ms. johnson. to compete. finally, i'm disappointed that the coromise language for disabled veterans that was included in the motion to recommit is not contained in this bill. this is a second time gist abled veterans language has been as we continue this investigation, we should not lose sight of the fact that 11 individuals lost their lives by simply showing up for work on a daily basis. i applaud the fine work of coastguard and the others for their efforts. i also think wish that the outcome was different. today's hearing focuses on the factors that led up to the deep water horizon explosion as well as ongoing response actions of british petroleum and the state and resource agencies. today we will investigate where the actions of a previous administration look the other way being a significant factor in this incident. i hope we as broader questions about the wisdom of exploration policies that pushed the envelope without any assurance that these exploratory wells can shut down if something goes wrong. every

ms. johnson. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman from texas is recognized for two minutes, ms. johnson. ms. johnson: thank you, mr. speaker. i rise in support of h.r. 5325, the american competes re-authorization act of 2010. it was once said when the lord says, give up, hope whispers. try it one more time. america cannot afford to give up on science, education, and innovation, i want to applaud my colleagues, and leadership on science and technology for their hard work on this legislation. our nation is being outpaced by our competitors and graduating with scientists and engineers. it is so important to invest wisely in programs that truly make a difference in achieving -- in the achievement of our young people. america competes is about our future. it's about ensuring we are taking the right steps towards increasing american competitiveness and innovation. it is also about strengthening diversity in our nation's scientific enterprise so that all americans can compete in the 21st century. we have an obligation to the future of our nation to ensure every segment of our population

ms. johnson: thank you, mr. speaker. i rise today in support of the re-authorization of the american competes act. 50 years ago in dallas, texas, a texas instruments dr. kill bye invented the microchip. this groundbreaking technology is arguably the catalyst of the information age. and the entire field of modern microelectronics. at this time this technology was unimaginable if not for dr. kilby it is feasible that sophisticated large-scale semiconductors may not exist. the example he set proves that it is the american people that will create the next technological fete into order to become energy independent, create more jobs, and develop the technology we must invest robustly in scientific education and innovation. this is the goal of america competes. i'm pleased, i along with my supportive colleagues want to thank the house leadership for bringing this important legislation to the floor. i thank you and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from california rise? >> ask unanimous c

ms. johnson: thank you mr. speaker, -- thank you very much, mr. speaker. because of the last adminiration, the bush administration, ounation is going through the most difficult economic times in r history, and unemployment is around 10%. we must do everything we can to help create jobs especial for those struggling to support their families. that is why i support the goals of the local jobs for america act. we need a bill that will create and save millions of public and private jobs and local communities. this bill is intended to help ensure that local communities can still operate essential services, to help preven state and local tax increases, to stimate local businesses and create more jobs in the local community. the local job for america act is aimed to get our economy back on track and americans back to work. you know, we have forgot where the problem began. it did not start with this administration. it was done by the last administration. thank you. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose doethe gentlewoman from west virginia seek r

ms. johnson: thank you very much, madam speaker. i rise in support of h.r. 5116, the america competes act re-authorization. my colleagues and i on the committee of science and technology have held numerous hearings and markups to prepare the legislation that is before us today. it puts national science foundation and department of energy office of science on the path to double their research and if needed it will prepare thousands of new teachers and provide current teachers with better materials and skills while re-authorizing the teacher scholarship program. it also includes grant programs to put teachers in higher need schools and place teachers in higher need communities with access to laboratory experiences. as women and minorities continue to be under-represented in the sciences, the america competes act includes many provisions that will strengthen diversity in our nation's scientific enterprise. i am pleased during this committee we prohibited the consolidation of programs to certain minority institutions and students unders

ms. johnson's question, and it's one i was going to pursue later, mr. newman, is there any intent on the partf transocean to use this form in any defense against civil actions filed by any of your employees? >> mr. chairman, recognizing that i'm an engineer and not a lawyer, i don't believe that form would be admissible as a defense mechanism. >> at the outset of the hearing, i swore onhe witnesses, i said that the oath applies also to materials submitted to the committee. i will ask you to submit a statement to the committee in response to this question from your legal team. questions have been raised by -- by those who escape the rig but who in a state of shock after -- in the immediate aftermath signed this form. and are confused about what its effect will be on their ability to recover medical costs and other medical expenses that they may incur. at the time, they didn't -- they didn't really know what they were signing. at least that's what they say. i want that response from your legal team. >> yes, sir. >> miss napolitano? >> thank you, mr. chair

ms. kaptur of ohio, mr. johnson of georgia, mr. defazio of oregon, ms. sutton of ohio. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. . the speaker pro tempore: under the speaker's announced policy of january 6 2009. the following members are recognized for five minutes each. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from florida rise? the gentlewoman is recognized for five minutes. ms. ros-lehtinen: mr. speaker, last month, most americans filled out what is probably the most complicated and lengthy federal income tax return in our history. most everyone agrees that our nation's tax system is flawed and in need of considerable reform. the tax code is so complex that more than 80% of individual taxpayers either use an accountant or a computer-based program. the i.r.s. estimates that americans spend 6.6 billion hours and $194 billion to comply with the tax code that has far too many complicated provisions which require special paperwork and detailed recordkeeping. our tax code has become more and more a complex, burdensome and expensive drag on the economy, which we can ill affo