Diane Watson

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, for 7 years now, Washington Republicans have allowed Big Oil to run our Nation's energy policy. From the very first days of this administration, Vice President Cheney was meeting in secret with energy executives to develop its energy proposal. Today we see the results of that secret policy that was approved by a rubber- stamp Republican Congress. When President Bush took office, the average price of gas was $1.47. Today, it has more than doubled to an average hovering around $4. Since taking control of Congress last year, Democrats have rejected the failed Republican policies that are responsible for these record high prices. We are working to lower prices by cracking down on price gouging, holding OPEC accountable for price fixing, repealing subsidies for profit-rich oil companies, and instead investing in renewable energy. Each of these efforts have received some partisan support, but the Republican leadership of this House and the President continue to oppose our efforts.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, over the last month this Democratic Congress has passed important legislation that will help our economy, our veterans, and millions of middle class families. But our efforts are being opposed by a Bush White House that refuses to work with us to solve our Nation's most pressing problems. We can't turn around our economy without addressing the escalating housing crisis. Last month, we passed a comprehensive package that addresses the crisis directly, helps stabilize the housing market, and makes a real difference for families at risk for losing their homes. To help jump-start our economy and help reduce prices at the gas pump, we passed legislation that extends vital tax relief to millions of families, strengthens investment opportunities for American businesses, and encourages the production and use of renewable energy. To help veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we passed a new GI Bill that restores promised 4-year scholarships so they can go to college after they complete their military service. Mr. Speaker, we are passing legislation here in the House that can make a real difference for all Americans.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, please let me set the record straight on congressional action on gas prices. We now have a law, it is the farm bill, the historic investment in affordable biofuels, and beefed-up oversight on market manipulation. The President's veto was overridden on May 21 of this year. We also have the Renewable Energy and Job Act. It was passed on May 21 and there is a threat of a veto, but it was passed. Then, the Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act, holding OPEC and oil companies accountable for price fixing, and it passed on May 20, it is also under a veto threat. Now we have a law, Strategic Petroleum Reserve Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act. It was passed on May 13 and it had a pretty hefty vote to take it out of this House, it is now law. Let's set the record straight. We also repealed subsidies to profit-rich big oil companies, and invest in renewable energy. It also is under veto threat. It passed here at the beginning of the year, February 27. We also have a law, Energy Independence Law with Market Manipulation Ban & New Vehicle Mileage Standards. It is now law. It passed the House last year on December 18, 2007. We have another bill that is under a veto threat, a crackdown on gas price gouging. It passed the House on another pretty hefty vote that was bipartisan; it passed on May 23. And, Hold OPEC Accountable for Oil Price Fixing, it passed on May 22 on a vote of 345-72, and it is under veto threat. Now, Madam Speaker, you are going to hear that the Democrats aren't doing anything, but let me give you the exact votes on all of these bills. The Republican leader, John Boehner, voted ``no'' on OPEC price fixing, oil fixing. He voted ``no'' on price gouging. He voted ``no'' on renewable energy. He voted ``no'' on energy security. Roy Blunt voted ``no'' on OPEC price fixing, ``no'' on price gouging, and ``no'' on renewable energy. Adam Putnam voted ``no'' on price gouging and renewable energy. Thaddeus McCotter voted ``no'' on renewable energy and ``no'' on energy security. And it goes on and on and on. So to set the record straight, we are putting out sound bills to address the oil, shall I say, surge in price, because in my city of Los Angeles I was astounded when I got home to see that Diesel 2 sells in Los Angeles on the average for $4.99.9. I am sure when I get back to Los Angeles in a week it will be $5. The average price of gas in Los Angeles, in my district, and really throughout California, is $4.12 a gallon. Madam Speaker, we are proposing good and sound legislation to address the needs for energy and renewable energy sources in the United States of America so our constituencies can get back and forth to work and enjoy a better life, and so we need the help of the other party because this should not be an issue that is partisan. It is an issue for America.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. I want to thank the gentlewoman from Texas. I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 335 which authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds on Thursday, July 17, for a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In January of this year, the sorority began its year-long celebration of its 100-year anniversary. Founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is the first Greek-letter organization founded by African American college women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is a sisterhood of women who have consciously chosen to improve the socioeconomic conditions in their city, in their State, in the Nation and in the world. Its history tells a story of changing patterns of human relations in America in the 20th Century. The small group who organized the sorority was just 1 generation removed from slavery. Through the years, the sorority directed its efforts towards improving the quality of life for all mankind, while living our sorority's motto, ``by culture and by merit.'' I am so proud to count myself and Eddie Bernice Johnson as members and proud members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Throughout the years, I have witnessed firsthand how the power, vision and commitment of our founders and members have inspired Alpha Kappa Alpha to endure and prosper through 10 decades. I encourage my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 335, which will ensure that a vital component of the 100th anniversary celebration will take place on these distinguished grounds of the United States Capitol. I want you to know, our membership is very tuned in to the issues that we face domestically and we face internationally. And they would want to see all of us be able to benefit from the legislation that is passing both Chambers and going to the Governor to reduce the prices of oil, to address our infrastructure, to provide the right to health care for every American, to be sure that Americans can receive and realize the American dream to home ownership. I am so proud to stand here in support of H. Con. Res. 335, to allow our membership to come in and get into this progressive atmosphere and to celebrate their 100th year of existence.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak on the Watson-Cummings amendment to section 595 of the National Defense Authorization Act. Our amendment would strengthen the Senior Military Leadership Diversity Commission by including the U.S. Coast Guard as part of the commission's membership and including them in the overall scope of the study. The U.S. Coast Guard has the worst diversity rates among minority commissioned officers of the Armed Forces. The Coast Guard's membership on the commission would help ensure that the study provides insight into ways to increase the number of minority senior commissioned officers within the services. Mr. Chairman, I thank Representative Cummings for working with me on this amendment, and ask our colleagues to support diversity within the Armed Forces by supporting this amendment.

Ms. WATSON

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

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, it is wonderful to live in a democracy when we can recognize our athletes, when we can recognize our entertainers, we can recognize all of our people, along with doing the people's work. The idea of a democracy says anyone at the lower end of the social economic scale as well as those at the top need recognition. We need to work together across aisles, not to be hampered by games that can be played, but sincerely coming together as a body representing the 280 million Americans and those who are not quite citizens and to do their work without phony procedures blocking our ability to make progress.

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

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5787) to amend title 40, United States Code, to enhance authorities with regard to real property that has yet to be reported excess, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1144) expressing support for designation of a ``Frank Sinatra Day'' on May 13, 2008, in honor of the dedication of the Frank Sinatra commemorative stamp, as amended.

Ms. WATSON

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

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, for its rich history and ongoing traditions, I hope that we can come together as a body representing Americans far and wide, and in good humor, and following the procedures of this House, that we join together in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Congressional Club. They do stand for bipartisanship. They do stand for working together. We, indeed, can eat together as fellows, friends, partners in making policy. And so let's use the example of this Congressional Club by agreeing to pass H. Res. 1026. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield the remaining time to the man from Missouri, the Honorable Ike Skelton.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. I would like to offer Mr. Faleomavaega another 3 minutes.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 752) to direct Federal agencies to donate excess and surplus Federal electronic equipment, including computers, computer components, printers, and fax machines, to qualifying small towns, counties, schools, nonprofit organizations, and libraries, as amended.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the sponsor, Mr. Butterfield, for his work on the bill, as well as the various Members that helped to move this bill forward. We also got helpful input from the Committee on Science and Technology. Chairman Waxman and Chairman Gordon exchanged letters regarding committee jurisdiction, and I will include these letters in the Congressional Record. House of Representatives, Committee on Science and Technology, Washington, DC, May 9, 2008. Hon. Henry A. Waxman, Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to you concerning the jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Science and Technology in H.R. 752, the Federal Electronic Equipment Donation Act of 2007. The Committee on Science and Technology has jurisdictional interest in this bill based on the Committee's history of jurisdiction over the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Transfer Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-480). The Committee on Science and Technology was the sole House Committee of jurisdiction over the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Transfer Act of 1980 and has maintained jurisdiction over the law ever since. H.R. 752 makes specific mention of the Stevenson- Wydler Technology Transfer Act of 1980 and creates a program with overlapping objectives to those found in that act. The Committee on Science and Technology acknowledges the importance of H.R. 752 and the need for the legislation to move expeditiously. Therefore, while we have a valid claim to jurisdiction over this bill, I agree not to request a sequential referral. This, of course, is conditional on our mutual understanding that nothing in this legislation or my decision to forgo a sequential referral waives, reduces, or otherwise affects the jurisdiction of the Committee on Science and Technology, and that a copy of this letter and of your response will be included in the Congressional Record when the bill is considered on the House Floor. The Committee on Science and Technology also expects that you will support our request to be conferees during any House-Senate conference on this, or any similar legislation. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Bart Gordon, Chairman.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to present for consideration H.R. 752, the Federal Electronic Equipment Donation Act, which will preserve an existing executive order issued during the Clinton administration directing Federal agencies to donate excess computer equipment to schools and education nonprofits, particularly those located in high-need areas. At this point, I would like to have my colleague, the Honorable G.K. Butterfield, to have as much time as he will consume.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield).

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 334) supporting the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month, as amended.

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

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Representing the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I rise to join my colleagues in the consideration of H. Con. Res. 334, as amended, a resolution supporting the goals and objectives of National Military Appreciation Month, which, for the past 10 years, has been recognized in the month of May. Initially created by an act of Congress back in 1999, the National Military Appreciation Month provides each and every one of us an opportunity to acknowledge and honor the heroic men and women who have served and are now serving in our country's Armed Forces. The bill before us was introduced on April 24, 2008, by Congressman Christopher Shays of Connecticut. And while cosponsored by only 60 Members of Congress, I am sure that each and every member of this body stands in support and admiration of the thousands of men and women serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform amended and reported the bill favorably by voice vote on May 15, 2008, and today we now have a chance to move the bill one step closer to enactment. Mr. Speaker, let us join with citizens across America in showing our appreciation for the service and sacrifice these brave men and women display in order to provide for the defense and the protection of our great country. In particular, let us show our gratitude to those currently serving abroad in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other pockets of the world, and to the families that stand by and support their loved ones during deployment in times of war. The passage of H. Con. Res. 334 will send a strong message to our troops and veterans that we honor, respect, and appreciate their dedication to the liberties and freedoms we as Americans hold so dear. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the goals and the objectives of National Military Appreciation Month by voting in favor of H. Con. Res. 334. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1132) supporting the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day.