Russ Carnahan

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. I want to thank the gentleman for his remarks. The ranking member has asked to speak for the remaining time, so I would yield that 1 minute to our ranking member, the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mr. CARNAHAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also want to add my voice to encouraging our chairman and ranking member to continue to work together to find that common ground. I know they have worked on this, but there obviously is more work to be done, and I want to encourage that. It is the only way we are going to get things done in this House. I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their work on the committee and on this bill. I also want to thank the bipartisan High-Performance Building Caucus that I've worked with over the last several years that has helped bring focus on more efficient management and technology for our built environment. The amendment that I offer here tonight will ensure that the Federal Government makes better decisions in the construction or leasing of Federal facilities, decisions that save taxpayer dollars. The U.S. Federal Government manages a large inventory of approximately 429,000 buildings, with a total square footage of 3.34 billion worldwide. As we know, buildings are resource intensive, accounting for 40 percent of primary energy use in the U.S., 12 percent of water consumption, and 60 percent of nonindustrial waste. Federal facilities account for 0.4 percent of the Nation's energy usage. With such a large energy footprint and related costs, it is only common sense that the Federal Government fully understand both the short- and long-term cost of the construction and lease for a facility. My amendment ensures that future construction and leased projects reflect the best use of Federal dollars and the greatest value for taxpayers. My amendment does this by requiring the use of life-cycle cost analysis in the design or lease of a Federal building where the project is receiving at least 50 percent Federal funding. Life-cycle cost analysis is the most accurate method for assessing the total cost of facility ownership. It takes into account all costs of acquiring, owning, and disposing of a building or building system. It is a whole picture assessment of a project instead of only looking at the immediate upfront costs. This would provide valuable insight into the real long-term costs of a facility and encourage the construction or lease of the facilities that provide the best results for the lowest overall cost. The process of life-cycle analysis makes for sound fiscal policy and increases transparency and accountability while allowing our building planners to account for the full long-term costs of projects. Life-cycle budgeting ensures that we make the best decisions and get the most value when it comes to our infrastructure. We know that it can be marginally more expensive to construct an energy efficient facility, but over the long term, the same facility saves money in energy and water costs that actually make the building a better investment. My amendment will ensure that Federal agencies have a complete picture and understand ongoing budgetary obligations when considering construction or leasing of a facility. Agencies should use this tool to consider the total cost of ownership of their buildings, including long-term operating life-cycle costs. This amendment requires Federal agencies to use life-cycle cost analysis of the overall spending on design, construction, operation, and maintenance to reflect the best use of agency funds. I thank my colleagues for recognizing the importance of this issue, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, this Saturday, January 28 at noon, Iraq war veterans will be honored by a returning heroes parade in downtown St. Louis. This is significant not only because these war veterans deserve this welcome home, but because St. Louis is the first city in the Nation to hold such an event. The organizers are simply called the January 28 Group, a grassroots organization which launched a social network campaign to raise awareness and money to stage the parade and a veterans' resource event to follow. The January 28 Group is partnering with St. Louis-based veterans service organizations, including The Mission Continues, which works to help veterans transfer their military leadership skills to civilian life. They say Missouri is the ``Show-Me'' State, but this time the compassionate and patriotic people of St. Louis are showing the Nation just how quickly you can mobilize to give back to those who have given so much to our Nation. I salute you all, and wish you success for the returning heroes parade at noon this coming Saturday, January 28, in downtown St. Louis.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, last week, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta declared an end to the war in Iraq, fulfilling President Obama's pledge to bring the war to a responsible close. This marks an important milestone for the U.S., and it symbolizes our redefined relationship with a sovereign Iraq. Thanks to the resilience and bravery of our soldiers and civilian personnel, all U.S. combat troops in Iraq will be home by the end of the year. I want to congratulate them on being able to share their holiday seasons together again. We also honor the memory of lost heroes, and we renew our commitment to ensure that our new generation of veterans receives the services and care we promised and the veterans earned. At a time when families are struggling to make ends meet, our commitments to help veterans is more important than ever to ensure they successfully transition their talents here at home for the good of our economy and our country. On behalf of the Missouri citizens I represent, I wish our brave troops and all their loved ones a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year home on American soil.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on H. Res. 306, regarding religious freedom in Turkey, a longtime friend and ally of the United States. The value we in America place on freedom of religion goes to the very heart of American democracy, and we have a strong interest in promoting religious freedom globally. As with other indicators of democracy and human rights, nations that respect religious tolerance generally enjoy greater economic prosperity and social stability. While I support this resolution and encourage further progress on religious freedom in Turkey, I also believe we must seek to support these standards in an even-handed manner. I would like to emphasize the importance of U.S.-Turkish relations. From Turkey's critical support in Afghanistan and elsewhere, as a uniquely positioned NATO ally and their substantial humanitarian contributions in response to famine in the Horn of Africa to Turkey's efforts in support of the Syrian people as the Assad regime's brutality intensifies, Turkey continues to be a strong partner in addressing some of the world's most vexing problems. As revolutionary calls for democratic governance sound throughout the Middle East and North Africa, we must continue to work closely with Turkey, whose position as a democratic, majority Muslim country can play a positive role in transitions in the region. Moreover, I would like to acknowledge the positive steps that the Turkish government has taken to address issues of religious freedom and tolerance. This August, the Turkish government issued a decree inviting non-Muslims to reclaim churches and synagogues that were confiscated 75 years ago and has eased some citizenship requirements on Orthodox clergy. Unfortunately, H. Res. 306 omits recognition of these important commitments. While issues remain, particularly with regard to the Ecumenical Patriarch, I am encouraged by the efforts that have been made and hope for further progress. As a member of the Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans, I look forward to the ongoing alliance between our countries.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, it's no secret that my Republican colleagues really don't want to extend the payroll tax cuts and unemployment insurance. Republican Members have called it a gimmick. They've admitted the only reason they brought it up for a vote was that they didn't want to take the political heat for raising taxes on the middle class. But instead of coming up with an honest compromise designed to actually pass, Republicans have filed a bill with provisions that wind up actually hurting the middle class and many still struggling in this slow economy. Playing risky political games with our clean air, our clean water, raising Medicare premiums on seniors, that's not the way Americans expect us to govern, and designing a bill that can't pass is the type of political games that my Missouri constituents are fed up with. We need an honest bill now. I call on my Republican colleagues to stop the obstruction, stop the distraction, stop the games. Let's pass a real payroll tax bill now.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a remarkable St. Louis businesswoman and friend, Katherine Anderson. Katherine was the CEO of Andy's Seasonings, a small St. Louis family business that grew to be a nationwide success. Katherine and her husband started the business in 1981 in the heart of St. Louis; and after her husband's death in 1996, she left her job in the city government to focus her full-time efforts on growing the company. She embodied all of the characteristics of a successful business owner. Her dedication, perseverance, and hard work paid off. Andy's Seasonings employs over 40 St. Louisians, and its 11 products are seen in restaurants around the country. It's small businesses like these that allow a region to compete and flourish. It's special people like Katherine Anderson that have truly made a mark on St. Louis and beyond. She will be greatly missed; but through her sons Lawrence, Michael, and Roy, the rest of her family, her inspiration and influence and legacy will live on.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3630, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act. I apologize that I was not able to vote on the question of consideration of the resolution for the Rule on H.R. 3630. I was in an important meeting with constituents at the time the vote was called and was not able to make it to the capitol in time. Had I been available, I would have voted ``no'' on this resolution so the House could work on a serious proposal to extend the payroll tax holiday, unemployment insurance, and Medicare payments. H.R. 3630 makes cuts to essential programs, such as education, healthcare, and energy and contains several poison pill policy riders unrelated to the crucial issues of payroll tax and unemployment insurance that make this bill a political stunt, not a legitimate policy proposal. This bill as currently constructed is not about tax cuts for the middle class or creating jobs, rather, it is about political ideologies and severing bi-partisan agreements. H.R. 3630 will severely cut unemployment insurance and federal employee benefits at a time when our economy cannot afford the damage these cuts will inflict. We need to focus on cutting taxes for the middle class and closing loopholes so that big corporations and the ultra-rich pay their fair share. Furthermore, H.R. 3630 includes cuts to hospitals which would devastate the patients and the communities these hospitals serve. Specifically, the plan calls for significant cuts to funding for hospital outpatient care and Medicare ``bad debt'' that helps hospitals care for low-income seniors. At the same time, the measure fails to include expiring provisions that help provide care in rural America. In my district in Saint Louis, hospitals are an important source of jobs, like many communities throughout America. I cannot support a bill that would surely lead to cut backs in not only services for our seniors, but also to cuts in jobs in my community. I strongly oppose this legislation, and hope to work on a serious compromise that provides real relief for the middle class and creates jobs for Americans.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to clarify my position on H.R. 1254, the Synthetic Drug Control Act. My vote in support of H.R. 1254 is not without reservations. I support this legislation because the health and safety of our citizens is my primary concern. This legislation will protect our communities, and particularly our youth, from more than forty new and dangerous synthetic drugs. These substances have been the cause of violent incidents and numerous deaths around the nation and it is preferable to immediately list them as Schedule I as opposed to allowing them to continue to be abused in our communities. Criminalizing these substances, however, will not solve the root problem of drug abuse in our communities. I have serious concerns about the over-criminalization of drugs. Mandatory minimum sentences lead to over-capacity criminal justice and prison systems at significant burden to taxpayers. I have long advocated for a comprehensive approach to drug abuse treatment, including education, prevention, treatment, research, and enforcement. In fact, I have authored legislation to expand accessible treatment, especially for underserved communities, and research into cutting edge treatment therapies. Responsible law enforcement is just the way to address this issue, and it must be executed in conjunction with a robust and multifaceted approach that targets the root of drug abuse problems. I also have concerns about the impact of penalties in H.R. 1254 on our scientific research processes. While, it is regrettable that H.R. 1254 circumvents the process for listing drugs as laid out in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), it is necessary in this circumstance. The evidentiary procedure in CSA has worked well for determining the listing of new substances. Unfortunately, it can be time-intensive and the law enforcement community, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Justice, supports the immediate listing of these synthetic drugs because of the harm they inflict on our communities. This bill increases the length of time that a new substance can be temporarily scheduled by the DEA, thereby allowing more time for the usual CSA listing process to be carried out. Throughout my career I have supported scientific research. The study of synthetic drugs is important for understanding their impact on health and their potential beneficial uses. Unfortunately, most of the substances included in this legislation have not been subjected to extensive scientific study, and I am concerned that listing them as Schedule I drugs may inhibit the study of these drugs. While the DEA has a procedure for scientists to study Schedule I controlled substances, it presents greater barriers for scientists to work with these drugs. As of October 4, 2011, the DEA has 325 researchers conducting research with Schedule I controlled substances. These researchers include research centers and universities who seek to better understand the effects of Schedule I controlled substances. Additionally, as of October 4, 2011, the DEA has 3,983 active registrants who manufacture, research, and conduct chemical analysis with Schedule I controlled substances. I encourage the scientific community to continue their efforts to understand these and other drugs.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Lemay Fire District, which will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2012. The history of Lemay Fire District can be traced back as early as 1902. Due to unrestricted building, no fire protection, and bad roads, some insurance companies refused to write insurance in the Lemay area. So, after several disastrous fires, the Luxemburg Improvement Association organized a volunteer fire department in 1902. The Longwood Volunteer Fire Department Fire Association was organized two years later to provide protection to the south side of Lemay. There still remained an area between the two that had no fire protection, so a group of citizens organized the Bismark Heights Volunteer Fire Department. The department added equipment through the years but had experienced difficulty keeping track and caring for the equipment. So in July 1911, the Bismark Heights Volunteer Department incorporated so it could have recourse to law to protect the equipment. This incorporation would eventually lead to the Lemay Fire Protection District. In 1917 the Bismark Heights Volunteer Department changed its name to Dewey Heights Volunteer Fire Department, the change being recorded in 1922. A fire house was built in the summer of 1919 at the corner of Orient and Erskine Avenue. On December 6, 1920 the Longwood and Luxemburg Volunteer Fire departments were invited to consolidate with Dewey Heights as one organization. By 1921, both departments turned their equipment and assets over to Dewey Heights. In 1933, a tag system was introduced to pay for the protection which consisted of 1500 people. Later that year, full time firefighters were added, giving 24 hour service. In May 1942, the voters in the Lemay area approved a tax-supported fire district. The Dewey Heights Fire Department was officially named the Lemay Fire Protection District. The district operated out of the fire station located at Erskine and Orient Avenue until 1992. In 1979, the fire district added another service to help the community; it hired paramedics and established an ambulance service. The fire district not only responded to fires, but began treating and transporting sick and injured people to the hospital. In 1991, land was purchased, and a new firehouse was built at 1201 Telegraph Road in central Lemay. The firehouse opened in 1992 and is still being used today. The great flood of 1993 impacted the Lemay area and the Lemay Fire District responded to help its citizens once again. The north part of Lemay has been flooded causing propane tanks to become loose and creating an exposing hazard. With the help of many fire agencies, the disaster was prevented and lives were saved. The Lemay Fire Protection District continues to serve the citizens of Lemay with twenty four firefighters. While many things have changed over the last 100 years, the one constant that has remained the same has been the unwavering commitment to the community.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Why aren't we talking about jobs today? We are here on the floor to talk about this bill, this so-called Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act. Not surprisingly, it is neither democratic nor fair. It is, in fact, a blatant attack on workers' rights, the latest in a long line of Republican assaults on workers. This time the right wing is attacking the very right to organize. Labor unions helped create the middle class and build the American dream. They helped establish for all American workers much-needed protections and bargaining rights for wages and workforce conditions. This bill would undo that progress. The anti-worker bill would also empower employers to engage in anti- union campaigns and weaken the NLRB and their ability to protect people from unfair treatment at work. Just as voters in Wisconsin and Ohio stood together to stop the Republican assault on workers, today I stand here on the floor against yet another assault on working families. When will we get beyond yet another Republican sideshow and get back to talking about jobs?

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. It has been 45 weeks since the Republican Party took control of this House, and they still haven't passed a serious jobs bill. In fact, it's just the opposite. They've blocked proposals that will put millions back to work--to play political games while people are hurting and to attack the President's job instead of creating jobs. Last week, we honored those who have fought to protect our country, many of whom are returning to a tough job market. That's why, this week, my office held a veterans' job seminar in St. Louis. When our troops return home, they deserve our promises kept. The American Jobs Act will get more than 1 million Americans back to work--teachers, firefighters, police, construction workers. It will encourage small businesses to grow and hire. Next week, we will celebrate Thanksgiving--a holiday that brings families and communities together. As well next week, I hope those in this people's House, who have so clearly lost touch, will hear loud and clear from the people they represent and will come back with renewed focus to pull together in order to tackle the common challenges we face as a Nation.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. I am honored to represent a district in the St. Louis, Missouri, region near the confluence of the mighty Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers, an area where inland waterway commerce is vital to our economic well-being as well as to recreation, security, and safety. In a normal year on the inland waterway system, between 500 and 700 million tons of bulk commodities with a current approximate value of nearly $125 billion are moved an average of roughly 500 miles to produce in excess of 300 billion ton-miles of freight transportation. When given a choice, heavy bulk shippers often choose barge transportation on our waterways. It is estimated that barge shippers and their customers save more than $7 billion annually by utilizing inland waterways. As lawmakers, especially during these difficult economic times, we must do everything in our power to facilitate trade and economic activity. That's why this Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Reauthorization Act is so critical to get it right. But we also see in this bill, as prior speakers have mentioned, the patchwork of ballast water regulations that have hampered our inland waterways trade and imposed unnecessary cost on business. I applaud the effort to create a national minimum standard to protect our environment while creating certainty and stability for the industry. But I do support Representative Bishop's amendment that strikes the right balance. It allows States' rights and unique interests to be protected within no-discharge zones. I hope that eventually we can work out a compromise. I applaud the efforts of both sides in trying to reach that, and I hope that effort will continue. I hope this bill can find broad support that addresses the needs of the goods movement industry while still protecting our environment. I think we can and need to do both. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this important work and again urge my colleagues to hit the right balance to be sure we are taking care of the men and women that serve us in the Coast Guard, to be sure they can continue to serve us and the entire country.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, with less than 2 months left in 2011, this Republican-controlled House has yet to focus on the top issues facing our country: creating jobs, growing our economy, and rebuilding the American Dream. Back home in St. Louis, I have seen firsthand how businesses, families, seniors, and students are frustrated and suffering because of inaction, obstruction, and political games in this Congress. Last week I met with business owners in my home State, including a commercial and residential plumbing company in St. Louis. That business is suffering from the terrible housing market and poor economy. It's our responsibility to work to help our constituents who have built businesses that have been hard-hit by these tough times. The President has proposed the American Jobs Act which would help put people back to work. And independent economists say this bill would help create more than 1 million jobs. It's time for action. We cannot retreat to our ideological corners and ignore the challenges that we face. I will work with anyone, anywhere, anytime to grow the economy and help create jobs. I challenge my colleagues to work with that same spirit. It's time we pull together and put our country first.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deepest condolences and solidarity with the people of Turkey in the aftermath of the devastating 7.2 earthquake which struck eastern Turkey early this week. Centered in the Eris district of Van, it triggered the collapse of approximately 2,000 buildings, leaving in its wake a death toll in the hundreds that is unfortunately bound to rise over the next several days and weeks. The latest reports indicate that there has been some difficulty in delivering relief to those who so desperately need it, due to conditions on the ground. With the first snows of the area usually falling in November, there could be many more deaths as a result of exposure, as structural damage and aftershocks keep people from returning to their homes. As a member of the Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans, I am thankful for the Administration's offer to provide assistance to the Turkish government in its relief efforts. I encourage the U.S. government and the international community to continue to be vigilant on ways they can help recovery efforts in Turkey. When faced with a wide array of challenges over the decades, from the Korean War to our current mission in Afghanistan, Turkey has been a valuable friend and ally. In the wake of such destruction and hardship, the U.S. reaffirms its solidarity with Turkey. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Turkey at this difficult time.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Over 200,000 women and men in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, resulting in almost 40,000 deaths--a terrible and tragic reality for too many individuals, families, and communities all across the country. To date, early screening has proved essential in successfully combating breast cancer. Mammograms are the key to ensuring the men and women who are plagued with this disease are able to catch it early and significantly increase the chances of surviving. Breast cancer research has come so far, but we must continue the fight until all people, no matter their background, can live in a world free of the disease. Until we reach that day we must continue to encourage our friends, family members, and peers to undergo early screening for breast cancer.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of valued public servant, one of Missouri's finest first responders, Gail Chatfield. As our nation recently commemorated the tenth anniversary of 9/11, we honored those first responders who risked their lives to save others. Gail's life was one of unselfish public service. He served our nation during the Korean War, served as a firefighter for 22 years, as a state legislator in the Missouri General Assembly, and as Missouri's state Fire Marshall, appointed by my father Governor Mel Carnahan. Gail was a leader who led quietly by example. He was competent, determined, and accomplished many great things, and did so with a sense of duty, purpose and humility. In addition to his tireless public service, Gail was a loving husband, and a dedicated father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife Lois; their four children Keith, Kathy, Greg, Pamela; four grandchildren, and two great-grand children. He will be missed by his family and the community at large. Today, I ask my colleagues to stand with me and honor his life, his accomplishments, and his family.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. This weekend marks the 100th anniversary of the University of Missouri's homecoming celebration. In 1911, University of Missouri Athletics Director Chester Brewer invited Missouri alumni to come home to campus for the football game against the University of Kansas. The game was capped by a parade and spirit rally to celebrate the ``coming home'' of so many alumni. Thus started the tradition of ``homecoming'' at the University of Missouri, an event that has served as a model for homecoming celebrations across the country. Each year, thousands of students and alumni come home to celebrate one of the university's greatest traditions. Homecoming at Mizzou has gone beyond school pride and football. Through this event, Mizzou has broken the world record for the largest peacetime blood drive on a college campus, and has organized other large community service events. Moreover, the University of Missouri's homecoming celebration was recently named the best homecoming in the Nation. My wife, Debra, and I and three generations of my family are fortunate to be alumni of the University of Missouri. As a proud alum, I would like to congratulate the University of Missouri and generations of alumni on this historic milestone of 100 years of coming home to Mizzou.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, the President has proposed the American Jobs Act to get people back to work. The bill will revitalize American manufacturing and invest in infrastructure to create jobs now. It contains proven ideas for job creation that received bipartisan support, and economists agree. Mark Zandi at Moody's says passing this bill will create almost 2 million jobs and won't add a dime to the deficit. So why aren't we passing the bill now? Sadly, last night, Senate Republicans stood with House Republicans to stop the American Jobs Act from even coming to a vote. In fact, in 40 weeks in which they have been in control of the House, Republican leaders have never called a vote on a jobs bill. It's time we put the country first in the face of this tough economy. Last month, I welcomed some amazing World War II veterans to their memorial here in D.C., who shared with me their great challenges of their time, how they set their differences aside and pulled together for the good of the country. Now, Mr. Speaker, with the great economic challenges we face today, it is time for us to pull together for the good of the country.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 846, which would designate the name of the United States courthouse in Jefferson City, Missouri as the Christopher S. Bond United States Courthouse. We would like to congratulate Mr. Bond on behalf of our office for this prestigious honor. Mr. Bond served the State of Missouri for over 4 decades, beginning as the Assistant Attorney General in 1969, where he led the Consumer Protection Division. He then went on to be elected Missouri State Auditor in 1970 until 1973. Later in 1973, at the age of 33, he was elected Governor of Missouri, making him the youngest Governor in the State's history. He served as Governor from 1973 until 1977, and again from 1981 until 1985. Mr. Bond then went on to serve as a United States Senator from 1987 until his retirement in January of 2011. Kit Bond has served our State and our Country with dedication, and naming the United States Courthouse after him is an appropriate manner in which to show our appreciation for all of his hard work over the last 40 years for the people of Missouri and all Americans. Once again, on behalf of our office and the entire State of Missouri, we would like to congratulate him and we wish him the best.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, our nation most recently commemorated the tenth anniversary of 9-11; honoring those first responders who risked their lives to save others. Today, I rise to recognize the life of one of Missouri's finest first responders: Gail Chatfield. Gail Chatfield's life was one of unselfish public service. Gail served our nation in the Armed Services during the Korean War, dedicated his life to ensure others were safe by serving in the St. Louis Fire Department from 1957-79. Gail also was elected to the Missouri General Assembly, representing the citizens of the City of St. Louis; he fought continuously for affordable healthcare for his fellow citizens. Gail's public service did not end there: My father, Governor Mel Carnahan appointed Gail as Missouri's Fire Marshal, serving from 1993-1995. He served on the St. Louis Labor Council (AFL-CIO). Gail was a leader who led quietly by example. He was competent, determined, and accomplished many great things, especially in the important field of public safety, all done with a sense of duty, purpose and humility. Gail was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and great- grandfather. His wife Lois, and their four children Keith, Kathy, Greg, Pamela and the Chatfield grandchildren, great-grandchildren will miss him. He dedicated his life to helping others whether it was performing his heroics in a fire or working in the Missouri General Assembly helping those less fortunate--Gail was friend to many Missourians. He was friend of mine. I will miss him.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, we voted last week on a plan put forward by my Republican colleagues that I strongly opposed and was rejected by the Senate because it would have ended Medicare as we know it while preserving giveaways to Big Oil and corporations shipping jobs overseas. Now Speaker Boehner has introduced a new plan which he says follows the spirit of the last plan. Rating agencies say Mr. Boehner's plan won't work. It won't prevent a ratings downgrade, it will destroy hundreds of thousand of jobs, weaken the American dollar, and raise interest rates on loans to keep families in their homes and students in school. It is a plan that experts tell us up front won't work, is not worth voting on, let alone passing. Instead of retreating to our partisan quarters and refusing to cooperate, when the going gets tough we expect leaders to get to work. This default crisis is a test of leadership and those willing to drive our country over the economic cliff fail that test and need to get serious.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, it is time to come together and put an end to this debt default crisis. Economists and business leaders warn us that failing to pay our Nation's bills would spell disaster for this economy. Interest rates would skyrocket, the dollar plummet, our modest economic recovery wiped away. Are my Republican colleagues really going to continue to hold the U.S. hostage to protect special interests, subsidies for big oil, and profitable corporations sending jobs overseas at the expense of seniors? Are my Republican colleagues really going to drive this economy over the cliff? Last year they promised America a jobs agenda, and now they confess they have none. Nearly a thousand of my constituents have contacted my office in the last two weeks concerned about the consequences of default. One writes: ``If our elected leaders . . . let our country fall into default, it would be inexcusable. There must be compromise.'' It is time to stop focusing on political posturing and give the American people the leadership they deserve for a stronger American future.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Chair, I move to strike the last word. During this time of economic uncertainty it is important to invest in the future. High speed rail will play a vital role in modernizing our transportation infrastructure, and we must prioritize its further development. If we are to remain economically competitive with the rest of the world, we must invest robustly in our infrastructure and create a true, world class transportation system. High speed rail will revolutionize the transportation industry, and its development will add valuable jobs to our economy. I am firmly against this bill, which would rescind unobligated funds from high speed rail projects. While I fully support our disaster recovery efforts, there is no reason to do this at the expense of our rail infrastructure. This is merely a ploy by Republicans to cut off funding for a priority area for President Obama. As a country we cannot afford to ignore this opportunity to create millions of jobs and develop a comprehensive high speed rail system. These cuts would drastically affect the State of Missouri, putting plans for a St. Louis-Kansas high speed rail corridor in jeopardy. We would also lose almost 8,000 jobs and nearly $300 million in funding for high speed rail projects, including $3 million in the 3rd District which I represent. There is no question that we must curtail excessive government spending, a process that will require some belt tightening. But it makes no sense to cut funding for programs, such as high speed rail construction, that will foster sustained, long-term economic growth for America. I urge all of my colleagues to consider the numerous benefits the high speed rail program will bring to all Americans and to vote against cutting the program's funding. We cannot allow our current fiscal challenges to prevent us from investing in the future while simultaneously helping to kick start our economy.