Kathy Castor

Ms. CASTOR

Ms. CASTOR. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, House Resolution 1304 provides a structured rule for consideration of H.R. 6052, the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008. The resolution provides for 1 hour of general debate controlled by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and makes in order five amendments submitted for consideration. The rule also permits the Speaker to entertain motions to suspend the rules relating to two important measures: one, a measure concerning the Commodity Exchange Act and energy markets; and two, a measure concerning the issuance of oil and gas leases on Federal lands or waters. This authority is needed because House rules allow for bills to be considered under suspension only on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. In order for the House to consider the bill today on Thursday or on any other day, the House must adopt a rule granting specific permission. Madam Speaker, hardworking Americans all across this great country are being squeezed by this painful Bush economy that has brought on increased costs for housing and for health care. My colleague from Florida can attest to the rising costs of property insurance for Floridians and other Americans, and of course, gas prices are socking it to our neighbors back home. Now, many of the reformers here in Congress have been standing up to the White House and have been urging them for years to change direction and to focus on long-term solutions to our energy challenges. But the oil men at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue and their Big Oil allies have had a stranglehold over our country's energy policy, and unfortunately, families and businesses across America are paying the price. Now, some bipartisan progress has been made here in our new-direction Congress over the past year and a half. One of Speaker Nancy Pelosi's first initiatives was to establish a new bipartisan Select Committee on Energy Independence and Climate Change, which has been extremely productive. Democratic reformers also pushed through a historic increase in the required gas mileage of 35 miles per gallon for our cars. Now, better gas mileage for our cars alone should save families from $700 to $1,000 per year at the pump and should slash consumption in America by 4 million gallons per day, but it cannot happen soon enough. The sad thing is this technology has existed for years. Cars in Japan travel almost twice as far on a gallon of gas. What has been missing here in our country is the political leadership to make these necessary changes. So many of the changes we have been fighting for have been blocked by the White House and by their Big Oil allies. Remember, just 7 years ago, the administration's Energy Task Force met behind closed doors, and it consisted of former oil company executives and of other oil executives, like Ken Lay of Enron. The administration also fought to keep the other identities secret. Saving American families money through innovation was not a priority. Conservation was not a priority--the Vice President made that clear-- and public transit and public transportation were not priorities. They were stuck in the past then, and they still are today because what has been their answer to high gas prices? Their recommendations today are the same as they were 7 years ago: More drilling; more of the same. Now, as the reformers in this Congress continue to fight for a new direction in energy policy, inexplicably, the White House announced yesterday that it opposes today's public transit bill, the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act. What a shame on the White House, because expanding public transportation use is one of the most promising ways to reduce energy consumption and reliance on foreign oil. Now, with the White House's $4-per-gallon premium, even more commuters are choosing to ride the train and to bus to work rather than to ride alone in their cars. According to two recent studies, America already saves up to 1\1/2\ to 4 billion gallons of gasoline annually. That's more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day due to public transit. Ridership across America is way up. 2007 was the highest ridership in public transportation in 50 years. Light rail riders are way up in Denver, Seattle, Portland, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Francisco, Charlotte, and in many other communities. And my colleague from Miami will be pleased to hear that South Florida posted a 20 percent increase over last year in ridership in March and April. Transit agencies are also using more alternative fuels and clean energy technologies that improve the air we breathe and that aid America's energy independence. Our transit bill on the floor today and under this rule will lower fares and will expand routes and frequency so public transit is an even more attractive alternative during this time of high gas prices. So I urge my colleagues to continue to stand up to the White House, to support this rule and our first bill today, the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act. Madam Speaker, our second bill today under this rule is entitled ``Use It or Lose It.'' In the bill, we are calling the bluff of the White House, of Big Oil, and of other prominent Republicans who claim that oil companies are being blocked from drilling for oil and gas and that that is somehow related to gas prices. Well, after the White House announced that policy last week, one commentator called it a massive fraudulent and pathetic excuse for an energy policy. You see, 68 million acres are already leased and have the potential to produce an additional 4.8 million barrels of oil and 4.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas each day. Now, if 68 million acres are already open to drilling, please do not insult the intelligence of the American people by claiming that the oil companies need more. The truth about America's energy policy and the White House policy is that Big Oil has stockpiled supplies and has pocketed profits. A report has been generated by the Committee on Natural Resources, entitled ``The Truth About America's Energy: Big Oil Stockpiles Supplies and Pockets Profits'' of June 2008. If American families and businesses are interested, they can obtain this report on the Internet at resourcescommittee.house.gov. The chairman of the Natural Resources Committee is Nick Rahall of West Virginia. It's his bill. The bill forces oil and gas companies to either produce, to use it or to release the leases, to lose them, the leases they've been stockpiling. These companies can't obtain new ones unless they can demonstrate that they are diligently using the ones that they already have. Now, what was particularly interesting, Madam Speaker, is that, last year, the administration's own energy department, the Energy Information Administration, issued a report that determined that opening more areas would not have a significant impact on gas prices. The 2007 report of the administration's Energy Information Administration, titled ``Annual Energy Outlook 2007, with Projections to 2030'' can be found at www.eia.doe.gov/oaif/aeo/. In fact, Madam Speaker, just yesterday, the director of the EIA reconfirmed the 2007 report and noted that expanded offshore drilling in the U.S. will not affect oil and natural gas prices very much at all. I would like to submit yesterday's reconfirmation by the EIA director of the 2007 report. [From Bloomberg.com, June 25, 2008] Offshore Drilling Won't Affect Prices Much, EIA Says (By Tina Seeley) Expanded offshore drilling in the U.S. won't affect oil and natural-gas prices much, the head of the Energy Information Administration said. Guy Caruso, speaking today at a press conference in Washington, said his agency had considered the effect of more drilling in a 2007 report. Higher energy prices this year might change the results, although the time needed for resource development would damp any outcome, he said. ``It does take a long time to develop those resources,'' Caruso said. ``Therefore the price impact is muted by that.'' President George W. Bush last week proposed expanded drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf and development of energy sources in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as a response to record prices. Crude-oil futures hit a record $139.89 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange on June 16. Senator John McCain of Arizona, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has expressed support for more drilling. His potential Democratic opponent, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, opposes more drilling. ``The projections in the OCS access case indicate that access to the Pacific, Atlantic, and eastern Gulf regions would not have a significant impact on domestic crude oil and natural gas production or prices before 2030,'' the agency said in its 2007 report. The Energy Information Administration is the statistical arm of the U.S. Energy Department. Madam Speaker, this sounds all too familiar: the Bush administration ignoring information generated by its own agencies. They've been downplaying, ignoring climate change, possibly intelligence, and now it comes as no surprise that they're playing games on energy policy as well. Thanks to the administration's years of inaction and incompetence, America is left with record prices for consumers and with record profits for oil companies with disastrous national security consequences. Now, the third bill we will consider today as part of our energy package is a direction to the administration, encouragement, as we continue to stand up to the misguided policies of this White House. Our third bill today encourages the White House to take more aggressive action in regulating the energy futures market. This is our first step in tackling the outrageous speculation that is occurring that many experts have noted could help reduce the price of gas at the pump. This is our package today. We look forward to the debate. At this time, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material into the Record.

Ms. CASTOR. Thank you, Madam Speaker. For the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my friend and colleague from the Rules Committee, Mr. Diaz-Balart of Florida. All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only. General Leave

Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. The reformers in this Congress are working for solutions and are casting aside the politics of the past, and for the first time in a decade, they are setting the right priorities for American families. See, American families are caught in this very unfortunate Bush economy that is squeezing them, whether it's health care, the rising cost of housing, and, of course, gas prices. This New Direction Congress, led by Democrats, is on the side of middle class families, and we are responding to their call for change in the direction of this country. But, Madam Speaker, it has not been easy. It has not been easy in these final years of the Bush administration. A number of times we have stood up to the administration to repeal the massive subsidies to the big oil companies and instead take that money and invest it in new renewable energies and biofuel technologies because one of the most promising ways to end our dependence on foreign oil is in the creation of renewable energy sources. But we were blocked by the White House and Big Oil. But we are not going to give up. If we had given up, the reformers in this Congress would not have been able to push through the first increase in fuel economy standards in over 30 years. The increase of 35 miles per gallon for each automobile will save American families $700 to $1,000 at the pump when fully implemented. American families are clamoring for a bold, new direction in energy policy. It is vital to their family budgets, and we know now, as, unfortunately, the leaders of the country have had to traipse over to Saudi Arabia and ask for more oil, that this is vital to our national security. So the contrast between the policies of the past and our forward-looking efforts could not be more clear. But, Madam Speaker, it is so easy to be frustrated by the misguided policies of this administration over the past 8 years and by their political gimmicks where they pretend that drilling for oil in new areas is the answer to high gas prices when their very own Energy Department dismisses the idea as untrue. After all, there are 68 million acres already open and currently leased to oil and gas companies. So why here at the end of this administration would we give Big Oil even more? Madam Speaker, American families are counting on us. So I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to back up your rhetoric with support for our bipartisan bills today, to provide American families with greater opportunities to use public transit by lowering fares and by increasing the frequency of buses and trains in their neighborhoods. Reject the oil drilling gimmick for what it is, and urge this President to address the oil speculators that are causing a run-up in high gas prices. My colleagues, stand up to the powerful interests, and end the practice of using energy policy as a way to support Big Oil. Instead, help our families; help our communities; enable researchers and innovators to lead us to a cleaner, safer, and more affordable future. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the rule and of the underlying legislation. Chart a new direction for America on energy. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule. The material previously referred to by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida is as follows: Amendment to H. Res. 1304 Offered by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida At the end of the resolution, add the following: Sec. 4. Immediately upon the adoption of this resolution the House shall, without intervention of any point of order, consider in the House the bill (H.R. 5656) to repeal a requirement with respect to the procurement and acquisition of alternative fuels. All points of order against the bill are waived. The bill shall be considered as read. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and any amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate on the bill equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on House Oversight and Government Reform; and (2) an amendment in the nature of a substitute if offered by Representative Waxman, which shall be considered as read and shall be separately debatable for 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent; and (3) one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1304 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. CASTOR. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Ms. CASTOR

Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, middle class families across America are struggling with the rising cost of health care, housing and gas prices brought on by the White House economic policies of the last 8 years. Unfortunately, Big Oil continues to have a stranglehold over our country's energy policy. The latest proposal from their allies in the White House and other prominent Republicans is to drill for oil just off of our beaches. But oil companies already have access to 68 million acres that they are not actively tapping, and the administration's own Energy Department reports that opening up new areas would have no impact on the price of gas. True leaders are working on long-term solutions to reduce our dependence on oil and gas, promote conservation and new renewable technology. This has been the fundamental failure on energy policy of the Bush administration, and now Americans are paying the price. Do not reward Big Oil's latest attempt to grab even more. Join us in fighting harmful speculation in petroleum markets and our efforts to end the massive, wasteful taxpayer subsidies to big oil companies. Short-term political gimmicks are no substitute for real leadership.

Ms. CASTOR

Ms. CASTOR. I thank my good friend from Florida (Mr. Hastings) who is a strong supporter of the space program. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Act of 2008. NASA is celebrating its 50-year anniversary this year, and I salute and congratulate everyone at NASA for their contributions to American life and science. Space exploration and research comprised the foundation of technological advances in America that have greatly improved all of our lives. For example, in early NASA missions, large-scale integrated circuits were created that today are the basis for all modern computers, and how would we live without computers today? NASA also helps the United States maintain its competitive edge in the global marketplace. More engineers now come from outside the United States that are produced by our colleges and universities. America can do better. NASA is one of the keys to doing so. NASA scientists and researchers keep America focused on innovation and better-paying jobs. In addition, fewer and fewer children are interested in entering science fields, even though our world today is dominated by science and technology. We must encourage young people and students to stay interested in science and enter scientific fields of study. The fantastic NASA missions and research also plays a vital role here. There are currently seven astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery preparing to return to earth after a highly successful mission. I had the privilege of watching the successful launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery a week and a half ago at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. I was thrilled to share that day with our colleague, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, as her husband, Mark Kelly, is the commander of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Congratulations to the Discovery crew, the mission team on the ground as well, as they have successfully delivered the Japanese Kibo scientific lab to the International Space Station and have now completed their mission. The personnel at the Kennedy Space Center and their partners throughout Florida have an unmatched dedication to our country's space program. They are a highly trained workforce with a record of achievement and tradition that cannot be matched. That's why it troubles me that President Bush has threatened a veto of this important NASA bill. I urge President Bush to reflect on these facts before he picks up his veto pen, which he threatened to do yesterday in a letter to us. Before President Bush vetoes this outstanding NASA reauthorization bill, I would urge the White House to consider the economic impact of such a bill.

Ms. CASTOR. I thank the gentleman. Before President Bush picks up his veto pen to veto this outstanding NASA reauthorization bill, I urge the White House to consider the economic impact of such a veto on the State of Florida, Florida's economy, and aeronautic research and science throughout this country. I congratulate Chairman Udall and all in the committee for this fantastic bill. Congratulations to everyone at NASA for their 50-year anniversary. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this important bill.

Ms. CASTOR

Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, for the information of our colleagues and my constituents, I want the Record to reflect how I would have voted on the following votes I missed this session. On rollcall 338, on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 1212 providing for consideration of H.R. 6049, Energy Production and Conservation and Individual Income Tax Relief I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 339, on agreeing to the resolution providing consideration of H.R. 6049, Energy Production and Conservation and Individual Income Tax Relief, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 340, on ordering the previous question providing for consideration of H.R. 5658, the National Defense Authorization of 2009, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 341, on ordering the previous question providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany S. Con. Res. 70, the Congressional Budget Act, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 342, on agreeing to the resolution providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany S. Con. Res 70, the Congressional Budget Act, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 343, on the motion to recommit with instructions H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall 344, passage of H.R. 6049, The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 345, to suspend the rules and pass as amended H.R. 1771, The Crane Conservation Act of 2008, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 346, passage of H.R. 2419, the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act objections of the President notwithstanding, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 347, to suspend the rules and pass, as amended H.R. 3819, Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2008, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 348, to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5826, Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living adjustment, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 349, to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5856, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization and Lease Act, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 350, on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 1218, providing for consideration of H.R. 5658, Department of Defense Authorization, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 351, on agreeing to the resolution providing for consideration of H.R. 5658, Department of Defense Authorization, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 352, on motion to table H. Res. 1221, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 353, to suspend rules and pass H.R. 6124 to provide for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2012, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 354, to suspend rules and pass H. Res. 1194, reaffirming the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government of Lebanon, under Prime Minister Fouad Sinoria, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 355, on the Akin amendment to H.R. 5658, to cut military pay, benefits, and healthcare by $163 million. I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall 356, on the Franks amendment to H.R. 5658, that would take $719 million from high priority R&D programs outside of the Missile Defense Agency, in order to eliminate the committee's targeted reductions to the missile defense budget, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall 357, on the Tierny amendment to H.R. 5658, to reduce funding for the Missile Defense Agency by an additional $996.2 million beyond the $719 million already reduced, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall 358, on the Pearce amendment to H.R. 5658, to cut $10 million from the Department of Defense Energy Conservation Improvement Program in order to restore RRW funding, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall 359, on the Lee amendment to H.R. 5658, requiring that any security guarantee, arrangement, or assurance between the US and Iraq would have to be ratified by the Senate or approved by the full Congress, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 360, on the Braley amendment to H.R. 5658, requiring an extensive report on current and future war costs, including direct war costs and veterans payments, to try to capture the full cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 361, on the Price amendment to H.R. 5658. prohibiting agencies under the Department of Defense from using contractors to perform interrogations, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 362, on the Holt amendment to H.R. 5658, requiring that strategic intelligence interrogations of Department of Defense detainees being conducted in theater interment facilities, and not on the battlefield, are video-taped or otherwise electronically recorded and stored according to guidelines that the Secretary of Defense will promulgate, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 363, on the McGovern amendment to H.R. 5658. requiring the secretary of defense to remove recently imposed secrecy and return to the previous practice of releasing the names, upon request, of the students and instructors at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 364, on the motion to recommit with instructions H.R. 5658, the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall 365, on passage of H.R. 5658 Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 366, to suspend the rules and agree, as amended H. Res. 986, recognizing the courage and sacrifice of those members of the United States Armed Forces who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict and calling for a full accounting of the 1,729 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam conflict, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 367, to suspend rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 138 supporting National Men's Health Week, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 368, to suspend rules and agree on H. Res. 923 recognizing the State of Minnesota's 150th Anniversary, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall 369, to suspend rules and agree to H. Res. 1114 supporting the goals and ideals of the Arbor Day Foundation and National Arbor Day, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. CASTOR

Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I do not yield for that purpose. I object.

Ms. CASTOR. I am the last speaker for my side, so I will reserve the balance of my time until it is my turn to close.

Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, we have suffered through delaying and procedural tactics today, and the business of the American people in this housing crisis should be delayed no longer. I do not yield additional time.

Ms. CASTOR. I am the last speaker on my side, so I will reserve the balance of my time to close.

Ms. CASTOR. I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 and this rule today so that we can provide our communities with the tools they need to protect our neighborhoods during these economically turbulent times. And I urge my Republican colleagues not to turn a blind eye to the hardworking families across America that are being squeezed, and your delaying tactics and your procedural maneuvers that are simply delaying our efforts to address the housing crisis for America's hardworking families. I salute the leadership of Chairman Frank and Chairwoman Waters during this housing crisis and our swift action through this comprehensive housing package that has been encouraged by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and under Democratic leadership. This demonstrates that we are committed to ensuring that families across America can obtain and keep the American dream of homeownership in a safe and secure neighborhood.

Ms. CASTOR

Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I object. I do not yield for that purpose.

Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 1174 provides for consideration of H.R. 5818, the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008, under a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate controlled by the Committee on Financial Services. The rule makes in order seven amendments listed in the Rules Committee report, each of which is debatable for 10 minutes. The rule also provides for one motion to recommit, with or without instructions. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 and this rule. This New Direction Congress, led by Democrats, understands the impact of this unfortunate Bush economy on neighborhoods throughout America. In order for our country to recover from this economic downturn, it is critical that we stabilize housing for our neighbors and rebuild communities with more affordable housing. In fact, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke urged Congress to take action earlier this week. He stated in part, summarized in this news report, ``The reasons behind surging late payments and foreclosures can vary, and that needs to be taken into account when developing solutions. For instance, in parts of New England, States in the Great Lakes, including Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin, show increased mortgage delinquencies and notable increases in unemployment rates. California, Florida, and parts of Colorado, on the other hand, saw delinquencies rise during a period when unemployment generally decreased but the value of homes declined.'' He said, ``A widespread decline in home prices, by contrast, is a relatively novel phenomenon, and lenders and servicers will have to develop new and flexible strategies to deal with this issue. Rising foreclosures add to the glut of unsold homes, and that put more downward pressure on prices, aggravating the housing slump. More rapid declines in house prices could have an adverse impact on the broader economy.'' See, this affects us all, and it affects the stability of the financial system overall. So it is vitally important that we bring this package today, this first bill, the Neighborhood Stabilization Act and more to come because of the record number of foreclosures facing our neighbors back home. Under President Bush's economic policies, the number of families entering into foreclosure has increased from over 700,000 to 1.5 million last year, but today, we're going to bring new hope to our communities through revitalized neighborhoods and targeted affordable housing to families that need it most. The Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 provides our local communities with the tools they need to purchase and rehabilitate vacant and foreclosed homes. Now we all know a vacant, deteriorated, foreclosed home in our neighborhood has a devastating impact. We've all seen them. We've driven by them. They're overgrown. They are not paying the taxes like everyone else in the neighborhood is paying. They're causing a drain on services and local governments. Our initiatives today will help these nonprofit agencies and our local governments purchase those properties, turn them around, rehabilitate them and make them available to families that need them most, and in order to see that families with the greatest needs receive housing first, these new loans and affordable homes will be targeted especially to middle class families and those hardworking families back in our communities. I know this will help families in my home State of Florida which has been among the Nation's hardest hit States, particularly in my community in the Tampa Bay area. In fact, it was not long ago that one of my neighbors called to tell me that he recently lost his home to foreclosure, and he was dealing with the repercussions from that loss, trying to find another affordable place to live for him and his family. He was pleased to know, however, that this Congress had already acted on a mortgage forgiveness debt relief act signed into law last year, and because of that act, he will not suffer a double whammy and get hit with an unaffordable tax bill to accompany the loss of his home. This legislation will help families from my community and communities across this Nation to rebuild and create more affordable housing. I am proud that this Congress has been so proactive and taken so many steps to combat the housing crisis. Millions of Americans will be helped because of the proactive leadership of Chairman Barney Frank on the Financial Services Committee and Chairwoman Maxine Waters. I am pleased to witness firsthand that this new Democratic Congress has made the lives of folks in my neighborhood and my community a whole lot better. Today, we will continue to move forward by passing the Neighborhood Stabilization Act and follow on that with the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act. These efforts reflect the continued work of this New Direction Congress and offer the most comprehensive response yet to the American mortgage crisis. We are providing much-needed help to hardworking families in this unfortunate Bush economy. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1174 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. CASTOR

Ms. CASTOR. Regular order, Mr. Speaker.

Ms. CASTOR

Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. CASTOR

Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to lay the motion to reconsider on the table.