Buck McKeon

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution to recognize the ever-increasing importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs, to which we have given the acronym STEM. As you know, this is an issue on which the Education and the Workforce Committee has provided considerable leadership over the last several years, particularly during the No Child Left Behind era and through our recent efforts to strengthen the Higher Education Act. Right now, our committee is immersed in a series of hearings on the current state and future prospects of our Nation's STEM programs. At these hearings, we have heard from Secretary of Labor Chao and Secretary of Education Spellings, who discussed the Bush administration's view on the STEM programs. We have also heard from a variety of other Federal officials, as well as educators and businessmen and women from across the Nation. A common theme throughout their testimony was this: In order to determine where to go next with regard to Federal involvement in STEM programs, it is best to gain a better understanding of where we already are. Congress has taken steps to determine just that. Last fall, the Government Accountability Office issued a report that quantified the many Federal programs established to increase the number of students pursuing science, technology, engineering and math degrees. In fiscal year 2004 alone, we spent about $2.8 billion on these programs, and the GAO has recommended that before creating new Federal math and science programs, we should know which existing programs are appropriately targeted and making the best use of Federal resources. Following that logic, earlier this year, as part of the Deficit Reduction Act, Congress established an Academic Competitiveness Council designed to identify and review the more than 200 programs within the 13 separate Federal agencies with a math or science focus. The council will evaluate the effectiveness of the programs, determine areas of duplication and recommend ways in which to integrate and coordinate them. Its activities recently began in earnest, and a final report must be submitted to Congress by February 2007. Mr. Speaker, Congress, the Federal Government and our Nation's academic and business communities must gain a better understanding of what programs already exist to improve STEM education, how effective these programs are and, most importantly of all, what we can do to improve them. Simply put, for our Nation to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global marketplace, we must sharpen our focus in STEM programs. I applaud our efforts to improve them, and I support this resolution. I thank my colleague from Georgia, Dr. Price, for bringing it to the floor.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on S. 2803.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2803, the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act, or the MINER Act. Though the number of mining fatalities and injuries reached record lows in 2005, this year's tragedies at the Sago mine in West Virginia and the others that have followed have served to bring the issue of mine health and safety into much sharper focus. Today, after unnecessarily waiting for 2 weeks, the House is finally poised to act. My colleagues, let us not squander this unique opportunity to send comprehensive mine safety reforms to President Bush for his signature. Throughout 2006, the Education and the Workforce Committee has held a series of oversight hearings and briefings during which we heard from Federal mine safety officials, mine workers, representatives from the mining industry and Members of the House. These oversight proceedings pointed toward a very clear need for better communications technology, modernized safety practices within U.S. mines and strengthening the enforcement of current mine safety laws. Each of these needs is addressed comprehensively by the MINER Act, which was passed last month by the Senate without a single voice in opposition. In addition to universal bipartisan support in the Senate, this legislation enjoys strong support in its current form from the United Mine Workers of America, the National Mining Association, and a bipartisan group of House Members from key mining States, including Kentucky and West Virginia. In short, this is an issue that has cut across party lines, enjoys rare support from both labor and industry, and deserves overwhelming support from the House when we vote on the measure. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the way our committee, and Workforce Protections Subcommittee Chairman Norwood, in particular, has deliberately and thoughtfully considered ways to enhance the safety of America's miners. Because of our panel's thorough series of hearings and briefings, we are poised to take an important step today toward modernizing mine safety law for the first time in a generation. I would like to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in particular, Mr. Norwood, Mrs. Capito and Mr. Rogers, as well as the entire West Virginia and Kentucky delegations for assisting our committee in this effort. Our Nation's miners and their families will be better off for it. I ask my colleagues to join me in the ever-growing chorus of supporters in backing the MINER Act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I understand Mr. Miller's comments. I agree with much of what he says. It would be nice to have some of the issues that he has talked about. Also, Chairman Norwood, the subcommittee chairman, had other things that he wanted to put in the bill to make it better. But as my former chairman, now our majority leader, Mr. Boehner, has said many times, we have to guard against making the perfect the enemy of the good. And we have been given a unique opportunity by a bill passed by the Senate unanimously to move forward to help mine worker safety at this time. And rather than continue to talk this matter to death, and to continue to delay bringing safety to these miners, we should take this opportunity and pass this bill today. I would like to introduce into the Record the letter from the United Mine Workers of America. ``The United States Senate unanimously passed legislation that is aimed at improving miner safety and offering miners a fighting chance of survival in the event of a mine emergency. Senate bill 2803,'' which we are talking about, ``the MINER Act, was a bipartisan bill that every Member of the Senate, Republican and Democrat alike, recognized would begin to offer better protection to miners. Indeed, this bill represents the first overhaul of the Nation's mining laws since the adoption of the 1977 Federal Mine and Safety Act,'' and he encourages all Members to vote for this bill today. I would like to say that I have asked Chairman Norwood to continue to work to improve and bring other improvements to the floor, but I encourage all of our Members to support this bill today, to get it to the President's desk, to do what we can immediately to help protect miner safety. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, before the Santa Clarita Valley school term ends this year, I wish to recognize the coaches and athletes of the Canyon High School's football program for their outstanding performance during the 2005 high school football season. Canyon High School's varsity football team completed their season by defeating cross-town rival Hart High School with a score of 21-13 to clinch the CIF-- California Interscholastic Federation--Southern Section Division II title. Canyon High School finished its season with an impressive record of 13-1. MaxPreps, a California-based national high school sports information Web site, lauded Canyon High School's football program. MaxPreps recently ranked Canyon High School's football program as the 14th best in the Nation. This ranking was achieved amongst a field of over 15,000 schools nationwide. MaxPreps presented head coach Harry Welch with a trophy engraved: ``2005 MaxPreps Tour of Champions, presented by the Army National Guard to Canyon High School Head Coach Harry Welch.'' Only 10 such trophies were presented nationally. Th California Interscholastic Federation also bestowed individual honors upon various members of the team. Honors include, but are not limited to, All Section First-team Defense--Tyler Hawkins, Garrett Leary, All Section Second Team Defense--J.J. DiLuigi, Richard Wirthlin, Division II Offensive Players of the Year--Austin Civita, J.J. DiLuigi, Division II Defensive Players of the Year--Matt Brown, Garrett Leary, Division II Coach of the Year--Harry Welch, Division II Offense--Nick Peterson, Nick Madia, Richard Wirthlin, Phillip Malinoski, and Division II Defense--Chris Kinsbury, Tyler Hawkins. The level of dedication and tenacity displayed by coaches and players of Canyon High School's football program deserves great praise. The ethos of this tightly knit team should serve as an example to all those aspiring for greatness. Mr Speaker, I would like to recognize the individual members of Canyon High School's champion football team. Coach Harry Welch, Jean P. Curvey, Ben Longshore, Richard Wirthlin, Stephen Wirthlin, Anthony Arriaga, Amir Rafeh, Mark Urbina, John DiLuigi, Austin Civita, Sean Ward, Zane Enright, Phillip Malinoski, Christopher Chapman, David Pyne, Sean Gavin, Randal Rigg, Michael Montano, Christopher Kingsbury, Michael Cooper, Kenny Suber, Daniel Garza, Jr., Leon Henderson, Tyler Hawkins, Keith Martin, Josh Parrick, Jordan Ferguson, C.R. Maldonado, Mike Loucks, Michael Pyne, Raymond Maldonado, Jonathan Hammock, Nick Jurado, Deric Blas, Matthew Brown, Randy Lemus, Joseph Dellibovi, Grant Higgins, Garrett Leary, Michael Blanco, Ryan Schurke, Andrew Martinez, Justin Wallace, Andrew Suarez, Nick Peterson, Hacob Karaoglanian, Mike Harker, Damian Ozuna, A.J. Wallerstein, Nicholas Madia, Mark Valdez, Sean Rowlett, Fares Albichara, Britt Briscoe, Ben Armbruster, and Troy Curvey. The late Vince Lombardi once said that football is like life--it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority. Through their triumphant season, the Canyon Cowboys have developed a winning attitude that will serve them well for their entire life. I commend the team for their ability, commitment, and steadfast determination and I wish them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5354, the Hurricane Relief Extension Act. I thank my Education and the Workforce Committee colleague, Mr. Boustany, for his work on this measure--and for his efforts on behalf of his constituents in the wake of last fall's hurricanes. Last year, the Gulf Coast endured one of the worst series of hurricanes in our nation's history. Students, workers, retirees, and families from the region were impacted in ways seemingly incomprehensible before the storms struck. The Education and the Workforce Committee and this Congress have been active in driving legislation to provide resources to schools and families as part of the recovery effort. Last year, led by Mr. Boustany and his Louisiana colleague, Representative Jindal, we passed legislation to reimburse public, including charter, and private schools that have enrolled displaced students and to help those schools get supplies and equipment to help educate those students. Now, as the academic year during which Katrina and Rita struck draws to a close, we want to ensure that available money will be used by the schools and districts. The bill before us today will allow the U.S. Secretary of Education to extend the date by which these funds must be obligated to beyond the end of this school year. While the funds must still be used on expenses for the 2005/2006 school year, by extending the obligation date, the districts and schools will be able to make sure that funds are used on appropriate expenses and do not have to be returned to the federal government. It is not just a necessary move-- but an appropriate one as well. Last month, the Education and the Workforce Committee held a hearing highlighted by educators from across the Gulf Coast region. We listened as they discussed the challenges faced and successes achieved by Gulf Coast schools in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. And we heard them provide their unique insights into what we have done well with regard to education in the Gulf Coast region, as well as what obstacles we still face. Unfortunately, some officials testified that they have yet to receive their full, expected sum of federal impact aid dollars. And as we consider this legislation today, I am especially hopeful that some of the bureaucratic problems we've witnessed in the past several months will end--and end soon. Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is this: as educators, joined by parents and students from the region, work to rebuild an academic way of life, they ought to have all of the necessary tools at their disposal. The measure we are considering today takes a major step toward providing just that. And I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 808, a measure expressing support for the goals of National One-Stop Month. As we stand here today we find ourselves in an increasingly competitive job market, one in which the knowledge and skills of each job seeker play a critical role in determining whether the individual will succeed. And while our economy has created more than 5.2 million new jobs since August 2003, we still have work ahead of us to provide the resources and training workers need to claim and keep these new jobs. Testifying before the House Education and the Workforce Committee several years ago, former Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan told Members of our panel that providing ``rigorous education and ongoing training to all members of our society'' is essential for future job growth and worker security in the United States. His words ring all the more true today, as our workforce takes on the new realities of an increasingly competitive global economy. Eight years ago, when Congress passed the Workforce Investment Act, we did so with an eye toward preparing our working men and women for the challenges of a turn-of-the-century economy. Indeed, the 21st century is no longer the age of machine and muscle but, rather, has become the age of the mind. And central to our efforts in crafting the Workforce Investment Act was the establishment of the one-stop system. One-stop career centers are aimed at providing a single, convenient, central location to offer job training and other employment-related services. And they have been remarkably successful for countless Americans. In my view, the establishment of one-stops in 1998 was the single most important federal job training accomplishment in a generation. We brought dozens of disparate services under one roof, providing a better deal for job seekers and a better investment for American taxpayers. Last year, this House approved legislation to build upon the success of the one-stop system, and as we hope for further congressional action on that measure, we take time this month to celebrate the achievements of those who have been involved in the one-stops--including those providing services and those benefiting from them. Mr. Speaker, May is National One-Stop Month, but for those seeking high-quality employment services, the one-stops are there for them all year long. I applaud them, and I look for them to play an even bigger role in our job training system in the decades to come. I thank my colleague Mr. Keller, the chairman of the 21st Century Competitiveness Subcommittee, for bringing this resolution to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my support for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007. Chairman Duncan Hunter and the Ranking Member, Mr. Skelton worked together in a bipartisan manner to produce a bill that places the highest importance on our war fighters. The brave men and women who wear the uniform of our armed services deserve nothing less than our support, and I am proud that this bill demonstrates our commitment to them. This bipartisan bill provides our military with improved capabilities and resources to carry out the important missions that we have asked of them. By increasing the pay for all members of the armed forces, this important bill recognizes the sacrifice and dedication of the men and women who serve our country. This bill also adds funds to better equip our soldiers both in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. By providing increased amounts for up-armored Humvees, improvised explosive device (lED) jammers and state-of-the-art body armor, the House bill recognizes the changing nature of current conflicts, and places a high value on the protection of our soldiers. I am also pleased that bill includes language which works toward ensuring that there is no capability gap in aerial intelligence gathering or strike force as the Air Force moves toward more modern and unmanned air vehicles. It is important that we do not lose valuable military assets currently provided by the U-2 or F-117 before there is an operational alternative. I strongly urge my colleagues to support the passage of this bill.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sadness today to honor the memory of Ed Davis, a former California State Senator and Los Angeles Chief of Police. He was a remarkable man who was a monumental presence on the Los Angeles and California political scene. Senator Davis passed away on April 22, 2006 in San Luis Obispo, CA, at the age of 89. Born Edward Michael Davis on November 15, 1916 in Los Angeles, he graduated from John C. Fremont High School and enlisted in the United States Navy where he became a decorated officer. He later received his Masters in Public Administration from USC. Always a proud alumnus, he often sported a maroon blazer and gold pants, USC's famous colors, on the State Senate floor. Joining the Los Angeles Police Department in 1940, Ed first walked a beat in downtown Los Angeles with the late Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley. Rising up through the ranks, he was a director of the police and fire union and later a trusted top aide to legendary Chief William Parker. Ed served as Los Angeles Chief of Police from 1969 until 1978 where he was known as a popular firebrand who pushed law and order during times of turbulence. Chief Davis proved popular with not only the people of Los Angeles, but also with weary Americans who were looking for tough leadership during uncertain times. During the same period, his officers' morale was at an all-time high. He became a national figure as a tough law and order proponent quelling student protests during the Vietnam War, opposing the Black Panthers, and taking a strident stance against the epidemic of hijacking in the early 1970s. In 1974, the entire Nation watched as the Chief's force had a climatic shootout with the Simbionese Liberation Army who had kidnapped heiress Patty Hearst. Several leaders of the gang died in a fiery blaze at the conclusion of the confrontation. Chief Davis implemented historic reforms at the LAPD and left a legacy of influence in law enforcement. His innovations include creating the Neighborhood Watch concept to bring residents together, and instituting community policing. While crime rose by 55 percent across the Nation during his tenure as Chief, crime actually decreased by 1 percent in Los Angeles. His influence still exists in the LAPD, and programs that the Chief invented are at the heart of every police organization worldwide. The City of Los Angeles honored him by naming the newest and most elaborate of the three LAPD training centers ``The Ed Davis Emergency Vehicle Operations Center & Tactics/Firearms Training Center'' in 1998. A respected member of the academic community, Chief Davis lecturing at USC and Cal State Los Angeles as an adjunct professor of police administration and management for 18 years. He was the author of Staff One, a leading police management textbook. Prior to his appointment as Chief, he served for many years as a law enforcement advocate working with the California Legislature in Sacramento. Among his many outstanding contributions is the landmark Peace Officer's Standards and Training Act of 1959, which set minimum police standards for California. After retiring as Police Chief in 1978, he set his sights on the California Governor's mansion. Running in the Republican gubernatorial primary, the Chief came in second to Attorney General Evelle Younger in a four-man race, which included State Senator Ken Maddy and San Diego Mayor Pete Wilson. Chief Davis returned to the political arena in 1980 after winning the State Senate election for the 19th Senate District. He represented Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, the North San Fernando Valley and the Santa Clarita Valley. Overwhelmingly re-elected to a second Senate term in 1984, Senator Davis again set his sights on higher office. He entered the 1986 U.S. Senate race against longtime incumbent Alan Cranston. His slogan, ``One Tough Cop, and One Great Senator'' recalled his glory days as Chief. The Republican race was upended when one of Senator Davis's opponents was indicted for allegedly offering him $100,000 if he dropped out of the race. The courts ultimately threw out the indictment, but the scuffle derailed the Senator's campaign and helped Congressman Ed Zschau win the nomination. Davis turned his energy and attention back to Sacramento, winning praise as a reasoned Vice Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Often called central casting's choice as a senator, the white-haired gentleman was easily reelected to a third term to the State Senate in 1988. Known by his friends as a man of great charm and graciousness, Senator Davis celebrated 50 years of public service with a gala dinner in 1991. Highlights of the evening included recorded tributes from comedian Bob Hope and former Presidents Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon. Looking forward to a peaceful retirement, Senator Davis and his wife, Bobbie, moved north to Morro Bay, California in 1992. Senator Davis is survived by his wife, Bobbie, his children Michael Davis, Christine Coey and Mary Ellen Burde and step-children Fred, Michael, and Kyltie as well as several beloved grandchildren.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sadness today to honor the memory of Ed Davis, a former California State Senator and Los Angeles Chief of Police. He was a remarkable man who was a monumental presence on the Los Angeles and California political scene. Senator Davis passed away on April 22, 2006 in San Luis Obispo, CA at the age of 89. Born Edward Michael Davis on November 15, 1916 in Los Angeles, he graduated from John C. Fremont High School and enlisted in the United States Navy where he became a decorated officer. He later received his Masters in Public Administration from USC. Always a proud alumnus, he often sported a maroon blazer and gold pants, USC's famous colors, on the State Senate floor. Joining the Los Angeles Police Department in 1940, Ed first walked a beat in downtown Los Angeles with the late Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley. Rising up through the ranks, he was a director of the police and fire union and later a trusted top aide to legendary Chief William Parker. Ed served as Los Angeles Chief of Police from 1969 until 1978 where he was known as a popular firebrand who pushed law and order during times of turbulence. Chief Davis proved popular with not only with the people of Los Angeles, but also with weary Americans who were looking for tough leadership during uncertain times. During the same period, his officers' morale was at an all-time high. He became a national figure as a tough law and order proponent quelling student protests during the Vietnam War, opposing the Black Panthers, and taking a strident stance against the epidemic of hijacking in the early 1970's. In 1974, the entire nation watched as the Chief's force had a climatic shootout with the Simbionese Liberation Army who had kidnapped heiress Patty Hearst. Several leaders of the gang died in a fiery blaze at the conclusion of the confrontation. Chief Davis implemented historic reforms at the LAPD and left a legacy of influence in law enforcement. His innovations include creating the Neighborhood Watch concept to bring residents together, and instituting community policing. While crime rose by 55 percent across the Nation during his tenure as Chief, crime actually decreased by 1 percent in Los Angeles. His influence still exists in the LAPD, and programs that the Chief invented are at the heart of every police organization worldwide. The City of Los Angeles honored him by naming the newest and most elaborate of the three LAPD training centers ``The Ed Davis Emergency Vehicle Operations Center & Tactics/Firearms Training Center'' in 1998. A respected member of the academic community, Chief Davis lecturing at USC and Cal State Los Angeles as an adjunct professor of police administration and management for 18 years. He was the author of Staff One, a leading police management textbook. Prior to his appointment as Chief, he served for many years as a law enforcement advocate working with the California Legislature in Sacramento. Among his many outstanding contributions is the landmark Peace Officer's Standards and Training Act of 1959, which set minimum police standards for California. After retiring as Police Chief in 1978, he set his sights on the California Governor's mansion. Running in the Republican gubernatorial primary, the Chief came in second to Attorney General Evelle Younger in a four-man race, which included State Senator Ken Maddy and San Diego Mayor Pete Wilson. Chief Davis returned to the political arena in 1980 after winning the State Senate election for the 19th Senate District. He represented Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, the North San Fernando Valley and the Santa Clarita Valley. Overwhelmingly re-elected to a second Senate term in 1984, Senator Davis again set his sights on higher office. He entered the 1986 U.S. Senate race against longtime incumbent Alan Cranston. His slogan, ``One Tough Cop, and One Great Senator.'' recalled his glory days as Chief. The Republican race was upended when one of Senator Davis' opponents was indicted for allegedly offering him $100,000 if he dropped out of the race. The courts ultimately threw out the indictment, but the scuffle derailed the Senator's campaign and helped Congressman Ed Zschau win the nomination. Davis turned his energy and attention back to Sacramento, winning praise as a reasoned Vice-Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Often called central casting's choice as a senator, the white-haired gentleman was easily reelected to a third term to the State Senate in 1988. Known by his friends as a man of great charm and graciousness, Senator Davis celebrated 50 years of public service with a gala dinner in 1991. Highlights of the evening included recorded tributes from comedian Bob Hope and former Presidents Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon. Looking forward to a peaceful retirement, Senator Davis and his wife, Bobbie, moved north to Morro Bay, California in 1992. Senator Davis is survived by his wife, Bobbie, his children Michael Davis, Christine Coey and Mary Ellen Burde and step-children Fred, Michael, and Kyltie as well as several beloved grandchildren.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 781, a measure to recognize charter schools, as well as their students, parents, teachers, and administrators. This week marks the Seventh Annual National Charter Schools Week, and I thank my colleague Mr. Porter for taking the lead in recognizing these schools today. Mr. Porter is a strong supporter of education and serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee. Each year Congress honors charter schools and those involved in the role they play in reforming and improving our Nation's public education system, and for good reason. Year after year charter schools make significant contributions across our Nation. Charter schools are public schools that agree to improved academic achievement and accountability in financial and other operations in exchange for added flexibility and independence. They are subject to all the same No Child Left Behind achievement goals as other public schools but with greater flexibility in how they improve student success. This enhanced autonomy allows charter schools to focus on increasing academic achievement for individual students rather than complying with bureaucratic paperwork. Moreover, it allows charter schools to use varied educational methods and techniques while accounting for their results. Some 3,600 charter schools serve about 1 million students in 40 States and Washington, DC. Nearly 56 percent of these charter schools have waiting lists. In other words, they are in high demand, with that demand growing all the time. That is because charter schools understand how to meet the specific needs of the local communities in which they operate, and these schools are particularly devoted to serving low- income communities. Nationwide, almost 50 percent of charter schools serve students considered at-risk or who have previously dropped out of school; and charter schools serve significant numbers of students from low-income families, minority students, and students with disabilities. Indeed, these innovative public schools allow many parents and students freedom of choice that otherwise would not be available. Mr. Speaker, through this resolution honoring National Charter Schools Week, we recognize the continued success demonstrated by charter schools and acknowledge the benefits that charter schools provide to our local communities. Charter schools provide parents with a wider variety of educational choices, and they provide students the opportunity to receive a high-quality education that they may not have received otherwise. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve my time.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the important thing is not all of the talk, the important thing is the action. As I said earlier, the Republicans have led the action in bringing this bill to the floor. We are leading the action in getting the conference report done. We do not want to do anything to hold up that process. It is important that we vote ``no'' on this motion to instruct and that we move forward on bringing this final pension conference to the bill so that we can save workers' pensions. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in the late 1990s, Congress started down the road of providing workers more investment advice to help them safeguard their retirement security. And who led the way? The House Republicans. Four years ago, after Enron and other corporate meltdowns, Congress started down the road of giving workers and retirees more freedom to diversify in their retirement plans while prohibiting senior corporate executives from selling company stock during blackout periods when workers are unable to change investments in their own plans. And who led the way? The House Republicans. Several years ago, Congress started down the road of reforming the defined benefit pension system to benefit workers, retirees, and taxpayers alike. Who led the way? The House Republicans. And just last year, as Congress finally moved on defined benefit reform for the first time in over 20 years, those efforts included proposals to address concerns over excessive executive compensation packages, even though many argue that this issue is more appropriately addressed within the context of corporate governance, not pension reform. And once again who led the way? House Republicans. Today, as we debate this politically motivated motion to instruct and as our friends on the other side of the aisle try to tie the issue to gas prices or certain companies, they are leaving out an important fact. During each of the pension reform efforts I just described, including those addressing executive compensation, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle were late to the party, or entirely absent. Only now, in the heat of a political season, are they finally engaging on this issue. Unfortunately, this transparent exercise in partisan politics will do nothing to enhance workers' retirement security. Last year, when the Education and Workforce Committee crafted the Pension Protection Act, we took aim at the unfair practice of awarding excessive executive compensation packages when worker and retiree pension benefits remained at risk. Our goal: to hold companies and their pension plan managers accountable to the workers and retirees who rely on the well-being of both. Our bottom line was this: workers and retirees who are questioning the health of their pension plans deserve to know that their companies' executives don't have the option of using a golden parachute to escape financial hardship on their own. That is a philosophy that garnered the support of 70 of our Democrat colleagues last year when the Pension Protection Act passed here on the House floor. We may hear from some of those Members today, and they may claim they supported the bill to move the process forward, in spite of some reservations. But the need to move the process forward is precisely the reason why we must vote down this politically motivated motion to instruct. The process is moving forward. We are in conference with the Senate on this bill, and executive compensation is one of the issues still to be addressed. To tie the hands of our conferees would circumvent that process and would hurt, not help, in our negotiations with the Senate. Our colleagues may be interested to know that the executive compensation language included in the bipartisan Pension Protection Act is actually broader in terms of the number of executives it could impact than the language included in this politically motivated motion to instruct. That is right. The Pension Protection Act applies executive compensation limitations to a wider scope of executives who may currently have access to these golden parachutes, executives who are directly responsible for the well-being of both the company and the plan, while the Democrat motion would place restrictions on only a chosen few in each company. So if we are truly looking for good policy and not just politics, this motion to instruct represents a significant step backward. Here is what the Pension Protection Act will do: it establishes strong, new protections that restrict the funding of executive compensation arrangements, either directly or indirectly, if an employer has a severely underfunded plan funded at 60 percent or less. Moreover, the bill requires plans that become subject to these limitations to notify affected workers and retirees. In addition to letting workers know about the limits, this notice must alert workers when funding levels deteriorate and benefits already earned are in jeopardy. So beyond simply tightening the grip on excessive executive compensation, the Pension Protection Act will require that workers are provided more information than ever before about the status of their hard-earned pensions. Mr. Speaker, simply put, when the risk of losing pension benefits is imminent for rank-and-file workers, the Pension Protection Act requires executives to also experience the same risk; contains strong, new protections for workers, retirees and taxpayers; and it includes limitations on anti-worker executive compensation arrangements. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the motion to instruct and reject this attempt to obscure progress on the pension reform. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, hybrid pension plans represent an important component of worker retirement security. In fact, more than 9 million workers today rely on these benefits for a safe retirement. Unfortunately, some continue to paint a misleading picture about these pension plans. Despite these claims, hybrid plans actually provide more generous benefits for the majority of workers than do traditional plans. These conclusions emerge from a growing body of independent research by economists and academics at some of the Nation's most respected institutions, including the Federal Reserve Board, the Urban Institute, the Brookings Institution, and the Wharton School of Business. Not only are hybrid plans especially advantageous for women and lower-paid workers, but they also comprise the only part of the defined benefit system that is growing. Hybrid plans now provide the PBGC with approximately 25 percent of its premium income. And because the total number of defined benefit plans has declined significantly over the last 20 years, it is now more important than ever to encourage employers to stay in the defined benefit system and offer these benefits. The threat of liability is creating ongoing legal uncertainty and undermining the retirement security of American workers, however. A few conversions from traditional plans to hybrid plans have raised policy questions about whether such conversions are age discriminatory. But notably, the vast majority of conversions have been handled properly within the rule of law and to benefit the workers. In a typical hybrid plan, a participant's account is credited each year with pay and interest credits. Hybrid opponents have argued that benefits for younger workers are ultimately higher than benefits provided to older workers because younger workers accrue interest and earn benefits over a longer period of time. This is tantamount to arguing that the concept of compounding interest is age discriminatory, which would make the most basic savings account illegal. In short, the argument holds no water. Recent court decisions made clear that no age discrimination occurs with these plans if the pay and interest credits attributed to older employee accounts are equal to or greater than those of younger workers. And the majority of courts have ruled that hybrid and other hybrid plans are not age discriminatory. Moreover, under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code, benefits earned under a traditional plan cannot be reduced when they are converted to a hybrid plan. That is right, in spite of assertions to the contrary, vested benefits earned by workers are never reduced in a hybrid conversion. The Pension Protection Act which was approved by a bipartisan majority in the House last December helps resolve the legal uncertainty surrounding hybrid plans and ensures they remain a viable part of the defined benefit system. The measure establishes a simple age discrimination standard for all defined benefit plans that clarifies current law with respect to age discrimination requirements on a prospective basis. And it prohibits the reduction of any vested benefits workers have earned during a conversion to a hybrid plan. Mr. Speaker, our ultimate goal is to ensure hybrid plans remain a viable option for employers who want to remain in the defined benefit system and workers who prefer the portable and secure benefit this option provides. The Pension Protection Act provides a balanced approach that protects the benefits workers have earned and provides the legal certainty needed to encourage employers to continue offering these benefits. This Democrat motion to instruct would place harsh mandates on those who voluntarily offer these pension benefits, which is particularly harmful at a time when so many are leaving the defined benefit system altogether. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the motion to instruct and reject this attempt to obscure progress on pension reform. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline), a member of the committee.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Pomeroy), my friend from the other side of the aisle.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley), member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, for the benefit of all those who are watching this debate, let me just kind of let everybody know where we are. The Senate passed a bill, a bipartisan bill. The House passed a bipartisan bill with a vote of 294-132, some of the Democrats voting for the bill. During the debate you have seen, we have had Republicans speak for the Democrat side. We have had Democrats speak for the Republican side. We are all concerned, as Mr. Foley said, about the workers of America. Where we are now is we have each passed bills. A conference has been appointed. Senator Enzi is chairman of the conference. We have had a couple of meetings of the whole conference, and he is continuing to work with all members of the conference, or most of the members of the conference, to see that we get a bill out that will benefit the workers of America. As was already mentioned, in 1986 there were 172,642 defined benefit plans. We are now down to 29,000. That is not a good direction. And the problem is we have not had meaningful pension reform in over 20 years. We are close now. This is a motion to instruct the conferees, to tell them how to function in this conference that has been set up. These motions are not binding, but they do give direction to conferees, and I think it is important that we do this. It is a good process for all of us to get to talk through this system. But the defined pension system is a voluntary system, and those offering these benefits have been leaving the system at an accelerating and alarming rate, and we are concerned about that. If we continue to burden those providing pension benefits with more and more mandates, that pace will increase even more. And who loses? The men and women depending on these pensions for their retirement security. Simply put, short-sighted and politically motivated mandates intended to help pension plan participants only end up hurting them. And that is just what this motion to instruct would do. For the sake of both employers and employees alike, we need to provide legal certainty for hybrid plans. The Pension Protection Act will provide that. This motion to instruct will not. I urge my colleagues to reject it and protect the portable and secure benefits provided by hybrid plans to nearly 10 million Americans. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, today I take pleasure in introducing the Eastern Sierra Rural Heritage and Economic Enhancement Act. As you are aware, I am fortunate enough to claim the majority of California's Eastern Sierra Mountains as part of my district. My legislation will protect some of the most pristine land in California for the enjoyment of my constituents in the 25th District, and the visitors we welcome to the Eastern Sierra's each year. My legislation calls for three wilderness additions: the Hoover Wilderness Addition, the Emigrant Wilderness Addition, and the Amargosa Wild and Scenic River Addition. The Hoover Wilderness Addition rests in between Yosemite National Park, the existing Hoover Wilderness, and the Emigrant Wilderness, and designates 39,680 acres of 11,000 foot mountain peaks, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and conifer forests as protected wilderness area. The Emigrant Wilderness addition lies adjacent to the existing Emigrant Wilderness, and claims two miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. The Amargosa Wild and Scenic River Addition designates a 24-mile stretch of river as protected, and divides the section into three parts: wild, scenic, and recreational. Given the popularity of these areas, it is necessary to find a compromise between protection of the land and local wildlife, and recreational sport. This legislation provides such a compromise, affording land for recreation and preservation. Preserving wilderness areas for future generations is imperative, and I am pleased to present this bill as an opportunity to do so. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is the result of a great deal of compromise, cooperation, and support. Assistance from the Mono County Board of Supervisors which claims the Hoover and Emigrant Wilderness Addition, and the Inyo County Board of Supervisors which claims the Amargosa River Addition has been vital to the introduction of this legislation. This bill required compromise and cooperation between the local environmental community and the Bureau of Land Management, and I am pleased with the agreement that has been reached by both parties. Support from Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, as well as my constituents in the 25th District make it a distinct pleasure to introduce this legislation, and I encourage my colleagues to support the Eastern Sierra Rural Heritage and Economic Enhancement Act.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the fiscal year 2007 budget, and I would like to thank Budget Committee Chairman Nussle for his hard work and leadership, as well as the work of his committee and staff, in putting together this blueprint. This budget maintains our commitment to funding our national priorities while exercising fiscal restraint on behalf of American taxpayers. I think that is the thing that they should be doing. This commitment is one that the Education and Workforce Committee has taken and continues to take seriously. As part of the last budget process, we placed our student loan and pension insurance programs on a more solid financial foundation. We expanded benefits for those attending college and saved taxpayers billions of dollars in the process. Just like last year, we fully intend to be key players once again. My colleagues know that there is no higher priority for the Education and Workforce Committee than our Nation's students. In this Congress alone, this House has passed legislation to reform our early childhood education programs, expand college access, and strengthen our job training and vocational education systems. These reforms have been backed in recent years by an equally impressive record of funding for our Nation's education priorities. As you can see in this chart, over the past decade Federal education funding has increased by about 150 percent. Breaking these numbers down further, funding for No Child Left Behind has increased by one-third since it became law a few years ago, Pell Grants are funded at an all- time high, and Federal aid to low-income schools is consistently high as well. Those who claim that we are shortchanging any of these programs may have rhetoric on their side, but they do not have reality on their side. The reality is our education priorities are well-funded, and this budget continues that practice. But we also must not lose sight of the fact that today's students are tomorrow's taxpayers, and it is unfair to leave them with exploding budget deficits. That is why this budget's ability to balance priorities and restraint is so important. Mr. Chairman, American taxpayers have a right to know that our top priorities are well funded, but they also have the right to expect a return on their massive annual investment in Federal programs. This budget strikes a responsible balance between the two, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the life and memory of Trueman Kirk Peek. Every once in a while, a person comes along who has the capacity to positively influence people, the community, and life in general. Kirk Peek was just such a man. It saddens me to say that, tragically, he perished in a plane crash on January 17, 2006. Kirk was born on August 14, 1938 in Unionville, Missouri. Very patriotic and dedicated to our country, he joined the Marines in 1956. He was an avid outdoorsman and after his discharge, Kirk settled in Lone Pine, CA. A 41-year resident, he was the community's beloved barber and his shop was considered the unofficial center of town. People went to Kirk's barbershop for a friendly chat, to find shelter from inclement weather, shoot pool, or to pick up dry cleaning. Kirk was not always there, but the door was never locked. His shop was also a sort of self-help bank as well because frequently the cash register wasn't locked either. As Lone Pine's informal ambassador, Kirk welcomed tourists and his barbershop felt like a second home for many people. Kirk was involved in several organizations over the years including the Lions Club, Mt. Whitney Golf Club, Little League, the volunteer fire department, Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce, Inyo Associates, and the Lone Pine Booster Club. Appointed to the Inyo County Board of Education in 1998, Kirk felt it was an honor to serve and he continually provided astute insights, wise counsel, and humble leadership. An accomplished pilot, Kirk flew almost everywhere. He loved to fly and said it gave him a sense of spirituality and a sense of awe. He felt at home in the air and he would always make sure his plane was available for a friend in need. Although Kirk will be remembered as a gregarious, honest, and caring man who was generous with his time and talents in order to help others, Kirk's lasting legacy rests in his family. He was a dedicated husband to his wife, Judy, and a loving father to daughter, Beth, as well as a devoted grandfather to Sara and Daniel Blodgett. Sadly, Kirk's son, Phillip Shawn Peek, passed away in 1991. When Oscar Wilde said, ``Some people cause happiness wherever they go,'' he could have been talking about Trueman Kirk Peek. With his contagious sense of fun and enthusiastic love of life, Kirk always brought out the best in people. He had a genuine affection for others and made friends wherever he went. And those friends deeply miss Kirk and mourn his passing.