Michael Castle

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield to the distinguished ranking member of the full Education and Labor Committee from the State of California (Mr. McKeon) for such time as he may consume.

Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of our time.

Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. And let me just start by saying that I'm in total agreement with the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller). I'm also in total agreement with Mr. McKeon. I think we all here who've worked in this area understand the importance of Head Start and understand how it can give young children an opportunity to be able to advance enough in school to be able to succeed in school. And maybe early Head Start could do even more. But we also all agree that we need to be very careful about our dollars and how we manage them. And that is the whole purpose of this motion to instruct conferees. We have, as Mr. Miller has well indicated, made important reforms for the children who are served in the program. I'm delighted the Senate bill is very similar to the House bill, and I have high hopes that we are going to be able to pass legislation that we can all agree on in the House and the Senate ultimately. Here, basically, we're instructing conferees to adhere to the House provisions for a reasonable salary cap prohibiting Head Start executives from collecting a salary higher than an assistant secretary of a Federal agency, which is currently $168,000. Although the House language contained in H.R. 1429, the Improving Head Start Act of 2007, effectively prohibits any official from receiving compensation above that of an assistant secretary, legislation approved by the Senate leaves open a glaring, lavish salary loophole by allowing programs to divert their own non-federal resources away from other uses in order to pay Head Start programs operators more than top officials. We think that's wrong. We think that money should be used for the kids, for the recruiting and development of the kids, for the students who are going to be in the Head Start program to pay their teachers. So for all those reasons I think we all agree that executive salaries and other benefits which are out of the ordinary should not be allowed in the Head Start programs; that we should obviously compensate people as well as possible, but make sure that after that is done, that the money that is there, be it State money or local money, is channeled in the direction of helping these young children who need so much help in order to prepare them to get ready for school. And that is something I think we all agree on. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop), and I ask unanimous consent that he be allowed to control that time.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today and recognize the Ministry of Caring on its 30th anniversary. Over the past three decades this remarkable charity has done extensive work with underprivileged populations in my home state of Delaware. This important milestone is cause for much celebration. The Ministry of Caring began when its founder, Brother Ronald Giannone, set out on a mission to provide the poor with hospitality, friendship, and basic needs in such a way that would enable them to become independent and self-sufficient. Brother Ronald was unaware of his impact at the time, but he was actually setting out on a mission that would later become Wilmington's largest charity for the poor. Brother Ronald's vision first took shape in 1977 with the creation of the Mary Mother of Hope House, a shelter for homeless and destitute women. From there, the ministry's vision spread throughout our community at staggering speeds. The Ministry of Caring now operates nearly 30 facilities throughout the greater Wilmington area. Through these facilities, the Ministry runs over a dozen programs geared toward providing the poor with food, shelter, clothes, healthcare, and other essentials. Furthermore, the organization provides tools of empowerment such as job training and placement; resources that address root causes of poverty. Though the ministry remains focused on helping disadvantaged populations, I can say from personal experience that the Delaware community as a whole is positively impacted by this organization. For many years now, my wife and I have had the privilege of volunteering our Thanksgivings at the Emmanuel Dining Room, serving meals to Delawareans in need. I cherish these opportunities because they allow me, and others just like me, to help less fortunate community members, while also spending quality time with family, friends, and fellow volunteers. Recently the Ministry of Caring was given the highest possible score from the largest evaluator of charitable organizations in the world. While news of this accomplishment is certainly exciting, it is not at all surprising. The score affirms what many of us knew already: the ministry efficiently manages its finances, is worthy of the public's trust, and is highly regarded within its field. On this 30th anniversary, I would like to recognize the many accomplishments of the Ministry of Caring. The hard work and dedication of its founder, Brother Ronald Giannone, along with its many employees and volunteers, have made these past 30 years a tremendous success. I highly commend this great organization for their immeasurable contributions to the state of Delaware and wish them all the best on this momentous anniversary.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. I thank the distinguished gentleman from Ohio for yielding and for his work on this legislation. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3087, legislation requiring the administration to work closely with Congress and our military leaders in communicating a comprehensive post-surge strategy for Iraq. Since 2003, over 3,800 American military personnel have been killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and more than 27,000 have been injured. These are very difficult times, and it is our duty to do everything possible to support those who have risked so much in service to their Nation. To this point, however, the U.S. Congress has been consumed by partisan infighting, which has resulted in gridlock and has prevented debate on substantive proposals like the Iraq Study Group Recommendations Implementation Act. The American people deserve a straightforward understanding of our involvement and long-term objectives in the Middle East. The legislation before us today, of which I am a proud cosponsor, takes an important step forward by requiring the Secretary of Defense to submit regular reports to Congress regarding the status of post-surge planning. Clearly, the U.S. Congress should not be acting without considering the advice of our military commanders in Iraq, and this legislation will ensure that Secretary Gates, General Petraeus and other senior officials are capable of communicating developments with Members of Congress and the administration. This information will also provide a greater understanding of progress made on General Petraeus' proposal for the redeployment of U.S. troops, and it will assist Congress in budgeting for the possible missions that may continue in Iraq, such as efforts to disrupt terrorist organizations and train Iraqi security forces. H.R. 3087 is the first of what I hope will be a substantive, bipartisan effort in Congress to work with our military and foreign policy leaders to achieve stability in Iraq and bring our soldiers home to their families. Last week, 14 Democrats and 14 Republicans endorsed such an approach by signing the Bipartisan Compact on Iraq Debate. Like Mr. Tanner's proposal, the importance of developing a clearly defined and measurable mission in Iraq is one of eight central principles agreed to in the Bipartisan Compact. Mr. Speaker, I am hopeful that by finally agreeing to consider H.R. 3087, Members from both parties will signal a willingness to set aside the partisan tactics that have crippled our efforts over the last several months. The Iraq war provokes intense and genuine feelings from individuals at all points of the political spectrum. However, politics as usual in Washington, D.C. should not be allowed to consume our efforts in lieu of progress. Bridging this critical political divide in Washington is our only hope for transitioning responsibility to the Iraqi Government and bringing about real substantive change in Iraq. Let us all join together to support H.R. 3087.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to the Mill Creek Fire Company and its Ladies' Auxiliary for providing the people of Delaware with 80 years of outstanding service. The importance of emergency fire and medical services within our communities cannot be underscored enough. I am proud to represent a state that is home to such selfless and dedicated firefighters, EMTs, and service volunteers as those at the Mill Creek Fire Company here in Delaware. The Mill Creek Fire Company was born from a tradition of strong community involvement and has kept that tradition alive through the years. The fire company had its humble beginnings in the Social Room of the Marshallton United Methodist Church back in 1927, when seven community members each chipped in one dollar to start the Mill Creek Fire Company Treasury. From that point on, it has steadily grown into a pillar of strength within the community. Residents within its 17 square mile response district have come to rely on the company not only for safety, but also for the social role it plays in bringing the community together. The Mill Creek Fire Company's unique, green fire trucks have become a source of pride, and serve as a reminder of the dedication and spirit which enable the company to excel. On this special anniversary, I would like to recognize three individuals for their unprecedented dedication to the Mill Creek Fire Company; Joseph H. Mullins, Sr., Lawrence Mergenthaler, and Catherine W. Jenkins. They have each put forth tremendous effort to make the organization what it is today. Joseph Mullins joined the company in 1938, from which point he went on to serve as Chief for 25 years and president for two terms. Lawrence Mergenthaler joined the company in 1953 and assumed the position of Chief after Joseph Mullins in 1976. He has served several terms on the board of directors and among his many accomplishments, he was voted to be a fireman of the year. Catherine Jenkins was president of the Ladies' Auxiliary for 4 years, served on the board of directors, and still remains active in many community organizations. This brief list of distinctions does not do these honorees justice for all the hard work and sacrifices they have made for the ends of bettering our community. Their efforts will inspire others and I am happy to call attention to the positive influence they have had throughout Delaware and beyond. I would also like to commend the Mill Creek Fire Company and its Ladies' Auxiliary for its 80 years of exceptional service. The bravery and hard work of all those involved with this outstanding fire company are responsible for making Delaware a safer place to live.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to the A.I. DuPont High School Tiger Marching Band as they prepare for their fifth appearance in the Rose Parade. The school, located in Wilmington, Delaware, has worked hard to create a strong musical program, for which they should be very proud. The band's musical performances, which are selected and designed by the students, are always an exciting event for the entire community. The band boasts an impressive record worthy of high praise. Their performances have inspired audiences at countless local, national and even international events. Some of these notable appearances include; two Orange Bowl Parades, two Presidential Inaugurations, the dedication of the Vietnam War Memorial, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a Peace Parade in Vatican City and four Rose Parades--soon to be five. They are currently the most televised high school band in America and have placed first in every marching competition they have entered since 1989. That is why it is no surprise that when I was asked to recommend a band to represent Delaware in the 2008 Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC, the A.I. DuPont Tigers quickly came to mind. There are currently 265 members in the Tiger Marching Band, all of whom have worked tirelessly to carry on the strong Tiger tradition set before them. Their efforts are evident, which is why they have been invited to participate in the 119th Rose Parade this January in Pasadena, California. This makes them the only band outside California to march in the parade four times under the same director. I am confident they will represent Delaware well in California on New Year's Day. I would like to wish the A.I. DuPont High School Tiger Marching Band the best of luck in this exciting period of preparation for the upcoming Rose Parade. The hard work and dedication put forth by all of those involved is truly commendable and I can think of no band more capable of representing Delaware at the Rose Parade this January.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the fire service leadership in Delaware during the Annual Conference of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association. Thousands of citizens in Delaware participate as volunteer emergency responders and support personnel in our fire companies across the state. They work tirelessly alongside of our career fire service members making our state a safer place to live. Each year at the Conference, firefighters come to training opportunities, business meetings, and social events. Firefighters display the pride in their company and equipment during the annual parade. Over the next year the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association will be led by President Ron Marvel of Seaford. Ron operates a family business in Seaford where he is a longtime member and Past Chief at the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department. Prior to being elected as the President of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association, Ron served as President of the Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association, the Sussex County Fire Chiefs Association and the Sussex County Volunteer Firemen's Association. The Ladies Auxiliary President for 2007-2008 is Debra ``Debbie'' Marvel. Debbie is a homemaker and is active in her church as an organist as well being a community volunteer in Seaford. Debbie is a life member of the Seaford Ladies Auxiliary and has held many offices up to and including President. She is active in the Sussex County Ladies Auxiliary Association having held the office of President. Her leadership ability is recognized by the ladies auxiliary members throughout our state who elected her to the office of President. Fire company leaders like Ron and Debbie exemplify a commitment of service to our citizens not unlike the service provided by all the members of the Delaware Fire Service. I wish them well over the next year as they take on this enormous task of leading our first responders.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the fire service leadership in Delaware during the Annual Conference of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association. Thousands of the citizens of Delaware participate as volunteer emergency responders and support personnel in our fire companies across the state. They work tirelessly along side of our career fire service members making our state a safer place to live. Each year at the Conference firefighters come to training opportunities, business meetings and social events. Firefighters display the pride in their company and equipment during the annual parade. This year the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association was led by President Alan Robinson of Citizen Hose in Smyrna. As a life member of Citizen Hose, Alan has been a tremendous asset to the community serving as a Past Chief of Citizen Hose and as past President of the Kent County Volunteer Firemen's Association. His dedication to the fire service is without question and his leadership as a teacher in the public and parochial schools has provided many young individuals with an opportunity to succeed. All of us in the community greatly appreciate his dedication and commitment to serving others and during his leadership we have seen many great accomplishments in the DVFA. We are forever in his debt. The Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association Ladies Auxiliary leader and President for the past year, Florence Legates, has given her time and energy for many years serving in many capacities. As a public safety fire educator with the Delaware Fire School, Florence was nationally recognized as a fire educator. In addition, Florence's service as President of the Kent County Ladies Auxiliary and her overall commitment to the fire service helped bring about positive change. Her service on the National Fire Protection Association Committee has been remarkable and we in Delaware know the value of what she has been able to accomplish as our President of the DVFA Ladies Auxiliary. Fire Company leaders like Alan and Florence exemplify a commitment of service to our citizens not unlike the service provided by all the members of the Delaware Fire Service. I wish them well over the next year as they transition out of their role as President and thank them for their dedicated service leading our first responders.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize the VA Medical Hospital of Wilmington, DE as a 2007 recipient of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. This award is given to those employers who have gone above and beyond in their support for their employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve. The VA Medical Hospital has earned this honor through its unflagging support for our Nation's troops and its commitment to our Nation's security. The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the United States' government's highest recognition for those employers who support their employees in the National Guard and Reserve. Candidates are judged on several categories, including their pay policies, benefits and leave policies, and supervisor training. In order to be honored with this prestigious award, an employer must be nominated by an employee who is a member of the National Guard or Reserve. This nomination process reflects how highly regarded the VA Medical Hospital is by its many employees. Wilmington's VA Medical Center is a teaching hospital that provides veterans with health care options, readjustment counseling, as well as a nursing home care unit. With its high end technology and 60-bed, well-organized facility, the VA Medical hospital provides care for veterans on multiple levels. I join Delawareans in thanking the Wilmington VA Medical Hospital for its continued support of its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. I commend the hospital for 61 years of practice and thank them for their tireless dedication to the veterans, as well as to the United States of America.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I yield to the gentleman for questions he may have.

Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Chairman, if there is anything in this amendment that I thought would slow down that process further, I would pull the amendment in a minute. The whole idea of this amendment is to compel them to look at what they are doing, give us a report, and move forward with it. It is in no way intended, directly or indirectly, to slow anything down. It is an effort to get it done. I think we both strongly believe in the wind energy circumstance.

Mr. CASTLE. To the best of my knowledge, absolutely not. We have made the amendment very plain, very clear, so there could not be a roadblock and could not be a slow-down circumstance.

Mr. CASTLE. I yield to the gentleman from Virginia.

Mr. CASTLE. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Virginia; and I appreciate his support as well. I very much appreciate the support of the gentleman from Massachusetts, who has been very involved with this. I encourage support of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am pleased to join my colleague, Mr. Delahunt, in offering this amendment today. The 2005 energy law required Minerals Management Service, MMS, under the Department of the Interior, to develop regulations for offshore wind development within 270 days. It is now 6 months past the deadline, and it appears we will keep waiting. The delay causes regulatory uncertainty and potential setbacks for pursuing the development of this renewable energy source. Our amendment to H.R. 3221 would require MMS to report to Congress within 30 days on the status of these regulations. We need to know the reason for the delay and what can be done to move things along so communities wishing to invest in this clean, renewable technology can move forward. This is of critical importance to the State of Delaware, which has not only agreed to produce 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 but has made a strong commitment to offshore wind resources as a component of its energy portfolio. Wind power is one of the fastest-growing sources of energy and contributes economically and environmentally to America's energy future. Electricity from wind is inflation proof and is not subject to the price volatility of traditional sources. With growing concern over climate change, wind power offers emission-free energy that will diversify our energy supply domestically, while easing demand for polluting and imported fossil fuels. For Delaware and many other coastal States, our best wind resource lies not inland but just off our shores. I look forward to learning from and working with the various agencies to make sure our renewable energy resources are developed in a timely and environmentally friendly manner so States like Delaware that have signaled it is time to move forward can do so. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Chairman, the work of this Congress will not be complete until we act to tackle our greatest hurdle in this area, climate change. While this energy bill moves us closer to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for the 21st century, we must not stop short of enacting a comprehensive global warming plan that places mandatory limits on harmful global warming pollution. At a time when the oil and gas industry continues to see record profit, the tax package, H.R. 2776, which includes provisions similar to those that passed the House in January, would repeal oil and gas tax breaks and use the revenue to promote the renewable energy production and use; energy efficiency in residential property; and bonds for state and local governments to fund energy conservation efforts, among many other new incentives. I am pleased the legislation includes a long-term extension of the renewable production tax credit, however, I oppose the cap placed on the credit for wind, and hope that agreement on a straight extension of the current credit will be reached during negotiations with the Senate. H.R. 3221 takes preliminary steps toward a more secure, diverse, and domestic energy portfolio that will help spur investment in new technology. The legislation repeals royalty relief for oil and gas producers on leased federal land and takes preliminary steps to address climate change. The bill restores protections to public lands that will continue to allow oil and gas development while better protecting fish and wildlife, and water resources. It sets new efficiency standards for appliances, lighting and buildings, while authorizing billions for the research and development of sustainable energy sources and alternative fuels. And, it authorizes funding for research and development: for the higher production of biofuels, like cellulosic ethanol, which can be an economic driver in rural communities; and for carbon capture and sequestration, an essential element in addressing climate change, particularly in the U.S. where coal is abundant. Offshore wind can play an important part in diversifying the nation's energy supply and easing our demand for fossil fuels. For this reason, I proposed an amendment to require the agency charged with developing new rules for new offshore wind energy production to update Congress on their progress. These guidelines are long overdue and are not expected to be ready for over a year. We need to know the reason for the delay and what can be done to move things along, so communities wishing to invest in this clean, renewable technology can move forward. This is of critical importance to the state of Delaware who has not only agreed to produce 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020, but has made a strong commitment to offshore wind resources as a component of its energy portfolio. Without these rules, promising offshore wind projects are being delayed across the country at a time when additional clean energy could curb air pollution and climate change. I look forward to working with the appropriate agencies to make sure our renewable energy resources are developed in a timely and environmentally friendly manner. I also supported a key amendment to create a 15 percent national renewable electricity standard, which will help lower energy costs, create new jobs and help diversifying our energy supply with clean, renewable sources, like wind and solar energy. This standard will hopefully begin to ease pressure on natural gas prices and help reduce carbon emissions quickly. While I am a cosponsor of legislation to create a 20 percent national renewable electricity standard, complimenting Delaware's recently adopted standard, this compromise is the first step in engaging with the Senate on this critical issue. I regret that the House did not follow the lead of the Senate to tackle increasing vehicle fuel economy. Reasonable CAFE standards are both achievable and practical--and there is no question they would have a positive impact on fuel consumption in this country. While the issue of raising CAFE standards is not new and the proposals for how it should be achieved differ, it is my hope Congress will come to an agreement on a proposal that is both ambitious and achievable. In the end, I supported the energy package, because it represents important progress, but we clearly have much further to go. In fact, scientists say that if we are to have a good chance of avoiding potentially catastrophic repercussions of climate change, we must reduce emissions 60 percent to 80 percent by 2050. Through cap-and- trade, based on a sound energy policy foundation, Congress can deliver the kind of reform business and industry need to grow the economy, stabilize the climate, and create more diverse and secure sources of energy. I sincerely hope the Speaker keeps the commitment to address this critical issue when the Congress returns in the fall.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment pertaining to leave.

Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Chairman, I'm informed that the point of order will probably be upheld here, but I would like to make this point before I withdraw the amendment. Today, all members of the Armed Forces, including those serving in the Guard and Reserves, receive two-and-a-half days of leave time per month, regardless of whether they're deployed in Iraq or back in the U.S. or at their home base. My amendment would simply credit soldiers one additional day of leave time for every month that they are deployed in a combat zone, and this could be used when they return Stateside. We learned this from speaking to a soldier in particular by e-mail and to soldiers more specifically about it, and realized that with some of the mental health problems which are going on, the extra leave time, not time on standby but actual leave time, would be good as far as our soldiers are concerned, and so decided we wanted to push it. We tried to do it in the Tauscher bill a couple of days ago, and unfortunately, the Rules Committee did not accept it. And I tried to put it in this Defense appropriations bill, and I realize it might have limitations as far as the point of order is concerned. But I think it's an important question, and I just wanted to appeal to the chairman and to the ranking member to consider this perhaps in conference, perhaps at some other time, perhaps somebody else can borrow it. I just believe it's something we ought to be thinking about doing for our soldiers who have been called back on a fairly repetitive rotating basis. In my judgment, they would benefit from this extra leave time.

Mr. CASTLE. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. CASTLE. I thank the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. CASTLE. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Chairman, I thank both the distinguished gentlemen for their points. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.