Robert Aderholt

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Chair, I want to rise in opposition to this amendment, as well. As has been noted here, this was created in 1965 as the ARC, and it has a real proven track record of success in creating economic development in an area of the country that faces unique challenges. Again, it creates economic development. I think that needs to be stressed. It's not a handout, but it's a way to try to make investment into a region of the country that really can use some economic development encouragement, and that's exactly what this program does. As a result of ARC funding, the regional poverty rate has been cut almost in half. Infant mortality rates have been reduced, and job- creating infrastructure has provided new and improved water and sewer services to over 112,000 residents. And that's just in the last 5 years. Despite the tremendous progress that this program has made over the years, there's challenges that still exist. This region has lost roughly one-fourth of its manufacturing jobs and nearly one-fourth of Appalachia's counties still suffer from severe and persistent economic distress. Now is not the time to zero-out this effective program, especially when you're focusing on economic development. Now, more than ever, we must empower local communities and regional planning commissions to utilize this much needed Federal assistance and provide the basic building blocks for regional economic development. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ADERHOLT. I move to strike the last word.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. I rise today also in support of the FY 2014 appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security. I want to commend Chairman Carter and also Ranking Member Price for their hard work in making sure that they set up the right priorities during a very difficult budget time here in this Nation. The bill provides the resources that are needed to meet our most essential obligations, while at the same time maintaining fiscal responsibility and also greater oversight. It is $617 million below last year's spending level. As has been mentioned, the bill rejects the administration's proposed reductions to CBP operations and the Coast Guard and increases funding for critical programs such as the TSA Secure Flight Program and the FEMA first responder grants. The bill maintains the needed number of beds for ICE detention. It also includes a substantial amount of funding for NBAF. This important asset provides our Nation with critical capabilities to conduct research and develop vaccines and other countermeasures in a time when we would most need it. Again, I want to congratulate Chairman Carter and Ranking Member Price for their hard work on this bill. I would urge my colleagues that this is a good bill and a measure that should have their support.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Franklin County, Alabama and their annual Watermelon Festival. The Franklin County Watermelon Festival began in 1981 with a group of local farmers gathering to sell their harvest of watermelons. This gathering created what is now the largest festival in Franklin County. This annual festival is organized by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and is sponsored by Franklin County businesses and individuals. This two day event, on the third weekend of August, is held at the Franklin County seat in the City of Russellville. Franklin County and Russellville welcome over 35,000 guests to this festival from neighboring counties and states each year. Civic clubs and organizations participate with their own special watermelon events as a time of fund raising. The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce sponsors Watermelon Contests and the Watermelon Pageant which produces a Queen for the festival. The Watermelon Queen presents awards for: best dressed melon, seed spitting, best tasting melon, most unusual melon, and of course the largest, heaviest melon. The Franklin County Watermelon Festival is made possible by volunteers who work year round to produce the best of entertainment, arts & crafts, food, activities and watermelon to please every palate. Again, it is my honor to recognize Franklin County, Alabama as the Watermelon Capital of Alabama.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues, as mentioned, in support of H.R. 360, and to honor the memory of Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley, who lost their lives at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. What we do here today honors these four innocent young girls, whose lives were sacrificed in an act of hatred and of violence. And no doubt their deaths, as has been mentioned, marked a significant turning point in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. As Congressman Bachus mentioned in his opening remarks, these four young girls, who ranged in age from 11 to 14, were walking into the basement of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church to hear a sermon that was ironically entitled, ``The Love That Forgives.'' Though they could not have known at the time, these four little girls changed the course of history for our Nation. Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley's young lives were cut short on September 15, 1963, but their legacy still lives on today, especially with what we do here, by the Congressional Medal of Honor, which is America's highest civilian honor. I want to thank my colleague Ms. Sewell for her leadership on this bill, and I am a proud supporter of H.R. 360. I also thank Mr. Bachus for this time to speak on the legislation.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the many contributions of the Alabama Trucking Association to the well-being of the State of Alabama as the Association celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2013. The Alabama Trucking Association was founded in 1938 in Birmingham and later incorporated and moved its offices to Montgomery. The Association has grown from 16 trucking companies in 1938 to over 675 trucking related firms in 2013, and has been a valuable source of information and statistics pertaining to trucking. With one of every fourteen citizens in Alabama being employed by the trucking industry, trucking provides over 106,570 jobs contributing to the economic growth and development of the State. The Alabama trucking industry pays $545 million in federal and state roadway taxes and fees representing 38% of all taxes and fees owed by Alabama motorists, despite the fact that trucks represent only 13 percent of vehicle miles traveled in the State. In addition, trucks serve all areas of Alabama and are the only transportation for goods for over eighty percent of Alabama communities and play a major role in transportation import and export movement. The Alabama Trucking Association members put safety first through improved driver training, investment in advanced safety technologies and active participation in industry safety initiatives at the local, state and national levels. The leadership of the Alabama Trucking Association has developed many friendships among Alabama's trucking companies, related industries and organizations, and members of the State Legislature and state and federal government agencies. The Alabama Trucking Association is well respected and has been very successful with its legislative and regulatory agenda, its efforts to improve highway safety, and the efficiency of trucking in Alabama. I am thankful for the Alabama Trucking Association and the service and support they provide to a vital part of Alabama and our nation's economy and work force. Congratulations to them again for 75 excellent years.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Mr. Drew Linn, President and owner of the Birmingham, Alabama, based Southland International Trucks for his selection as 2013 Truck Dealer of the Year. Mr. Linn was nominated by his peers and selected from a field of nominees by an independent panel of judges from Indiana University's Kelly School of Business. The national award, which is co-sponsored by the American Truck Dealers and Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine, focuses on excellence in dealership performance, as well as industry and community leadership. Mr. Linn began his career with International Harvester, now known as Navistar, in 1965. Throughout his extensive career, he cites his success as due to his focus on providing excellent service to his customers. His dedication is evident from his successful business, Southland International Trucks, that operates six locations throughout Alabama. Mr. Linn has had a distinguished career and has been recognized with more than a dozen corporate and industry awards, including the International Circle of Excellence, International Dealer of the Year (2008) and H. Chester Webb Distinguished Service Award (2009) from the Alabama Trucking Association. I am thankful for Mr. Drew Linn and Americans like him that work to provide great products and service to consumers and support our nation's workforce with good, dependable jobs.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Mr. William Ashford, who is interning in my office with the Uni-Capitol Washington Program. The Uni-Capitol Washington Program (UCWIP) has paired some of the brightest Australian students with various congressional offices for more than a decade and I am happy to be a host again this year. Will comes from the University of Wollongong and is studying engineering and commerce. Over the past month, I have found him to be outstanding in his duties and going above and beyond our expectations. He has attended committee hearings, drafted constituent correspondence, and assisted me as well as my staff with research. His Australian accent has garnered the attention of many of my constituents on tours and over the phone. Will's commitment, hard work, and presence have been an asset to the office and he will be sorely missed by all. The program has been in force for 13 years thanks to the vision of Eric Federing, its director and founder. The students who are selected come from a variety of academic disciplines, but all have a common interest: promoting the U.S.-Australia relationship. These student placements are enhanced by the formation of genuine friendships and the exchange of views and ideas between the Australian interns and their respective offices. We are grateful for these friendships and it is our hope that they strengthen the diplomatic ties of our great countries. I would like to thank Eric Federing for the opportunity to host Will over the past several weeks. To date, over 130 interns have come through his program representing 8 different universities over the program's lifetime. It enhances opportunities for the individuals who come and enlighten those who they come to. After the internship, many receive jobs on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. or go to work with Federal or various State Parliaments in Australia. Other interns have gone on to work in the Australian Embassy or The World Bank. Simply put, this program selects incredibly talented individuals that are a pleasure to host and work with. It was an honor to have Will in our office and I wish him the very best in the future. Will, thank you again for your hard work and dedication.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 31, H.R. 225--National Pediatric Research Network Act of 2013, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' On rollcall No. 31, H.R. 297--Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2013, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 24, H.R. 307--Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' On rollcall No. 25, Motion to adjourn, had I been present, I would had voted ``nay.''

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate Robert M. Lightfoot, Jr., on the occasion of his appointment as the Associate Administrator for NASA, the agency's highest-ranking civil servant position. As he is the first native Alabamian to hold this position, I am pleased to stand before this body of Congress to recognize his contributions to NASA and our country. He previously was director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Named to the position in August 2009, he headed one of NASA's largest field installations, which plays a critical role in NASA's space operations, exploration and science missions. Mr. Lightfoot managed a broad range of propulsion, scientific and space transportation activities contributing to the nation's space program. From 2007 to 2009, Mr. Lightfoot was Deputy Director of the Marshall Space Flight Center. Lightfoot served as manager of the Space Shuttle Propulsion Office at Marshall from 2005 to 2007, where he was responsible for overseeing the manufacture, assembly and operation of the primary shuttle propulsion elements: the main engines, external tank, solid rocket boosters and reusable solid rocket motors. Mr. Lightfoot received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1986 from the University of Alabama. In October 2007, he was named Distinguished Departmental Fellow for the University of Alabama, Department of Mechanical Engineering. He was selected as a University of Alabama College of Engineering fellow in 2009. Lightfoot serves on the University of Alabama Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board. In 2010, he was inducted into the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame. Mr. Lightfoot has received numerous awards during his NASA career, including a NASA Outstanding Leadership medal in 2007 for exemplary leadership of the Shuttle Propulsion Office, assuring safety for the return to flight of the space shuttle. In 2006, he was awarded the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executives, and in 2010 he received the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Executives--the highest honors attainable for federal government work. In 2000, Mr. Lightfoot received a Spaceflight Leadership Recognition Award, which recognizes leaders who exemplify characteristics necessary for success. In 1999, NASA's astronaut corps presented him with a Silver Snoopy Award, which honors individuals who have made key contributions to the success of human spaceflight missions. He also received the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal in 1996 for significant contributions to NASA's mission. We are thankful for the years of dedication and hard work by Robert Lightfoot. We wish him and his family the best in this new role of service to our country.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. I want to thank the gentleman from Georgia for the time. Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to rise this evening to pay tribute to one of our colleagues who's played a critical role--as has been said here tonight, a behind-the-scenes role--here in the House of Representatives for many years, of course, the man, Jay Pierson. As it's been noted here tonight, Jay has been a floor assistant to the top Republicans here in the House since '86, serving Republican Leader Bob Michel, Newt Gingrich, Speaker Hastert, current Speaker John Boehner, and even prior to that, of course, worked as floor assistant to the Journal Clerk for Republican Leader John Rhodes and assistant manager for the Republican Cloakroom. His experience has really been invaluable to all of us that serve here in the House of Representatives. Jay is known for his vast knowledge of the rules, for his vast knowledge of the traditions and history and the procedures of the House of Representatives. He has been a teacher and a coach to so many Members of Congress over the years, and we are grateful to the dedication that he has given this institution over the past 34 years. Jay was born in Santa Barbara, California, and of course graduated from Westmont College. Most don't realize that Jay has a master's degree and a Ph.D in English literature from California State University and University of Maryland, respectively. He and his wife, JoAnne, have two grown sons, Joel and Jeff. But Jay is also a man of faith, and he is a man who has his priorities in the right place. Several years ago, he told his college alumni magazine that politics must be secondary to faith and to life. Ultimate answers don't lie in politics. No matter what we do or legislate, we won't solve all the problems. The issues are incredibly complex. Jay is someone who understands the importance of the legislative process; however, he also realizes that the ultimate answers are not found here. Jay and JoAnne have been active members in their church, and that's where I've gotten to know both him and JoAnne even better over the years. I have found Jay to be, as mentioned here by several Members here tonight, as the go-to guy when it comes to floor operations here in the House of Representatives. He is someone who is dependable and someone that, if he doesn't know the answer, can point you in the right direction where you can find the answer. Thirty-four years is a long time to work in one institution, but I think his commitment to that 34 years tells you about his commitment in general and his dedication in general. All of us here in the House will miss Jay, but having worked in this place for over 34 years, I hope that he will be back to visit quite often. So, Mr. Speaker, we wish Jay Pierson all the best in the next chapter of his life.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of one of Alabama's most heroic sons, Joshua Wetzel of The United States Army. While out on patrol on May 31, 2012 Joshua was almost killed in an IED explosion in Kandahar Afghanistan. While he lost his legs and suffered numerous other injuries, he never lost his faith. As he said to me the first time I met him in a hospital bed at Walter Reed, I'm still standing! And that pretty much sums up this man's will to live and can do spirit. He makes all of America proud and his town of Glencoe. With the help of his family and wonderful wife Paige, he has already made such great strides in such a short time and it's going to be hard to catch up to him. I ask that this poem penned in his honor by Albert Caswell be placed in the Record. I'm Still Standing I'm . . . I'm still standing . . . Here on this very day . . . You may take my two strong legs, but my heart you can not so sway! I'm still standing! Look at me out on my way! For I've got mountains to so climb, and so many hearts to so inspire, and such hope to so convey all in my time along the way! Yea, I'm still standing, as I fight this new fight each and every day! All at speed, as my heart so gives me all that I so need . . . so you better get out of my way! You see, War Eagles do not so hesitate! For I am Army Strong, as my heart beats loud and long . . . to fight for freedom night and day! 2nd Infantry, EARTH PIGS who fight and lead! And The University of Auburn, is all part of my very DNA! Because, sweet Alabama was where I was born and raised! And all of my children are going to graduate from there one day! For I am a grunt! Ever on the hunt! To evil to so confront! As I was on that fateful day! As when my short life almost went away! Without legs, and halfway to death as there I lay! As I had a choice, as when inside of me I so heard a voice, telling me to stay! And I got up and run for the first time in my life without legs! With the tears running down my eyes, I began to pray! As along side of me my Lord God ran with me that day! Helping me chase all of that heartache and doubt away! As now I must rebuild! As so inside of me my hearts instills! The courage and the strength to so will! Because, I'm Standing Still! Heartache and pity get out of my way! Don't cry for me, but for all of my Brothers in Arms who now lie in such soft quiet graves! And I'm going back home to sweet Alabama, running one day! And to this our world, my life still has so much more to say! And I've got a wonderful wife, who is the light of my life who has shown me that true love really stays! And this War Eagle, stands so regal with his courage he displays! As I'm still standing even taller on this day!

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. I want to thank the gentleman from Kentucky for his time and just take a moment to say how much we appreciate working with him and his staff on this legislation as we've moved forward. As has been mentioned here, the purpose of this legislation, in many respects, is to make critical technical changes to the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, known as EISA, which will both preserve jobs and create new jobs in several related fields of industry. I want to speak in particular to section 313 of EISA as it relates to the efficiency standards of walk-in coolers and freezers. The section mandates that cooler and freezer doors must meet a certain R-value as a measurement of their ability to retain temperature and use less energy. The problem here is that R-value is a measurement based primarily on one insulating product in particular--foam--and on how thick that foam actually is. However, requiring a product to meet an R-value prohibits technologies that are just as efficient even though they utilize alternative materials or technologies. In this case, the technology is even more efficient. Although regulatory statutes many times provide the Department of Energy with a waiver authority, a waiver was not a part of this particular statute. This legislation provides the Department of Energy with the authority to waive the requirement if they determine a product meets or exceeds the desired energy-efficiency goals. Bureaucratic red tape and Federal regulations can sometimes accidentally keep America's innovators and small businesses from creating jobs. Therefore, the Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act is a commonsense solution which maintains standards and yet corrects a problem which otherwise stifles growth and causes companies to lose jobs. Due to an increase in regulation over the past few years, too many small businesses have had to lay off employees, reduce production, and even shut their doors. This is precisely what happened to an innovative manufacturing company in the district I represent back in Alabama. The Federal Government's embrace of outdated technology prohibits new and innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency. Without sacrificing the efficiency standards which drove the original bill, my bill here that we're discussing this afternoon merely makes a commonsense update. Just to be clear, this legislation, H.R. 6582, does not create new standards, but it does make existing standards better for businesses and better for consumers. I can personally attest that this technical corrections bill will directly affect over 100 jobs in the State of Alabama, and potentially many others could be created with this new and innovative technology. The other sections of this bill affect a similar and, in some cases, I'm told, an even greater amount of jobs in other places in the country. Simply put, this commonsense legislation provides technical corrections which remove barriers to technologies and which untie the hands of companies that manufacture here in the United States of America. This means jobs. And not only by moving this legislation will we be able to create jobs, but we'll be able also to make sure that we continue economic growth in this country. Therefore, I suggest and urge my colleagues that they support this legislation that's on the floor today.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, it has been eleven years and we shall never forget the impact that September 11, 2001 made on every American. Today, eleven years since tragedy struck the shores of America at the hands of Osama bin Laden and his followers, we should all pause for a moment and reflect upon not only the solemness of this day, but also the strength of American ideals to overcome adversity and persevere. Today, we should all remember the thousands of people needlessly murdered in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia on that faithful day; the brave first responders who rushed into harm's way without concern for the consequences; the thousands of brave men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the course of the war of terror; and the thousands of security, intelligence, and law enforcement officials that continue to work tirelessly to keep our Nation safe and secure.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the outstanding young men and women of the Cullman Area Teenage Republican Club for being named the Most Outstanding Teenage Republican Club in the Nation for the second year in a row at the National Teenage Republican Leadership Conference. These fine young men and women should be applauded for their dedication and hard work. Together, they spent over 2,300 hours participating in special projects, grassroots outreach, and community activities. This organization has also had some outstanding leadership. Under the guidance of Republican State Executive Committee member Rebecca Branch, conservative teenagers in Cullman formed the Cullman Area Teenage Republican Club and found an avenue by which they could impact elections at all levels. Rebecca has been a shining example and has provided real leadership to these students over the years. In addition, Daniel Robinson, a 2012 graduate of Cullman High School, has been recognized as the Most Outstanding Republican in the Nation. Daniel not only worked to increase membership in Cullman, but also helped start new Teen Republican Organizations in Baldwin, Shelby, Madison and Morgan counties. Daniel plans to continue his education at Auburn university this fall and looks forward to having the opportunity to work with Auburn's Young Republicans this fall. These exceptional young people have worked diligently to recruit Alabama youth, involve them in the political process, and promote the understanding of the conservative philosophy. It is encouraging to see these young students from Alabama's Fourth District do such great things and I applaud them for their accomplishments. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor the members of the Cullman Area Teenage Republican Club for their achievement and unwavering resolution in building this organization for the conservative youth of Alabama. I join their family, friends, and colleagues in congratulating them on receiving this award.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Arthur E. ``Gene'' Goldman, Acting Director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, on the occasion of his retirement from NASA and his 28 years of distinguished federal service. Mr. Goldman provided superb leadership to over 5,000 personnel across a wide variety of disciplines, and provided sound fiscal management of a $2.5 billion budget. With those resources, he achieved cutting edge advancements in launch systems, spaceflight vehicles, and the supporting research and development efforts. All of these will shape our great nation's space program for years into the future. Mr. Goldman was born and raised in Russell, Mississippi, where he was introduced and attracted to the awe of space when his father took him out one night and showed him the Echo satellite passing overhead. With that inspiration and desire to learn, he graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and thereafter earned his Registered Professional Engineer-Civil certification, with the intention of building bridges. Although he never physically built a bridge, he certainly built, mended and maintained a multitude of bridges among NASA components, stakeholders and customers. While at NASA, Mr. Goldman also held the positions of Deputy Director of Marshall Space Flight Center; Director and Deputy Director of Stennis Space Flight Center; Manager and Deputy Manager of the Space Shuttle Main Engine Project; and project engineer on the Marshall Shuttle Project Integration Office. He was assigned to the Senior Executive Service in 2004. Prior to joining NASA in 1990, he worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority for 6 years and in the nuclear power industry. During his tenure, Mr. Goldman was awarded the prestigious Presidential Rank Award in 2010, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal in 2007, the Exceptional Achievement Medal in 2002, the NASA Certificate of Appreciation in 1997, and the Marshall Space Flight Center Director's Commendation in 1992. He also completed the Senior Executive Fellows Program at Harvard University. Mr. Goldman is widely known and appreciated throughout NASA for treating every single person he encounters with utmost respect and value, regardless of their function. His strategic guidance, sage advice and leadership have brought him unqualified success and significant positive impact on NASA's mission. With extraordinary and sincere gratitude, I thank Mr. Goldman for his dedicated service and outstanding contributions to our country. I wish Mr. Goldman all the best as he retires from NASA, and may God bless him, his wife Nancy, his daughter Jennifer, and his entire family in the days ahead.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor Sergeant Scott Entrekin; Clark Thompson; Colt Gregory; Jeff Hopper; Jordan Harwood; Stephen Hill; Sergeant Gary Pierce; and Mitch James, of the City of Gadsden Police Department in receiving the Gadsden Police Department's Medal of Valor on July 10, 2012. These fine officers should be applauded for their harrowing actions and professionalism in defusing a dangerous situation this past January in Alabama City, Alabama. These men truly embody bravery and a devotion to serving their community. As an armed man fled from police through an Alabama City neighborhood, he began to fire at all of the officers. Many of the officers that responded are on the department's Joint Special Operations Group and are trained in tactical SWAT operations. Using their training, the officers worked to contain the situation without opening fire in order to prevent crossfire in the residential area. In a team effort, including assistance from an Etowah County sheriff's deputy and a crisis negotiator, they were able to corner the shooter and convince him to surrender. These courageous men were able to take the suspect into custody without any injuries that morning. This is a great testament to not only their professionalism, but also their restraint. The tremendous leadership shown by these officers is an example of their dedication to protect their community, as well as fellow officers. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a great privilege to honor these eight men: Sergeant Scott Entrekin; Clark Thompson; Colt Gregory; Jeff Hopper; Jordan Harwood; Stephen Hill; Sergeant Gary Pierce; and Mitch James, for earning Gadsden Police Department's Medal of Valor for their heroic actions in keeping our community safe. I join their family, friends, and colleagues in congratulating them on receiving this distinguished honor.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, when Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act in December 2007, it inadvertently did not allow a procedure for technologies which may provide greater energy efficiencies than even what is required in the bill. The legislation before us this afternoon simply makes a small change in relation to walk-in coolers and freezers. Section 312 of the Energy Independence and Security Act regulates the efficiency standards of walk-in coolers and freezers. The section mandates that cooler and freezer doors meet a certain R-value as a measurement of their ability to retain temperature and use less energy. The problem is that an R-value is a measurement based primarily on the thickness of foam. Therefore, requiring products to meet an R-value prohibits technologies that are just as efficient, but utilize alternative materials or technologies. These types of statutes typically provide the Department of Energy with a waiver authority. This bill simply provides the Department of Energy with the authority to waive the R-value requirement if they determine a product meets or exceeds the desired energy-efficiency goals. This bill is supported by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. Furthermore, we have spoken with officials at the Department of Energy who recognize the need to consider the energy savings of nonfoam products. Madam Speaker, this situation offers a prime example of how making an adjustment in a government regulation can maintain standards and at the same time allow flexibility for businesses and retailers to purchase superior products to enable their businesses to use less energy and therefore save more money. The law as it currently stands is preventing this mutually beneficial transaction from taking place. Furthermore, without a waiver authority, the law will continue to limit future innovations in this important sector. It would be, as if in the 1950s, Congress had mandated that the record industry only use a certain type of vinyl. Therefore, there would be no cassette tapes, CDs, or iPods. With this simple bill, Congress can fix this oversight, allowing more eco-friendly innovations and a freer marketplace. This is one way we as Representatives can help continue to create an environment for economic growth. For those reasons, this bill enjoys wide bipartisan support, and I urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 4850.

Mr. ADERHOLT

Mr. ADERHOLT. At this time I would like to yield to the gentleman from Rhode Island to talk about an important cyber workforce issue.

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment en bloc at the desk, and I would ask unanimous consent that the amendment be considered as read.

Mr. ADERHOLT. Reclaiming my time, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. ADERHOLT. I yield to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack).

Mr. ADERHOLT. I move to strike the last word.

Mr. ADERHOLT. I want to thank the gentleman for raising these issues and bringing it to our attention. Just this past year, the district I represent was devastated by tornados. So the people of the district that I represent know firsthand what it is to work with FEMA and the recovery from a horrific disaster. I understand my colleague's concerns and agree that we need to be cognizant of the burden on local communities if they've been awarded recovery funds and then have those funds taken back through no fault of their own. My colleague certainly raises some commonsense points and issues that we should look at to address and to make sure that communities across the country aren't expending local funds for no reason, so that taxpayer dollars are protected at both the local and at the Federal level, so there is a better and more cooperative partnership between the Federal Government and these recovering communities. It is important that the State and the Federal partnership on disaster recovery is maintained in a collaborative and productive fashion, and I agree with my colleague from Iowa and hope that the issues like this don't disrupt the partnership that lead to communities doubting the sincerity or the ability of their government to come to their aid in such a time as needed. I know that everyone wants favorable outcomes and for our communities to recover as quickly as possible and agree that communities shouldn't shoulder the burden of an agency's mistake. As recovery continues in the district of my colleague from Iowa, I pledge to work with him and FEMA to address these issues and look forward to recovery in a timely manner. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Amendment Offered by Mr. Barletta