Michael Burgess

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, I won't spend a lot of time expanding on why we need to reduce our reliance on foreign energy. I think it has been well stated this morning. Most of us recognize, just looking at a picture of the leader of Venezuela, what the problem is. We recognize when we see what is happening in Nigeria and other areas, the Middle East, what the situation is. And our energy position is not sustainable within the United States. So homegrown fuels, such as biodiesel, can help move the United States toward greater energy independence. Mr. Chairman, as animal feed prices rise because of increased use of corn for ethanol, we need to examine ways to increase alternative fuels without reducing arable land use for farming. Mr. Chairman, there is a small company back home in my district in Texas, Biodiesel Industries, and they have discovered how to make biodiesel from a variety of feedstock. Yes, they use the usual soybean and sunflower oils, but they also manufacture it from recycled restaurant grease, and we have got an abundance of recyclable restaurant grease in the DFW area. Biodiesel Industries runs a Fry Oil to Fuel program which recycles used vegetable oils into biodiesel. Over 130 restaurants, schools, businesses and large kitchens in the metroplex have signed up to participate. Small restaurant owners typically have to pay for a grease collection or simply throw it away, but as part of the Fry Oil to Fuel program, both the recycling service and the collection container are provided at no cost. Large companies, on the other hand, often have contracts with animal feedlots, which could increase the risk of illnesses such as Bovine Spongiform Encephalosis and other animal neurologic diseases. If the grease goes into landfills, it creates methane, which we know is a potent greenhouse gas, much more potent than carbon dioxide. That landfill methane can be captured and used to create electricity, which is what Bioindustries does, but most often this methane is just simply vented into the atmosphere. If the grease goes into feedlots, it creates what we could politely refer to as bovine methane, again, a potent source of greenhouse gasses. Putting that grease to work as part of our fuel supply helps to increase our energy supply here at home and could actually help to clean up our air. This is not just happening in my district in north Texas. There are other facilities around the country doing this very same type of biodiesel protection. The American Jobs Creation Act provided an agri-biodiesel tax credit of $1 per gallon for biodiesel from virgin agricultural production, and 50 cents per gallon for biodiesel from recycled grease through 2006. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended these credits through 2008. My amendment would simply double the tax rate for making biodiesel from recycled restaurant grease from 50 cents to $1 a gallon, making it financially comparable to those from virgin agricultural sources. The text is identical to H.R. 6354, which I introduced at the close of the 109th Congress. I believe this issue is of paramount importance. We must encourage our citizens and our entrepreneurs to think outside the box in reducing our reliance on foreign energy. I want to thank my friend and colleague from the State of Texas (Mr. Sessions) for his support on this amendment, both in the Rules Committee yesterday as well as speaking so eloquently in support of the rule today. Point of Order

Mr. BURGESS. The amendment was submitted and should be at the desk, but we will bring a copy to the Chairman.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, the amendment under section 7 should be the increased per gallon rate for biodiesel credit.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. BURGESS. But under that scenario you would not be able to burn biofuels in that 18-wheeler that was caught carrying the ethanol to the retailer. Mr. Chairman, it is my understanding that this was a research and development bill, and we keep hearing it referred to as an infrastructure bill. I appreciate that infrastructure will follow from that research and development, but as we are studying this problem, as we are studying it from the origination, whether it be the cornfield or the Fry Oil to Fuel program, we are studying it from its origination to its end point. In my estimation, that end point should be the emissions that are emitted at the fuel pipe.

Mr. BURGESS. I am going to assume that the gentleman is not speaking in favor of increased nitrous oxide emissions. But then do I understand, would the intent of the bill be that the truck that is transporting the ethanol to the retailer would not be allowed to burn biofuels?

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, I will be supportive of the Eshoo amendment if it is offered as a stand-alone amendment, but I do oppose it being offered as a secondary amendment. I do ask for a consideration of my amendment as a clean amendment. It is stronger. It is more expansive because obviously it addresses the mobile sources, as well as the static sources, that may be a source of emissions. While Mr. Cardoza is correct in the issuance of a study, this is a research and development bill; and as such, it is appropriate to study the effects of the emissions of biodiesel and add that concept to the substance of the underlying bill.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, it appears the secondary amendment is germane, and I will withdraw the reservation; but I do oppose the amendment and ask for a vote on a clean amendment on my submission. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. BURGESS. I thank the Chairman.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, earlier during this process, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Ferguson) and I offered an amendment, but it did not receive a clean vote. I have redrafted the amendment to more comprehensively addressed emissions from the increased use of biofuels or additives covered in the research and development program in this bill. Republicans and Democrats should be thought of as being environmentally friendly, and I found myself in the position of arguing for a more stringent standard than some of my Democratic colleagues. Mr. Chairman, MTBE was an additive. Additives can cause environmental harm. We need to look at this all the way through the fuel cycle, beginning at the R&D phase, through combustion, through emission.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, this amendment which was preprinted in the Congressional Record will ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency Biofuels Research and Development Program, which was authorized in the underlying bill, will be cognizant of the potential clean air issues arising from additives to biofuels. Specifically, those issues arising from volatile emissions which occur during the fueling process and nitrogen oxide emissions which occur during combustion. In my home State of Texas, and particularly within my district in north Texas, there has been some debate about the nitrous oxide emissions from biodiesel. It is my hope that the new data from the Environmental Protection Agency will put this debate to rest and allow biodiesel production to move forward unimpeded. But the debate raises an interesting question. As we look to increase the use of alternative fuels and the accompanying infrastructure, how do we make certain, how can we be sure that we do not hurt our efforts, that we do not roll back our efforts to clean our air? I understand that there are some additives that may already exist for alternative fuels. In fact, I know of one approved for use in Texas for the low emission diesel that has proven to be safe and effective at reducing the nitrous oxide emissions in ultra-low sulfur diesel. It has also been shown to cut the nitrous oxide emissions in biodiesel and to eliminate the NOx bump that some researchers have shown for biodiesel. But we must examine this issue as we move forward to other alternative fuels and additives. This amendment will ensure that we prevent any emissions problems associated with the new additives early, at the research and development stages, before any additives may get to market. I think the underlying bill is a good bill, and I thank my friend from Texas for introducing it. I look forward to supporting it again this year. But I think this amendment can improve the bill to ensure that we address any clean air problems, address them at the beginning before they start. Mr. Chairman, I was to be joined in this debate by the gentleman from New Jersey. Let me just state a couple of his points in the absence of his being here, and I will submit his statement for the Record. He is concerned that in his own State of New Jersey we undergo a constant struggle of clean air issues. This amendment will go far to ensure that any new fuels that are added to our market to decrease our dependence on foreign oil do not have an adverse impact on the quality of air that our citizens are now breathing. Amendment Offered by Ms. Eshoo to the Amendment Offered by Mr. Burgess

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk to section 3.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Borden Byrd for his heroic effort to save a possible collision between two jets on August 24, 2006. Mr. Byrd is the air traffic controller at DFW TRACON (DIO), one of the control towers for the Dallas-Fort Worth International airport. As DFW is among the top three busiest airports in the Nation, the controllers must be focused and attentive at all times to ensure safe and smooth air traffic. If it were not for Mr. Byrd's immediate reaction and sharp eye, two jets, an American Airlines MD80 and a United Express regional jet, might have collided last August. That day, the regional jet's pilots had entered an incorrect runway into the Flight Management System, which put the jet directly into the path of the MD80. Luckily, Mr. Byrd noticed the anticipated trajectory paths for the jets and directed the regional jet immediately to the west, out of the path of the MD80. His careful watch and proactive character saved numerous lives that day. It is with great honor that I recognize Mr. Borden Byrd for his exceptional service not only to Dallas-Fort Worth International airport, but also to our community. His knowledge and dedication to air safety prevented a great tragedy from occurring, and I join his family and friends in congratulating him on this heroic affair.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I too want to join my colleagues at wishing a fond and reluctant farewell to Jay Eagen and Karen Haas. They have both served this institution with great distinction and reflected well on the institution of the House. But I rise today to honor Lorraine Miller of Fort Worth, Texas, on her appointment as Clerk of the House of Representatives. Of course, as Clerk of the House of Representatives, Ms. Miller's responsibilities will include but not be limited to the page board, congressional travel reports and disclosure forms, the voting system, oversight of the legislative operation of the House floor. She is well prepared for this. She has worked at the highest levels of government, which have contributed to her leadership abilities and her knowledge of management. The role of the Clerk is demanding and requires someone with great intellect. Ms. Miller will certainly bring strength and diversity to the Office of Clerk as the first African American woman to hold this top House position. Ms. Miller first worked for the House of Representatives for U.S. Congressman Jim Wright back in Fort Worth, Texas, when he was majority leader. She moved on to work for then-Speaker Tom Foley, U.S. Congressman John Lewis, and finally the current speaker, Speaker Pelosi. Ms. Miller also worked as deputy assistant to the president of Legislative Affairs for the House of Representatives during the administration of Bill Clinton. She additionally held positions at the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission. It is with great honor that I recognize Ms. Lorraine C. Miller for decades of hard work and selfless dedication. I want to join her friends and family, both here in Washington, D.C. and particularly back home in Fort Worth, Texas, where I represent, in congratulating her on this prestigious milestone. She has been an inspiration and a role model to many, and I know she will continue to be a role model to many of the young men and women who will watch her progress with pride here in the House of Representatives. And I, for one, look forward to working with her here in Congress.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Walter Sheridan Harpool of Denton, Texas, who passed away at 84 years of age on Sunday, January 28, 2007. Mr. Walter Harpool, also known as ``Pinky'', was born in Hebron, Texas on February 14, 1922 to Josephine and R.T. Harpool. The family moved to Denton, Texas in 1928, and later started the company Harpool Seed, Inc. Created in 1962, Harpool Fertilizer Co. was the first independent bulk blending plant for fertilizer in Texas. Mr. Harpool served in the Army Air Force during World War II. After training at Santa Ana, King City and Lancaster, CA, he received his wings at Phoenix, AZ. He became a flight instructor at Perrin Field, Sherman, TX, and then took B-18 training at Sebring, FL. Mr. Harpool was later stationed at Langley Field as a pilot for radar students. Due to his dedication and passion for agriculture and agribusiness, he was honored as Man of the Year in Texas Agriculture in 1987, and in 1998 was name Conservation Businessman of the Year. He had a fine interest in farm production and improvement, and regularly donated materials such as seed and fertilizer for agriculture research and demonstrations across the state of Texas. Not only did he serve as Chairman of the Denton County Program Building Committee, where he worked with numerous crop and livestock committees, but he also served on the State Board of Agriculture during Governor Bill Clements administration. Mr. Walter Harpool was an avid supporter of many civic functions, such as the Denton Youth Fair, the North Texas State Fair, United Way, and the Denton Chamber of Commerce. In 1987 Mr. Harpool bought and renovated an old train caboose, which he used as his office. He enjoyed the occasions on which his friends and customers would drop by to visit him. His outstanding and honest character continued to delight those he came into contact with. Despite his life as a strong businessman, taking care of his family held the utmost importance to Mr. Harpool. He showered them with love and devotion, and took pride in providing for them. Mr. Walter Sheridan Harpool is survived by his wife, Rose Harpool, his son, Walter S. Harpool, Jr., and his brother, Tom Harpool. I extend my sincerest sympathies to his family and friends, and I am honored to have been able to represent such a remarkable man.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I am now pleased to yield 6 minutes to the coauthor of this legislation, the gentlelady from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 94, recognizing National Consumer Protection Week. The Energy and Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over consumer protection and is a major component of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. This subcommittee, Mr. Speaker, has a history of being active and aggressive in the area to address threats to bringing sensible and meaningful changes to help consumers defend themselves against fraud and provide the Federal Trade Commission with the tools necessary for enforcement. Some of the consumer protection measures we have passed out of the committee include the anti-spyware legislation offered by Mrs. Bono and Mr. Towns, data security legislation to require companies that maintain protection for consumers' sensitive personal information and notify them in the event of a breach; anti-pretexting legislation to prevent unauthorized access to personal phone records; anti-spam legislation to reduce unsolicited and often fraudulent e-mails; and a public law providing for greater authority for the Federal Trade Commission to pursue criminal activity originating in other countries. Despite all of these improvements and new public laws and our commitment to pass these bills in this Congress, they were not enacted into law in the last Congress. There are unscrupulous people who will continue to try to perpetuate fraud. Unfortunately, fraud is often not discovered until there are victims and we then become aware. If we want to see the biggest reduction in fraud, we will need to reduce the pool of potential victims. We can only do so with the cooperation of individuals. Consumers need to be educated and able to detect and prevent fraud. The effects of fraud are often ruinous for individuals and detrimental to society, when we lose trust in our fellow citizens, because those pretending to offer their services are in reality only thieves. In a country as prosperous as the United States, our citizens are too often the target of scams and frauds originating from all over the world. Mr. Speaker, I therefore urge support of H. Res. 94, because this resolution intends to raise citizens' awareness to the problems of fraud and calls on consumers to take every precaution to secure their personal information. Mr. Speaker, I commend Representatives Hinojosa and Biggert for bringing this resolution to the floor in conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 35. I was proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation. This legislation recognizes the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Wednesday, February 7, 2007 marks the ninth annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This day serves to commemorate the importance of educating African Americans and, indeed, the entire community about the need to get tested, understand the results of that testing, what it means, and get treatment if they are currently living with HIV or AIDS or are newly diagnosed. National Black HIV/AIDS Day is an important reminder that African Americans continue to be impacted by the disease and that local communities should work together to provide avenues to prevent new infections, as well as ensuring that those currently living with the diagnosis have access to available services for their treatment and for their care. Each year, 20,000 African Americans are newly infected with HIV. African American men and women are among the hardest hit populations in the United States, and in 2004 they accounted for fully half of all of the new HIV diagnoses in this country and more than a third of the AIDS deaths to date. Department statistics show that racial and ethnic minorities represent the highest number of new AIDS cases. More than 75 percent of the people living with AIDS are racial and ethnic minorities, and HIV has become a leading cause of death for African Americans. Mr. Speaker, in my own district in north Texas, a few facts about the HIV epidemic in Tarrant County. The average HIV rate per 100,000 population for Tarrant County, Texas is 25, but for the African American community it is fully three times that amount at 76. The average AIDS rate per 100,000 population for Tarrant County, Texas is 13, but for the African American community, again, that number is tripled to 35. While we saw a spike of AIDS cases in the mid-1990s, and then a decline in the late 1990s, rates have begun again to increase from 1999 to 2003 and continue to climb upwards. In the State of Texas, almost half of all of the HIV and AIDS diagnoses are African Americans, 42 percent and 40 percent respectively. And in my home county of Tarrant County, there is no bigger advocate and activist for the African Americans who are living with this diagnosis than retired Judge Mary Ellen Hicks, and I thank her for her service in making all of us aware of this problem. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution commemorating National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. David Ray Redden who passed away at 85 years of age on Sunday, January 21, 2007. Dr. David Ray Redden lived a long, beautiful life. He was born on December 22, 1921 in McKinney, Texas. He served in World War II from 1944-1946 as a Technical Sergeant (4th Corps-5th Army), and earned the Bronze Star for his bravery while serving as a Forward Sound Ranging Observer in Italy's Po Valley Campaign. Once the war ended, Mr. Redden completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of North Texas, which is where he met his wife, Ruth Hillin, who attended Texas Women's University at the time. The couple was married three months after their first date, and they were married for 58 years. Mr. David Redden obtained his M.S. degree from the University of North Texas, and then received a Ph.D. from Baylor University Medical School and Graduate Research Institute. Due to his passion for research and teaching, Dr. Redden joined the UNT faculty after teaching Physiology at Baylor University College of Dentistry, where he remained for 30 years. As the Chair of the Pre-Professional Advisory Committee, he was involved in the placement of students into medical, dental, and veterinary schools. He was also a member of the adjunct faculty at the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Redden achieved many honors while at UNT, which include: Outstanding Professor, Outstanding Service Award, Distinguished Teaching Award, Outstanding Educator, and Outstanding Alumni for Excellence in Biological Sciences. After his retirement, he was named Professor Emeritus. Not only was Dr. Redden an intelligent and meritorious professor, but he was also a talented duck carver, skilled hunter, and loyal church member. Most importantly, however, was his love and devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren. Dr. David Redden is survived by his wife, Ruth Hillin Redden; five children: Pam Drenner, Mike Redden, Ken Redden, Ron Redden, Chris Redden; eleven grandchildren: Bryan and Matt Drenner, Corbett Redden, Collin, Sean, Jennifer, Matthew Ryan, Tracy, Shannon, Kevin and Derek Redden; and two great-grandchildren Riley and Price Webb. As a professor of mine, Dr. Redden was not only a mentor, but also an inspiration to me, and I was honored to represent him in Congress. I extend my sincerest sympathies to his family and friends; he will truly be missed by all.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Lorraine C. Miller of Fort Worth, Texas on her appointment as Clerk of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, January 30, 2007. As Clerk of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Miller's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the Page Board, congressional travel reports and disclosure forms, the voting system, and oversight of the legislative operation of the House floor. She has worked at the highest levels of government, which have contributed to her leadership abilities and knowledge of management. The role of the Clerk is demanding and requires someone with great intellect. Mrs. Miller will bring strength and diversity to the Office of the Clerk as the first African-American woman to hold this top House position. Mrs. Lorraine Miller first worked in the House for Representatives for U.S. Congressman Jim Wright (D-Fort Worth) when he was Majority Leader. She moved on to work for then-Speaker Tom Foley (D-Washington), U.S. Congressman John Lewis (D-Georgia), and finally for current Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Mrs. Miller also worked as Deputy Assistant to the President of Legislative Affairs for the House of Representatives during the Clinton Administration. She additionally held positions at the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission. It is with great honor that I recognize Mrs. Lorraine C. Miller for decades of hard work and selfless dedication. I want to join her friends and family, both in Fort Worth and in Washington, in congratulating her on this prestigious milestone. She has been an inspiration and role model to many, and I am proud to represent her in Congress and look forward to working with her.