Jim Gibbons

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 451, H.R. 271, and H.R. 427, the three bills just considered.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 271) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey a former Bureau of Land Management administrative site to the city of Carson City, Nevada, for use as a senior center.

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I introduced H.R. 271 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey a former Bureau of Land Management administrative site to the City of Carson City, Nevada for use as a senior citizen center. Madam Speaker, the Carson City Senior Center was established in 1972 to provide a venue where seniors with limited mobility could have access to a senior center, an assisted living center, and an adult day care center in one condensed area. The center has expanded to the point that the land is required to extend it further to accommodate the growing demand for its services. The land adjacent to the center is former Bureau of Land Management property which has been vacant since 1997 and is completely surrounded by property owned by Carson City. The BLM has moved into a new office and is fully supportive of the land conveyance. Madam Speaker, H.R. 271 is a noncontroversial bill which has strong support from local and State officials, as well as the residents of Carson City, Nevada. I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. (Mr. McGOVERN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 427) to provide further protections for the watershed of the Little Sandy River as part of the Bull Run Watershed Management Unit, Oregon, and for other purposes.

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 427 was introduced by the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer) and would extend the boundary of the Bull Run Management Unit on U.S. Forest Service land near Portland, Oregon, to include the hydrologic boundary of the Little Sandy Watershed. The Little Sandy has been identified as a potential source of drinking water by the City of Portland. As part of the Bull Run Management Unit, the Little Sandy would receive permanent management safeguards to protect the area's water supplies. The legislation would generally prohibit the cutting of trees in the Little Sandy. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. (Mr. McGOVERN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 451, the Mount Nebo Wilderness Boundary Adjustment Act, was introduced by the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), who also serves as the chairman for the Committee on Resources, to resolve an ongoing dispute over access to several small water systems located in a Forest Service wilderness area in Juab County, Utah. In 1984, Congress passed the Utah Wilderness Act, which designated 800,000 acres of wilderness on Forest Service lands in Utah. One of those areas was the Mount Nebo wilderness area. Unfortunately, due to a clerical error, several small water systems, springs, pipelines, and collection boxes were erroneous included in the wilderness boundary. These water systems supplied the towns of Nephi and Mona, Utah, with most of its culinary water. Because of the wilderness designation, access to these systems was restricted, even for routine maintenance. Since that time, these systems have deteriorated due to lack of that very needed maintenance. After years of trying to reach a solution through administrative means, Juab County and the Forest Service concluded that a legislative boundary adjustment was necessary to exclude these water developments and the private inholdings in that area. This bill, Madam Speaker, accomplishes that purpose. In the Committee on Resources an amendment was accepted which reduced the number of acres impacted by nearly one-third. The committee also removed water language that some found objectionable. The committee made additional adjustments to include roadless Forest Service lands as wilderness to compensate for the lands removed, resulting in a net increase of 13 acres to the 800,000 acre previously designated wilderness area. The end result is that Nehi City and the Town of Mona will have access to their historic water developments, private inholdings have been removed from the wilderness area, and the Forest Service will have a wilderness area with less human intrusion and fewer access issues. Madam Speaker, I urge the passage of H.R. 451. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 451) to make certain adjustments to the boundaries of the Mount Nebo Wilderness Area, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, last weekend downtown Baltimore was shut down due to the derailment of a freight train carrying hazardous chemicals. Madam Speaker, just imagine what could have happened if that train was carrying high-level, highly radioactive nuclear waste, the world's most toxic, deadliest material known to man. Thousands of people would have been exposed to not only heavy smoke and soot but to invisible radiation that can kill them as well as any livestock or other crops within the area. This scenario is not science fiction. The CBS news show ``60 Minutes'' detailed that train accidents due to track failure are happening at a rate of nearly one every 24 hours. That is a train accident once every day. The Department of Energy wants to ship nuclear waste on our railways, past our schools, past our hospitals, through our neighborhoods and communities, and past schools and farms. Madam Speaker, our responsibility is to protect the American public, not endanger them. We cannot allow the DOE to threaten the lives of our constituents.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I hit the wrong key on the recorded vote No. 255 on passage for H.J. Res. 50. I voted ``no'' accidently and would like it to be changed to ``yea'' for the Record.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, everybody here and everybody in America actually knows we are facing an energy shortage; but I ask today, what are we doing about it? Our demand for oil and gas continually rises, and we seem to diminish our supply of these natural resources at the same time. In times of crisis we have actually drawn from our fuel reserves, but we always fail to replenish them. Right now the demand for gas is outstripping our demand for oil. By 2020, we will consume 62 percent more natural gas than we do today. But while our demand grows, our production slows. We need to act now; but we cannot, because 40 percent of our natural gas sits under sagebrush protected by Federal regulations. Mr. Speaker, Americans are paying 20 percent more for natural gas than they did a year ago. What do we tell these people? We need to tell them that we can and will correct this energy problem responsibly and quickly by passing the Energy Security Act proposed by the chairman of the Committee on Resources, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen). Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this important and necessary piece of legislation.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, no one can argue and no one can deny that the skyrocketing oil and gas prices and the rolling blackouts throughout the West do demonstrate the critical need to increase and diversify our energy production. Alternative fuels, such as wind and solar and geothermal, can produce the energy of that future. Abundant on our public lands, these resources are clean alternatives that can be produced with minimal environmental impact and no emissions. In fact, every time we use these fuels, we actually reduce emissions by minimizing the need to burn oil and coal to produce the same amount of energy otherwise. Alternative energies are highly abundant on our public lands, especially in my home State, Nevada, which boasts the highest amount of geothermal resources in the Nation. The development of geothermal and other alternative energies will provide Americans with an additional clean energy supply that will help in lowering the prices and reducing our dependence on foreign sources. The Energy Security Act recognizes the potential of alternative fuels, and provides the opportunity to finally develop these clean energy resources on our public lands.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, due to recent current events, I do not think anyone can deny nor can anyone argue that this country needs more energy. Every estimate I have seen points to a sharp rise in our Nation's energy demands over the next 20 years. The demand for electricity, for example, is expected to rise 45 percent, according to the DOE, and the demand for natural gas will be even greater. It is expected to rise 62 percent by the year 2020. Now, everyone knows that conservation can take the edge off that demand, and, in fact, the Republican energy package offers a framework for energy conservation that we have long needed. But, as Californians know quite well, even the best conservation efforts will not solve this problem. They are experiencing about a 15 percent gain in that demand due to conservation. That still leaves us about 40 to 50 percent short, and, without new energy supplies, more businesses, more hospitals, and more homes are going to go dark unnecessarily. We need to produce more energy. Therefore, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 2436 the Energy Security Act, which provides a multifaceted energy package.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to express my strong support for a meaningful and responsible Patients' Bill of Rights recently introduced by my colleagues and friends, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Fletcher) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Peterson). We have been debating this issue for years, and it is time to give Americans what they need and what they deserve. This bill ensures that Americans will have access to medical care, including pediatric services, OB-GYN, specialists and emergency care. It further provides accountability by assuring those who make medical decisions which result in an injury are held responsible for their actions. And this bill assures Americans can count on affordable health care. After all, what good is a Patients' Bill of Rights if millions of more Americans are unable to afford health care? I call upon everyone in this Chamber to support the Fletcher-Peterson bill. It is a balanced Patients' Bill of Rights, which ensures that medical decisions are made by doctors and patients, and not by HMO gatekeepers or lawyers.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, the United States of America has the strongest economy in this world, and to maintain America's prosperity, America must have energy. Over the past few months, California, an undisputed driving force in our Nation's economy, has had to endure rolling blackouts during the past several months. And now, the fastest growing city in the United States, Las Vegas, Nevada, has also witnessed rolling blackouts due to energy shortages. Blackouts cannot and should not be tolerated. It is time to implement real solutions to reverse the energy shortage. Through conservation methods and through expansion and development of our natural energy resource base, we can provide abundant and less costly energy. But to do this we need to implement a national energy policy that includes greater production of diverse energy supplies and an equal reliance on bold conservation measures. This balanced energy policy will ensure that when Americans flick on that light switch, that their lights always go on, and blackouts will be a thing of the past.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, no one doubts and no one questions that we need a balanced, comprehensive responsible energy policy in this Nation. By importing nearly 60 percent of our domestic oil from foreign countries, we are leaving our Nation's security vulnerable to the whims of these importing countries. We must increase the supply of domestic energy and promote conservation as a form of safe and reliable power, while at the same time promoting a clean and healthy environment. Along with conservation efforts, technological advancements will allow us to meet our energy needs for decades, even centuries to come. New technologies, like gasoline-electric hybrid cars, clean coal, hydrogen fuel, second-generation geothermal, and other such innovations will allow us to avoid problems like those in California, while ensuring a clean environment as our legacy for our children. Mr. Speaker, California's fast-paced society is not capable of supporting itself through energy shortages and rolling blackouts. Neither is the rest of the country. However, since Governor Gray Davis has been showing more interest in his political consultants rather than his constituents, the crisis in his homeland has begun spreading like a catastrophe and has put the Nation on the brink of engulfing other States. It is time to take action now.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, our economy over the last year has showed signs of slowing. Energy prices are already too high, and they are going higher. Much of our country faces either energy shortages, blackouts or both. Major energy shortages are expected throughout the summer for most of the West. Gas prices there top $2.25 a gallon at the pump. Hard-working Americans deserve answers, and they demand a sound energy policy. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's energy problems demand multifaceted solutions, including increased supplies of traditional fossil fuels and alternative sources of energy as well as improving energy conservation and efficiency. It will not be easy, and it will not be quick, but we have the technology and the resources to meet our energy needs for decades, even centuries, to come, while ensuring a clean environment as a legacy for our children as well. We need to work with President Bush to create a balanced, comprehensive national energy policy that meets our energy challenges today and provides for our needs well into the future.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I want to respond, and I want to oppose the amendment of the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee). Mr. Chairman, the National Academy of Sciences indicated prior to the issuance of the regulations that we are questioning today, the 3809 changes by the Clinton administration, the National Academy of Sciences issued a report prior to the existence of those regulations that the current 3809 regulations on hardrock mining on public lands, stated that the ``existing array of Federal and State laws regulating mining is effective in protecting the environment.'' They did not say we needed additional regulations for that. They said the existing array of regulations are effective in protecting the environment. What we have here, Mr. Chairman, is an attack on the mining industry. I am proud to say that America's mining industry is the world's most modern, technically advanced and environmentally responsible mining industry, and I am proud as an American to have the mining industry especially in our State, the State of Nevada. Mr. Chairman, this regulatory change that is being attempted here obviously goes to addressing the issue of whether or not this administration has the right to address regulations. We are going about it by saying if legislative fiat is what we are after to change and stop an administrative ability to change regulations, then that is what we should be doing. But then let us do it in all cases as well, and let us take away the administrative power for making changes to regulatory action, which is in the realm and the authority of the administration. Let me say that the mining industry today is already responsible for and applicable to the Clean Water Act. It cannot pollute the water and not be responsible for it. That is a myth that is being propagated out there. It is already responsible for the Clean Air Act. It cannot pollute the air and not be responsible for it. Mr. Chairman, I oppose this gentleman's amendment.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I wish today to address just very briefly congratulations for those people who work hard to improve themselves and their community. So today I rise to salute and congratulate 99th Supply Squadron Airman First Class Mathew Kurian, currently stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Today, Airman Kurian will receive the Congressional Gold Award, an honor which recognizes initiative, achievement, and excellence among people in the United States aged 14 to 23. Recipients must set and achieve goals in four areas: Expedition and exploration, personal development, physical fitness, and voluntary public service. They must set and achieve challenging goals for the betterment of themselves and their community. Airman Kurian met and exceeded those goals. Over the past 2 years he volunteered for over 400 hours of public service, including helping with children's ceramic classes, and he served on the Nellis Honor Guard. Airman Kurian is a role model for all Air Force members, and for all Americans as well. I congratulate him on his achievement and thank him for his devoted efforts to better Nevada and to serve our Nation.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, due to a flight delay from my district, I was unavoidably detained from casting a vote on rollcall No. 166, rollcall No. 167, and rollcall No. 168. Had I been able to take a position, I would have voted in favor of all three rollcalls.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate and pay tribute to our Nation's flag and all that it symbolizes. While our Nation and Old Glory itself has grown and changed over the past two centuries, the Stars and Stripes continue to represent the same ideals, freedoms, and liberties which we all cherish. It is a symbol of our Nation and serves as a reminder of our historic struggles for independence. Moreover, the United States flag embodies the hopes and dreams of people around the world. To millions, Old Glory symbolizes the American dream, the dream of having the freedom and opportunity to accomplish anything. So as we continue on with our business today, let us each take an extra moment to recognize Old Glory because we are all truly blessed to live under the freedoms and liberty for which the Stars and Stripes stand.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, there is a couple of old sayings around. One is that the check is in the mail and, two, I am from the Federal Government and help is on the way. Well, Mr. Speaker, I am happy to announce to my fellow hard-working Nevadans that their check, their rebate check is truly in the mail. Nevadans can expect to see over $292 million in tax relief arriving in their mailboxes this summer. Now, that is real help. This equates to an average tax rebate check of over $420 for every hard-working taxpayer in the silver State. It is about time. The people of Nevada and our great country have been paying far too much in taxes for far too long. Thanks to this bipartisan tax relief bill passed by this Congress and signed into law by President Bush, single taxpayers can expect tax rebates of up to $300 and married tax filers can expect up to $600 in tax relief. This money can go toward paying the mortgage, a car loan, or a new washing machine or even gasoline for one's car. These tax rebate checks are just the beginning. Americans can expect additional tax relief over the next 10 years. Mr. Speaker, this time Nevadans can be assured that their check their overpayment in taxes is in the mail.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, this morning I want to take a brief moment and address some of the concerns of shipping and storing nuclear waste. Recently, a former DOE official publicly announced that plans for a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain should be abandoned. Mr. W. Kenneth Davis, Energy Undersecretary from 1981 to 1983, had supported the Yucca Mountain repository site under the Reagan administration. But now, Mr. Davis maintains that shipping deadly nuclear waste across the country to Yucca Mountain should not occur. He said, ``Yucca Mountain, which is unlikely to be licensed, is unreasonable in view of the shipping required, if nothing else, and in my opinion should be put in mothballs.'' Mr. Speaker, shipping nuclear waste across America to Yucca Mountain endangers the lives of every American. Let us heed Mr. Davis' advice, and put the plan for Yucca Mountain in mothballs, where it belongs. There is not enough time in 1 minute to name all of the dangers of shipping nuclear waste across America or to list all of the dangerous plans of storing nuclear waste in Yucca Mountain. This will be addressed as we further debate this issue.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, national tax freedom day, that day that we start working for ourselves instead of the tax collector, fell on May 4 this year, and that is the latest date in history according to the tax foundation. Many Nevadans found this to be not only unbelievable, but unconscionable. It is unconscionable that the typical and average American family pays more than 38 percent of its income in taxes. That is more than it spends on food, clothing, and shelter combined. Madam Speaker, over the past 8 years, personal income of Americans has grown by more than $2.8 trillion, yet nearly half of all this new wealth went to pay tax bills. Is it any wonder why Americans feel they are working harder than ever but cannot seem to get ahead? Thankfully, this Congress listened to Nevada families and their pleas for help in paying this crushing tax burden, and soon Nevadans will be getting some much-needed relief in the form of a tax rebate check; and may I say, it is about time. Madam Speaker, Nevadans, and indeed all Americans, should not be working for Washington; Washington should be working for Nevadans and Americans. Mailing out those tax rebate checks is simply the first step in putting working Americans ahead of government bureaucracy.