Corrine Brown

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to start off by thanking Chairmen Oberstar and Cummings and Ranking Member Mica for all of their hard work on this bill. We've given the Coast Guard so much responsibility, and they have been up to every challenge. The Coast Guard has been protecting our shores for more than 200 years and have done an outstanding job. The Coast Guard was the first agency to react to the terrorist attacks on September 11, and was the only agency in the Bush administration to actually do their job during the evacuation and disaster of Hurricane Katrina. Today, we are finally providing the crucial agency the resources it needs to complete its new expanded mission. As a Member from the State of Florida, which has 14 ports and numerous cruise lines, I have particular interest in the cruise industry. The cruise industry is an important economic engine in the State of Florida. Florida ranks first in the Nation for cruise industry expenditures, with over $6 billion in direct spending, accounting for 33 percent of the total industry direct spending. Cruise industry spending generates more than 127,000 jobs and wages totaling over $5 billion in income to Floridian workers, and over 5 million passengers embarked from Florida's five cruise ports in 2007. Before coming to Congress, I owned, really, three travel agencies, and I can tell you that cruises are one of the most cost-effective, safe, and enjoyable vacations one can take. In fact, I just recently sent my mother on a cruise. The cruise industry is highly regulated by the State, the Federal Government, and international laws. They ensure that their passengers are safe and have a sound security record. It is apparent from the FBI statistics that crimes against U.S. passengers on cruise ships are rare. A leisure cruise is one of the most popular vacation options because of its excellent safe record and a high quality of service provided on board. I look forward to working with the committee members to continue to ensure that safety and well-being of passengers on cruise ships is maintained.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. I want to thank Chairman Skelton for his hard work and leadership on working with all members and the Senate in passing an important bill to authorize the funding for our entire armed forces. I am especially grateful for the provision to authorize funding to dredge the St. Johns River at Mayport Naval Station. It is important for our Navy to have the flexibility to station all of our vessels where they can be safe and provide the maximum amount of protection for national security. I am proud of the men and women of our military who, every day and every night, protect the freedoms we hold so dear. Congress determined the mission and it is up to us to make sure our soldiers have the proper resources to carry out that mission. The Navy and the President determined that part of that mission included making the harbor at Mayport Naval Station suitable for all the ships in our fleet. They included that requirement in the budget submitted to the Congress. And it is included in the conference report. This is a key military construction and force protection project. The U.S. Navy has an alternative docking location for every ship in the Navy except for aircraft carriers stationed on the East Coast. In order to provide this emergency docking location, the Navy requested funding in the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget for Channel Dredging at Naval Station Mayport. Right now, the channel to Naval Station Mayport is dredged to 42 feet plus a 2 foot overdraft. For a full loaded nuclear aircraft carrier to pull into Mayport without tide restrictions, the channel must be dredged to 50 feet plus a 2 foot overdraft. I was pleased to speak with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates earlier this year and he expressed his commitment to make the Mayport Naval Station a viable option for all naval ships in the event of emergency. This provision to allow the dredging to continue represents a huge victory not only for the First Coast community, but also for the brave men and women of the U.S. Navy, whose vulnerability to attack is decreased by avoiding consolidation of carriers in any single location. The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 highlighted the danger associated with docking large naval fleets in only one location. I am thrilled that the Department of Defense has decided to take advantage of the Jacksonville port in order to increase the safety of our men and women in uniform. This is about national security and ensuring we provide our Navy leaders with operational flexibility they need. Our aircraft carriers are too valuable of assets not to provide a back-up docking location. I am pleased at the support of the entire Florida delegation for working in a bipartisan matter to support the men and women of our military who, every day and every night, protect the freedoms we hold so dear. Congress determined the mission and it is up to us to make sure our soldiers have the proper resources to carry out that mission. I support this provision and the entire bill and urge my colleagues to support this bill as well.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 215, a resolution congratulating the Minority Business Development Agency on its 40th anniversary and commending its achievements in fostering the establishment and growth of minority businesses in the United States. I know in my own district MBDA is an integral part of the economic development of Orlando. In fiscal year 2008, the MBDAs Florida Minority Business Opportunity Center (MBOC) in Orlando helped minority businesses get $13.6 million in contracts and $29 million in financial transactions. This year in 2009, one of their local success stories includes APC Workforce Solutions, a contract labor, acquisition and management company. With the assistance of the MBDAs Florida Minority Business Opportunity Center, APC recently received a three-year renewable $45 million per year contract from Sunoco, Inc. to provide staffing services. The contract is that resulted in the creation of 30 new jobs. MBDA and its network of centers across the country are helping businesses like APC every day. That's why last year MBDA helped minority businesses get over $1 billion worth of contracts, $1 billion worth of financial transactions that helped create more than 5,300 jobs across the country. In this tough economy, agencies like MBDA are helping minority-owned firms succeed and Congress needs to do a better job of recognizing the important job MBDA has been doing over the past 40 years. I am ashamed to say that MBDA was overlooked in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and there was no specific language in ARRA for minority businesses. In 2050, the minority community will represent 54 percent of the total U.S. population. It is imperative to the continued strength of the U.S. economy to provide for the growth and expansion of minority businesses. The nation is failing to reap the benefits of economic parity through the creation of 16 million jobs, generating $2.5 trillion in gloss receipts and an unrealized tax base of more than $100 billion per year. Congress must do more to help the minority business community. I like to say when America has a cold, the African-American community has pneumonia. Right now, Congress is ignoring the long-term health of our economy by ignoring the needs of minority businesses. Minority-owned firms are in the position to generate long-term employment and economic sustainability in their communities. Minority firms provide nearly 5 million people with steady jobs and create wealth in minority communities. They create jobs, impact local and state economies and pursue global marketplaces MBDAs long term strategic direction is achieving economic parity for minority firms. Economic parity is a benchmark measured by the proportion of U.S. business owned by minorities being roughly equal to the percent of their population. MBDA is focused on creating a new generation of $100 million dollar minority businesses creating the foundation that helps to close the gap in annual revenues between minority-owned firms and non-minority owned firms. At economic parity, the diverse business community will be larger than the economies of Russia, Italy or Spain. At economic parity, we reduce the unemployment rate from the current level of about 9.4 percent to 7.5 percent. At economic parity, the tax-base that is generated could fund 100 percent of Head Start, 100 percent of State Children's Health Insurance Program or a full 10 percent of the cost estimate to reform healthcare. In closing, I'd like to again congratulate the Minority Business Development Agency on their 40th Anniversary and reiterate the importance of minority businesses to the economy.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned over the news reports that the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Program, or the Car Allowance Rebate System has run out of money. This program took effect approximately one week ago, and American auto dealers have already sold 8,000 cars thanks to subsidies contained in the legislation. Equally impressive is the fact that appropriated funds have already been dispersed. This swift action by Congress and the Department of Transportation is extremely encouraging. This legislation has been having a stabilizing effect moving forward and delivers badly needed relief to the American auto industry. The Cars for Clunkers program is a part of the federal government's efforts to help local dealers who are suffering financially and shutting down because of the economy, and I am thrilled by the program's early success. We need to fully fund the House-passed authorized level of $4 billion before we leave for our August district work period. The government's new Cash for Clunkers program took effect approximately one week ago, and American auto dealers have already sold 8,000 cars thanks to subsidies contained in the legislation. I am confident that this legislation will have a stabilizing effect moving forward and deliver badly needed relief to the American auto industry. Creation of the Cash for Clunkers program was not the first action Congress has taken this year to help struggling auto dealers. As we move forward with implementation of this new program, it is important that Congress make sure previously appropriated funds are used to help auto dealers on Main Street and not just manufacturers. As a senior member of the Transportation Committee, I work every day to help Americans who depend on the transportation industry for jobs and services. I firmly believe that every mode of transportation contributes to America in meaningful ways. However, no mode of transportation has shaped American life as profoundly as the automobile--and that is why Congress needs to do everything in its power to help struggling auto dealers across America. In good economic times, manufacturers established as many dealerships as possible in order to maximize profit. However, in today's recession, these same dealerships are being asked to sacrifice. And those responsible for the industry's collapse--namely the management of GM and Chrysler who insisted on building bigger, gas-guzzling automobiles--are the ones being propped up by federal bailout dollars. This is hardly fair, and Congress has a responsibility to exercise oversight and ensure dealers are not punished for management's mistakes. Most dealerships across America are seeing layoffs and some have been closed altogether. These dealers are the bedrock of our communities; they sponsor our children's sports teams and are known for participating in community organizations. Supporting upstanding auto dealers across America is not ``political pandering'' as your editorial suggested. Congress is simply taking action to protect hardworking Americans whose dealerships are being taken from them for no mistake of their own. When we committed taxpayer dollars to these companies, we accepted the responsibility to make sure those monies would help Americans on Main Street--that means dealerships and not just manufacturers. Dealers deserve to be protected by these funds, and Members of Congress should be committed to effective oversight. In a rare exhibit of bipartisanship, Democrats and Republicans are working together to save American auto dealers. Members of both parties agree that the closing of dealerships may violate state franchise laws designed to protect dealers from unfair and oppressive trade practices. The actions of Chrysler and GM simply ignore these protected rights. Dealers have lost their dealerships without due process or adequate compensation. Action by Congress could not only reinstate dealers but will also revitalize the communities that depend crucially on dealerships for jobs and services. Simply, auto dealers are part of the solution to manufacturers' problems, not a part of the problem. Most dealers would prefer to remain in the automobile business as GM or Chrysler franchisees, but today manufacturers are allowed to eliminate entire dealerships regardless of clear precedent that protects dealers' rights. Chrysler and GM are being allowed to operate as the ``exception to the rule.'' This is unfair to our communities that depend on auto dealers and represents a clear federal level assault on state franchise laws. Congress must take action to save our dealerships, communities, and American jobs.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, this communication is forwarded on behalf of the constituents of Congressional District Three and myself as we pay tribute to the life of Ruth Yvonne Willoughby Poole. We are all saddened that Yvonne is gone, but joyful that she has gone to be with her Heavenly Father. On this occasion, we join with the immediate family and loved ones in saying farewell and praising God for her life. Yvonne's tremendous character and accomplishments earned her the respect of her family, friends, and community. Yvonne was a role model for so many young people, founding her own real estate brokerage at the age of 29. Her trailblazing in this industry was truly inspirational and paved the way for so many others to succeed. As you experience this tremendous loss, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family, especially Yvonne's son, R. Donahue Peebles Jr., and Yvonne's grandchildren, R. Donahue Peebles III and Chloe Alexandra Peebles. We are happy to stand with everyone recognizing Yvonne's life on July 27 at 11 a.m. in The Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. There is an emptiness that only those who have lost a close relative can understand. May the sympathy of those who care make the sorrow of your heart less difficult to bear. Along with all residents of Congressional District Three, I extend my best wishes to you and your family in these difficult times. I hope you will never hesitate to call on me or my staff if we may be of service in the future.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Today I rise to encourage my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment that would cut funds for high-speed and passenger rail funding. Just 1 week ago, the Department of Transportation announced that it received 278 preapplications for high- speed and intercity passenger rail funds totaling $102 billion. Northeastern States submitted 79 applications totaling $35 billion; the South and Southeastern States 44 applications totaling $66 billion; Northwestern States submitted 47 applications totaling $13 billion; and the Western States submitted 108 preapplications totaling $38 billion. Clearly, there is an increased demand for high-speed rail for the future and transportation of America. It will provide more efficient travel, increase U.S. jobs, reduce hydrostatic carbon emissions from all transportation sources, increase economic competitiveness, and reduce the dependence on foreign oil. And prove that freight lines will also offer more effective freight service. But the $8 billion provided in the American Recovery Act is just the beginning. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 3170, Financial Services and General Government Appropriations for FY 2010. The gentleman from New York, Mr. Serrano, has done a wonderful job of shepherding this complicated and bi-partisan bill to the floor today. I rise today to speak on one specific provision in this bill. The bill requires automakers that have taken government funding, such as General Motors (GM) and Chrysler, to reinstate agreements with dealerships they have dropped as part of their recent bankruptcy proceedings. Automobile dealers are the backbone of all of our communities. They are an economic engine employing dozens and sometimes hundreds of hardworking, taxpaying members of the community. Auto dealers are on the frontlines of the U.S. automotive industry. They take the chances with the new cars being developed in laboratories in Detroit and around the world. They are the face of our cities, the sponsor of many little league teams and the lead in many charitable events. When the Auto Task Force and the bankruptcy judges took the ability of our auto dealers to earn a living, they took away a portion of our communities. The bill gives these men and women the opportunity to reclaim their lives and their businesses, and plug a hole that has been torn in each and every one of our districts. Support this bill, support our communities and support our automobile dealers.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, this communication is forwarded on behalf of the constituents of Congressional District Three and myself as we pay tribute to the life of Thomas W.L. Kelley. We are all saddened that Thomas is gone so soon but joyful that he has gone to be with his Heavenly Father. On this occasion, we join with the immediate family and loved ones in saying farewell and praising God for his life. Thomas W.L. Kelley's tremendous character earned him the respect of his family, friends, and classmates at Juniata High School. As you experience this tremendous loss, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kelley Family, especially Thomas' parents, Terry and Angela, and Thomas' siblings, Joey and Abbey. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my thoughts and prayers to Thomas W.L. Kelley's uncle, Nick Martinelli, who works in my Washington, DC office. I know this loss was extremely difficult for Nick, so I want him to know that his colleagues in Washington wish him the very best in the wake of Thomas W.L. Kelley's untimely passing. We are happy to stand with everyone recognizing Thomas W.L. Kelley's life on Monday, July 13 at Hoenstine Funeral Home in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. There is an emptiness that only those who have lost a close relative can understand. May the sympathy of those who care make the sorrow of your heart less difficult to bear. Along with all residents of Congressional District Three, I extend my best wishes to you and your family in these difficult times--and I hope you will never hesitate to call on me or my staff if we may be of service in the future.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, this communication is forwarded on behalf of the constituents of Congressional District Three and myself as we pay tribute to the life of George S. ``Buck'' Blessing. We are all saddened by the loss of his presence in this life but joyful that he has gone to be with his Heavenly Father. On this occasion, we join with the immediate family and loved ones in saying farewell and praising God for his life. George S. ``Buck'' Blessing was dearly cherished and well respected by his loved ones, his colleagues, and the community. His service in the Army in World War II illustrates his dedication to America and its ideals. Please rest assured that your extended family from Congressional District Three joins your immediate family and community in recognizing George S. ``Buck'' Blessing's outstanding service to this nation. As you experience the stage of grief, please find comfort in God's words and wisdom. He is a constant power of strength in these times and will continue to lift you and your family. Remember, we join Reverend Charles Belz and your friends and family in celebrating George S. ``Buck'' Blessing's tremendous life. We are all with you in this time of transition. There is an emptiness that only those who have lost a close relative can understand. May the sympathy of those who care make the sorrow of your heart less difficult to bear. If my staff or I may assist you or your family in any way, please do not hesitate to call on us. In closing, I know that George S. ``Buck'' Blessing would be extremely proud of the tremendous work his grandson, Nick Martinelli, is doing in my office on behalf of the armed services and veterans. Nick Martinelli is carrying on his family's strong tradition of service to this nation, and I am very thankful for the contributions he makes every day.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I ask that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 269.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. I rise in support of this resolution and yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 269, which seeks to support the goals of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. I want to thank the gentlewoman from Arizona (Ms. Giffords) for introducing this resolution and bringing much-needed attention to motorcycle safety in our Nation's roadways. With May once again bringing warm weather, highways nationwide will witness the seasonal rise of motorcycle riders. The popularity of motorcycles climbs every year, with motorcycle registrations increasing by over 60 percent from 1998 to 2005. In anticipation of this rise in ridership, it is important to educate the public about motorcycle safety. Public awareness of motorcycle safety benefits everyone sharing the roads, not just the motorcyclists, by reducing the number of car-motorcycle crashes. In 2007, motorcycle fatalities increased for the 10th straight year in a row. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, there were 5,154 motorcycle fatalities and 130,000 injuries in 2007. This tragic statistic is much higher than the 2,116 fatalities and 53 million injuries recorded in 1997. One of the most effective ways to reduce motorcycle crash fatalities is to encourage riders to always wear a helmet. NHTSA estimates that helmet usage saved the lives of 1,784 motorcyclists in 2007 and could have saved another 800 lives if the motorcyclists killed in non- helmeted crashes had been wearing their helmet. Throughout the month of May, safety groups across the Nation will host educational events and media campaigns highlighting these safety tools and promoting safe driving practices. Through these efforts, we can work to reduce the number of preventable tragedies that far too often devastate our communities. While I was a State legislator, I fought hard to keep helmet laws in place. But, sadly, my home State of Florida now allows people to ride without helmets. With greater freedom comes greater responsibility. Motorcycle accidents without helmets increase the insurance rates, burden the health care system and cause great pain for families. I thank the gentlewoman from Arizona for introducing this resolution and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting its passage. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy).

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 269) supporting the goals of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 367) supporting the goals and ideals of National Train Day.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. National Train Day celebrates the 140th anniversary of the golden spike, which was driven into the final tie in Utah, and marked the completion of our Nation's first transcontinental railroad in 1869. Last year, I celebrated National Train Day by holding events throughout my district, including press conferences and events in Jacksonville, Winter Park, and the Sanford Auto Train station. We had a great turnout at all of the events, and I heard firsthand from people who use Amtrak every day to go to work and visit friends and families all over the country. This year, I will be holding an event on Friday at my hometown station in Jacksonville, and I am planning a trip to New York in the very near future and hope other Members will join me. But we should celebrate Train Day every day, and I encourage Members to do events at their train stations throughout the year. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, I have had the privilege to see firsthand passenger rail systems in other countries. I took the high-speed train from Brussels to Paris--200 miles in 1 hour and 15 minutes; from Barcelona to Madrid--350 miles in 2.5 hours. The advantage for travelers and the business community and others is tremendous. We need to catch up with the world; and with gas prices continuing to increase steadily, now is the perfect time for us to make serious our investment in passenger rail. Amtrak ridership and revenue have never been stronger. In 2008, Amtrak set a record for ridership, exceeding 28.7 million passengers. In the same year, ticket revenues increased by 14.2 percent, for more than $1.7 billion. For my State of Florida, Amtrak expenditures for goods and services were over $40 million last year, and we currently have over 700 Floridians as employees. More than just a convenient way to travel, Amtrak is the most energy efficient. Rail travel is more efficient than cars or airplanes. According to U.S. Department of Energy data, Amtrak is 17 percent more efficient than domestic airline travel and 21 percent more efficient than auto travel. Passenger rail also reduces global warming. The average passenger train produces 60 percent lower carbon emissions than cars, and 50 percent less than airplanes. I travel all over the country and have conducted many transportation roundtable events that feature rail and its importance. Let me tell you that people love Amtrak and they love the train. It is a great way to commute to work, take cars off congested highways, and improve the environment. In many areas of the country, it is the only mode of public transportation. Let me repeat that: in many areas of the country, Amtrak is the only mode of public transportation available. We still have a lot of work ahead of us with Amtrak, but we took a major step forward last year when we passed legislation reauthorizing Amtrak at a level that would allow it to grow and prosper, and earlier this year when we provided $1.7 billion in stimulus funding for Amtrak, and $8 billion for development of a high-speed rail corridor. Major infrastructure improvements are still necessary to improve the safety and security of the system and its passengers and workers. Amtrak has and will continue to play a critical role in evacuating and transporting citizens during national emergencies. Unfortunately, it also is a prime target for those who wish to harm us, and we must provide resources to make the system less vulnerable. Fifty years ago, President Eisenhower created the National Highway System that changed the way we travel in this country. Today, we need to do the same with our rail system; and with the Amtrak reauthorization and real funding for high-speed rail, we are doing that. The United States used to have a first-class passenger rail system. However, after years of neglect, we are now the caboose--and they don't use cabooses anymore. The American people deserve better, and I believe our government's new commitment to Amtrak will go a long way to restore passenger rail service. I encourage my colleagues to show their support for our Nation's rail system and its employees by holding events at their local commuter train stations anytime during the year. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 367.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I ask that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 313.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 313) supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week, and for other purposes.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. I yield as much time as she may consume to Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. I rise in support of this resolution and yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, each year during the month of May, we celebrate National Public Works Week. The public works professionals that we recognize today provide the country with essential services and keep our roads safe, our drinking water clean, and our Nation moving. House Resolution 313 honors American public works professionals and celebrates their work from May 17 through 23, 2009. The public works professionals that we recognize today keep our country running in the most basic and fundamental ways possible. These professionals design, construct and rehabilitate our transportation system, water infrastructure, levees, public buildings and other structures and facilities that are an intimate part of everyday life in the United States. It is appropriate to set aside 1 week each year to recognize the role that public works play in our daily life. Far too often we take for granted clean water or the method of transportation that we use to get to work. In fact, we do not begin to fully appreciate these everyday conveniences until they fail us. What happened in New Orleans made the importance of public works crystal clear to everyone. Their lack of clean water, safe infrastructure and basic human needs was a stark reminder that we need to be vigilant to ensure that the citizens of our country get the critical services they need in their lives. I visited New Orleans numerous times following the hurricane, and I want to encourage everyone not to forget New Orleans, because they still have a ton of rebuilding that needs to be done there and in the other gulf States. As our Nation's infrastructure ages, it is increasingly likely that more and more elements of it will cease to be productive without renewed investment. It is for this reason that we must recognize the need to revitalize our infrastructure and find ways to make it more efficient. House Resolution 313 honors the tens of thousands of public works professionals that serve the public quietly. These are the professionals that keep our country operating safely. Madam Speaker, I support this resolution and hope that all my colleagues will support it as well. I reserve the balance of my time.