Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Conservation but efficiency. We can, through just engineering, basic engineering, architecture, design work, be more efficient in how we power this country and how much energy we use and consume. And we don't want to be putting a lot of carbon, continue to be putting carbon into the atmosphere. We don't want to continue to be so beholden on oil countries and oil companies. So we are, as the Democratic Congress, moving us to a new energy future. We are changing the direction of this Nation. We're not going to follow the energy plan of two oil men in the White House. That's just not where we're going to go any more.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. And, Mr. Ellison, you are right on the mark. This is about changing the direction of this Nation and not doing things the same old way that now is forcing us to see $4-a-gallon-priced gasoline. This is about changing the direction of this Nation, moving us into this century where we have many other ways to power this Nation. Now we just, all of us as a country, as Americans, we have to step forward and do this and knowing in the short run that we're facing $4- a-gallon gasoline. Now, we're going to take a look, as Members of Congress, why we've seen this dramatic spike to $4, whether--hopefully there's not been manipulation, there's not been speculation that's been improper. But even so, we need to come up with other ways to power this country, and we can do that whether it is through the research being conducted at the National Renewable Energy Lab in Colorado, whether it is the new designs that we're seeing for cars across the globe. There are many, many ways that we can improve our energy situation, and most of them start with really pretty low-hanging fruit; and that's just being more efficient.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. He came up with a vaccine so that they didn't have the disease in the first place.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I think the question is to try to distract from the real answer which is the plan, the energy plan has been to raise gas prices, and the energy plan has not worked. It's hurt Americans. And we have to come up with other ways so that we aren't dependent upon one commodity like that because we're dealing with eight or so countries in OPEC and five, or about five big oil companies. Very few countries and very few companies. And we need to have other ways to power this Nation, and we can do it. I mean, we have the ability to come up with better and more efficient cars. We have the ability to come up with more efficient homes and not in expensive ways. We're talking about changing out windows, putting in more insulation. There are opportunities to add solar or wind so that we have renewable energy sources, and these are thousands and thousands and thousands of jobs; and certainly in the construction industry, those jobs are needed today. So it is a win-win situation if we're just going to have to do these things. But even in the short run, we know that oil companies have plenty of places to drill that they aren't drilling today. So it's a phony argument.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. It clearly is. This is the time for us to get healthy, and we can get healthy in many, many different ways. And it is going to be across the spectrum, whether it is making our buildings more efficient, our homes more efficient when it comes to energy consumption, our cars more efficient, come up with different fuels, different ways to power this country, we can do those things; and it's just so obvious because it's good for national security, it's good for climate, and it is good for jobs. But let us go back to this thing about they want to drill in ANWR, they want to drill offshore, they want to drill a million places. Well, we know that right now, and I'll put up a chart, that right now oil companies are not drilling 30.6 million acres that they have offshore and 30.5 million acres that they have on shore.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Well, if the gentleman will yield.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Good evening. It's good to be here with my friend from Minnesota, and we just were listening to the gentleman from Iowa, and he was talking about what's the Democrat's plan. Well, what is the Democrat's plan for energy? Well, it's just obvious what the Republican's plan has been with two oil men in the White House. You can see exactly what has happened to the price of oil under the Bush administration. From $25 a barrel to $134.35. So when he is making comments or generally people are saying what is going on here, we can see with two oil men in the White House what the energy plan has been for this country, and that's higher and higher and higher gas prices. Now, what we've got to do is we've got to take ourselves off of oil to a greater extent than we are right now. We have to relieve ourselves of this addiction. And in the short run, we're going to feel some pain, but in the long run, the liberation from being addicted to one commodity the way we are, which is oil, which is really having a ripple effect throughout the economy, will be fantastic. And so what we are doing as Democrats is to provide other ways to save energy. A gallon saved is a gallon earned. A kilowatt saved is a kilowatt earned. And so what we want to do first is make sure that we're efficient in how we use our energy so that there is a lower demand and we aren't so hooked on petroleum and petroleum by-products. Second, we've got to find other commodities that compete with petroleum, whether it is cellulosic ethanol or better ways to make electricity through renewable energy sources. As Democrats, those are the kinds of things we're doing. It's time for us to get to the future and not continue to be hooked on oil like we have been for the last 30, 40, 50 years.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I certainly will yield to my friend from Minnesota.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Stephen Krebs for being the recipient of the 2008 Golden Rotary Ethics in Business Award. Dr. Krebs practices Internal Medicine in Wheat Ridge, Colorado and adheres to the highest ethical standards in his medical practice. Dr. Krebs enriches the lives of all that have the fortune to come in contact with him professionally or during his countless hours of volunteer service. Mentoring students, caring for local seniors and treating patients regardless of their ability to pay, Dr. Krebs' devotion to the community is limitless. In business, Dr. Krebs' generosity is coupled with a continued commitment to conservation. Dr. Krebs recycles all of his household and office materials. In addition, he has converted his entire office to a paperless office significantly reducing paper consumption. Dr. Stephen Krebs' conviction to ethical standards and initiatives in social responsibility are a model for outstanding ethics in business and is an example for all businesses to emulate. I extend my deepest congratulations to Dr. Stephen Krebs as the winner of the 2008 Golden Rotary Ethics in Business Award.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Gambro BCT, Inc., and the Gambro employees for being the recipient of the 2008 Golden Rotary Community Service Award. Gambro BCT is a frontrunner in the blood bank technology industry in Colorado, with advancements designed to improve results for the greater good of the community. In addition, Gambro and its employees have quietly made an incredible difference for thousands of people through their volunteer blood drives. In 2007, they hosted a total of 12 drives and collected 424 units of blood, helping to save 1,272 lives. In 2008 they are scheduled to host 12 more drives with collections projected at 447 units. These services result in immeasurable benefits and are decidedly worthy of this prestigious award. Companies such as Gambro BTC are imperative in communities across the United States, and recognition must be given to their dedicated employees as well. Congratulations on your fine work. I offer my strong encouragement to them to continue their dedicated and excellent efforts.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize FirstBank for being the recipient of the 2008 Golden Rotary Customer Service Award. FirstBank is a locally owned banking organization headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado and for over 40 years FirstBank has been dedicated to a high standard of customer service. FirstBank is a full service bank with local personnel, local decisions and outstanding customer service. The employees of FirstBank are available to customers 24 hours a day with fast and friendly customer service. Due to the high standard of customer care, FirstBank has become the premier leader in the banking industry in Colorado. My deepest congratulations to FirstBank on your continued success and outstanding commitment to the customers you serve.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Colorado Energy Science Center for being the recipient of the 2008 Golden Rotary Ethics in Business Award. The Colorado Energy Science Center was ``spun off'' from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to provide an independent institution that could serve the community with objective advice on energy efficiency and renewable energy applications. The Colorado Energy Science Center has fulfilled this ambition through several hundred consumer workshops, dozens of educational classes in public schools and a widely distributed free magazine. Most services to the consumer and community are free of charge. The Colorado Energy Science Center is broadening services through training programs for home builders to assure energy efficiency of new and remodeled houses. To provide advice of such importance, frequently involving the potential of substantial investment, requires competent, unbiased, well informed, responsible and reliable information of the highest integrity. These are the principles that guide the activities of the Colorado Energy Science Center and staff. My deepest congratulations to the Colorado Energy Science Center for your fine work.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Maple Grove Elementary School on their 130th Anniversary. Maple Grove Elementary School is the neighborhood public elementary school attended by my daughters. I am honored to recognize Maple Grove on achieving 130 years of service to the students, parents and community of Golden, Colorado. Maple Grove is an outstanding elementary school with a rich history in this area. The students, teachers, administrators and parents involved with Maple Grove Elementary School are second to none. I extend my deepest congratulations once again to Maple Grove Elementary School on their 130th Anniversary.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, last week, we celebrated National Teachers Day. That day represents one small token of our Nation's gratitude for the long hours and hard work our teachers endure to prepare our students for future endeavors. As a product of the Jefferson County, Colorado public schools, I can attest to the wonderful influence educators have had on my life, as well as on the lives of my three daughters. I believe we as a Nation cannot thank enough our men and women currently serving in our public education system, such as my sister Cassie, for all that they do. I particularly want to take a moment to recognize the teachers in Adams, Arapahoe, and Jefferson County, Colorado, who enrich the education of our children and have a positive impact on our communities. We must continue to invest in our public schools and colleges and ensure our educators have the tools and resources they need to give our children the high quality education to succeed in this increasingly competitive economy. Our teachers are dedicated, valuable public servants whom we owe a sincere debt of gratitude.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Israel on its 60th anniversary. While Israel is frequently cited as a model of democracy in the Middle East, I would like to focus on Israel's advances in embryonic stem cell research. The United States is still trying to fully harness the potential of this valuable research. We aim to cure debilitating diseases like Parkinson's, diabetes, epilepsy, spinal injuries, and others. But for years at facilities like Hebrew University, Tel Aviv University, the Weizmann Institute, and many others, Israeli scientists have blazed a path for the rest of the world to follow. For 60 years, Americans and Israelis have built a friendship embracing all that we share, and as the United States works to unlock the promise of embryonic stem cell research, we find yet another reason our friend Israel is so special.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I feel very fortunate today to be able to celebrate both Mother's Day as well as the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. My mother-in-law was born on Molokai, has Filipino Hawaiian and Chinese ancestry and has 14 brothers and sisters spread from Hawaii to the Philippines. And she helped instill in my daughters the heritage and the values of family, hard work, and indomitable spirit. And I feel blessed to have those particular values from the Asian American community instilled in my children. This is a great country. To have that kind of heritage and that kind of ancestry in my family now is what makes this country so great. So I get to celebrate Mother's Day and I get to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Thank you, Mr. Welch. To the gentleman from Texas, I don't think there could be anything simpler than deciding during this busy driving season to stop buying oil or placing oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. And I quote your Senator from Texas, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, a month ago said, ``I support an immediate halt in deposits of domestic crude into the SPR as we enter the busiest driving season of the year.'' So I agree with Mr. Shimkus. This is just one of many things that has to be done. And we have done a number of those already. We have added mileage so we have better fuel economy. We passed a law against price gouging. We are pushing other sources of energy through biomass and a whole variety of things. This is going to take a lot of work across the board. But this is a very simple and very direct action we are taking. We need to take it today. This is simple. H.R. 6022 should be passed. And I ask for an ``aye'' vote.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I just want to thank you and the committee for bringing a very focused piece of legislation to the House floor. Mr. Speaker, to my friends from Texas, who have heard stories that this is a bailout, this is no bailout. This is about Strasbourg, Colorado, where there have been foreclosures around a neighborhood, and one person trying to sell their property can no longer do that because the value of their house is less than their mortgage. They are innocent. They didn't deserve this. Secondly in Edgewater, Colorado, where the lender, the appraiser and the building owner got into cahoots, and a young couple buys a condominium, and now the properties around them are foreclosed. They are going to lose this property. They need assistance. They are innocent. They deserve some help from this government. Same thing in Commerce City, Colorado. I heard all of these stories last night on a telephone town hall meeting while we were debating the Neighborhood Stabilization Act. That's what this bill is about. It's about the community as a whole. Mr. Marshall from Georgia understands what this bill is about. It's about looking after our neighborhoods and protecting our neighborhoods and averting 500,000 foreclosures across this country. Our neighborhoods, our cities, our towns are going to pay for this if the Federal Government doesn't assist in some fashion. This is a nationwide problem. The Nation has to stand up. We have to deal with this. This bill does it in so many ways, and I just appreciated coming to the floor. Vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, 7 years of President Bush's economic policies have put a tremendous strain on middle-class families. Since 2001, health care premiums have gone up almost $6,000, college tuition has increased by $2,500, and gas prices have more than doubled. With these increases and paychecks that have, on the average, fallen, it's no wonder that the majority of Americans say their economic situation has not improved in the last 5 years. While the Bush administration is eager to give tax breaks to the wealthiest of Americans and assist Wall Street firms like Bear Stearns, it does little to help middle-class families. Madam Speaker, the Democratic House recognizes the immediate need to help middle-class families, and that is why our budget prioritized middle-class tax relief and why we are proposing a second economic stimulus package. It's time for President Bush to put the middle class ahead of the wealthiest few.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Derek Riemer who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Derek Riemer is a student at Oberon Middle School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Derek Riemer 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 Derek Riemer for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jared Bryan who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Jared Bryan is a student at North Arvada Middle School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Jared Bryan 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 Jared Bryan for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character to all his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Sasha VanHeesch, who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Sasha VanHeesch is a senior at Arvada West High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Sasha VanHeesch 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. Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication she has shown in her high school career to her college career and future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Misha Trujillo who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Misha Trujillo is a senior at Arvada High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Misha Trujillo 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 Misha Trujillo 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 high school career to her college career and future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Amber Johnson who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Amber Johnson is a senior at Arvada High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Amber Johnson 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 Amber Johnson 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 high school career to her college career and future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Maddie Holmes who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Maddie Holmes 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 Maddie Holmes 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 Maddie Holmes 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 high school career to her college career and future accomplishments.