Don Young

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri), the subcommittee chairman, who has done an outstanding job. As I mentioned in my opening statement, he has been the real workhorse on this bill.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. YOUNG of Alaska asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to thank the gentleman from Minnesota. He has been a real ally in this legislation, and he knows how well we work together and how important to this Nation it is to pass this bill. This is a team effort within a committee that has been very, very bipartisan over the period of time that I have served on it, for the last, actually, 12 years, and even before that. This committee has a record of that, and he has continued that. I think it is crucially important for those watching this on television to know that there are committees that do work hand- in-hand together for the betterment of this Nation, and for that, I thank the gentleman. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica).

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure may file a supplemental report on the bill, H.R. 3, to authorize funds for federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs, and for other purposes, at any time before midnight, March 8, 2005.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 21, 2005, unless it sooner has received a message from the Senate transmitting its concurrence in House Concurrent Resolution 66, in which case the House shall stand adjourned pursuant to that concurrent resolution.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the business in order under the Calendar Wednesday rule be dispensed with on Wednesday, March 2, 2005.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure be discharged from further consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 67) honoring the soldiers of the Army's Black Corps of Engineers for their contributions in constructing the Alaska-Canada highway during World War II and recognizing the importance of these contributions to the subsequent integration of the military, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson) for introducing this resolution. This resolution honors the soldiers of the Army's Black Corps of Engineers for their contribution in construction of the Alaska-Canada Highway during World War II. There is no doubt about the enormous contribution made by these soldiers and the lasting legacy they left to Alaska and the security of our Nation. This is long overdue and I strongly support the gentlewoman's resolution and appreciate her efforts. Mr. Speaker, may I suggest somebody should read the great story of this Corps of Engineers brigade and what they were able to do, the work they put in, the time they put in, and the excellent job they did in building a highway of approximately 1,400 miles in less than 365 days of a year. Again, I commend the gentlewoman for introducing this resolution. It is long overdue. And for those who do not understand this, drive this highway someday and you will understand the work they put in.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, on February 9, 2005, I introduced H.R. 3, the Transportation Equity Act: a Legacy for Users, TEA LU. This is a 6-year authorization of Federal highway, transit and highway safety programs. These programs are all currently operating under an extension since the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, TEA 21, expired on September 30, 2003. The current extension--which is the sixth extension of these programs--will expire on May 31, 2005. We must pass this bill and successfully complete conference with the Senate before the Memorial Day recess begins. We must get this job done. American jobs and the continuing growth of the U.S. economy directly depend on the successful enactment of this authorization. On February 7, 2005, President Bush introduced his fiscal year 2006 budget. I was pleased that the budget includes an updated reauthorization proposal funding Federal highway, transit and highway safety programs at $283.9 billion over 6 years in guaranteed funding. This is a $28 billion increase above the proposal introduced by the administration 2 years ago, and I applaud the administration's recognition of the pressing needs of America's highways and transit systems in this higher number. The bill I introduced also funds the same programs at $283.9 billion in guaranteed funding over 6 years, 2004 through 2009. I strongly believe that we have a much better chance of moving this legislation quickly in the 109th Congress, now that we are working with the same top line funding level that the President has endorsed. The other reason that this $283.9 billion guaranteed funding level may sound familiar is that it was the total 6-year guaranteed funding level that was under discussion in last year's conference negotiations. I am committed to getting back to conference as fast as possible. There are no major policy changes between this bill and last year's authorization bill, which passed the House by a vote of 357 to 65 on April 2, 2004. The policies in H.R. 3 represent months of intense negotiations within the committee, with other House Members, and with stakeholder organizations. I will work closely with the leadership, the Ways and Means Committee chairman, and the chairman of the Budget Committee as we further refine this bill and prepare for committee markup and floor passage. I urge the House membership's strong support of TEA LU, particularly since we now have the administration's endorsement of the total funding level. Let's get this job done, so that our Nation's commerce can move quickly and efficiently, commuters can get to work faster and easier, waste less gas sitting in traffic, and spend more time with their families. States, communities, workers and industries around the country are waiting for us to act on this reauthorization. Let's get it done.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, in accordance with clause 2(a) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, I am submitting for printing in the Record a copy of the Rules of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for the 109th Congress, adopted on February 2, 2005. Rules of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure United States House of Representatives 109th Congress (Adopted February 2, 2005)

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the conferees for including economic development funding for the Pribilof Islands. The economies of these Island communities have been struggling in the face of the ban on the fur seal harvest and the collapse of the crab and other fisheries in the area. The funding in this appropriations bill is a key step in helping the Aleut population of the Islands to develop a diversified, sustainable economy. For over 100 years, the Federal Government controlled the Natives' fur seal harvest on the Islands, as well as their social and municipal services. In the 1980s the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Congress embarked on a plan for transition of the Islands to independence and economic self-sufficiency. One of the most important aspects of the plan was that the Federal Government would transfer control of the fur seal harvests to the Natives and permit the Natives to keep the income from the harvests. Unfortunately, one year after the plan was developed, the Government banned fur seal harvesting on environmental grounds and removed a critical source of regular income from the community. Four years ago, the Congress enacted the Pribilof Island Transition Act, which I authored. I worked closely with my Alaska colleagues in the other body in crafting that legislation and shepherding it through the legislative process. The Act was aimed at compensating for the loss of the fur seal industry and for the delays in implementation of two other key objectives of the transition plan: construction of usable harbors and transfer of lands from NOAA to Island entities. The Transition Act authorized $28 million for economic development over a period of five years. This is the first year that funds have been appropriated for this purpose, and it comes at a crucial time. It is my hope that additional funding for Pribilof Island economic development will be forthcoming in the years ahead.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following two letters for the Record. The Hon. Don Young, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC Dear Chairman Young: I am writing with regard to H.R. 5163, the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Reorganization Act, which was ordered reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on September 29, 2004. As you know, the Energy and Commerce Committee received a named additional referral upon introduction. I understand that you will include an amendment when the bill goes to the floor. The intent of new section 4(b) is to clarify that nothing in H.R. 5163 alters the jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce over the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Specifically, section (b)(1) and (2) states that nothing in this Act shall grant any authority to the Research and Innovative Technology Administration over research and other programs, activities, standards, or regulations administered by the Secretary through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but does not include those provisions within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Accordingly I will waive the Committee's consideration of this legislation. By agreeing to waive its consideration of the bill, however, the Energy and Commerce Committee does not waive its jurisdiction over H.R. 5163. In addition, the Energy and Commerce Committee reserves its right to seek conferees on any provisions of the bill that are within its jurisdiction during any House-Senate conference that may be convened on this legislation. I ask for your commitment to support any request by the Energy and Commerce Committee for conferees on H.R. 5163 or similar legislation. I request that you include this letter and your response in the Congressional Record during consideration of the legislation on the House floor. Thank you for your attention to these matters. Sincerely, Joe Barton, Chairman.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica), and ask unanimous consent that he be allowed to control it.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. YOUNG of Alaska asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak regarding H.R. 10, the 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act. I realize the importance of this legislation and understand the need for improving our intelligence gathering and coordination. The failure of our intelligence and law enforcement agencies to communicate has been demonstrated on numerous occasions. However, while there is no doubt that we must protect our country and our people from the threat of terrorism, we must also protect the viability of our economy. I want to stress that, the viability of our economy, and if we do not do so, especially in our Nation's transportation, the bad guys have won. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has worked very hard on a bipartisan basis for the last 3 years to develop the best transportation security possible. It was our committee that proposed and passed the first legislation to create the Transportation Security Administration, TSA. We have improved that legislation and moved other bills that improved security as well. We have exercised our oversight jurisdiction both thoroughly and prudently and with due respect to the concerns of the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies. H.R. 10 contains new recommendations from our committee regarding improvements in aviation security and additional improvements in the area of maritime security. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure also reported recommendations regarding the funding of first responders. Recently, I personally experienced how it felt to be on TSA's no-fly list when I was confused with another person with the same name. This was not a pleasant experience, but I was able to clear up the confusion fairly quickly and continued on my trip. H.R. 10 includes recommendations from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure that will provide travelers who are misidentified by the TSA an opportunity to appeal. I have serious concerns regarding section 5027, encouraging the Committee on Rules to act on the recommendation regarding committee jurisdiction prior to the next Congress. This House should have an opportunity for full and fair debate on any changes to the structure of the standing committees or any changes to their jurisdiction. There should be regular order and a fair process for consideration of changes that could have seriously impacts on all the stakeholders and industries who will be affected by the way we exercise our jurisdiction and carry out our oversight. The decision regarding the rules of the House should be made at the beginning of the next Congress. This is not a fight about turf as some might claim. It is about doing the best job for legislating that we can for the American people and that requires both expertise and balance. The committee with a single focus only on security, not balanced by concern for the economic and other consequences, could result in posing unreasonable burdens on the taxpayers and our economic base. The current recommendations of the Select Committee on Homeland Security eliminate the ability of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to exercise legislation or oversight jurisdiction over transportation security. The Select Committee on Homeland Security's recommendation has extremely serious consequences and deserves full consideration over the coming months. Should this bill go to conference, I strongly encourage the conferees and the Committee on Rules to refrain from taking action that would prevent a full and fair debate on the changes to the rules. As we legislate to protect the homeland security in all areas of our national life, we must look at the whole picture and find the right balance between security and economic stability. And may I respectfully suggest to the leadership of the House on both sides of the aisle and those that might be in the conference, and I will be one of them, if we, in fact, change the rules without going through the due process, I will vote and work against this legislation. Because if we disrupt our economic base, if we cannot continue the mission of moving our goods and people, then the bad guys have won. So we have to be very careful what we do. As we rush to judgment to pass a piece of legislation recommended by the 9/11 Commission, I will assure the Members that I want to study it very closely to make sure that we provide the security that is necessary but keep in mind the economic well-being of our people in this Nation. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri).

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit. I know my good friend from Oregon is a good soldier, and I understand what he is trying to do, but I hope no one takes it too seriously because this would kill this legislation that we have today for an extension of our highway program which would cost us about 150,000 immediate jobs, disrupt all State programs, all projects in districts and, in fact, create chaos. And there is a time problem because the reality is that this has to be signed by the President tonight or it does come to a halt. And so what we have to do now is pass this legislation, vote against this motion to recommit, pass this legislation and send it over to the Senate. And I am not speaking too broadly about the Senate because we do not control it, and I know I am not supposed to mention it. But the other body must also act. And then it has to get on an airplane and be flown to Florida because there is the big debate tonight. And he has to sign it. I am sure it is not a big deal with the President, but it is necessary for highway projects. And just tongue in cheek, to the gentleman from Oregon, the way his motion to recommit is that each number in the bill would have to be raised 12.84, 12.85 percent, and that means that H.R. 5183 would no longer be H.R. 5183, it would be, I guess, 52.6 or something, and all the numbers in the bill, instead of section 22, it would have to be section 22.8 and on down the line. I understand the reasoning why, but I do urge my colleagues to think very seriously about it. Let us keep the course. Vote against the motion to recommit and then pass this legislation so we can continue our transportation needs in this country, not to the degree we want but what is necessary at this time. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In closing, this is a time that is always difficult for someone who has served with something for so long, but I will tell the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski) we are going to miss him. We are going to probably see him. But as Members leave this body that have contributed to not only their districts but the Nation, it is a loss. We know that. I know he knows that. But I also respect his desire to go and do bigger and greater things. But I look forward to seeing him back on the Hill during this period of time in the near future so that we can communicate and work together on a cause that he has great feeling for, and that is transportation. And he can be assured that I will always be there to hear his wisdom, and he can be sure that I and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) are going to accomplish the goals along with our subcommittee chairman on this transportation bill, I hope in the near future. If we cannot, it will be, not in the far future, but in the close future. So, again, I wish him Godspeed and be well on his travels. We will miss him.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 811, I call up the bill (H.R. 5183) to provide an extension of highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund pending enactment of a law reauthorizing the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. YOUNG of Alaska asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, much has been said during the rule about the obvious need for this extension, and I will agree with those who say we need a finalization of the 6-year bill; but this extension gives us time to allow the States to go forth with their construction, with their projects that are necessary, and to keep some stability in our continued efforts to improve the transportation system in this great Nation of ours. I truly believe this will be the last extension. I have endeavored and will continue to work until we sine die to try to make a finalization of the 6-year bill. I want to make sure everybody understands that just because this is an 8-month extension, it does not mean we have to wait 8 months to get it done. If I can get it done next week, we are going to get it done. If I can get it done the week after that, if we are not here, I cannot do that, but if we can get it done during the lame duck, we can do it then. Or we can do it in February, March, April, May, June, July, or in that period of time. Whatever we have to do, we will do to continue to improve our transportation system in our great Nation. May I suggest, respectfully, since some have spoken on this bill about the reauthorization, our committee has done its work. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), I see, is managing the bill today instead of the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar). We are going to miss him. He is no longer going to be with us next year, but he has done his work as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipelines. The gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) has done his work; the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri) has done his work. We have done our work, and we have passed this legislation over to the other body. Now, we can point a lot of fingers and we can say this guy, that person, this other person in the other body did not do it; but in reality there is a difference of philosophies. I personally will say that when we passed this bill in the House, I had $375 billion. That is the number I would like to have. Well, a lot of us would like to have some things which we cannot achieve. We have agreed and we have worked with the other body, and we did reach a number that, to me, was a great victory, $299 billion of contractual authority, $284.3 as obligated dollars, real dollars, with policies and philosophies in the bill. We reached those agreements. But, unfortunately, on both sides of the aisle there are some people in the other body that desire more, and we were unable to reach that agreement because it was not there. I would have liked to have had what we agreed to, because I think it was the appropriate way to go. It did not mean it would be the final number, but we did not and were not able to achieve that. Consequently, we are here for this extension. As they said in the rules debate, this extension is badly needed to continue the stability of our transportation system. But I will commit to this House and to this Nation that this committee will continue to work to finish this job and to work with the other body to arrive at a conclusion that I think is long overdue. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would suggest to this body that we are on the cusp of a disaster in transportation if we do not act soon. We are gathering in population more each day. We are importing more each day, we are exporting more each day, and we are becoming more congested each day. I am hoping that my State Governors, my State legislators, my State department of transportation and my mayors, all those people understand they too have to participate in solving this problem. It just cannot come from this body. They too must participate with ambitious and visionary ideas in helping to solve our transportation problems. We all must work together. If we do not, we do not leave the appropriate legacy behind us so this country can continue to grow. I will say, Mr. Speaker, there are some in this country that do not want to improve the transportation system, because they realize if they do not improve upon it, then our ability to be competitive and to be the leaders of the free world will not occur. So I suggest to this body we must awaken the people and make sure they understand the effect upon them and they must respond and ask us, and, yes, their local legislators, their Governors, their mayors, and those people who lead them to say yes to participate together with us so we can solve this problem. Mr. Speaker, this extension is necessary, and I urge passage of the extension. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri).

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5183.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be directed to make the change in the engrossment of H.R. 5183 that I have placed at the desk.