Gary Peters

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Construction Association of Michigan on the occasion of its 125th anniversary. As a Member of Congress, it is both my honor and privilege to recognize this important milestone. In the Association's 125 years of operation it has grown to become both the oldest and largest regional construction association in the United States. This historic occasion is even more impressive when considering the Association's modest beginnings. The Association was originally founded by 21 prominent Detroit-area construction industry leaders as the Builders and Traders Exchange in 1885. Their vision was to create an organization to provide assistance, information and service to the Michigan construction industry as well as foster opportunities for industry growth and development of relationships between the Michigan construction industry and their clients. That spark of a vision 125 years ago of what could be has grown into an organization of over 3400 members, which acts as a critical element in creating, perpetuating, and strengthening profitability, efficiency and integrity within the Michigan construction industry. The services that CAM offers to their members now extends to providing leadership and guidance in such significant issues as economic development, continuing education, complete safety training programs and ongoing legislative relations and public awareness efforts. Madam Speaker, in these tough economic times it is the work of organizations such as CAM that is critical in helping to shepherd their members and our men and women in the construction industry through the perils of economic instability. The 125th anniversary of CAM's founding is indeed a historic milestone for Michigan's construction industry. I would again like to offer my heartiest congratulations to the executive board for achieving such an impressive milestone and I look forward to CAM's continued success in its future endeavors, as well as many many more years of productive service to the State of Michigan.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, legislation that I co-sponsored because of my concerns about the Iranian nuclear threat. We in Congress must act swiftly to make sure a nuclear Iran is never a reality. I know how destabilizing a nuclear Iran would be to the region. While serving on duty with the U.S. Navy reserve in the United Arab Emirates, I could look out each day over the Straights of Hormuz. I could see the line of oil tankers waiting to transit the straights and I saw what a choke point that was for the world's economy. This year, I traveled to Israel, a trip which reinforced just how critical and grave the threat from Iran is to Israel's security and America's interests in the region. Despite being a leading producer of crude oil, Iran cannot adequately meet its own needs for refined petroleum products. Enacting sanctions to restrict the imports of those products into Iran is important leverage we must have to ensure the security of the united States, Israel, and our allies around the world. Passing tough sanctions today will show Iran, and the global community, that the United States will not stand idle as Iran attempts to amass a nuclear arsenal. Madam Speaker, the threat is real and the time to act is now. I strongly urge passage.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today we are debating legislation that will end the ``too big to fail'' doctrine and provide a mechanism for ensuring that in the future, taxpayers will not be asked to foot the bill to clean up Wall Street's mistakes. My amendment improves this legislation by ensuring that taxpayers are not asked to foot the bill for Wall Street's past mistakes as well. My amendment will firmly establish that the financial industry--not taxpayers--will be responsible for making up any TARP shortfalls, and the TARP program will not add to our deficits or our national debt. Section 134 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 requires the President to identify a mechanism for recovering any shortfalls in TARP funds after 5 years so as not to increase the budget deficit or national debt. However, the mechanism for recouping any shortfall is not identified. H.R. 4173 already empowers the FDIC to make risk-based assessments on the Nation's largest and most systemically risky financial institutions that will be used to create a Systemic Dissolution Fund used to seize and unwind any failed nonbank financial institution in the future, ensuring that there will be no more ad hoc bailouts of too-big-to-fail institutions. My amendment would give the FDIC authority to make additional assessments to these same large firms, whose excessive risk-taking caused the current financial crisis, and use those assessments to pay off any TARP shortfalls and ensure that the taxpayers are made whole. My amendment gives the American taxpayer certainty that all TARP funds will be recouped from the large financial companies that caused this financial crisis. It will allow Congress to show that we have a plan in place for the recoupment of any shortfall, consistent with the promises made during the debate over the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. It will also ensure that the American public understands that we are not turning the page on TARP, but instead we have a clear and decisive plan for making sure that taxpayers are made whole. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERS. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PETERS. Madam Chair, I would like to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Schauer).

Mr. PETERS. Madam Chair, I would like to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly).

Mr. PETERS. Madam Chair, the amendment before us is a commonsense attempt to make sure that we recoup to the taxpayers the money that has been loaned to the financial industry. The gentleman from Texas mentions we should just end TARP, but that doesn't relieve us of the fact that we've got $140 billion that needs to be paid back so that it's not a liability on the taxpayers. This is a way in which we can recoup the money from the financial institutions, the very institutions that were responsible for bringing this financial meltdown to our country and the problems that have impacted my State and States all across this country. This is a commonsense approach, and I urge adoption.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing a resolution designed to raise awareness and express support for Iraqi religious minorities. The war in Iraq and the subsequent ethnic and sectarian violence has created a massive humanitarian crisis, and led to the displacement of millions of people. Iraqi religious minorities are particularly vulnerable, and are often specifically targeted in gruesome and random acts of violence, such as murder, rape, and abductions. Many who have escaped Iraq to seek refuge in neighboring countries are forced to live in poverty, unable to legally work and lacking sufficient support from their host government. Those who remain in Iraq live a life of constant fear. They are forced into hiding and are vulnerable to emotional and physical attacks. Iraqi religious minorities lack the resources and sturdy community foundation necessary to defend themselves, and thus remain underrepresented politically, legally, and economically. Muslims and non-Muslims alike are exposed to such attacks, but the smaller religious sects remain more vulnerable, including Chaldeans, Syriacs, Assyrians, and other Christians, Sabean Mandeans, and Yazidis. Catholic Christians have witnessed the killing of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho and the ancient Iraqi Jewish community has seen itself diminish to a population of only ten members. This resolution calls upon the combined efforts of the United States Government and United Nations to ask the Iraqi Government to protect religious minorities by encouraging free and fair elections, training Iraqi security forces and providing safe places to worship. It also seeks an investigation into human rights violations, and calls for an end to the abuse of Iraqi religious minorities. Finally, the resolution calls for United States to work with the Iraqi government to ensure the physical and economic safety of those wishing to return to Iraq. It is no longer possible to stand by and watch as millions of religious minorities are subjected to torture, abuse, and discrimination, which is why I ask my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the selection of St. Hugo of the Hills in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, as a 2009 Blue Ribbon School. This prestigious award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Department of Education. That St. Hugo earned this designation is a testament to the dedication of its administration, teachers, staff, students, parents and community members, whose hard work of self-evaluation, review and goal-setting for the future has proved exemplary. The Blue Ribbon Schools designation is reserved for schools that provide only the most rigorous academic programs or which have made only the most dramatic strides in improving their students' academic achievement. In fact, St. Hugo School was the only private school in Michigan to receive the award this year. St. Hugo of the Hills has a long-celebrated and exemplary tradition of striving for academic excellence, with standardized test scores that reflect a deep commitment to high achievement. St. Hugo of the Hills provides its students an outstanding program of nationally recognized excellence in an environment in which the teachings of the Catholic faith are instilled, nurtured and demonstrated. Since 1940, it is this combination that has enabled St. Hugo to count among its alumni scores of community leaders and dedicated, productive citizens. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my recognition of St. Hugo of the Hills on the honor of its outstanding achievement for being designated a 2009 National Blue Ribbon School.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor James Poppelreiter, Fire Chief of West Bloomfield Township, for his 44 years of dedicated service to the safety and well-being of his community and its citizens. Since beginning his career as a sergeant with the department in November 1965, Chief Poppelreiter has served West Bloomfield Township with the distinction, valor, and tenacity that have been essential in creating this vibrant and diverse suburban metropolis. In recognition of his 35 years of outstanding work and leadership with the West Bloomfield Fire Department and the greater community, Chief Poppelreiter was bestowed his current responsibilities as Chief in April 2000. Chief Poppelreiter's ascent to one of the top public safety offices in the township was a product of decades of perseverance and strong work ethic. Chief Poppelreiter's career spans a transcendent period for the West Bloomfield community. At the start of Chief Poppelreiter's career the West Bloomfield Fire Department was a small volunteer force serving a mere 14,000 residents in a rural hamlet of Oakland County. The township has since grown to over 66,000 residents and is one of southeast Michigan's most economically and ethnically diverse communities. During the years spanning Chief Poppelreiter's career, the Fire Department grew to a full-time professional staff of over 100 that serve West Bloomfield and several of the surrounding communities. During his tenure, Chief Poppelreiter's commitment to excellence has ensured that the residents of West Bloomfield have received outstanding fire safety protection. Chief Poppelreiter's career illustrates exemplary public service in its truest spirit and finest tradition. His absence in retirement will surely be felt by his colleagues and the residents of West Bloomfield. Madam Speaker I ask all of my colleagues to join me today in honoring the courageous work and unwavering commitment of Chief Poppelreiter to the community and citizens of West Bloomfield.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PETERS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today we are considering important legislation that will provide borrowers, lenders and the government with a number of important tools to assist the survival and growth of small businesses. Small businesses are the prime engine of innovation, economic expansion and job creation, and supporting our small businesses should be the cornerstone of any plan for economic recovery. For areas of high unemployment, small businesses are particularly important, and the jobs they provide are particularly valuable. While the economy is beginning to show signs of improvement, there is no doubt that in some areas unemployment remains at an extreme high level. For example, the State of Michigan has the Nation's highest unemployment rate at 15.3 percent, and in the city of Pontiac, which I represent, the unemployment rate is a staggering 35.2 percent. My amendment would ensure that businesses that want to invest in high unemployment areas and create jobs can do so competitively at a time when innovation and investment is needed most by making high unemployment areas eligible for more expansive American Recovery Capital, ARC, loans and the New Market Venture Capital program. In order to assist these high unemployment areas, my amendment will increase the maximum ARC loan amount from $50,000 to $75,000 and defer repayment until 18 months after final disbursement of the loan is made. This would give struggling firms room to breathe and help avoid further layoffs and closures. My amendment would also give entrepreneurs better access to private capital by making eligibility for the New Market Venture Capital program include high unemployment areas. This would target investment and opportunity directly where it is needed most and encourage business growth in hard-hit areas like the city of Pontiac. These simple changes would ensure that hard-hit areas have the tools necessary to stop hemorrhaging jobs and to invest in new operations that will create jobs, bring new technologies to markets, and build a new foundation for Michigan's economy and the country as a whole. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and I would like to thank Representative Schrader for bringing forth this important legislation, as well as Chairwoman Velazquez and her staff for their help on the amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERS. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, Michigan may not be considered an especially sunny State, and probably it does not immediately come to people's minds when we talk about the potential for solar energy in this country; however, my home State is currently a leader in the domestic manufacturing of solar cells. We are home to great companies like United Solar Ovonic, which support over 1,000 jobs in my area through two production facilities in Auburn Hills and global R&D headquarters in Troy. High-tech jobs like these are the source of hope in my State and provide workers an opportunity to apply their skills in a new industry and enter the workforce of the 21st century. Federal partnership is critical to effectively develop new, renewable energies, and these investments are key to restoring jobs lost in recent years. For this reason, I am pleased to see that the bill recognizes the impact Federal investment in emerging industries can have in depressed areas and ask the Secretary to consider States that have been hit hardest by the recession and which are experiencing high unemployment rates when providing awards under this program. We have a tremendous opportunity to revitalize our domestic manufacturing base by strengthening the domestic solar industry. While States like Michigan and many others certainly have the existing infrastructure and workforce to manufacture more solar technologies, the United States continues to lag behind China, Japan, and Europe in this field. We must commit at the Federal level to increase our domestic production, and I am pleased to see that the manager's amendment adopts language I worked on in the Science Committee that supports domestic solar manufacturing and assures that the R&D and manufacturing taking place under this bill will be carried out here in the United States. I applaud the committee's commitment to bolstering the U.S. solar industry and the development of this road map. I would like to thank the bill's author, Representative Giffords, Chairman Gordon, and Ranking Member Hall of the Science and Technology Committee for working with me on this bill, and I urge its full passage here today.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Art Van Furniture, an iconic fixture in the retail world of Michigan that was founded by Art Van Elslander, a much admired and prominent figure in the metro-Detroit community. The story of Art Van Elslander and the rise of Art Van Furniture to its dominant position in the retail furniture world is the American Dream fully realized. As a son of Belgian immigrants and growing up on Detroit's east side, Archie ``Art'' Van Elslander's entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly even as a youngster when he hawked newspapers up and down Detroit's Gratiot Avenue. After high school, military service and working at a local furniture store, Mr. Van Elslander entered the world of entrepreneurs. Heeding his father's advice to ``control your own destiny,'' Mr. Van Elslander mortgaged his home and borrowed against insurance policies to finance his first store. Through times both flourishing and faltering in the subsequent years, the fortunes of Art Van Furniture ebbed and flowed with the economic cycles of the Michigan economy. Ultimately, it grew to more than 30 locations across Michigan and employing more than 2500. Over the years, Art Van Furniture has adapted to the changing environment, and quite literally so. Art Van has been named a ``GreenTailer'' by the Michigan Retailers Association after adopting a variety of Earth-friendly practices ranging from the installation of Energy Management Systems to recycling tons of waste. It has been continually named as one of West Michigan's Best and Brightest places to work. Over the past 50 years, Art Van has grown to be Michgan's largest furniture retailer. And during those years, Art Van Elslander became renowned and admired as a pillar of the philanthropic community and a stalwart business leader committed to Michigan and its citizens. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my salute today to Art Van Elslander on 50 years of vision, perseverance and ``giving back'' to our community; and to Art Van Furniture and each of its thousands of employees over the years, on 50 years of business growth and success.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Richard Long, a lifelong champion of the American labor movement, my mentor, counsel and dear friend on the occasion his retirement from the United Auto Workers where he served as National Community Action Program (CAP) Director for the past nine years. This year, Dick retires from a 46-year-long career which began in 1963 at the former Pontiac Motor Division in Pontiac, Michigan, where he first became a proud member of UAW Local 653. Over the ensuing years as Dick advanced on the shop floor, he also advanced and deepened his involvement in the UAW, which would chart his personal and professional trajectory for the next 40-plus years. Some years later in 1987, Dick was elected Vice President of his UAW local and the following year he was elected its president. His leadership, commitment and talent was fully recognized in1998, when then-UAW President Stephen Yokich named Dick his Administrative Assistant and, again, in 2000 when Dick was appointed National CAP Director. I remember well my pride and optimism when I learned that Dick had been appointed National CAP Director. For many years, Dick had mentored and counseled me so ably and devotedly; I was certain that in his new role, he would educate and organize others with as much verve and dedication as I had experienced. As CAP Director, Dick was well-suited to the role and charge of ``developing and advancing policies that improve social and economic conditions and enrich the quality of life for all people.'' By any account, Dick made a powerful impression on the State and National political landscape. His effectiveness was rooted in his ability to be equally comfortable working on the national stage or alongside grassroots volunteers in a makeshift office space. Dick's contributions to the community and commitment to civil rights and social justice have been his personal and professional legacy. Whether in his role as a local president, supporting Oakland University with his wife Jackie, National CAP Director, or working on behalf of the many community organizations he champions, Dick has worked to create a better future for America's families and workers. For that legacy and commitment, he is much admired by me and many others. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my salute today to an important and formative figure in my life: Richard Long, a man to whom I am deeply indebted for his friendship and good counsel and a man whose 46 years of untiring work on behalf of America's working families and the ideals of social justice should be heartily commended and passionately emulated by each of us.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to talk about the important and special relationship that the United States shares with the Jewish State of Israel and how this relationship is of growing importance to the security and prosperity of both of our countries. Recently, I traveled to Israel with 28 of my Democratic colleagues. I know many of my Republican colleagues also visited Israel this past summer, and this is important because it underscores the fact that the strong bond between the United States and Israel knows neither party nor ideology. I first traveled to Israel in 2000 when I served in the Michigan State senate, along with senate colleagues. 2000 was the peak of peace negotiations, and what struck me most about the differences between today and that trip nearly a decade ago is how the hope of everyday Israelis for a peaceful future has been replaced by a constant fear of security. Instead of anticipating a soon-to-be-signed peace accord, Israelis are anxious over not whether, but when, the next rocket attack will come from either Hamas or Hezbollah. When we visited the southern city of S'derot, we saw an armor- shielded playground built to protect the city's children from Qassam rocket attacks. As a parent, it was difficult seeing young, innocent children having to play on swings and slides encased in a facility constructed with thick reinforced concrete, knowing that this is the only safe place for children to play because of the constant threat of rocket attacks. Children, who should be carefree at play, instead suffer from post-traumatic stress. Israel faces so many threats. It faces the threats of terrorism attacks from within its borders and rocket bombings from just beyond its borders. It faces Iran's nuclear ambitions and the growing ambivalence from many in the world community towards Israel's right to exist. Israel is wrongly assailed for defending its own borders and citizens, as we saw last week in the flawed Goldstone Report, which unfairly criticizes Israel despite its strong efforts to protect all civilians. Israel faces criticism from even attempting to deter the growing Iranian threat. Israel is a lonely democracy in a sea of tyranny; a shining example in a dangerous corner of the world of how freedom and democracy, pluralism, and economic ingenuity can lead to a high standard of living for all. Despite its hardships, Israelis are reliant and, because of this, their country prospers. Israel has made its desert bloom and its high-tech sector has made its economy blossom. Israel is advancing towards independence from the fossil fuels that fund our enemies. I'm pleased that auto technology experts from Michigan are traveling to Israel next month on a trade mission to exchange ideas and to take advantage of the economic creativity and ingenuity both of our nations have to offer. Jews in Israel, the United States, and around the world celebrated the Jewish New Year and soon will observe the solemn fast of Yom Kippur. While these should be holidays of happiness and deep reflection, in Israel they are, sadly, reminders of the need for eternal vigilance. Ever since the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Israelis and Jews around the world have learned that they cannot take Israel's security for granted, not even for a day--not even on the holiest day of the year. Eleven minutes after David Ben Gurion declared Israel's independence in 1948, President Harry Truman recognized the Jewish state, and the special relationship between the United States and Israel began. On that day, the United States was the first Nation to stand with Israel, as we must continue to be today. Our nations' alliance is one routed in the common values of democracy, respect for the rule of law, economic growth, and pluralism. The mutual need for this relationship has only become greater throughout the years. After returning from Israel and seeing the threats Israelis face every day, I know we must do everything possible to make sure our friendship with Israel is maintained and strengthened.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, I rise as the designee for Mr. Polis, and I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Gordon for those kind words. It is no secret that the global economic crisis has had an absolutely devastating impact on the automobile industry. Automobile and truck manufacturers and parts suppliers around the globe are struggling to deal with substantially decreased demand in vehicle sales. At the same time, we are in the midst of a transformation to a more energy-independent economy which will require the production of new vehicle technologies that will increase fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions. Development of advanced technologies for both heavy duty trucks and passenger vehicles is of vital national interest and requires a coordinated effort at the Federal level. That is why I am proud to have worked with Chairman Gordon to introduce the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009. This legislation will build upon the current research efforts of the Department of Energy and the private sector by providing an increased Federal investment in passenger and heavy duty vehicle research and development. By directing the Department of Energy to partner with industry stakeholders and agencies across the Federal Government, the bill will ensure that our investment leverages the maximum amount of talent and innovation and leads to faster development of new technologies that will help us meet our energy challenges and promote American innovation in the advanced vehicle technologies field. There is intense global competition right now to determine which countries will produce the cars and trucks of the future. There is no doubt that in the years ahead more Americans will be driving hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles, and cars and trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The only question is whether these new technologies will be researched, developed, and manufactured here in United States, creating American jobs, or whether this technology will be built overseas. The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act will help ensure that the American automobile industry will continue to be globally competitive and that we as a Nation will not trade our dependence on foreign oil for a dependence on foreign batteries and other emerging technology. This legislation has strong support from industry. It has been endorsed by the United States Chamber of Commerce and by the National Association of Manufacturers, who understand how important it is for our Nation to maintain its competitiveness in research and development and emerging technology in order to preserve our manufacturing base. H.R. 3246 has been endorsed by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and by individual automakers like Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, and Daimler. It is strongly supported by the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, which is the industry trade group representing auto parts suppliers, as well as key suppliers based in my congressional district like ArvinMeritor, Magna International, Delphi and Bosch. I am also proud to report that this bill has the support of organized labor, including my good friends at the United Auto Workers, and from the environmental community as well, including such organizations as the League of Conservation Voters, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Sierra Club.

Mr. PETERS. This bill's broad support includes the steel industry, which is excited by the opportunities this legislation will create for them to partner with the Federal Government on research projects that will continue to make steel lighter and stronger. High-mileage cars will need to reduce weight while keeping passengers safe, and the steel industry can and must play an important role in helping us achieve that goal. I thank Chairman Gordon and his staff for leadership on this legislation and for their helpfulness to both me and to my staff. And I would also like to thank my Republican colleagues on the Science Committee, especially Mrs. Biggert, for working with me to improve this important bill. And I would also like to thank the Democratic leadership, and in particular Majority Leader Hoyer, for working on this bill. The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act will help reduce our Nation's dependence on foreign oil and preserve and create manufacturing jobs in Michigan and across the country. I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 3246.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, my colleague's amendment, which has been read, recognizes that it takes many years for a technology to be fully integrated into the Nation's vehicle fleet and that some technologies may actually be appropriate for the retrofitting of existing vehicles. Automakers have expressed some very strong concerns about how these aftermarket conversions are going to affect vehicles that are under warranty, and I share these concerns. However, I support Mr. Polis in the work that he is attempting to do with this amendment. I support the amendment, and I look forward to working with the gentleman to perfect the language in conference. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H.R. 2920, the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009. This important legislation will establish mandatory pay-as-you-go budget discipline, rein in deficit spending, and reduce the national debt. In the 1990s, pay-as-you-go budget discipline was enshrined in law, and it led to record budget surpluses. After PAYGO was originally codified in 1990, total Federal spending as a percentage of GDP decreased each year from 1991 through 2000. After Congress let PAYGO expire in 2002, projected surpluses of $5.6 trillion were transformed into record deficits. Passing the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009 will require Congress to make the tough choices necessary to get unacceptable high budget deficits under control and avoid passing today's costs onto our children, grandchildren, and future generations. Families make tough budget decisions to live within their means, and the government should be forced to do the same. I urge passage of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud co-sponsor of H.R. 2920, the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009. This important legislation will establish mandatory ``pay-as-you-go'' budget discipline, rein in deficit spending, and reduce the national debt. This bill requires Congress to offset the cost of increases in most mandatory spending or tax cuts with savings elsewhere in the budget to avoid increasing the national budget deficit. If the net effect of legislation enacted during a session of Congress increases the deficit, there would be an across-the-board reduction in certain mandatory programs. This fiscally responsible legislation includes carefully crafted, necessary provisions allowing Congress to take emergency action exempt from PAYGO rules in response to extreme circumstances such as war, economic crises, or other emergencies. Establishing a pay-as-you-go law is critical to restoring fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets to Washington. We need targeted, responsible investments to get our economy back on track, but Congress must be required to determine how it will pay for new proposals. Pay- as-you-go legislation will ensure that Congress determines how to pay for new initiatives by searching out and cutting waste throughout the budget. In the 1990s, pay-as-you-go budget discipline was enshrined in law and it led to record budget surpluses. After PAYGO was originally codified in 1990, total federal spending as a percentage of GDP decreased each year from 1991 through 2000. After Congress let PAYGO expire in 2002, projected surpluses of $5.6 trillion were transformed into record deficits. Passing the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009 will require Congress to make the tough choices necessary to get unacceptably high budget deficits under control and avoid passing today's costs onto our children, grandchildren, and future generations. I am proud to support the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009 because it is grounded in fiscal discipline and responsibility. Families make tough budget choices to live within their means, and the government should be forced to do the same thing. I urge passage of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3081. I would like to thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for their hard work on this important legislation. I am pleased that this bill provides $2.2 billion to one of our most important allies: the State of Israel. Israel is a strategic partner and this funding will help ensure Israel has the resources it needs to protect her borders and citizens. Ever since the United States became the first nation to recognize Israel's independence our two nations have shared a special friendship and I am pleased that this bill continues that close relationship. I am also proud to support report language that will provide at least $20 million to provide relief to religious minorities in Iraq, including assistance for displaced and refugee populations. In the last year thousands of Iraqi Christians have sought refuge in Southeast Michigan and thousands more are expected in the years to come. This funding will aid refugee populations in Iraq that are most in need of our assistance I thank Chairwoman Lowey and Representative Eshoo for their work on this issue. This bill ensures that America will continue to be the leader in spreading security and opportunity throughout the world and I urge its passage.