Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 885 provides for consideration of H.R. 2868, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009, under a structured rule. The rule provides 90 minutes of general debate equally divided between the Committees on Homeland Security, Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. It further provides that in lieu of the amendments in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committees on Homeland Security and Energy and Commerce, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the Rules Committee report shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order 10 amendments listed in the Rules Committee report, each debatable for 10 minutes. All points of order against the amendments printed in part B of the report are waived except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. It further provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule allows the Speaker to entertain motions to suspend the rules through the legislative day of November 7, 2009. The Speaker or her designee shall consult with the minority leader or his designee on the designation of any matter for consideration pursuant to this resolution. Mr. Speaker, now I will proceed to the underlying legislation. I wish to thank Chairman Bennie Thompson, Chairman Henry Waxman, Chairman Jim Oberstar, and other members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee who contributed to this legislation meaningfully and to the resulting amendment in the nature of a substitute. H.R. 2868 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to extend, modify, and recodify the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to enhance security and protect against acts of terrorism against chemical facilities and for other purposes. This bill helps ensure that the chemical manufacturing and storage industry, which generates $550 billion in revenue each year, is safe and secure and less susceptible to a terrorist-inspired attack. Importantly, it offers additional protections for the people and families who live near these facilities. The concentration of lethal chemicals near large population centers makes these facilities attractive terrorist targets. The bill protects workers and neighbors of chemical facilities by asking the highest risk facilities to switch to safer chemicals and processes when it is economically feasible. By establishing a single agency responsible for security at drinking water and wastewater facilities, the bill promotes consistent implementation of security across the industry. This legislation also helps to ensure added security for this industry. This legislation has been endorsed by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and by the American Public Works Association. Also, it is critical to ensure that Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards--CFATS is the acronym--is a floor and not a ceiling for safety measures, allowing States and localities to implement more stringent chemical security standards for chemical facilities, community water systems, port facilities, and wastewater treatment facilities. The bill promotes innovation and best practices to ensure that our citizens are protected and secure. Mr. Speaker, it is worth noting that my friends across the aisle may argue that the implementation of inherently safer technology, IST, standards will hurt small businesses and will cause job loss. However, IST is already recognized as a ``best practice,'' and is widely accepted within the chemical sector. Only facilities that are judged most at-risk may be required to implement IST due to the danger posed by the release of large quantities of toxic substances at the facility. Before IST is even implemented, it would have to be shown in writing that incorporating IST would significantly reduce the risk of death, injury or serious adverse effects to human health and that implementation is, number one, technically feasible; number two, cost- effective; and, number three, that it lowers the risk at that facility while also not shifting it to other facilities or elsewhere in the supply chain. Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss to not again thank Chairman Bennie Thompson for his support of an amendment that I will offer later to the underlying legislation. My amendment strengthens the newly created Office of Chemical and Facility Security by designating a specific point of contact for interagency coordination with the EPA. My amendment also requires the Secretary to proactively inform State emergency response commissions and local emergency planning committees about activities related to the implementation of the act so that they may update their emergency planning and training procedures. I look forward to offering this amendment to the underlying legislation so that we can ensure that this legislation informs and better interfaces with activities currently underway based on the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986. I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, before yielding to the distinguished Chair, I would like to remind my good friend on the other side of the aisle that what we're debating here is the rule for H.R. 2868, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009. This bill is about renewing the Homeland Security Department's authority to implement, enforce, and improve the chemical facility anti-terrorism standards and to require that the EPA establish parallel security programs for drinking water and wastewater facilities. It's important that we pass this legislation. I find it striking that my friend and colleague would reference the fact that a distinguished legislator, a friend of mine, who was doubtless here when this legislation originated, and I'm sure has insight as to its origination--but as I have lived here in this institution for nearly 20 years, I've found an evolutionary process to just about all legislation. And there was a major intervention between the implementation of this legislation initially and today, and that intervention was 9/11. And the things that have flowed from it allowed that we have more than 6,000 facilities in this country that are vulnerable and we have an absolute responsibility to deal with them. We also have an absolute responsibility to pass health care. With that, Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to yield 3 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson), distinguished chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I yield to the gentleman an additional 2 minutes.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the launch by the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County of its Armed Services Advocacy Project, ASAP, made possible through a grant from the Florida BRAIVE Fund at the Dade Community Foundation. More than 1.7 million veterans call Florida home, one of the largest such populations of any State. Palm Beach County alone is home to 1,200 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. The need for services for these people is tremendous. This new project's mission is to provide civil legal assistance to active duty Armed Forces service members and veterans who are serving or have served in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom and/or their families living in Palm Beach County Specifically, the Armed Services Advocacy Project will provide legal advice, education, counsel, and representation with regard to pre-deployment, deployment and post-deployment issues, free of charge. Legal services offered to personnel and/or their family members will include access to benefits, benefit denials, disability determinations, discharge matters, housing and financial issues, access to health care and mental health resources, employment rights and much more. Individuals may also receive assistance with specialized military issues including navigating the physical disability evaluation system, appealing involuntary administrative separations, defending inappropriate discharge, discharge characterization, or disability rating and filing claims for Traumatic Injury Insurance Under the Service Members Group Life Insurance, TSGLI. The ultimate goal of the Armed Service Advocacy Project is to improve the lives of Palm Beach County residents who have served or are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan and their families through legal intervention aimed at providing safer living conditions, meeting medical needs or reducing the time and frustration involved in navigating social services and veterans' assistance systems. Madam Speaker, I am quite familiar with the problems active duty and retired service members have faced with these issues. I am delighted to know that the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, an old and very trusted agency, has created the Armed Services Advocacy Project, and I wish them great success with their efforts on behalf of one of America's most beloved and respected populations.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. For the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from San Dimas, California (Mr. Dreier). All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only, Madam Speaker. General Leave

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 876 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 876.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, H. Res. 876 provides for consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 2996, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010. The resolution waives all points of order against the conference report and against its consideration. The resolution provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. Finally, the resolution provides that the previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motion, except for 1 hour of debate and one motion to recommit, if applicable. This conference report makes available the necessary resources for the Federal Government to protect our Nation's precious natural resources. It also provides to ensure clean and safe drinking water, to perform critical restoration work, and help Native American communities meet their needs. It will help communities and public lands by focusing on five priority areas: water infrastructure and environmental protection; fire fighting and fuels reduction on Federal land; bolstering our public land management agencies; protecting public lands through the Land and Water Conservation Fund; and helping the most vulnerable Native American populations. Together, these priorities and their attendant policies provide for effective Federal stewardship of our environmental and cultural treasures while also improving the lives of all Americans who depend on these resources for their health and well-being. Madam Speaker, it's worth noting some of the critical investments that the underlying legislation makes in essential programs and agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency receives over $10 billion to restore and protect the quality of our Nation's air, water and land, including over $3.5 billion to help nearly 1,500 communities improve their drinking water and wastewater systems. Improving our Nation's water quality will have a direct and positive impact on overall public health, making this funding crucial to the bettering of the lives of all Americans. The EPA is also provided with increased funding to protect important bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes, San Francisco Bay, and the Chesapeake Bay, as well as significant funding to clean up dangerous toxic waste sites around the country. Important climate change programs are also funded in this legislation, including money to implement the Energy Independence and Security Act, which will help the United States produce 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel by 2022, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Thousands of communities and millions of individual consumers will be able to receive assistance from the EPA to lower their emissions and adopt green technologies. Native American and Native Alaskan programs receive hundreds of millions in increased funding from previous years, with an emphasis on supporting both federally and tribally operated health care programs, as well as bolstering law enforcement, education, and economic development programs throughout the country. Recognizing the need for a dedicated, steady and predictable funding stream for wildfire suppression and firefighting activities, this legislation includes the Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act of 2009. In light of recent increases in the length, severity and exponential cost of wildfire seasons, the FLAME Act includes a number of budgetary reforms to ensure that government agencies and local communities will have the necessary resources to handle large and complex fire events. It is also worth noting that this legislation funds the Smithsonian to the appropriate level of support for the world's largest museum and research complex right here in our Nation's Capital. Here in Washington, we see the fruits of these efforts every day up and down the National Mall, as do our constituents when they visit us, and I am particularly pleased with the inclusion of $20 million for planning and design of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture, which will be built on the Mall. Madam Speaker, this legislation also includes the continuing resolution to fund government operations through December 18. Although we completed our appropriations work during the summer, this resolution is needed to allow our good friends in the other body, the Senate, more time to complete their work. Finally, Madam Speaker, I want to address this report's provisions regarding Guantanamo Bay. I spoke on this matter when I managed the rule for the conference report on Homeland Security Appropriations 2 weeks ago. This body seems fit to include language on Guantanamo Bay in every appropriations measure that comes before us. I appreciate that many of our colleagues have objections to the various aspects involved in closing the detention facilities at Guantanamo, which President Obama has promised to do by January of 2010. But as I have maintained before, the problem is the policy, not the place. The debate over Guantanamo, in my opinion, is missing the larger picture, and that is the need to reform our entire detainment policy. Without a system of justice to deal with suspected terrorists wherever they are held, we are left with a broken system that has tarnished our image abroad and is used as a recruitment tool by al Qaeda and other groups which threaten our security. We need to deny them that image of America. We need a judicial process that accomplishes three things: one, protects our national security by holding and prosecuting those who have committed crimes or who pose a threat to our country; two, upholds international standards of human rights by ensuring decent treatment and access to basic rights and resources; and three, strengthens our Nation's image as a country that upholds the rule of law. We must not resort to arbitrary justice, even while under threat. There is no reason why these three things cannot be accomplished, nor is there a reason to believe that American courts cannot deal judiciously with individuals suspected of criminal wrongdoing or acts of terrorism. The appropriations season has so far brought forth a number of bills, almost all with language relating to Guantanamo. At some point, we're going to need to move beyond legislating this matter into appropriations bills and, instead, establish new policies and guidelines to bring our national security needs in line with our historic national values. This matter cannot be left only to the executive branch or the judiciary. Congress makes laws. We have to put aside political posturing and ``gotcha'' on Guantanamo Bay and ``not in my backyard'' and, instead, work together to reform a broken system. To that end, I am pleased to have introduced H.R. 3728, the Detainment Reform Act, which I believe will move us forward on this matter. I urge my colleagues in this body to support this effort. And I might add, I have no pride of authorship. What I am talking about is trying to get past where we are in this ``not in my backyard'' and deal with the needed policy that will deal with people who will do harm to this country, whether they're in Guantanamo or Bagram or Leavenworth or wherever they may be held. Ultimately, Madam Speaker, the conference report before us today provides the necessary funding to carry on our Nation's critical environmental protection efforts to ensure that all Americans will have access to clean water and safe communities. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, before yielding to my good friend, the chairman of the Interior Subcommittee, Mr. Dicks, I want to make a couple of points segueing off of my colleague's comments, those of my good friend Mr. Dreier regarding the continuing resolution. He and I have been in this back-and-forth process for a very long time. One thing I know that my good friend knows is that the continuing resolution is necessary to keep the government operating until we're able to complete the appropriations process. It must be passed this week and including it in the Interior conference report is just the most expedient way to get it to the President's desk. It will merely ensure that government programs remain funded through December 18 while we move quickly to fulfill our congressional responsibilities to provide funding for the rest of the fiscal year. In the meantime, the continuing resolution in this conference report is basically a clean CR with the addition of several vital programs to ensure that people do not lose their housing, so that people have mortgage origination, so that the market remains stable, and so that small businesses are able to get loans in this period of economic turmoil. One of the most important responsibilities of Congress is to keep the government running efficiently and effectively. Even under the best of circumstances--and I've seen it now for coming up on 19 years--and with cooperation on both sides of the aisle, the annual appropriations process is a cumbersome and time-consuming process that must be completed with a relatively short lifetime. Now, while I agree with my colleague from San Dimas--he's not on the floor. He is, but he's busy--his staff will tell him that we have, as he put it, a supermajority in the Democratic Party. We have the White House; we have the House of Representatives; and we have 60 votes, ostensibly, in the United States Senate. That is a good thing but I was here when the Republicans had the exact same thing and had control of both Houses. What they did not have was the 60 votes. Now, what I want to make clear here for the American people so that we can get past this discussion, talking about 60 votes is not what is needed. You really don't need but 50 because the Vice President probably would vote with his party. Some would advocate that we do this measure this way because 67 percent, it seems, of the American public want us to move on the health care provision. All things considered, what my colleague knows and what all of us in the House of Representatives know at every level is that the Senate is the other body, and each one of those Senators is an entity unto him- or herself. I refer to them as junior Presidents. They have enormous power. They have enormous independence, and it does not matter what party they're in when they are about the business of legislating what they want done. That's why the process has slowed down, not because of a majority. It has been slowed down forever, since I've been here--all of that time--for the reason that there is the other body that has their rules, their regulations, arcane though they may be, which make it difficult for us to do our business. The House can pass stuff. The Senate has difficulty getting agreements to get to the numbers that are necessary to get past filibusters and the numbers to get the different things that each Senator wants for herself or himself in the measure. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to yield such time as he may consume to my good friend, to one who has no peer in this body on the understanding of the Interior, the chairman of the Interior Subcommittee, Mr. Dicks from the State of Washington. (Mr. DICKS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, by funding the EPA, the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service and other related agencies, the conference report provides the resources necessary to protect the environment and our natural resources. The attached continuing resolution ensures that the government will continue to function through December 18th. The increases in this bill over previous years are essential to maintain and improve current programs and activities, bettering the lives of all Americans and their communities. As I discussed before, I hope that this body will move beyond the debate over whether or not to close Guantanamo and, instead, work to develop comprehensive detainment policies that uphold the Constitution, human rights and the rule of law. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce the Congress 2014 Commission Act of 2009. This bill establishes a commission to study and make recommendations on the size of the House of Representatives, the method by which representatives are chosen, and opportunities for greater citizen participation in our democratic process. The fact of the matter is that the United States is the second least representative democracy in the world. The House of Representatives has not changed size in 99 years. During those 99 years the United States has added four additional states. During those 99 years the population of the United States has tripled. And yet, during those 99 years, the House has only rarely even considered increasing its size. The United States prides itself on the success of our democratic experiment, and as the world's first democratic Nation we claim the title of ``Leader of the Free World.'' Unfortunately, when it comes to democratic representation, we are not the leader. Indeed, we are second to last amongst the major democracies. Only India, with a population of almost 1.2 billion people, has a less representative government. Britain, France, Germany, Canada, South Africa, Japan, Australia, Nigeria, Brazil--all these countries have more representative legislatures than the United States. I am proud to represent almost 700,000 residents of Florida's 23rd Congressional District. I am pleased to devote my time and efforts working here in Washington on their behalf, and I do enjoy the opportunities that I have to connect directly with my constituents back home. But my counterparts in the countries I just mentioned represent far less people than I do, ensuring that their constituents not only have easier access to their representatives but also the ability to develop stronger personal relationships. Madam Speaker, 99 years is too long to go without making necessary improvements to our democratic process. Enlarging the House of Representatives is an essential step in that direction. An increase in the size of the House will have a profound impact on our political system. The benefits include greater access and personal interaction for our constituents, reduced campaign spending, smaller Congressional districts, and, most importantly, better representation for the American people. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have been here 18 years fighting for health care for Americans. There are, regardless of whose numbers you use, millions of uninsured people in this country and tens of millions who are underinsured and have become, in many respects, the prime justification for moving forward with one of the most aggressive health care reform agendas in modern history. However, despite the unquestionable need for intervention, some have sought to dominate the health care debate with fear-mongering, misinformation, and blind opposition to key reform elements without offering substantive and high-quality alternatives. This perpetuation of fictions and misinterpretations is off base and has steered the health care discussion off course. One thing I asked Americans all summer long as we got to this point was name me the day in the last 10 years that your health care went down. Name the day. You name the day.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Republics of Armenia and Turkey for their ongoing efforts to open their joint border and normalize relations. On October 10, 2009, they signed protocols in Zurich, Switzerland, which establish diplomatic ties and reopen a border that has been closed since 1993. While the negotiations have at times been difficult and emotional, the agreement is an important first step to restoring full diplomatic relations between these neighboring states. Madam Speaker, I also want to congratulate Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for her leadership in helping to move the process forward. In this connection, I would like to submit an October 14, 2009 Washington Post editorial entitled, ``Opening a Border.'' The article does an excellent job of detailing the deft diplomatic work of Secretary Clinton to assist Turkey and Armenia in taking this historic step. As the article states, the rapprochement between Turkey and Armenia is critical to the United States since it promotes stability in the Caucasus region and could provide new avenues for gas and oil export to the West. In closing, I commend Secretary Clinton and her colleagues at the State Department and offer my full support for their valiant efforts. The protocols have been sent to the parliaments of the respective countries. I hope they will be ratified quickly and open the door to a new era of diplomacy and friendship. [From the Washington Post, Oct. 14, 2009] Opening a Border Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton executed some deft diplomancy last weekend as the leaders of Turkey and Armenia signed a potentially historic deal to establish normal diplomatic relations and reopen their borders. We say ``potentially'' because there are some big obstacles to implementing the accord, which we'll come back to. But Ms. Clinton helped to ensure that the signing ceremony in Zurich went forward after four hours of last-minute mediation. Not for the first time in her short tenure, she proved capable of overcoming an impasse and teasing out of a favorable outcome of the United States. The rapprochement between these two nations matters to the United States for a number of reasons. It could help stabilize the volatile Caucasus region, open the way for new corridors for the export of gas and oil to the West, ease Russian's political domination of Armenia and remove a major irritant from U.S. relations with Turkey. The Obama administration worked diligently to promote the accord: Ms. Clinton made 29 phone calls to the leaders of the two nations. President Obama played a part by sidestepping a campaign promise to formally recognize the mass killing of Armenians by Turks during World War I as ``genocide.'' The genocide issue--and the refusal of some in the American Armenian community to compromise on it--still threaten to undo the deal. The opening of the border, closed since 1993, would be a huge benefit to impoverished and landlocked Armenia. But there is resistance to a provision of the accords that would set up a joint commission to study the study of the massacres. Opponents say this could give Turkey, which denies that a genocide took place, a means to filibuster the issue--and to stop the annual attempt by some in the U.S. Congress to pass a resolution declaring that genocide occurred. In fact, the issue is one best left to the two countries; that several U.S. Armenian groups have endorsed the accord is a victory for common sense. A more formidable obstacle to the deal may be Armenian's unresolved dispute with another neighbor, Azerbaijan, over the ethnically Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is occupied by Armenian along with neighboring Azeri territory. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan took the courageous step of declining to make the settlement of this ``frozen conflict'' a precondition to his accord with Armenia--therby inviting the wrath of Azerbaijan, which is an ally and energy supplier to Turkey. But Mr. Erdogan has said--most recently last Sunday--that his government will not go forward with the deal unless Armenia executes at last a partial withdrawal from Azerbaijan. That would be a tough step for Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and require considerable international support: more delicate work for Ms. Clinton.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 3619, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2009, which directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress examining the Coast Guard's ability to respond to the effects of possible changes to U.S. immigration policies toward Haiti. While it is certainly responsible to examine a worst-case scenario, my amendment also asks that the study look at what has happened in past experiences as we discuss the anticipated repercussions of changes in our immigration policy. Changes in policies affecting Haiti are nothing new. In fact, it was just over 10 years ago that we here in Congress passed the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, which affected far more Haitian nationals than any of the currently proposed policies would affect. I firmly believe that what happened then and our current relations with the Haitian government will result in little change, if not a decrease, in Haitian interdictions. However, my assurances are not enough. Those who are critical or skeptical of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians often claim that any change could result in a massive surge, or might completely overwhelm the Coast Guard. This is in spite of the fact that when we last adjusted the status of thousands of Haitian immigrants, we actually saw a decrease in interdictions, and despite the assurances from the Haitian government that they will do their part to ensure their citizens are aware that no new immigrants would qualify. However, as of now, we have little more than speculation to ascertain what the results would be. My amendment will help provide us with an objective perspective on the Coast Guard's expectations and their ability to continue to effectively guard our maritime borders. TPS, or some other comparable relief, for our Haitian neighbors is long overdue and this administration has been stalling for far too long. This study will hopefully help us show that our government has rationally and realistically examined all possible scenarios and we are well equipped to contend with any possible effects. Mr. Chair, my amendment furthers this bill's commitment to ensuring the safety of those traveling on the high seas and protecting our national security, and I respectfully urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer this amendment to H.R. 3585, the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, to guarantee minority-serving institutions are represented in the solar technology road map committee. Mr. Chairman, I'm a bit melancholy because I'm here with two colleagues that I cut my eye teeth in Congress with from the Science Committee, Mr. Gordon, the now-Chair, and the ranking member, Mr. Hall. And it seems that 19 years kind of like went real fast. Somewhere along the way, I had hair then, Mr. Gordon's hair was black, and Mr. Hall's hair was white; but he had more of it at that time. But it's a pleasure, and it's refreshing to see the comity that existed when I came here 19 years ago continuing on this committee. And I applaud them in that regard for bringing significant bipartisan legislation to the floor. As a Member representing the sunshine State of Florida, I feel that we must seize the opportunity to research and develop solar technology. Solar power is an innate source that can provide much advancement in the world of energy and technology. It is critical to ensure that members appointed to the solar technology road map committee are a diverse group of Americans who will carry out the mission of this act. I believe that minority-serving institutions have a history of technical expertise, where many are actually land grant institutions, thus they have significant extension efforts which translate research into applied resources for the communities they serve. My law school alma mater and the alma mater of Representative Corrine Brown and Representative Kendrick Meek, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida, has been a land grant institution educating African Americans and other Americans since 1890. The university offers an extensive catalog of degree programs with a strong and efficient research division. FAMU's research division has been involved in cutting-edge research that has led to numerous technological and scientific advancements. Mr. Chairman, essentially, this amendment reminds the Secretary of Energy, responsible for implementing the solar technology road map resulting from this legislation, to incorporate diverse expertise. Involving institutions such as FAMU will ensure a full spectrum of voices contribute to determining the best course for seizing the enormous potential of solar technology. I ask my colleagues for their support of this amendment, and I deeply thank Congresswoman Giffords for offering the underlying legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Then I am pleased at this time to yield 90 seconds to my friend, Mr. Cuellar.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate a fine young man, Jake Schultz, on his receiving an award of recognition from the National Elementary School Honors Society. A fifth-grade student at Sagemont School in Weston, Florida, Jake, and 24 of his classmates, has received this honor for outstanding academic achievement and for demonstrating responsibility at home, school, and in his community. While Jake's mother, my esteemed friend and colleague, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, insisted on there being no official recognition, I nevertheless equally insist on acknowledging Jake's stellar accomplishments. I know that both of his parents are extremely proud. Jake has demonstrated leadership and accomplishment not only through his hard work in school and excellent grades but also through his community activism. Jake's community service includes the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the Turkey Trot for Kids in Distress, and his work with a Miami orphanage. There is an old saying that ``all work and no play makes a dull boy.'' To that end, I should point out that Jake also excels in his efforts outside the classroom. He enjoys playing shortstop for the Hawks, a local baseball all-star travel team, where he has served as both captain and co-captain. Both he and his sister, Rebecca, attend Hebrew School twice a week and have a demonstrated commitment to their faith, family, and friends. Jake sets an excellent example for his friends and peers in his approach to leadership. I applaud Jake for this honor that he has worked so hard to achieve, and I urge him to continue his dedication to academic achievement and community and public service.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate H. Res. 465, a resolution recognizing the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association (AIWA) on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. As a proud co-sponsor of this legislation, I believe that AIWA's vital work has ensured open and safe for navigation for recreational and commercial users throughout the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW). Since its completion in 1940, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway has provided a safe navigation channel for commercial shipping and support for and encouragement of interstate commerce. Unfortunately, the Waterway has suffered from a lack of maintenance, which has resulted in a reduction of depth that has hindered the Waterway's ability to provide a safe and efficient transportation route. Recognizing this problem, AIWA has become an unwavering advocate for appropriate dredging and adequate maintenance to promote safe, cost effective navigation, while balancing environmental needs. I commend their tradition of excellence in service to Waterway users, many of them are my constituents in Florida. The Waterway plays an important role in my district and throughout the state of Florida. Many of my constituents come from communities around Indian River Lagoon, a portion of the AIWW, and are able to find employment opportunities in the industries that the Waterway provides. In such tough economic times, this is extremely important and should not be overlooked. Madam Speaker, over the past ten years AIWA has made significant contributions to local communities. I urge them to continue their essential work and support for the Waterway.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, the men and women of the numerous agencies under the Homeland Security umbrella are dedicated and hardworking public servants who deserve the full support of this body. We have a responsibility to provide them with the funds necessary to perform activities essential to protecting our country--preparing for emergencies, mitigating natural disasters and defending against acts of terrorism and violence. I commend our colleagues on both sides of the aisle on the Appropriations Committee with reference to discharging their functions. I especially commend Subcommittee Chair Price and the work that he and his committee have done. As well, I commend the distinguished chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Bennie Thompson from Mississippi, and the extraordinary Members who serve with him in that capacity. As I've discussed before, Madam Speaker, I hope this body will move beyond the debate of whether or not to close Guantanamo and, instead, will work to develop comprehensive detainment policies that uphold Federal law and the United States Constitution, that uphold human rights and international law. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule. The material previously referred to by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida is as follows: Amendment to H. Res. 829 Offered by Mr. Diaz-Balart At the end of the resolution, insert the following new section: Sec. 2. On the third legislative day after the adoption of this resolution, immediately after the third daily order of business under clause 1 of rule XIV and without intervention of any point of order, the House shall proceed to the consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 554) amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that legislation and conference reports be available on the Internet for 72 hours before consideration by the House, and for other purposes. The resolution shall be considered as read. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the resolution and any amendment thereto to final adoption without intervening motion or demand for division of the question except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Rules; (2) an amendment, if offered by the Minority Leader or his designee and if printed in that portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII at least one legislative day prior to its consideration, which shall be in order without intervention of any point of order or demand for division of the question, shall be considered as read and shall be separately debatable for twenty minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent; and (3) one motion to recommit which shall not contain instructions. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not apply to the consideration of House Resolution 554.