Bob Etheridge

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. I thank the chairman for yielding, and I commend him and the ranking member for their hard work on this piece of legislation. For too long, the Department of Homeland Security has ignored threats to rail and public transportation and buses; and I am pleased to help cosponsor this legislation to correct this problem. In the face of recent attacks in London and Madrid and with our own subways and buses still vulnerable, I am hopeful that this legislation will make sure that the Department addresses this critical work. In addition to closing security gaps in rail and mass transit safety efforts and providing support and guidance for training, security planning and research and development, this bill contains language that I proposed requiring the Department of Homeland Security to assess threats to our Nation's children posed by security risks to school bus transportation. School buses have been targets of terrorists throughout the world, including here in the United States. Just last month, the FBI said that members of extremist groups have purchased school buses and obtained licenses to operate them, while adding that ``parents and children have nothing to fear.'' I do not believe we can take these assessments at face value without a comprehensive threat assessment of school bus transportation. School transportation is a patchwork of systems including public entities, privately owned school bus companies, contractors who provide school transportation, individual owner-operators of school buses who contract with school districts or school systems. The risks are poorly understood, as the FBI's muddled message indicates. An attack on our school buses would be devastating not only in the lives harmed but also in the psychological and symbolic impact. As a former superintendent of schools for the State of North Carolina, I know that children, parents, and schools deserve our school buses to get children to school as safely and as securely as possible. We owe our children no less than to be able to confidently say that our transportation system is secure. The bill requires DHS to perform a comprehensive threat assessment for school transportation and make recommendations on how to respond to these threats. The bill requires vulnerability assessments and security plans for other modes of transportation in the public trust, and it should be the same for our children. I urge everyone to vote for it. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding the time and to the ranking member for all your hard work.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, today I have introduced, together with my colleagues from the Committee on Homeland Security, Chairman Thompson of Mississippi and Mr. Rogers of Alabama, legislation that will prevent terrorists or others with bad intent from posing as Homeland Security officials or officers. This common sense bill will require the Department of Homeland Security to make sure that sensitive material--badges, identification cards, uniforms, and protective gear-- is made in the United States. As these items would be vulnerable to theft in transit, it just makes sense to make sure they start and stay in America. When the Department of Homeland Security buys identification cards overseas, there is no system in place to ensure that they are not stolen and misappropriated by terrorists, who could then pass into restricted areas with fraudulent credentials. In countries with less robust ethical and management standards for business, manufacturers might even be willing to sell uniforms or badges to the highest bidder. The men and women who serve in positions that protect our security are put at risk by a policy that does not secure these materials, and the practice of purchasing them overseas without appropriate safeguards must end. It is certainly not uncommon for cargo to be hijacked or lost, particularly in the staging areas at our Nation's ports of entry. The potential theft of uniforms, badges, or ID cards by the truckload pose a clear threat. These items are meant to serve as validation that those charged with securing our country are who they say they are; misappropriation is unacceptable. This legislation will not slow down the Department at all with regard to purchases; it merely ensures that sensitive materials are kept securely inside the United States when appropriate. The bill contains a waiver for small purchases and for material that will be used outside of the United States. It gives the Department the flexibility to procure materials outside of the United States if necessary and as long as steps are taken to prevent misappropriation. This legislation is focused and targeted at the area of greatest risk in procurement. I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to support it.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this important legislation. This supplemental appropriations bill contains vitally important funding for critical priorities and unmet needs. For example, this bill includes $1.7 billion more than the President requested for military health care, including funds to correct the scandalous conditions at Walter Reed and other military hospitals. It includes another $1.7 billion for veterans' health care, $2.5 billion for improving the readiness of our stateside troops and $1.4 billion for military housing allowances. A nation at war simply must provide necessary funds to support our troops. In addition, this legislation includes $3.1 billion for military construction to implement the BRAC mandates that impact Fort Bragg in my Congressional District and military communities all across the country. It is important to note that the former Republican Congressional Majority failed to pass the military construction appropriations and imperiled these priority projects. This legislation corrects that failure. Mr. Speaker, the standards and benchmarks in this legislation will assert some measure of oversight and accountability to a war policy that has been tragically mismanaged by this administration for too long. I have resisted supporting date certain language for troop redeployment because it is preferable that the executive branch have the lead in foreign policy in partnership with the legislature. Unfortunately, this Administration has mistakenly interpreted that deference as a blank check for its go-it-alone approach. No more. The President's speech this week calling for ``courage and resolve'' demonstrated a continued state of denial. The American people do not need more lectures from this President about resolve. Our troops do not need more lectures about courage. What we need is a new direction to rebuild our military and refocus on the true threat to America from al Qaeda and the Islamic jihadists who attacked us on 9/11. We must deploy our military might to Afghanistan, Pakistan and elsewhere to eliminate Osama bin Laden and the true ``grave and gathering threat'' to America. We must pass this legislation to send a wake-up call to the President that ``Stay The Course'' is no longer an option. Denial is no longer an acceptable policy. I urge my colleagues to support a new direction and vote for this bill.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 556, National Security Foreign Investment Reform and Strengthened Transparency Act of 2007, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of it. Many Americans were rightfully concerned in 2006 by the Dubai Ports World scandal. I support H.R. 556 because this bill provides the needed reform to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). By reforming CFIUS, the United States can better balance the critical issue of national security with the billions of dollars in foreign investment that helps keep our economy strong. H.R. 556 formally establishes CFIUS and its membership and streamlines the process for reviews by the committee. This bill mandates a 30-day review for all national security-related business transactions and a full-scale 45-day investigation to follow if necessary. This bill also ensures these decisions are made at a senior level and requires CFIUS to report to Congress five days after their final action on an investigation. The United States Chamber of Commerce supports this bill as do other groups concerned about responsible policy for foreign investment. I oppose any amendments that weaken H.R. 556, National Security Foreign Investment Reform and Strengthened Transparency Act of 2007. The three amendments introduced by Rep. McCaul all place burdensome reporting requirements on CFIUS and detract from the committee's mission. Reporting on tax issues is outside the scope and expertise of the committee. CFIUS and its resources should be focused on foreign transactions, and most importantly, on national security. I support H.R. 556 and urge my colleagues to join me in improving our national security while safeguarding America's economy.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 800, Employee Free Choice Act, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of it. I support the Employee Free Choice Act because I believe in protecting America's workers and their rights in the workplace. The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 was landmark legislation that allowed workers to organize and bargain collectively. These rights need to be safeguarded for the benefit of our working men and women who make up America's middle class. However, in a time of economic growth and high corporate profits, these middle class families have actually lost ground. Ensuring their freedom to join together and bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions is crucial to improving their plight in today's economy. H.R. 800, Employee Free Choice Act protects workers in several ways. The bill increases penalties for employers who violate the National Labor Relations Act while employees are attempting to organize. It enables both the employer and the union to seek arbitration and mediation during talks for their first contract. Finally, H.R. 800 allows workers to form a union if the National Labor Relations Board finds that a majority of workers have signed authorizations to designate the union as their bargaining representative. This ``card check'' process means workers can still choose to unionize through the current secret ballot method if they wish, but they also would have an avenue that is more protected from intimidation and manipulation from employers who act in bad faith. In addition, I oppose any amendments designed to weaken this bill. The substitute amendment presented by Representative McKeon would strip the Employee Free Choice Act of its original intent. The amendment would prohibit employers from recognizing a union despite a majority of workers signing authorization cards. The amendment introduced by Representative Steve King would outlaw the organizing tactic known as ``salting.'' The Supreme Court has expressly upheld this practice under the National Labor Relations Act. In addition, the amendment presented by Representative Foxx concerning ``Do Not Call List'' would have the effect of cutting off communication between organizers and workers. It could be too easily used as a tool by unscrupulous companies to pressure employees. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 800, Employee Free Choice Act and protecting the rights of our working men and women.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the centennial celebration of the town of Broadway, North Carolina, in my congressional district. Broadway was settled in 1870 and became a charter town in Lee County in 1907. When Broadway was settled in 1870 it was an area of houses, a few stores, and small businesses. Two of the first people to settle in Broadway were Hugh Matthews and Grissom Thomas, and their descendents still reside there. In March 1905, the Atlantic and Western Railroad system connected Broadway to other towns and cities throughout the state of North Carolina. In 1907 M. A. McLeod became the first mayor of the town, followed in 1912 by A. P. Thomas, who established streets and street lights in Broadway. The Town's longest serving mayor was Ralph Hunter. He was a write-in candidate in the 1963 election and served until 1993. While under Mayor Hunter's leadership, Broadway began using a modern water system as well as a sewage plant that was completed in 1986. Mayor Hunter was a dedicated public servant who worked hard for the town of Broadway and its residents. After the tragedy of September 11, 2001 the city of New York wanted to give back to the country. Organizers planned ``New York loves America,'' a tour of stage actors. It was a show that made stops in major U.S. cities as well as Broadway, North Carolina. During the performance the organizers gave a fire hat signed by firemen from New York, former New York mayor Rudy Guliani, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. It was given to the town and is on display in the Broadway Town Hall. Madam Speaker, the town of Broadway has always been dear to my family since it is the hometown of my lovely wife, Faye Etheridge. It is fitting that we take a moment today to honor the centennial celebration of the town of Broadway.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, as a veteran, as you have heard, of the United States Army, myself, I strongly support our troops, our veterans and their families. Let me state at the outset that our troops have done everything that has been asked of them to do. They have done it well. Exceptionally well, I might say. More than 34,000 from North Carolina have been deployed on Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. And more than 5,000 are currently over there now. More are preparing to go back to the desert once again. I am tremendously proud of all the troops from North Carolina and across America who have laced up their boots, followed their orders, and done their duty. They are our heroes, and we salute them. Regardless if one terms the President's announced change in policy a surge or an escalation or an augmentation, the so-called new plan can be summed up in four words: more of the same. I myself have traveled to Iraq twice. And after I returned last year I said the administration must change from this failed policy. Specifically, I said that we need more burden-sharing support from other countries, more communities and countries in the region, because the whole world has a tremendous stake in a stable Iraq and a peaceful Middle East. This administration's arrogant disregard for our international partners has destroyed U.S. alliances that were decades in the making. Those alliances saw us through the darkest days of the cold war when the very existence of our country hung in the balance. Yet, this administration tossed them aside like yesterday's news. It is a sad tragedy to witness the forfeiture of America's moral standing in the world and the abandonment of diplomacy as an effective asset for America's interests. We need to bring all the parties to the table and discuss cooperative action to secure Iraq's long-term stability and a peaceful Middle East. Mr. Speaker, I voted to give the President the authority to topple Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq because he said it presented a ``grave and gathering threat to America.'' The President said Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction and intended to use them against America. The President said Saddam was in cahoots with Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda terrorists. I took the President of the United States of America at his word. We have learned, to our great regret, what that was worth. Now the President wants to send 21,000 more troops to Baghdad. Republican Senator Arlen Specter called the new deployment ``a snowball in July.'' An outgoing commander of the Central Command, with responsibility for Iraq, told the Senate last November, and I quote, ``I do not believe that more American troops right now is the solution to the problem. I believe the troop levels need to stay about where they are.'' And the former Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, John Warner, a decorated marine and former Secretary of the Navy, said last month, ``I feel very strongly that the American GI was not trained, not sent over there, certainly not by resolution of this institution, to be placed in the middle of a fight between Sunni and Shiia and the wanton and just incomprehensible killing that is going on at this time.'' Mr. Speaker, I have voted for every defense bill and war funding legislation that Congress has passed for Iraq. I am very concerned about the state of readiness of our American Armed Forces. As the Representative for Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, I know that America's military and our military communities have many unmet needs, while the war in Iraq continues to consume more and more public dollars, with no end in sight. In conclusion, I rise in support of this resolution with no joy in my heart, but with solid conviction in my soul. The failure of this administration has gone unchecked and unchallenged by the Congress of the United States for far too long. We need a new direction in Iraq. The question before Congress is this: Is more of the same in Iraq an acceptable policy? The answer is no.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 547, the Advanced Fuels Infrastructure and Development Act of 2007. This is indeed timely and critically needed legislation to improve the use of alternative fuels such as E85 ethanol or biodiesel. We've made great strides in developing alternative fuels, but one critical problem always remains. Simply put: we can produce all the ethanol we want, but if the local gas station can't put it in their storage tank, then you will never be able to put it in your car. During the last Congress, I had the honor of serving with Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth as a co-chair or the Democratic Rural Working Group. Working with leaders like Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson and Speaker Pelosi, we identified biofuels as a win-win for America's energy needs. Some states have already begun their own initiatives to make their infrastructure compatible to alternative fuels such as E85, but we need a nationwide effort in order to make these fuels viable as a real alternative. Anyone who has filled up a gas tank in the past year knows that gas prices are highly volatile and too high for the average American. As a former North Carolina small businessman, and a part time farmer, I believe that it is our duty to find alternatives to what has become a dangerous reliance on foreign oil. Our Nation has the capability to gain its energy independence. We posses the technology and the ability to turn the crops growing in our fields into the fuels we need to power our economy. H.R. 547 will help accomplish this by developing the infrastructure we need to make fuels like E85 and biodiesel viable alternatives. This legislation will direct the Environmental Protection Agency to perform research and development into the infrastructure improvements needed to facilitate the proper use and transportation for fuels such as E85 ethanol and biodiesel. H.R. 547 will provide for research into existing issues that such as alternative fuel and equipment computability with existing fuel dispersment facilities and automotive technologies. Mr. Chairman, making these fuels available to the American consumer is the first step towards making them a real alternative to foreign oil. I encourage my colleagues to vote for H.R. 547.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in reluctant support of House Joint Resolution 20 to fund the essential services of the Federal Government through September 20 of this year. On November 7, the American people voted to fire the former Republican majority for gross mismanagement of the Nation's finances and woeful neglect of the priorities of the American people. This imperfect legislation is necessary to clean up the mess the former majority left behind. Mr. Speaker, the former Republican majority passed only 2 of the 11 bills necessary to fund the discretionary accounts of the Federal Government. Failing to pass their obligatory legislation by October 1, 2006, the former majority passed a stopgap measure to keep the Government functioning when they adjourned the 109th Congress. Our new Democratic majority was left with the unfinished business of the fiscal year 2007 appropriations legislation. Today marks the 123rd day since the start of fiscal year 2007, and the President's 2008 budget request is scheduled to be delivered to this Congress on Monday. Now is the time to finish last year's work, so we can move on to the essential work at hand to deliver a new direction for the American people. Although I am disappointed that funding priorities for our districts were left out of this bill, it is important to note several important improvements this bill makes over previous year's appropriations. For example, H.J. Res. 20 will raise the maximum Pell grant award from $4,050 to $4,310, the first increase in 4 years of this critical effort to make college more affordable for working families. The bill increases special education funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA, by $200 million. This Continuing Resolution will increase low-income public schools' Title I funding by $125 million and thereby reverse the decline in Title I education funding. Even with these increases, Federal investment in education continues to lag far behind the levels needed to create a first-class school system for the 21st century, and I look forward to working to address these shortfalls in the fiscal year 2008 appropriations legislation. I am concerned about the military construction projects left out of this legislation, and I want Congress to work on a bipartisan basis to address this problem in the fiscal year 2007 supplemental appropriations legislation. This bill includes an important increase of $3.6 billion for veterans health care to meet the needs of an additional 325,000 patients, and it increases funding for health care services at the Department of Defense by $1.2 billion, including treating soldiers wounded in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. The CR also increases funding for the basic allowance for military housing by $500 million. Finally, the bill increases funding for intelligence analysts at the FBI that are critical to protect the American people from the terrorist threat as well as increasing funding for COPS local law enforcement. Mr. Speaker, as a new member of the House Budget Committee, I have learned over the past several weeks that the budget mess created by the former majority is far worse than the American people know. It will take a lot of hard work to restore order to our Nation's books. H.J. Res. 20 is the first necessary if unpleasant step in that vital effort. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this legislation.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Harold T. Ellen of Angier, North Carolina, who passed on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at the age of 75. In his passing, North Carolina lost one of its most outstanding citizens and a man who was instrumental in his community, county, and State. One of the area's most beloved men, my friend Harold Ellen, was a native of Harnett County and the son of the late Irvin and Gladys Smith Ellen. Harold grew up on his family farm and learned the value of hard work at a very early age. He graduated from Angier High School and served in the U.S. Navy aboard a Destroyer Escort, the USS Hanna during the Korean War. After service, Harold received a combined basketball- baseball scholarship to Campbell Junior College where he met his lovely wife Patsy Ann Walters Ellen. Harold and Patsy transferred to Elon College to complete their degrees. After graduating from Elon College, Harold played Semi-professional baseball for Fuquay-Varina, Angier, and Pea Ridge. In 1957, Harold became the head basketball and track coach at Fuquay-Varina High school. Coach Ellen went to Pembroke State University as interim head baseball coach in 1967 and in 1969 he was named head coach, a position he held until his retirement from coaching in 1986. His 331 wins were the most in the school history and 19 years as head coach makes him the longest tenured baseball coach at the University. He achieved many milestones and received many accolades while coaching at Pembroke. Madam Speaker, Harold used every minute of his long and productive life to make the world a better place. He was a respected and successful coach, a dedicated public servant, and a great North Carolinian. It is fitting that we honor him and his family today.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, let me congratulate Speaker Pelosi and the House Democratic leadership for bringing this legislation to the floor for a new direction for America's energy independence. Last Congress, I had the honor of serving with Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth as co-chairs of the Speaker's Rural Working Group. Working with leaders like Chairman Collin Peterson, we identified biofuels as a win-win for America's energy needs. Over the past few years, as gas prices have steadily risen higher and higher, there has been no significant legislation passed in this body to gain our energy independence. Anyone who has filled up his or her gas tank in the past year knows that gas prices are highly volatile and really too high for the average American. Yet while Americans are struggling to make ends meet, oil companies are making record profits. As a former small businessman in North Carolina and as a part-time farmer, I believe it is our duty to find alternatives for what can become a dangerous reliance on foreign oil. And let me be clear, our Nation has the capacity to gain its energy independence. H.R. 6 will promote this by creating a renewable fuel standard requiring that, by 2015, 15 percent of our fuels be renewable. This legislation will also extend and expand tax credits for ethanol and biodiesel. It will extend loan guarantees to farmers to produce renewable energy, and it will increase and expand tax credits to promote the use of flex fuel vehicles. Today we have the technology to solve our energy crisis growing in our fields. We have the ability to turn soybeans and peanuts, both grown in large amounts, I should say, in my home State of North Carolina, into biodiesel, and the technology to turn sugar cane and corn into ethanol. What we haven't had up to this point is the leadership to develop the infrastructure needed to facilitate the use of these fuels. This legislation before us today will begin to do just that. I encourage my colleagues to vote for H.R. 6.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. I thank the gentleman, and look forward to working with you as the bill moves along to make sure that this takes care of our students. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5 and urge my colleagues to join me in voting to pass this important first step toward making college more affordable. As the first member of my family to graduate from college, I know firsthand that affordable access to quality higher education is the key to the American Dream for working families. The costs of attending college continue to skyrocket and putting college out-of-reach for middle class families. Since 2001, tuition and fees at public universities have increased by 41 percent after inflation, and tuition and fees at private universities have jumped by 17 percent after inflation. According to the Congressional Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance, financial barriers will prevent 4.4 million high school graduates from attending a four-year public college over the next decade, and prevent another two million high school graduates from attending any college at all. Unfortunately, recent Congresses and this Administration have failed to take action to help our working families and college students. In fact, the 109th Congress raided billions of dollars from federal support for college aid to pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest few. And even yesterday, the Administration announced its opposition to H.R. 5 by stating college students do not need more help because college graduates ``have higher lifetime earnings.'' Sadly, this Administration just doesn't get it. H.R. 5 is designed to make college more affordable and accessible by cutting the interest rate on subsidized student loans for undergraduates in half over the next five years. H.R. 5 will cut the interest rate from the current 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent. As a strong supporter of education, I support H.R. 5 and also want this Congress to increase investments in Pell Grants for low-income families and other federal financial aid for college. Education is the great equalizer in our society because it gives each citizen the opportunity to make the most of his or her God-given abilities. The new Democratic Majority must reverse the failed priorities of the past and invest in education for greater opportunities for all Americans. Madam Speaker, I strongly support budget discipline, and I am pleased the Democratic Leadership has made good on our promise of no new deficit spending. I urge all my colleagues in joining with me to pass H.R. 5.

Mr. ETHERIDGE. I thank the chairman for yielding to me and I support this bill to cut interest rates in half for our students. Let me say, as the first member of my family to graduate from college, I know firsthand that affordable access to higher education is the key to the American dream for working families. The cost of attending college continues to skyrocket and puts it out of reach, as we have already heard and I won't state the numbers, for many working families and students. In our State of North Carolina, Mr. Chairman, we have a unique situation where our State nonprofits provide significant benefits to students. I am concerned that this legislation could have the unintended consequences of reducing the benefits that our students will receive through our nonprofit lenders.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. I thank the gentleman, Mr. Speaker, and I rise in support of H.R. 4. Mr. Speaker, nearly 4 years ago, I voted against the legislation that created Medicare Part D when the then-Republican Majority passed it in the dead of night. I rise today in support of H.R. 4 to correct one of its most fundamental flaws. H.R. 4 would simply remove the provision of law that prohibits the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from negotiating the price of prescription drugs to lower costs for Medicare beneficiaries. I have never supported price fixing or rationing, and I am confident that this legislation is a good first step toward more comprehensive Medicare reform. Mr. Speaker, many of my constituents work at America's pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, and I think it is important to take note of the many contributions these employers make to the betterment of our communities. Indeed, many of the biotechnology firms in North Carolina are among our best corporate citizens, providing employment opportunities, investing in America's health and well-being, growing the local tax base, providing essential services to our neediest constituents and giving back to our communities. For example, GlaxoSmithKline offers the free GSK Orange Card savings program to help more than 175,000 low-income seniors to save 20 percent to 40 percent off the usual price for outpatient GSK medicines. A coalition of eight companies offers the free Together Rx Card to poor and uninsured Americans, which has helped more than 1.4 million seniors to save more than $600 million on their medicines. In addition, U.S. pharmaceutical companies annually invest billions of dollars in biotechnology research to develop medicines to treat and cure terrible diseases and relieve human suffering. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4 and call on this Congress to work with the private sector as we move forward to reform Medicare to lower prices for beneficiaries while providing vital health care products and services.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3, the bipartisan DeGette-Castle bill on stem cell research that is identical to legislation passed by the Republican 109th Congress and vetoed last year by President Bush. This bill allows federal funding for stem cell research that gives hope to 100 million Americans and their families afflicted by debilitating or life-threatening diseases. This research is critical to find new treatments and possible cures to terrible diseases like diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, ALS, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. It is important to note this bill's ethical safeguards, including requirements that forbid financial inducements for donations, mandate informed and written consent for donation, and requires HHS and the National Institutes of Health to produce ethical guidelines. DeGette- Castle promotes the most ethical use of discarded fertility clinic products because rather than flushing them down the drain, ethically- monitored scientists can utilize them to promote life-saving research. Mr. Speaker, this is important policy matter, but for me, it's personal. My college basketball coach, a friend and mentor for several decades is a victim of Alzheimer's disease. Others I am close to suffer from Lou Gehrig's disease. After prayerful consideration, I have arrived at the strong conclusion that we must allow the ethical advance of research to relieve human suffering. I urge my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 3, and I urge the President to sign it into law.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1, and I urge all my colleagues to join me in voting to pass this vitally important legislation to implement the recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission. Keeping all Americans safe should be the top priority of the government. Congress cannot wait for another attack to take steps to protect our nation from terrorism. I have worked on the Homeland Security Committee to implement the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, and I hope that the rest of my colleagues will join me in supporting these critical reforms. The bill includes a number of steps to improve homeland security, including: Requiring major improvements in aviation security, border security, and infrastructure security; Requiring 100 percent inspection of cargo at ports and on passenger aircraft; Providing first responders the equipment and training they need including the critical issue of communications interoperability; Increasing efforts to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction; Significantly expanding diplomatic, economic and educational strategies designed to counter Islamic terrorism; Strengthening privacy and civil liberties protections; and Restoring America's moral leaderships throughout the world. As North Carolina's only Member of the Homeland Security Committee, I worked with my colleagues in the 109th session of Congress to implement many of the reforms included in today's legislation. In particular, I joined my colleagues on the committee in supporting legislation to screen 100 percent of all containers entering U.S. ports, and to provide first responders with interoperable communications equipment. The bipartisan 9/11 Commission was created by Congress to provide recommendations on preventing another terrorist attack. The recommendations were released in 2004. Congress implemented several of the recommendations in December 2004, however the Republican-controlled Congress did not implement many, and only partially implemented others. In its final report card, the 9/11 Commissioners gave the Administration and Congress many poor grades on implementing the recommendations, and this legislation will make America safer by putting these new policies into place. Mr. Speaker, the American people want bipartisan action to provide real solutions for a safe and secure country, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to pass H.R. 1.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 6099, the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act. H.R. 6099 is another heavy-handed attempt by the majority to intrude into the doctor-patient relationship. This legislation would proscribe a consent form that states as medical fact unsubstantiated studies which have no consensus in the medical community. This legislation is meant to further undermine the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade decision regarding a woman's right to privacy and her ability to make personal medical decisions. Once again, instead of allowing a controversial bill such as this one full and clear debate, the House leadership is trying to sneak one by the American people on one of the last days of a lame-duck session in a desperate attempt to score political points with those factions who wish to deprive women of their rights. And by putting it on the Suspension Calendar, they have denied Members the opportunity to offer substantive amendments on these important issues. I urge my colleagues to vote against this legislation so that we may consider it, as well as substantive amendments that could improve it, in the 110th Congress.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 96, a bill recognizing the American Christmas tree industry, and the important role that it plays in U.S. agriculture. This resolution is a timely one as we approach the upcoming holiday season. And for my home state of North Carolina, it is also one that reminds us of the tremendous impact that agriculture has on our state's economy. The Christmas tree industry in North Carolina is ranked second in the Nation, with more than 30,000 acres in production that contributes over $100 million to our state's economy. This resolution reminds us that there are many facets to our Nation's diverse agricultural economy. Agriculture now includes such specialties as aquaculture, trees and ornamental horticulture, landscaping, and turf production. The Christmas tree industry in North Carolina is an example of the growth and development of the industry. I urge support on House Resolution 96.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2679, Public Expression of Religion Act of 2005, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting against it. I take very seriously my duty to uphold the rights safeguarded for all citizens by the United States Constitution. Our founding fathers created a document that not only gives us a framework that we govern by even today but a document that sets forth the unalienable rights of all Americans. The legislation that passes Congress should be designed to protect these rights, not weaken them. Unfortunately, H.R. 2679 fails to meet this most basic test. H.R. 2679 is not a bill that would protect the freedom of religion as its authors contend. In reality, by weakening the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, it would have the opposite effect. Under current law, attorneys' fees are paid for by the defending party when the plaintiff is found to have had their constitutional rights violated under the Establishment Clause. By denying the payment of these attorneys' fees, even in successful cases, H.R. 2679 insulates serious constitutional violations from judicial review. Few citizens can afford to pay attorney fees that can total hundreds of thousands of dollars in these cases. In addition, attorneys cannot always take cases, even on a pro bono basis, if they are unable to recoup their fees and out-of-pocket costs when they prevail. By barring the awarding of attorneys' fees to prevailing parties in these cases, H.R. 2679 severely impairs the ability of our citizens to protect their constitutional rights. Furthermore, the Establishment Clause is included in the Constitution to protect and promote religious freedom for all Americans. H.R. 2679 would for the first time single out one of the constitutional protections afforded in the Bill of Rights, and prevent its full enforcement. If the right to attorney's fees is taken away in these cases, a dangerous precedent would be set for the erosion of more civil liberties included in the U.S. Constitution. All of the rights in the Constitution are granted to every citizen of the United States, not just to those who can afford to pay for them. I urge you to oppose H.R. 2679, the misnamed ``Public Expression of Religion Act.''

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on this legislation to establish military tribunals for terrorist suspects. This legislation was made necessary by a U.S. Supreme Court decision in June in the case of Hamdan v. Rumsfeld, in which the court ruled that the military commissions created by the Bush administration violated both U.S. and international law. This important legislation is necessary to create a lawful framework in order to bring to trial such terrorist suspects as Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks on America. Without passage of this legislation, the United States will have no legal means to bring to justice those who have participated in the most heinous acts of terrorism against our country. I agree with my Democratic colleagues who rightfully argued we should have been allowed to consider substantive changes to the bill such as those contained in the Skelton motion to recommit, which I voted for. The Skelton language would have provided for expedited consideration of the statute's constitutionality and required the statute to be renewed in three years, but unfortunately, the Skelton motion failed to pass. Although the Republican Majority would not allow consideration of proposed Democratic amendments, it is important to note the significant and substantive changes that have been made to the bill to correct the serious flaws of the original White House proposal. Specifically, the bill would replace the White House's denial of habeas corpus rights with a process known as combatant status review in which detainees may challenge their detention within the confines of the military commission system. In addition, the manager's amendment assures the prohibition of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, codified in the Detainee Treatment Act (Pub. L. 109-163, P.L. 109-148). It also clarifies that defendants will be able to examine and respond to redacted classified evidence being used against them. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6166 is not a perfect bill, but I will vote for it so the United States can move forward with prosecuting terrorist suspects in a manner consistent with our values in a fair and just system.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I rise in opposition to H.R. 5825, the Electronic Surveillance Modernization Act. I strongly support aggressive action to protect America from the threat of terrorism. We must do whatever it takes to defeat our terrorist enemies and defend our core principles. But this bill is unnecessary and goes too far and empowers unaccountable bureaucrats to violate the rights of law-abiding Americans. Since the terrorist attacks on our nation on September 11, 2001, I have consistently supported the modernization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) through my votes in favor of the USA PATRIOT Act and its reauthorization (P.L. 107-56, P.L. 109-177), the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L. 107-108), the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act (P.L. 107-273), and the Department of Homeland Security Act (P.S. 107- 296). FISA is a modern, flexible statute that is a vital tool for the FBI, CIA and the NSA in their investigations of terrorism and espionage. This law provides intelligence and law enforcement officials the authority to monitor the communications of those who would do us harm while protecting the privacy and civil liberties of U.S. persons as guaranteed by the Constitution. H.R. 5825 is an ill-conceived, election-year ploy that would expand executive wiretap authority to unprecedented levels and expose the daily, innocent communications of American citizens to review by faceless bureaucrats. Mr. Speaker, we must provide our law enforcement officials with the tools and resources they need to plug gaps in our homeland security and to penetrate global terror cells, but the House Republican leadership attempts to weaken the U.S. Constitution by lowering the standard of the Fourth Amendment to score political points. I support the bipartisan Harman-Flake alternative that represents a balanced approach to defeat the terrorists while safeguarding our rights.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call on this House to pass legislation to end America's dependency on foreign oil. Earlier this week, I attended the opening of Piedmont Biofuels in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This plant is already producing thousands of gallons of B-100 biodiesel made from soybeans grown in my home State. This plant is a model for the future of our energy independence. The technology exists today that can turn our crops into biofuels. What we don't have is the infrastructure to facilitate the use of these fuels. My colleagues and I have introduced H.R. 5372, the BIOFUEL Act, to ramp up this infrastructure immediately. The legislation will facilitate the increased production of vehicles that run on biofuels and provide tax credits and incentives to gas station owners who update their equipment to be able to sell these fuels. The legislation also increases research and development into biofuels, investing in cutting-edge technology that will utilize energy from sources such as agricultural waste and byproducts. Now is the time to end America's dependency on foreign oil. The answer to our energy needs is growing in our fields.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, today the House considered House Resolution 994, to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Most of us were here in Washington on that fateful day, and after the attacks we knew our lives had changed forever. Although I may not agree with every provision of this resolution, I voted for it to support our troops and to commemorate that tragic day. House Resolution 994 is an effort to honor those thousands of innocent people who lost their lives that day as well as remember the bravery and sacrifice of the fire fighters, law enforcement officers and rescue personnel who worked feverishly to save them. This resolution also recognizes the brave men and women of our armed services who responded with authority, precision and when needed, force, to root out the cowardly perpetrators and protect Americans and our interests both here and abroad. Although we pause on September 11th to reflect and say thanks, on this day we must also renew our commitment to securing the homeland and protecting our values every day. It is our responsibility to remove bureaucratic roadblocks and provide our Nation's first responders with the interoperable communications equipment they so sorely need. We must seek the correct balance between securing our Nation and protecting the civil rights that serve as the basis of our enduring democracy. And we must honor our commitment with continued support of our troops overseas. It seems like only yesterday when this Nation joined together in recognition that the forces that divide us from one another can never overcome the transcendent unity we have as Americans. Five years ago Members of Congress stood shoulder to shoulder on the step of this Capitol and pledged to work together to remember this day and honor the sacrifice of the fallen. This is a pledge we should remember every day and not just once a year.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Republicans' National Voter ID act. This bill imposes new Federal ID requirements on all voters in Federal elections and would have the effect of disenfranchising millions of American citizens. H.R. 4844 requires all States to demand that voters provide government-issued identification in order to vote in the 2008 election, and a copy when voting absentee or by mail, and proof of citizenship in order to vote in the 2010 election. Unfortunately, H.R. 4844 undoes the progress of the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization enacted just 2 months ago by imposing a 21st century poll tax. This bill would disenfranchise the elderly, people with disabilities, and minorities. The costs of obtaining the documents needed to prove you are citizen are high. A birth certificate usually costs $1- $15; and according to the State Department only 27 percent of eligible Americans have passports, which cost $97. Naturalization papers, if they need to be replaced, cost $210. While supporters of H.R. 4844 promise to help some citizens who don't have money to pay for these documents, we cannot bank on the promise from the Republican majority who have refused to honor their commitment to the Help America Vote Act. Mr. Speaker, let me state clearly that I oppose voter fraud. Currently, there are very strong federal statues on the books to penalize voter fraud and I support their vigorous enforcement. The Help American Vote Act, which I supported, gave States resources to both expand access and prevent voter fraud. Yet, the Republican majority has under-funded the Help American Vote Act by $800 million. I oppose this legislation, and urge my colleagues to reject this 21st Century poll tax.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation to reauthorize NOAA and call on the agency to work to develop an inland warning system. Six years ago I held a Hurricane Summit in the Second District of North Carolina. This was in response to the devastation that was brought to my State by Hurricane Floyd. Hurricane Floyd was one of the most devastating storms to hit the United States in more than 25 years. When Hurricane Floyd roared ashore in North Carolina in September of 1999, the storm took at least 56 lives, and left damages upwards of $6 billion from the Carolinas to New England. Although the National Weather Service uses the Saffir-Simpson Scale to classify hurricane strength according to wind speed, Hurricane Floyd showed us that much more damage, death, and destruction can be created by unexpected inland flooding. One year ago this fact was displayed again with disastrous intensity during Hurricane Katrina when the damage was not just limited to the immediate coastal areas of the gulf coast. After the storms there were inland areas in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama that were inaccessible for weeks following the severe flooding. The purpose of my Hurricane Summit was to bring together meteorological experts from universities, the National Hurricane Center, and the National Weather Service to develop a more accurate index for inland flood monitoring. With the information gathered at this summit, I drafted legislation to ensure that NOAA and the National Weather Service make significant improvements to their inland flood warning system. H.R. 2486, the Inland Flood Forecasting and Warning System Act of 2002, was passed in the 107th Congress and enjoyed wide bipartisan support. Mr. Speaker, this legislation directed NOAA and the National Weather Service to improve the capability to forecast inland flooding associated with tropical storms and hurricanes, to develop a distinctive inland flood warning index for emergency management officials, and to train emergency management officials, National Weather Service personnel, and meteorologists to use these improved forecasting techniques for inland flooding. An important part of this legislation requires the National Weather Service and NOAA to report annually to Congress on the progress of this new flood index. I would like to continue to work with the members of the Science Committee and the Appropriations Committee to ensure that NOAA provides these reports to the Congress in a timely manner. Congress must provide the proper oversight to NOAA to ensure that the progress in developing an improved inland flooding index can be put in place to save lives.