Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to another member of the committee, the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Kirkpatrick).

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I would like to yield 2 minutes to another member of the committee, to my friend from Texas (Mr. Al Green).

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I would inquire of the time remaining on both sides.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, again, to my friend from Indiana, I don't think the language in the bill could be any clearer about these detainees and their being part of the No Fly List. I am going to now yield 2 minutes to my friend from New York (Ms. Clarke), who is a member of the Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I yield another 30 seconds.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Thank you. I'd say to my friend from Indiana, I appreciate his concerns, and virtually everything that he is concerned about is in the bill. And I think it's important that I read from section 405, found on page 87, where it says, ``The Assistant Secretary, in coordination with the Terrorist Screening Center, shall include on the No Fly List any individual who was a detainee housed at the Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on or after January 1, 2009, after a final disposition has been issued by the President. ``For purposes of this clause, the term `detainee' means an individual in the custody or under the physical control of the United States as a result of armed conflict.'' So virtually everything he talked about is in this bill already, and that's why the bill came out of Homeland Security without opposition. With that, I yield 5 minutes to the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, how much time on each side remains?

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I yield the gentleman 2 more minutes.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments of my friend from Florida. I think they would have more weight on maybe another bill than this one, where clearly there has been bipartisan effort from the very beginning. The bill has been in the works for a long time, and it passed out of the committee without objection. So with that, I would yield 5 minutes to the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Mr. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. House Resolution 474 provides for consideration of H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act of 2009. This legislation is a much-needed fix to an agency tasked with maintaining security in some of our most important facilities. The urgency is clear, especially since many programs under TSA have not been altered or revised since their original authorization in the Aviation and Transportation Security Act passed immediately after the attacks on September 11, 2001. Since that time, we have seen threats against our transportation systems change dramatically. We've seen attacks against rail and mass transit systems in London, Madrid and Mombai. As a result, this legislation broadens the focus of TSA to address more than just aviation security, which, for years, received an overwhelming majority of funding and manpower. So this bill triples the funding for surface transportation systems. I'm pleased to say this increased attention to surface transportation is done in consultation with consumer groups to ensure security provided at subway stations and other facilities does not turn the daily commute into a daily mess. In addition, we create a much-needed position of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Surface Transportation to give a voice to that component of TSA. Another significant advance in this bill is its risk assessment allocation method. According to the FAA, there are 561 certified airports in the United States, including commercial and general aviation. Moreover, there is an untold number of bus terminals, subway stations, and rail facilities in the United States. The security of the American people demands TSA's limited resources be directed toward the modes and facilities which face the greatest risk. This bill directs the TSA administrator to adopt a policy whereby funding is allocated based upon risk, not merely based on population or some other criteria. Regarding aviation security, the bill provides for a strengthened perimeter security program at our Nation's airports. It also provides a pilot program for biometric identification access systems at seven airports for airport employees. And in many cases, security experts have found canines can provide unparalleled detection of narcotics and explosive materials. So this bill provides for 250 canine detection teams, and an amendment by Representative Doc Hastings of Washington will provide for even more. There are plenty of other positive steps this legislation makes. But what I believe is most important about this bill is the way it has made its way through the House. The bill has been developed over several months with a great amount of input from majority and minority Members, labor and business and independent analysis. The bill passed out of the Homeland Security Committee without any dissenting votes, and as it comes to the floor, 14 substantive amendments will be debated. Of those 14, eight are Republican amendments and six, obviously, are from the Democratic side. I had the privilege to serve on Homeland Security, Mr. Speaker, and it is with pride that I say I found that committee to be among the most bipartisan committees in the House of Representatives. The efforts by Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member King to work for the protection of the United States work well within the committee and allow for bipartisan effort from both sides. The rule will provide for ample debate on this important bill and allow Members to vote on many proposals to improve it. This bill is a great example of bipartisan cooperation to address a problem our Nation wishes us to address. The security of our Nation's passengers require sensible solutions, and this bill provides them just that. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the rule and the underlying bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 474.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, for purposes of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz- Balart). All time yielded is for purposes of debate only. General Leave

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 474 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Alexandria Hafkey-Haight who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Alexandria Hafkey-Haight is an 8th grader at Faith Christian Academy and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Alexandria Hafkey-Haight is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential that students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations once again to Alexandria Hafkey- Haight for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication she has shown in her academic career to her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Austin Gallegos who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Austin Gallegos is an 8th grader at Arvada Middle School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Austin Gallegos is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential that students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations once again to Austin Gallegos for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication he has shown in his academic career to his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, May 21st, I was unable to vote on rollcall votes 288, 289, 290, and 291 because of the graduation of one of my daughters from high school. The pending matter was H.R. 915, the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act. My constituents in Colorado's seventh congressional district deserve safe airways, convenient and affordable passenger aircraft service, and adequately maintained airports. H.R. 915 accomplishes these goals and many others. I am pleased to see it passed the House. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: on rollcall vote 288 (Burgess of Texas amendment) I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall vote 289 (McCaul of Texas amendment) I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall vote 290 (Motion to recommit) I would have voted ``no''; and rollcall vote 291 (Final passage) I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Carlos Gonzales who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Carlos Gonzales is an 8th grader at Drake Middle School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Carlos Gonzales is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential that students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations once again to Carlos Gonzales for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication he has shown in his academic career to his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Niki Garcia who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Niki Garcia is an 8th grader at North Arvada Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Niki Garcia is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential that students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations once again to Niki Garcia for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication she has shown in her academic career to her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Katie Guay who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Katie Guay is a senior at Wheat Ridge High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Katie Guay is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential that students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations once again to Katie Guay for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication she has shown in her academic career to her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Mayra Garcia who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Mayra Garcia is a senior at Jefferson High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Mayra Garcia is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential that students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations once again to Mayra Garcia for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication she has shown in her academic career to her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Samantha Green who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Samantha Green is an 8th grader at Moore Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Samantha Green is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential that students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations once again to Samantha Green for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication she has shown in her academic career to her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Savannah Garcia who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Savannah Garcia is a 7th grader at Drake Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Savannah Garcia is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential that students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations once again to Savannah Garcia for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication she has shown in her academic career to her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Brittany Gentry who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Brittany Gentry is a senior at Wheat Ridge High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Brittany Gentry is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential that students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations once again to Brittany Gentry for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication she has shown in her academic career to her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Maggie Hursey who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Maggie Hursey is a senior at Ralston Valley High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Maggie Hursey is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential that students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations once again to Maggie Hursey for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication she has shown in her academic career to her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Eathan Holtz who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Eathan Holtz is a senior at Compass Montessori High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Eathan Holtz is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential that students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations once again to Eathan Holtz for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication he has shown in his academic career to his future accomplishments.