Mario Diaz-Balart

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor one of Capitol Hill's most devoted and beloved public servants, Officer Garland C. Thompson, who next Tuesday the 30th will serve his last day as a Member of the Capitol Police Service. Officer Thompson has served this great institution with dignity and honor for 34 years, joining the Capitol Police Service on June 9, 1975, after working as a fingerprint examiner for the FBI. On September 11th Officer Thompson was one of the first Capitol Police Officers to act. He witnessed a low flying plane over the Capitol, which later was identified as the plane that crashed into the Pentagon. From that first instance, Officer Thompson acted quickly and assertively, escorting frightened citizens, Members of Congress and their families to safe locations. On that devastating day, Officer Thompson and his fellow officers put their own lives at risk by forming a perimeter around the building, using their bodies as a shield against an unpredictable enemy. Officer Thompson is a true hero to us all, putting his life on the line every day for the last 34 years to protect and defend this great institution. Officer Thompson is truly the ``King of Capitol Traffic.'' Whether it's his friendly smile, trademark slogans, such as ``Remember Capitol Hill is a law making area, not a law breaking area,'' or his guidance and advice he has provided to the thousands of visitors that cross his path, we all will sorely miss seeing him every day. I ask my colleagues to all take this opportunity to thank the Capitol Police and specifically Officer Thompson, for his dedicated service. Officer Thompson, we will miss you, but we wish you all the best in your retirement. Capitol Hill will never be the same without you.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 2892 Account: Predisaster Mitigation Name of Requesting Entity: Jackson Health System Address of Requesting Entity: 1611 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136 Description of Request: I have secured $500,000 for the Jackson Health System Hurricane Mitigation Structural Reinforcement Initiative. This funding will be used for Jackson Health System (JHS), operated by Miami-Dade County's Public Health Trust and is the county's sole public health system; the primary provider for the county's indigent and uninsured and its sole trauma center. At its center is Jackson Memorial Hospital (JMH), one of the nation's busiest (based on # of admissions) and largest (1,567 beds) with average annual occupancy levels consistently over 90%. When a hurricane warning is issued, JHS serves as an emergency evacuation shelter for medically at risk individuals (with limited family members). The number of psychiatric emergency issues countywide increases and presents at JHS. Employees are required to remain in place until they are relieved, which is often after storm conditions pass. These factors contribute to hurricane related occupancy levels that are considerably higher than normal levels of operation. Miami-Dade County's geographic location places the area at risk for many natural and societal hazards. Situated in the south eastern most part of Florida the area is marked by flat topography, low land elevations and high groundwater tables in the Biscayne aquifer. Over the last one hundred years, 33 hurricanes and tropical storms have approached within 75 miles of Miami-Dade County. Of these, 9 have been a category 3 or higher intensity storm. Given that the physical demographics of the almost 2.3 million residents of Miami-Dade County inhabit the eastern most 20 miles of coastline, it is the most populated areas that suffer the maximum impact of storms. In 2004, Florida had a record breaking hurricane season with four major disaster declarations, Hurricane Charley, Hurricane Frances, Hurricane Ivan, and Hurricane Jeanne. In 2005, Florida again suffered from an extreme season with four major disaster declarations: Hurricane Dennis, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, and Hurricane Wilma. Florida consistently has the greatest risk for a direct hit by a hurricane of any other location in the United States. Additionally, it is subject to several other threats such as extreme tropical thunderstorms, sudden tornados and high trade winds and has the highest occurrences of severe lightning activity. Given the anticipated demands placed on the Ryder Trauma Center in the event of a direct hit of a high category storm, it is imperative that the building be structurally safe, adequately secured, and operationally functional. This funding will be used to structurally reinforce and fortify the trauma center through an exterior skin upgrade. The current construction is unsuitable for a threat of a higher category storm. This is a tremendous vulnerability for the County's only trauma center. As the most critical facility in all of Miami-Dade County, it is imperative that JHS fortify the building to ensure uninterrupted operations.This project is wholly consistent with Federal and agency missions to provide pre-disaster mitigation assistance to critical public entities who serve as vital providers of emergency services. The frequency and foreseeable nature of natural disasters striking densely populated Miami-Dade County make the project a natural priority for federal participation in protecting a safety-net institution such as the Ryder Trauma Center.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. Account: STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project Name of Requesting Entity: City of Homestead Address of Requesting Entity: 790 N. Homestead, FL, 33030 Description of Request: I have secured $500,000 for the City of Homestead Water Utility Upgrades. This funding will be used for the installation of telemetry systems that will: (1) allow the City to substantially decrease the carbon footprint associated with driving to check each pump station on a daily basis, (2) free personnel to respond to emergencies and result in the reduction of response time to emergencies at remote sites, as a result of a disaster, and (3) result in improved efficiencies in man-power, and usage of natural resources, significantly increasing reliability and diminishing sewage back up occurrences. This project is identified in the master plan which was created on the City's behalf in 2003 and updated in 2006, and will produce approximately 10 new jobs in the local economy. The City of Homestead owns and operates a wastewater treatment and sanitary sewer system, which encompasses over 89 miles of sewer lines of various sizes with a total of 50 pump stations. The plant is responsible for treatment of more than 1.63 billion gallons annually and currently serves over 9,200 customers, some of which are located outside the City limits. Now over 50 years old, Homestead's current infrastructure lacks the capacity and the ability to treat the increased wastewater demand as a result of the unprecedented population growth experienced in the last several years. Accordingly, the City has undertaken a multi-phase expansion of its Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated infrastructure. As part of this expansion and renovation, Homestead is requesting federal funding for the procurement and installation of water and wastewater telemetry equipment, which will provide real-time information on performance, demands on the system and water withdrawals. These upgrades are crucial to allowing the staff to coordinate efforts and manage water usage, more efficiently using water from the aquifer and minimizing water losses, thereby conserving the natural resources of the Biscayne Aquifer. The projected cost for this system is $1,538,461 and will provide constant monitoring and control of 64 wastewater pump stations, 3 elevated water tanks, and 6 raw water well pumps. To date, the City has procured several studies and master plans addressing the needs of the wastewater system and has spent over $200,000 to pre-design and identify crucial projects necessary to maintain the level of service to the growing community.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I submit the following. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: Department of Justice, Commerce, Science, Justice and Related Agencies Name of Requesting Entity: City of Homestead Address of Requesting Entity: 790 N. Homestead, FL, 33030 Description of Request: I have secured $500,000 for Emergency Wireless Law Enforcement Technology. This funding will would be used to install a city-wide Wi-Fi network that would enhance the City's public safety and emergency services communications. The City proposes to install 24 to 40 access points per mile throughout the 14 square miles of the City, which would serve as a supplement to Homestead's existing wired network, and would greatly enhance the City's ability to provide more efficient and cost effective services. This project will result in increased efficiency in public service and reduce response times to emergencies by providing easy access and communication to multiple agencies and response teams simultaneously. The use of wireless technology will also minimize exposure to dangerous weather during storm events and minimize the likelihood of loss of service during and after storm events. In addition to investment in public safety preparedness, deployment of city-wide Wi-Fi technology would spur economic development and e-commerce by aiding businesses and citizens by providing low cost internet access and services, which would also serve as a key component in bridging the digital divide for those citizens and businesses which lack internet access. The City anticipates the total cost of this project to be approximately $2 million. However the project could be implemented in phases, with the first phase costing approximately $500,000 and would create approximately 10 jobs in the local economy. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: Department of Justice, Commerce, Science, Justice and Related Agencies Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The City of Doral Address of Requesting Entity: 8300 NW 53rd St, Suite 100, Doral, FL 33166 Description of Request: I have secured $750,000 for the City of Doral Public Safety & Surveillance System. This federal funding would be used for the creation of a city-wide closed circuit video system, to be managed and monitored by the City's Police Department. The City of Doral Police Department serves the public safety and traffic needs of the rapidly-growing population and vibrant community. With the City's current population nearing 40,000 residents (and quickly growing), City of Doral public officials created a police department in 2008 to deal with the traffic influx and public safety concerns that come with any burgeoning city. It is anticipated that the City's current 71% growth rate will increase the population to 65,000 residents by the year 2012. The goal of this system is to provide added protection against commercial theft and increased security for all of Doral's residents and visitors. This project is estimated to create six new jobs in the City of Doral. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: Department of Justice, Commerce, Science, Justice and Related Agencies Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Hialeah Address of Requesting Entity: 501 Palm Avenue, Hialeah, FL 33010 Description of Request: I have secured $250,000 for the Hialeah police Equipment Upgrades. This federal funding would be used for the City of Hialeah police department's current radio system which currently does not allow for radio interoperability among other law enforcement agencies. This is especially important during times of statewide response to natural disasters, domestic security incidents or multi-agency jurisdictional public safety efforts. The XPS radio system would bridge the current gap and achieve interoperability with the State of Florida by replacing and upgrading fixed end, portable and mobile radio communication equipment. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: Department of Justice, Commerce, Science, Justice and Related Agencies Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Collier County, FL Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112 Description of Request: I have secured $800,000 for the Collier County Emergency Services Technology. This Federal Funding would be used to support the acquisition of public safety technology equipment for the Collier County Emergency Services Center (ESC), which is being constructed on a 20-acre site on Lely Cultural Parkway, just south of Rattlesnake Hammock Road. The ESC will be approximately 130,000 square feet, four stories and includes a communications tower. Occupants will include the Emergency Management staff, Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Information Technology, Sheriff's Substation and 911 Center, and Clerk of Courts. Technology needs include GIS and improved interoperable communications. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: Department of Justice, Commerce, Science, Justice and Related Agencies Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Miami-Dade County, FL Address of Requesting Entity: 111 NW 1st St., Suite 1032, Miami, FL 33128 Description of Request: I have secured $150,000 for the Miami-Dade County Mortgage Fraud Task Force. This Federal Funding would be used for the creation of a mortgage fraud task force national model to train law enforcement individuals in those identified communities which represent the ten (10) highest concentrated areas affected by mortgage fraud. The Miami-Dade County MFTF will serve as a national model based on its proven performance. The national model will be coordinated by Miami-Dade County and administered by the United States Department of Justice The anticipated benefits include a more effective process of dealing with and prosecuting mortgage fraud in Miami-Dade County and nationwide, and eventually, a decrease in the occurrence of mortgage fraud. This project has the support of the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, the Mayor of Miami-Dade County, and the Director of the County's Police Department (MDPD). Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: Department of Justice, Commerce, Science, Justice and Related Agencies Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The ARISE Foundation Address of Requesting Entity: 824 US Hwy 1, Suite 240, North Palm Beach, FL, 33408-3838 Description of Request: I have secured $550,000 for the ARISE Life- Management Skills Intervention/Re-entry Program for High-Risk Youth. The funding will be used by The ARISE Foundation to provide juvenile justice facilities with specialized staff training and unique curricula to teach life lessons and develop thinking skills for incarcerated youth needed to break the cycle of violence and crime in order to reduce recidivism rates. The ARISE Intervention-Re-entry program provides Florida Juvenile Justice Staff on a statewide basis with in- depth training and specialized ARISE Life Management Skills lessons to conduct guided group discussions with incarcerated high-risk youth. Topics include anger and conflict management, how to get a job and keep it, why violence, substance abuse and gangs will wreck their lives and other vital subjects. The ARISE program has been developed so it is easily absorbed and understood by youth reading at very low levels often suffering from trauma and emotional problems. As a result of the comprehensive training, correctional staff who have never had to ``stand and deliver'' in front of a group often become more interested and motivated to take an active role in guiding these troubled youth away from a life of crime. The staff then conducts interactive ARISE groups with the youth in their charge. When the youth learn positive life and social skills, this information enables them to make better life choices, reduces the rate of recidivism, and decreases the rate of juvenile crime.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentleman for his generosity with the time. I rise in support of this resolution, designating National Pipeline Safety Month. Mr. Speaker, pipelines obviously play an important role in our society through the operation of our homes, our businesses, and the delivery of energy to drive our cars, to cook our food, to keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It is an undeniable reality that energy affects all aspects of our lives, and all Americans need it and depend on energy. That's why it's unfortunate that some in the majority and in the administration, frankly, are proposing this cap-and-trade legislation that many are calling cap-and-tax legislation that would dramatically increase the cost of energy for all Americans, every single American. Estimates say that this bill could increase a cost to a family of four close to $3,000 a year, $2,937 a year, to be exact, and raise electrical rates on families by 90 percent after adjusting for inflation, boost gasoline prices by 74 percent on American families, and natural gas prices by 54 percent. If that were not bad enough, it would also put American businesses at a huge competitive disadvantage with their competitors from other countries that don't pursue that kind of legislation, be it China or India. Now let's take a look at what some key players in the administration have recently stated about this legislation, some facts. For example, Peter Orszag, as CBO director and currently as the OMB director, testified to the Ways and Means Committee on September 18, 2008. He said, ``Decreasing emission would also impose costs on the economy. Much of those costs will be passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices for energy and energy-intensive goods.'' Mr. Orszag's written testimony stated that the average annual household cost was $1,300. That's for a 15 percent cut in CO2 emissions, which, by the way, happens to be 80 percent less than the cut sought by this administration. Another fact. On March 17, 2009, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, testifying before the Science Committee said, ``The cap-and-trade bill will likely increase the cost of electricity.'' Another fact I would like to bring up today, Energy Secretary Steven Chu said advocating adjusting trade duties as a ``weapon'' to protect U.S. manufacturing, because otherwise, again, U.S. manufacturing would be put at a huge disadvantage. He said establishing a carbon tariff would help ``level the playing field'' if other countries haven't imposed mandatory reductions in carbon emissions; again, referring to the fact that it would put our industry at a huge, huge disadvantage. Again Mr. Chu said, ``If other countries don't impose a cost on carbon, then we will be at a disadvantage,'' and he went on to say, ``and we would look at considering duties to offset that cost.'' But the legislation doesn't have those in the bill. Again, what we are looking at then is, the United States will impose a self-inflicted wound to put our industry and our country at a huge disadvantage, increasing costs of energy to all consumers in this great country of ours at a time in particular when everybody is hurting. Last month on May 21, the current CBO director testified before the House Budget Committee and said, ``CBO has been very clear that a cap- and-trade system or a carbon tax would raise the price of carbon emissions, and the cost would ultimately be borne by households.'' Again, it's not rocket science, Mr. Speaker. And again, ``It's also widely understood that if we raise the price of carbon emissions and our trading partners do not, then that creates an additional challenge for carbon-emitting industries.'' Those are his words. I added that part about the rocket science, to be fair; but those are his words. So it's fitting that we are now here talking about pipelines and energy. I just hope that we don't forget the big picture as well and that we don't impose this huge cost on our consumers and those who use gasoline and turn on lights, like everybody does, that manufactures using energy, like every industry does, that we don't put them at a huge disadvantage.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to thank the chairman and the sponsor, the gentleman from Ohio, for sponsoring this legislation. He mentioned the history of Mr. Regula. He obviously served honorably the people of the 16th District in Ohio for 18 consecutive terms, from 1973 until last Congress, becoming the second longest-serving Republican Member in the House, Mr. Speaker. Congressman Regula has a great legacy and has had a long and distinguished career in public service, always, always serving his country. Early on, he served in I think the most honorable way that one can ever serve this country, and that is in the Armed Forces, in the Navy. After completing his legal education, he went into private practice of law. In the early 1960s, Congressman Regula served as a member of the Ohio State Board of Education, and then he went on to serve in the Ohio House of Representatives, also in the Ohio State Senate prior to his election in the Congress. Naming this Federal building in Ohio is appropriate to recognize Congressman Regula's commitment to public service, to his constituents, and to this Nation. The respect that he earned while serving in Congress is really demonstrated by what we are seeing today, the fact that this bill is sponsored by Ohio representatives from both sides of the aisle. Again, I want to thank the sponsor of this legislation. I support the passage of this bill and urge my colleagues to do the same. Again, this is a man who has served this country with distinction. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri).

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I will be brief. I want to echo the words of the gentleman from Ohio. I think they were very well-stated. I also want to thank the Speaker of the House for coming down today and speaking in such well-deserved words but kind words to a man that really loved this institution, loved this country, and served both so very well.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. With that, Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, this week, on May 20, 2009, the Republic of China on Taiwan will celebrate the one year anniversary of the swearing in of President Ma Ying-jeou. On a recent trip to Taipei, I had the privilege of meeting President Ma. His inauguration marked the second successful and peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another. This is an example of Taiwan's steadfast progress toward full democratization in just the last few decades. After implementing democratic and economic reforms the Republic of China on Taiwan has become a true model of success throughout Asia. Through the hard work and entrepreneurship of the Taiwanese people, Taiwan has become one of the strongest economies in the Pacific Rim and a showcase democracy in the world. I was proud to cosponsor H. Con. Res. 55, which recognizes the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, TRA--landmark legislation that forms the foundation of the relationship between the United States and the Republic of China on Taiwan. The House of Representatives' unanimous support for the resolution on March 24, 2009 reaffirms Congress' unwavering commitment of the TRA as the cornerstone of relations between the United States and Taiwan, reiterates its support for Taiwan's democratic institutions and supports the continuation of the strong and deepening relationship between the United States and Taiwan. I urge all my colleagues to join me in recognizing this important occasion. We are proud of its political and economic transformation, and wish Taiwan continued success and prosperity.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 2020, the Network and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2009. The NITRD program is the main Federal R&D investment portfolio in unclassified networking, computing, software, cybersecurity, and related information technology. Networking and information technology, that technology that is vital but obviously sometimes drives us all crazy, sometimes outright batty, but it plays a critical role in our everyday lives, often in ways we do not even realize. Federal R&D investment in NIT has produced such computer breakthroughs as ARPAnet, the forerunner of the modern Internet, communications protocols to transmit data over networks, supercomputing, the Web browser, and the computer mouse, just to name a few. Multidisciplinary innovations include the decoding of the human genome, modeling and simulation of complex physical systems for aircraft, automobiles, power grids and pharmaceuticals, near real-time weather forecasting and climate models, and unmanned aerial vehicles and search and rescue robots. Cybersecurity is one of the biggest security challenges facing our Nation today. It goes throughout all of our Federal agencies and even onto our private computer systems. This is just one area that the NITRD program helps to coordinate our Federal R&D, but it indicates just how imperative it is that we continue to support critical and collaborative research efforts such as this. This bipartisan bill, and I again thank the chairman and also the ranking member for this, this bill authorizes one of the few formal interagency R&D activities within the Federal Government and one that has been viewed as a model of interagency cooperation and coordination. It is a culmination of recommendations from the 2007 PCAST Report on the program, feedback from numerous organizations, and hearing witness testimony. Technology has changed since this program was initiated in the early 1990s. This legislation updates the underlying statute to reflect those changes and helps prepare us for future innovative opportunities in NIT. I want to thank the chairman for working on this important measure in such a bipartisan manner. Madam Speaker, he tends to do that. He is one of those Members that always tries to listen to all members of his committee. I encourage my colleagues to join me, along with Chairman Gordon, Ranking Member Hall, and other members of the Science and Technology Committee in supporting H.R. 2020. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, after listening to the words of the sponsor, I don't think anything else needs to be said, so I will yield back the remaining part of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I would yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today to support House Resolution 413, supporting the goals and ideals of IEEE Engineering the Future Day on May 13, 2009. IEEE, as the Chairman has said, is a nonprofit organization and the world's leading professional association for the advancement of technology. It's a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers, telecommunications, biomedical engineering, electrical power and consumer electronics, just among many. Today IEEE has more than 375,000 members, including nearly 80,000 student members in more than 160 countries around the world. These members rely on IEEE as a source of technical and professional information. They rely on them for resources and also for a number of different services. IEEE Engineering the Future Day will be held by IEEE tomorrow, May 13, 2009, to recognize the contributions and impact that that organization, its members, and engineering and technology professionals have made over the last 125 years, and to raise public awareness, Madam Speaker, of the diverse opportunities available in many, many different technological fields. Madam Speaker, I would then ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution, honoring this special day and anniversary. At this time I will reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, before I talk about this issue, I would like to thank Chairman Gordon, once again, and also Ranking Member Hall and also their staffs for allowing this timely resolution to move forward so quickly. As the chairman has just said, the time is right for this resolution once again. I rise today in support of House Resolution 387, which is to support the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week as established by the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Preparedness Week begins on the 24th of May and lasts through the 30th of May of 2009. Now, in less than 2 weeks, Madam Speaker, on the 1st of June, unfortunately, we mark the beginning of yet another hurricane season in the Atlantic and central Pacific Oceans. Hurricane season lasts a long, long 6 months until November 30. The goal of Hurricane Preparedness Week is to inform the public about hurricanes, their hazards, and to provide knowledge that, frankly, we can use and that hopefully all of us can use to take action now, to be ready now before the hurricanes hit. We must be ready. This information can be used to save property and, most importantly, it can be used to save lives. As the chairman himself said, we have too often seen what these storms can do. Now, although the Federal Government plays a critical role before and after a storm, we have to do our part. We have to be ready ourselves. And it is the hope that the residents, particularly in areas that are hurricane prone, will prepare themselves and their families for this before this hurricane season starts. History teaches us that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are, unfortunately, common threads among all hurricanes and major disasters. For instance, one of the biggest lessons learned from the recent wave of hurricanes is that the residents need to have enough supplies to take care of themselves and their families for at least 3 days after one of these storms makes landfall. Oftentimes, local governments are trying to keep order. They are trying to take care of really basic essentials right after a storm, so, therefore, it is important that each and every one of us have a plan, that we prepare and that we can be self-sufficient for those 3 days. Again, millions of Americans face great risk from tropical storms and hurricanes. More than 50 percent of all Americans live along the coast, which again just shows you how grave that risk can be. Now, the statistics associated with hurricanes are staggering. An average of 11 tropical storms develop each year over the Atlantic Ocean or the Caribbean or the Gulf of Mexico. Six of these storms will, unfortunately, become hurricanes. Now, look, we just hope that they don't make landfall, and they can just slide by, and we can just kiss them goodbye. But we can't be sure that will happen, so we have to be ready. Last year, unfortunately, several storms made landfall along the eastern and gulf coast, including Tropical Storm Fay, Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike. And as we have learned in the past few years, hurricanes pose, again, a serious, serious threat to our country. These massive storms can result in casualties and millions of dollars or, frankly, billions of dollars in economic damage and destruction. During a hurricane, homes and businesses and other buildings can be damaged by heavy rain, by strong winds and by storm surge, which is one of the worst problems and a real killer. Tornadoes can strike after these storms or during the storms, and oftentimes power can be wiped out for days, if not weeks. Experts at the NOAA's National Hurricane Center agree that there are some critical things that have to be done. Obviously, first, is to determine if you live in a hurricane-prone area, then know your home's vulnerabilities to either storm surge or flooding or wind and develop a written, a real family disaster plan based on this knowledge. And make sure that everybody in the family knows how to make that plan work and knows about it. Once you determine, again, how vulnerable you really are to a hurricane, the National Hurricane Center recommends that people in hurricane-prone areas assemble a disaster supply kit before the hurricane season, not before a storm comes, but now before the hurricane season is even upon us; a first aid kit and essential medications, nonperishable food items such as canned goods, at least 3 gallons of water per person per day, again for at least 3 to 7 days, at least 3 days, preferably more; obviously, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, special items including medications if you need them for infants, for the elderly or for disabled family members, and also making sure that you take care of pets, as well. As we have learned in south Florida, the forecasters, the meteorologists and the hurricane specialists at National Hurricane Center who become, frankly, every year, heroes to all of us who are in hurricane-prone areas are often the source of the most valuable information on hurricane preparedness. They spend countless hours and days providing valuable information and warnings to all those Americans located in a potential path of a hurricane. Millions of Americans have come to rely on their steady advice and counsel, on their skill, and we thank them for their vital services. Madam Speaker, I urge all Americans living in hurricane-prone areas to use this Hurricane Preparedness Week as an opportunity to learn more about the approaching hurricane season, to prepare before--before, I repeat--a storm threatens. Once again, I need to thank the chairman for allowing this resolution to come here quickly, timely. It is important, and I want to thank him for his cooperation, as well as the ranking member and both staffs. And with that, I do not think I have another speaker. I yield back the remaining part of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I want to thank the gentleman for that great illustration of what the people are facing. I recall that after Hurricane Andrew, I ran into a number of--obviously--volunteers. And something that really struck me was, I ran into two people who were there on vacation, and they were actually helping in a day care center for children that had lost their homes, because the gentleman just talked about how we all need to see that and how we all here need to come together as well. But because of that experience, I did go to Missouri in the nineties after some floods. I had some days off. I was in the State legislature in those days. I volunteered, and I went down there. I spent a few days sandbagging. And you really see the best of the country when people are really hurting and the people are really struggling. Again, we've received the kindness of the American people in Florida multiple times. You also see how heroic the American people are. You are seeing it now with these storms. I want to, again, thank the gentleman for bringing up this resolution. It's timely. It's so important to make sure that we recognize that tough times are to be had, but the American people do step up. In both of those States, they're going to do better than they ever were. They're going to be stronger, and the people are going to survive and prosper. With that, Madam Speaker, I would yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, in March, both Minnesota and North Dakota, as the gentleman just said, began experiencing severe storms and flooding. As a result, major disaster declarations were issued for a number of counties in those States pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide for Federal assistance. But the numbers are staggering. Forty-seven of 53 counties in North Dakota and 28 of 87 counties in Minnesota have been declared Federal disaster areas. That just tells you the scope and the size of these floods. As a Member representing a State that has seen, unfortunately, its fair share of storms, I can tell you that there are so many people that really allow the people of these States to move forward and to, frankly, survive this and, hopefully, prosper from it. There's so many people not only from North Dakota and Minnesota, but from around the Nation, who assisted in fighting these floods, and hundreds of volunteers chipped in to help one another to fill sandbags and to do whatever it takes to make sure that they can help their fellow citizens. Demolition crews freed up ice jams and ice dams to get water moving up the Missouri River to minimize flooding--to try to minimize flooding after, obviously, so much had already taken place. Reportedly, there were so many volunteers who offered to help, some of them actually had to be turned away. That says a lot about the greatness of the American people. So this resolution commends the people of North Dakota and Minnesota for their heroic actions, as the gentleman just said, along with those volunteers from around the country who also came to assist. It also expresses appreciation to FEMA--the Federal Emergency Management Agency--and other Federal agencies for their work with the State and local officials. Again, I want to thank the gentleman for this resolution. People are hurting and struggling, but the American people have a way to come together to help each other. This is just one more example. I urge the approval and passage of this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Before anything else, I want to thank the chairman and also I want to thank Mr. Wexler. Mr. Wexler has been a leader on this issue from day one, and he's a leader also on this amendment, but it's more than just this amendment. He has done an incredible job on this issue. And I want to explain the issue and the amendment. Mr. Chairman, we have all heard about this problem, I'm sure, with the Chinese drywall. Recent reports are that about 100,000 homes could be affected. This imported drywall from China contains sulfuric gas, which actually has corroded copper electrical wiring. It's corroded air conditioning units and copper pipes, including to the point where there have been fire hazards. It's also a health issue. It has created sinus problems, created bloody noses, headaches. It has created bronchitis and pneumonia in children, and now we hear that it's also harmful to pregnant women. As a matter of fact, Mr. Chairman, on April 17, the Wall Street Journal stated that the University of Southern California's School of Medicine, a professor there, stated ``that sulfur compound gasses, even at low levels, have been found to cause respiratory problems such as asthma.'' So here's the problem. There is this drywall that has been imported from China that has been installed in a number of homes, again maybe up to 100,000. Homeowners are stuck with these homes. It's more than just smell. It's potentially dangerous, and, again, it eats even wiring and copper. Individuals, homeowners, are stuck with these homes. They can't sell them. They can't live in them, and they are stuck with them. So what this amendment does, very simply, is the following. It authorizes a study by the Secretary of HUD, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, on the effects of Chinese drywall on residential mortgage loan foreclosures and the availability of property insurance. And, again, then, it's to report to Congress within 120 days. It's critical that we have all the information, that we have the actual information in a timely fashion. I want to thank, again, the chairman for his consideration. And, as I said before, I want to thank Mr. Wexler for his leadership. There are dozens and hundreds of homeowners who are desperately seeking relief, and this is one more way to try to do that. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Again, I do want to thank the chairman of the committee, Mr. Frank; again, Mr. Wexler in particular for his leadership. This is a critical issue not only for Florida, but for thousands and thousands of other homeowners. With that, I would urge a ``yes'' vote. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I would like to yield as much time as he would consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Buchanan).

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. If I may inquire, Mr. Speaker, of the chairman if he has further speakers.