Jared Polis

Mr. POLIS

Mr. POLIS. Will you yield for a moment?

Mr. POLIS. Thank you, Mr. Ellison. We have some fortunate news for Colorado veterans. Yesterday morning several of my colleagues from the Colorado delegation and I met with Secretary Shinseki, and he announced that they are moving forward with a new VA hospital at Fitzsimmons to serve our veterans in Colorado. Due to the hard work of your classmate and our colleague Congressman Perlmutter and my predecessor who is now on the other side, Senator Udall, who have for years fighting to improve it. And I have toured the old VA hospital in Colorado. And this new one is going to have a spinal trauma unit. It's going to be state of the art, and it's what we needed. But there are too many places in our country, as you know, Mr. Ellison, where veterans don't have the quality of health care that they have earned by serving our country so proudly.

Mr. POLIS. As you know, Mr. Ellison, close to a million of them have been forced from their country and reside in Jordan, reside in Syria, reside in Lebanon in everything ranging from refugee camps to short- term rental housing. It has been an issue in the greater Amman area, do we let them in the school with our Jordanian kids? They're out of school for a while. Sometimes they're in; sometimes they're out. It's spotty. Many of them might never be able to go back. The areas they lived in might be controlled by competing tribes, their houses taken over, forced away at gunpoint. This dislocation is historical in scope. We are talking about a sizable amount of people within Iraq who have been displaced, some to other countries, some to other parts of Iraq.

Mr. POLIS. Absolutely.

Mr. POLIS

Mr. POLIS. Today, I rise in support of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education, the GIVE Act, and the rule. I thank Chairman Miller for his leadership in introducing this bipartisan comprehensive legislation, which answers President Obama's call to launch a new era of national service and volunteerism. I'd also like to thank Congresswoman McCarthy for her efforts as chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee to expand opportunities for all. The GIVE Act's new programs, expanded capacity, meaningful incentives, and innovative approaches will allow us to come together and rise to the challenges we face. It also represents a historic call to action that reaches out to all Americans from all walks of life and asks them to commit to service. During these difficult times, our Nation needs the help of each and every one of us more than ever. The generosity, energy, and goodwill of the American people has fueled our Nation throughout its history and seen us through our darkest hours. If we want to restore our economy, rebuild our schools, and revitalize our neighborhoods, we must once again draw on this powerful spirit of service that pervades the American psyche. The GIVE Act harnesses the power of America's two greatest natural resources, our ingenuity and our work ethic, to generate a new era of national service. More than 15,000 of my fellow Coloradans are strengthening our communities, helping others, and serving unmet needs in our neighborhoods through 147 national service projects in our State: more than 9,000 in Senior Corps, 2,500 in AmeriCorps--and I have had the opportunity to work with a number of AmeriCorps volunteers in our schools--and 4,200 in Learn and Serve America. This legislation will allow even more Coloradans to participate by creating thousands of new opportunities to volunteer and offering training in green energy products, veterans services, and community services across the communities, health and wellness initiatives as well. As a former chairman of our Colorado State Board of Education, I am particularly pleased with the establishment of the Summer of Service program which will engage middle and high school students in volunteer activities in their communities. The Youth Engagement Zones will capitalize on the largely untapped energy of American youth, especially disadvantaged high school students and out-of-school youth, and put them to work in service of our communities. Again, I applaud the efforts of all those involved in the crafting of this historic bipartisan legislation, and encourage our body to pass both the rule and the bill.

Mr. POLIS

Mr. POLIS. I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous materials on House Resolution 240 into the Record.

Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day. Social workers are valuable members of all communities, helping people in all stages of life, from birth through the elderly, and in all situations, from adoption to hospice care and end of life. Dedicating their education and experience, social workers help to guide individuals, families, and communities through complicated issues and complex choices. There are more than 600,000 people in the United States who have devoted their lives to social work and to the improvement of the society in which we live by obtaining social work degrees. Many social workers have been the driving force behind important social movements in the United States and abroad. A few examples include Harry Hopkins, who relocated to New Orleans in order to work for the American Red Cross as Director of Civilian Relief, Gulf Division; or Francis Perkins, who championed the minimum wage laws and reduced the workweek for women to 48 hours. My late grandmother, Ruth Schutz, was a social worker for over 20 years in New York City, as well as a progressive activist. These are the frequently unsung heroes of our communities, and that's why it's important that we recognize them here today, Mr. Speaker. Social workers labor in schools, courtrooms, drug clinics, hospitals, senior centers, shelters, nursing homes, the military, disaster relief, prisons, and corporations all over the country as they stand up for others to make sure that everyone has access to the same basic rights, protections, and opportunities. This is hard work, emotionally difficult, and frequently thankless work, which is why it's so important that our body take this step to honor social workers here today. However, the need for social workers is expected to grow twice as fast as other occupations, especially in gerontology and home health care issues as our aging demographic requires more services for our seniors. Substance abuse, private social service agencies, and school social work also continue to increase. Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day, which is March 17, 2009, will build awareness of the role of professional social workers and their commitment and dedication to individuals, families, and community everywhere through service delivery, research, education, and legislative advocacy. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution honoring those who choose social work as a profession in their endeavors to better society. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. POLIS. By passing this resolution and by bringing attention to Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day, which is March 17, 2009, we can not only bring attention and appreciation to an important profession, but engage in a discussion about the important role of social workers in keeping and weaving our community fabric together. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this important bill.

Mr. POLIS. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 240) to support the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day, as amended.

Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. POLIS

Mr. POLIS. Here in Congress, and as a new Member going through the budget process and looking at a lot of these issues for the first time, I am really struck by the fact that as we discuss numbers on the cost side, we are not accounting for the cost of not taking action which, in many cases, particularly with regard to reducing our carbon emissions, are far greater than a lot of the costs that we are looking at with regard to the actions we need to take. So a more comprehensive and an integral approach to kind of how we look at costs is absolutely critical here. You mentioned as well, the Clean Air and Clean Water Act. There are ways, economic ways to put a value, a beyond the moral value of preserving our rivers and preserving our trees. There is a very legitimate moral value, whether you derived that from a faith-based position or another position, there are actual economic costs of our value of our natural heritage and our natural assets. When minerals or oil and gas are extracted, they are extracted once, they are gone. We are losing a national asset. It's not a renewable energy source. And these are not looked at in terms of coming from the financial calculations with regard to the programs that we are proposing. So I think it would be some benefit in trying to apply some more integral accounting and economic modeling and budgetary techniques to looking at the real cost of doing nothing and, in fact, the real savings from taking action. When you are taking action to preserve our rivers and streams and forest, for instance, you might look at the direct economic cost of that to businesses, but you also have to look at the natural capital that is preserved, that is a true form of capital wealth for our great country that deserves every bit as much consideration as the direct dollars and cents associated with implementation of these policies.

Mr. POLIS. I'd like to build on some of my colleague from Washington's arguments about the opportunity for growth in the green economy. My district and, in particular, Boulder, Colorado, has been a center of growth in the green jobs industry. In fact, when President Obama signed the Recovery Act a few weeks ago, he did so in Denver, and invited a company from my district, Namaste Solar, a company that had three people 3 years ago, now is up to 45 people, install solar home panels. This has been--and, like many districts in the country, of course my district has been hit by this recession. We have seen unemployment rise. One of the biggest sectors we have seen job growth in is these green economy jobs--solar energy, the research and development. It's not only areas that have strong solar and wind geophysical characteristics. We are also talking about energy conservation. There are several model homes in my district that are net energy positive. Put energy back on the grid. They get there, yes, with solar panels, but also by reducing their energy consumption, looking at insulation, a smart grid, and Boulder is the pilot for allowing energy consumption when there is more power on the grid and turning many homes into net energy producers during part of the day, as well, and having an intelligence aspect to appliances so they can draw from the grid when we have extra capacity. Researching, developing and, yes, manufacturing these products are going to be a major sector for economic growth across our country in the future. When we talk about where America can still be competitive and will be competitive in manufacturing, it's in these high-tech items. We do have a hard time, and we have been losing jobs to other countries in some of the manufacturing jobs that gave our middle class strength in the 20th century. But I am optimistic that we can grow in some of these short order, smart appliances, which traditionally have been and will continue to be developed and brought to market right here in this country, and be a critical part of this new economy. I have had the chance to visit with a number of companies in our district. Our district is really a hot bed of entrepreneurial activity. And there are others in other parts of the country. The more that public policy can embrace this, the more that we can serve the dual goal of fostering economic development as well as preserving our natural heritage, reducing our carbon emissions and reliance on foreign oil, and all the issues which a number of my colleagues have so ably discussed that are critical reasons to invest in the green economy boom.

Mr. POLIS

Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. It's wonderful to see such strong words of support from both sides of the aisle for this important piece of legislation. I rise today in support of this rule and ask my colleagues to join me and pass the Water Quality Investment Act of 2009. I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar and the members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for bringing forward this legislation, which will protect clean water for Americans. Clean water is essential to America's urban and rural communities. With this legislation, our cities will be able to take a comprehensive approach to water and wastewater management. It combines green and traditional methods to create a sustainable infrastructure that provides clean drinking water and leverages our precious natural resources to meet the demands of growth. For agricultural uses, the advancements in water storage and treatment will provide reliable, clean water supplies that are good for the economic stability of our rural economies and improve the quality of our food supply, keeping Americans healthy. In these difficult economic times, the infrastructure improvements made possible through this legislation will create jobs and reduce costs for municipal governments. I ask my colleagues to invest in clean, reliable water resources for all Americans by supporting this rule and voting for the Water Quality Investment Act. This will also address the growing needs for improvements in our water treatment systems. Several sectors of our economy will benefit from the improvements in this bill. The Nation's farmers, fishermen, manufacturing, and tourism industries rely on clean water that carry out our economic activities that contribute more than $300 billion to our economy each year. Our wastewater infrastructure is badly in need of the investment that this bill provides, Mr. Speaker, especially the $13.8 billion in Federal grants that capitalize the Clean Water State Revolving Funds. States can use that money to repair and build wastewater treatment plants and pipes. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, without continued improvements in wastewater treatment infrastructure, future population growth will erode away many of the important achievements of the Clean Water Act. Without the sort of improvements that this bill, this bipartisan bill, includes, EPA projects that by 2016 waster water treatment plants nationwide may discharge pollutants into U.S. waters at levels similar to those in the mid 1970s. Mr. Speaker, this bill allows us to move forward rather than backward with regard to making sure that America's water supply is clean and safe. By requiring that workers on projects funded by the Clean Water State Revolving Funds be paid local prevailing wages, this bill promotes the payment of fair wages, as my colleague from Michigan pointed out on the other side of the aisle. This is important, both for its stimulative effect as well as being a future investment in our country. The EPA reported in 2002 that pollution is impairing the use of 91 percent of the shoreline of the Great Lakes and 99 percent of Great Lakes open water. By authorizing $750 million for cleanup of the Great Lakes, this bill will improve opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, agriculture, industry, and shipping for the 40 million people in one of the hardest-hit areas of our country in the recession who live in the Great Lakes Basin. The vast majority of the provisions of this bill were contained in five bills that were passed in the House in the 110th Congress, most of them with broad bipartisan support, and it passed the committee by a voice vote. The provisions in this bill are similar. By reinstating the applicability of the Buy American Act for the construction of projects funded, we can ensure that our money will be spent here and that the infrastructure expenditures will have the greatest possible benefit for the American people and the American economy. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. With regard to this rule, we are, in fact, advancing to the floor all of the amendments that were recommended in advance by the minority party. This will allow a full discussion, debate, and vote on all the important issues that still divide us on this bipartisan piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, the vast majority of the Water Quality Investment Act of 2009 is made up of five bills that passed the House with strong bipartisan support during the 110th Congress. Four of those bills were never addressed by the Senate. Those measures are: First, the Water Quality Financing Act of 2007, which was passed by the House on March 7, 2007, by a vote of 303-108. Provisions of that bill comprise title I of the legislation we will consider today. Secondly, the Healthy Communities Water Supply Act, passed by the House of Representatives on March 8, 2007, by a vote of 368-59. That legislation is included in H.R. 1262 as title II. Third, the Water Quality Investment Act of 2007, passed by the House on March 7, 2007, by a vote of 367-58. Provisions of that bill comprise title III of the legislation that we will consider today. Fourth, the Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act, which was passed by the House on June 24, 2008, by voice vote under suspension of the rules. This legislation is included in H.R. 1262 as title IV. The Water Quality Investment Act of 2009 also includes an increased authorization for eligible projects that address contamination within the Great Lakes Areas of Concern. The authorization for these programs is consistent with the authorization contained in a previous version of the Great Lakes Reauthorization Act of 2008, which the House passed on September 18, 2008, by a vote of 371-20. I would also like to emphasize that the rule for debate today makes in order every single amendment filed by the minority party. This rule will allow for a full debate of the issues involved. At the end of that debate, I hope that this legislation will enjoy the same bipartisan support that its components enjoyed in the last Congress. This bill will accomplish two things that have already become a key characteristic of all of our efforts here in the 111th Congress: It will create jobs and it will save energy. The Water Quality Investment Act will support quality paying jobs by ensuring that workers receive no less than local prevailing wages. By authorizing funding for cleanup of the Great Lakes, the bill will improve opportunities in the fishing, swimming, boating, agriculture, and shipping industries, which support approximately 40 million people in the Great Lakes Basin whose livelihoods are directly dependent upon clean water resources. This bill has a thoughtful eye on the future by taking into account energy efficiency and water conservation. As a westerner, I understand the vast challenges we face with regard to our water supply. Establishing our water infrastructure that encourages and promotes conservation is of incredible importance for regions that will only see their water sources become fewer and farther between. In Colorado, we rely on clean water not only for municipal and agricultural use, but entire communities are supported by visiting kayakers, fly fishermen, and outdoorsmen from across the country who flock to our pristine rivers and streams. Our environment, communities, industries, and businesses all stand to gain under the provisions of this law. Without the infrastructure investments in this bill, the EPA has projected that our water quality could be set back decades to pre-Clean Water Act levels. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the rule and to vote ``yes'' on the underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. POLIS

Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that during proceedings today in the House and in the Committee of the Whole, the Chair be authorized to reduce to 2 minutes the minimum time for electronic voting on any questions that otherwise could be subjected to 5-minute voting under clause 8 or 9 of rule XX or under clause 6 of rule XVIII.

Mr. POLIS

Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the amendment and express my gratitude to the House for approving my amendment to improve the cleanliness of our waterways and strengthen our towns and city stormwater management. Everyone knows when it rains, the excess rainwater that runs down our streets and sidewalks and into the drainage pipes that line our city streets eventually ends up in our streams and rivers. The pollutants include toxins from our cars, such as unburned hydrocarbons, soot particles, copper from brake pads, zinc, cadmium, rubber from tires and other petroleum products. It also includes pesticides and herbicides from our yards. My amendment addresses this problem by encouraging the use of bioswales and other sustainable stormwater management systems. A bioswale relies on vegetated natural systems alongside roads and parking lots to slow and filter the water before it ends in our drainage systems. Vegetation enhances both interception and evaporation of rainfall through its leaves. Studies show that natural landscaping in a residential development or along streetways can reduce annual stormwater runoff volume by as much as 65 percent. It's no wonder that cities are starting to realize the benefits of bioswales and green infrastructure, including my City of Boulder, Colorado; Portland, Oregon; and Seattle, Washington, among the leaders in this area. The increased interest is a response to mounting infrastructure costs of new development or redevelopment projects, but also more vigorous environmental regulations.

Mr. POLIS. This amendment recognizes the relationship between the natural environment and the built environment and manages them as integrated components of a watershed.

Mr. POLIS. Madam Chair, I would like the Record to reflect that on rollcall 122, I inadvertently voted ``aye'' when I intended to vote ``no.''

Mr. POLIS

Mr. POLIS. Well, you know, there comes a point when more spending equals less security. And you need to look at the whole picture, including the diplomatic picture with regard to foreign aid, with regard to helping developing nations, with regard to promoting peace in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Mr. POLIS. I am pleased to inform my colleagues that we have joined as of yesterday. And I'm particularly thrilled that we're willing to look at defense spending as part of the overall picture. It's hard to have a real route to fiscal responsibility and balancing our budget without looking at defense spending. And whether we're looking at 3 years or 5 years or 10 years out, this is going to be a critical component of the return to fiscal responsibility. I look forward to being a voice for that within the Progressive Caucus.

Mr. POLIS. Yes, I do. Thank you so much to my colleague from Minnesota. I'm a new member of the Progressive Caucus.

Mr. POLIS. Colorado.

Mr. POLIS

Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.