Doris Matsui

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 3 minutes to my new colleague, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Ellison).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Texas who serves on the Ways and Means Committee (Mr. Doggett).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker it is my privilege to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, my friend (Mr. Rangel).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter).

Ms. MATSUI. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 801 provides for consideration of H.R. 3688, the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act, under the closed rule required by the fast track law. The rule provides for a total of 3 hours of debate, equally divided by proponents and opponents of the underlying bill. I rise today in support of the rule and the underlying legislation, H.R. 3688, the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act. I want to congratulate Chairman Rangel, Chairman Levin and members of the Ways and Means Committee on bringing this trade agreement before us today. Mr. Speaker, last week we passed legislation to help strengthen our current trade adjustment assistance program to protect American workers. Our country faces increased pressure as a result of globalization, and we must continue to reaffirm our commitment to the American workforce. It is evident that we need to change our current trade strategy. At the same time, we must also acknowledge the positive impact that international trade has had on our economy. International trade currently accounts for a quarter of our gross domestic product. Competition has proven to spur innovation and create new jobs. In my home State of California, we know that our IT companies need exports of semiconductor chips. Our farmers need the markets of Europe, Asia and Latin America. And our entertainment industry, financial services and telecom companies need to sell their services to grow and create jobs. But it also affects industry in America. We know that, and that is why we have a balanced approach to our trade agreements. Mr. Speaker, the trade agreement before us today is part of the broad context in which we should consider trade policy. It will establish an important precedent for how we craft future trade agreements. Under the new Democratic Congress, free trade agreements must provide strong labor and environmental protections. They are essential to promoting healthy workplaces and competition for American employees and around the world. Congress must consider each agreement on its merits. In some cases, these agreements will meet increased access for American producers and service providers. In other cases, these agreements could mean more competition and would significantly impact our workers and communities. I understand that many of my colleagues have strong views on trade, but one thing we can all agree on and be proud of is the fact that our leadership worked vigorously to ensure that democratic principles were included in the Peru agreement. In previous free trade agreements, these principles were noticeably absent. The initial Peru Free Trade Agreement draft reflected the ``business as usual'' approach that this administration has based its trade policies on. Democratic leadership went to Peru, met with the Peruvian president and prominent members of its Congress and developed a new free trade agreement, one that includes the strongest labor and environmental chapters in any of the world's over 300 bilateral free trade agreements. It is not CAFTA. This is the first free trade agreement of its kind. It is a new free trade agreement, one that incorporates fully enforceable internationally recognized labor standards; that also promotes international environmental standards, including combating illegal logging, protecting the ozone layer, and our oceans; and an agreement that will provide Peruvians with lifesaving medicines. All three provisions are unprecedented in any free trade agreement and all three are core democratic principles that we should all be proud of. This agreement is also about leveling the playing field for U.S. companies to compete in the Peruvian market. The Andean Trade Preference Act passed in 1991 and expanded in 2001 allowed Peruvian companies to benefit from duty-free trade with the United States. Meanwhile, U.S. goods exported to Peru continued to face tariffs as high as 12 percent. The agreement before us today will give U.S. businesses immediate, duty-free access for more than 80 percent of U.S. consumer and industrial goods. This agreement will also allow us to forge a closer alliance and relationship with one of our southern neighbors. It is no secret that other countries are investing heavily in that part of the world. This agreement will send a strong message to our southern neighbors that the United States is here to help promote openness in their government and their economy. In closing, I urge my colleagues to look at each free trade agreement based on its merits. It is easy to promote or oppose free trade unequivocally and not look at the facts of each agreement. I am confident that this agreement will benefit our Nation, benefit our workers, and benefit our businesses. This agreement will serve as a model free trade agreement for years to come. Once again, I want to congratulate Mr. Rangel and Mr. Levin for their hard work. Mr. Speaker, 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 insert extraneous materials into the Record.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier). 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 801 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, the bill under consideration today represents the core of what the American people send us here to do. It invests in children's health and encourages our young people to serve their communities. It helps people train for the workplace and provides funding for crucial education programs. It represents the best of what government by the people can do. That is why I am pleased to support the rule and the underlying legislation, Madam Speaker. I am particularly encouraged by the investments it makes in children's health and in national service. Today's appropriations package fully funds the National Children's Study. This Study is a perfect example of the kinds of long-term health initiatives that the government is perfectly positioned to lead. It will examine 100,000 children from before birth to age 21. The data generated by the Children's Study will help us develop cures for diseases like autism, asthma, childhood obesity, and diabetes. The Children's Study is the first of its kind, Madam Speaker. But we do not have to wait decades for the Study to change lives. In just a few short years, it will begin generating useful data on premature birth, common birth defects, and prenatal links to autism. I am pleased that today's appropriations package invests so wisely in the National Children's Study, and I urge all my colleagues to support it as a result. Madam Speaker, the conferees also recognized the importance of our National Service Programs. Over the last few years, service members have provided humanitarian and educational assistance to the victims of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. More recently, they have offered their services to help calm the wildfires that have devastated my home State of California. I am pleased that the conferees appropriated high funding levels to help sustain and grow our service programs. National Civilian Community Corps received over $24 million in funding. Currently, there are only three of these campuses in our Nation, and I am glad that this funding will help build two new campuses. I am also pleased to see that the other important programs--like Learn and Serve America, Volunteers in Service to America and AmeriCorps State and National programs--all received high levels of funding. These National Service Programs are essential to the health of our communities and Nation. Madam Speaker, today's legislation is about making our priorities clear. Protecting children's health and encouraging national service are not choices we have as Members of Congress. They are responsibilities. I am pleased that today's legislation fulfills our collective responsibilities as representatives of the people. I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying legislation. The material previously referred to by Mr. Hastings of Washington is as follows: Amendment to H. Res. 794 Offered by Mr. Hastings of Washington At the end of section 1, insert ``It shall be in order for a separate vote to be had upon demand on that portion of the conference report consisting of Division B.''.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 and to encourage all of my colleagues to vote to override the President's veto for this long overdue legislation. We have not had a WRDA bill in over 7 years. If Hurricane Katrina taught us anything, it is that investing in our infrastructure is a crucial component of preparing for emergencies. Seven years is perilously close to an entire generation without a national overarching water policy. In my hometown of Sacramento, we are all too aware of the importance of investing in water projects. We live at the confluence of two great rivers: the American and Sacramento. Sacramento is the most at-risk river city in the Nation, and we know that we must be vigilant in our efforts to increase our flood protection. This bill marks a significant step in our efforts to increasing the security of our Nation for generations to come. To be clear, Mr. Speaker, we need this bill in Sacramento and the Nation needs this bill. After years of inaction, the bipartisan WRDA bill we have passed comes not a moment too soon. There should be a WRDA bill coming out of Congress and signed by the President every 2 years. Unfortunately, the President has turned his back on assuring the safety and security of the American people. This strong, bipartisan legislation will take significant steps to improve our flood protection and invest in the future health of our communities. In Sacramento we know exactly how important this bill is to our safety, and I look forward to voting to override the President's veto today. I want to commend Chairman Jim Oberstar, Ranking Member Mica, Subcommittee Chairwoman Johnson, and Ranking Member Baker for their strong bipartisan leadership in making WRDA 2007 a reality.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to Thomas P. Friery and his 29 years of service as the city of Sacramento's treasurer. Under Mr. Friery's nearly three decades of leadership and dedication, Sacramento has experienced great growth and prosperity. As his friends, family and coworkers gather to celebrate his farewell, I ask all my colleagues to join in honoring his leadership and many remarkable accomplishments. Since becoming treasurer in 1978, Mr. Friery has worked under 10 mayors, and 72 councilmembers. Upon taking over as treasurer, Mr. Friery inherited the responsibility of managing the Sacramento City Employee's Retirement System and its unfunded liability of $60 million. The pension fund was expected to grow to a $170 million deficit, but under Treasurer Friery's superior financial management the deficit was eliminated in 1991, and the system now has $450 million invested in it. In doing so, Thomas Friery helped re-establish Sacramento's AA credit rating, allowing the city to borrow money at a lower cost. Mr. Friery's innovative financial strategies have been vital to the prosperity of the city of Sacramento. City leaders and I have always been confident of Mr. Friery's financial management skills. In 29 years of service, Thomas has always been able to provide a capable solution to the most pressing problems. Under his guidance, Sacramento became the first city pension fund in the State to invest in gold and silver. Those funds delivered 120 percent returns on the investment over a 2- year period. Additionally, over the past 29 years, the city has issued 250 bond offerings, raising more than $4 billion for the city. In the 18 years prior to Mr. Friery, the city had made only 10 bond issues worth a total of $70 million. Mr. Friery also played a key role in the successful transition of the former Sacramento Army Depot into a business and industrial center after the depot was closed. In 1996, Treasurer Friery along with Mayor Joe Serna, assembled a financing package that included a loan of $17 million to Packard Bell Electronics for improvements to the former Army depot, which included $9 million for moving and other expenses. In the end, the company moved to Sacramento and at its peak employed 5,000 employees. The plant has since closed, but the company repaid the loan back and over $400 million in salaries were paid to local reserves. That deal spurred future development at the depot which has now grown to house over 60 companies and is far more diversified. In another bold move, Mr. Friery was vital in ensuring that Sacramento still remains the home for the Sacramento Kings. In 1997, when the Kings were exploring alternative cities and venues, he crafted a loan that enabled the team to continue building upon its legacy. It was also Mr. Friery who helped develop the financing that was crucial in ensuring light rail was developed in the region. This significant upgrade to Sacramento's transit system has allowed for further city development and an increase in property values throughout the region. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the numerous contributions made by Sacramento City treasurer Thomas Friery during his 29 years on the job. His devotion and love to our city of Sacramento is held in the highest regards. On behalf of the people of Sacramento and the Fifth Congressional District of California, I ask all my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Friery for his public service as we wish him success in his future endeavors.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the reappointment of Roger Sant to the Smithsonian Board of Regents. I am a new member of the Board of Regents since January. And although the past eleven months have been challenging for the Smithsonian . . . this period of transition will result in a new Secretary, an improved governance structure and a stronger relationship with Congress and the American people. I believe that much of the changes can be attributed to Mr. Sant's leadership during this time. In March, Mr. Sant led the effort to create both an Independent Review Committee, headed by Chuck Bowsher, formerly the Comptroller General of the United States . . . and an internal Governance Committee, on which I serve. As a result of both of the committees' work, the Regents adopted a comprehensive set of governance reforms, comprised of 25 specific changes in June, 2007. In broad terms, these reforms will ensure that the Board of Regents and the Secretary of the Smithsonian work together in a constructive partnership, and will improve the Smithsonian's culture of accountability and transparency. To date, eleven of these 25 reforms have been implemented in whole or in part, and the remainder will be implemented by May, 2008. Additionally, Mr. Sant serves on the new Facilities Revitalization Committee. The Committee is addressing shortfalls in funding for Smithsonian facilities revitalization and maintenance, estimated to require $1 billion above current funding levels over the next ten years. The Regents are hard at work developing a plan to fund this shortfall and return the Smithsonian's museums and other facilities to the condition expected by the American public. My colleagues and I on the Board of Regents are fully committed to ensuring that the Institution operates at the highest level of integrity and transparency. Mr. Sant has been involved at every level of reform and has done a tremendous amount of work, as have my fellow Regents. The Board is guided by the same principals that guide our work in Congress . . . operating as a public trust . . . following only the highest ethical standards . . . and conducting business with an increased ethos of transparency. The Board's accomplishments during these few months are notable, as are its plans for future improvements. The Board of Regents is currently conducting a search for a new Secretary, and is still in the midst of a thorough and thoughtful process to reform its governance structure. We have the momentum and the dedication from the Board Members and need to be able to continue our work. I applaud Chairman Brady and Ranking Member Ehlers for moving Mr. Sant's reappointment at this time. And for their continued commitment to the betterment of the Institution. Let me conclude by saying that each year, over 25 million visitors come to the Smithsonian. The National Collections, containing over 135 million items, are cared for, displayed, and made available for research by this beloved institution. The Smithsonian faces many challenges as it pursues its mission for ``the increase and diffusion of knowledge.'' While the Board works to find a new Secretary, institute governance reforms and address facilities needs . . . the Smithsonian continues to mount world-class exhibitions and conduct cutting-edge research in science, history, art, and culture. The Smithsonian offers a uniquely American experience to all of our constituents when they come to the nation's capitol. Mr. Sant's dedication and commitment to the Smithsonian benefit us all. I would urge my colleagues to support his reappointment to ensure that all of the reforms that he has helped to implement are executed in a prompt and timely manner. I thank him for his leadership during this period of transition.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia, chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources, Mr. Rahall.

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

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 780 and ask for its immediate consideration.

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

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

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I'd like to say that we are discussing H.R. 2262, and it's about more than protecting water quality and preserving the environment, which it does. It also takes into account industry concerns and provides economic assistance from mining communities. One- third of the revenue created by this bill will go to a community assistance fund to help mitigate the social and economic impacts of this legislation. Both the Rules and Natural Resources Committees held hearings on this bill, during which time Republicans and Democrats were given the opportunity to offer amendments to the bill. In fact, the Natural Resources Committee held four hearings on this bill that stretched over five different days. During this time, they adopted a bipartisan set of amendments. After the bill made its way through the legislative process and maintained bipartisan support, the Rules Committee allowed for seven amendments to be considered on the floor. These seven amendments address major issues in the bill. This will give opponents the opportunity to debate on the floor the merits of key issues of the bill. Of the seven amendments allowed under this rule, more than half, five, are Republican amendments. Mr. Speaker, we all know that this bill is long overdue. It should have been passed decades ago. But it's never too late to strengthen current law so that it preserves the environment, protects communities, and addresses public safety. This legislation does all three. I commend Chairman Costa and Chairman Rahall on crafting a balanced and bipartisan bill. This legislation is proof that we can reap the benefits of our Nation's abundant natural resources while also preserving them for future generations. Metals like gold, silver and copper help make this country what it is, Mr. Speaker. How we manage these resources going forward will make us what we are in the future. With that in mind, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I'm the last speaker on this side, so if the gentleman would like to close.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Perlmutter).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 780.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to offer an amendment to this much-needed legislation. My amendment clarifies that river watersheds will be eligible to receive some of the cleanup funding that will be generated by this bill. Watersheds are crucial for the health of our Nation. They help move our goods, preserve our ecosystems, and protect our communities from flooding. Managing our Nation's watersheds in a holistic and responsible way is essential. If we do not protect and maintain them, we jeopardize critical parts of our environment that support commerce and recreation. In arid States like California, Nevada, and Utah, river watersheds are even more important to economic and environmental health. Watersheds support a variety of agricultural, economic, and recreational activities. In my home State of California, for example, the Sacramento River Watershed forms the basis for fertile farmland, thriving urban areas, and outdoor recreational opportunities. However, many watersheds are located near active and abandoned mines. Years ago rivers represented great economic opportunity. Rivers are where many precious metals are located. But the drive for these minerals has left a negative environmental legacy. In Nevada, more than 7,000 tons of mercury were deposited into the Carson River Watershed during the quest for silver. In the California foothills, tens of thousands of mines were dug for the gold that was discovered in the watershed running through my district. More than 4,000 of these abandoned mines pose environmental hazards. We must protect these river watersheds that are vital to our way of life. That is why my amendment is needed. It does not change the underlying structure of this very good bill. But it does make it crystal clear that cleaning up watersheds affected by mining is a priority. Mr. Chairman, mining impacts water all across the West. Our river watersheds feel the effects of mining to a great degree. Addressing these impacts requires a comprehensive management approach. My amendment is crafted, and offered today, with this in mind. And it acknowledges that good watershed management is a critical tool of maintaining our natural resource. It recognizes that by protecting watersheds, we are investing in a public good that all Americans use. And it ensures that this public good will be maintained for future generations. I urge all Members to support my amendment.

Ms. MATSUI. I yield to the gentleman from West Virginia.

Ms. MATSUI. I thank the chairman. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.