|
David Davis on Environment
Republican
|
Voted NO on environmental education grants for outdoor experiences.
Congressional Summary:Requires Environmental Education and Training program grantees to:- ensure that environmental education programs and curricula advance the teaching of interdisciplinary courses that include strong field components;
- bring teachers into contact with working environmental professionals;
- encourage individuals traditionally underrepresented in environmental careers
Proponent's argument to vote Yes:Rep. JOHN SARBANES (D, MD-3): This bill creates a new National Capacity Environmental Education grant program for which education associations apply competitively for grants that would fund model programs that get children into nature and really have them experiencing the environment.
Rep. BUCK McKEON (R, CA-25): This bill incorporates scientifically-based and technology-driven teaching methods into environmental education. Unfortunately, the new National Capacity Environmental Education Program is duplicative of the existing
environmental education program already being run by the EPA. Still, I do not intend to oppose its passage.
Opponent's argument to vote No:Rep. MICHELE BACHMANN (R, MN-6): H.R. 3036 continues our Nation down the ill-fated road of shifting control of school curricula away from the parents and teachers and local school boards who best know what their children need into the hands of Federal Government and its one-size-fits-all approach. To best serve our children's educational needs, local school boards need flexibility to target resources where they are needed most. The needs of individual school districts are not homogenous and are most certainly not best understood by bureaucrats in Washington. This bill represents a step in the wrong direction. Forcing local school districts to direct scarce resources away from core curricula to serve a political agenda will only further suppress the academic performance of America's next generation.
Reference: No Child Left Inside Act;
Bill H.R.3036
; vote number 2008-H614
on Sep 18, 2008
Voted NO on $9.7B for Amtrak improvements and operation thru 2013.
Congressional Summary:- Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for Amtrak capital and operating grants; Amtrak repayment of long-term debt and capital leases; and the rail cooperative research program.
- Authorizes grants for the Next Generation Corridor Train Equipment Pool Committee.
Proponents argument for voting YEA: Rep. OBERSTAR: America is on the threshold of a "renaissance'' for intercity passenger rail that approaches the enthusiasm of the completion of the transcontinental railroad. Last year, Amtrak set a ridership record for the fifth year in a row, exceeding 25.8 million passengers. Its ticket revenues rose 11 percent to more than $1.5 billion, the third straight year of revenue growth. This record of achievement is even more impressive considering that for the past eight years Amtrak has contended with an Administration committed to its bankruptcy.
Indeed, these achievements are occurring when there is a greater need than ever for alternatives to our congested highways and skies. To alleviate this congestion and strengthen our energy security, we need to invest in intercity passenger rail.
Other countries already make an annual commitment to intercity passenger rail. In 2003 alone, France invested $10.6 billion in its rail system; Germany invested $12.4 billion; and the United Kingdom invested $7.8 billion. China plans to spend a total of $162 billion from 2006 through 2010 to expand its railway system. This bill authorizes $14 billion over 5 years:
- $6.7 billion for capital grants
- $3.0 billion for operating grants
- $2.5 billion for 80% matching grants to States to pay for the capital costs of facilities
- $1.75 billion to finance 11 authorized high-speed rail corridors
Reference: Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act;
Bill HR6003
; vote number 2008-400
on Jun 11, 2008
Celebrate the recovery of the bald eagle.
Davis introduced celebrating the recovery of the bald eagle
A resolution designating June 20, 2008, as "American Eagle Day", and celebrating the recovery and restoration of the bald eagle, the national symbol of the United States.
- Whereas, on June 20, 1782, the bald eagle was officially designated as the national emblem of the US by the founding fathers at the Second Continental Congress;
- Whereas the bald eagle is the central image of the Great Seal of the United States; and is displayed in the official seal of many branches and departments of the Federal Government;
- Whereas the bald eagle is an inspiring symbol of the spirit of freedom; and the democracy of the United States;
- Whereas the habitat of bald eagles exists only in North America;
- Whereas, by 1963, the population of bald eagles that nested in the lower 48 States had declined to approximately 417 nesting pairs;
- Whereas, due to the dramatic decline in the population of bald eagles in the lower 48 States, the
Secretary of the Interior listed the bald eagle as an endangered species;
- Whereas caring and concerned citizens of the United States banded together to save bald eagles;
- Whereas, by 2006, the population of bald eagles that nested in the lower 48 States had increased to approximately 7,000 nesting pairs;
- Whereas, on June 28, 2007, the Secretary of the Interior removed the bald eagle from the list of threatened species;
- Whereas, on January 15, 2008, the Secretary of the Treasury issued 3 limited edition bald eagle commemorative coins;
- Resolved, That the Senate designates June 20, 2008, as 'American Eagle Day'; and
- encourages the citizens of the United States to observe American Eagle Day with appropriate ceremonies and other activities.
- Legislative Outcome: Related bills: H.RES.341, H.RES.1247, S.RES.146; passed Senate, by Unanimous Consent, 6/5/2008.
Source: x (S.RES.583) 08-SR583 on Jun 4, 2008
Page last updated: Mar 15, 2012