Randy Neugebauer

Mr. NEUGEBAUER

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Congressman Randy Neugebauer (TX-19). S. 3001, National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2009. Account: Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation, Army (R-1 Line 55). Project: Compact Pulsed Power for Defense Applications, $3 million. Requesting Entity: Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409. Percent and source of required matching funds: The Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics (P3E) at TTU has an operating budget approximately of $3 million supported almost exclusively by competitive grants from DOD and DOE laboratories and relevant US contractors. As a state-sponsored university, Texas Tech will provide the required matching funds for the research to be conducted by this project. Justification for use of federal taxpayer dollars: This initiative will continue the work of the P3E Center to develop compact electromagnetic radiation technology that will disrupt remote detonation electronics used in improvised roadside bombs and inner-city car-bombs. The Department of Defense's Joint MD Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) is aware of the P3E Center's technology and has invited the Center to submit an unsolicited proposal for funding from JIEDDO, which is currently pending. The P3E Center also receives support from the Office of Naval Research. In the past 10 years, the P3E Center has focused its research in the areas of high power microwave systems, explosively driven pulsed power, compact pulsed power and ultra high-power electronics. Much of this research has been sponsored by DOD and its agencies. These technologies have matured in the last few years to a point where system integration now is possible. A great push needs to be made in this area to allow these electric weapons to reach the military now, where they are clearly needed today. Funding from this initiative will accelerate the P3E Center's research to allow the compact pulsed power technology to be fielded by the military in a shorter period of time.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Speaker, due to a family matter, I was absent for the following rollcall votes held September 22 and September 23, 2008. Had I been present, I would have voted as indicated for each rollcall listed: rollcall vote 616: ``nay,'' rollcall vote 617: ``nay,'' rollcall vote 618: ``yea,'' rollcall vote 619: ``nay,'' rollcall vote 620: ``no,'' rollcall vote 621: ``yea,'' rollcall vote 622: ``yea,'' rollcall vote 623: ``no,'' rollcall vote 624: ``yea.''

Mr. NEUGEBAUER

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, due to a family emergency I was absent for the following rollcall votes held on September 15, September 16 and September 17, 2008. Had I been present, I would have voted as indicated for each rollcall listed. Rollcall vote 589: ``yea''; rollcall vote 590: ``yea''; rollcall vote 591: ``yea''; rollcall vote 592: ``nay''; rollcall vote 593: ``nay''; rollcall vote 594: ``nay''; rollcall vote 595: ``nay''; rollcall vote 596: ``nay''; rollcall vote 597: ``nay''; rollcall vote 598: ``yea''; rollcall vote 599: ``nay''; rollcall vote 600: ``yea''; and rollcall vote 601: ``yea.''

Mr. NEUGEBAUER

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that a letter from the Department of the Treasury and the President's Working Group be entered into the Record in connection with this bill.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. I thank the ranking member. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3221. Every Member of this House cares about our Nation's economy and the difficult financial situations that many Americans face. What the majority has done in response is to load up a housing package under the guise of attempting to stabilize the housing and financial markets. This bill will only make matters worse, particularly for the taxpayers. The majority has combined reforms that we all agree are long overdue, such as a stronger regulator for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, modernization of FHA. But these, some of these other provisions propose a significant risk to the taxpayers and our economy. At a time when the housing market is relying on GSEs to fulfill their mission in ensuring a continued mortgage liquidity, Congress should not divert $5.8 billion to a housing trust fund. At a time when taxpayers are being asked to loan more money to GSEs to provide some kind of a backstop, Congress should not be siphoning income out of this company and out of the capital of these entities. At a time when many Americans are working hard to pay for their mortgages, they are struggling with high energy costs, high food costs, they shouldn't have to struggle making their own mortgage payment and their neighbors as well. And that is what this bill would do. Those on the other side say that the CBO estimates the chances of the probability of 50 percent that no authority for Treasury to support the GSEs would be needed. Well, let's go to the doctor, and the doctor says to you, well, there is a 50 percent chance that you are healthy, and there is a 50 percent chance that you are not. That would not be very reassuring to the patient, and it certainly should not be very reassuring to the American taxpayers, particularly when CBO also says it is not clear what criteria Treasury would use to provide this assistance to GSEs. As Congress is wrestling to address our current economic situation, we must remember that markets are not always kind, but they are very efficient. The sooner the Federal Government really indicates that the market is the best place to settle a lot of these issues, the sooner the capital will start to return to these markets. Quite honestly, Mr. Speaker, right now the markets are sitting on the sideline to wait to see what other goodies that the Congress is going to do to sweeten the pie. Mr. Speaker, we need to defeat this bill. We need to come back and do the reforms that make sense for the American people. But we do not need to load up this bill with extraneous stuff that is bad and not in the best interest of the American taxpayers.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, later today the House will consider legislation that will negatively impact our Nation's housing and financial markets, not to mention the taxpayers, for years to come. The majority has combined some reforms that are long overdue. One of those is to make Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have a stronger regulator and to modernize FHA to make it relevant and more effective for borrowers across our country. Unfortunately, this bill also includes provisions that would put the taxpayers on the hook for people that may have borrowed money that they shouldn't have borrowed and for lenders that made loans that shouldn't have been made. It also diverts billions of dollars from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae at a time when we're saying that they may not be adequately capitalized. Madam Speaker, at a time when Americans are having a hard time making their mortgage payments and dealing with high food prices, they do not want to be saddled with their neighbor's house payment. I urge my colleagues to defeat this legislation.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this time to remember Polk Robison, a lifelong supporter of District 19's Texas Tech University. Mr. Robison passed away June 27, 2008, at the age of 96. Polk Robison was best known for his service to Texas Tech Athletics, where he was a champion basketball player, coach, and athletic director. Mr. Robison's devotion to his alma mater helped push Texas Tech Athletics into the Southwest and Big 12 Conferences and into the national spotlight. Born in Springfield, Tennessee, Mr. Robison and his family moved to Texas when he was 14. He graduated from Lubbock High School and then from Texas Tech in 1934, earning not only a degree in journalism, but also three consecutive Border Conference basketball championships as a center. Mr. Robison's love of sports led to an early career in coaching football at Burkburnett High School, which soon turned to working for General Motors in Houston. His passion for athletics and Texas Tech brought him back to the university in 1941 as an assistant football and basketball coach. The following year, Mr. Robison moved into the head basketball coach position and remained there for 18 seasons, accumulating a record of 249-196, three Border Conference titles, and a Southwest Conference championship--ranking him second in all-time victories of any Texas Tech coach. His talents extended beyond the basketball program. Mr. Robison served a short stint as the university's tennis coach, leading the team to a Southwest Conference championship. He made a gradual change into a ten-year career as Texas Tech's athletic director and retired in 1977 while serving as the athletics administrator for finance and development. He continued to attend Red Raider basketball games until he was 95. Mr. Robison's devotion overflowed to the community. He served the Lubbock Rotary Club for 40 years, and the Westminster Presbyterian Church named its park in honor of Mr. Robison, a church elder, and his wife, Stephanie. His student jersey number--appropriately, the number one--hangs retired in the university's United Spirit Arena. Former head basketball coach Bob Knight permanently designated a Polk Robison chair next to the team's bench at every home game, bearing the name of this university legend. Mr. Robison cared deeply for his family: his wife, the late Stephanie Corley Robison and his three children, Bill, Kay, and Anne. He also made a lasting impression on his players for his professionalism, caring nature, and motivation. He enjoyed seeing them not only grow as athletes, but grow into men. Those from District 19, including myself, will miss Mr. Robison's enthusiasm for life, dedication to improvement, and tenacity in making Texas Tech a respected and outstanding institution.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Speaker, as we did today, 234 years ago Congress heard its first prayer as they opened their Congress. And I wanted to read that prayer this morning because I think it's a prayer for America and this Congress today: Be Thou present; O God of Wisdom, and direct the councils of this Honorable Assembly. Enable them to settle all things on the best and surest foundations; that the scene of blood may be speedily closed; that Order, Harmony, and Peace may be effectually restored, and Truth, and Justice, Religion, and Piety prevail and flourish among the people. Preserve the health of their bodies and the vigor of their minds. Shower down on them, and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world, and crown them with everlasting Glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ Thy son and Our Savior. Amen. Mr. Speaker, may prayer always be a part of this body, and may prayer always be a part of America.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. I appreciate the gentleman, and I think the leadership in his party has been very clear of what their energy policy is: No, we are not going to do anything about it. I now yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Price).

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher).

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Section 106 of the Senate flood insurance bill would reform the National Flood Insurance Program in a significant way by phasing out taxpayer subsidies and requiring that rates are based on an actual risk of flooding basis. The Senate bill achieves this goal more quickly and fairly than the House bill, which does not begin phasing out premium subsidies for nonresidential properties and nonprimary residences until 2011. We owe it to the American people whose lives get turned upside down in the aftermath of flood disaster to encourage an efficient, effective program, with adequate resources to be there for them when they need it. Risk-based pricing will reassure taxpayers that they are not subsidizing those who choose to live in high-risk areas near coastal lowlands or flood plains where many property owners have repetitive losses. Section 106 of the Senate version of the flood bill would also eliminate subsidies within 90 days of enactment for prospective policyholders of nonresidential structures, nonprimary residences, and severe repetitive loss properties. It would also eliminate subsidies within 90 days for properties that undergo improvements or renovations that exceed 30 percent of the fair market value of the property, and any property that sustains damage exceeding 50 percent of the fair market value after the enactment of this bill. In addition, Section 106 includes a provision that would prohibit subsidies and require risk-based pricing for prospective policyholders if the property was not insured within 90 days of enactment or if the policy lapses as a result of deliberate choice by the policyholder. Risk-based pricing would also be required if the prospective policyholder refused to accept an offer for mitigation assistance or relocation following a major disaster. These are prudent measures to strengthen flood programs, phase out taxpayer subsidies, and encourage a premium pricing structure that is based on the actual risk of the property to flooding. While not part of this motion, I also believe it would be ill-advised to force the National Flood Insurance Program to take on new risk of wind coverage, as it would expose taxpayers to further losses and could unnecessarily interfere with the functioning of private wind insurance markets. The Republican minority believes that the chief objective of Congress should be to reform the existing National Flood Insurance Program, including the removal of subsidies over time to improve the long-term solvency of the program. Adding new coverage to the program that has already lost $18 billion is a move in the right direction. Madam Speaker, I want to stop and reiterate that the program, the reason this is so important is that we continue to subsidize this program and the deficits keep going up. Now, some people say, Well, the program pays for itself. But the truth of the matter is, Madam Speaker, this Congress is going to have to write off billions of dollars because the system is currently insolvent now, and now others want to increase and expand the coverage and postpone putting risk-based premiums in place. The American people already are dealing with a lot of other issues. They don't need to be dealing with having to subsidize the National Flood Insurance Program any longer. As the conferees work on this final flood insurance bill, we ask that they produce a bill that is fiscally responsible and does not saddle future taxpayers with more losses. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. In addition to rising to offer this motion to instruct on H.R. 3121, the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2008, I believe it's also critical that we talk about another issue that is very important to the American taxpayers, and that is a sound and reliable energy policy for our country. I am repeatedly frustrated and I know the American people are repeatedly frustrated that this Congress has done nothing this summer, this year, to produce one additional barrel of oil to help reduce the dependency problem that this country has on foreign oil. This is not only an economic security issue for our country, it is a national security issue for our country. We know that we have seen in the last few days that the Iranian Government is flexing their muscle and they are saying that they want everybody to know that they are a world power and that if people make them mad, or if they decide to do something, that they could close the Strait of Hormuz, where I think someone said almost 40 percent of the world's oil passes through that port. That just says to us that this is a national security issue as well. There's a very simple solution to America's energy problem. It's not complicated, it's not complex. It's a simple, three-letter word. It's yes. It's saying yes to drilling for oil within the borders of the United States of America. It's saying yes to drilling in Alaska and off the Outer Continental Shelf. It's saying yes to continuing to develop and use the 250-year coal supply that America has. As someone said a while ago, we are the Saudi Arabia of coal. There are new technologies out there converting coal and liquefying it to use as a very clean and efficient energy source. It is saying yes to building more nuclear power plants in this country. We haven't built a new nuclear power plant in I think over 30 years. It is a very safe, reliable source of energy and does not create a lot of greenhouse gases. It is saying yes to building new refineries in our country. Not only, Madam Speaker, are we importing 70 percent of our oil, but because we haven't built a new refinery in this country in over 30 years, we are importing from 10 to 15 percent of our gasoline. It is saying yes to renewable and alternative energy sources, such as wind, solar and biofuels. Madam Speaker, what we need to do is have a balanced energy program, looking at renewables, looking at new technologies, but also producing American resources. This growing energy crisis is affecting every facet of Americans' daily lives. As they try to drive to work, I had recently a telephone call with a constituent, and he said, Congressman, I have to drive three times a week to get medical treatment, and it is over 100 miles to and from to get that treatment. He said, I am down to the decision now whether I can afford to be able to go and get my treatment or buy groceries or make my rent payment. I need some help. Madam Speaker, the American people are looking to this Congress to do something. And we can do something. We can say yes; yes to new technologies, yes to producing American resources, instead of exporting billions of dollars to foreign countries and letting them develop their resources. I believe last month, June, the average import, this is daily import, Madam Speaker, was 13 million barrels a day, 13 million barrels a day. That is $1.8 billion dollars every day that America gets up and writes a check to send somewhere else. Not to invest in America. We write a check for $1.8 billion every day to send to some foreign countries. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, some of those countries that we send that check to aren't all that friendly to the American people. Our friend, Mr. Hugo Chavez from Venezuela, we write him a check every day for $170 million. I am sure the American people are pretty excited that $170 million of investment that could be building America's resources and creating jobs in America is going down to South America, to Venezuela, to one of the people that have said we are imperialists and that they have invaded America not with armies, but with their oil. So, Madam Speaker, what we have to do is we have to begin to look at why we are not doing anything in this Congress. One of the things I have noticed that we worked on this summer, and I know the American people will be extremely excited to know, is that we have protected foreign cats, foreign dogs, monkeys, and today we will spend about 3 or 4 hours naming a scenic route. Now, I think that really goes a long way to assuring the American people that we are in fact working on energy solutions that will bring lower energy prices for the American people. Madam Speaker, we have to begin to say yes, not only to these high energy prices affecting Americans' ability to go to and from work. Teachers, for example, in rural areas, driving 50, 75 miles, their cost of transportation is almost doubling, but their salaries are not going up. Those teacher contracts are out right now and they are saying, should I accept that teaching contract in that little rural community, where it is going to almost take a pay cut to do that because of the cost of gasoline? It is affecting food prices. One of the things we know about energy, Madam Speaker, is it is interwoven in every aspect of our life. In the production of food, farmers are paying record prices for fertilizer and for diesel. So that is just the production side. The chemicals have gone up. Several chemical companies in the last few weeks have announced double digit increases in the cost of their commodities. Now that we have produced those products, now we have to get those products to the processors and to the market. The cost of processing that food has gone up. Once we produce that food and we process it, then we have to deliver it to the distribution systems, and from the distribution systems to the grocery stores, and then the American people have to go to the grocery store. All along the way, these high energy prices are causing huge inflation for our country, and, Madam Speaker, we have to do something about it. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. I yield the gentleman an additional minute.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, I offer a motion to instruct.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren).

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry) 3 minutes.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, could I inquire of the amount of time that I have remaining.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. At this time, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito).

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, just in response to the gentleman, what can we do, we can increase the supply. And as the other previous speaker from Florida said, we are not talking about geothermal or switch grass, Madam Speaker. We are talking about proven technology. We know we that can use oil. We know that we can use nuclear. We know that we can use coal. And the only way you are ever going to lower the price is increase supply, yet my colleagues on the other side are saying ``no.'' The American people are saying ``yes.'' I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland) who has been trying to bring this point to the forefront in this Congress.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, it's my honor to yield 1 minute to the distinguished minority leader, Mr. Boehner.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, one of the things I want to say is we are more than willing to work in a bipartisan way if the majority leader has a plan to supplant the fact that we import 13 million barrels a day. If he's got some plan to do that, the Republicans will stay here till December to pass that legislation. I just want to also let the gentleman know that the largest wind farm in the world is in my congressional district, and there's more wind power in my congressional district than in the whole State of California. We were able to accomplish that in just 5 years. Madam Speaker, what the American people that are here today, they want to know is, is this Congress, is this majority, going to do something about energy. Either yes or no.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great leader in the 19th District of Texas. America's military has a solid foundation of tradition and heritage handed down from generation to generation. The United States Air Force in particular holds three core values: Integrity, Service Before Self and Excellence in Everything We Do. While every airman who wears the Air Force uniform is expected to practice those core values, there are a select few that lead by example and rise above all others. For that they are rewarded with one of the military's highest honors--Command. As Commander of the 7th Bomb Wing, COL Timothy Ray led more than 5,000 men and women in direct response to the Global War on Terrorism. As home to the B-1B Lancer, under Colonel Ray's leadership, Dyess airmen repeatedly sent our enemies running, providing constant vigilance and rapid response backed by overwhelming fire power. In addition, Dyess' C-130 aircrews have done incredible work saving lives by taking soldiers and marines out of the line of fire and into the safety of the air. As a leader, Colonel Ray has been a stalwart champion of the men and women of Dyess AFB as well as their families. He has also been a great friend to the city of Abilene. His tireless efforts have made Dyess Air Force Base a model installation, especially during a time of war. Colonel Ray worked very hard to set tough energy efficiency conservation standards with the families and airmen first in his mind. His efforts on behalf of the Air Force and the American taxpayer leave Dyess Air Force Base a better place. I wish Colonel Ray many years of continued success and thank him for his service to this great nation. I join with the city of Abilene and the 19th District of Texas in saying how proud and thankful we are for his leadership. The United States Air Force is blessed to have such a capable leader in COL Timothy Ray.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to talk about energy, the fact that this is the people's House and the people are speaking. They are speaking loud and clear. Unfortunately, I do not think that the Democratic leadership is listening to the people. Survey after survey says we are tired of sending money to Hugo Chavez. Let's spend that money in the good old USA. Madam Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, when this new leadership took charge, said we are going to bring real change for America. Well, the real change that this leadership has brought for America is we have the highest gasoline-diesel prices in the history of this country. Madam Speaker, real change would be for the Democratic leadership for a change to begin to bring bills to the floor of this House that will bring long-term energy security and lower gasoline prices for the American people. Madam Speaker, it is time for a change. It is time for you to change your position and bring energy legislation to the floor so that American people do not have to suffer and we do not have to send Hugo Chavez any more of our hard-earned money.

Mr. NEUGEBAUER

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back my time.