Tom Petri

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. English from Pennsylvania, for yielding, and I appreciate the hard work that he and members of his committee have done in this area. I had the privilege of appearing before his subcommittee as we were considering the financing of this legislation. In fact, in September of last year, the House considered and passed a bill that resulted from that hearing, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007, which was H.R. 2881. It reauthorized the FAA for the next 4 years. On several occasions after that, the House passed bills to extend the FAA programs. Unfortunately, the other body has taken no action on any of these measures; therefore, the authority of the FAA's essential programs and taxes were extended through the end of this month as part of the omnibus appropriations act. Regrettably, those FAA programs and authorities not extended in the omnibus expired on September 30. Additionally, although the omnibus appropriation bill provided money, it did not extend the FAA's contract authority, and therefore as of December 31, the FAA no longer has the authority to make new obligations, including sorely needed Airport Improvement Program grants to allow airports to complete vital infrastructure improvement projects. The omnibus also included a provision that would prevent the FAA from spending any money of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund after March 1 of this year. Without some congressional action to extend the FAA's authority on March 1st, the FAA will be facing a partial shutdown. It is unlikely that Congress will be able to send a long-term FAA reauthorization bill to the President for consideration before the February 29 deadline. We have before us H.R. 5270. This bill would extend the funding and expenditure authority of the FAA through June 30 of this year, 2008. The bill also extends the taxes funding the Airport and Airway Trust Funds through June 30, provides Airport Improvement Program funding through September 30, and extends eligibility for essential air service subsidies and airport grant funding. Ideally, we should be considering the FAA reauthorization conference report at this time. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Instead, we are considering the third short-term extension of the FAA's authority by the House. However, this bill will ensure that our national aviation system continues to operate until a full FAA reauthorization can be enacted. There is much work yet to be done on the FAA reauthorization bill. We need to work in a bipartisan and bicameral fashion to pass legislation that the President can sign. I support this extension in order to allow us time to accomplish this important goal.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Madam Chairman, I just have to say, this is important, because, on the one hand, if you treat a direct loan as adding to the debt with no offset because it is a loan which will be repaid, the loan is an asset, there should be some offset, you can get a very misleading picture. If you are cosigning a note, you are liable on the note, and that's what we do when we guarantee these private loans. So zero costs in the direct program and outlay. And it misleads, too, because unless you compare apples and apples, you can have a badly distorted picture.

Mr. PETRI. Madam Chairman, my alternative market study mechanism, which is before us, this amendment would significantly advance our understanding of market-based reforms to the guaranteed student loan program that were begun last year during our consideration of the College Cost Reduction Act. This Congress has demonstrated significant interest in developing some type of comprehensive market-based reform in order to overhaul the guaranteed loan program and make certain that taxpayers' interests are better served. Last year, I had the opportunity to offer an amendment in the Education and Labor Committee to the College Cost Reduction Act to study and pilot a market-based reform, such as an auction, to determine how the Federal Government may better determine lender yields to reduce wasteful spending in the guaranteed loan program. This amendment was adopted in the committee and included in the bipartisan House-passed bill last summer. Well, I was pleased that an auction pilot was included in the final law. There is growing concern among reformers, the lending industry, and the administration that the Senate model which was adopted may have significant implementation and logistical challenges. However, this bill presents us with an opportunity to further study and consider an effective market-based reform proposal. So the amendment before us would simply amend the current auction pilot evaluation language included in this bill to require the Secretaries of Education and the Treasury, in conjunction with the Government Accounting Office, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Congressional Budget Office, to evaluate the feasibility of an alternative market-based reform to the Federal Family Education Loan Program. The alternative should reduce Federal costs to taxpayers and use savings to increase need-based grants to lower-income students. I'd urge Members to support this amendment to further our understanding of market-based reform options. The study would mark an important step toward fully understanding market-based reforms of the program and would build on reforms incorporated in the College Cost Reduction Access Act. And again I'd ask my colleagues to support an alternative market mechanism study amendment. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI. I thank the chairman. I certainly would urge the chairman and the ranking minority member on the committee, as they go to conference, to keep an open mind on this proposal so we can do the best job with the taxpayers' money and help students get their loans in a cost-effective manner. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI. I yield to the chairman of the full committee such time as he may consume.

Mr. PETRI. Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. PETRI. Madam Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. PETRI. Madam Chairman, we'd just say that it's important for us to get informed, knowledgeable advice as to how to operate the student loan programs, the direct program, and the guarantee program better. In the past, we've adopted pretty much a political-based approach of Congress setting the amount of the guarantee that private lenders receive for making student loans. In the reform act this summer, we cut that and tried to put in place a pilot approach coming from the Senate for a market-based mechanism. This would broaden the study; and, I think, would, in fact, be something that will end up saving the taxpayer money if it works. And if it doesn't work, we're no worse off. It's a study. So I don't understand the reluctance to try to get the Treasury Department and experts in this area. We have auctions for loans weekly to finance the debt of our country. And we certainly can do a better job of pricing the guaranteed student loan program.

Mr. PETRI. I certainly do.

Mr. PETRI. Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. PETRI. Madam Chairman, this amendment should be much less controversial than the one that just passed. As you're aware, the Federal Government runs two Federal student loan programs that provide the same affordable loans to American students: the Federal Family Education or Guaranteed Loan Program, and the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. In the past year, a significant amount of attention has been paid to the scandal-ridden and wasteful guaranteed loan program. Reducing excessive subsidies was the primary goal of the bipartisan College Cost Reduction and Access Act that was enacted last September, and we have seen some success. But this program was so embroiled with illegal and unethical activity between lenders and financial aid officers that sweeping new rules are included in this higher education reform act aimed at ending these relationships and providing much greater transparency for students and for taxpayers. Given all of the abuse that's occurred in the guaranteed program, imagine my surprise when an amendment ended up being adopted which had the effect of targeting the direct loan program and a seemingly innocuous amendment to audit the direct loan program contained a series of reporting requirements applied only to the direct loan program which were designed to make it appear the program was performing more poorly than the tarnished guaranteed program. I should note that despite the scores of improprieties documented in the guaranteed loan program, the direct loan program has had no similar ethical abuses. Further, it has been scored as significantly cheaper by the Office of Management Budge, CBO and GAO, since its inception in the early 1900s. Now it will be one thing if the amendment applied these new reporting provisions equally to both the guarantee and direct programs, and I'm encouraged that the author of the amendment, my respected colleague from the State of Georgia (Mr. Price), has indicated that that is his intent, and I'm hoping that we can, in fact, adopt this amendment to apply requirements to both programs. But this language currently in the bill has the effect of undermining the direct loan program, boosting the guaranteed loan program's performance in comparison, and the amendment before us addresses the language. Madam Chairman, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. The amendment would maintain the audit and most of the reporting requirements added to the direct loan program but would also require comparable audits in reporting for guaranty agencies in the Guaranteed Loan program. I have no doubt the direct loan program will pass the audit with shining colors, and I look forward to the report. I hope the same can be said of the Guaranteed Loan program. I would ask support for the amendment. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I want to join my colleague, Representative Jim McDermott, in congratulating Mr. Thierry Porte on his appointment as the new chairman of the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission. He will also serve as chairman of the U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange, known as CULCON. The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission is an independent Federal agency that provides support, primarily through grants, to Americans to better understand and meet the challenges of the U.S.-Japan relationship. The commission consists of both private and certain designated public officials, and I am pleased to serve as one of two commissioners appointed from the House. Mr. Porte was nominated to join the commission and serve as chairman last year with overwhelming support from commission members, and his appointment was recently approved by the White House. His long and very direct experience in Japan and U.S.-Japan issues will serve the commission and CULCON well as we work to build greater understanding and strengthen ties between our two countries through the funding of educational, cultural, and academic programs. Mr. Porte has vast experience in the financial services industry and currently is the president and CEO of Shinsei Bank Limited. He also is a member of the board of directors and chairman of the Finance Committee of the American School in Japan. Previously, he served as vice president and governor of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, and in 2002-2003, Mr. Porte was a member of the Invest Japan Forum, which provided recommendations on the promotion of foreign direct investment in Japan to Prime Minister Koizumi. But his interest in Japan extends beyond the financial markets--he is knowledgeable in Japanese culture and the arts as well, and he will bring a unique perspective to our efforts. It is a privilege to have Mr. Porte serve as our chairman. I know he has the right background, skills and energy to continue to build on the important work of the commission.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 832 recognizes the Texas Water Development Board on its selection as a 2007 recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency's Performance and Innovation in the State Revolving Fund Creating Environmental Success Award. (PISCES) This award is given to one State in each of the ten different EPA regions and highlights successfully designed projects that further the goal of clean water. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) was created in 1957 to provide leadership, planning, financial assistance, information, and education for the conservation and responsible development of water for Texas. Its mission is a vital part of Texas' overall vision, mission, and goals related to maintaining the State's natural resources, health and economic development. To accomplish its goals for the State's water resources and for providing affordable water and wastewater services, the Texas Water Development Board provides water planning, data collection and dissemination, financial assistance and technical assistance services to the citizens of Texas. The tremendous population growth that the State of Texas has and will continue to experience, and the continual threat of severe drought, only intensify the need for the Texas Water Development Board to accomplish its goals in an effective and efficient manner. The Clean Water Act State Revolving Loan Fund in Texas has awarded communities more than $4 billion in low-interest loans to finance 472 water infrastructure projects across the State of Texas. These projects serve approximately one-half of the population of Texas, treat about 2 billion gallons per day of wastewater, and provide direct environmental and public health benefits to Texans at large. In Texas, the Northwest Water Reuse Initiative consisted of a $10.7 million project in El Paso County to deliver treated wastewater for reuse to agricultural, commercial, industrial, and residential users from El Paso's Northwest Wastewater Treatment Plant. Texas also financed a wastewater reclamation initiative to deliver reclaimed water from the City of Austin's Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, the first step in the city's development of a transmission and distribution system serving customers with reclaimed water. This resolution recognizes the importance of Federal-State partnerships in addressing water resources needs in the United States and specifically the effective and efficient manner in which the State of Texas is managing its State Revolving Loan Fund Program. I encourage all Members to support the legislation.

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us, House Resolution 832, recognizes the Texas Water Development Board on its selection as the 2007 recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency's Performance and Innovation in the State Revolving Fund Creating Environmental Success Award. This award is given to one State in each of the 10 different EPA regions and highlights successfully designed projects that further the goal of clean water. The Texas Water Development Board was created in 1957 to provide leadership, planning, financial assistance, information and education for the conservation and responsible development of water for Texas. Its mission is a vital part of Texas' overall vision, mission, and goals related to maintaining the State's natural resources, health, and its economic development. To accomplish its goals for the State's water resources and for providing the portable water and wastewater services, the Texas Water Development Board provides water planning, data collection and dissemination, financial assistance, and technical assistance services to the citizens of the State of Texas. The tremendous population growth that the State has had and will continue to experience and the continual threat of severe drought only intensify the need for the Texas Water Development Board to accomplish its goals in an effective and efficient manner. The Clean Water Act State Revolving Loan Fund in Texas has awarded communities more than $4 billion in low-interest loans to finance 472 water infrastructure projects across the State of Texas. These projects serve approximately one-half of the population of that State, treat about 2 billion gallons per day of wastewater, and provide direct environmental and public health benefits to Texans at large. In Texas, the Northwest Water Reuse Initiative consists of a $10.7 million project in El Paso County to deliver treated wastewater for reuse to agricultural, commercial, industrial and residential users from El Paso's Northwest Water Treatment Plant. Texas also financed a wastewater reclamation initiative to deliver reclaimed water from the city of Austin's Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, the first step in the city's development of a transmission and distribution service, serving customers with reclaimed water. This resolution recognizes the importance of Federal-State partnerships in addressing water resources needs in the United States, and specifically the effective and efficient manner in which the State of Texas is managing its State Revolving Loan Fund program. I encourage all Members to support this project.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The bill before us amends the International Center Act to allow the State Department to lease a Federal property in northwest Washington to nongovernmental entities. Currently, the International Center Act only permits the State Department, as has been said, to lease the property to foreign governments or international organizations. The site is occupied by the international satellite service provider Intelsat, which was privatized by an act of Congress in the year 2000. Prior to its privatization, Intelsat was created as an international organization in the 1960s to establish the world's first global satellite system. As an international organization, Intelsat leased the property for 99 years from the State Department in accordance with the International Center Act. The bill before us corrects an apparent oversight when Intelsat was privatized by this Congress. The underlying statute requires a foreign government or international organization to occupy the property, and that was no longer consistent with the lease between the government and Intelsat after Intelsat was privatized. This bill would make the International Center Act consistent with the lease.

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The bill before us designates what is a Federal building in Port Angeles, Washington, as the Richard B. Anderson Federal Building. Richard Beatty Anderson served in the United States Marines during World War II in the Marshall Islands. He sacrificed his life to save three other marines by throwing his body on a live grenade and taking the full impact of the explosion. Private First Class Anderson was evacuated to a ship where he died of his wounds on February 1, 1944. His heroism and loyalty in the face of certain death earned him the Medal of Honor. The United States Navy destroyer USS Richard B. Anderson was named in his honor in 1945 and went on to serve in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, earning 15 battle stars. This bill is a fitting tribute to Private First Class Anderson's sacrifice and service to his country. I support this measure and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Chairman, workers in this country should be able to go to work each day secure in the knowledge that all measures are being taken to ensure their safety. The tragedies at Sago, Aracoma, and Darby demonstrated that this was not the case in the mining industry. That is why Republicans and Democrats came together during the last Congress in a bipartisan manner to enact the first significant mine safety reform legislation in generations. I believe that the requirements and studies in the MINER Act are making great strides in putting in place regulations and standards and in developing technology to protect mine workers. Today, we are considering the Supplemental Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (S-MINER). I believe that this legislation is flawed in many ways and could, in fact, undermine many of the needed reforms put in place by the MINER Act. In my own State of Wisconsin, aggregate (stone, sand, and gravel) mining is a dominant industry. The safety hazards and appropriate safety procedures and equipment for this industry vary greatly from that of coal mining. In many instances, the condition of a stone, sand, or gravel operation is more similar to that of an earth-moving construction site than that of an underground coal mine. However, the S-MINER Act takes a ``one size fits all'' approach and fails to take into account these differences. Many of the regulations and penalties mandated in the S-MINER Act will fail to improve safety in aggregate mines, while putting an undue financial burden on the industry. It is important that Congress continues strict oversight of Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and related agencies as the MINER Act is fully implemented. As the recent Crandall Canyon disaster demonstrates, these reforms are vitally needed in the industry. However, today I am voting against the S-MINER Act because the bill is premature and overbroad.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This resolution honors the heroic achievements of Captain Barrington Antonio Irving, the youngest pilot and first person of African American descent to fly solo around the world. Captain Barrington Irving was born in Jamaica, as was pointed out, in 1983 and raised in Miami, Florida. His lifelong dream was to become a pilot, and this exceptional young man overcame great obstacles to make his dream a reality. On March 23, 2007, after nearly 4 years of acquiring sufficient funds for his journey, Irving embarked from Miami, Florida, on a 24,600-mile flight around the world in an airplane rightly named Inspiration. At the age of 23, Irving became the youngest person, as well as the first African American pilot, to fly around the world when he returned to Miami on June 27, 2007. During his 3-month journey, Irving visited with young people in 27 cities around the world encouraging them to enter aviation and stressing the importance of academics. Captain Barrington Irving is an inspiration and an example that, through perseverance and dedication, anyone can overcome even the greatest obstacles and can achieve their goals. I am proud to support this legislation. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this exceptional young man and commemorating his historic achievement. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would first like to welcome the chairman of our committee back. It is good to see you standing strong and firm after elective surgery and a couple of weeks hospitalization, and bringing a Christmas present with you to the pilots of our country, especially those who otherwise might be forced to retire if this is unnecessarily delayed. As you pointed out, we hoped to move it in a timely fashion. A year ago, the international community lowered the standard to 60. Now we are in a transition period, and we hope this passes today and the Senate acts in a speedy fashion, because each day we delay, a few more people's careers are disrupted unnecessarily. So I thank you for scheduling this. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the ranking Republican on the Public Works and Transportation Committee, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica).

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this needed legislation. Since 1959, the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, has required commercial airline pilots to retire at age 60. This mandatory retirement rule was initially put in place for safety reasons, although some have argued that the FAA had little scientifically backed data in 1959 to support the safety mandate. In any event, the ``Age 60 Rule,'' as it is known, soon became accepted practice. For many years the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO, also required commercial airline pilots to retire at age 60. However, in November 2006, a new ICAO standard went into effect, allowing a pilot to fly up to age 65, as long as the co-pilot is under age 60. This change in ICAO standard resulted in an immediate double standard. Regardless of FAA's policy, as of November 23, 2006, foreign pilots flying into the U.S. are allowed to fly up to age 65, provided the co- pilot is age 60 or younger. Yet, U.S. pilots must retire as soon as they reach 60 years of age. Clearly, we now have a fairness issue that must be addressed. This new double standard has caused a groundswell of U.S. pilots close to retirement to push for a similar change to FAA standards. In response to the change in the ICAO standard, the FAA announced that it would initiate an ``Age 60'' review and rulemaking process. The FAA no longer assumes that once a pilot reaches age 60 they are automatically unsafe. All the groups involved have done excellent work to save not only their careers and the careers of their colleagues, but to keep the skies as safe as possible. The FAA has forecasted that by 2015 the U.S. will have 1 billion passengers flying annually. We also are facing a pilot shortage in the near future. Clearly, we must do everything we can to ensure that our most experienced pilots are able to continue to fly as long as safety is not compromised. This legislation provides for additional medical and training requirements for pilots ages 60 through 65 to address any possible safety concerns. It is a well-thought-out bill, which evens the playing field while ensuring aviation safety. I would like to thank the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Oberstar, the ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Mr. Mica, and the chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee, Mr. Costello, for all their hard work on this long sought after legislation. This is a good, bipartisan bill, and I encourage members to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4343. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of this measure, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. H.R. 3986, the John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act of 2007, is a bipartisan bill authorizing appropriations for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for 3 years. Additionally, the bill authorizes a photovoltaic system for the main roof of the Kennedy Center. The Kennedy Center serves an important role in our Nation. Not only is it one of the busiest theaters in the world, hosting millions of patrons each year to its seven stages, but it is first and foremost a presidential memorial for President John F. Kennedy. Since its founding, the Kennedy Center has become one of the world's premier entertainment venue, featuring award-winning performances. The funds we are authorizing today will go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the facility. These repairs are in line with the comprehensive building plan maintained by the Kennedy Center and created at the direction of Congress in 1994. By supporting the regular maintenance and upkeep of the Kennedy Center, we can ensure that the center will continue to be a world-class venue well into the future. I would also like to thank Chairman Oberstar and Chairwoman Norton, for working with us on this legislation. It was important for the Kennedy Center to report back to Congress before construction begins on the photovoltaic project to ensure adequate congressional oversight of the project. I believe it is important the photovoltaic project be cost effective and appropriate for a presidential memorial. Thank you again for working with us. I support this measure and urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 3985 will level the playing field for all bus and motor carrier companies operating in interstate commerce in this area. The bill deserves support. I urge all of my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this important bipartisan bill offered by my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Over-the-Road Bus Transportation Accessibility Act of 2007 is an important bill for all people who rely on transportation by bus and motorcoaches. H.R. 3985 requires that all buses and motorcoaches comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ``ADA.'' If not, the U.S. DOT will revoke the company's authority to operate on our interstates and highways. H.R. 3985 will also require U.S. DOT and the Department of Justice to work together when an ADA violation is discovered. This will ensure that bus and motorcoach companies that violate the ADA will be held accountable for their actions. It is important to note that this bill is not creating any additional ADA requirements. H.R. 3985 does not change what is currently mandated in the ADA. Bus and motorcoach companies will not have to change their business plans, unless they are not obeying the law. This bill simply ensures that all carriers comply with the ADA, which is what they are supposed to do anyway. If a bus is not in compliance, it will not be on our roads. H.R. 3985 will level the playing field for all bus and motorcoach companies operating in interstate commerce. Companies who have ignored the ADA will not have a competitive advantage over the good actors who have spent substantial amounts on lifts and other equipment to make their buses accessible. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.