Russ Carnahan

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. I yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute.

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 832.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, as we continue working to strengthen our economy and put Americans back to work, it is important to note that our economy has stabilized a great deal since the economic collapse a year ago. But there is still much more work to be done. Because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, an estimated 8,500 teaching jobs have been saved in my home State of Missouri alone. Without the Recovery Act, thousands of teachers would have lost their jobs. Hundreds of thousands of students would be losing out on individual attention vital to their education. It was the right thing to do to provide States with the resources to keep America's teachers teaching and continue investing in our children's education. This stimulus is putting us on the road to recovery by putting money back in the pockets of middle-class Americans and making critical investments in our future, like education and preparing for today's clean energy jobs. We must continue our aggressive push to put Americans back to work and make investments in ourselves for this new era of global competition. Rebuilding our economy must continue to be our top priority.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to give recognition for outstanding service by James Allen Cloar to the residents and City of Saint Louis as President and CEO of the Partnership for downtown St. Louis. Mr. Cloar worked to revitalize America's heartland by improving the living conditions and safety of one of America's greatest cities, the City of Saint Louis. He brought over a 100 new businesses and 11,000 new residents back into the downtown area of the City of Saint Louis. In doing so, Mr. Cloar secured accolades and recognition for the City, including the All American City Award. Madam Speaker, James Cloar enjoys the love and support of his family, and I would also like to recognize them. He is so proud of Anne Bock Cloar, his wife of over 40 years; his daughters Tracy Cloar Rogers and Jennifer Cloar Smith, along with their husbands; and his granddaughters Haley, Alexandria, Skyla, and Phoebe. I commend Mr. Cloar's dedication to his family, his service to the City of St. Louis, and his work to bring about the revitalization of City's downtown area.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to address seniors in this country about many myths that have been perpetrated about current health care reform. The fact is that health care reform in this House, which we've talked about, simply provides Medicare reimbursement to doctors who spend time with their patients who wish to speak to their doctors about their values and their preferences with regard to end-of-life-care decisions. It empowers older Americans who want to have their wishes observed. The other myth we've heard about is rationed care. The fact is nothing will stand between you and your doctor or will prevent you from making the best health care decisions, and if you're enrolled in Medicare, it will improve the level of care you can get. With regard to a so-called ``government takeover'' of health care, this bill would build on the system of private health care in this country. The CBO said it will actually expand coverage under private care by 16 million and that only about 3 percent of Americans would choose to enroll in a new public health care plan. Also, with regard to Medicare, we are going to have savings from overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans of $150 billion, which will help improve the stability of Medicare. Mr. Speaker, we need to pass this now and get on with the serious business of health care reform for our seniors.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. This was an important August for America and for Members of this House. Back in Missouri, I had a number and variety of health care forums, from traditional townhalls to telephone townhalls, to roundtables of health care experts to kitchen table conversations with constituents. What we know is that the current system is broken, unsustainable, and unaffordable. So the number one contributor to our deficit, to personal bankruptcies and costs of those who have insurance has doubled in 10 years. We also know we consider the source of the opponents peddling this information in this debate, the political gamers who just want to bring the President down, the profiteers who are making massive profits over the broken system. We need to have important insurance reforms to reduce costs through competition, and this needs to be deficit neutral. As Congress reconvenes and we prepare to hear the President tonight, we need to continue this great debate, even a spirited debate that we have to find commonsense solutions for the American people. That's what they expect, and that's what they deserve.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the anniversary of the fall of Zepa during the war in Bosnia in 1995. Just a few weeks ago, I attended the Srebrenica genocide remembrance ceremony in Bosnia and Herzegovina to commemorate the thousands of innocent lives lost during the war. It is important to remember these innocent people who lost their lives as Bosnians move forward. This siege on Srebrenica, however, was not an isolated event. On July 25, 1995, Zepa, another U.N.-declared safe haven, also fell to the same forces that took Srebrenica just weeks earlier. The thousands of inhabitants and refugees in Zepa were forced to suffer, and die through a constant downpour of shellfire. In addition to the vast numbers who perished due to the barrage of fire and starvation, an unknown number were taken away never to be seen again, including the Colonel of the Bosnia and Herzegovina army, Avdo Palic, who negotiated the evacuation of approximately 5,000 civilians. Today, a little more than 14 years after the fall of Zepa, I urge us all to remember not only the fall of Zepa, but also the destruction of the other towns of Srebrenica, Zepa, Sarajevo, Gorazde, Bihac, Tuzla, Prijedor, Bjeljina, Visegrad, Foca, and Kozarac, and many others, all of which experienced significant loss. We must remind ourselves of the innocent lives that were lost, and honor their memory. Madam Speaker, while we cannot erase the pain of these losses, let us support the efforts of the families of the missing to learn the fate of their loved ones, and let us support the justice that is necessary for the building of a stable, prosperous, and unified Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Those within and without health insurance share something in common: they both lack stability and security when it comes to coverage, cost, and quality of their health care. Every day, Americans are forced into tough decisions and circumstances that lead them to lose their health care. As the President mentioned last night, on average, 14,000 Americans a day are losing their health care. Health insurance reform means stable coverage that can't be taken away. If your spouse is laid off or changes jobs, you won't lose your coverage. If you or your family or coworker get sick, you won't pay more or lose your coverage. With health insurance reform, no one is able to get between you and your doctor. It will keep government out of health care decisions, allowing you to keep the coverage you have today if you want it. Stability has been missing from our health care system for decades. As we work to get our economy moving again, now is the time to fix it. The proposed health insurance reform bill builds upon what works and fixes what is broken. My constituents strongly want, need, and deserve a more stable and secure health care system. And that's what we need to fight to do.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Science and Technology Committee, I rise today to remember the 40th anniversary of the Apollo Moon landing and the deep sense of pride it gave our Nation. I, like all Americans, watched with amazement as Neil Armstrong declared: ``That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.'' That moment demonstrates the magnitude of American know-how, ingenuity, innovation and our ability to rise to a great challenge. My home city of St. Louis, Missouri, was instrumental in the success of that Moon mission, serving as home to then-McDonnell Douglas, which manufactured components for the third-stage booster rocket for Saturn V. That third-stage booster rocket launched those brave astronauts into lunar orbit, making the historic journey possible. Now it's time to lead the world once again in innovation and science technology, especially as we transition to a new clean energy economy. Americans are ready to be called to action for a great challenge again.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I submit the following letter: Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, July 15, 2009. Hon. David R. Obey, Chairman, Committee on Appropriations. Hon. Ed Pastor, Acting Chairman, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. Hon. Jerry Lewis, Ranking Member, Committee on Appropriations. Hon. Rodney Frelinghuysen, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. Dear Chairmen and Ranking Members: As members of the High- Performance Buildings Caucus, we commend your work on the Energy and Water Appropriations Act of 2010. This Act makes investments in all areas of energy and makes critical investments in our nation's infrastructure. Of those investments, we hope you will give priority consideration to the Energy Efficient Buildings Systems Hub. As a Caucus, we have consistently advocated for investments in a particular element of our nation's infrastructure--our built environment. Each year our nation's homes, offices, schools, and other buildings consume 70 percent of the electricity in the U.S., emit 39 percent of the nation's carbon dioxide emissions, and our citizens spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Investing in the research and development of high-performance building technologies can have a direct impact on decreasing our nation's carbon footprint, reducing costs and improving building energy efficiency. In light of these facts, the Department of Energy fiscal year 2010 budget introduced a request for eight Energy Innovation Hubs, each focused on a specific national energy related topic. These Energy Innovation Hubs would function in a new structure modeled after the research laboratories involved in the Manhattan Project Labs, Lincoln Labs at MIT that developed radar and AT&T Bell Laboratories that developed the transistor. According to the Department of Energy, the proposed Energy Efficient Building Systems Hub would: Develop systems-based approaches to designing commercial and residential buildings that integrate windows and lighting, natural ventilation and HVAC, thermal inertia, on- site energy generation and other factors. Develop building design software with imbedded energy analysis to assist architects and engineers in adopting new technologies for conserving energy. Develop automated operating platforms for real-time optimization of the building control systems, analogous to computer optimization of automobile engine performance. We understand that during difficult economic and budgetary times, we must be especially careful with federal research investments. It is because of our strong belief in the benefits of energy efficiency gains that we believe that this Energy Innovation Hub will offer the best return for our investment. While we understand the concerns of the Appropriations Committee regarding possible redundancies within existing initiatives, we hope to work with the Committee and the Department of Energy to address these specific concerns before moving forward. It is our hope that as this legislation moves forward, we will be able to work with you to address this important issue. Sincerely, Russ Carnahan, Co-Chair, High-Performance Buildings Caucus; Judy Biggert, Co-Chair, High-Performance Buildings Caucus; Earl Blumenauer, Paul Hodes, Dave Loebsack, Bill Foster, Jay Inslee, Edolphus Towns, David Wu, Members of Congress.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I submit the following letter: Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, July 15, 2009. Hon. David R. Obey, Chairman, Committee on Appropriations, Rayburn House Office Building, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC. Hon. Ed Pastor, Acting Chairman, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, Rayburn House Office Building, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Obey and Acting Chairman Pastor: As members of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), we thank and commend you for your continuing leadership in making the investments in clean energy and energy efficiency technologies that are essential for a transition to a cleaner, more prosperous and independent American energy future. As a Coalition we believe firmly in the advancement of the technologies that will provide cleaner, more economically and environmentally sustainable energy to every segment of our economy. Further, as members of SEEC we have fought continuously for investments in research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies that will spawn a new American clean energy economy that will create jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and arrest the progression of global climate change. In a meeting on June 16th, 2009, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu expressed to our members his desire for a new American energy future. As a part of his visionary plan to bring this future to reality, the Secretary called for the creation of eight ``Energy Innovation Hubs'' for the advanced research and development of the energy technologies that will allow America to lead the world in a twenty-first century energy economy. Under the Energy and Water Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2010 legislation, funding has been allocated for the Department of Energy to establish one Energy Innovation Hub. According to the Department of Energy, this Hub would be chartered for the research and development of ``Fuels from Sunlight'' technologies. While we stand with the Secretary of Energy in supporting the research and development of game-changing, twenty-first century fuel technologies, we would like to express support for the establishment of a second Energy Innovation Hub--using existing funding appropriated to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy--for the research and development of ``Energy Efficient Building Systems''. The creation of an Energy Innovation Hub to research and develop advancements in increasing the energy efficiency of buildings is a high priority for the Secretary and the Department of Energy. As a nation, our built environment accounts for 40 percent of our carbon dioxide emissions, and consumes 70 percent of the electricity from our electric grid. A lack of energy efficiency contributes to higher energy prices and greater greenhouse gas emissions for homes and for businesses in every state. Greater and more widespread energy efficiency in buildings would result in lower energy prices, less greenhouse gas emissions, and less wasted use of our energy resources. Therefore, we would like to work with the Committee on Appropriations, the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and the Department of Energy to realize the creation of an Energy Innovation Hub to research and develop Energy Efficient Building Systems. Sincerely, The Members of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, Russ Carnahan, Jared Polis, Jay Inslee, Paul Hodes, Paul Tonko, Tammy Baldwin, Martin Heinrich, Betsy Markey, Donna Christensen, Peter Welch, Bruce Braley, Mike Honda, Jim McDermott, Ben Ray Lujan, Jim Himes, David Loebsack, Members of Congress.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I submit the following letter: High-Performance Building Congressional Caucus Coalition, July 15, 2009. Chairman David Obey, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, H-218 U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC. Ranking Member Jerry Lewis, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, 1016 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Re DOE Energy Efficient Building Systems Hub Dear Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Lewis: As you consider appropriations for the Department of Energy that will impact the energy use associated with buildings, the members of the High-Performance Building Congressional Caucus Coalition (HPBCCC) indicated below, strongly encourage providing funding for the implementation of an innovation hub for energy efficient building systems. High-performance buildings, which address human, environmental, economic and total societal impact, are the result of the application of the highest level design, construction, operation and maintenance principles--a paradigm change for the built environment. The U.S. should continue to improve the features of new buildings, and adapt and maintain existing buildings, to changing balances in our needs and responsibilities for health, safety, energy efficiency and usability by all segments of society. Within the private sector, we have made considerable gains toward the design and construction of energy efficient buildings and equipment. In further pursuit of the nation's energy goals and to fully realize the results of private sector innovation, we look forward to working with you and the Department of Energy to establish public-private partnership programs (including the Energy Efficient Building Systems Hub) to effectively develop and implement energy savings technologies and practices. The High-Performance Building Congressional Caucus Coalition (HPBCCC) is a private sector coalition of leading organizations from the building community formed to provide guidance and support to the High-Performance Building Caucus of the U.S. Congress. The High-Performance Building Caucus of the U.S. Congress was formed to heighten awareness and inform policymakers about the major impact buildings have on our health, safety and welfare and the opportunities to design, construct and operate high-performance buildings that reflect our concern for these impacts. Fundamental to these concerns include protecting life and property, developing novel building technologies, facilitating and enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness, increasing energy efficiency in the built-environment, assuring buildings have minimal climate change impacts and are able to respond to changes in the environment, and supporting the development of private sector standards, codes and guidelines that address these concerns. Sincerely, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air- conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); Glass Association of North America (GANA); AEC Science & Technology; National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA); National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS); The Carpet and Rug Institute; American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC); U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC); International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC); National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC); Green Building Initiative (GBI); American Institute of Architects (AIA). Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI); Portland Cement Association (PCA); International Code Council (ICC); Architecture 2030; Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing; Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Green Builder Media; International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD); Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA); Alliance to Save Energy (ASE); Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA); Green Mechanical Council.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. As co-chair of the Congressional High Performance Building Caucus, I know firsthand that improvements to our built environment are some of the lowest hanging fruit in terms of energy efficiency gains. In the long term, we would work with you, Mr. Chairman, to see that all eight energy innovation hubs are fully funded. In the short term, as we enter into conference with the Senate, we would like to work with you to ensure that the Fuels from Sunlight Hub and the Energy Efficient Building Systems Hub are fully funded. I submit for the Record letters from Members and organizations who also support funding of the energy efficient building systems. I thank you, Mr. Pastor, for your willingness to address this issue, and I look forward to working with you. Congress of the United States, High-Performance Buildings Caucus, Washington, DC, July 15, 2009. Hon. David R. Obey, Chairman, Committee on Appropriations, Washington, DC. Hon. Ed Pastor, Acting Chairman, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, Washington, DC. Hon. Jerry Lewis, Ranking Member, Committee on Appropriations, Washington, DC. Hon. Rodney Frelinghuysen, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, Washington, DC. Dear Chairmen and Ranking Members: As members of the High- Performance Buildings Caucus, we commend your work on the Energy and Water Appropriations Act of 2010. This Act makes investments in all areas of energy and makes critical investments in our nation's infrastructure. Of those investments, we hope you will give priority consideration to the Energy Efficient Buildings Systems Hub. As a Caucus, we have consistently advocated for investments in a particular element of our nation's infrastructure--our built environment. Each year our nation's homes, offices, schools, and other buildings consume 70 percent of the electricity in the U.S., emit 39 percent of the nation's carbon dioxide emissions, and our citizens spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Investing in the research and development of high-performance building technologies can have a direct impact on decreasing our nation's carbon footprint, reducing costs and improving building energy efficiency. In light of these facts, the Department of Energy fiscal year 2010 budget introduced a request for eight Energy Innovation Hubs, each focused on a specific national energy related topic. These Energy Innovation Hubs would function in a new structure modeled after the research laboratories involved in the Manhattan Project Labs, Lincoln Labs at MIT that developed radar and AT&T Bell Laboratories that developed the transistor. According to the Department of Energy, the proposed Energy Efficient Building Systems Hub would: Develop systems-based approaches to designing commercial and residential buildings that integrate windows and lighting, natural ventilation and HVAC, thermal inertia, on- site energy generation and other factors. Develop building design software with imbedded energy analysis to assist architects and engineers in adopting new technologies for conserving energy. Develop automated operating platforms for real-time optimization of the building control systems, analogous to computer optimization of automobile engine performance. We understand that during difficult economic and budgetary times, we must be especially careful with federal research investments. It is because of our strong belief in the benefits of energy efficiency gains that we believe that this Energy Innovation Hub will offer the best return for our investment. While we understand the concerns of the Appropriations Committee regarding possible redundancies within existing initiatives, we hope to work with the Committee and the Department of Energy to address these specific concerns before moving forward. It is our hope that as this legislation moves forward, we will be able to work with you to address this important issue. Sincerely, Russ Carnahan, Co-Chair. Judy Biggert, Co-Chair.

Mr. CARNAHAN. I yield to the gentleman from Arizona.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, due to being unavoidably delayed, I missed the vote on final passage on H.R. 2647 (Roll No. 460). I would have voted in favor of H.R. 2647, had I been present to record my vote. I was present for votes on the previous question, the rule, and amendments; each of which reflect my strong support for this bill.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, last week, the House passed House Resolution 492, recognizing this week as High-Performance Building Week. The resolution aims to provide greater public awareness about the benefits of high-performance buildings, and it works to increase education about the impact buildings have on our environment. Each year, our homes, offices, schools, and other buildings consume 70 percent of our electricity, 60 percent of all raw materials, and they emit 40 percent of all CO2 emissions in the U.S. By designing and building high-performance buildings, we reduce energy consumption and our carbon footprint. We save both water and raw materials. We save demolition and construction debris from going into landfills. Most importantly, high-performance building construction creates good-paying jobs that give workers the valuable skills they need to excel in a clean energy economy. It is my hope that Members will use this week to highlight the importance that buildings have on our environment and for Congress to continue to support future research, development and the deployment of high-performance building technologies.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this Foreign Relations Authorization Act. It provides the necessary resources for the State Department to fully carry out its core mission--U.S. diplomacy based on smart power as advanced by President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton--from authorizing funding for the U.N., for peacekeeping operations, for international organizations to establishing a critical study abroad program and doubling the size of the Peace Corps. This bill provides critical support for the State Department in helping to restore our image around the world--all critical tools for U.S. diplomatic power. One of my particular interests is in looking for ways to increase and to enhance study abroad programs. Having studied overseas myself in undergrad, I am very pleased with the inclusion of the Paul Simon Study Abroad Act. American students who live and study in other countries not only gain invaluable experience, but they serve as some of America's best ambassadors. I want to thank the chairman for including this provision as well as my amendment, which will ensure that existing study abroad programs have equal access to grant funding so that they can expand their already successful missions. Mr. Chairman, thank you for your work on this bill. It will make a substantial difference in our diplomatic efforts to reengage the world.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, it has been barely over 100 days since the Recovery Act was passed by this Congress and signed into law by President Obama. Since the recession began, Americans have understandingly been worried about our Nation's future and their own economic future. Because of the Recovery Act, we have created and saved over 150,000 jobs, cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans, and made funds available for over 4,000 transportation projects across the country. We have made progress in a short time, but there is still a lot more to do on the road to recovery. I commend President Obama on his efforts to speed up those efforts to get Americans back to work even faster. The Department of Transportation is quickly putting $27.5 billion to work creating jobs in my home State of Missouri and across the country to rebuild and repair highways, roads, and bridges. By the end of 2010, the funds will have created or saved an additional 150,000 jobs. Investments in our national transportation system are critical to our long-term economic success, and part of getting there will be putting people back to work rebuilding America on the road to recovery.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Chair, as a Congressman from St. Louis a major aviation hub and a member of the Aviation Subcommittee, I rise today in strong support of the FAA Reauthorization. Thanks to Chairmen Oberstar and Costello for their leadership and dedication to bring this bill to the floor again. A long term reauthorization of the FAA is long overdue. We need a four year reauthorization to provide stability to airport development projects and modernizing the aging air traffic control system. This legislation authorizes nearly $70 billion in needed investments in FAA programs over the next four years to help meet the growing demand on our system. The Federal Aviation Administration estimates over the next seven to twelve years our airlines will carry more than one billion passengers. Without expanded capacity airports will not be able to serve the increases in passengers. Airport capital investment is critical to accommodate growth and improve service. As you all know passenger facility charges are critical to funding these projects. Additionally, this legislation will increase the cap on passenger facility charges from $4.50 to $7.00. This increase would generate $1.1 billion in additional revenue for airport development annually. I am pleased to see a significant increase in the Airport Improvement Program. Over the four year life of the bill's authorization this amounts to an additional $1 billion in authorized funds for AIP. This increase in funding will be especially helpful to airports, like Lambert St. Louis International Airport, that are especially reliant on AIP funding. Also, critical to handling the expected increases in the number of passengers is modernizing our air transportation system. The FAA Reauthorization includes $13.4 billion for FAA Facilities and Equipment to accelerate the implementation of Next Generation Air Transportation System to modernize our air transportation system. Again, thank you for the time and I urge my colleagues to support this transformational FAA Reauthorization.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes. I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 171. I, too, want to thank Chairman Berman and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen and their staffs for their time and efforts in bringing this bill to the floor. I have advocated for increased attention in the Balkans, and especially to the needs of Bosnia Herzegovina, a country with a long, rich tradition of multiethnic communities living and working together. I asked Secretary Clinton about this just a few weeks ago when she appeared before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and I think she, too, agrees that there needs to be renewed attention to this country. I hope this resolution is another step toward U.S. reengagement in the region and offering Bosnia the support that it needs. This resolution recognizes the need for constitutional reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina and highlights the importance of sustained U.S. engagement in partnership with the European Union. As a founding member and co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Bosnia with my colleague, Chris Smith from New Jersey, and having the distinct pleasure of representing a growing, vibrant community of Bosnian-Americans in the St. Louis, Missouri, region, one of the largest communities of Bosnian-Americans in the country, I am pleased to support this resolution. I especially want to highlight two clauses in this resolution that I think are of particular importance. First, we need to continue our efforts, both here and at the ICTY, to achieve justice for victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, as well as to promote reconciliation among ethnic groups. Secondly, that the appointment of a Special Envoy to the Balkans who can work in partnership with the EU, Bosnia, and other leaders will help redirect the U.S. commitment to the region. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, after years of neglect, President Obama and the new Congress are taking on the Nation's energy crisis. This Congress is now making the tough decisions necessary to move the country in a new direction, create green jobs and build a clean energy economy. Conserving energy by turning around our economy will require the help and participation of every American. The good news is that everyone can save money and help grow a clean energy economy. We can use less and save more by using energy-efficient weatherization technologies and appliances in our buildings. Consumers can save hundreds off their energy bills by using cost-saving, energy-efficient technology. In my home State of Missouri, over $128 million in recovery funds have been made available to help low-income families weatherize their homes, improving the environment around us and their pocketbooks during these challenging times. And on top of that, investments made into building more energy-efficient homes and public buildings create jobs right here at home that cannot be outsourced.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, yesterday I had the pleasure to meet Phil Keoghan host of CBS's Amazing Race as he stopped in Washington, DC, on his way from Los Angeles to New York. His journey across America by bike is designed to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis--a disease I feel strongly about educating people and promoting research for treatment and cures. MS is a disease that can stop people from moving--something many of us take for granted each day. Too little is known about MS, too few treatments exist and too many people struggle to access the treatments they are prescribed. During his journey across the United States Phil has climbed many hills and faced downpours of rain, all designed to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. As co-chair of the Congressional MS Caucus I have had the privilege of meeting many inspirational people like Phil Keoghan who are working on behalf of people living with MS. The awareness he and others have brought to multiple sclerosis and cycling as a healthy activity is invaluable. I am pleased of the work the MS Caucus has been able to do in just a short amount of time, but there is certainly still more to be done. As we in Congress debate health care reform it is important to keep in mind that the current system is broken for millions of Americans, specifically over 45 million Americans without coverage, and it must be fixed now. Everyone is deserving of the right to affordable and accessible health care--something Phil has championed. We have a lot of work ahead of us but we have great momentum. Inspirational activists like Phil Keoghan will help make sure that we do something about MS now. I congratulate Phil for undertaking this worthwhile challenge and wish him luck in his final days in his trip across the U.S.