Shelley Capito

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. I would like to thank my colleague for yielding me the time. On September 19, 2008, then Secretary of the Treasury Paulson called for a ``temporary asset relief program'' to take bad mortgages off the books of many of the country's financial institutions. This plan was hastily negotiated in the halls of Congress and passed on the belief that if we did not act, the capital markets would come crashing down, bringing down the American economy along the way. I opposed the passage of the original package because I felt it was being negotiated too quickly, there was too little oversight, and it provided too great a risk to the taxpayer. There's no doubt that our Nation is facing significant economic challenges. However, there is significant doubt whether this TARP program has been the answer. Since passage of the TARP, the plan has changed numerous times. In fact, we're still waiting for the troubled assets to be purchased. So far the Treasury has used the majority of funds for injecting capital funds into our financial institutions in hopes that they will utilize their increased capitalization to free up lending to consumers. But there is little evidence that the $190 billion that was provided to banks has had the desired effect of freeing up credit. Despite this lackluster track record, the request has been made for the second tranche of $350 billion. Once again the Congress is being forced to make a hasty decision that will affect our children and grandchildren for years to come. The inherent problems with the TARP program remain. The request for additional funds is being made too hastily, there's not enough oversight, and as we have seen, there is no guarantee that this will work. I urge my colleagues to support the Foxx resolution and to deny the release of the second tranche of funds.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a friend and true West Virginian David Tyson. Mr. Tyson is a lawyer from Huntington, WV who continually puts his community and State first. On October 2, 2008, David Tyson was inducted into the Greater Huntington Wall of Fame by the City of Huntington Foundation. David has worked tirelessly for his community as well as the State of West Virginia. In April 2002, David was appointed by President Bush to the national advisory board for the Kennedy Center in Washington. He continually serves as an ambassador for the arts. Since becoming a member of that board, David has been interested in restoration; on a local level becoming involved with the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington. Mr. Tyson is best known for his involvement in this project, which culminated in the theater serving as the location for the premier of the Warner Brothers major motion picture release ``We Are Marshall.'' Mr. Tyson was also recognized as the Citizen of the Year in 2007 by the Herald-Dispatch, the major news publication in Huntington, West Virginia. I applaud David Tyson's unending commitment to civic duty.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor June W. Butterfield, who is the recipient of the 2008 Experience Works Prime Time Award for Outstanding Older Workers. Experience Works strives to improve the lives of older people through employment and community service. 2008 marks the eleventh year Experience Works is leading this national, yearlong initiative that recognizes remarkable individuals 65 and older who continue to make valuable contributions in the workplace. This year's recipient from the state of West Virginia is June W. Butterfield, an office manager for the West Virginia Board of Risk and Insurance Management in Charleston. Working since she was 18, June started in the private sector but has been a government employee in one form or another for the past 38 years. The constant challenges and opportunities to become more efficient are what keep June so motivated. Her co-workers recognize this effort and praise her positive attitude in the office. A former competitive runner, June is a big advocate of staying healthy and encourages her colleagues to stay fit. She encourages all older people to keep working, saying ``it keeps you young.'' It is an honor to represent this outstanding woman who serves as a strong leader and excellent role model for older women in her community. Congratulations to June W. Butterfield as the recipient of the 2008 Experience Works Prime Time Award for Outstanding Older Workers.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 7110: Requesting Member: Shelley Moore Capito. Account: RTDE Army. Title: MATRIC-Project National Shield Integration Center. Recipient: Keith A. Pauley, 3200 Kanawha Turnpike, Building 740, Suite 4300, South Charleston, WV 25314. Summary: To establish a nationally integrated system-of-systems framework that can effectively protect the nation against terrorist attacks, etc. Account: RTDE Defense Wide. Title: Tactical Biometrics Operating and Surveillance System (TBOSS). Recipient: STS International, 204 Sand Mine Road, PO Box 10, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411. Summary: To provide tactical forces at the infantry squad level the capability to enroll/identify persons of interest when and where encountered and to communicate data up to battalion level to provide real-time threat mitigation. Account: RTDE Air Force. Title: Expert Organization Development System (EXODUS). Recipient: Triune Software, Inc., 4027 Col. Glenn Hwy--STE 330, Beavercreek, OH 45431. Summary: To provide numerous benefits to the Air Force Material Command (AFMC) as well as other AF organizations. Account: Operations and Management Army. Title: Records Management Pilot Program. Recipient: National Veterans Technology Consortium, 3786 Oakwood Avenue, Austintown, Ohio 44515. Summary: To develop a proof-of-concept program to digitize, tag, and database Army records and operational material for the Nat'l Veterans Technology Consortium (NVTC).

Mrs. CAPITO

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

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2786 which would reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self- Determination Act, NAHASDA. This bill reflects a bipartisan effort led by Chairman Frank and Representative Waters. I would also like to thank Representative Kildee and Representative Steve Pearce in their efforts to reauthorize NAHASDA which is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. I'm confident that the legislation being considered today will go a long way to address the housing needs in Indian country. This legislation being considered under suspension today is similar to H.R. 2786 which passed the House on September 6 by a vote of 333 to 75. The major differences from the House bill passed include new compromise language on the Cherokee Freedman issue, removal of the reauthorization of the Native Hawaiian Housing program, and inclusion of the House-passed immigration language and House-passed GAO study. Native Americans in this country are facing serious housing problems. Last year the Financial Services Committee held several hearings to investigate these problems, which are the result of widespread poverty, high unemployment, homelessness and lack of affordable housing on Native American land. The reauthorization of NAHASDA is an important step in addressing many of these issues. Currently there are 562 federally recognized tribes in the United States representing approximately 2.5 million Native Americans. Of that 2.5 million, about 750,000 Native Americans live on reservations or in other tribal areas. According to Census data, the poverty rate for Native Americans is approximately 26 percent. Twenty-six percent is more than twice the average for all Americans. While 5.8 percent of the general population of the United States is unemployed, the current unemployment rate of the reservation workforce is 13.6 percent. In tribal areas, 14.7 percent of homes are overcrowded, compared to just 5.7 percent of homes in the general U.S. population. On Native American lands, 11.7 percent of residents lack complete plumbing facilities, and 6.9 percent lack, get this, telephone service. This, coupled with the price of a new home and the lack of existing housing, has created a dire situation on reservations in terms of availability and quality of housing units. The legislation before us today would provide greater autonomy to Native Americans in using NAHASDA grant funds and would provide tribes more resources and flexibility to meet their affordable housing needs. This is good legislation that would help improve living conditions for Native Americans in this country. I urge its passage. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce). (Mr. PEARCE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend congratulations to Command Sergeant Major Stephen D. Blake who became the second command sergeant major of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command on June 19th, 2008 at ASC headquarters at Rock Island IL. CSM Blake serves as primary advisor to the ASC Commanding General on all matters pertaining to enlisted personnel assigned to the Command, particularly in areas related to their training and development and to the quality of life and well-being of soldiers and their families. He also responds to the concerns of civilian and contractor employees of the Command. During his career of 26 years of distinguished service in the United States Army Command Sergeant Major Blake has served in a number of key enlisted leadership positions. He has had tours of duty in Germany and Korea as well as combat tours in Southwest Asia during both Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and a tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2003, Blake graduated from class 53 of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas. His military training included the Air Assault School, Primary Leadership Development Course, and First Sergeants Course. He was named the distinguished graduate from his class in both the Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officers Courses. He also holds an Associates Degree in Business Management from Excelsior College. Command Sergeant Major Stephen D. Blake developed SOP, using the Center for Army Lessons Learned Web site to gather the most recent tactics, techniques, and procedures used by units operating in Iraq. The SOP difficulty and intensity of the training was a confidence builder for Operation Iraqi Freedom for veterans and new soldiers alike. Command Sergeant Major Stephen D. Blake's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star (three awards); the Legion of Merit; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal (five awards); the Army Commendation Medal (nine awards); the Army Achievement Medal (nine awards); the Good Conduct Medal (eight awards); the National Defense Service Medal with Star; the Southwest Asia Service Medal with three stars; the Iraq, Afghanistan, Global War on Terrorism and Korean Defense service Medals; the NCO Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral Four; the Army Service Ribbon; the Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral Three; the NATO Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medals from the governments of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait; the Air Assault Badge; and three Meritorious Unit Commendations. He is also a recipient of the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe. Command Sergeant Major Stephen D. Blake is a native of Tyler Mountain, WV. Blake and his wife, Karen Marie Riley of Ohio, are the parents of two children, Amber and Joshua. Madam Speaker, it is because of soldiers like Command Sergeant Major Stephen D. Blake that we will achieve victory in Iraq. With dedication and determination of our armed forces is what will protect our great nation. Madame Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Command Sergeant Major Stephen D. Blake as a true American. I am proud to call Stephen a fellow mountaineer.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in reluctant support really of H.R. 6965 to extend the authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program. I would prefer that this would be a debate on a consensus reform package that would put the National Flood Insurance Program on a more actuarially sound footing. Both the House and Senate have passed separate bills that include important and necessary reforms. However, there are significant differences between the two packages. And, unfortunately, we have been unable to reach a compromise on our differences. Although there are differences in the two approaches, there are some similarities. For instance, both measures would reauthorize the flood program for 5 years and include important reforms to phase out premium subsidies and require more realistic pricing that is actuarially sound and based on the actual risk of flooding. Both bills would also phase out rate subsidies for nonresidential properties and non-primary residences. One of the great challenges for this program is the debt, which presents an ongoing challenge and stands at $17.4 billion resulting from the 2005 hurricanes. Any flood program reform package has to address the NFIP's debt, the interest payments on that debt and the net impact that they have on the budget. We also have to face the reality of new claims in the pipeline to cover losses from Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, as well as the flooding in the Midwest earlier this summer. Both bills contain strong and prudent reforms designed to strengthen the flood program, phase out subsidies, and encourage a premium pricing structure that is based on the actual risk of property loss from flooding. The National Flood Insurance Program is currently set to expire on September 30. For this reason we are today considering a simple 7-month extension designed to keep the flood insurance program up and running past the September 30 deadline. Allowing the flood insurance program to expire could cause serious disruptions to the mortgage market and we could not afford to let that happen, especially in light of our current financial instabilities. A 7-month extension would allow Congress time to complete their work on a comprehensive reform package. I want my colleagues in the House to know that the Republican members on the Financial Services Committee remain committed to enacting comprehensive reforms that not only modernize the National Flood Insurance Program so that homeowners will continue to have access to flood insurance, but also to protect the American taxpayer at the same time. I urge passage of this bill. I reserve the balance of my time, although I have no further speakers.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4544, the Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008, introduced by the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Boren). This legislation honoring the Native American code talkers, who served this country so honorably in the First and Second World Wars, is long overdue. Mr. Speaker, the history of Native American code talkers is long and honorable. And I'm going to go through a little bit of this, beginning with their striking display of patriotism. When the First World War broke out, Native Americans were technically not citizens of the United States--hard to believe, really; nevertheless, many enlisted and fought honorably as part of the American Expeditionary Force that helped to defeat the German armies. In those days, as the technology of warfare changed and the size of the battlefields grew, it was necessary to transmit tactical information over what we would consider rudimentary and very unsecure communications methods that in many cases were easy for the enemy to intercept. During the Second Battle of the Somme in September of 1918, and later during the Meuse-Argonne campaign in the waning days of the war, Cherokee and Choctaw natives used their own language to communicate tactical information. Since their languages were not related to any European language, the Germans intercepting it were baffled, even though the code itself was rather simple--a tank was a turtle, for example. Again, in the Second World War, Native Americans signed up in large numbers to fight in both Europe and in the Pacific theater. The best known of these were the Navajos, who worked with the Marines in the Pacific. But considering both wars, code talkers came from as many as 17 different tribes. Interestingly, the code talkers weren't used much in the European theater until D-day, because it was known that Adolf Hitler had been aware of the code talkers' successful role in World War I and had sent teams of German anthropologists to learn Native American languages before the start of the Second World War. The effort was largely unsuccessful, though, because there were so many different languages and dialects of those languages. The role of the code talkers was largely unknown until 1968, when the story was declassified. Since then, President Reagan declared a ``Code Talkers Day,'' and in 2001 President Bush presented the Congressional Gold Medal to several Navajo code talkers. Unfortunately, the bill authorizing that medal did not acknowledge the role of Code Talker heroes from other tribes in the First World War as well as the second. Mr. Speaker, it has taken nearly a decade to address this oversight, and through the hard work of the gentlelady from Texas, Ms. Granger, and most recently Mr. Boren, bills were introduced to do so in each Congress since the original legislation passed. We are now at the historic point, thanks to Mr. Boren's legislation, that we can move to recognize the other heroes from the other tribes. I urge my colleagues to support this bill enthusiastically. With that, Mr. Speaker, I would like to reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole).

Mrs. CAPITO. I have no further requests. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6894, the Defense Production Act Extension and Reauthorization of 2008. In 1950, at the outset of the Korean war and at the behest of President Truman, Congress acted to give the President the ability to meet a specific national security need should we have a shortfall in supplies. The ability of this Nation to call on private industry to meet the demands of securing a nation are just as prominent today as they were over a half century ago when Congress first enacted this law. In an uncertain world where we face constantly changing threats and remain vulnerable to national disaster, the ability of military and civilian agencies to be given priority service to aid the American people is paramount. Today, with American soldiers fighting so courageously abroad, we have the same imperative: they must have the resources and equipment they need when they need them. Similarly, this country has seen the toll natural disasters can take on the Nation. Within the last weeks alone, we have seen Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike bring destruction to this Nation's shores. Responding to the needs of the families affected should be a priority, and this legislation reauthorizes the President's ability to effectively respond to those needs with priority purchases of supplies, be they water or equipment, to repair damaged railroad switches. The authorities in this act are too important to be allowed to expire for any amount of time. Yet, Mr. Speaker, without the Congress acting today, these authorities will expire on September 30. The legislation before us would reauthorize the Defense Production Act in its current form, for 1 year, with no other changes to the DPA's powers. This 1- year extension will continue these authorities while providing the Congress a window to consider any need for updating this act. A recently issued GAO report on the authorities, as well as volumes of other information, will ensure engagement in an important dialogue on how to improve on this authority's taking place. Passing this law today ensures that that debate takes place without the impending pressure of adjournment. I hope, Mr. Speaker, that we can undertake any needed updates of the act at the beginning of the first session of the next Congress and then extend the authorization for multiple years at that point so that these important authorities remain available to protect America, Americans and American interests, uninterrupted. In closing, I would like to thank Chairman Luis Gutierrez and full committee Chairman Barney Frank for authoring this bipartisan legislation. Because of their leadership on this issue, Congress has before it today a bill to ensure the American people and their security interests are well served. With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of H.R. 6894. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO. I have no further speakers. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6950, the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal Act of 2008. As everyone in this Chamber knows, the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a wonderful woman and was a tireless public servant. She sought to use her time each day to serve the people of her district and of this Nation, and the extraordinary generosity she exhibited in so many of her actions proves to be one of her lasting legacies. She was also a very joyful woman, and she brought much joy to all of those who were fortunate enough to know her. I include myself in that group. However, nowhere have her selfless nature and leadership qualities been more apparent than in her decision to be an organ donor. Her untimely death was a tragedy, but because of her decision, others will be fortunate to enjoy the gift of life. Currently, there are close to 100,000 individuals on the national transplant waiting list. Each hour, this number increases, adding a new name approximately every 16 minutes. Yet, despite how sobering this statistic is and the even harsher statistic that my colleague mentioned, more sobering is the number of people who die while waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. This number is 16 people per day. Understanding that reality, Representative Tubbs Jones did what she always did. She volunteered to give to those in need. This legislation honors her actions. The bill before us today would establish a Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal, and it would make any organ donor or family of the organ donor eligible to receive the honor. The legislation empowers the Secretary of Health and Human Services to direct the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to establish an application and assessment process for donors in order to receive the award. By agreeing to this legislation, this Congress honors the actions of Representative Tubbs Jones and the actions of so many others who sought to give what they could to those in need. This is an important action, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO. I have no further speakers. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. I would like to thank the sponsor of the bill, my colleague from Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield time now to the cosponsor of the bill, a champion for housing in all forms and fashion, but particularly supportive housing, Mrs. Biggert from Illinois.

Mrs. CAPITO. I would like to join in the chorus of support. Mr. Speaker, as we have heard, the section 811 program provides housing assistance and supportive services for persons with disabilities. I have seen firsthand in my own district the good works that this program provides, and I am sure it is the same for members across the Nation. The timing of the passage of this legislation is especially significant, as the House just passed the Americans with Disabilities Act amendments earlier today. It is appropriate that we would now consider legislation to improve our housing programs for those with disabilities who choose to live independently. We have heard a good review, I believe, of the program. We know that it allows persons with disabilities to live independently. I think that's important to emphasize the independent nature of the 811 program. It is also the only Federal program that is solely dedicated to very low-income folks with serious or long-term disabilities. Unfortunately, sometimes those are coupled together because you have a serious or long-term disability, which sometimes prevents you from working, and it puts you into that low or very low-income bracket. We have talked about some of the revisions, programatic issues and changes that have been made, terminating 811's Mainstream Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program and transferring those vouchers to section 8, modernizing the Capital Advance Program, establishing a project rental assistance demonstration program and revising the definitions of ``group home,'' ``people with disabilities,'' ``supportive housing for persons with disabilities.'' Also in this bill, we repeal the authority of the Secretary to waive size limitations on group homes and individual living facilities. These improvements to the program will help provide a better life for individuals with disabilities and their families. The ability to live independently with the assistance of supportive services is critical to improving the lives of the disabled and allowing them to be active participants in their communities. I join in thanking Chairman Frank and Ranking Member Bachus. I would like to particularly thank Mr. Murphy for his leadership on this issue and Mrs. Biggert for her leadership as well. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Teresa McCabe, Carla Hunter and Beth Peters Curtin, who are being recognized as 2008 Women of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Shawnee Council in West Virginia. These three ladies were chosen for their leadership and contribution to the community, their profession, and how they serve as role models for young women. The Girl Scouts of Shawnee Council honor three women annually from the Eastern Panhandle that exemplify these qualities. The first honoree, Teresa McCabe, was nominated by The United Way of the Eastern Panhandle for the significant impact she has had in her community. McCabe is the vice president of marketing and development for West Virginia University Hospitals--East. She was involved with both the United Way and the City Hospital before their mergers and is also involved with the Rotary, American Cancer Society and both Jefferson and Berkeley Counties Chambers of Commerce. Born and raised in Charles Town, WV, McCabe has been able to give back to the community in which she was raised. Carla Hunter, the department chair and school counselor at Washington High School, works tirelessly to make her school the best school in the area. She was nominated for Women of Distinction by Asbury United Methodist Church in Shepherdstown. Education is a passion of hers, and she gives much of her free time to ensure young children have a bright future. As a former Girl Scout, Carla knows how much of an impact Girl Scouts can have on a young woman's life. The final recipient of the 2008 Women of Distinction award is Beth Peters Curtin. In addition to being the executive director of the Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, Beth is also a member of the Economic Development Authority, founding member of the Museum of Berkeley Springs and director of Apple Butter Festival. She spends what little spare time she has serving her community. Beth has learned from her mother's generation what great role models women can be and wants to pass that on to the next generation as well. It is an honor to represent these three outstanding women who serve as strong leaders and excellent role models for young women in their communities. Congratulations to Teresa McCabe, Carla Hunter and Beth Peters Curtin as the 2008 Women of Distinction.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I represent an energy State, West Virginia. We give every day. We have abundant resources of coal and natural gas. We understand energy. Coal is one of our Nation's most abundant resources, and any truly comprehensive energy policy must include coal. This bill does not. It is not all-of-the-above. We have more coal under our feet than the Middle East has oil. I've sponsored legislation, coal-to-liquid. It holds great promise for helping us towards our energy independence, but such investment received lip service from the leadership of this Congress. In fact, the disdain for coal among congressional leadership is well known across this Nation. It's time we stood up and had a vote on a real bipartisan energy bill that includes coal as part of the solution. You know what? The American public is frustrated. They're tired of this bickering. They want us to work as Republicans and Democrats in a bipartisan way to solve this issue. We need an energy plan that works for the American people. We also need an energy plan that's actually going to get signed into law. This one doesn't have a bit of hope.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. I thank the gentleman for recognizing me. The Speaker, we just listened to her, and her leadership team had an opportunity to present this House with a truly bipartisan energy bill. Both she and the majority leader have talked about the compromises that they reached and how they worked on a compromise. I don't know who they're compromising with. They're compromising with themselves, negotiating with themselves. Instead, they chose to bring forth what I think is a blatantly partisan bill. It will increase energy costs in my State, and again, essentially ignores West Virginia, its people, its abundant supply of coal. I go back to the fact that I've listened to both the majority leader and the Speaker in their remarks, and not one mention of clean coal in both of their remarks. So let me be clear, in a time when West Virginians are making hard decisions based on their gas, electric and home heating needs, this bill offers them nothing more but Washington. All talk and no action. We know it's going to take a comprehensive plan to wean our Nation off of $700 billion worth of dependence on foreign sources of oil, but this bill just doesn't do the job. It includes a renewable portfolio standard that will send electric costs skyrocketing in a State like West Virginia by mandating difficult standards, all of this at a time when many of my constituents can barely afford gas or their heating bill. This bill doesn't invest in royalties for offshore exploration into alternative energy sources like clean coal or renewable fuels. Coal-to- liquid has great promise to lead this Nation towards our energy independence. The American people gave the leadership of Congress a homework assignment to solve our energy crisis, and they responded by waiting till the last minute, hastily writing their bill, and delivering it late. Sadly, it fully deserves the ``F'' that the American people will be giving it. At a time when a solution demands real bipartisanship, this bill just doesn't cut the muster. I'm on the bipartisan bill. We worked night after night with no lobbyists, no leadership, no special interests, and we found good compromise in that bipartisan bill, and I'm proud of the efforts on both sides of the aisle where we joined together. With this empty shell of an energy bill, I'm afraid I'm disappointed and I'm afraid the American people will be, too.