Adrian Smith

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I rise today thankful we're talking about energy. Far too often, it seems, Washington is working on efforts to stop energy development right here in America. This bill at least makes an effort to tap into our domestic energy potential. However, I am concerned about the cost, and I am concerned the bill actually doesn't go far enough. As a member of the Science Committee, I am familiar with the efforts to spur energy research, and as a member of the Natural Resources Committee, I am familiar with the rich resources our Nation has to generate more domestic energy. At a time when we are facing an annual deficit which is larger than the deficits from the last 4 years combined, we are here today to spend another $2 billion without any way to pay for it. Energy policy is about choices, and the leadership of this Congress and of this new administration has made the choice not to promote the most economic and energy-rich forms of domestic energy resources, including oil and gas. In contrast, Republicans have chosen to support American energy production through an all-of-the-above energy plan. We support the development of solar energy all across America, and we also support wind, nuclear, hydropower, biofuels, and oil and gas development--domestic sources of energy. America does not need just one choice on energy. We need access to all of the domestic energy resources we can develop. The American Energy Act would clean up the environment, lower energy costs, and create more American jobs than the bill before us today. In fact, the American Energy Act has four main objectives: Increasing the production of American-made energy in an environmentally responsible and sound manner; promoting new, clean and renewable sources of energy such as nuclear, hydropower, clean-coal technology, wind and solar energy; encouraging greater efficiency and conservation by extending tax incentives for energy efficiency and rewarding development of greater conservation techniques and new energy resources; and cutting redtape and reducing frivolous litigation. America needs energy development, and America needs jobs. While today's bill will promote some energy development and some new jobs, it's only one piece of the puzzle. America needs an all-of-the-above energy policy to develop many new energy resources and to create a lot of jobs. Mr. Speaker, Republicans stand ready to help you promote increased domestic energy development. It's time that Congress not pick winners and losers in energy. It's time for all of the above.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, for generations, America's small businesses have been the engines driving our economy, and they remain one of our brightest hopes for economic recovery. These entrepreneurs represent more than 99 percent of all businesses in the country and create more than 72 percent of the new jobs. Yet, under the guise of health care reform, Congress is set to punish these innovators by leveling more than $200 billion in new taxes. Those are taxes. The result of these new taxes will be the loss of an estimated 5.5 million jobs. Our economy is in a precarious situation, the Federal deficit stands at $1.42 trillion, and 263,000 jobs were lost in September alone. Why would we want to push a government takeover of health care inflicting further harm on small businesses--the very strength of our economy?

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, in the next few weeks, the House of Representatives will be taking up health care reform legislation. A report released Monday by PricewaterhouseCoopers showed the Senate Finance Committee's version of the health care bill will impose stiff costs to the American people. According to the report, a family paying $12,300 currently for their health insurance policy would find themselves paying nearly $26,000, on average, by 2019 under this bill. Premiums for a single person would go up by $600 a year. Mr. Speaker, Americans want reform which expands access to affordable health care and gives families the freedom to choose the policy which fits their needs. Americans want meaningful medical liability reform to help deter frivolous lawsuits, and they also want to be able to buy health insurance across State lines. Republicans are willing to work with our colleagues to find bipartisan solutions to the hurdles standing in the way of health care reform.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, in October 2008, just a year ago, Congress lifted the decades-long ban on energy exploration off America's coasts, clearing the way for expanded domestic oil and gas exploration. Unfortunately, instead of moving forward with a plan to explore the Outer Continental Shelf, this administration has stopped progress by instituting an extended 6-month public comment period. Now the Obama administration has indicated offshore exploration may not happen until 2012, meaning what was a mere 6-month delay for comments has now become 3-year ban or could become a 3-year ban on offshore drilling. Mr. Speaker, Americans are still waiting for expanded oil and gas exploration. With unemployment nearing 10 percent and our Nation's deficit topping $9 trillion, it is simply irresponsible to continue this de facto ban on American energy protection. We need to take an all-of-the-above approach when it comes to our energy portfolio, an approach which includes developing American offshore energy resources.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss an issue not at the forefront of debate here in Washington but which will impact many areas of our country and many aspects of our lives. I am referring to the need for skilled veterinarians in many communities across America. This may not be a topic which makes its way to the House floor very often, but I assure you, it is an issue for many areas of our country. Our food animal veterinary workforce is on the front lines of food safety, public health and animal health. This vital profession, however, is facing a critical shortage in the public, private, industrial and academic sectors. To make matters worse, the problem is on the rise. Large animal veterinarians, in particular, are integral to small rural communities. But in many of these communities, communities with few people but large numbers of animals, we are seeing a very distressing trend. Let me show you. This map is a geographic display of total food animals by county in the United States. The dark gold areas have particularly high concentrations of animals per county, more than 250,000. As you can see, States such as Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas and California all have extremely high concentrations of counties with 250,000 or more food animals. Now let's take a look at a map showing total food animal veterinarians by county. The areas of dark green indicate counties with 35 or more food animal veterinarians by county, certainly quite a difference. Finally, let's take a look at a map showing food animal concentration per veterinarian. I want to draw your attention to the red flags that dot the map. We all know that red flags mean danger or a hazard ahead. The red flags on this map indicate counties without one single food animal veterinarian but which have more than 25,000 food animals, several counties across the country. According to the most recent data from the USDA, Cherry County, one county in my district, has 145,000 food animals per veterinarian. Fillmore County, also in Nebraska, has 112,000 food animals but not one food animal veterinarian. It's absolutely necessary for the farmers, ranchers, hobbyists--not lobbyists but hobbyists--and even animal lovers to have access to qualified local veterinary clinics. To this end, Mr. Speaker, I have introduced H.R. 3519, the Veterinarian Services Investment Act. The legislation authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to award competitive grants to help develop, implement and sustain veterinary services, especially in underserved areas. These grants may be used to support a wide array of activities based on the needs of an area, such as veterinarian and veterinary technician recruitment; expanding and establishing practices in high- need areas; surveillance of food animal disease and the utilization of veterinary services; establishing mobile/portable clinics and tele-vet services; and accredited veterinary education programs, including continuing education, distance education and faculty recruitment. Under my bill, eligible applicants must carry out programs or activities which will substantially relieve the veterinary shortages throughout our country, as indicated on a geographical basis. These include entities such as veterinary clinics located in underserved or rural areas; veterinary practices which meet food animal protection needs; State, national, allied or regional veterinary organizations and specialty boards; colleges or schools of veterinary medicine; and State, local or tribal veterinary agencies. I am proud to say that more than 30 of my colleagues, Democrat and Republican, have joined me as cosponsors of H.R. 3519. It has been endorsed by, among others, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association, the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, Nebraska and Minnesota as well, the Farm Bureau, the Animal Health Institute, the National Association of Federal Veterinarians and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Veterinarians make a difference every day. They understand animals and are integral parts of our rural communities. Unfortunately, too many rural communities don't have this necessary support. The Veterinary Services Investment Act will go a long way in this direction.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, the Natural Resources Committee has the responsibility not only to take steps to encourage more nuclear, solar, hydropower, and wind energy but also to increase the production of domestic oil and gas. Such an all-of-the-above approach will lead to lower energy costs and to more jobs for American citizens while also serving to make our country safer. Later today, the Natural Resources Committee will be holding a hearing on H.R. 3534, a bill which will simply erect more obstacles to job creation and energy production. This bill creates new levels of bureaucracy, which inevitably will slow new development of American sources of energy. Now is not the time to further delay the advancement of American energy. Madam Speaker, it is simple: more roadblocks to energy development mean less energy for Americans.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember a friend and a colleague, Nebraska State Senator Ron Raikes. Ron was a dedicated public servant, who will be remembered as an honorable, hardworking senator who took pride in representing his constituency and all of Nebraska. Raikes was born and raised in Nebraska. He attended Iowa State University and worked there as a professor after receiving a doctorate in agricultural economics from the University of California-Davis. Raikes was appointed to the Nebraska Legislature in 1997, elected in 1998 and reelected in 2000 and 2004. I will always remember him as a well-liked and deeply respected colleague. He was a mentor to the younger generation and an avid farmer. He ran a large cattle operation, a soil conservation business, and grew corn, soybeans and wheat. More than that, he was a tireless advocate for what he believed in and always challenged his colleagues. He will be missed. My heart goes out to his wife, his children and his grandchildren.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. John Manganaro upon his retirement after 17 years serving as head baseball coach at Wayne State College. Manganaro came to Wayne State as an assistant in 1990 and took the helm in 1993, inheriting a sport with less than one scholarship and a $12,000 budget. He built Wayne State into one of the top programs in NCAA Division II, winning the last six Northern Sun Conference regular season titles while guiding the Wildcats to six straight NCAA tournament appearances. Manganaro tallied a 506-309-1 record and was 198-54 in Northern Sun Conference games. Manganaro is a four-time Northern Sun Conference Coach of Year award recipient and led Wayne State to five Northern Sun Conference Tournament titles. Manganaro produced All Americans in six of the last seven seasons and had two players selected in the Major League Baseball Draft over the past three seasons. In July of this year, the Omaha World Herald selected John Manganaro as the 2009 Midlands College Coach of the Year for men's sports. This was a fitting award for a coach that built a baseball program from scratch and turned it into the 12th winningest team this decade in NCAA Division II baseball. Many of my constituents have been members of his teams through the years and they have all benefited from the experience. He is a credit to his sport, his college, and all of Nebraska. I wish John Manganaro, his wife Janice, and their six children and two grandchildren all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3165, the Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2009. My home State of Nebraska is sixth in the Nation in wind energy potential, yet lacks in transmission capacity and development for additional generation. As this legislation made its way through the Science and Technology Committee, we adopted my amendment, which will allow for research and development into ways to efficiently and cost effectively create high-voltage transmission for renewable energy. America needs a comprehensive national energy plan. An all-of-the- above approach to our energy policy, one which includes offshore oil and gas production, as well as the advancement of technologies to develop alternative sources of energy such as wind power, needs to be on the table.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor ten individuals, organizations and businesses from Nebraska for receiving the 2009 Third District Excellence in Economic Development Award. Nebraska, like many rural states, unfortunately has seen a ``brain drain'' in recent years and, now more than ever, needs entrepreneurs and innovators. In May, I called for nominations for individuals, businesses, and organizations which have helped strengthen Nebraska communities. These entrepreneurs do more than just build successful businesses. They host charity events, serve on local chambers of commerce, and shape the character of our towns and cities. The nominations came from many different people, from a teenager starting his own lawn-mowing business to a mainstay in the Nebraska business community. All of the nominees have shown they are striving to help their home towns succeed into the future. Steve Brown, of Thedford, began an entrepreneurial scholarship for graduating seniors if they return to the community and begin a business, which was matched by the Custer County Chief He is also the president of the Thedford Area Community Foundation board. The TACF has held a banquet for the past 5 years and has brought in close to $25,000 every year. They then have given up to $15,000 back to the community for repairs and improvements. Since 1977 Adam Broughton has helped promote the City of York, saved jobs, and established and expanded a number of businesses. He has served with the York Chamber of Commerce, the York County Development Corporation, and Sertoma. He was instrumental in obtaining two $500,000 grants for the community of York, one for Gerber Foods Corporation and the other for Great West Teeuwissen Corporation. Those grants have helped keep over 40 jobs and the businesses in York. Adam helped to start Crystal Lake Foods, which processes food products for the United States and Asian Rim countries. In less than 4 years, Clark Swihart of Columbus has built a company employing 14 Nebraskans and is a rapidly growing e-commerce company, specializing in unique promotional products--such as custom silicone wristbands, t-shirts, and more. He has created a unique service, jobs, and revenue. Began as a combined effort of Twin Valleys Public Power District in Cambridge, Southwest Nebraska RC&D in Cambridge, and Trail Blazers RC&D in Red Cloud, the Furnas/Harlan Partnership of Arapahoe is striving to build a unified vision for economic development in Furnas and Harlan counties. The Partnership works with individual communities to help promote the surrounding communities and educate residents to help further their careers. GROW Nebraska of Holbrook is a non-profit organization which has helped hundreds of small businesses and entrepreneurs in Nebraska for more than 10 years. From training sessions to networking and access to new markets through cooperative ads, GROW has helped Nebraska business grow and succeed. Recently GROW Nebraska was selected as a finalist for the eBay Seller's Challenge. GROW has also introduced a Flavors Project. The project gives people ``GROW bucks'' and allows them to use them at various participating locations just like cash. Rich and Kellie Patterson, owners and operators of Hometown Hardware in Kimball, have made a name for themselves through their dedication to customer service and devotion to community. The young couple have been described as an ``anchor of our downtown'' and in just 2 years have already expanded their store. Though only in high school, Ryan Grossnicklaus of Aurora owns and operates a lawn mowing company in Aurora and was recently awarded a scholarship by the National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation. Todd Messing of Columbus started his own business, Messinc, in 2004. Todd is involved in the New Neighborhoods Initiative grant process to provide affordable housing to those with low to moderate income. His main goal is to provide assistance to community and economic development using education and volunteerism while keeping a profitable and environmentally-friendly business process. Finally, Xpanxion LLC of Kearney is an international software development company which has placed a priority on hiring Nebraskans, has opened a quality assurance center in Kearney, and has focused on working closely with the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Xpanxion's has already created 16 full-time jobs and 4 part-time positions, and plan to add more jobs in the future. Xpanxion has helped curb the ``brain drain'' by hiring employees back to rural Nebraska from places outside of Nebraska. I am proud to be able to recognize all of the honorees today and I thank them for their service to Nebraska.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 662 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Part A Amendment No. 5 Offered by Mr. Tierney

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I heard from a small agribusiness owner in my district. His business is growing, and he actually wants to hire new employees. However, he is concerned the new mandates and taxes imposed on him as an employer by the government's takeover of health care would mean he wouldn't be able to create new positions. He is not the only small business owner concerned about the economic well-being of our country. Mr. Speaker, we have already passed a massive bill we called a stimulus, but which failed to create jobs, and a cap-and-trade bill which will cost us at least 2.5 million jobs. While every Member of this body wants to ensure Americans have access to affordable health care, it is vital we oppose a government takeover which destroys the ability to create jobs. Let's not kill jobs before small businesses even create them.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Adrian Smith Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Education/FIE Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Nebraska Kearney Address of Requesting Entity: Office of Sponsored Programs, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney, NE 68849 Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $350,000 for the University of Nebraska--Kearney's On-line Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education program. The on-line program will enable in-service early childhood educators to retain their current jobs while earning bachelor's degrees to stay ahead of evolving federal and state professional development standards. Under the No Child Left Behind Act, states are working to close the achievement gap and ensure all students, including those who are disadvantaged, achieve academic proficiency. Schools that do not make progress must provide supplemental services, such as free tutoring or after-school assistance; take corrective actions; and, if still not making adequate yearly progress after five years, make dramatic changes to the way the school is operated. This project will enable Nebraska to stay in compliance with No Child Left Behind, Good Start, Grow Smart, Head Start Regulations, and state Early Childhood Initiatives.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate two cities in my district for being named to the list of 100 best small towns to live in in America by Money Magazine. Columbus was recognized for its low jobless rate with its industry and manufacturing infrastructure providing employment for more than 5,700. Columbus is home to major agricultural equipment companies and the Nebraska Public Power District. Glur's Tavern, the oldest bar west of the Missouri River reminds residents of the days when Buffalo Bill Cody frequented the area. Money Magazine took note of Norfolk's public school system. The 13 schools in the K12 district are relatively diverse, teacher-student ratios are often under 1:20, and the ``Challenge'' program offers differentiated instruction for academically talented children. It was also pointed out that Norfolk is a major retail trade center for northeast Nebraska, and the manufacturing industry in the city employs more than 4,000 people. These designation weren't accidents. Columbus and Norfolk are strong communities 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 Columbus and Norfolk for representing Nebraska and making us proud.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Last night, President Obama held a prime time press conference in which he repeated many of the health care claims that are making their way around Capitol Hill. But what are the myths versus the realities? Some even claim health care reform will not add to our deficit over the next decade. However, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has released its cost estimate on the House health care legislation, showing it will increase the Federal deficit by $239 billion over the next 10 years. Another claim is that no one will lose health insurance they have right now. This defies reality, Madam Speaker. According to an independent study, 114 million Americans will be forced out of their current health care coverage. Madam Speaker, it's simple: Washington-run health care will mean more deficits, more debt, and more government interference in our lives.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week we celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. At 4:18 Eastern time on the afternoon of July 20, 1969, the Lunar Module appropriately named ``Eagle'' touched down on the Moon at Tranquility Base. A few hours later, just before 11 p.m., Neil Armstrong descended from Eagle's ladder and set foot on the lunar surface. Days before, on July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 lifted off into an uncertain future. In the end, the mission gave us a monumental moment in the history of exploration and cemented America's place as a leader in science and technology. Since then, the men and women of our space program have experienced triumphs and tragedies--all the while inspiring our younger generation to explore what lies beyond the next horizon. I have been honored to meet some of the individuals involved with the Apollo 11 mission, and I hope to see their legacy continued.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, we were told a $1 trillion stimulus package would create jobs immediately. But since then, nearly 2 million Americans have lost their jobs, and unemployment is at 9.5 percent, the highest in 26 years. Then the House passed cap-and-trade legislation which will cost our country 2.5 million jobs each year. Now we're rushing to take up the Democrats' health care bill, which research shows will cost 4.7 million more jobs. As House Republicans offer plans and ideas to get our economy moving again, all we get in return is more of the same, spending and taxing, and it keeps yielding the very same results: Longer unemployment lines and a longer list of promises. Mr. Speaker, we need new ideas and new approaches to deliver different results.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of today's guest chaplain, Pastor Gary Hashley. He is joining us from my hometown of Gering, Nebraska, where he serves the congregation at the Calvary Memorial Church. Pastor Hashley's journey began in Michigan, where he graduated both from high school and the Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music. Over the years, he has served communities as diverse as Kalamazoo, Michigan, and LaGrange, Wyoming, before settling in Nebraska. It is an honor to be here with him today. For 30 years, Pastor Hashley's service has had a profound impact on his community. He has led efforts to feed the poor, to spread his faith to those in need, and has even been active with local 4-H councils. I thank Pastor Hashley for his dedication, leadership, and service to our community and for his words of faith this morning.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, in early 2008, President Bush established the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative to address cyberattacks on federal networks and President Obama has committed to fully continue this effort under his administration. Awareness of our vulnerabilities to cyberattack and the need for action is nearly universal and goes beyond party lines. The seriousness of this situation was brought into focus this week, when it was revealed a powerful attack overwhelmed computers at U.S. and South Korean government Web sites. Other targets included the National Security Agency, the State Department, and the New York Stock Exchange. It is our responsibility as a Congress--and my commitment as a member of the House Science and Technology Committee--to ensure we get this issue right, and ensure taxpayer dollars provide a return in the form of lasting and effective security, while also protecting privacy. The need is real, the threat is present and clear, and I want to make sure our country is prepared.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 507, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Part B Amendment No. 7 Offered by Mr. Kingston

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I'm pleased to rise today in support of H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Innovation Act of 2009. As the country continues to suffer through this deep economic recession, we have regular debates in this House and in Washington regarding what policies will best help to alleviate the current downturn and accelerate recovery. All too often in these debates it seems there is a tendency to overlook an important fundamental fact: The government does not create wealth and prosperity. It is created, rather, in the private sector, by risk-taking, entrepreneurial Americans with ideas and capital, and their own hard work. There is arguably no element of the private sector better equipped to drive the economic turnaround than America's high- tech small businesses. To this end, there are ways the government can help turn our economy around, by minimizing its interference in the economy and fostering an environment where private sector innovators can flourish and their ideas can be developed into new goods and services which increase productivity and our quality of life. By providing small amounts of early-stage seed funding to entrepreneurs with cutting-edge ideas, the Small Business Innovative Research program and Small Business Technology Transfer program can help do that. With 12 participating agencies and total funding in excess of $2.3 billion, the SBIR and STTR programs reauthorized in this bill serve to facilitate increased private sector commercialization of these promising ideas while helping the government advance its R&D goals and meet its technology needs. The legislation before us today makes important improvements to this program, most notably by providing statutory clarity to what have been changing interpretations of the eligibility of majority venture capital-backed small businesses. Both the Science and Technology Committee and the Small Business Committee have considered this issue in detail in recent years, and I think the growing consensus in support of this legislation's proposed changes is a strong indication that they are on target, maximizing the eligibility of legitimate small businesses while minimizing inappropriate eligibility of large businesses. I also want to note my strong support for title III of this bill, which includes amendment language I included in a similar version of this legislation last year. The language requires agencies to give priority consideration to applicants from rural areas so as to increase award recipients from these areas. This is important to reach areas such as my home State of Nebraska, which tends to have low participation in the programs but are, nonetheless, home to entrepreneurial and innovative small business owners who would benefit from consideration in the grant review and award process. I want to commend Chairman Gordon, Ranking Member Hall and Chairman Wu--as well as our colleagues on the Small Business Committee--for their work on this legislation. I look forward to working with them to ensure smooth and timely passage of this bill as it moves to the Senate and into conference. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the cap-and-trade bill we will be taking up shortly. Agriculture is one of the Nation's most energy-intensive industries and will be negatively impacted by this legislation. Even a small increase in operating costs could devastate rural farmers and ranchers, and this bill could prove to be a huge burden on our agricultural producers. U.S. farmers would also be at a severe disadvantage compared to farmers in nations which do not have cap-and-trade systems with the correspondingly high input costs. Yesterday I offered an amendment which would have helped defray increased costs of production and declining prices resulting from increased imports or decreased exports. It is simply not appropriate for allowances to be set aside for other industries heard by the cap-and-trade bill, but agriculture is left out.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, the 2010 census will mark the 23rd census in our Nation's history. Although the manner in which the data is collected has evolved over time, an accurate count of our country's residents remains essential to the future of rural communities. As competition increases for both government and private resources, it is imperative every rural American be counted during the 2010 census. In rural communities especially, door-to-door counting often proves difficult and time-consuming and can result in undercounting, which, in turn, means rural areas get left out. It is important census funds are used as effectively as possible to ensure outreach into rural areas. This isn't a case of rural versus urban, but it's a chance for those of us in rural America to stand up and be counted.