Congressional Record
111th Congress (2009-2010)
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STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS -- (Senate - September 16, 2009)
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By Mr. AKAKA:
S. 1675. A bill to implement title V of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 and to promote economical and environmentally sustainable means of meeting the energy demands of developing countries, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce The Energy Development Program Implementation Act
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Although title V of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act was passed into law more than 30 years ago, Congress did not put an implementation framework into place, and the Executive Branch never implemented the provisions. Back then, there may have been skepticism about the economic viability of alternative energy resources, but in the past 30 years there have been significant advances in the technology supporting alternative energy resources, and today there is broader agreement that the development of these resources is important for economic development, environmental sustainability, and national security.
This bill provides economic and environmental benefits to developing countries and diplomatic benefits for the U.S. Through the implementation of the Energy Development Program supported by this bill, developing countries will be provided energy assessments, receive support in evaluating energy alternatives, and be able to work on cooperative projects with United States energy experts on resource exploration, production, training, and research and development. This bill will further international collaboration around alternative energy sources and allow the United States to take on a stronger leadership role in this effort.
In addition to providing economic and environmental benefits, this bill supports international efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation. The bipartisan Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism recently recommended the implementation of title V because it will lower the risk of nuclear proliferation as developing countries are encouraged to focus more on non-nuclear, alternative energy sources. Providing concrete technical assistance to promote those energy sources in developing countries reduces the inherent risk that accompanies the wider proliferation of nuclear technology and materials.
We should remain mindful that the same nuclear technology that can be used for peaceful, civilian uses may in some cases be used to support covert or potentially dangerous nuclear programs. At my request, the Government Accountability Office, GAO, reviewed the International Atomic Energy Agency's, IAEA, Technical Cooperation, TC, Program, which supports peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including nuclear power, by providing nuclear equipment, training, and fellowships to IAEA member states. The U.S. provides approximately 25 percent of its annual budget. GAO found that the U.S. faces difficulty in assessing the nature of the nuclear assistance provided under that program, and that state sponsors of terrorism, including Iran, Syria, Sudan, and Cuba had received funding under the program. For instance, GAO reported that Iran requested assistance to complete a research reactor that could have been used for both civilian and military applications. Fortunately, IAEA denied this assistance, but this example highlights the inherent proliferation risks of nuclear power and the benefit of focusing more on alternative energy sources.
This bill puts into place an implementation mechanism to support this effort. It requires the Secretary of Energy, in cooperation with the Secretary of State and the administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, to develop strategic and implementation plans for the Energy Development Program. The Secretary of Energy will then be required to carry out the implementation of the program according to those plans.
The Energy Development Program would be supported by the exchange of energy experts, scientists, and technicians with developing countries. Federal employees will have an opportunity to work with developing countries on energy assessments and projects focused on finding and developing non-nuclear, alternative sources of energy, while retaining their seniority and other rights and benefits within their home agencies. They will be able to share their expertise with professionals in developing countries and also bring back new ideas and perspectives from overseas that could help us in our own efforts to develop alternative energy sources.
The time has come to implement title V of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act. This legislation will put that process in motion. The benefits of this program have global impact as we assist developing countries in meeting their energy needs with alternative energy sources, reduce the risk of nuclear proliferation, and take a more prominent leadership role in developing alternative energy sources.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the RECORD.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:
S. 1675
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Energy Development Program Implementation Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) title V of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 (22 U.S.C. 3261 et seq.) requires the United States to work with developing countries in assessing and finding ways to meet their energy needs through alternatives to nuclear energy that are consistent with economic factors, material resources, and environmental protection; and
(2) in December 2008, the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism noted that the Federal Government had failed to implement title V of that Act and recommended that the Federal Government implement title V of that Act to help reduce the risk of nuclear proliferation.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.--The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(2) ENERGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.--The term ``energy development program'' means the program established under title V of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 (22 U.S.C. 3261 et seq.).
(3) SECRETARY.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy, in cooperation with the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development.
SEC. 4. ENERGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Strategic and Implementation Plans.--
(1) IN GENERAL.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop--
(A) strategic plans for the energy development program consistent with title V of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 (22 U.S.C. 3261 et seq.); and
(B) implementation plans for the energy development program consistent with title V of that Act.
(2) REVIEW OF PLANS.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit the strategic and implementation plans to the appropriate congressional committees for review.
(b) Implementation.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the plans are submitted to the appropriate congressional committees for review under subsection (a), the Secretary shall implement the plans.
(c) Allowances, Privileges, and Other Benefits.--
(1) IN GENERAL.--A Federal employee serving in an exchange capacity in the energy development program shall be considered to be detailed.
(2) EMPLOYING AGENCY.--For the purpose of preserving allowance, privileges, rights, seniority, and other benefits with respect to the Federal employee, the employee shall be--
(A) considered an employee of the original employing agency; and
(B) entitled to the pay, allowances, and benefits from funds available to the original employing agency.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for fiscal year 2010 and each fiscal year thereafter.
SEC. 5. REPORTS.
(a) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of implementation of the plans under section 4(b) and every year thereafter, the Secretary shall report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the plans consistent with section 501 of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 (22 U.S.C. 3261).
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(b) Report on the Alternative Energy Corps.--
(1) COOPERATIVE ACTIVITIES.--Not later than 1 year after the date of implementation of the plans under section 4(b), the Secretary shall report to the appropriate congressional committees on the feasibility of expanding the cooperative activities established pursuant to section 503(c) of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 (22 U.S.C. 3262 note; Public Law 95-242) into an international cooperative effort.
(2) REQUIREMENTS.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall include an analysis and description of--
(A) an Alternative Energy Corps that is designed to encourage large numbers of technically trained volunteers to live and work in developing countries for varying periods of time for the purpose of engaging in projects to aid in meeting the energy needs of those countries through--
(i) the search for and use of non-nuclear indigenous energy resources; and
(ii) the application of suitable technology, including the widespread use of renewable and unconventional energy technologies; and
(B) other mechanisms that are available to coordinate an international effort to develop, demonstrate, and encourage the use of suitable technologies in developing countries.
By Mr. WYDEN (for himself and Mr. Merkley):
S. 1676. A bill to allow for the use of existing section 8 housing funds so as to preserve and revitalize affordable housing options for low-income individuals; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, today I rise to introduce the Affordable Housing Preservation and Revitalization Act. I am delighted and honored to be joined in this effort by my good friend and colleague, Senator Jeff Merkley. It has been my privilege to work with Senator Merkley and his staff on an issue that is so important to our state of Oregon and to folks around the country.
There has been a lot of talk about housing in the media over the past year. The topic of most of these conversations has been the turmoil in lending industry and the fallout from the mortgage meltdown. So much so that many Americans have by now become familiar with terms like ``subprime'' and ``securitization.''
But there is another housing story here, even though it may not get the same attention or airtime: It is the story of homelessness and the struggle to find affordable housing, and for thousands of Oregonians it's a daily reality.
Like many States, Oregon is experiencing a sharp rise in homelessness.
In Multnomah County this past January, a count found 2,438 people homeless on a particular night. That was 13 percent higher than in 2007. The deterioration in the economy since January means there are probably more homeless on Portland streets now, officials said.
In July, the Department of Housing and Urban Development released a report that listed Oregon as the State with the highest concentration of homeless people.
According to a September report by the National Alliance to End Homeless, Central Oregon now ranks sixth in the Nation in overall homelessness rates and third among rural communities.
In times like these, the Federal Government can hardly stand to lose its stock of affordable housing. Sadly, that is exactly whats happening.
As long term contracts are coming due, many landlords are leaving the business of affordable housing for the private market. As these owners convert to market rents, which is in their economic interest, the low-income tenants will be unable to afford their homes. With fewer and fewer places to turn, many of these folks will end up on the street.
Some of properties have what are known as residual receipts--funds left over once the operating expenses and owner's distribution have been paid. Currently, this money can only be used in the most extreme of situations. As a result, many of these residual receipts have accumulated for nearly 3 decades. In Oregon alone, estimates suggest there are more than $10 million in untapped residual receipts.
Senator Merkley and I believe these funds represent a substantial asset that could be used to help preserve affordable housing projects with expiring contracts. That is why we are introducing the Affordable Housing Preservation and Revitalization Act.
Our legislation would permit residual receipts to be transferred with affordable housing properties that are sold to non-profits, provided the non-profits commit to preserving and maintaining the housing stock as affordable.
Our legislation isn't a magic bullet and it certainly will not ensure that every American can put a roof over their head. But we think it's the kind of common sense approach that Americans can get behind. I hope that our colleagues will join us in supporting this bill.
By Mr. CARDIN (for himself, Mr. Ensign, Mr. Reid, Mr. Isakson, and Ms. Stabenow):
S. 1678. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance.
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise to introduce a bill to extend the current first-time home buyers' tax credit for 6 months to June 1, 2010. I am pleased to have Senators Ensign, Harry Reid, Isakson, and Stabenow as original cosponsors of this legislation.
I know my colleagues remember that it was housing that led us into this recession. Remember how in the housing market the values fell, there were mortgage foreclosures, and housing starts stopped. Well, housing can help lead us out of this recession.
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 initially established a credit at $7,500, and that was repayable over 15 years. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 increased that credit to $8,000, dropped the repayment obligation, and extended the credit to December 1, 2009.
The legislation I am introducing today with my colleagues Senators Ensign, Harry Reid, Isakson, and Stabenow would change the expiration date from December 1, 2009, to June 1, 2010.
I know my colleagues understand the time delay here which requires that the houses go through settlement in order to qualify for the credit. So I think it is important that we act timely, not waiting until November 1, but to try to get this bill moving quickly. It has been an incredibly important tool to help the housing market to help restore our economy.
This is a direct extension, a clean extension. It basically extends it for 6 months. I have talked with my colleagues about ways this credit perhaps could be improved, and I know we will get into that debate. But I want to make sure we don't have a lapse in this credit being available to help first-time home buyers. It has been very valuable. As we work to perhaps modify this proposal, let us make sure we continue it so as we are fighting to get our economy back on track, we don't regress and lose this tool that is available to help the housing market.
The credit has been a huge success in helping to revive a depressed housing market. As of March 6, 2009, the Treasury inspector general for tax administration identified nearly 530,000 returns claiming more than $3.9 billion in the first-time homeowners' tax credit.
As many as 40 percent of all home buyers this year will qualify for a credit. That tells us this credit is working. It is getting people who have never owned a home before into the home-buying market, knowing that the Federal Government is providing an incentive. It is estimated the credit is directly responsible for roughly 300,000 to 400,000 purchases this year. According to the National Association of Realtors, those additional sales have pumped approximately $22 billion into the economy. This is a modest tax incentive to help an industry that is vital to our economy, that produces an incredible amount of economic activity and jobs. Mortgage applications increased nearly 10 percent for the week ending September 3 from late August, the largest gain since early April.
Economists such as Mark Zandi of Moody's and James Glassman of JPMorgan Chase support extending this credit. While there are signs that the housing market is stabilizing, we are not out of the woods yet. The industry and part of the economy still needs help. I have talked to many of the realtors in my community in Maryland and they tell me the inventory of property on the market is at high levels. There is a lot of inventory out there. More people are wanting to sell than people willing to buy. The number of new housing starts for residential homes is at a very low level. Each
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Dean Baker, the codirector for the Center for Economic and Policy Research, notes that price declines could resume later this fall. I quote:
The uptick in sales driven by the credit has led to a substantial increase in the number of homes offered for sale at just the time that the boost from the credit is dwindling. The inventory will also be a much larger drag in the slow-selling winter months. .....
So we now have a large inventory, and if the credit is not available, I think it will have a very negative impact on the ability to continue housing sales at a level of recovery for our economy.
Extending the credit is prudent and a fiscally responsible measure. It provides the help. We know it works. We know what has happened. We know we are still in difficult times. It is not the time to eliminate this tool that we have available. That is why I am recommending an extension, not a permanent extension, because we want this credit to be available to get us out of our current economic problems. We know we still need it. A 6-month extension is the minimum we should do. At the same time, we should look at other ways to improve and help the housing industry and to help the recovery of our Nation.
I appreciate my colleagues who have joined me in this effort. I hope my colleagues in this body will help us with moving this legislation as promptly as possible.
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