Ben Luján

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, as we come to the House floor this morning, many communities across the West suffer from severe wildfires, and they're having a more devastating impact due to extreme drought conditions this year. In my home State of New Mexico, firefighters have bravely worked to battle a number of blazes, and I extend my sincerest thanks for their tireless efforts. With global climate change contributing to drier and hotter summers and more intense fire seasons, it is critical that we take steps to address the root causes of climate change before it gets too late. And while we should focus on the steps we must take to reduce greenhouse gases and encourage energy conservation, we must also ensure that we're preparing for the drought conditions that will continue to impact our communities in the years to come. The National Integrated Drought Information System is an important tool in this effort. This program collects and consolidates drought-related data and information. It operates regional drought early warning system pilot projects across the country. Authorization for this program is currently scheduled to end this year. That is why I'm working in a bipartisan effort to reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System for another 4 years. This will enable the Federal Government to further develop regional drought early warning systems and identify research, monitoring, and forecasting needs that can help farmers and firefighters alike. Because whether it's growing crops or raising livestock or battling wildfires in the West, drought conditions in the coming years will continue to pose challenges for our communities, and we will need to do all we can to assist those whose lives and livelihoods are impacted by climate change. Mr. Speaker, today I'm also offering an amendment to be able to provide grant authorization to many small, predominantly Hispanic communities across northern New Mexico that are in these areas where these waterways have been carved through our mountains, through our watersheds to provide opportunity to small farmers, rural communities all across New Mexico called acequias. For many years, local farmers in New Mexico have been asking for an amendment that would allow acequia and community ditch associations to access EQIP funds. An acequia is a centuries-old irrigation structure that is still in use today, providing opportunities for many private land owners all across New Mexico and southern Colorado. The board of private land owners, also called an acequia and community ditch association, is in charge of administering maintenance of the irrigation infrastructure which often requires work on sections of the ditch of the acequia on private land. These small community ditch associations do not have the authority to levy taxes. That's why I'm asking for Members to please consider and offer your support on this amendment today. Members who are watching and tuning in to C-SPAN this morning, as well as offices, please take a look at this amendment. We need your help in New Mexico, and our farmers would certainly appreciate the kind support of Members of Congress. So thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. We have a lot of work to do. Let's make sure we can get this done on behalf of people who are struggling and working all across America today.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. For many years, local farmers in New Mexico have been asking for an amendment that would allow local acequia and community ditch associations to access EQIP funds. An ``acequia'' is a centuries-old irrigation structure that is still in use today in primarily Hispanic communities across New Mexico, and it is governed by a small board made up of private landowners. The board of private landowners, also called the acequia and community ditch association, is in charge of administering maintenance of the irrigation infrastructure, which often requires work on sections of infrastructure residing on private land. Because of current EQIP rules, individual producers can apply for assistance under the program but are not allowed to include the community ditch association to help with the work, even though the community ditch association is charged with maintaining the infrastructure for all water users. Mr. Chairman, you can see the dilemma that we're facing in New Mexico. This translates into burdensome roadblocks to improve conservation practices or manage scarce water resources. Mr. Chairman, in New Mexico, we are seeing one of the worst droughts in our history, and improving water use and conservation practices are key to keeping our agricultural communities alive. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, charged with administering the EQIP program, has indicated this language in my amendment would create the administrative efficiency needed when working with small producers in New Mexico who irrigate their crops via acequia and community ditches. This amendment does not open up the program to large irrigation districts or government entities but simply affords local Hispanic farmers in rural New Mexico equal eligibility to compete for funding. Acequia community ditch associations, which are comprised solely of private landowners, do not have the authority to impose taxes or levees, and are in need of this clarifying language. Mr. Chairman, these programs are put together State by State and funded State by State, and it's my hope that through the work with the committee staff--and, Mr. Chairman, I really want to thank the minority staff and the majority staff because they really took the time with my team to take a look at this, and I think everyone understands the need, although there still may be some questions.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. I yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time, and I thank everyone for their help on this.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Madam Chair, I know everyone's tired. I just finished getting off the floor, offering an amendment, and a colloquy with my colleague, the dear chairman, Mr. Carter, as well. I went back to my small place to make a sandwich, and I saw this amendment come on the floor. And I had to hurry back. Everybody's tired because it's so late, Madam Chair. Here we are, it's midnight. Under the dark of night, here we have an amendment that I hope the talk shows are paying attention and watching tonight, and I hope that dreamers across America are watching their televisions. Because, if not, they're going to be reading about this in the morning. At a time when, as Congressman Gutierrez described, we're coming together as a Congress and as a Nation to try to get comprehensive immigration reform adopted; at a time when we should be concentrating our efforts on going after those criminals that are doing bad, bad things; when the Chamber of Commerce of the United States and faith- based organizations, churches across America on Sundays and Saturdays and even at Bible study on Wednesdays are talking about the importance of respecting our friends and our neighbors, especially those young people, these dreamers--these young men and women who serve in our military who are undocumented here in the United States, to look after them and to pray for them and encourage the Congress to come together, this amendment is a slap in their face, Madam Chair. The King amendment would make communities less safe by discouraging crime victims from coming forward to police. The Morton memo on victims and witnesses encourages the agency not to initiate removal proceedings against an immediate victim or witness to a crime. This is needed to ensure that victims of domestic violence and other crimes come forward to seek protection. It is needed to help effective prosecutions of criminals. The memo supports the U visa and the Violence Against Women Act's self-petition process that came under fire during the recent Violence Against Women debate, notwithstanding the strong law enforcement support for both these protections. Let me see if I can make that simpler. An undocumented woman who is here in the United States who is a victim of rape, who comes forward to say who raped her, goes before the law enforcement without the memos in place and these protections, potentially, she is to be detained and deported because she was raped and she came forward with the courage to be able to try to get that individual who perpetrated that crime. It's sad, Madam Chair, that here we are yet again at a time when Democrats and Republicans have come together to be able to advocate for the importance of taking care of our dreamers, when this passed this House and so many of our Senators came forward, when the leaders of our respective parties in this very House of Representatives that we're honored to be a part of have come together and advocated for this change. We're having this debate after midnight here in Washington, D.C., tonight. It's sad. And the Morton memos are hardly new. Prosecutorial discretion memos in the immigration context have existed since 1976. Congressman Gutierrez eloquently described the letters that were sent by Congressman Hyde and Congressman Lamar Smith asking for the Executive to use its discretionary authority. Madam Chair, it's a sad, sad day that we're here tonight--under the dark of night--where I hope dreamers across America are paying attention. Because we need them tomorrow to light up those phones and make sure that they're talking to their friends, their families, to their deacons, to their priests, to their faith-based leaders and ask them to please stand up and encourage Members of Congress, when this comes up for a vote tomorrow morning, to call Members of Congress and tell them to reject this amendment. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Madam Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Madam Chairman, I rise to engage Chairman Carter in a colloquy on the Science and Technology Directorate within the Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Chairman, as you know, the enabling act that created the Homeland Security Department provided the new Department with special access to the Department of Energy's national laboratories. The intent was for DHS to utilize the unique capabilities at the national laboratories so that DHS would not build up the duplicative capabilities within the Department. Building duplicative capabilities at different agencies is a poor use of taxpayer dollars, and there is no need to do so given the Department's access to the existing national labs. At a time when our government has dramatically reduced its ability to conduct cutting-edge research into new technologies, we must ensure that the Department of Homeland Security is using its resources in the most cost-effective methods possible. Instead of reinventing the wheel and developing new capabilities, the DHS should be utilizing our DOE national labs whenever practicable as they conduct research, development, testing or evaluate activities. The national labs have first-rate capabilities in many areas relevant to Homeland Security, ranging from explosive detection technologies to advanced cybersecurity techniques. Mr. Chairman, I urge us to work with the Department to ensure that their research and development funds are effectively spent and not used to create redundant capabilities. I yield to the gentleman from Texas, Chairman Carter.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their work on this. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. Amendment Offered by Mr. Meehan

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Madam Chair, in what has been one of the worst drought years in the recorded history of my home State of New Mexico, we're already feeling the effects of another severe fire season. Already, more than 18,000 acres of forest have burned as a result of two fires caused by downed power lines, and those numbers are growing as we speak. Hundreds of homes have been threatened and families have been evacuated. In 2011, during the Las Conchas fire, we lost 150,000 acres of forest to wildfire, again caused by a downed power line. The importance of disaster preparedness is key to saving human lives and property. My amendment today would make available an additional $10 million for State and local grant programs to ensure local towns and communities can be prepared for catastrophic wildfires before they hit. This amendment is cost neutral. While there may be concerns by some of my colleagues and even opposition, I would ask, Madam Chair, that we work together to understand that when there are communities burning that we reach out and we try to do what we can to help these innocent individuals. My amendment would also allow local utilities to take preventive measures for the causes and impacts of wildfires. We must do all we can to ensure that communities have the resources they need to address the dangers and damages of wildfire before and after catastrophic events occur. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment. Madam Chair, before I yield back, I would like to take a moment to thank all of the firefighters for their brave service battling the Tres Lagunas and Thompson Ridge fires in northern New Mexico. Time and again, those on the frontline, as well as those on the command teams, have acted admirably while putting their lives at risk. To all of those who have volunteered, donated resources and lent a helping hand to the firefighters and our displaced friends and neighbors, God bless you and thank you for your hard work. Again, Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to consider supporting my amendment that will help our communities prepare for wildfires. And with that, Madam Chair, I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their work in this important area, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, the news that carbon dioxide in the atmosphere passed 400 parts per million for the first time in human history should serve as a wake-up call that we can no longer ignore the threat of climate change. Now, I know there are some that still don't believe in science and still believe that climate change isn't real, but we should all agree that this is a problem that we have to confront. Addressing climate change is not only important for our environment, but also for our economy. Creating a clean energy economy powered by solar, wind, and other renewable resources will spur new jobs, new technological advancements, and grow our economy. In order to ensure that we can compete and win in the global market to develop clean energy technologies, it is vital that we have a trained workforce ready to work. That's why this week I reintroduced the Community College Energy Training Act, legislation to support clean energy job-training programs in our community colleges. Community colleges play an integral role in training and retraining Americans who want to get ahead and learn the skills that will open up new opportunities. By investing in training programs in the clean energy sector, we can lay the foundation for success in a field that holds such great potential and prepare our students for the good jobs of tomorrow.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, at a time when our communities are dealing with the impact of climate change, cuts from the sequester will negatively impact our long-term efforts to combat this challenge. Energy conservation is a vital component of reducing carbon emissions. Weatherization programs and the Energy Star program have been instrumental in reducing consumption. In 2011, Energy Star helped Americans reduce emissions by the equivalent of 41 million vehicles; and, during these tough times, it cut utility bills by $23 billion. As a result of the sequester, further progress on these programs is at risk. Research and development in clean-energy technologies are essential to reducing our dependence on oil and cutting emissions. Sequestration's funding reductions threaten to slow developments in solar and advanced battery technology. Sadly, my Republican colleagues have been reluctant to even debate further action to address climate change. That is one more reason why we cannot afford to sit by and do nothing while sequestration reduces the effectiveness of the programs we already have in place that are part of the climate change solution.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, the House Republican budget unveiled yesterday by Chairman Paul Ryan is a repeat of the same Tea Party principles that have already been rejected by the American people. House Republicans are once again determined to place the burden of deficit reduction on the backs of middle class families, while the wealthiest Americans get yet another tax break. After wasting valuable time last Congress voting more than 30 times to repeal health care reform rather than focus on jobs and the economy, the Republican budget again calls for its repeal. In addition, their budget ends Medicare as we know it, and surprise, surprise, turns it into a voucher program that reduces benefits and leaves seniors paying higher out-of-pocket costs. While this budget blueprint is still lacking specific details, it is clear that in order to meet the spending targets it outlines, House Republicans would slash investments in key areas that are essential to economic growth and job creation. Education, job training, science, and research will all be on the chopping block in order to reduce the deficit, with little regard for the jobs that would be lost and the impact it would have on our Nation's competitiveness. The Republican budget factors in the sequestration's arbitrary cuts over the next decade, something else that is being rejected by the American people. For New Mexico, this can mean more cuts to education targeted at low- income and special needs children; painful cuts to tribal communities that jeopardize our responsibilities to Indian country with our trust responsibilities; and cuts that impact funding for Los Alamos National Lab and the small businesses that contract with it, including cuts to important funding for environmental cleanup at LANL. Regardless of the Republican rhetoric, the math just doesn't add up without steep cuts that will take their toll on New Mexico, threatening services that support the most vulnerable and investments that lay the foundation for a brighter future. Our country needs a balanced path forward that focuses on growing the economy and providing opportunities for the middle class families. Sadly, the Republican budget fails to meet this goal.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of New Mexico Undergraduate Mock Trial Teams. After competing in Houston and Colorado Springs last year, the University of New Mexico Mock Trial Teams competed in a Regional Tournament in Dallas this February. At the Regional Tournament, the Mock Trial Team competed with fifteen other schools and performed exceptionally well. I am very proud of both teams from UNM for their remarkable work at the Regional Tournament in Dallas. The University of New Mexico Mock Trial team is unique in that the student group is self-coached. These students exemplify true dedication and hard work, and the high scores they received at the Regional Tournament in Dallas is an inspirational achievement. I am impressed by their accomplishments and believe they are deserving of the praise of their friends, family, and this Congress. I congratulate these students on their hard work and diligence in competition this past season, and further commend them on their success at the Regional Tournament.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, last Congress it was with great disappointment that, for the first time since the Violence Against Women Act was signed into law in 1994, House Republicans failed to give us a vote and Congress failed to reauthorize this important legislation that has reduced domestic abuse and provided victims of violence with vital resources. The effort to reauthorize VAWA failed, despite overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate, because House Republicans stripped the bill of critical provisions to help women, especially Native American women. Sadly, we are seeing this effort repeated on the floor today. Once again, House Republicans are trying to weaken a bill that passed by a vote of 78-22 in the Senate in order to deny Native American women important protections. Sovereignty is not a bargaining chip. The Republican substitute is an attack on Native American women and does not respect sovereignty. Studies have found that three out of five American Indian women will experience domestic violence; yet the Republican substitute makes it harder to prosecute abusers and is full of loopholes. I urge my Republican colleagues to drop their opposition to the Senate bill and pass legislation that gives all women, including Native American women, vital protections against abuse.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, in recent years we've seen an increase in major weather events, especially in the continental United States. From record-setting superstorms to severe droughts and devastating wildfires, the recent impact of climate change cannot be ignored. In my home State of New Mexico, ranchers and farmers are struggling to maintain their livelihoods in the face of drought conditions, while last year wildfires threatened communities that have still not fully recovered. A rapidly changing climate affects everyone on the planet. Climate change impacts agriculture, water supplies, power and transportation systems, and even our health and public safety. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and one of the worst wildfire seasons in the western United States that we've ever seen, it's time to work together on commonsense solutions that will allow us to use power in a smarter manner, produce clean and abundant renewable energy, and reduce emissions through energy efficiency. These are things we should be able to agree on and work together on in a bipartisan manner. It is critical that we move forward with a sense of urgency and take meaningful action that addresses the very real threats of climate change that are already impacting our country. Sequestration is devastating America today. Madam Speaker, we just heard from one of my colleagues. This week we're scheduled to go on recess on Friday. I hope that my colleague that spoke today, Madam Speaker, reaches out to Speaker Boehner and Eric Cantor and says, Keep us in session. Let's stop this sequestration from happening. And it's quite simple. The fix to this legislation could be put together in one sentence: Stop it. I guess even better, in two words. Madam Speaker, we have a sense of urgency across the country when it comes to working on climate change legislation, but as we talk about the impacts to each and every one of our districts with what sequestration will bring with job losses, let's stand together and stop this. Let's ask our leadership to allow us to vote on a simple couple of words: Stop sequestration, and let's prevent it from happening.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 267 is a bipartisan bill that will facilitate the development of new, environmentally responsible hydropower projects. The bill was introduced by Mrs. McMorris Rodgers and Ms. Diana DeGette. It was developed through a cooperative process that included extensive discussions with interested stakeholders and agencies. This process was produced in a balanced, bipartisan way, and it is bipartisan legislation. The legislation is supported by both hydropower developers and environmentalists. It was unanimously reported out of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and last Congress, the House passed an identical bill by a vote of 382-0. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I'd ask if the majority has any additional speakers.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Whitfield and all of the members of the majority as well for working with the minority on this important piece of legislation. I encourage my colleagues to support the Collinsville hydropower legislation introduced by Congresswoman Esty of Connecticut. The bill would authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reinstate licenses for two hydroelectric power plants on the Farmington River and to transfer these licenses to the Town of Canton, Connecticut. This noncontroversial legislation has passed the House by voice vote in both the 111th and 112th Congresses. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. Esty), the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I would just urge my colleagues to adopt this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico

Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 235, the Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act of 2013. This bill authorizes a demonstration grant program for States that are experiencing emergency medical technician shortages so that States, in turn, can better assist returning veterans and their transition to civilian employment. States receiving grant funding under this program would develop and implement plans to streamline training and educational requirements for returning vets. Specifically, States would determine the extent to which civilian education and training requirements are equivalent to those for previous military EMT work. And States would identify ways for qualified military EMTs to forego duplicative requirements. H.R. 235 was reported by the Energy and Commerce Committee with broad bipartisan support. And, Mr. Speaker, I think it's also worth noting that H.R. 235 is essentially the same as legislation that passed the House on a voice vote in the last Congress. I commend the sponsors of the bill, Congressman Kinzinger and Congresswoman Capps, for their leadership on this important issue. H.R. 235 is a commonsense bipartisan measure. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and the majority for working with us on this bill, would urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUJAN

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Speaker, due to a family matter requiring my presence in New Mexico, I was not able to be present for a number of votes on the House floor this week. Had I been present for rollcall vote No. 627, on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4606, to authorize the issuance of right-of-way permits for natural gas pipelines in Glacier National Park, and for other purposes, as amended, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall vote No. 628, on motion to suspend the rules and pass S. 3193, the Barona Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Clarification Act of 2012, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall vote No. 629, on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6504, the Small Business Investment Company Modernization Act of 2012, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall vote No. 630, on motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate Amendment on H.R. 3783, an act to provide for a comprehensive strategy to counter Iran's growing hostile presence and activity in the Western Hemisphere, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall vote No. 631, on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6621, to correct and improve certain provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act and title 35, United States Code, as amended, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall vote No. 632, on motion to suspend the rules and pass S. 3642, the Theft of Trade Secrets Clarification Act, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall vote No. 633, on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6672, to reauthorize certain programs under the Public Health Service Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to public health security and all-hazards preparedness and response and for other purposes, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall vote No. 634, on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1845, the Medicare IVIG Access Act, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall vote No. 635, on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 668, to refer H.R. 5862, a bill making congressional reference to the United States Court of Federal Claims pursuant to sections 1492 and 2509 of title 28, United States Code, the Indian trust-related claims of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma as well as its individual members, as amended, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall vote No. 636, on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6655, the Protect Our Kids Act, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall vote No. 637, on the motion to suspend the rules and pass S. 3564, the Public Interest Declassification Board Reauthorization Act, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall vote No. 638, on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6016, the Government Employee Accountability Act, as amended, I would have voted ``aye.''