Eliot Engel

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues' strong support of legislation that I have introduced to designate the third floor library of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum as the ``Bob Hope Memorial Library.'' I would also like to thank Representative Gallegly for his assistance with this bill. I believe that it is important to honor Bob Hope, an American Citizen, who immigrated through Ellis Island and who contributed so greatly to the American people and culture. Most Americans remember Bob Hope for his work in the entertainment business as a comedian, actor, dancer, and singer as well as his work with American troops abroad. But, what few know is that Bob Hope was an immigrant from England. He is sometimes even referred to as America's most famous immigrant, whose life epitomizes the ``American Dream.'' After a long period of restoration, Ellis Island was turned into a museum in 1990 with the purpose for people to come and remember the 16 million immigrants who passed through Ellis Island from 1892-1954 to pursue the American Dream. Bob Hope embodies that American Dream which so many immigrants sought and I believe that naming the library after this great American is a fitting tribute.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure, my friend, the chairman, to call him the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and I thank him for yielding to me. Before I start my remarks, I just want to pay tribute to Mr. Smith, the gentleman from New Jersey, who has been an outstanding supporter of human rights, not only for the Irish peace process, although he has been a leader in that, but throughout the world. And I commend him for this resolution, and I am pleased to be a sponsor of it, I believe the lead Democrat on the resolution; and it is something that has been a long time coming. As the chairman said, the struggle for peace and justice in Ireland, particularly the north of Ireland, continues. We are all very hopeful because there has been great progress made, and we think that progress will continue to be made. And the chairman explained Sinn Fein's acceptance of policing and everything else. So we have to continue. One of the things that is so important is the fact that the Finucane family, and I have met with them a number of times, they are convinced that until there is an independent inquiry, any other inquiry will be tainted. And that is why this resolution calls for an independent inquiry. We want to get to the bottom of what really happened to Pat Finucane. We all know, we all suspect, but we need an impartial commission. We need an impartial investigation because of collusion with loyalist forces and the police for many, many years. Nothing short of that will do, and that is what this resolution calls for. Before you can put the past behind you, you have got to have it all come out and know exactly what happened. There has been great progress. The Irish Government, the British Government have all worked together for progress. And they are both to be commended. Both governments are to be commended because progress is being made. But there is still a long way to go. So I support this. And we still have other things that need to be put in place here in the United States, the case of Malachi McCallister, and I want to mention it, who is struggling to stay in this country, and many of us are behind him and fighting to keep him in this country. There are still many injustices that have been perpetrated in the past that still have to be resolved. But starting here with inquiry into Pat Finucane's murder is something that is very, very important and very important for this Congress to go on record as supporting. And this is bipartisan. It is something, I think, that can make progress. And, again, only when we put the past behind us and let the truth hang out can we really put the past behind us. And that is what this resolution attempts to do. Again, only an independent commission will suffice.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, last night the President made some bold statements about energy security. He pledged to reduce U.S. gas consumption 20 percent from projected 2017 levels. That amounts to 2 million barrels of oil saved a day. Well if he is serious about his words and he wants to reduce oil consumption just a little more he should take a look at the DRIVE Act Representative Kingston and I are introducing today. The challenge we face is clear. In order to protect our Nation and our environment it is essential we use oil more efficiently and develop a domestic economy revolving around clean alternative fuels. Madam Speaker, our country has become increasingly dependent on oil imports from countries who deny their citizens basic democratic freedoms and, in some cases, sponsor terrorism. In the 1970s, the U.S. imported one-third of its oil and we now import 56 percent. If the trend continues, we will be importing nearly 70 percent of our oil by 2025. It is simply unacceptable for us to sit idly by while OPEC gains a stranglehold over our economy and our security. In addition, there is now an irrefutable scientific consensus that global warming is real, it is dangerous and it is caused by greenhouse gas emissions. For these reasons, Madam Speaker, we must act now to provide funding, incentives and leadership to wean our economy off oil and transform it into one empowered by the use of domestic energy. In the last Congress, Representative Kingston and I introduced legislation to do just that the bipartisan Fuel Choices for American Security Act. Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and in both chambers sponsored the bill and it emerged as the consensus plan to develop a broad array of reliable and clean domestic fuels. The bill has now been improved and will be reintroduced today as the DRIVE Act, the Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy Act with over 60 cosponsors from both parties. The bill has four main parts: First, the bill will require the U.S. to use less oil--starting with oil savings of 2.5 million barrels of oil per day by 2015 and 5 million barrels per day by 2025. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will design and monitor the plan and other Federal agencies will have the power to issue regulations to make the plan a reality. Second, the legislation will renew Detroit by helping U.S. auto makers manufacture more efficient vehicles that provide the same performance consumers expect. It will do this by providing funds for automakers to retool factories and help them commercialize new efficiency technologies such as plug-in hybrids and light-weight materials. In addition, the bill will help bring fuel-efficient tires into the marketplace and give authority to set efficiency standards for new heavytrucks. Third, the bill will help develop a domestic alternative fuel economy by mandating incentives for cellulosic biofuels, creating an alternative fueling infrastructure fund for installation of alternative fuel pumps, and providing further incentives to purchase fuel efficient vehicles. Finally, the bill provides for a nationwide oil security public education campaign to be administered by the Secretary of Energy. If we implement these policies today we can make America a safer, healthier, and cleaner place. But Madam Speaker, we cannot delay action any longer. The longer we wait, the longer we are at risk for an energy security crisis or irreversible global warming. Madam Speaker, I urge you to pass the DRIVE Act as soon as possible.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. I thank my distinguished friend, the chairman of the Agriculture Committee, for giving me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6, the CLEAN Energy Act. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important legislation. When we passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Congress put the interests of Big Oil ahead of enacting a comprehensive energy bill for the American people. Today we begin to right that wrong by repealing $14 billion in giveaways in tax loopholes to Big Oil. We are also repealing a provision which suspended the royalty fees from oil and gas companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico. We simply cannot let these companies off the hook for reaping record profits without paying their fair share. We will then invest these funds in clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency and create a Strategic Renewable Energy Reserve which will also promote new energy technologies and improve energy conservation. The 110th Congress presents us with a new opportunity to advance forward-thinking 21st century energy policy. As a matter of national security we must wean ourselves off of foreign oil. I will be reintroducing the bipartisan Engel/Kingston DRIVE Act, also known as the Fuel Choices for American Security Act. I hope we pass that bill as well.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. I thank the Chairman for yielding to me. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5. This legislation will help ease the burden of student loans that so many of today's young people face by cutting loan interest rates in half over the next 5 years. As the father of three, I am all too familiar with the challenges of financing a college education. I have one child in law school, one in undergraduate school. It is very, very difficult. I can imagine the vast majority of the American families that don't make what Members of Congress make, how even more difficult it is for them. So a college education becomes out of reach for many families. It is very, very important. We are going to cut student loan interest rates in half by the next 5 years. The vast majority of student loan borrowers are low to middle income students who are burdened with huge amounts of debt upon graduating. In my home State of New York, the average subsidized Stafford loan debt for a 4-year graduate is over $14,000, and a student starting school in 2007 will save $2,360 over the life of his loan; a student who starts school in 2011 will save over $4,500 over the life of this loan. These are real savings put directly into the pockets of people who need it most, and I am proud that Democrats have made it a priority to make college more affordable in this 110th Congress. This is the right first step. I commend the Chairman and I commend the leadership of the Democrats here in the 110th Congress.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. I thank my friend, the chairman; and I rise today in strong support of this bill. We have an opportunity today to right one of the most troublesome provisions of the Medicare Modernization Act, the provision which prohibits the Secretary of HHS from using the bargaining power of 40 million American senior citizens and disabled Americans who are enrolled in the Medicare to negotiate more affordable drug prices. It is simply common sense. We know that our senior citizens continue to struggle on fixed incomes to be able to purchase their prescription drugs in addition to essential basic living necessities, like food, electricity and rent. We know costs in the Medicare program continue to skyrocket. By negotiating prices, we may be able to achieve record drug savings for seniors while also shoring up the fiscal health of the Medicare program, thereby protecting U.S. taxpayer dollars. I am troubled by the repeated false assertions on the other side of the aisle that this legislation would mandate price controls and limit seniors' access to drugs. Nothing can be further from the truth. H.R. 4 continues to prohibit the Secretary of HHS from requiring a particular formulary, and it simply says we should give the government the best shot at trying to negotiate lower drug prices. No price controls. Even Tommy Thompson, who said he considers this bill one of his finest accomplishments, stated that he regretted the clause in the bill prohibiting HHS from negotiating drug prices. As Secretary Thompson notes firsthand, he was able to use HHS to negotiate key savings for Cipro during the anthrax attacks of 2003. So there is room for improvement. I respect the research and development that the pharmaceutical companies conduct. Frankly, we should not bash the pharmaceutical companies. They do good work. I have a plant in my district that has created and manufactured terrific prescription drugs. I would never support a bill that I believe would stifle innovation at the expense of the American people. But I believe that we can and should promote policies which put more good options on the table. This bill does that, and I urge its passage.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I thank her for her leadership on this very important issue, as well as Mr. Castle. I am proud to stand here today as an original cosponsor of H.R. 3, the Stem Cell Research Enactment Act. We all remember that dark day last July when President Bush cast the first veto of his Presidency on legislation approved overwhelmingly by the House and Senate, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. To veto a bill that has the support of 72 percent of the American people and will do such good is simply unconscionable and indefensible as far as my concerned. Despite what the critics may say, H.R. 3 doesn't end life. It honors life. As anyone who suffers from diabetes, Parkinson's disease, ALS, or a host of other debilitating health conditions knows, scientists believe that embryonic stem cells provide a real opportunity for devising unique treatments for these serious diseases. Now, let me be absolutely clear. This is not about abortion. This is not about cloning. This is about the use of embryonic stem cells which would be discarded anyway, as the gentlewoman has pointed out. It has been estimated that there are currently 400,000 frozen embryos created during fertility treatments which would be destroyed if they are not donated for research. I would never condone the donation of embryos to science without the informed written consent of donors and strict regulations prohibiting financial compensation for potential donors. Our Nation's scientific research must adhere to the highest ethical standards, and H.R. 3 protects this. The National Institutes of Health have admitted that U.S. science has fallen behind Europe and Asia in stem cell research because of President Bush's policy. While the number of States have committed significant funding towards embryonic stem cell research, NIH Director Zerhouni has noted that a patchwork collection of different stem cell policies in States could inhibit critical collaborations. We need a national commitment and a national directive on stem cell research. Over 200 patient groups, universities and scientific societies have urged President Bush to expand the Federal policy on embryonic stem cell research. We must not allow those standing in the way of health and science to compromise the future well-being of our families and loved ones. Simply put, that would not be ethical. We must honor life by passing H.R. 3 today.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished chairman for allowing me to speak. My colleagues, I cannot believe some of the rhetoric I am hearing from the Republican side of the aisle. The Republican ploy of combining tax cuts for the rich with the minimum wage increase is just simply mean-spirited and wrong. This bill should be passed cleanly and on its own. It has been close to 9 years since the last increase in the minimum wage, the second longest period without a pay raise since the Federal minimum wage law was first enacted in 1938. While wages have remained stagnant, basic costs of living have skyrocketed. America's current minimum wage is simply not a liveable wage, and families are struggling to make ends meet as their living standards decline. An increase in the minimum wage is desperately needed if we are to lift those who are falling further and further behind. Raising the minimum wage is an issue of fairness, and it is time that we treat all working Americans with the fairness and equality they deserve. I commend the Democratic leadership for including this in the first 100 hours of the 110th Congress. Some 7.3 million people will benefit from a raise in the minimum wage, and we need to do this forthwith. Please vote for the bill.

Mr ENGEL

Mr ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the great President Gerald R. Ford, who has recently passed away. Gerald Ford was not only America's 38th president but he was also a dedicated husband, father, athlete and WWII veteran. Born in Nebraska, Ford was an athletic young man. He was the star of his high school football team and continued to play football as a college student at the University of Michigan. He then went on to receive his law degree from Yale University. Shortly after graduating from Yale, Ford received a commission as ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve and received numerous awards for his bravery and service during WWII. After returning from the war, Ford became more involved in politics, serving as member of the House of Representatives for 25 years, including 8 years as the Minority leader, and later becoming Vice President before taking the oath as President. President Ford took power following one of the most difficult times in our Nation's history and brought America back together. Gerald Ford was a noble, honorable man who emerged as a leader at a time when Americans were questioning their government. President Ford showed us that strength and integrity are indisputably important traits to have in order to successfully lead our great Nation. As power has just changed hands in Congress, it is my hope that we will heed the legacy of Gerald Ford and always seek to stand together to face the challenges of the future. Gerald Ford will be sorely missed by all of the Americans that he touched. My heart goes out to all of his family members.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a co-sponsor of the bill, H.R. 6136.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, as home to 17 percent of the Nation's AIDS population, there are few pieces of legislation we will pass this year that are as profoundly important to New York as the Ryan White CARE Act. New York remains the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS crisis, leading the Nation in both the number of persons living with HIV/AIDS and the number of new cases of HIV/AIDS each year. This vital program which provides lifesaving services for individuals with HIV/AIDS has unfortunately been relegated to a vicious formula fight over the past year pitting States against each other, with a lot of false statements being lodged along the way. I want to be clear that despite what some may say, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has not ``shifted,'' it has expanded. One-half of all people living with AIDS reside in five States: New York, California, Florida, Texas and New Jersey. Three of these States: NY, NJ, and FL, will continue to face losses under this reauthorization. There is no question that other States have mounting epidemics and they are absolutely entitled and deserving of more funding. An ideal Ryan White bill would have ensured that every State had enough money to meet their full needs. I offered an amendment in committee to increase funding for the bill with Mr. Towns, Ms. Eshoo and Mrs. Capps. It failed on an essentially party line vote, which is a shame as this will minimize our ability to alleviate the growing unmet need for HIV/AIDS treatment services in our communities nationwide. However, there is no question that through hard work and real compromise the bill that we will vote on today is dramatically better than the Ryan White bill we voted on September 28. I am proud to have been able to help negotiate changes with my House and Senate colleagues that will contain essential protections for New York and other States. While, NY will still endure losses that I believe are unjust for the State that remains the epicenter of the AIDS Crisis, the most draconian cuts have largely been mitigated and no longer threaten to decimate our State's system of care. For this we can all be proud. I am also pleased that the troubling Severity of Need Index (SONI) provision, which would have taken State and local resources into account when determining Federal funding has been improved. We have always viewed caring for our HIV/AIDS patients as a partnership between the local, State and Federal governments and strongly believe the Severity of Need Index is a powerful disincentive for States and local areas to take action. In this bill, HRSA will be allowed to work towards developing a SONI but will be prohibited from using it to determine Federal funding in this reauthorization. Another victory for responsible public policy. Finally, it was an astute decision to intentionally shorten this reauthorization from 5 to 3 years to incentivize the stakeholders and authorizing committees to work swiftly and astutely on crafting a new Ryan White bill that will be more just for all HIV/AIDS patients nationwide. Is this the bill I wanted? Of course not. I remain concerned that States' differing HIV surveillance systems will prevent funding from truly following the epidemic during the 3 years of the reauthorization. However, I am grateful that this bill strongly limits formula losses to counter potential undeserved funding shifts. So, in the end, our mutual compromise has resulted in a new bill that we can accept if not embrace. I wish to thank all the people who worked so hard on this bill, including John Ford and William Garner of Mr. Dingell's staff who strove to accommodate so many varying regional concerns about HIV/AIDS. I am grateful for the tireless efforts of the NY delegation, the New York Department of Health and NYC Mayor's office who worked many long nights and weekends with us to help advocate for the best possible bill we could negotiate. This was certainly a team effort, and I know that the knowledge gained from the countless hours of discussions we have had over the past year will strengthen our ability to craft an even better Ryan White reauthorization in 3 years.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. I thank my distinguished friend from California for yielding to me, and I rise in strong support of this bill. My colleagues, we have to deal with things as they are, not as what we wish them to be. I wish there was reasonableness among the government of Iran today. I wish there were people that we could talk to on a friendly basis and reason with them and come to some kind of a compromise. But that is not what we have here. We have a belligerent regime that is pursuing nuclear weapons, that is hostile towards the United States, that is hostile towards the West, that is hostile towards Israel. You have a president of that country who has said every foul thing imaginable, denies the Holocaust, says he wants to wipe Israel off the face of the map, and says that Americans are his sworn enemy. This bill makes sense. This bill extends the current law and sanctions and provides important additional authorities to fight that threat. It is the carrot and the stick. We are having democracy building in this bill. We are being able to try to reach the Iranian people, who are good friends of the American people, but they are trapped by a repressive government and a government that doesn't have their best interests at heart, let alone anybody else's best interest. So this is sort of a carrot-and-stick approach. We slap sanctions when sanctions are needed. We amend, also we expand it. It is expiring if we don't amend it, and it does what we know needs to be done. Iran needs to be challenged. It cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons. This is the same policy, it is a centrist policy, it makes a lot of sense, and I urge strong bipartisan support for this bill.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from New Jersey for yielding to me; and, first of all, Mr. Speaker, I want to express my extreme displeasure that this bill comes here today on consent calendar, a bill with more than $2 billion in this bill and we have 40 minutes to debate it. This is not a bill that should be under a suspension calendar. This is a bill that should have full and open debate among the Congress with not a 40-minute time limitation. This is not a consensus bill. This is a contentious bill, and many of us are very, very upset. We are upset about the bill, and we are upset at the manner that this leadership brings this bill to the House floor. This bill will destabilize established systems and care and will have a devastating effect on the ability of high prevalent communities to address need; and, unfortunately, as home to 17 percent, which is one- sixth of the Nation's AIDS population, New York is just so upset that this bill has come out the way it has. This is profoundly important to our State. That is why all 29 Members of the New York delegation, Democrats and Republicans alike, have signed a letter opposing this bill and pledging to vote against the bill. New York remains the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS crisis, leading the Nation in both the number of persons living with HIV/AIDS and number of new cases of HIV/AIDS each year. But what does this bill do? It has been estimated that New York State stands to lose more than $78 million in the first 4 years of the reauthorization. New York City will likely lose $17 million in the first year alone. This bill will result in deep cuts in medications and services for people living with HIV/AIDS throughout the State. It reminds me of homeland security. Sometimes we need to use a little common sense. Homeland security, everyone knows, unfortunately, that New York City remains the number one terrorist target and Washington number two. So what did we have when we had the Department of Homeland Security come up with its budget? They cut New York City by 30 percent and cut Washington by 30 percent. The two biggest terrorist threats. That made no sense at all. What happens here? New York City remains the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic, and what does this bill do? It cuts $78 million for New York and $17 million for New York City. It is shameful and disgraceful. And despite what some may say, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has not shifted. It has expanded. One-half of all people living with AIDS reside in five States: New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, and California. Three of these States, New York, New Jersey and Florida, will face devastating losses under this reauthorization. There is no question that other States have mounting epidemics and they are absolutely entitled and deserving of more funding. A good Ryan White bill would have ensured that every State had enough money to meet their needs; that every State would be held harmless; that every State would not be a winner or a loser, but that every State would have the resources needed to combat the scourge of AIDS. I offered amendments in committee to increase funding for the bill with Mr. Towns, Ms. Eshoo, and Mrs. Capps. It failed on essentially a party-line vote. So I strongly urge my colleagues to vote against this bill. Where are our spending priorities? We continue to pass irresponsible tax cuts in a time of war, and yet shortchange cities and states who are just trying to provide lifesaving services. We're truly talking about life and death here, and it is shameful that we are pittinstates against each other for scarce funding. Compounding the funding problem is that a proposed Severity of Need Index, expected to be implemented in this reauthorization, may consider state and local resources in determining how much federal funding to grant to states. This is not the right message to send to NY that has more HIV/AIDS cases than any other state in the nation and spends more of its state dollars on care for HIV/AIDS patients than any other state in the nation. We have always viewed caring for our HIV/AIDS patients as a partnership between the local, state and federal governments. The Severity of Need Index is a powerful disincentive for states and local areas to take action. It is with great sadness that I will vote against this bill today. But NY needs to make sure that we can keep helping the nearly 110,000 people living in our state with HIV/AIDS. We need to make sure we can keep providing life saving drugs and healthcare services which are preventing the transmission of HIV, preventing the progression from HIV to AIDS and ultimately keeping people from dying. This bill compromises our ability to do this. This is why Mayor Bloomberg opposes this bill, this is why Gov. Pataki opposes this bill and this is why I must as well. Our nation deserves better than the underlying bill before us and it is a disgrace that this is all it will get.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, this Republican Congress has failed the American people. Nobody can deny that this is the most do-nothing Congress in our history. On every front, from Iraq to Social Security, Republicans have sided with the lobbyists' special interest agenda instead of working for the American people. Time and time again, they have said ``no'' to the needs and concerns of the American people. ``No'' to increasing the minimum wage. ``No'' to balancing the budget. ``No'' to fully implementing the 9/11 Commission's recommendations. ``No'' to filling the donut hole for millions of American seniors struggling with their drugs. ``No'' to tough penalties on big oil companies that price gouge. ``No'' to finding a new strategy for Iraq. Republican inaction on issues of critical concern to the American people has led to rising drug costs, higher energy prices than a year ago, and billions of taxpayer money being wasted in Iraq on no-bid contracts for administration cronies like Halliburton. The American people are fed up with a Congress that refuses to do its job. It's time for a change.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great American and a great New Yorker, Preston Robert Tisch. I am a friend of the Tisch family, and I am proud to stand here today and speak about Bob Tisch's many accomplishments. Bob Tisch was a businessman, a philanthropist, and an entrepreneur. He made a positive impact on every organization he was affiliated with. Bob built the Loews Corporation into one of the largest diversified financial companies in the Nation, headed the New York Giants football franchise, and was one of the most generous philanthropists in New York. In every venture of his life he made he made a positive and indelible mark. Bob and his brother Larry started a small hotel in New Jersey called Laurel-in-the Pines. The two brothers eventually built this business into the Loews chain of hotels. Their company acquired numerous other businesses to become the Loews Corporation that exists today. After leaving Loews, Bob followed his dream and became the owner of the New York Giants football team. He was a true fan, attending every home and away game. He also brought his considerable talent and experience from the business field to the Giants organization. However, Bob's most impressive accomplishments were his philanthropic ventures. In 2000, he helped create Take the Field, which raised money to rebuild the athletic fields of the public high schools in New York City. In only 4 years, he raised over $147 million for that cause. Additionally, he donated millions of dollars to universities around the country. New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, NYU Medical Center's Tisch Hospital, and even Tisch Hall at the University of Michigan are all testaments to the generosity of Bob Tisch. Bob's gifts continued even after his passing. The Tisch Foundation, created by Bob and his wife Joan, has made substantial contributions to Play It Smart, an organization dedicated to training academic coaches to work with high school football teams in underserved neighborhoods. This program has achieved amazing success, with 98 percent of their students graduating high school and 80 percent enrolling in college. Both of these statistics are well above the national average. Bob Tisch dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. He was a true American in the best sense of the word. For all these reasons, I strongly support H. Res. 605 and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Danielle Bright, a Haitian community leader, education activist and upstanding member of the Rockland county community. Born in Haiti in 1951 her family fled the oppressive Francois ``Papa Doc'' Duvalier regime in 1964. Her family then spent two years in Congo before moving to Europe. It was in 1971, in France that she married Lealy Bright; they later had two children. The family eventually settled in the United States in 1978, first in Brooklyn and then in my district in Rockland County. After moving to New York, Ms. Bright did not forget her Haitian heritage. She went on to be a longtime activist for the Haitian Community in Rockland County. She was the founder and a board member of the Haitian-American Parents Association. Most recently, she was honored at the annual dinner of the Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose center. Fighting for the Haitian community was just one of Ms. Bright's causes. She was also a strong advocate for education for all children. She was an active member of the East Ramapo Board of Education. An ardent opponent of school budget cuts, she always argued that children deserved better. Those who worked alongside Ms. Bright on the school board called her a fierce advocate, dedicated to her work. Danielle Bright spent a large portion of her life trying to improve the lives of others. She will be sorely missed by all of those in the community whose lives she touched.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5611, the Fuel Conservation Education Act. Again, I find myself agreeing with my friend from Arizona in everything he said, which is why the bill is having strong support from all the members of the Energy and Commerce Committee on both sides of the aisle. Mr. Speaker, during this time of record gasoline prices, over $3 a gallon in my home State of New York and in most States of this Union, we have to be smarter about the way we conserve energy. As individuals, we have a responsibility to make informed choices about what we drive, how we drive and what fuel we put in our cars. In a recent Energy and Commerce Committee markup, our committee considered several bills to help consumers make decisions about how to improve the fuel economy of their cars. One of these was H.R. 5611, the Fuel Conservation Education Act, which we are debating today, which will direct the Department of Energy to establish a public-private partnership with industry on a conservation education program and campaign, teaching drivers about simple steps they can take to achieve real results. Education is clearly a necessary component of our national commitment to improving fuel economy. During the same committee markup, our committee considered a bill by Congressman Shimkus, Congressman Allen and myself that would establish a National Tire Education Program. Right now, consumers have no way of knowing how efficient the replacement tires they purchase are or even that proper maintenance of tires will improve the fuel economy of these tires and of their automobile. It has been estimated that you can improve fuel economy by anywhere from 1 to 3 percent per year if tires are kept properly inflated. This could lead to savings of 1 to 2 billion gallons of fuel per year. So it is all about education, and that is what this bill is about. So, Mr. Speaker, while we must work on long-term solutions to our energy challenges that will have a significant impact on gasoline prices, we should also promote programs in the short term that will empower individuals to make informed choices about fuel economy. That is what this bill does, and that is why I urge the adoption of H.R. 5611 today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I want to commend my friend from Arizona for his remarks. I certainly concur with everything he said. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the United States- Israel Energy Cooperation Act. As an original cosponsor of this legislation, I am pleased that Congress is moving it forward today. I would like to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Shadegg) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) for their great leadership in introducing this bill, as well as Chairman Barton and Ranking Member Dingell for supporting it in our committee. As the gentleman from Arizona pointed out, the bill did pass the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously, which shows the strong bipartisan support that it has. We will all benefit from our mutual commitment to this legislation; and, more importantly, our country will benefit. Today, the United States consumes nearly 21 million barrels of oil per day, demands 25 percent of global oil production and holds only 3 percent of the global oil supply. This has made our Nation dangerously dependent on unstable and hostile nations for fuel and illustrates just how important it is for the United States to continue to build upon partnerships with other nations for developing alternative energy sources. Simply put, initiatives like this will help strengthen United States national security. Israel has always been a close friend and ally of the United States, and this legislation simply builds upon both nations' history of innovation and cooperation on scientific research. We have already worked together on the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation and the United States-Israel Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation. As some of you may remember, during consideration of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, I had a provision successfully adopted into the law, section 986, which requires the Secretary of Energy to report regularly on energy collaboration between the United States and Israel. We received the first report in November of 2005, and today's legislation will certainly expand opportunities for us to work together on achieving energy independence through the development and deployment of environmentally friendly energy technologies. As a result of H.R. 2730, the Secretary of Energy will establish a grant program for joint ventures composed of Israeli and U.S. businesses and academics devoted to improving and expanding research on alternative energy, improved the energy efficiency, or renewable energy sources. Our Nation is long overdue for a national energy policy that provides reliable, secure, affordable and environmentally responsible supplies of energy for our growing economy. While the small grants authorized in this program certainly cannot alone wean us off our addiction on oil in the short term, working with the highly advanced scientific sector in Israel, we can move in the right direction and affirm our hopes for what can be discovered and created through the mutual cooperation of our two great nations. Again, I want to say that it is imperative that the United States take steps to wean itself off of its dependence on oil, and Middle Eastern oil in particular. Our national security and our energy needs are intertwined, and this bill will go a great step in moving in that direction. So, Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the U.S.-Israel Energy Cooperation Act and urge its adoption today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman), my friend who worked hard on this legislation.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to again commend the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Shadegg) for his leadership on this bill. I think that all the points that have been made on both sides of the aisle have been very important and very relevant, and that is why this bill is really a no-brainer. It is good for the United States, first and foremost. It is good for our relationship with the beleaguered State of Israel. And we know that to move forward, we need to find alternatives to oil, and this bill goes a long, long way. I am convinced that the technology is out there. I am convinced that we can be free of our addiction to oil, that we can take care of our energy needs without oil. I am doing other legislation with the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston) in that regard. And I believe that in the next decade, our attention is really going to have to be focused on finding alternative ways of energy for this country. This bill is an absolute win for everybody, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 844, and I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House of Representatives will honor the 10th anniversary of the founding of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) today. This important nonprofit scientific and advocacy organization, founded in 1996, is working to develop safe, effective and accessible HIV vaccines for use around the world but especially for use in developing countries. IAVI is headquartered in New York, with offices in Nairobi, Johannesburg, New Delhi and Amsterdam, and conducts research and advocacy activities in a total of 23 countries. As you are well aware, the HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to decimate lives and families worldwide. AIDS has already claimed the lives of 25 million people, and there are currently nearly 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS today. The United States has demonstrated our commitment to fighting the AIDS crisis by significantly increasing funding for treatment and care for the worst affected countries. Ultimately, however, a vaccine to prevent the spread of this disease will have a greater effect to slow and eventually halt new infections. IAVI's work focuses on four areas: accelerating scientific research on an AIDS vaccine; mobilizing public support through advocacy and education; encouraging industrial involvement in AIDS vaccine development; and assuring rapid global access to a vaccine. This resolution is timely because in a few weeks an estimated 20,000 scientists, health care providers, community and business leaders, journalists, government, nongovernmental and intergovernmental representatives and people living with HIV/AIDS will meet at the 16th international AIDS conference held this year in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With over 400 sessions, meetings and workshops dedicated to exploring the latest developments in HIV science, policy and practice, this is sure to provide a meaningful discourse on the global AIDS crisis. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative's 10 years of outstanding work. I urge the adoption of this measure. It is a pleasure to once again sponsor this and speak on this with my good friend and partner, the gentlewoman from Florida, Ms. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, with whom I have had the pleasure of working on so much important legislation.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chairman, I thank my good friend, Mr. Lantos. I want to commend you and Chairman Hyde for your leadership on this very, very important bill. I strongly support the bill. I support Mr. Stearns' amendment, because I think it dovetails very nicely with the bill, and I support a new strategic partnership with India. This is extremely important for the United States in the 21st century. India being the largest democracy and the United States being the oldest democracy have so much in common, and this is a chance for us to prove it. We have similar geopolitical interests in the region. We understand the fact that India and the United States have much in common. What may have kept us apart during the Cold War no longer is relevant. We have a strong Indian-American community in the United States, further strengthening the ties between our two great nations; and we have a common battle in the fight against terrorism. India, of course, experienced that terrible bombing on the railroad; and we in the United States understand what terrorism is as well. India is a nuclear power. It is a reality. It is a fact of life. And the fact that India is willing to cooperate with the United States with nuclear power is a plus for us. We should not treat friends and adversaries alike. People who say, well, you know, if you are going to help India, how can you tell Iran not to have nuclear power? That analogy is, frankly, ridiculous, because India has shown time and time again it is a peaceful, loving nation, with the same interests as the United States, whereas Iran is continuing its mischief. We know that Iran and North Korea should not be treated the same as India. So I think what the Congress is doing, what Mr. Lantos and Mr. Hyde have done with their bill, is a very tremendous asset to this country's future in working with India. India has more than a billion people, and India is growing in leaps and bounds in every step of the way. This strategic partnership will not only be with nuclear, but it will be with all things, because we will continue to build up trust with India, we will continue to build up a working relationship with India. Again, we don't have wishes to quarrel with any country, but when it comes to the region in Asia, India has the same concerns, and there are many, that we do, and that is why it pays to work with India and particularly with nuclear power. I support Mr. Stearns' amendment, I support the underlying bill, H.R. 5682, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on both.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I sat here before and listened to the speech of Prime Minister Al-Maliki of Iraq. Quite frankly, I was underwhelmed. I am glad that he condemned terrorism by al Qaeda in Iraq, but we heard not a word of condemnation about Hezbollah and their terrorism against Israel. I guess, according to the Prime Minister, terrorism against Iraq is no good, but terrorism against Israel is acceptable. I am also sorry he didn't take the opportunity to set the record straight involving his criticism of Israel this week or to condemn the speaker of the parliament of Iraq and his vicious anti-Semitic and anti-Jewish diatribe and tirade earlier this week. Unfortunately, none of that was forthcoming. If we are to take the Iraqi leadership seriously in condemnation of terror, they have to condemn terror wherever it rears its ugly head, against Iraq, against Israel, or against any other nation. Only then will I truly believe that they are democrats and care about democracy and really care about the war on terror.