Christopher Shays

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I support H.R. 6867, which would provide up to 7 additional weeks of Federal extended unemployment benefits to workers in all States as well as an additional 13 weeks of Federal extended benefits for workers in States, like Connecticut, with unemployment rates of 6 percent or higher. Connecticut's Fourth Congressional District has been hit particularly hard by financial market turmoil. According to PolicyMap.com, 20,655 Darien residents alone work in the financial, insurance, and real estate sectors. In light of Lehman Brothers and AIG bankruptcies, many Fairfield County commuters have found themselves unemployed. In Westport, 19.4 percent of the town's 26,822 residents work in these fields, and 13.2 percent of Stamford's 120,338 residents are also employed in the financial sector. I support extending unemployment insurance benefits to people who have lost their jobs and are having a difficult time finding work. In light of a recent economic downturn, turmoil in the housing market and rising unemployment it is the responsibility of Congress to assist workers and promote economic growth and employment.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. There aren't many times we get a second chance to do the right thing. This is the kind of vote our constituents sent us to make on their behalf. It is a legacy vote, one of the most important votes we will ever cast, a vote we will carry with us the rest of our lives. The majority of my constituents have voiced opposition to this bill, but the fact is, the financial markets lost $1.2 trillion in one day when we failed to act Monday afternoon. Some of that has been restored, but we are witnessing the possibility of our economy coming to a grinding halt. I don't intend to play Russian roulette with our economy, or my constituents, which is why I voted for this bill when it came before us on Monday, and why I will vote for it again today. Many of us on both sides of the aisle agree this is not a perfect bill. In fact, some of my financially savvy constituents have educated me about other ways we could intervene. The bottom line is this legislation is a short-term solution to address a longer-term problem. Those of us back next Congress, and I make no assumption about my own election, truly have our work cut out for us. This bill is for Main Street. It is for college and retirement savings and the value of homes. It is for access to car loans, student loans and mortgages. It is the ability of small businesses to borrow, expand, stock shelves, meet short-term cash needs such as payroll, and invest in new plants and equipment. The credit market is tightening, strangling our economy. Liquidity has dried up and money is simply not getting to the individuals and businesses who need it. Consumers, savers and investors are losing confidence. I am grateful the bill before us today will increase deposit insurance to $250,000, a recommendation I had made, so American depositors know their money in their bank is safe. This crisis requires all of us to put our country first and our ideology and partisanship aside. We need to pass the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act and then go back home and face the voters. Those of us who are fortunate enough to return will have to come back, roll up our sleeves and do everything we can to help our country grow and our prosperity return. Yesterday, the president of a community bank wrote me: Congress needs to understand the consequence of money moving out of banks. Deposits enable banks to loan and expand the economy. Withdrawals force banks to call in loans and contract the economy ten-fold.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 7221, the Community Partnership to End Homelessness Act, and urge my colleagues to support the reauthorization of this important legislation. The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, now known as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, was first enacted in 1987 as the first major, coordinated Federal response to homelessness. McKinney-Vento homeless assistance programs were last reauthorized in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992. Since then, Congress has considered numerous proposals to improve the program but not completed a full reauthorization of the legislation. Passed in response to the rapid and dramatic growth of homelessness in the United States during the 1980s, the McKinney Act emphasized emergency measures, transitional measures, and long-term solutions to combat the homeless crisis. Despite the impact of the McKinney-Vento Act, homelessness continues to be a pervasive problem in America. It is important Congress support a comprehensive range of programs beyond emergency food, shelter and health care services for the homeless. We must promote the development of affordable housing, provide supportive services to those who are homeless or in vulnerable housing situations, acknowledge and study the high rates of homelessness among our Nation's veterans and recognize the critical role our schools play in preventing and ending homelessness among children. I serve in the seat previously represented by Stewart McKinney. Stewart served as the ranking Republican on the House Banking Subcommittee on Housing, as well as the House Committee on the District of Columbia. It was in this capacity that he became especially concerned about homelessness, particularly in our capital city. He loved urban areas and like our colleague Bruce Vento, he recognized homelessness is a national problem that requires a national solution. Stewart's commitment to exposing the depth of the growing problem of homelessness in the 1980s led him to contract pneumonia after sleeping on a grate outside a Federal building with DC area homeless. Shortly after his death on May 7, 1987, his family, friends and staff gathered to discuss how to continue his philosophy of caring for those who are the least able to care for themselves. They created the Stewart B. McKinney Foundation, an organization whose mission is to provide funds to care for persons with HIV who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Today, Lucie McKinney continues the work Stewart began in his memory, and keeps his spirit alive in this precious foundation. Stewart was beloved by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Reading the tributes that were offered to Stewart on this House floor on the day of his death, I was struck by his colleagues' appreciation for his humanity, warm spirit, bipartisanship, and dedication to doing good.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Most of my constituents consider this a bailout. Some of them, in fact, are willing to walk bread lines in order to see wealthy Wall Street tycoons pay for their greed. The fact is, that would be irresponsible. While this is not 1929 all over again, it could be if we step aside and let the wonders of the market work its will in this environment. We can't let the foolishness and greed on Wall Street bring down Main Street; at least I don't intend to. We are witnessing the economy coming to a grinding halt. Money is simply not being lent to individuals who need it. For businesses, this has meant an inability to borrow, to expand, invest in new equipment, stock shelves, or even meet short-term cash needs, such as payroll. For individuals, it has threatened the assets of everyone who has an IRA or 401(k), college savings, pension plans, or owns a home. It has been difficult for me to hear so many Members act like they were not responsible for this credit crisis when they had the opportunity to advocate reform or at least support it, but chose not to. We will have plenty of time to determine what went wrong and what individuals and institutions are responsible, but this is not the day or time to focus on who is at fault and what systemic changes need to be made. I recognize today's liquidity injection is a short-term solution to a long-term systemic problem. Those of us who return--and I make no assumptions about my own election--have our work cut out for us in the next Congress. I will vote for the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act and thank my colleagues in both Chambers, and on both sides of the aisle, for their bipartisan effort to avert a more serious economic crisis. I believe the negotiators have worked in good faith, but we all have lingering questions. My own continue to be whether $700 billion is actually enough; why we aren't increasing FDIC insurance above $100,000 so deposits don't withdraw their funds, and why we aren't addressing directly the capital markets problem like we did in the early 1980s. I believe this legislation will address the short-term liquidity problem. And in the end, I believe taxpayers, at a minimum, will be held harmless, or even see a positive return on this expenditure. If this bill passes and puts liquidity in the market like we hope, we should be given the time we need to make some long-term changes. I urge my colleagues to carefully weigh the effects of action, or inaction, and allow this solution not only to pass, but to work.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I pay tribute today to Michael J. Critelli--one of our foremost leaders in corporate America today. Mike has been at the helm of Pitney Bowes for over a decade and with the company for almost 30 years. At the end of this year, he steps down so on the occasion of his retirement. I would like to recognize his years of service. Mike has been a leader at Pitney Bowes for many years in a number of positions. He's been the company's general counsel, chief personnel officer, president of Pitney Bowes Financial Services as well as chief executive officer and chairman of the board and is currently the executive chairman of the board. He's been a business leader not only in his home State of Connecticut, where Pitney Bowes is headquarters in my district in Stamford, but also on issues here in Washington, DC. Mike spent a tremendous amount of time working on postal reform legislation and his work was exemplary. He helped to form the Mailing Industry CEO Council, an organization of over a dozen leaders of major mailing industry companies. As CEO of Pitney Bowes as well as chairman of the Mailing Industry CEO Council, he came to town frequently to meet with me and other members of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and many others to champion the postal reform legislation and need for reform. His commitment to this issue was extraordinary. And in the second session of the 109th Congress, we saw the legislation pass the House and Senate and it became law. One of the people there with President Bush--front and center--when the President signed the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act into law was Mike Critelli. It was the culmination of years of effort by those of us in Congress but also people in the mailing industry like Mike Critelli. He was, almost without a doubt, the single most dedicated corporate executive working with us in Congress to enact that legislation. He knew it was what the U.S. Postal Service needed in order to survive and thrive for the long term and he was dedicated to helping get it done. Mike has also been committed to helping retain jobs in Connecticut. At a Government Reform Committee hearing several years ago on postal reform, Mike Critelli testified. He made a decision to move some jobs to an old industrial city in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He could have moved some of these folks elsewhere but he knew that Bridgeport needed the jobs. That not only speaks volumes for who Mike Critelli is, but it also speaks volumes for the commitment of Pitney Bowes and its leaders to the well-being of our State. Mike's commitment to our community has been a constant for over two decades during which he has volunteered in a range of advocacy roles for organizations in Connecticut. For example, he has been active on transportation issues including most recently serving as chairman of Governor Rell's Commission on the Reform of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. I am grateful for Mike's dedication to the people of our community and the important issues affecting them. Please join me in recognizing Michael J. Critelli as he retires this year.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I pay tribute today to Honor Flight for its dedication to our World War II Veterans. In Connecticut, we have been blessed by the vision of Christopher Coutu, Founder of American Warrior. This organization is dedicated to bringing World War II Veterans from Connecticut to Washington, DC to see their monument erected for their service to our country during its darkest hour. Mr. Coutu created American Warrior with the ideas of Honor Flight in mind and has helped many Veterans see this important memorial for the first time. Honor Flight has done this for many Veterans around the country. Their dedication has given so much back to the generation that defended us and sacrificed so much to keep their fellow Americans safe. We cannot do enough for our Veterans in exchange for what they gave us, but we can honor them and give them opportunities to be thanked by a grateful nation. I stand in awe of Honor Flight, American Warrior for giving our World War II Veterans the opportunity to see their memorial erected in their honor.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I support of H.R. 7060, the Renewable and Job Creation Tax Act, because the renewable tax extensions provided in this bill are long overdue. American scientists and engineers are at the forefront of breakthrough energy technologies that will change the way we power our homes, cities and transportation. The Federal Government must provide incentives to bring this innovation online and into the marketplace. What we do today will lay the foundation for reducing energy consumption and producing diverse, American-made energy for the short and long term. Renewable energy is a critical component of our energy future. And yet, renewable sources only make up about seven percent of the energy in our country today. This legislation provides the much-needed assurance investors need to develop and expand wind, solar, geothermal and biofuel energy sources, and rewards consumers who purchase these technologies and other energy-efficient products with tax credits of their own. Among other things, this bill extends the credit for residential solar property for eight years and eliminates the annual credit cap for solar electric property. The bill also includes residential small wind equipment and geothermal heat pumps as qualifying property. These are powerful incentives for consumers to cut their energy costs through energy efficiency and conservation. High energy costs are bringing down our economy; energy bought from overseas is depriving us of American jobs; and foreign purchases of energy is transferring $700 billion to countries that would do us harm. I strongly believe in a comprehensive energy policy that includes conservation, renewable sources, nuclear power, and American oil and natural gas. Extending the tax credits and incentive in this bill is a strong step in the direction of American energy independence, and I urge passage of H.R. 7060.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I strongly support the Health Centers Renewal Act, which will reauthorize the community health center program for five years and increase the program's funding. This continues the strong commitment we have shown to these centers over the past five years. During the last reauthorization, this Administration has sought to double the amount of people receiving care through community health centers, from 10 million to 20 million. Already, over 17 million individuals are receiving quality care, and half of these individuals are uninsured. So of our 46 million uninsured, nearly 8 million are receiving care from these centers. By preventing costly hospitalizations and reducing the use of emergency care for routine services, it is estimated community clinics save the health care system over $6 billion annually. I strongly support passage of this legislation so community health centers can continue providing high-quality, cost-effective care. I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Madam 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.

Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I don't have any additional speakers. I would just like to say this is an essential bill to make sure that we are getting the kind of employees in our government who can do the kinds of jobs that we need to do. They need to be properly reimbursed, and I thank the gentleman. I yield back.

Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today we take up the Senior Professional Performance Act of 2008. It's a commonsense reform, and I'm pleased to support it, and so are other members of the committee. The purpose of this bill is to align the pay system for certain Federal employees with that of the Senior Executive Servicemembers-- those who provide the executive management of the Federal Government. The employees covered by this bill--senior professionals classified as scientific and professional personnel (ST) and senior-level personnel (SL)--are recognized as providing essential specialized skills needed to address the Federal Government's imminent challenges. The ST employee is a specially qualified, non-executive who conducts research and development functions in the physical, biological, medical, or engineering sciences, or a closely related field. The SL employee is a high-level non-executive who is not involved in fundamental research and development--like a high-level special assistant or a senior attorney in a highly specialized field. The Senior Executives Association, whose members include SL and ST employees, have asked for this pay comparability, as has the Office of Personnel Management. I intend to support this legislation. I believe other Members on our committee do as well, and we urge our colleagues to do so as well. I reserve my time.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Madam 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.

Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, this legislation is essential if the United States Congress is going to do its job. Our job is not just writing legislation; our job is to do proper oversight of all of the various departments and agencies. We have Inspectors General that are assigned for each of our departments. We have some who do a really outstanding job, and we have some who do a good job, and some who, frankly, need to do a better job. I think this legislation will help professionalize this agency in a way that's important for our people, for our country, and for the majority and the minority in this Congress. We want a more efficient government. We want a better-run government. Inspectors General help us do that. I yield back my time.

Mr. SHAYS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I'm rising in support of this legislation. The Government Oversight and Reform Committee works very closely with both the general accountability office and the Inspector General's office. The Inspector Generals play a major role in our ability to weed out waste, abuse and fraud. We need to strengthen this office. And we appreciate the work that Mr. Cooper has been involved in to bring this legislation forward. I will insert my full statement into the Record. Madam Speaker, today, we take up H.R. 928, the Improving Government Accountability Act. This legislation is intended to enhance the independence of inspectors general throughout government to improve their ability to monitor and oversee executive branch operations. Since the enactment of the Inspector General Act of 1978, inspectors general throughout government have played an integral role in identifying waste and mismanagement in government. IGs have also been instrumental in aiding Congress and the executive branch to make government more efficient and effective. We all agree IGs should operate independently, free from political interference. After all, both agency heads and Congress often rely on IG reports to provide frank assessments of the effectiveness of Federal programs. However, inspectors general should also be part of an agency's management structure--albeit with some independence--rather than a ``fourth branch'' of the Federal Government. We must be careful not to separate the IGs from the day-to-day operations of the agencies they oversee so they may continue to perform a constructive, integrated role and not just ``second-guess'' the decisions made by agencies. I believe the compromise legislation we are taking up today strikes the right balance between IG independence and the appropriate management role of inspectors general. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I believe a comprehensive approach to sex education that provides information about abstinence and contraceptives helps reduce unwanted pregnancy, abortion, and the contraction of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and AIDS. As our kids are learning about their health, and how their behavior affects it, it's important they have all the facts. The extraordinary number of teen pregnancies and growing rate of STI transmission among teens underscores the necessity of comprehensive sexual education. They need to be taught about both abstinence and contraception. Congress has spent more than $1.5 billion on abstinence-only programs, which deny teenagers medically accurate, lifesaving information about birth control and STIs. My home State of Connecticut is one of 17 States that reject Title V Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Funding, because Connecticut recognizes what many of us already know: abstinence-only programs do not work. The way to protect our children is not to restrict information vital to their health. I am grateful to have partnered with Congresswoman Barbara Lee in introducing the Responsible Education About Life, or ``REAL'' Act, a bill that would authorize federal funds for States to offer comprehensive and medically accurate sex education in their schools. This legislation would provide funding for States to offer family life education, including education on abstinence and contraception, to prevent teenage pregnancy and STIs. People all over the country are demanding comprehensive sex education to keep our youth healthy and safe. That is why I support organizations like Planned Parenthood and other Title X family health providers. These organizations sponsor grassroots events all around the country to raise awareness about the need for comprehensive sex education and I applaud their good work.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, in compliance with Republican Conference earmark disclosure requirements, I would like to submit the following statement for the Record. Bill Number: H.R. 2638--Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act 1. Account: Military Construction, Air NG. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Connecticut Air National Guard located at Bradley, International Airport, Connecticut. Address of Requesting Entity: Bradley International Airport, Schoephoester Road, Windsor Locks, CT 6096. Description of Request: Along with Congresswoman DeLauro, Congressman Courtney, Congressman Larson, and Congressman Murphy, I received an earmark of $7,200,000 for construction of an engine shop at Bradley International Airport to support the unit's assigned mission of providing an engine Centralized Immediate Repair Facility capability and also provide the capability for a Joint Cargo beddown. The engines maintained will support the mission operations of A-10 aircraft equipped units in the Air Force and the Air National Guard. Federal funding will be used to construct the new engine facility, which is required to support 78 PAA equivalents, in addition to parts storage, additional engine storage, shipping and receiving, personnel training and administrative support areas. The current facility lacks adequate space and engine docks to conduct intermediate engine repair. It does not have adequate parts storage areas, shipping and receiving capabilities and administrative and training areas for the increased manpower necessary to handle the over three-fold increase in assigned workload. The existing facility also lacks adequate parking and existing base road violates the anti- terrorist force protection standoff requirements. 2. Account: Department of Defense, NSDF, RRF. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Massachusetts Maritime Aquarium. Address of Requesting Entity: 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532. Description of Request: Along with Congressman Delahunt, Congressman Olver, and Congresswoman Tsongas, I received an earmark of $10,000,000 to complete the training ship, the Enterprise, used by students at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Federal funding will be used to complete the conversion of the training ship to its original planned cadet and officer/crew accommodation level. State maritime academy training ship conversions have traditionally been financed through appropriated funding, and the Academy has no other way to fund the retrofit of this federal Government-owned vessel. All state academy training ships, including the Enterprise, are part of the U.S. Maritime Administration's national emergency response plan and can be used to berth first responders and other key disaster recovery personnel in the wake of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. 3. Account: Department of Defense, RDTE, DW. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: L-1 Identity Solutions. Address of Requesting Entity: 177 Broad Street, 12th Floor, Stamford, Connecticut 06901. Description of Request: I received an earmark of $1,600,000 to provide operational enhancements and technology improvements to biometrics-based identification tracking and analysis capabilities in order to ensure real-time actionable intelligence to the warfighter, as well as to the broader combating terrorism community. Federal funding will be used for the research, development and demonstration of an identity-based data capturing and management system. Enhanced data capture and management would entail further research and development of biometrics stand-off capabilities, as well as in improving the interoperability and portability of these biometrics-based data systems. This project addresses a critical requirement of the military intelligence community to accurately identify and track persons of interest in the battlespace, at military installations or in other critical, highly secured areas and facilities. 4. Account: Department of Defense, OM, ARNG. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Advanced Power Systems International. Address of Requesting Entity: 339 Main Street, Torrington, Connecticut 06790. Description of Request: I received an earmark of $800,000 to upgrade Air National Guard vehicles. This upgrade will result in fuel savings as well as a reduction in the harmful atmospheric particulate matter produced by vehicle exhaust. Federal funding would be used to purchase retrofit devices, which will have a savings in annual maintenance expenses due to a cleaner burning fuel. This fuel catalyst device would make significant reductions in fuel consumption by 1.4 million gallons per year resulting in significant operational savings of $4.65 million annually at $2.50 per gallon. In addition to burning less fuel, the installation of the Fuel Catalyst device will result in a significant reduction in Greenhouse Gas production and saving over 14,000 metric tons of CO2 per year along with the reduction of other atmospheric particulate matter contributing to smog. 5. Account: Department of Defense, RDTE, A. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: DRS Fermont. Address of Requesting Entity: 14 North Avenue in Bridgeport, CT 06606. Description of Request: I received an earmark of $800,000 for a demonstration program to generate power and air-conditioning from a single unit. Federal funding will be used to create an Advanced Technology Demonstrator that provides heating, cooling, and exportable power that is in one package. That demonstrator could be used by the Army to assist with requirements determination and analysis of alternatives. The result would be fuel savings, lower O&S costs and reduced footprint. In July 2007, the Defense Science Board Task Force on DoD Energy Strategy observed that energy logistics is a significant financial burden on US Armed Forces: specifically, (1) 70% of warfighting logistics by weight is fuel; (2) fuel convoys for powering generators and batteries create large, vulnerable footprints; and (3) supplying fuel to front lines requires considerable protection. In addition, it is widely believed the majority of the Army's generator capacity is used to power ECU's. 6. Account: Department of Defense, RDTE, AF. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: United Technologies Corporation (UTC). Address of Requesting Entity: 411 Silver Lane; M/S 129--88, East Hartford, CT 06108. Description of Request: I received an earmark of $4,000,000 to develop and demonstrate high temperature gas turbine airfoils using fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite (CMC) technology, for advanced military gas turbine engines for F135 (JSF Growth). Federal funding will be used to accelerate the development of this new class of materials with significant potential DoD benefits. Recent studies have shown that CMC 3rd blades in the F135 growth engine has the potential to save more than 42 pounds of engine weight and lead to consequent cooling air savings of 1.67%, leading to significant performance improvement and fuel savings. As this is a research and development project, which is not yet under contract, a detailed budget breakdown is not yet available. Nearly all of the funding would be dedicated to engineering work. 7. Account: Department of Defense, RDTE, AF. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Northrop Grumman Corporation. Address of Requesting Entity: 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209. Description of Request: Along with Congressman Weldon, I received an earmark of $20,000,000 for the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Improvement Program (MP-RTIP) Integration and Test on Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) project. The JSTARS (E-8) was the original platform designated for MP-RTIP and the radar can be transferred back to JSTARS with minimal risk. The MP- RTIP radar is modular and scaleable in design, enabling the Air Force to share development efforts between the smaller radar intended for the Global Hawk and a larger radar for a larger aircraft like the E-8. More importantly, the large radar can detect and track targets with a much smaller radar signature--such as a cruise missile or small targets on the ground. Therefore, the large radar will provide unique capabilities for the ongoing war on terrorism and for current and emerging cruise missiles threats for decades to come. Federal funding will be used for project development and procurement and will ensure this vital weapon still remains viable and continues to support the joint warfighter. Joint STARS is a unique Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance system that supports both asymmetric and conventional warfare. Without the large MP-RTIP radar, U.S. and coalition forces are exposed; the E-8 equipped with MP-RTIP will increase the mission effectiveness of our troops in the defense against cruise missiles, conducting the war on terrorism, and in future conflicts. 8. Account: RDTE, A. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: United Technologies Corporation (UTC). Address of Requesting Entity: 411 Silver Lane; M/S 129--88, East Hartford, CT 06108. Description of Request: Along with Congresswoman DeLauro, and Congressman Courtney, I received an earmark of $2,400,000 to develop a vehicle wide scaled armor protection system for cargo and troop transport helicopters to reduce their vulnerability to small arms fire. With the funding, UTC will accelerate a statistical design system based on battle field experience that can be used to guide the placement and scaling of new armor systems. Light weight ballistic material systems, based on novel ceramic materials, can be appropriately and selectively scaled and integrated into the helicopter to significantly decrease the vulnerability while minimizing the impact on payload and mission. The solution needs to include sensitivity to direction, stand off distance, obliquity and type of threat. The armor could then be customized and integrated to provide effective ballistic protection. This solution would limit the weight impact of reduced vulnerability while maintaining the mission capability of the vehicle. As this is a research and development project, which is not yet under contract, a detailed budget breakdown is not yet available. Nearly all of the funding would be dedicated to engineering work.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the passage of the Alternative Minimum Tax patch we are considering today that will prevent the AMT from affecting an additional 20 million taxpayers in 2009. I am pleased that we are considering this legislation now, which should give taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service plenty of time to prepare for this important tax change. According to a 2007 study by the Tax Foundation, Connecticut's Fourth Congressional District, which I represent, is the seventh most affected district by the AMT. Over 10 percent of our residents' tax returns are subject to the AMT, and the average tax liability of those affected by it is $5,235 per return. I would prefer us to be considering an AMT bill today that is offset by a combination of spending cuts and temporary revenue increases, but I am pleased that we are not considering legislation that pays for a 1- year fix in the process with a permanent revenue increase. Finally, I urge Congress to take up legislation soon that would fully repeal the AMT permanently. While the revenue loss will need to be made up in other ways, it was never the intent for the AMT to affect 41 million taxpayers, which it could by 2013 if it is not changed. I thank the Ways and Means Committee for bringing this legislation to the floor and urge its adoption.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Person-To-Person, an organization dedicated to supporting people in Fairfield County. For 40 years, this important organization has made profound contributions to our society by offering individuals assistance through their many programs designed to help improve lives. Person-to-Person has reached out teaching independent living skills to individuals who may be facing homelessness, severe financial challenges and through helping citizens cope with these problems. Person-to-Person is a pillar of strength because of their commitment to help people put their lives back together facing severe challenges. I am grateful for the members of this important organization who have helped to make Fairfield County a better place to live and work.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Twenty- five percent of the U.S. adult population suffers from mental disorders or substance abuse disorders. Yet despite the prevalence of mental disorders, there continues to be widespread misinformation and ignorance surrounding the condition. We need to ensure those who have treatment have access to care. At the same time, we need to increase biomedical research into the causes of and treatments for mental illness. It is estimated 98 percent of private health insurance plans discriminate against patients seeking treatment for mental illness by requiring higher copayments, allowing fewer doctor visits or days in the hospital, or requiring larger deductibles than imposed on other medical illnesses. With passage of this legislation, we will end these discriminatory practices and bring mental health care on par with care for physical ailments. I congratulate my friends, Congressman Ramstad and Congressman Kennedy, for all their efforts to help the mentally ill. I urge adoption of this legislation.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Thank you, Madam Speaker, and to my colleague, Carolyn Maloney, for introducing this bill and encouraging me to cosponsor it. I'm grateful I did, and I'm here to encourage its passage. I rise in support of the Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights. Loose mortgage underwriting standards and interest rate resets have helped cause the housing market to deteriorate. This could have been avoided had we acted earlier by establishing reasonable safeguards. With this legislation, we are acting responsibly, in my judgment, to address a credit problem. In an effort to make credit easily available, credit has been overextended, and many consumers can't afford significant interest rate increases. Consumers need fair, accurate, and transparent information to make informed choices regarding their credit card company or bank. This legislation gives consumers several long overdue protections, which include preventing sudden interest rate increases on existing loans, stopping the practice of universal default, and ensuring consumers have time to pay their bills. I hope we synchronize our efforts with the Federal Reserve to set some reasonable limits on consumer credit to protect our economy.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, on September 18, 2008, I missed one recorded vote. I take my voting responsibility very seriously. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on recorded vote No. 613.

Mr. SHAYS. I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. I am rising in support of H.R. 3036, the No Child Left Inside Act, which would authorize a grant program to provide States the resources to include environmental literacy education programs in their K-12 curriculum. Protecting the environment is one of the most important jobs I have as a Member of Congress. We simply will not have a world to live in if we continue our neglectful ways. It is imperative we instill the need for environmental responsibility upon the next generation, and I can't think of a better place to foster a sense of environmental stewardship than in the classroom. Just this week, Congress finally debated a bill to begin reducing our dependence on foreign oil and encouraging alternative energy solutions. The repercussions of the debate we had this week will not be dealt with by us, but rather, by our children. By ignoring our environmental and energy crisis for so long, we have passed significant challenges on to the next generation to find solutions. The time to invigorate our youth to tackle these challenges is now. I have heard from teachers and school administrators throughout Connecticut's Fourth Congressional District, and from across the country, who have felt a narrowing of school curricula in the wake of No Child Left Behind's (NCLB) high stakes testing requirements. It seems to me this bill should have been considered in the context of a larger No Child Left Behind reauthorization. Unfortunately, the majority has yet to bring comprehensive reform to the floor for consideration, and I am hopeful these types of curricular enrichments remain a priority as we work towards reauthorizing this critical bill. In the absence of reauthorization efforts this Congress, I am pleased we are providing the resources school districts need to enrich their curricula and cultivate an awareness of environmental issues in our public schools. I support No Child Left Behind because it is forcing us to improve and deal with gaps in our public education, but I realize there are several improvements that need to be made in the reauthorization process. I look forward to a reauthorization of this bill that reevaluates priority curricula to ensure our students are not only achieving in the areas of math, reading, and science, but are well- prepared to engage in a 21st century, global society.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for giving me this time to speak on what I think is important legislation. I believe the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the CFTC, must investigate speculation in the energy futures market and respond to any manipulation in price distortions. While opinion is not unanimous, I believe the increased positions of institutional investors, such as pension funds and endowments and sovereign funds in this market are contributing to the escalating price of oil at an alarming rate. The CFTC should level the playing field and apply position limits to the institutional investors, such as the New York Mercantile Exchange has required of its members for years. Investigating market manipulation will give us temporary relief, but the high gas prices of today compel us to confront the inconvenient truth of our energy needs in other ways. We clearly need to increase domestic energy production, including solar, wind, geothermal, biofuel, nuclear power; and yes, oil and natural gas. It is truly insane to transfer $700 billion of our wealth, our income, to other nations, most of whom are, frankly, unfriendly to us. Alongside increased conservation and energy efficiency, I believe we must drill for oil and natural gas miles off our coast in an environmentally responsible way, and build new nuclear power plants. Bringing more supply online will send a strong signal to the market and help bring down high energy costs even in the short term. The rest of the world needs to know that the United States is serious about energy.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, our side of the aisle is responding to three fundamental facts that have changed everything: An economic crisis, an energy crisis, and a national security crisis. Higher energy costs are bringing down our economy; energy bought from overseas is depriving us of American jobs; and foreign purchase of energy is transferring our wealth, $700 billion overseas. This is threatening our very national security. We need a bill that has conservation, renewables, nuclear power, and, yes, American oil and American gas. That American oil and that American gas will pay for all the renewables we all want. It will help secure our Nation. It will grow our economy. And it will make sure that Americans have jobs, and our government has revenue.

Mr. SHAYS

Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, this energy bill is a missed opportunity to have meaningful debate on America's energy needs and constructive compromise about America's energy solutions. High energy costs are bringing down our economy; energy bought from overseas is depriving us of American jobs; and foreign purchases of energy is transferring $700 billion to countries that would do us harm. I strongly believe in a comprehensive energy policy that includes conservation, renewable sources, nuclear power, and American oil and natural gas. H.R. 6899 brings us closer, but is silent on several important issues. Regrettably, the authors of this bill have refused to allow members to make any amendments. I am grateful this legislation encourages investment in renewable energy technologies by extending the production tax credit for wind, solar, geothermal and biomass. This measure provides the much-needed assurance that investors need to start developing these technologies. I am also grateful H.R. 6899 would establish a Renewable Energy Standard, requiring electricity companies to produce 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020, although I have advocated increasing this standard to 20 percent by 2020. The bill also repeals the moratorium on drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf, OCS, and would allow states to ``opt-in'' to drill between 50 to 100 miles off of their coast. Unfortunately, without revenue sharing, I am concerned states will have little incentive to develop these resources. I would have particularly liked to have seen revenues derived from these leases directed towards further renewable energy investment, so that American oil and natural gas would pay for the renewables we all want. Although I will vote for this bill, I believe this is a missed opportunity for meaningful, bipartisan debate and a better bill.