Jim Langevin

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for the Temporary Tax Relief Act, H.R. 3996. This comprehensive legislation will provide fiscally responsible tax relief for hard- working, middle-class Americans, help stimulate our Nation's small businesses and provide financial support to public servants nationwide. The Temporary Tax Relief Act represents a new direction in tax policy that will offer assistance to thousands of Rhode Island middle-class families. I am particularly pleased that this legislation includes a 1- year patch to keep millions of hard-working, middle-class Americans outside the ever-widening net of the alternative minimum tax, AMT. Congress first enacted the AMT in 1969 to ensure that 155 wealthy taxpayers paid their fair share of the Federal income tax, but because they neglected to index the tax for inflation, it has since become outdated and unfair. If left unfixed, this year over 23 million Americans--and 75,000 Rhode Islanders--will be forced to pay nearly $2,000 in additional taxes. The bill before us will also expand the refundable child tax credit by reducing the minimum income eligibility level from $11,000 to $8,500, thereby allowing more Rhode Island families to take advantage of this important credit. In addition, this legislation will help stem the rising cost of higher education by extending the above-the-line tax deduction for qualified education expenses up to $4,000. H.R. 3996 also provides much-needed tax relief to homeowners who do not itemize their deductions by permitting married couples to deduct up to $500, and single taxpayers to deduct up to $250, in property taxes, in addition to their standard deductions. It's not just middle-class taxpayers who will reap the benefits of this bill. The Temporary Tax Relief Act contains a number of provisions that will help stimulate our Nation's small businesses, including a 1- year extension of the Research and Development, R&D, tax credit, which will keep American companies competitive and spur businesses to invest in the future and create jobs. Also included is a provision that will grant small businesses a tax incentive for committing to invest in local community development. Finally, H.R. 3996 directs well-deserved financial assistance to our Nation's public servants. Under this legislation, more than 3 million teachers will be able to deduct out-of-pocket expenses, including books and other school supplies, for their classrooms. I am also proud to support a provision to provide tax relief for thousands of American troops in combat under the Earned Income Tax Credit. Perhaps most importantly, this measure is fully paid for and will not add a penny to our national debt. We made a commitment to the American people to abide by pay-as-you-go rules so that our children and grandchildren will not bear the cost of the decisions we make. Today we reaffirm our commitment to fiscal responsibility, while maintaining our promise to helping middle-class families and small businesses nationwide. I would like to thank Chairman Rangel for his leadership in crafting a balanced, responsible and urgently needed bill, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I rise to recognize the loss of a brave civilian in Iraq, Nathan J. Schuldheiss, a resident of Newport who served his country with dignity and honor. I join his family and the people of Rhode Island in mourning this great loss. With a father in the Air Force, Special Agent Schuldheiss grew up traveling across the country. He graduated from La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, NM, received a political science degree from Gonzaga University, and received a law degree from the University of Rhode Island. Schuldheiss, 27, had dreams of one day working for the CIA or FBI and continuing his extensive traveling. Schuldheiss volunteered his services to become a civilian counterintelligence specialist with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, assigned to Detachment 204 at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. He had spent 5 months in Iraq with his team seeking out insurgents that might pose a threat to servicemembers in the region. On November 1, Schuldheiss was on his way to interview a group of informants when an improvised explosive device was detonated. Schuldheiss and two other members of his team died of wounds suffered from the blast. Those that knew Special Agent Schuldheiss remember his sense of humor, his leadership, his loyalty, and his sense of adventure. Most importantly, he had a positive impact on those around him. His loss certainly causes us all to reflect on the bravery demonstrated by our men and women who carry out their obligations in the face of danger. When Special Agent Schuldheiss's Nation called him to duty to preserve freedom, liberty and security, he answered without hesitation. We will remember him as a patriot who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. May we keep Special Agent Schuldheiss's loved ones in our thoughts and prayers as they endure this difficult period, especially his father, Jeff; his mother, Sarah Conlon; and his sister, Erin. May his memory live on forever. We will also continue to hope for the safe and speedy return of all of our troops serving throughout the world.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I wish to express my support of H.R. 3043, the Fiscal Year 2008 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. I have increasingly heard grave concerns from Rhode Islanders about the cuts and limitations in critical domestic programs over the past 6 years. Currently, one in six Americans is without health insurance, our schools are in desperate need of resources to meet the standards set in No Child Left Behind, and the recent housing slump and credit crunch have left our economy in trouble. Our safety net programs are more important than ever, as Americans work hard to keep their families healthy and their finances in order. This legislation takes important steps to address the problems faced by so many Americans and prioritizes funding for those programs that have suffered the most under cuts by the Republican leadership in recent years. I am proud that Democrats have crafted a bill that will increase funding for Community Health Centers and Title VII programs, designed to increase access to health services for the medically underserved. This measure will also improve education by targeting resources toward special education and Title I grants to help low- income students and by increasing the maximum Pell Grant from $4,310 to $4,925, making college more affordable for many students. And it rejects the President's proposed cuts for medical research at the National Institutes of Health by supplying a level of funding that will sustain existing, cutting-edge research into diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and heart disease. Finally, it provides $2.4 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program--$250 million more than the current level--offering much-needed relief to the residents of Rhode Island, who are now facing the highest prices for home heating oil on record. The Democratic leadership has also addressed the challenges facing our veterans by restoring accountability and oversight to ensure they receive the care they deserve. H.R. 3043 provides the biggest increase in veterans benefits in over 75 years, and the need could not be more urgent. This legislation includes an increase of $18 billion above the current level for military construction and veterans affairs, and is also $3.8 billion above the President's request. I am also pleased that this bill recognizes the concerns and reflects the advice of our veterans, by not only meeting, but exceeding the independent budget request, a needs estimate published by four veterans' service groups. This increase is critical to meet the needs of the many returning veterans who are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury and require better care to successfully rebuild their lives. Additional funding will help alleviate the backlogged claim process and provide much-needed maintenance for VA health care facilities. The support shown by this Congress is a testament to the priority all of us place on our veterans. In closing, I want to express my thanks to Chairman Obey for reconciling so many diverse needs to craft a fair and fiscally responsible package, and reiterate my support for H.R. 3043.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3685, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. This important measure demonstrates Congress's commitment to combating prejudice and ensures that Americans will not be denied access to employment because of their sexual orientation. Current Federal law prevents employment discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, or disability. As a person with a disability, I know how important those Federal protections are for people who want to contribute to the workforce. Unfortunately, too many Americans are still able to be fired based on their sexual orientation. I am proud I come from a State where discrimination based on sexual orientation is against the law, but in 30 States, a person may be fired from a job simply for being gay, lesbian, or bisexual. We need a strong Federal law to protect those Americans and end a practice that is contrary to the American promise of equality and opportunity for all. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act would prohibit employers from using an individual's sexual orientation as the sole basis for employment decisions. As previously mentioned, Rhode Island is one of 20 States that have comparable State laws. Similarly, a growing number of companies are incorporating non-discrimination policies because they recognize that they should be recruiting and retaining the best individuals for the job, irrespective of a person's sexual orientation. However, despite these advances, too many Americans still face discrimination in the workplace. Today we have the opportunity to make a stand for civil rights and equality by passing ENDA. I also want to voice my strong support for an amendment to be offered by the gentlewoman from Wisconsin, Ms. Baldwin, which would prevent discrimination based on gender identity. Rhode Island is one of 12 States that protect gender identity in employment, and our experience has been a positive one. Transgender individuals often have their own set of challenges in the workplace, and we must ensure that their rights are protected as well. I am deeply disappointed that the underlying bill does not include gender identity, especially as I am a cosponsor of a fully inclusive ENDA. Today, the House of Representatives is sending a clear message to the Nation that no American should face discrimination at work or in society, and I think we are missing an unprecedented opportunity to make the measure as inclusive as possible. However, if the Baldwin amendment is unsuccessful, I pledge to work with her and other supporters to see this important provision enacted into law. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to developing this legislation and bringing it to the floor for a historic vote. I urge all of my colleagues to make a strong stand for equal rights and support H.R. 3685.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gentleman for yielding on this historic occasion and for the purpose of a great celebration and recognizing the great victory of the Boston Red Sox in this year's World Series. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 782, a resolution that congratulates the Boston Red Sox on winning the World Series on October 28, 2007. As a life-long Red Sox fan, I am so pleased to be here with the rest of the New England delegation to show our appreciation for the Red Sox players, coaches, front office, and the rest of the Red Sox Nation. The 2007 Red Sox were dominant from the beginning of the season, which is not easy when you have 162 regular season games in a year. In the World Series, the Red Sox faced the Colorado Rockies, a team that had won 21 of their last 22 games, leading up to the last showdown. That statistic didn't faze the Red Sox at all, though; and whether it was in Boston or Denver, the pitchers made their pitches and the batters showed how hard it was to get an out in their lineup. With a sense of inevitability, the Red Sox swept the Rockies in four games to win their second World Series in 4 years. Every player on the team made a contribution. From veterans like Curt Schilling to rookies like Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Lowell, who helped to keep the Red Sox on top during the regular season and rightfully won the World Series Most Valuable Player. The 2007 Red Sox not only worked hard; they enjoyed themselves as well and kept the fans entertained, which is easy to do when you love what you do and you're good at it. We watched Jonathan Papelbon strike out batters, and then we waited for a celebratory dance at the end of the game. It's not often in professional sports that you see a team full of players that has such a strong bond. It's always a good year when you can follow your baseball team all the way from the beginning of April to the end of October. It's an even better year when they can take the World Series trophy on a parade through Boston. The 2007 Red Sox played this year with confidence and class and showed us the true definition of team. I look forward to 2008 and adding on to two World Series trophies that we've already won this century. Again, my congratulations to a great team. Congratulations Boston Red Sox and Red Sox Nation. I thank my colleague from Massachusetts for yielding, along with his great comments.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gentlelady for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of SCHIP and the millions of children from poor families who would be covered by this bill. It is critical that we take action immediately to save this important program. I wholeheartedly supported earlier versions of the SCHIP reauthorization, which would have enhanced and preserved a successful program that has made health insurance a reality for over 6 million children from low-income families. I was tremendously disappointed that the President did not agree that strengthening SCHIP was a national priority. I could not disagree more with him. But in response to his opposition, the House leadership has put forth the compromise version of this bill, one that addresses lingering concerns while retaining the core principles of this important program. This bill will protect the existing coverage for children and ensure that the lowest income children who are currently eligible but not enrolled would gain coverage, an additional 4 million children on top of the 6 million who are already covered. It is the right thing to do. It is the moral and compassionate thing to do, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this rule and the accompanying legislation.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 327, the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act. As an original cosponsor who voted for its passage in the House earlier this year, I am pleased that this bill has passed both the House and the Senate. I look forward to sending this bill to the President with such overwhelming support.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the SCHIP program and urge all of my colleagues to vote to override the President's veto of this bill. While the number of uninsured adults has steadily climbed over the past 10 years, the number of uninsured children in our Nation has declined by nearly a third. This is a direct result of the SCHIP program which began in 1997 with the goal, and indeed the national commitment, of providing health insurance for children whose parents cannot afford private health coverage. I was proud to be a part of a Congress that was able to craft a responsible and critical reauthorization of the SCHIP program, one that would ensure that all eligible children can participate. However, while Democrats and Republicans here in Congress were able to put politics aside for the sake of this critical program, the President chose not to do so. His veto means that thousands of children in Rhode Island and millions more across the country will be denied access to health insurance. I urge all of my colleagues to vote to override the President's veto and show our support for a program that has been tremendously successful in supporting working families, strengthening our health care system, and keeping our children healthy.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 716, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month. I want to thank my ranking member, Mr. McCaul, for his support of this resolution. I commend the other gentleman from Texas for his leadership on this issue as well. Each year the National Cyber Security Division of the Department of Homeland Security joins with the National Cyber Security Alliance, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, and other partners to support National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The goal of National Cyber Security Awareness Month is to show everyday Internet users that by taking simple steps, they can safeguard themselves from the latest online threats and respond to potential cybercrime incidents. Mr. Speaker, these safeguards taken by everyday home and office users are a critical component in protecting not only these individuals themselves, but the larger universe of computer and Internet users as well. We all have a role to play. Unfortunately, though, it would be dangerous to believe that simple steps by end users will sufficiently combat the larger threats associated with an increasingly networked society. As chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I have held a number of hearings this year on our Nation's cybersecurity posture and the various vulnerabilities in our critical information infrastructure. This is an area where I plan to hold increasing hearings and provide intense oversight because cybersecurity vulnerabilities can significantly impact our national and economic security. Mr. Speaker, we all know that security networks can help prevent problems like identity theft, but secure networks can also protect our nuclear power plants, our electric grids and other critical infrastructure. Sadly, the issue of cybersecurity has been largely ignored and misunderstood for far too long. This is an area that needs greater attention and far greater oversight, making sure that both government is doing what it is supposed to do, as well as the private sector, to make sure that our computer networks are as secure as they possibly can be. This is truly an issue of national security. The oversight that the Homeland Security Committee is undertaking will help change that, but much work remains to be done. I want to commend Chairman Bennie Thompson for the attention that he has given this issue as well. We must continue to bring together greater attention to this issue by dedicating resources to securing cyberspace, such as increased funding for cybersecurity research and development, but we must also demand accountability and prompt action from those officials tasked with developing comprehensive strategies for securing cyberspace. I am proud to recognize October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and I hope that the passage of this resolution will bring greater attention to the importance and urgency of securing cyberspace. I want to thank Chairman Gordon for his leadership in bringing this measure to the floor. Again, I want to thank my ranking member, Mr. McCaul from Texas, for his partnership in highlighting the importance of cybersecurity, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this important resolution.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce this resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Each year, the National Cyber Security Division, NCSD, of the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, joins with the National Cyber Security Alliance, NCSA, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, MS-ISAC, and other partners to support National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The goal of National Cyber Security Awareness Month is to show everyday Internet users that by taking simple steps, they can safeguard themselves from the latest online threats and respond to potential cyber-crime incidents. It would be dangerous to believe, however, that simple steps by end users will sufficiently combat the larger threats associated with a growing networked society. As Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I have held a number of hearings this year on our Nation's cybersecurity posture and the various vulnerabilities in our critical information infrastructure. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities can significantly impact our national and economic security. This issue has been largely ignored and misunderstood for too long. The oversight that the Homeland Security Committee is undertaking will help change that, but much work remains to be done. I thank my colleagues for cosponsoring this resolution, and look forward to working with them on these critical issues in the future.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 (H.R. 3648). This measure is a necessary and compassionate step in helping individuals and families recover from the problems caused by the continuing mortgage crisis. Unscrupulous lending practices have taken their toll on hard-working families, who are increasingly unable to keep pace with their ballooning mortgage payments. We have all seen how the skyrocketing interest rates associated with nontraditional mortgages, such as adjustable-rate mortgages, have devastated families nationwide. These families are often left with few options. They may either try to renegotiate the terms of their mortgage for fixed interest rates, or be forced to foreclose on their homes. Both options can be emotionally difficult and are further complicated by the hefty taxes that may result. Under current law, when a lender forgives all or part of a loan, it is required to report the amount of debt forgiven to the IRS and to the homeowner. That amount is subsequently treated as ``phantom income'' and is subject to taxation by the IRS. At a time when families are already in financial dire straits, it is fundamentally unfair to penalize them by taxing the money they recover through either refinancing their mortgage or foreclosure of their homes. I am proud to support the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act, which will change the Tax Code to prevent forgiven mortgage debts from being assessed as gross income. This improvement will limit the financial penalties families incur when refinancing their homes at fixed rates and could even keep some families on the brink of foreclosure from losing their homes. I am also pleased that, under this legislation, people would not be unfairly taxed when a lender voluntarily agrees to waive prepayment penalty fees. The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act is a critical measure that will help address the persistent problems in the housing market resulting from unfair lending practices. This legislation is another important step toward fixing the mortgage crisis nationwide, and will help stabilize families throughout the Nation and our economy as a whole.

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act. I commend the sponsors. I believe that this is a necessary and compassionate step in helping families recover from problems caused by the continuing mortgage crisis. Let's face it. Unscrupulous lending practices have taken their toll as hardworking families struggle to keep pace with ballooning mortgage payments. Under current law any debt forgiven by a lender is treated as phantom income and subject to taxation. At a time when so many families are already in crisis, it is fundamentally unfair to penalize them by taxing money they may recover through refinancing their mortgage or foreclosure of their homes. The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act will change the Tax Code to prevent forgiven mortgage debts from being assessed as gross income. This critical measure will help address the persistent problems in the housing market that have resulted from unfair lending practices. And I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 200, a resolution that condemns the Burmese Junta for their violent suppression of Buddhist Monks and other peaceful demonstrators in Burma and demands the immediate release of opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. As a cosponsor of this resolution, I believe it is important for Congress to show its support for Burma's call for democracy. In 1988, the Burmese military established rule through a military junta, and named themselves the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). This repressive regime arrested those who opposed them, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is the leader of the legitimately elected political party, the National League of Democracy. SPDC, which has changed the country's name to Myanmar, has forcefully led the Burmese citizens ever since. According to the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights, as well as private organizations, Burma's human rights record has worsened in recent years. These reports have cited government and military abuses of civilians that include killings, torture, rape, arbitrary arrests, and forced labor. This past August, the SPDC ended fuel subsidies, which led to excessive costs for gas. The Burmese citizens, unhappy with yet another burden, held pro-democracy rallies and called for the transfer of power to Aung San Suu Kyi. These rallies were ended forcefully by the SPDC, but Buddhist Monks, nuns and students have continued to peacefully protest the regime. The SPDC has recently banned the assembly of citizens in public, as well as attacked, arrested and killed those involved in the protests. Madam Speaker, the ongoing violence and repression of peaceful protests for democracy is a travesty. H. Con. Res. 200 shows our country's support for the Burmese citizens' right to challenge their regime. This resolution also demands the release of other political prisoners who are detained by the regime, and calls on the United Nations Security Council to take the appropriate action against the State Peace and Development Council. The United States has already imposed heavy sanctions on the SPDC for many years, but we must also call on other countries, including China and India, who benefit from Burma's natural gas exports, to keep the pressure on the SPDC to end this atrocity. As a member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, I will continue to work with my colleagues to keep pressure on the Burmese regime and express support for those citizens who peacefully congregate for a new government. Passing H. Con. Res. 200 is an important and necessary step for Congress to take as we work to achieve this goal.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3087, legislation that will require the administration to develop and share with Congress a comprehensive strategy for the redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq. Our Nation recognizes that we cannot remain in Iraq indefinitely. Just last week, General George Casey, the Army Chief of Staff, testified before the House Armed Services Committee that ongoing operations in Iraq were having a detrimental impact on our military readiness, endangering our ability to deal with other contingencies or problems. Our troops have done a superb job in a difficult mission, but they were not sent to Iraq to referee a civil war, and we need to bring them home. The violence in Iraq does not have a U.S. military solution; the answer lies in the Iraqi political reconciliation, which we must support with different methods. The legislation before us today demonstrates Congress's commitment to ending our military presence in Iraq by mandating that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, report on the status of planning for redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq and to provide periodic updates about their implementation. This information is vital for congressional oversight so that we ensure our policies are informed by sound judgment and reflect the complex logistical considerations involved with an undertaking of such magnitude. The administration's poor planning for the post-invasion period led to widespread problems in reconstruction and created the environment of instability that reigns to this day. We must avoid making that mistake again so that our withdrawal from Iraq does not exacerbate existing problems or create new ones. I will continue to work with my colleagues to demand a swift and safe withdrawal of our U.S. forces from Iraq, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, on September 24, 2007, I was unavoidably detained while returning from committee business and unable to vote, I would like the record to reflect that, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote Nos. 891, 892 and 893.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of this rule to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program. It is critical that we pass this legislation, and with the funding for SCHIP program scheduled to expire in 5 days from now, it is critical that we pass it today. SCHIP began in 1997 and has been a true success story. While the number of uninsured adults has steadily climbed over the past 10 years, currently 47 million Americans without health insurance, the number of uninsured children in our Nation has declined by nearly a third. This program has made health insurance a reality for over 12,000 children in my home State of Rhode Island this year, the majority of them in families where one or more adults is part of the workforce. It is a critical component of health care delivery in Rhode Island, as it is across the country. By reauthorizing the SCHIP program, we renew our national commitment to achieving the goal of insuring all children whose parents cannot afford private health insurance coverage. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this rule which will allow us to preserve and strengthen this tremendously successful program. It is the compassionate thing to do, it's the right thing to do, and I urge my colleagues to support SCHIP reauthorization.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 (H.R. 1852). This important piece of legislation will revitalize the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which was established to provide a reliable source of affordable mortgage loans for first-time homebuyers. Through our efforts today, the FHA will be able to better assist America's working families by offering loans at affordable rates with fair terms, as we work to alleviate the problems caused by the continuing mortgage crisis. The lack of affordable housing has long plagued many communities throughout America, and the problem is particularly acute in high cost areas like Rhode Island. In Rhode Island, the average two-bedroom apartment costs $1172 per month--at that rate, many people would need to work two or even three jobs just to pay the rent. And the situation can be even worse for those struggling to buy their own homes, particularly in today's uncertain climate. Unscrupulous lending practices have taken their toll on hard-working families, who are increasingly unable to keep pace with their ballooning mortgage payments. The Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 will provide much- needed relief for families on the brink of foreclosure. In particular, this targeted legislation will allow the FHA to raise loan limits in high cost areas and to offer zero and lower down payment loan options for borrowers that can afford mortgage payments, but lack the resources required for a down payment. H.R. 1852 will also require that an additional $300 million per year be placed in the affordable housing trust fund, which will help to provide affordable housing for years to come. Finally, I am pleased that the bill will double current funding levels for housing counseling services. These critical services will provide additional guidance to homebuyers in the subprime market and others who have difficulty making their monthly mortgage payments. In passing the Expanding American Homeownership Act today, we have made a commitment to the American people that we will continue to ensure affordable housing is available to all Americans. Strengthening the security of American families strengthens our economy, and I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. I truly do thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding and the minority for granting the unanimous consent request. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act of 2007. This critical bill reauthorizes the Federal Terrorism Insurance Program, which backs up private insurers in the event of a terrorist attack and extends the measure for 15 years. As chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, I am certainly pleased that this bill would ensure coverage in the event of a nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological attack. While no one wants to ever imagine that a nuclear, chemical, biological, radiological event could occur, the possibility is, unfortunately, a reality. Therefore, we must not only protect against this risk, but ensure that our Nation can recover financially if the unthinkable does happen. This measure takes an important step forward by lowering the deductible from 20 percent to 3.5 percent for insurance coverage against NCBR attacks, and I am certainly proud to support this important measure. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairman Frank for his leadership on this important issue.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in somber recognition of the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. I join all Americans in mourning those who lost their lives and in remembering their families. We can best honor their memory by ensuring that they did not die in vain. We took a significant step towards that goal by passing comprehensive legislation to implement the remaining 9/11 Commission recommendations. However, while we are safer, we are not yet safe. To combat terrorism, we must think comprehensively and coordinate our efforts into a unified approach. That is why I have introduced legislation requiring government agencies to collaborate on national security goals. This Quadrennial National Security Review that I have called for will ensure that we use all assets of national power, military, diplomatic, economic and others, to protect the American people. I commend Chairman Lantos and thank him for his comments on this issue and for cosponsoring this legislation. I commend Majority Leader Hoyer on this resolution that is before us tonight to honor those that we lost 6 years ago and for his efforts to protect our Nation. I urge all of my colleagues to support it.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 2669. Since my arrival in Congress, I have worked to support initiatives that would expand access to higher education for all students, regardless of disability, background or economic circumstances. Need-based federal student aid programs have leveled the playing field for so many students, yet in recent years the purchasing power offered by a Pell grant has dwindled. Meanwhile, college education costs have soared, and more and more students struggling to keep up with loan repayments have found themselves locked into high interest rates and unable to consolidate their debt. Others have seen their dreams of higher education go unrealized, due to concerns about how they could possibly pay for it. Today, Congress takes a meaningful step to address these issues. The College Cost Reduction Act, the single largest investment in education since the GI bill, will cut interest rates in half on subsidized student loans over the next four years, make student debt more manageable for those facing economic hardship and increase the purchasing power of the Pell grant. Additionally, this bill will encourage and reward public service by offering loan forgiveness and repayment of our most dedicated military service members, nurses, early childhood educators and others who take on some of the most needed and challenging--but not the most lucrative--professions. In the battle to improve access to affordable education, the passage of the College Cost Reduction Act is a tremendous victory. I strongly believe that the passage of this bill into law will make America stronger. While our Nation certainly faces challenging times of war and economic hardships, we should take tremendous hope and pride in the investments that Congress is making in the future by expanding access to higher education. I am proud to support this legislation and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 2669.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3161, the Agriculture Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008. This bill provides funding to support our farmers, protect the environment, ensure a safe and stable food supply, and care for the most vulnerable members of our society. H.R.3161 also fulfills the reforms included in the recently passed Farm Bill, by increasing funding for nutrition, conservation and energy programs. I am pleased to support funding increases for important conservation programs for my home state of Rhode Island, including the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program, and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program. This legislation also restores funding for many programs that the Bush Administration's budget would have cut or eliminated, including Resource Conservation and Development and watershed programs. H.R. 3161 also encourages the expansion of renewable energy research and production by nearly doubling funding for renewable energy loans to businesses, resources for research, and grants to farmers and ranchers. After recent food scares, Americans have become more concerned about where their food is produced. After six years of delays, I am pleased that H.R. 3161 includes a time line for implementation of country of origin labeling for our meat. This legislation fully funds the Food Safety and Inspection Service at the Department of Agriculture in order to fill vacancies and invest in research, and will also fund a transformation of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety regulations. This measure also prevents cuts to FDA field operations and provides additional funding for processing generic drug applications and drug safety reviews. H.R. 3161 increases funding for the nutrition title, which includes food stamps and other programs aimed to combat hunger and improve nutrition for children, the elderly and low-income Americans. This includes the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, as well as the Community Food Projects program, which awards grants to non-profit groups that establish community food projects targeted to low-income individuals. This measure also increases funding for school nutrition programs for purchasing fruits, vegetables and nuts, and creates more avenues for produce to flow from local farmers to schools. H.R. 3161 also includes funding to help improve the eating habits of Americans, particularly our children. It also expands the Simplified Summer Food program to all states to provide nutritious foods to children in low- income families through the summer. Madam Chairman, this legislation helps farmers meet growing environmental challenges, increases safety monitoring of our food supply, gives consumers more healthy food choices, and promotes critical renewable energy development. I look forward to passing this measure into law and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 3161.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, this past week the Director of National Intelligence came before the Congress and told us that there was an important gap in our Nation's intelligence capabilities. So we responded swiftly, by crafting legislation tailored to concerns outlined by Director McConnell. We did what the Director of National Intelligence asked us to do: we drafted legislation that protected America. But we also did one thing that the administration did not ask us to do: we protected the Constitution; we protected civil liberties. Because we believe that you can both protect the Nation and the liberties upon which it was founded. Regrettably, that is not the legislation that is before you today. This bill undermines longstanding protections for the civil liberties of Americans. It sweeps aside constitutional norms that have governed the relationship between the people and the government since its founding. It puts all domestic spying power back in the hands of Alberto Gonzales. Now, that ought to scare everybody. It scares me. It makes FISA a rubber stamp for the Attorney General, and it fails to provide for adequate oversight of the activities that it authorizes. I urge my colleagues to vote against the Senate bill that is before us tonight so that we can once again bring up the House bill that strikes a balance between protecting America from terrorists and preserving our civil liberties.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce a bill that would allow family members to request a memorial marker for placement in a national cemetery in order to commemorate servicemembers buried overseas. As Members of Congress, we all have the great opportunity to hear stories of duty and honor from our constituents. I had such a chance right after Memorial Day in 2004 when I received a letter from Henry Stad, a resident of Rhode Island and a World War II veteran. Mr. Stad asked that I sponsor a bill that would allow family members of servicemembers that were killed in action and buried overseas to be able to request a burial plaque to be set in a family burial plot in the United States. I was happy to look into this request from a man who gave so much to his country. Madam Speaker, as you know, the United States currently has 24 permanent overseas burial grounds that are the final resting place for nearly 125,000 of the brave men and women who died serving our country. These sites are the responsibility of the American Battle Monuments Commission and are a wonderful tribute to those who sacrificed for our Nation. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs maintains that because these graves can be visited, there is no need to provide families at home with a memorial marker for their deceased loved ones buried there. As a result, I introduced a bill that will help families memorialize those who died in service to our country and are buried overseas. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, those servicemembers whose remains are classified as ``unavailable for burial'' are eligible for government-provided memorial markers or headstones. While this classification includes those whose remains have not been recovered or who were buried at sea, there is one glaring exception to this definition--those who died fighting for freedom abroad and were laid to rest there. Families are proud of these courageous men and women who answered the call to protect our country and then paid the ultimate price. Unfortunately, for many families, a trip abroad to visit their loved ones is not possible due to finances or old age. A memorial marker is a way to keep the memory of their loved one alive, while also teaching younger generations about sacrifice. We should not deny the families of these courageous men and women the ability to obtain memorial markers when we already do it for so many others. To correct this, my legislation will add overseas burials to the VA's ``unavailable for burial'' classification and finally let these men and women be memorialized by their families here at home. Madam Speaker, this legislation will help memorialize those that accepted the call to protect our country.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, it is with great pride that I rise in support of H.R. 3221, which will help our nation take a major step toward energy independence. I applaud the hard work and dedication of Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer and the Democratic leadership, as well as of the ten committees that contributed to this historic legislation, which I am proud to cosponsor. The Democratic Congress has made it a priority to enact a forward- thinking energy policy that will strengthen our Nation. In January, the House passed H.R. 6, the CLEAN Act, which laid the framework for a new energy policy that guarantees access to affordable power, encourages energy conservation efforts, and pursues increased use of environmentally responsible and renewable sources of energy. Today we take the next step in that endeavor by considering H.R. 3221. This comprehensive bill includes a multitude of innovative programs and common-sense solutions to improve energy efficiency, invest in groundbreaking technologies, create the necessary infrastructure for alternative fuels and ensure that our workforce is properly trained for the economy of the future. As I have said many times, we cannot dig or drill our way out of our energy crisis. We need new strategies to develop sources of energy that will move our Nation away from our reliance on oil and gas. This effort will benefit our environment by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, our economy by creating new industries and jobs, and our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Our nation has a history of successfully accomplishing great tasks when we work together, such as when we united to put a man on the moon. We need a similar effort with our national energy policy, and I am confident that the American people have the creativity, and resolve to succeed. We are not only investing in a new energy policy for America, but we are also doing it in a fiscally responsible manner. Gone are the days of corporate welfare and tax dollar handouts to oil and gas companies that are reaping record profits while consumers pay increasing prices at the pump. This legislation rescinds wasteful subsidies and closes loopholes that have allowed oil and gas companies to avoid taxation on their income. Consequently, the new programs and investments contained in this bill will not add to the deficit. In so doing, we demonstrate our commitment not only to our Nation's energy security, but also to its economic security. Today we will consider an amendment offered by the gentleman from New Mexico, Mr. Udall, to require electricity suppliers to have 15 percent of their electricity come from renewable sources by 2020. As a cosponsor of the gentleman's legislation to create a renewable electricity standard, I strongly support the amendment and urge all my colleagues to do so. I am proud to represent Rhode Island, one of more than twenty states to have enacted laws to set targets for electricity from renewable sources. Rhode Island has been ahead of the curve in promoting clean electricity sources, but the federal government must follow suit so that our entire Nation can reap the benefits of renewable energy. While I feel this bill could do more--particularly by increasing vehicle fuel efficiency standards, which have not risen appreciably in the last 20 years--I am proud that Congress is finally taking bold steps toward establishing a new energy policy that invests in new technologies, promotes the development of clean and renewable fuels and moves us toward energy independence. I urge all my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3222, the Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008. I would like to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Chairman Murtha, and the gentleman from Florida, Ranking Member Young, for their efforts to craft a strong bipartisan bill and for their tireless dedication to our national security and to the men and women in uniform who protect us. Ensuring a strong national defense is one of Congress's greatest responsibilities, and at no time is that more evident when our servicemembers are overseas in harm's way. While the members of this body may disagree about our next steps in Iraq, we all agree that we must support the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and civilians who are serving their country and facing some challenging missions. Further, we agree that we must have a military that can protect our Nation against current threats and respond to emerging challenges we may face in the future. As a member of the Intelligence Committee and a former member of the House Armed Services Committee, I believe we need a flexible and an adaptive military--one whose efforts are coordinated with other assets of national power such as diplomacy, foreign assistance and international cooperation--to achieve our national security goals. Congress recognizes that our Nation is only as strong as those who defend us, and the bill before us makes important steps to enhance the health and well-being of those serving our Nation. It provides a 3.5 percent pay increase for our men and women in uniform, an increase over the President's recommendation of 3.0 percent. It continues our efforts to increase the size of the Army and Marine Corps in order to reduce the strain on our military caused by repeated troop deployments. In order to treat those currently in our military health system and to meet the needs of those returning from combat, it includes $23 billion for defense health programs, $416 million more than the President requested. It also postpones the President's recommended cost share increases for Tricare beneficiaries, a proposal that would have caused hardship to our military families and retirees. H.R. 3222 also makes significant increases to vital non-proliferation programs. For years, the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program has allowed the U.S. to work with Russia and other nations in the former Soviet Union to dismantle their nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. As the chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I know that one of the most important safeguards to preventing an attack using a weapon of mass destruction in the U.S. is to secure dangerous materials at their source to prevent them from getting into the hands of terrorists. To this end, the Defense appropriations bill includes $398 million for Cooperative Threat Reduction--$26 million more than the current level and $50 million more than the President's request. Finally, H.R. 3222 invests in systems and technology to protect against current and future threats. I am extremely pleased that the measure includes an additional $588 million for advance procurement of materials that could lead to the construction of a second Virginia- class submarine as early as next year. Our Navy has estimated that we need 48 attack submarines to meet the needs of our military commanders. Yet, under the Navy's current 30-year shipbuilding plan, they do not expect to increase production to two subs per year until 2012, causing a perilous decline in our future sub fleet--dropping below 48 ships in FY2020-33 and hitting a low of 40 in FY2028 and FY2029. I have long advocated increasing our build rate of Virginia-class submarines to two per year so that we have sufficient capabilities to address emerging threats. However, the Navy has repeatedly delayed its two per year target date, causing instability in the industrial base. In FY2004, the Navy expected to build two subs per year in FY2007. By FY2005, the target had moved to FY2009. That date was pushed back again and again, and now stands at FY2012. Meanwhile, our defense industrial base in Southeastern New England has suffered layoffs of submarine designers and engineers, whose specialized skills would be very difficult to reconstitute if lost. Without immediate action, we risk shrinking our sub fleet to perilously low levels, precisely when nations such as China are expanding and modernizing their navies. After visits to Rhode Island and Connecticut earlier this year, Chairman Murtha stated that building more submarines would be a priority, and this legislation demonstrates his commitment to fixing this dangerous problem. On behalf of the submarine industrial base in Rhode Island, I thank him and Ranking Member Young for their leadership on this important national security issue. I am pleased that one of our final actions before departing for the August work period will be passing this important legislation, which demonstrates Congress's commitment to national security and deserves the support of all in this chamber.