Pete Sessions

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 5 minutes to the ranking member of the subcommittee, the Republican from Pennsylvania, the gentleman, Mr. Shuster.

Mr. SESSIONS. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois, the MVP of the Republican baseball championship team, the gentleman, Mr. Shimkus. (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman an additional minute.

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, if I could inquire how much time remains.

Mr. SESSIONS. I reserve my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, you know, I think we've forgotten it's a private corporation, not a government entity, that we're attempting to help here. Madam Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McHenry).

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, if I could inquire on the time remaining.

Mr. SESSIONS. If I could inquire of my colleague if she has additional requests for time.

Mr. SESSIONS. I thank the gentlewoman for saying she has no additional speakers, so I will continue. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Thornberry).

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Thornberry, said it best: no excuses. It's time for us to get our work done, and the bottom line is is that the supply side of the equation is the problem. If we had lots of supply, prices wouldn't be what they are. We need to bring to the table American energy for America's independence, but quite frankly, we're not only tired of paying higher prices, we're also tired of building new Dubais across the world. And that rests at the feet of our Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, who has a policy that restricts Americans from drilling for oil and having energy independence. Today is no excuses. Madam Speaker, since taking control of Congress in 2007, this Democrat Congress has totally neglected its responsibility to do anything constructive, constructive, to address the domestic supply issues that have created the skyrocketing gas, diesel and energy costs that American families are facing today. So, today, I urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question so this House can address the real solutions to energy costs. That's the supply side. By defeating the previous question, I will move to amend the rule to allow for consideration of H.R. 3089, the No More Excuses Energy Act of 2007, introduced by my friend Mac Thornberry of Texas, that he introduced back 1 year ago in July 2007. This legislation would reduce the price of gasoline by opening new American oil refineries; investing in clean energy sources such as wind, nuclear and captured carbon dioxide; and making available more homegrown energy through environmentally sensitive exploration of the arctic energy slope and America's deep sea reserves. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have the text of this amendment and extraneous material inserted into the Record prior to the vote on the previous question.

Mr. SESSIONS. I urge all of my colleagues to take this attempt to spend almost $15 billion of taxpayers' money on subsidized trains and turn it into something positive about energy prices for all of America and for American independence so that we can say we are finally working together and doing something positive about the rising price of fuel. By defeating the previous question, we can do that. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the gentleman Mr. Franks' amendment. Mr. Franks serves along with myself as cochairman of the Missile Defense Caucus. This amendment restores critical funding to our layered missile defense system, which protects the United States and its allies from short and medium-range ballistic missiles. This bill that we have heard talked about cuts funding for missile defense to $719 million below the President's budget request of $9.3 billion, an unacceptable funding level to provide for our national defense. The Democrats' authorization to the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System would not even cover the expenses incurred by the Missile Defense Agency to conduct what was recently the shootdown of the US-193 satellite, which cost the agency upwards of $100 million. I would add that the very recent successful shootdown of the satellite is evidence of the successes and importance of the missile defense program and the ongoing necessity to make sure these programs are fully funded and in development. The Democrats have also authorized inadequate funding for the THAAD, or Theater High Altitude Area Defense System. I think it is an embarrassment that out of the $890 million requested for the project by the administration, only $75 million was authorized for THAAD; $75 million out of $890 million requested. Finally, my friends in the Democrat majority inserted language into the bill that requires the Secretary of Defense to certify that the two-stage intercepter missile proposed for the European site ``has demonstrated through successful, operationally realistic testing, a high priority of operating in an operationally effective manner and the ability to accomplish the mission.'' Unfortunately, the Democrats only provide an additional $25 million for these tests and targets. This not-so-subtle attempt to starve the program puts our country at risk and it is an attempt that I oppose. Congressman Franks' amendment restores the $719 million to our missile defense program, putting the necessary defense capacities in the hands of our commanders and providing for the continued success of our short and medium-range ballistic missile program. Mr. Chairman, I believe this is a matter of national security and it is very important, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Michael D. Dromgoole. Prior to joining the DEA, Michael began his law enforcement career with the Texas Department of Public Safety as a Highway Patrol Trooper in 1973. In 1980, he began his DEA career as a Special Agent and completed assignments in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, California before coming to Texas. His work ethic and dedication led to multiple promotions and in October 1998, he was reassigned as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge in the Dallas Field Division. After twenty- eight years of service with the DEA, Michael will be retiring this year. The Dallas area has greatly benefited from his vision and leadership. He foresaw a safer and better community and took every effort to do make this goal a reality. He helped enhance the cooperation between the DEA and local and state agencies, making attempts to combat drug trafficking and the enforcement of controlled substance laws more successful. Michael leaves a legacy of civic duty that will be greatly missed. Madam Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in expressing our deepest gratitude for his exemplary service to this great Nation.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Israel's 60th Anniversary and to recognize the strong partnership between my home State of Texas and Israel. Israel has made tremendous strides since its establishment in 1948--and today it is a strong security and trading partner with the United States. Israel's growing business sector has benefited the United States as a whole and the State of Texas. Because of this growing partnership, the Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce was established in Richardson, Texas. Texas is Israel's third largest U.S. trading partner--exporting over $1 billion in goods in 2007. The State's low taxes, affordability and strategic trade location make Texas is a great place for Israeli companies to do business. Additionally, Texas's reputation as a leader in telecommunications, energy and security technologies make the State very attractive to Israel. With the second highest number of companies on NASDAQ and strong investment incentives, Israel is equally attractive to U.S. investment. Israel boasts an extremely high level of skilled engineers and is the world leader in medical device patents. Through the State's Department of Agriculture, the Texas-Israel Exchange program has encouraged the development of business relationships and joint technology research for agriculture and natural resources. The strong ties Texas shares with Israel are reflective of our Nation's valued friendship with the Jewish community. I am grateful for the bonds our two countries share and I will continue to work to strengthen our relationship for the next generation.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. I would like to thank the gentlewoman, one of the original cosponsors of this important bill, H.R. 5872, the Boy Scouts of America Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. The gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) is 1 of some 297 cosponsors of this very important bill. Mr. Speaker, back in 1909, Chicago publisher W.D. Boyce was visiting London and got lost on a foggy street in London when a Scout came to his aid and guided him back to his destination. The Scout refused Boyce's tip, saying that he was simply doing his duty as a Boy Scout. So, inspired by this young man, Boyce met with Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting in England, who was the head of the Boy Scouts Association at that time. Shortly after his return, Boyce founded the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Speaker, we are now headed to the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, and this simple act of kindness that was shown in London, England became the forerunner of the Boy Scouts of America today. Founded on February 8, 1910, the Boy Scouts have become an integral part of the American society and culture. The Boy Scouts of America is the largest youth organization in the United States with over 3 million youth members and 1 million adult leaders in traditional programs that include Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing. Since 1910 more than 111 million youth have participated in Scouting's traditional programs. The Boy Scouts of America was granted a Federal charter in 1916 by an act of the 64th Congress signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson. Here in the 110th Congress, there are 248 Members of the House of Representatives and Senate that have participated in Boy Scouts of America as Scouts or adult leaders. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Every day, including for myself last night at Troop 890, Circle 10 Council, Boy Scouts of America, Dallas, Texas, I joined my troop in reciting what would be the Scout Oath: ``On my honor I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.'' I joined in then with the Scout Law: A scout is ``trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.'' The Scout motto, ``Be prepared''; and the Scout slogan, ``Do a good turn daily.'' In the past 4 years alone, Scouting youth and their leaders have volunteered for more than 6.5 million hours of service to their communities through more than 75,000 service projects, benefiting food banks, local schools, charities, and many organizations that support disabled Americans. H.R. 5872, the Boy Scouts of America Centennial Commemorative Coin Act, has vast bipartisan support with over 297 original cosponsors. We will celebrate and make this coincide with the celebration of the 100th birthday of Boy Scouting on February 8, 2010. This bill will create 350,000 $1 silver coins. At no cost to the American taxpayer, this coin raises also $3.5 million for the Boy Scouts of America Foundation for the purpose of serving Scouts in hard-to-serve areas. Boy Scouts of America will match this $3.5 million for the cause, totaling $7 million of nontaxpayer contributions to the Boy Scouts of America to help serve underserved areas. I am confident that a commemorative coin would once again be a meaningful and well-liked gesture among Scouts young and old and would raise awareness of the importance of participating in the Scouting program for future generations. I am asking Members of this body to please join me in the recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America with this 2010 commemorative coin. I would like to thank the following people for their support of this bill in addition to the 297 cosponsors: Bob Mazzuca, the Chief Executive Scout; James Terry, the Assistant Chief Scout Executive and Chief Financial Officer; my good friend John Green, the National Director of Programs for the Boy Scouts of America; Chris Frech, the White House Legislative Affairs Office; Marty McGuinness, the White House Legislative Affairs Office; Eagle Scout and Congressman Greg Walden, who serves in this body from Oregon; and Eagle Scout Jim Silliman, who works within my office. Mr. Speaker, this opportunity for us to pass this bill today will lend not only support to the Boy Scouts of America but will help many underserved areas as they try to provide the same level of support that was provided to Mr. Boyce on that cold and foggy night in London, England. We appreciate the time that the Speaker of the House has given for us to hear this bill, and I want to thank the gentlewoman for extending the time to me.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Further point of parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. SESSIONS. Does the jurisdiction of the Energy and Commerce Committee, as provided under clause 1 of rule X of the rules of the House of Representatives, include exploration, production, storage, supply, marketing, pricing and regulation of energy resources, including all fossil fuels, which includes legislation to lower the price of gasoline which has increased to over $3.60 a gallon under Speaker Pelosi's watch?

Mr. SESSIONS. I have a further point of parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

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

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, if I could inquire of the time remaining for both sides, please.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend from Vermont for yielding me this time to discuss the proposed rule for consideration of this omnibus package of legislation being returned from the Senate. On behalf of the Republican Conference, Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this closed rule and to this entirely closed process which is being manipulated for the sole purpose of silencing 430 Members of Congress and denying the Republican minority a motion to recommit. I want every single Member to understand what today's vote really does mean. It means a vote for this rule is going to give only Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel, Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi the opportunity to determine the shape of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, that means that for anyone who is tuning in to watch today's debate on C-SPAN who is not sitting in Harlem, New York City; New Bedford, Massachusetts; or San Francisco, California, your vote is being silenced by the new majority's rule. A vote for this rule is also a vote to once again break the Democrat leadership's numerous campaign promises to provide this House with regular order, including the bare minimum that can be done to protect minority rights through the inclusion of a Republican substitute. I wish I could say that this disavowal of last year's campaign promises is precedent setting. Unfortunately, breaking these promises to the House and to the American people has become all too common in what has officially become the ``most closed Congress in history.'' What is precedent setting about this rule is that it directly contradicts the past statements of the chairman of the Committee on Financial Services, Chairman Frank, who prior to today's rule had an unblemished record of at least asking for his party leadership and the Rules Committee to stick to their word. In the past Rules Committee hearings, Chairman Frank has advocated allowing this House to debate amendments: (1) where there is a genuine issue of public policy; (2) that allow for debate of a significant issue; and (3) when amendments are germane and not duplicative. Despite the fact that the broken promises Democrat majority made it clear that no amendments, not even significant, genuine, germane and unique ones would be considered by this House, 10 Republicans brought amendments to the Rules Committee that would have met each and every one of these prior requirements. Unsurprisingly, all of these thoughtful amendments were summarily denied by the Rules Committee last night in what might well be renamed the ``Graveyard of Good Ideas Committee'' in the House of Representatives. So despite the fact that there is no policy reason for completely shutting down the legislative process and even going so far as denying the minority a basic motion to recommit in moving this unvetted omnibus through the House, the Democrat majority has once again taken the path of least political resistance. And in doing so, they have again diminished this institution and the rights of the overwhelming Members who have a privilege to serve in this body. Because the Republican Members of this House overwhelmingly oppose this lock-down rule that denies our party any substantive input into this process, including any amendments from a taxpayer bailout that may or may not solve the problems that it claims to, I have a number of Members who are interested in speaking up against this rule. I plan to save the majority of my time for them to provide their own thoughts on the shortcomings of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.