Kevin Brady

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, over the past few months, we have held over 50 town hall meetings and forums on health care reform in our district. Recently, we held one in The Woodlands with a panel of doctors to talk about health care. One of them was Dr. Peter Shedden, a Canadian-born neurosurgeon, who practices in The Woodlands. He was trained in Canada, is very complimentary about the way they trained physicians. He shared his experiences. He told us how his father died after he was refused kidney dialysis, even as the disease entered the acute phase, because he was over 70 years old. He told us, ``You've got to know somebody'' to get to the front of the line. He said, ``There are no second opinions in the Canadian system . . . After age 70, if you get sick, you're done.'' Because of the long waiting lists, he told us ER doctors are forced to make a quick evaluation of whether or not someone is ``salvageable'' when they come in the door. He said, ``Within 48 hours, you'd better show you are going to improve; otherwise, your breathing tube is taken out and you move on . . . because there is nowhere for you to go.'' He also said many patients come from Canada to Texas to seek his treatment. So before we go to a national, government-run system, I have one question for those proponents of that bill: When was the last time you went to Canada for your health care?

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer a tribute to Mr. Christopher Frenze, Republican House Staff Director for the Joint Economic Committee, who is retiring this week from a distinguished career in government service. Chris has been a longtime public servant of this Committee and a tremendous asset to both my office and this Congressional body. After earning his B.A. from American University and doing graduate work in economics at Virginia Tech, Chris served as Director of Research at the National Tax Equality Association. Chris began a long and extraordinary career at the Joint Economic Committee in 1981, holding such positions as Senior Economist, Chief Economist to the Vice Chairman, Executive Director and Republican Staff Director. Over the years, Chris focused the Committee's research and policy work on several key fields of economics, such as tax policy, fiscal policy, and business cycle analysis, including the assessment of labor market conditions. This research aided countless Members considering tax policy changes, monetary policy targets, IMF reform, and numerous other issues. His career has been distinguished by his relentless effort to promote the public interest, encourage economic growth, reduce the burden of government and respect the Constitution. Chris's knowledge of economic policy is only one of his many talents. He is recognized as an effective, successful manager who recruited valuable economists that served the Committee for many years. His work serving Senate and House Republicans Members of the Committee, in both the majority and in the minority, has given him unique insights into the way the Committee and the Congress functions, and his expertise, vast institutional knowledge and constant professionalism will be sorely missed. Chris Frenze represents the very best in public service. I know I can speak for all of my colleagues on the Joint Economic Committee, and those Members that have served on it in the past, in congratulating Chris upon his retirement and thanking him for his dedicated and tireless service to the United States Congress.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Mr. Christopher Frenze, Republican House staff director for the Joint Economic Committee, who's retiring this week from a distinguished career in government service. Chris joined the Joint Economic Committee in 1981. His career has been distinguished by his relentless effort to promote the public interest, encourage economic growth, reduce the burden of government, and respect the Constitution. His knowledge of economic policy is only one of his many talents. He's an effective, successful manager who recruited top economists to serve the committee for many years. His work has served both Senate and House Republican Members in the majority and in the minority. He represents the very best in public service. I know I speak for all of my colleagues in the Joint Economic Committee in congratulating Chris upon his retirement and thanking him in his dedicated and tireless service to the United States Congress.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3183--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Kevin Brady, Texas 8th Congressional District Bill Number: H.R. 3183--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project: Sam Rayburn Reservoir Operations & Maintenance Account: Operations and Maintenance, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District Address of Requesting Entity: 819 Taylor Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102 This is the third year I've requested funding to repair the Twin Dikes Park marine launching complex since its collapse due to Hurricane Rita, erosion, and excessive wave action. Unfortunately, the Corps has a backlog of maintenance on some of the most widely used recreational facilities at Lake Sam Rayburn. In addition to Twin Dikes Park launching complex, I continue to support the U.S. Corps of Engineers annual request for funding to operate and maintain the lakes, and other water resources of East and Southeast Texas. The $5,937,000 included in this conference report will be allocated to perform annual operations and maintenance of the Sam Rayburn Dam and Reservoir.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, it was my intention to vote against adoption of H. Res 772, a rule waiving points of order against consideration of the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2918, Legislative Branch Appropriations and Continuing Resolution. I inadvertently recorded a ``yea'' vote.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, a brilliant scientist and humanitarian, who died on September 12, 2009, at the age of 95 from complications with cancer in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal during his lifetime. Dr. Borlaug used the respect he received from his accolades to advocate the importance that sound agriculture policy would have on allowing peace to exist among communities hard hit by famine. Dr. Borlaug won his Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for developing a strong strain of wheat that could produce large yields in regions of the world, otherwise susceptible to famine. Many of these regions were in developing countries with a history of increased amounts of conflict due to the hunger of its communities. Dr. Borlaug believed through studying agriculture trends, food challenges could be met resulting in establishing peace and prosperity. Dr. Borlaug received his Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and his Congressional Gold Medal in 2007. Dr. Norman Borlaug was Distinguished Professor of International Agriculture in Texas A&M University's Department of Soil and Crop Sciences. Joining the Texas A&M family in 1984, Borlaug worked extensively, even up to his death, studying the food trends of the world. At Texas A&M in 2006, the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture was named in his honor. This institution aims to carry on the rich legacy of the great works and service of Dr. Borlaug and ensure future stewards of that legacy will carry out the good work stressed by this great man. Dr. Borlaug knew the importance of challenging the youth in his field to carry the torch for the next generation of scientists, working to solve the food challenges that the future may hold. Generations to come will be indebted to his life's work. Madam Speaker, I am proud to call Dr. Borlaug a friend, and I remain in awe of his intellect and body of work. Thank you for the opportunity to call on all Americans to recall his spirit and his service.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer a tribute to Dr. Robert Keleher of the Joint Economic Committee, who is retiring this week from government service. Bob has been a valued member of the committee staff since 1996, when he joined our staff as Chief Macroeconomist. Bob's keen mind, deep knowledge of economics, and high research standards have made him a tremendous asset to the committee for many years. After receiving his Ph.D. in economics from Indiana University and a position as a bank economist, Bob joined the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, rising as a research officer and senior economist to become Head of Macro and International Economics. In addition to his research in monetary economics, Bob also conducted research applying classical principles of economics to taxation, emphasizing the importance of reducing marginal personal tax rates to create incentives for healthy economic growth. Bob also served as the senior Macroeconomist of President Reagan's Council of Economic Advisers in 1985 and 1986. He then moved on to become a special monetary and economic advisor to Vice Chairman Manuel Johnson, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. Leaving the Federal Reserve in 1991, he became Chief Economist of Johnson Smick International. Bob joined the committee in 1996 under Chairman Jim Saxton and continued his research in many areas including international and domestic monetary policy. Bob's early and prolific work on inflation targeting composes the body of almost all Congressional analysis of this policy in the 1997-2006 time period. The significance of Bob's research was enhanced even more as the Federal Reserve moved toward a policy of more explicit inflation targeting over the last five years. Bob's work on international monetary policy contributed to important reforms of the International Monetary Fund. In addition to his expertise in the field of economics, Bob also distinguished himself as a fine person of great integrity and judgment. I know I can speak for all of my colleagues on the Joint Economic Committee in congratulating Bob upon his retirement and thanking him for his service to the United States Congress.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. I thank Ranking Member Barton. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 631, which I sponsored with my good friend Congressman Gene Green of Texas, to congratulate Continental Airlines and its exceptional employees on the company's 75th anniversary this year. Continental got started in 1934 in El Paso, Texas, going on to aid in the war efforts by working to expand its services domestically. Now headquartered in Houston, Texas, with hubs in Cleveland, Ohio, and Newark, New Jersey, Continental has grown to become the fifth largest carrier in the world, and in my mind, the best. This followed one of the most successful business turnarounds in history after it restructured in the 1990s. Continental's impressive climb is a tribute to the outstanding leadership, dedicated employees, and excellent service to travelers. Today, Continental remains a major employer in the Houston area and a valued airline. I hear often from satisfied travelers about the quality of the company's service and commonsense approach to operation. As a Million Mile traveler, I can personally attest to the quality and professionalism of the crew and staff of Continental Airlines, and I may add, a number of my neighbors are proud employees--pilots, attendants, managers--within the Continental system. I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Continental for its remarkable achievement and contributions to America.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my constituents aren't the only ones concerned about the government takeover of health care. Yesterday, health care leaders of Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, gathered at Ben Taub Hospital. They represent indigent public hospitals, nonprofits, private systems, and some of our cutting-edge research institutions. These nationally renowned leaders had three messages for lawmakers in Congress: One, they have no idea what is in this massive health care bill nor how it affects the patients they treat. They've had virtually no input in health care reform, and it's too important to rush through the House in the next few days. Dr. Larry Kaiser, a surgeon and the president of the University of Texas Health Science Center, said, ``I liken it to taking out a tumor. There's a time when there's an urge to get it done quickly, but that's when mistakes can be made. That's the time to take it slowly and carefully.'' Why aren't we listening to these health care experts? Now is not the time to rush this bill through.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3293-- Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Kevin Brady, Texas 8th Congressional District Bill Number: H.R. 3293--Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project: Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Program Account: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Requesting Entity: Pulmonary Hypertension Association Address of Requesting Entity: 801 Roeder Rd., Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD 20910 I have supported strengthening Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) education for over ten years; and for this reason and for the third year in a row, I have requested funding to strengthen and continue a successful partnership between the non-profit Pulmonary Hypertension Association and the Centers for Disease Control. PH is a serious and often fatal condition where the blood pressure in the lungs rises to dangerously high levels. In PH patients the walls of the arteries that take blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs thicken and constrict. As a result, the right side of the heart has to pump harder to move blood into the lungs, causing it to enlarge and ultimately fail. This request will allow the partners to continue to develop a pulmonary hypertension awareness program to better educate the medical community and the public about the disease, and lead to earlier diagnosis and longer life spans. The $250,000 included in this bill for this project will be allocated to continue two components in the fight against pulmonary hypertension: the PHA Online University, a curriculum-based website for medical professionals, and a significant expansion of PHAware, a grassroots media campaign. I also appreciate the Committee's support through report language encouraging further collaboration and research efforts on pulmonary hypertension within government agencies. The efforts of these organizations on issues including lung transplantation, the establishment of a PH Clinical Research Network and the increase in pulmonary hypertension diagnoses related to the abuse of methamphetamine will further our understanding of this disease.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, what is the Speaker trying to hide? Last week, America got the first peek at what the Democratic government-run health care plan would look like; and what people saw, based upon the economists on the minority staff of the Joint Economic Committee, was 31 new Federal programs, agencies, commissions and mandates in between them and their doctors ensuring that unelected bureaucrats would choose what doctors they can see, what treatments they deserve and what medicines they can receive. This is not the type of health care system Americans want. But today, the Democrat House is blocking Republicans from sharing this important flow chart with their constituents. Why are we censoring the American Congress? Why are we preventing the public from seeing what the Democrat health care plan will do? We deserve, our public deserves the right to know what this health care will do to their lives and their family's lives. It is time to let America know. Stop the censoring. Let us share the health care chart with our constituents.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadersip standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3288-- Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Kevin Brady, Texas 8th Congressional District Bill Number: H.R. 3288--Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project: The District Capital Cost of Contracting, Montgomery County, TX Account: Buses and Bus Facilities, Federal Transit Administration Requesting Entity: The Brazos Transit District (The District) Address of Requesting Entity: 1759 N. Earl Rudder Freeway, Bryan, Texas 77803 This request helps provides an important transportation service to over 700,000 Montgomery County commuters each year through four Park- and-Ride facilities. It also helps provide regular van service for East Texas veterans to VA facilities in the region. Through these services, the funding also helps reduce congestion along Interstate 45 and helps the region meet its clear air goals. The $1,000,000 included in this bill reduces the equipment costs of providing these transportation services.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3288-- Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Kevin Brady, Texas 8th Congressional District Bill Number: H.R. 3288--Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project: I-69 Texas Environmental Studies, TX Account: Interstate Maintenance Discretionary, Federal Highway Administration Requesting Entity: Alliance for I-69 Texas, Texas Department of Transportation Address of Requesting Entity: 1200 Smith, Suite 700, Houston, TX 77002 The original I-69 project began in 1991 and involves long-planned upgrades of US 59, 277 and 281 to interstate standards to increase motorist safety and mobility in the Houston and East Texas region. It is, thankfully, no longer included in the ill-fated Trans Texas Corridor. The original project enjoys the support of a broad collaboration of mayors, county judges, economic development groups, chambers of commerce and transportation officials from dozens of Texas communities, including several in the Eighth Congressional District. The $500,000 I requested on behalf of the Texas leaders of the I-69 coalition will provide the Texas Department of Transportation funding to complete the necessary environmental studies to begin construction on these much needed upgrades. This bill also credits me and four of my colleagues as requesting an additional $1 million under the Interstate Maintenance Discretionary and the Surface Transportation Priorities accounts. I appreciate the support of my colleagues and the Committee for this important project and am confident the additional dollars are sorely needed--but in all honesty other members deserve credit for these funds since I submitted only the original $500,000 funding for the environmental studies.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I was unable to be present for several votes on Monday, July 20, 2009 due to obligations I needed to attend to in Texas. Nevertheless, I would request that the record indicate that I would have voted ``yes'' on both H. Res. 607, ``Celebrating the Fortieth Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing,'' of which I am a cosponsor, as well H.R. 2245, the ``New Frontier Congressional Gold Medal Act.'' Each of these bills honors the historic achievement of man's first steps on the Moon, which today still stands as a testament to American ingenuity and an inspiration to millions. Countless young Americans have grown up looking to the stars wanting to be the next Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin or Michael Collins. Though most will never set foot on the Moon, many followed their dreams and pursued careers in science and engineering, careers that have resulted in breathtaking technological advances that have improved the life of each and every American. As we look back on this great achievement, it is my hope that a new generation of Americans will again be inspired by the wonders of space travel and will lead our country into a new era of scientific discovery and space exploration.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, we have no further speakers; and in support of this resolution, I would yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Joint Resolution 56. Our Burma sanctions are meant to promote democracy, develop respect for human rights, and improve living conditions for the Burmese people. Unfortunately, the ruling junta is still working against, not toward, these objectives. For that reason, I am in favor of reauthorizing our overall sanctions program against Burma for another 3 years and extending import sanctions against Burma for another year. Burma's regime is one of the world's most oppressive and continues to oppress democratic movements and humanitarianism. Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is still being falsely detained by the regime, now on sham charges. As of April 2009, the regime held an estimated 2,100 political prisoners, more than 150 of whom were recently sentenced to prison terms of up to 104 years. Many of these prisoners were held for nearly a year without charge and were convicted of offenses relating to the participation in pro-democracy movements. The regime also jailed three lawyers representing opposition activists for contempt when the attorneys merely argued that the trials of their clients lacked due process. The regime also severely restricts freedom of assembly, expression, association, movement, and religion. The Burmese regime does not limit its repugnant behavior to civic activists. Extrajudicial killings, rape, torture, recruitment of child soldiers, and forced labor are routine. Moreover, the regime has actually worked against the interests of its people following the May 2008 cyclone. Due to the regime's practice of applying unreasonable restrictions to humanitarian assistance to workers, the area the cyclone hit hardest continues to be in dire need of assistance. The leaders of the regime will have greater incentive to cooperate with United Nations diplomatic efforts, their southeast Asian neighbors in ASEAN, and the Peoples Republic of China if its leaders and cronies come under targeted economic pressure that denies them access to personal wealth and sources of revenue. Some Burmese businesspeople with ties to the junta are now starting to feel the pinch, but there is a long way to go. Another reason to reauthorize the sanctions program and extend the import ban for another year is that this Congress amplified the program last summer. The expansion eliminated trade in jewelry containing Burmese rubies and jadeite, even if the jewelry was made in, and exported from, a third country. It was designed to bring about multilateral pressure on the regime through the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, similar to successful legislation on conflict diamonds. We are still in the process of assessing the effectiveness of the new law. The Government Accountability Office will be reporting to us this fall on the effectiveness of the expanded sanctions and will be making recommendations for improving administration of the program. It would be unwise for us to allow the lapse of this sanctions program without having the benefit of the GAO's research and report. I view import sanctions with great skepticism and always have, but these Burma sanctions are crafted to maximize their ability to effect change. For one, they require the administration to issue annual reports on Burma that include whether U.S. national security, economic, and foreign policy interests are being served. On this point, I note that the administration transmitted this year's statutorily required report late last night. We're still waiting for the administration to articulate its overall Burma policy. The State Department announced it would be conducting a high-profile review of U.S. policy some 6 months ago, but it's not out yet; and our Secretary of State will be showing up at ASEAN meetings tomorrow and Thursday with no new vision. Perhaps the most critical aspect of the Burma sanctions program is that they require us to redirect our attention every summer to the question of whether these sanctions should be continued. They are not self-executing. We here in Congress must vote to continue them on an annual basis. I continue to believe that our greatest hope for effecting real change in Burma is multilateralism. The whole world, particularly China and the ASEAN countries, must put real economic pressure on the regime. I support this resolution because it increases our chance to bring about this multilateral effort. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of people in Texas who are worried what kinds of jobs they will have when this new government-run health care plan goes through Congress, 1,018 pages delivered to us a few minutes before midnight. We had until 9 o'clock to read it and start voting on it. Here's the plan: Thirty-one new Federal agencies, programs, and commissions in between you and your doctor taking away control of your health care. At the committee, we asked, What does all this cost? They said, We don't know the price tag. We offered amendments. We said, Can you certify that Members of Congress read this bill and let the public read it? They said they thought that was a bad idea. We asked about rationing. We were worried about wait times for family physicians and second- class cancer treatment. They said that would be too inconvenient to provide information, and they defeated it. Then finally we said, Let's strike the taxes on small businesses, and they refused to, saying small businesses have it so easy, they need to raise taxes on them. Ladies and gentlemen, we don't want the government telling us what doctors we can see, what treatments we can receive, and what medicines we can receive.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Continental Airlines headquartered in Houston, Texas, on its 75th anniversary. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Continental Airlines and its employees for the outstanding service and dedication it has provided to travelers over the past 75 years. From its modest beginnings in July 1934 in El Paso, Texas, Continental has grown to become the fifth largest carrier in the world. Just before the Second World War, Continental moved its headquarters to Denver, Colorado where it subsequently built the Denver Modification Facility, modifying B-17 and B-29 aircraft for the war effort. As the war approached an end, Continental expanded its services to include 26 cities and employ over 400 people by 1945. In 1963, Continental moved its headquarters once again to Los Angeles, where the company continued to support American military efforts, flying soldiers to Asia during the Vietnam War. During the 1970s, Continental experienced considerable growth. Most notable was approval by President Jimmy Carter to fly from Los Angeles to New Zealand and Australia. In 1982, Continental, once more relocated its headquarters to its current location in Houston, Texas. Continental then mounted one of the most successful business turnarounds ever in American history when it began restructuring in 1994, using its famous ``Go Forward Plan'' that emphasized the airline's unique company culture. In addition to Houston, Continental also has hubs in Cleveland, Ohio and Newark, New Jersey. Today, Continental remains a major employer in the Houston area and a valued airline. I hear often from satisfied travelers about the quality of the company's service and commonsense approach to operations. As a million mile traveler, I personally can attest to the quality and professionalism of the crew and staff of Continental Airlines. It is my personal choice when I travel back and forth to Washington, and one I trust with the safeguard of my family. Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives will join me to recognize Continental's contribution to America on the occasion of the 75th anniversary.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3170--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Kevin Brady, Texas 8th Congressional District Bill Number: H.R. 3170--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project: Sam Rayburn Reservoir Operations & Maintenance Account: Operations and Maintenance, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District Address of Requesting Entity: 819 Taylor Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102 This is the third year I've requested funding to repair the Twin Dikes Park marine launching complex since its collapse due to Hurricane Rita, erosion, and excessive wave action. Unfortunately, the Corps has a backlog of maintenance on some of the most widely used recreational facilities at Lake Sam Rayburn. In addition to this project, I continue to support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annual request for funding to operate and maintain the lakes, and other water resources of East and Southeast Texas. The $6,247,000 included in this bill will be allocated to perform annual operations and maintenance of the Sam Rayburn Dam and Reservoir.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chair, I would like to call up my amendment, made in order under the rule, to shift $50,000 from Office of the Chief Economist at USDA to the Economic Research Service (ERS). The goal of this amendment is to have the Office of the Chief Economist work jointly with the Economic Research Service and the Foreign Agriculture Service to conduct a study on the potential growth in U.S. agriculture exports that would result from implementation of the pending trade promotion agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea within 90 days of this legislation becoming law. Additionally, USDA would also report on the potential impact on U.S. agriculture exports if these agreements are not implemented. In each case, USDA would analyze the impacts of changes in exports on agriculture sector employment, wages, farm income, and commodity prices. As I am sure you know, each of these countries has signed or is negotiating trade agreements with several countries that are major competitors for U.S. farmers and ranchers. I know we are all concerned about the potential loss of competitiveness the families and workers in our agriculture sector would face if the pending trade agreements are not implemented. Previous studies by the International Trade Commission show the benefits of these agreements. Taken together, they could increase all U.S. exports by over $12 billion. This new study would give us an opportunity to update this information and focus specifically on the U.S. agriculture sector. In these difficult economic times, Congress, now more than ever, must pursue policies to enhance the competitiveness of America's farmers and ranchers. Since 95 percent of all consumers are outside of the United States, increasing exports are a vital component of that effort. The analysis conducted as a result of my amendment would help Members of Congress understand the importance of leveling the playing field for America's farmers and ranchers by implementing the pending trade agreements.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chair, I commend Mr. Lewis for his leadership and work to reduce spending increases in this bill and other appropriations bills this year. But I do have concern about the consequence of limiting funding for the World Bank's International Development Association. Doing so I believe could harm American credibility and leadership abroad. The Bank is doing critical work to help the world's poorest nations weather the global economic crisis, limit hunger, and provide for greater security in volatile areas of the world. In Afghanistan, the World Bank helped build and reform the nation's telecommunications sector. This helped to attract $500 million in private investment, accounting for 60% of all foreign direct investment in Afghanistan. The Bank also helped train health care workers in Afghanistan, to help increase access to health care there. As we seek to cut the deficit and prioritize funding, we must also consider that we may ultimately lose leverage over the priorities and direction of the World Bank should the U.S. fail to live up to its commitments.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I call up my amendment made in order under the rule.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chairman, this amendment seeks to shift $50,000 from the Office of the Chief Economist at the USDA to the Economic Research Service. The goal of this amendment is to have the Office of the Chief Economist work jointly with the Economic Research Service and the Foreign Agriculture Service to conduct an independent, objective study on the potential growth in U.S. agriculture exports that would result from implementation of the pending trade promotion agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea within 90 days of this legislation becoming law. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture would also report on the potential impact of U.S. agriculture exports if these agreements are not implemented. In each case, the USDA would analyze the impacts of changes in exports on agriculture sector jobs, wages, farm income, and commodity prices. As many of you know, each of these countries have signed or are negotiating trade agreements with several countries that are major competitors for America's farmers and ranchers. I know we are all concerned about the potential loss of competitiveness that families and workers in our agriculture sector would face if the pending trade agreements are not implemented. While there has been some analysis of the impact of the pending trade agreements on American farmers and ranchers, much of this analysis is outdated. For example, the study by the U.S. International Trade Commission on the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement was published in December 2006 and relied on trade data from 2005. Obviously, conditions have changed since then. In these difficult economic times, Congress, now more than ever, must pursue policies to enhance the competitiveness of America's farmers and ranchers. And since 95 percent of all consumers live outside the United States, increasing exports, finding new customers for American farmers and ranchers, are a vital component of that effort. The analysis conducted as a result of this amendment will help Members of Congress understand fully the importance of leveling the playing field for America's farmers and ranchers by considering and implementing the pending trade agreements. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the underlying bill contains an unnecessary and, I think, counterproductive provision banning the importation of poultry from China. The provision has no food safety basis but puts at risk American jobs and puts at risk at least $350 million of American poultry sales to China that that country will reportedly block in retaliation. The gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston) offered an amendment to strike this dangerous provision, but the majority refused, unfortunately, to make it in order. This provision will effectively close off a huge export market for our farmers while leaving unchanged the amount of poultry we import from China--zero, by the way--because of our already strong food safety protections. Even America's poultry industry doesn't support this provision. Even those who would benefit, supposedly, don't support this provision. I would like to submit for the Record a letter from a wide range of associations opposed to this language because of the impact here on American jobs. The White House has registered concerns as well with the provision. I support science-based oversight of food safety, but this provision will backfire. It will hurt American farmers without any impact on food safety. At a time when our country is struggling with the economy, this Congress taking actions that hurt American jobs and hurt American farmers is exactly the wrong way to go. This provision should be left out of the final bill. April 30, 2009. Hon. Barack Obama, President, United States of America, The White House, Washington, DC Dear Mr. President: We are writing to urge you to oppose any provisions in the annual appropriations bills that may be inconsistent with our trade obligations under the provisions of World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements. In particular, we urge your Administration to actively oppose a provision that would bar implementation of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regulation governing the importation of cooked poultry products from China. We respectfully request that your Administration work with Congress to amend the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 to eliminate the current application of this provision and to help prevent its inclusion in future Appropriations measures. We agree that the U.S. Government must effectively regulate the safety and quality of food products sold in this country. However, to maintain the effectiveness and integrity of the food safety system, such regulations must be based on sound science and an appropriate risk assessment. Laws and regulations must also be crafted such that the U.S. does not ignore its international trade obligations--obligations that the U.S. Government has helped to develop and in particular, to prevent other countries from adopting protectionist, non- science based measures against U.S. food and agriculture exports under the guise of food safety. At a time when U.S. producers are seeking to sell their goods and services abroad during a difficult global economic crisis, it is vital that we uphold our trade obligations, lest we find access to vital overseas markets cut off to American products. Section 727 of the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 forbids funds from being used to ``establish or implement a rule allowing poultry products to be imported into the U.S. from the People's Republic of China.'' Similar provisions have been included in annual appropriations since FSIS issued a final rule on cooked chicken imports from China in 2006 and another prohibition is to be proposed for the bill for Fiscal Year 2010. Section 727 and its predecessors effectively bar FSIS from conducting a necessary and appropriate risk assessment on whether imports of cooked chicken from China pose any risk to American consumers. Because the provision specifically targets imports from only one country, it conflicts with the U.S. obligation to treat trading partners equally. Indeed, the People's Republic of China has already filed a dispute settlement case against the U.S. at the WTO on this matter. If there are concerns about the safety of cooked chicken imports from China--and we should note that this includes poultry that originates in the U.S.--they should be addressed through sound science in the regulatory channels, not through ad hoc legislation or appropriations bills. Section 727, however, precludes scientific analysis from being conducted, therefore adversely affecting U.S. credibility and potentially hindering U.S. market access overseas. If the U.S. cannot uphold the basic rules of international trade, our trading partners may take similar actions against U.S. exports, which will ultimately harm American workers, farmers, businesses and the U.S. economy as a whole. Respectfully, Advanced Medical Technology Association, Agri Beef Company, AJC International, Incorporated, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Meat Institute, Animal Health Institute, Butterball, LLC, Cargill, Incorporated, DGM Commodities, Corporation, Edwards Lifesciences, Elanco, Emergency Committee for American Trade, Fieldale Farms Corporation, Grocery Manufacturers Association, Grove Services, Incorporated, Hormel Foods Corporation, Interra International, Incorporated, JBS S.A., Keystone Foods, LLC, Kraft Foods, Incorporated, Maritime Products International, Mar-Jac Poultry, Incorporated, MetaFoods, LLC, Michigan Corn Growers Association, Monsanto Company, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Chicken Council, National Fisheries Institute, National Foreign Trade Council, National Meat Association, National Pork Producers Council, National Retail Federation.