Doris Matsui

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker I would like to thank Chairman Frank, Chairwoman Waters, as well as Ranking Members Bachus and Capito and all the staff for all the work they've done to get us here today. I would also like to thank FEMA for their technical guidance throughout the year. The amended bill before us today includes language from H.R. 1525 that I authored to provide technical changes to Federal flood zone designations. This legislation makes a number of modifications to the National Flood Insurance Act in order to give communities clarity to help them restore and improve their flood protection system. From my hometown of Sacramento to the Louisiana bayou to the plains of the Midwest, communities are advancing flood protection infrastructure in order to keep Americans safe and secure. However, as we work to conform to changing dynamics of flood protection, these communities are seeking clarity as they work to meet Federal regulations. Public safety is my absolute number one priority. And during the last year that I worked with local, State, and Federal flood protection officials, that remains our priority. This bill will give communities clarity so they can continue to uphold public safety and promote proper protection. Specifically, this legislation will update current law to take local, State, and Federal funding into account when determining designations. The city of Sacramento and the State of California have devoted millions of dollars toward flood protection. That investment should simply be recognized by the Federal Government. For my constituents this is vital. FEMA needs to recognize what our State and city have contributed when they review the progress made on the Natomas levees in my district and determine the area's flood designation. This legislation also helps communities understand requirements for a completed system. Current regulations are vague on what a completed system actually is, and this has caused great concern and confusion among local communities. This provision brings greater clarity by combining a public safety standard with a concrete milestone. Protecting our constituents from the dangers of floods requires a comprehensive approach. Local communities, States, and the Federal Government must all be thoughtful and committed partners to achieve public safety. I am glad that the bill before us today includes this Federal commitment to give communities clear objectives as they work to improve flood protection infrastructure.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Obie Brandon, a dear friend and community leader who passed away last week after a valiant fight against cancer. Obie was a prominent labor leader in the Sacramento Region, and his death leaves a great void in the fight for the rights of working families and the labor movement. As his family, friends, and labor brothers and sisters gather to honor and remember his wonderful life, I ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting one of Sacramento's most well-respected figures. Obie was an admired advocate for the working class citizens and an unapologetic champion for the rights of the underserved and needy. Obie's roots in labor began early in his life with his first career beginning in 1962 as a flour miller for Pillsbury. After the plant closed, he continued his career with United Grocers until he was called for military service in Vietnam. After serving his country for two years in Vietnam, Obie returned to his position with United Grocers. He was a steadfast advocate of labor and continued his support of labor by becoming an active member of the International Longshoremen's Warehouse Union Local 17. He began as the Recording-Secretary for the ILWU Local 17 in 1970 and soon became the Local's President in 1973. Obie was widely recognized as a tough negotiator and strong advocate for the rights of Union labor members. His ardent support for the labor movement soon caught the attention of Roy Mack of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 498. Obie later joined Mack on the staff of the Local 498, where only eight months into his membership he was elected Secretary-Treasurer, a position he would hold from 1982 to 1990. Later, along with other labor leaders, Obie helped form the Coalition of Organized Labor Board, an organization of 24 local Unions representing some 150,000 members and committed to bringing Unions together to provide mutual support. He served until his passing as the group's Secretary-Treasurer. Through his advocacy at the local and state levels, Obie became an important ambassador between labor Unions and Commercial Enterprises. In addition to his work with the UFCW, Obie served as Vice President of the Sacramento Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. He was a passionate supporter of working class citizens and their rights through labor Unions, and his ardor and commitment to these issues resonated in his advocacy. Obie contributed to the growth and maturity of countless people and was a true champion of the labor movement. Madam Speaker, as Obie Brandon's wife Kathy, his children Tera Clizbe and Eric Brandon, his three grandchildren, Cameron, Brandon and Taylor, and his friends gather to honor his wonderful legacy and countless contributions, I am honored to pay tribute to him. I ask all my colleagues to pause and join me in paying respect to an extraordinarily loving man, Obie Brandon.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

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 highlight a significant appropriations bill. After seven hearings, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water crafted an important bill that brings our spending priorities in line with America's vision for a brighter tomorrow. The bill before us invests in new technologies, scientific research and conservation efforts. It increases funding for the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation allowing them to continue their mission to improve our water infrastructure. The bill continues to invest in the development of a new smart grid to ensure electricity delivery and energy reliability, and it makes a commitment to renewable energy and scientific research. The bill also continues ongoing nuclear nonproliferation efforts and rejects funding for the development of a new nuclear weapon. Mr. Speaker, 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. 645 Offered by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida Strike the resolved clause and all that follows and insert the following: Resolved, That immediately upon the adoption of this resolution the Speaker shall, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3183) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. Points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI are waived. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII. Amendments so printed shall be considered as read. When the committee rises and reports the bill back to the House with a recommendation that the bill do pass, the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I want to make a point. Infrastructure spending on public safety projects in this bill will save jobs across America. Infrastructure spending is also smart investment, exactly the kind of smart investment the American people want this Congress to be making at this difficult point in our history. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates levee construction provides a 6-to-1 return on flood damages prevented when compared to initial investment cost. At the same time, our country's levees are crumbling and putting public health at risk. Now is exactly the time to invest in this critical public good. With that, I reserve my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I want to make a point. This bill makes an investment in nuclear power and makes it clear that nuclear energy is a component of the overall energy mix. The bill provides $812 million for nuclear, $20 million above the fiscal year 2009 level, and $51 million above the President's request. Support is provided for existing activities funded in fiscal year 2009 and ensures this area is included in our funding priorities. And with that, I reserve my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from New York, a member of the Committee on Rules, Mr. Arcuri.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 645 provides a structured rule for consideration of H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2010. 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 and Mr. Visclosky for their work on this bill. They have been tireless advocates for vital funding in this legislation which truly meets the needs of a number of important areas from our water infrastructure to our national energy policies. Specifically, the bill provides $5.5 billion for the Corps of Engineers, which is $139 million over 2009 levels. For my constituents, this funding is more than just numbers. It is a matter of survival. My district sits at the confluence of two great rivers, the Sacramento and the American. The Sacramento is considered to have the highest flood risk of any major metropolitan city in the United States. Almost a half million people, 110,000 structures, the capital of the State of California and up to $58 billion are at risk of flooding in my district alone. The Federal investments in this legislation for the Corps of Engineers directly benefits not only my constituents but the capital of the eighth largest economy in the world. Vital funding will strengthen levees along the American and Sacramento Rivers, levees which keep my constituents safe every single day. The bill also makes it possible for the Corps of Engineers to complete a GRR to protect the Natomas community in my district. Additional funds will go toward levee construction in south Sacramento, which will give that community 100-year protection. These are projects I have worked on throughout my career in Congress, and I am eager to see it move forward. Finally, this important appropriations bill will also invest in modifications to the joint Federal project to provide greater efficiency in managing flood storage in the Folsom Reservoir. From the joint Federal project in Sacramento to the levee work in the Mississippi Delta to the coastal restoration in the southeast, this bill works to protect our communities and commits to a strong investment in our aging infrastructure. The legislation before us today builds on the job-creating work of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which has already started to stem the tide of bad economic news. In April, $10 million was invested in flood protection infrastructure in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This project alone will create up to 200 quality American jobs in manufacturing and construction. In my district alone, the Recovery Act has invested $21 million already in keeping my constituents' homes safe from floods and in keeping people in their jobs. The legislation before us today builds upon this positive record of infrastructure investment as a job- creating strategy. It will employ scientists to perform hydraulic studies, engineers to design levees and construction workers to move the dirt. When we rebuild our infrastructure, we rebuild our economy. The same is true for energy. When we invest in energy independence, we invest in our economic health. I strongly support the significant energy policies that this bill supports. Thanks to the congressional leadership in this House, our country is finally on the right track toward a clean energy future that will create jobs here at home and enhance our competitiveness abroad. Between the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the American Clean Energy and Security Act, this Congress has created a new day for our national energy policy. The legislation contains $1 billion to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and keep energy prices low. This funding will go toward research, development, demonstration and deployment of energy technologies which will help our country become more energy independent. When I look to the future of the world economy, other countries are already investing in the clean energy technologies that will power the future. China, for example, doubled its wind power investment in 2008 and has made its intentions clear to become the world's leader in wind energy development. The legislation before us today represents a strong step that this House can take to compete with the Chinese. This bill also looks toward the future and provides robust funding for both the Department of Energy and the Office of Science. It makes a commitment to support the advancement of innovative technologies by providing $2.25 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy. It also recognizes the importance of an efficient, reliable, secure and flexible transmission and distribution grid by increasing funding for electricity delivery and energy reliability to $208 million, 52 percent above last year's level. Every increase for clean energy in this bill is a bet on the ingenuity of the American people to compete in a global marketplace where clean energy will drive investment for decades into the future. Just as every dollar invested in levees and other infrastructure in this bill is a down payment on the safety and security of communities, like my hometown of Sacramento, safety and security is what the legislation before us today is all about. I strongly support the rule and the underlying legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank Mr. Obey and the committee for their work on this robust bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. I also ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 645.

Ms. MATSUI. For the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida, my friend Mr. Diaz-Balart. All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. General Leave

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, again I want to urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this motion to consider so that we can debate and pass this important piece of legislation today. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Technically, this point of order is about whether or not to consider this rule and, ultimately, the underlying bill. In reality, it is about trying to block this bill without any opportunity for debate and without any opportunity for an up-or-down vote on the legislation, itself. I think that is wrong, and I hope my colleagues will vote to consider this important legislation on its merits and not stop it on a procedural motion. Those who oppose the bill can vote against it on final passage. We must consider this rule, and we must pass this legislation today. I have the right to close, but in the end, I will urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' so that we can consider the rule and get down to doing the business of the American people. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 645 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. MATSUI

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

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. The rule before us today is a fair rule. It allows us to highlight our current energy policy challenges and a vision for a better tomorrow. The bill contains expedited procedures for consideration of a joint resolution of approval related to an international reserve allowance program. Such procedures are within the jurisdiction of the Rules Committee, and it is the committee's understanding that the procedures are placeholder language that will be finalized as the legislation moves forward. The Rules Committee looks forward to working with the other committees of jurisdiction on this provision. From water, to energy, to transportation, agriculture and public health, climate change is a defining environmental challenge of our time. The action we take today will impact our country in a positive way for generations. Today, it is this Congress' responsibility to pass comprehensive energy policy that charts a new course towards a clean energy economy. The underlying bill, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, takes huge steps to create jobs, help end our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and fight global warming. I urge my colleagues to recognize the urgent nature of the challenge before us today. If we do not act, we face disastrous consequences. Nearly every scientific society around the world has warned of the cost of inaction. On the other hand, if we do act here today, we make our planet more sustainable, more economically viable and more efficient than the world we live in today. We will make a positive impact, not only on the billions of people who live on the Earth today, but for generations into the future. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the remainder of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Lujan).

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I don't see my speakers present there, so I'm ready to close. I will use my remaining time to close.

Ms. MATSUI. I have additional speakers coming.

Ms. MATSUI. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Quigley).

Ms. MATSUI. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff).

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to a member of the Committee on Natural Resources, the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Heinrich).