Gene Green

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I understand that the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton) is ready to close, and I do not have any more speakers. I guess the amendment is so popular everybody is just going to let it happen, and I am glad to say this makes a good bill even better. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), a current member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the chairman for making sure about the time, because I did not hear anyone claim any time in opposition either. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Upton-Green amendment, and it is an important addition to the Tauzin-Dingell bill. It will give the FCC more teeth to stop bad behavior if America's phone companies are actually doing that. During the earlier debate we heard some of the horror stories, but this would actually raise the fees so it is no longer just the cost of the doing business. It actually has penalties in it. Phones companies, if they slam and cram new phone charges to our constituents, will now face stiffer fines if our amendment is adopted. Bell companies who may be acting in a manner that hurts competition will now face stiffer financial penalties from the FCC. Working with my good friend, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton), our amendment increases the FCC's forfeiture penalty tenfold. Currently, the FCC can only fine a company a total of $1.2 million per violation. Under the Upton-Green amendment, the FCC will now be able to fine companies up to $10 million per violation. In addition, the amendment increases the fines the FCC can impose on continuing violations. Our amendment ups the FCC continuing violation to a cap of $20 million. FCC Chairman Michael Powell in a letter to Congress last year asked for this increase. We agree it is justified and reasonable. Other provisions in the amendment double the statute of limitations for imposing a fine from 1 to 2 years, provides new cease and desist authority to the FCC as well. Taken as a whole, I believe our amendment is not only a reasonable step but a consumer-oriented step towards better protecting our American consumers. Phone companies may realize that their efforts to illegally boost profits on the backs of our constituents will no longer be tolerated. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I rise in strong support of H.R. 1542. The digital transition has stalled with the collapse of the Internet bubble. Cable companies now control 70 percent of the consumer broadband connections in our country. Meanwhile, DSL and the digital subscriber line service offered by local telephone companies lags far behind, and is hindered by the outdated analog phone regulations. Mr. Chairman, I want to show my colleagues, because I know they have seen it in our publications here on the Hill, an ad that is only partially true. This ad shows four cute little pigs, each one representing supposedly a Bell operating company. Below all the little pigs is a number representing the percentage increase that they say of DSL subscribers for the different Bell operating companies last year. Reading this ad, one would wrongly assume that DSL service offered by local phone companies is the number one way consumers get broadband access. However, this ad is only partially true. They have had some success in signing up folks, but they still only have a third of the market. So cable still has 70 percent of it. My colleagues on the floor today and those watching C-SPAN, what is this ad for? Who is coming by our offices in opposition to the bill? We are pointing out the big regional Bell companies are so bad, but it is AT&T, MCI and Sprint who are opposing this bill, so we have the battle of the elephants. No matter what everyone has told us about broadband, cable is the dominant delivery platform in this country. That is why we need to make sure this bill passes so we can have real competition in DSL.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Texas, and the dean of our delegation, for allowing me time to speak on the rule. I rise in strong support of the rule and H.R. 1542, the Tauzin- Dingell bill. I support the rule even though my colleague and I, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), were denied an amendment that we had on the bill that would have provided additional reporting requirements, because one of the concerns we have is that there are people in this business who want to cherry pick and not serve the underserved areas like I represent and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez) represents. I understand the rules process, and my amendment was not made in order; but I still strongly support the rule and the bill. I have been to the work sites and seen the competition that is there now, and I also see the rules that our local phone companies have that they cannot compete with. America needs more competition in the broadband marketplace to challenge the dominant cable companies. H.R. 1542 provides this regulatory relief. It allows for our local phone companies to increase the investment and also to make it more affordable for our own constituents to be able to get this service. This bill will speed the broadband deployment in traditionally underserved areas similar to the area I am honored to represent. That is why we need to pass it today. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I support the rule and the underlying bill, and I urge my colleagues to support both of them.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation which would expand the Family and Medical Leave Act so that individuals can take time off when disaster strikes. Each year, disasters such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and other tragedies strike thousands of families and businesses throughout the United States. In the last year alone, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responded to forty-five declared disasters and ten emergencies in thirty-two states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. More than 49,500 affected families and businesses sought assistance after the September 11th attacks. Following a disaster, families often have no home, belongings, clothing, or transportation. They struggle to deal with insurance companies, government officials, the Red Cross, and other organizations so that they can get the assistance they need to get back to normal. For many individuals this process can take several weeks, if not months. While most employers are sympathetic and compassionate people, they sometimes will not allow employees to take the time they need to manage a disaster and get their lives in order again. As a result, these individuals are left with no home, no belongings and no job. This situation can often create a downward spiral for some families, where they cannot recover. The legislation I have introduced would expand the successful Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) so that individuals can take time off from work to resolve their situations during a natural disaster. Dealing with a natural disaster is as trying an ordeal as a health crisis, and amending the FMLA to include this change will ensure that workers are protected in times of family crisis. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in recognizing February as American Heart Month. Heart disease is the nation's leading cause of death. It is estimated about 1 in 5 American adults suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease, or CVD. Before I even finish this statement, two Americans will die of cardiovascular disease. By the end of the hour, we will have lost 120 friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers. By the end of the day, more than 2,600 Americans will die from CVD. While heart disease is a problem for all racial, ethnic, and socio- economic groups, certain groups are disproportionately affected. For example, while heart disease affects only thirty percent of white males, forty percent of African American males will suffer. Minority women also have higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Mr. Speaker, as troubling as these statistics are, there is great hope that we can win the battle against heart disease. Some of the major causes of heart disease--tobacco use, physical inactivity, obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure--can all be treated or prevented. According to the World Health Organization, one year after quitting smoking, the risk of heart disease decreases by fifty percent. Study after study concludes that moderate-intensity physical activity such as walking can substantially reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. And new and improved pharmaceutical treatments can help people control their blood pressure and lower their cholesterol. Mr. Speaker, by recognizing February as American Heart Month, we are raising awareness about heart disease, including its symptoms, its treatments, and ways to prevent it. The more Americans know about heart disease, the more likely they will seek treatment when they need it-- before a heart attack strikes.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as it has been said before, this is the same song in the third verse. I respect my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, but they are wrong in this third effort. In fact, there is a country western song called, ``What Part of No Don't You Understand?'' ``No'' to the AMT tax cuts, ``no'' to the other tax cuts that will not help the economy. I am surprised that my Republican colleagues insist on making the thousands of unemployed Americans continue to suffer. We could pass the bill that passed the Senate last week, an additional 13 weeks, by unanimous consent today; but no, Members want to add to this Christmas tree because they want to send it to the Senate one more time so it can die like the last two. Members are using this like a political weapon instead of being concerned about the American people. Like most of our Nation, I have constituents who are unemployed, in my own town of Houston, just the Enron employees who have lost their jobs because of mismanagement and corruption. My constituents need this extension now. The idea of just playing with it like we are doing here is outrageous to the people who need this help.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the annual celebration of Catholic Schools' Week. Each year, over 3,500 Catholic schools across our nation celebrate Catholic Schools' Week to recognize the educational and social contributions of America's Catholic schools. This year's 28th Catholic Schools' Week theme, ``Catholic Schools Where Faith and Knowledge Meet,'' exemplifies a major benefit of receiving a Catholic School education. Catholic schools foster their students with a strong sense of faith, spirit, and Christian service. These are important values which we must promote, especially in light of the events of September 11th. Catholic schools teach a diverse student body from all faiths and races. In fact, 25.6 percent of Catholic school students are minorities. In some inner-city schools, a majority of students are non-Catholic. It is important that we continue our strong support for Catholic Schools. Catholic education is internationally recognized for its academic excellence and emphasis on the development of the heart, mind and soul. We must promote the growth and continued success of Catholic schools by ensuring they have Internet access, abundant libraries and safe learning environments. I have worked closely with the Catholic schools in my district, such as helping provide Internet services to the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Houston, visiting Catholic school facilities, and reading to students. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the contributions made by our nation's Catholic Schools. I would like to especially recognize the dedicated teachers, principals, school administrators and parents in my Texas Congressional district for their hard work and devotion.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment as the designee of the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I am a strong supporter of the second amendment and proud to be a life member of the NRA and the Texas Rifle Association and Houston Gun Collectors; and if I thought this Shays-Meehan would stop those groups from contacting me or any of my constituents, I would vote for the amendment. But that is not true. They can do the letters, everything they need to do to make sure their members know how we as Members of Congress are voting. That is why I think this is just another one of those poison pill amendments to come up with an issue that is not there. That is why I urge a vote in opposition to this amendment.

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell). (Mr. DINGELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 45 seconds. Mr. Chairman, there have been studies done, and every campaign is different, but that the average amount spent on TV in a campaign is 25 percent. Now, maybe somebody is spending more than that percent, but maybe they should do like my colleague the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Strickland) suggested and get out and meet the folks. We may still need to do TV, but there are a lot of other ways to do it. We already enjoy, since 1971, the lowest unit cost preferences when we buy political ads. No other elected officials can enjoy that. What this would do with the Torricelli amendment is add insult to injury. The lowest unit cost means that we politicians or public servants get the same rates broadcasters provide their best-paying commercial customers. What the Torricelli amendment does is back that up and say we can pick the rates of the dog days of summer. That is what is wrong. That is why we need to vote for this amendment.

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 45 seconds to my colleague, the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie). (Mr. ABERCROMBIE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, how much time is remaining?

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 45 seconds to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns).

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 45 seconds to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Strickland).

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 1 minute. As a long-time supporter of the Shays-Meehan legislation, including signing the discharge petition, I believe we are on the verge of passing this historic campaign finance legislation. I am offering an amendment that would correct, I think, an oversight that was in the Senate bill that came to the House; and that is what my colleague, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Burr), and I are doing. The amendment we are offering today is not a poison pill, and if passed would not force the underlying bill into conference with the Senate. Senators McCain and Feingold have already indicated that the passage of this amendment would not be a hindrance in the Senate. It is not a poison pill. This amendment is designed to remove a provision out of the Shays- Meehan bill that creates a new perk for candidates for Federal offices. We cannot blame the problems associated with the high costs of campaigning on television, and this is an example of Congress overreaching and helping ourselves; and that is why we offer this amendment and encourage my colleagues to support it. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to split our allowable time with the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Burr), my colleague from the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, like my colleagues, I was actually over in my office and did not know that this was happening today. But I have had the honor to serve five terms in this House and served with David for many years as part of the whip operation, and for somebody who comes from Texas and sounds like I do, to get to know David and to appreciate him and to realize he is a very low-keyed individual, but, as someone said earlier, very competitive, because I also have had the opportunity to play basketball with him, and not just try and pass or defeat legislation. So he is competitive, but he is very low-keyed. Typically if I have something to say, I am not only out there and in your face, but David is very quiet about it. So I appreciate that, and I think a lot of us could emulate what he does. But working with him for these 9 years, I appreciate not only his inward strength, but also his dedication to the issues. It helps having, even though, again, a very urban district in Houston, and David being from Michigan, having a lot of blue collar workers, some of the same demands are in Michigan on the economy as we have in Houston, Texas, a very industrialized district. So I just appreciate, Dave, your work here in the House. Like say, I have only seen you the last five terms, but the American people and the people of Michigan owe you a debt of gratitude for your work here in the House. Obviously, if it does any good for somebody who sounds like me to come up and knock doors in Michigan, I will be up there. So, David, obviously we will be serving with you for the next year. But not only as our whip, but also just as a person, we will miss you, and I know I will too. Thank you, Dave. (Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey asked and was given permission to speak out of order for 5 minutes.)

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, normally I do not stand on the floor and talk about the tax cuts; but after listening to the debate tonight and seeing where we are at, and my frustration with this process, I do not know what part of reality my colleagues on the Republican side do not understand. America needs a stimulus plan that includes tax cuts, but not every half-thought-out scheme to shut down the vital functions of government that we need. The reality is that we are at war, and we have layoffs. We must pay for the defense of the Nation, and corporate give-backs will not pay for an increase for our troops or better equipment. A laid-off worker cannot use a tax credit to pay this month's health insurance premium or to buy Christmas gifts for their family. They cannot use a tax credit that will come up next year, but all the other side of the aisle wants to do is give a tax credit. They have a one- size-fits-all. One answer for every problem. American workers out of a job, we will give a tax cut. A Nation at war, we will give a tax cut. Mr. Speaker, how do we pay for the war or assistance to the employed? It will come out of the Social Security trust fund and further prolong the prescription drug benefit needed by our Nation's seniors.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to the attention of the House an innovative program created by the Houston office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies in the Houston area. This program, utilizing grant money from the Operation Safe Home program, hires off-duty law enforcement officers to provide security and patrol housing complexes and apartments that are owned by or receive funds from HUD. This program has been a great success, and has made residents feet safer and more secure in their homes. Unfortunately, this program turned out to be too innovative. Although this initiative has been an unqualified success, it turns out that HUD did not have the authority to make these types of security decisions. I believe that we should allow our local communities and those who know them best the flexibility to pursue the solutions that will decrease violence, drug use, and other crimes that plague much of the public housing in our nation today. I do not believe that Americans who need assistance with housing costs should be forced to live in fear. That is why I am introducing the HUD Housing Security and Flexibility Act. This legislation would allow HUD to hire local law enforcement agencies for these purposes. It authorizes offices that receive or administer funds under either of the aforementioned programs to enter into contracts with police departments and other agencies. These contracts would be limited to 3 years in length, and would be solely for security, patrols, or other protective services at HUD-owned or - assisted housing, Mr. Speaker, I feel that this legislation will go a long way toward eliminating crime in our public housing, and making Americans feel safer in their homes. I hope that the Congress will take up this important legislation during the 107th Congress.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller). As an alumni of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, I can say that this is great work that they did on this, which provides additional funding for bilingual education, ESA, and the commitment for special education. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1, legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. ESEA, and Title I in particular, has meant so much to low-income students across this country. This legislation provides crucial funding for school districts that might not otherwise have the resources they need to provide a quality education. I think we can all agree that we must hold school districts accountable for the federal dollars they receive. And this legislation has a number of important testing provisions to ensure that our students are receiving the education they need to thrive in the 21st Century. But equally, perhaps even more important, we must provide schools with the resources they need to meet those standards. By doubling Title I funding over the next five years, I believe we will see a dramatic improvement in low-income, lower-achieving schools. I am also pleased to see increases to the Bilingual and Immigrant Education programs. As our most recent census reports, there has been incredible growth among Latino populations. Many of these first- generation Americans are not exposed to English in their homes, and have limited English proficiency. We must target resources at school districts with high populations of Limited English Proficiency students, to ensure that all children, regardless of their ethnic background, receive a high quality education. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to comment on the testing provisions. In Texas, we have annual testing for children in grades three through eight. Because our state standardized test are equivalent, Texas will not have to implement new tests. I hope that all other states which adopt these tests will have the same successes that we've seen in Texas. Mr. Speaker, this is a good, bipartisan, consensus bill. It is probably the first truly bipartisan bill we've seen this Congress. Support H.R. 1, and let our parents, teachers and administrators prepare our next greatest generation.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to both the rule and H.R. 3005, the legislation granting the President Fast Track Authority. This is not the time to allow more countries greater access to our domestic markets. We need much tighter controls at our borders, and we need to let the global economy recover before we even begin considering opening our doors to even further trade expansion. Foreign countries experiencing an economic slowdown always view the United States as a place to dump their excess goods. Japan, Russia, and South American countries have devastated our domestic steel industry through dumping. This illegal trade practice eliminates the thousands of high-paying American jobs tied directly to the steel industry and the thousands who support it. In addition, the House of Representatives has done nothing to help the thousands of displaced travel, tourism, and hospitality workers who lost their jobs as a result of September 11. Increased foreign trade automatically means a loss in good blue collar jobs which means our constituents' jobs will be on the line today. The House of Representatives has a spotty record in protecting displaced workers, especially from the textile, agriculture, and auto industries as a result of NAFTA; and that is why I oppose both the rule and the bill.