Steny Hoyer

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Is there any doubt that that's what we're trying to do?

Mr. HOYER. My sense is those were the press reports. I can neither confirm nor deny, as they say, that that is the case.

Mr. HOYER. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Frankly, we have a disagreement on whether you were denied time. We did pass the bill, but we have been pursuing, as the gentleman observed, and I appreciate the participation of those Republicans, one of whom is sitting on the floor, who have participated in numerous meetings, whether or not we can accommodate the interests of both sides in passing legislation to include the children, expanding it to 10 million. But notwithstanding the fact that we passed it, as I explained to the House, we wanted to get that bill to the Senate so that they could have it ready for consideration. We were in agreement that it ought to be moved over until next week. Senator Reid asked for that so we could continue to work. As I advised Senator Reid, the leader, I advised him that I thought there were good- faith discussions going on. I thought there was an opportunity to move forward. I am still hopeful that that is the case. And as a result, I am hopeful that we will take the additional time, the next day, tomorrow, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, to try to see if we can come to agreement. As you know, you, Mr. Boehner and I met, and Mr. Boehner's observation was there may be significant numbers that could accrue as a result of the discussions and negotiations. We're hopeful that that is the case. If that's the case, then we would be successful in adding the 4 million children that we seek to add to the President's 6 million plus. What I wanted to indicate before we close this colloquy is that I am hopeful we will still take that time, and I have indicated to a number of people that I want to pursue, we want to pursue, those discussions with the opportunity to perhaps take some additional action if agreement is possible.

Mr. HOYER. No, I don't know whether it will be Wednesday, Thursday or Friday; but it will be one of those three days is my expectation. I know Mr. Rangel wants to move the AMT patch. I'm for moving the AMT patch. I'm for paying for it. But I'm for moving it. The Temporary Tax Relief Act.

Mr. HOYER. Yes, that's what we're referring to. So the answer is, yes, we intend to move that next week.

Mr. HOYER. I don't have that dollar amount, but I know that it's in the $50 billion category to do a temporary patch, which we have done over the last few years. We borrowed the money each time we've done that, but it's about $50 billion. We intend to pay for it.

Mr. HOYER. As you know, we have followed the PAYGO rules since we adopted them, and we intend to hew to that practice. And we think it's the appropriate practice, rather than borrow $50 billion today to give taxpayers relief so that our children can pay for that tax relief in the future. We feel strongly about that and we intend to do that.

Mr. HOYER. We anticipate Friday of next week. And I'm not yet anticipating the 16th, which is Friday, because I'm not sure exactly. The continuing resolution ends on the 16th of November. It is my expectation that we will do another continuing resolution while we continue to try to pass the balance of the appropriation bills, and I expect to do that earlier than the 16th, but we can't give away the 16th at this point in time because we have no intention of shutting down the government and, therefore, we're going to make sure that we provide for making sure the government stays in operation. But if we can conclude our work by the 15th, I'm sure the Members will be happy. But the 16th is still on the schedule.

Mr. HOYER. Yes, I think I mentioned that.

Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman. I don't have the figure in front of me, but I will find it out. I believe, very frankly, very few substitutes have been brought to the Rules Committee by your side. But that aside, I will get that number so we will know it. But I take your point. That aside, I take your point. Let me say that what we intend to do is continue to try to facilitate the work of this House, facilitate passing legislation, and we will continue to try to do that.

Mr. HOYER. Will my friend yield?

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the most dynamic and important figures in Maryland's history as he prepares to celebrate yet another milestone in a life full of them. Tomorrow (November 2), William Donald Schaefer, the former Governor and Comptroller of the State of Maryland, former Mayor of Baltimore, and distinguished public servant will celebrate his 86th birthday. I urge all of my colleagues to join with me in saluting Governor Schaefer on this momentous occasion. Throughout his 86 years--nearly 50 of which were spent in public office--William Donald Schaefer has been driven by a burning desire to improve the lives of his fellow citizens. I am confident that this was instilled in him at a young age by his parents, William and Tululu. Following his service in the U.S. Army during World War II, Schaefer returned to his beloved Baltimore and embarked on what was to become one of the most successful political careers Maryland has ever witnessed. In 1955, Governor Schaefer first entered public office when he was elected to the Baltimore City Council from the city's 5th District. He served on the council for 16 years, including four years as its president. During his term as President of the City Council, Schaefer was a steadying force during turbulent times, helping direct the National Guard in quelling the riots following the assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1971, Schaefer was elected as Mayor of the City of Baltimore, succeeding Mayor Thomas D'Alesandro III, brother of the current Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Schaefer was subsequently re-elected three times, never receiving less than 85 percent of the vote. Schaefer's dedication to his hometown was unmatched then, as it is now. He served as something of a ``Motivator in Chief,'' reigniting a sense of pride in the city's residents. His philosophy was simple--``Do It Now''--cut through the red tape and provide citizens with the basic services they expect: clean neighborhoods, filled potholes, and plowed streets. His accomplishments as mayor are many and have had a long and lasting impact on the city. He led the redevelopment of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, including the building of the National Aquarium, helping to transform the Harbor into a city center and establishing Baltimore as a significant tourist destination. He oversaw the construction of the Baltimore City Convention Center and the establishment of a subway system in the city. It is not hard to understand why he was repeatedly named the ``Best Mayor in America.'' In 1986, Schaefer demonstrated a commitment to the entire state when he decided to run to become the 58th Governor of Maryland. He was elected by a landslide and was reelected by a wide margin four years later. As governor, he worked to improve Maryland's public education system, established the Maryland Department of the Environment, made headway in the efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay, improve transportation infrastructure, including the establishment of the MTA's Light Rail Line. He also led the push to establish Oriole Park at Camden Yards and laid the groundwork for what became M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens. When forced by term-limits to retire as governor, newspapers and citizens alike heralded the end of the so-called Schaefer era. But, much to our good fortune, it was not to be. The desire to serve was too strong. Energetic and as enthusiastic as ever about helping the people of his state, William Donald Schaefer came out of a well deserved retirement in 1998, to be elected as the 32nd Comptroller of the State of Maryland, a position to which he was overwhelmingly reelected in 2002. Governor Schaefer has now embarked on his second retirement, but we all know that such a man can never truly retire. He cares too much for his fellow Marylanders and continues to serve as an inspiration to all of us for his continued commitment to service. I think the Baltimore Sun captured it best at the conclusion of his second term as governor. The final paragraph of the paper's editorial reads: ``Mr. Schaefer is no shrinking violet. His larger-than-life personality can be alternately endearing and enraging. But he cares deeply about people. That's the bottom line for him. Helping people. You couldn't ask for more from a public servant.'' No you couldn't.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it may be in order at any time on Wednesday, November 7, 2007, for the Speaker to declare a recess, subject to the call of the Chair, for the purpose of receiving in joint meeting His Excellency Nicholas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Monday next for morning-hour debate.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the business in order under the Calendar Wednesday rule be dispensed with on Wednesday next.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that if a message transmitting a Presidential veto is laid before the House on Monday, November 5, 2007, then after the message is read and the objections of the President are spread at large upon the Journal, further consideration of the veto message and the bill shall be postponed until the following day, Tuesday, November 6, 2007.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I know that Mr. Terry has spoken for all of us, and Mr. Engel, Mr. Pomeroy. For those of us who had the opportunity to serve for an extended period of time with Peter Hoagland, for those of us who knew Peter after he left the Congress of the United States, this is a sad day. It is an appropriate day, however, to remember, as Mr. Engel said, a gentleman who had nothing bad to say about any of our Members on either side of the aisle; a Member who was positive in his approach; a Member who was gracious to all; a Member who cared deeply about his country, about his State, and about his service in this institution. Peter Hoagland was a good and decent man who served his country well, and will be sorely missed by us all.

Mr. HOYER. Will my friend yield?

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, today, the House is considering-three critically important resolutions related to the world's worst ongoing humanitarian disaster--the genocide in Darfur, Sudan. The first is H. Res. 573, which recognizes and commends the efforts of U.S. advocacy groups to raise awareness about and help end the worsening crisis in Darfur. These groups remind us daily, through their media campaigns and grassroots efforts, that the international community has a responsibility to unite and stop crimes against humanity--and that we must learn from past failures to do so--in Rwanda, Bosnia, and elsewhere. The second is H. Res. 740, which condemns the brutal attack on African Union peacekeepers that occurred in Haskanita, Darfur, 1 month ago today. This violent act, carried out by rebels, took the lives of 10 peacekeepers--seven Nigerians and three other soldiers from Mali, Senegal, and Botswana. It reminds us that there are many guilty parties in the violence in Darfur, and that we must reinforce our support for the courageous African Union soldiers--who indeed fight not for their own countries, but for humanity. Finally, the House will vote today on H. Res. 726, a resolution calling on the President and the international community to take immediate steps to respond to and prevent acts of rape and sexual violence against the most innocent of Darfur's victims--young girls and women. I was asked to cosponsor this important resolution by my friend and colleague Brad Miller, who traveled with me to Darfur in April. There we saw things we will never forget--children orphaned by genocide and women who had experienced unspeakable personal traumas. We learned that the heartbreaking reality of life in Darfur today means women risk being raped when doing things as simple as collecting firewood. This resolution addresses this horrific reality by authorizing grants to help the women and girls of Darfur and calling for prosecution of those who have carried out such hideously inhumane acts. I am proud that the U.S. House of Representatives is putting itself on record with these resolutions--as an institution that will not stand idly by while the world's worst humanitarian disaster continues to unfold. While these resolutions are not a panacea to the heart-rending conflict in Darfur, we know from experience that continual pressure on those who take part in such violent, inhumane actions brings us closer to a solution. That solution must be multi-faceted. It includes not only full and speedy implementation of the United Nations/African Union hybrid peacekeeping force, but also international support for a single, unified peacemaking process. I am extremely disappointed to learn that multiple rebel leaders have chosen violence over peace and declined to participate in the current talks in Libya, but I am hopeful that the representatives that are there--including the representatives of the Government of Sudan--will make progress toward a ceasefire and a viable political solution for this ravaged land. Finally, and equally important, a solution in Darfur must include a sustained and secure role for the courageous humanitarian workers, who risk their lives daily because they are so committed to alleviating the suffering of their fellow human beings. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support these three resolutions.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. I yield to the gentleman from Mississippi.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Monday next for morning-hour debate.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. The gentleman is correct. Obviously, there are contingencies on which, particularly I think a Friday, not so much on a Monday, on a Friday. We have not yet decided when, for instance, if we need a CR, as is quite likely, when that CR will end. And, obviously, we're not going to, we have no intention, and I know I talked to the President, the President has no intention of shutting down the government. So we need some flexibility for those days for that contingency. We have no intention of being certainly at home and having the government shut down. We need to reach accommodation on that. But, generally speaking, those would be the six days that I want to have us try to be available. The first three I'm sure we're going to be here. The second three I hope we're not here, but I don't want Members to schedule themselves. I might make one additional announcement that might be helpful to Members. We have decided that we will be coming back after the Christmas/New Year's break on the 15th of January; that's a Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. on the 15th.

Mr. HOYER. I don't know the paper to which you refer. However, I know what I've told the chairmen so I would be glad to relate it to our Members for their planning purposes. The Senate decided to be out the last 2 weeks of November, obviously the last week being Thanksgiving or I guess it's the next to last week being Thanksgiving, and we will be out that week because the Senate won't be in. And frankly, after the 16th, what I've told the committee chairmen is that the only business that I will schedule time for will be the finishing of business that we've already initiated and that we are getting back from the Senate, whether it's appropriations bills or other conference reports on authorization bills, Energy being one. We might be able to do that prior to the 16th. But if not, Energy would certainly be one of those bills. There would be others that would fall in that category, but there would be no initiated legislation out of the House after the 16th of November. I have then told Members, as you refer to, and the chairman has referred to, that it will be my intention in December to schedule us the first Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, that's the 4th, 5th and 6th of December. And then, if necessary, Members ought to keep their calendars flexible for the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the next week. Now, the Speaker and I both have talked to the leader in the Senate, hopeful that by the 6th of December we can finish our business. But, as you well know, and I'm more empathetic with your pain every day that you experienced, we need to make plans for contingencies because we meet contingencies on a regular basis. So that's the second week. But the point, for planning, is that I do not intend to schedule Mondays or Fridays in December.

Mr. HOYER. Yes.