Shelley Capito

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Chairman, I would like to first thank my good friend the gentlewoman from Illinois for yielding to me and also for her leadership as the ranking member on the Housing Subcommittee. She has left big shoes for me to fill, but I know she is not going to be too far away on the committee, so I can lean on her for help. I also look forward to working with Chairwoman Waters on this committee. I know we will work well together as you all have set up a great pattern of bipartisanship on the Housing Subcommittee. So thank you very much for your leadership. The legislation we are considering today is an important step towards stabilizing a housing market that has been in a steady decline over this past year. While many of us were working in our districts over the recess period, our financial systems were experiencing a bit of a credit crunch, due in part to the problems in the subprime housing markets. Many of the problems we are facing in the housing market are due to individuals with credit challenges and inexperienced first-time home buyers utilizing very complex and creative financing tools to allow them to purchase a home which they would otherwise not be able to do. Homeownership is something that we all aspire to, and I am proud to say that my State of West Virginia has some of the highest homeownership in the country, over 70 percent, because with homeownership comes solid community involvement, comes better economic health, and also better socialization and education levels. The use of interest-only and adjustable-rate mortgages is now causing problems as these mortgages is now resetting at much higher rates, frequently unaffordable rates causing an increase in foreclosures. The reforms to the FHA will help provide stability in the housing market by providing greater assistance to new and riskier home buyers. Some of the reforms I would like to highlight are the extension of the maximum length for an FHA loan from 35 to 40 years; directing the FHA to serve high-risk home buyers while lowering upfront fees for high- risk buyers; allowing for a zero down payment for first-time home buyers, and I'm hearing today also for those who are FHA qualified; and authorizing an increase in FHA loan limits for both rural and urban areas. The final component is especially important because in many areas the current loan limits are outpriced by many larger metropolitan areas. These expanded limits will help many buyers access stable and secure loans so they can achieve the goal of homeownership. Each of these reforms has bipartisan support, and we must continue to work together in order to provide much-needed assistance to our struggling homeowners. Again, I would like to thank Chairwoman Waters and Ranking Member Biggert for their hard work on this critical legislation.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor West Virginia State University President, Dr. Hazo William Carter, Jr., who will celebrate twenty years as president of the institution. Prior to being president, Dr. Carter began his career as an Executive Assistant to the President of Norfolk State University and was the former President of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is originally a native of Nashville, Tennessee where he received his Doctorate degree from George Peabody College for Teachers of Vanderbilt University. Dr. Carter set lofty goals for himself and for the institution when he was named president of West Virginia State College in 1987. His first goal was for West Virginia State College to regain its status as an 1890 Land Grant Institution; this was no easy task. Dr. Carter met with the West Virginia Congressional Delegation, the United States Department of Agriculture, state administrators, and the state legislature to request to regain the school's original status. After overcoming many obstacles in an eleven-year quest, West Virginia State College finally obtained its original status as an 1890 Land Grant Institution which secured the school of receiving annual federal funding. His second goal for the institution was achieved just recently when West Virginia State College attained university status and is now named West Virginia State University. The university stands as a testament to the goals set forth for the designation of land-grant institutions and as a historically black college that successfully serves a diverse student population. Since settling in West Virginia, Dr. Carter has become an important figure in his community and the surrounding Charleston area. His civic duties, volunteer causes, and boards he serves are too countless to mention. He has been honored as a Distinguished West Virginian by former governors and was named ``President of the Century'' by West Virginia State College (University) National Alumni Association. He currently serves as a member of President Bush's Board of Advisers for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor, my friend and former colleague, Dr. Hazo William Carter, Jr. for all his achievements in the field of higher education and for his service to the people of West Virginia.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Gantt's Excavation and Construction of Martinsburg, West Virginia; a recent recipient of the 2007 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The Defense Employer Support Freedom Award honors businesses and organizations for their support of their employees who are enlisted in the National Guard and Reserves. Gantt's Excavation and Construction was among 15 honorees from across the Nation to receive the prestigious award. These employers have gone far above the required laws to accommodate their employees who must fulfill their military duties that arise throughout times of national need. They must often fulfill weekend and summer training, possible deployments and contingency operations. I am proud to highlight the accomplishments of Gannt's Excavation and Construction, who represents the best of America's small businesses for its patriotism and dedication to our Nation's Armed Services. The business was established 35 years ago by Frederick Gantt and is currently operated by his three children, Daniel Gantt, Eric Gantt, and Janesa Smith. Janesa's husband, Tim Smith of the West Virginia Army National Guard of Wheeling recently returned home from a deployment to Iraq on July 27, 2007, and is employed by Gantt's Excavation and Construction. The business is located in Inwood, West Virginia, where they employ a staff of 65. Madam Speaker, in this time of national sacrifice when the men and women of our Nation's armed services are being called to duty, it is an honor to recognize the Gantt family and Gantt's Excavation and Construction who have helped our enlisted men and women succeed both on the job and in the military.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Lieutenant Eric Johnson of the Charleston Police Department, who was recently named 2007 Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the American Police Hall of Fame. Lt. Johnson is being honored for an act of bravery while on duty in June 2006. Johnson reacted with extreme courage after he confronted a man who was suspected of shooting a woman, who then shot Johnson in the abdomen and face. Johnson reacted quickly by returning fire. After being severely wounded, Lt. Johnson neutralized the suspect and despite his injuries, he began searching for his partner who had gone missing. The Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award is the most prestigious award given out by the American Police Hall of Fame. Lt. Johnson was chosen among hundreds of applicants from all over the United States. He is also the recipient of the Silver Star, an award for officers who place their lives in danger during the call of duty. Along with the acceptance of his award, Lt. Johnson's name will be on permanent display at the American Police Hall of Fame in Titusville, Florida. Lt. Johnson truly went above and beyond the call of duty for his quick thinking and courage under fire; however, he responded to his heroism status with humility, a testament to his character. He is currently a shift commander and mentors less experienced officers. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Lieutenant Eric Johnson for acts of valor and bravery. It is an honor to serve brave men like Lieutenant Eric Johnson who put their lives at risk every day to protect others.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Erik Nowak of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, who was recently named U.S. Army National Guard Soldier of the Year. Specialist Nowak had only been enlisted in the National Guard for just 16 months before he was selected by his squad leader to participate in his company's board competition. In just one day, he won the company's board as well as his battalion's board, a rare feat, especially for a newly enlisted soldier. From there he advanced to the state competition and then to the regional competition in Fort Pickett, Virginia. He competed against seven soldiers on August 1, 2007 in phase one of the national competition in Fort Benning, Georgia. The first phase of competition consisted of a series of tests; a 5-mile run, weapons training, first aid, land navigational skills, combat water survival, and an obstacle course all completed within 40 hours on only one hour of sleep. In the second phase of the competition, later in Washington, DC, the seven guardsmen were interviewed by a board of enlisted officers, given a written test and were required to recite the soldier's creed. On August 15, 2007 it was announced at the National Guard Conference that Specialist Nowak was selected among 350,000 troopers as the 2007 U.S. Army National Guard Soldier of the Year. He will advance to the Army's ``Best Warrior'' Compeition at Fort Lee on September 30, 2007. Specialist Nowak is currently a military police officer assigned to the 157th MP Company in Martinsburg. Prior to that, he was working as a substitute teacher at North Middle School where his met his wife, Krista. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech and a 1998 graduate of Musselmen High School. I am proud to honor Specialist Erik Nowak for representing the spirit of the Mountain State and the very best of the United States Army. In this time of international struggle, it is an honor to serve such an accomplished young soldier.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this misguided energy bill, or the ``energy without half the lights on'' bill. There's a saying in West Virginia that coal keeps the lights on, but H.R. 3321 effectively turns off the lights on the country's energy supply. It's important to our economy, to family budgets, and to businesses across the country that we increase our supply of domestically produced energy of all types. That includes energy from renewable sources, like wind, but it should also include more traditional energy sources like clean coal and natural gas that provide the bulk of our country's energy. We need to take advantage of our own natural resources to reduce our reliance on foreign oil. Yet the bill we consider today does nothing to support clean coal to liquid fuels. This country has a 240-year supply of coal that could be used to replace some of the imported oil we currently use for transportation fuel. Coal provides over one-half of our Nation's electricity and well over 95 percent of the power in my State of West Virginia. Where is it in this bill? This is the ``no energy'' energy bill. Clean coal has the potential to be a major part of the solution in reducing our reliance on foreign oil through many technologies, among those, coal-to-liquid. Besides being a major coal producer, my State of West Virginia also has a large oil and gas business and a large chemical industry that relies on natural gas as a feedstock. This bill's provisions will likely delay or reduce access to a significant portion of our natural gas reserves. Increasing natural gas prices will drive up the cost of chemical manufacturing and cost more workers in this industry their jobs. An economist in my local paper this morning said, ``The fewer lands open for drilling, the higher the price for natural gas. It's not a good thing for consumers.'' It simply defies logic that this House, on one hand, can condemn the high cost of energy price at the pump, heating and cooling, while on the other hand refuse to act on clean coal legislation, coal liquefaction, and cut off access to domestic oil shale and natural gas. If the new direction in domestic policy means turning our back on domestic coal or turning off half our lights and if it means cutting off our access to our own natural gas and oil shale so we can be held hostage by foreign countries for energy or if it turns out half the lights or 95 percent of the lights in my State of West Virginia, I want no part of it. I urge my colleagues to reject this energy legislation.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2007 West Virginia Little League State Champions, the South Berkeley Little League team, who hail from West Virginia's Second Congressional District. The 2007 Little League State Tournament took place in Hedgesville, July 21 through July 26. Fifteen teams from around the State participated in the tournament. The Little Leaguers played in a series of games the first 4 days of the tournament and the finalist advanced to the single elimination series. The championship came down to Berkeley County's own, Martinsburg and South Berkeley Little League teams. After Martinsburg put up a good fight, South Berkeley finally came out on top in an 8-2 victory, winning their first Little League State Championship in 27 years. The South Berkeley Little League team is managed by Larry Custer and Coaches Chris Cochran and Jess Dusing. The South Berkeley Little League team is made up of thirteen players ages, 11-12, from Bunker Hill and Inwood who all attend Musselman Middle School. The players include: Chance Allen, Tyler Baker, Markie Custer, Caleb Dembeck, Nikki Dusing, Maverick Keller, Denver Luttrell, Alan Mocahbee, Andy Mocahbee, Austin Owens, Jacob Whitmore, Evan Woolum, and Darrin Zombro. The South Berkeley team will progress to the Southeast Regional Playoffs this month in St. Petersburg, FL. I wish them the best of luck as they will represent West Virginia very well. I hope to see them advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pride to acknowledge these young men who participate in America's greatest pastime, the game of baseball. Again, congratulations South Berkeley Little League team.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to help prevent aliens who lack authorization to work legally from taking Federal jobs. In the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Congress responded to the problem of document verification when hiring folks by establishing three pilot programs for employment eligibility verification. Private employers in selected States could volunteer to participate in these programs. Under a program called the Basic Pilot Program, Social Security numbers and Alien Identification Numbers of new hires are checked against Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security records. This weeds out fraudulent numbers and assures that new hires are legally eligible to work. A 2001 report on the Basic Pilot Program found 96 percent of employers found it to be an effective tool. In 2003, Congress extended the Basic Pilot Program for another 5 years and made it available to employers nationwide. The 1996 law stipulates that each department of the Federal Government must participate in the Basic Pilot Program. Incredibly, the Departments of Commerce, Justice and State, are currently not participating. My amendment basically says, because I hear from constituents all the time who are angry about those working who do not have legal verification. What message does it send when Federal agencies do not abide by the Federal laws? There's no excuse for having any illegal aliens taking Federal jobs. We have a Basic Pilot Program to stop this from happening. We have a law on the books that requires Federal agencies, including Commerce, Justice and State, to use it for employment verification. My amendment provides that no funds in this appropriation bill shall be spent in contravention of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I would like to begin, first of all, by thanking the chairman of the subcommittee and the ranking member for their good, hard work on this bill. They are very dedicated to seeing that we spend our taxpayers' dollars wisely. Today I rise to offer an amendment to help break the cycle of violence against women, especially those living in the rural areas. We are facing an epidemic in this country. Sexual and domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. One in four women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. It is a frightening statistic, I think. To be safe in their communities, women need to be safe in their own homes. Of the over 12,000 domestic violence victims reported in my State of West Virginia in 2005, a total of over 8,600, or 68 percent, were victims of intimate partner violence. What used to be called a ``family matter'' is now a crime. The Violence Against Women Act was much-needed landmark legislation that helped transform the perception of domestic abuse as a serious crime and created programs to increase access to services for women and victims. My amendment builds on the successes of the last decade and prevents more women from suffering in silence. Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in rural and remote communities face unique obstacles in their efforts to escape abusive and dangerous relationships. The geographic isolation, economic structure, and particularly strong cultural pressures and social pressures, and lack of available resources in rural jurisdictions significantly compound the problems confronted by those seeking support and services. Nonreporting of sexual assault in rural areas is a particular problem. Other barriers to domestic violence and sexual assault intervention in rural communities may include gaps in the 911 emergency system that may delay responses, underfunded and understaffed law enforcement agencies that hamper the criminal justice response, and lack of legal representation for protective orders and other civil matters pertaining to domestic violence. Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Child Abuse Enforcement Assistance Grants fund cooperative efforts between law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim services. They provide treatment, counseling and assistance to victims, and work with rural communities to develop education and prevention strategies. Last year Congress funded this program with $38.8 million. The committee's recommended funding level for this year amounts to only a $1.2 million increase over last year's appropriations for the Rural Domestic Violence Grants program. Meanwhile, the National Science Foundation Agency Operations and Award Management line item, which was the old salary and expense line item, stands to receive $285.59 million. This amounts to an increase of over $37 million, or 13 percent. My amendment would boost funding for the Rural Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Enforcement Assistance Grants by $10 million without costing the taxpayers additional money. I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this important amendment to help provide victims with the protection and services in the rural areas they need to pursue safe and healthy lives while simultaneously enabling communities to hold offenders accountable for their violence. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mrs. CAPITO. I would like to read very briefly from the agency operation and award management section because I agree with you. I was a science major in college. I am very dedicated to the forward-leaning research and development that NSF has provided. But in this particular account, this is for agency operations and award management necessary in carrying out the National Science Foundation Act, services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, hire of passenger motor vehicles, not to exceed $9,000 for official reception and representation expenses, uniforms or allowances therefor, rental of conference rooms in the District of Columbia, and reimbursement for security guard services. I tried to look for an area that would not harm research or researchers or the dedicated folks that are working on forward-leaning and futuristic advances for our Nation. I am very concerned about domestic violence in the rural area, and that is why I pinpointed this particular area.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to enhance America's ability to prosecute and detain illegal aliens around our southwest border. State and local law enforcement agencies along America's southwest border grapple with the serious consequences of our porous border every day. Prosecutors, probation officers, courts and detention facilities are all vital. They process drug and illegal alien cases referred from Federal arrests. Currently, if the Federal Government decides to no longer pursue Federal criminal charges against the defendant, they often turn over the case to local law enforcement agencies. State and local agencies often need to be reimbursed for the costs of prosecution and court costs, as well as pre- and post-trial detention. The Southwest Border Prosecutor Initiative helps relieve border communities of the steep costs of Federal drug prosecutions. Cases involving illegal aliens and drug traffickers are complex and urgent. That's why the Southwest Border Prosecutor Initiative needs and deserves vigorous Federal support. Last year Congress funded this program with $29,617,000. The committee's recommended funding level for this year, 2008, amounts to only a 1 percent increase over last year's appropriation for the Southwest Border Prosecutor Initiative. Meanwhile, the Census Bureau stands to receive over $369 million more than last year. That amounts to an increase of 40 percent for the census. Right now, I, along with the constituents I represent, believe the higher priority for our country must be to get a handle on our borders. Some aliens who illegally enter America only seek jobs, but then there are others who are very, very dangerous. These aliens, especially the drug traffickers, call for extra attention. My amendment would boost funding to the Southwest Border Prosecutor Initiative by $10 million, without costing the taxpayers any more money. I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this important amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a new memorial in my district that honors our veterans and Purple Heart recipients. The new memorial was unveiled July 9, 2007 at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Martinsburg, WV. The ceremony was officiated by the Martinsburg Chapter 646 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart and Veterans Memorial is 1 of 2 in West Virginia and 1 of 110 throughout the whole Nation to honor our military men and women. Former Martinsburg VA Director Fernando Rivera came up with the idea after he visited a similar memorial in the neighboring State of Maryland. The Martinsburg Chapter 646 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart worked with the VA center to build the memorial at the main entrance of the facility. Cy Kammeier, commander of the Martinsburg Chapter 646 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, dedicated the memorial to ``those who gave some, and for the next of kin, those who gave all.'' As this year brings the 75th anniversary of the revival of the Purple Heart, it gives me a great privilege to recognize those who helped make this memorial a success. I am honored to serve the citizens of the Second District of West Virginia, many of whom continue to proudly represent our State in the Armed Forces. Memorials like the one in Martinsburg are a reminder of the sacrifices that so many men and women have made in order to protect our freedoms and liberties throughout our Nation's history.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of a constituent of mine, Mr. Jack Kessler; specifically his forty-two years of service as President of the Putnam County Library Board. As the board's founding President, Jack oversaw the birth of the county's library which in 1961 consisted of little more than a bookmobile and storage house. From those humble beginnings, however, the library blossomed. By the time Jack retired, after four decades of leadership, the Putnam County Library had grown to comprise five buildings, including four branches servicing communities across the county. Jack left another, more direct, legacy when he retired. His daughter Jackie now serves as the library's director. Noting the family connection, Jack jokes he always has more than enough books to read. Madam Speaker, for much of American history local libraries have provided communities with opportunities for advancement through education. Putnam County Library's branches, summer programs and volume after volume of books has benefited generations of West Virginia residents. The most enduring aspect of Jack Kessler's legacy is the benefit for generations yet to come. I thank Jack for his years of service and Putnam County is fortunate to call Jack one of its own.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, the intent of this motion to recommit is clear.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Mrs. CAPITO. I am, Mr. Speaker, in its present form.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join the residents of Lewis County, West Virginia, in recognizing the town of Jane Lew on its 100th birthday. Situated in north central West Virginia, Jane Lew traces its origins back to 1773. The small community grew slowly over the years before being issued a charter of incorporation by the State Legislature in 1907. Today, at 100 years young, Jane Lew continues as a thriving small town. Known for being a friendly tight-knit community, the town is home to 40 businesses, a thriving senior center and one of the region's largest Labor Day craft shows. I congratulate the residents of Jane Lew and look forward to many more birthday celebrations in the future.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. I want to thank Mr. Space for offering his amendment to something that I believe in very much, and that is more funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission. The ARC encompasses all 55 counties of the State of West Virginia and is an important resource to the lower economic communities across Appalachia. Some of the good news is, since the ARC was created, poverty in the region has dropped from 31 percent to 13 percent, and more adults have high school diplomas. The percentage rate has risen to 70 percent. Over 400 rural primary health care facilities have been built. And in my district, three of the counties of my district have recently been removed from the list of economically distressed counties. We have already seen that ARC is a solid investment for our government by leveraging both private and public dollars. The Appalachian region still lags behind the Nation in water and wastewater facilities, health care and poverty. And the ARC is a major part of continuing to address these challenges in my district and across the region. Now is not the time to cut ARC funding. This amendment will simply bring ARC funds back up to last year's level and the President's requested level of $65 million. I look forward to bipartisan support of this amendment.