Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 928) to amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 to enhance the independence of the Inspectors General, to create a Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, and for other purposes.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Thank you very much, Chairman Pallone, and, of course, Congressman Terry and Chairman Dingell and Ranking Member Barton and Deal for their leadership on the Poison Control Center measure. Congressman Lee Terry and I introduced H.R. 5669, the Poison Center Support Enhancement and Awareness Act of 2008, which passed by greater than 300 votes on the House floor. The Senate modified the measure slightly, and we now must pass the Senate version and quickly get it to the President. I again ask my colleagues to vote in support of S. 2932. This bill saves many lives. Especially children and seniors have been saved by the Poison Control Centers. Therefore, I encourage my colleagues to support this life-saving amendment.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Let me just say that to the critics, this might not be a total solution, but I say to you that it is a giant step in the right direction. I'm happy that my colleague from Connecticut, who also agrees with this, and others who have worked very hard to bring us to where we are today, I would like to salute our staff who worked very hard as well, and to say that, yes, it might not be a total solution, but it is a step in the right direction, a giant step, and that we should move as quickly as possible to make certain that this becomes law by passing it out of this House today. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and to extend their remarks.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6847) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 801 Industrial Boulevard in Ellijay, Georgia, as the ``First Lieutenant Noah Harris Ellijay Post Office Building''.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I stand with my colleagues from the State of Georgia in support of H.R. 6847, which designates a postal facility in Ellijay, Georgia, in honor of First Lieutenant Noah Harris. H.R. 6847 enjoys the support of the entire House congressional delegation from Georgia and was introduced by my colleague, Representative Nathan Deal of Georgia, on September 9, 2008. H.R. 6847 calls for honoring First Lieutenant Harris and his service for our country by designating the post office in his hometown of Ellijay, Georgia, as the ``Noah Harris Post Office.'' First Lieutenant Noah Harris was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Benning, Georgia, when he died on June 18, 2005 in Iraq of injuries sustained on June 17 when he was on mounted patrol and his Humvee was attacked by enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades. Also killed was First Lieutenant Harris' friend and comrade, Corporal William A. Long. Madam Speaker, in honor of First Lieutenant Noah Harris, his sacrifice and service to this Nation, I urge my colleagues to join in support in the passage of H.R. 6847. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, let me join my colleague in saying that it is also important that we recognize people that do outstanding things. And, of course, even at a young age, he was able to accomplish quite a bit. To name a post office in his honor I think is a great thing to do. I want to commend Congressman Deal and the entire Georgia delegation for taking the time to name a post office in honor of this young lieutenant. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the sponsor of the bill, Congressman Larson from the great State of Connecticut.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6406) to elevate the Inspector General of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to an Inspector General appointed pursuant to section 3 of the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 6406 will elevate the Inspector General of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to a Presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed position. This bill strengthens the integrity of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission by giving the Inspector General more authority and independence to investigate CFTC's regulation of commodity futures and option markets. H.R. 6406 builds upon legislation recently passed by the House to give the CFTC more authority to investigate and regulate speculations in all and future markets. In light of the current financial crisis, this bill is an important step in boosting the independence, accountability, and credibility of a key financial regulator. Under current law, the Inspector General is hired by the chairman of the CFTC. This process may prevent the IG from conducting a thorough investigation into CFTC's programs and operations. This bill will separate the IG's oversight function from day-to-day management by the chairman and commissioners and reassure market users and the public that they are being protected from fraud, manipulation, and abusive practices related to the sale of commodity and financial futures. Madam Speaker, this bill is a small but important step towards improving public trust in the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. I fully support its passage and urge my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina, Congressman Etheridge.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, let me say, I want to first commend the gentleman from Connecticut for putting this legislation together. This is a very timely piece of legislation; we need it today more than ever. We need to have an independent IG. We need to make certain that his hands are not tied or her hands are not tied, that they're able to go and to look, and wherever the problem is, that they're able to go without being interfered with. So I think this is a great piece of legislation. And I'm happy to have a presidential appointment, because that's the kind of independence that's needed, as you know what's going on in this country today. I mean, let's face it. And of course we need to make certain that we have transparency. We need to make certain that people in the position are able to carry out that position without any kind of restrictions at all. So this legislation addresses that. I think it's a good piece of legislation. I encourage my colleagues and friends to support it. And I say to the author of it and to the members who have been very involved in the Ag Committee for this, I really want to say to you, thank you for doing the right thing. On that note, Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time and urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Taiwan President Ma Ying- jeou and Ambassador Jason Yuan on Republic of China's National Day on October 10th, 2008. The Taiwanese people have every reason to be proud of their freedom, their full-fledged democracy and their economic wellbeing. The people have the best schools, health facilities and a first rate transit system throughout the island. The Taiwanese standard of living has long been the envy of much of the world. In addition, Taiwan is a peace loving nation. It is friendly with all free nations and maintains superb economic and political relationship with the United States. Hopefully, it will soon work out a way to live in harmony with the Chinese mainland. The ROC President Ma Ying-jeou has repeatedly said he seeks dialogues with China and put aside the disputes, in order to win peace and prosperity over the Taiwan Straits. Taiwan is blessed. May blessings continue to favor Taiwan and its good people.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, as the years pass the memories will not fade, today stands as a day of mourning for those victims of the terrorist attacks of those infamous events, as well as, our nation as a whole. We must never forget as the rest of the world so eloquently put it: ``We are all Americans.'' For all the destruction that those planes brought, they could not bring down what makes our country great, the American Spirit. In the face of adversity, we did not focus on what separates us, but came together behind the uniting principle that we are first and foremost Americans. Taking care of those who were hurt and defending the country we love against future attacks is our charge, one that we bear with the greatest of honor, appreciation, and respect.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the participants of the House Fellows Program. As an initiative of the Office of the Historian, this program is a unique opportunity for a select group of secondary education teachers of American history and government to experience firsthand how Congress really works. They were chosen because they are educators with demonstrated excellence in the classroom. One of the goals of the program is to develop curricular materials on the history and practice of the House for use in schools. Each Fellow will prepare his or her brief lesson plan on a Congressional topic of their choosing, and these plans will become part of a teaching resource database on the House. During the school year following their participation in the House Fellows Program, each Fellow will have the responsibility to present their experiences and lesson plans to at least one in-service institute for teachers of history and government. Since the House Fellows Program beginning in 2006, 49 teachers from around the country have participated in this innovative program. With plans to select a teacher from every congressional district over the next several years, the House Fellows Program will be able to impact thousands of high school teachers and their students, providing an inside account of how the House of Representatives functions, energizing thousands of students to become informed and active citizens. As a former teacher, I know that civic education is essential. We must continue our efforts to get our young people involved in the political process, not only in my congressional district but in districts across the country. Educating teachers about the ``People's House'' is one of the best ways to do that. Among the teachers who are participating this week, I am pleased to welcome Ms. Lyntonia Coston of the Brooklyn Arts and Media High School. I know that all Members will join me in congratulating Ms. Coston and all the teachers who are participating in the 5th session of the House Fellows Program. Ms. Lynda Good, William A. Shine Great Neck South High School, Great Neck, New York (Ackerman, NY05); Ms. Brooke Goldstein, Francis Marion Military Academy, Ocala, Florida (Stearns, FL06); Ms. Cari Gray, New Braunfels High School, New Braunfels, Texas (Smith, TX21); Ms. Monica Hiranandani, St. Bonaventure High School, Ventura, California (Gallegly, CA24); Ms. Heather Ihde, Riverdale High School, Murfreesboro, Tennessee (Gordon, TN06); Ms. Alma Ortiz, Homer Hana High School, Brownsville, Texas (Ortiz, TX27); Michael Tucker, Ewing High School, Ewing, New Jersey (Smith, NJ04). Madam Speaker, I would like to urge all of my colleagues to join me in thanking the Office of the Historian for sponsoring this program. Under the leadership of Dr. Remini and Dr. Fred Beuttler, along with their staff; Michael Cronin, Anthony Wallis, Andrew Dodge, and Dr. Charles Flanagan; interns George Dise, Parker Williams, and Mike Ferrin; the Office of the Historian is dedicated to conserving and presenting the history of the House of Representatives, the ``People's House.''

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and its celebration of the 26th Minority Enterprise Development Week. Together, the Minority Business Development Agency and minority entrepreneurs provide immense contributions to the back bone of the economy of this great nation; this type of invaluable economic participation must be commended. With tireless work, minority entrepreneurs and the MBDA have made tremendous advances in advancing the level of ethnic equality seen in the United States' business sector. The strides made towards equal opportunity, increased competition, and economic growth with regard to minority-owned businesses are utterly remarkable. Minority Enterprise Development Week provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of minority entrepreneurs and the Minority Business Development Agency. This week gives everyone time to reflect on the ever-growing role of minority businesses in the vast business landscape of the United States economy. The competition, diversity and unrelenting work of minority owned businesses provide intangible assets to the growth of the overall economy. It is for this reason that the MBDA and minority entrepreneurs ought to receive the praise and continuing support of people across the country. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the accomplishments of the Minority Business Development Agency and minority entrepreneurs as they offer their unique talents and services for an improved business environment for minority owned businesses in the United States. Madam Speaker, I urge my fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing the invaluable efforts of the Minority Business Development Agency and minority entrepreneurs toward strengthening not only the United States economy, but minority equality movements everywhere.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of Marjorie Matthews. Marjorie Matthews prodigiously served the Kings County Hospital Center Community Advisory Board for twenty years, as vice chair from 1990 to 1994 and as chair from 1994 until 2001, where she championed the cause of better service to the Brooklyn community. Marjorie Matthews labored as a committed and strong advocate for the redevelopment of the Kings County Hospital Center and worked diligently to rebuild the facilities for the benefit of all. Throughout her remarkable career in the healthcare field, she became a formidable leader whose work spanned the length and breadth of Brooklyn, as demonstrated through her devotion to the children of Brooklyn, herculean service on the Community School Board District 16 and pioneering work with the Head Start Program at P.S. 262. The model of citizenship set forth by Marjorie Matthews is a guide to all wishing to make their communities better, the lives of our children brighter and our city stronger, which she established through inspiration and a lasting legacy for future generations. Madam Speaker, I cannot in this short time do justice to the life and achievements of Marjorie Matthews. As a lifelong change agent, her dedication was boundless and her courage unparalleled. On behalf of New York's Tenth Congressional District, I salute and commend Marjorie Matthews for her distinguished record of service to the residents of New York's Tenth Congressional District and beseech all those she left behind to continue her outstanding work. Sadly, she has left us but not before she bestowed her indelible mark on our community, on our lives, and in our hearts. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Marjorie Matthews and the wonderful example that she represented.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson).

Mr. TOWNS. Thank you. Let me thank all of you for participating in this Special Order. It was said earlier on, I think by Congresswoman Lee, that one reason the food costs have increased along with fuel costs is that fuel is required to both produce and transport food. So in this regard, the rise in fuel costs is felt not only at the pump but at the grocery store as well because people are paying more for our gas. So I want to thank you for highlighting this tonight because this is something that we just can no longer stand back and ignore.

Mr. TOWNS. It affects a lot of things. First of all, when you look at young people and you talk about the gas prices and what it costs for them to go to work, it prevents them from purchasing a home. They can't afford to buy a home and pay all of these high prices for gas. And of course the fact that some buses are not running, which as you indicated means children are going to have to walk to school because of the fact that these buses are saying we are not making a profit because of the gas prices. So when you look at the facts, they do not have affordable housing, and the fact that they can't afford to buy a home because of the gas prices, and of course we need to look at tax incentives and things that will bring about this discussion that we need to have because this is a serious problem. And to ignore it, it is not going to go away. It is going to get bigger and it is going to get worse. We have to come together with a policy that is going to protect not only the seniors, the young, and the middle-aged, to protect America. This is something that we must do. We can no longer allow and have the rich continue to get richer and at the same time having people in a position to have to make a decision whether they are going to buy gasoline or whether they are going to buy food. That is wrong, and we should not stand for it. I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mr. TOWNS. I want to talk about the energy situation tonight. When I go back to my district, the number one subject today is that people are talking about the cost of fuel. Of course, the other one is affordable housing. But when you look at it, they are all connected. Of course, when you talk to the taxi drivers, they are saying we cannot make a living because of the fact that gasoline is so high. The bus drivers, the same thing. Hardworking people are finding it almost impossible to make it today because of the price of fuel. Of course, this is something that has happened all of a sudden. In 2005, gasoline was $2.20 per gallon in December of 2005. Now, today the price of gasoline is $4.10 per gallon. That is June 19, 2008, according to the Energy Information Administration, the agency that collects official energy statistics for the United States Government. In other words, gas is just creating a tremendous problem in this Nation. Now I know people will say, Well, here's the solution. But let me just say to you there is no silver bullet here, that there is no single solution to this problem. But I think the worst thing in the world to do is to continue to ignore the problem. You have people saying, Well, ethanol is the solution. Then you have others will say that the fact that ethanol might not be the solution, but we need to make certain that we create cars that will go further. All these things are good, but when we are dealing with a problem like this, whenever you make a decision or make an adjustment, there's always something else that is going to happen. Hybrid cars. People are coming in now saying that, Look, we are having problems. The blind, in particular. We travel by sound. We can't hear. We are getting knocked down in the parking lots. Senior citizens are getting knocked down. So we need to look at all these things to be able to bring about safety, but at the same time we have to be able to make certain that the fuel prices come down so people don't have to make a decision as to whether they buy gas or whether they buy food. I mean that is where we are. People who have been volunteering, providing care for seniors, driving them to the shopping mall and driving them to various places, are now saying, I can't do it any more because of the price of gasoline. That, to me, is a shame and a disgrace in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, that we are not paying more attention to our seniors, and of course, as a result, things are getting worse. What I would like to do now is to yield some time to the gentlewoman from Texas, who has been very involved in these issues over the years. Of course, it's my pleasure to yield to her because she understands how important this issue is, the gentlewoman from Texas, Sheila Jackson- Lee.