Mark Udall

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said ``of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.'' H.R. 3963 does not end health care inequality, but it would PROVIDE continued coverage for children not covered by Medicaid, whose parents cannot afford to buy insurance and whose employers do not provide it. These children--currently 6 million of them--are now eligible for coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)--but that program is set to expire and the President should have accepted this compromise legislation. Because the President would not accept the bi- partisan compromise bill we passed earlier, these six million children will go without health insurance unless Congress acts. This legislation would assure continued coverage for those now enrolled and would ALSO provide coverage for an additional four million children who currently qualify, but who are not yet enrolled under CHIP. The past concerns raised against SCHIP reauthorization by some have been addressed. The language concerning coverage levels and citizenship have been clarified and strengthened to remove any doubt that illegal immigrants are not covered under SCHIP. The majority of uninsured children are currently eligible for coverage--but better outreach and adequate funding are needed to identify and enroll them. This bill gives States the tools and incentives necessary to reach millions of uninsured children who are eligible for, but not enrolled in, the program. Earlier this year, I voted for the ``CHAMP'' bill to extend CHIP. The House of Representatives passed that bill, and I had hoped the Senate would follow suit. It would have increased funding for the CHIP program to $50 million, instead of the lesser amount provided by this bill. The CHAMP bill would have also addressed major health care issues, first by protecting traditional Medicare and second by addressing the catastrophic 10 percent payment cuts to physicians who serve Medicare patients. However, in a compromise with the Senate, Congress did not send the CHAMP bill to the president. Instead, we passed a more limited, bipartisan compromise. Regrettably, the president chose to veto it and his veto was sustained. So here we are again, the bill in front of us today deserves our strong support. It will pay for continued CHIP coverage by raising the federal tax by $0.61 per pack of cigarettes and similar amounts on other tobacco products. According to the American Cancer society, this means that youth smoking will be reduced by seven percent while overall smoking will be reduced by four percent, with the potential that 900,000 lives will be saved. H.R. 3963 has the support of the American Medical Association, American Association of Retired Persons, Catholic Health Association, Healthcare Leadership Council, National Associations of Children's Hospitals, American Nurses Association, U.S. Conference of Mayors, NAACP, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and United Way of America. It is imperative that we pass this legislation in order to protect those that are most vulnerable in our society by increasing health insurance coverage for low-income children. I hope that we have the opportunity to take up the other important Medicare issues addressed in the CHAMP bill soon.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the talented group of students who make up the 2007 University of Colorado Solar Decathlon team. These students participated in the Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon competition earlier this month. The Solar Decathlon is a competition organized by the Department of Energy that gives college students an opportunity to demonstrate practical uses of solar power. This October, 20 university teams from around the country and the world competed in the third Solar Decathlon to build the most energy-efficient, solar-powered house. Each team was required to use solar energy to power the entire house, and was judged on how well its house was able to produce energy for heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, appliances, computers, and charging an electric car. The houses were also critiqued on their overall aesthetic design. The University of Colorado team designed a fully livable 700 square foot house for the competition and will complete the house with an addition of 1400 square feet with 3 additional bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a breakfast nook, and additional living space. As I toured this remarkable house on the Mall this past week, I was impressed by its modem functionality and the sustainable sources from which it was constructed. I was also impressed with the intelligence and curiosity of the team members that gave me the tour--these students will be among the leaders of engineers and architects guiding our next generation in renewable energy use and production. This team follows in a strong tradition of entrants from the University of Colorado, which took first overall in the previous two competitions. I want to recognize and congratulate Chad Corbin and Professor Michael J. Brandemuehl, the student and faculty leaders that spearheaded this project, in addition to the many other undergraduate and graduate architecture, engineering, and business students at CU who helped design and build this house. Xcel Energy has already purchased this astonishing house to use as a permanent facility for research, education, and outreach for sustainable living once the competition is over. These enterprising students from the University of Colorado had a challenge--to take advanced architectural and engineering concepts, put them together in a design, and build a house that could be a model of our energy future. These students met that challenge--and I'm proud of these students and I'm proud that the University of Colorado produced such a talented team. Most of all, I am proud to represent these young people who are working so hard to make our way of life a sustainable one.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 100th anniversary of National Hirschfeld Press, Inc. in Denver, Colorado. National Hirschfeld is the largest digital and commercial printing company in the western United States. National Hirschfeld was opened in 1907 by A.B. Hirschfeld with only a $35 hand press, which still sits in their lobby today. Only 19 years old at the time, A.B. Hirschfeld used his experience from working at his brother's print shop in Cincinnati to make National Hirschfeld a success. The company eventually became a family business, spanning three generations, all of which have contributed greatly to the economic and social fabric of Colorado. A.B. Hirschfeld's son, Edward, carried on the family tradition, and started working at the store when he was 15 years old. Now, A.B. Hirschfeld is run by the third generation of printers, represented by Barry Hirschfeld. In December 2005, this family-owned printing store expanded by merging with two other printing companies to become National Hirschfeld. Through the years, National Hirschfeld has made significant contributions to Colorado. The company has published inaugural programs for the Denver Bears, the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies. The Hirschfeld family has also been involved in many philanthropic efforts in Denver. They are a genuine all-American success story. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging National Hirschfeld and their employees for their commitment to uniquely serving their community. I congratulate all of them and wish the company another 100 years of success.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions that Dr. Marvin Caruthers has made to the advancement of science. I would like to thank him on behalf of all Coloradans for the gifts he has made in this field. Dr. Caruthers' impressive career began when he received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Iowa State University. He went on to earn a doctorate in biochemistry from Northwestern University and complete his post-doctoral studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After becoming a research scientist at the University of Wisconsin and MIT he decided to settle in Colorado. In the 1980s, Dr. Caruthers' laboratory developed methods to speed up the chemical synthesis of DNA. This advancement led to the sequencing of the human genome, which allows us to study diseases, solve criminal cases more efficiently and will lead to better medical treatments. Dr. Caruthers' contributions have extended far beyond his lab. He helped found the biotechnology company, Applied Molecular Genetics (AMG). AMG has since become the largest biotechnology company in the world. AMG introduced two of the first biologically derived human therapeutics, which helps better the lives of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease and cancer. The company has gone on to make advancements in treating anemia, rheumatoid arthritis and many other diseases. Dr. Caruthers also co-founded another impressive organization, Applied Biosystems, which has revolutionized research in the pharmaceutical industry. I want to acknowledge Dr. Caruthers for his generous gift to support the Colorado Initiative in Molecular Biotechnology Program at the University of Colorado. Dr. Caruthers has taught chemistry and biochemistry at the University for the past 34 years. He wants to ensure that biomedical students will continue to do groundbreaking work. His recent financial contribution is the largest gift ever contributed by a University of Colorado faculty member and will undoubtedly lead to significant advancements. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in expressing our gratitude to Dr. Marvin Caruthers for his dedication to the advancement of biotechnology. I wish him success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation, which I introduced earlier this year. I want to express my thanks to Chairman Rahall, Ranking Member Don Young, Subcommittee Chairwoman Napolitano, and Subcommittee Ranking Member McMorris Rodgers for making it possible for the bill to come before the House of Representatives today. The legislation will authorize the Interior Department to participate in the implementation of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Species in the Central and Lower Platte River Basin. I consider myself fortunate to have the honor of introducing it, and am gratified that it is cosponsored by my Colorado colleagues, Representatives DeGette, Salazar, and Perlmutter, as well as the entire House delegations of our neighboring States of Wyoming and Nebraska. Its purpose is to continue a cooperative effort involving the Federal Government and the States of Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming (and other entities and groups) aimed at recovery of endangered species in ways that will not involve the creation of Federal water rights or requiring the grant of water rights to Federal entities. This legislation is the result of 14 years of negotiations that culminated last year when the Governors of Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska joined Secretary Kempthorne in signing the agreement. Since then, initial implementing steps have begun and the President's budget for fiscal 2008 has requested the initial funding for the program. The program is modeled after a somewhat similar program for the recovery of several endangered species of fish in the upper basin of the Colorado River. I have strongly supported that program because it has enabled us in Colorado and other participating States to meet the requirements of the Endangered Species Act while allowing continued development and use of water for other purposes as well. While such arrangements are not easy to work out, I think doing so is far better than alternative approaches that are more likely to be marked by conflicts or litigation. So, I think all concerned in the negotiation of this important agreement are to be congratulated. Mr. Speaker, this is an important bill that deserves the support of the entire House, and I urge its approval. For the benefit of our colleagues, I am attaching information about the background of the Recovery Program addressed by the bill: Background Since 1997, the States of Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming have worked with water users, conservation groups and the Interior Department to develop ways to allow continued water use and development along the Platte River to comply with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In late 2006 the States and the Interior Department signed the final agreement for a basin-wide Recovery Program to benefit three endangered species (interior least tern, whooping crane, and pallid sturgeon) and one threatened species (piping plover) referred to as the ``target species.'' The Federal government is to pay half the cost--and the bill authorizes appropriation of those funds. Total authorization would be $157.14 million plus any needed inflation adjustments. Recovery Program The Program is designed to secure defined benefits for the target species and their associated habitats while also providing ESA compliance for existing and certain new water- related activities in the Platte River basin. It is to be incremental, with the First Increment coming over the next 13 years. It would be implemented by a Governance Committee with membership including representatives of the three states, the Interior Department, water users, and environmental groups. While the Program is designed to provide ESA compliance for existing and certain new water-related activities throughout the Platte River basin upstream of the confluence of the Platte and the Loup Rivers (in Nebraska), the land acquisition and management for the target bird species will occur in the central Platte River region (Lexington to Chapman, Nebraska), and Program water activities would be designed to provide benefits for the target bird species in the central Platte River region and for the pallid sturgeon in the lower Platte River region (below the confluence with the Elkhorn River). Elements of the Program The Program has three main elements--(1) increasing stream flows in the central Platte River during relevant periods through retiming and water conservation/supply projects; (2) enhancing, restoring and protecting habitat lands for the target bird species; and (3) accommodating certain new water- related activities. The Program will achieve these results through an adaptive management approach employing scientific monitoring and research to evaluate the management actions and species habitat needs. These elements will be implemented according to underlying principles that require interests in land to be acquired only from willing participants and avoid increasing tax burdens to local citizens by paying taxes or their equivalent on Program lands. Program lands will be held by a land holding entity (rather than by the Federal or state governments) and will be managed under a ``good neighbor'' policy. Water The Program's long-term objective for water is to provide sufficient water to and through the central Platte River habitat area to assist in improving and maintaining habitat for the target species using incentive based water projects. During the First Increment (13 years) the Program's objective is to retime and improve flows in the central Platte River to reduce shortages to target flows by an average of 130,000 to 150,000 acre-feet per year at Grand Island. Land During the First Increment, the Program's objective is to protect, restore, and maintain 10,000 acres of habitat. The Program's long-term objective for land is to acquire land interests, restore where appropriate, and maintain and manage approximately 29,000 acres of suitable habitat along the central Platte River between Lexington and Chapman, Nebraska. Land acquired during the Program's First Increment will be credited to this long-term objective as will certain lands that meet criteria established by the Governance Committee but are managed by other entities such as environmental organizations or utility and irrigation districts. Future Water Development Projects and New Depletions One Program purpose is to mitigate the adverse impacts of certain new water-related activities through the implementation of state and Federal depletions plans. This will allow continued growth and water development to occur in the Platte River basin along with improving conditions for the target species.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I will vote to override the Presidents veto of this urgently needed legislation. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said ``of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.'' H.R. 976 does not end health care inequality, but it would have provided continued coverage for children not covered by Medicare but whose parents cannot afford to buy insurance and whose employers do not provide it. These children--currently 6 million of them--are now eligible for coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)--but that program is set to expire and the President should have accepted this compromise legislation. Because the President does not accept this bi- partisan compromise bill, these 6 million will no longer have access to quality, affordable health insurance. This legislation would assure continued coverage for those now enrolled and would provide coverage for an additional 4 million children who currently qualify, but who are not yet enrolled under CHIP. I believe that health care should be a right, not a privilege, and this act is a step in the right direction toward that goal. So, I support this bill although I wish it went further. Despite claims by some, this bill does not change the basic nature of the CHIP program. Instead, it maintains current eligibility requirements for CHIP. The majority of uninsured children are currently eligible for coverage--but better outreach and adequate funding are needed to identify and enroll them. This bill gives states the tools and incentives necessary to reach millions of uninsured children who are eligible for, but not enrolled in, the program. Earlier this year, I voted for the ``CHAMP'' bill to extend CHIP. The House of Representatives passed that bill, and I had hoped the Senate would follow suit. It would have increased funding for the CHIP program to $50 million, instead of the lesser amount provided by this bill. The CHAMP bill would have also addressed major health care issues, first by protecting traditional Medicare and second by addressing the catastrophic 10 percent payment cuts to physicians who serve Medicare patients. However, the bill vetoed by the President represents a compromise between the House and the Senate and deserves support today. It will pay for continued CHIP coverage by raising the federal tax by $0.61 per pack of cigarettes and similar amounts on other tobacco products. According to the American Cancer society, this means that youth smoking will be reduced by 7 percent while overall smoking will be reduced by 4 percent, with the potential that 900,000 lives will be saved. H.R. 976 has the support of the American Medical Association, American Association of Retired Persons, Catholic Health Association, Healthcare Leadership Council, National Associations of Children's Hospitals, American Nurses Association, US Conference of Mayors, NAACP, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and United Way of America. It is imperative that we vote to override this veto in order to protect those that are most vulnerable in our society by increasing health insurance coverage for low-income children. I hope that we have the opportunity to take up the other important Medicare issues addressed in the CHAMP bill soon.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Army Air Corps' legendary Tuskegee Airmen. On March 29, 2007, in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, the surviving Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the most prestigious recognition that federal lawmakers can bestow. Tuskegee Airmen, from Colorado, that received the Congressional Gold Medal include: James E. Harrison, James H. Harvey III, Samuel C. Hunter Jr., Franklin J. Macon, John W. Mosley, Fitzroy ``Buck'' Newsum, Marion R. Rodgers, David A. Smith, William A. Walters, and Randolph Edwards. The first African-American airmen unit in the U.S. military trained in Tuskegee, Alabama. A total of 450 Tuskegee Airmen served overseas on various missions. During WWII, the Airmen flew missions over North Africa, Italy and Sicily. Collectively, they flew more than 15,000 combat sorties, shot down 111 German planes, and disabled 150 German planes on the ground. Thirty-three Airmen were shot down and held as paws, and 66 of the Airmen were killed. The Tuskegee Airmen got their start in 1941 after the NAACP filed a lawsuit. President Franklin Roosevelt started the Army Air Corps training program as the first African-American training program. The Airmen were segregated from other units and endured blatant racism and discrimination while helping win World War II and change our Nation for the better. Their achievements helped contribute to the eventual integration of African-Americans into the military and also helped lead the way for further desegregation throughout the Nation. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating James E. Harrison, James H. Harvey III, Samuel C. Hunter Jr., Franklin J. Macon, John W. Mosley, Fitzroy ``Buck'' Newsum, Marion R. Rodgers, David A. Smith, William A. Walters, and Randolph Edwards for their patriotism and service to the United States of America. Their triumph over racism and discrimination, along with their outstanding service, is inspirational, and they are a source of pride for America and for all of Colorado. I wish them continued health and happiness.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the United States Women's National Soccer Team on its recent performance at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China. I am pleased to be introducing this resolution with the support of my colleagues Mrs. Bono, Mr. Walsh, Mrs. Capps, Mrs. Napolitano, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. Hinchey, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Arcuri, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Watson and Mr. Towns. In the spirit of international goodwill, the women of our National Soccer Team competed with the elite women of Norway, Nigeria, England, and Sweden exhibiting sportsmanship and determination every moment on and off the field. Furthermore, finishing in the semi-finals, the team maintained its record as being the only country to finish in the top 3 in all 5 Women's World Cup tournaments that have been contested. Their contribution to American female athletics is a testament to the legacy of Title IX, now in its 35th year, as well as the dedication and hard work of the players, coaches, and trainers. The support of women's soccer fans around the globe for the games of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup anticipates the coming 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2009 opening of a women's professional soccer league in the United States. Madam Speaker, I commend the United States Women's National Soccer Team and ask my colleagues to join me in affirming the importance of athletic participation for young women and men across our Nation.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors, I have been participating in a meeting of that board here in Washington, DC. Earlier today, I left the floor to return to that meeting and as a result was not present to vote on rollcall No. 976, on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H. Res. 549, recognizing the importance of America's Waterway Watch program. Had I been present for that vote, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this bipartisan concurrent resolution. Human existence has marched through a great many generations, yet only in this last half century have humans taken to space. We have been transformed by the space program. We live our lives differently, with long-range weather forecasts and GPS positioning and international cell phone calls and international banking. We think of ourselves differently. Our space exploration has uncovered information about the universe that surrounds us. We now can conjecture about the first seconds of the life of the universe. We have learned much about where we are, and about what is happening around us, and about existence itself. We think of our own planet differently. The sight of this fragile, blue ball, seen from a distance in dark space, stirred us, and provided impetus for the fledgling environmental movement. We realized that we had to sustain ``Spaceship Earth.'' As the chairman of the Science and Technology Committee's Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, I observe the unique role that NASA plays in our technology capabilities. The aerospace industry is one of America's biggest successes, and one of the strongest contributors to our trade balance. It owes much to NASA's fundamental aeronautics research. Harder to quantify, but just as important, NASA's incredible achievements in space inspire young people to choose careers in technology fields. NASA recognizes this and has developed fine educational initiatives. We have many competing societal priorities that must be addressed, but it is vital that we invest in the future, too. Throughout human history, the winner has been the nation that was more technically powerful. Investing in science and technology, with the space program and STEM education, is an investment for a richer and wider future. If we aren't willing to make the investments to lead technologically, we know that others will take that lead. That isn't the future that I would like to see. Do we want a world in which our smart people are drawn to the work done in other countries, leaving us on the periphery? There are widespread reports that China and India are building significant R&D capacity by investing in research at universities, and are elevating their industrial policies towards higher end work. We have been warned. The National Academies' ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm'' laid it out. The investments that earlier generations made brought us our prosperous and secure lifestyle. Now it is time for us to renew these investments. I am pleased with the American COMPETES Act that Congress and the White House enacted. It boosts STEM education to prepare the next generation for the technological challenges of the future and it strengthens our country's research and innovation environment to keep America competitive in the global economy. Today when we look back over the 50 years of the space age, we feel proud. And I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution. It tells a success story. Now it is our job to write another success story, by continuing to invest in the fundamentals of a strong technology sector: STEM education, space exploration, and technology research.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of Concurrent Resolution 222, because I believe NASA's Langley Research Center to be a national treasure. With this resolution we are acknowledging nine decades of outstanding technological achievement. However, before I continue, I must note with sadness that the driving force behind this resolution, Ms. Jo Ann Davis, is no longer with us. In addition to all of the other important causes and issues for which she was such an articulate spokeswoman, she was an ardent champion of the importance of NASA's aeronautics R&D programs. I shall miss her as we all will, and I am sorry that this is the last time that I will be able to have the opportunity to speak in support of one of her initiatives. One of the strengths of the Langley Research Center over the past nine decades has been that while Langley researchers are experts in scientific theory, they are able to work with many others throughout the aerospace community. They aren't an isolated research lab, but instead have always worked shoulder-to-shoulder with industry and with dynamic people at other government agencies, including DOD. In short, the researchers at Langley are problem solvers. Step into the Air and Space museum and with the first glance one grasps how rapidly aeronautics has developed. The X-1, the first manned aircraft to break the sound barrier, was designed by Langley staff. Nearby are biplanes from the First World War. The separation in time is just thirty years, but what a difference! The folks at Langley played a large role in that transformation, and in further advances in aeronautics and in space exploration, with the latter spanning their work on Mercury, Gemini, the Lunar Orbiter, Apollo, Viking, the Space Shuttle, and Space Station programs. They have been a critical enabler of our modern air transportation system. Last year, U.S. air passengers exceeded 750 million. To handle even busier skies, the Next Generation Air Traffic Control System (NextGen) is being devised. NASA Langley plays an important role in that effort. For example, to test advanced concepts of aircraft self-separation, Langley conducted air-traffic-management research in its Air Traffic Operations Lab, in partnership with NASA Ames Research Center, Boeing, MITRE Corp. and United Parcel Service. As another example, the NASA Aviation Safety Program--a partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration, aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and the Department of Defense that is led by Langley-- recently tested a new way to predict thunderstorm turbulence. We can't overlook the importance of military aviation to American freedom, and the importance of Langley to military aviation. For example, during World War II, Langley used wind tunnel expertise to design modifications to fighter aircraft to improve their performance. Aerial dogfights were mostly contests between technologies, and a small improvement could make the difference between life and death. Like the rest of NASA, NASA Langley promotes private sector participation with the Small Business Innovation Research program and the Small Business Technology Transfer program. The creation and transfer of innovation is a key goal at Langley. The Center delivers a steady flow of inventions and patents, across a range of technical areas. In aeronautics and in space flight, Langley's parade of achievements has inspired generations of Americans, and has helped set the pace of American technological advancement. We need places like NASA Langley, and I hope that as we look back over its 90 years and celebrate its achievements, we are mindful of our future and work to maintain a strong and vital aerospace R&D capability at Langley and throughout our nation.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. I am an original cosponsor of H. Res. 736 because it is important to recognize one of the amazing achievements of the Nation's aeronautics R&D enterprise. I also think it important to honor Captain Yeager and the other brave test pilots who have helped push back the boundaries of flight--with results that have benefited our security, our economic well-being, and our quality of life. As Chairman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the Science and Technology Committee, I am well aware that this amazing achievement was not an isolated event. It is just one thrilling chapter in the great story of American aviation and aerospace. I am pleased that our predecessors in Congress recognized the importance of aeronautics, and invested in it. Americans were drawn to the challenges of advancing the state of aeronautics, and they gave much of their discipline and intelligence to overcome seemingly insurmountable technical obstacles. At times, bravery was required, too, and the breaking of the sound barrier is a good example of that. Today we honor the 60th anniversary of Captain Chuck Yeager's breaking of the sound barrier, but we also take inspiration from it to renew our commitment to ensuring that America remains preeminent in aeronautics R&D. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation and urge its passage. The bill is intended to provide journalists with a limited, qualified shield against efforts by prosecutors or other officials to compel public disclosure of the identities of whistleblowers or other sources of information. Like 48 other States (and the District of Columbia), Colorado has already provided a similar protection for journalists, but of course that State law does not apply in Federal cases--for that a Federal statute is required, which is the purpose of this legislation. And while I recognize that the Justice Department thinks no such law is needed--their view is that their own guidelines adequately deal with the subject--I think our experience in Colorado shows that it is possible to provide the assured protection that comes with a statutory shield without compromising the investigation of wrongdoing or the vigorous prosecution of crime. I think this legislation does a good job of achieving a similar balance between protection for investigative journalists and their sources while maintaining the ability of the government to protect national security and conduct effective law enforcement. Under the bill, journalists would be required to testify if a judge finds that a prosecutor, criminal defendant or civil litigant has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that an applicable test for compelled disclosure has been met. For a prosecutor, that means showing that he or she had exhausted alternative sources before demanding information, that the sought-after material was relevant and critical to proving a case, and that the public interest in requiring disclosure would outweigh the public interest in news gathering. The bill includes special rules for cases involving leaks of classified information or involving a journalist's being an eye witness to a crime. The bill will enable federal law enforcement authorities to obtain an order compelling disclosure of the identity of a source in the course of an investigation of a leak of properly classified information. It also provides that disclosure of a leaker's identity can be compelled whenever the leak has caused or will cause ``significant and articulable harm to the national security.'' And the bill also permits law enforcement to obtain an order compelling disclosure of documents and information obtained as the result of eyewitness observations by journalists of alleged criminal or tortious conduct, as well as cases involving alleged criminal conduct by journalists themselves. And, in addition to provisions designed to guard against impairing efforts to prevent acts of terrorism, threats to national security, and death or bodily harm to members of the public, there are similar provisions to guard and make sure the legislation will not thwart efforts to identify those who disclose significant trade secrets or certain financial or medical information in violation of current law. Mr. Speaker, the need for this legislation was well expressed by former Solicitor General Theodore B. Olsen in an article published in the October 4th edition of the Washington Post. In that article, Mr. Olsen said: . . . journalists reporting on high-profile controversies cannot function effectively without offering some measure of confidentiality to their sources. Their ability to do so yields substantial benefits to the public in the form of stories that might otherwise never be written about corruption and abuse of power. A person with information about wrongdoing is often vulnerable to retaliation if exposed . . . Yet it has become almost routine for journalists to be slapped with federal subpoenas seeking the identity of their sources. Reporters do not expect to be above the law. But they should receive some protection so they can perform their public service in ensuring the free flow of information and exposing improper conduct without risking jail sentences. The lack of federal protection makes for an especially strange state of affairs because the Justice Department has had internal standards providing protection to journalists and their sources for 35 years, and Special Counsel Patrick J. Fitzgerald claimed to be adhering to those standards when he subpoenaed reporters in the Plame affair. Thus, as Judge Robert Sack of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit has noted, the only real question is whether federal courts should be given some supervisory authority to ensure that prosecutors have, in fact, met governing standards before forcing reporters to testify. The answer seems obvious: yes. The District and the 49 states with shield laws have experienced no diminution of law enforcement efforts as a result of those laws. The legislation would not give reporters special license beyond the type of common-sense protection we already accord to communications between lawyers and clients, between spouses and in other contexts where we believe some degree of confidentiality furthers societal goals. This legislation is well balanced and long overdue, and it should be enacted. I agree with Mr. Olson, and I urge all our colleagues to join me in voting for this bill.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, because my airline flight was delayed I was not able to be present for two votes on October 9th. Had I been present I would have voted as follows: Rollcall No. 949--passage of H. Res. 32, denouncing the practices of female genital mutilation, domestic violence, ``honor'' killings, acid burning, dowry deaths, and other gender-based persecutions and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that participation, protection, recognition, and independence of women is crucial to achieving a just, moral, and honorable society--I would have voted ``yes.'' Rollcall No. 950--passage of H.R. 400, War Profiteering Prevention Act of 2007--I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the ``National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act.'' This legislation does a great deal to expand safe and affordable housing opportunities for millions of American families. The bill will initially allocate between $800 million to $1 billion annually to States and local communities for affordable housing projects for purposes such as construction and rehabilitation. Funds may also be used for both rental housing and for down payment and closing cost assistance by first-time homebuyers. It would reach this worthy goal without increasing Government spending or the Federal deficit. The revenue of the fund is supported through fees from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the increase in the number of FHA loans provided for in legislation already passed by the House of Representatives. This fund is also targeted; it must be used for low- and moderate- income families, below 80 percent of State or local median income. The bill also prohibits funds from being used for administrative costs or expenses, political activities, advocacy, lobbying, counseling, travel expenses, and preparation of or advice on tax returns. Any misuse of funds is required to be reimbursed. This legislation, now more than ever, is worth supporting to expand affordable housing and mortgage loan opportunities for families at risk. I urge a ``yea'' vote.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this bill but must oppose the effort to add a provision dealing with the estate tax. I have long supported reform of the estate tax, not its complete repeal. I think we should change it in a way that will strike the right balance, protecting family-owned ranches, farms, and other small businesses while recognizing the need for fiscal responsibility in a time of war. But the motion to recommit would have simply added to the bill a permanent repeal of the estate tax. I do not support that and cannot vote for it. However, I can and will vote for the underlying bill, which will repeal the use of private debt collection companies to collect Federal income taxes, delay the application of an onerous 3 percent withholding requirement on Government payments, and discourage individuals who renounce their U.S. citizenship to avoid paying taxes. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 695, the Taxpayer Abuse and Harassment Prevention Act of 2007. Like the bill now before the House, it would amend the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into contracts with private collection agencies to collect unpaid taxes. I support that because of the numerous instances in which private collection agencies have been guilty of taxpayer harassment, abusive calling, and violations of taxpayer rights, the Fair Debt Collection Act, and taxpayer return disclosure protections. I understand that right now the Federal Trade Commission has 130 complaints likely to involve the private tax debt contractors, and the Taxpayer Advocate has many more. In addition, H.R. 3056 would delay until December 31, 2011, the application of a recently-enacted provision requiring withholding of 3 percent of the value of government payments to contractors and small businesses for goods and services. Local governments from across Colorado have contacted me to urge that the requirement be repealed-- and while this delay falls short of that, it will provide additional time for Congress to consider repeal or drastic revision of the requirement. Finally, the bill would impose an immediate tax on individuals who renounce their U.S. citizenship in order to avoid paying their taxes and enact a scaled-back version of the Treasury Department's proposal to increase penalties on failures by independent contractors to provide Form 1099 information returns. I think these are reasonable and appropriate provisions that deserve support.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and mourn the passing of a great Coloradan, Brigadier General and Supreme Court Associate Justice, Felix Sparks, who passed away on Monday, September 24th, 2007. Although Felix Sparks was not originally from Colorado, his roots in the West and his commitment to public service in make him an indelible part of Colorado history. Born in Texas and raised in Arizona during the Great Depression, Felix Sparks epitomizes the ``Greatest Generation.'' Felix joined the service before the World War II, and assigned to the 157th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Division, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, leading soldiers in the European Theater. In addition to his brave service in combat, Felix also bore witness to the Holocaust. Lt. Col. Sparks was in command of the unit dispatched to liberate and secure the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau. In the aftermath of that experience, Felix Sparks struggled to contain the outrage of his men, some of whom took it upon themselves to execute German soldiers in an episode that remains controversial to this day. After the war, Felix Sparks often spoke about the Holocaust and reminded younger generations that we have a moral obligation to prevent such offenses in the future. His service during the war also earned him many commendations, including a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. Returning to the United States, Felix Sparks moved to Colorado and joined the Colorado National Guard in 1947. This began a long and distinguished career in the Guard, ending thirty years later after Felix had risen through the ranks to become Brigadier General and commanding officer of the Colorado National Guard. His legacy was so important to the Colorado Guard that the Guard's Centennial Armory is named in his honor. In addition to his numerous achievements in the military, Felix Sparks will be well regarded for his work as a lawyer. He earned his degree from the University of Colorado law school in 1948 and moved to Delta, serving there as District Attorney. He was appointed as the youngest-ever associate justice of the Colorado Supreme Court in 1956. Unfortunately, he left the court at the end of the year because Colorado then elected our judges and he lost his campaign to keep the seat. Poor luck at the polls inured to the benefit of Colorado's environment, however, because in 1958 Felix accepted a position as the director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board, where he was instrumental in crafting an environmentally sustainable and sensible water policy. For his work on the board he was awarded the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal by Governor Lamm in 1979. As both a civilian and a soldier, Felix Sparks became an icon to all Coloradans. He was not only committed to the ideal of public service, he excelled at it. I can think of no higher tribute than to simply say that Felix Sparks was a great American. Colorado has lost a favorite son. America and the ideals we cherish were embodied in his life of public service.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker I am a cosponsor of this important legislation and rise to support its passage As we all know, the real estate market is troubled. In Colorado and across the country, some families are caught in a bind--as prices have declined, they are finding that the value of their homes are less than what they owe on their mortgages. And many of these people are experiencing financial problems-- including increased payments required as the interest rates on their mortgages are adjusted--that can lead to foreclosure or require them to work out other arrangements with lenders. That is bad enough--but as things stand now, in many cases they find that there is more bad news, because today homeowners are taxed on debt that they are no longer required to pay, either because a mortgage has been foreclosed or restructured. That is because the tax code today treats the value of cancelled mortgage debt as taxable Income. This bill will provide relief to people in this situation. It will change the tax laws so as to permanently exclude debt forgiven under these circumstances from tax liability. It also will help make home purchases more affordable by a long-term extension of the tax deduction for private mortgage insurance. Current law allows certain premiums paid or accrued for qualified mortgage insurance by a taxpayer in connection with financing of the taxpayer's residence to be treated as interest--that is, to be deductible. However, this is now scheduled to terminate for any amount paid or accrued after December 31, 2014. This bill will extend the deduction through December 31,2014. Mr. Speaker, this is a good measure. I strongly support it and urge its approval.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2740, the MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act. This bill would increase accountability for the actions of the estimated 180,000 contractors now working in Iraq. The September 16 incident in Iraq--in which 17 Iraqis died when Blackwater security contractors were accused of shooting at civilians indiscriminately--is only the latest in a string of such incidents involving Blackwater. This week a House Committee reported that Blackwater guards had engaged in 195 shooting incidents since early 2005, and in over 80 percent of those incidents, the Blackwater guards fired first. Several guards testified that Blackwater employees fired more often than the report states. The good news is that the Defense Department, the State Department, and the FBI have all undertaken investigations and are viewing the September 16 incident more seriously than they have viewed other such incidents in the past--perhaps because of the Iraqi government's threat to ban Blackwater from the country. But this incident highlights the many problems with private security contractors in Iraq. Contracting out inherently governmental security functions to private security firms is yet another example of the excessive outsourcing that has gone on in the Bush administration--and the billions in contract costs and lack of accountability that have followed as a result. Initially these contractors were brought in to fulfill a temporary need, but now that Blackwater and other private firms are very much part of the fabric of the U.S. occupation of Iraq, we need to ensure that they are held accountable for their actions on the job. One of Ambassador Paul Bremer's last actions as head of the Coalition Provisional Authority was to issue Order 17, which states that private contractors working for the United States or coalition governments in Iraq are not subject to Iraqi law. But as we have found, it's not clear to what degree they are subject to U.S. law either. That's why the law needs to be clarified and expanded. The MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act amends the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act to ensure that all contractors working in war zones-- not just those working for the Department of Defense--are accountable under U.S. criminal law, and mandates that the FBI enforce MEJA by investigating and prosecuting offenses. The point of this legislation is not simply to penalize those private security contractors who act as though they are above the law, though that would be the direct effect of this bill. The point is also to ensure that the actions of these contractors don't jeopardize their own safety and the safety of our military men and women in Iraq, who do operate under strict rules of engagement and who are held accountable for their actions. Madam Chairman, I don't mean to diminish the risks faced by these contractors day in and day out. I understand that they are often forced to make split-second decisions that can mean life or death for themselves and for those around them. But as the events of September 16 have shown, the repercussions of these decisions can be far-reaching. There must be accountability and consequences for decisions made-- whether in the middle of a war zone or under other circumstances. Private security contractors are not entitled to immunity from our laws. That's why I will support this bill today.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3087, a bill that I voted for--along with 54 of my colleagues--when the Armed Services Committee considered it in July. As amended in committee, H.R. 3087 requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a comprehensive redeployment strategy for U.S. troops in Iraq and requires that the Secretary and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff brief the House and Senate Defense Committees on its contents within 60 days, and every 90 days thereafter. This legislation underscores the importance of contingency planning-- something I called for earlier this year when I introduced H.R. 1183, the Iraq Contingency Planning Act. It also underscores the importance of requiring the Defense Department to share its planning with Congress. The sharing can be done in a classified way, but Congress needs to be informed about these plans if we are to be prepared to respond to what these plans may call for. We remember that in 2003, President Bush launched a war in Iraq without a plan for what would come after initial military sucess. We all know where that has led us, and so as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I want assurances that this administration is thinking about and planning for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq--whether it happens tomorrow or next month or next year. Madam Speaker, this legislation isn't intended to solve the larger problem of Iraq. To do that, we need a policy aimed at escalating diplomatic and political efforts and lightening the U.S. footprint in Iraq. But although there is widespread support for redeploying our troops, there is not yet sufficient support in Congress to override a Presidential veto on any major change in our Iraq policy. That's another reason this bill is important. So long as we lack a sufficient majority to override his veto, we Democrats can't force the President to change course without Republican support. Only Democrats and Republicans working together can find the path out of Iraq. This bill is a small step forward in building that bipartisan support, so I will vote for it again today, while I continue to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle on further steps we can take to change our broader Iraq policy.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing a resolution to affirm that our soldiers have the freedom to speak about the war in Iraq. As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I believe it is important to express opposition to the view that American soldiers who do not embrace the policies of the Bush Administration lack the skills to do the job of protecting their country or lack the willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. Madam Speaker, as a general principle it should not be the business of Congress to condemn or applaud the publicly expressed views of private citizens. If we took note of every stupid, ignorant or asinine utterance in the public square we would have little time to focus on the important issues facing this nation. Moreover, I believe firmly in the right of every American to speak his or her mind freely. Even the most outrageous and offensive speech is, and should be, protected by the first amendment of our constitution. Our citizens should be free to express their political views without expecting Congress to act as a kind of imperious censor or arbiter of what is acceptable, intelligent or in good taste. Instead of passing resolutions condemning the political views of others, I think the preferred approach for Congress as an institution is to stay above the partisan fray and let individual Members express their personal, as opposed to institutional, views about the free speech of others. There are times, however, when I believe this body should speak collectively--and that is in those rare circumstances when the speech of prominent Americans, media personalities or political organizations is so outrageous and divisive that it commands the attention of every Member. We can respect the first amendment rights of others without giving up our own right to speak out freely and collectively in this body. In this regard, I believe remarks by a prominent conservative talk- show personality, Mr. Rush Limbaugh, deserve a rebuke from the Congress. Democrats and Republicans alike should find his attack on our men and women in uniform both offensive and deplorable. Specifically, Mr. Limbaugh suggested that soldiers who oppose the Bush Administration's policy in Iraq are ``phony soldiers.'' The clear implication of his remarks leaves no doubt. Mr. Limbaugh used his syndicated radio program to impugn the character of those American servicemen and women who have spoken out against the policies of the Bush Administration. I believe that Congress should make clear that our soldiers, whatever their rank and whatever their views, deserve to be honored for their service. I believe Congress should make clear that Mr. Limbaugh's use of the term ``phony soldiers'' is beneath contempt. I believe Congress should remind Mr. Limbaugh that the men and women who serve in our military do so, not as Republicans, conservatives, Democrats or liberals, but as Americans. Madam Speaker, it is not my intention to advance a partisan message with this resolution. Nor is it my intention that Congress waste time and effort in exposing partisan hypocrisy, however tempting that goal may be. It is my intention, however, to make clear to the men and women serving in uniform, many of whom are risking their lives on foreign soil to defend our civil liberties, that it is not acceptable for anyone to accuse them of being ``phony'' or false patriots because their political views may differ from those of their commander-in- chief. To suggest that a soldier's sacrifice is somehow made less worthy by expressing his or her opinion betrays a view of military service so cramped as to be unrecognizable to most Americans--Republicans or Democrats. I can say with full confidence that that is not the opinion held by those of us who serve on the Armed Services Committee. Congress should make clear that it rejects this narrow view as well. That is the underlying purpose of this resolution, and I ask my colleagues to join me in embracing the underlying message.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1665.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said ``Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.'' H.R. 976 does not end health care inequality, but it will provide continued coverage for children not covered by Medicare but whose parents cannot afford to buy insurance and whose employers do not provide it. These children--currently 6 million of them--are now eligible for coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)--but that program is set to expire at the end of this month. If Congress does not act, these six million will no longer have access to quality, affordable health insurance. This bill responds to that urgent need. This legislation would assure continued coverage for those now enrolled and would provide coverage for an additional four million children who currently qualify, but who are not yet enrolled under CHIP. I believe that health care should be a right, not a privilege, and this act is a step in the right direction toward that goal. So, I will support it although I wish it went further. Despite claims by some, this bill does not change the basic nature of the CHIP program. Instead, it maintains current eligibility requirements for CHIP. The majority of uninsured children are currently eligible for coverage--but better outreach and adequate funding are needed to identify and enroll them. This bill gives states the tools and incentives necessary to reach millions of uninsured children who are eligible for, but not enrolled in, the program. Earlier this year, I vote for the ``CHAMP'' bill to extend CHIP. The House of Representatives passed that bill, and I had hoped the Senate would follow suit. It would have increased funding for the CHIP program to $50 million, instead of the lesser amount provided by this bill. The CHAMP bill would have also addressed major health care issues, first by protecting traditional Medicare and second by addressing the catastrophic 10 percent payment cuts to physicians who serve Medicare patients. However, the bill before us represents a compromise between the House and the Senate and deserves support today. It will pay for continued CHIP coverage by raising the federal tax by $0.61 per pack of cigarettes and similar amounts on other tobacco products. According to the American Cancer Society, this means that youth smoking will be reduced by seven percent while overall smoking will be reduced by four percent, with the potential that 900,000 lives will be saved. H.R. 976 has the support of the American Medical Association, American Association of Retired Persons, Catholic Health Association, Healthcare Leadership Council, National Association of Children's Hospitals, American Nurses Association, US Conference of Mayors, NAACP, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and United Way of America. I am proud to vote for this bill that seeks to protect those that are most vulnerable in our society by increasing health insurance coverage for low-income children. I hope that we have the opportunity to take up the other important Medicare issues addressed in the CHAMP bill soon.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2881 and urge its approval. The version of H.R. 2881 that is before us today is the product of a constructive, bipartisan collaboration between the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Science and Technology Committee. I want to express my appreciation for the fine work done by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee members and staff, and in particular Chairman Jim Oberstar and Ranking Member John Mica, along with the Chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee (and senior member of the Science and Technology Committee), Jerry Costello, and Ranking Minority member Tom Petri. I appreciate the cooperative efforts that made this merged bill possible. I also want to thank Chairman Bart Gordon, Ranking Member Ralph Hall, and my good friend and Ranking Member on the space and aeronautics subcommittee, Representative Tom Feeney, for all of their hard work on H.R. 2698, the Federal Aviation R&D Reauthorization Act of 2007--which was unanimously passed by the Science and Technology Committee earlier this year and which has now been incorporated into the bill we are considering today. The Science and Technology Committee majority and minority staff has done great work on this bill and I would like to thank them as well, especially Richard Obermann, Ed Feddeman, Tim Athan, and John Piazza for their hard work. I am pleased that H.R. 2881 will reauthorize a range of important R&D activities at the FAA--including R&D related to aviation noise and emissions reduction--establish new R&D initiatives in some key areas, and include provisions aimed at strengthening the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) initiative and the interagency Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO), which has the responsibility for planning and developing NextGen. Because of my limited time, I would like to highlight just two of the new initiatives in the bill that I think are especially important. First, the bill establishes an interagency research program to better understand the impact of aviation on climate change. This is a serious matter, with both economic and quality-of-life implications, and thus I believe that this research effort is critically important. Second, the bill establishes a multi-agency research program to conduct research on the impacts of space weather on aviation and air passengers. This is motivated by the increased importance of space weather to aviation, especially with the increased incidence of flight operations over the polar regions. Mr. Chairman, while I could spend all my time discussing the important provisions from H.R. 2698 that have been included in H.R. 2881, I would be remiss if I did not discuss several other features of the bill that I think are important. It is clear, I think, that enhancing the Nation's aviation needs while addressing unique challenges of individual communities is not an easy task. I believe that this bill moves our Nation's air transportation system forward while being understanding of the obstacles that face each state and locality. In June, the Department of Transportation (DOT) reported that only 72.5 percent of domestic flights by the largest U.S. airlines arrived on-time from January to April of this year. This is the worst showing since DOT began reporting on-time performance in 1995. Robust investment in aviation infrastructure is crucial to increase air capacity and decrease fight delays. I am pleased that this bill provides for increased funding for a number of FAA capital programs, including the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Passage of this legislation is vital to the health of the Nation's air transportation system and the continued economic vitality of Colorado. I am especially pleased that the bill designates a program within FAA to improve safety and efficiency of radar coverage in mountainous areas. While the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the FAA have already begun such an endeavor, this bill will further cement and provide funding for enhanced radar coverage at mountain airports in Colorado and elsewhere. Not only will this program increase safety but it will also provide multi-modal benefits by reducing congestion on highways due to flight diversions or denied service. Mr. Chairman, it is no exaggeration to say that the Nation's air transportation system is critical to our economic well-being, our international competitiveness, and our quality of life. I believe that H.R. 2881 will help maintain its continued vitality and safety, and I urge Members to support the bill.

Mr. UDALL of Colorado

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of the Expanding American Homeownership Act. Homeowners in Colorado and nationwide are facing a crisis and passage of this bill will ensure continued access to responsible, safe, and affordable mortgage options. There are serious problems with our country's mortgage lending market. Foreclosure rates are rising, housing prices are stagnating and too many Americans are surprised to find their monthly payments on the rise. While the difficulties in the lending market have so far been concentrated in subprime loans, which generally go to borrowers with limited or damaged credit, these problems have caused serious and sometimes irreparable economic damage to families and communities of all income levels throughout the Nation. I am pleased that this legislation modernizes the Federal Housing Administration, FHA, to provide lower monthly payments for borrowers who make on-time payments, raises the loan limits on FHA loans and allows the FHA to vary premiums based on their credit risk. These provisions, among others, will allow consumers to choose a more reliable mortgage as opposed to other mortgages that could impose excessive rates and fees, prepayment penalties, and reset terms that can result in exorbitant interest rate increases. While this bill is not a complete fix for the problem, it is an important step in the right direction. It is vital to provide FHA with the flexibility to respond to the mortgage crisis to help families in Colorado and the Nation to retain and purchase or a home. I urge a ``yea'' vote.