBLIC-PRIVATE COMPETITION UNDER THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET SERK LAHR A-76. SECTION 213, NO FUNDS SHALL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE SALARY OF ANY UNITED STATES ATTORNEY ASSIGNED DUO RESPONSIBILITIES FROM THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS. SECTION 214, NONE OF THE FUNDS APPROPRIATED SHALL BE OBLIGATED FOR THE INITIATION OF A FUTURE PHASE OF THE CENTENNIAL PROGRAM. SECTION 215, IN ADDITION TO AMOUNT -- ANY AMOUNT AS OTHERWISE MAY BE AVAILABLE WITH RESPECT TO FUNDS APPROPRIATED BY THIS ACT UNDER THE HEADINGS FOR JUSTICE ASSISTANCE. A, UP TO 3% OF FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS FOR GRANTS OR REIMBURSEMENT MAY BE USED TO PROVIDE TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. SECTION 216, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY UPON REQUEST BY A GRANTEE WAIVE THE REQUIREMENTS OF PARAGRAPH 1 OF SECTION 2976-G OF THE OMNIBUS CRIME CONTROL AND SAFE STREETS ACT OF 1968. SECTION 217, SECTION 5759 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, AS AMENDED BY STRIKING SUBSECTION E. SECTION 218, SUBCHAPTER 4 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, IS AMENDED. THIS TITLE MAY BE CITED AS THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS ACT OF 2010. TITLE 3, SCIENCE, OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY, $7,154,000,000. NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION, SCIENCE, $4,497,100,000 OF WHICH NOT TO EXCEED $450 MILLION, SHALL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2011. AERONAUTICS, $501 MILLION OF WHICH NOT TO EXCEED $50 MILLION SHALL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2011. EXPLORATION, $3,293,200,000 OF WHICH NOT TO EXCEED $330 MILLION, SHALL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2011. SPACE OPERATIONS, $6,9 -- $6,097, 300,000 OF WHICH NOT TO EXCEED $610 MILLION SHALL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2010. EDUCATION, 175 MILLION. TO REMAIN AVAILABLE -- $EDUCATION, $175 MILLION. CROSS-AGENCY, $3,064,000. CONSTRUCTION, REMEDIATION, $441,700,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2015. OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL, $35 MILLION. PROVISIONS, FUNDS FOR ANNOUNCED PRIZES OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED SHALL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL THE PRIZE IS CLAIMED OR THE OFFER IS WITHDRAWN. IN THIS ACT MAY BE TRANSFERRED BETWEEN SUCH OPERATIONS BUT NO SUCH OPERATION SHALL BE INCREASED BY MORE THAN 10%. NO FUNDS SHALL BE USED TO IMPLEMENT BY REDUCTION AND FORCE OR OTHER VOLUNTARY SEPARATIONS BY THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2010. THE UNEXPIRED BALANCES OF THE SCIENCE AERONAUTICS AND EXPLORATION ACCOUNT MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO THE NEW ACCOUNTS ESTABLISHED IN THIS ACT. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES, $5,642,110,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2011. MAJOR RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES, CONSTRUCTION, $114,290,000. EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES, $862 MILLION. $862,900,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2011. |
| 02:57:05 | Johnson, E. B. | MR. CHAIRMAN. |
| 02:57:06 | THE CHAIR | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TEXAS RISE? |
| 02:57:08 | Johnson, E. B. | I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK. |
| 02:57:09 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. -- |
| 02:57:11 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL READ FIRST ONE MORE PARAGRAPH. |
| 02:57:13 | THE CLERK | AGENCY OPERATIONS AND AWARD MANAGEMENT. |
| 02:57:25 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 02:57:28 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 35 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY MS. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON OF TEXAS. |
| 02:57:34 | THE CHAIR | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TEXAS AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TEXAS. |
| 02:57:45 | Johnson, E. B. | THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. THE AMENDMENT IS TO THE SECTION OF THE BILL PERTAINING TO THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION. EDUCATION ACTIVITIES AT THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ARE APPROPRIATED AT MORE THAN $862 MILLION. MY AMENDMENT SIMPLY STATES THAT OF THE AMOUNTS APPROPRIATED FOR THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES THAT $32 MILLION SHALL BE USED FOR HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM. THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE HAS ADVISED THAT THE AMENDMENT WILL NOT AFFECT THE OVERALL SPENDING IN THIS BILL. THE FUNDING AMOUNT IS EQUAL TO A MODEST 1.6% INCREASE FROM LAST YEAR'S FUNDING. IT HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED BY THE ADMINISTRATION AND BY THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION. MY COLLEAGUES ON THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS EDUCATION TASK FORCE, AND I BELIEVE THAT EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IS A KEY FOR OUR NATIONAL PROSPERITY. GIVE A MAN A FISH AND YOU FEED HIM TODAY. TEACH HIM TO FISH AND YOU HAVE FED HIM FOR A LIFETIME. SUPPORT THE HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM IS AN INVESTMENT IN OUR HUMAN CAPITAL. THIS COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM AWARDS FUNDS FOR THE CURRICULAR ENHANCEMENT, FACTUALITY DEVELOPMENT, UNDERGRADUATE, RESEARCH AND COLLABORATIONS. FUNDS USED TO ENCOURAGE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS TO PURSUE CAREERS IN SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND MATH, ALSO CALLED STEM FIELDS. IT MAY HAVE GRANTS TO PRODUCE WELL-EDUCATED MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHERS. THE FUNDING LEVELS SPECIFIED IN MY AMENDMENT WILL PROVIDE FOR AN ESTIMATED TWO TO FOUR NEW TEACHER DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS HAVE A FIRM GRASP ON THE SUBJECT MATTER. THEY'RE ABLE TO CAPTURE THEIR STUDENTS' IMAGINATIONS AND GIVE THEM EXCITEMENT ABOUT THE SCIENCE. THEY DEMONSTRATE TO THE STUDENT THAT CREATIVE INQUIRY AND RIGOROUS INVESTIGATION ARE A TRUE HEART OF SCIENCE. THEY STIMULATE, INVIGORATE AND INFORM THEIR PARENTS, THEIR STUDENTS OF THE VALUE AND ACCESSIBILITY OF CAREERS IN THE STEM. THERE'S A SHORTAGE IN MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHER EXPERTS, ESPECIALLY IN THE HIGH NEED SCHOOL DISTRICTS. DR. MICHAEL MORTGAGER SAY THAT STUDENTS FALL BEHIND IN TEST PERFORMANCE IN THE FIFTH GRADE. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THIS ISSUE, AND I'M PLEASED TO SUPPORT LANGUAGE IN THE GREATER OUTREACH TO STUDENTS AT THE PRIMARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVELS. I AM ALSO PLEASED TO SEE THE EXPERIENCE BASED SCIENCE FUNDING GET MORE ATTENTION AND SUPPORT. YOUNG, SMART MINORITY STUDENTS REPRESENT A HUGE UNTAPPED RESOURCE FOR OUR DOMESTIC STEM WORK FORCE. 39% OF THE PEOPLE UNDER AGE 18 IN THE UNITED STATES ARE PERSONS OF COLOR. AND THIS PERCENTAGE WILL CONTINUE TO INCREASE. THEY ARE GREAT DISPARITIES THAT EXIST. AND OUR TOP TIER SCIENTIFIC WORK FORCE SUFFERS A GREAT LACK OF DIVERSITY. FOR EXAMPLE, OF ALL THE EMPLOYEE PH.D.'S ENGINEERS IN THIS COUNTRY NEARLY 63% OF THEM ARE ANGLO. ALMOST 6% ARE HISPANIC AND A PITIFUL 2% ARE AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND LESS THAN 1% ARE NATIVE AMERICANS. THESE ENORMOUS STATISTICS ARE SAYING THAT THE CURRENT EFFORTS ARE NOT ENOUGH. WE MUST DO MORE TO MITIGATE THIS LOSS. THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCE IS WORKING TO PRODUCE A REPORT THIS FALL WHICH WILL PROVIDE POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS AND HOW TO IMPROVE A GREATER DIVERSITY IN THE STEM WORK FORCE. THIS REPORT WILL DISCUSS THE BARRIERS IN STEM CAREER PIPELINE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE LEAKS IN THAT PIPELINE. THE REPORT IS A GREAT INTEREST TO ME AND TO MY 65 COLLEAGUES ON THE BIPARTISAN HOUSE DIVERSITY AND INNOVATIVE CAUCUS. WE HAVE SENT LETTERS TO THE BUDGET COMMITTEE, THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE AND TO THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY THIS YEAR TO TRY TO GET MORE ATTENTION ON THIS ISSUE OF DIVERSITY. WE ARE GAINING MOMENTUM. WE CANNOT IGNORE THE FACT THAT GREAT DISPARITIES IN STEM EDUCATION AND CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS STILL PERSIST. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THE HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ARE POWERHOUSES WHEN IT COMES TO PRODUCING TALENTED, WELL EDUCATED MATH AND SCIENCE PH.D. GRADUATES. 886 DOCTORIAL PROGRAMS WERE AWARDED TO BLACK STUDENTS AND HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. AS YOU CAN SEE THESE INSTITUTIONS PROVIDE A RELATIVELY LARGE PORTION OF OUR TERMINAL MINORITY STEM WORK FORCE. THIS EDUCATIONAL MODEL SHALL BE REWARDED WITH STRONG AND SUSTAINED SUPPORT. ABOUT A YEAR AGO I STARTED THE HOUSE HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CAUCUS BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT THESE INSTITUTIONS DESERVE MORE ATTENTION TO THE FOR GOOD WORK THAT THEY DO. AND I AM NOT A GRADUATE OF ANY OF THEM. THAT IS WHY I'M PROUD TO OFFER THIS AMENDMENT. I OFFER MY VOICE ON BEHALF OF THE 12.6 MILLION BLACK CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES. MAY EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM EXPERIENCE EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND THE REAL PROMISE OF A BLIGHT FUTURE. AND INVESTMENT IN STEM EDUCATION IS AN INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURE COMPETITIVES. I YIELD BACK. |
| 03:03:14 | >> | I THANK HER FOR HER LEADERSHIP IN THIS AREA AND THE CONTRIBUTION TO THE BILL WITH THIS AMENDMENT. AND, MR. CHAIRMAN, WE ARE INCLINED TO ACCEPT THE AMENDMENT. |
| 03:03:25 | Johnson, E. B. | THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. CHAIRMAN. |
| 03:03:27 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEWOMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA. . |
| 03:03:37 | Wolf, Frank R. | YOU YIELD BACK THE TIME. |
| 03:03:41 | THE CHAIR | THE QUESTION IS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TEXAS. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR -- |
| 03:03:50 | Culberson, John | I WOULD LIKE TO ASK FOR A RECORD VOTE. |
| 03:03:54 | THE CHAIR | FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TEXAS WILL BE POSTPONED. PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, PROCEEDINGS WILL NOW RESUME ON THOSE AMENDMENTS PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON WHICH FURTHER PROCEEDINGS WERE POSTPONED IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER. AMENDMENT NUMBER 19 BY MS. BORDALLO OF GUAM. AMENDMENT NUMBER 3 BY MS. MOORE OF WISCONSIN. AMENDMENT NUMBER 41 BY MR. BOSWELL OF IOWA. THE FIRST ELECTRONIC VOTE WILL BE CONDUCTED AS A 15-MINUTE VOTE. REMAINING ELECTRONIC VOTES WILL BE CONDUCTED AS FIVE-MINUTE VOTES. THE UNFINISHED BUSINESS IS THE REQUEST FOR A RECORDED VOTE ON AMENDMENT NUMBER 19 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY THE THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM FROM GUAM ON WHICH FURTHER PROCEEDINGS WERE POSTPONED AND THE AYES PREVAILED. THE CLERK WILL REDESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 03:05:00 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 19 OFFERED BY MS. BORDALLO OF GUAM. |
| 03:05:03 | THE CHAIR | A RECORDED VOTE HAS BEEN REQUESTED. THOSE IN SUPPORT FOR THE REQUEST OF A RECORDED VOTE WILL RISE AND BE COUNTED. A SUFFICIENT NUMBER HAVING @ |
| 03:46:20 | THE CLERK | PAGE 75, LINE 8, AGENCY OPERATIONS AND AWARD MANAGEMENT, 29 -- $299,870,000, OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD, $4,343,000, OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL, $13 MILLION. THIS TITLE MAYBE CITED AS THE SCIENCE APPROPRIATIONS ACT OF 2010, TITLE 4 RELATED AGENCIES, COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $9,400,000. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $367,300,000. INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $82,700,000. LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION, PAYMENT TO THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION, $440 MILLION. |
| 03:47:13 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS, FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS RISE? |
| 03:47:17 | >> | MR. CHAIRMAN, I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK MADE IN ORDER BY THE RULE. |
| 03:47:22 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 6 PROHIBITED IN THE CONGRESS RECORD OFFERED BY MR. HENSARLING OF TEXAS. |
| 03:47:27 | THE CHAIR | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS BUT WOULD FIRST BRING THE HOUSE TORD TO ORDER. THE GENTLEMAN DESERVES TO BE HEARD ON HIS AMENDMENT. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 03:47:54 | Hensarling, Jeb | THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. NEVER IN THE HISTORY OF CONGRESS HAVE SO FEW VOTED SO FAST TO SPEND SO MUCH AND INDEBT SO MANY. THE DEMOCRATS ARE IN A PROGRAM TO SPEND MORE MONEY THAN WE HAVE SEEN IN THE HISTORY OF THIS INSTITUTION AND APPARENTLY THEY WANT VERY FEW SPEED BUMPS ALONG THE ROAD TO BANKRUPTING AMERICA. THUS LAST NIGHT, ALMOST 3/4 OF THE REPUBLICAN AMENDMENTS THAT WOULD REFORM, IMPROVE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS, MAKE THEM MORE EFFICIENT, SAVE THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER MONEY, WERE RULED OUT OF ORDER, BUT I SUPPOSE IN A MODICUM OF RESPECT FOR THE DEMOCRAT PROCESS A HANDFUL OF AMENDMENTS WERE MADE IN ORDER, I SUPPOSE I'M HAPPY MINE WAS ONE OF THEM. RECENTLY OUR PRESIDENT HAS SAID, QUOTE, WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN SPENDING AND DEBT, WE ARE ON AN UNSUSTAINABLE COURSE. WE HAVE TO TAKE THE PAINSTAKING WORK OF EVERY DOLLAR, EVERY SPENDING AND ASK OURSELVES, IS THIS PROGRAM REALLY ESSENTIAL? ARE TAXPAYERS GETTING THEIR MONEY'S WORTH? CAN WE ACCOMPLISH OUR GOALS MORE EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY SOME OTHER WAY. MR. CHAIRMAN, THE HOUSE IS NOT IN ORDER. THE COMMITTEE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE GENTLEMAN DESERVES TO BE HEARD ON HIS AMENDMENT. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? IT'S IMPORTANT BECAUSE ALREADY WE HAVE SEEN SPENDING OUT OF CONTROL. WE ARE SEEING SPENDING AT LEVELS WE HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE. THE NATIONAL DEBT WILL BE TRIPLED IN 10 YEARS. IN JUST 10 YEARS, THE NATIONAL DEBT WILL BE TRIPLED. THE FEDERAL DEFICIT HAS INCREASE 10D-FIELD. 10-FOLD IN TWO YEARS. WE'VE SEEN THE TAXPAYER BEING FORCED TO SHOULDER $6,000 PER HOUSEHOLD TO FUND $700 BILLION OF BAILOUT MONEY, $9810 TO FUND A $1.13 TRILLION STIMULUS PLAN, $3,533 TO FUND A $10,100 KNEE BUS PLAN. YOU CANNOT -- YOU CANNOT BAILOUT, BORROW, OR SPEND YOUR WAY INTO PROSPERITY SYSTEM OF IN THE SPIRIT OF WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAID, WHEN WE LOOK AT A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THAT CONSISTS OF 10,000 FEDERAL PROGRAMS SPREAD ACROSS 6,000 AGENCY, AT A TIME WHEN AMERICAN FAMILIES WILL -- FAMILIES ARE SUFFERING IN THIS ECONOMY, MAYBE WE OUGHT TO TAKE A LOOK AT A FEW AND SEE IF WE CAN'T SUNSET THEM SO WE CAN PROVIDE SUNSHINE AND MORNING TO THE BUDGETS OF THE AMERICAN FAMILY. I BELIEVE THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION IS ONE SUCH PROGRAM. HASN'T BEEN RE-AUTHORIZED IN ALMOST 30 YEARS. THE PROGRAM HAS A HISTORY OF WASTE, OF FRAUD, ABUSE. LISTEN TO A RECENT G.A.O. REPORT OF LAST YEAR. QUOTE, EXPENDITURES WERE INSUFFICIENT IN SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION. OUT OF SEVEN OF 14 GRANTEES WE VISITTED WE IDENTIFIED SYSTEMIC ISSUES IN PAYMENTS THAT LACKED SUFFICIENT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION THAT MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE EXPENDITURES WERE ACCURATE, ALLOWABLE, OR REPORTABLE. ONE GRANTEE WAS USING FUNDS TO PROVIDE INTEREST-FREE POUNDS -- LOANS TO EMPLOYEES. LOBBYING FEES, TAXPAYER MONEY USED FOR LOBBYING FEES. THIS ISN'T ME SAYING THIS, IT'S THE GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE. AGAIN, A PROGRAM OF HISTORY OF WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE. NOW I BELIEVE THE LINE ITEM IN THIS BUDGET, MR. CHAIRMAN, IS $440 MILLION. WE'VE GOT A CHOICE. ONE, IT'S A PROGRAM THAT'S BEEN UNAUTHORIZED SINCE 1980'S. REPORTED INSTANCES OF WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE, AND SHOULD WE ACTUALLY BE TAXING TAXPAYERS TO FORCE THEM TO SUBSIDIZE THEIR NEIGHBORS TO TURN AROUND AND SUE THEM? I DON'T THINK SO. I DON'T THINK SO, MR. CHAIRMAN. DOLLARS HAVE ALTERNATIVE USES. WE CAN USE $440 MILLION TO SAVE OUR CHILDREN FROM THIS EXPLOSION OF NATIONAL DEBT, SOMETHING THAT THE MAJORITY LEADER ONCE CALLED FISCAL CHILD ABUSE, WE CAN SAVE SMALL BUSINESSES AT A TIME WHEN WE DESPERATELY NEED JOB CREATION, OR THE MONEY CUB PUT ON AUTOMATIC PILOT ONCE AGAIN AND WE COULD SUBSIDIZE PEOPLE SO THEY COULD TURN AROUND AND SUE THEIR NEIGHBORS. LET'S SAVE THE AMERICAN DREAM. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 03:52:40 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS RESERVES. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 03:52:46 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE AMENDMENT. |
| 03:52:50 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 03:52:54 | Mollohan, Alan B. | AS PART OF THE ARGUMENT TO STRIKE ALL FUNDS AND LANGUAGE FOR THE LEGAL SERVICE CORPORATION, THE GENTLEMAN APPEALS TO OUR CONCERN ABOUT THE NATIONAL DEBT. WELL, WE ALL HAVE A CONCERN ABOUT THE NATIONAL DEBT AND IT'S ALL ABOUT PRIORITIES. THIS AMENDMENT WOULD ATTEMPT TO EFFECT A BALANCING OF THE NATIONAL DEBT OR A REDUCTION OF IT ON THE BACKS OF THOSE WHO ARE THE ABSOLUTELY LEAST ABLE TO AFFORD IT AND MAKING EXTREMELY SMALL CONTRIBUTION IN THE PROCESS. NOW MORE THAN EVER, THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION REALLY NEEDS A HEALTHY FEDERAL APPROPRIATION. DIFFICULT ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE DRIVING RECORD NUMBERS OF AMERICANS UNDER THE INCOME THRESHOLDS THAT ESTABLISH ELIGIBILITY FOR LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION. 51 MILLION AMERICANS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL AID, INCLUDING, MR. CHAIRMAN, 18 MILLION CHILDREN. AT THE SAME TIME, NONFEDERAL FUNDING SOURCES FOR LEGAL AID ARE DECLINING AS STATE BUDGET DEFICITS AND PRESSURES ON PRIVATE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS HAVE REDUCED LEGAL AID CONTRIBUTIONS BY OUTSIDE ENTITIES. NOW IS THE VERY TIME THAT LEGAL AID CORPORATION NEEDS FEDERAL SUPPORT. L.S.E. PROVIDERS ALREADY TURN AWAY ONE OF EVERY TWO ELIGIBLE CLIENTS WHO SEEK ASSISTANCE. ALREADY IN A DIFFICULT ECONOMY, WHEN THOSE SEEKING LEGAL AID ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY ELIGIBLE, WE'RE TURNING AWAY 50% OF THOSE WHO NEED THE SERVICE. WITH NO FEDERAL FUNDING, AS THE GENTLEMAN HAS PROPOSED IN HIS AMENDMENT, LEGAL SERVICE CORPORATION GRANTEES WILL BE FORCED TO TURN AWAY EVEN MORE CLIENTS WHO ARE IN DESPERATE NEED OF HELP. I URGE MEMBERS TO CONSIDER THE TRUE HUMAN IMPACT OF THAT PROPOSAL AND MR. CHAIRMAN, POSE THE AMENDMENT AND I GO BACK TO WHERE I STARTED. THIS IS JUST THE WRONG PLACE TO TRY TO BALANCE THE BUDGET ON THE BACKS OF THOSE WHO ARE LEAST ABLE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION. I OPPOSE THE AMENDMENT AND RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 03:55:23 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS. |
| 03:55:29 | Hensarling, Jeb | MAY I INQUIRE HOW MUCH TIME I HAVE REMAINING? |
| 03:55:33 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN HAS 30 SECONDS REMAINING. |
| 03:55:36 | Hensarling, Jeb | I YIELD MYSELF THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 03:55:38 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 03:55:42 | Hensarling, Jeb | I HEARD THE GENTLEMAN SAY WE ALL HAVE CONCERNS OVER THE NATIONAL DEBT, I HAVEN'T SEEN THAT MUCH CONCERN ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE AS THEY PROPOSE A BUDGET TO RAISE THE DEFICIT. I WOULD POINT OUT THAT THERE ARE PRO BONO LAW FIRMS AND OTHER OPTIONS BESIDES TAKING AWAY MONEY FROM THE DUBLIN FAMLOY OF PALESTINE AND OTHERS, THEIR BUDGET NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED, NOT THE LEGAL SERVICES. I URGE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT. |
| 03:56:18 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED THIS JE -- THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 03:56:25 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 03:56:27 | Mollohan, Alan B. | ALL TIME HAVING EXPIRED, THE QUESTION SON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS, MR. HENSARLING. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES VISIT. |
| 03:56:42 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I ASK FOR A RECORDED VET. |
| 03:56:45 | Mollohan, Alan B. | PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FURTHER 3R0 SEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN -- THE CLERK WILL READ. |
| 03:56:59 | THE CLERK | PAGE 79, LINE SIX, ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION, LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION, NONE OF THE FUNDS SHALL BE EXPENDED FOR ANY PURPOSE PROHIBITED OR LIMITED BY SECTION 501, 502, 503, 504, 505 AND 506 OF PUBLIC LAW 105-119, MARINE MA'AMAL COMMISSION, SALARIES AND EXPENSE, $3,300,000. OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $48 MILLION -- $48,328,000. OF WHICH $250,000 SHALL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 20116789 TITLE 5, GENERAL PROVISIONS, SECTION 501, NO PART OF ANY APPROPRIATION SHALL BE USED FOR PUBLIC -- PUBLICITY OR PROPAGANDA NOT AUTHORIZED BY THE CONGRESS. SECTION 502, NO PART OF ANY APPROPRIATION SHALL REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR OBLIGATION BEYOND THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR. SECTION 503, THE EXPENDITURE FOR ANY CONSULTING SERVICE SHALL BE LIMITED TO THOSE CONTRACTS WHERE SUCH EXPENDITURES ARE A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD. SECTION 504. IF ANY PROVISION OF THIS ACT, APPLICATION OF SUCH PROVISION TO ANY PERSON SHALL BE HELD INVALID. THE REMAINDER OF THE ACT AND APPLICATION OF THE DIVISION TO PERSONS OTHER THAN THOSE TO WHICH IT IS HELD INVALID SHALL NOT BE AFFECTED. SECTION 505, NONE OF THE FUNDS PROVIDE UNDER PREVIOUS APPROPRIATIONS ACT TO THE AGENCIES FUNDED BY THIS ACT THAT REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR OBLIGATION OR EXPENDITURE STHAL BE AVAILABLE FROM OBLIGATION OR EXPENDITURE THROUGH THE FUNDING THAT ONE, CREATES A NEW PROGRAM, PROJECT, OR ACTIVITY. SECTION 506, NONE OF THE FUNDS MAY BE USED TO IMPLEMENT ANY GUIDELINES OF THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION COVERING HARASSMENT BASED ON RELIGION. SECTION 507, IF IT HAS BEEN FINALLY DETERMINED -- |
| 03:59:05 | >> | MR. CHAIRMAN. |
| 03:59:06 | THE CHAIR | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 03:59:09 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT PAGE 101, LINE 20 BE CONSIDERED AS READ, PRINTED IN THE RECORD AND OPEN TO AMENDMENT AT THAT POINT. |
| 03:59:19 | THE CHAIR | IS THERE AN OBJECTION? WITHOUT OBJECTION, SO ORDERED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA RISE? |
| 03:59:30 | MR. LEWIS | I RISE TO ATTEMPT TO BE OF SOME SERVICE TO THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION AND ORES IN THE HOUSE WHO MAY BE CONCERNED ABOUT A DECISION MADE NOT TOO LONG AGO, I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT WE PUT THE EXECUTIVE ORDER 13492 IN THE RECORD AT THIS POINT. |
| 03:59:50 | THE CHAIR | DOES THE GENTLEMAN SEEK TO OFFER AN AMENDMENT? |
| 03:59:53 | MR. LEWIS | YES, I DO. |
| 03:59:55 | THE CHAIR | WILL THE GENTLEMAN SPECIFY THE NUMBER OF THE AMENDMENT HE WISHES -- |
| 03:59:59 | MR. LEWIS | AMENDMENT NUMBER 118. |
| 04:00:03 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THAT AMENDMENT. |
| 04:00:06 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 118, PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY MR. LEWIS OF CALIFORNIA. |
| 04:00:13 | THE CHAIR | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 55 , THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 04:00:26 | MR. LEWIS | I WOULD LIKE TO SCR THIS EXECUTIVE ORDER PUT IN THE RECORD AT THIS POINT. |
| 04:00:31 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN'S REQUEST WILL BE COVERED UNDER GENERAL LEAVE. |
| 04:00:34 | MR. LEWIS | THANK YOU. AS WE ALL KNOW, MR. SPEAKER, THE PRESIDENT SIGNED EXECUTIVE ORDER 13492 TO CLOSE GUANTANAMO BAY DETENTION FACILITY IN JANUARY. MORE THAN FOUR MONTHS LATER, THERE IS STILL NO EVIDENCE OF A PLAN TO CARRY OUT THE ORDER AND NO CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESS. YET THE ADMINISTRATION IS RACING TO MOVE DETAINEES ALL THE WHILE WITHHOLDING INFORMATION FROM THE CONGRESS AND THE PUBLIC. FIRST LET ME SAY THAT LAST WEEK A SUSPECTED PLOTTER OF THE 1998 EMBASSY BOMBINGS IN AFRICA ARRIVED IN NEW YORK FOR A HIGH-THREAT TRIAL. SECOND, LAST WEEK THE GOVERNMENT OF PALAU ANNOUNCED IT WOULD ACCEPT SOME OF THE UIGHUR DETAINEES. PRESS ACCOUNTS LINKED THIS ANNOUNCEMENT TO SOME SIGNIFICANT LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE ON THE PART OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC TO PALAU. THE UIGHURS DETAINEES ARE AFFILIATED WITH A LISTED TERRORIST GROUP AND RECEIVED WEAPONS TRAINING IN CAMPS IN AFGHANISTAN, RUN BY LEADERS AFFILIATED WITH AL QAEDA. TO SAY THE LEAST WE OUGHT TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT ANY GROUP THAT'S BEEN TRAINED UNDER THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES. FINALLY, LAST WEEK, THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANNOUNCED THAT FOUR OF THE UIGHURS DETAINEES HAVE BEEN RESETTLED IN BERMUDA. A VISA WAIVER COUNTRY. THE CONGRESS AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FOUND OUT ABOUT THESE ACTIONS AND EFFORTS AFTER THE FACT. THERE IS MORE. THREE DETAINEES HAVE BEEN TRANSFERED TO SAUDI ARABIA, ONE TO CHAD, AND ONE TO IRAQ. WE ARE HEARING RUMORS ABOUT POSSIBLE DEALS WITH YEMEN, ITALY, AND ALBANIA. ALL THIS HAS BEEN DONE WITHOUT AN ASSESSMENT OF THE RISK TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AT HOME AND ABROAD OR AN ASSESSMENT OF THE RISK TO OUR U.S. FORCES BY SUCH RELEASES. THE GUANTANAMO DETAINEES INCLUDE THE PERPETRATORS OF SOME OF THE MOST HORRIFIC TERRORIST ACTS AGAINST AMERICANS, INCLUDING 9/11, THE U.S.S. COLE BOMBING AND THE EMBASSY BOMBINGS IN AFRICA. DIRECTOR MULLER OF THE F.B.I. TESTIFIED TO CONGRESS THREE WEEKS AGO THAT BRINGING DETAINEES TO U.S. SOIL POSES RISK TO NATIONAL SECURITY. INCLUDING PROVIDING FINANCING, RADICALIZING OTHERS AND UNDERTAKING A TAX IN THE UNITED STATES. ADDITIONALLY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE HAS REPORTED THAT AT LEAST 14% OF FORMER GUANTANAMO DETAINEES HAVE RETURNED TO TERRORIST ACTIVITY IN THE REGION, TO SAY THE LEAST WE OUGHT TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE RELEASE OF PEOPLE OF THAT KIND WHO THREATEN OUR INTEREST ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. THIS ADMINISTRATION IS IGNORING OR DISREGARDING THOSE RISKS AND STONEWALLING THE CONGRESS. WE NEED TO STOP THIS ADMINISTRATION FROM RUSHING TO TRANSFER OR RESETTLELEMENT OF ANY MORE DETAINEES AT THE EXPENSE OF INCREASED RISK TO AMERICANS AND HELP THE PRESIDENT SIMPLY FULFILL HIS CAMPAIGN PROMISE. THE PRESIDENT HAS BEEN VERY BUSY SINCE HIS INAUGURAL. THERE'S LITTLE QUESTION HE'S BEEN DOWN MANY A PATHWAY AND HE'S EVEN FOUND SOME OF THOSE PATHWAYS MIGHT VERY WELL HAVE BEEN A MISTAKE. WELL, THIS IS A CASE WHERE I BELIEVE A DECISION WAS MADE WITHOUT BEING CAREFULLY THOUGHT THROUGH, LET ALONE KNOWING THE SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS OF THE ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN AND WE'RE ATTEMPTING BY THIS AMENDMENT TO HELP THE ADMINISTRATION RETHINK THAT DECISION THAT THEY HAVE MADE. AND WITH THAT, MR. SPEAKER, I |
| 04:04:26 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 04:04:34 | Mollohan, Alan B. | MR. CHAIRMAN, I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE AMENDMENT. |
| 04:04:38 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 04:04:40 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I THANK THE CHAIRMAN. MR. CHAIRMAN, I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THIS AMENDMENT WHICH WOULD ESSENTIALLY PROBABILITY ANY FUNDS -- PROHIBIT ANY FUNDS TO BE SPENT WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EXECUTIVE ORDER, REQUIRING THE CLOSURE OF THE DETENTION FACILITIES AT GUANTANAMO BAY. I BELIEVE THAT THE CLOSING OF GUANTANAMO IS THE RIGHT POLICY DECISION. THE PRESIDENT BELIEVES THAT AND THE PRESIDENT HAS ACTED ON THAT. IT'S AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THE COUNTRY, IT'S A SYMBOL THAT HAS REALLY FOEMENTED A LOT OF OPPOSITION TO THE UNITED STATES AROUND THE WORLD. THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF GITMO IS A BASIC ASSAULT ON OUR VALUES AND IT UNDERMINES THE SUCCESS IN OUR COUNTERTERRORISM PROGRAMS. PRESIDENT OBAMA AND I ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES THAT BELIEVE THIS. SECRETARY GATES, ADMIRAL MERL, THE TOP DEFENSE OFFICIALS AGREE THAT IT SHOULD BE CLOSED AS BOTH PRESIDENT BUSH'S SECRETARIES OF STATE AND A VARIETY OF OTHER BIPARTISAN POLITICAL OFFICIALS. SO THIS IS A BIPARTISAN POSITION. WE'VE ALREADY CLEARLY COMMUNICATED TO THE WHITE HOUSE THAT THEY MUST SUBMIT A PLAN SHOWING HOW THEY INTEND TO PROCEED. THE WHITE HOUSE HAS AGREED AND I'M CONFIDENT THAT THEIR PLAN WILL SHOW A REASONABLE PATH FORWARD. THE BILL FOR US TODAY -- BEFORE YOU TODAY, MR. CHAIRMAN, INCLUDES PROVISIONS TO ENSURE THAT THE CONGRESS WILL HAVE SUFFICIENT OPPORTUNITY TO WEIGH IN ON THAT PLAN WHEN IT IS SUBMITTED TO PRECLUDE MOST ACTIVITIES PRIOR TO THAT. THE BILL DOES NOT PERMIT THIS LEGISLATION BEFORE US TONIGHT DOES NOT PERMIT DETAINEES INTO THE UNITED STATES DURING FISCAL YEAR 2010. IT DOESN'T PERMIT THE TRANSFER OF DETAINEES TO THE U.S. FOR DETENTION OR PROSECUTION PURPOSES UNTIL TWO MONTHS AFTER WE'VE RECEIVED THE PLAN. IT DOESN'T PERMIT THE TRANSFER OF DETAINEES TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES WITHOUT NOTIFICATION AND CERTIFICATIONS TO THE CONGRESS AND DOESN'T PROVIDE ANY FUNDS FOR ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE GITMO CLOSURE. THIS WILL ENSURE THAT WE HAVE ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO DEBATE THIS ISSUE WHEN THE ADMINISTRATION REQUESTS A BUDGET AMENDMENT OR A SUPPLEMENTAL TO FUND THIS PLAN. WE'VE ESTABLISHED A GOOD PROCESS FOR CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE AND IT SHOULD ALLOW TO PLAY OUT BEFORE WE START PARENTALING A PLAN THAT WE DON'T EVEN HAVE BEFORE US. THIS BILL POSTURES THIS ISSUE IN A GOOD WAY AND I OPPOSE THE AMENDMENT, MR. CHAIRMAN. RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:07:20 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA. |
| 04:07:26 | MR. LEWIS | MR. SPEAKER, I YIELD THE BALANCE OF MY TIME TO MY COLLEAGUE FROM KANSAS, MR. TIAHRT. |
| 04:07:30 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZE FOR 1 1/2 MINUTES. |
| 04:07:33 | Tiahrt, Todd | I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT AMENDMENT. I THINK THE VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE UNDERSTAND WHAT'S AT PLAY HERE. THE CURRENT PLAN BY THE PRESIDENT THROUGH EXECUTIVE ORDER IS TO CLOSE GUANTANAMO BAY DOWN. NOW THIS FACILITY IS A STATE-OF-THE-ART MODERN FACILITY. IT INCLUDES THE RIGHT STRATEGY AS FAR AS LAYOUT OF THE FACILITIES, IT ALSO HAS A MODERN NEW COURTROOM, STATE-OF-THE-ART COURTROOM WELL SUITED TO HANDLE THE CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE IN TRYING TO DEAL WITH THESE DETAINEES, THESE SELF-PROCLAIMED TERRORISTS. NOW I'VE BEEN TO GUANTANAMO BAY TWICE, I'VE BEEN TO OTHER FACILITIES LIKE FORT LEAVENWORTH. THE IDEA OF MOVING THESE SELF-PROFESSED TERRORISTS TO AMERICAN SOIL IS A BAD IDEA. THE A WORSE IDEA TO PUT THIS TELL IN OUR PRISONS. WE'VE HAD TWO INCIDENCES WITHIN THE LAST MONTH WHERE AMERICAN CITIZENS HAVE BEEN RECRUITED BY RADICAL ISLAMISTS IN OUR OWN PRISONS WHEN THEY WERE RELEASED -- PRISONS. WHEN THEY WERE RELEASED THEY COMMITTED ACTS OF TERROR IN OUR COUNTRY. IT'S A BAD IDEA TO SEND THESE DETAINEES TO OUR PRISONS. IT'S A TERRIBLE IDEA TO SEND THEM TO OUR AMERICAN STREETS. NOW THIS PRISON COST LESS THAN $100 MILLION TO BUILD YET THE PRESIDENT'S PLAN HAS AS REPORTED IS TO SEND SOME OF THESE UIGHURS, SOME OF THESE CHINESE TERRORISTS, TOPY LAW AND WE'RE GO GOING TO GIVE THEM $2 MILLION TO TAKE CARE OF THESE UIGHURS. THIS DOESN'T MAKE SENSE FOR OUR CULTURE, FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR PEOPLE HERE IN AMERICA. I THINK THAT ONE OF THE EXCUSES THAT I'VE HEARD IS THAT, WELL, WE'VE WWW.TO CLOSE GUANTANAMO BAY BECAUSE IT'S USED AS A RECRUITING TOOL. WELL, LET ME TELL YOU, ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, GUANTANAMO BAY DID NOT EXIST. IT WAS NOT USED AS A RECRUITING TOOL. WHAT HAS BEEN USED AS A RECRUITING TOOL IS THE PICTURES OF THESE DETAINEES THEMSELVES AND YESTERDAY'S BILL, THE SUPPLEMENTAL, WHICH WAS PASSED BY THIS HOUSE AGAINST MY VOTE DID NOT PREVENT THE RELEASE OF DETAINEE PHOTOS. THOSE WILL BE USED. THOSE WILL BE USED TO RECRUIT OTHER TERRORISTS. SO DON'T GIVE US THAT EXCUSE. THAT'S WHY YOU'VE GOT TO CLOSE GUANTANAMO BAY. FINALLY IT MAKES SENSE TO KEEP IT OPEN. AS FAR AS THE SAFETY OF OUR COUNTRY, IT MAKES SENSE TO KEEP IT OPEN. PASS THIS AMENDMENT, DO THE RIGHT THING FOR OUR COUNTRY. VOTE FOR THE LEWIS AMENDMENT. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:09:51 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA HAS 2 1/2 MINUTES. |
| 04:09:56 | Mollohan, Alan B. | YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME, MR. CHAIRMAN. |
| 04:09:59 | THE CHAIR | ALL TIME HAVING EXPIRED, THE QUESTION IS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE NOES HAVE IT. THE AMENDMENT IS NOT AGREED TO. THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA. |
| 04:10:13 | MR. LEWIS | I CALL FOR A ROLL CALL. |
| 04:10:15 | Culberson, John | PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA WILL BE POSTPONED. THE CLERK WILL READ. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM KANSAS RISE? |
| 04:10:31 | >> | MR. SPEAKER, I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK. |
| 04:10:33 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 04:10:36 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 69 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY MR. TIAHRT OF KANSAS. |
| 04:10:41 | THE CHAIR | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEMAN FROM KANSAS AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM KANSAS. |
| 04:10:49 | Tiahrt, Todd | I THANK THE SPEAKER. MR. SPEAKER, EARLIER THIS YEAR THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TOLD US THE STIMULUS BILL WAS GOING TO BE THE SALVATION OF OUR ECONOMIC WOES. THEY PREDICTED UNEMPLOYMENT WOULD TOP OUT AT 8% AND THEY CLAIMED THAT JOBS WOULD BE CREATED OR SAVED IMMEDIATELY. WELL, WE'VE BEEN SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TIME SINCE IT WAS PASSED AND OUR ECONOMIC WOES HAVEN'T CHANGED. IN FACT, THE NUMBERS ARE IN STARK CON DRAFT TO WHO WE SEE TODAY. UNEMPLOYMENT IS HEADED TOWARD DOUBLE-DIGITS. JUST THIS WEEK CN THRVINGS REPORTED THAT AMERICANS SAW $1.3 TRILLION OF WEALTH VAPORIZE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2009. DESPITE THE MASSIVE SPENDING -- GOVERNMENT SPENDING, FORECLOSURES CONTINUE. CAR KEELERSHIP -- DEALERSHIPS ARE CLOSING AND LAYOFFS CONTINUE. HOME VALUES HAVE CONTINUED TO DECLINE AND THE STOCK MARKET IS DOWN 40% FROM LAST YEAR. OUR GOVERNMENT IS BORROWING MONEY IT DOES NOT IS HAVE, INFLATING PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS WE DO NOT NEED. RECENTLY IT WAS REPORTED THAT OVER 100 WASTEFUL PROJECTS WERE FUNDED THROUGH THIS STIMULUS BILL. THERE IS A PROJECT THAT INCLUDES THOUSANDS OF SIGNS AT $300 EACH TO BRAG ABOUT THE PROJECTS PAID FOR UNDER THIS BILL. THERE ARE PROJECTS HERE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN FUNDED UNDER REGULAR ORDER. THERE'S $2.2 MILLION FOR A STATE-RUN LIQUOR WEAR HOUSE TO PUT SKYLIGHTS IN THE INSTALLATION. THERE'S MONEY FOR TUNNELS FOR TURTLES. IT SEEMS TO ME LIKE MAYBE THE TURTLES WILL ARE NEED THE SIGNS TO FIND THE TUNNELS. THERE'S OVER $40 BILLION IN A STATE SLUSH FUND AND THERE'S MONEY FOR EDUCATION, THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION DUNCAN HAS ADMITTED HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO SPEND IT. THIS IS YOUR STIMULUS AT WORK HERE IN AMERICA. TAXPAYERS DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY SO MUCH MONEY IS BEING WASTED SO QUICKLY WITH NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT. MY AMENDMENT ON THE FLOOR TODAY WOULD KEEP A QUARTER OF A BILLION DOLLARS FROM OUR DEFICIT BY TAKING THE STIMULUS DOLLARS TO PAY FOR THIS LEGISLATION AND OTHER LEGISLATION. NOW AT A TIME WHEN AMERICANS ARE PULLING BACK ON THEIR SPENDING AND SAVING MORE, OUR GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO THE SAME. THE FIRST QUARTER THIS YEAR HOUSEHOLD DEBT FELL BY AN ANNUAL RATE OF 1.1% TO $13.8 TRILLION. INSTEAD OF FOLLOWING OUR OUR CONSTITUENTS' ACTIONS, OUR GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO SPEND MONEY WE DO NOT HAVE AND WHEN OUR GOVERNMENT SPENDS MONEY THAT WE DO NOT HAVE, ONE OF TWO THINGS HAPPEN. EITHER WE BORROW IT FROM COUNTRIES LIKE CHINA AND SINCE CHINA ISN'T BUYING OUR DEBT NOW, THE OTHER SOLUTION IS THAT OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PRINTS MONEY. WE HAVE HAD THE FED PUMP OVER $1 TRILLION OF NEW MONEY INTO OUR ECONOMY. THE PROBLEM WITH INFUSION OF NEW MONEY INTO OUR ECONOMY LIKE THIS IS THAT IT CAUSES INFLATION. WHEN YOU HAVE MORE MONEY AVAILABLE FOR ROUGHLY THE SAME AMOUNT OF GOODS, YOU GET INFLATION. THE EQUATION IS VERY SIMPLE. MORE MONEY WE PRINT, THE LESS OUR MONEY IS WORTH. AND INFLATION HITS OUR RETIRED AMERICANS THE WORST. THEY'RE ON FIXED INCOMES. IT HITS THE WORKING POOR THE HARDEST. PEOPLE WHO ARE JUST GETTING BY AND WHEN YOU TAKE PURCHASING VALUE AWAY FROM THEM, THEY'RE WORSE OFF. THESE AMERICANS HAVE WORKED TOO HARD FOR THEIR MONEY TO SEE THE ACTIONS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE DRASTICALLY REDUCE ITS VALUE. OUR ECONOMIC INSTABILITY UNCERTAINTY IS MAKING AMERICA BONDS-TOXIC. EVEN COUNTRIES LIKE CHINA AND BRAZIL ARE TURNING THEIR NOSE UP IN FAVOR OF INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND BONDS. LET'S FOLLOW OUR QUINTS' LEAD. LET'S SLOW OUR TREASURY'S PRINTING PRESS, LET'S ACT RESPONSIBLY BY REPEALING THE PORTION OF UNOBLIGATED FUNDS IN THE STIMULUS AND PAY FOR THE PORTION OF THE BILL BEFORE US TODAY. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:14:28 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 04:14:35 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT. I POSE THIS, I SCRATCH MY HEAD AS I DID AT FULL COMMITTEE, WHY WE WOULD BE OFFERING AN AMENDMENT TO JERK THE RUG OUT FROM UNDER THE RECOVERY ACT AT A TIME WHEN THE RECOVERY ACT IS BEGINNING TO STIMULATE AND HELP RECOVERY OF OUR ECONOMY IN THE NATION? THE JUST THE WRONG TIME TO DO THIS AND I STILL QUESTION THE GENTLEMAN'S LOGIC IN THIS. MR. TIAHRT'S AMENDMENT ATTEMPTS TO PREVENT THE OBLIGATION THE RECOVERY ACT FUNDS FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION. IF THERE'S ONE AGENCY IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THAT IS FOCUSED ON FOMENTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, IT IS THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION. SO I THINK THAT SIGNALING THAT OUT HAS REALLY -- SINGLING THAT OUT HAS REALLY TAKEN NOT ONLY THE RECOVERY ACT BUT THE AGENCY THAT IS CHARGED WITH DEVELOPING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN AREAS THAT ARE MOST NEEDY, TAKING IT IT HEAD-ON AND TRYING TO UNDERMINE ITS ABILITY TO DOITY MISSION. NTIA'S DIGITAL TO ANALOG CONVERTER BOX PROGRAM IS ALSO ATTACKED AS IS CONSTRUCTION FOR RESEARCH FOR FACILITIES PROGRAM TO PREVENT THE PAYMENT OF SALARIES AND SALARIES RESPONSIBLE FOR OBLIGATING THESE FUNDS. OBVIOUSLY CONSTRUCTION IS WHERE WE WANT TO GET MONEY. I MEAN, THERE IS CRITICISM IF IN A LOT OF AREAS BUT CERTAINLY IN SOME QUARTERS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE, THOSE WHO OPPOSE THE RECOVERY ACT. THERE IS CRITICISM THAT FUNDS ARE NOT GETTING OUT QUICKLY ENOUGH FOR CONSTRUCTION. THOSE ARE THE AREAS THAT DEMONSTRATIVELY PROVIDE REAL JOBS IN REALTIME. SO THE UNCLEAR WHY MR. TIAHRT'S SINGLING OUT THESE AGENCY WHEN IS SO MANY OTHER AGENCIES, OTHERS IN THIS BILL, ALSO RECEIVE FUNDS UNDER THE RECOVERY ACT. BUT IT IS JUST THE WRONG TIME TO REACH BACK AND TO TRY TO UNDO THE STIMULUS PACKAGE AT A TIME WHEN THE ECONOMY IS RECOVERY -- RECOVERING. HE MEASURED BY A LOT OF THINGS. RECOVERY IN THE CREDIT MARKETS, IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CREDIT -- IN THE CAPITAL MARKETS. MR. CHAIRMAN, I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE AMENDMENT. IT'S AN UNWISE TIME TO DO THIS AND I WOULD HOPE THAT THE BODY WOULD OPPOSE THE AMENDMENT AND I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:17:00 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM KANSAS. |
| 04:17:06 | Tiahrt, Todd | HOW MUCH TIME IS REMAINING? |
| 04:17:08 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN HAS 2 1/2 MINUTES REMAINING. |
| 04:17:11 | Tiahrt, Todd | I THANK THE SPEAKER. MR. SPEAKER, THE REASON THAT WE ARE -- THAT WE WOULD REPEAL THE RECOVERY ACT OR STIMULUS BILL IS BECAUSE IT SIMPLY DOESN'T WORK. IN THE 1930'S WE TRIED A SIMILAR PHILOSOPHY. WE BORROWED MONEY FROM OTHER COUNTRIES AND WE STARTED PROGRAMS THAT HAD NEVER BEFORE BEEN TRIED AND THROUGHOUT THE 1930'S WE HAVE DOUBLE-DIGIT UNEMPLOYMENT. IN MAY OF 1939 SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, SECRETARY MORGENTHAU, SAID WE HAVE BORROWED ALL THIS MONEY, WE HAVE SPENT ALL THIS MONEY AND WE HAVE NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT. THE RECOVERY ACT DOES NOT WORK. IN THE 199 30'S JAPAN TRIED THE SAME THING. THEY HAD A RECESSION, THEY BORROWED MONEY, THEY STARTED GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND IT DIDN'T WORK THERE EITHER. THEY CALLED THAT THEIR LOST DECADE WHERE THE AVERAGE PER CAPITA INCOME IN JAPAN WENT FROM SECOND IN THE WORLD TO 10TH IN THE WORLD. IF YOU WANT SOMETHING THAT WORKS, IT'S NOT BORROWING MONEY AND SPENDING MONEY. INSTEAD WE NEED TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR ECONOMY. FOUR OUT OF FIVE JOBS IN AMERICA ARE SMALL BUSINESS JOBS. WE NEED TO PROVIDE SMALL BUSINESS JOBS. REMEMBER, GENERAL MOTORS STARTED OUT IN A GARAGE. BOEING STARTED IN A BARN. PIZZA HUT STARTED IN A BUILDING THAT'S SMALLER THAN YOUR OFFICE. BECAUSE THEY HAD OPPORTUNITY. AND WE CAN PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY WITHOUT BORROWING MONEY FROM CHINA OR PRINTING NEW MONEY AT THE TREASURY. WE CAN DO IT BY REFORMING OUR REGULATION, PUT THEM ON A COST-BASED ANALYSIS. WE CAN DO IT BY REFORMING OUR HEALTH CARE, MAKING IT MARKET BASED. WE CAN DO IT BY REFORMING OUR LITIGATION POLICY, WE CAN DO IT BY LOWERING OUR TAXES AND MAKING CAPITAL WELCOME IN AMERICA. CAPITAL IS A COWARD AND WE ARE SCARING IT OFF AND YOU CAN'T CREATE AN ECONOMY THAT'S STRONG AND RECOVERABLE IF YOU DON'T CREATE SMALL BUSINESS JOBS. SO IF YOU REALLY WANT TO DO IT, YOU CAN DO IT ON THE CHEAP AND DO IT SUCCESSFULLY. IF YOU WANT TO BORROW THIS MONEY AND FORCE THIS DEBT ON OUR KID, THIS $250 BILLION, THEN YOU CAN GO AHEAD WITH THIS PLAN BUT THERE IS SOMETHING BETTER. THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE THAT ACTUALLY WORKS AND HISTORICALLY IT'S PROVEN. SO WHAT WE WANT TO DO IS REPEAL THE RECOVERY ACT, THE STIMULUS BILL, AND PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ALLOW AMERICA TO GROW. BECAUSE WHEN AMERICA GROWS AND OUR ECONOMY GROWS, THE FEDERAL REVENUE GROWS AND THAT'S HOW WE BALANCE THE BUDGET IN THE 1990'S. IT WASN'T BILL CLINTON'S BUDGET, IT WAS THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMING UP WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES. WE LIMITED THE GROWTH IN GOVERNMENT. AND WE SAW OUR ECONOMY EXPAND AT OVER 7% PER YEAR AND THAT'S HOW WE BALANCE THE BUDGET. WE CAN DO THAT AGAIN IF WE JUST START BY GETTING SOME COMMON SENSE AND REPEAL THE UNOBLIGATED FUNDS IN THE RECOVERY ACT. I YIELD THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS. |
| 04:19:51 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRE. THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA. |
| 04:19:56 | Mollohan, Alan B. | THIS IS THE WRONG TIME. THE MARKETS ARE IMPROVING, CONFIDENCE IN THE ECONOMY SIN CREASING, THIS IS THE WRONG TIME TO JERK THE RUG OUT FROM UNDER THE STIMULUS PACKAGE, WHICH HAS GONE A LONG WAY IN ACHIEVING THIS PROGRESS. I OPPOSE THE AMENDMENT AND YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:20:16 | Mollohan, Alan B. | ALL TIME HAVING EXPIRED, THE QUESTION SON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM KANSAS. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE NOES HAVE IT THE AMENDMENT IS NOT AEGROO -- AGREED TO. |
| 04:20:29 | Tiahrt, Todd | I ASK FOR A RECORDED VOTE. |
| 04:20:32 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN ASKS FOR A RECORDED VOTE AND PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18 FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ARE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN RISE? |
| 04:20:47 | >> | I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK. |
| 04:20:55 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 102, PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY MR. CUELLAR OF TEXAS. |
| 04:21:02 | THE CHAIR | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS AND A OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS. |
| 04:21:15 | Cuellar, Henry | THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER, I YIELD MYSELF SUCH TIME AS I MAY CONSUME. |
| 04:21:19 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 04:21:22 | Cuellar, Henry | I WANT TO THANK MR. MOLLOHAN ON THE LEADERSHIP HE OFFERED ON THIS BILL. RISE IN SUPPORT OF MY AMENDMENT TO EDGE SURE LONG-TERM TAXPAYER SAVINGS. IT MAKES SURE NO LIGHT BULBS WILL BE PURCHASED THAT DO NOT -- BY FEDERAL FUNDS THAT DO NOT MEET ENERGY STAR STANDARDS. THIS AMENDMENT, -- THIS AMENDMENT WILL ENSURE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MAKES A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT ON LOWERING COSTS ON INEFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY. ENERGY STAR BULBS ARE PROVEN TO USE ELECTRICITY AND LAST LONGER, SAVING MONEY. REGULAR LIGHT BULBS GENERATE HEAT INSTEAD OF LIGHT, ENERGY STAR LIGHT BULBS PROVIDE THE SAME LIGHT AS A STANDARD BULB BUT USE 75% LESS ENERGY AND LAST EIGHT TO 12 TIMES LONGER. I KNOW THIS AMENDMENT WAS APPROVED IN THE PAST APPROPRIATIONS BILL AND THIS HOUSE ACCEPTED THIS AMENDMENT, INCLUDED IN THE F.Y.--- F.Y.-08 LEGISLATIONS. I WANT TO THANK MR. UPTON, MR. INGLIS, BOTH DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS THAT SUPPORTED THIS PARTICULAR AMENDMENT. AT THIS TIME I'LL YIELD TO THE CHAIRMAN. |
| 04:22:42 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I THANK THE GENTLEMAN AND COMMEND HIM FOR HIS EFFORTS IN THIS AREA. IT'S ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS AND APPRECIATE HIS AMENDMENT TO THE BILL AND WE ACCEPT THE AMENDMENT. |
| 04:22:56 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS. |
| 04:22:59 | Cuellar, Henry | IF THERE'S NOT ANY OTHER OPPOSITION, I STAND WITH THE CHAIRMAN'S RECOMMENDATION AND I YIELD THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:23:08 | Cuellar, Henry | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. IF THERE'S NO OPPOSITION, THE QUESTION SON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES HAVE IT. |
| 04:23:26 | Price, Tom | I ASK FOR A RECORDED VOTE. |
| 04:23:29 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN ASKS FOR A RECORDED VOTE. FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT WILL BE POSTNED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA RISE? |
| 04:23:37 | Price, Tom | I HAVE AN AMENDMENT MADE IN ORDER BY THE RULE AT THE DESK, NUMBER 96. |
| 04:23:42 | THE CLERK | THE CLERK -- |
| 04:23:44 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 04:23:47 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 96 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY MR. PRICE OF GEORGIA. |
| 04:23:53 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA AND A MEMBER OPPOSED EACH WILL CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. |
| 04:24:00 | Price, Tom | THERE'S A SIMPLE AMENDMENT THAT SAYS THAT WE OUGHT TO TAKE $100 MILLION, WE OUGHT TO ADOPT THE PRESIDENT'S CHALLENGE TO THE DEPARTMENTS AND WE OUGHT TO SAVE, REMOVE $100 MILLION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE IN THIS BILL. ON APRIL 20, THE PRESIDENT HELD HIS FIRST CABINET MEETING AND CHARGED HIS -- THE MEMBERS OF HIS CABINET WITH FIND $100 MILLION OUT OF THEIR DEPARTMENTS IN SAVINGS. THIS WAS TO TRY TO LIVE UP TO HIS PROMISE OF GOING THROUGH THE BUDGET LINE BY LINE. IT'S IMPORTANT, MR. CHAIRMAN TO PUT $100 MILLION IN CONTEXT. $100 MILLION REDUCTION IN THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET WOULD BE 1/40,000 OF THE FEDERAL BUDGET. 1,7,830 OF THE STIES OF THE NONSTIMULUS BILL ADOPTED EARLIER THIS YEAR. 1,1 -- 1/1,845 OF THE AMOUNT REDUCED. IT'S WHAT THE GOVERNMENT SPENDS EVERY 13 MINUTES. DON'T YOU THINK WE CAN FIND $100 MILLION, WHAT WE SPEND EVERY 13 MINUTES, AS SAVINGS? IT'S THE EQUIVALENT OF A FAMILY THAT EARNS $40,000 CUTTING $1 OUT OF THEIR BUDGET. MR. CHAIRMAN, IN THE CONTEXT OF THIS BILL, IT'S EVEN MORE STRIKING. FROM FY-08, FROM FISCAL YEAR 2008 NUMBERS TO THIS PROPOSAL ON THE TABLE, 24.2% INCREASE, A $13 BILLION INCREASE, $100 MILLION IS LESS THAN 1%. MR. CHAIRMAN, JUST -- IT JUST MAKES SENSE, WHILE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE STRUGGLING AND TIGHTENING THEIR BELTS, WHILE THEY'RE CLAMORING FOR US TO BE FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE AND NOT SPEND ANY MORE OF THEIR MONEY TO SAVE $100 MILLION. FIND $100 MILLION. CAN'T WE DO JUST THAT. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS AMENDMENT AND I REDESERVE SERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:26:01 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA RISE? |
| 04:26:09 | >> | I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE AMENDMENT. |
| 04:26:12 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 04:26:15 | Miller, George | AT THIS FUNDING LEVEL, THE BILL SUPPORTS MORE THAN $585 MILLION IN INCREASES FOR COUNTERTERRORISM INTELLIGENCE PROGRAMS. AT THE SAME TIME, THE BILL MAKES LONG OVERDUE REINVESTMENTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE MISSIONS LIKE DRUG AND FIREARM ENFORCEMENT PRORK TEXT OF CIVIL RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES, SUPPORT OF THE JUDICIAL PROCESS AND STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE. THE SPECIFIC INITIALTIVES INCLUDE $63 MILLION FOR NEW FUNDING TO ADDRESS WHITE COLLAR FUNDING, $71 MILLION TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF INMATES AND GUARDS IN FEDERAL PRISONS AND $345 MILLION IN NEW FUNDS TO SAFEGUARD THE SOUTHWEST BORDER, ADDRESS THE MEXICAN CARTEL VIOLENCE IN SUPPORT OF ACTIVITIES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY. $3.4 BILLION IN GRANT FUNDING FOR STATE AND LOCAL ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING $298 MILLION TO PUT ADDITIONAL POLICE ON THE BEAT AND $94 MILLION FOR TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. THESE INVESTMENTS ARE ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, UNLIKE WHAT THE GENTLEMAN HAS SUGGESTED THAT SOMEHOW THEY'RE UNNECESSARY, SOMEHOW THIS IS CHANGE THAT CAN BE FOUND AND THESE PROGRAMS CAN BE CUT. WHAT WE'RE DOING IS REINVESTING IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE OF WHICH COUNTRY ON THE BORDER IN OUR CITIES, AND IN ISSUES OF WHITE COLLAR CRIME. AND I WOULD HOPE HE WOULD UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THIS LEGISLATION THAN THIS WAS CAREFULLY CRAFTED AS WE CONSULTED WITH PEOPLE ACROSS VARIOUS JURISDICTIONS WITHIN THE INSTITUTIONS TO MAKE SURE WE COULD PROVIDE THEM TO BE SECURE AND SERVE THE NEEDS OF THIS NATION. I THINK THIS HAS BEEN A GOOD FAITH EFFORT TO DO THAT AND I WOULD HOPE WE REJECT THE AMENDMENT AND ASK FOR A NO VOTE. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:28:10 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. |
| 04:28:13 | Price, Tom | HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE REMAINING? |
| 04:28:16 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN HAS THREE MINUTES REMAINING. |
| 04:28:20 | Price, Tom | CAREFULLY CRAFTED? 24.2% INCREASE, $13 BILLION INCREASE? CAREFULLY CRAFTED? I NEVER SUGGESTED THAT THESE PROGRAMS WEREN'T IMPORTANT. WHAT I SUGGESTED, MR. CHAIRMAN, THAT OUT OUT OF THE ENTIRE TPWHOIFPBLGT DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, CAN WE NOT SAVE A PENNY ON A DOLLAR? CAN WE NOT SAVE A PENNY ON A DOLLAR? WHEN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE STRUGGLING ACROSS THIS LAND TO FIND PENNIES THAT THEY -- THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS STEALING FROM THEM? CAN WE NOT JUST SAVE A PENNY ON A DOLLAR? IT'S A SIMPLE THING TO DO, MR. CHAIRMAN. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS AMENDMENT AND I'M PLEASED TO YIELD TO MY FRIEND FROM TEXAS, MR. GOHMERT. |
| 04:28:59 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 04:29:03 | Gohmert, Louie | THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. -- MR. SPEAKER. AS SOMEONE WHO SERVED AS A JUDGE AND CHIEF JUSTICE AND HAD A CONSTANTLY -- HAD IT CONSTANTLY DRUBBED INTO MY HEAD DURING HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS OF ETHICS CLASSES ABOUT THE APPEARANCE AND POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST, WE KNOW OUR CHAIRMAN WAS DESERVEDLY GETTING ACCOLADES FROM CREW AND OTHERS FOR RECUSING HIMSELF IN 2007 BECAUSE OF THE REPORTED INVESTIGATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. THIS IS AN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM. THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE BUDGET IS BEING DEALT WITH HERE AND THERE'S BEEN NO INDICATIONS THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN INVESTIGATION, SO I'M HOPING THAT THE RECORD CAN BE CLEAR BECAUSE IT DOES LOOK FUNNY, IT SMELLS BAD, IF SOMEONE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION AND THEY'RE MANAGING THE BUDGET FOR THOSE WHO ARE DOING THE INVESTIGATION , I THOUGHT IT WAS A WONDERFUL THING THAT CHAIRMAN MOLLOHAN DID IN 2007, HE DESERVED THE ACCOLADES HE GOT FOR RECUSING HIMSELF AND I WAS WONDERING, I'D BE GLAD TIME FOR THE CHAIRMAN TO INDICATE IF THERE IS NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION, OBVIOUSLY THERE'S NO REQUIREMENT TO RESPOND, BUT IT IS AN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, IT CLEARLY IS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, AND I HOPE THAT WE CAN HELP ERADICATE THE SO-CALLED CULTURE OF CORRUPTION THAT APPEARED TO THE PUBLIC BY DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU. I YIELD BACK TO MY FRIEND FROM GEORGIA OR TO THE CHAIRMAN IF HE WISHES. |
| 04:30:45 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA CONTROLS THE TIME. |
| 04:30:48 | Price, Tom | HOW MUCH TIME IS REMAINING? |
| 04:30:51 | THE CHAIR | 40 SECONDS. |
| 04:30:52 | Price, Tom | I THANK THE CHAIRMAN. AGAIN, I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO APPRECIATE THAT IN THE CONTEXT OF THIS OVERALL BILL, IN THE CONTEXT OF A BILL OF THIS PORTION OF THE APPROPRIATIONS PROCESS THAT'S GONE FOR $51 BILLION IN 2008 TO $64 BILLION THIS YEAR, THAT'S A 24.2% INCREASE A $13 BILLION INCREASE, CAN WE NOT FIND $100 MILLION? IN FACT THAT'S WHAT THE PRESIDENT ASKED. TO FIND $100 MILLION IN SAVINGS. IT WASN'T TOO MUCH FOR THE PRESIDENT TO ASK. LET'S HELP OUT THIS ADMINISTRATION IN THEIR MINIMAL ATTEMPTS TO PROVIDE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, MINIMAL ATTEMPTS, I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT AN AMENDMENT THAT ALL IT'S ASKING FOR IS SAVING LESS THAN ONE PENNY OUT OF EVERY DOLLAR. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:31:46 | Mollohan, Alan B. | THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA YIELDS BACK HIS TIME. ALL TIME HAVING EXPIRED, THE QUESTION SON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE NOES HAVE IT. |
| 04:32:01 | Price, Tom | I ASK FOR A RECORDED VOTE. |
| 04:32:04 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FOURTH PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE RISE? |
| 04:32:19 | >> | I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK. |
| 04:32:21 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 04:32:28 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 98 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY MR. HODES OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. |
| 04:32:35 | Roe, David "Phil" P. | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES, THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE. |
| 04:32:46 | Hodes, Paul | MR. SPEAKER, I RISE IN SUPPORT OF THE AMENDMENT I HAVE OFFERED, AMENDMENT NUMBER 98. I BEGIN BY CONGRATULATING THE CHAIR MOLLOHAN AND RAVERPBINGING MEMBER ON ALL OF THEIR IMPORTANT WORK ON THIS IMPORTANT LEGISLATION AND I THANK THE RULES COMMITTEE FOR MAKING THIS AMENDMENT IN ORDER. MR. SPEAKER, CURRENTLY ONCE TAXPAYER DOLLARS HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATED BY CONGRESS TO GRANT ACCOUNTS, THERE IS NO ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIRED OF THOSE FUNDS. MY AMENDMENT WOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM AND MAKE SURE THE TAXPAYER DOLLARS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR AFTER WE HAVE APPROPRIATED THOSE MONIES. IN AN AUGUST, 2008, REPORT ON GRANTS MANAGEMENT, THE G.A.O. RECOMMENDED THAT THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET REPORT ANNUALLY ON EXPIRED, UNDISPURSED GRANT ACCOUNTS BUT UNFORTUNATELY NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN ON THIS RECOMMENDATION AND TAXPAYER DOLLARS ARE SITING UNUSED IN THESE ACCOUNTS. MY AMENDMENT IS SIMILAR TO WHAT WAS REQUIRED IN THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT. MY AMENDMENT ENSURES THERE IS CLEAR OVERSIGHT OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS. THE AMENDMENT REQUIRES OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF EXPIRED, UNDISPURSED GRANT ACCOUNTS. THE AMENDMENT WOULD INSTRUCT ALL EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES TO TRACK UNDISPURSED BALANCES IN EXPIRED GRANT ACCOUNTS AND REPORT THE RESULTS TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. THIS WILL HELP LOWER THE MANAGEMENT -- THE NATIONAL DEFICIT BECAUSE MY AMENDMENT ALSO REQUIRES THE REPORTS TO IDENTIFY WHICH ACCOUNTS COULD BE RETURNED TO THE UNITED STATES TREASURY. NOW, THE GROUP CITIZENS AGAINST GOVERNMENT WASTE HAS ADVOCATED SIMILAR POLICIES. MOST RECENTLY THEY ADVOCATED RESCINDING FUNDS EARMARKED BY CONGRESS FOR THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION THAT REMAIN UNOBLIGATED AFTER THREE YEARS. WITH SO MANY FAMILIES STRUGGLING IN THIS TOUGH ECONOMY, WE MUST INVEST WISELY TO HELP OUR CONSTITUENTS AND BE VIGILANT WITH TAXPAYER DOLLARS. WE NEED TO ENSURE THERE IS STRONG OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY ONCE TAXPAYER DOLLARS ARE APPROPRIATED. THIS AMENDMENT IS A CRITICAL STEP IN KEEPING TRACK OF OUR DOLLARS ONCE THEY'VE GONE OUT THE DOOR. I URM MY COLLEAGUES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE TO SUPPORT THIS FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE AMENDMENT. THANK YOU AND I YIELD BACK. I WILL YIELD. |
| 04:35:21 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE BILL. IT'S A REAL ONE AND WE ARE PLEASED TO ACCEPT THE AMENDMENT. MR. CHAIRMAN. |
| 04:35:30 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE. |
| 04:35:32 | Hodes, Paul | THANK YOU UNDERSTAND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:35:36 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. IS THERE A MEMBER IN OPPOSITION? WITH NO MEMBER IN OPPOSITION, THE QUESTION IS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES HAVE IT. THE GENTLEMAN FROM INDIANA. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS. PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA RISE? |
| 04:36:03 | >> | MR. SPEAKER, I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK. |
| 04:36:05 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 04:36:10 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 63 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY MR. NUNES OF CALIFORNIA. |
| 04:36:16 | THE CHAIR | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA, AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA. |
| 04:36:25 | Nunes, Devin | THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MR. SPEAKER, TODAY IT'S BEEN 628 DAYS SINCE ME AND MANY OF MY COLLEAGUES REQUESTED FOR THIS CONGRESS TO TAKE ACTION TO AVOID COLLAPSE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY. ONLY THREE MONTHS AGO I AGAIN WARNED CONGRESS THAT AN ECONOMIC CATASTROPHE WAS LOOMING. THE LEADERSHIP OF THIS CONGRESS DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. THE RESULT, 40,000 WORKERS LAID OFF, UNEMPLOYMENT NEARING 20%, WITH SOME VALLEY COMMUNITIES NEARING 50%. THIS IS THE DIRECT RESULT OF THIS GOVERNMENT'S ACTION TO PROTECT A THREE-INCH MINEAU. THE SITUATION HAS NOW BEEN COMPOUNDED BY A RECENT OBAMA ADMINISTRATION ACTION THAT NOW BLAMES CITIES AND FARMS IN CALIFORNIA FOR THE PLIGHT OF THE KILLER WHALE. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY ABSURD. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS GOVERNMENT? WE ARE STARVING PEOPLE TO SAVE THE KILLER WHALE NOW. THIS HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL OPINION WAS RUSHED INTO PRINT BY THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION WITHOUT PUBLIC COMMENT OR DEBATE. THIS IS A CLEAR VIOLATION OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT AND HAS SINCE BEEN CHALLENGED IN COURT. NEVERTHELESS, THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION, JUST LIKE THE CAPTAIN OF THE TITANIC, DECLARED FULL STEAM AHEAD AND MANDATED FURTHER REDUCTIONS IN CALIFORNIA'S WATER SUPPLY. THIS HAS CAUSED WATER SHORTAGE TO SPREAD TO LOS ANGELES AND EVEN TO SAN DIEGO. THE DEMOCRAT CONGRESS IS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE. YOU WERE WARNED, YOU FAILED TO ACT AND NOW THIS CONGRESS MUST ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS. A GOVERNMENT THAT CANNOT PROVIDE WATER IS A GOVERNMENT THAT HAS FAILED. THROUGHOUT HISTORY DICTATORS LIKE ZIMBABWE'S MUGABE HAVE USED WATER AS A WEAPON TO STARVE THEIR ENEMIES OF WATER. BUT WHAT WE'VE NEVER SEEN IN HISTORY IS THE DEMOCRACY STARVING ITS OWN PEOPLE OF WATER. MR. SPEAKER, MY CONSTITUENTS ARE NOT ENEMIES OF THE STATE. QUITE HONESTLY, OFFERING THIS AMENDMENT TODAY IS THE WORST OF ALL OPTIONS. BUT BECAUSE OF THE ACTIONS OF THIS DEMOCRAT MAJORITY, I HAVE IN -- I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE. THEY HAVE REFUSED TO ALLOW DEBATE ON THIS ISSUE OR EVEN A VOTE ON A BILL THAT WOULD END THIS CRISIS FOR GOOD. THIS AMENDMENT IS A SMALL STEP IN A LONG PROCESS THAT MUST BE MADE TO BUILD A CASE THAT THIS CONGRESS HAS FAILED ITS CONSTITUTIONAL DUTIES TO PROVIDE FOR THE GENERAL WELFARE OF ITS CITIZENS. AND, MR. SPEAKER, UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS A BIPARTISAN AMENDMENT, I WOULD URGE SUPPORT OF THIS AMENDMENT. MY COLLEAGUES, MR. CARDOZA AND MR. COSTA, HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL IN DRAFTING THIS AMENDMENT. SO I HOPE THAT THE CONGRESS WILL ADOPT AND I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:39:22 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA, FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES DO YOU RISE? |
| 04:39:30 | Mollohan, Alan B. | MR. CHAIRMAN, I RISE TO CLAIM THE TIME IN OPPOSITION WHILE I MAY NOT BE IN OPPOSITION. |
| 04:39:35 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES, WITHOUT OBJECTION. |
| 04:39:39 | Mollohan, Alan B. | MR. CHAIRMAN, I YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA, MR. COSTA. |
| 04:39:44 | Costa, Jim | THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. CHAIRMAN. I RISE TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF CONGRESSMAN NUNES' AMENDMENT. MY DISTRICT IS AT GROUND ZERO WHERE THE DROUGHT IS HAVING ITS MOST SEVERE AFFECT IN CALIFORNIA. THE BIOLOGICAL OPINION IN QUESTION ASKS FOR MODIFICATIONS TO THE CENTRAL VALLEY AND STATE WATER PROJECTS THAT WOULD DIVERT EVEN MORE WATER FROMING A CULTURE COMMUNITIES IN THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY. WE BELIEVE WITH THE MODELING THAT THIS ADDS ANOTHER 330-ACRE FEET TO MORE THAN 300 MILLION ACRE FEET OF WATER THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN REALLOCATED OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS. THERE ARE SUBSTANTIAL BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN PERFORMED OF THE DELTA. UNFORTUNATELY THIS OPINION HAS CONFIRMED THAT THESE OPINIONS HAVE BEEN CITED, THE ASSESSMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE BUT THEY WERE NOT TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THIS BIOLOGICAL OPINION. THEREFORE WE BELIEVE THE FLAWED. THERE ARE OTHER FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE DECLINE OF THE FIDUCIARIES AND THE DELTAS WHICH WE MUST CHANGE, WHICH WE MUST CORRECT. TREATMENT FROM SEWAGE FACILITIES. NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION THAT HAS QUADRUPLED AS A RESULT OF URBAN AREAS IN THE AREA AND IN BASIC SPECIES. BOTTOM LINE, THIS BIOLOGICAL OPINION IS FLAWED AND WE ASK THAT WE FINALLY STOP THIS NONSENSE AND COME TOGETHER. WHEN WILL THIS STOP? WHEN OUR VALLEY HAS NO MORE WATER LEFT FOR ITS FARMERS AND FARM WORKERS? I STRONGLY SUPPORT CONGRESSMAN NUNES' AMENDMENT. I ASK THAT WE COME TOGETHER IN BIPARTISAN SENSE. THIS IS NOT A REPUBLICAN OR A DEMOCRATIC ISSUE, IT'S AN ISSUE THAT WE MUST SOLVE AND WE MUST DO IT NOW. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:41:29 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA CONTROLS THE TIME. |
| 04:41:32 | Mollohan, Alan B. | MR. CHAIRMAN, I YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA, MR. MILLER. |
| 04:41:37 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES. |
| 04:41:40 | Miller, George | I THANK THE CHAIRMAN FOR YIELDING AND I WOULD HOPE THAT MEMBERS WOULD OPPOSE THIS AMENDMENT. THIS AMENDMENT MAKES NOTHING BETTER. I APPRECIATE THE FRUSTRATION OF MY FRIENDS WHO LIVE IN THE VALLEY AND UNDERGO VERY SERIOUS ECONOMIC TIMELESS. BUT THE FACT OF THE MATTER, TO SUGGEST NOW TO THROW THOUGH BIOLOGICAL OPINION MAKES NOTHING BETTER. NOW WE HAVE A SITUATION WHERE THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION IS TRYING TO DEAL WITH THESE PROBLEMS, WOULD LOSE ITS CONSULTIVE AGENCY AND AS A RESULT OF THAT THEY COULD NOT GO FORWARD WITH ANOTHER BIOLOGICAL OPINION WHICH YOU MAY OR MAY NOT WANT BUT WHAT WE WOULD BE IS STYMIED IN THE ABILITY AS WAS SUGGESTED IN THIS OPINION AND BY THE COURT, THE ABILITY TO LOOK FOR OTHER MECHANISMS THAT WE CAN USE INSTEAD OF JUST TURNING TO THE IDEA THAT YOU'RE GOING TO REDUCE THE PUMPING. BUT THAT GOES OUT THE DOOR NOW BECAUSE WILL YOU NOT HAVE THE SCIENTIFIC CREDIBILITY ENABLING THE BUREAU TO GO FORWARD SO THE BUREAU WILL FUMBLE AROUND NUMBER NOW FOR A NUMBER OF MONTHS, TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO HANDLE THIS AND FOR LEGAL REASONS THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE MARINE FISHERIES AND MARINE FISHERIES ARE GOING TO TELL THEM CONGRESS BARRED THEM FROM CONSULTATION, THE CONSULTATIONS WILL NOT TAKE PLACE AND AS A RESULT OF THAT WE WILL HAVE LOST A YEAR, 18 MONTHS, TWO YEARS, WHATEVER TIME IT TAKES. INSTEAD OF GOING FORWARD ON THIS BIOLOGICAL OPINION WHICH ALLOWED FOR SOME ADDITIONAL ALTERNATIVES, SOME ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATIONS WITHIN THE DELTA AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS SYSTEM. THIS BUILDS TOEN A WHOLE SERIES OF REPORTS THAT HAVE COME OUT BY THE PAST ADMINISTRATION'S OFFICE OF BUDGET MANAGEMENT, SAYING THAT THE FAILURE HERE IS NOT TO LOOK AT THIS, IF THE WATER SYSTEM, THE C.V.P., ON A SYSTEMWIDE BASIS. WE KEEP CHOPPING UP IN LITTLE INKMENTS. WE CHOP IT UP BASED UPON THE VALLEY, BASED UPON THE SOUTH, BASED UPON THE NORTH, BASED UPON THE DELTA. WE THOUGHT WE WOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY WITH GOOD SCIENCE TO START TO EVERCOME THAT AND TO BROADEN THIS DISCUSSION. BUT THIS AMENDMENT WILL COLLAPSE IT ALL BACK AGAIN, WILL ALSO START OVER AGAIN AND WILL WASTE A LOT OF TIME AND THE PROBLEMS IN CENTRAL VALLEY WILL GET WORSE FOR AGRICULTURE, THEY'LL GET WORSE FOR THE ECONOMY, THEY'LL GET WORSE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, THEY'LL GET WORSE IN THE DELTA AND WE'LL HAVE MORE ENDANGERED SPECIES LAWSUITS AND WE'LL HAVE MORE COMPLICATIONS AND WE'LL ACCOMPLISH NOTHING. IT'S BOLD IN ITS APPROACH. IT'S DESTRUCTIVE IN ITS RESULTS. I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR YIELDING. |
| 04:43:57 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:44:00 | Miller, George | THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA HAS ONE MINUTE REMAINING. HE RESERVES IT. THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA HAS TWO MINUTES REMAINING. |
| 04:44:18 | Nunes, Devin | MR. SPEAKER, EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES. THIS IS WHAT WE'VE HAD MY ENTIRE CAREER IN CONGRESS, MORE AND MORE EXCUSES. AND I APPRECIATE THE GENTLEMAN THAT SPENT THREE DECADED IN THIS BODY -- SECONDS IN THIS BODY SYSTEMLY DESTROYING THE VALLEY'S ECONOMY. TO HIDE BEHIND THE COURTS, TO BEHIND BEHIND THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION, THAT MAY SOUND GOOD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA, BUT THE REALITY OF IT IS, THERE ARE PEOPLE LIVING IN THEIR CARS, PEOPLE DON'T HAVE FOOD. FOOD BANKS ARE OUT OF FOOD. WORKERS ARE TRYING TO HAVE WORK, FARMERS ARE GOING BANKRUPT BECAUSE OF THE ACTIONS THAT MR. MILLER HAS SPENT HIS ENTIRE CAREER TAKING. IT'S OK, IT'S OK TO VALUE FISH. THAT'S OK. BUT UNDERSTAND THAT YOU'RE STARVING FAMILIES WHILE YOU VALUE THE FISH. IT'S UNFORTUNATE. MR. SPEAKER, I APPRECIATE MY COLLEAGUE'S SUPPORT OF THIS AMENDMENT AND I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:45:26 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA RESERVES HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 04:45:31 | Mollohan, Alan B. | MR. CHAIRMAN, I YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA, MR. THOMPSON. |
| 04:45:36 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE. |
| 04:45:39 | Thompson, Mike | MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS, I UNDERSTAND THE FRUSTRATION OF MY FRIENDS FROM THE VALLEY ON THIS ISSUE. I'VE BEEN LIVING IT IN MY DISTRICT. THE LAST ADMINISTRATION DEVASTATED THE FISHING FAMILIES OF THE NORTH COAST. WE HAVEN'T HAD A FISHING SEASON UP THERE IN YEARS. AGAIN THIS YEAR IT'S CLOSED. AND IT'S ALL BECAUSE SCIENCE WAS PUT ASIDE IN FAVOR OF POLITICS. FINALLY WE HAVE SCIENCE COMING IN, SCIENCE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE CONSIDERED AND AS ONE OF THE PREVIOUS SPEAKERS, MR. MILLER, HAD MENTIONED, THIS AMENDMENT DOES ABSOLUTELY THE WRONG THING. NOT ONLY DOES IT TAKE SCIENCE OFF THE TABLE AGAIN, WHICH LED US IN PART TO THIS PROBLEM, AND PUT THESE RIVERS -- THE COURTS IN CONTROL OF THESE RIVERS, BUT IT ALSO LIMITS OUR OPPORTUNITIES TO ADDRESS THE OVERALL PROBLEM. WITHOUT THE FEDERAL AGENCIES AT THE TABLE BEING ABLE TO BRING DIFFERENT OPTIONS TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM, NOT ONLY FOR THE VALLEY FAMILIES BUT FOR THE COASTAL FAMILIES AS WELL, WE'RE LIMITED AND THE NOT GOING TO BRING ANY ANSWERS FORWARD. THIS IS A MISTAKE TO PASS THIS AMENDMENT. IT WON'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM, IT WILL JUST EXACERBATE THE SITUATION. THANK YOU. |
| 04:46:52 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA. |
| 04:46:54 | Nunes, Devin | THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE REMAINING? |
| 04:47:00 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN HAS ONE MINUTE REMAINING. |
| 04:47:02 | Nunes, Devin | AND HOW ABOUT THE OTHER SIDE? |
| 04:47:04 | THE CHAIR | THE TIME HAS EXPIRED FOR THE OTHER SIDE. |
| 04:47:07 | Nunes, Devin | MR. SPEAKER, I APPRECIATE MY OTHER FRIEND FROM CALIFORNIA. BUT THE FACTS ARE THAT IT'S ABSURD TO THINK THAT PUMPING SOME WATER OUT OF A DELTA ARE KILLING KILLER WHALES AND THAT'S WITH THIS BIOLOGICAL OPINION. WHEN THE GOVERNMENT GETS TO BLAMING KILLER WHALES FOR PROBLEM, THE GOVERNMENT HAS BIGGER PROBLEMS THAN JUST THIS LITTLE AMENDMENT. WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE FISHERIES IN CALIFORNIA THAT HAVE BEEN DESTROYED, THE FISHING INDUSTRY WAS RUN OUT OF SAN DIEGO A LONG TIME AGO. THERE USED TO BE PORTUGUESE AMERICAN FISHERMEN THAT HAD -- THAT CONTROLLED THE TUNA INDUSTRY IN SAN DIEGO. THE DEMOCRATS RAN THEM NOW THE THE 1970'S AND 1980'S, SO TO BLAME MAO THAT SOMEHOW LITTLE MINNOWS AND PUMPING WATER TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO WORK ARE NOW ENDING ALL THE -- DESTROYING ALL THE FISH AND KILLER WHALES IN THE OCEAN IS ABSURD. WE HAVE STARVING PEOPLE IN THE VALLEY. WHEN IS THIS CONGRESS GOING TO ACT? THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR TWO YEARS. HOW MUCH LONG HER 40,000 PEOPLE ENOUGH PEOPLE OUT OF WORK? DO WE NEED 80,000 PEOPLE OUT OF WORK? HOW MANY MORE PEOPLE MUST STARVE BECAUSE OF THE INACTION BY THIS BODY? THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO KNOW. THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. |
| 04:48:28 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA DOES HAVE 15 SECONDS REMAINING. THE OTHER SIDE CAN GET 15 SECONDS BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT. |
| 04:48:40 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I YIELD MY 15 SECONDS TO THE GENTLEMAN, MR. NEW NECESSARY IF HE WANTS IT. |
| 04:48:50 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN CAN GET 15 SECONDS BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT. |
| 04:48:55 | Costa, Jim | I THINK IT'S TIME FOR COMMON SENSE TO PREVAIL. I'VE LOST 30,000 JOBS IN MY DISTRICT AS A RESULT OF THIS DROUGHT AND WE MAY LOSE GENERATIONS OF FARMERS. WE NEED A CALIFORNIA SOLUTION THAT'S ASIDE FROM THE PARTISAN DIFFERENCES AND BRING BACK WATER FOR ALL REGIONS OF CALIFORNIA. WE'RE FIGHTING FOR FARMERS AND FARMWORKERS, I ASK COMMON SENSE TO PREVAIL. |
| 04:49:17 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA IS RECOGNIZED FOR 15 SECONDS. |
| 04:49:26 | Nunes, Devin | I WISH MR. COSTA WAS THE SPEAKER, NOT THE CURRENT LEADERSHIP BECAUSE IT'S THE CURRENT LEADERSHIP DESTROYING THE ECONOMY OF THE VALLEY, NOT MR. COSTA AND MR. CARDOZA, WHO ARE TRYING TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM AND BRING ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEM. |
| 04:49:44 | THE CHAIR | THE QUESTION IS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. NUNES. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES HAVE IT. |
| 04:49:54 | >> | MR. SPEAKER, I ASK FOR A RECORDED VOTE. |
| 04:49:57 | Culberson, John | THE AMENDMENT IS AGREED TO. PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT FROM CALIFORNIA WILL BE POSTPONED. A RECORDED VOTE HAS BEEN REQUESTED. THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 04:50:22 | Culberson, John | THE ISSUE WHICH MY COLLEAGUES FROM CALIFORNIA HAV BROUGHT UP IS EXTRAORDINARILY IMPORTANT. I WOULD LIKE AT THIS TIME IF I COULD TO YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA. |
| 04:50:32 | Nunes, Devin | I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS FOR GIVING MORE TIME TO THIS AMENDMENT. AS YOU KNOW, THIS AMENDMENT WAS -- WE HAD TO GO TO THE RULES COMMITTEE LAST NIGHT TO TRY TO GET THE AMENDMENT TO BE MADE IN ORDER. WE HAD MANY COLLEAGUES WHO WEREN'T ALLOWED TO OFFER AMENDMENTS. WE'VE COMPLETELY -- THE REPUBLICANS HAVE COMPLETELY BEEN SHUT OUT OF THE PROCESS. AND I DON'T KNOW HOW WE'RE SUPPOSED TO COME TO COMMON SENSE RESOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS IN THIS COUNTRY IF WE DON'T EVEN HAVE TIME TO DEBATE THE ISSUES. MY FRIEND MR. CARDOZA WANTED TIME TO COME OUT AND DEBATE THE ISSUES. I -- MY FRIEND MR. COSTA HAD TO FIGHT WITH HIS LEADERSHIP TO HAVE TIME TO COME OUT AND DEBATE THE ISSUES. WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE LEADERSHIP OVER THERE? HOW LONG ARE YOU GOING TO LET THESE PEOPLE STARVE? HOW LONG? TWO YEARS? IT'S TWO YEARS NOW SINCE WE ASKED. THE PUMPS IN CALIFORNIA HAVE TO RUN AND SOONER OR LATER YOUR COLLEAGUES IN LOS ANGELES WHETHER THEY LIKE IT OR NOT, THE DEMOCRATS IN LOS ANGELES WHO HAVE REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING, THEIR WATER RATES ARE GOING UP. THEY'RE RUNNING OUT OF WATER. SAN DIEGO'S WATER RATES ARE UP 40% THIS YEAR. SO YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE. THIS ISN'T GOING AWAY. I WOULD ENCOURAGE THE LEADERSHIP OF THIS BODY TO GET SOME PEOPLE WITH COMMON SENSE IN CONTROL OF THIS BODY. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 04:52:07 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS CONTROLS THE TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 04:52:15 | Lungren, Daniel E. | WE HAVE LOOKED AT WHAT'S HAPPENED IN DETROIT AND OTHER PARTS OF THIS COUNTRY AND WE HAVE BEEN DIRECTED TO OFFER A SOLUTION IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM THE CENTRAL VALLEY HAS A SITUATION THAT IS EVERY BIT AS DIRE. IN FACT, IT IS WORSE IN TERMS OF THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES IN THE COMMUNITIES THAT HE SERVES. WE ARE DESTROYING THOSE COMMUNITIES AT THE PRESENT TIME. AND THE LIFE BLOOD OF AGRICULTURE IN THOSE COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE STOOD FOR WELL OVER 100 YEARS IS BEING IRREP RAHABLY HARMED. AND THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT, THOUGH IT MAY NOT BE CALLED THE BEST SOLUTION, AS HE SUGGESTED, IS THE ONLY THING HE'S BEEN GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT IN THIS BODY. AND HE HAS WAITED EVERY YEAR THAT HE HAS BEEN HERE TO TRY AND SOLVE THIS PROBLEM AND YET THERE HAS BEEN A FAILURE FOR US TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW HOW WE CAN STAND HERE AND SAY TO THE GENTLEMAN, JUST WAIT. JUST WAIT. AS HE HAS PERCENTAGES OF UNEMPLOYMENT THAT WOULD SHAKE THE REST OF THIS COUNTRY. WHEN HE HAS PEOPLE WHOSE LIVELIHOODS AND WHOSE FAMILIES' LIVELIHOODS ARE BEING DESTROYED ON A DAILY BASIS HE HAS HEARD NOTHING BUT SILENCE, SILENCE IN THIS HOUSE AND FROM THIS ADMINISTRATION. I WOULD HOPE THAT WE COULD SUPPORT HIS AMENDMENT. IT MAY NOT BE THE PERFECT AMENDMENT, I AGREE. BUT IT'S THE ONLY THING HE HAS BEEN GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING TO THIS FLOOR AND MAYBE IT WILL BEGIN AN AWARENESS IN THIS HOUSE AND THIS ADMINISTRATION THAT YOU CAN'T THROW AWAY A PART OF THE CENTRAL VALLEY OF CALIFORNIA AND SAY, THEE ARE DISPOSABLE PEOPLE. THESE ARE DISPOSABLE FAMILIES. THESE ARE DISPOSABLE FARMS. |
| 04:54:03 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS. |
| 04:54:05 | >> | HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE REMAINING, MR. CHAIRMAN? |
| 04:54:09 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN HAS TWO MINUTES AND 15 SECONDS. |
| 04:54:16 | >> | I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA FOR SUCH TIME AS HE MAY CONSUME. |
| 04:54:22 | Nunes, Devin | MY FRIEND FROM CALIFORNIA, MR. LUNGREN, IS EXACTLY CORRECT. THIS IS ALL WE CAN DO. THE DEMOCRATS -- THE DEMOCRAT MAJORITY, YOU'RE CORRECT THIS ISN'T A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM, BUT IT'S ALL WE CAN DO. MAYBE WE CAN HAVE A UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT TONIGHT, I HAVE A BILL READY TO GO, WE CAN VOTE ON IT TONIGHT, WE CAN GET THE PUMPS BACK ON AND LET PEOPLE GET BACK TO WORK AND PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES. MR. SPEAKER, A GUY IN A FOOD LINE NOT LONG AGO TOLD THE NATIONAL MEDIA HE DIDN'T WANT TO BE IN THE FOOD LINE, HE ONLY WANTED A JOB TO PROVIDE FOR HIS FAMILY. THE DEMOCRATS CONTROL CONGRESS. THE DEMOCRATS CONTROL THE WHITE HOUSE. HOW MUCH LONGER DOES A GUY HAVE TO WAIT TO FEED HIS FAMILY? HOW MANY MORE JOBS MUST WE LOSE? HOW MANY? I WANT TO KNOW, HOW MANY JOBS SHOULD WE LOSE? IS 40,000 JOBS IN THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY NOT ENOUGH? SHOULD WE GO TO 80,000 JOBS? 150,000 JOBS? SHOULD WE PUT A MILLION ACRES OUT OF PRODUCTION? YOU GUYS ARE IN CONTROL. WHY DON'T YOU TELL US HOW MANY ACRES YOU WANT OUT OF PRODUCTION TONIGHT SO WE CAN END THE MISERY. TELL THE PEOPLE LOOK, YOU'VE GOT TO MOVE OUT OF THE VALLEY. THEY CAN MOVE TO THE BAY AREA. MAYBE THERE'LL BE WORK FOR THEM. MAYBE THEY'LL GET GREEN JOBS, I DON'T KNOW. RIGHT NOW WE HAVE HALF A MILLION ACRES OUT OF PRODUCTION. HOW MANY MORE ACRES WILL WE PUT OUT OF PRODUCTION. HOW MANY MORE PEOPLE WILL STARVE BECAUSE OF THE INACTION OF THE DEMOCRATS IN THIS BODY. HOW MANY MORE? THAT'S ALL I WANT TO KNOW. I'LL YIELD IF ANYONE WANTS TO ANSWER ME HOW MANY JOBS WE'RE GOING TO LOSE. |
| 04:56:20 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS CONTROLS THE TIME. |
| 04:56:23 | Nunes, Devin | LOOKS LIKE WE WON'T GET AN ANSWER ONCE AGAIN, MR. SPEAKER. BUT I WANT TO THANK MY DEMOCRAT COLLEAGUES, MR. CARDOZA AND MR. COSTA FOR SUPPORTING THIS AMENDMENT. I KNOW IT'S BEEN HARD FOR THEM, I APPRECIATE THEIR FRIENDSHIP AND WORK ON THIS ISSUE. I WANT TO THANK THE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP IN THIS BODY FOR SUPPORTING THIS AMENDMENT. I YIELD BACK TO THE GENTLEMAN. |
| 04:56:43 | THE CHAIR | THE TIME OF THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS HAS EXPIRED. MEMBERS ARE REMINDED TO PLEASE ADDRESS THEIR REMARKS TO THE CHAIR. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 04:56:55 | Mollohan, Alan B. | STRIKE THE RECK SITH NUMBER OF WORDS. |
| 04:56:57 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 04:57:00 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA. |
| 04:57:04 | Miller, George | WE'RE HERE IN THIS SITUATION BECAUSE A COURT RULED AFTER THE LAST ADMINISTRATION TRAMPLED THROUGH THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, NATIONAL MARINE OCEAN SERVICE AND ALTERED SCIENTIFIC FINDINGS, STUDY, AND OPINIONS THAT WE COULD NO LONGER CONDUCT THE BUSINESS OF THE CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT. I DIDN'T SEE MY FRIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE RAISE ONE OBJECTION AT THE TIME THOSE ACTIONS WERE TAKING PLACE. AT THE TIME THAT CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR WAS TAKING PLACE. I DIDN'T SEE THEM RAISE ONE OBJECTION WHEN THE MORN RIVERS WERE DESTROYED AND FISHERY SEASONS HAVE BEEN CLOSED FOR YEARS AND FAMILIES HAVE LOST THEIR BUSINESSES, LOST THEIR LIVELIHOOD, WHETHER THEY WERE GOING TO SEE THE FISH OR THERE WERE SMALL BUSINESSES ON THE NORTH COAST OR SMALL BUSINESSES ON THE OREGON BORDER AND THOSE POLITICAL DECISIONS WERE MADE, AND THEY DEVASTATED THE SALMON RUNS, I DIDN'T SEE THAT HAPPEN. WE'VE SEEN NOW AS THE ENVIRONMENT HAS DETERIORATED IN THE SAN FRANCISCO DELTA AND BAY AREA, SMALL BUSINESSES HAVE CLOSED UP, PEOPLE HAVE LOST THEIR LIVELIHOODS AND YES IT'S VERY INTENSE IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY. BUT I DON'T SEE SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE WHO REPRESENT AREAS THAT HAVE 100% OF THR WATER. I WILL NOT YIELD AT THIS TIME. THAT HAVE 100% OF THE WATER SMOSM VALLEY FARM VERSE 70% OF THIS ALLOCATION IN THIS DROUGHT YEAR. TO BLAME THIS SOMEHOW ON THIS MOMENT THIS ADMINISTRATION THAT'S BEEN IN OFFICE FOR FIVE MONTHS, SIX MONTHS, WHEN IN FACT FOR EIGHT YEARS THERE WAS A DESIGN TO EXPLOIT THIS SYSTEM BY OPENING UP THE PUMPS, DEVASTATE THE SYSTEM, AND NOW THOSE CHICKENS HAVE COME HOME TO ROOST AND THOSE ILLEGALITIES HAVE BEEN FOUND OUT. THE COURT HAS ASKED FOR DIRECTION, THIS ADMINISTRATION PUT TOGETHER A BIOLOGICAL OPINION, IT WAS PEER REVUFED -- PEER-REVIEWED, THEY OFFERED THAT UP AS TO THE BEGIN A DISCUSSION OF HOW TO SOLVE SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS SOUTH OF THE DELTA AND NORTH OF THE DELTA. THAT WILL BE THROWN INTO CHAOS IF THIS AMENDMENT SUCCEEDS TO BECOME LAW. WE WON'T HAVE THOSE FOOL TOOLS AVAILABLE TO US. WE GO TO ANOTHER YEAR, THERE MAY BE DROUGHT WE WON'T HAVE A SYSTEM-WIDE APPROACH TO DEALING WITH THAT TO HELP THE FAMILIES IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. THESE ARE ALL THE SAME FAMILIES. THESE ARE ALL THE SAME PEOPLE LOOKING FOR WORK AND LOOKING FOR JOBS. THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS, YOU DEVASTATE THIS WATER SYSTEM THEY ALL PAY THE PRICE SYSTEM OF NOW WE'RE TRYING TO RECOVER FROM EIGHT YEARS OF MISMANAGEMENT, FROM EIGHT YEARS OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY, FROM EIGHT YEARS OF THROWING SCIENCE OUT THE DOOR, AND NOW WE'RE LEFT WITH THAT WRECK ALING, -- WRECKAGE. THERE'S A LOT OF CLEANUP TO DO AFTER THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION AND THIS IS ONE OF THOSE PROJECTS THIS PROJECT HAS TO BE REHABILITATED, IT HAS TO BE BROUGHT TOGETHER SO THE CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT CAN SERVE ITS CLIENTS AND SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE WHOLE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, NOT JUST ONE PART OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. IF IT DOESN'T HAPPEN THAT WAY, IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK POLITICALLY, IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK ENVIRONMENTALLY, IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK SCIENTIFICALLY AND IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK ECONOMICALLY. WE'VE JUST BEEN TELETHROUGH EIGHT YEARS WHERE PEOPLE TRIED TO SEGMENT THIS STATE-WIDE PROJECT INTO LITTLE BIT OF PIECES FOR THEIR ADVANTAGES AND IF THEY HAVE -- IF THEY HAD ENOUGH POLITICS ON THEIR SIDE THEY TOOK THAT ADVANTAGE WHETHER IT WAS SUPPORTED BY THE LAW OR NOT. AND THIS IS THE CARNAGE THAT -- THAT HAS BEEN LEFT BEHIND BECAUSE WE MISSED EIGHT YEARS OF OPPORTUNITY TO REBUILD THIS SYSTEM SO IT COULD SERVE THE NEEDS FOR WHICH IT WAS DESIGNED. THAT'S THE TRAGEDY OF WHAT HAS TAKEN PLACE HEAR. THAT'S THE TRAGEDY WE'RE TRYING TO OVERCOME. THAT'S THE TRAGEDY THAT WILL BE COMPOUNDED BY THE NUNES AMENDMENT IF IT'S ADOPTED BECAUSE IT WILL SET ALL OF US BACK MANY, MANY MONTHS, IF NOT YEAR, IN THIS EFFORT TO REBUILD THE CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT OF CALIFORNIA SO IT CAN MEET THE DEMANDS PUT UPON IT. |
| 05:01:06 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I STAND TO YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA -- |
| 05:01:10 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN MAY NOT YIELD BLOCKS OF TIME HE HAS ONE MINUTE REMAINING. THE GENTLEMAN HAD FIVE MINUTES UNDER THE FIVE MINUTE RULE. HE MAY NOT YIELD SPECIFIC BLOCKS OF TIME. HE YIELDED TO MR. MILLER WHO USED FOUR MINUTES. ONE MINUTE IS REMAINING FOR THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 05:01:35 | Thompson, Mike | I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR YIELDING THIS SHOULD NOT BE ABOUT CHOOSING ONE JOB OR ONE PERSON'S JOB OVER THE JOB OF ANOTHER PERSON. AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, MANY, MANY FISHING FAMILIES ON THE NORTH COAST OF CALIFORNIA AND OREGON HAVE BEEN DISPLACED. WE HAVE LOST BOATS, LOST BUSINESSES, LOST FORTUNES, LOST OPPORTUNITIES AND ALL BECAUSE THE SCIENCE WAS SCRAPPED, THE LAST ADMINISTRATION PUSHED FORWARD A WATER POLICY THAT WAS ILLEGAL, THAT DIDN'T PAY ANY ATTENTION TO ANYTHING OTHER THAN POLITICS. IN THE -- IN THE RIVER IN MY DISTRICT THAT WATER POLICY BROUGHT US 80,000 DEAD SPAWNING SALMON. IT ABSOLUTELY CLOSED THE FISHING SEASON ON THE NORTH COAST, IT'S CLOSED AGAIN THIS YEAR. IT'S CLOSED ON THE OREGON COAST. AND IT'S ALL BECAUSE POLITICS WAS PUT AHEAD OF SCIENCE. YOU CAN'T DO BUSINESS THAT WAY. THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS IS TO BRING ALL OF THE AGENCIES TOGETHER, WORK ON THE SCIENCE, TO COME UP WITH THE MITIGATION THAT WILL WORK TO SAVE JOBS, NOT ONLY IN THE VALLEY, BUT ON THE COAST AND EVERYWHERE ELSE. I ASK THAT WE VOTE AGAINST THIS TERRIBLE AMENDMENT AND WORK TOGETHER. |
| 05:02:47 | THE CHAIR | THE TIME OF THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA HAS EXPIRED. WHO SEEKS RECOGNITION? |
| 05:03:05 | >> | MR. CHAIRMAN. |
| 05:03:06 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TENNESSEE RISE? THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 05:03:13 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 111 OFFERED BY MRS. BLACKBURN OF TENNESSEE. |
| 05:03:17 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | PURSUANT -- |
| 05:03:19 | Roe, David "Phil" P. | PURR SUBTE TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TENNESSEE AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TENNESSEE. |
| 05:03:28 | Blackburn, Marsha | THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I DO HAVE A GREAT AMENDMENT AT THE DESK AND I THINK IT SPEAKS TO A PATH WE NEED TO TRAVEL IN THIS BODY. AS WE KNOW, SPENDING IS OUT OF CONTROL HERE IN WASHINGTON, D.C. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE KNOW THAT THIS GOVERNMENT DOESN'T HAVE A REVENUE PROBLEM. IT HAS A SPENDING PROBLEM AND WE ARE HEARING IT FROM CONSTITUENTS ALL ACROSS THIS NATION. AS THEY BEGIN TO LOOK AT HOW THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AND TALK TO US ABOUT HOW WE THINK IT OUGHT TO BE ADDRESSED. WELL, MR. CHAIRMAN, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE DO KNOW IS THAT IN OUR STATES WHICH ARE GREAT LABS FOR BRINGING FORWARD ENTREPRENEURIAL IDEAS AND INNOVATING WAYS TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, MANY TIMES THEY WILL MOVE TO ACROSS-THE-BOARD SPENDING CUTS. CERTAINFULLY MY STATE OF TENNESSEE, OUR DEMOCRAT GOVERNOR WENT IN AND MADE A 9% SPENDING REDUCTION BECAUSE HE HAD TO GET IN THERE AND ADDRESS THE OUT OF CONTROL GROWTH OF TEN CARE. OUR PUBLIC OPTION HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM THAT MANY WANT TO REPLICATION NATIONWIDE. NOW, THROUGHOUT OUR NATION'S HISTORY, WE HAVE HAD TIMES WHEN THIS BODY AND OUR COMMANDERS IN CHIEF HAVE SOUGHT TO ALSO DO ACROSS THE BOARD SPENDING CUTS AT THE. CUTS. AT THE ONSET OF WORLD WAR II, PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT CAME IN AND MADE A 20% CUT IN SPENDING. PRESIDENT TRUMAN MADE A 28% ACROSS THE BOARD SPENDING CUT AND HE DID THAT, MR. CHAIRMAN, BECAUSE BUDGETS AND APPROPRIATIONS SHOULD BE ABOUT PRIORITIES. AND AT THIS TIME IN OUR HISTORY WHEN WE SEE SO MANY FAMILIES AND SO MANY BUSINESSES STRUGGLING, WHEN WE SEE APPROPRIATIONS IN SPENDING OUT OF CONTROL HERE, CERTAINLY APPROPRIATIONS OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS FOR OUR C.J.S. SAYS APPROPRIATIONS HAS INCREASED NEARLY 12%. THE SPENDING BINGE IS UNACCEPTABLE AND ON BEHALF OF MY CONSTITUENTS WHO ARE SITTING AT THE KITCHEN TABLE AND MANY TIMES CUTTING 50%, WE NEED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH SPENDING REDUCTIONS AND I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:05:47 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEWOMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HER TIME. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 05:05:56 | Mollohan, Alan B. | RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE AMENDMENT, MR. CHAIRMAN. |
| 05:05:58 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 05:06:01 | Mollohan, Alan B. | MR. CHAIRMAN, AN ACROSS THE BOARD CUT TO THIS BILL OF 5% IS REALLY DISASTROUS. I WOULD SAY THAT JUST AS A GENERAL PROPOSITION, CUTS THAT ARE INDISCRIMINATE, THAT AFFECT EVERY ACCOUNT IN A BILL, WHETHER IT'S THIS APPROPRIATION BILL OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATION BILL, ARE REALLY ONE OF THE -- ONE OF THE BEST REASONS TO OPPOSE THEM IS FOR THAT REASON. THEY'RE INDISCRIMINATE. THEY AFFECT EVERY ACCOUNT IN THE BILL. AND THAT, OF COURSE, MEANS THAT SOMEONE HAS NOT DONE A THOUGHTFUL PRECISE IN GOING THROUGH AND TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE MIGHT BE A FEW EXTRA DOLLARS WITH REGARD TO THIS ACCOUNT OR THAT ACCOUNT. I'D ALSO SUGGEST THAT THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THIS SUBCOMMITTEE HAS DONE, BOTH THE MAJORITY AND THE MINORITY AND WE HAVE DONE IT IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH THE MINORITY AS WE HAVE WORKED THIS BILL THIS YEAR AND BROUGHT IT TO THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE. WE HAVE LOOKED AT EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE ACCOUNTS. WE HAVE DONE EXACTLY WHAT THIS AMENDMENT DOES NOT DO. WE HAVE DONE THE HARD WORK OF THINKING ABOUT WHERE DOLLARS SHOULD BE APPLIED, WHERE THE NEED EXISTS AND WHERE THAT NEED IS EXISTS WITH INCREASED FUNDING IN ACCOUNTS, NOT INDISCRIMINATELY BUT VERY CONSCIOUSLY THROUGH A VERY THOUGHTFUL PROCESS. NOW JUST A COUPLE OF EXAMPLES, WHAT A 5% CUT WOULD DO, THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, A 5% REDUCTION IN COMMERCE WOULD RESULT IN THE COMPLETE ELIMINATION OF $370 MILLION OF CENSUS CONTINGENCY FUNDING. SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASING THE RISK OF UNFORESEEN EVENTS IMPACTING FIELD OPERATIONS WITH REGARD TO THE CENSUS. MR. CHAIRMAN, WE ARE ON THE BRINK OF CONDUCTING THE 2010 CENSUS. CENSUSES HAVE A LOT OF STARTS AND STOPS AND STUTTERING ALONG THE WAY. WE HAVE GOT THOSE MATTERS CORRECTED AND WE'RE IN A POSITION TO HAVE A GOOD, ACCURATE CENSUS CONDUCTED IN THIS COUNTRY. THIS IS THE WRONG TIME TO TAKE ANY CUT WITH REGARD TO CENSUS. A REDUCTION OF $230 MILLION TO NOAA WOULD ELIMB ASTRONAUT THE ENTIRE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE OR ALTERNATIVIVELY, LITERALLY WIPE OUT ALL SALMON AND ENDANGERED SPECIES FUNDING. MR. CHAIRMAN, A REDUCTION OF THE 199 -- $92.4 MILLION TO THE REST OF THE TITLE 1 WOULD HE WILL ELIMINATE THE MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SALARIES AND EXPENSES AS WELL AS PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT. THOSE ARE ACCOUNTS THAT DIRECTLY IMPACT PEOPLE WHO ARE SITTING AROUND THOSE TABLES IN THOSE KITCHENS ACROSS THE TABLE. FOR NASA THIS CUT WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE NEEDED CONTINGENCY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALL NEW NASA MISSIONS AND WE JUST HEARD DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS BOTH GET UP, EARLIER CONSIDERATION OF THIS BILL, SPEAKING WITH GREAT CONCERN ABOUT THE CUTS THAT WE'VE TAKEN TO HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT, ALBEIT WE'RE DOING THAT IN THE SHORT-TERM BECAUSE WE'RE WAITING FOR THE AUGUSTINE REPORT TO COME FORWARD AND THE ADMINISTRATION TO COME FORWARD WITH ITS VISION WITH REGARD TO HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT. BUT JUST THAT CONCERN, THAT ANGST, PROTECTIONED ABOUT THE IMPACT THAT THAT WOULD HAVE ON THE ECONOMY OF THOSE COMMUNITIES WHO ARE DEEPLY INVOLVED IN HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT. THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, ANOTHER EXAMPLE. THIS DROP IN GOVERNMENT SPORT FOR -- SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON TOP OF THE FALLOFF IN CORPORATE RESEARCH INVESTMENT AND PRIVATE FOUNDATION SUPPORT WOULD STRESS THE NATION'S RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES RIGHT AT THE TIME THAT THIS COUNTRY NEEDS TO INVEST IN RESEARCH, NEEDS TO INVEST IN DEVELOPMENT, SO THAT WE ARE AT THE CUTTING EDGE OF THE NEW ECONOMY AS WE GO FORWARD, WHICH IS AT THE VERY HEART OF PRESIDENT OBAMA'S NEW ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN AND STRATEGY. SO, JUST TO BEGIN WITH, AN ACROSS THE BOARD CUT, AN INDISCRIMINATE CUT OF ANY KIND, 1%, 2%, 5%, I CONSIDER IT TO BE MINDLESS. IT'S NOT A CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF FASHIONING FISCAL POLICY, MR. CHAIRMAN. I HOPE THAT THIS AMENDMENT WOULD BE OPPOSED BY THE BODY AND I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:10:34 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TENNESSEE. |
| 05:10:40 | Blackburn, Marsha | HOW MUCH TIME IS REMAINING? HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE REMAINING? |
| 05:10:45 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEWOMAN HAS 2 3/4 REMAINING. |
| 05:10:48 | Blackburn, Marsha | THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE SO MUCH THE COMMENTS OF MY COLLEAGUE AND I AM SO THRILLED THAT HE WENT THROUGH A LITANY OF PROGRAMS. YOU KNOW, IT IS SO INDICATIVE OF HOW THOSE WHO FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE UNFETTERED ACCESS TO THE TAXPAYERS' MONEY, THAT THEY HAVE FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSELE ON THAT PAYCHECK, THAT PEOPLE GO TO WORK AND WORK HARD TO EARN. SO THAT THEY CAN DO IT FOR ALL OF THESE GRANDIOSE SOUNDING PROGRAMS. WELL, ISN'T IT AMAZING? WITH A 12% INCREASE IN SPENDING, A 5% REDUCTION IS STILL AN INCREASE. I MEAN, I JUST LOVE THIS NEW MATH THAT WASHINGTON, D.C., SPITS OUT ACROSS THIS NATION. YOU WOULD STILL HAVE AN INCREASE. I MEAN, IT IS JUST AMAZING TO ME. YOU JUST DON'T GET IT. YOU JUST DON'T GET IT. WE HAVE PEOPLE IN MY DISTRICT, WE HAVE PEOPLE ACROSS THIS COUNTRY, MR. CHAIRMAN, THEY ARE LOSING THEIR JOBS BE, THEY ARE SITTING AT THE TV, AT THE KITCHEN TABLE RIGHT NOW WATCHING THE TV AND GOING, THESE PEOPLE, THESE ELITES IN WASHINGTON, THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND THAT WE'RE CUTTING OUR BUDGET 50%. I HAVE SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS THAT ARE TELLING ME, WE'RE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW LONG WE CAN KEEP THE DOORS OPEN AND HOW MUCH WE CAN AFFORD IT LOSE EVERY MONTH AND YOU WANT TO TELL ME ABOUT ENDANGERED SPECIES AND REDUCING FUNDING 5% FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES ARE DOING AWAY, ARE HOLDING BACK, ARE MAYBE NOT MOVING FORWARD? YOU KNOW SOMETHING, THERE ARE MEN AND WOMEN IN THIS NATION EVERY DAY THAT DELAY HOPES AND DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS BECAUSE THE LIBERALS NEVER LOSE THEIR APPETITE FOR THE TAXPAYER MONEY. AND THEY MEET THEIR OBLIGATION TO THE TAX MAN AND THEY INSTRUCT US, MR. CHAIRMAN, TO COME HERE AND MAKE GOOD USE OF THOSE DOLLARS. THAT IS WHAT WE ARE ELECTED TO DO. AND YOU WANT TO TELL ME YOU CAN'T FIND $100 MILLION, YOU CAN'T FIND A 5% REDUCTION, YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS REDUCTION OUT OF A $64 BILLION ALLOTMENT OF MONEY, YOU CAN'T FIND FIVE CENTS OUT OF A DOLLAR? THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE SICK AND TIRED. THEY ARE SICKED AND TIRED OF RECKLESS, RUN AWAY SPENDING. THEY ARE DEMANDING THAT IT COME TO A HALT. A 5% SENSIBLE REDUCTION IS THE WAY TO GO ABOUT IT. I WOULD ENCOURAGE ALL OF MY COLLEAGUES TO JOIN ME. LET'S MAKE A 1%, A 2%, A 5% AND THEN ALLOW, A WAY TO MOVE FORWARD IN A MORE FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE MANNER. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:13:48 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE | THE GENTLEWOMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. MEMBERS ARE -- |
| 05:13:52 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEWOMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. MEMBERS ARE AGAIN REMINDED TO DIRECT THEIR REMARKS TO THE CHAIR. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA HAS 15 SECONDS REMAINING. |
| 05:14:01 | Mollohan, Alan B. | YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:14:04 | Roe, David "Phil" P. | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. ALL TIME HAVING EXPIRED, THE QUESTION IS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TENNESSEE. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. PNT OF THE CHAIR, THE NOES HAVE IT. THE AMENDMENT IS NOT AGREED TO. |
| 05:14:17 | Blackburn, Marsha | MR. CHAIRMAN, ASK FOR A RECORD VOTE. |
| 05:14:20 | Culberson, John | THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TENNESSEE ASKS FOR AERED ROD VOTE. PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TENNESSEE WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM INDIANA RISE? |
| 05:14:34 | Burton, Danny "Dan" Lee | MR. CHAIRMAN, I HAVE AMENDMENT NUMBER 71 MADE IN ORDER UNDER THE RULE PREPRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD AT THE DESK. |
| 05:14:40 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 05:14:42 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 71 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY MR. BURTON OF INDIANA. |
| 05:14:48 | THE CHAIR | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEMAN FROM INDIANA AND A MEMBER OWES POSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM INDIANA. |
| 05:14:56 | Burton, Danny "Dan" Lee | MR. CHAIRMAN, THIS AMENDMENT IS VERY STRAIGHT FORWARD. IT SIMPLY SAYS THAT, QUOTE, NONE OF THE FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE IN THIS ACT MAY BE USED TO RELOCATE THE OFFICE OF THE CENSUS OR EMPLOYEES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT. IN FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR, AFTER SENATOR JUDD GREGG, A REPUBLICAN WAS NOMINATE BY -- NOMINATED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA TO BE THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE, THE WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCED A CONTROL OF THE CENSUS BUREAU AND THE 2010 CENSUS WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE COMMERCE DEPARTMENT AND PLACED IN THE HANDS OF THE WHITE HOUSE STAFF. SENATOR GREGG EVENTUALLY WITHDRAW -- WITHDREW HIS NAME FROM CONSIDERATION IN PART BECAUSE OF HIS CONCERNS ABOUT TAKING CONTROL OF THE NEXT CENSUS OUT OF THE HANDS OF THE COMMERCE DEPARTMENT AND PUTTING IT INTO THE HANDS OF POLITICAL OPERATIVES AT THE WHITE HOUSE. CONTRARY TO DEMOCRATIC CLAIMS, THERE WAS NO HISTORICAL PRECEDENT REPLACING THE -- FOR PLACING THE CENSUS UNDER THE CONTROL OF POLITICAL OPERATIVES ON THE WHITE HOUSE STAFF. ACCORDING TO FORMER CENSUS BUREAU DIRECTOR BRUCE CHAPMAN WHO DIRECTED THE CENSUS BUREAU FROM 1981 TO 1983, UNDER PRESIDENT REAGAN, HE SAID, QUOTE, THE WHITE HOUSE AND ITS CONGRESSIONAL ALLIES ARE WRONG IN ASSERTING THAT THE CENSUS IN THE PAST HAS DIRECTED TO THE -- REPORTED DIRECTLY TO THE PRESIDENT. DIRECTORS OFTEN BRIEF PRESIDENTS AND THEIR STAFF BUT AS A FORMER DIRECTOR UNDER PRESIDENT REAGAN, I DON'T KNOW OF ANY CASES WHERE THE CONDUCT OF THE BUREAU WAS DIRECTLY UNDER THE WHITE HOUSE SUPERVILLINGS THE -- SUPERVISION. THAT INCLUDES PRESIDENT CLINTON IN 2000, BUSH 41 IN 1990 AND CARTER IN 1980. THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION HAS SINCE BACK TRACKED AND ATTEMPTED TO DOWN PLAY ITS ROLE REGARDING THE SENT SULLS. AND TO HIS CREDIT, THE CURRENT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE, GARY LOCKE, HAS EXPRESSED HIS INTENTION TO NOT SEEK CONTROL OF THE 2010 CENSUS TO THE WHITE HOUSE DURING HIS CONFIRMATION HEARINGS. THE U.S. CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE ONE, SECTION TWO, CLAUSE THREE, AS MODIFIED BY SECTION TWO OF THE 14TH AMENDMENT REQUIRES A POPULATION CENSUS EVERY 10 YEARS TO SERVE AS THE BASIS FOR REAPPORTIONING SEATS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THE CONSTITUTION STIPULATES THAT THE HE NUME RATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED IN SUCH MANNER AS THEY, CONGRESS, SHALL BE LAW DIRECT. CONGRESS THROUGH TITLE 13 OF U.S. CODE HAS DELEGATED THIS RESPONSIBILITY TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE AND WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO THE BUREAU OF THE CENSUS. LET ME BE VERY CLEAR ON THIS POINT. THE CONSTITUTION STIPULATES THAT CONGRESS SHALL DIRECT HOW THE CENSUS IS TO BE CONDUCTED AND CONGRESS DELEGATED THIS RESPONSIBILITY TO THE BUREAU OF THE CENSUS, NOT THE OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF. THE UNITED STATES CENSUS SHOULD REMAIN INDEPENDENT OF POLITICS. IT SHOULD NOT BE DIRECTED BY POLITICAL OPERATIVES WORKING OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE. SUCH A MOVE IS ESPECIALLY TROUBLING CONSIDERING THE CENSUS AT THE TIME WAS CONSIDERING ENTERING INTO A NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP WITH ACORN, AN ORGANIZATION RIPE WITH INTERNAL CORRUPTION AND THAT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF VOTE FRAUD IN THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. ASKING AN ORGANIZATION LIKE ACORN TO HELP RECRUIT THE 1.4 MILLION TEMPORARY WORKERS THAT WILL GO DOOR TO DOOR IS AKIN TO INVITING THE FOX INTO THE HEN HOUSE. AN ESTIMATED $3 BILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS ARE DISTRIBUTED ANNUALLY ON THE BASIS OF CENSUS DATA, ACCORDING TO CENSUS OFFICIALS. ALL THE PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY ARE AFFECTED BY THIS MONEY. THE CENSUS BUREAU IS STAFFED BY TALENTED AND EXPERIENCED PEOPLE WHO ARE LEADERS IN THE FIELD OF STATISTICS. IN ORDER TO PRODUCE A FAIR, ACCURATE AND TRUSTWORTHY COUNT IN THE 2010 CENSUS, THE CENSUS BUREAU NEEDS TO REMAIN FREE OF POLITICAL OR PARTISAN INTERFERENCE. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:18:52 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES HIS TIME THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 05:18:57 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO MY FRIEND FROM INDIANA'S AMENDMENT. |
| 05:19:01 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 05:19:05 | Mollohan, Alan B. | MR. CHAIRMAN, I -- I'M SYMPATHETIC TO THE GENTLEMAN'S INTEREST, I DON'T SHARE HIS CONCERN. I KNOW THAT THERE WAS SOME TALK EARLIER THIS YEAR ABOUT THE WHITE HOUSE TAKING THE CENSUS OR TAKING THE -- TAKING SOME SORT OF LEADERSHIP ROLE IN THE CENSUS. WE HAVE BEEN PUBLIC ASSURANCES, PRIVATE ASSURANCES THAT THE WHITE HOUSE HAS NO SUCH INTENTION. THE FACT IS THAT THE CENSUS WAS ADMITTEDLY MISHANDLED DURING MUCH OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION, SO THAT TOWARD THE LASTER PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION, EVERYBODY WAS SCRAMBLING TO TRY TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE THAT HAD BEEN DONE. TO ITS CREDIT, THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, THE BUREAU OF CENSUS CONCEIVED OF A CENSUS IN 2010 THAT WOULD INVOLVE AS MUCH TECHNOLOGY, AS MUCH AUTOMATION AS POSSIBLE. THE WHOLE VISION THERE WOULD BE TO BE ACCURATE AND TO BE LESS EXPENSIVE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE CONTRACTOR AND THE -- THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACTUALLY TOOK A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE AGENCY FOR THE CONTRACTOR, NOT HAVING CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS, BUT IN FACT THE JOB WAS NOT WELL PERFORMED, WHETHER IT WAS THE FAULT OF THE COMMERCE DEPARTMENT AND THE BUREAU OR WHETHER IT WAS THE CONTRACTOR. POINT IS, THAT WE HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME IN THE LAST YEARS OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION AND CERTAINLY THIS YEAR ENSURING THAT WE CORRECTED THOSE PROBLEM, THAT WE GOT AHEAD OF THOSE PROBLEMS, SO WE COULD RELY ON A CREDIBLE, ACCURATE CENSUS. THOSE ADJUSTMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE. I WOULD JUST ASSURE THE GENTLEMAN THAT THERE IS NO INAPPROPRIATE INVOLVEMENT BY THE WHITE HOUSE AT ALL. I EMBRACE HIS NOTION THAT THE CONGRESS SHOULD BE FASHIONING IT AND I THINK THAT WE ARE DOING THAT WITH QUITE A BIT OF OVERSIGHT. I KNOW THIS APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE HAS BEEN CONDUCTING A LOT OF OVERSIGHT SYSTEM OF MY REMARKS IN OPPOSITION TO HIS AMENDMENT ARE I HOPE IN MORE OF THE WAY OF ASSURING HIM WE'RE ON TOP OF THIS AND LOOKING AT IT. THERE'S A LOT OF CONCERN, I HEAR IT ON RADIO AND SEE IT ON TELEVISION, CERTAIN TALK RADIO SHOWS ARE OBSESSING WITH REGARD TO ACORN AND I THINK -- I THINK PERSONALLY IN MANY WAYS DEMONIZING A WHOLE ORGANIZATION FOR THE CONDUCT OF A FEW. YES, ACORN COULD, COULD NOT BE PART OF THE 30,000 PARTNERSHIPS THAT THE CENSUS BUREAU WILL EMBRACE IN ORDER TO REACH OUT TO COMMUNITIES, MANY OF THEM THOORD IDENTIFY COMMUNITIES. I KNOW THE GENTLEMAN SHARES THE GOAL OF COUNTING, HAVING AS ACT RALT A CENSUS COUNT AS POSSIBLE, AND I KNOW THE GENTLEMAN UNDERSTANDS THERE ARE HARD TO ACCESS COMMUNITIES, I'M SURE THAT THE GENTLEMAN BRACES THE -- EMBRACES THE IDEA OF PARTNERSHIPS TO REACH OUT AND GIVE ASSURANCE TO COMMUNITY SO WE CAN COUNT AS MANY FOLKS AS POSSIBLE. ACORN -- THERE WAS NO MONEY INVOLVED. THERE IS NO MONEY ASSOCIATED WITH THOSE PARTNERSHIPS WITH ACORN. SO I AGAIN -- I OPPOSE THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT AND MY COMMENTS ARE MORE TO, AS I OPPOSE IT TO REASSURE HIM THAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT AN ACCURATE, JUST CENSUS AND WE INTEND TO DO OUR PART TO ENSURE THAT. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME, MR. CHAIRMAN |
| 05:22:59 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM INDIANA. |
| 05:23:04 | Burton, Danny "Dan" Lee | HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE? |
| 05:23:08 | THE CHAIR | ONE MINUTE. |
| 05:23:09 | Burton, Danny "Dan" Lee | I BELIEVE MR. MOLLOHAN IS WELL INTENTIONED. I BELIEVE HE'S AN HONORABLE MAN. BUT MY CONCERN IS THAT THERE COULD BE A CHANGE OF ATTITUDE BY SOME IN THE WHITE HOUSE. I APPRECIATE THAT THE WHITE HOUSE HAS RECONSIDERED AND REVERSED THEIR DECISION ON TAKING CONTROL OF THE CENSUS, BUT UNLESS WE MAKE THIS DECISION THERE'S NOTHING TO PREVENT THEM CHANGING THEIR DECISION ONCE MORE. I AM ENCOURAGED BECAUSE THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE HAS EXPRESSED THE INTENTION TO NOT CEDE CONTROL OF THE CENSUS TO THE WHITE HOUSE IN HIS CONFIRMATION HEARING, BUT NEVERTHELESS, IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE CONGRESS RETAINS ITS RIGHT TO CONTROL THE CENSUS AND THE $300 BILLION THAT WILL BE DISSEMINATED AS A RESULT OF THE CENSUS, I THINK WE NEED TO MAKE IT CLEAR BY PASSING THIS AMENDMENT THAT IT'S UP TO THE CONGRESS AND NOT THE WHITE HOUSE TO MAKE THIS DETERMINATION. WITH THAT, I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:24:16 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA HAS ONE MINUTE REMAINING. |
| 05:24:20 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:24:23 | THE CHAIR | THE QUESTION IS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM INDIANA, MR. BURTON. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES HAVE IT. THE AMENDMENTED IS AGREED TO. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 05:24:38 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I REQUEST A RECORDED VOTE. |
| 05:24:42 | Mollohan, Alan B. | PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FURTHER PROCEED THONINGS AMENDMENT OF THE GENTLEMAN FROM INDIANA WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA RISE? |
| 05:24:51 | Price, Tom | I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK MADE IN ORDER UNDER THE RULE. |
| 05:24:54 | THE CHAIR | THE -- |
| 05:24:55 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 05:24:58 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 97 OFFERED BY MR. PRICE OF GEORGIA. |
| 05:25:02 | THE CHAIR | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA AND A MEMBER OPPOSED EACH WILL CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. |
| 05:25:10 | Price, Tom | THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. THIS AMENDMENT IS AGAIN ANOTHER VERY SIMPLE AMENDMENT. IT WOULD REDUCE THE TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS IN THIS BILL BY 644,-- BY $644,150,000. YOU MIGHT ASK HOW DID I COME UP WITH THAT NUMBER? THAT'S 1% OF THE BILL. THAT'S RIGHT, $644,150,000 IS 1% OF THE BILL. WHAT THIS AMENDMENT ASKS IS, IS THIS CONGRESS RESPONSIBLE ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO DECREASE THE AMOUNT OF SPENDING IN THIS BILL BY 1%, A PENNY OUT OF EVERY DOLLAR. THAT'S NOT 1% OFF LAST YEAR, MR. CHAIRMAN, THAT'S 1% OFF THE PROPOSED. AND THE PROPOSED IS AN 11.6% INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR. THAT MEANS WE WOULD GO FROM AN 11.6% INCREASE TO A 10.6% INCREASE. MR. CHAIRMAN, DO YOU THINK WE CAN HANDLE THAT? DO YOU THINK WE CAN HANDLE THAT? A LOT OF NUMBERS OUT THERE ACROSS THIS LAND. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU'VE BEEN PAYING ATTENTION, OUTSTANDING PUBLIC DEBT AS OF TODAY, $11.4 TRILLION. OUTSTANDING PUBLIC DEBT PER AMERICAN CITIZEN, $37,231.22. AVERAGE INCREASE IN OUR NATIONAL DEBT EVERY SINGLE DAY BECAUSE OF THE MONEY SPENT BY THIS CONGRESS AND THIS ADMINISTRATION, $3.82 BILLION A DAY. A DAY, MR. CHAIRMAN. THE COUNTRY'S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FELL BY 6.1% IN THE FIRST QUARTER, THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET PROPOSES THE 11TH HIGHEST ANNUAL DEFICITS IN THE UNITED STATES HISTORY. THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE OUT THERE IS 9.4%, MR. CHAIRMAN, THAT'S HIGHER THAN THE ADMINISTRATION ASSURED THE NATION IT WOULD BE IF WE DID NOTHING. IF WE DID NOTHING WHEN THE NONSTIMULUS BILL WAS PASSED. 9.4%. MR. CHAIRMAN, THE FEDERAL TAX REVENUES IN THIS NATION DROPPED 34% IN APRIL, 2009, COMPARED TO ONE YEAR AGO. 34%. MR. CHAIRMAN, ONE MIGHT BE ABLE TO JUST EXTRAPOLATE THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE TIGHTENING THEIR BELTS BY 34%. DO YOU THINK THIS CONGRESS CAN TIGHTEN ITS BELT BY 1%? A PENNY OUT OF EVERY DOLLAR, THAT'S ALL WE'RE ASKING. IT'S NOT GOING ACROSS THE BOARD. IT'S NOT THAT MEAT AX THAT MY FRIEND FROM WEST VIRGINIA TALKS ABOUT. IT'S ALLOWING THE DEPARTMENT ITSELF TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO SAVE A PENNY OUT OF EVERY DOLLAR THAT IT SPENDS. WE OUGHT TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT, MR. CHAIRMAN. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:27:56 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 05:28:00 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT. |
| 05:28:05 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 05:28:07 | Mollohan, Alan B. | THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT IS A 1% CUT. WE ARGUED A FEW MINUTES AGO IT WAS A 5% CUT. THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT IS ARGUABLY JUST FIVE TIMES LESS DESTRUCTIVE TO PROGRAMS THAT THIS SUBCOMMITTEE AND BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE HAVE CAREFULLY BALANCED AS WE WORKED MONTHS AND MONTHS IN DRAFTING THIS LEGISLATION. THE GENTLEMAN IS CORRECT. IT'S A 1% CUT TO THE BILL. AS WRITTEN, THE AGENCIES COULD LOOK AT IT AND APPLY THE CUTS AS THEY SAW FIT. BUT UNDERSTAND THAT THEY ARE CUTS. JUST A COUPLE OF PLACES THAT WE COULD IMAGINE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF INMATES AND GUARDS IN FEDERAL PRISONS, THAT'S AN AREA WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS TO UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT THE NEEDS WERE, THE BILL IS CAREFULLY DRAFTED TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS ADEQUATE FUNDING TO THE BUREAU OF PRISONS TO ENSURE SAFETY AND SECURITIES FOR INMATES AND GUARDS IN FEDERAL PRISONS. A 1% CUT WOULD BE $71 MILLION IF APPLIED THERE. $345 MILLION IN NEW FUNDS TO SAFEGUARD THE SOUTHWEST BORDER. IT WOULD UNDERMINE THE SOUTHWEST BORDER INITIATIVE, PERHAPS, MR. CHAIRMAN, WHERE THE CUTS WERE TAKEN. THE 3.4 BILLION IN GRANT FUNDING FOR STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING $298 MILLION TO PUT ADDITIONAL COPS ON THE BEAT. $100 MILLION FOR PRISONER RE-ENTRY INITIATIVES, $94 MILLION FOR TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE. ALL THIS REPRESENTS FUNDING THAT AGAIN HAS BEEN CAREFULLY FASHIONED, CAREFULLY CONSIDERED, AND CAREFULLY APPROPRIATED BY THE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE AND BY THE FULL COMMITTEE AS WE MOVE THIS BILL TO THE FLOOR. A 1% CUT WOULD UNDERMINE ANY OR ALL OF THOSE PROGRAMS BY THAT AMOUNT. MR. CHAIRMAN, FOR ALL THOSE REASONS, I OPPOSE THIS AMENDMENT. AND YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. AE-- I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF |
| 05:30:08 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. |
| 05:30:13 | Price, Tom | HOW MUCH TIME REMAINING? |
| 05:30:15 | THE CHAIR | 2 1/2 MINUTES. |
| 05:30:16 | Price, Tom | I APPRECIATE THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA'S COMMENTS, BUT LET'S BE HONEST, MR. CHAIRMAN. A CUT? A CUT? THE AMOUNT OF MONEY SPENT LAST YEAR IN THIS AREA OF THE BUDGET, $57.7 BILLION, $57.7 BILLION. THE AMOUNT IN THIS BILL TO SPEND, AN 11.6% INCREASE, $64.4 BILLION. MY AMENDMENT, WHAT WOULD WE SPEND? $63.8 BILLION. NOW REMEMBER, MR. CHAIRMAN, LAST YEAR WE SPENT $57.7 BILLION. THIS YEAR IT'S $63.8 BILLION UNDER THIS AMENDMENT. $57.7 BILLION TO $63.8 BILLION, THAT'S A CUT? MR. CHAIRMAN A PENNY OUT OF EVERY DOLLAR THIS DEFINITION OF A CUT IS LIKE WHEN MY -- OUR TEENAGE SON HAD A -- AN ALLOWANCE EACH WEEK OF $1. AND HE CAME TO ME AND SAID, DAD DO YOU THINK I COULD HAVE $2 A WEEK. I SAID, NO, BUT WE COULD PROBABLY MAKE IT $1.50 A WEEK. THUNDER DEFINITION THAT WOULD BE A 50% CUT. MR. CHAIRMAN, NOW LET'S BE SERIOUS. $57 BILLION LAST YEAR, $64 BILLION THIS YEAR. DO YOU THINK WE CAN FIND A PENNY ON THE DOLLAR AND MOVE IT TO $63.8 BILLION? ARE WE THAT IRRESPONSIBLE THAT WE CAN'T DO THAT? 9.4% UNEMPLOYMENT ACROSS THIS LAND. PEOPLE HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME PUTTING FOOD ON THE TABLE. NOT -- WONDERING WHERE THEY'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO COVER THEIR HEALTH CARE COSTS, WONDERING WHETHER OR NOT THEY'LL BE ABLE TO SEND THEIR KIDS TO SCHOOL. THE UNITED STATES IS IN DANGER OF LOSING ITS TRIPLE-A CREDIT RATING DUE TO ACCUMULATION OF OVER $1 TRILLION IN DEBT. WHEN IS THIS FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY OUT OF THIS CROWD GOING TO START? A PENNY OUT OF EVERY DOLLAR. I WOULD SUGGEST, MR. CHAIRMAN THAT THAT'S A MINIMAL AMOUNT. A REASONABLE AMOUNT. AN AMOUNT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE LOOK AT, FOLK HERE'S IN WASHINGTON, THEIR REPRESENTATIVES IN WASHINGTON, THEY SAY, WHY ON EARTH CAN'T YOU FIND THAT? WHY DIDN'T YOU -- CAN'T YOU FIND THAT? WE OUGHT TO BE ABLE TO DO THIS. NOT DOING THIS IS MORALLY REPREHENSIBLE. NOT DOING THIS IS IRRESPONSIBLE. NOT DOING THIS IS AN ABROGATION OF OUR DUTY. NOT DOING THIS IS A WOEFUL LACK OF LEADERSHIP. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:32:54 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 05:33:02 | Mollohan, Alan B. | THE USE OF THE WORD IRRESPONSIBLE GIVES ME PAUSE BECAUSE IF THE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE FOR COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE -- COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE HAS DONE ANYTHING DURING THE LAST SIX MONTHS, IT HAS RESPONSIBLY CONSIDERED THE ADMINISTRATION'S REQUESTS WITH REGARD TO FUNDING OF THESE ACCOUNTS. INDEED, OUR APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE HAS CUT $200 MILLION FROM THE ADMINISTRATION'S REQUEST AT THE SAME TIME, WE HAVE FILLED A LOT OF HOLES THE ADMINISTRATION LEFT. $300 MILLION FOR SCAAP. WE FILLED THAT HOLE, WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION REQUESTED ZERO FOR THAT ON THE FLOOR HERE YESTERDAY WE ADDED ANOTHER $100 MILLION TO SCAAP BECAUSE IT HAS SUCH SUPPORT, BROAD, BIPARTISAN SUPPORT IN THIS HOUSE. . WE RESTORED $400 MILLION TO THIS LEGISLATION, MONEY TO HELP OUR LOCAL POLICE, OUR LOCAL SHERIFFS, OUR STATE POLICE AS THEY DO THEIR JOB IN VERY TOUGH TIMES. AS A MATTER OF FACT BACK HOME, PROVIDING SAFETY TO OUR CITIZENS. THIS LEGISLATION HAS BEEN VERY RESPONSIBLY CONSIDERED. AND WHILE OUR APPROPRIATION IS LESS THAN THE PRESIDENT REQUESTED, IT STILL GOES A LONG WAY TO ADEQUATELY FUND ALL THE ACCOUNTS IN THE BILL. NOW THE GENTLEMAN MAKES LIGHT OF A 1% CUT, BUT UNDERSTAND A 1% CUT IN A $64 BILLION BILL IS $644 MILLION. $644 MILLION IS $200 MILLION ABOVE THE SCAAP HOLE WE HAD TO FILL. $200 MILLION ABOVE THE $400 MILLION IN THE STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANTS THAT WE FILLED. SO THE GENTLEMAN, 1%, WHEN IT IS SAID LIKE THAT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE MUCH. BUT THIS BILL WE BRING TO THE FLOOR TODAY IS BELOW THE PRESIDENT'S REQUEST AND AT THE SAME TIME, WE HAVE PROVIDED FUNDING FOR SCAAP. WE PROVIDED FUNDING FOR STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO THE TUNE OF $400 MILLION ABOVE THE PRESIDENT'S REQUEST. STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACROSS THE COUNTRY -- AND I WOULD JUST IMAGINE IN THE GENTLEMAN'S DISTRICT ARE VERY MUCH APPRECIATIVE OF THAT SUPPORT AS THEY DEAL WITH CRIME IN TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES WHEN LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS ARE HAVING TROUBLE MEETING THAT IN ORDER TO FUND THAT SAFETY. A LOT OF THIS IS IDEOLOGICAL. AND THE GENTLEMAN LOOKS TO THESE DOMESTIC ACCOUNTS TO ACHIEVE THESE REDUCTIONS. AND I JUST WOULD POINT OUT THAT THESE ACCOUNTS ARE NOT -- THIS BILL WE BRING TO THE FLOOR IS BELOW THE PRESIDENT'S REQUEST. AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:36:08 | THE CHAIR | ALL TIME HAVING EXPIRED, THE QUESTION IS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE NOES HAVE IT. THE AMENDMENT IS NOT AGREED TO. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE |
| 05:36:25 | Price, Tom | I ASK FOR A RECORDED VOTE. |
| 05:36:28 | Price, Tom | PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6, RULE 18, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO RISE? |
| 05:36:38 | Jordan, James "Jim" D | I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK. |
| 05:36:41 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 05:36:44 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 100 OFFERED BY MR. JORDAN OF OHIO. |
| 05:36:49 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 05:36:57 | Jordan, James "Jim" D | I THANK THE CHAIRMAN AND THANK MY RANKING MEMBER AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE WAS JUST BOASTING ABOUT THE FACT THAT THE COMMITTEE REDUCED THE AMOUNT OF DOLLARS APPROPRIATED IN THIS BILL FROM WHAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD REQUESTED. I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO POINT OUT THAT REQUEST CAME AFTER WE HAD THE STIMULUS, THE OMNIBUS, TARP, ALL THE SPENDING HAD TAKEN PLACE IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS CONGRESS. I DON'T KNOW THAT'S ANYTHING TO BRAG ABOUT. THIS AMENDMENT ACTUALLY GOES BACK TO WHAT THIS CONGRESS WAS ALLOCATED AND WHAT WAS BEING SPENT IN THE VARIOUS AGENCIES. IT WOULD REDUCE THE SPENDING IN THIS BILL BY $12,500,000,000 PRIOR TO THE STIMULUS. IT IS ABOUT PRESERVING OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE GET IT. THEY ARE TIGHTENING THEIR BELTS AS MANY SPEAKERS HAVE INDICATED ON THE FLOOR THIS EVENING. THEY'RE TIRED OF THIS BLANK CHECK, THIS BAILOUT MENTALITY THAT HAS GOT A HOLD OF WASHINGTON. THEY'RE SICK OF THE BAILOUTS. THEY'RE SICK OF THE DEFICITS, THE DEBT WE KEEP PILING UP. THINK OF THE NUMBER OF BAILOUTS. THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY, THE AUTO INDUSTRY BAILOUT, A DEFICIT THAT IS APPROACHING $2 TRILLION THIS FISCAL YEAR, A NATIONAL ZEBT OVER $11 TRILLION SLATED TO MOVE TO $23 TRILLION OVER THE NEXT DECADE. AT SOME POINT -- I WAS AN ECONOMIC MAJOR. THERE'S NO FREE LUNCH, IT HAS TO BE PAID BACK. $23 TRILLION WE ARE SLATED TO GO TO OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS. TO PAY BACK, THINK WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN. WE HAVE TO BALANCE THE BUDGET. WE HAVE TO NOT SPEND MORE THAN WHAT WE TAKE IN AND RUN A SURPLUS OF $1 TRILLION FOR 23 STRAIGHT YEARS AND THAT DOESN'T COUNT THE INTEREST. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT MAKES THIS COUNTRY GREAT, ONE OF THE REASONS WE ARE THE GREATEST NATION IN HISTORY IS BECAUSE PARENTS MAKE SACRIFICES FOR THEIR KIDS SO WHEN THEY GROW UP, THEY CAN HAVE LIFE BETTER THAN THEY DID. AND THAT CYCLE CONTINUES AND IT'S WHY WE ARE THE GREATEST ECONOMIC POWER IN HUMAN HISTORY. WHEN YOU BEGIN TO TURN THAT AROUND AND GO THE OTHER DIRECTION, THAT'S WHERE WE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS AND THAT'S WHERE WE ARE AT RIGHT NOW. IT'S SO IMPORTANT WE GET DISCIPLINE ON HOW WE BUDGET AND SPEND THE TAXPAYER MONEY. I HAD A COACH AND TEACHER IN HIGH SCHOOL, TAUGHT CHEMISTRY AND PSYSICS AND TALKED ABOUT DISCIPLINE EVERY STINKING DAY. I GOT TIRED HEARING ABOUT IT. YOU NEED DISCIPLINE IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED. AND HE HAD A GREAT DEFINITION. HE SAID DISCIPLINE IS DOING WHAT YOU DON'T WANT TO DO WHEN YOU DON'T WANT TO DO IT. AND THAT MEANT DOING IT HIS WAY THAN DOING IT YOUR WAY. THE EASY THING TO DO IS TO SPEND TAXPAYER MONEY. THE DISCIPLINE THING, THE TOUGH THING TO DO IS SAY YOU KNOW WHAT? WE'RE GOING TO LIMIT OVERALL SPENDING AND MAKE SOME TOUGH DECISIONS, BECAUSE IF WE DON'T OUR KIDS AND GRANDKIDS ARE GOING TO INHERIT A DEBT WE CANNOT REPAY. IT'S IMPORTANT TO ADOPT THIS AMENDMENT AND GET A HANDLE ON THE OUT-OF-CONTROL SPENDING. |
| 05:40:35 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 05:40:42 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT. |
| 05:40:47 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 05:40:49 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I JUST POINT OUT THAT THIS IS A $19 -- 19.4% REDUCTION IN THE FUNDING OF THE BILL. AND THAT EQUATES BY MY MATH AND WHAT I HEARD TO $12.5 BILLION, $12.5 BILLION BELOW THIS COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION TO THE FULL HOUSE. IT WOULD BE $5 BILLION BELOW THE 2009 FUNDING LEVEL. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS RIGHT OFF THE TOP, THIS SUBCOMMITTEE HAS A $4 BILLION ADDITIONAL OBLIGATION IN ORDER TO FUND AS WE MOVE INTO THE 2010 CENSUS. THAT JUST IMMEDIATELY DEMONSTRATES, I THINK, GRAPHICALLY DEMONSTRATES WHAT KIND OF EFFECT THIS KIND OF A CUT THIS WOULD HAVE ON THE BILL. FOR ALL THOSE REASONS I HAVE IN DEBATING THESE VARIOUS OTHER PERCENTAGE CUTS TO THE FUNDING IN THIS BILL, I OPPOSE THIS AMENDMENT, MR. CHAIRMAN. AND RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:41:54 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO. |
| 05:41:59 | Jordan, James "Jim" D | MR. CHAIRMAN, LET ME SAY THIS. THE GENTLEMAN MAKES IT SOUND SO DRAMATIC. IT TAKES US RIGHT BACK TO WHERE WE WERE SPENDING -- LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, LESS THAN A YEAR AGO TO WHAT THESE DEPARTMENTS WERE OPERATING ON. THINK ABOUT THIS. A YEAR AGO, TIGER WOODS WAS GETTING READY TO WIN THE U.S. OPEN. BRETT FAVRE WAS THINKING OF COMING OUT OF RETIREMENT. YANKEES AND BOSTON RED SOX FANS DON'T LIKE EACH OTHER. THIS IS NO BIG DEAL. THIS IS GOING BACK TO WHERE WE WERE ONE YEAR AGO. A LOT OF FAMILIES ACROSS THIS COUNTRY ARE HAVING TO DO THAT. A LOT OF BUSINESSES ARE HAVING TO DO THAT. WHY IS IT DURING TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO SUCK IT UP ARE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS? WHY CAN'T GOVERNMENT SUCK IT UP? THIS IS WHAT THIS IS ABOUT. THIS GOES BACK TO WHERE WE WERE ONE YEAR AGO. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. AND I URGE A YES VOTE. |
| 05:42:58 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 05:43:04 | Mollohan, Alan B. | MR. CHAIRMAN, A SMALL POINT. ONE YEAR AGO, I DON'T KNOW WHAT NUMBERS THE GENTLEMAN IS LOOKING AT AND DOESN'T AFFECT HIS OVERALL POINT. AND I UNDERSTAND HE WANTS TO REDUCE THE BILL BY A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY. ONE YEAR AGO THE ACCOUNTS FUNDED IN THIS BILL TOTALLED $57 BILLION. AS I UNDERSTAND THE GENTLEMAN'S CUT AND AS WE HAVE DONE THE MATH ON IT, HIS CUT WOULD TAKE US DOWN TO $52 BILLION, WHICH WOULD BE $4 BILLION BELOW. |
| 05:43:41 | Jordan, James "Jim" D | I APPRECIATE THE GENTLEMAN YIELDING. A YEAR AGO, WE WERE -- IT'S MY RECOLLECTION, WE WERE FUNCTIONING UNDER A CONTINUING RESOLUTION, WHICH WOULD BE THE 2008 FISCAL YEAR SPENDING LEVEL. THAT'S WHY I'M SAYING ONE YEAR AGO WE ARE FUNCTIONING AS TO WHERE THIS AMENDMENT WOULD TAKE US TO. NOT THE 2009. THE 2008 CONTINUING RESOLUTION. |
| 05:44:05 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I'M LOOKING AT THE ACTUAL NUMBER HERE. MR. CHAIRMAN, I OPPOSE THE AMENDMENT AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:44:12 | THE CHAIR | ALL TIME HAVING EXPIRED, THE QUESTION IS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES HAVE IT. THE AMENDMENT IS AGREED TO. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 05:44:30 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I REQUEST THE YEAS AND NAYS. |
| 05:44:32 | THE CHAIR | FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM WASHINGTON RISE? |
| 05:44:40 | >> | MR. CHAIRMAN, I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK. |
| 05:44:42 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 05:44:45 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 114 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY MR. REICHERT OF WASHINGTON. |
| 05:44:52 | THE CHAIR | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEMAN FROM WASHINGTON AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WASHINGTON. |
| 05:45:00 | Reichert, David | MR. CHAIRMAN, AFTER LISTENING TO THE DISCUSSION BACK AND FORTH HERE FOR THE LAST HOUR OR TWO, I WOULD HOPE THAT MY AMENDMENT WOULD NOT BE QUITE SO CONTENTIOUS AND IT IS MIGRATE HOPE WE COULD COME TOGETHER IN AGREEMENT ON THE AMENDMENT THAT I'M ABOUT TO OFFER. I AM SUGGESTING THAT WE TAKE $2.5 MILLION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, SALARIES AND EXPENSES' ACCOUNT, WHICH IS TOTALING $60 MILLION AND RECEIVING A $7 MILLION INCREASE. TO REMOVE $2.5 MILLION FROM A $7 MILLION INCREASE FROM A $60 MILLION BUDGET TO SUPPORT TEENS THROUGH EDUCATION, STEP, WHICH HELPS HIGH SCHOOLS COLLABORATE WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT PROVIDERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, COURTS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS TO IMPROVE SCHOOL SAFETY. THIS VITAL PROGRAM WAS AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS UNDER THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN'S ACT, BUT WAS NEVER FUNDED. OUR SCHOOLS SHOULD BE SAFE HAVENS FOR OUR CHILDREN TO LEARN AND GROW. UNFORTUNATELY, VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS HAS LEFT MANY KIDS AFRAID OF THE VERY PLACES WE SEND THEM TO LEARN AND GROW. THEY INCREASINGLY FIND THEMSELVES BECOMING VICTIMS OF DATING VIOLENCE, BULLYING, HARASSMENT, GANG-RELATED VIOLENCE IN THE CLASSROOMS, HALLWAYS AND SCHOOL YARDS. IN THE BUSES AND IN THE AREA OF THE SCHOOL, THIS LAW WOULD APPLY. WHEN VIOLENCE OCCURS IN OUR SCHOOLS, OUR CHILDREN FIND THEMSELVES IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS. THEY GO TO SCHOOL WHERE THEY SPEND SIX TO EIGHT HOURS A DAY WITH THE VERY PEOPLE THAT HAVE PERPETRATED THE CRIME AGAINST THEM PLACING THEM IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. FOR EXAMPLE, A 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL BREAKS UP WITH HER 16-YEAR-OLD BOYFRIEND IN TEXAS, AT A HIGH SCHOOL. AND DURING THE DAY, SHE GOES TO HER TEACHER AND SAYS I'M AFRAID. THIS BOYFRIEND OF MINE IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE VIOLENT AND I'M AFRAID FOR MY SAFETY. CAN YOU HELP ME? TWO HOURS LATER, THIS YOUNG LADY IS FOUND DEAD IN THE HALLWAYS OF HER OWN SCHOOL. IN 2007, AT A HIGH SCHOOL IN SEATTLE, A YOUNG GIRL IS ASSAULTED, DRAGGED INTO THE BOYS' REST ROOM AND ASSAULTED EVEN FURTHER. THE GIRL PUSHED HERSELF AWAY FROM THE SUSPECT AND RAN AWAY AND TOLD THE TEACHERS. REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO THE TEACHERS. THE PRINCIPAL OF THE SCHOOL. THE SCHOOL DID NOTHING. FOR THREE WEEKS THIS YOUNG LADY HAD TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL AND FACE THESE THREE INDIVIDUALS, THREE INDIVIDUALS WHO ASSAULTED HER. THEY DID NOTHING. DIDN'T REPORT IT TO THE POLICE. DIDN'T TELL ANYBODY. OUR SCHOOLS NEED MORE EFFECTIVE PROCEDURES TO ADDRESS THESE PROBLEMS WHEN THEY OCCUR AMONGST STUDENTS. TEACHERS, COACHES AND COUNSELORS HAVE IMPORTANT ROLES TO PLAY IN THE LIVES OF OUR CHILDREN, AS WE ALL KNOW, AND THEY CAN BE A KEY TO CURBING VIOLENCE AMONG OUR YOUTH. STUDIES SHOW THAT 25% OF THE TEENS SAY THEY WOULD CONFIDE IN A TEACHER OR A SCHOOL COUNSELOR IF THEY BECAME INVOLVED IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP OR WERE ASSAULTED. UNFORTUNATELY, SCHOOL PERSONNEL ARE NOT CURRENT TRY TRAINED AND EQUIPPED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OR RESOURCES NEEDED TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES EFFECTIVELY AT SCHOOL. BY SUPPORTING MY AMENDMENT, WE COULD HELP SCHOOLS ADDRESS BULLYING, SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND THE STEP PROGRAM CAN TRAIN SCHOOL PERSONNEL AND PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STUDENTS EXPERIENCING ABUSE, HELP SCHOOLS FOSTER APPROPRIATE RESPONSES TO THE AFFECTED STUDENTS. THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, THE NATIONAL NETWORK OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME, THE NATIONAL FAMILIES PREVENTION FUND HAVE ENDORSED THIS AMENDMENT AND I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS COMMONSENSE AMENDMENT TO CREATE A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR CHILDREN ACROSS THIS COUNTRY. AND I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:49:17 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 05:49:24 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I RISE TO CLAIM THE TIME IN OPPOSITION, ALTHOUGH I'M NOT IN OPPOSITION. |
| 05:49:28 | Mollohan, Alan B. | WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. . I WANT TO COMPLEMENT THE GENTLEMAN FROM WASHINGTON FOR HIS CONCERN HERE. HE'S ABSOLUTELY CORRECT THIS PROGRAM IS AUTHORIZED UNDER THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN LEGISLATION. IT WAS NOT FUNDED IN THIS BILL. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PROGRAMS IN IT. WE HAVE FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO FUND ALL OF THEM. WE WANT EVERY YEAR WE ADD TO THEM. BUT THE GENTLEMAN'S CONTRIBUTION HERE TO THE BILL AND TO FIGHTING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IS REAL AND WE APPRECIATE IT AND WE ACCEPT THE AMENDMENT. DOMESTIC AND DATING VIOLENCE IS SOMETHING THAT'S VERY SERIOUS. IT'S SOMETHING THAT CAN BE DEALT WITH THROUGH THE PROGRAM THAT THE GENTLEMAN IS ADVOCATING. SO WE THANK HIM FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO OUR BILL HERE. AND LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH HIM AS WE MOVE THIS LEGISLATION THROUGH CONVERSATION -- CONFERENCE TO ENSURE HIS EFFORTS HERE ARE RETAINED. |
| 05:50:34 | THE CHAIR | DOES THE GENTLEMAN RESERVE HIS TIME? THE GENTLEMAN FROM WASHINGTON. |
| 05:50:39 | Reichert, David | MR. SPEAKER, THANK YOU. I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT JUST TO THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR HIS SUPPORT AND KIND WORDS OF SUPPORT AND THE MAJORITY SUPPORT OF THE MINORITY AMENDMENTLE IS A PLEASANT CHANGE IN THE ATMOSPHERE OVER THE LAST DAY OR TWO. WE APPRECIATE THAT. I YIELD BACK. |
| 05:50:59 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I YIELD BACK. |
| 05:51:00 | THE CHAIR | BOTH SIDES HAVING YIELDED BACK, THE QUI IS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM WASHINGTON, SO MANY AS ARE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES HAVE IT. THE AMENDMENT IS AGREED TO. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WASHINGTON. |
| 05:51:13 | Reichert, David | I WOULD REQUEST A RECORDED VOTE. |
| 05:51:16 | Reichert, David | PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM WASHINGTON WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA RISE? |
| 05:51:28 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK. IT'S NUMBER 59. |
| 05:51:30 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 05:51:32 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 59, PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, OFFERED BY MR. BROUN OF GEORGIA. |
| 05:51:38 | THE CHAIR | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA, MR. BROUN, AND A MEMBER OPPOSED, WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. |
| 05:51:48 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I YIELD MYSELF SUCH TIME AS I MAY CONSUME. |
| 05:51:53 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 05:51:55 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | I RISE TODAY WITH AN AMENDMENT WHICH WILL STRIP FUNDING FROM THIS BILL THAT IS AIMED AT IMBLEMENTING A NEW NATIONAL CLIMATE CERTIFICATE -- IMPLEMENTING A NEW NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE. AT BEST THIS AGENCY IS DUPLICATIVE. AT WORSE THIS IS AN EGREGIOUS WASTE OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS. FOR AN ENDEAVOR WHICH IS NOT EVEN BASED ON SOUND SCIENCE. MR. SPEAKER, THERE IS NO CONSENSUS AMONG POLICYMAKERS, ACADEMICS, RESEARCHERS, OR BUREAUCRATS ABOUT HOW A NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE SHOULD EVEN BE STRUCTURED. YET HERE WE ARE FUNDING IT. THIS LACK OF AGREEMENT WAS NOT MORE EVIDENT THAN DURING A SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING JUST LAST MONTH REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS EXACT AGENCY. AT THAT HEARING FOUR ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURAL PROPOSALS WERE PRESENTED BY DIFFERENT WITNESSES. THEY RANGE FROM EMERGING EXISTING -- MERGING EXISTING AGENCIES TO THE CREATION OF A NONPROFIT ENTITY TO PROVIDE THE RESEARCH. BUT EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM WAS SHOT DOWN. IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT ANY ENTITY OF THIS ANY TURE, WE -- NATURE, WE MUST FIRST BE SURE THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR MONITORING OUR WEATHER AND CLIMATE PATTERNS IS ALREADY IN PLACE. BUT THAT INFRASTRUCTURE IS CURRENTLY NOT THERE. IN FACT, ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, THE U.S. CLIMATE OBSERVING SYSTEM IS IN RAPID DECLINE. THIS INCLUDES BOTH OUR GROUND BASED AND OUR SATELLITE BASED MEASURING SYSTEMS. UPDATING THESE SYSTEMS AND MAKING SURE THAT THE INFORMATION THEY PROVIDE SHOULD BE THE FOREMOST PRIORITY WHEN IT COMES TO MONITORING OUR CLIMATE. JUST TODAY IN THE COMMITTEE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WE JUST HEARD HOW THE ORBITING SATELLITE SYSTEM HAS TREMENDOUS COST OVERRUNS AND THEY ARE NOT FLYING THE SATELLITES AND HOW NOAA JUST DESPERATELY, PARTICULARLY NOAA, DESPERATELY NEED THESE SATELLITES TO HELP THEM GIVE US PROPER WEATHER PREDICTIONS. BUT WE ARE NOT FUNDING THAT. WE ARE FUNDING THIS NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE, AND WE ARE PUTTING OFF THESE PRESSING NEEDS INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON ESTABLISHING YET ANOTHER BURE KLATTIC -- BUREAUCRATIC WEB TO NAVIGATE THROUGH, WE ARE DOING NOTHING MORE THAN DECREASING EFFICIENCY AND INCREASING FEDERAL RED TAPE. WHAT WE KNOW FOR SURE IS THAT THIS NEW UNNECESSARY AGENCY WILL GRANT BROAD SWEEPING AUTHORITY TO THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH WITH LITTLE CONGRESSIONAL INPUT. THAT'S IT. THE DETAILS ARE BEING LEFT UP TO SOME FEDERAL BUREAUCRAT. AS WE ALL KNOW BY NOW, THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS. ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS AN ABSOLUTE DEARTH OF INFORMATION REGARDING THE COST AND BENEFIT OF SETTING UP SUCH AN ENTITY. WITHOUT SUCH BASIC KNOWLEDGE, HOW, HOW IN THE WORLD CAN WE IN GOOD CONSCIENCE FUND THIS ENDEAVOR? WE HAVE NO ASSURANCE THIS IS NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE WILL TURN OUT TO BE ANYTHING MORE THAN A NEW REGULATORY AGENCY FOR THE PROPOSED TAX AND CAP SCHEME. BUT MAYBE THAT'S REALLY THE GOAL HERE. I DO NOT LIKE TO THINK ILL OF THE INTENTIONS OF MY COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE, BUT WITH SUCH AN AMBIGUOUS MANDATE AND OBVIOUSLY LITTLE CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT, WHAT ELSE ARE WE TO ASSUME? MR. SPEAKER, THIS CONGRESS HAS TIME AND TIME AGAIN JUMPED HEADFIRST INTO THE DEEP END OF ISSUES WHICH WE STILL KNOW LITTLE ABOUT. THE WALL STREET BAILOUT, THE AUTO BAILOUT, THE STIMULUS, AND NOW THE NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE ARE ALL PRIME EXAMPLES OF HOW CONGRESS' EYES ARE BIGGER THAN ITS GRASP. SO I ASK MY COLLEAGUES TO PLEASE SUPPORT MY AMENDMENT. LET'S RE-EVALUATE THIS ATTEMPT AT FUNDING AND TOP STOP THE FUNDING FOR THE NEW NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE. THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:56:05 | THE CHAIR | FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 05:56:09 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT. MR. CHAIRMAN, I FIRST POINT OUT TO THE GENTLEMAN THAT I'M NOT SURE THIS IS THE -- FOR THE GENTLEMAN TO MAKE HIS ARGUMENTS AGAINST A NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE. IT IS TRUE THAT THERE IS CONSIDERABLE DISCUSSION WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION, WITHIN THE CONSTITUENCY COMMUNITY OUTSIDE OF GOVERNMENT, AND THERE IS SOME CONSIDERATION OF A NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE I UNDERSTAND IN THE AUTHORIZING COMMITTEES HERE IN THE CONGRESS. IT'S ALSO TRUE WE HAVE SOME MONEY IN THIS BILL, RESEARCH SOME SATELLITE MONEY, THAT WOULD BE USEFUL, THAT WOULD -- ONE MIGHT CONSIDER AND WE DO CONSIDER IT ACTUALLY IN ANTICIPATION OF THE CREATION OF A NATIONAL CLIMATE OR LEGISLATIVE AUTHORIZATION OF A NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE. THAT MONEY'S ALSO PERFECTLY NEEDED WITH REGARD TO WEATHER SERVICE. OF COURSE THE GENTLEMAN UNDERSTANDS WE FUND THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE THROUGH THE COMMERCE DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTS. BUT TO REALLY TRY TO IMPACT THE CREATION OR THE NONCREATION OF A NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE IN THIS BILL I SUGGEST TO THE GENTLEMAN IS THE WRONG PLACE TO GO. I THINK THAT WE OUGHT TO RESPECT THE AUTHORIZING PROCESS, OF COURSE. THE GENTLEMAN I WOULD ASSUME WILL DIRE@HIS EFFORTS WITH REGARD TO FRUSTRATING THE CREATION OF A NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE WHEN THE AUTHORIZING PROCESS MOVES -- THE GENTLEMAN MAY SERVE ON THAT COMMITTEE, I DON'T KNOW. YOU MAY BE DEALING WITH IT NOW. BUT THAT'S THE PLACE THAT I THINK RESPECTFULLY THAT YOU COULD BETTER DIRECT YOUR EFFORTS. IN AN APPROPRIATION BILL WHICH PARTICULARLY IN AN ORGANIZATION THAT'S NOT EVEN STOOD UP IS I THINK THE WRONG PLACE FOR THE GENTLEMAN TO DIRECT HIS ENERGIES. NOR THAT REASON -- FOR THAT REASON AND A NUMBER OF OTHER REASONS THAT I COULD GO INTO ON THIS PAGE DEALING WITH THE NECESSITY FOR THIS NATION AND THE WORLD TO BETTER UNDERSTAND WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THE WORLD'S CLIMATE AND WHO GLOBAL -- HOW GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE IS GOING TO ADVERSELY IMPACT OUR LIVES ACROSS THE BOARD AND AROUND THE WORLD. I SUPPORT -- I WOULD OPPOSE THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT FOR THOSE SUBSTANTIVE REASONS. MOST IMPORTANTLY I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST TO THE GENTLEMAN THIS ISN'T THE PLACE TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE. PARTICULARLY AT THIS TIME. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 05:59:03 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. |
| 05:59:06 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | I RESPECTFULLY DISAGREE WITH MY FRIEND THAT THIS IS NOT THE PLACE. WE ARE THROWING MONEY AT SOMETHING THAT'S NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED. YOU'RE FUNDING SOMETHING THAT'S NOT NEEDED. A WHOLE NEW AGENCY. NOAA HAS NOT -- HAS NO CLUE OF HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS NEW NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE. WE HAVE GONE THROUGH IN SCIENCE COMMITTEE THROUGH THE AUTHORIZATION PROCESS. WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROPOLS GIVEN TO US. OVER AND OVER AGAIN THE MAJORITY HAS SHOT DOWN EVERY PROPOSAL BESIDES JUST ESTABLISHING THIS NEW AGENCY THAT'S NOT NEEDED. NOBODY KNOWS HOW TO OPERATE THIS THING. WHAT IT'S GOING TO DO. IT'S GOING TO TAKE -- IF INDEED THIS IS FUNDED, IT'S GOING TO TOTALLY REMOVE FROM CONGRESS ANY OVERSIGHT, ANYTHING ELSE AND PUT IT IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH. WE'VE GOT TO SAVE THE TAXPAYERS DOLLARS. WE'VE GOT TO STOP THIS EGREGIOUS SPENDING OF MONEY WE DON'T HAVE. IT JUST HAS TO STOP. |
| 06:00:08 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 06:00:12 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I WOULD JUST CLOSE MY OPPOSITION WITH THE OBSERVATION THAT THERE ARE NO FUNDS IN THE BILL TO ESTABLISH A NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE. THERE IS MONEY IN THE BILL TO -- FUNDS FOR CLIMATE OBSERVATIONS, FOR WEATHER OBSERVATIONS WHICH BECOME CLIMATE OBSERVATIONS. AND THERE IS CONSIDERABLE CLIMATE DATA, WEATHER DATA, WHICH BECOMES CLIMATE DATA OVER TIME, THAT IS COLLECTED IN THE NORMAL COURSE OF THE WEATHER SERVICE. SO WE DO ANTICIPATE THE AUTHORIZING COMMITTEE COMING FORWARD WITH SUCH A SUGGESTION. WE'LL SEE HOW FAIRS ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE AND CONGRESS. IF THE PRESIDENT SIGNS IT INTO LAW AS TIME GOES FORWARD. BUT THERE IS IN FACT NO MONEY GOING TO ESTABLISH THE NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE IN THIS BILL. I YIELD. |
| 06:01:05 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | WOULD YOU ASSURE ME IN CONVERSATION -- CONFERENCE THAT IF THE AUTHORIZERS DO NOT PUT INTO PLACE AN AUTHORIZATION OF NEW CLIMATE SERVICE THAT NO FUNDS WOULD BE EXPENDED ON ESTABLISHING A NEW NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE? |
| 06:01:22 | Mollohan, Alan B. | NOER FOR THE SAME REASON I WOULDN'T -- NO, FOR THE SAME REASON I WOULDN'T ASSURE THE GENTLEMAN FROM INDIANA BEFORE WHAT HAPPENS IN CONFERENCE IS IN THE CONTEXT OF ALL THE ISSUES BEING CONSIDERED IN CONFERENCE. I CAN'T PREDICT THAT FUTURE AND I WON'T COMMIT TO ANY SPECIFIC ATTITUDE IN CONFERENCE. I WILL POINT OUT THAT THE AUTHORIZING COMMITTEE IS CONSIDERING THIS. WE RESPECT THE AUTHORIZING COMMITTEE PROCESS. IF THEY WERE NOT TO AUTHORIZE THE NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE, THEN THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING THAT WE WOULD TAKE SERIOUSLY INTO ACCOUNT AS WE ENGAGE IN CONFERENCE WITH THE SENATE. |
| 06:02:04 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | WOULD THE GENTLEMAN YIELD? |
| 06:02:07 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I WOULD YIELD. |
| 06:02:08 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | THERE ARE FUNDS APPROPRIATED. THAT'S IN THIS BILL TO ESTABLISH THIS UNNEEDED, TOTALLY -- |
| 06:02:18 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. |
| 06:02:20 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | I'M AGAINST |
| 06:02:22 | THE CHAIR | ALL TIME HAVING EXPIRED, THE QUESTION IS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. SO MANY AS ARE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE NOES HAVE IT. THE AMENDMENT IS NOT AGREED TO. THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. |
| 06:02:38 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | I ASK FOR A RECORDED VOTE. |
| 06:02:41 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA RISE? |
| 06:02:52 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK. NUMBERED 60. |
| 06:02:55 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 06:02:57 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 60, PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, OFFERED BY MR. BROUN OF GEORGIA. |
| 06:03:02 | Roe, David "Phil" P. | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA, MR. BROUN, AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. . |
| 06:03:17 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | I YIELD MYSELF SUCH TIME AS I MAY CONSUME. |
| 06:03:21 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 06:03:24 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | WE HAVE HEARD A THOUSAND TIMES THAT EVERY VOTE COUNTS. IF WE ALLOW FOR THE USE OF THE PRACTICE KNOWN AS STATISTICAL SAM KNOWLEDGE AS THIS BILL -- SAMPLING, AS THIS BILL CLEARLY ALLOWS, EVERY VOTE MAY NOT BE COUNTED. MAYBE SOME VOTES MAY BE COUNTED MORE OFTEN THAN OTHERS. THE ADMINISTRATION HAVE MADE IT KNOWN THAT THEY WILL POLITICIZE THIS. AT A TIME WHEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS ENDLESSLY ENACTING UNCONSTITUTIONAL LAWS AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS, IT IS INCUMBENT ON THIS BODY TO SAFEGUARD AT LEAST ONE OBLIGATION THAT IS REQUIRED OF US BY THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. THE CONSTITUTION REQUIRES THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE AN ACTUAL HEAD COUNT, NOT A GUESS, NOT AN ESTIMATE, BUT A PHYSICAL HEAD COUNT. STATISTICAL SAMPLING, HOWEVER, SIMPLY RECRATES PROFILES AND ASSUMES HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN VARIOUS PARTS OF OUR COUNTRY. AND IT DOES NOT ACTUALLY DO ANY COUNTING. IN OTHORDS, SAMPLING MAKES PEOPLE UP. IT EVEN GUESSES THEIR AGE, SEX, THEIR RACE AND EVEN THEIR BACKGROUND. IMPLEMENTING THIS PROCESS WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY LEAVE THE CENSUS OPEN TO MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF FRAUD AND POLITICAL TINKERING. WITH GROUPS OUT THERE LIKE A CORN, ALLOWING SAMPLING TO BE USED IN ADDITION TO THEIR ALREADY KNOWN SHADY PRACTICES, WE MIGHT AS WELL JUST SAY, WE DON'T CARE IN THE LEAST ABOUT GETTING ACCURATE RESULTS. MR. SPEAKER, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. WE MUST TAKE LEGITIMATE STEPS TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF NEXT YEAR'S CENSUS. BUT I BELIEVE THERE WAS ANOTHER AMENDMENT MADE BY MY FRIEND, MR. HENRY FROM NORTH CAROLINA, THAT WOULD HAVE DONE EVEN MORE TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF THIS PROCESS. MR. MCHENRY AND MY FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE, HAVE WORKED TIRELESSLY ON THIS VERY ISSUE. THEY KNOW MORE THAN ANY OTHER MEMBERS IN THIS CHAMBER THE PITFALLS AND CONSTITUTIONAL CONCERNS THAT COME WITH THE USE OF STATISTICAL SAMPLING, BOTH AS IT RELATES TO THE CENSUS AND TO THE APPORTIONMENT PROCESS OF THIS VERY BODY. BUT BECAUSE OF THIS GAG RULE THAT THE MAJORITY HAS IMPOSED UPON US, MR. MCHENRY'S AMENDMENT WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO BE DEBATED, WHICH IS SHAMEFUL. THIS IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF HOW THE DEMOCRATS' DECISION TO COMPLETELY CLOSE OFF THE AMENDMENT PROCESS FOR THIS BILL IS ENDING UP SHUTTING OUT MEANINGFUL DEBATE. THE TACTICS EMPLOYED YESTERDAY IN THE DEAD OF THE NIGHT ARE COMPLETELY AGAINST THE PROMISE OF OPENES AND INTEGRITY THIS BODY IS SUPPOSED TO STAND FOR. |
| 06:06:37 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 06:06:45 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT. |
| 06:06:49 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 06:06:51 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I WANT TO ASSURE THE GENTLEMAN THAT THE CENSUS BUREAU WILL NOT USE SAMPLING TO THE EXTENT OF APPORTIONMENT. I WANT TO EXTEND THAT PURPOSE. THE SUPREME COURT HAS ALREADY RULED AND WILL PLAY NO ROLE IN THE APPORTIONMENT. EXISTING LAW PROHIBITS APPORTIONMENT. THIS AMENDMENT WOULD PROHIBIT THE CENSUS BUREAU FROM COMPLETING IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF THE CENSUS THAT ARE RELATED TO APPORTIONMENT SUCH AS COVERAGE MEASUREMENT. AND THAT IS USED TO MEASURE THE UNDERCOUNT AND THUS ASSURE THE QUALITY, PROVIDES THE PERFORMANCE MEASURE, IF YOU WILL, MR. CHAIRMAN, FOR THE ACTIVITIES. THE BUREAU NEEDS THIS DATA IN ORDER TO IDENTIFY GAPS IN COVERAGE AND IMPROVE ITS PROCESSES SO AMERICANS CAN BE ASSURED OF THE BEST POSSIBLE CENSUS IN THE FUTURE. NOW, I HAVE HEARD THIS DEBATE FOR THE LAST SEVERAL CENSUSES, SITTING ON THIS COMMITTEE, WE DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE EVERY 10 YEARS. SAMPLING IS A STATISTICALLY SOUND METHODOLOGY IN AND OF ITSELF. IT WILL NOT BE USED FOR APPORTIONMENT, ASSURING THE GENTLEMAN. BUT IT IS A STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT AND ACCURATE WAY TO HAVE A BETTER COUNT. IT'S SOUND AND IT ACHIEVES ACCURACY. THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT THROUGH A SCIENTIFIC METHOD. NOW, I DIDN'T TAKE STATISTICS, SO I HAVE TO RELY UPON THE SCIENTISTS TO TELL YOU THIS, BUT I HAVE LISTENED TO ENOUGH OF THEM, ASSURE US THAT THAT'S THE WAY THEY GET A BETTER COUNT, A MORE ACCURATE COUNT. AND ISN'T THAT TREMENDOUS THAT WE HAVE THESE SOPHISTICATED METHODS TO ACHIEVE THAT? TO OPPOSE SAMPLING IN AND OF ITSELF I THINK IS TO DISAGREE THAT SAMPLING DOES, IN FACT ACHIEVE A GREATER ACCURACY. AND I THINK THAT IS DISAGREED WITH BY -- BY THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY. MR. CHAIRMAN, AT THIS POINT, I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. I ASK HOW MUCH TIME I HAVE, PLEASE. |
| 06:09:15 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN HAS 2 1/2 MINUTES REMAINING. AND RESERVES HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. |
| 06:09:23 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | I ASK THE SPEAKER HOW MUCH TIME I HAVE. |
| 06:09:28 | THE CHAIR | ONE MINUTE, 15 SECONDS. |
| 06:09:31 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | I RESERVE. |
| 06:09:33 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 06:09:37 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK, MR. TOWNS. |
| 06:09:40 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES. |
| 06:09:43 | MR. TOWNS | I THANK MR. MOLLOHAN FOR YIELDING. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS AN AMENDMENT THAT TRIES TO SOLVE A PROBLEM, BUT INSTEAD, IT CREATES A PROBLEM THAT DOES NOT EXIST, BUT IS WRITTEN SO BROADLY THAT IT CREATES ALL KINDS OF OTHER PROBLEMS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA OPPOSES THE USE OF STATISTICAL SAMPLING FOR THE APPORTIONMENT OF SEATS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THE SUPREME COURT HAS ALREADY RULED THAT THIS IS NOT ALLOWED. SO YOU CAN FORGET ABOUT THAT. THERE IS A FEDERAL STATUTE THAT ALREADY PROHIBITS IT. AND THE ADMINISTRATION HAS REPEATEDLY STATED THAT IT WILL NOT BE USED. SAMPLING WILL NOT BE USED TO ADJUST THE 2010 CENSUS. SO THIS AMENDMENT IS NOT NECESSARY. THIS IS A BLOCKING AMENDMENT. THIS IS AN IN THE WAY AMENDMENT. THIS AMENDMENT IS WRITTEN SO BROADLY THAT IT WOULD ALSO PROHIBIT COMMONLY ACCEPTED TECHNIQUES THAT THE CENSUS BUREAU USES FOR QUALITY CONTROL AND OTHER SURVEYS. NEXT YEAR THE CENSUS BUREAU WILL USE SAMPLING AS A PART OF ITS COVERAGE MEASUREMENT PROGRAM IN ORDER TO ESCALATE HOW WELL IT COUNTED THE ENRE COUNTRY. THIS AMENDMENT INTERFERES WITH THAT. THE CENSUS BUREAU USES SAMPLING FOR OTHER STATISTICAL WORK, INCLUDING THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY. IT PROVIDES CONGRESS AND THE PUBLIC WITH SPECIFIC AND VALUABLE DATA ABOUT OUR NATION'S POPULATION. THAT IS WHAT STATES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS NEED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS THEY CAN MAKE. IT IS IMPORTANT, TOO, FOR POLICY MAKING AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE BILL CAN STILL PROVIDE THIS NECESSARY INFORMATION. PLEASE DO NOT TIE THEIR HANDS. AS CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE THAT HAS OVERSIGHT OF THIS, I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO OPPOSE THIS AMENDMENT. THIS IS AN AWFUL AMENDMENT. IT DOES NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP TO GET TO WHERE WE NEED TO GO. ON THAT NOTE, I YIELD BACK. |
| 06:12:02 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. |
| 06:12:05 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | HOW MUCH TIME IS ON THE OTHER SIDE. |
| 06:12:10 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA HAS 30 SECONDS REMAINING. THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA HAS ONE MINUTE AND 15 SECONDS. |
| 06:12:20 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | I RESERVE. |
| 06:12:21 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 06:12:28 | Mollohan, Alan B. | MR. CHAIRMAN, I RESERVE MY TIME. |
| 06:12:31 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA RESERVES HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. |
| 06:12:38 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | I YIELD MYSELF 30 SECONDS. |
| 06:12:42 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 06:12:45 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | I RESPECTFULLY DISAGREE WITH MY FRIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE. THIS DOESN'T HAVE TO DO WITH THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, BUT WITH THE CENSUS AND THAT'S THE WAY THE AMENDMENT IS WRITTEN. IT SAYS THE CENSUS AND CENSUS ONLY. IT HAS TO DO WITH THE CENSUS. IT HAS TO DO WITH THE APPORTIONMENT JUST BASED ON THE CENSUS AND ACTUAL COUNTING, NOT STATISTICAL SURVEYS OR STATISTICAL SAMPLING. AND IT IS TO ENSURE INTEGRITY THAT WE KNOW WHO'S HERE AND WHAT THEY'RE ALL ABOUT. AND THAT'S WHAT THIS AMENDMENT IS ALL ABOUT. RY RESERVE. |
| 06:13:25 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 06:13:32 | Mollohan, Alan B. | MR. CHAIRMAN, I DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER SPEAKERS. IF THE GENTLEMAN WANTS TO YIELD BACK, I'LL CERTAINLY YIELD BACK. I WON'T YIELD BACK UNTIL HE YIELDS BACK. |
| 06:13:39 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA. |
| 06:13:44 | Broun, Paul C. Jr., M.D. | THIS WHOLE AMENDMENT PROCESS IS FLAWED. WE HAD OTHER AMENDMENTS THAT WERE MAYBE CONSIDERED BETTER. AND BECAUSE OF THESE FLAWS, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SURELY WILL NOT RECEIVE THE ACCURATE CENSUS THAT THE CONSTITUTION REQUIRES THAT THEY RECEIVE NEXT YEAR. WE HAVE HAD MANY EFFORTS TO CUT SPENDING AND THEY WERE ORDERED OUT OF ORDER. THIS IS A FLAWED PROCESS THAT IS DEPLORABLE AND LET THE PROCESS GO ON. BUT BECAUSE OF THIS PROCESS, MR. SPEAKER, I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO WITHDRAW MY AMENDMENT. |
| 06:14:26 | THE CHAIR | WITHOUT OBJECTION, SO ORDERED. THE GENTLEMAN WITHDRAWS HIS AMENDMENT. THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. |
| 06:14:34 | Mollohan, Alan B. | YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME, MR. CHAIRMAN. |
| 06:14:38 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK HIS TIME. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS RISE? |
| 06:14:44 | >> | MR. CHAIRMAN, I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK, NUMBER 79. |
| 06:14:51 | THE CHAIR | IS THE GENTLEMAN THE DESIGNEE OF MR. LEWIS OF CALIFORNIA? |
| 06:15:00 | Hensarling, Jeb | YES, I AM. |
| 06:15:01 | THE CHAIR | THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT. |
| 06:15:04 | THE CLERK | AMENDMENT NUMBER 79 PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OFFERED BY MR. HENSARLING OF TEXAS. |
| 06:15:11 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS. |
| 06:15:20 | Hensarling, Jeb | THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. THIS IS AN AMENDMENT THAT WOULD STRIKE AN EARMARK IN THE BILL FOR THE ART CENTER OF THE GRAND PRARIE IN STUTGARDT, ARKANSAS. I'M NOT A BIG FAN OF EARMARKS. IT'S NOT TO SAY ALL EARMARKS ARE BAD. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS TO MY LEFT HERE HAS PROPOSED SEVERAL VERY WORTH WHILE EARMARKS. BUT, MR. SPEAKER, WE AREN'T LIVING IN NORMAL TIMES. WE ARE IN SEVERE ECONOMIC STRESS IN OUR NATION TODAY. AND AS I LOOK AT WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS, WHAT HAVE I OBSERVED, IS THAT IN THE HISTORY OF CONGRESS, NEVER HAVE SO FEW VOTED SO FAST TO INDEBT SO MANY. ALREADY ON TOP OF A STAGGERING, STAGGERING NATIONAL DEBT, WE HAVE SEEN A $700 BILLION BAILOUT PROGRAM THAT CONTINUES TODAY, A $1.13 TRILLION GOVERNMENT STIMULUS BILL. DOES NOTHING TO HELP OUR ECONOMY. $400 BILLION OMNIBUS BILL, CHOKE FULL OF EVEN MORE EARMARKS. ALL OF THIS IS COSTING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO HARD-WORKING AMERICAN FAMILIES. SO, MR. CHAIRMAN, THE PRESIDENT HIMSELF HAS SAID THAT HE IS LOSING SLEEP AT NIGHT OVER THE NATIONAL DEBT. WELL, I WOULD LOVE FOR THE PRESIDENT TO SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT AND MAYBE HE COULD QUIT PROPOSING THE BAILOUTS. MAYBE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS COULD QUICK PROPOSING ALL OF THE EARMARK SPENDING. NOW, THIS IS RELATIVELY SMALL AS FAR AS THE DOLLARS ARE CONCERNED. $155,000 APPARENTLY TO FUND AFTER-SCHOOL AND SUMMER ARTS PROGRAMS. BUT, MR. CHAIRMAN, UNDER THIS DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS, THE NATIONAL DEBT WILL TRIPLE, TRIPLE IN 10 YEARS. THE FEDERAL DEFICIT HAS GONE UP TEN-FOLD IN JUST TWO YEARS. WE ARE BORROWING 46 CENTS TO SPEND A DOLLAR HERE. 46 CENTS. WE ARE BORROWING MONEY FROM THE CHINESE AND SENDING THE BILL TO OUR CHILDREN AND OUR GRANDCHILDREN. WHICH CAUSES ME TO QUESTION, IS THIS THE BEST EXPENDITURE OF $155,000 OF THE TAXPAYER MONEY? MR. CHAIRMAN, I'M A VETERAN OF MANY OF THESE EARMARK BATTLES. THEY HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. I KNOW FROM HISTORY WHAT WE'LL HEAR. NUMBER ONE, WE'LL HEAR NOBODY KNOWS MY DISTRICT LIKE I DO. I CAN SEE THE POINT. I DO NOT KNOW THE GENTLEMAN'S DISTRICT FROM ARKANSAS AS HE DOES. I SUSPECT GOOD THINGS CAN BE DONE WITH THE MONEY. I SEE THE POINT. THE ARTS CENTER OF GRAND PRARIE, I GUESS THEY DO WONDERFUL WORK, BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW IT'S RELATED TO JUVENILE JUSTICE. CONGRESS HAS THE AUTHORITY TO SPEND THE MONEY. DOESN'T MEAN IT'S SMART, DOESN'T MEAN IT'S WISE, DOESN'T MEAN IT'S HELPFUL. BUT, YES, CONGRESS HAS THAT POWER. . MY COMPLAINT IS TWOFOLD, NUMBER ONE, WHEN WE ARE BORROWING MONEY FROM THE CHINESE, SENDING THE BILL TO OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN, SPENDING MORE -- ENCOUNTERING MORE DEBT IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS THAN THE PREVIOUS 220 COMBINED, WE HAVE NEVER SEEN LEVELS OF DEBT SINCE WORLD WAR II. IS THERE ANY TIME THAT WE DECIDE MAYBE SOMETHING ISN'T A NATIONAL PRIORITY? AS GOOD A WORK AS THEY DO AT THE ART CENTER OF THE GRAND PRAIRIE, I WOULD SUBMIT TO YOU THERE ARE ALTERNATIVE USES FOR THIS MONEY THAT WOULD HELP FAMILIES IN AMERICA AND IT IS NOT A PRIORITY. WE MUST START THIS SPENDING DISCIPLINE SOMEWHERE. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 06:19:42 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 06:19:48 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT. |
| 06:19:51 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 06:19:52 | Mollohan, Alan B. | I YIELD FIVE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARKANSAS, MEMBER OF THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, MR. BERRY. |
| 06:19:59 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 06:20:03 | Berry, Marion "Robert" | MR. SPEAKER, I THANK THE CHAIRMAN, THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA. AND CONGRATULATE HIM FOR PUTTING TOGETHER A GOOD BILL AND BRINGING IT TO THIS HOUSE FLOOR AND MOVING IT FORWARD. MY COLLEAGUES ACROSS THE AISLE AS THEY HAVE SUFFERED IN THE MINORITY, TALKED MORE TRASH THAN A $3 RADIO. AND IT'S AMAZING IT WOULD ACTUALLY ALMOST BE FUNNY IF IT WERE NOT SO SERIOUS. BUT THEY TOOK OVER THIS COUNTRY IN JANUARY OF 2001 WITH A BALANCED BUDGET, A $5 TRILLION SURPLUS, AND THE VOTESO PASS ANYTHING THEY WANTED TO PASS. AND THEY DID. AND THEY IMPOSED THEIR WILL ON THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. AND THEIR IDEA OF HOW TO GROW AN ECONOMY IS GIVE AS MUCH MONEY AS YOU CAN TO THE RICH PEOPLE, DON'T REGULATE THEM AT ALL. LET THEM DO ANYTHING THEY WANT TO, AND HOPE WALL STREET TAKES CARE OF YOU. WE ALL SEE WHAT HAPPENED. THIS YEAR WE FIND OURSELVES IN THE WORST ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCE THAT ANYONE CAN IMAGINE. IT'S HAPPENED ONE OTHER TIME IN THIS COUNTRY. AS I HAVE LISTENED TO THE DEBATE IT SOUNDS LIKE THE GHOST FROM THE HOOVER REPUBLICANS TRYING TO STOP FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT FROM REBUILDING THIS COUNTRY AND MAKING IT A GREAT NATION AGAIN AND PUTTING IT IN A POSITION WHERE IT COULD FIGHT AND WIN WORLD WAR II. WHAT HE DID WAS INVEST IN THE PEOPLE AND INVEST IN THE COUNTRY AND WE DID IT AND IT WORKED. AND I MAKE NO APOLOGIES FOR OUR ATTEMPT TO INVEST IN THE CHILDREN OF THE GRAND PRAIRIE IN STUTTGART, ARKANSAS. SO I RISE TODAY IN SUPPORT OF THE FUNDING FOR THE ART CENTER OF THE GRAND PRAIRIE. THE ART CENTER IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR TROUBLED YOUTH. WHILE THE ART CENTER PROVIDES VALUABLE ARTISTIC INSTRUCTION AND ACTIVITIES, WE DON'T NEED TO TURN THIS INTO AN ARGUMENT OVER WHETHER THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE A PATRON OF THE ARTS. WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE REAL POINT OF THE PROGRAM. ENGAGING AT-RISK YOUTH AND PREVENTING CRIME. THIS IS THE BENEFIT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY AS A WHOLE WILL DERIVE FROM THIS PROJECT. IT IS A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT IN OUR CHILDREN. THE FUNDS FOR THIS PROJECT COME FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF OF JUSTICE. SPECIFICALLY THE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION PROGRAM. ACCORDING TO D.O.J.'S OWN DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM, JUVENILE JUSTICE GRANTS SUPPORT FOR PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS THAT ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR COMMUNITIES. THE ART CENTER OF THE GRAND PRAIRIE IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THIS TYPE PROGRAM. DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR THE ART CENTER AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS CAN SERVE AS A VALUABLE SUPPLEMENT TO EACH CHILD'S EDUCATION BY EMPHASIZING TASK ORIENTED INTRUCKS, LEARNING TO CREATE A PROJECT FROM START TO FINISH, AND SUPPLEMENTING CRITICAL READING AND WRITING SKILLS IN THE PROCESS. MOST IMPORTANTLY THESE PROGRAMS ENGAGE CHILDREN OFF THE SEETS DURING THE AFTERNOON HOURS BETWEEN 3:00 AND 6:00 P.M. THEY ARE PRIMARILY STAFFED WITH MANY GOOD HARDWORKING PEOPLE THAT VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME. IT'S WELL-KNOWN BY LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT THIS IS A PRIME TIME FOR JUVENILE CRIME, VANDALISM, AND VIOLENCE. OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL YEAR, THE ART CENTER SUMMER ART PROGRAM PROVIDES WEEK-LONG PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH ENGAGING THEM WITH POSITIVE EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES THAT STIMULATE CREATIVE THINKING, GET CHILDREN READING AND WRITING, STEM THE SUMMER BRAIN DRAIN, AND THESE SUMMER CAMPS ARE OPENED TO YOUTHS WOULD -- WHO WOULD NOT ORDINARILY GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND THIS TYPE OF PROGRAM OR ANY OTHER PROGRAM AS EVIDENCED BY THE FACT THAT APPROXIMATELY 65% OF THE ATTENDEES ARE ON FULL SCHOLARSHIP. FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE ART SENT ER OF THE GRAND PRAIRIE WILL ENSURE THESE PROGRAMS CAN CONTINUE AND GROW. MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF EVEN MORE YOUNG PEOPLE. THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS WOULD NOT SAVE THE TAXPAYERS A DIME. I ASK THAT THIS AMENDMENT BE DEFEATED. I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA FOR HIS TIME. |
| 06:25:20 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS. |
| 06:25:25 | Hensarling, Jeb | HOW MUCH TIME IS REMAINING ON EACH SIDE? |
| 06:25:28 | THE CHAIR | THE TIME HAS EXPIRED ON THE MAJORITY SIDE. 30 SECONDS REMAINING FOR THE GENTLEMAN. |
| 06:25:35 | Hensarling, Jeb | THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I'M CERTAINLY AM NOT EQUIPPED TO MR. SPEAKER TO THE $3 RADIO GENERATION. I THINK CAN I SPEAK SOMEWHAT TO THE $50 IPOD GENERATION BECAUSE $155,000 TO BE USED FOR THE GENTLEMAN'S EARMARK WILL BE BORROWED FROM THE CHINESE AND SENT TO THAT GENERATION. NOW, WHEN THE REPUBLICANS WERE IN CONTROL AND WE HAD A $300 BILLION DEFICIT, THE NOW MAJORITY LEADER STENY HOYER CALLED THAT FISCAL CHILD ABUSE. NOW WE HAVE A $1.8 TRILLION DEFICIT. THIS EARMARK MAKES IT $155,000 WORSE, FISCAL CHILD ABUSE FOR THE IPOD GENERATION. IT SHOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED. |
| 06:26:19 | THE CHAIR | ALL TIME HAVING EXPIRED, THE QUESTION IS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS. SO MANY AS ARE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. THE NOES HAVE IT. THE AMENDMENT IS NOT AGREED TO. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS RISE? |
| 06:26:32 | Hensarling, Jeb | I REQUEST A RECORDED VOTE. |
| 06:26:34 | Hensarling, Jeb | PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS RISE? |
| 06:26:52 | Hensarling, Jeb | I RISE AS THE DESIGNEE OF MR. LEWIS OF CALIFORNIA TO OFFER AMENDMENT NUMBER 76 AS PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. |
| 06:27:01 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS THE DESIGNEE OF MR. LEWIS OF CALIFORNIA AND THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATED THE AMENDMENT. |
| 06:27:35 | THE CHAIR | AMENDMENT NUMBER 76, PRINTED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, OFFERED BY MR. HENSARLING OF TEXAS. |
| 06:27:42 | Roe, David "Phil" P. | PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 552, THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS, AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS FOR FIVE MINUTES. |
| 06:27:54 | Hensarling, Jeb | THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. THIS AMENDMENT WOULD STRIKE $200 EXPENDITURE, ANOTHER EARMARK, FOR THE MAINE LOBSTER RESEARCH AND IN SHORE TROL SURVEY. MR. SPEAKER, I BELIEVE IF WE HAVE COUNTED PROPERLY THERE'S ROUGHLY 1,100 DIFFERENT EARMARKS CONTAINED WITHIN THIS APPROPRIATION. AGAIN I WANT TO MAKE IT VERY CLEAR THAT ALL EARMARKS ARE NOT BAD. BUT I AM NOT A FAN OF EARMARKS BE THEY CONGRESSIONAL OR ADMINISTRATION. TOO OFTEN IN THE EARMARK PROCESS WHAT WE OBSERVE, WHAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE OBSERVE, IS A TRIUMPH OVER SPECIAL INTEREST OR LOCAL INTEREST OVER THE NATIONAL INTEREST OR THE PUBLIC INTEREST. TOO OFTEN WE SEE A TRIUMPH OF SENIORITY AND POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS OVER MERIT. TOO OFTEN WE SEE THE TRIUMPH OF SECRECY OVER TRANSPARENCY AND ALL TOO OFTEN, ALL TOO OFTEN, MR. CHAIRMAN, FOR THIS BODY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BELIEVE THEY SEE MONEY COMING IN ON ONE END OF CAPITOL HILL AND EARMARKS COMING OUT OF THE OTHER. THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN. THE SYSTEM MUST BE REFORMED. AGAIN, MR. CHAIRMAN, RELATIVE TO THE FEDERAL BUDGET IT MAY BE A SMALL PORTION OF THE TOTAL SPENDING. IT IS A HUGE PORTION OF THE CULTURE OF SPENDING. WE NEED A CULTURE OF SAVING. YOU CANNOT EARMARK, BAIL OUT, BORROW, AND SPEND YOUR WAY INTO PROSPERITY NO MATTER WHAT MY COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE BELIEVE. IT CANNOT BE DONE. WE HAVE SEEN NO EXAMPLE IN HISTORY. WHATSOEVER. MR. CHAIRMAN, I HAVE NO DOUBT, I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THIS MAINE LOBSTER RESEARCH AND IN SHORE TROL SURVEY IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE STATE OF MAINE. I HAVE NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT. I WONDER, THOUGH, HOW MUCH FEDERAL MONEY IS ALREADY GOING INTO LOBSTER RESEARCH. I WONDER IF IT IS TRULY A FEDERAL PRIORITY. HOW ABOUT CATFISH? HOW ABOUT PECANS? HOW ABOUT RESEARCH FOR I YIELD MYSELF SUCH TIME AS I MAY CONSUME AND SWEET POTATOES? ARE THOSE INDEED NATIONAL PRIORITIES? IF IT'S NOT A NATIONAL PRIORITY. IF IT'S IMPORTANT FOR THE STATE OF MAINE, WHY DIDN'T THE STATE OF MAINE PAY FOR IT? IF IT'S IMPORTANT TO THESE LOCAL COMMUNITIES, WHY DON'T THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES PAY FOR IT? WHY DIDN'T THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PAY FOR IT? WHY DON'T COMMERCIAL COMPANIES PAY FOR IT? WHY DON'T CO-OPS PAY FOR IT? SOMEBODY NEEDS TO EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THE DUBLIN FAMILY IN TEXAS THAT NEEDS MONEY TO PAY THEIR MORTGAGE, WHY DO THEY HAVE TO PAY FOR IT? WHY DOES THE MORNING FAMILY IN ATHENS, TEXAS, WHEN THEY NEED THIS MONEY TO PUT GAS IN THEIR CAR, WHY DO THEY HAVE TO PAY FOR IT? WHY DOES THE LILY FAMILY IN COUGHMAN, TEXAS, THAT NEED MONEY TO PAY HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS ON THEIR INSURANCE, WHY DO THEY HAVE TO PAY FOR IT? I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT, MR. CHAIRMAN. AND I DON'T THINK IT'S RIGHT. I DON'T THINK IT IS RIGHT AT A TIME OF ECONOMIC CRISIS. WE ARE LOSING SMALL BUSINESSES BY THE THOUSANDS. THE AVERAGE SMALL BUSINESS IS CAPITALIZED BY $25,000. THIS $200,000 EXPENDITURE RIGHT HERE, THAT COULD MEAN THE DIFFERENCE OF SAVING EIGHT SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE JOBS THEY REPRESENT IN THIS GREAT NATION OF OURS. BUT INSTEAD IT'S GOING TO BE SPENT ON THE MAINE LOBSTER RESEARCH AND IN SHORE TROLL SURVEY. NO DOUBT IT'S IMPORTANT TO MAINE. NO DOUBT THEY ARE DOING GOOD WORK. BUT, MR. CHAIRMAN, AGAIN IS IT WORTH BORROWING MONEY FROM THE CHINESE, SENDING THE BILL TO OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN, AND MAYBE BEING THE FIRST GENERATION IN AMERICA'S HISTORY TO LEAVE THE NEXT GENERATION WITH A LOWER STANDARD OF LIVING? IT'S NOT FAIR. IT'S NOT SMART. IT'S NOT RIGHT. IT NEEDS TO BE REJECTED. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 06:32:15 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA RISE? |
| 06:32:20 | Mollohan, Alan B. | MR. CHAIRMAN, I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT. |
| 06:32:23 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. |
| 06:32:26 | Mollohan, Alan B. | MR. CHAIRMAN, I YIELD FOUR MINUTES TO THE GENTLELADY FROM MAINE, MS. PINGREE, WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE RULES COMMITTEE. |
| 06:32:33 | THE CHAIR | THE GENTLEWOMAN IS RECO |