Paul Tonko

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Sure. Sure.

Mr. TONKO. Thank you to the Representative from New York, Representative Massa. Let me reclaim my time, Mr. Speaker. We have heard all of this talk about innovation economy. We have heard about the gluttonous dependency we have as a Nation on energy, in this case, fossil-based fuels, 60 percent of that need being met by imports from some of the most troubled spots in the world. We cannot continue along this dangerous path. It is a rocky road that needs to be addressed. The approach, I believe, comes from an investment in American jobs, a green jobs agenda, growing a green energy transition that allows us to inspire an innovation economy. We do that with investments in R&D. While I served as president and CEO at NYSERDA, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, I saw first hand up close and personal just how it happened. We invested in R&D. Not every one of those investments might be a success story, but the prototypes that are developed and funded then need to be addressed through additional funding that deploys that investment, that magic in the research lab, into deployment into manufacturing and then into the commercial sector, utilizing these shelf-ready opportunities that are the emerging technologies to respond to the needs of retrofitting energy efficiency mechanisms into our businesses, our factories, our industries, our farms and our homes. That potential exists today. It is underutilized. We need to see energy efficiency as our fuel of choice. We need to address it just like we would any other source of fuel, to use it as we would mine coal or drill for oil, we need to mine and drill energy efficiency as that outcome that will address the demand side of the equation. Both supply and demand need to be addressed by this innovation economy. I believe that through the leadership of the President and certainly Speaker Pelosi and others that I have made mention of, we can go forward with the soundness of an agenda that will really spark the kind of creative genius that speaks to the pioneer spirit that has always existed in this country. We need just to formulate the concepts that will take us there. Just recently at GE's R&D center in Schenectady County, New York, GE announced its intentions to now move to an advanced battery technology that will create somewhere between 350 and 400 manufacturing jobs that will be the key that unlocks the doors to golden opportunity, or perhaps green opportunity. The battery situation, whether it is applied to transportation, transportation of light vehicles or heavy vehicles, energy, energy generation, energy storage for intermittent purposes or with transmission improvements that are being addressed by SuperPower in Schenectady County again, these are the formula outcomes that we need to promote and encourage. We can do it. We have this skill set to do it as a Nation. We need to invest in green collar job opportunities. We need to invest in R&D making certain that research and development is part of that energy comeback. And we need to change our behavior in a way that will produce this new golden opportunity for New Yorkers, in my case, and for Americans across the board. We do have that potential, the immense potential. I saw also what happened when we applied these retrofits for energy purposes, energy efficiency at dairy farms, first in a demonstration project and then across the board to some 70 farms where, as dairy farms, they are dealing with a perishable product. And where they are dealing with ebbs and flows of energy need, they cannot necessarily because of mother nature demands and dealing with off-peak situations. They can't cleverly quite construct that outcome. But what they can do is utilize the resources of energy efficiency which was done through these demonstrations. And it was a success because a great deal of savings, 35 to 45 percent, was made available for these farms simply by addressing their demand through energy retrofits that were done in partnership with the local utility, with the staff from Cornell University, with the staff from NYSERDA and certainly with groups working as ESCOs, the Energy Services Companies, that were helping in this effort to change things at these given dairy farms. The result was remarkably strong. That is the sort of real-life experience that we ought to apply to our policy creation and innovation and to our resource dedication that comes through the budgets that we will deal with here in Washington. It is a great opportunity for us to respond in an innovative way, responding to challenges of several crises out there and allowing us to emerge very strong in that outcome. So it is about green power. It is about green jobs. It is about Americans producing for their needs, and it is allowing our industries to be all the more prosperous and all the more productive simply because we have given them a break in the energy area. So with all of that being said, I encourage us to look strongly at the opportunities that exist today in this given Chamber that will allow us to go forward in progressive fashion. And we will be able to look back and say that this was the generation that provided that response that ignited this new energy thinking that really turned around the American economy and has helped save the environment in a way that was immeasurably important to coming generations.

Mr. TONKO. I couldn't agree more. And all while we speak, we need to recognize that China is investing $12.6 million in its economy for green energy technology every hour. Now, that is a challenge to us. We can stand still and watch the emerging powers of energy out there as a nation, be it China or Japan or India or you name the country, or we can make a plan and implement a plan and move forward accordingly. The President understands this is so critical to resolving so many of the crises we mentioned earlier. Speaker Pelosi and the leadership of this House, Energy and Commerce Chair Waxman, Ways and Means Chair Charlie Rangel, and many, many other leaders who are making their voices heard and helping construct the right outcome here. The jobs of which my colleague and friend, Representative Massa, just made mention, offer four times greater job creation than an investment, dollar for dollar, in oil and gas. And we certainly in New York State, as colleagues from that New York delegation, can attest to the projections that are made for the New York economy, over 130,000, nearly 132,000 clean energy jobs at a time when our unemployment statistics are perhaps beyond 8 percent. We can see flowing into the New York State economy as much as $20 billion. And our taxpayers in New York State pay some $2.8 billion, it is calculated, to pay subsidies for big oil companies, and certainly those gasoline corporations out there that are draining our economy. We hear this discussion about, it is a tax, it is a tax that is coming, that is befalling. Well, $400 billion is the savings, that is a tax, call it whatever you want, that we are paying now to Venezuela and Middle East countries for every annual installment that we make in foreign energy imports. That is a huge price tag that could be avoided. When we look at the potential out there in R&D investment that could be part of this great energy resource, it is limitless in terms of our academic institutions and our private sector partnerships out there. We can make this happen. We need to be innovative. We need to think outside the barrel. And we need to move forward in a progressive fashion. I yield to my colleague from New York, Eric Massa. I yield to you, sir, to continue the discussion.

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. TONKO. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The crises facing our government and our country are broad in range. We are faced with an energy crisis, an economic crisis, an environmental crisis and certainly an unemployment crisis. President Obama, in his boldness of vision throughout the campaign for President and certainly in the infancy stages of his presidency, has made it very clear that he wants to deliver to the American public this new vision of how to resolve many of these crises in one fell swoop. It is important to recognize that we, as an American economy, are heavily dependent upon fossil-based fuels. It is important for us to recognize that some 60 percent of the oil on which we depend is imported from some of the most troubled spots in the world. We move forward here as we try to resolve our crises in a way that's creative and innovative and inspiring. It will require consumer behavioral change, and it will require investments. It will require policy formats that will break from traditional dependency on fossil-based fuels and allow us to move forward in a way that addresses green jobs for a green economy, American-produced power to run our factories, our farms, our homes, the institutions that are important to us. When we look at the opportunities, there are many. There are projections that some 5 million additional clean energy jobs could be created if just 25 percent of our electricity and our vehicle fuels are produced from renewable resources by the year 2025. That's a staggering statistic. Those are dollars that, when invested, will produce these 5 million jobs that will allow us to grow a cleaner environment, address favorably the carbon footprint and respond to the pressures of global warming. It allows us also to embrace the intellect of this Nation, that intellectual capacity represented through our many academic centers and our private sector R&D centers, which are tools that can really retrofit this economy, that can allow us to grow in ways that are measured in green terms for jobs and green opportunities for energy supplies. Now we know that the unemployment rate, which was inherited by this administration, which has grown and is going to be resolved, we believe, with several reforms, is something that can be addressed through those sorts of jobs that are not yet on the radar screen. We need to also think of international competition. If I could, I would take this discussion back decades where many of us as youngsters, perhaps in an elementary classroom setting, heard about the race, the race for Sputnik. We were certain that math and science was important in that classroom and that this competitive race, this international race had to be won by the United States because it was going to set in the forefront, it was going to make the premier nation that nation that won that race. Well, we know what history dictated via investments on the space race and putting a man on the Moon and creating technology that really inspired job growth and really pumped this economy to a high level. That same sort of situation decades later now is existing in terms of a competitive race to be the energy nation, the nation that will export the intellect and the ideas and the innovation in a way that will be a masterful response to the several crises that we try to resolve. We can do that by emerging the winner in this race. When we look at the fact that China is now the number one producer of solar panels in the world, that should challenge our thinking and our response as a government. When we think of the fact that Germany's number two export, after automobiles, is that of wind turbines, that should challenge and inspire us. And when we think of the fact that only six of the top 30 solar wind and advanced battery manufacturers are American-owned, that should inspire us. I will now yield to my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from New York, Representative Massa, who is a strong and outspoken voice on energy reform, on green jobs, on a green economy. He has a message that he'll share this evening.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 438 into the Record.

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 438) expressing support for designation of September as ``National Child Awareness Month''.

Mr. TONKO. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 438, which designates September as National Child Awareness Month. Today, thousands of individuals, such as guardians, effective teachers, and youth-serving organizations, enhance the lives of young people and prepare them for success. They recognize that without the appropriate supports, the children of our country cannot grow into healthy, educated, self-sufficient adults. National Child Awareness Month is an opportunity for this country to honor her children's charities and youth-serving organizations across the United States that uplift our youth. Organizations such as the YMCA, one of the Nation's most prominent youth-serving organizations, is an example. It serves almost 9.5 million children each year. They have implemented over 500,000 programs nationwide to strengthen the mind, the body, and the soul of our youth. Of course, the YMCA is not alone when it comes to serving our youth. The Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brother Big Sister, the Children's Defense Fund, the National Education Association, and many other organizations have a long history of providing support for our children and youth. While we want to designate September as National Child Awareness Month, we must also remember that it is a long-term commitment that will ensure the advancement of our children. This long-term commitment includes the President's education, health care, and environment agenda that I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate in making a reality. Our children deserve no less. I want to thank Representative Sanchez for bringing this resolution forward. Madam Speaker, once again, I express my support for House Resolution 438, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, the importance of recognizing the impact we can have on our children through programs, through resources, through legislation, through budgeted areas that can support their development are all reason to support this legislation which brings it to laser sharp focus during the month of September where we dedicate a month to growing awareness of the needs of our children. For those reasons, I strongly support this resolution and encourage our colleagues to do likewise.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. I yield back my time.

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, obviously the value of nutrition and nutrition programs provides a longtime benefit for all age demographics in our population and certainly a lifetime of benefits for our children. And I would firmly request that the House stand in full support of the resolution before us, H. Res. 442.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 374) recognizing the roles and contributions of America's teachers to building and enhancing our Nation's civic, cultural, and economic well-being.

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 374 into the Record.

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to recognize the important role teachers play in the edification of our Nation. Madam Speaker, we celebrated National Teacher Appreciation Week from May 3 through May 10. The national PTA created Teacher Appreciation Week in 1984 to show gratitude to the many teachers of our United States. It is a chance for us to thank those individuals who have contributed to society in ways that cannot be measured. It is a chance for us to recognize the selflessness and dedication that teachers continue to show, and it is a chance for us to promote greater respect and understanding for the teaching profession. Madam Speaker, we know that having good teachers greatly improves the outcomes of our Nation's youth. During the last decade, a body of evidence has grown to support the notion that teacher quality is an important factor in determining student achievement. In fact, research tells us that teacher quality accounts for the majority of variance in student learnings and test scores. Highly qualified teachers serve as excellent role models and instill a love for knowledge and lifelong learning in our students. We all know that teaching is an important profession that deserves our support and respect. Teachers have the important job of shaping tomorrow's leaders. Those in the teaching profession work tirelessly for little reward, and good teachers constantly reflect on their lessons and modify instruction to reach the diverse needs of students in their classrooms. Quality teachers hone their skills and are experts not only in their subject matter but also at connecting with young people and making learning come alive. Teaching is a dynamic profession, and educators continually attend professional development in order to sharpen their skills and increase their own knowledge. Unfortunately, research has also shown us that negative effects of teacher shortages exist. It is imperative that schools and communities support teachers. National Teacher Appreciation Week is an opportunity for us to all pause and recognize the selfless dedication of our Nation's educators. In a survey of teachers across the country, nearly one-half said the best gift they could receive was a simple ``thank you.'' Madam Speaker, once again, I express my support for National Teacher Appreciation Week, and I hope this resolution serves as a big ``thank you'' to all of the teaching profession. I encourage everyone to take a moment and reflect on a motivational teacher that helped you realize your potential and reach your dream. I want to thank Representative Graves for bringing this resolution to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to pass this resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TONKO. Does the gentleman from Kentucky have any further speakers?

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I reserve my time.

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I guess the role of teachers in our lives is quite profound. I think we can each think of that teacher or those teachers who made that impact on us to perhaps allow us to achieve our individual best or create a career path. That being said, I was recently with some students from the State of Maryland who gathered here at the Capitol to celebrate their thank you notes in joint fashion. It's a great recognition nationwide to pay tribute to a very sound profession, one that impacts our present and our future. For those reasons, I suggest strongly that we support the resolution before the House, House Resolution 374.

Mr. TONKO. I yield back my time, Madam Speaker.

Mr. TONKO. 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. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. 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. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 297) recognizing May 25, 2009, as National Missing Children's Day.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, to congratulate the University of Georgia's gymnastics team on their 2009 NCAA National Championship. On April 17, the University of Georgia supporters were treated to a 10th national championship. Closing out a spectacular season for the Gym Dogs, while also closing the immaculate career of retiring Coach Suzanne Yoculan on the highest note possible. The Gym Dogs entered the NCAA championship as the number one seed and won their fifth consecutive national championship, scoring a 197.825, their second best point total of the season, to beat out second place Alabama's 197.575, and third place Utah's 197.425 in the final meet of Coach Yoculan's illustrious career. Coach Yoculan's 26-year career finishes with a long list of accolades: Nine NCAA championships, 16 Southeastern Conference titles, 21 NCAA regional crowns, eight Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year honors, five NCAA Coach of the Year awards, 33 individual titles, and 57 All-Americans. Coach Yoculan and the Gym Dogs have also been a force in the community under her tenure, raising more than $125,000, assisting with causes such as northeast Georgia's United Way, the Athens area Habitat for Humanity, the Athens Regional Medical Center's Breast Health Center, and the Special Olympics. The Gym Dogs represent one of the most consistently successful athletic programs in NCAA history. The 2009 national champions were led by seniors Courtney Kupets, a three-time all-around champion, Abby Stack, Paige Burris, and Tiffany Tolnay. The team also included the juniors by the names of Lauren Johnson, Courtney McCool, Marcia Newby, Lauren Sessler, and Grace Taylor; sophomores Hilary Mauro and Cassidy McComb; and freshmen Mariel Box, Kathryn Ding, Gina Nuccio and Amber Trani. As we congratulate the Gym Dogs, Mr. Speaker, who carried a cumulative 3.36 GPA, we must also acknowledge the University of Georgia for being consistently ranked as one of the Nation's top public universities. UGA encompasses 16 schools and colleges that offer students a range of educational opportunities. UGA's graduate school offers 95 doctoral, 143 master's, and 19 specialist degrees across its programs, as well as a variety of professional development and portfolio-enhancing programs. I want to thank Representative Broun for bringing this resolution forward. Mr. Speaker, once again, I congratulate the University of Georgia and the Gym Dogs for their consistent success. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 448) congratulating the University of California, Davis, for a century as a premier public research university and one of our Nation's finest institutions of higher education.