Gene Green

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate both our ranking member and the Chair of the committee for the bill that they put together. This is a fair reauthorization bill. Mr. Speaker, I do have some concern, though, that the bill does not do enough to address equipment shortages from our Reserve and National Guard units returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of these units are forced to leave their equipment in the theater when they return home, and this has resulted in some Reserve and National Guard units having less than one-third of the equipment they had prior to being deployed. Conservative estimates state that it would cost nearly $20 billion for National Guard and Reserves to re-equip to pre-Iraq war levels due to the extensive wear and the extreme conditions and loss of equipment in the theater. Many areas of the gulf coast are prone to flooding, and with hurricane season less than a month away we need to make certain that the Guard and Reserve have the resources and the equipment necessary to response to natural disasters. In June 2001, just days into the hurricane season, Tropical Storm Allison caused extensive flooding and damage in our congressional district, and the National Guard and Reserves were instrumental in providing assistance and rescue in high water. We saw again last year when Katrina and Rita hit the gulf coast how important our Reserve and National Guard units are to natural disaster response. Congress needs to ensure that the equipment necessary to perform these duties is available if similar strikes occur. Mr. Speaker, we must ensure not only that our troops have the necessary equipment to fight overseas, but that troops serving here at home have the equipment to protect Americans and respond to natural disasters.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution and thank my colleague from Ohio for all eligible beneficiaries to enroll in part D before Monday's deadline. Last night our office did hold two enrollment workshops to help seniors in our district navigate the Medicare Web site to choose a plan that best suits their needs. Large numbers could not choose a plan because of the confusion that they had, even though they walked out with the principal versions from our volunteers who worked the Internet. I didn't vote for the Medicare Modernization Act, and we could have provided seniors with a more comprehensive and less confusing benefit. But make no mistake, I want every Medicare beneficiary to get the most out of what benefit Congress did pass. That is the reason I support the resolution. What I question, however, is the House Leadership's decision to schedule this particular bill. We could be spending time on legislation to actually fix the problems associated with part D. We could consider legislation to reduce the price of the drugs by allowing Medicare to negotiate with the pharmaceutical companies. That was a question my seniors had at the workshop. We should also consider legislation to extend an open enrollment period and give beneficiaries a one-time chance this year to change plans if they decide to instead of discussing ways to improving the clearly flawed plan, which does nothing substantive for our seniors. Also, my colleague from Connecticut talks about CMS actuaries. These are the same actuaries I think that told us this plan was going to cost 400 billion. Now we know with the money we may spend on it we could actually give seniors a quality plan without so much confusion.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Denver Harbor Senior Citizens, Inc. on twenty-five years of service to the senior citizens of Denver Harbor, Texas. Since its founding in June of 1980, Denver Harbor Senior Citizens has provided an outlet for seniors in our area to get together on a regular basis, socialize, and maintain meaningful friendships. On any given weekday, the Denver Harbor Recreation Complex is visited by a large group of active senior citizens. Many gather in groups to play dominoes, bingo, or Loteria, a traditional Mexican game. While the games often bring out some good-natured competition among the players, everyone enjoys the camaraderie and laughter that the group activities provide. Without doubt, Denver Harbor Senior Citizens, Inc. is one of the most active senior centers in Harris County. In addition to the programs provided in the new and beautiful Denver Harbor Recreation Complex, the group sponsors numerous senior outings and trips to Austin and other areas within the State of Texas, where the members can recall the Texas history lessons we all learned as schoolchildren. Denver Harbor Senior Citizens also provides hot meals for its members, an invaluable service ensuring that senior citizens have well- balanced meals. As we age, the importance of nutrition cannot be underestimated and is critical to our good health. This group has taken that principle to heart and has put in place the benefits and services that keep our senior citizens active and healthy--in body, mind and spirit. On May 19, 2006, Denver Harbor Senior Citizens will officially celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary with a dinner reception and dance at the Denver Harbor Recreation Complex. I would like to extend to this group my heartfelt congratulations and thanks for twenty-five years of dedication to Denver Harbor's senior citizens and wish them all the best in the future.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo is not only a celebration of the victory of a small Mexican militia over the Napoleonic French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, but also the commemoration of the friendship and goodwill that exists between the United States and Mexico to this day. Following the Mexican War of Independence, Mexico found itself heavily indebted to Spain, France, and England. England and Spain quickly settled their debts, but Napoleon saw this as an opportunity to expand his empire and reclaim a portion of the New WorId. France invaded Mexico in Veracruz, but was stopped from gaining passage to the Nations seed of government in Mexico City by General Ignacio Seguin Zaragoza and his small militia. Napoleon; however, would not be deterred. He sent 30,000 more troops and began a three month siege of Puebla, who finally surrendered and eventually took Mexico City. Napoleon appointed his cousin Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria as Emperor of Mexico. He was in power from 1864 until 1867 when the United States was able to provide assistance to Mexico after the conclusion of the Civil War and helped Mexico expel the French. Shortly after the French expulsion Maximilian was executed in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Pueblo in 1862 where General Ignacio Seguin Zaragoza and his small militia valiantly prevented the invasion of Mexico. This brave group of 4,500 men was able to prevent 6,500 French soldiers from marching on to Mexico City. Mexico, and more recently, the United States both celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It represents a victory for the Mexican people and the beginning of a wonderful diplomatic relationship between the United States and Mexico that is not simply intertwined geographically but also culturally. As a Texan I have an added respect for General Ignacio Sequin Zaragoza. He was born near the town of Goliad, Texas on March 24, 1829. A ten foot stature honoring General Zaragoza was dedicated in Goliad, Texas as a gift from the Governor of Puebla, Mexico.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who is a living legend to golf, Byron Nelson. Throughout his career, this Native Texan has exhibited sportsmanship and a competitive drive unparalleled by most athletes. In 1945, Byron Nelson achieved 11 simultaneous wins--a record that stands today. He has won the Masters twice, the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship. He was also the first winner of the Shell Houston Open in 1946. He has been named ``Male Athlete of the Year'' twice by the Associate Press, and led the U.S. to defeat Great Britain to win the Ryder Cup in 1965. While these accomplishments are impressive, Byron Nelson is also known as a great philanthropist. The Byron Nelson golf tournament has raised well over $88 million to provide educational and mental health services to thousands of children and their families. In addition, he has been involved as an honorary chairperson of Meals on Wheels for the Dallas Metroplex area. I believe Byron Nelson exhibits the qualities worthy of a Congressional Gold Medal. His accomplishments on the golf course are impressive, but his commitment to improving and helping his community over several decades speaks to his character. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and grant Byron Nelson the Congressional Gold Medal.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to address the most pressing problem facing our country and the health care system of our country: the growing number of uninsured. Since 2000, the number of uninsured has grown by more than 10 percent as an additional 1 million Americans have joined the ranks of the uninsured each year. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recently reported that the number of individuals without health insurance in this country rose to 46 million this year. This is a problem that we literally cannot afford not to address. In my State of Texas, we have the unfortunate distinction of ranking number one in the country for our level of uninsured, which has reached crisis proportions. Twenty-five percent of Texans are uninsured, compared with 15.7 percent of Americans nationwide. Twenty-two percent of children in our State are uninsured, compared to 12 percent of American children nationwide. The increase in the number of uninsured is due in part to the changing nature of health care in this country. Gone are the days when we could rely on our employers to provide comprehensive health insurance for us and our families. While more than 90 percent of firms with more than 50 employees still offer employer-sponsored coverage, many smaller firms have found they simply cannot afford to offer their employees health insurance. In fact, only 47 percent of firms with fewer than 10 employees offer employer-sponsored coverage. We are proud that Texas is a small business State, but an unintended consequence is that many of our small business employees do not have access to affordable health insurance. The result is that many Texans, and folks throughout our Nation, have few choices for health insurance other than the individual market. For American families near the poverty level, the cost of health insurance has to compete with the cost of putting food on your table or a roof over your heads, which is really no choice at all. The typical family of four at the poverty level brings home $20,000 a year. Given that private health insurance cost $9,000 a year in 2005, it is no surprise that more than half of Americans below the poverty level spent at least some or part of each year uninsured. The plight of the uninsured should worry all Americans, as the uninsured have less access to care, become sicker, and impose tremendous costs on our health care system. The uninsured are less likely to seek preventative health care and only get care once their health problems reach emergency proportions. A recent study by the Institute of Medicine estimated that 2,500 Texans die each year as a result of being uninsured. In fact, nearly 50 percent of the uninsured adults have postponed seeking health care because they could not afford it. Only 15 percent of individuals with health insurance have postponed care for this reason. The difference can literally be life or death. For example, uninsured women with breast cancer have a 30 to 50 percent higher risk of dying from the disease than breast cancer patients with insurance, 30 percent higher than people with health insurance. Uninsured auto accident victims with trauma are 37 percent more likely to die from their injuries than their insured counterparts. Everyone can agree that something must be done to stem the tide of the uninsured. Yet it is important that we put in place policies that not only increase the number of Americans with health insurance but also ensure that they have quality and comprehensive insurance. Unfortunately, the health savings plans and association health plans supported by the administration and our Republican colleagues are not a silver bullet. The success of any health insurance plan lies in its ability to spread the risk. However, both the Health Savings Accounts and the AHP models would separate out the healthy and wealthy, leaving sicker and poorer Americans to fend for themselves in an individual health insurance market that is already out of reach for low-income Americans. This is not the way to ensure our citizens are healthy and productive members of society. The Federal Government needs to renew its commitment to the most vulnerable members of our society. Faced with record levels of uninsured, we should be adding people to the Medicaid and S-CHIP rolls, not dropping them. We should expand the S-CHIP program to include parents of CHIP kids. That option alone would provide health insurance to 67 percent of CHIP parents in Texas. We should restore funding for the Healthy Community Access Program, which in my community has helped enroll an additional 250,000 individuals in Medicaid and CHIP, while also directing the uninsured away from the ERs and toward a more appropriate health care home. These are the programs that work, not HSAs and the AHPs that will place additional burdens on those who need help the most. Mr. Speaker, if we are going to get this country's health care system out of the ditch, we have to first stop digging.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 114 I was unavoidably detained at an energy meeting. Had I been present, I would have noted ``yea.''

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act sends the right message--more refinery capacity in this country is a good thing. Unfortunately this legislation did not follow the Committee process, since the House leadership is struggling to appear like they are doing something about gas prices, which they know are beyond their control. As a result, this legislation probably could be improved with hearings, amendment, and more careful consideration. However, I will support the legislation because it does not alter or repeal any environmental rule, regulation, or law. The bill would just ensure that permits do not sit on any federal bureaucrat's desk for too long. That is a worthy goal, and I believe that if Chairman Barton could do this bill his preferred way, then he would have brought this legislation to the Committee for a hearing. But the American people are very angry with energy prices right now, and during these politically- charged times the House often operates differently than it should. Many Americans and Members of the House are upset that we have not built a new refinery in this country in 25 years. That is true but that is also irrelevant, because it is much cheaper and more efficient to expand existing refineries than to build brand new refineries. Since 1994, U.S. refiners added 2.1 million barrels of capacity, which is the equivalent of adding a larger than average refinery each year. Over the next several years, capacity will increase another 1.2 million barrels per day. For example, here are some refinery expansions that have already been announced: Chevron--80,000 barrels per day at its Pascagoula, MS, refinery. CITGO in Lake Charles, LA--105,000 barrels per day. Coffeyville Resources in Kansas--15,000 barrels per day. Flint Hills Resources in Minnesota--50,000 barrels per day. Holly Corp. in Artesia, NM--10,000 barrels per day. Marathon Petroleum--180,000 barrels per day in Garyville, LA, and 26,000 barrels per day in Detroit, MI. ConocoPhillips will spend $3 billion over four years on refinery expansion, which means tens of thousands of extra barrels per day. Motiva Enterprises is considering doubling the capacity of its large refinery in Port Arthur, TX. Sunoco recently announced plans to commit $1.8 billion over the next 3 years, leading to thousands more barrels per day. Tesoro Petroleum Company will devote $670 million in the next year alone to refining facility expansions. And the Nation's largest refiner, Valero plans to spend $5 billion to add over 400,000 barrels per day of new capacity nationwide. So the debate about a lack of new refineries is a red herring. We should really focus on expansion projects, since that is where the action is. If this legislation fails to gain the required \2/3\ support by the full House, I hope we could revisit this legislation in Committee.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4975, the fake lobby regulation and transparency act. This is an attempt to fool the American people into thinking that this body is doing something substantive to reform the way lobbyists and Congress do business. This bill does no such thing. This legislation does nothing to address the larger issues of ethics reform. It does not address corporate jet travel, tougher gift rules, or financial perks provided by lobbyists. The temporary suspension of privately funded trips offered here today is not good enough. We should commit to ban private corporate travel. I understand there is some sentiment that we should wait for the Ethics Committee to issue rules on this issue. However, if we want a ban on corporate travel, then we should pass such a ban now. Also, we've heard a lot of talk about strengthening gift rules, but there is no disclosure. We need to tighten gift rules to ensure that people abide by them. The gift rule should address the sometimes extravagant receptions honoring Members of this body paid for by lobbyists and corporations. This bill does not require the disclosure of such events. We could have started to address these issues had the Rules Committee allowed amendments on the Floor today that would have addressed these issues. I offered an amendment to bring transparency to State governments using tax dollars to hire lobbyists here in Washington. The State of Texas hired lobbyists for over $1 million and we have no idea what they have done to earn that money. They have never called, e-mailed, or come by my office or any other Democratic Member's office from Texas in the years they have been under contract. We have written Governor Perry twice asking what these lobbyists are doing and he has ignored our requests. The bottom line is this bill does nothing to bring true lobbying reform to Congress and we owe the American people better than this. The people of this country can not be fooled. They will not tolerate anything but real lobbying reform that contains true transparency of all lobbying transactions and an ethics system that works. This Republican majority arbitrarily changed the House Ethics rules last year and removed the republican chair and Members who were trying to do their job. Then, they terminated Ethics Committee staff members for partisan reasons. They do not want real lobby reform. I urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 4975 and support the motion to recommit.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this legislation gives the FTC explicit authority to define and prosecute price gouging by gasoline retailers and wholesale distributors. Given the amount of anger that Americans are feeling at the gasoline pumps, we should have enacted similar legislation in law long ago. There are certainly some price gougers out there, especially in situations with tight supplies during emergencies, but the American people should know that this legislation will not bring relief at the pump this year. First, the FTC will take six months to define price gouging before they can enforce the new law. Second, when the price of oil is $75 like it is this week, the price of gasoline is going to be high, without any price gouging by anybody. The price of oil used to be controlled by OPEC, but most energy experts believe that stable OPEC nations are producing at near full capacity. The two major reasons why prices are going up is because of high global demand, particularly the booming economies of China and India, and instability in producing nations. Iraq's oil production has never recovered to pre-war levels due to the insurgency, and many believe that Iran's oil production could soon be reduced due to our tensions with that nation. In addition to being a large oil producer, Iran sits on the Straits of Hormuz between the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. If conflict were to occur in that global oil shipping choke point, the price of oil will increase even further. Unfortunately instability in oil producing countries is not limited to the Middle East. Nigeria, Angola, and other areas of Africa are experiencing civil wars which are limiting oil exports. Our Administration has been engaged in a war of words with the President of Venezuela, which is one of our major oil suppliers. Bolivia just sent the army in to occupy its oil and gas fields, some of which had been jointly explored with Spanish and U.S. oil companies under contracts approved by previous governments. With all of these developments in oil producing nations and the surging global economy, the price of oil has gone up dramatically and the price of gasoline tracks the price of oil. If a gas station or a gasoline distributor wants to use the background of a rising market price to engage in price-gouging, they should be stopped and punished. The legislation by my friend Bart Stupak may be superior to this legislation in some ways, and if the House was under Democratic control we would have a more democratic process. But this is a decent piece of legislation that gives the FTC authority to investigate price gouging, so for that reason alone we should approve it.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of this legislation, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. Res. 392, to honor the 58th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel. I would like to congratulate the Israeli people on this significant day, and join them in celebrating the 58th anniversary of the Jewish state. After nearly 2,000 years without a homeland, Jewish independence was restored with the creation of Israel in 1948. The creation of Israel gave the Jewish people a state in the land where their religion, culture, and history date back over 4,000 years. In the last 58 years, Israel has faced many struggles: conflicts with its neighbors, terrorism on its borders, and problems with many in the international community regarding the Palestinian people. Despite these struggles, Israel has grown from a state of less than a million people in 1948, to a state of over seven million today. The Israeli people have created one of the strongest democracies in the world, renowned for their scientific, technological, medical and agricultural innovations. Their commitment to promoting human rights, to protecting the rule of law, and to open and fair elections is unparallel in the region and is an inspiration to oppressed people around the globe. Today, 58 years after declaring its independence, Israel and the United States continue to share the common values and ideals of advancing democracy and promoting human rights around the globe. As our strongest ally in fighting terrorism, Israel, a country which has had to fight against terrorism and attacks from its neighbors for its entire existence, continues to play a vital role in promoting American interests. In return, we must continue to help Israel in its struggle for security by helping reach a lasting peace with its neighbors so that as future generations celebrate this day, they may do so without fear of the violence that has plagued the Jewish state since its independence. Mr. Speaker, I would again like to congratulate the Israeli people and join them in celebrating the 58th Anniversary of Israel's independence, and look forward to working with them for years to come.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, if House Republicans really want to help America's seniors, they would join us in reversing a proposal in the Republican prescription drug plan that would penalize any senior who chooses a private drug plan after May 15. As this calendar shows, we have 18 days left. If House Republicans do not support our efforts to extend the deadline until the end of the year, millions of seniors will face a prescription drug tax that they must pay every month for the rest of their lives. Over 14 million seniors still have not chosen a plan. Some are frustrated, confused by dozens of plans they have to choose from. Others have heard the horror stories of seniors not having access to drugs they were promised or seniors being overcharged for some of their medication. Some of these seniors will eventually want to choose a plan, but they should not be forced into making that tough decision by May 15. It is time House Republicans stand up and support America's seniors. Reject the President's prescription drug tax. And as we mark off another day on the calendar, Republicans only have 18 days to make the right decision.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleague from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, in introducing the Health Centers Renewal Amendments of 2006. This important legislation will re- authorize the Health Center program through fiscal year 2011 and enable us to build on the tremendous successes that the health centers have already achieved. With 46 million Americans currently living without health insurance, health centers have become a critical feature of our country's safety net. Of the more than 14 million Americans served by health centers, 75 percent are either uninsured or Medicaid beneficiaries. In fact, more than 90 percent of health center clients have incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Without health centers to provide quality primary and preventive care, these folks would most likely forgo health care and end up in our hospital emergency rooms. Health centers are not free clinics. While health centers do not turn away patients due to an inability to pay, every patient pays something based on a sliding scale. This policy improves both financial and health outcomes, ensuring that patients are invested in their health care and follow the doctor's orders. Another critical feature of the health center program is the community board. For approval and funding as a federally-qualified health center, a center must have put in place a board of directors whose membership is at least 51 percent comprised of health center patients. While communities may initially view this aspect of the health center program as a significant hurdle, this requirement ensures that community health centers are just that--grounded in the community. With a community board governing the health center, patients are assured that all health center policies have been developed with the needs of patients in mind. It is the complementary nature of these requirements that has helped the health center program become so effective and enjoy unprecedented bi-partisan support, from both the Congress and the Bush Administration. Despite the accomplishments to date of the health center program, much more work needs to be done. While the number of health centers has increased by 58 percent since 1997, the number of health center patients has increased by 90 percent over the same period. There is still tremendous need and, unfortunately, the ranks of the uninsured are only growing. In the Houston area, we now have nine federally-qualified health centers, an increase from the four centers we had in our area just one year ago. While we have celebrated that achievement, our state of Texas still has the largest percentage of uninsured individuals in the country, and many more health centers are needed in our state to meet our growing need for quality health care that is affordable. This legislation will help us address that need by ensuring the continued authorization of this important program that has improved the health of millions of our constituents. On a personal note, I would like to thank my friend, Mr. Bilirakis, for all of his work over the years on behalf of our health centers. He is a tireless champion of this program, and I look forward to working with him to make sure that the reauthorization of this program is just one of the many health care accomplishments that will be part of his legacy in Congress.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to observe Yom Hashoah, the Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Day. The Holocaust was an unprecedented crime that took the lives of 6 million Jews, broke apart families, and wrongfully imprisoned individuals subjecting them to tortures, rape and other horrendous actions. In 1933, the Jewish population of Europe stood at over 9 million. Most European Jews lived in countries that the Third Reich would occupy or influence during World War II. By 1945, close to two out of every three European Jews had been killed as part of the Nazi policy to systematically murder the Jews of Europe. Yom Hashoah serves as a reminder that we must never forget the appalling tragedy of the Holocaust, and the 6 million Jews who lost their lives. It was racism, bigotry, anti-Semitism and general religious intolerance that drove Hitler to pursue the destruction of the Jewish people. To honor the victims who lost their lives in the Holocaust, and to ensure that such acts never happen again, there must be a concerted effort to fight intolerance and discrimination. Before I was elected to Congress in 1990, my family and I and our two children visited Dachau in southern Germany. It was important not only for my wife and I, but also for our children to see what inhumanity mankind could do to itself; not only for our generation but for our children and the next generation to make sure that it never happens again. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues on this Yom Hashoah in commemorating those who lost their lives in the Holocaust.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in supporting H.R. 282, the Iran Freedom Support Act. I want to thank Ms. Ros-Lehtinen and Mr. Lantos for drafting this bill that has gathered great support from our colleagues to address the urgent and problematic situation in Iran. This bill will extend and strengthen existing sanctions designed to cut off funds Iran could use for its illicit atomic programs. Inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over the past three years have turned up evidence that Iran has been pursuing nuclear technology for nearly two decades. Despite recent rulings by the IAEA Board of Governors that found Iran to be in noncompliance with its Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty safeguards agreement, and a presidential statement last month by the United Nations Security Council that called upon Iran to reinstitute its voluntary suspension of enrichment and reprocessing, Iran has stated that it will continue development of its nuclear program. The U.S. and our allies cannot stand by and watch Iran develop nuclear capabilities, and this legislation is just a first step in what must be done to address this problem. A state that has vowed to continue supporting terrorist activity against the West and the U.S., has openly stated that Israel must be wiped off the map, and has threatened to retaliate to international pressure and sanctions by giving nuclear technology to other states, must be dealt with before it has a robust nuclear program. Iran's pursuit for weapons of mass destruction--and nuclear technology in particular--along with its outright support for international terrorism require a strong response from our government. Passing H.R. 282 is a first step in addressing this urgent situation, and I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, more than any single piece of legislation we passed this year, the budget reflects our Nation's core values. Unfortunately, this budget values deficits over balanced budgets and tax cuts over the health and education of the American people. This budget cuts more than $10 billion from critical domestic programs our constituents rely on every day. By eliminating 42 educational programs, the budget fails our children and wastes our opportunity to invest in their future. It hurts low-income students' shot at the American dream by wiping out the GEAR-UP program that prepares them for college. It threatens our future economic competitiveness by eliminating vocational programs to help our students gain skills in the global economy. There is so much in this budget that is wrong this cannot actually represent the value of this Congress and the values of the American people because of what it does. It cuts the budgets of 18 out of 19 institutes of the National Institutes of Health. It raises deductions and copays for veterans health care. Mr. Chairman, there is so much wrong with this budget that one thing it does, it continues the tax cuts, and that is why it is not the American values. Let us help our children, our veterans, and our elderly without giving tax cuts. Mr. Chairman, more than any single piece of legislation we pass this year, the budget reflects our Nation's core set of values. Unfortunately, this budget values deficits over balanced budgets, and tax cuts over the health and education of the American people. This budget cuts more than $10 billion from critical domestic programs our constituents rely on every day. By eliminating 42 education programs, the budget fails our children and wastes our opportunity to invest in their future. It hurts low- incomes students' shot at the American Dream by wiping out the GEAR-UP program that prepares them for college. It threatens our future economic competitiveness by eliminating the vocational education programs that help our students gain the skills to compete in a global economy. This budget breaks our commitment to military retirees by increasing--and in some cases tripling--their out-of-pocket health care fees. It abandons our quest for health care research and discovery by cutting the budgets of 18 out of 19 institutes within the National Institutes of Health. It cuts programs aimed at preventing illness and disease while also slashing programs that train health professionals to treat these diseases. As a country at war, there is no doubt that we have to make sacrifices to successfully implement the war on terror and equip our troops. But the funding cut from domestic programs in this budget does not go for war costs. In fact, war costs aren't even included after 2007. The funding cuts also aren't being used to balance the budget. With this budget, this country will post a deficit of $348 billion for 2007--one of the largest deficits in our Nation's history. Instead of funding war costs or paying down the deficit, the cuts in this budget are used for tax cuts; $228 billion in tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans when families are in need here at home, and troops are putting their lives on the line far from home. Mr. Chairman, at best this budget is misguided. But the truth is, this budget is down right immoral, and I urge my colleagues to join me in opposition to it.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, this past weekend, I met with many students from schools in our district and hope to meet with many more. This banner is signed by students from the Alta Charter School in our district. These students are voicing their concerns because they want to keep their families together and felt their heritage was not being respected. They are concerned about the possibility of their parents being deported, even though their children are citizens. They are worried about the possibility of them being deported, although this is the only life they have ever known. I believe we should improve border security, and every Nation in the world should control their borders and know who is crossing it, but I voted against H.R. 4437 because this bill doesn't realistically deal with the 10 to 12 million people who are living in this country. If this bill is enacted, 3 million U.S. citizens will be left without their parent or guardian. Family values should apply to our immigration laws. This is why we see students marching in our communities all across our country and why you see this banner on the floor of the House today. We need comprehensive, fair immigration reform that includes increased border security, more detention beds to prevent catch and release, requiring applicants to go through criminal background checks, to learn English and also pay a penalty. That way, we can make sure these people, these children who are here know that their parents won't need to be deported or they won't be.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Cesar Estrada Chavez. Seventy-nine years ago one of the greatest civil rights leaders of our time was born near Yuma, Arizona. A man that embodied the strength to fight for civil rights, Cesar Chavez dedicated his life to the liberty and justice of farm workers across America. Mr. Chavez dedicated his life to teaching others that persistence, hard work, faith, and willingness to sacrifice one's self breaks down barriers. He committed himself to achieving justice and equality for all farm workers and paved the way for momentous social change. Mr. Chavez began early in his life dealing with injustice and inequality; his family was forced off their land and subjected to working in fields all over California. He attended 37 schools, never succeeding past the eighth grade. Despite his tribulations, he was able to instill his passion for education in the hearts of all that he touched. Mr. Chavez taught that the love for justice is inherent in each and every one of us and that it is the most amazing and true part of being human. In 1962, Mr. Chavez put his beliefs into action and formed what is known today as the United Farm Workers. His efforts initiated one of the greatest social movements of our time; fighting for safe and fair working conditions, reasonable wages, decent housing and the outlaw of child labor for farm workers everywhere. Mr. Chavez embraced nonviolent tactics to help focus national attention on the problems that existed for farm workers. The non- violent tactics Mr. Chavez utilized included fasting, marching, rallying, picketing and boycotting. The vast attention that was drawn to the plight of the farm workers educated America of the great pain and exploitation the farm workers endured to produce food for millions of American families. Mr. Chavez was said to have given his last ounce of strength defending the farm workers before he died in his sleep on April 23, 1993. Cesar E. Chavez is honored throughout America for his tireless work to help those that could not help themselves. In my hometown of Houston, every year we celebrate the life and times of Mr. Cesar E. Chavez by holding a Hispanic Pride parade. An event sponsored by the community and an event to bring us together and celebrate as one. We honor him today in life and in death for his leadership, his vision, his bravery, and his unselfish commitment to the principles of social justice and respect for human dignity. He will forever live on as an inspiration to those of us who seek to create a better world, and his legacy is one which serves to remind us that ``Together all things are possible.'' Si se puede!

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today because I believe my Republican colleagues are sending a mixed message by offering this legislation. This bill increases the authorization for the maximum Pell grant to $6,000, reauthorizes funding for Hispanic-serving institutions and historically Black colleges and universities. From the looks of this authorization bill, you would think the majority leadership in this Congress cared about getting low- and middle-income students through college. However, this authorization bill does not fund these programs. Just 2 months ago, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle voted to cut student aid by $12 billion by passing the budget reconciliation bill. I don't understand why my Republican colleagues care more about giving tax breaks to the wealthy than helping low- and middle-income families send their children to college. The budget reconciliation bill raised interest rates on parent student loans, raised loan consolidation fees, and required that student and parent borrowers pay a 1 percent insurance fee on college loans. We need to do something to help people get through college, not charge them a 1 percent insurance fee and make their education even more expensive than it is now. Since 2001, college tuition in this country has increased 40 percent. Students are graduating with over $17,000 of debt. And what has Congress done? We've consistently flat-funded Pell and raised the maximum Pell award by small amounts that don't keep up with rising tuition rates, including this increase. When Pell first started, it covered over 70 percent of the average cost of a 4-year education. Now, it pays for 30 percent of the cost of a college education. While I appreciate the effort of the bill sponsors to increase the Pell maximum grant, it is still not enough to truly help low-income families send their children to college. I hope in the future appropriators will enable us to show a true commitment to higher education by bringing us an appropriations bill that reflects the priorities outlined in H.R. 609. Working families need more than the numbers offered in this bill, they need to see real dollars put into these programs. My Republican colleagues have not adequately funded the very programs they are on the floor supporting today. I hope that in the future, we fund the programs that are so important to us today.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Reverend Wilbert Leo Daniels and his brother the late Reverend Cooper Darryl Daniels for their dedication and service to the elderly and non- elderly disabled citizens of our community. During his tenure as pastor of the Greater Jerusalem Baptist Church, Reverend W. Leo Daniels secured the funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to begin development of an eight story housing facility in Northeast Houston. His dream of constructing a home for the elderly and handicapped was realized after his death under the guidance of his brother, Reverend Cooper Darryl Daniels. The W. Leo Daniels Towers were dedicated in 1979 and have maintained nearly full occupancy for 27 years. The Towers, located at 8826 Harrell, Houston Texas consist of 100 units and serve to assist residents in their daily independent lifestyles. The residents are offered a variety of services including a beauty shop, a washateria and a cafeteria with a central dining room that accommodates 299 persons. The Towers also offer a remedial education class that is supported through the Houston Community College. The W. Leo Daniels Towers has become a powerful influence among the residents and the Northeast Houston Community alike. In 2002, a computer literacy lab with bi-weekly classes was opened for all the residents and Northeast Community population to attend. The Towers have also collaborated with the Houston Food Bank and with the United Way of Houston Gifts to provide access to food, furniture, office supplies and clothing for its residents. The solidarity of the Greater Jerusalem Baptist Church membership and the united efforts of all concerned have made the dream of Reverend W. Leo Daniels a reality. The Towers have helped fill the need of so many in the Northeast Houston Community, and I ask that we all honor this great achievement and pay tribute to those that are responsible for its success.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I want to thank our colleague and chair of our appropriations subcommittee. I understand where he is coming from. But I also know, Madam Speaker, that we have not passed a budget for 2007 and that is still to be considered. I understand that the concern about moving money into this year. But it is also going to be very difficult for me to talk to the 40,000 plus Texas families if we do not pass this bill. By the way, this summer, I am sorry it did not fit within our legislative rules, and it is causing more problems, and we are not going to give you any heat assistance when it gets to be 100 degrees in Texas and across the South, and, frankly, even the Northern States, Illinois, Maryland and other places, New York has problems with heat in the summer. So I would hope that next year or later this year we will probably see another supplemental. If we see a year like we have seen now for both the cold assistance for the Northern States and what we see in the South that we need help, then I would hope in the future that we would see a supplemental that would restore that money. I would be glad to support that at that time. Madam Speaker, I also understand Chairman Regula and the Appropriations Committee, a lot of us want them to be able to have the funding for medical research and education. Those programs are near and dear to our heart. I hope we will still be able to do that. But I also know there are some other ways that we can deal with that since we have not adopted a budget and we will probably have another supplemental, because they get pretty regular around here. I hope that we can add to it without having to rob Peter to pay Paul. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Following the chairman of our full committee and, again, I understand the Chair of our appropriations subcommittee's concern, but this bill has a great deal of bipartisan support. We heard from our colleague from New Hampshire, who is experiencing high utility bills and has already run out of their funding for their poor in New Hampshire. But a lot of us are looking forward to what may be happening not only this winter, but also this summer. So I am proud to have Congressman Pickering of Mississippi and Congressman LaTourette, who is also supporting this legislation. When we vote on this tomorrow, we will see a lot of Members from across the aisle who are supporting this legislation; and again, like my chairman of our full committee and also the ranking member of the committee, John Dingell is supporting this legislation. We need to do something now to help and we will work whatever we can to help with the allocation from the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services or, again, another supplemental next year or later this year that will be able to deal with it. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote aye.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank my colleague from Texas for calling up S. 2320, and I agree with what he said. I this it is interesting, though, the parliamentary procedure that the chairman of our Energy and Commerce Committee talked about, because I would assume that if this bill passes with the two-thirds requisite votes tomorrow and goes to the President, that the section in the supplemental bill would be stripped out in the conference committee, because that bill still goes to the Senate into a conference committee. So I guess parliamentarily that would be the solution in our situation. Madam Speaker and Members, low-income Americans have been struggling to pay for heating bills during the winter; and, thankfully, this winter has not been as cold as expected and heating bills have not increased as greatly as feared. However, natural gas prices that drive electric prices have quadrupled over the past several years. The States' public utilities commissions, PUCs, are passing those costs on to our constituents. Low-income Americans also struggle to pay cooling bills. When the 90 and 100 degrees heat rolls around this year, the situation is going to become very critical very quickly. Air conditioners run on electricity, and a lot of electricity comes from natural gas. The need for relief is going to be intense throughout 2006, the end of this winter, this summer, and the start of next winter due to the incredible energy prices our country is experiencing. The LIHEAP program has been controversial because the formula can pit different regions of the country against each other. For the first $2 billion appropriated under this program, Northern States do very well, and relatively little funding goes to the South. Above this $2 billion trigger, however, the formula becomes much fairer, for Congress has never crossed this trigger by any large amount, that is until tonight. The Senate compromise legislation provides an extra $500 million to the LIHEAP formula over and above the $2 billion Congress has already provided. This is incredibly important for regional equity. This legislation has provided $500 million in contingency funding which can be used for emergencies such as blizzards, heat waves, hurricanes; and this funding is required to be allocated in 2006. Today marks the first day we have a real chance to cross that $2 billion trigger and provide a measure of equity for the warm States. Importantly, today also marks the best chance to increase LIHEAP for 2006 for cold States as well by providing 2006 contingency funding. If we pass this legislation today, the LIHEAP allocations for 2006 will become much more equitable between regions. It is important we pass this legislation today. It will directly go to the President's desk and provide immediate extra assistance for the Northern and the Southern States this year. The administration supports this bill, and I would like to introduce this letter from Secretary Leavitt into the Record. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Washington DC, March 8, 2006. Hon. Olympia J. Snowe, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Senator Snowe: I am pleased to respond to your request for my view on your LlHEAP amendment (which is attached). This is a positive step to provide additional aid for those in need of energy assistance this year. HHS supports Senator Snowe's amendment to utilize '07 funds this year to help those affected by increased home energy costs. HHS supports providing at least $500 million of the total as contingency funds. Sincerely, Michael O. Leavitt. Madam Speaker, CBO certified this bill with no budgetary effect, and I want to introduce their letter into the Record. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, March 6, 2006. Hon. Olympia J. Snowe, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Senator: As requested by your staff, the Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for S. 2320, a bill to make available funds included in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program for fiscal year 2006, and for other purposes. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Matthew Kapuscinski. Sincerely, Donald B. Marron, Acting Director. Enclosure. S. 2320--A bill to make available funds included in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program for fiscal year 2006, and for other purposes Summary: S. 2273 would amend section 9001 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 by making the $1.0 billion appropriated for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) available in 2006 rather than 2007. The bill would increase direct spending in 2006 by $750 million, but have no net budgetary effect over the 2006-2009 period as a whole. S. 2273 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) and would benefit state and tribal governments by making federal funds available a year early. Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated budgetary impact of S. 2273 is shown in the following table. The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 600 (income security). Basis of Estimate: Under current law, CBO expects that the entire $1.0 billion in LIHEAP funding appropriated for 2007 would be obligated in 2007 and spent over a three-year period, resulting in outlays of $750 million in 2007, $230 million in 2008, and $20 million in 2009. Enacting S. 2320 would accelerate the spending of these same amounts to the 2006-2008 period. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--