Shelley Capito

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Town of Belle, WV as it celebrates its 50th year of incorporation. Located in Kanawha County along the Kanawha River, Belle was incorporated on December 13th of 1958 by the Kanawha County Circuit Court. For half a century now, Belle has been the home to many hardworking men and women with great values and a strong sense of community. Past and present mayors, councilpersons, employees, and community leaders have all played an integral role in shaping the town. Their hard work has provided jobs and opportunities to many people. Even before incorporation, Belle was home to DuPont. Breaking ground in 1925, it has maintained a strong presence in the area for over 80 years. DuPont Belle has special significance in the history of the chemical industry. The plant's central location provides overnight delivery to two-thirds of the U.S. population and one-third of the Canadian population. It is the nation's first commercial ammonia synthesis site. At Belle, DuPont developed the technology to manufacture nylon. The town of Belle and state of West Virginia have experienced labor with industry-specific skills which allows them to offer an unmatched advantage in the chemical business. It is an honor to pay tribute to Belle, a town that represents the best of America's small towns. I wish congratulations to Belle as it celebrates half a century of incorporation in the Mountain State.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, per the bill's rule for H.R. 6599 that required preprinting of amendments, I submitted an amendment for consideration. This amendment was drafted incorrectly and therefore I am withdrawing the amendment.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the career and accomplishments of Steven Michael Worley of Cabin Creek, West Virginia. For the more than 33 years, Michael Worley has been a leader of several personal and professional development opportunities across many states, including the great state of West Virginia. A graduate of West Virginia Institute of Technology in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, Michael began his career with the Relocations Branch of Engineering Division, where he worked on a variety of major reservoir and local protection projects in relocating public facilities from the construction work areas. Over the next 20 years, Michael's professional career consisted of working with Planning Division and serving as project manager for a variety of inland navigation, riverfront park, and nonstructural flood protection projects. Since 2001, Mike has served as the Chief of Planning Branch. For all of his service, Michael has received numerous awards. He was selected as Ohio River Division Civilian of the Year in 1993 as well as Corps-wide Civilian of the Year in 1993. He was also honored with the J.W. Morris medallion. Michael received the National Performance Review, awarded to the Section 202 Non-structural Flood Proofing Team, from Vice President Al Gore. In 2004, he was named Special Emphasis Program Supervisor of the Year. These are just a few of the mentionable awards Michael has received for all his leadership and hard work. He and his wife, Katie, have been married since 1975, and have raised two children, Erin Worley Haughey (married to Andy Haughey) and Ryan Worley. Katie is the Office Manager for Huntington Physical Therapy in Charleston. Erin Worley and her husband are owner/operators of four McDonald's franchises while Ryan Worley is owner of Epicenter Art Studio. Michael represents the true calling of public service. It is an honor to work with such a distinguished citizen who has contributed so much to our great state. I'm proud to call Michael Worley a friend and a fellow West Virginian. I wish him all best in his retirement.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, today the House will consider legislation that makes clear that our major obstacle to lowering prices is a shortage of supply. Yet, this House will not act on any legislation that will actually increase our Nation's overall energy supply. It's time for this Congress to get serious about both protecting consumers and taking action on real solutions that will ease the pain at the pump. I hear from West Virginians on a regular basis who can no longer afford the price of gasoline. Just yesterday, I spoke to several West Virginia seniors. They're concerned. They're making tough decisions. And on fixed incomes, they're very troubled when they have to go to the gas station to fill up their cars. West Virginians deserve a truly comprehensive, all-of-the-above approach to our energy challenges to become energy independent. We need legislation that leads to new refineries, new technology, and new energy exploration, not these weak attempts that are only wanting to change the topic. With gas prices at more than $4 a gallon, we simply cannot afford to deliberately allow our domestic energy resources to waste away.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 3 minutes to my colleague from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I would just like to offer my gratitude to all of the Members who have worked so hard on this. This is extremely important to my home State of West Virginia. My entire State is part of the ARC. I mentioned several projects in my State. The gentleman from Tennessee mentioned water projects. I have two going right now that are the beneficiaries of ARC funding. I think it is important to realize, too, that this is a partnership between the Federal Government and the States. By leveraging ARC funds just this year, $9.55 million in my State of West Virginia, has resulted in another $16 million of additional investment. This part of our country has historically struggled, and with the current energy issues that we have before us and the high price of gasoline, we are an energy-rich region of this country. We can contribute to the solutions through either coal to liquid and our natural gas reserves and other things that need to be added to a comprehensive, all-of-the-above energy plan for this country. With that, I express my deep gratitude and also my deep commitment to the ARC and its continuation.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of S. 496, the Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2008. I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar, Chairwoman Norton, Ranking Member Mica, Ranking Member Graves and also my colleague from Ohio, Representative Space, for their steadfast support of the Commission and for the people of Appalachia. As a Member of Congress from West Virginia, I can attest to the tremendous work the Appalachian Regional Commission, or the ARC as it is called, has done to bring clean water, safe roads, new jobs and a better quality of life to millions of people in the Appalachian region. Over the last few years, the ARC has made a number of investments in my district, including an economic development strategy and business incubator in Elkins, a child care facility in Moorefield, and the new Corridor H highway. The Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 established the ARC to promote regional coordination and develop projects that will trigger jobs, economic growth, and a better quality of life. The Commission is led by two co-chairmen. One is Presidentially appointed and Senate- confirmed, and the other is selected by the Governors of the participating States. As my colleague mentioned, the Commission includes all or part of 13 States, including the entire State of West Virginia, parts of Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Mississippi. The House companion bill passed the House last year. The Senate bill we are considering today includes an amendment that reflects our agreement with the Senate on the differences. The bill reauthorizes the Commission for 5 years. In addition, the bill amends current law to allow the Commission to cover up to 70 percent of costs for projects that address problems in communities at risk of becoming distressed in the region. These programs include infrastructure projects, demonstration health projects, housing projects and initiatives for telecommunications, technology and entrepreneurship. This bill also authorizes the creation, as my colleague mentioned, of the Economic and Energy Development Initiative, which I think is a great addition, which will provide grants to develop new alternatives for utilizing our vast conventional energy resources. I'm also pleased that this compromise includes language from the House bill which would discourage earmarking projects in future appropriation bills. Leveraging Federal funds in West Virginia and the other Appalachian States has helped dramatically improve our communities over the years. The investment has resulted in a reduction of poverty, the creation of jobs, and the improvement of health and education. We still have a ways to go. And that is why I think this bill is extremely important for reauthorization today. The work of the Commission is an example of the Federal and State partnership that has promoted economic growth in needed areas and distressed areas of high unemployment and high poverty so that these communities can begin to prosper independently in the future. Thank you again. I urge my colleagues to support the bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO. I would like to yield such time as he may consume to my friend from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan).

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I encourage our discussion on flood insurance. But like my colleagues, I am very frustrated with the high price of gasoline. And I believe that West Virginians deserve a comprehensive all-of-the-above approach. I had a lot of conversations just last night with West Virginians, and they had wonderful, creative solutions. They had amazing ideas: Let's use algae, let's use cooking oil, let's use biomass; and, of course from West Virginia, let's use coal. We also had a gentleman who offered a great national call for conservation, that we would incorporate our youth through education and other methods to get involved with how we can conserve. But the most thing I heard was the question of frustration, and why are we not doing anything? Unfortunately, this House has yet to act on any legislation that will actually make a difference. And it is time for a change. It is time for this Congress to get serious about protecting consumers and taking action on real solutions. West Virginians are less concerned, as the previous speaker said, about the political battles that are encompassing Capitol Hill. We are more concerned about a bipartisan breakthrough that actually increases supply and makes our Nation more self-reliant.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 4461, the Community Building Code Administration Act, authored by the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore). Under current law, there are no dedicated Federal funds for building code administration. Funds from development or hazard mitigation programs have been used for this purpose in the past. The competition for these funds is intense, and infrastructure projects generally receive preference over building code enforcement. States and local jurisdictions fund local building code enforcement departments without Federal assistance. The legislation offered by Mr. Moore requires the Secretary of HUD to award grants on a competitive basis and with Federal matching funds to qualified local building code enforcement departments. The grants can be used to increase staffing, provide staff training, increase staff competence and professional qualifications, support individual certification or departmental accreditation, or for capital expenditures specifically dedicated to department administration. Both State and local governments that have responsibilities for administering laws and regulations addressing building safety and fire prevention would be eligible for Community Building Code Administration Grants. The bill authorizes $100 million over 5 years. Any grants awarded under this bill would be capped at $1 million. I would like to note that HUD has expressed some reservations regarding this legislation because currently CDBG funds can be used for this exact same purpose. The Department has concerns whether or not it is necessary to dedicate another $100 million for this purpose when it is already an eligible activity under CDBG. I would like to thank Mr. Moore for offering this legislation.

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

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield such time as he may consume to my colleague the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3329, the Homes for Heroes Act offered by the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Green. In the week after our Nation celebrated its 232nd birthday, it is important that we take time to properly recognize the sacrifices of our Nation's veterans and those service men and women who are currently defending our freedoms and liberties in theaters across the world. Like many of my colleagues, I have been to Walter Reed to visit our wounded warriors who have been injured in battle, and I am always touched by their spirit and courage. It goes without saying that our Nation and government must provide these veterans with the tools to succeed once they leave the military and the benefits they deserve for the sacrifices that they have made in the name of freedom. This legislation improves one important aspect for our veterans, especially those who suffer from long-term physical and mental disabilities: That is access to affordable housing. The Veterans Administration is the only Federal agency that provides substantial hands-on assistance directly to homeless individuals, homeless veterans. Although limited to veterans and their dependants, the VA's major homeless specific programs constitute the largest integrated network of homeless treatment and assistance services in this country. The Department's homeless veterans programs were first authorized in 1987 and have grown and developed during that time. The program offers a number of services that include outreach to veterans living on the streets and who otherwise would not seek assistance, long-term sheltered transitional assistance and supportive permanent housing. According to the VA, about one-third of the adult homeless population are veterans. That is staggering, I believe, with current population estimates suggesting about 154,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Many other veterans are considered near homeless or at risk because of their poverty, lack of support from family and friends and dismal living conditions in cheap hotels or overcrowded and substandard housing. This legislation requires HUD to create a position within the Department to serve as a liaison to the Veterans Affairs Department. A Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs would ensure veterans receive proper access to HUD's housing assistance programs, coordinate all HUD programs and activities pertaining to veterans, and act as a liaison between HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Green's legislation also requires, as he noted, that HUD provide 20,000 rental vouchers for homeless veterans. It authorizes $200 million in fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each subsequent fiscal year. It also requires the Department to maintain a constant level of funding in coordination with rising home costs. The measure allows family members of a veteran receiving a housing voucher to maintain the voucher and the home after the veteran's death. The bill authorizes grants to nonprofits that sponsor housing projects for veterans making less than 50 percent of the median income of an area, assists veterans in obtaining housing or homeless assistance, and assists veterans with the plan and application process for HUD assistance programs. It also includes language to assure that any voucher program would not inhibit low income tax credits that are already in place. I would like to thank Mr. Green for offering this legislation and for his efforts to improve housing for our veterans. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey and certainly support his bill, but I think it is appropriate when talking about trying to stretch our public housing dollars as much as we can to provide housing and safety and cover and a sense of community to many families, I think it brings to light what many families are thinking about right now, and that is the high price of gasoline, how are they getting to where they need to go, to get to a job, to pick up their children at school, to go to church, to go to the grocery store, all the things of daily living. Many of our public housing situations don't have access to bus routes or any kind of mass transportation, so I think it is incumbent upon this Congress to address this very difficult issue, and I have put forward, as have many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, ways to address this, whether it is more drilling, whether it is coal-to- liquid, whether it is more renewables. But it is certainly not standing still. And as we try to move our dollars into the public housing arena to provide shelter and homes for many, many Americans across this country, I think it is important at the same time when people are figuring out how they are going to pay their rent, they realize how are they going to pay for their gas, how are they going to pay for their food. So I would encourage as we look at housing issues today, we also look at the very important issue of energy in our homes and with our families. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6216, the Asset Management Improvement Act, authored by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Sires). There is general agreement that we need to work with our public housing authorities to improve and refine their asset management policies. The Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act, which was passed by Congress in 1998, included a requirement for a negotiated rulemaking to develop a new public housing operating fund formula. Rulemaking concluded in 2004, after a 3-year, $4 million Operating Cost Study was conducted, and in 2005, HUD issued the Public Housing Operating Fund Final Rule. HUD has agreed to delay the implementation, in an effort to give PHAs additional time to comply with the negotiated rule. This legislation will make further changes to that rule. It is my hope that all parties can continue to work together to make further improvements. The base text of the legislation requires HUD and public housing agencies to negotiate, after April 1, 2009, reasonable property and asset management fees with interested stakeholders. The fees would then be implemented January 1, 2011. The legislation increases, as the chairman said, the number of units public housing agencies can manage to 500, from 250, before they are required to manage their housing portfolios by the new asset management system. It also states that the bill's provisions, including those relating to public housing asset management, do not affect in any way current law regarding tenant participation and tenant opportunities in public housing. As the chairman noted, we have been here before considering similar legislation. Unfortunately, that legislation was pulled from consideration during the motion to recommit that would have preserved the right of law-abiding citizens to own a firearm. I am pleased the authors of this new version included this important provision. In addition, the authors have included the text of the manager's amendment, as well as the Meek amendment, in this new draft. The manager's amendment included language blocking illegal immigrants from eligibility and ensuring that certain agencies that apply to HUD for stop-loss do not have their applications rejected on the basis that the management and related fees they establish pursuant to the bill's provisions are not reasonable as defined by HUD. The Meek amendment provides that the tenant organization protections set forth in HUD's regulations apply to public housing agencies that are placed in receivership by HUD. I would like to thank Mr. Sires for offering this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Today, we are considering a bill to make something the law that is already the law. The majority claims it is necessary to force energy exploration companies to either use or lose leases they hold. However, use it or lose it is already the law. The Secretary of the Interior can already cancel a lease if the lessee fails to comply with the terms. Federal leaseholders are already required to produce oil and/or natural gas within 5 to 10 years of beginning the lease. By blocking some firms from competing for new leases, this legislation could further increase gas prices that are already exceeding $4 per gallon. This is frustrating because I believe West Virginians would rather see us take up legislation that will actually lead to a new and more forward-thinking energy policy rather than waste time passing legislation that is already on the books. That means new exploration, coal-to-liquids, and renewables. If this is the best the majority can do, is to restate current law, that's fine. But I think most Americans and West Virginians understand that the time has come for a more serious and comprehensive debate on this issue. That's what they deserve.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, calling for expanded domestic energy exploration and for a truly comprehensive energy policy, including renewables. Access to oil and natural gas resources from Federal lands and waters is critical to the energy supply of West Virginia consumers, businesses, and homeowners. Specifically, the Outer Continental Shelf will be increasingly important to our Nation's energy future. Approximately 25 percent of U.S. oil and natural gas production comes from offshore areas. Technology has allowed the industry to explore deeper in the Gulf of Mexico and to make many new discoveries. However, current policy unnecessarily keeps many promising prospects off limits, restraining additional growth and supplies. Congress and past Presidents have put a stop to offshore drilling and development. This must end. With gas prices at more than $4 a gallon and filling up the minivan at $70, we simply cannot afford to deliberately ignore our abundant resources. It is time to use our resources and to use our common sense.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 254, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal honoring the great artistic work of Constantino Brumidi on this great Capitol building. The bill was introduced by Senator Enzi and has 99 cosponsors in the Senate, and in the House, a companion bill was introduced by our colleague, Mr. Pascrell, which has 307 cosponsors. As we've heard much of Mr. Brumidi's history, he created artworks in the House of Representatives Chamber, many committee rooms, the President's Room, the Senate Chamber, and throughout the corridors of the Capitol. His most famous work within these halls is ``The Apotheosis of George Washington,'' which appears on the Capitol dome in the Rotunda. Mr. Brumidi painted these hallowed halls, and in so doing, he depicted the narrative that is the vivid history of these United States. Born in Italy in 1805, Constantino Brumidi studied at the Italian Academy of the Arts. In 1852, at the age of 47, he emigrated to America and devoted the rest of his years completing frescoes, sculptures, and paintings in the Capitol Building. The story of Constantino Brumidi is important not only because he was the artist who gave life to these walls, but because his story is the American story. He was an immigrant to this country, and he used the skill that he had to contribute what he could. In the process, he, like millions of others, built this country into what it is today. Immigrants built this Nation's building, constructed its factories, fed its people, and when called upon, defended its sovereignty. Men and women from this great Nation's inception contributed whatever they could to make this Nation better. Constantino Brumidi contributed his talents as an artist. And now, because of his efforts, we and all who walk through the Capitol may see not only his talent but this country's history and be filled with the same sense of awe and hope that filled those who walked these halls before us. That, ladies and gentlemen, is a wonderful gift. On February 19, 1880, at the age of 74, Constantino Brumidi died four-and-a-half months after falling from a scaffolding while working on the Rotunda frieze that chronicles the history of America. He spent his entire time in this country contributing and attempting to fulfill his life's goal. He said, ``My one ambition and my daily prayer is that I may live long enough to make beautiful the Capitol of the one country on Earth in which there is liberty.'' As we stand here today and walk these halls, it is clear to all that Constantino Brumidi accomplished his goal. This bill awards Constantino Brumidi the Congressional Gold Medal for his contribution. The medal will be displayed in the Capitol Visitor's Center as part of a display honoring his work. Mr. Speaker, I urge the bill's immediate passage. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he would consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland).

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

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from New York (Mrs. Maloney) for her support of this bill, and I am very excited it is before the House today. There is a very special bond that exists between mothers and their children that words cannot describe. For the lucky ones among us, a mother--our, someone else's, or a mother figure such as a grandmother-- has made all of the difference in our lives. The tender care, unending support, and the unconditional love of a mother truly are life's greatest blessing for a child. Every year on the second Sunday in May this Nation honors its mothers. We seek to acknowledge their tireless support and their enduring love. My colleague has spoken about how this tradition began, but I would like to go over it because it is a proud history of tradition for our State of West Virginia. In 1868, Anna Reeves Jarvis organized a committee in her home town of Grafton, West Virginia, to sponsor a mother's friendship day. The purpose was to reunite families that had been divided during the Civil War. However, Anna Reeves Jarvis' dream of an annual memorial Mother's Day commemorating each mother for the service she renders to humanity had not gained wide-spread support during her lifetime. However, her daughter, Anna M. Jarvis, took on her mother's cause. On May 9, 1907, the second anniversary of her mother's death, Anna invited friends to her home and outlined her plan to make her mother's dream of a nationwide day in honor of mothers a reality. Within a year, working with Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church, progress was made and on Sunday, May 10, 1908, church services were held in which mothers were honored. They were held in Grafton, West Virginia, and in Philadelphia. This initial celebration was only the beginning. Jarvis worked for years to popularize her idea. She wrote letters to churches and business leaders, to newspaper editors and to Members of Congress. She was even able to bring the drive for a Mother's Day observance to the attention of the President of the United States. Her efforts were rewarded. In 1910, the governor of West Virginia, William Glassock, issued a Mother's Day proclamation. By the next year, Mother's Day services were held in all States of the Union. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson, responding to a joint resolution in Congress, issued a proclamation setting aside the second Sunday every May for ``displaying the American flag as a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.'' Today, Mother's Day is celebrated throughout the world. In the United States, the President and governors issue proclamations recognizing mothers, churches perform services in honor of mothers everywhere, and the hearts of all are filled with all of our love for our mothers. This bill would authorize the minting of silver $1 coins in honor of the women who have sacrificed so much for their children. It is a small token of our love and admiration, but one that will hopefully express the love we hold for our mothers. Surcharges of the sale of the coins, as my colleague mentioned, will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the National Osteoporosis Foundation for research. I chose both of these foundations because I have great admiration for the work they do for men and women, but particularly for women as we battle the difficult tragedies of breast cancer and the growing difficulties associated with osteoporosis which over 80 percent of the people it strikes are women. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this resolution, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank my mother. She has made a difference in my life. I appreciate her unconditional love and support, her willingness to help me when I fell, and to push me forward when I could not find the strength myself. I love you, Mom, and thanks. With that, being from West Virginia, I would like to say, too, that our sense of community and family is very strong. We are so very proud of Anna Jarvis' vision, her idea and her dedication to celebrate her own mother, and we are proud to be known as the birthplace of Mother's Day. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.