Russ Carnahan

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, today, as Women's History Month comes to a close it is a good time to reflect on the many accomplishments women have been part of and to address what needs to be done further to fully carry out equality for all and get our economy back on track. As we experience the most serious economic crisis since the Great Depression we will need the leadership of all Americans including strong leaders like Speaker Nancy Pelosi who was the first woman chosen as Speaker by her colleagues and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who ran an historic campaign for the presidency. Both who have broken and shattered the glass ceiling have demonstrated remarkable accomplishment the nation can be confident in during these tough times. This nation has faced multiple challenges that we have faced with the help of strong women. And today many women face challenges of succeeding in the workplace, caring for their family including their aging parents. I am proud of the work this Congress has done in a short amount of time for American working women. It is telling that President Barack Obama's first bill signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act that reverses a Supreme Court ruling that made it more difficult for Americans to pursue pay discrimination claims. At a time when too many workers are seeing their jobs and wages slashed, we've got to make sure that all Americans are paid fairly for their hard work. Congress has also passed significant tax cuts for working women and major investments in health care. To help get us out of this economic mess we also created thousands of jobs where women have new opportunities including contracting opportunities and the availability of small business loans. Speaker Pelosi said it best: ``Women want what men want: an equal opportunity to succeed, a safe and prosperous America, good paying jobs, better access to affordable health care, and the best possible education for our children.'' President Obama and this Congress have made progress with all those issues in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will continue to build upon those accomplishments with the passage of the President's budget blueprint, which makes investments in health care, energy and education--all intended to create jobs.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, the fallout from the failed policies of the last 8 years will take time to turn around. The Bush administration inherited a record surplus of $5.6 trillion, and turned it into a record deficit of $5.8 trillion. President Obama's budget is a long-term plan to turn the economy around and transform it for future prosperity, with targeted investments in health care, energy, and education. The plan takes steps to reduce health care costs, one of the largest contributors to the deficit and a growing burden on American businesses like the auto industry. The budget includes $2 trillion worth of savings, ending the war in Iraq, cutting programs that are not effective, and ending tax breaks for corporations that ship jobs overseas. My constituents who are struggling to make ends meet continue to urge me to support this budget. The American people understand this commonsense blueprint for change is exactly what we need for these challenging times. They understand it cuts taxes for 95 percent of Americans, cuts wasteful spending, cuts the deficit in half over 4 years. What this budget grows is jobs. We can't afford to wait.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, today both American families and businesses are struggling to make ends meet during these tough economic times. Like President Obama, I am optimistic that America can and will build the cars of the future. When GM and Chrysler are both asking for additional taxpayer dollars, it is only common sense they explore every option to tackle this crisis. Both companies must be pressed to once again lead the world in car manufacturing. Chrysler's best option is to make an alliance with an outside company like Fiat, to make a successful product that can profit and sustain itself for the future. I am optimistic about what a more advanced engine could do for the company and its workers. The men and women at the Fenton plant in Missouri helped Chrysler survive in the early eighties, and I fully expect them to be an integral part of Chrysler's future survival. It is essential that Chrysler continue at least the same amount of current manufacturing in the U.S. today, and Fiat is committed to do that, and that they continue to grow production in the U.S. as the auto industry rebounds. My constituents, who have helped make the Fenton plant the state-of- the-art facility it is today, rightfully expect their tax-funded assistance to create American jobs. The auto industry must make tough choices to keep their loyal and hardworking workforce employed and, once again, become the world's leader. And Congress must also make the difficult choices to get out of this economic and fiscal crisis and move America in a new direction.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud of the work Congress and the President have accomplished in just over 2 months: Expanded health care for 11 million children; assistance to families to maintain their health coverage through COBRA; funds to help States prevent cuts to Medicaid; and investments in safe and cost-saving electronic health record technology. Some naysayers claim that the President and Congress are doing too much too soon. But we cannot fix our economy without fixing our broken health care system. And that's why I'm here today, to mark Cover the Uninsured Week with a call to action, action to achieve comprehensive health care reform, not next year, not in 4 years, but this year. We have over 45 million individuals who lack health coverage in this country. Fifty-six billion dollars in unpaid bills are driving up the cost of insurance for everyone. Reforming health care will strengthen our middle class, help businesses create jobs and be competitive, rebuild the economy and put our Nation on a sound financial footing far into the future. Now is the time for comprehensive health care reform.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, yesterday, the New Democrat Coalition including myself met with President Obama at the White House to discuss legislative strategy including the looming crisis of health care. Missourians I represent expect their leaders to talk straight and provide common-sense solutions. President Obama and the new Congress have been doing just that. This year we have sought solutions to cover the more than 47 million Americans without health care. Already this year we have dramatically increased health care coverage for low-income and uninsured children. We've also modernized the health care system to lower costs and save lives by investing in Health Information Technology systems. It is reassuring to see that the President's budget puts aside more than $630 billion over the next 10 years to reform health care, reduce Medicare overpayments to private insurers, and reduce drug prices. By tackling this issue we can rein in the high costs that are a drag on the entire economy. The commitment by the New Dems and President Obama to health care is working to not only do the right thing but to ensure America and its children remain competitive in today's global economy.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlelady from California for her leadership and work on this. I am very proud and honored to be co-Chair of the Congressional MS Caucus with my colleague Dr. Michael Burgess. This is truly a bipartisan effort and one that just had tremendous resources and support from around the country to help raise this awareness. I encourage everyone to show their commitment and support of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week and the MS movement with really simple actions throughout this week, MS Awareness Week, March 2 through 8. MS Awareness Week was created by the MS Coalition to raise national awareness about the disease and to recognize those who have dedicated their time and talent to promoting MS research and programs. In order to raise awareness, I am very pleased that Representative Barbara Lee has taken the lead to introduce H. Con. Res. 14, recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of MS Awareness Week, encouraging the President, State and local governments to issue proclamations designating MS Awareness Week, and encouraging the media to help educate the public about MS. Today, I ask for all of my colleagues' support. I want to give a special thanks to the MS Society back in St. Louis, Missouri, my home, that has been so active and been so helpful to me in this effort, and also want to remember my first cousin, Betty Carnahan, who we lost years ago and who first helped me learn about this disease. Because of small gestures by everyday people, my colleagues in this body, and cutting edge research by our Nation's finest, each day people living with MS have a better and a brighter future to look forward to.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bosnian independence. As a founding member and Co-Chairman of the Bosnian Caucus, and having the distinct pleasure of representing a growing, vibrant community of Bosnian-Americans in St. Louis, Missouri--one of the largest Bosnian-American communities in the U.S.--I am pleased to offer these encouraging words to recognize March 1 as Bosnian Independence Day. Their appreciation for this country and opportunities it affords is reflected in their hard work and determination to make a difference in their communities and nation. Collectively, and as self-reliant individuals they have reinvigorated our St. Louis region, and exemplify the definition of good neighbors and friends. With an understanding that this nation's greatness was built by those who sought out America and all she has to offer, we can during these hard times take comfort, learn by their example, and see that with a sense of community and purpose there is no challenge too great to overcome. Today, I join Bosnian-Americans with great pride and hearty congratulations.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Green Streets Act of 2009. Cities and States across the country are having a hard time affording the asphalt needed to repair their crumbling streets due to increasing cost of asphalt. This increase in the cost has been caused by many refineries forgoing asphalt production to instead produce more profitable products. As a result, communities in my district and across the country are postponing roadwork until transportation departments can better allocate funds without breaking their budgets. To provide cash strapped cities and States the much need break in asphalt costs, I have introduced the Green Streets Act, which would promote the research of alternative asphalt binders made from biomass. In my home State of Missouri there is a company that is researching the use of swine manure to replace petroleum as an asphalt binder. Not only could this potentially cut street repair costs for communities across the country, but would also reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of biomass left to give off carbon dioxide. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Green Streets Act of 2009.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, Chrysler Corporation has a proud history of producing cars, trucks and vans in the Fenton, Missouri, plant. The workers there helped Chrysler survive its darkest hours in the 1980s, and helped it thrive during the 1990s and 2000s. The U.S. Government has stepped in to help our American automakers survive and to protect American jobs. I was truly disappointed to read in the St. Louis Post Dispatch that the Fenton, Missouri, plant may be at risk under Chrysler's viability plan. By almost every measure, the Fenton, Missouri, plant has the key ingredients to be part of the survival and success of Chrysler. The workforce at the plant is among the most productive in the industry, and the plant itself has had a half billion dollars invested in it for flexible manufacturing to give it the ability to build the cars of the future today. The manufacturing technology reduces the carbon footprint, and provides long-term savings and energy use. This state-of-the-art plant and its record-setting workers are the example of what can help the industry and Chrysler survive and thrive in the future.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate Chairman Emeritus Dingell for achieving a great milestone that no one has achieved before--serving the people of Michigan for 19,420 days and becoming the longest serving member of the House of Representatives in U.S. history. Long before I was elected to Congress, I looked to Chairman Dingell for inspiration and guidance. In fact his service began before I was born. I was deeply honored after being elected to represent Missouri in this great body when Dingell, as the Dean of the House, agreed to meet with me and offer his unmatched advice and counsel. What made it even more worthwhile was the fact that he had served with my grandfather ASJ Carnahan in this same body in the 1950s. It was a pleasure to hear of stories he and my grandfather shared together. He has achieved a great deal since 1955 when he was first elected having presided over the House when Medicare was created to care for some of our most vulnerable citizens 10 years after he was first elected. Both Congressman John D. Dingell Sr., the Chairman's father, and President Harry S. Truman of Missouri fought for a national health care system together. It was a cause important to Congressman Dingell Sr. and has continued to be a cause Chairman Dingell has championed. Chairman Dingell has worked with eleven U.S. presidents spanning his career--a quarter of the 44 Presidents in the entire history of our country. Today I am delighted that I can continue to tell friends and family that I have served with Chairman Dingell and look forward to working with him to expand health care so that the more than 47 million Americans without health care can have the peace of mind that they and their loved ones will be cared for.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, today is a great day. This morning, I woke up with great optimism, knowing that, today, the House will once again take up the Children's Health Insurance Program that will cover 11 million children. Providing health insurance to children whose families simply cannot afford it has been a top priority for the people I represent in Missouri. With rising unemployment, covering children is even more important than ever, and the need grows each day. No longer will children be forced to visit an emergency room to receive basic medical care. This is commonsense legislation at its best. Now children will be better prepared for learning and for success in today's world economy. The broad coalition of supporters behind this bill will soon have a friend in the White House. President-elect Barack Obama is committed to making health care readily available to every American, starting with America's children. This bill will not be voted on today without the leadership of Chairman Waxman, Chairman Emeritus Dingell and Congressman Pallone. I thank them for their continued leadership. America's children are on the threshold of a healthier future.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in favor of taking tough but absolutely necessary action to help save thousands of jobs that affect every State in our Union including my home State of Missouri. Our country is experiencing a crisis and the problems facing automakers must be fixed to help stabilize our entire economy. Missouri has the second-highest number, along with Ohio, of automobile plants in the Nation just after Michigan, but the truth is this problem is much larger than the Big Three. A failure of the auto manufacturing industry not only directly affects the dealerships, parts-makers, those with existing car warranties, it also puts thousands upon thousands out of work--3.3 million nationwide after direct and indirect hits are factored. Our country is already facing historically high unemployment. We cannot afford to let our manufacturing industry fail; we cannot afford to lose 3.3 million more American jobs. Missouri has already been hit hard by auto manufacturing line closures in addition to layoffs crossing all sectors of the economy. The ramifications of doing nothing would be detrimental to our Nation's already crippling economy. In my home State of Missouri, thousands of jobs are on the verge of being permanently lost. The auto industry's roots in our State's economy are far reaching. This is a necessary investment for America's future. Realizing that as soon as next year, or even sooner, we could lose General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford is a main street dilemma that requires immediate attention and action by Congress. Without action, we are putting our Nations' economic and national security at risk. Make no mistake, the loss of the American automobile industry, will cripple communities throughout Missouri and throughout our Nation. There have been decades of foot dragging to produce smaller more fuel-efficient vehicles right here in the U.S. while U.S. subsidiaries are producing and selling these vehicles overseas with huge success. It's time for the American people have the same opportunity to purchase these vehicles. Everyone understands that was a huge mistake and we must do everything possible to correct it. In the past, loans to the industry have actually paid off for the American taxpayer, and this bill does everything possible to ensure this will happen again. This bill institutes safeguards to protect taxpayer dollars and promotes future financial and economic success for our country. If the automakers do not present a feasible restructuring plan to get back on the right track early next year they will be cut off. I want to make one point clear to the auto industry: loans given to them by the American people should be used to invest in America's interests. I don't want to hear about taxpayer dollars being used to build plants overseas. We are facing record-high unemployment. We must do everything we can to put people back to work. Besides the plant jobs, the auto part jobs, and the service industry jobs that are intertwined with their manufacturing, will be the shuttering of businesses that rely on the employment of tens of thousands in my home State alone, more than 3 million nationwide. Bankruptcy of one or more of the Big Three poses a huge risk. Mere questions of warranty and availability of parts, could trigger the collapse of manufacturing causing deep rooted problems that affect everyone. American innovation and engineering may be close to delivering the most energy efficient cars the world has ever known and the United States desperately needs. American innovation has been, is, and must continue to be the world's leader. While it is evident that the Big Three have made mistakes, it's important to note that market share is not down, and overall car sales worldwide are down across the board. Other countries continue to augment their manufacturers. For years foreign manufacturers have not had to absorb escalating healthcare costs. Ironically, in the U.S. many of these foreign manufacturers enjoy a variety of tax credits and tax liability waivers. I have met and consulted with a wide-range of Missouri stakeholders including the Big Three, suppliers, UAW members, and auto dealers. All of the stakeholders are going to have to make concessions to put together a sustainable plan for the future. It's important that everyone come together for the greater good. Everyone loses if our auto industry goes bankrupt. This comprehensive legislation will help the struggling U.S. auto industry in the short term, while protecting millions of American jobs and taxpayers. The limited loans of $14 billion are intended to help the struggling automakers survive while they prepare plans to restructure their companies to build more competitive, fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced vehicles. This country should not give up on our automotive industry. If the auto industry doesn't make real progress by early next year we can and should reevaluate leadership and if need be demand the repayment of loans sooner rather than later. It's important to recognize that this problem is just one piece to a complicated economic mess. We must get the auto industry back on their feet and we must get credit in the hands of the American people so that they can receive the loans necessary to purchase the next generation of American ingenuity. I'm hopeful Americans will again prove to the world that we can overcome competing interests and rally together for the common good.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act 2008 for a second time. Thousands of my constituents in Missouri have contacted me to share their anxiety and anger about the financial crisis we are facing. I too am angry about the current economic crisis in our country--angry about those who caused it and those who have bungled solutions. Year of de-regulation of the financial markets, coupled with lax oversight by the Bush administration of these institutions, has had devastating effects on the lives of many Missourians. I strongly opposed the original Bush/Paulson Bailout Plan that was basically a blank check with no accountability for an industry that made poor decisions. But the risk of taking no action is too great and too dangerous for our economy, and the financial stability of all Americans. We must pass this legislation, even with its imperfections, to unlock the credit market that is essential to both individuals and businesses. Without a properly functioning credit market, small businesses, the backbone of Missouri's economy, risk not making payroll. Americans will have increasing difficulty obtaining car loans, home loans, farm loans, student loans, as well as other forms of credit upon which we all rely. I have heard from many Missourians concerned about the effect of tightened money-lending standards. From the hardworking couple just about to retire who have watched the value of the retirement savings dramatically decline over the past month to the family who needs to buy a new car but cannot qualify for a loan because of the freeze in the credit market. The economic downturn is also hitting our small businesses. In my hometown of St. Louis, Feld Chevrolet, a St. Louis leader for over 27 years, has shut its doors because the lender stopped financing the dealership's inventory. Stories like these make it clear we have a responsibility to act before the credit crisis further undermines our economy. Without decisive action, most economists have noted that the situation will only worsen, credit markets will freeze, Main Street will suffer, and Missouri families will struggle. My constituents as well as yours will not be able to make basic home and car loans. Small businesses will not be able to make their payrolls, and credit card interest rates will soar. The legislation before us today is a vast improvement over the original proposal put forward by the Bush administration, which gave unprecedented and unchecked authority to the Secretary of the Treasury to spend $700 billion. We have made it clear that Congress does not write blank checks to Wall Street. This legislation will require the Government to develop an emergency line of credit to reduce foreclosures as it buys troubled financial assets, allows the Government to purchase other types of mortgages to unfreeze the credit market, and allows the Government to purchase certain troubled assets form pension plans to ensure individual retirement security. This bipartisan proposal will help insulate the American people and Main Street from the crisis on Wall Street as we stabilize the markets. It will also, protect taxpayers by ensuring public investments reap any profits and the financial industry is responsible for any short fall and it ends excess compensation for executives of participating financial institutions. Following, the House vote last Monday, the stock market plunged an historic 777 points, costing the American economy $1.2 trillion. Americans across the country saw their 401Ks, pension plans and savings account lose value. This was a loud wake up call that we must take swift and decisive action. The legislation we are considering today is no longer focused on just a bailout of Wall Street; more importantly it is a buy-in so that we can turn our entire economy around and help hard working Americans. In no way are we out of the woods. Times are and will continue to be difficult, but I believe passage of this bill can help us get back on track and help prevent our economy from spiraling out of control. These times will certainly demand additional steps and common sense leadership to get America back on her feet again. I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exquisite Thomas Sappington House, believed to be the oldest brick house in St. Louis County. Built in 1808 of sun-dried bricks cut trom Missouri clay, the house is a 2\1/2\ story example of Federal Architecture that was popular in the post Revolutionary War period and has been restored as a historic home museum since the mid-1960s. It is a National Historic Landmark, and is owned by the City of Crestwood as part of their Parks and Recreation Department. I would like to recognize the group of dedicated volunteers that run the house and grounds on a day to day basis, which includes a free reference library and barn tea room which are open to the public to help educate present generations about the past. I would also like to recognize the citizens of Crestwood as well as the other volunteers who donate their time and money to preserve this wonderful house for future generations and commend it as it a true gem of St. Louis County.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, from 2001 to 2007, President Bush, Senator McCain, and the Republican Congress had the opportunity to finally implement the conservative economic ideas they have been talking about for decades. During that 6-year period, Republicans controlled every branch of government. They instituted their plan that eliminated government regulation of big business. That's the Republican philosophy. Get government out of the way and let big business have their way. Well, Wall Street had their way. For 6 years, large financial institutions were allowed to trade, to borrow, to loan funds to Americans and other institutions without anyone watching. That's the way Washington Republicans wanted it. Now we are seeing the results, the financial crisis on Wall Street and more pain on Main Street. Today, the Bush administration wants this Congress to approve a Wall Street recovery package to the tune of $700 billion with no strings attached. We simply cannot give this administration a blank check on the backs of American taxpayers, and their children, and their grandchildren.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, while Big Oil rakes in record profits this year, American families are struggling with pain at the pump. House Democrats are working to pass a comprehensive energy plan that lowers prices for consumers, expands renewable energy and creates good-paying jobs here at home. The old Bush-Cheney policy, written by and for the oil companies, is the gift that keeps on giving to Big Oil; more land, more public land, more taxpayer dollars and more record profits. Every Representative in this House has a clear choice this month: Talk about an all-of-the-above plan, or take action. They can join with Democrats in siding with consumers struggling with energy costs, or continue to side with Big Oil. They can support a policy that will create good-paying American jobs and increase our Nation's security, or continue to argue for a drill-only plan. As T. Boone Pickens has said clearly, this is one problem we cannot drill our way out of. Mr. Speaker, the Democratic energy plan will bring down prices at the pump and invest in renewable energy for our future. It deserves strong bipartisan support.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a constituent, Tanner Boynton, who tragically died, Friday, August 1, 2008, at the far too young age of 13, playing baseball, a game that he loved dearly. Tanner was warming up by playing catch before tournament play when he became distracted and was tragically hit in the back of the neck with a baseball. I did not have the opportunity to get to know Tanner before learning of his death, but like much of the community I learned a great deal about him after he was suddenly taken away from his teammates, friends and family. Tanner played first base and outfield for the De Soto Express, which ended the season in first place. He was preparing to enter the eighth grade at De Soto Junior High. Friends and family describe Tanner as mature beyond his age. After his coach approached him about playing for the traveling team, Tanner had one condition: ``I can't play during the week past 8 p.m. because I have to go to school the next day, and I'm really into my school situation.'' When Tanner's grandmother gave him $5 to spend for himself he instead chose to drop it into a Salvation Army bucket. At the age of 13, Tanner already had big plans in life including starting his own business using heavy equipment, making his sudden death even more tragic. This young boy has brought together a team and community like no one could have ever imagined; he will not be forgotten. Tanner will be memorialized with an Arnold Athletic Association baseball diamond named in his honor as well as the De Soto Express Tanner Boynton Scholarship Fund awarded to De Soto High School graduating seniors who excel academically and play baseball. I extend my deepest condolences to Tanner's family.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions made by fellow Missourian, Lee Kling, an individual who placed the needs of country above his own. Like many great Americans, Lee did not stand steadfastly by; instead, he insisted on getting involved. He saw his plight not in terms of one or a few, but as one shared by many. Sadly, we have lost a great American in Lee Kling. He was a man who invested in his community and family, and always found the time to give. No job was too little or big for Lee. Whether at the center of Presidential politics, involved in efforts to save military bases, or rebuilding our state highway system, he was proven in advancing the best of any cause that might come his way. He took on all comers with a positive attitude, and fought back against unwanted turns of life. Because of him, and his principled approach to business, building a better community was always possible. It is with great thanks to Lee that we are all left with such great civic pride. I am grateful for his example, and I honor his life and achievements that serve as a great example for us all.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Congressman Mark Udall and Congressman Zach Wamp and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus for sponsoring the expo today in the Cannon Caucus Room. I urge all Members and staff to attend. I believe Members from both sides of the aisle can agree that renewable energy and energy efficiency will be a big part of our effort to wean ourselves from a dangerous reliance on foreign oil. This new and developing sector of the economy will generate thousands of new jobs, high-paying green collar jobs, that will remain in America and won't be outsourced. The union of renewable energy and energy efficiency with the built environment will not only generate new jobs and new technology, but it will help to immediately address global climate change. According to recent studies, the quickest and easiest way to positively affect global climate change is to design and build--or retrofit--high- performance green buildings. These buildings are energy efficient, healthy, safe, and secure. Developing buildings that use renewable energy and seeking energy efficiency is a win for the economy, for the environment, and for the people who work in them.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my friend and constituent, the late Conrad Smith, and his contribution to both Arkansas and Missouri. Conrad was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of Arthur and Wilma Lee (Fullerton) Smith, and was the proud husband of Virginia Dell Hall, and the proud father of four children: Cathryn Orr, Art C. Smith, Julie Wideman, and Jeffery Smith. He began preaching in the Missionary Baptist Church by age 15, and was later ordained and preached all over Arkansas. In December 1978, he moved to House Springs, Missouri and became very active in Jefferson County, MO, community affairs. He was the minister for the Calvary Baptist Church in House Springs for almost 30 years, where he rarely missed a service, and even preached the week he died, this past June. He founded several businesses in the area, including R S Heating and Cooling, and was an auctioneer for over 20 years. Former State Representative Harold Selby, for whom Conrad served as district coordinator, from 1999 to 2006, said that ``Conrad did all the work to make other people look good.'' Among the many other ways Conrad gave back to his community were by serving on the board of directors of Big River Ambulance District for almost 10 years; serving on the board of directors of Jefferson County 911 for 4 years; being a founding member and leader of the Highway MM-W Task Force for over 10 years. Many will remember his work on the Highway Task Force. Conrad made it a mission in his life to make roads safer. He worked tirelessly with me, as his Representative in Congress on the Transportation Committee, and with others to obtain the needed funding to improve these roads for the entire community. Conrad Smith was a leader in Jefferson County, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, his community, and the people of the Highway MM-W Task Force. His legendary determination will continue to inspire us to carry on the work he started.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, with high gas prices crippling the American economy, this country needs a long-term energy plan to lower gas prices, make America more secure, create green jobs, and reduce global warming. House Democrats support responsible drilling as part of our comprehensive strategy, but many Republicans in Washington say we need to do more drilling in our pristine oceans and wilderness areas, even though 300 million acres of public land, more than three times the size of California, are already open for leasing. They want us to give more public land to Big Oil, even though 68 million acres of land are already leased and not being developed. Today, the House will consider the DRILL Act. I urge my colleagues to join us in passing this vital legislation that will speed up development of NPRA, require Big Oil to use the land they have leased or lose it, and ban foreign export of Alaskan oil to ensure our oil stays in America. Mr. Speaker, this is commonsense legislation that does exactly what many are asking for, more drilling. So why don't they support a bill that requires Big Oil to drill and not just stockpile more leases?

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, this Friday, July 11, 2008 marks the 13th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia. I rise today to express my deepest sympathy for, and in remembrance of the victims this horrible genocide in Bosnia, which lasted from 1992-1995. The most infamous episode in this genocide was the massacre of Bosnians led personally by General Ratko Mladic at the United Nations- declared ``safe haven'' of Srebrenica in eastern Bosnia in July, 1995. We should remember all of the innocent people who were brutally killed by honoring their lives and remembering their struggle for freedom during the three-year conflict in Srebrenica, a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I would also like to honor the memory of victims in places less well- known: in Kozarac, Prijedor and Banjaluka in northwestern Bosnia. This conflict was the largest massacre and genocide of civilians in Europe since WorId War II. In my district, I am proud to say that I have one of the largest Bosnian American populations in the United States. Of the tens of thousands of my Bosnian American constituents, upwards of 5,000 are survivors of the Srebrenica genocide. As a Representative of many Bosnian-American friends in St. Louis, I understand that this tragedy continues to affect many of my constituents. We must commemorate those who died, hold those who are responsible accountable, and honor the brave survivors. It is important for us to remember this dark chapter in history to learn from it for the benefit of our future generations.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, with record-high gas prices filling oil companies' wallets with record profits and pinching the wallets of American consumers, why isn't President Bush taking action to bring down prices at the pump now? Democrats in Congress are urging the President to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve which will increase the supply of oil in the market, send a strong message to speculators, and most importantly, reduce gas prices today. This administration has used the Petroleum Reserve in the past, as have the administrations of both President Clinton and President Bush I. The reserve is currently 97 percent full, the highest level ever, with enough oil to meet our national security needs and provide relief at the pump. So why, when Americans continue to feel the squeeze of devastatingly high gas prices, does the President not take action? Madam Speaker, President Bush continues to talk about new drilling. But his own administration says it can't be done for at least another decade. Let's provide relief at the pump today by opening up America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express concern about the Air Force's award of a $35 billion contract to a foreign consortium which received over $5 billion in foreign government subsidies. Of concern is the Air Force defying its own ranking system, which awarded the Boeing Corporation 98 positive discriminators and Northrop Grumman-EADS only 30, yet the tanker contract went to EADS. Boeing's 767 tanker had a positive survivability rating. EADS' aircraft had a negative rating. Yet the tanker contract went to EADS. Boeing has manufactured over 2,000 tankers with advanced fly-by-wire booms; EADS, zero. Yet the tanker contract went to EADS. The lifecycle cost of the EADS tanker is going to be billions and billions more than that of the Boeing aircraft, yet the tanker contract went to EADS. We continue to face record fuel prices, and it is critical that the Air Force's next refueling tanker meet or exceed their requirements and be as efficient as possible. An independent study has determined that the Boeing KC-767 fleet burns 24 percent less fuel than the EADS A- 330s. For the sake of the American workers, the American economy and our national security, it is time to revisit this contract.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, yesterday this House passed a bipartisan, veto-proof farm bill strengthening American agriculture. We successfully voted to ease the strain of rising food prices and to make a substantial commitment to land conservation and to our farmers. I want to give special recognition to Chairman Collin Peterson for his leadership and for his visit to Missouri to hold an agricultural forum where we have over 100,000 farms, the second most of any State in the country. Since first being elected, I have been working with local schools and parents to implement a Healthy Kids Initiative. I'm proud that this farm bill helps schools provide healthy snacks to students, with over $1 billion for more nutritious, locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. And for the first time, fruit and vegetable producers, including the wine producers of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, will benefit from more than $1.3 billion for new programs that support research, pest management, and trade promotion. To make the transition from home-grown biofuels from the Midwest and away from dependence on fossil fuels from the Middle East, the bill creates new tax credits to promote the production of cellulosic biofuels. Thank you, Chairman Peterson, and all those who supported this new direction for American agriculture.