Bart Gordon

Mr. GORDON

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

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, even small efforts to improve the availability of E-85 fuel across the Nation is a step in the right direction for reducing our dependency on foreign oil. There are nearly 5 million vehicles on the road today capable of operating on E-85, a blend of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol. Yet there are currently only 600 gas stations with E-85 pumps available. That means less than 1 percent of gas stations offer consumers the opportunity to use this alternative fuel in their vehicles. In 2004, CAFE penalties totaled nearly $20 million. The legislation before us would divert these funds into a grant program for independent gas stations. These grants will be used to install pumps and other infrastructure necessary to dispense E-85. Madam Speaker, while there is more work to be done on this matter, this legislation is a small step in the right direction. I urge its passage Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many contributions Gretchen Jenkins has made while interning in my Washington, DC, office. Gretchen, a resident of Lebanon, Tennessee, has been a wonderful addition to the office and a great servant to the constituents of Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. Gretchen must now return to the Volunteer State, where she soon will begin her junior year at my alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University. The political science major has been active on campus as a member of the Raider Democrats, vice president of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and a columnist for MTSU's Sidelines. Gretchen has gained a wealth of congressional experience that I hope will serve her well in the future. During her time here, she has addressed constituent concerns, served as a friendly and informative tour guide of the U.S. Capitol, and has been first in line to attend briefings given by some of our Nation's brightest and most eloquent statesmen. I hope Gretchen has enjoyed her internship as much as my staff and I have enjoyed her presence in the office. I wish her all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased that the report accompanying H.R. 5672, the Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of FY 2007, has directed funding under the COPS Methamphetamine Enforcement and Clean-up account for the Tennessee Meth Educational Program. Tennessee Tech University will use this funding to design and implement the meth educational program in keeping with President Bush's National Drug Control Strategy, which aims to reduce all drugs in the United States by 25 percent within 5 years. Some schools in Tennessee have begun implementing educational programs in public schools designed to stop meth abuse. However, in many cases, there have not been effective follow-up programs for classroom teachers, school counselors, school nurses, school psychologists, and administrators. And, school counselors report that methamphetamine abuse is an inhibiting factor in the personal and educational development of their students--whether or not their school has had a methamphetamine program. To address these issues, Tennessee Tech University will develop an in-service program for public middle and high school personnel in 15 counties (17 school districts) to: review the symptoms and identification of meth use; explain the hazards of meth abuse for children; and examine how to utilize reporting procedures (such as those involving the school field officers) and legal consultation. Since 1999, the number of meth labs in Tennessee has increased by more than 500 percent. Last year, Tennessee accounted for 75 percent of all meth lab seizures in the Southeast. Only three states nationwide had more meth lab seizures in 2005. Many of the worst effects of meth are felt by the children involved. Children taken from active meth labs are separated from adult family members and sometimes from siblings, and cannot even keep their toys or clothing for comfort. In addition, children often must be taken to the hospital to test for exposure to a variety of toxic substances. In 2004, Tennessee was forced to place more than 700 children of meth users in state custody. I am pleased that Tennessee Tech University will be collaborating with schools in Tennessee to address this critical problem, and I am very grateful to the Appropriations Committee for directing this important funding to Tennessee Tech University.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Heartle Wells for more than 25 years of exemplary service with Averitt Express. In honor of this milestone, Wednesday, July 12, has been declared ``Heartle Wells Day'' by his employer. Through these many years, Heartle has done more than pick up and deliver freight in and around Lebanon in his red Averitt Express semi. In the community, both his sense of humor and his compassion are well- known and retold by many through ``Heartle stories. `` Heartle's co-workers tell me he is a prankster whose jokes have grown to urban myth proportions over the years. But Heartle also has a serious side, and he always has taken the time to help customers with special situations and community members in need. I commend Heartle for providing an example to his fellow driver sales associates and the citizens of Wilson County that extends beyond his red cab. I congratulate him on his 25 years of service, and I wish him many more years of success.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Harrison Wadsworth for his service this summer during his internship in our Nation's Capital. Harrison has been a tremendous help to my constituents in Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. As he finishes his internship, Harrison is preparing for his junior year at Johns Hopkins University, where he is majoring in political science. He is a member of Sigma Chi, and his dedication to his studies has earned him a spot on the Dean's List. I know firsthand that Harrison comes from good stock. His father worked in my Washington, DC office for many years, and his sister has also interned here. Given the fine character of his family, I expected good things from Harrison and I was not disappointed. Harrison's remarkable attitude and eagerness have been great assets during his time here. He has been very helpful in answering constituent concerns, guiding visitors from Middle Tennessee through the U.S. Capitol and assisting me and my staff with countless projects. His creative approach to problem solving has served him well. I hope Harrison has enjoyed this learning experience as much as we have enjoyed having him in the office. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many contributions Lane Johnson has made while interning in my Washington, DC, office. A resident of Gallatin, Tennessee, Lane has been a wonderful addition to the office and a great servant to the constituents of Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. This fall, Lane will begin her final semester at the University of Tennessee, where she is majoring in agricultural economics and business. She is a member of Chi Omega, and I understand she is a member of the school's equestrian team. I hope those horses in Knoxville treat her better than the ones in Virginia did. During her internship, Lane won over the entire staff with her ever- present eagerness and genuine interest in public affairs. She has attended briefings, addressed constituent concerns and served as a friendly and informative tour guide of the U.S. Capitol, providing visitors from Middle Tennessee with a personalized look at a national treasure. I hope Lane has enjoyed her internship as much as my staff and I have enjoyed her presence in the office. I wish her all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. If there is time left, I would certainly yield to my friend.

Mr. GORDON. If you could reclaim your time.

Mr. GORDON. What is stopping us would be this amendment. This amendment simply is not drawn, as much as the gentleman would like for it to be drawn in a narrow sense and as much as he would like for it to be a scalpel, it is not. Maybe, again, all working together in the future, we could come up with a better one. Right now, the intention is not what has resulted.

Mr. GORDON. As usual, my friend from Massachusetts raises good points, and, as usual, he is a good watch dog for our Congress. I agree with him; we have to have priorities. But I think he has picked the wrong priority on this occasion. NASA, as has been said, under the right occasions is underfunded. It is not overfunded. It is an investment in our country. Then so you have to think, okay, within the NASA budget, where do we spend our money? Let me agree with my friend from Massachusetts that I think that we do need to slow down some of the manned Mars missions and fund other programs. I would like to see more funds then. But if we are not going to have adequate funding, we need to slow it down. But it would be irresponsible to do away with some of the planning in other sorts of areas. His amendment, I think there are really two main problems: one, that you don't just all of a sudden get in a space capsule and go to Mars. There is a lot of planning that goes before that. Additionally, there is overlap with a lot of the other missions. Even though I know the gentleman is trying to be clear in what he is doing, it simply doesn't come out that way. It would be a major problem for this country, a major problem for NASA. I will certainly work with him to try to, again, help better prioritize the planning of a Moon- Mars mission.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jack Weatherford for his extraordinary service to the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority. Mr. Weatherford served on the task force that established the airport authority, and after many years of outstanding work, he is now retiring. Today, I honor Mr. Weatherford for his achievements in Rutherford County's aviation industry, but his success has not been limited to that field. For 40 years, Mr. Weatherford led Mid-South Bank and Trust, which later merged with Sun Trust Banks. He served as President of the Tennessee Bankers Association, and in 1986, he was honored with the establishment of the Jack O. Weatherford Chair of Finance at Middle Tennessee State University. A resident of my hometown of Murfreesboro, TN, Mr. Weatherford has been instrumental in Smyrna Airport's success. Under his leadership, the airport added ten new buildings and hangars and developed a 400 acre business park that included new infrastructure, a business center and a new terminal. Smyrna Airport now is the State's third largest airport and its busiest general aviation airport. During Mr. Weatherford's 14 years as Chairman of the airport authority, the airport received many accolades, including the Governor's Silver Star Award and the Tennessee Department of Transportation's Best Governing Body and Airport of the Year awards. While the airport's growth has kept him busy, Mr. Weatherford has found time to remain active in the community. He helped found the Main Street Association and Leadership Rutherford, and he has been active with the Chamber of Commerce, MTSU Foundation and Rotary Club. Mr. Weatherford's leadership has served Rutherford County well and will make it a better place for years to come.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Billy Walker, a star on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. A resident of Hendersonville, TN, Billy, his wife, Bettie, and two of his band members passed away late last month in a tragic car accident. Before he found fame at the Opry, Billy honed his musical skills in his home state of Texas. Growing up, he drew his greatest inspiration from Gene Autry's music. And in 1947, he launched his own career. Seven years later, Billy landed his first hit with ``Thank You for Calling.'' Just six years later, he found his greatest success when he joined the Grand Ole Opry, playing alongside his wife. His single ``Charlie's Shoes'' hit No.1 on the charts in 1962. While he found fame in the Volunteer State, his Texas roots were always honored by his nickname, ``The Tall Texan.'' For more than 40 years, Billy continued performing at the Opry and on countless other stages. ``The Tall Texan'' lived an inspirational and admirable life. I know he will be deeply missed by his family, his friends and his fans.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many contributions John Rader has made while interning in my Washington, DC, office. John has been a wonderful addition to the office and has performed many great services for the constituents of Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. While my staff and I will certainly miss John's help and enthusiastic attitude, John is returning home to Cookeville. This fall, he will begin his junior year at the University of Tennessee, where he is studying political science and history and is president of the Sigma Chi fraternity. During his internship, John won over the entire staff with his eagerness and easygoing attitude. Not only has he endeared himself to us as he assisted with countless projects, but he also has endeared himself to countless visitors from Middle Tennessee. John's family is one I know well, and I consider many members of the previous two generations to be good friends. His family has made many great contributions to their community and state, and I am sure John will continue that legacy. I hope John has enjoyed his internship and his stay in our Nation's Capital as much as my staff and I have enjoyed having him here. I wish him all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. It is my understanding that the chairman of the subcommittee as well as our ranking member have agreed to accept this amendment. So I will be very brief. Our Federal Government wastes about $250 million a year by not enforcing our own regulations on conservation in our buildings. This amendment simply says that within those areas within this jurisdiction of this committee that they will abide by the current laws, no additional laws, and I think we will wind up saving a lot of money for the taxpayers and be a leader. This amendment forbids funds to be used in contravention of the buildings performance goals and reporting requirements of the buildings performance requirements of two public laws and one executive order. In doing so, it adds no new statutory or regulatory requirements for Federal agencies. For instance, with historic preservation requirements, or where there are local market conditions, Federal agencies are still authorized to acquire the best available space in support of the agency's mission. Its purpose is to bring attention to the priority the Federal agencies should make of meeting their responsibilities under existing law to significantly reduce energy use in Federal buildings at a time when energy prices are soaring, and to put the executive branch on notice that the Congress expects it to undertake a serious effort in fiscal year 2007 and every year to move aggressively to save energy in Federal buildings. This amendment's requirements can be met by the Office of Management and Budget and the agencies receiving appropriations under this act stepping up to its responsibilities of rigorously carrying out the intent and reporting requirements of section 301 through 303 of Executive Order 13123. The National Energy Conservation Policy Act as amended, since 1978 has set out a program for making Federal buildings models of energy efficiency. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 updated that act by establishing energy efficiency goals for Federal buildings for fiscal years 2006 through 2015, by establishing a program for metering energy use in Federal buildings, and by upgrading requirements for the procurement of energy efficient products in Federal buildings. The current building performance requirements for Federal buildings we are focusing on are: Through life-cycle cost-effective energy measures starting in fiscal year 2006, to reduce energy consumption per gross square foot of Federal buildings of the agency by 2 percent per year through 2015; To design new buildings for all-around sustainability, including energy efficiency, on a life-cycle basis; To further save energy by procuring Energy Star and FEMP-designated products for use in those buildings; To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by switching from petroleum to natural gas and renewable energy sources, and by eliminating unnecessary energy use; To set up metering in Federal buildings that permit energy use to be measured at least hourly; and To reduce water consumption and associated energy use. Sections 301 through 303 are the procedures now in place to provide Federal agencies with the funds they need to achieve the building performance requirements and to hold them accountable for achieving their building performance requirements. Section 301 requires that each agency's budget submission to OMB shall specifically request funding necessary to achieve the goals of that order, which essentially are a restatement of the Federal building energy efficiency and water use requirements. Budget submissions are to include the costs associated with Energy Savings Performance Contracts, utility energy-efficiency service contracts, and other contractual platforms for achieving conservation goals, life-cycle cost-effective products, and construction of sustainably designed new buildings, among other energy costs. Section 302 requires each agency to develop an annual implementation plan for meeting its building performance requirements. Section 303 requires annual reports to the President by January 1 of the next fiscal year on agency progress in meeting its goals. In recent years, funds requested for energy conservation purposes have not kept up with the need, leading inevitably to the many of the goals and requirements not being met despite the fact that on a life- cycle basis, energy efficiency improvements generally save substantial amounts of money. Annual agency reports to the coordinating body, the Federal Energy Management Program, FEMP, and the subsequent FEMP reports to Congress are often several months overdue. Thus budgetary decisions are predicated on data that is at least 1-2 fiscal years behind. Through the inclusion of this amendment in H.R. 5576-- Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2007, Congress is making clear to the Department of Treasury and other agencies that construct or operate buildings using funds provided under this act, that it expects those agencies and OMB to make energy conservation in buildings a priority and to take all reasonable means both to carry out their responsibilities and to meet the reporting requirements as described above.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Joseph C. Hawkins, a resident of my hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Joe recently became the first Tennessean to receive the prestigious National Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year award, which is sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Recipients of this award must demonstrate exceptional generosity and a keen knowledge of professionalism. For nearly 30 years, Joe has been an airframe and power plant technician. He currently dedicates his time as an Assistant Professor in the Aerospace Department at my alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University, where he teaches a wide variety of classes and practical labs and also serves as an advisor for students interested in careers in the field. This is not the first time Joe has been recognized for his outstanding accomplishments in aviation. In 2006, Joe received the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association's Award of Merit for his demonstration of safety and professionalism. Joe's achievements and service in the aviation field are exceptional. He serves as an inspiration to other Tennesseans in the department of aviation and education. Once again, I congratulate him on this prestigious award.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Ashley Hultman for her service during her internship in my Washington, DC, office. During her time on Capitol Hill, she has been a great help to me, my staff and my constituents in Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. Ashley is no stranger to the workings of a congressional office. Prior to interning in the Nation's capital, she assisted the staff in my Murfreesboro, Tennessee, office. While helping us with countless projects and endearing herself to constituents as she guided them through the Capitol or helped them cut through red tape at Federal agencies, she has certainly gained a wealth of experience that I hope will serve her well. While we have enjoyed her help, Ashley now must return to Middle Tennessee to complete her degree at my alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University, where she is studying art history and political science. I hope Ashley has enjoyed her internships as much as we have enjoyed having her help here in Washington, as well as in Murfreesboro. I wish her all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Harriett Howard for her extraordinary service to Tennessee veterans. Harriett was recently named the 2006 Female Volunteer of the Year at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Voluntary Service National Advisory Committee's Annual Meeting in Sparks, NV. Harriett was selected out of 94,000 active volunteers throughout the VA system of 154 facilities. A retired Navy chief petty officer, Harriett has dedicated much of her life to serving veterans. Aside from the many hours she devotes in the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, she has also served many years as WAVES national representative on the United Tennessee Veterans Association and on the Nashville-Davidson County Veterans Coordinating Council. Harriett serves as a voice for our veterans. I know I can count on Harriett to keep me informed about the issues that concern Tennessee veterans, and I also know that if there is an opportunity to assist or recognize veterans, Harriett will be ready and willing to participate. In fact, on Sunday, May 28, at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, Harriett will be conducting the ``For Whom the Bell Tolls'' ceremony, which includes reading the names of the 350 veterans buried there since last Memorial Day. Harriett, I wish you well in your future endeavors, and I thank you for your dedication to serving our Nation's veterans.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Evans Maples, a lifelong Rutherford County resident who has served as county trustee since 1994. Evans has decided he will not seek another term, and I want to thank him for all he has done for his community, which I have the honor of representing in this esteemed body. For nearly 12 years, Evans has been responsible for collecting the county's property taxes, as well as overseeing idle funds of the county. While most people might dread being in charge of such tasks, Evans has instead embraced his responsibilities as county trustee and has even managed to transform his position into one that has helped people in his community. One of Evans' most notable contributions to Rutherford County involves the tax relief program he initiated. The program is designed to help retired persons on fixed incomes keep their homes in the face of rising property taxes. Under this program, the State pays a portion of the taxes, which are matched by the county. Right now the program serves close to 800 county residents. Evans also worked with the county commission's budget, finance, and investment committee to develop the county's first investment policy, which describes the parameters under which county funds may be invested. Evans, today I want to thank you for your service to Rutherford County, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, despite the high cost of energy and existing laws enforcing conservation, Federal agencies still do not give energy efficiency a priority and continually fall short of meeting their requirements. Our estimates are that the Federal Government wasted almost half a billion dollars in the last two years by not meeting its requirements-- or roughly equivalent to 8200 barrels of oil every day--a total of 6 million barrels over the last two years. This happens because the laws already on the books are not taken seriously enough. The National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA), last year's Energy Bill (EPACT), and a related Executive Order all clearly state that agencies shall meet aggressive but reasonable energy efficiency goals and standards and to prepare reports to the Department of Energy, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Congress and on the agencies' performance. Yet the Federal Regulations that govern new building construction are 17 years out of date and the reports reach the Congress months or years after the data is available. The amendment I am offering today would increase the incentive for agencies receiving appropriations under the Agriculture Appropriations bill to comply with the law by tying Federal buildings performance to appropriations. This amendment simply states that none of the funds made available by this Act shall be used in contravention of Federal buildings performance requirements. Therefore, agencies must adhere to existing law when constructing, leasing or refurbishing any building with money appropriated under this act. These relatively simple steps in designing new buildings in conformance with current law, measuring building performance, and procurement of energy efficient products will contribute to substantial energy savings in the federal sector--lessons that have already been learned outside the Federal Government. Increased energy conservation in the Federal sector means cleaner air, cleaner water, and in a time of soaring energy costs, keeping money in taxpayers pockets. How can we expect consumers and industry to make sacrifices and commit to energy conservation when the Federal Government fails to make it a priority for itself? Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of the amendment.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, despite the high cost of energy and existing laws enforcing conservation, Federal agencies still do not give energy efficiency a priority and continually fall short of meeting their requirements. Our estimates are that the Federal Government wasted almost half a billion dollars in the last 2 years by not meeting its requirements--or roughly equivalent to 8,200 barrels of oil every day--a total of 6 million barrels over the last 2 years. This happens because the laws already on the books are not taken seriously enough. The National Energy Conservation Policy Act--NECPA, last year's Energy Bill--EPACT, and a related Executive order all clearly state that agencies shall meet aggressive but reasonable energy efficiency goals and standards and to prepare reports to the Department of Energy, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Congress and on the agencies' performance. Yet the Federal regulations that govern new building construction are 17 years out of date and the reports reach the Congress months or years after the data is available. The amendment I am offering today would increase the incentive for agencies receiving appropriations under the Agriculture appropriations bill to comply with the law by tying Federal buildings performance to appropriations. This amendment simply states that none of the funds made available by this act shall be used in contravention of Federal buildings performance requirements. Therefore, agencies must adhere to existing law when constructing, leasing or refurbishing any building with money appropriated under this act. These relatively simple steps in designing new buildings in conformance with current law, measuring building performance, and procurement of energy efficient products will contribute to substantial energy savings in the Federal sector--lessons that have already been learned outside the Federal Government. Increased energy conservation in the Federal sector means cleaner air, cleaner water, and in a time of soaring energy costs, keeping money in taxpayers' pockets. How can we expect consumers and industry to make sacrifices and commit to energy conservation when the Federal Government fails to make it a priority for itself? Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.