Nick Lampson

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Chairman, a few hundred miles above us the astronauts of Expedition 15 work around the clock on board the international space station. Their efforts have just been boosted by delivery of a huge new power element from the space shuttle Atlantis crew. The Atlantis astronauts, working with station crew mates, brought the orbiting base ever closer to completion and a whole new era of living and working in space. The international space station is a remarkable achievement of global cooperation now entering its most critical period. Over the next 3 years, more than a dozen flights of the space shuttles Atlantis, Discovery, and Endeavor will complete assembly that began in 1998. The completed station will be home to a crew of six astronauts and generation-spanning research that will reach into the lives of every American family. Yes, completion and operation of the international space station is that important to America's future. I am fortunate to represent one of the most enduring and important NASA facilities, the Johnson Space Center in Houston, and have had the honor over my five terms in Congress to work with dedicated and amazing people at the Johnson Space Center. Their passion and commitment to space exploration led me to introduce the Space Exploration Act of 2002. I introduced the Space Exploration Act as a challenge to this country and the leaders in Congress and the White House to offer a vision and concrete goals for the human space flight program after the international space station. Many here on this floor joined me in that call to action, to invest in a space exploration vital for the future of this country. In 2004, President Bush announced a similar plan, the Vision for Space Exploration. The President's vision outlined a sustained and affordable human and robotic program to explore the solar system and beyond. I fully supported the President in pushing for an expanded mission for NASA. But in the years that have followed, this Nation has seen rhetoric not supported by action. The administration's vision for space and subsequent authorized funding limits have consistently been ignored, and the President's yearly budget does not fund a robust vision for NASA's future. As a result, we now see a widening gap in the period of time between the retirement of the space shuttle in 2010 and the next generation Crew Exploration Vehicle and Crew Launch Vehicle. This gap will impede access to the station for our astronauts in the years immediately following the shuttle's retirement. During that period, before the new Orion and Ares space vehicles are operational, NASA and America will be totally reliant upon Russia for access to the space station by our astronauts and to carry cargo into space. We will be forced to spend more money than could ever be spent to accelerate arrival of our new space vehicles. This year alone, the administration worsened that gap by making its budget request some $1.4 billion below the congressionally authorized level. Adding to the strain, millions of dollars have been shifted from the station and shuttle accounts to pay for repairs made necessary by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita which damaged NASA facilities in New Orleans, the Mississippi gulf coast, and Florida. NASA now faces the stark reality that the timeline for next- generation human space exploration is becoming increasingly hard to meet. We as a Congress must do more to ensure viability of NASA space exploration programs. And I stand here not to criticize the past efforts of the President or previous Congresses, but to call on leaders of both parties to help us meet and even exceed the funding levels required to continue all the important projects in NASA's orbit. As this bill goes to conference, I believe we can find additional resources for NASA to reduce the widening gap between the shuttle and the Orion and Ares programs. Mr. Chairman, now is not the time to trim our sails into space. I join with the heroes of the space program, past and present, our Nation's industry leaders, and other forward-looking supporters to urge our colleagues to fund NASA fully into the coming years at the amount authorized by Congress. In today's global competition, there is no substitute for keeping America first in outer space. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Chairman, as we consider today's appropriations bill, we are all mindful of how harmful wasteful government spending is to hardworking American families. In fact, just this morning I was joined by the majority leader and some of my Blue Dog Coalition colleagues to highlight many of the smart, fiscally responsible initiatives our new majority is pursuing in Congress this year. American citizens expect the Congress to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and when we allow deceptive fiscal practices to continue in our government, we set a bad example for our Nation and create a reckless blueprint for future spending. That is why I have introduced this amendment to today's bill, which will clarify guidelines for premium travel by Department of Commerce employees. The Department's Inspector General March 2007 report showed that these guidelines are not being followed or controlled properly. In fact, the report has a specific section entitled ``The Department Needs to Tighten Controls, Update Guidance for Premium-Class Travel,'' and includes very glaring findings, notably numerous instances in which the Department failed to authorize or approve properly premium-class travel. The report concludes that the two primary reasons for these oversights are outdated policy and poorly implemented internal controls. Thankfully, Mr. Chairman, there is a simple solution here that can save the taxpayers their hard-earned dollars and continue good government practices, and it is embodied in my amendment. This amendment offers a direct method of guidance by referencing the Code of Federal Regulations 301-10.122 to 10.124 to withhold funds for such premium travel for Department of Commerce employees. A similar amendment applying to Department of State employees was passed by voice vote last year when the House considered the Commerce-Justice-State appropriations bill. As we continue to tackle large instances of taxpayer dollar waste and abuse, let's not overlook the small steps that we can take that will help lead the way for good government practices. I thank my colleagues for their attention to this quick and simple way to practice better fiscal responsibility. I ask for support for my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, when Texans think of their home state, and frankly non-Texans do as well, a few key symbols come to mind. There is the instantly recognizable outline of Texas, along with the Lone Star, the Alamo, cowboy hats, barbecue, and so many other great traditions and institutions. Among them is the Texas state flower, the bluebonnet. The bright blue bloom of that flower throughout the roads and lands of southeast Texas is instantly recognizable. The reason why, of course, is that Lady Bird Johnson led the beautification movement to protect and grow our state flower, setting a fine example of state pride for all Texans. We Texans feel the loss of the former First Lady when we think of this symbol, but as future flowers bloom, so too will her memory live on for our great nation.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to commemorate the accomplishment of one of my most remarkable constituents: Crystle Stewart. Formally Miss Fort Bend County, Crystle was recently crowned Miss Texas USA. I am very proud that for the second year in a row a resident of the 22nd District has worn the Miss Texas USA crown. These successes prove true what I've known for quite some time--my district is home to the most intelligent, sophisticated and talented women in the country. I commend Crystle not only because she brings a great deal of pride to Fort Bend, but because she truly is a role model for young women throughout Texas. Crystle bested 121 other contestants in this year's pageant, and is also only the second African-American woman to win Miss Texas USA, and the first in more than a decade. Her triumph is a milestone, to be sure, but it is also a study in perseverance. Finishing as runner-up in both 2006 and 2007 and third runner up in 2005, Crystle never lost sight of her goal. Most importantly, Crystle is also a disciplined student. Throughout years of pageants and modeling, she has remained dedicated to her academic career, and is a hardworking student of consumer science and merchandising at the University of Houston. I congratulate Crystle. She is a young woman with a very bright future ahead of her, and I know she will honor our great State at the Miss USA contest and beyond.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, it is truly a pleasure to rise today to acknowledge the achievements of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams. On Friday, June 22, Sunita returned to Earth after spending 195 days in space. She now holds the record for the longest duration space flight by a woman. Also, after completing four space walks lasting a total of 29 hours, 17 minutes, she is a record holder for the most hours outside a spacecraft by a woman. I was at the emotional STS-117 crew return welcome a few weeks ago at Johnson Space Center and saw firsthand how Sunita's achievements serve as an inspiration to so many young people, particularly young ladies, interested in pursuing their dreams of space exploration. She has shown them that if they work hard and are dedicated, they too can one day reach the stars.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand before you today to honor the memory of an admirable man and fallen officer, Sergeant Ronald D. Slockett of the Sugar Land Police Department. His memory continues to represent the many brave Americans who put their lives in the line of fire every day to keep our cities and states safe. It is for his unwavering commitment to his duty and dedication to serving his community that the Police Department will be commemorating his sacrifice with a 21-gun salute to be held on the steps of Sugar Land City Hall on July 2nd. Twenty years ago, while the Nation was celebrating its Independence Day, Sergeant Slockett patrolled the streets. During a routine traffic stop, suspects in the car shot and fatally wounded the veteran policeman. The perpetrators were drug traffickers who were holding hostages in the vehicle with the intent to harm them. Sergeant Slockett's courageous actions that fateful night will always be remembered with admiration, and today, he is recognized as the only Sugar Land Police Department officer to be killed in the line of duty. Those who knew him recalled his ``humor and fast wit,'' and his ``gift to make you laugh.'' His daughter described him ``as a perfect father,'' while others expressed their respect for his bravery. Simply said, Sergeant Slockett's energy and dedication continues to inspire many in the field. I am proud to honor his commendable contribution as a fallen soldier safeguarding our families and homes.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity today to commemorate the Change of Command at the Coast Guard Air Station located at Houston's Ellington Field. Captain Norman S. Schweizer was relieved of his command by Commander Sean M. Mahoney on Monday, June 25, 2007. Captain Schweizer was born and raised in Miami, FL, and graduated from Florida State University in 1984, earning a bachelor of science degree in accounting. Following Officer Candidate School in 1984, his first assignment was as the Assistant Operations Officer at Group Key West, FL. After 20 years of service, Captain Schweizer assumed the duties of Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Air Station in Houston, TX. His accomplishments include two Meritorious Service Medals, four Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, and the Commandant's Letter of Commendation. The Air Station's new commander, Sean M. Mahoney, is a native of Fishkill, NY, and a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy where he received a bachelor of science degree in government. His first assignment was as a Deck Watch Officer aboard the USCGC Morgenthau in Alameda, CA. Due to honorable service, his decorations include the Air Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Commandant's Letter of Commendation, and two National Defense Service Medals. He is also a recipient of the Air Force Association of Canada's Air Search and Rescue Award. Captain Schweizer has played an integral role in leading Air Station Houston in its service to a wide range of Coast Guard missions including search and rescue, homeland security missions, environmental protection, and maritime law enforcement cases. Over the past 2 years alone, Air Station personnel flew over 4,445 flight hours. ``Always Ready'' flight crews supported nearly 1,000 hours in support of President Bush, homeland security patrols, and military escorts. Houston's personnel responded to over 300 search and rescue cases, saving or assisting nearly 1,100 lives, including an outstanding effort to rescue 890 individuals following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Again, I am privileged to recognize Captain Norman S. Schweizer, Commander Sean M. Mahoney, and Air Station Houston for outstanding service to our country.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage in a colloquy with my colleague from Texas (Mr. Hall). I applaud the good work that you have done, Mr. Chairman, to bring this Interior appropriations bill to the floor. There is a provision in the Interior appropriations billing that I fear will do harm to our ability to smoothly transition our Nation's energy infrastructure to the clean domestic energy future that we all desire. In the debate on the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Mr. Hall introduced and shepherded through to enactment section 999, the Ultra-deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas Research and Development Program. Today, more than 23 research universities and four not-for-profit research institutions are actively engaged in the implementation of this program. A draft annual plan of research has been submitted to the Secretary of Energy for review and should be finalized within the next few weeks. That program is designed to foster collaborative research and development work by the best scientists and technologists in the country to develop the technologies that are necessary to find and produce the more than 1,200 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable, but mostly unconventional, natural gas resources in this country. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. LAMPSON. The Energy Information Administration has observed that this program will materially increase domestic natural gas and oil production. That increased production will more than pay for this research and development program by generating more royalty revenue from increased production of natural gas and oil from Federal lands that are already available, already available to be developed. It is important to note, Mr. Chairman, that as this Congress grapples with the issue of providing robust funding to move toward increased energy independence, our Nation's energy companies are also investing in these similar research activities. Achieving energy independence isn't an easy task. It is going to take a significant investment from both public and private entities to move our Nation forward.

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Chairman, we in this House are working hard on energy legislation to provide the tools that will help the Nation transition to clean domestic energy resources and more efficient use of those resources. We are making progress, but we must not lose sight of the scale of this challenge. We are concerned that by deferring funding for this program in 2008 in this Interior appropriations bill, the work of the program will be jeopardized, the anticipated increases in domestic natural gas and oil production will not be realized, and we will become even more dependent on foreign sources of energy while we are transitioning our Nation's energy infrastructure for the future. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment that will resolve this problem in the bill. However, in the spirit of comity, I will not move that amendment if I can have the commitment of the chairman to work to resolve this issue in conference so that this important program can move forward as it is authorized in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Mr. LAMPSON. I yield to the gentleman from Washington.

Mr. LAMPSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Amendment Offered by Mr. Conaway

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the great work and contribution of the Society of Iranian-American Women for Education, a scholarship fund in southeast Texas that serves the greater academic community. The Society's mission is to promote Iranian culture through educational seminars, films, lectures, and exhibitions, but their most important goal is to provide educational support and assistance through scholarships for hardworking students. To date, more than 170 such scholarships have been awarded to students attending schools in Texas. The Society is also dedicated to strengthening relationships and deepening the understanding between Iranians and Americans, and has hosted many esteemed speakers, including Nobel Laureate Dr. Shirin Ebadi and Anousheh Ansari, who recently completed her own space flight. I salute the Society for their dedication to academics and achievement, and wish them future success in all their wonderful endeavors.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, I am proud to introduce a bill today related to Federal procurement of biobased products and the labeling of such products, known as the Market Incentives for Biobased Products Act of 2007. The Federal Government serves a vital role in promoting new technologies and products by creating a market as the country's largest consumer. This bill, which will amend section 9002 of the Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, will require the Secretary of Agriculture to set biobased product procurement guidelines for Federal agencies. A stronger biobased procurement program will help strengthen rural communities and uplift our Nation's farmers by creating new jobs and new markets. Additionally, by replacing petroleum-based products with bio-based products, this program will decrease our Nation's dependence on foreign oil and protect the environment. Just as the mandate to purchase recycled paper spurred the growth ofthat industry, we can do the same with biobased products. Although it took 12 years for the EPA to establish guidelines for recycled paper, all 50 States followed suit and it has become a mainstream product whose quality has improved vastly over the years. While the USDA has made great strides in establishing the BioPreferred Program, I hope this bill will stimulate expansion of biobased product use in a timely manner. This bill also requires the Secretary to establish labeling requirements for finished products and intermediate ingredients in consultation with Federal agencies, producers of biobased products, and various interested organizations within 90 days of enactment. Setting uniform labeling standards will aid in purchasing decisions, dissemination of products, and eventually build consumer confidence in bio-based products. Finally, this bill sets reporting requirements so Congress can ensure the progress of the procurement and labeling program. I believe that proper oversight is essential to guarantee forward movement of this program and conscientious use of taxpayer dollars. By setting high goals and standards, this body can pave the way for the expansion of a burgeoning industry, and have positive affects our farmers, our environment, and our national security.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, on Friday I joined Congressman Green, who just spoke, and Congresswoman Jackson-Lee, who will speak shortly, at the Houston passport office. Some people had been in line for hours, and some of them had driven hundreds of miles. Most were frustrated and confused. Many had applied months ago to comply with the new passport laws, but the last Congress failed to provide Federal agencies the resources they need to uphold our laws. These passport delays have inconvenienced thousands across our country. Some State Department estimates range up to 12 weeks or even longer to process passport applications, forcing some people to either cancel travel plans or lose deposits. We can't have homeland security without adequate resources. It is not enough to talk tough, we must follow through. The State Department has said that it would temporarily suspend the law to some countries so Americans can take their trips. Forcing agencies to suspend laws because they lack the capacity to enforce them sets a dangerous precedent. We need more agents to provide border security, customs and immigration enforcement officers and Federal prosecutors and immigration judges to uphold our laws. Let's fix this problem now before it gets much worse.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, I am proud to stand before you today in celebration of a truly historic achievement by the Texas City Police Department. On February 13th of this year, the Law Enforcement Recognition Committee Foundation Board officially voted to bestow the Recognized Status Award for Best Business Practices upon the Department, making the Texas City PD the first recipient of that award in the entire state, The Texas Recognition Program is designed to assist law enforcement agencies meet their professional obligations in an efficient and effective manner. To be eligible for recognition under this program, an agency must meet or exceed up to 152 Best Practices Standards in all aspects of law enforcement operations, including policies, procedures, equipment, facilities, and management. Under the leadership of Chief Robert J. Burby, the employees of the Texas City Police Department have worked hard to merit this great honor. I believe it is fitting that, as Texas City Mayor Matt Doyle remarked at the State Certification Award Ceremony on March 22nd, the Texas City Police Department will be remembered as ``The Model. The First for Others to Follow.''

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, a resolution honoring the State of Texas for its contributions to the Nation's civil space program. Whereas the Johnson Space Center (JSC), originally established as the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas in 1961 and later renamed in honor of President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1973, continues to lead the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) efforts in human space exploration; Whereas JSC Houston is the home of NASA's Mission Control, the Astronaut Corps, and is the premier center for our nation's human space flight and related scientific and medical research efforts; Whereas JSC's team of dedicated professionals has made advances in science, technology, engineering and medicine that enable us to explore our world and universe as never before, and to derive unparalleled benefits from that exploration; Whereas JSC currently employs over 3,200 civil servants that include the NASA astronaut corps and over 12,000 contractor employees, which makes a significant positive economic impact on both the state of Texas and the city of Houston; Whereas NASA's Explorer School program in Texas brings together educators, administrators, students and families in sustained involvement with NASA's education programs and provides grants to schools to support the purchase of technology tools, online services and in-service support for the integration of technology applications to engage students in advanced science and mathematics investigations; Whereas NASA's next mission--Space Shuttle Mission STS-117--is scheduled to launch this summer and honors the state of Texas by having 3 hometown astronauts aboard Mission Specialist James F. Reilly of Mesquite and Mission Specialists Patrick G. Forrester and John D. Olivas, both of EI Paso; and Whereas native Texans and Astronauts Robert S. Kimbrough and Shannon Walker have qualified for future space flights as mission specialists, Astronaut Timothy L. Kopra is currently in training at JSC for future flight assignments, Astronaut Michael E. Fossum has flown 1 space flight, and Astronaut Kenneth D. Cockrell has flown on 5 space flights: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) Recognize these remarkable achievements to the nation's Civil Space Program by the State of Texas and its residents; and (2) Congratulate NASA employees, astronauts, students, and teachers, for their ongoing contributions to the advancement of United States engineering, scientific, and aeronautic capacity, ensuring a brighter and stronger future for this Nation.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 342, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank Chairman Thompson for the opportunity to offer an amendment to the DHS authorization bill. My amendment would authorize the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General to assist the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in conducting reviews of inactive case files. Upon the Center's request, the Inspector General may assist in resolving cases involving a child or an alleged offender located outside of the United States. Federal Inspectors General have recognized that they could help the National Center in a very unique way not covered under present partnerships. They envision using the talent and expertise of the IG community's cadre of special agent criminal investigators to review old, unresolved cases in the hope of identifying new leads. Passage of this amendment would allow IGs, when they are not otherwise engaged in meeting their obligations under the Inspector General Act, to assist in bringing closure to many suffering families. Allowing the Inspector General the authority to provide this limited service could aid in identifying perpetrators and ultimately to the recovery of missing children. This proposal requires no additional funding since it would only authorize Inspectors General to provide assistance to the National Center, as resources are available. I hope this amendment will lay the groundwork for future legislation authorizing IGs from other agencies to assist the National Center in resolving cold cases domestically. Again, I thank you for the opportunity to offer my amendment. I encourage my colleagues to support this effort to bring our children home.

Mr. LAMPSON. I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas.

Mr. LAMPSON. Reclaiming my time, I thank the gentlewoman for her comments. There are some astounding statistics associated with this. More than 1,000 children a year taken out of the country, and over time, many of them grow cold. This is a perfect opportunity to allow a good agency who wants to help to be able to do so. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Chair, this is an excellent piece of legislation that will help many children be brought back home and families reunited. I thank everyone, all of our colleagues, for consideration of this and urge support. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize Mr. Wayne Hale, Manager of the Space Shuttle Program at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Texas's 22nd Congressional District, for winning the 2007 National Air and Space Museum Trophy for Current Achievement. Wayne was honored on March 7, 2007 for the Shuttle's STS-121 mission, which along with subsequent Shuttle flights got the Shuttle program back on track after the tragic Columbia loss. For decades, America's space program has represented our greatest advances in science and technological innovation. Individuals like Wayne Hale are why NASA remains the global leader in expanding space exploration. Such ambitions are essential to growing our economy. They are essential to the technology used in all facets of everyday life. They are essential to inspiring our Nation's youth to go into math and science fields. And they are essential to fulfill the American spirit that our forbears passed on to us, to seek out and explore new frontiers. The National Air and Space Museum trophy recognizes such achievements involving the management or execution of a scientific or technological project, a distinguished career of service in air and space technology, or a significant contribution in chronicling the history of air and space technology. Wayne Hale certainly fits this bill and brings great distinction to this award. My congratulations to Wayne and his fine team of colleagues and professionals at NASA. Wayne's dedication to furthering our reach and exploration into space inspires our best and brightest to continue the most exciting endeavors in human history.