Tom Udall

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the memory of a very special New Mexican, Esther Martinez. Esther Martinez is renowned for her work as an educator, author and master story teller. Last Thursday, Esther was in Washington, DC, where I had the privilege of helping present her with the Nation's highest honor for folk and traditional artists. At the age of 94, Esther was named as a 2006 National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts. With members of her family in the audience, Esther rose to be honored and received a standing ovation for her life's work preserving her native Tewa language and traditions. Tragically, while making her way back home from the airport Saturday evening, Esther was killed in a traffic accident. Our hearts weigh heavy with the news of Esther's tragic passing, but her legacy will forever live in the contributions she made to our Nation as an educator, linguist and master story teller. Our deepest sympathies are with her family today.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mary Ellen Menapace, who was chosen ``New Mexico's Outstanding Older Worker of 2006.'' At the young age of 87, she continues to work and is currently the deputy village clerk of the village of Roy, located in eastern New Mexico, serving the residents with great honor, pride and distinction. With only a few years' exception, Mrs. Menapace has worked continually since she was a high school student. She was only 17 when she began her first full-time job. Beginning in 1934, Mrs. Menapace's positions have been many and varied, including employment for the New Mexico State Health and Welfare Department, an abstract company, the Selective Service System during WorId War II and as a deputy county and court clerk, payroll clerk, secretary and an office manager. She proudly states that the key to her professional longevity and success has been the enjoyment she experienced in each and every job, and the total dedication she always gave during her many years of employment. Noting all the advancements that have transpired in the workplace since high school, Mrs. Menapace's early years involved the use of a manual typewriter rather than a computer, carbon paper instead of a copier, and Gregg shorthand instead of e-mail. As the years passed, she committed to being the best she could be in every position she ever held. In order to accomplish that goal, and as office work became more technically advanced, Mrs. Menapace diligently took advantage of all training provided in order to enhance her knowledge and to improve her skills. Mrs. Menapace could have completely retired at many junctures but instead chose to continue contributing to the betterment of her community. Her current position requires that she locate resources to fund village projects. One particular example of her success was securing grants to purchase trees and flowers to landscape both the main street and village park of Roy as part of the ``Keep New Mexico Beautiful'' State program. Another accomplishment was securing funds to purchase 75 trees that were planted to shield and shelter Roy's solid waste station. Mary Ellen Menapace is truly a most remarkable lady. She helped support her parents and siblings during the Great Depression, was the sole provider for her own family during her husband's long illness and subsequent death, and is, herself, a cancer survivor. A devoted grandmother, she takes great pride and gratification that her later employment enabled her to raise and educate a grandson as well as assist a granddaughter-in-law in finishing law school. With all these responsibilities, Mrs. Menapace has somehow managed to be active in her community, in civic and professional organizations, and in her church. Another amazing talent is writing award-winning poetry and short stories, a gift she inherited from her father, who, she proudly proclaims, was also an agriculture and veterinary science visionary. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request that all my colleagues join me in giving tribute to Mary Ellen Menapace. She is an invaluable employee, a loving family member, a devoted member of her community, an exceptional New Mexican, and an honored American.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. I very much appreciate the honorable gentleman from Michigan in his yielding to me, and his leadership on this issue. There is nobody in this Congress that respects tribal sovereignty more than Dale Kildee. I am very proud to stand here today with him. Mr. Speaker, I rise today against passage of H.R. 4893 under suspension of the rules. My district in northern New Mexico is home to more than 16 tribes. I have heard from many of my constituents, and they are strongly opposed to this bill. In fact, I do not know of a single tribe in the entire State of New Mexico who wants to see these changes. I know there are some States that have serious concerns surrounding tribal gaming issues, and I respect those concerns. But my State of New Mexico and the tribes I interact with have approached gaming and the responsibilities related to this industry with the utmost integrity and transparency. I am afraid that this one- size-does-not-fit-all legislation will have the serious consequence of undermining 200 years of tribal sovereignty. I ask that we take another look at this legislation and then bring it up for consideration under the regular order so that amendments are allowed. Members deserve a chance to amend this important legislation, and, sadly, once again the leadership is stifling debate

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. In 1951, the Pueblo of San Ildefonso, located in northern New Mexico, initially filed a legal claim under the Indian Claims Commission Act of 1946. That law provides for some degree of compensation to Native American tribes and pueblos for lands lost and for damages resulting from government actions. The claim of the Pueblo of San Ildefonso is the last remaining unresolved case under the 1946 Act. On May 24, 2006, S. 1773, The Pueblo de San Ildefonso Claims Settlement Act, passed the Senate by unanimous consent. I ask today that my colleagues in this House fully support passage of this important and historic bill. This legislation is needed to implement the settlement agreement signed by the Pueblo and the Departments of Justice, Interior, and Agriculture. According to the terms of the agreement, authorizing legislation must be enacted by November 2006. Passage into law of S. 1773 will conclude the case, entitled Pueblo de San Ildefonso v. United States of America, with the Indian Claims Commission. After many years of serious negotiations among the Pueblo of San Ildefonso, the Federal Government, the surrounding counties, and a neighboring tribe, this non-controversial bill will finally provide a resolution of this long-standing concern. It will also end the Indian Claims Commission chapter of federal Indian affairs. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee Report, S. Rpt. 109-252, contains background information on the bill as well as the terms of the settlement agreement and the Los Alamos agreement, which the bill will also approve. As the Representative of the Third Congressional District of New Mexico which includes the Pueblo of San Ildefonso, I ask that you support the passage of S. 1773 under suspension of the rules.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, for nearly a decade, millions of American workers have waited for an increase in the Federal minimum wage, but none has come. They have watched as the purchasing power of their paycheck has crumbled, giving way to inflation. Many are working families, struggling to make ends meet, yet for 9 years Congress has ignored them and refused to pass a clean, simple increase in the minimum wage. Nearly 44 percent of minimum wage workers work full time, nearly two- thirds of whom are women. Even working full time, they often remain below the poverty line. They are unable to buy their own home, cannot afford health insurance for themselves and their children, and often take a second job just to pay the bills. Mr. Speaker it is time to increase the Federal minimum wage. I strongly support implementing a 2-year plan that would increase the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour. However, I also strongly support passing such legislation cleanly, without attachments of tax cuts, without attachment of controversial language or convoluted provisions. We must demonstrate that we support those American families, those who are wondering why they are working 50-hour work weeks yet cannot seem to make ends meet.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, health care promotion programs have the potential to improve health, improve quality of life, reduce health care costs, and boost productivity. Unfortunately, a very small percentage of health care spending is devoted to health promotion. The national investment in prevention is currently estimated to be less than 5 percent of annual health care costs. Our Nation needs a new approach to healthcare--one that puts prevention front and center. That is why I rise today to introduce the Healthier Lifestyles and Prevention America Act, also known as the HeLP America Act. My legislation is very similar to S. 1074, a bill of the same name, which was introduced by Senator Harkin. Both Senator Harkin's bill and my bill are designed to reduce health care costs and improve health outcomes by reorienting our nation's health care system towards prevention, wellness, and self care. The HeLP America Act is a comprehensive approach to prevention and health promotion. It provides tools .and incentives for schools to improve their nutrition programs. It provides tax incentives for employers to implement wellness programs. It provides grants for communities to implement activities to prevent and reduce the incidence of obesity, and chronic diseases associated with this condition. My bill also gives the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products, and requires nutrition labeling on menus in chain restaurants. These are just a few of the provisions included in the legislation designed to attack the problem of skyrocketing health care costs associated with the increasing rates of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Adaptable lifestyle factors such as smoking, sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, unmanaged stress, and obesity account for approximately half of premature deaths in the United States. Spending on chronic diseases related to lifestyle and other preventable diseases account for an estimated 75 percent of total health care spending. And Mr. Speaker, as you and all of our colleagues know, our nation's total amount of health care spending is no small sum. In fact, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, total health care spending in 2004 was $1.8 trillion. Furthermore Mr. Speaker, CMS estimates that this number will double by 2014. For those keeping score at home, that means in 2014 total health care expenditures will be $3.6 trillion. With a greater focus on prevention, we will be able to greatly reduce the number of individuals who suffer from all types of ailments, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and strokes just to name a few areas where preventive health care can make the difference. It will improve health outcomes, improve people's lives, and help cut down on our exploding healthcare expenditures. As is noted in the findings of this legislation, per capita health spending in the United States is 56 percent greater than the median for countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Mr. Speaker, this is unacceptable. We need to get more bang for our healthcare buck and we need to look no further than focusing on prevention. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in seeking a new and more effective approach to the health of our nation by cosponsoring the HeLP Act.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, rising costs tied to current energy prices are adversely impacting family farmers rendering some farms unsustainable. In fact, I have heard from some constituents in my home state of New Mexico who cannot afford to plant crops this year due to energy prices. We are in danger of losing family farms. That is why I rise today to introduce the Family Farm Energy Relief Act. This legislation proposes to repeal tax incentives to oil and gas companies from the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instead provide energy rebates to family farmers. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provided approximately $2.633 billion in tax breaks for oil and gas companies over the next 11 years. During times of high gas prices and record profits for oil and gas companies these tax breaks are wholly unnecessary. In fact, the current administration has agreed that they are unnecessary. President Bush recently stated Congress has got to understand that these energy companies don't need unnecessary tax breaks . . . I'm looking forward to Congress to take about $2 billion of these tax breaks out of the budget over a 10-year period of time. Cash flows are up. Taxpayers don't need to be paying for certain of these expenses on behalf of the energy companies. The Family Farm Energy Relief Act legislation redirects the monies from the Energy Policy Act to family farmers to help pay the cost of farm diesel over the next three years. Approximately 3.4 billion gallons of farm diesel were sold in the United States in 2004, 35 million gallons to New Mexican farmers and ranchers. The rebate program gives a tax credit to qualified family farmers equaling 10 percent of yearly farm diesel expenses. Additionally, qualified family farmers who produce biodiesel for sale or personal use would receive an additional 10 cents per gallon credit. The program will redistribute approximately $870 million per year in tax credits for farm diesel expenditures and approximately $8 million per year in tax credits for biodiesel production over three years. Expenditures from this program will not exceed the $2.633 billion oil and gas tax incentives from the Energy Policy Act. Mr. Speaker, family farmers and the Agriculture sector have been a staple of the American economy since before we were a nation. Many family farmers already face great obstacles to success and may have already succumbed to large agriculture conglomerates. The Family Farm Energy Relief Act is not meant to be a substitute for the long-term energy solutions we all seek for our Nation. As much as each of us understands the necessity of a comprehensive and balanced approach to energy development, so too should we realize that in every state there are hard-working family farmers whose monthly budgets are being stretched to the breaking point by energy costs. While we must approach this country's energy demand with the willingness to make the tough, long-range choices demanded of us, it is equally important that we heed the suffering being caused by the current high prices. Let us help ease the increasing burden of fuel costs and help ensure that these farmers remain one of the backbones of our country and our country's economy.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend and neighbor, the gentleman from Colorado, and I rise today in support of today's veterans legislation, specifically H.R. 3082, which includes the Native American Veterans Cemetery Act, legislation I introduced early last year. I would like to thank House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Buyer and Ranking Member Evans for their leadership on H.R. 3082. I would also like to personally thank committee staff member Mary Ellen McCarthy for her tireless work on this and other important veterans issues, and thank my legislative assistant, Pablo Duran, for his hard work on this bill. One of the missions of the Department of Veterans Affairs is to provide the men and women of the U.S. Armed Services with a final resting place, a mission accomplished through the 122 national cemeteries maintained by the VA. In addition, a State grant program through the VA allows for construction of State cemeteries, thereby giving most veterans a chance to be laid to rest close to home. However, many Native American veterans who live on tribal lands do not have such an opportunity. This legislation would change that. Tribal governments would be put on the same footing as States, consistent with tribal sovereignty, by allowing them to apply for grants to establish, expand, and improve tribal veterans cemeteries. In addition to many cosponsors from both sides of the aisle, the legislation enjoys the support of the Navajo Nation, the State legislatures of Arizona and New Mexico, the National American Indian Veterans organization, and the VA itself. In fact, VA Secretary Nicholson stated that this legislation ``would create another means of accommodating the burial needs of Native American veterans who wish to be buried in tribal lands.'' I couldn't agree more. Madam Speaker, I strongly support allowing Native American veterans the chance to be buried on tribal lands, close to their ancestors and with the full dignity and honor they earned through their service. I am hopeful that my legislation, through H.R. 3082, will be fully supported by this body.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, the Valle Vidal, located in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in my district in northern New Mexico, is a lush 100,000-acre mountain basin in the Carson National Forest. In 1982, the Pennzoil Company donated the unspoiled Valle Vidal to the people of the United States. It was the largest and most valuable gift of private land ever to the Forest Service. This ``valley of life'', as Valle Vidal translates in English, is home to abundant populations of Rocky Mountain wildlife, including the largest herd of elk in our State and some of the finest trout streams in the Nation. Sportsmen, outdoor recreationists, cattle ranchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and horseback riders all enjoy the Valle Vidal's well-managed and accessible blend of wildland resources. The Valle Vidal is also a unique place for the Boy Scouts of America who have for decades come from all over the country to the adjacent Philmont Scout Ranch, the national high adventure base of the Boy Scouts of America. That is why the Philmont Staff Association, a non-profit organization of more than 2,200 current and former members of the staff the ranch, has publicly stated that the Valle Vidal should be maintained as a wilderness experience, free from the impact of coal bed methane development. During my time in Congress, I have closely followed numerous events concerning both the Valle Vidal and our Nation's energy situation. I have traveled to the Valle Vidal to witness its beauty and take part in various activities. I have introduced energy policy initiatives and reviewed regulatory action undertaken by the executive branch. I have also received thousands of calls, emails, faxes and letters against drilling and, I think I can safely say, none in support of it. As a result, I have come to the inescapable conclusion that the Valle Vidal should be protected from energy development. It is clear to me that the value of the Valle Vidal lies only in its broad public accessibility and natural beauty and not in its finite supply of energy. New Mexicans and thousands of Americans are overwhelmingly against drilling in the refuge. These concerned citizens recognize that the Valle Vidal's minimal contribution to our energy needs is not worth despoiling such an important ecological resource. The consequences are just too great. Moreover, many of my constituents, as confirmed by recent economic studies, recognize that the protection of special public lands like the Valle Vidal is good for local economies and that exploitation of these places for a few hours of energy will, in fact, hurt long-term economic growth and sustainability. Fundamentally, drilling in the Valle Vidal to create more energy is a false choice. The very fact that this special place is being targeted for oil and gas leasing radically demonstrates the current and growing crisis with America's energy situation. We must urgently find ways to balance the needs of supplying safe, reliable energy and of ensuring a livable and sustainable environment for the people of the United States. To that end, I urge all of my colleagues in the House to support passage of The Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005 to permanently protect the Valle Vidal from mineral extraction. The Valle Vidal's ecological health and public accessibility should be protected so it can be enjoyed to the utmost by current and future generations. This ecosystem and its myriad of recreational opportunities are too valuable to the people of New Mexico and the Nation, and the energy gains too miniscule, to justify any damage to this special area. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Chairman Pombo and to Ranking Member Rahall and especially to my colleague on the Forest Subcommittee, Chairman Greg Walden for their work on the Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005. I would also like to thank fellow New Mexicans Jim O'Donnell of the Coalition for the Valle Vidal, and Mayor Danny Cruz of Springer, rancher Alan Lackey, and Bill Schudlich of Trout Unlimited who all traveled to D.C. to testify on behalf of the Valle Vidal, and Oscar Simpson, Ed Olona, and Steve Capra who have worked diligently to build broad, meaningful grassroots support for this legislation. I would finally like to thank some of the staff who make everything we do here possible, including Johanna Polsenberg and Thomas Garcia on my staff, and Rick Healy and Jim Zoia on the staff of the Resources Committee.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of SGT Robert P. Kassin. Robert dedicated his life to serving his country, and last Sunday, July 16, he made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Afghanistan. Sergeant Kassin was killed near Larzab, in Afghanistan's Zabul province, when his platoon came under enemy fire. He died proudly, eager to defend our Nation and help the people of Afghanistan. For almost a decade, Robert faithfully defended his country. After graduating from high school in Clovis, NM, he joined the Army in September 1996, volunteering for deployment and reenlisting shortly after arriving in Afghanistan. Robert took pride in all that he did, and this was apparent to all who knew him. Robert leaves behind his parents, Robert Joseph and Lucia Kassin of Clovis, his 7-year-old son, his wife, Judy, and two stepdaughters. His son and stepdaughters will grow up proud of their father, Sergeant Kassin, knowing that he gave his all in service to our country. Our most sincere and heartfelt sympathies are with Robert's family and friends during this time of great loss. We will always remember his bravery and the sacrifice he made proudly serving our great Nation.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Severo Martinez who passed away in Santa Fe on Sunday, July 16, 2006 surrounded by his loving family and friends. Severo's family and friends have lost a very special person and New Mexico has lost a patriot who answered his country's call early in his life to fight for democracy in Europe and the South Pacific. Severo was born on May 7, 1916 in Chama, New Mexico. He loved to fish and hunt throughout northern New Mexico with his brothers, son, grandchildren, and nephews. My former Legislative Director Tony Martinez, Severo's great nephew, joyously recalls going on many of those outings with his uncle where Severo would always be ready to pass the time by telling some jokes, playing cards and sharing stories of his service during World War II and in the South Pacific. Severo was a proud veteran of World War II where he served with the 58th Quartermaster Battalion in Europe and in the South Pacific. He was recalled to federal service as a member of the New Mexico National Guard during the Korean Conflict. As a forward observer he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. After release from federal service he remained in the New Mexico National Guard until his retirement at the rank of Major. Severo was always very proud of the men he served with in the National Guard and loved them dearly. After his service in the Armed Forces and the National Guard, Severo was employed with the New Mexico Employment Security Commission for 39 years. His faithful and dedicated public service assisted many New Mexico Veterans and citizens to obtain employment and helped start new careers for them throughout New Mexico. Severo is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a life member and charter member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Patrick Hurley Chapter. To Severo's grandchildren: David, Will, Meagan, Ashley and Natalie, your grandfather lived through 90 years of extraordinary events throughout our country and world. His service during World War II and the Korean Conflict helped contribute to the preservation of democracy and freedom that exist today. That is something you should all be very proud of him for--in addition to the love he held for each of you as a proud grandfather. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my condolences to his children Vince, Norie, Kate, Becky, and the whole Martinez Family. I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in honoring the memory and life of a proud veteran, proud father, proud grandfather and New Mexican--Severo Martinez.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. General Leave

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank Chairman Buyer, Ranking Member Lane Evans, subcommittee Chairman Jeff Miller and our subcommittee Ranking Member, Ms. Berkley, for their work on this bill. In particular, I want to thank Ms. Berkley for her amendment, which was offered during our markup and which received unanimous bipartisan support. H.R. 4843, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006, will help our service-disabled veterans and their survivors maintain the purchasing power of their benefits in 2007. Ms. Berkley's amendment assures our Gold Star Wives with young children that the value of their benefit will not continue to erode as it did during this current year. Unfortunately, many do not fully recognize that the benefits we pay to men and women who have borne the battle, their widows, widowers, and children are a continuing cost of war. Indeed, the VA is currently paying benefits to survivors of Civil War veterans. We have a moral obligation to the men and women who put on the uniform and are harmed in the service of the Nation that we will compensate them for the harm which occurs. We have many examples where this is not being done, because, although costs increase, the benefit has remained static. The least we can do for the young families of our deceased veterans is to provide them the full value of the 2-year transitional benefit they receive. Although we will not know the exact percentage by which the benefit is to be increased until the Consumer Price Index is calculated in October, I expect this bill will help VA beneficiaries maintain the value of their benefits. No amount of money can ever compensate our veterans for the loss of their health or the families for the loss of a loved one. Nonetheless, it is critical that the monetary value of these benefits, which partially compensate for such losses, is not reduced merely by the passage of time. In 2004, over 28,000 veterans in New Mexico received disability compensation or pension payments from the VA. Many New Mexico family members of veterans and their survivors also receive VA cash benefits. The action we are taking here today will help the veterans in my congressional district who depend on these VA benefits. H.R. 4843, as amended, will receive my full support; and it deserves the support of all Members of the House. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown), a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee who has been a fighter for our Nation's veterans.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to speak out of order for 5 minutes.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, over 3 years our Nation has invested in Iraq. In human and political costs it has been a heavy toll. We have lost thousands of American and Iraqi lives, spent billions of dollars, and squandered the greatest outpouring of international support in decades. And through it all, we have misplaced our focus on the threat of Islamic terrorism. It is time for us to prepare to redeploy our forces from Iraq by the end of the year. Mr. Murtha is right: redeploy but be ready. Some successes have occurred. The recent killing of Islamic extremist al Zarqawi by coalition forces offers an opportunity to stem the steady tide of internal terrorist attacks in Iraq, while the welcome news that several important cabinet ministers have been appointed demonstrates that progress is being made. Nevertheless, these glimpses of optimism cannot mask the overwhelming recognition that this was a war of choice. The administration invaded Iraq without the necessary international support and without plans for stability, reconstruction, and governance. Earlier this year I visited Iraq and saw firsthand the reality of our investment. While our troops bravely fight, there were few areas of security or safety. Sectarian violence and civil strife have eclipsed the progress of free elections. Unemployment continues unabated. Radical clerics promote hate, and anti-American sentiment has spread with fervor. At the same time the President is urging that we stay the course, we are approaching 2,500 American troops killed, and more and more we are learning the costs back home, families losing loved ones and soldiers physically and mentally scarred by war. We have helped sow the seeds of democracy, but now the people of Iraq must take charge and bring about their own destiny. We cannot force our way of life or our ideals upon another nation, nor should that ever be our mission. Rather, we must encourage them to bring about their own change and promise that as long as democracy and liberty is their desire, we will be their ally and be devoted to their success. To prolong this transition will only deepen their dependence on our resources, will further radicalize those who use our presence as an enticement for hate, and will distract us away from where our focus must lie. It was only a few years ago that this Congress, with bipartisanship and unity, supported the President in embarking against the terrorist threat by ousting the Taliban from Afghanistan. All of our allies and some of our enemies recognized the strength of our convictions in defeating those who promote radicalism and extremism, and we were joined by the largest coalition in history. But then we detoured and launched an ill-advised military operation in Iraq. The results have been damaging, and instead of achieving success globally, we have reached and sowed frustration and recalcitrance. I believe we are seeing ever increasing signs that our resources in Iraq must now be shifted to finish the job in Afghanistan and work with our allies to defeat the terrorist threat around the world. Not because we have failed or succeeded but because the process of democracy is never ending. And it is time for the Iraqi people to stand up and lead the way toward their future. Through redeployment and reallocation, we can provide regional support to those areas most susceptible to terrorism. We can refocus our attention to eradicating the leaders of hate who use global networks to promote radicalism. And we can strengthen our ability to develop multilateral approaches, reinvesting in the idea that key alliances is the best way in which to bring about democracy and stability throughout the world. There are some who will argue that patriotism and criticism are mutually exclusive. This is utterly false. Our strength of promoting democracy, liberty, and freedom must be coupled with the wisdom of recognizing our fallibility. The difference between those who believe we must stay the course in Iraq and those who believe we must change course lies not in degrees of patriotism but rather in truthful disagreement over policy. Confusing the two leads only to division and partisanship, and we must avoid at all costs to allow an issue of such importance to be clouded with such rhetoric. Mr. Speaker, I was against our Nation going to war in Iraq, but at every step of the way I have supported our men and women in uniform in their mission. I have objected to the heavy-handed foreign policy of this administration but have desired to see hope and progress for the Iraqi people. And now I call for our troops in Iraq to be redeployed by the end of the year.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this amendment, which is a simple and straightforward step to ensure the privacy rights and civil liberties are being adequately protected. Recognizing that many of their recommendations called for the government to more effectively protect our Nation, 9/11 Commissioners unanimously expressed the need for a viable Privacy and Civil Liberties Board. The Board was created to help ensure that as we take steps to protect our Nation, it was not done at the expense of our civil liberties. Unfortunately, this vital board, which was established by the Intelligence Reform bill almost two years ago, has only recently had its Members appointed and confirmed and has held its first meetings. It now has to organize, hire staff, and begin fulfilling its responsibilities, all of which takes time and resources. However, in the 9/11 Commission's report card on the implementation of its recommendations, which was released in December, the COmmission noted the Board's insufficient funding. This problem persists in this year'as appropriations bill, which will severly hinder the Board's ability to complete these tasks. Following the revelations about the National Security Agency's various spy programs, it is more evident that we need the Privacy and Civil Liberties Board to be implemented now more than ever. However, the current level of funding is clearly inadequate. $1,500,000 is not enough for a Board charged with monitoring privacy and civil liberties implications of federal regulations, executive branch policies and procedures, and public law. The Maloney/Udall amendment increases the amount reserved for the Board to $3 million--the same amount that was initially given to the 9/ 11 Commission. And the level of funding in the bill for the Executive Office of the President will remain the same. This amendment simply gives the Board the funding it needs to do the job is was created to do. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 223, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 224, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 225, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 226, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to introduce the Seeds for Soldiers Act. As a nation currently welcoming home new veterans, we must do all we can do to assist them upon their return. One way to do that is to help them jumpstart their new small businesses. This bill does this by creating a specialized loan program for veterans through the Small Business Administration, which provides veterans with loans up to $3 million, allows for debt refinancing, and permits borrowers to defer payments for up to one year without any accumulation of interest. To encourage lenders to provide capital, the program will carry reduced costs and a higher government loan guarantee. The bill also establishes a vocational rehabilitation program for veterans specifically designed to assist in the transition out of service. The program, which will be established by existing Small Business Development Centers, will provide technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial assistance to veterans to help them use their skills learned in the military to open, maintain, and expand their own business. The bill authorizes $25 million in funding to provide $500,000 grants to the SBDCs to open this program. As a member of both the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and the Small Business Committee, I am well acquainted with the difficulties many vets face in establishing and sustaining small businesses. At a time when thousands of veterans are returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan, we must act in every way possible to assist them when they return. This bill provides the seeds for veteran-owned businesses, so that they may grow into sustainable entities. I am pleased to introduce this legislation today and wish to thank original cosponsors Representatives Emerson, Kelly, and Michaud for their support. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting both our veterans, and the benefits that small businesses contribute to our economy, by cosponsoring this bill.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member and thank the chairman, Mr. Hobson, for providing me this opportunity to speak on a matter of great importance to my district. The budget recommended by the committee provides for only $90.6 million for the Defense Environmental Cleanup at Los Alamos National Laboratories. While it is important to note that this amount is equal to the President's budget request, it is more than $50 million less than the amount enacted for this purpose in fiscal year 2006. Mr. Chairman, I am gravely concerned that this funding level will seriously impede cleanup efforts at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Less than a year ago, the State of New Mexico, the Department of Energy and the University of California signed an historic fence-to-fence cleanup order. This year's cut reduces funding to only 30 percent of what is called for in this order. Not only must this cleanup be undertaken to protect the health of New Mexicans, but the order of consent is a legally enforceable document. It is my understanding that the DOE will face significant penalties for noncompliance to this agreement. Mr. Chairman, in 1 week, the Los Alamos National Laboratories will enter a new era when the new management team comes into place. I feel that we should take advantage of this positive momentum and keep LANL moving in the right direction by showing that it is a responsible and conscientious neighbor to the residents of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, the order of consent was the result of years of negotiations; and it provides clear guidance for how to proceed with the cleanup. Lack of funding leaves New Mexicans, LANL and potentially the DOE in jeopardy. I hope that an adequate funding level for the Defense Environmental Cleanup account for the Los Alamos National Laboratories is restored in conference.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in reluctant support of H.R. 5836, the bill making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, Environment, and related agencies for fiscal year 2007. I support this bill because so many people and places in northern New Mexico rely on the funding that is controlled by this bill. But my reluctance rests in that very same reason. Many people, such as the Native Americans I represent, the Forest Service employees who care for the watersheds that are vital to everyone in my State, and the Federal land managers who make sure we are extracting carefully the oil and gas that is becoming more expensive every day, look to Congress year after year for wise guidance to help them care for their people and do their jobs. In my opinion, this bill we are debating today could do much better. We are cutting the funding States and communities need to protect their clean water, precious lands and dwindling wildlife. For example, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which provides low-interest loans to upgrade sewage treatment plants and improve water quality, was cut by $241 million. While I would like to commend the Committee for increasing the overall amount provided for clean water over that requested by the President, it is still far, far below what the EPA itself has projected is needed to insure clean water for all Americans. Again this year, the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund is being severely reduced. Since its enactment in 1965, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has been instrumental in creating and maintaining State, local and national parks--from local recreational field to our National Parks. The stateside program, which provides matching grants for local and State park land acquisition, recreation facility development, and open space conservation, has been entirely zeroed out. These relatively small amounts of funding have had an incalculably positive impact on the lives of all of our constituents, and it is short-sighted and bad budgeting that we are letting these funds founder. Additionally, this bill zeroes funding for the United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) and Crownpoint Institute of Technology (ClT). However, I would like to thank Chairman Taylor and Ranking Member Dicks for their pledge to work to provide funding in conference for UTTC and ClT. These two institutions provide a strong educational foundation for students. I also appreciate the statement in the House report accompanying today's appropriations bill, which urges OMB, ``to give these colleges full consideration in future budget requests and to work with these institutions to resolve concerns and disparities over funding formulas prior to submission of the fiscal year 2008 budget request.'' I look forward to working with Chairman Taylor and Ranking Member Dicks in conference to assure funding for these very important schools. Although I raise these concerns, I again reiterate the importance of the funding in this bill to my district. That is why I will reluctantly support its passage. I do so with the hope that it is improved in conference and that next year we are able to revisit these national and regional priorities and do well by our constituents.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, I strongly oppose the manner in which H.R. 4681 was brought to the floor of the House. To bring a bill of this importance up under suspension of the rules, without the opportunity for amendment or full debate, was an unfortunate decision and is a bad way for this body to be legislating. The process should be open, with every chance for members to deliberate and offer substantive and positive change to what is a very complex bill. H.R. 4681 is well-meaning legislation. Unfortunately, it implements a foreign policy that could potentially reduce future diplomatic options for the U.S. Department of State. While the legislation should specifically target the terrorist group Hamas, it unnecessarily includes nearly all members of the Palestinian Authority--PA-- Government, and will punish the entire Palestinian people. There is no doubt that Hamas firmly believes in terrorism as a means to achieve their goals. The U.S. must continue to denounce the group's ideology. However, H.R. 4681 includes provisions which I believe will make it even more difficult for the PA to find its way back to the roadmap and to achieve peace. This includes expecting Hamas to reach specific benchmarks--benchmarks that no other PA government has been able to achieve--before receiving aid from the U.S. It includes expanding travel restriction and economic sanctions to include all members of the PA Government and all Palestinians, not simply those who are members of Hamas. Also, it includes no national security waiver which would allow the President the flexibility he needs to diplomatically deal with the situation. Madam Speaker, this legislation is opposed by many non-governmental organizations, including those who are providing health, education, and humanitarian aid throughout the Middle East. It is also opposed by the Bush administration, which believes the legislation to be unnecessary. U.S. Secretary of State Rice has repeatedly spoken of the need for the U.S. to do all it can to be a leader in promoting peace in the Middle East, and she believes that this legislation is not the appropriate way in which to continue that leadership. This opposition from the very individual who is implementing and creating U.S. foreign policy should give us pause, and should give us even more reason not to be bringing this legislation up under suspension. There is no question that the terrorist actions of Hamas necessitate action by the U.S. and that every Member of this body opposes Hamas. With passage of H.R. 4681, and passage of similar legislation in the Senate, I hope that a conference report takes into account all of the concerns that have been raised and substantively alters the content within this bill to ensure the Palestinian people do not unnecessarily suffer. We must enact smart foreign policy that is strong enough to bring about change, but which does not tie the hands of the President or marginalize moderate Palestinians who desire positive change.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I support keeping the language in because, as the gentleman from Washington has said, it is very, very important to deal with this problem. Mr. Chairman, I am extremely disappointed that the Rules Committee did not protect the global warming language in the Interior Appropriations Bill. Global warming is real and human activities are largely to blame. Many scientists believe the erratic and record- breaking weather events we are seeing across the country, such as the prolonged droughts in my home state of New Mexico, are the direct result of global warming. The United States must act, and we must act soon. The language that was removed from the Interior Appropriations Bill today declared the need for a mandatory cap on greenhouse emissions. Stripping this language further shows the lack of political will of the House of Representatives on this issue. Mr. Chairman, global warming is perhaps the biggest problem that present and future generations of Americans will face. We cannot leave this to our children. Our colleagues in the Senate have already begun the much needed debate on this issue. In fact, they passed a sense of Congress exactly the same as the one that was stripped today. In addition, they held a day-long climate change forum that gathered stakeholders on this issue, including the leadership of numerous top American companies such as GE and Walmart. Many positions and recommendations for federal greenhouse gas control legislation were aired and debated. It is way past time for the House of Representatives to join the debate. At this point, Mr. Chairman, our neglect has become a dereliction of duty. Several pieces of legislation have already been introduced on the monumentally important and complex issue of global warming. Certainly, it will take considerable time, effort and investment to mitigate the negative effects of greenhouse gas emissions. And, this must be done equitably and without unnecessary harm to hard-working Americans. Fortunately, much is already known on what we can do. Research and development on creative solutions to global warming has been underway for some time. Indeed, there is a lot of optimism that we can control the worst effects if we make the commitment. Many companies, states and cities around the country have begun the process. The United States House of Representatives remains silent. We have not had a single hearing on global warming legislation. In the mean time, the United States continues to increase its greenhouse gas emission levels and China and India are developing fossil fuel dependent, carbon-intensive economies at astounding rates. Mr. Chairman, the process must begin. The United States must be a leader on this issue. Included in the list of legislation foundering in the House is a bill that the Gentleman from Wisconsin, Mr. Petri, and I introduced. H.R. 5049, the Keep America Competitive Global Warming Policy Act, is a bipartisan policy that will address greenhouse gas emissions but not put America's jobs at risk. This monumental step of putting a price on carbon will stabilize and eventually reduce emissions, finally putting the United States on the road toward curbing the effects of global warming. Mr. Chairman, I urge the House of Representatives to immediately begin the debate on solutions to global warming.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, this amendment will require the Secretary concerned to certify that a catastrophic event recovery project will not decrease forest regeneration or increase forest fire risk. This amendment is very important considering the results of a peer- reviewed study recently published in the respected journal Science by Donato and others from Oregon State University. This study concluded that logging in the wake of the 2002 Biscuit fire decreased forest regeneration by 71 percent and increased short-term fire risk. Unfortunately, this peer-reviewed study came under attack from those who disagreed with its conclusions. Even the Bureau of Land Management threatened to withdraw funding for the study. This was very unfortunate and I believe yet another attempt to silence science. The vast majority of peer-reviewed science on salvage logging to date demonstrates that salvage logging is contrary to the goal of improving forest health. In fact, 169 scientists from around the country submitted a letter to Congress expressing their opposition to H.R. 4200. Disappointingly, H.R. 4200 ignores this body of science on the harmful impacts of salvage logging, including its potential to increase forest-fire risk and decrease forest regeneration. This amendment attempts to incorporate some of the science into the underlying bill. In the Southwest, we are facing what is predicted to be a record fire season. Even firefighters are opposed to H.R. 4200 because it could greatly increase fire risk to our communities. The group Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics and Ecology, an organization of current, former, and retired firefighters, opposes H.R. 4200. The practices authorized under H.R. 4200 should not increase the risk of fire to our national forests and nearby communities. Nor should H.R. 4200 impede seedling regeneration of our national forests. I urge my colleagues to adopt this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.