Doris Matsui

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say that further investing in water recycling is sound public policy. This bill would allow the Bay Area to reuse water. This legislation would not mandate additional water transfers or adversely affect California's Central Valley in any way. H.R. 2442 is a proactive step taken by our delegation to address California's water situation in a positive way. I'd like to yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Ms. MATSUI. I also ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 830.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, we are in a drought. We are in a drought. That's a fact. And this legislation will help ensure that future droughts in California will have less of a damaging impact. When water is used more efficiently, droughts like the one we are currently experiencing become less severe because we have built in defense mechanisms. We know that the drought, and not the Endangered Species Act or House leadership, is the real reason why so many individuals are suffering in California's Central Valley. In fact, according to Ron Milligan, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation operations manager for the Central Valley Project, the average delta water exports prior to 2008 were 5.7 million acre-feet. In 2009, the export fell to 3.6 million acre-feet. Of the 2.1 million acre-foot shortfall, 1.6 million is due to the drought. Only 500,000 of the decreased results are from the delta smelt ruling. If anything, our colleagues who represent that part of the State should support H.R. 2442 as a means of fighting against the drought. They should also support it as a way to increase the amount of water available statewide for local agencies to access. I reserve my time.

Ms. MATSUI. I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman.

Ms. MATSUI. I yield the gentlewoman an additional 30 seconds.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), the sponsor of this legislation.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the remainder of my time. The rule before us today is a fair rule that allows us to make a strong Federal commitment to sustaining California's economy, water supply, and our environment. This bill was reported unanimously by the National Resources Committee on September 29. It was voted under suspension on September 30. It was introduced in May. There has been ample time for the minority to review this legislation. Now is the time to act on it. The Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Expansion Act would lessen the limited demand for fresh water by the region and the State. It is critical that we avoid partisan debate and disagreements over water issues and pass this legislation. Moreover, the House has already expedited similar measures for a bipartisan collection of congressional districts across California. The south Orange County recycling project was passed in February in Mr. Calvert's district. The Lake Hodges Surface Water improvements was passed in April in Mr. Bilbray's district. The Calleguas Municipal Water District recycling initiative was approved in September for Mr. Gallegly. The Magna Water District Reuse proposal in Utah was passed for Mr. Chaffetz's district. The Hermiston water recycling and reuse project in Oregon was passed for Mr. Walden's district. And the Tule River Water Development Act was passed by a vote of 417-3 in July for Mr. Nunes' district. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that local water projects typically have bipartisan support here in the House of Representatives. I am disappointed that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have set aside that tradition, forcing us to bring this rule to the floor today. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule. The material previously referred to by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida is as follows: Amendment to H. Res. 830 Offered by Mr. Diaz-Balart At the end of the resolution, insert the following new section: Sec. 2. On the third legislative day after the adoption of this resolution, immediately after the third daily order of business under clause 1 of rule XIV and without intervention of any point of order, the House shall proceed to the consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 554) amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that legislation and conference reports be available on the Internet for 72 hours before consideration by the House, and for other purposes. The resolution shall be considered as read. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the resolution and any amendment thereto to final adoption without intervening motion or demand for division of the question except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Rules; (2) an amendment, if offered by the Minority Leader or his designee and if printed in that portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII at least one legislative day prior to its consideration, which shall be in order without intervention of any point of order or demand for division of the question, shall be considered as read and shall be separately debatable for twenty minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent; and (3) one motion to recommit which shall not contain instructions. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not apply to the consideration of House Resolution 554.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions). All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only. General Leave

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 788 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. MATSUI. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 788 provides for consideration of the conference report for H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for 2010. The rule is a standard conference report rule. It waives all points of order against the conference report and against the consideration and provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. However, I want to point out that although the rule waives all points of order, the conference report does not violate either clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The resolution provides for 1 hour of general debate controlled by the Committee on Appropriations. Mr. Speaker, I first want to thank Chairman Obey as well as Mr. Pastor for their work to bring this conference report before the House today. When we think of the long-term health of our country, the Energy and Water appropriations bill is one of the most important bills that we consider. The conference report before us today will keep communities safe from flooding, invest in clean energy and renewable technologies, fight nuclear proliferation, and create jobs through infrastructure development. Without this bill, millions of homes would be exposed to devastating floods, clean energy research that will power the next generation of money-making technologies will stop, nuclear weapons proliferation would pick up again, and the pace of job creation in the clean energy sector would slow to a crawl or even stop altogether. These are the reasons why today's conference report is so important. In the field of energy, the conference report fulfills Congress's promise to chart a new path for a national energy policy. The conference agreement provides $27 billion for the Department of Energy to help fund clean energy development and perform basic scientific research. It devotes millions of dollars to solar energy development, advanced vehicle technologies, energy-efficient buildings, and biofuels that can be grown right here at home. When we make our own fuel, Mr. Speaker, we create domestic jobs and also take steps toward becoming energy independent. We recognized this fact in the Energy and Commerce Committee when we wrote the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which is why I'm pleased to see these provisions part of today's conference report. This appropriations bill also funds a number of applied research grants at the Department of Energy for potentially high-reward activities like fusion energy, high-energy physics, and biological research. Future generations will look back at these investments and thank us for having the foresight to recognize that one generation's long-term research is future generations' short-term gain. Many of my colleagues would be satisfied to know that the conference report also devotes resources to fossil fuel-based energy that can provide a boost to our energy independence efforts in relatively short order. In it, $672 million is provided for research and development into things like carbon capture and sequestration, natural gas recovery, and unconventional petroleum research activities. This research will benefit independent petroleum producers and can also help make our country more energy independent for the short term. Also to that end, the conference report takes a responsible approach toward nuclear energy by investing in fuel cycle research and development. By providing more than $700 million for nuclear energy, the conferees made the pragmatic calculation that nuclear will be part of our energy mix in the short term. But no matter how electricity is generated, one challenge we face is delivering it effectively to its destination. For this reason, the conference report provides more than $100 million to modernize and secure our national electricity grid. By almost tripling the amount of funding for grid-connected energy storage and cybersecurity, the conferees have recognized how closely our energy policy is tied to our national security. The energy portion of this conference report is only half the story though, Mr. Speaker. For my district and for people living in floodplains across the country, this energy and water conference report is a major victory. Funding for the Army Corps of Engineers is increased over both 2009 levels and over the President's request for a total of $5.4 billion. For my constituents, this funding can be a matter of life and death. My district is where the Sacramento and American Rivers converge. As a result, Sacramento is the most at-risk city for major flooding in the United States. More than 440,000 people, 110,000 structures, the capitol of the State of California and up to $58 billion are at risk from flooding in my district alone. Nearly $90 million of vital funding in this conference report will reinforce levees along the American and Sacramento Rivers to keep these national assets safe and dry. For all of Sacramento, this means safer homes, more secure schools, better protected community centers and a higher quality of life. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, Federal levees currently provide a 6-to-1 return on flood damages prevented when compared to initial building costs. But the flood protection funding in this conference agreement is more than just dollars and cents, Mr. Speaker. When I go home and walk along the Sacramento River, and when I look at the houses and schools and parks that sit behind the levees, I'm reminded how vital the Energy and Water bill is. In many parts of the country, it can mean the difference between a thriving city and a disaster area. Flood protection is a regional undertaking though. Floodwaters do not stop and start based on congressional district boundaries. That is why I am pleased that the conference report contains more than $60 million to improve the ability of Folsom Dam to protect my constituents who live below it. This money will also help the Joint Federal Project to provide greater efficiency in managing flood storage in Folsom Reservoir. Around the whole country, from Sacramento to the Mississippi River Delta, from rural Ohio to the Bronx River Basin, this conference agreement protects our communities by investing in our aging infrastructure. And when we rebuild our infrastructure, we rebuild our economy. The infrastructure funding in this conference report before us today will continue this pattern of creating jobs while investing in public safety. For that reason, I strongly support the rule and the underlying conference report, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank Mr. Obey and the Appropriations Committee for their hard work on this conference agreement. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I want to remind my colleague on the other side of the aisle that we're not debating the American Clean Energy and Security Act or the health care reform bill. We are dealing today with the conference report for Energy and Water Development. And I must say that this is a bill, a conference report, that has strong bipartisan support. As far as job creation, this is about infrastructure, spending on public safety projects that will save jobs across America. As I said before, it's a smart investment, the type of smart investment the American people want this Congress to be making at this difficult point in our history. Our Nation's levees are crumbling, and we're putting public health at risk because of things like that. This is the time to invest in infrastructure like this. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 788.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. The rule before us today is a fair rule that is aligned with the customary practice of the House for rules governing debate on conference reports. After numerous hearings and constructive negotiations with the Senate, the Appropriations Committee has crafted an important and balanced bill. It invests in new technologies, scientific research, and conservation efforts that are critical to the long-term health of our economy and our planet. Most importantly for my district, this legislation increases funding for the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation. Every dollar is crucial for my constituents in Sacramento as we work to improve our water infrastructure, as I know it is to all my colleagues in the House with similar bills. I want to thank Chairman Obey and Chairman Pastor for recognizing how critical this funding is to all of us. We rely upon it to fortify our levees, raise our dams, and keep our communities safe and dry. This bill also looks to the future by investing in the development of a new smart grid to ensure electricity delivery and energy reliability. And it makes a strong commitment to renewable energy and scientific research. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Klein).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. The rule before us today allows the House to consider a very important and time-sensitive piece of legislation under suspension of the rules. It will help this body expedite a bill that most of us recognize needs to be passed as quickly as possible. Because there will be no Social Security COLA this year, millions of seniors will see their part B premiums rise with no offsetting bump in Social Security benefits. Now is not the time to turn our back on people who depend on Medicare for essential health care services. This is particularly true as we continue our drive to make health insurance, including Medicare, more stable, secure, and affordable for everyone in this country. I urge my colleagues to consider the needs of the Medicare-dependent constituents. Vote for the previous question and for the rule, and approve the underlying legislation. I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 766 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. MATSUI. For the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart). All time yielded during the consideration of the rule is for debate only. General Leave

Ms. MATSUI. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3631, the Medicare Premium Fairness Act, under suspension of the rules. It allows this body to consider time-sensitive legislation under an expedited process to shield millions of Medicare beneficiaries from harmful premium increases for the coming year. Due to the struggles facing our economy today, many seniors will not receive Social Security COLAs this year, even though the Medicare part B premiums will still rise. The Medicare Premium Fairness Act addresses this problem by protecting Medicare beneficiaries from bearing the burden of increased premiums because of an economic downturn largely outside of their control. And it does so without adding to the deficit. Without today's bill, seniors who are new to the Medicare program will see their monthly premiums jump dramatically. Other part B recipients will shoulder an unfairly large share of cost increases because of the way current law requires part B to be funded. Cash- strapped States will be forced to bear the burden of higher Medicare costs for dual-eligible beneficiaries. For these reasons, I believe my colleagues will agree with me that inaction is not an option here today. As our country begins to climb back out of one of the largest recessions in recent memory, now is the worst possible moment to saddle our seniors with increased premiums. Many respected outside groups agree with this statement and have endorsed the Medicare Premium Fairness Act. AARP, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, and the Alliance for Retired Americans have all endorsed H.R. 3631. These groups understand that we're living through a time when rising costs have threatened the health care people in this country have and deserve. This is true for Medicare beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries alike. For this reason, making health care more affordable for all Americans is our top priority. And protecting and strengthening Medicare is an essential part of this vision. I urge my colleagues to support today's rule and the underlying bill so that beneficiaries can continue to see their doctors; so that they can continue to afford their prescriptions, especially medications; so that they can continue to have money to spend and cycle back through our recovering economy. By acting quickly and decisively on today's bill, we underscore our commitment to preserve Medicare for millions of people who have earned the security it represents and who count on the stability and the dignity it provides. In doing so, we will keep our collective promise to stand with America's seniors as they age and to ensure they have the health care they need to live long and fruitful lives. We must never forget that Medicare is an essential part of our country's social contract. It guarantees that America's seniors will not be forced to fend for themselves when the economy momentarily turns sour or when they get sick or as they age. This is the living legacy of the Medicare program, and it is a legacy we build upon today. But we do not have much time to act, Mr. Speaker. We must pass this legislation before October 1. This is so that the Social Security Administration can program updated premiums into a system in time to ensure that Medicare premium increases do not hit seniors in their pocketbooks and in their doctors' offices. Speed and bipartisan cooperation are of essence if we are to avoid this problem. The suspension authority this rule provides will allow the House to move quickly and decisively to move this fix over to the Senate. The sooner we have this bill on the President's desk, the better off millions of Medicare beneficiaries will be. I urge my colleagues to recognize that passing this bill quickly is in the best interest of our constituents, of the Medicare program, and of our country. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous materials into the Record.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the civic leaders, city officials and community members who have contributed to making Safety Center Incorporation a success for the past 75 years. This organization started in 1934 and has created a number of innovative programs to help educate thousands of people around the Sacramento area regarding safety on and off the road. I ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting Safety Center Inc. on the 75th anniversary of their founding. Since its inception, Safety Center Inc. (SCI), formerly known as Sacramento Safety Council, has created several safety training programs for children, teens, disabled adults and seniors. In 1935, 1 year after establishing the organization, SCI conducted its first safe driving training to Sacramento High School students; and in 1936, SCI opened a traffic school for teens. By means of this traffic school program, young drivers were able to use the SCI testing device to learn how quickly they would react in potential driving scenarios. After much excitement between the 1930s and 1950s, the SCI was formally incorporated into the State of California in 1959. In the 1970s, SCI continued to expand its horizons. On December 9, 1971, SCI authorized the establishment of a drinking and driving program. One week after SCI authorized this program, the State mandated that drunk drivers attend remedial classes, in order to help prevent future drivers from this illegal and unsafe driving behavior. Due to a high Spanish-speaking population, the organization offered Spanish- language defensive driving courses, as well as Courts Alcohol Re- Education (CARE) programs by the mid-1970s. Within the last quarter-century, Safety Center Inc. has educated more than 2,000 teens in defensive driving techniques, almost 900 seniors in mature driving and more than 600 students in motorcycle riding safety. To include children in their efforts to keep all Californians safe, SCI established a life-saving safety education center known as Safetyville. Children, preschool through third grade, are taken on a tour through a town-like setting, in which they learn fire, pedestrian, stranger danger and railroad safety precautions. This children's program has provided life-saving safety education and training to more than 125,000 children since 1984. On September 26, 2009, SCI will celebrate 75 years of stability, innovation and of course, safety. I am honored to congratulate and its members who have helped train and protect thousands of people. Madam Speaker, as my constituents gather to celebrate the Safety Center Inc.'s 75th anniversary, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the organization's monumental history and success.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Chair. I rise today in support of the legislation before us today, H.R. 3221. A college degree is now deeply intertwined with the promise of the American dream, and it is our responsibility to provide equal opportunities to America's students. As the skill requirements of jobs continue to increase, so too should access to postsecondary education for all of our nation's students. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act directs the government to originate all student loans and it also ensures that there is a role for private industry, guarantee agencies, and non-profits in providing their services. This truly is a public-private partnership. Moving all loans to the Direct Lending program will save the federal government and taxpayers almost $100 billion over the next 10 years as it eliminates tax-payer funded subsidies private lenders have been receiving to make student loans. Students in Sacramento will see a dramatic increase in their Pell grant awards over the next 10 years with total amounts going from $44 million to over $110 million in our community alone. The savings found through this proposal will help strengthen the Pell grant program, keep interest rates on student loans low, improve community colleges, and expand early childhood education. Given the recent economic downturn, more and more students are seeking aid, and additional Pell funds will allow them to achieve their goals. Elisa Pina is a fourth year student at California State University, Sacramento, which is located in my district. She is receiving the Cal Grant and the Pell Grant, and is also a participant in the Federal Work-Study Program. With the recent state budget cuts to the Cal Grant, the Pell Grant is crucial to her ability to stay in school. Elisa comes from a low-income family. Without the financial aid afforded to her through these programs, she would have never been able to afford college. Elisa's story, thanks to the federal loan program this Congress has supported, is one of millions in communities all across the country. The bill before us today will make her dream of going to college a reality for millions more. Madam Chair, for all of these reasons, I urge my colleagues to support the underlying bill.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the late Frank Fat, the 70th anniversary of Frank Fat's Restaurant, the entire Frank Fat's staff, and the Fat Family for their service and dedication to the people of Sacramento. For decades the Fat Family and their restaurants have been a local treasure and I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting them on the 70th anniversary of the restaurant's founding. After immigrating to the United States, Frank Fat first worked as a waiter and then as a manager at his uncle's Hong King Lum restaurant. While waiting tables, a customer asked Frank to go to the downstairs gambling hall to place a 50-cent bet on a Keno game. The ticket produced $900 in winnings, but the unknowing customer had left the restaurant. Frank held the cash for two months until the customer returned. As a reward for his honesty, the customer later gave Frank a loan, which he used to buy a rundown speakeasy to turn into a restaurant of his own. Frank Fat's restaurant opened on August 31, 1939, at 806 L Street in Sacramento, where it still stands today. At the time, dinners were just 50 cents and lunches 25 cents. When asked about his recipe for the enduring success of his namesake restaurant, Frank remarked, ``You give people good food, a nice place to eat it and make them happy. Pretty simple, really.'' Frank's simple combination for success has endured for 70 years. Frank represented everything good in a human being. He was decent, honest, hardworking and humble. Located only blocks from the State Capitol, Frank Fat's soon became the gathering place for every lawmaker and governor since Earl Warren. It is said more legislative decisions were made at Frank Fat's than in any office at the Capitol. Among them was the famous ``napkin deal'' that produced landmark tort reform that is still in effect today. After Frank's passing in 1992, Lina and Tom Fat, Frank's daughter-in- law and son, modernized the cuisine with a unique California-Pacific style and expanded the business to bring Chinese cuisine in the tradition of Frank Fat's to people across California. Today, Frank is remembered for the success of Frank Fat's and an expanded chain of more than a dozen restaurants across California, including locations in Old Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Cache Creek and San Diego. After 70 years of service, the Fat Family continues Frank's commitment to good food, good atmosphere and good service. Dedicated to community service, the Fat Family has continued Frank's philosophy of giving back to the community by supporting the Chinese American Council of Sacramento and the Pacific Rim Festival, which is held annually in Old Sacramento. In honor of the 70th anniversary, the Fat Family, community leaders, and restaurant patrons will raise money for Sacramento Crisis Nurseries. Madam Speaker, I hereby commemorate and honor the late Frank Fat, the restaurant that bears his name, its staff, and the Fat Family for their dedication in serving fine cuisine to the people of Sacramento for more than 70 years. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing the Fat Family and Frank Fat's restaurant another 70 years of unparalleled success.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 718, which recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. On April 21 of this year, with Senator Ted Kennedy standing by his side, President Obama signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. This landmark legislation makes historical investments in both national and community service programs and helps to facilitate the extraordinary interest in volunteerism we are seeing throughout the country and in my hometown of Sacramento certainly, too. The Serve America Act also designates September 11 of every year as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. This year, and with this resolution, we are recognizing the observance of the first-ever federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance. This bipartisan resolution calls upon all Americans to engage in community service and contribute to local projects in their neighborhood on September 11 in tribute to those who selflessly served their communities during the attacks on that day, as was mentioned by our New Yorkers here and people throughout the country. On that day and the days following, first responders, rescue and recovery workers and perfect strangers came together to help those in need. Their sense of patriotism and service truly made our Nation great. This year we will honor them not only by remembering their heroism, but by recommitting ourselves to bettering our communities and our country. This Friday, we will join with Americans across the country and give back to our communities by volunteering to build houses, participate in literacy programs, lead neighborhood cleanups, collect food and clothing for the coming winter, and really much, much more. As a result, extraordinary things will be happening all through this country. The service events taking place will help address some of our Nation's toughest problems, from poverty and unmet education needs to preparing for natural disasters. As co-Chair of the National Service Caucus, it is a pleasure to call attention to the tremendous work of volunteers participating in the first-ever National Day of Service and Remembrance and to partner with my colleague Peter King of New York on this legislation. I also want to thank MyGoodDeed.org, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and the families of 9/11 who helped make this a reality and for promoting volunteerism and service in every corner of our county. I am really proud that this body has come together and has been a leader in recognizing the importance of volunteerism and community service. Please join me in honoring this spirit of service by voting in support of this resolution.