Rahm Emanuel

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, July 28, 2005, the Republican Congress, the Republican Senate, President Bush, had an energy policy that they voted on 3 years ago. At that time the minority leader said it will lower prices, it will lower dependency on foreign oil. President Bush, when he signed the Republican energy plan, said it would lower prices, lower America's dependency on foreign oil and lead to a great economic boom when we look back at it. Well, in 3 short years, gas has gone from about $2.29 a gallon to a little over $4. By any measurement, dependence on foreign oil, the cost of energy, by any measurement or economic activity, it has been an absolute failure. They got their way. They wrote the bill they wanted. July 28, 2005, on this floor, they passed their energy bill, and they promised you what it was going to do, and you now see the results. Now, there is enough blame to go around from all sides. Not everybody has been perfect. We have missed many an opportunity here to deal with energy, Democratic and Republican alike. But what is interesting now is their new line. The Republican line, as it relates to energy policy, is we are for everything. Except for you are for everything except when you can be for something. When it came to voting for fuel efficiency standards, raising them for the first time in 30 years, 163 Republicans voted ``no.'' You weren't for all of the above then. When it came to renewable electricity standards, 159 Republicans voted ``no.'' You weren't for all of the above then. When it came to alternative technologies, solar, wind, geothermal, other technologies, the DRILL Act, opening up Alaska, you voted ``no'' then. You weren't for all of the above then.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, yesterday the Wall Street Journal reported that the richest 1 percent are doing better than ever under President Bush. According to the Wall Street Journal, the income of the richest 1 percent, people who earn above $1 million, are at a 19-year high. At the same time, their average income tax rate is at an 18-year low. And if they're doing so well, simple question, how are the other 99 percent doing? Median household income has dropped $1,200 under George Bush and the Republican Congress. Household expenses are up $4,600. College costs have doubled. Health care costs have doubled. Gas prices have more than doubled, and yet median income has dropped by $1,200. These are sobering statistics. The middle class is simply getting squeezed in this country. After 7\1/2\ years of the administration policies, it's not a surprise 99 percent are getting hurt and the top 1 percent are doing better than ever. And now John McCain is offering an economic plan to cut taxes to this top 1 percent by $127,000. It is time for a new direction.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, this is, as the tax rebate earlier this year, a bipartisan effort to help stabilize the mortgage industry and homeownership. What started as a small crisis in the sub-prime market has now spread to other credit markets and other areas. This is the right thing to do, and literally, the whole world is watching whether we will get this done and stand up for our obligations. This is essential for the mortgage industry, as I said, and also for homeownership in America. In addition to those efforts, this legislation provides up to a $1,000 tax deduction for those who have a standard deduction for property taxes, something we've never done before, and is a landmark as it relates to property tax relief for homeowners, mainly senior citizens. And finally, why I think this legislation is so important, as somebody who worked in affordable housing, in the area of affordable housing, both in Chicago and in prior times in the executive branch, this extends the low-income affordable housing tax credit for States, as well as makes it a wealthier tax credit, which is so important for first time homeowners. This legislation, which could have been done earlier but others didn't want to do it earlier, comes at a critical time to sending messages around the world literally about America's willingness to step forward and meet its obligations to important institutions like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and make sure that America's mortgage industry but, most importantly, its homeownership continues on a steady course and a steady footing. I think this is the right legislation and at an essential time, and I compliment those on a bipartisan effort for accomplishing what is essential for America's economy, at this time, I think a critical juncture as those around the world in the credit markets are watching to see if we will stand by our obligation, and in addition to that, achieves other objectives, property tax relief, as well as affordable housing relief, and make sure that we continue to grow and making accessible affordable housing initiatives.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. There are three parts to this: supply, efficiency, and alternatives. When we increased the fuel efficiency of cars, we moved on one of those pieces. Here, we're moving on supply. We're asking you to join us to make sure that we have adequate supplies out there. There are 68 million acres to be drilled, and as the majority leader said earlier, it's ironic on the day that we have the bill on the floor, finally we're going to have 2 million acres opened up in Alaska. This requires that there's an annual offering of more property up to be drilling. It does not have to only occur when the Congress puts a bill on the floor to threaten an administration that you finally move more supply to market. This is a comprehensive approach to solving the energy crisis that the country faces.

Mr. EMANUEL. Thank you very much for the time. Three years ago this summer, President Bush signed into law in 2005, in August--July 28, we passed it here in the House--an energy bill which the President said at that time, ``I'm confident that one day the Americans will look back on this bill as a vital step towards a more secure and prosperous Nation that is less dependent on foreign sources of energy.'' At that time, gas was $2.29 a gallon. By any measurement, that legislation has failed. Today, it's $4.11 a gallon, and our dependence on foreign oil is greater now than it was then. What has happened here is we have provided the oil and gas companies $15 billion in subsidies of taxpayer money to drill. They're not drilling on the 68 million acres. We have provided them 68 million acres on the Lower 48 to drill. They are not drilling. So we have a simple thing: use-it-or-lose-it. Get drilling. We agree that supply is part of it. We also agree that efficiency is part of it.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, this isn't the cure-all for everything, but it is a step in the right direction, and we should take note. It cracks down on fraud in Medicare which is one of the ways we make payments to doctors and seniors. It ensures that we don't overpay health insurance companies for the care you get for less money. It begins us on a process to make sure that we have an e-prescribe system. And most importantly, what this does is preserve the doctor and senior patient relationship. This is the right step to do. Not only are we taking this step in helping Medicare and preserving the relationship between doctors and patients, it builds on the progress we have made by restoring $14 billion to veterans' health care. Also, just the other day we reversed six of the President's rules and regulations as it relates to Medicaid. Unfortunately, we haven't taken that step as it relates to 10 million children and their health care program. But this Congress, from Medicare to Medicaid to our veterans, has begun to take the steps that are necessary, that are important to health care reform, to ensure that people have access to the doctors that they need and the system that we have that once again preserves the relationship between doctors and patients. So on a host of fronts, whether you want to crack down on fraud, whether we want to make sure that we are not overpaying insurance companies, whether we want to make sure we are preserving the relationship between doctors and their patients, this is the right step in the right direction, and I am proud that it is done in a bipartisan fashion, once again putting the American people first.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, July 28, 2005. The House of Representatives, one month from now will be the 3-year anniversary of the House Republican Congress passing their energy bill. The minority leader, who was just here, said at that time when gas was $2.29 a gallon, ``It will ultimately lead to lower energy prices for the consumer and will spur our economy.'' President Bush when it was signed: ``I am confident that one day Americans will look back on this bill as a vital step toward a more secure and more prosperous Nation that is less dependent on foreign sources of energy.'' We have had 3 years of your energy policy, 3 years where you promised lower prices and a spur to the economy. By any standard of the imagination, it is a failure. Not because you want it to be. You thought it was the right policy. But it was a failure. We have today a policy, because we do not believe this is an either- or choice, between more drilling or more conservation. We think it takes both. That is why we passed the standards, which you did not after 12 years in control, to increase the fuel efficiency standards for our cars. The first time in 30 years that was done. You all voted against that in your leadership. Second, when it comes to drilling, we do believe as it relates to the oil and gas companies who are having record profits, use it or lose it. We gave you 68 million acres of public land. I have 3 children, 11, 9 and 8. My middle one, she loves chocolate, really loves chocolate. But we have a rule in the house: You don't get your desert until you finish everything on your plate. And to the oil and gas companies that want those leases in other areas, you don't get those leases until you finish what is on your plate.

Mr. EMANUEL. So see what we have done here. Not only have we given them 68 million acres with record supplies of oil and gas, you, the taxpayers, because they refused to agree to this, give them $14 billion, that is the oil companies, to drill, out of your money. $14 billion. They all vote against rescinding that and putting it towards alternatives. You give them $14 billion. You give them 68 million of acres of public land. And what is the policy? $4.08 a gallon for gas. I say it is time for a new direction: More conservation, more drilling, use it or lose it. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Earned Income Tax Credit Information Act of 2008, legislation that will make it easier for millions of Americans to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit, (EITC). Every year I host tax clinics in my district in order to help my constituents get a fair deal when they file their taxes. Hundreds of my constituents come to these clinics and with the help of volunteers receive thousands of dollars in tax refunds. But millions of Americans and thousands in my district still don't get the tax credits they deserve, like the EITC. The EITC is the single most important tool we have to encourage work and reduce poverty in our country. Nationally, over 22 million working Americans benefit from this program and receive $43 billion in Federal assistance. That's an average amount of over $1900 per taxpayer. At $4 a gallon, an average EITC check can now pay for 32 trips to the gas station to fill your tank. In my district, over 38,000 taxpayers received $64 million through the EITC. But because one-quarter of those eligible to receive EITC don't claim it, there are also nearly 13,000 of my constituents who should receive EITC but don't and they're losing out on $25 million in benefits. Nationally, there are 7 million Americans who are eligible to receive this benefit but don't. This amounts to a loss of $14 billion to eligible working Americans. American families are struggling to get by. The cost of gas, food, education, and health care are skyrocketing. How can we stand by and let the American people leave $14 billion on the table? A Republican Governor working with a Democratic legislature has given us a model for addressing this problem. Last year, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law Assembly Bill 650, the Earned Income Tax Credit Information Act. The bill was simple and straightforward. The law requires that California employers notify employees of their potential eligibility for the EITC when they send employees their W-2 forms. Employers are uniquely positioned to help because they are already providing their employees with their W-2 forms that tell them their earnings for this year. This law simply piggy-backs on that requirement to help employees understand that they may be eligible to receive the EITC. Our legislation takes the California law and expands it to the rest of the country. Under our bill, employees throughout the country who earn enough to be eligible for the EITC will receive a notice from their employer with their W-2 form telling them about the program and how to learn more about it. Small businesses will not be affected by the bill and the proposal won't cost American taxpayers one single dime. It's a common sense way to ensure families who need it most get the benefits they deserve. I am hopeful that this legislation will be unnecessary. Today, Sen. Schumer and I will send a letter asking the Administration to accomplish this goal by executive order. Secretary Paulson is a supporter of EITC and I'm hopeful that he will build on his role during the economic stimulus debate and embrace this common-sense, fiscally responsible approach to providing hardworking Americans with additional fiscal relief. Finally, Wal-Mart, the Nation's largest employer, and the SEIU, one of the Nation's leading labor unions, are supporting the bill. They understand the importance of the EITC to their workers and members. In addition, the bill is supported by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Citizens for Tax Justice, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Corporate Voices for Working Families, the College and University Professional Association of Human Resources, TJ Maxx, Kindred Healthcare, and Cintas.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Chicago-area veterans of World War II who have arrived today on Honor Flight Chicago to visit the memorial that is dedicated to them, and to celebrate the country that they helped define. These are the men who proudly wore the uniform of this country, endured the rigors of the war, and fought for our liberty and the freedom of future generations of Americans. While their wartime experiences are as varied as the paths they took following the war, they all remain united in defense of the values that shape our identity as a Nation: love of freedom and respect for human dignity. Few members of the ``greatest generation'' spoke about their wartime experiences without evoking painful and emotional recollections of their experiences in World War II, and fewer still asked for recognition. I urge my colleagues to join me in welcoming these veterans to our Nation's Capital on this day. It is my privilege to honor each one. Charles S. Affolter, Fredric S. Appelman, Francis Bailey, Edward Bednarczyk, Larry Black, Delmar Bond, Kenneth J. Chelmowski, John J., Sr. Cooney, Gilbert R. Dumdie, Bernard Edelman, Stanley Ewasiuk, Tom Flanagan, Henry W. Flora, Alfred Galvan, Robert E. Georgen, Melvin R. Gerberding, Lloyd Getz, Joseph Virgil Gray, Donald Harner. Mark Hashimoto, Loyde A. Henry, Jesse Hidalgo, John Howard, Richard P. Hyland, Raymond Janus, Alvin S. Johnson, Phillip J. Joseph, Harold E. Kalbas, Merritt A. King, Kyrl (Carl) Kirk, Norman F. Kosman, Robert P. Krautstrunk, Joseph K. Kulinski, Keith F. Lawler, Sr., John S. Manasse, Dominic Martinucci, Elroy E. Meyer, Robert W. Mitchler, Samuel Mizra. Nicholas Moorad, Amos Nicholson, Joseph A. Oruzco, Robert L. Palis, James W. Reilly, Melvin Rosenfeld, Gordon R. Schnulle, John I. Shumaker, James R. Taff, Lincoln S. Tamraz, Donald L. Thompson, Peter C. Urbane, Merrill S. Urbane, Sr., Raymond C. Wagner, Edward G. Wagner, John A. Weber, Ernest Westman, Stanley R. Williams, Jr., Armand E. Wormley, John H. Zeilstra.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and to express my support for the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. As a member of the 110th Congress, I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 3195, the ADA Amendments Act and to continue the fight to ensure equal rights for all disabled citizens. This vital legislation amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to restore the original intent of the ADA by clarifying that anyone with impairment, regardless of his or her successful use of treatments to manage the impairment, has the right to seek reasonable accommodation in their place of work. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 amends the definition of disability so that those who were originally intended to be protected from discrimination are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This prevents courts from considering the use of treatment, or other accommodations, when deciding whether an individual qualifies for protection under the ADA and focuses on whether individuals can demonstrate that they were treated less favorably on the basis of disability. I am proud of the continuing work that is being done for Americans with Disabilities and of the strong support that Chicagoans have shown for this issue. On July 26, the eighteenth anniversary of its passage, the Americans with Disabilities Act is being commemorated by Chicago's fifth annual Disability Pride Parade. This display of support demonstrates that Chicagoans recognize that passage of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, will allow Americans with disabilities to enjoy the freedom and equality that they are guaranteed by the Constitution. Madam Speaker, I am honored to commemorate the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to health care reform, my colleagues on the other side say the most important priority is the relationship between a patient and a doctor. Why isn't that true for seniors? Today, our Republican friends are once again confronted with a simple choice: Stand with seniors and their physicians, or stand with the big insurance companies and tax cheats. Seniors on Medicare are at risk of losing access to the doctor they know and trust. We have a plan to ensure that doesn't happen, and strengthen Medicare while doing it. Our plan stops overpayments to big insurance companies. We tell providers that owe billions in taxes that they cannot continue to cheat the taxpayers and go unpunished. I know some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle oppose this bill. Under their plan, seniors would go without care, tax cheats go unpunished, and insurance companies go to the bank. That is a tough argument to make here in Congress, and it is an even tougher argument to make to the American people. I hope my Republican colleagues reconsider and lend their support to this legislation, which continues the relationship between seniors and their physician of choice.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk to you for a second about Specialist Sean Walsh. Sean served for two tours of duty in Iraq in the 933rd Military Police Company in the 16th Airborne Brigade of the United States Army. He protected main supply routes. He and his unit were inundated with sniper fire and IEDs. Today, Sean Walsh is a plumber in the City of Chicago. He wants to go to college. Sean cannot afford to go to college. His dream is to become an engineer. This GI Bill, this GI Bill is for Sean Walsh and his unit, so Sean Walsh can do for Sean Walsh what Sean Walsh did for Iraq. He gave them a chance. He gave them a chance to build a better country. That is what we said when we sent Sean there. And now it is time America invests in Sean Walsh. We have spent $50 billion of U.S. taxpayer money rebuilding roads and bridges and streets and schools in Iraq, and this is about $50 billion to rebuild Sean Walsh and his unit. The American people are the most generous people in the world, but they will not continue to be generous if you foreclose their future. I think this is what we owe Sean Walsh, because we asked him to do something, not once, but twice. Sean wants to be an engineer, and I am for Sean being an engineer. I want to make sure Sean can get to college, and this is going to invest in his future. He earned it the old-fashioned way; he gave something for his country. And when America was asked to help rebuild Iraq, we did it. It is time we do that for Sean. In addition, one of the things I am most proud about in this legislation is that from now on, in all the rebuilding of Iraq, the Iraqis must put in 50 percent of the dollars.

Mr. EMANUEL. In addition, this legislation requires that for all future rebuilding of Iraq, the Iraqis must put in 50 percent of the dollars. For too long we have asked the American people to foot the bill for Iraq's future. Finally we have turned the page and require the Iraqis to stand up for Iraq. This is the first step in that process. So for Sean Walsh and for the future of this country, at the height of the GI Bill we were once spending 2 percent of our GDP on our GI Bill, this is the first real investment in America for our kids.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, what I find most intriguing about this discussion is that those who are unemployed, to get this benefit, paid for this insurance policy. This is their money. When times were good, they put money away to unemployment insurance. And when times are bad, they get their insurance premiums back, known as unemployment benefits. It is as simple as that. This is their money, those who are unemployed. Second, as my colleagues on the other side have forced through and agreed to spend $48 billion of U.S. taxpayer money to rebuild Iraq-- their roads, their bridges, their schools, their hospitals--but when it comes to Americans, to give them their unemployment insurance, there isn't any money in the system; you're breaking the bank; you can't afford it. To those who want to advocate spending 13 years, 10 years, a decade, as long as it takes in Iraq, I find it ironic they find 13 weeks of additional unemployment insurance to help a family get through a bump economically as too much and too long. Mr. Speaker, 8 years is too long for George Bush's economic policies. It's right to give these people the economic security they've earned and put away.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, to my two former speakers on the Republican side, one who described the Republican stewardship as ``terrible,'' the one thing you can say after 6 years of Republican rule with President Bush is that we will forever be in your debt. You are right. $3.8 trillion in new debt under your stewardship, and so we are always going to be in your debt. And I just can't you thank you enough on behalf of the American people, because the reason you would use the adjective ``terrible'' to describe your record is for the fiscal mess you left. And when you describe $9.8 trillion in debt, don't act like, ``look mom, no hands.'' You had something to do with it, 6 years of your control. This budget is a beginning, because what is a budget? It is a blueprint for the future. And, yes, we will make it. President Kennedy once said, ``to govern is to choose.'' We are making choices here. We are preserving middle class tax cuts and beginning to put our fiscal house in order and investing in education, health care and technology to start to grow the economy back. That works for middle class families. Under your stewardship, middle class household income shrunk by $1,100. Costs for education, health care and energy went up. This is about turning the country around and changing the direction of this country. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2008 Hispanic Heritage Youth Award Recipients. This award has grown into the most prestigious Hispanic honor and event for Latino youth in the United States. Since 1998 the Hispanic Heritage Foundation has been celebrating Hispanic pride, culture, and accomplishment in the community and in classrooms throughout the United States. Latinos are our Nation's largest minority and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation works to make sure that our Nation's Latino youth are prepared for the challenges to come. Through leadership, cultural, educational, and work programs, these future role models are identified, inspired, and instilled with the knowledge and experience to succeed. Over 1,500 students have been awarded more than three million dollars in educational grants through the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards. There are seven categories for these students to demonstrate their ability to excel in their areas of focus, with three finalists in each category from the Chicago area. I am proud to recognize two winners from the Fifth Congressional District, Thalia Urbina and Estefanie Garcia. Thalia Urbina from East Lyden High School has earned a gold medallion for her commitment to education and Estefanie Garcia from Notre Dame High School for Girls has earned a bronze medallion for her excellence in journalism. These winners of the 2008 Hispanic Heritage Youth Award are part of the best and brightest in the Chicago Region. This year's Chicago Regional award recipients will be honored with a special ceremony hosted by local businesses and community leaders to pay tribute to their accomplishments at the University of Chicago tonight. Madam Speaker, Thalia and Estefanie have earned tonight's honors through hard work and dedication. I am proud to serve as their representative in Congress, and I wish them the best of luck tonight and in all of their future endeavors.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on earning the 2008 Outstanding Regional Theatre Tony Award. The honor, presented annually to a non-profit professional theater company in the United States, recognizes the hard work and dedication of Chicago Shakespeare artistic director and founder Barbara Gaines and the entire Chicago Shakespeare Theater staff. The Tony Award for outstanding regional theatre was first presented to the Virginia Barter Theatre in 1946 and has been presented annually since 1976 to a theater company that maintains an unremitting level of artistic achievement while advancing the development of theater nationally. From its home on Chicago's Navy Pier, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater meets and exceeds that high standard. With over 600 annual performances during its 50-week season, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater reaches an audience of 225,000 per year. The theater has 20,500 subscribers and is the largest employer of Chicago actors. Founded by Ms. Gaines in 1986, the theater staged its first performance, of ``Henry V,'' on the rooftop of the Red Lion Pub in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. Since that show, the theater has grown into one of Chicago's leading cultural establishments. In addition to its award-winning Shakespeare adaptations, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater reaches out to over 50,000 students and teachers yearly through a program entitled ``Team Shakespeare.'' This program aims to make Shakespeare more accessible to a whole new generation and will reach its millionth student this year. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater becomes the fourth theater based in Chicago, Illinois to earn the outstanding regional theatre title. Along with previous Chicago-area winners the Steppenwolf Theater Company, the Goodman Theater, and the Victory Gardens Theater, these theaters and others throughout Chicago make up an artistic ensemble that rivals any group of theaters throughout the world. Their work is a testament to the quality and commitment of those who write, produce, and perform theater in Chicago. Madam Speaker, I once again congratulate the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on this accomplishment, and I hope my colleagues will watch as the Chicago Shakespeare Theater receives their award on June 15th at the 62nd Antoinette Perry ``Tony Awards'' from Radio City Music Hall in New York.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Will my colleague yield?

Mr. EMANUEL. We can have a legitimate debate about Alaska. We have had 20 years of it. What I am suggesting, and you would agree that Alaska is 10 years down the road.

Mr. EMANUEL. Alaska is not today. There are 9,300 permits that have been issued today for onshore drilling not being exercised by the oil companies.

Mr. EMANUEL. The prior speaker said you can't have a plan for 1 year. What he didn't mention is that the Bush administration and the Republican Congress hadn't had a plan for 7 years, and look where it's gotten us. The fact is a lot of people want to talk about you have to have a balanced approach. That's true. You do have to have some drilling. There are 9,300 permits owned by the oil companies here in the United States for drilling that they do not use. Close to 72 percent. They don't use. They are not drilling. Could alleviate today. They are waiting for the price to increase before they drill. Those permits have been issued. So that is part of a plan. What we are talking about today is seizing future energy sources, be that wind, solar, biomass. In fact, today, the Wall Street Journal, lead story, the Pentagon knows and it is launching, according to the headline, an alternative fuels strategy. The Pentagon knows that. Corporate America is investing in alternative energy sources. They know that. The American consumer knows you have got to have a different strategy than the one that depends only on oil. The only people that don't know that you need to have a diverse energy policy is the White House and sometimes I believe some of the Republican Members of Congress here. We need an energy policy so it begins to invest in 21st century energy sources, like wind and solar, and stop subsidizing 20th century energy sources, which is only oil. This gives us an agenda, a strategy to look to the future, build new technologies, new industries that will employ hundreds of thousands of people, and invest and give America its energy independence. Second, it does not cost the American taxpayer. This is a paid-for piece of legislation by closing offshore deferrals where a lot of people hide their income in offshore deferrals. In fact, Congressman McCrery and Senator Grassley both acknowledge it is a decent way to pay for something. Whether they agree for this, they do agree it's a legitimate pay-for. Third, there's a lot of talk about middle class and the suffering in the middle class. This legislation provides property tax relief for middle class families. Remember that this is the first step toward energy independence and making sure that we build on the progress we have made, such as CAFE standards for cars.

Mr. EMANUEL. Would the gentleman yield?

Mr. EMANUEL. Will you yield for a second?