Lamar Smith

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. May I ask unanimous consent for 1 more minute?

Mr. SMITH of Texas. This gives me a second opportunity to thank my colleagues for their forbearance tonight. Senator Kennedy was a friend, as are members of his family, including his son Patrick who is here tonight. It was a privilege to have known him in lots of different ways. In my being a conservative Republican from Texas, and the Senator being a liberal Democrat from Massachusetts, many people wonder about this friendship. And therein lie many stories, but let me tell a couple tonight. The first one goes back to when I was a fairly junior Member of Congress. I don't remember what the meeting was about, but there was a meeting in the Capitol in a small room. I was late getting to the meeting, and apparently so was Senator Kennedy. When I walked in, there were no remaining seats around the table, but there were a couple of seats over by a window. In fact, there was only one seat empty, and it was next to Senator Kennedy who at that point I had not met. I felt like I had nowhere else to go, so I sat by Senator Kennedy. After we had been there about a half hour and were bored by the discussion that was going on at the table, we started talking. I mentioned to Senator Kennedy that, in fact, my grandmother had been from Boston, that I had enjoyed that part of the country many times on vacations, and we discovered that we had a mutual interest in sailing, although I have not gotten to do nearly as much of it as he has. In any case, we spent the next hour just having a wonderful, friendly discussion. And that was the beginning of this friendship that I have referred to. Not long after that, I was at another meeting. Actually this was a conference meeting in the Capitol, where there were four or five Members of the House and four or five members of the Senate in attendance trying to work out the differences on a particular piece of legislation. What so happened at that particular meeting, I was at the table and so was Senator Kennedy. In fact, he was directly across the table from me. And we had had a relatively mild discussion of the issues at hand, and it was time for Senator Kennedy to speak. He stood up at the table, proceeded to lay into us Republicans as if we knew nothing about the issues at hand, made a very persuasive argument on his own behalf and on behalf of the issues that he cared about. The voice was so loud that, quite frankly, the walls of this small room were rattling. All the staff who were seated around the room were shaking. And I was wondering what I had gotten myself into. And here was the Senator with whom I had struck a friendship, and he was practically accusing all of us of not knowing what we were talking about on this particular legislation. Well, the Senator talked for 5 or 10 minutes, completely dominated the room, and there really wasn't much else to say, or at least no one felt like saying anything in response to the Senator. Well, when he sat down, he picked up a piece of paper in front of them, grabbed a pencil, which I was absolutely sure he was going to break in half. But instead of breaking the pencil in half, he scribbled a note on this piece of paper. And everybody in the room is watching him. And he throws the piece of paper across the table to me. And I'm thinking, what is going on? So I pick up the piece of paper. This must have been around July of that particular summer. I look at the piece of paper, and Senator Kennedy has written on the piece of paper, ``Lamar, what are you doing for vacation this summer?'' You had to sort of be there to appreciate what had gone on in the previous 10 minutes and the friendship that this particular note to me showed. I very quickly folded the note up and put it in my pocket so no one else would see it. And, of course, everybody in the entire room was now wondering what was it that Senator Kennedy had written to the Republican across the table, Smith from Texas. I never have revealed that note until right now. But that does show not only friendship, but both stories and many others that I could tell I think reveal a larger point. And that is the public is probably not nearly as aware as they might be of the genuine friendships that occur in Congress between individuals who might not agree on many of the political issues but who can agree to be friends and appreciate each other's company.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. I will be happy to yield to the gentleman.

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In this case, the idea that individuals can be friends from different sides of the aisle, and even if they disagree on some things political, it occurs more often than a lot of people might expect. In fact, that's probably one of the unwritten stories of Congress. And I'm glad it exists. Certainly on the surface there is an extreme partisanship. Sometimes that is regrettable. But underneath the surface, there are friendships that can occur, for which I think both sides and both friends can be grateful, and I am certainly in that category.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the national media don't have a credibility problem; they have a credibility void. Five out of six Americans see the national news media as ``very or somewhat biased,'' according to a new poll by Sacred Heart University. Six out of seven Americans say the media have their own political and public policy positions and attempt to influence opinion and policy. Nearly nine out of ten Americans say the media played a strong role in electing Barack Obama as President. Seven in ten say the national media are intent on promoting the Obama presidency. And a majority say the media are promoting the White House's health care plan without criticism. The poll found that biased reporting is driving away the media's audience. Almost half of Americans have stopped watching a news outlet because of media bias. If the national media want to keep their remaining audience, they need to restore Americans' trust by giving them the facts, not telling them what to think.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. I thank my friend from Massachusetts, Congressman Delahunt, for yielding. I also want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their forbearance tonight in not strictly enforcing the time limits.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, President Obama and his agenda are in the news so much that media research groups are finding new ways to measure the coverage. According to the Center For Media and Public Affairs, The New York Times has featured 405 stories about the Obama administration on its front page in the last 8 months. These stories total 120,000 column entries. That equals almost 2 miles of coverage devoted to President Obama and his agenda. Not surprisingly, the New York Times featured more positive coverage of the President than any other news outlet, according to the Center For Media and Public Affairs. The national media should devote more time and a few more inches to covering the other side of the story.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, a new Investor's Business Daily poll of more than 1,300 physicians found that nearly two-thirds do not support the administration's health care plan. More than 7 in 10 say the government cannot provide insurance coverage without harming quality. IBD's findings contradict stories in the national media that claim most doctors support the administration's plan. The media know that the American Medical Association does not speak for all doctors. In fact, only 17 percent of all doctors belong to the AMA in large part because it is too liberal. It's not a surprise that the national media ignored IBD's poll. It doesn't fit their agenda of more government control and less individual freedom.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Washington State and the ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this legislation, H.R. 324, because it weakens our border security and, therefore, endangers American lives. Arizona's border with Mexico has become the focal point of much of the illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and related violence in America. This legislation will adversely impact the ability of DHS to secure part of the border. Designation as a national heritage area can prevent the Border Patrol's access to the land. It could prevent agents from using motorized vehicles or flying helicopters at low altitudes. Such policies encourage illegal immigration and drug smuggling. The smugglers and illegal immigrants know they have a better chance of eluding capture in these areas than in better enforced border areas. In addition, the bill will have the exact opposite effect of its stated purpose ``to conserve the region's heritage'' since smugglers and illegal immigrants often cause environmental damage. They abandon huge volumes of trash and debris. Preventing Border Patrol agents from accessing these areas will only allow this environmental destruction to continue. I understand that language has been added in an effort to address the concerns that have been raised, but the language is ambiguous and will invite lawsuits. It does not ensure that law enforcement officials will have access to the land and be able to secure the border. Mr. Speaker, for that reason, we should oppose this legislation.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, on September 22, 2009, I voted ``no'' on H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009. As of August 2009, the State of Texas had 966,000 people who were unemployed. This amounts an unemployment rate of 8.0 percent but this legislation only applied to states with unemployment over 8.5 percent so unemployed Texans were not eligible. I would have voted for H.R. 3548 because so many people across the country continue to be unemployed if the bill had not discriminated against Texas and 22 other states with unemployment rates lower than 8.5 percent. The State of Texas has many counties and communities where the unemployment rate is higher than 8.5 percent. Many more individuals should have qualified for these benefits. Furthermore, since employers in Texas continue to pay the taxes that pay for these benefits, they are subsidizing the unemployment benefits in other states without any of the revenue going to unemployed Texans. This bill is unfair and for that reason I could not support it.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, The national media's coverage of the conservative 9/12 protests was scarce and antagonistic, according to an analysis by the Media Research Center (MRC). According to MRC, the three TV networks did not offer any pre-rally coverage before the 9/12 protests. And their coverage afterward intentionally tried to paint a negative picture of the protestors. Furthermore, a regular commentator on MSNBC dismissed the protestors as ``the fringe of the fringe,'' although they were everyday Americans. And The New York Times buried its coverage of the protests on page A37 of Sunday's paper. In contrast, the media gave significantly more--and more positive-- coverage to liberal protests recently. The national media should give fair coverage to protests on both sides, rather than downplaying conservative demonstrations.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Guantanamo Bay is a first-class detention center that cost American taxpayers $100 million. But the administration is begging other countries around the world to accept the terrorists that are held there. In its attempt to farm out these terrorists, the administration may be sowing the seeds of future attacks, as the U.S. will have little say over how long these terrorists are held. An interview with designated terrorist Abdul Haq should give all Americans cause for concern. Of the detainees who might be transferred to the island of Palau, at least eight have admitted that Haq was their leader. In a recently translated interview, Haq is clear about his ties to the Taliban and al Qaeda. He glorifies attacks against Americans and our allies, and even blesses Osama bin Laden. So, once again, why are we closing a first-class detention facility and putting terrorists in a position where they can do Americans harm?

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, National news programs have boosted the Administration's health care agenda and ignored the high costs of a government takeover of health care, according to a study by the Business and Media Institute (BMI). BMI examined 224 health care stories on ABC, CBS, and NBC from over a five-month period. The survey found that these stories favored proponents of the Administration's health care plan over critics of the plan by a margin of more than 2-to-1. Yet the American people are split evenly for and against it, with the trend against it. Only nine percent of stories mentioned the high cost of the Administration's plan. And the networks frequently repeated the Administration's incorrect claim that there are 47 million uninsured people in America--a claim the President backed down from during his recent health care speech The national media should report the facts on health care, not tell Americans what to think.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, following President Obama's address to a joint session of Congress about health care, the national media touted polls showing a bump in public approval of the President's health care plan, but the media failed to point out that the polls vastly oversampled Democrats. For example, a CBS poll last week trumpeted ``a 12-point improvement'' in the President's approval rating on health care following his speech. CBS failed to mention that Democrats outnumbered Republicans in the poll sample by 15 percentage points, far greater than the actual party identification gap. Worse, a CNN poll touted a ``double-digit post-speech jump'' for the President, but the poll oversampled Democrats by more than a 2-1 margin. When questioning far more Democrats than Republicans, it should come as no surprise that poll results favor a liberal Democratic agenda. The media should be objective and not intentionally slant their polling data.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, last week President Obama called for the administration to establish demonstration projects to measure the effectiveness of tort reform. But we don't need to demonstrate that tort reform works; we have already proved that in States where it has been enacted. In my home State of Texas, for example, health care premiums fell by 30 percent. That means Texans pay less to have better health care and more options. According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, 40 percent of medical malpractice suits filed in the U.S. are without merit, 40 percent. A Department of Health and Human Services study found that unlimited excessive damages add $70 billion to $126 billion annually to health care costs. These costs are then passed along to the patient in the price of health care. Tort reform will reduce health care costs by tens of billions of dollars. We don't need to test tort reform; we need to enact it.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Americans' trust in the media has plummeted to an all-time low, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center. According to Pew, only about a quarter of Americans say that news organizations are not politically biased, less than one- third say the media generally get the facts straight, less than one in five say that the media deals fairly with all sides of the story, and just 29 percent had a favorable opinion of the liberal New York Times, the lowest rating for any international organization in the Pew survey. Americans have lost faith in the national media. Whether it's health care or other issues, it's up to the media to restore the public's trust by reporting the facts fairly.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in a speech before the American Medical Association, the President made a promise to the American people which he has often repeated: If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor. If you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan. No one will take it away, no matter what end. However, when asked about this, White House officials told the Associated Press, The President's rhetoric shouldn't be taken literally. So when it comes to serious concerns that most Americans have about health care proposals, White House officials admit you can't believe what the President says. That's astounding. If we can't take the President literally on his promises to the American people, why aren't the national media all over this? The American people need the facts about health care reform, not political cover for the President.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, poll after poll shows that Americans reject the administration's health care plan, but the national media continue to downplay the results of their own polls. For example, in its report on the new NBC/Wall Street Journal poll, NBC itself failed to mention that more people disapprove than approve of the way the President is handling health care. President Obama says his health care plan is deficit neutral, but the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says the legislation will substantially increase the deficit. President Obama says Americans' health care plans will cost less, but the CBO Director says the legislation will cost more, much more. President Obama says ``if you like your current health care plan, you can keep it,'' but an independent study found that most Americans will lose their current health care plan. Mr. Speaker, Americans need the facts on health care, not the biased news from the Democrat-media alliance.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the administration's plan for a government takeover of health care will raise taxes, ration care, extend wait times, and let a government commission make decisions that should be made by families and their doctors. This scheme will increase our national deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars and will increase, not decrease, the cost of health care. During a recent health care telephone town meeting with 1,200 of my constituents, I asked them the question if the government should determine how much health care they received. More than 9 out of 10 said ``no.'' President Obama is intent on making the government too big, too intrusive, and too expensive. We should listen to our constituents. Congress should not approve a government takeover of health care.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the FY 2010 Defense Appropriations Act. Requesting Member: Congressman Lamar Smith Bill Number: FY 2010 Defense Appropriations Act Account: RDTE, Navy Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The University of Texas at Austin Address of Requesting Entity: 1 University Station G2700, PO Box 7397, Austin, TX 78713 Description of Request: I have secured $1,500,000 for the University of Texas at Austin for next Generation Manufacturing Processes and Systems. This initiative will establish a research and education program for enhancing U.S. competitiveness in flexible, rapid response manufacturing. This program addresses national security issues in addition to developing a strong domestic engineering workforce (in both manufacturing and design) and a means for U.S. industry to maintain and enhance an important capability in the world manufacturing marketplace. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Lamar Smith Bill Number: FY 2010 Defense Appropriations Act Account: RDTE, Army Legal Name of Requesting Entity: National Trauma Institute Address of Requesting Entity: 16500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 350 San Antonio, TX 78232 Description of Request: I have secured $2,500,000 for the National Trauma Institute. In the U.S., hemorrhage is responsible for 30% to 40% of deaths following a traumatic injury. Funding would be used to develop techniques to manage noncompressible hemorrhages following combat injury. If advances are funded it seems likely that the rates of late complications and mortality from noncompressible hemorrhage will be decreased and outcomes improved, resulting in a direct and positive impact on the survivability of soldiers with battlefield injuries. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, when CBS News anchor Katie Couric asked President Obama if illegal immigrants could participate in his health care plan, his answer was ``no.'' However, here are the facts which have not been reported by the media. There are gaping loopholes in the health care bill that allow illegal immigrants to receive taxpayer-funded benefits. The bill contains no verification mechanism to ensure that illegal immigrants do not apply for benefits. In fact, Democrats rejected an amendment to close this loophole. And the bill leaves open the possibility that if one citizen family member is eligible for benefits, then the whole family, including illegal immigrant family members, is also eligible for the benefits. The proposed health care scheme could force the American people to pay for the health care of illegal immigrants. This is simply another reason to oppose it.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, a new ABC News/Washington Post poll has found that for the first time, less than half of Americans support President Obama's health care plan. Since April, approval of the President's handling of health care has dropped 8 points, while disapproval has risen 15 points. In an example of fair reporting, the Post put the poll results on its front page yesterday. Other news media have not been as candid in their coverage of health care. When the Congressional Budget Office director revealed that the health care bill ``significantly expands the Federal responsibility for health care costs,'' the evening news programs on both CBS and NBC failed to report the CBO's key finding, nor have they reported how many jobs will be lost under the President's health care plan. Mr. Speaker, with so much at stake, Americans need the media to report all the facts on health care.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, a recent Washington Post editorial listed among President Obama's assets ``a steady affection from a large majority of the country.'' The national media frequently claim that the President is overwhelmingly popular. A new poll by Rasmussen tells a different story. The poll shows that just 28 percent of voters strongly approve of the way that the President is doing his job. Thirty-six percent strongly disapprove, giving President Obama an approval index rating of a negative 8 percent. And that's before the American people find out about his plans to ration health care. A negative approval rating is hardly steady affection from a large majority of the country. The national media should tell Americans the whole story, not tell them what to think.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the FY 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Requesting Member: Congressman Lamar Smith Bill Number: FY 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act Account: Department of Education--Elementary & Secondary Education Legal Name of Requesting Entity: New Braunfels Independent School District Address of Requesting Entity: 430 W. Mill Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130 Description of Request: I have secured $350,000 for the Texas State University to implement Texas Mathworks at the New Braunfels Independent School District. It is my understanding that funding of the project would enable Texas Mathworks to provide NBISD with specialized training for teachers in math and impact 600 students during the school year. Texas Mathworks is a center for mathematics education formed by Texas State University System to develop model programs and self- sustaining learning communities that engage Texas K-12 students in doing mathematics at a high level. Texas Mathworks proves to be an effective model for engaging and retaining students' interest in math and science, enabling teachers to effectively teach it at the highest levels. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Lamar Smith Bill Number: FY 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act Account: Department of Education--HRSA--Health Facilities and Services Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Eastside Eyecare Clinic, San Antonio, TX Address of Requesting Entity: 2547 E. Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX 78203 Description of Request: I have secured $250,000 for the Eastside Eyecare Clinic for facilities and equipment. It is my understanding that one hundred percent of the requested funding will be used to purchase equipment and technology for the clinical labs in the Eastside Eyecare Clinic and the School of Optometry. These labs will offer clinical optometry services, especially in the field of pediatric and geriatric optometric services. Federal investment in the proposed Eastside Eyecare Clinic will provide new and enhanced health services to a traditionally underserved population that is largely African- American, with a standard of living consistently below the poverty line. This initiative will also provide new educational opportunities in optometry to populations historically underrepresented in this field. In addition, the establishment of a Community Clinic in the East Side will have the extra benefit of spurring economic development in this long-impoverished area. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Lamar Smith Bill Number: FY 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act Account: Department of Education--HRSA--Health Facilities and Services Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Address of Requesting Entity: 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229 Description of Request: I have secured $150,000 for the University of Texas Health Science Center for facilities and equipment. It is my understanding that the funds will be spent on space development/ renovations, faculty recruitment start-up costs, equipment purchases and maintenance, supplies and travel, and innovative discovery research seed projects. Understanding the pathogenesis and clinical management of airway diseases through basic science, clinical and translational research innovation and collaborations will provide important insights as to how to interrupt respiratory disease progression and improve health for many millions of Texas citizens and hundreds of millions throughout the U.S. and beyond. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Lamar Smith Bill Number: FY 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act Account: Institute of Museum & Library Services--Museums and Libraries Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Witte Museum Address of Requesting Entity: 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229 Description of Request: I have secured $100,000 for the Witte Museum for exhibits and education outreach. It is my understanding that funding will be used to preserve and promote the culture and heritage of South Texas. To this end, the Witte is working closely with local educators to develop and refine programs and exhibits that will promote its mission by expanding educational outreach to its projected half million visitors; one third of whom are schoolchildren whose curriculum is interwoven with programs that align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, TEKS. The South Texas Heritage Center is but one component of the expansion with the appropriation request focused on promoting educational outreach by providing funding for the design and development of these exhibits, as well as, their fabrication and installation. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the FY 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Requesting Member: Congressman Lamar Smith Bill Number: FY 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act Account: Federal Highway Administration--Surface Transportation Priorities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Austin Address of Requesting Entity: 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701 Description of Request: I have secured $500,000 for the City of Austin to deploy their Intelligent Transportation System. It is my understanding that the City of Austin has developed an intelligent transportation systems (ITS) deployment plan as part of its efforts to improve mobility information for residents, reduce congestion, improve mobility and improve air quality. Specific components of the system include: a traffic and transportation website with live streaming capabilities; variable message boards that inform drivers of traffic congestion, accidents, and other emergencies ahead, and alert drivers to alternate available routes; surveillance and detection cameras to monitor live roadway conditions, provide public access to special event and road closure information, detect traffic incidents quickly, and manage traffic control signalization remotely. The City of Austin will match any federal funds that the delegation secures for this project. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Lamar Smith Bill Number: FY 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act Account: Federal Transit Administration--Buses and Bus Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: San Antonio VIA Metropolitan Transit Address of Requesting Entity: 800 W. Myrtle San Antonio, TX 78212 Description of Request: I have secured $750,000 for the San Antonio VIA Metropolitan Transit to build and design a Park & Ride Facility in the area of US 281 and North Loop 1604. The rapid and continuing growth in this sector of the city has outpaced the capacity of existing transit facilities in the area. In the last few years, VIA has introduced an express route, providing a direct transit connection between the US 281/Loop 1604 area and the downtown central business district. The proposed facility will sit on seven (7) acres and include 572 parking spaces, with approximately 4 bus routes operating through the facility. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.