[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Pages 21745-21748]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      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 of 2009. This legislation 
provides a mechanism to guide the implementation of title V of the 
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978, which requires the United States 
to work with developing countries in assessing and finding ways to meet 
their energy needs through non-nuclear, alternative energy sources.
  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

[[Page 21746]]

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).
       (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.

[[Page 21747]]

  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 housing start creates 
jobs. It creates jobs in the material industry. It creates all types of 
ripples in our economy. So getting the housing market back on track 
will not only help in getting more homeowners into homes and helping 
the economy that direct way, it also creates the jobs and maintains the 
jobs of those who supply the network which will create new housing 
stock for America.
  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.

[[Page 21748]]



                          ____________________