Peter Visclosky

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and deep sadness that I take this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's most distinguished citizens, Reverend Dr. Robert E. Lowery, pastor of Saint Timothy Community Church in Gary, IN. On Tuesday, July 10, 2007, Reverend Lowery passed away at the University of Chicago Medical Center at the age of 82. A constant fixture in the community, Reverend Lowery understood how to communicate with all people. For this, Reverend Lowery appropriately earned the nickname, ``Everyman's Preacher.'' Robert E. Lowery was born on the west side of Chicago. An accomplished scholar, he obtained degrees in theology from the Chicago Theological Seminary, the Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL, and a Bachelor of Science degree from George Williams College in Chicago. Though Chicago was his home, he eventually relocated to Gary, Indiana and took over as pastor of Saint Timothy Community Church in 1957. For the past 50 years, Reverend Lowery has called Gary his home, and the impact he has had on his congregation and the entire community will forever be remembered. Under his leadership, Saint Timothy has grown to become one of the city's largest congregations with over 1,600 members. Reverend Lowery's lifetime of service to his community goes far beyond his pastoral duties. Knowing that preaching was only a small part of the impact he could have on people's lives, Reverend Lowery became actively involved in many local organizations. Realizing the need to reach people at an early age, he dedicated himself to programs aimed at improving the lives of the youth in the community and enhancing their opportunities to lead successful lives. Reverend Lowery felt a tremendous responsibility to reach out to the youth, and it was for this reason that he became active in the Boy Scouts of America. Fully dedicated to the mission of the Boy Scouts, Reverend Lowery served as Scoutmaster for Troop 53 at Saint Timothy, and he also served as an executive board member of the Calumet Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Reverend Lowery's generosity and commitment to the children of Northwest Indiana will forever be remembered by the children he mentored. Recognized for his work in his community, Reverend Lowery was the recipient of many awards, both local and national. While it would be impossible to name them all, Reverend Lowery's efforts led to him being honored with the prestigious Drum Major Award, presented by the Gary Frontiers Service Club in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his most worthy induction into Gary's Steel City Hall of Fame in 1990. Reverend Lowery leaves to cherish his memory three daughters: Gay Marlene Lowery, Jan Avis Lowery, and Lynn Michele Lowery-Darby, as well as an entire community whose lives have been improved by such a caring and benevolent friend and mentor. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Reverend Dr. Robert E. Lowery for his outstanding devotion to his congregation and to all of Northwest Indiana. His unselfish and lifelong dedication to the people he served is worthy of the highest commendation. Reverend Lowery's selflessness was an inspiration to us all. While the entire community is saddened by his passing, his message will live on through the many lives he has touched.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate the individuals who will take their oath of citizenship on July 4, 2007. In true patriotic fashion, on the day of our great Nation's celebration of independence, a naturalization ceremony will take place, welcoming new citizens of the United States of America. This memorable occasion, coordinated by the Hammond Public Library and presided over by Magistrate Judge Andrew Rodovich, will be held at Harrison Park in Hammond, Indiana. America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the globe to the United States in search of better lives for themselves and their families. The upcoming oath ceremony will be a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic Nation. These individuals realize the great things America has to offer. They realize that there is nowhere else in the world that offers a better opportunity for success and a good life than here in America. On July 4, 2007, the following individuals, representing many countries throughout the world, will take their oath of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Daniela Gomez Alba, Vanhvilay Thongsawath, Fayez Ghaly Samaan, Sean David Sternfeldt, Maria Del Carmen Garcia, Khaled Abdullah Mohamed Alkadhi, Jovica Georgiev, Evica Jankovic, Khadija Nasreen, Muhammad Munawar Uddin, Ljubica Andonova, Yasser Yousof Hussein Alsalahi, Reina Ahmad Elabed, Heidemarie Nealon, Nidal Khaleel Bader, Rosa Navarro, Irma Guadalupe Gallegos, Victor Manuel Salas, Hildeberta Ignacio, Ivan Ignacio Esquival, Edgar Ignacio, Maria Gonzalez, Vassilka Ivanova Sokolova, Jose Ernesto Munoz Munoz, Margarita Lomeli, Rosalia Aguilar De Hernandez, Ramona Garcia, Hector Miguel Rivera Gallegos, Rafael Negrete Gentil, Stan Krzysztofiak, Juan Carlos Bustos, Angelina Rico De Becerra, Maria Teresa Paredes De Sanchez, Thomas William Fridel, Mirko Koceski, Zivka Koceski, Phuoc Hong Tran, Ramachandra Mukkamala, Cristina Chavez Melesio, Maureen Allyson Fridel, Omar Mehidi, Priya Venkata Vishnu Mukkamala, Kameswari Kalluri, Carlos Alberto Garcia Morales, Sonja Sabo-Djuric, Maria De Jesus Galvan Briseno, Paul Derek MacGregor, Layda Eunice Salazar, Mary Ortiz, and Nancy Takla. Though each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free Nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so. Madam Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals, who will become citizens of the United States of America on July 4, 2007, the day of our Nation's independence. They, too, will be American citizens, and they, too, will be guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic society, congratulate them and welcome them.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the recognition, and I rise in strong and adamant opposition to the gentleman's amendment. During my remarks, I would like to make three points and also indicate that this project is in the City of Rensselaer, Indiana, at St. Joseph's College. It is for the restoration of a historic theater that continues to be used by the faculty and students of the school, as well as the constituents and citizens of Rensselaer and Jasper County, Indiana. The total cost for the renovation of this project is about $965,000. The request and approval by the subcommittee was for $100,000. I would want to thank the chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. Dicks, as well as the ranking member, my good friend, Mr. Tiahrt, for their consideration of this very important project. The first point I do want to make is that this has great value to the community in which it is situated. While the gentleman who offered the amendment enumerated a whole series of other possible projects in another State, that is not the subject of this amendment. It is the restoration of a historic theater at St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer. It was built in 1914 and designed in revival style, referred to as Collegiate Gothic. It is located in the college's historic district, and the goal of the project is to restore the theater as an attractive, useful centerpiece for the college and the City of Rensselaer while retaining its notable contribution among historic sites and structures in the great State of Indiana. The second point I would want to make, and I would take off on the remarks made by the chairman, is he suggested that we have a right to spend this money. I agree with that assertion. I would take it a step further and say, we have a responsibility to make an investment in this country. We need to invest to preserve the past so we can continue to learn its lessons. We need to invest in this country for our present and for those who live here today. We need to invest in this country and its infrastructure for the future of this Nation and for the children of this generation and those yet to come. We have a responsibility as well as a right. The gentleman from Washington, Mr. Dicks, also mentioned we are here to help each other out. I would conclude by stressing that point. While I have a great deal of respect for the gentleman from the Fifth District of Texas, I happen to represent the First District in Indiana, and the last time I looked, society and the purpose of us joining together in a free government is to help each other out and to look out for each others' interests. It is not the government that is paying this money, as the gentleman indicated; it is the people of this country who are paying for this project in Rensselaer, Indiana, that has value, which is the same reason why I think it is absolutely appropriate that taxpayers in places like east Chicago, Indiana, and Hobart, Indiana, expend some of their tax moneys as individuals to help the City of Dallas, for example, with their floodway to ensure that there is not property damage in the future, that there is not loss of life, that there is not injury to others in this country. It is why I think there is a noble reason to ask people who live in Lowell, Indiana, and Chesterton, Indiana, and Gary, Indiana, to help fund research taking place at Oak Ridge in Tennessee. At first blush, why should we have an interest in making that investment? Because it inures to the benefit of not only everyone who lives in the United States, but everyone worldwide. We should get over this concept that we have to be parochial in what we do and get over this concept that we should be selfish about what we are about. We are here to make an investment, and, as the gentleman from Washington rightfully pointed out, to help each other out. So I strongly oppose the gentleman's amendment. I absolutely think it is bad policy, and I would ask my colleagues' support. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness and deep respect that I wish to commend Army SSG Michael A. Bechert for his bravery and his willingness to fight for his country. Staff Sergeant Bechert was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany. Tragically, Staff Sergeant Bechert passed away on June 14, 2007, due to injuries sustained on May 30, 2007, when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq. His sacrifice for his country will forever be remembered by a community that has been devastated by the loss of one of its own. Staff Sergeant Bechert felt tremendous pride for his country, and it will never be forgotten that he was willing to endanger his own life to protect the lives of his fellow citizens. His courage and heroism will always be remembered, and his sacrifice will forever live in the hearts and minds of those for whom he battled. Staff Sergeant Bechert enlisted in the United States Army, fully aware that danger could arise in any situation. He accepted this so that the freedoms and values he treasured could be enjoyed by men, women, and children around the world. For his efforts, Staff Sergeant Bechert was awarded several military medals and honors, including: the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Army Commendation Medal for heroism, as well as a Purple Heart for previous injuries sustained in battle. In addition, he will be posthumously awarded an additional Purple Heart and a Bronze Star medal. Although he loved his unit and his country, Michael treasured his family above all else. He is survived by his wife, Daniela, and his son, Branden Andrew, as well as many other friends and family members whose lives he has touched. My condolences go out to all who knew and loved Michael. His eagerness to serve and his willingness to sacrifice himself is worthy of the highest admiration. Madam Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army SSG Michael Bechert. He will forever remain a hero in the eyes of his family, his community, and his country. Let us never forget the sacrifice he made to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. I have one remaining speaker, and it is my understanding it is my prerogative to close.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver) a member of the subcommittee.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman will yield, I would indicate to the gentleman that I am happy to accept his amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I would certainly be happy to cooperate with my colleague and ranking member, Mr. Hobson, in that regard.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I would yield such time as he may consume to my colleague from Ohio (Mr. Hobson).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate, I truly do, the gentleman's concerns regarding the breaching of hydropower dams. Certainly, this country and the government should proceed very carefully before any such decision is made. I would point out, however, Mr. Chairman, that there are no funds in this bill for that purpose. Indeed, I would remind my colleagues that authorization and direct appropriations for this purpose would also be needed. So I do rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment. But I would also point out in a positive fashion that there is $95 million in this bill for the rehabilitation of existing hydroelectric facilities on our waterways. I certainly do think they make a significant, and can make even a greater, contribution to the energy demands of this country. But again, Mr. Chairman, I stand in opposition to the gentleman's amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I would reserve a point of order on the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I simply want to indicate that I am happy to accept the amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I stress my opposition to the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Again, I stand in opposition to the gentleman's amendment and apologize to the gentleman for having his State of origin incorrect, especially because he is from the great State of Ohio. But I would emphasize that this is the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for the coming year, and we are in an energy crisis and it transcends the cost of the price of gasoline at the pump. It is a true economic situation and crisis that we face. It is a national security issue that we face. My good friend, the senior Senator from the State of Indiana, Senator Lugar, has characterized the energy crisis we face as the albatross around our national security neck. It is also an environmental issue as far as a potential catastrophic climate change that will occur if we do not deal with the issue of CO2. This bill makes an investment in solving that crisis we face. It will not solve all the problems tomorrow morning, but it will put us on firm footing to do so in the future. Let's talk about vehicle technology. The bill recommends $93 million for hybrid electric systems, an increase of $13 million over the President's request. Of the increase, $10 million is for energy storage research and development for advanced batteries for electric, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and $3 million is for independent test and evaluation of all vehicles developed in the upcoming demonstration phase. This bill also includes $49 million for advanced combustion engine research and development, an increase of $15 million over the President's request to restore funding for heavy truck engine research that was eliminated in the administration's request. It does include $48 million, $15 million over the budget, for materials technology research, to accelerate the development of cost- effective materials and manufacturing processes that contribute to fuel-efficient passenger and commercial vehicles. It includes $10 million more than the administration's request for nonpetroleum-based fuels and lubricants evaluation to expand and accelerate research and development for the optimum ethanol fuel. And we also have an increase for technology integration of $6 million in this bill for vehicle technologies and deployment, formerly the Clean Cities Program. We have moneys in here to advance geothermal technology, to demonstrate cost-share industry that will allow accelerated research into new geothermal technologies. We have moneys in here for hydropower; for research, development, and demonstration of ocean, tidal, and in-stream hydropower energy systems. We have made an investment in this bill for electricity supply and delivery research, for applied research on semi-conductor material, device and processing issues, technology acceptance and technology evaluation. We have investment moneys in this bill for solar energy research, and the gentleman from the State of Massachusetts talked about that briefly, to develop cost-neutral designs and technologies to better integrate solar heating and lighting into building designs. We have made an investment in this bill for facilities to research, test, and demonstrate the new renewable technologies. It would be a mistake to change these funding levels and turn the clock back as far as trying to make progress to solve the energy problems we face in this Nation.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver).