Nick Rahall

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentlewoman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Hahn), a very valued member of our Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio), a distinguished member of our Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), our distinguished minority whip and a strong supporter of our infrastructure in this country.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, may I have the time remaining, please.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Frankel), a very distinguished member of our Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, in closing, much has been said today in dislike of this temporary fix, and I could not agree more. It is not my preference. We all want to address this in a long-term, robust manner. That is also the opinion of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, who say that further delay will only maintain the status quo in keeping workers off the job, undercutting long-term planning and hindering the country in advancing to a 21st century transportation system. There are very similar views, like views, expressed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce when they say in a letter to Members of Congress that, in the Chamber's view, the longer the pass, the easier it will be for Congress to kick the can down the road and avoid the tough question of how we will maintain Federal investment in highway public transportation and highway safety. I hope we come back before next May and address this issue. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, on this, the eve of the anniversary of American Independence, it is fitting that we recognize not only the role of the founders in freedom's birthplace, Philadelphia, but that we salute those who have, ever since that declaration of freedom in 1776, fought in battle after battle and in war after war to secure our freedoms. On that day of days celebrating America's freedoms, like all days when freedom reigns, we should honor those who have so selflessly served and made such extraordinary personal sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, more than a year before independence was declared, General George Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. His leadership was born of our War for Independence, and, to this day, General Washington remains a revered figure for the soldier in the field. And for so many reasons, the General still warmly resides in America's hearts and minds. Among our Nation's highest honors stands one enjoying almost universal recognition and holding a distinguished reverence by those both inside and outside the ranks of our dedicated military services. Its pedigree stretches back to the legendary commitment General Washington had made to his troops. Above all, the Purple Heart symbolizes the sacrifice made freely for this country, given for each of us and for future generations. Here in our Nation's Capital on the office wall of West Virginia's Third Congressional District hangs one of my most cherished recognitions, a citation from the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the United States of America recognizing my service to the Order. Each year, I am honored to welcome West Virginia members of the Order to my office and to discuss with them issues of importance. Many times I have had the high honor of presenting the Purple Heart to my fellow West Virginians. Without exception, they are as humble in accepting this award as they were meritorious in their actions for which it was granted. Here, Mr. Speaker, is found the true heart of the American character. In the heart of the Appalachian Coalfields, in the heart of Logan County, West Virginia, its County Seat, the City of Logan, has been rightly proclaimed ``A Purple Heart City.'' Through the decades and by the thousands, the men and women of this patriotic town and from throughout this county have freely enlisted their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to further the cause begun with the ``shot heard 'round the World.'' The Proclamation honors the service and sacrifice of those who have received a Purple Heart. Our service men and women and veterans, many of whom are honorably represented by Logan's Chapter 733 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, are revered by the citizens of the City of Logan and those in the County at large. The great cost, the blood lost, will never have been in vain within these city limits. Mr. Speaker, the honor and respect paid to those in uniform and those now in the ranks of our veterans is supreme and as about as united as you are going to get in these United States of America. As Logan Mayor Serafino J. Nolletti's Proclamation states, ``the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women from the City of Logan who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens.'' Nor, Mr. Speaker, does the service to our Nation end for the West Virginia veteran with his muster out pay. Not by any stretch of the imagination. Our veterans continue to contribute to their community through their faithful work in their churches and service within the many charitable organizations to which they belong. Their selfless work is the mortar that so securely binds our Republic together. That most certainly includes the dedicated commitment of the officers of Chapter 733: Charles Baisden, Commander; Troy Varney, Senior Vice Commander; Charles Frye, Finance Officer; and Larry Thompson, Sergeant at Arms. In creating the military honor that preceded today's Purple Heart, General Washington issued an order that closed with these words: ``The road to glory in a patriot army and free country is thus open to all.'' Mr. Speaker, my fellow colleagues, if the veterans and Purple Heart recipients in Logan, West Virginia, have any say in the matter, and I assure you they will, the road to glory will always be open to all in a free United States of America.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, the EPA is expected to unleash what is essentially a Federal cap-and-trade proposal aimed at our Nation's existing coal-fired power plants. I will oppose this rule, as it will adversely affect coal miners and coal mining communities throughout West Virginia and the Nation. At stake is our economy and the livelihoods of our coal miners, our steelworkers, electrical workers, those who keep our freight trains running, and families and businesses that rely on affordable energy from coal. Even though we don't have the details of the rule yet, from everything we know, we can be sure of this: it will be very bad for jobs. The only real question is where, on a scale from devastating to a death blow, the new rule will fall. I have written to OMB opposing the new source performance standards rule for future power plants and calling upon the Director to return the draft rule to EPA and calling on EPA to go back to the drawing board on their proposal. I have joined 181 Members of this body in a letter to Administrator McCarthy asking that the normal 60-day comment period be extended to at least 120 additional days. I have cosponsored and voted for H.R. 3826, the Electricity Security and Affordability Act, along with my colleague, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Whitfield), which would block the new source performance rule for future power plants. The House passed the bill on March 16, by a vote of 229-183, and sent it over to the other body. I have cosponsored, along with my colleague, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. McKinley), H.R. 2127, a resolution of disapproval that would prevent the new source performance standard rule for future power plants from going into effect. If enacted, this would have the same effect as the Whitfield bill, blocking EPA from advancing the rule on existing plants. More importantly, Mr. Speaker, are the effects on our coal miners' health care and pension plans. There are more than 100,000 retirees, their dependents, and surviving spouses who receive health care and/or pensions from the UMWA, United Mine Workers of America, health and retirement funds. Because these benefits are paid for by contributions made by the coal companies for every hour worked by an active miner, this rule could dramatically undercut the solvency of these funds. In 2012, for example, a total of $1.2 billion went into coal field communities in pension payments and direct payments to health care providers for retiree health care benefits. That included nearly 400 million into rural West Virginia communities. This is what keeps the health care systems in these communities open. Doctors, pharmacies, clinics, therapists, and nursing homes all depend on this funding to survive. So in conclusion, Mr. Speaker, let me say how devastating these proposed rules--although we have not seen the details yet--could be for coal mining communities. I--and I am sure others who represent coal mining communities across this Nation--will not sit idle in the face of this latest challenge by the EPA to our way of life. It is about jobs, it is about jobs, and it is about jobs, and I will look at any and all options that will be available to block this proposed rule from being finalized.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Madam Chair, I strongly support the passage of the Graves amendment, of which I am a cosponsor, to establish a National Commission on the Future of the Army. Last December, I joined with 142 of my colleagues in expressing to Defense Secretary Hagel my deep concerns about Army cost-saving proposals that would impose draconian cuts on the Army National Guard. Congress rightly rejected similar proposals that would have reduced end strength and force structure for the Air National Guard, and I am pleased that the Armed Services Committee chose to reject such proposals for the Army National Guard too. I question the wisdom of making such cuts, considering the cost- effectiveness of the Army National Guard as a dual use force, and cost- savings that could be achieved in the Total Army by better leveraging the Operational Reserve. Blending Active and Reserve Component Army units, as the Air Force is doing, could ensure long-term budgetary savings to maintain a robust Total Army. As the Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB) has noted, a blended Total Army composition means more combat capability at about one-third the cost. I believe we need to take a harder look at the future force structure of the Army, which is why a Commission is absolutely necessary. The House should fully consider and be fully informed about how the Army's proposed cuts fit into a long-term national security strategy. With the operational reserve being rebuilt since September 11, 2001, this generation of Army National Guardsmen and Reservists has proven every bit as effective, committed, and capable as their active counterparts. These men and women have served with distinction and honor overseas, and our Nation cannot afford to lose their service. We must not go blindly down a path that would inhibit our Army's ability to respond to world events and domestic emergencies.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, tonight, Hospice of Huntington will honor one of its long time stalwarts and earliest leaders. This great organization is distinguished by the respect and gratitude of the larger community it so ably, and with so much empathy, serves so faithfully. One daughter, whose father had been a hospice patient, wrote with her ``sincere and heartfelt appreciation'' about the ``graceful care and gentle mercy shown to my father in his last days.'' Indeed, there is much to be thankful for this evening. In fact, it is no overstatement to say, that for countless families, Hospice of Huntington has helped answer many prayers for relief and the joy of comfort. According to a local news account, this Hospice--with 140 employees and more than 300 volunteers, an annual budget of about $12 million a year, of which more than 80 percent goes directly to patient services-- serves about 1,000 patients a year in Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln and Mason Counties in West Virginia, as well as Lawrence County, Ohio. Tonight, there will be much talk--and rightly so--of references to angels and angelic acts here on earth. Through my work with constituents, in getting them the government services they need and deserve, I know for a fact that Hospice of Huntington harbors a host of the better angels among us. And if there is one on this earth who has guided and grown, directed and expanded and led and served the resources, services and programs for that host of angels to employ, it is none other than the archangel we so thankfully have in Charlene Farrell. Not only does Charlene trumpet the potential and possibilities of Hospice's many programs, echoing the skills and talents of Gabriel himself, but like Michael, she never fails to unsheathe her sword to defend those programs and the people who make them possible for the families they serve. It is my honor to share these comments about Hospice of Huntington and its champion, Charlene, with my colleagues and our Nation. Ours is a blessed Nation because we are a giving Nation. Charlene Farrell's body of work, her spirit of giving will live on and grow long after she has turned the keys and passwords into the able hands of Melanie Hall. As Sarah Denman, Chairwoman of the Hospice Board has said, Charlene ``has created a team that will be able to carry that legacy into the future. That's the greatest gift--when you step away, the organization will continue at the same level with the same values and the same vision.'' All this, Mr. Speaker, will continue to contribute to the greater benefit of the People of the United States. Mr. Speaker, I close my remarks honoring Charlene with these lines from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, the ``Ode to Joy'': Your magic brings together what custom has sternly divided. All men shall become brothers, wherever your gentle wings hover. To Charlene, and her husband, Judge Paul Farrell, may your next symphony, the one with those seven loving grandchildren, be just as complete.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report. This legislation is a reminder, and unfortunately a stark reminder, that when given a chance to work together in a bipartisan fashion, we can produce results for the American people. I salute the chairman of our T&I Committee, Mr. Shuster from Pennsylvania, for his tireless efforts in this regard, and as well our subcommittee chairman, Mr. Gibbs, and our ranking member on the full committee, Mr. Tim Bishop. One of the first acts of our Federal Government was to improve navigation. On August 7, 1789, the first Congress federalized the lighthouses built by the Colonies and appropriated funds for their operation and maintenance. Today, in the 113th Congress, we keep faith with that fundamental premise of government by advancing legislation that authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to improve navigation on our inland waterways and our ports. This is an effort which has languished these past 7 years, and the results of that inactivity are evident. In 1989, a book by the author John McPhee described the corps as follows: In addition to all the things the corps actually does and does not do, there are infinite actions it is imagined not to do and infinite actions it is imaginable to be capable of doing because the corps has conceded the almighty role of God. Indeed, the history of the Corps of Engineers is one of constructing incredible feats of engineering to assist navigation and to combat the ravages of flooding; yet, in recent times, we have fallen into deficit when it comes to this infrastructure. Aging locks and dams hinder the efficient movement of waterborne commerce, and many of our coastal ports are ill-prepared to take advantage of the expansion of the Panama Canal because their harbors need to be dredged and, in some cases, deepened. The pending legislation will revitalize our inland waterway system, so that bulk commodities such as coal can be transported more efficiently, and it provides a path forward to spending down the funds currently being held hostage in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. Further, it wrests back control to the Congress, to elected officials, decisionmaking authority over future corps endeavors, rather than ceding this responsibility to the administration, as is currently the case. One aspect of this legislation, which I am especially pleased to see, is the application of the Buy American provisions for steel and iron that exist in the Federal Surface Transportation Program to projects constructed by the Corps of Engineers. That provision further defines this legislation, as my good chairman has said, as being about jobs--jobs to construct flood control projects, jobs to expand our harbors, jobs to make improvements to our waterways, and American jobs in the production of iron and steel, which goes into these works. I, again, commend our full committee chairman, Mr. Shuster, for the manner in which he has conducted himself and all members of our committee, both sides of the aisle, as well as our staffs for the transparency and openness and cooperation that has brought this legislation to where it is today. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop), our distinguished ranking member. Again, I thank him for his tremendous vision and superb knowledge which has brought this conference report to the floor today.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio), the ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown), a very valued member of our conference committee, and thank her for her help.

Mr. RAHALL. I yield 15 seconds to the gentlewoman.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), a very important member of our conference committee.

Mr. RAHALL. I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Napolitano) and thank her for her help on the conference committee as well. (Ms. NAPOLITANO asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. RAHALL. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Edwards), a very valued member of our conference committee. (Ms. EDWARDS asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from Florida (Ms. Frankel), a valued member of our WRRDA conference committee as well.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi), a real champion of Buy American provisions in everything we do in this Congress.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from California (Ms. Hahn), another member of our conference committee, and thank her for her help on this bill.