Adrian Smith

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. 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. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, as a former Realtor, I have seen the hurdles, struggles, and certainly triumphs of homeowners. Later today, we will be voting on H.R. 1106, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act. I understand the need to help those who need it, but we must be mindful we don't wind up hurting those who are not in dire straits. Responsible homeowners, many of whom are struggling themselves, should not be saddled with the costs of subsidizing bad behavior on the part of banks or borrowers. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week President Obama stood in this very space and called on Congress to work together to put our country back on the right fiscal track. I agree wholeheartedly, and I urge my colleagues to work in a bipartisan manner instead of enacting cramdown legislation, adding even more risk to the mortgage market.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my hearty congratulations to Ron Hull on his reception of the Pioneer Award from the NEBRASKAIand Foundation for his efforts to portray the spirit of Nebraska's heritage through his good works. Each year, the NEBRASKAIand Foundation celebrates Nebraska's entrance into the union. During this event, the Foundation honors distinguished Nebraskans for the impressive contributions to the State of Nebraska. Nothing sums up the spirit and values of Nebraska more than a person's willingness to reach out to friends, neighbors, and even strangers to help make our world a better place. Ron's dedication to tourism, historical leadership, and his career in public broadcasting is an inspiration. I thank Ron for his dedication and his service.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember a fellow Nebraskan who made our state proud in so many ways. Jack Pollock, from the town of Ogallala, Nebraska, was long a fixture in the Nebraska newspaper industry and an inductee to the Nebraska Journalism Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, Jack passed away earlier this week. My heart goes out to his wife, Beverly, and his family. Each year, the NEBRASKAland Foundation celebrates Nebraska's entrance into the union. During this event, the Foundation honors distinguished Nebraskans for the impressive contributions to the State of Nebraska. This year, Jack was selected to receive the WagonMaster Award, which recognizes citizens for their leadership in causes which benefit our state or nation, and who have set a tremendous example to others. This was an honor which was richly deserved, and I can think of no one better. Jack's dedication to his craft, his profession, and his community truly sets the bar high for the rest of us. He will be missed, but he will continue to set an example for others to follow.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to the entire Woods family for their selection as recipients of the NEBRASKAland Foundation's Distinguished Nebraskalander Award for their service to our state's historical, cultural, and economic well-being. Each year, the NEBRASKAland Foundation celebrates Nebraska's entrance into the union. During this event, the Foundation honors distinguished Nebraskans for the impressive contributions to the State of Nebraska. The multi-faceted accomplishments the Woods family have achieved and contributed through seven generations of private business, humanities, leadership and philanthropy is to be commended. Nebraska's cultural history is something we should be proud of, and I thank the Woods family for their dedication. Their example should inspire us, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their dedication and sacrifice.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my warmest congratulations to former Representative Doug Bereuter for receiving the 2009 Trailblazer Award from the NEBRASKAland Foundation. Each year, the NEBRASKAland Foundation celebrates Nebraska's entrance into the union. During this event, the Foundation honors distinguished Nebraskans for the impressive contributions to the State of Nebraska. I can think of no one who sums up the spirit of this award better than Representative Bereuter. His 26 years in Congress is a testament to his long-standing dedication to all Nebraskans. When I look at everything he accomplished during his tenure here in Congress, I am both humbled and inspired. He has truly set a tremendous example for others. Once again, I offer my congratulations to Representative Bereuter and I thank him for his public service, his leadership, and his friendship.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Hamilton County, Nebraska, for being named Progressive Farmer's Best Place to Raise a Family. Anyone who has ever visited Nebraska has seen first hand it is a wonderful place to raise a family. It looks like the message is getting out. Founded in 1867 and named after the first Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, and anchored by the city of Aurora, this area of my district truly lives up to the moniker ``The Good Life.'' This designation wasn't an accident. Hamilton County is a strong community of people who care for each other, who help out during hard times, and who live up to the benchmarks set by our forefathers. So, congratulations to the good people of Hamilton County for representing Nebraska and making us proud.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor a brave young man who called Nebraska's Third District home, Army CPT Rob Yllescas, who was laid to rest this week after succumbing to injuries received in Afghanistan on October 28. He commanded B-Troop, 6-4 Cavalry of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Rob has been described as a hero both on and off the battlefield. I was honored to speak with his family a few weeks ago, and I was touched by their hope, resolve, and spirit even as Rob struggled against his injuries. Nebraskans throughout our State are sending our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Dena, and his two daughters, Julia and Eva. I know Rob's strength is with them. Words cannot express our gratitude for Rob's service to our country, or the loss of such a brave friend and father. We can do no less than live up to his ideals.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the men and women of the Nebraska National Guard, who have recently returned from hurricane duty on the Gulf Coast. Nearly 1,000 Guardsmen were called up September 2 to help the Gulf Coast recover from Hurricane Gustav. The deployment was the largest out of state domestic emergency response mission in the history of the Nebraska National Guard. They were deployed to St. Francisville, Louisiana and then to Monroe, Louisiana--north of Baton Rouge. There they were assigned to security detail, making sure businesses were safe, and homes and families were protected. Other members delivered much needed supplies and assisted in clean up efforts. I'm proud of these Nebraskans, and I'm proud of the job they did. I also want to take a moment to thank the families of our Guardsmen and the employers who provided the flexibility necessary for this deployment. Finally, I want to welcome home these men and women who represent the best of Nebraska.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. LaVern Franzen, who has recently retired as president of Central Community College and who has been committed to advancing career education in my home state of Nebraska since 1967. Throughout his career, Dr. Franzen has encouraged teamwork and provided guidance and support for students and college employees alike. He is known as a man who thinks outside the box, and whose commitment to education knows no bounds. He has established a drag racing club to provide learning experiences outside the class; organizing a campus chapter of SkillsUSA to enhance the occupational skills of students in communications, leadership, and teamwork; opening Pooh Corner College to provide child care services for students and staff; and bringing a new medical laboratory technology program to the Hastings campus. Dr. Franzen is a credit to Nebraska and to the educational community as a whole. Students and educators alike have benefited from his hard work, and I congratulate him on his decades of hard work.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, one needs to look no further than the headlines in our Nation's newspapers to see the consequences of doing nothing with regard to the energy crisis facing our Nation. We have stood idly by while skyrocketing fuel and energy prices undercut consumer confidence and are partially responsible for our current economic straits. But instead of passing a comprehensive energy bill in which all forms of energy were on the table, last week we took up legislation which will not only prove ineffective, but I believe counterproductive. It was a bill written behind closed doors, with no input from Republicans, and even many Democrats wishing to participate. It bypassed the Natural Resources Committee and was brought to the floor under a closed rule, freezing out members of both parties, all after a promise of the most open Congress in history. Mr. Speaker, let's not make the same mistake this week. We still have time. Bring the American Energy Act to the floor for a vote before we adjourn, and we can help address the crisis facing our Nation.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Thank you, I appreciate that. First I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar, Chairwoman Brown, Ranking Member Mica and Ranking Member Shuster for their support of this resolution. As you've heard, this resolution would recognize North Platte, Nebraska, as Rail Town USA. North Platte is a thriving community of over 25,000 people possessing a rich history dating back to before it was organized as a city in 1874. Today North Platte is home to Bailey Yard, owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. Bailey Yard is the largest rail classification yard in the world. Every 24 hours, Bailey Yard handles 10,000 railroad cars and an average of 135 trains bound for cities as distant as the east, west, and gulf coasts of America, as well as the Canadian and Mexican borders. In addition to the current importance of the railroad to North Platte, the community and railroad also share a storied past of goodwill during World War II. For 54 months between 1941 and 1946, millions of troops found a small bit of comfort when their trains stopped in North Platte. One December day, word spread that Company D of Nebraska's National Guard was going to travel through North Platte later that morning. As it does in close-knit communities, word traveled rapidly. Though the train was scheduled to arrive mid-morning, no train had arrived by 4:30 p.m. Shortly thereafter, the nearly 500 people who had gathered to show support for their fellow Nebraskans were instead surprised to find the train loaded with troops from Kansas. Though not their expected native sons and daughters, the Nebraskans gathered would not let these brave young men travel on without knowing they were supported and honored. They were offered food, coffee and gifts, just as if they were Nebraska's own. Rae Wilson, in fact, a sister to one of the troops from Nebraska, took it upon herself to write a letter to the local paper suggesting that citizens gather for all trains of troops passing through North Platte. On December 22, 1941, a canteen committee was organized, and Rae was chosen as chairwoman. Just 3 days later, the canteen officially opened its doors from 5 a.m. to midnight, all volunteers. During its busiest period, the canteen would be open 24 hours a day, again, all volunteers honoring the troops. Before Union Pacific switched to diesel-electric power, North Platte was a designated servicing point. While the trains were being serviced, soldiers visited the canteen. At the war's peak, 3,000 to 5,000 personnel were greeted daily with North Platte sometimes hosting up to 20 trains a day. In fact, these volunteers from 125 communities in and around the State contributed with donations of time, money, supplies, food and smiles. More than 6 million service men and women who traveled through Nebraska during World War II were greeted by the North Platte Canteen. A total of $137,000, and more than that in cash, was contributed to the canteen over its operation. Today the effort of the North Platte Canteen during World War II is still a source of pride within the community and throughout Nebraska. And the town's relationship with the railroad continues to be recognized as an important part of North Platte's history. I would like to elaborate, Madam Speaker, that today, as we look at the canteen issues and the railroad in general, we know that North Platte, the railroad and the Bailey Yard contributed significantly to our energy supply, with coal trains coming through from the coal fields of Wyoming. They come through Nebraska and many other places, but this rail yard specifically, and there are thousands of workers, specifically many workers associated with the United Transportation Union, who are employed with good jobs contributing to the energy supply of our Nation. I only hope that we can come up with a policy that is more friendly to clean coal. And this can help all of us. This provides jobs for those in middle America. But more than that, it provides a stimulus package, if you will, that is through more affordable energy.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the men and women who served our country during World War II, and the national non-profit organization dedicated to helping World War II veterans visit the World War II Memorial here in Washington D.C. I have had the honor of meeting with these veterans--in Nebraska and at the memorial built to thank them for their strength, bravery, and sacrifices. It has been over 60 years since World War II ended with the surrender of the Japanese, bringing to the close a war in which 16 million American men and women served. Less than five million are still with us. This week, nearly 250 Nebraska World War II vets visited D.C. They came from Omaha, Scottsbluff, and towns in between. They came from small towns like Thedford and Nebraska's capital city, Lincoln. I know their visit to Washington was a trip of a lifetime for each and every one of them, and I know I speak for all of us when I thank them for their service to our country. I also want to thank the Heartland Honor Flight for their efforts to make this trip a reality. During the past four years, honor flights have transported more than 5,000 veterans to our nation's capital. I'm proud to live in a country which honors our heroes.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, we've been hearing a lot about change these days; certain parties claiming more change than others perhaps. I would suggest that what has changed the most is the definition of the term ``bipartisan.'' To say that this effort is bipartisan is not being honest. To say that the process that we're supposed to engage in 2 years ago of being the most open process in the history of Congress, not so. To criticize the executive branch for energy policies 7 years ago being drafted behind closed doors, and then to participate or not allow participation in this issue, I think, is unconscionable for the American people. We're talking about way offshore drilling, if at all. We need broad- based energy supply. If we think that a 9 percent approval rating of Congress is bad, let's pass a bill that won't do anything saying that it will. That is bad policy. If we expect our economy to grow, we need to afford the resources of energy to the growing economy.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow we will look back on a dark day which changed our Nation and the world forever. On September 11, 2001, we felt the tremors of the World Trade Center collapsing and the attack on the Pentagon. We suffered the destruction of Flight 93 in rural Pennsylvania. And we came together as a country. On that day, we learned those who would use terror and violence make no distinction between innocent victims and soldiers. We learned the terrible lengths terrorists would go to, and their utter disregard for human life. We mourned the loss of so many of our fellow citizens. In the days, weeks, months and years since, we have honored the sacrifice and courage of those who showed the world America has men and women willing to lay down their lives for their fellow citizens. Mr. Speaker, our thoughts should be on the lives lost on September 11, 2001 and of the men and women of our Armed Forces who are fighting for our freedom to this day.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I say that wishful thinking on the part of Congress will not bring down gas prices. I truly believe, and evidence shows, that action to bring about more supply will bring down gas prices. More supply perhaps from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve? Maybe, but not without replacing those reserves, and we know we can do that with Outer Continental Shelf drilling, as well as responsible, environmentally sensitive drilling in Alaska. We can do that. Consumers will benefit, such as the single mom in my district who called and told me that a one-way drive to work so that she can feed her family is 40 miles, one way. There's no option of a subway. There's no option of public transportation. She has to pay for it. These gas prices are hurting her and her family. And, Madam Speaker, we can do better. We must do better.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week I'm glad that President Bush turned up the heat on Congress when he lifted an executive order barring offshore energy exploration off almost 90 percent of U.S. coastlines. Mr. Speaker, I have to say that raising the decibel level of the debate in this Chamber does not solve the problem. A good, comprehensive, broad-based energy supply is what solves the problem. Instead of acting to help consumers with high gas prices, Congress still has not taken up legislation which will actually help fight rising gas prices even as the price at the pump rockets past $4.11 a gallon. Instead, we hear the other side of the aisle about use-it-or- lose-it current policy, that oil companies are sitting on 68 million acres, or maybe even more, of land which could be used for energy exploration. We need to ask ourselves the question then, Why would anyone in the private sector want to engage in even greater expenses then in acquiring more petroleum resources for the American people? But even a Democratic colleague of mine said, ``You can't produce on every acre or even every 100 acres. I think those numbers come from people who don't understand the business.'' We can do better; we should do better, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 505, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 369, honoring the men and women of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration on the occasion of its 35th Anniversary. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit the DEA's training facility in Quantico, Virginia. This training facility is designed to prepare local law enforcement agents to deal with the specific hazards surrounding small, clandestine methamphetamine labs. More than 100 law enforcement officers from my home state of Nebraska have taken part in the training. We also had the opportunity to speak briefly with agent trainees at the DEA training facility. I truly appreciate these men and women who are battling against the evil of illegal drugs in the heartland of Nebraska and throughout our country. These individuals--both the agents on the street and their instructors--deserve commendation for their dedication and sacrifice. Through public education, vigilance, and the efforts of law enforcement, we can curb the spread of dangerous drugs in our communities.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, recently, I took part in a House Natural Resources subcommittee hearing concerning hydropower and exploring its role as a continued source of clean, renewable energy for the future. In Nebraska, we have benefited from clean, inexpensive and renewable hydropower. These projects in Nebraska's third district serve irrigation, flood control, and recreation activities. Demand for fuel and power continues to grow, giving all sources of domestic resources, including offshore oil fields and ANWR, solar, nuclear, wind, and hydropower, an increasingly important role for the future. Unfortunately, so many special interest groups have said ``no'' to virtually every solution, including clean, renewable hydropower, non- emitting nuclear power, clean coal technology, wind power, and certainly responsible domestic exploration. Madam Speaker, we can do better. We must do better.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 5680 is a technical corrections bill amending several laws concerning Native Americans. This bill has six substantive sections that will increase tribal economic development in several western States, Michigan and also Alaska. The bill is supported by the administration, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. I must add, of course, that opening up American reserves of oil, natural gas, geothermal energy and oil shale here at home would also help economic development, not only for Native Americans, but for all Americans. Rather than devoting precious hours to legislation that covers a multitude of topics, and I understand many of them are necessary, others are more discretionary, I would ask, I would plead in fact as a member of the minority, that the leadership allow us the opportunity to vote on bills that would address the shortage of energy supply in our country. I will say that no single answer remains to solve our energy situation. That is why I believe so many sources of energy need to be on the table. We have heard various criticisms and various analogies, but the fact is that we need more energy supply. The economics point to that. The demands of our economy point to that. The checkbooks of every single American point to that. Households all across America, all across our economy need more access, more affordable access to energy. Congress ought not point a finger at those folks who they think use too much energy. Certainly I would not tell a farmer or rancher in my district of Nebraska they are caught up in consuming too much energy in producing food for America, or feed stocks for alternative energy. It takes energy to produce energy. Yes, I understand that, and we can do better with our policies. I have no additional speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, for many Americans, pulling up to the gas station is becoming a dreaded event. There have been some short-term remedies, but with prices at $4 per gallon, any relief must be paired with a broader energy plan which unlocks American resources. Current U.S. policy unnecessarily keeps many areas off limits to exploration, restraining additional growth and supply. High fuel prices impact rural areas the hardest. Long commutes are a way of life, and crushing gas prices have hit farmers and ranchers in every aspect of their lives. Unfortunately, several special interest groups have said no to virtually every solution, including clean, renewable hydropower, non-emitting nuclear power, clean coal technology, wind power, and domestic exploration and development. It has been over 20 years since President Ronald Reagan called on Congress to lease ANWR. It has been over 30 years since a new refinery has come on line. Since then, America has paid the price for delay, and we are paying the price every time we pull up to the pump.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Absolutely. I think the numbers certainly speak for themselves. Folks, in our economy, on the front lines of our economy, they can do the math. They are very frustrated with what is taking place right now. And while the Third District of Nebraska is a large place, I am not saying it is smaller than this subject area, but we even have opportunities with so many different sources of energy. Why would we want to take something off the table, when there are domestic supplies that with technology today and tomorrow we can do so much more? But more than that, it strikes me as absolutely amazing that the local folks of these subject areas, specifically ANWR, are supportive of this development. I think you spoke earlier of some places in Utah that you pointed out that the locals support. If it were truly going to plunder the environment, as many would speculate and suggest, the local folks would be fighting against that.