[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 4] [Issue] [Pages 4331-5391] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov][[Page 4331]] VOLUME 155--PART 4 SENATE--Monday, February 23, 2009 The Senate met at 2 p.m. and was called to order by the Honorable Jim Webb, a Senator from the Commonwealth of Virginia. ______ prayer The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, offered the following prayer: Let us pray. O, God our Father, there are no two lawmakers with identical needs. You know their needs. Bless them in ways that will meet their needs. Strengthen them for life's challenges, empowering them to endure difficult times buoyed by faith and confidence in You. Lord, provide them generously with wisdom to solve problems that beset our land and to sidestep temptation that leads them to dishonor Your Name. Keep them from pride and self-conceit as they focus on serving You by serving others. Stay with them until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, the busy work is hushed, the fever of life is over, and their work is done. We pray in Your sacred Name. Amen. ____________________ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Honorable Jim Webb led the Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ____________________ APPOINTMENT OF ACTING PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will please read a communication to the Senate from the President pro tempore (Mr. Byrd). The legislative clerk read the following letter: U.S. Senate, President pro tempore, Washington, DC, February 23, 2009. To the Senate: Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby appoint the Honorable Jim Webb, a Senator from the Commonwealth of Virginia, to perform the duties of the Chair. Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore. Mr. WEBB thereupon assumed the chair as Acting President pro tempore. ____________________ RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, the leadership time is reserved. ____________________ READING OF WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the Senate of January 24, 1901, as modified on January 30, 2009, the Senator from Nebraska, Mr. Johanns, having been appointed by the Vice President, will now read Washington's Farewell Address, as follows: Mr. JOHANNS, at the rostrum, read the Farewell Address, as follows: To the people of the United States: Friends and Fellow Citizens: The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the executive government of the United States being not far distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made. I beg you at the same time to do me the justice to be assured, that this resolution has not been taken without strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country--and that, in withdrawing the tender of service which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness, but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both. The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in the office to which your suffrages have twice called me have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty, and to a deference for what appeared to be your desire. I constantly hoped that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement from which I had been reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this, previous to the last election, had even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you; but mature reflection on the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of persons entitled to my confidence, impelled me to abandon the idea. I rejoice that the state of your concerns external as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty or propriety; and am persuaded, whatever partiality may be retained for my services, that in the present circumstances of our country you will not disapprove my determination to retire. The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous trust were explained on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust, I will only say that I have, with good intentions, contributed towards the organization and administration of the government the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious in the outset of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience, in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened the motives to diffidence of myself; and, every day, the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. Satisfied that if any circumstances have given peculiar value to my services, they were temporary, I have the consolation to believe that, while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it. In looking forward to the moment which is intended to terminate the career of my political life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferred upon [[Page 4332]] me, still more for the steadfast confidence with which it has supported me and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise and as an instructive example in our annals, that, under circumstances in which the passions agitated in every direction were liable to mislead, amidst appearances sometimes dubious, vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging, in situations in which not unfrequently, want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support was the essential prop of the efforts and a guarantee of the plans by which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these states, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it. Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your welfare, which cannot end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger natural to that solicitude, urge me on an occasion like the present to offer to your solemn contemplation, and to recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments which are the result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable observation, and which appear to me all important to the permanency of your felicity as a people. These will be offered to you with the more freedom as you can only see in them the disinterested warnings of a parting friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his counsel. Nor can I forget, as an encouragement to it, your indulgent reception of my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar occasion. Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment. The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad, of your safety, of your prosperity, of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite movement that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national Union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can, in any event, be abandoned; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts. For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together. The independence and liberty you possess, are the work of joint councils and joint efforts-- of common dangers, sufferings and successes. But these considerations, however powerfully they address themselves to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed by those which apply more immediately to your interest. Here every portion of our country finds the most commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserving the Union of the whole. The North, in an unrestrained intercourse with the South, protected by the equal laws of a common government, finds in the productions of the latter, great additional resources of maritime and commercial enterprise, and precious materials of manufacturing industry. The South, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the same agency of the North, sees its agriculture grow and its commerce expand. Turning partly into its own channels the seamen of the North, it finds its particular navigation invigorated; and while it contributes, in different ways, to nourish and increase the general mass of the national navigation, it looks forward to the protection of a maritime strength to which itself is unequally adapted. The East, in a like intercourse with the West, already finds, and in the progressive improvement of interior communications by land and water will more and more find a valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad or manufactures at home. The West derives from the East supplies requisite to its growth and comfort--and what is perhaps of still greater consequence, it must of necessity owe the secure enjoyment of indispensable outlets for its own productions to the weight, influence, and the future maritime strength of the Atlantic side of the Union, directed by an indissoluble community of interest as one nation. Any other tenure by which the West can hold this essential advantage, whether derived from its own separate strength or from an apostate and unnatural connection with any foreign power, must be intrinsically precarious. While then every part of our country thus feels an immediate and particular interest in union, all the parts combined cannot fail to find in the united mass of means and efforts greater strength, greater resource, proportionably greater security from external danger, a less frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations; and, what is of inestimable value! they must derive from union an exemption from those broils and wars between themselves which so frequently afflict neighboring countries not tied together by the same government, which their own rivalships alone would be sufficient to produce, but which opposite foreign alliances, attachments, and intrigues would stimulate and embitter. Hence likewise, they will avoid the necessity of those overgrown military establishments, which under any form of government are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty. In this sense it is, that your Union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other. These considerations speak a persuasive language to every reflecting and virtuous mind, and exhibit the continuance of the Union as a primary object of patriotic desire. Is there a doubt whether a common government can embrace so large a sphere? Let experience solve it. To listen to mere speculation in such a case were criminal. We are authorized to hope that a proper organization of the whole, with the auxiliary agency of governments for the respective subdivisions, will afford a happy issue to the experiment. It is well worth a fair and full experiment. With such powerful and obvious motives to union, affecting all parts of our country, while experience shall not have demonstrated its impracticability, there will always be reason to distrust the patriotism of those who [[Page 4333]] in any quarter may endeavor to weaken its bands. In contemplating the causes which may disturb our Union, it occurs as matter of serious concern, that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by geographical discriminations--northern and southern--Atlantic and western; whence designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourself too much against the jealousies and heart burnings which spring from these misrepresentations. They tend to render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection. The inhabitants of our western country have lately had a useful lesson on this head. They have seen, in the negotiation by the executive--and in the unanimous ratification by the Senate--of the treaty with Spain, and in the universal satisfaction at that event throughout the United States, a decisive proof how unfounded were the suspicions propagated among them of a policy in the general government and in the Atlantic states, unfriendly to their interests in regard to the Mississippi. They have been witnesses to the formation of two treaties, that with Great Britain and that with Spain, which secure to them everything they could desire, in respect to our foreign relations, towards confirming their prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely for the preservation of these advantages on the Union by which they were procured? Will they not henceforth be deaf to those advisers, if such they are, who would sever them from their brethren and connect them with aliens? To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a government for the whole is indispensable. No alliances, however strict, between the parts can be an adequate substitute. They must inevitably experience the infractions and interruptions which all alliances, in all times, have experienced. Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved upon your first essay, by the adoption of a Constitution of government, better calculated than your former, for an intimate Union and for the efficacious management of your common concerns. This government, the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liberty. The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government.--But the Constitution which at any time exists, until changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power, and the right of the people to establish government, presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government. All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction; to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put in the place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common councils, and modified by mutual interests. However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the reins of government; destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion. Towards the preservation of your government and the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily discountenance irregular opposition to its acknowledged authority but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretext. One method of assault may be to effect, in the forms of the Constitution, alterations which will impair the energy of the system and thus to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited, remember that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of governments as of other human institutions, that experience is the surest standard by which to test the real tendency of the existing constitution of a country, that facility in changes upon the credit of mere hypotheses and opinion exposes to perpetual change from the endless variety of hypotheses and opinion; and remember, especially, that for the efficient management of your common interests in a country so extensive as ours, a government of as much vigor as is consistent with the perfect security of liberty is indispensable; liberty itself will find in such a government, with powers properly distributed and adjusted, its surest guardian. It is indeed little else than a name, where the government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises of fraction, to confine each member of the society within the limits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and property. I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally. This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but in those of the popular form it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy. The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and, sooner or later, the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purpose of his own elevation on the ruins of public liberty. Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind, (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight) the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it in the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it. It serves always to distract the public councils, and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, forments occasional riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another. There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true--and in governments of a [[Page 4334]] monarchial cast, patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent it bursting into a flame, lest instead of warming, it should consume. It is important likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power and proneness to abuse it which predominates in the human heart is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position. The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing it into different depositories, and constituting each the guardian of the public weal against invasions of the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient and modern, some of them in our country and under our own eyes. To preserve them must be as necessary as to institute them. If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit which the use can at any time yield. Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric? Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that the public opinion should be enlightened. As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible, avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering, also, that timely disbursements, to prepare for danger, frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it; avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear. The execution of these maxims belongs to your representatives, but it is necessary that public opinion should cooperate. To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it is essential that you should practically bear in mind that towards the payment of debts there must be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant; that the intrinsic embarrassment inseparable from the selection of the proper objects (which is always a choice of difficulties) ought to be a decisive motive for a candid construction of the conduct of the government in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtaining revenue, which the public exigencies may at any time dictate. Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all; religion and morality enjoin this conduct, and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt but, in the course of time and things the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! is it rendered impossible by its vices? In the execution of such a plan nothing is more essential than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations and passionate attachment for others should be excluded and that in place of them just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. The nation which indulges towards another an habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity, or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. Hence frequent collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody contests. The nation, prompted by ill will and resentment, sometimes impels to war the government, contrary to the best calculations of policy. The government sometimes participates in the national propensity and adopts through passion what reason would reject; at other times, it makes the animosity of the nation's subservient to projects of hostility, instigated by pride, ambition and other sinister and pernicious motives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the liberty of nations, has been the victim. So likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter, without adequate inducements or justifications. It leads also to concessions, to the favorite nation of privileges denied to others, which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions, by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained and by exciting jealously, ill will, and a disposition to retaliate in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld. And it gives to ambitious, corrupted or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favorite nation) facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity gilding with the appearances of virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation. As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments are [[Page 4335]] particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils! Such an attachment of a small or weak towards a great and powerful nation, dooms the former to be the satellite of the latter. Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove, that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. But that jealously to be useful must be impartial; else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defense against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike for another cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots, who may resist the intrigues of the favorite, are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people to surrender their interests. The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none or a very remote relation. Hence, she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence therefore it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves, by artificial ties, in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities. Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people, under an efficient government, the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation, when we may choose peace or war, as our interest guided by justice shall counsel. Why forgo the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice? It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliance with any portion of the foreign world--so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it, for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. (I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy)--I repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But in my opinion, it is unnecessary, and would be unwise to extend them. Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments, on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies. Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand: neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of commerce but forcing nothing; establishing with powers so disposed, in order to give trade a stable course--in order to give to trade a stable course, to define the rights of our merchants, and to enable the government to support them, conventional rules of intercourse, the best that present circumstances and mutual opinion will permit, but temporary, and liable to be from time to time abandoned or varied as experience and circumstances shall dictate; constantly keeping in view, that it is folly in one nation to look for disinterested favors from another--that is must pay with a portion of its independence for whatever it may accept under that character--that by such acceptance, it may place itself in the condition of having given equivalents for nominal favors and yet of being reproached with ingratitude for not giving more. There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard. In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish--that they will control the usual current of the passions or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But if I may even flatter myself that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good, that they may now and then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism--this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare by which they have been dictated. How far in the discharge of my official duties, I have been guided by the principles which have been delineated, the public records and other evidences of my conduct must witness to you and to the world. To myself, the assurance of my own conscience is, that I have, at least, believed myself to be guided by them. In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe, my proclamation of the 22d of April 1793 is the index to my plan. Sanctioned by your approving voice and by that of your representatives in both houses of Congress, the spirit of that measure has continually governed me, uninfuenced by any attempts to deter or divert me from it. After deliberate examination with the aid of the best lights I could obtain, I was well satisfied that our country, under all the circumstances of the case, had a right to take, and was bound in duty and interest to take--a neutral position. Having taken it, I determined, as far as should depend upon me, to maintain it with moderation, perseverance and firmness. The considerations which respect the right to hold this conduct it is not necessary on this occasion to detail. I will only observe that, according to my understanding of the matter, that right, so far from being denied by any of the belligerent powers, has been virtually admitted by all. The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred, without anything more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every nation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of peace and amity towards other nations. The inducements of interest for observing that conduct will best be referred to your own reflections and experience. With me, a predominant motive has been to endeavor to gain time to our country to settle and mature its yet recent institutions and to progress, without interruption to that degree of strength and consistency which is necessary to give it, humanly speaking, the command of its own fortunes. Though in reviewing the incidents of my administration I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence and that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest. Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it which is so natural to a man who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors [[Page 4336]] for several generations, I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat, in which I promise myself to realize without alloy the sweet enjoyment of partaking in the midst of my fellow citizens the benign influence of good laws under a free government--the ever favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors and dangers. Geo. Washington. ____________________ DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSE VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 2009--MOTION TO PROCEED The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 160, which the clerk will report. The legislative clerk read as follows: Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 23, S. 160, a bill to provide the District of Columbia a voting seat and the State of Utah an additional seat in the House of Representatives. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Rhode Island is recognized. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business for up to 15 minutes. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered. Universal Health Care Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, for the past several years, it has been my great privilege to travel around my home State of Rhode Island and hear directly from the people I was elected to serve--to listen to what is on their minds, their good news and their worries and the challenges and opportunities they and their families face every day. I regularly hold community dinners in Rhode Island. We serve pasta and meatballs or hamburgers and hotdogs. We invite people from the community and we talk about the issues that matter to them. Sometimes I ask people to come together to talk about a particular issue, which is what we did Sunday, 2 weeks ago, at the Tri-City Elks Lodge in Warwick. I invited Rhode Islanders to join me to talk about our broken health care system and what we might do to fix it. More than 200 people came, from at least 14 different cities and towns. The parking lot was jammed; the room was packed; Seniors and students, patients and providers, business-owners and veterans. They know what is wrong with our system--they experience it first hand every day. They came to share their frustration, their anger; to tell what's happened to them in a system that too often leaves them nowhere to turn. That evening, I launched a new feature on my web site to help people share their stories about health care. At whitehouse.senate.gov/ storyboard, there is a forum where Rhode Islanders can read about others' experiences with this broken system, and tell me about their own. We gave people who came to the dinner the chance to write their stories, right then and there. And one after another, the stories came. Mr. President, if anyone believes we can afford to wait to fix the health care system, that this is not an urgent, crisis-level problem for the people of this country, I urge them to listen to what these Rhode Islanders had to say. Sandra from Smithfield wrote: As of this month I will no longer be treating my Rheumatoid Arthritis. The treatment costs almost $6,000 every six weeks. The kicker is that I have help from the drug company to pay for the drug portion, but that is only half the cost of administering the infusions. I do not have $3,000 this month. I am begging for universal health care. I am 52 years old. I worry every day when the crippling effects of rheumatoid arthritis will put me in a wheelchair because I cannot afford to treat my disease. Please fight for universal health care. Please help. David from Warwick, stood up at the dinner and explained that he began receiving Social Security and Medicare 3 years ago: Each year since, the amount I get has gone down because the Social Security cost of living raise has not kept up with the rising cost of my medical coverage. This year I had to cut my coverage. My co-pays are now more than I can afford. Brande is a young woman from Johnston, Rhode Island who has struggled with juvenile diabetes since age 11. She wrote: Although I have done everything humanly possible to control my diabetes, [I] still am not able to achieve tight blood sugar control. My diabetes doctor believes the best hope for my health is continuous blood glucose monitoring sensors that would accommodate my insulin pump. Through many requests, and many letters to Blue Cross, I have still been denied these life saving sensors that I desperately need. Many, many Rhode Islanders at this dinner shared stories of their frustration with the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. Frances in Cranston wrote: Humana changed its premium from $25 to $39.95 per month and at the same time the copayment to fill a prescription went from $25 to $40. When I complained that I would leave for another Medicare Part D provider, they said I would have to wait until next November. Everett from Warwick and his wife saw their Part D premiums go up by 40 percent without notice, and they had to pay a 3-month penalty when they finally decided to switch plans: Now, my new provider, First Health, wants to charge my wife another $3.50 per month. I am appealing but why should the provider get the extra money? It is already costing her more to have this plan. Robert, also from Warwick, was flatly frustrated with the whole Part D process. He said: We have to simplify the Medicare Part D plans. There are too many choices and too many plans, and too many cards. They should just all be the same. The health care stories went on. From Carolyn in Warwick: All my doctors are dropping out of my insurance plans. My primary care doctor is going to MDVIP--$1500 a year up front. I can't afford to see him anymore. From Amanda in Providence: My father is a Medicare recipient. My family and I live with constant worry that he will lose certain benefits. It is frustrating and painful that in his last few years with us we have to spend so much time worrying about his healthcare access. From Joyce in Warwick: I take two medications. The insurance will pay for one medication for 30 days. I am supposed to take two a day! From Maggie in Johnston: I'm self-employed and am unable to afford health insurance. My business partner finally had to drop hers. It was costing her $1,000 a month. From Annette in Cranston: I was buying my health insurance for my daughter and myself from Blue Cross direct . . . I can no longer afford it, so I had to let it go. Ronald in Wakefield: I am middle class, so no one speaks for me. Please don't forget those of us who have coverage and pay for it out of our own pocket. Carol in West Kingston: I am faced with the option of providing health insurance for myself or food on the table for my family . . . I decided to opt out of COBRA. I am taking a risk being a cancer survivor but what else can I do? Jean in West Warwick: I really don't know at is going to happen. Roberta in Coventry: Between my son's medications and mine, it is just out of reach for me. So in order to keep my son healthy, I go without. Last year, I fell ill and could not afford to go to the doctor. I have been a nurse for almost 40 years, and I have worked myself to the bone healing sick people. My health is failing, and I am afraid I will not see my grandchildren grow up. Please help us. And on and on it went. Every time someone at the community dinner took the microphone to speak about the complexity and unfairness of Medicare Part D, heads around the room nodded. Every time someone stood and called for universal health coverage, this Rhode Island crowd applauded. Every time we heard a story from someone battling their insurance company for the care they needed, there were groans around the room of recognition and exasperation. There was not a single person there--even in this economy--who thought health care reform should not be one of Congress's top priorities. I am looking forward to attending President Obama's State of the Union Address tomorrow evening with one of the Rhode Islanders who attended this dinner in Warwick. Lauren Goddard is a medical student with Crohn's disease who is facing a lifetime of expensive health care costs. I appreciate her attendance and her willingness to share [[Page 4337]] her story of how difficult the health insurance system can be for an individual who has chronic health care needs. These Rhode Islanders, Lauren, and everyone else who came to our dinner in Warwick need us to listen. They need us to hear their stories, and they need us to get it and to do something about it. Two weeks ago, Congress took an enormous step toward addressing the overwhelming economic challenges our country faces. We passed the economic recovery legislation that President Obama signed last week. This means extra money in people's pockets, new jobs, and patched holes in the social safety nets on which we count. That will surely help. But it is not enough. For those 200 Rhode Islanders who joined me in Warwick, burdensome health care costs are the forgotten story. Families are forced to choose between prescription drugs and food, clothes, or transportation. Small businesses cannot afford to hire new employees or provide health coverage. Entrepreneurs cannot take that plunge because they cannot just walk away from their health insurance. And looking beyond those local family perils and sorrows, we see the $35 trillion unfunded liability for Medicare that is bearing down on us. Unless we begin to undertake serious and meaningful reforms right away, this recession will seem like only a small hurdle compared to that moment when $35 trillion in Medicare costs come due. That wave of cost, that tsunami of cost is coming at us, and we have to prepare. Knowing what we know, sharing the responsibilities we do as Senators, this is our duty. Failure is dereliction. Every one of us shares the goal of making sure health insurance coverage reaches all Americans. But as I have said in this Chamber before, it is not enough just to bring everyone into the boat. The boat itself is sinking. It is not enough just bringing everybody into the boat, not with what we know is coming. What is needed is reform of our health care delivery system, an information technology infrastructure so that every American can count on their own secure electronic health record, improvement in the quality of health care so we maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of care delivered, and to reform how we pay for health care so the health care we are paying for is the health care we want. Nothing less will save this boat. All of this is doable, but we need to start now. We took a good step in President Obama's economic recovery legislation with a nearly $20 billion investment in health information infrastructure. But there is much more to be done, and because it is a bit complex and will take some doing, we cannot dawdle, we cannot delay, we cannot shirk that duty. To enact health care reforms that will lower costs by improving the quality of care for all Americans, we have to start now. To improve the way we deliver health care to give us a modern, efficient, interactive, trusted health care system, we have to start now. To improve the way we deliver health care by spending wisely for disease prevention and better health outcomes, we have to start now. If we are to sustain health care coverage for the 46 million Americans--9 million of them children who have no health insurance at all--we have to achieve these reforms and we have to start now. That is what the Rhode Islanders I met on Sunday are asking for. That is what all Americans deserve. For God's sake, let us not fail them. Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from New Mexico is recognized. Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. honoring our armed forces Army Specialist Darrell Fernandez Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. President, as I rise today, flags across New Mexico are at half staff. Our State is recognizing a New Mexican who gave his life in service to our country. Army SPC Darrell Fernandez, age 25, died on Saturday, January 31, in Kirkuk, Iraq, when the car he was riding in flipped over. At times like this, the words of elected officials seem inadequate. Death brings suffering. It is no less heartbreaking when the deceased, as in this case, was a brave young soldier. Words will not ease the pain of Specialist Fernandez' wife, Katrina Fair, or of his mother and stepfather, Susie and Bill Smith. Nor can words add to the glory that Specialist Fernandez has earned through his actions. But a death like this demands something of the living. In the best tradition of service and sacrifice, Specialist Fernandez died for us. We owe it to him to acknowledge that, to be grateful, and to remember. His death was not an accident. He died in one of the disasters that war makes commonplace. He died because he chose to serve his country. And he did serve. A Senators or as citizens, we cannot fully experience the sadness of this day of mourning, the sadness experienced by Darrell's family and friends. But when a soldier dies, the Nation as a whole feels the loss. We are linked to Specialist Fernandez by the ties that bind a grateful Nation to its faithful servant. His loss is ours. As your colleague and your friend, I ask you to participate in my State's day of remembrance. As the flags fly at half staff and the people of my State grieve, join us in celebrating the heroism of Army SPC Darrell Fernandez, who gave all he had for us. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll. The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. Health Care Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I have participated this afternoon in the summit held by President Obama to examine the financial status of the Nation. When the President spoke, as did the Vice President and other economists, the emphasis was on the large deficit which our Nation faces. The President spoke about his plans to cut the deficit in half by the year he finishes his first term. There were then breakout sessions. I participated in a session which dealt with the subject of health care. There was a consensus among those present at the session that the cost of health care imposed the greatest problem for the deficit as we look to the future years. My suggestions related to savings which I think are possible on our health care system beginning with the cost of Medicare. A study shows that some 27 percent of health care costs are incurred in the last few hours, few days, few weeks of a person's life. No one should tell anyone else what to do with respect to terminal health care costs, but I do believe it is fair to ask people to think about that and to make a decision in a living will. Another suggestion on health care costs would involve prosecutions on white-collar crimes which involve health care, where there is a real opportunity for deterrence. My experience as a district attorney showed me that you cannot deal with deterrence when you are talking about domestic violence, but if you are talking about white-collar crime, you can. While on the Judiciary Committee, I have raised the issue on a number of occasions about the need to carry forward white-collar prosecutions looking toward jail sentences instead of fines. There was recently a case involving Siemens which was not a medical issue but a case involving a $1.7 billion fine [[Page 4338]] which seems large, except when measured against an $87 billion income stream. The point is that fines are a license to do business and to violate the public trust, but jail sentences could serve as a deterrent. Beyond those suggestions on savings, the increase in the National Institutes of Health, which has been raised from about $12 billion to almost $30 billion in the decade between the mid-1990s and the first half of the decade of this century, showed tremendous savings which have been registered on stroke, on cancer, from the reduction in the death rate. The additional $10 billion added recently is a further effort along the promotion of those savings. Beyond the issue of research and savings through the National Institutes of Health, there is the benefit of savings from lifestyle. Recently with a bout of Hodgkin's, I have even modified further the exercise pattern I have had for decades as a squash player, eliminated sugar from the diet, looking for antioxidants. This is an issue where there could be a modest investment by the Federal Government which could pay great dividends. The final suggestion I had was on trying to use the Wyden-Bennett plan which has 14 cosponsors, equally divided between Democrats and Republicans, to utilize Wyden-Bennett as a starting point for a serious discussion in the Senate to cover the 47 million-plus Americans who are now not covered, modeled after the Massachusetts plan put in by former Governor Romney, with the Federal assistance for those at the lower end of the economic brackets. Tribute to Former Senator Joe Biden Mr. President, Senator Biden was one of the participants at the economic summit. Seeing and talking to him brought to mind recollections of his outstanding career in public life. When there were comments on the Senate floor last month about Senator Biden in recognition of his 36 years in the Senate, I was engaged in the proceedings on the confirmation of Attorney General Holder and did not have an opportunity to participate. I thought it appropriate, having just come from conversations with Senator Biden, to comment on his extraordinary career. I first knew of Senator Biden when he ran for the Senate back in 1972. I was very much impressed with many facets of Senator Biden's resume, but one caught my attention; that is, that he was 29 years old in 1972 when he ran for the Senate, and I knew that the Constitution placed the minimum age at 30. Senator Biden was elected, but he turned 30 between election day and inauguration day. That started a phenomenal Senate career. My first direct contact with Senator Biden came in a curious way. Shortly after coming to the Senate on a Friday, I had made plans to catch the 6 o'clock train, thinking that the Senate would be adjourned by that time. But the final vote did not begin until 8 minutes to 6. I called up my executive secretary Sylvia Nolde and said: Will you change my ticket to the 7 o'clock train. She responded, having been secretary to Senator Javits for many years, that she could hold the train for 5 minutes. I did not know that was a possible problem under Federal law, but the statute has run so I can speak freely about it at this point. I went to the train station, got on the 6 o'clock train a little late, and a few minutes later, a huffing and puffing Senator Joe Biden walked into the car and approached me and said: I ran the three blocks from the Senate to Union Station. Running through the lobby, I hurdled a few baby carriages. I do not think he knocked down anybody, but they were at risk. He jumped over the barrier and was running down the track to the train when a conductor stopped him, threw up his hand and said: Slow down, bud, there is a Senator coming. Senator Biden then said to me: You have been in the Senate about 8 days, I have been here 8 years. How did you figure out how to catch the train in this manner? Senator Biden and I, on the Judiciary Committee, have worked on a great many sensitive issues together. I cosponsored his landmark legislation protecting women against violence. We worked together on the Second Chance Act, which was signed into law last year, which provides for realistic rehabilitation for first offenders, juveniles, and second offenders, to try to stop the revolving door of recidivism. We have worked together on supporting special funding for the so-called COPS Program for putting more police on the street; have worked together on many civil rights issues, and many of the programs to support Amtrak. When I was elected in 1980 and we faced our first budget resolution, there was an effort made to zero out Amtrak. Senator Howard Baker, who was then the majority leader, scheduled a meeting with David Stockman, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. A fair number of Senators from the Northeast Corridor met him at that time, Senator D'Amato and Senator Heinz and quite a few of us who were regulars on the Amtrak line, and knew of its importance. When David Stockman advanced the argument that we could deal without the Amtrak subsidy, I pointed out that we would not be able to get through the Baltimore tunnels without Amtrak, you would not be able to land at National Airport. We kept the funding going. Largely over the years we were in a collaboration, and Senator Biden was a key participant. During his work on the Judiciary Committees as chairman, he presided at landmark hearings in a very dignified and professional way. During the hearings on Judge Robert Bork for the Supreme Court back in 1987, Senator Biden was the chairman. One Friday afternoon we were not quite finished with the hearing. That was on September 18. I remember the day, because the day before I traveled with President Reagan to Philadelphia for the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. The 200th anniversary had occurred the day before. I had not had a chance to question Judge Bork on that day. Senator Biden approached me late in the afternoon and asked me how much more time I needed. He was not going to be there the next day and had delegated the chairmanship, or asked Senator Kennedy to take over the chairmanship responsibilities--I should not say delegated; Senator Kennedy himself had been chairman. When he asked me how much time I needed, I paused for a minute, and he said: Well, how about a half hour? I continued to pause, thinking about it. Taking time to think about it sometimes is viewed as a violation of Senate ethics. He said: OK, how about an hour? I still paused. He said: How about an hour and a half? I said: OK, that should do it. Then Senator Thurmond, who was the ranking Republican, came over to me, and in Strom Thurmond's inimitable Southern accent--while it is inimitable, I will try to imitate it--he said: You want an hour and a half on Bork. Translated, means: Do you want an hour and a half on Bork? And I said: No, sir, I do not want an hour and a half on Bork, I want to question him until I finish. OK, you can have your hour and a half on Bork. Translated: OK, you can have your hour and a half on Bork. The next day, I took the hour and a half. Senator Biden did another professional job in many of the hearings, but again I particularize the one on Justice Clarence Thomas. There was a question as to whether the Judiciary Committee ought to have access to the Thomas rentals from the video store, and Senator Biden took the position that that was not an appropriate matter for inquiry. Then we had a second witness who came up at the very last minute, and Senator Biden presided over the very delicate matter of making a determination as to whether that witness ought to be called at the last minute. I notice my distinguished colleague, Senator Casey, has arrived for a little proceeding as to William T. Coleman, Jr. Since it is now 4 o'clock, when he was scheduled to arrive, I will terminate within the next few minutes. [[Page 4339]] Senator Biden had a very serious health problem with an aneurysm, very serious operations in the early 1990s. When I had a serious operation on a mengionoma, a brain tumor, I returned to the Senate with a big bandage on my head for the confirmation hearing of Justice Ginsburg. Senator Biden was chairman and greeted me with a welcome to the entry of the cracked head club, rather a unique distinction to be called out on the so-called cracked head club. Senator Biden was elected to a sixth term last November. It is quite a record to be a six-term Senator, 36 years in the Senate, at the age of 66. His tenure on that term was very short. He was sworn in on January 4 and left 16 days later to become Vice President, where he now serves with distinction. I believe his years in the Senate will add greatly to the stature and competency of the Office of Vice President. His work as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee will stand the country in very good stead as he travels around the world, supplementing the work of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, another former colleague, and the work of the special envoys, as well as his detailed knowledge of the inner workings of Government from his very distinguished service. I am glad to have a few minutes on the Senate floor to extoll the virtues of a very good friend, an outstanding colleague, and a great Senator. He will be a great Vice President. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Shaheen). The Senator from Pennsylvania. Mr. CASEY. I say hello to Senator Specter. We have a lot of visitors from Pennsylvania here today. We are honored by their presence. I thank Senator Specter for being with us today. We will be seeing him a little later. william t. coleman Madam President, 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the 200th birthday of our 16th President, who ushered in a new era of race relations and brought an end to the legalized degradation of institutionalized slavery that people of color endured in the United States for more than 200 years. Every year the month of February is dedicated to celebrating Black History Month and serves as a time of reflection and reconciliation for the country. I rise to honor the lifetime of achievements of a man whose life story has embodied Lincoln's vision of a nation committed to the rule of law and equal justice under the law. William Thaddeus Coleman, Jr., built upon the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and distinguished himself and continues to distinguish himself as a pioneer in legal advocacy and the struggle for civil rights. Bill Coleman was born in Philadelphia into a world where only strength of character, intellectual prowess, and hard work could defeat the evils caused by the Great Depression and the era of Jim Crow laws. His mother was a teacher. His father was the director of the Wissahickon Boy's Club and Camp Emlen. They led him, early on, to pursue excellence while always enriching the larger community by enhancing the lives of everyone he encountered. Bill Coleman achieved academic excellence, first, in a racially segregated elementary school before entering Germantown High School, where he was one of seven Black students. Despite the environment of bigotry, he attained excellent grades and was admitted to the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated summa cum laude, after just 3\1/2\ years, with a B.A. degree in 1941. To fulfill his childhood dreams of becoming a lawyer, he entered and graduated magna cum laude and first in his class from the Harvard Law School in 1946, as one of only three minority students. Bill Coleman interrupted his studies at Harvard to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corps to serve in World War II for nearly 3 years, training as an aviator at Tuskegee Army Airfield, a statistical control officer at the Harvard Business School, and a defense counselor of soldiers during court- martial proceedings. After the war, Coleman returned to Harvard and received the highly esteemed Joseph E. Beale Prize and became the third person of color to serve on the Board of Editors of the Harvard Law Review. In 1947, Coleman began his legal career as a law clerk to the late Judge Herbert F. Goodrich of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Soon after in 1948, he became the first person of color to clerk for the U.S. Supreme Court, under the late Justice Felix Frankfurter. After his clerkship, Bill Coleman joined the New York law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkin, Wharton & Garrison as an associate. In 1950, he was approached by Thurgood Marshall, to help develop a legal strategy and prepare legal briefs in the five cases commonly referred to Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. The ruling in this historic case brought an end to the previously accepted doctrine of separate but equal, establishing that separate educational facilities were inherently unequal, tearing down the barriers of racial segregation to pave the way for a new era of integration. In 1952, Coleman returned to Philadelphia to be the first lawyer of color at Dilworth, Paxson, Kalish, Kohn and Levy. While serving as a senior partner and head of the Litigation Department, he specialized in corporate, trademark and antitrust litigation and gained national recognition for his expertise in transportation law, nuclear energy matters, and banking issues. In 1950, Bill Coleman was appointed to the President's Commission on Employment Policy, a.k.a. the Branch Ricky Commission, under President Dwight Eisenhower to increase minority hiring in the Federal Government. In 1964, he served as cocounsel in McLaughlin v. Florida, a case he argued before the Supreme Court, which found part of the antimiscegenation laws of Florida to be unconstitutional and paved the way for overturning other statues prohibiting interracial marriage. Soon after in 1965, former Governor of Pennsylvania William Scranton retained Bill Coleman to remove the racial restrictions at Girard College in Philadelphia. Mr. Coleman continued a distinguished life of public service as a member of the U.S. Delegation to the 24th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 1969; member of the National Commission on Productivity for 1971-1972; member of the Price Commission from 1971- 1973; consultant to the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency from 1963 to 1975; senior consultant and senior counsel to the President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy in 1964; and a member of President Eisenhower's Committee on Government Employment Policy from 1959 through 1961 and member of the Federal Advisory Committee on the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. In 1975, Bill Coleman was sworn in as the fourth Secretary of Transportation under President Gerald Ford, making him the second person of color in history to hold a position in the United States Cabinet. He developed a comprehensive national transportation policy and was instrumental in creating the 53-page study ``A Statement of National Transportation Policy'', which he sent to Congress in 1975, outlining general principles that he felt should guide the government's decision making process. In 1977, upon his resignation when President Carter took office, Mr. Coleman returned to the private sector to join the Washington office of O'Melveny & Myers as senior partner and senior counsel, where he continues to work today. In 1982, Coleman was appointed amicus curiae by the Supreme Court to support the lower courts' holdings in Bob Jones University v. United States and Glasboro Christian Schools, Inc. v. United States which found that discriminatory private nonprofit schools were not entitled to federal tax exemptions. Bill Coleman continued his fight for civil rights as Chairman of the Board of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, where he currently serves as the Senior Director. In all, Bill Coleman has served as a trusted attorney and public servant of our nation for more than 50 years and has advised seven presidents of the United States. He has received numerous distinguished honors including: the [[Page 4340]] Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995 from President Bill Clinton; Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honor from the Republic of France; the Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund; The Chief Justice John Marshall Award from the American Bar Association Justice Center; the Judge Henry J. Friendly Medal from the American Law Institute; the Marshall-Wythe Medallion from the College of William & Mary, Marshall-Wythe Law School; the Thaddeus Stevens Award from the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia; the Lamplighter Award from the Black Leadership Forum; the ``We the People'' Award from the National Constitution Center; the Fordham-Stein Prize from the Fordham University School of Law; the Golden Plate Award from the Academy of Achievement; the Legends of the Bar Award from the District of Columbia Bar Association; the Spirit of Excellence Award from the American Bar Association; the David A. Clarke School of Equal Justice Award from the University of the District of Columbia Law School; the Founder Award from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. When we encapsulate those awards, we are reminded that in terms of honorary degrees, Bill Coleman has received honorary degrees from 21 colleges and universities throughout the Nation. Bill Coleman is married to the former Lovida Mae Hardin of New Orleans, LA. The Colemans have three children, two of whom are practicing lawyers and one of whom is the dean of the School of Education at Boston University. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman have five grandchildren. It does give me great pleasure to highlight Mr. Coleman's life of extraordinary achievements in this 200th year since the birth of Abraham Lincoln during Black History Month. William T. Coleman, Jr., is an American whose life of public service and advocacy, whose life of integrity and excellence, courage and commitment to justice under the law has helped to make our great Nation a more perfect Union. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Pennsylvania. Mr. SPECTER. Madam President, I compliment my distinguished colleague for the remarks he made about William T. Coleman, Jr. I further compliment him for scheduling a symposium later this afternoon on the distinguished career of Mr. Coleman. Noting Black History Month, it is very important to recognize the great accomplishments of African Americans in society and the reference to the 200th birthday of President Lincoln is most appropriate since President Lincoln presided over the Civil War, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and began the series of historical events leading to the 13th amendment which prohibited slavery, the 14th amendment which provided for equal protection of the law and due process of law, providing the legal framework, although it took a long time, to overcome Plessy v. Ferguson shortly before the turn of the 20th century and then Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. We are still making major efforts to defeat racism. There are periodic calls for a discussion on racism. Beyond any question, it remains in our society. The problem is substantially ameliorated today but still there is a great deal more to be done. I recollect on my tenure in public service running for district attorney back in 1965. I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at a reception in Philadelphia, receiving advice from him on the problem of police brutality in Philadelphia and elsewhere and the necessity to have a police advisory board, a civil advisory board, some of the issues I worked on with Robert Casey, Sr., Senator Casey's father, at that time auditor general of Pennsylvania when I was district attorney, later Governor of the State of Pennsylvania. Those recollections are very appropriate as we pay honor to the illustrious career of Bill Coleman. I knew Bill Coleman when I was a beginning lawyer in Philadelphia in 1956. At that time, Bill Coleman had already been to New York City, where he went to get a job, after finishing at the top of his class at the Harvard Law School, clerking for Justice Frankfurter, as Senator Casey has already noted, and came back to Philadelphia to be a partner in the Dilworth office--a very distinguished law firm, and he was a very distinguished addition to it. I got to know Bill Coleman better and best when he and I were assistant counsel on the Warren Commission investigating the assassination of President Kennedy. The Warren Commission staff was divided into two groups--the seniors and juniors--and Bill Coleman was one of the senior lawyers and I one of the junior lawyers, although when the masthead was finished, we were all assistant counsel. The one thing I never understood about Bill Coleman's assignment on the Warren Commission was how he avoided being assigned the ``single bullet theory.'' And certainly I would have yielded that to Bill, but he managed to avoid it. He was on another area of the investigation. I read that when Bill Coleman helped Thurgood Marshall prepare the briefs in Brown v. the Board of Education, he put in a full day at the New York law firm. That was probably about 14 hours, the way the New York law firms worked, and then he went to do his work helping Thurgood Marshall--later Justice Marshall--preparing that brief. His work with the Warren Commission was about the same. His law firm agreed to let him go do the work, but he took the 5 o'clock plane on Friday and went back to Philadelphia on Monday to put in his full 5 days with the Dilworth law firm. There are a lot of fascinating stories about Bill Coleman and his work in public service. One story he tells is about President Lyndon Johnson trying to persuade him to become a circuit court of appeals judge for the Third Circuit, and I think President Johnson had the right idea, he just had the wrong court. But, at any rate, as Bill Coleman tells the story, he told President Johnson he really could not undertake that job because he had very heavy financial responsibilities with his family. And, as Bill described it, President Johnson put his right arm--maybe it was his left arm--over the credenza and pulled over some papers and started to rustle some papers and said: Yes, I know what a financial sacrifice it would be. Now, I do not think President Johnson was looking at his tax returns because that would have been questionable under Federal law. But, at any rate, that was an interesting vignette Bill told. In the mid-1980s--I think after the 1984 election--Bill Coleman told me he had a very bright young fellow he wanted me to meet who would help us rebuild the Republican Party, something which we are still working on; we haven't been very successful at that either. I said: Well, come. We will have lunch in the Senate Dining Room. And the young man's name was Clarence Thomas. He had been with the EEOC, I think. But, at any rate, he was Bill Coleman's nominee to help rebuild the Republican Party. We outlined a long agenda, a long list of things to do, and I was glad to pay for the lunch to promote this young man's efforts on rebuilding the Republican Party. Nothing happened for a year, so I invited him back to lunch. I said this time Clarence Thomas was going to have to pay for lunch. I was only kidding about that. But Clarence Thomas moved on to other lines of endeavor. More recently, Bill Coleman has been an activist for judicial pay increases--something that still remains to be accomplished. But that is the kind of public service he gets into. Last month, he was an active participant for promoting the nomination of Eric Holder to be Attorney General of the United States. When Bill Coleman makes a recommendation, it is given very substantial weight. So I am glad to join my distinguished colleague, Senator Casey, on this event to pay tribute to Bill Coleman. I ask unanimous consent, Madam President, to have the full text of my prepared statement printed in the Congressional Record at this point, with the introduction that it is a prepared [[Page 4341]] statement so the repetition between that and some of my earlier comments will be understood if anyone should ever read the Congressional Record. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: William T. Coleman, Jr. Mr. President, today, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to pay tribute to my good friend from Philadelphia, William T. Coleman, Jr. Bill Coleman is an American hero, who, as a lawyer, public official and statesman, has advanced the cause of civil rights, justice and equality for all Americans under the law. He was a main architect of the legal strategy leading to the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education and the desegregation of schools and other public facilities throughout the United States. Bill attended a racially segregated elementary school, before moving on to Germantown High School, which was all white save for a contingent of seven black students. He survived numerous slights throughout his public school career. To mention just one incident--when Bill tried joining the all-white swimming team at his high school, he was suspended from the school. Later, school officials reinstated him, but they also cut the sport until he graduated. Bill's academic excellence enabled him to attend some of our nation's most prestigious universities. In 1941, he graduated from my alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania, summa cum laude. He went on to the Harvard School of Law. World War II prompted Bill to leave school to serve our country as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps. During his time in the Army, he served as a defense counsel in 18 court- martial proceedings, even though he had not yet completed his law degree. Of those courts-martial, Bill won 16 acquittals, with 1 of the 2 convictions later reversed. After the war ended, Bill reentered Harvard and had the distinction of being one of the first African Americans ever to serve on the board of editors of the Harvard Law Review. In 1946, he earned his LL.B. degree magna cum laude, graduating at the top of his class. Bill Coleman was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1947 and was law secretary to Judge Herbert Goodrich of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He went on to serve as a law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Felix Frankfurter. He was the first African-American to serve as a clerk for the Nation's highest Court. In 1949, he became an associate at the New York law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton, and Garrison. While practicing at that firm, he was approached by Thurgood Marshall, the founder and head of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, NAACP-LDF, who asked for his legal help--on a volunteer basis--on cases that the NAACP hoped would lead to the end of segregation. For the next 3 years, Bill worked a 9-6 shift at his law firm, then went over to the NAACP-LDF until 10 or 11, and then returned to his law firm for more work. He also worked on the weekends. In 1952, Bill accepted a job at the Philadelphia law firm of Dilworth, Paxon, Kalish, Levy and Green and became the first African-American in Philadelphia to join an all-White firm. He continued to volunteer his services to work on civil rights cases, including coauthoring the brief in Brown v. Board of Education, 1954, and representing a couple convicted of violating State antimiscegenation laws in McLaughlin v. Florida, in which the Supreme Court held that the State law was in violation of the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. In 1959, President Eisenhower asked Bill to serve on the President's Commission on Employment Policy. He served on several Presidential commissions over the next two decades for Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. It was in 1964, when Bill was on the Warren Commission, which investigated the assassination of John F. Kennedy, that my long friendship with Bill began. Most recently, Bill's support of Eric Holder, our new Attorney General, was a significant factor in my vote in favor of confirmation. In 1971, Bill was elected president of the NAACP-Legal Defense and Education Fund. Then, in 1975, President Ford appointed Bill Secretary of Transportation. As Secretary, Bill made it his first priority to develop a comprehensive national transportation policy. Bill stayed in the Capital to head the Washington office of O'Melveny & Myers. He continues to practice law today and is a frequent visitor in my office. His interests and work are not limited to the law. He has enjoyed the strong support of his loving family--his wife Lovida Hardin Coleman; his three children, William Coleman III, Lovida H. Coleman, Jr., and Hardin Coleman; and his grandchildren, William IV, Alexander Amadeus, Flavia Colgan, Aaron Coleman, and Jesse Coleman. In 1995, Bill received the highest honor given to civilians, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, for distinguished civilian service. President Clinton said, ``I can honestly say, if you are looking for an example of constancy, consistency, disciplined devotion to the things that make this country a great place, you have no further to look than William Coleman, Jr.'' In 1997, Bill was honored with the Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award of the NAACP-LDF. In 2004, Justice Antonin Scalia presented Bill with a lifetime achievement award at the We The People Award Dinner, which honors individuals who best exemplify the qualities of active citizenship envisioned by our Nation's Founding Fathers. In 1975, in an interview with the magazine Black Enterprise, William Coleman said that his first concern was to leave Washington ``with the same reputation for integrity that I had when I came here.'' Well, Bill, while you haven't left Washington yet and while I am sure that you will be here for a long time to come, I can say without a doubt that you have nothing to worry about. I am proud to have Bill Coleman as a friend. Mr. SPECTER. Madam President, I thank the Chair and yield the floor. In the absence of any other Senator seeking recognition, I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Will the Senator withhold his request? Mr. SPECTER. Yes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Pennsylvania. Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I rise to amplify a little bit the prepared remarks I made regarding Bill Coleman. I thank Senator Specter for the words he spoke of someone he has known a long time and for his presence here on the floor, as well as we will be seeing him at a great symposium later this afternoon when we further discuss not only Mr. Coleman's life but what it means in the larger context of the American story. There are a number of people in the gallery here whom both of us would like to point out, although the rules do not allow that. So as I look at the Presiding Officer, I want those people in the gallery to know we know you are here. We are thrilled you are here, but the rules do not allow us to acknowledge people in the gallery and to wave and do the kinds of things we would like to do. But we will do that later. But I do want to thank Senator Specter for highlighting so many features of Bill Coleman's life. I think maybe the best way to sum it up, to encapsulate what his life means for America, is to allow us today, on just 1 day, to highlight such a remarkable life, such a great American story as an inspiration not only to people like me and others but, of course, to young people, to convey the message that if you are committed to academic excellence, if you are committed to achievement, if you are committed to doing things the right way and to working hard, there is virtually nothing you cannot do. Bill Coleman, and so many people in his generation like him, had to overcome so many obstacles. I think it is a great lesson for all of us but especially for young people. So we will be remembering that today when we celebrate his life of great achievement at the symposium. I do commend and thank Senator Specter for being with us today. With that, Madam President, I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Pennsylvania. Mr. SPECTER. Madam President, on an unrelated item, I note there is on the desk S. 160, ``a bill to provide the District of Columbia a voting seat and the State of Utah an additional seat in the House of Representatives.'' I would like to be added as an additional cosponsor, with a very brief statement that I think it is long past due to have a voting seat for the District of Columbia with its 700,000 population. As a matter of basic democratic fairness, they ought to be represented in the U.S. House. So I ask unanimous consent that I be added as an original cosponsor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Mr. SPECTER. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. [[Page 4342]] Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Delaware. Prosecuting Wall Street Fraud Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, the collapse of Wall Street that precipitated today's economic crisis has many causes--from regulatory failures to recklessness and greed. But before Congress begins writing new rules, one more factor we must examine is criminal behavior by anyone, from the local mortgage broker to some of our biggest banks. Let's commit ourselves to enforcing the laws that were on the books and to throwing those who broke them in jail. I am not prejudging anyone. We may well find that only a small percentage of cases involved outright criminal behavior, and we must take care that our anger does not cloud our judgment. But people know that if they rob a bank they will go to jail. Bankers should know that if they rob people they will go to jail too. We have seen anecdotal evidence that mortgage brokers may have fraudulently solicited mortgages or used predatory practices; bankers may have neglected due diligence in the design and marketing of some mortgage-related products; credit rating agencies may have been conflicted by the fees they earned from the very bankers whose shaky products they stamped ``AAA,'' the highest credit rating; and, finally, as the housing bubble burst, banks may have engaged in a widespread failure to disclose material information as they went from supposedly profitable institutions to insolvent overnight, leaving investors holding the bag. Where were the lawyers and accountants who are paid to keep an eye on such actions? Was there so much cash around that the professionals who make these deals possible became blind to their duties? Attorney General Eric Holder has emphasized it is only by drilling down into the records of complicated financial transactions that Federal law enforcement officials can understand exactly what happened and investigate the people and firms involved. Unfortunately, right now, the resources are not available to do so. That is why Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Pat Leahy, Senator Chuck Grassley, and I introduced S. 386, the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009. This is a bipartisan bill. It provides financial support to the investigative arms of Federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies so they can find the crimes we know have already been committed. It also amends fraud statutes to protect us against those who may be tempted to cheat like this in the future. At a recent hearing, FBI Deputy Director John Pistole testified that the very necessary shift of resources to counterterrorism efforts--it was right to shift resources in the FBI to counterterrorism efforts-- has had a significant impact on the FBI's ability to investigate sophisticated financial crime. Mr. Pistole said the increasing financial fraud caseload ``is straining the FBI's limited white collar crime resources.'' Currently, the FBI has only 240 agents investigating complex financial fraud. During the savings and loan crisis in the 1980s, the FBI had more than 1,000 agents investigating financial fraud. We must increase dramatically the number and training of FBI agents investigating financial fraud. Mr. Pistole told the committee the FBI is already investigating 530 open corporate fraud investigations, and only 38 of those are directly related to the current financial crisis. Again, as Mr. Pistole said: More must be done to protect our country and our economy from those who attempt to enrich themselves. This bill authorizes $155 million a year for hiring fraud prosecutors and investigators at the Justice Department for 2010 and 2011. That amount includes $65 million a year for 190 additional FBI special agents and more than 200 professionals to fight white collar crime. We know prosecuting bad behavior by itself will not put an end to all bad behavior, but it will make those people in the boardrooms, at the trading desks, and in the mortgage industry think twice before they look the other way, give way to greed over financial duty or deal from the bottom of the deck. I believe deeply in the free market economy. I believe deeply in capitalism and the importance of an open financial system. Indeed, I believe our very democracy depends on fair and functioning markets. That is why we simply cannot give a pass to this kind of illegal behavior. The men and women who duped would-be homeowners, who defrauded the American investor, who contributed to an economic crisis of historic proportions, need to be identified, prosecuted, convicted, and thrown in jail. And in cases where the conduct falls short of criminal, our regulators must also pursue civil cases to force perpetrators to pay back their ill-gotten gain and bar these people from future securities work. I have heard people say prosecutors must tread carefully, that the law is a blunt instrument. They will say that if we turn prosecutors loose on our key financial institutions, the economic repercussions will outweigh any benefits. To that I say: Of course, we must be judicious, but the law of the land applies to everyone. When it is pointed at you, the law can always be characterized as a blunt instrument. At the end of the day, this is a test of whether we have one justice system in the country or two. If we do not treat a Wall Street firm that defrauded investors of millions of dollars the same way we treat someone who stole $500 from a cash register, then how can we expect our citizens to have any faith in the rule of law? For our economy to work for all Americans, investors must have confidence in the honest and open functioning of our financial markets. Our markets can only flourish when Americans again trust that they are fair, transparent, and accountable to the laws. In closing, I applaud Chairman Leahy and Senator Grassley for their leadership on this issue. I am proud to join with them in this effort. I am hopeful the Judiciary Committee will approve this bill when we take it up on Thursday. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________ MORNING BUSINESS Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________ COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY RULES OF PROCEDURE Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry has adopted rules governing its procedures for the 111th Congress. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 2, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, on behalf of myself and Senator Chambliss, I ask unanimous consent to have a copy of the committee rules printed in the Record. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: Rules of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry rule i--meetings 1.1 Regular Meetings.--Regular meetings shall be held on the first and third Wednesday of each month when Congress is in session. 1.2 Additional Meetings.--The Chairman, in consultation with the ranking minority member, may call such additional meetings as he deems necessary. 1.3 Notification.--In the case of any meeting of the committee, other than a regularly [[Page 4343]] scheduled meeting, the clerk of the committee shall notify every member of the committee of the time and place of the meeting and shall give reasonable notice which, except in extraordinary circumstances, shall be at least 24 hours in advance of any meeting held in Washington, DC, and at least 48 hours in the case of any meeting held outside Washington, DC. 1.4 Called Meeting.--If three members of the committee have made a request in writing to the Chairman to call a meeting of the committee, and the Chairman fails to call such a meeting within 7 calendar days thereafter, including the day on which the written notice is submitted, a majority of the members may call a meeting by filing a written notice with the clerk of the committee who shall promptly notify each member of the committee in writing of the date and time of the meeting. 1.5 Adjournment of Meetings.--The Chairman of the committee or a subcommittee shall be empowered to adjourn any meeting of the committee or a subcommittee if a quorum is not present within 15 minutes of the time scheduled for such meeting. rule 2--meetings and hearings in general 2.1 Open Sessions.--Business meetings and hearings held by the committee or any subcommittee shall be open to the public except as otherwise provided for in Senate Rule XXVI, paragraph 5. 2.2 Transcripts.--A transcript shall be kept of each business meeting and hearing of the committee or any subcommittee unless a majority of the committee or the subcommittee agrees that some other form of permanent record is preferable. 2.3 Reports.--An appropriate opportunity shall be given the Minority to examine the proposed text of committee reports prior to their filing or publication. In the event there are supplemental, minority, or additional views, an appropriate opportunity shall be given the Majority to examine the proposed text prior to filing or publication. 2.4 Attendance.--(a) Meetings. Official attendance of all markups and executive sessions of the committee shall be kept by the committee clerk. Official attendance of all subcommittee markups and executive sessions shall be kept by the subcommittee clerk. (b) Hearings. Official attendance of all hearings shall be kept, provided that, Senators are notified by the committee Chairman and ranking minority member, in the case of committee hearings, and by the subcommittee Chairman and ranking minority member, in the case of subcommittee hearings, 48 hours in advance of the hearing that attendance will be taken. Otherwise, no attendance will be taken. Attendance at all hearings is encouraged. rule 3--hearing procedures 3.1 Notice.--Public notice shall be given of the date, place, and subject matter of any hearing to be held by the committee or any subcommittee at least 1 week in advance of such hearing unless the Chairman of the full committee or the subcommittee determines that the hearing is noncontroversial or that special circumstances require expedited procedures and a majority of the committee or the subcommittee involved concurs. In no case shall a hearing be conducted with less than 24 hours notice. 3.2 Witness Statements.--Each witness who is to appear before the committee or any subcommittee shall file with the committee or subcommittee, at least 24 hours in advance of the hearing, a written statement of his or her testimony and as many copies as the Chairman of the committee or subcommittee prescribes. 3.3 Minority Witnesses.--In any hearing conducted by the committee, or any subcommittee thereof, the minority members of the committee or subcommittee shall be entitled, upon request to the Chairman by the ranking minority member of the committee or subcommittee to call witnesses of their selection during at least 1 day of such hearing pertaining to the matter or matters heard by the committee or subcommittee. 3.4 Swearing in of Witnesses.--Witnesses in committee or subcommittee hearings may be required to give testimony under oath whenever the Chairman or ranking minority member of the committee or subcommittee deems such to be necessary. 3.5 Limitation.--Each member shall be limited to 5 minutes in the questioning of any witness until such time as all members who so desire have had an opportunity to question a witness. Questions from members shall rotate from majority to minority members in order of seniority or in order of arrival at the hearing. rule 4--nominations 4.1 Assignment.--All nominations shall be considered by the full committee. 4.2 Standards.--In considering a nomination, the committee shall inquire into the nominee's experience, qualifications, suitability, and integrity to serve in the position to which he or she has been nominated. 4.3 Information.--Each nominee shall submit in response to questions prepared by the committee the following information: (1) A detailed biographical resume which contains information relating to education, employment, and achievements; (2) Financial information, including a financial statement which lists assets and liabilities of the nominee; and (3) Copies of other relevant documents requested by the committee. Information received pursuant to this subsection shall be available for public inspection except as specifically designated confidential by the committee. 4.4 Hearings.--The committee shall conduct a public hearing during which the nominee shall be called to testify under oath on all matters relating to his or her suitability for office. No hearing shall be held until at least 48 hours after the nominee has responded to a prehearing questionnaire submitted by the committee. 4.5 Action on Confirmation.--A business meeting to consider a nomination shall not occur on the same day that the hearing on the nominee is held. The Chairman, with the agreement of the ranking minority member, may waive this requirement. RULE 5--QUORUMS 5.1 Testimony--For the purpose of receiving evidence, the swearing of witnesses, and the taking of sworn or unsworn testimony at any duly scheduled hearing, a quorum of the committee and the subcommittee thereof shall consist of one member. 5.2 Business.--A quorum for the transaction of committee or subcommittee business, other than for reporting a measure or recommendation to the Senate or the taking of testimony, shall consist of one-third of the members of the committee or subcommittee, including at least one member from each party. 5.3 Reporting.--A majority of the membership of the committee shall constitute a quorum for reporting bills, nominations, matters, or recommendations to the Senate. No measure or recommendation shall be ordered reported from the committee unless a majority of the committee members are physically present. The vote of the committee to report a measure or matter shall require the concurrence of a majority of those members who are physically present at the time the vote is taken. RULE 6--VOTING 6.1 Rollcalls.--A roll call vote of the members shall be taken upon the request of any member. 6.2 Proxies.--Voting by proxy as authorized by the Senate rules for specific bills or subjects shall be allowed whenever a quorum of the committee is actually present. 6.3 Polling.--The committee may poll any matters of committee business, other than a vote on reporting to the Senate any measures, matters or recommendations or a vote on closing a meeting or hearing to the public, provided that every member is polled and every poll consists of the following two questions: (1) Do you agree or disagree to poll the proposal; and (2) Do you favor or oppose the proposal. If any member requests, any matter to be polled shall be held for meeting rather than being polled. The chief clerk of the committee shall keep a record of all polls. RULE 7--SUBCOMMITTEES 7.1 Assignments.--To assure the equitable assignment of members to subcommittees, no member of the committee will receive assignment to a second subcommittee until, in order of seniority, all members of the committee have chosen assignments to one subcommittee, and no member shall receive assignment to a third subcommittee until, in order of seniority, all members have chosen assignments to two subcommittees. 7.2 Attendance.--Any member of the committee may sit with any subcommittee during a hearing or meeting but shall not have the authority to vote on any matter before the subcommittee unless he or she is a member of such subcommittee. 7.3 Ex Officio Members.--The Chairman and ranking minority member shall serve as nonvoting ex officio members of the subcommittees on which they do not serve as voting members. The Chairman and ranking minority member may not be counted toward a quorum. 7.4 Scheduling.--No subcommittee may schedule a meeting or hearing at a time designated for a hearing or meeting of the full committee. No more than one subcommittee business meeting may be held at the same time. 7.5 Discharge.--Should a subcommittee fail to report back to the full committee on any measure within a reasonable time, the Chairman may withdraw the measure from such subcommittee and report that fact to the full committee for further disposition. The full committee may at any time, by majority vote of those members present, discharge a subcommittee from further consideration of a specific piece of legislation. 7.6 Application of Committee Rules to Subcommittees.--The proceedings of each subcommittee shall be governed by the rules of the full committee, subject to such authorizations or limitations as the committee may from time to time prescribe. RULE 8--INVESTIGATIONS, SUBPOENAS AND DEPOSITIONS 8.1 Investigations.--Any investigation undertaken by the committee or a subcommittee in which depositions are taken or subpoenas issued, must be authorized by a [[Page 4344]] majority of the members of the committee voting for approval to conduct such investigation at a business meeting of the committee convened in accordance with Rule 1. 8.2 Subpoenas.--The Chairman, with the approval of the ranking minority member of the committee, is delegated the authority to subpoena the attendance of witnesses or the production of memoranda, documents, records, or any other materials at a hearing of the committee or a subcommittee or in connection with the conduct of an investigation authorized in accordance with paragraph 8.1. The Chairman may subpoena attendance or production without the approval of the ranking minority member when the Chairman has not received notification from the ranking minority member of disapproval of the subpoena within 72 hours, excluding Saturdays and Sundays, of being notified of the subpoena. If a subpoena is disapproved by the ranking minority member as provided in this paragraph the subpoena may be authorized by vote of the members of the committee. When the committee or Chairman authorizes subpoenas, subpoenas may be issued upon the signature of the Chairman or any other member of the committee designated by the Chairman. 8.3 Notice for Taking Depositions.--Notices for the taking of depositions, in an investigation authorized by the committee, shall be authorized and be issued by the Chairman or by a staff officer designated by him. Such notices shall specify a time and place for examination, and the name of the Senator, staff officer or officers who will take the deposition. Unless otherwise specified, the deposition shall be in private. The committee shall not initiate procedures leading to criminal or civil enforcement proceedings for a witness' failure to appear unless the deposition notice was accompanied by a committee subpoena. 8.4 Procedure for Taking Depositions.--Witnesses shall be examined upon oath administered by an individual authorized by local law to administer oaths. The Chairman will rule, by telephone or otherwise, on any objection by a witness. The transcript of a deposition shall be filed with the committee clerk. RULE 9--AMENDING THE RULES These rules shall become effective upon publication in the Congressional Record. These rules may be modified, amended, or repealed by the committee, provided that all members are present or provide proxies or if a notice in writing of the proposed changes has been given to each member at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at which action thereon is to be taken. The changes shall become effective immediately upon publication of the changed rule or rules in the Congressional Record, or immediately upon approval of the changes if so resolved by the committee as long as any witnesses who may be affected by the change in rules are provided with them. ____________________ GLOBAL HEALTH CARE Mr. FEINGOLD. Madam President, we have seen a historic and unprecedented expansion in United States leadership in global health over the last decade and especially over the last few years. I applaud the previous administration's work in this regard, and I was proud last July when we came together across party lines to authorize $48 billion to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. That was a courageous commitment to save millions of lives, and it is critical that the United States deliver on our promises. I am sympathetic to those who ask how we can maintain such a high level of investment in health abroad at a time when we are facing widespread economic troubles here at home. Throughout my career, I have worked to try to bring fiscal responsibility to the Federal budget, and I am very concerned about the massive deficits we are running. This is a time when we must have priorities, and our first priority must be protecting and meeting the basic needs of the American people. However, this does not mean that the global health challenges of our time should be left unaddressed; indeed they too demand our continued and consistent engagement. Just last month, our Intelligence Community released an assessment of the connections between health and our national interests abroad. They found that infectious diseases--whether HIV/AIDS or SARS--as well as general maternal and child mortality and the availability of healthcare can have significant impacts on the economies, governments, and militaries of key countries and regions. Moreover, their assessment found that U.S. global health assistance provides substantial opportunities to advance diplomacy, support stabilization in Iraq and Afghanistan, engage constructively with the rising powers of China and India, and ease tensions within the developing world. I urge my colleagues to look at this report if they have not already. I have seen firsthand--as I know many Americans have--the tremendous good will generated for the United States by our leadership in global health. This has been especially true in sub-Saharan Africa. Just last December, I traveled to Tanzania and visited a health center funded by U.S. assistance that treats pregnant women and malaria patients. Over recent years, as we have tried to reverse a growing trend of anti- Americanism around the world, our health assistance has been a critical tool toward that goal. New levels of U.S. engagement in global health have spurred thousands of Americans to become involved in service abroad and build cross-border relationships that foster mutual understanding. I strongly believe the power of citizen diplomacy cannot be understated in an increasingly interconnected world. For these reasons and more, I believe it is essential that we continue to lead in global health. It should not be a question of whether we do so, but a question of how we do so in a time of limited resources. We need an approach that maximizes efficiency, demonstrates real results, and fully leverages our programs toward our broader foreign policy objectives. American taxpayers should be confident that they are getting the most for their money. That is why I believe that, more than ever, we must develop a global health strategy that is all inclusive, integrated and sustainable. Let me explain what I mean when I say those three things: all- inclusive, integrated and sustainable. First, all-inclusive. We all know that the current U.S. approach to global health has been focused on one disease, HIV. This is understandable, especially with tens of millions of people still affected and more being infected every day. Our efforts in this area must continue. However, a failure to simultaneously address other common infectious diseases can limit our progress toward combating the AIDS pandemic, as well as promoting overall health. This is especially the case with malaria, which continues to kill over a million people each year despite the fact that we have simple, affordable tools to prevent and treat it. I plan to work with my colleagues in Congress and the Obama administration to continue and build upon the efforts of President Bush's Malaria Initiative. At the same time, we cannot forget there is much work to be done to address tuberculosis and neglected tropical diseases, and we must not give up on the goal of eradicating polio. Our efforts in each of these areas should be brought together under a comprehensive vision that also incorporates the preventable and treatable illnesses that kill millions of men, women, and children each year. In fact, developing a plan to address the basic challenges to child and maternal health should be the foundation of our global health work, not a secondary initiative. By ``all inclusive,'' I am also talking about the means by which we seek to pursue our overall global health objectives. Too often, restrictions or requirements on U.S. health assistance have limited our flexibility to effectively balance prevention and treatment measures, or to pursue evidence-based approaches. This has especially been the case with regard to reproductive health and family planning initiatives, which I believe have an essential role to play if we are to stem the tide of HIV infections or reduce maternal mortality. To that end, I am pleased that President Obama recently overturned the Mexico City policy. I hope we can now move past the ideological divisions surrounding this policy as we develop and implement a truly comprehensive approach to advancing our global health objectives. It is not enough, though, to balance and bring all of our initiatives together under one umbrella; they must also be integrated. In many places, U.S. health programs remain fragmented on the ground and not well coordinated with each other. For example, we are funding some HIV/ AIDS clinics that do not provide testing for malaria or tuberculosis even though these diseases [[Page 4345]] often co-exist. As another example, we support some programs to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV that are entirely disconnected from the provision of basic services in maternal and child health. This lack of integration is inefficient, places a great burden on patients, and can ultimately render our efforts ineffective. Just as it is important to have a comprehensive strategy, it is critical that its many parts are well coordinated. Greater integration can also ensure that our global health programs are working in support of, not against, building stronger health systems. This brings me to the third and what I believe is perhaps the most important point in developing a global health strategy: the need to place greater emphasis on sustainability. Perhaps the greatest challenge facing the global health community today is addressing the continuing weaknesses in health infrastructure around the world. I am concerned that our current programs have not done enough to address those infrastructure weaknesses, and in some cases may even be perpetuating them. We need to not only devote more resources and attention to strengthening indigenous health systems that can meet national and local needs, but we need to do so effectively by engaging with local communities and governments to understand where there are gaps and where the needs are greatest. Such a strategy includes help to recruit, train, and retain a new health workforce. Toward that goal, I was pleased to work with Senators Durbin and Coleman in the last Congress to introduce the Africa Health Care Capacity Act, and I hope to continue working on this issue in this new Congress. Until developing countries have the healthcare professionals and infrastructure they need, we will continue to fight an uphill battle for decades to come against HIV/AIDS and other global health challenges. The time is now to put in place an all-inclusive and robust strategy for global health. By doing so, we can help ensure that our leadership in global health is a good investment for the American taxpayer and that the world's sick and vulnerable can see the results so desperately needed. I look forward to working with the Obama administration and my colleagues on these issues this Congress. ____________________ HOH INDIAN TRIBE SAFE HOMELANDS ACT Ms. CANTWELL. Madam President, I rise today in support of the introduction of the Hoh Indian Tribe Safe Homelands Act, introduced by Senator Murray and myself on Friday, February 13, 2009. This piece of legislation is needed so that the Hoh tribe can move their village out of harm's way. The Hoh tribe occupies a 1-square-mile reservation on the banks of the Hoh River where it meets the Pacific Ocean in Washington State. Due to repeated storms, heavy rain, and the movement of the Hoh River, the tribe's village is threatened with flooding every winter. Ninety percent of the reservation now sits in a flood plain, and 100 percent of the land they reside on sits within a tsunami zone. Many of the buildings located on the existing reservation are permanently sandbagged due to the threat of flooding, and several houses have been lost to the river over the last 10 years. The tribe's wastewater treatment plant has also been threatened by flooding on multiple occasions. This legislation will allow the tribe to move out of danger by transferring a 26 acre piece of Federal land to the tribe. This parcel of land is needed to connect the existing reservation with land the tribe has obtained on their own. Once the old village is collected with the land the tribe already owns they can move their entire village out of harm's way. Transferring ownership of a piece of Federal land should never be taken lightly, and this case is no exception. However, the Hoh tribe is in a desperate situation. By transferring this small piece of land to the tribe and taking it into trust we can help the tribe remove themselves from a dangerous situation. ____________________ ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ RECOGNIZING THE ASHLAND-BOYD COUNTY AND CATLETTSBURG POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, today I would like to recognize the Ashland-Boyd County and Catlettsburg Police Athletic League. The League, a community youth center, strives to improve the lives of children through a variety of activities. The League's goal is to prevent young people from immersing themselves in drugs and other unruly behaviors, as well as giving them a safe place to go. The Ashland-Boyd County and Catlettsburg Police Athletic League was formed 6 months ago and invites young people from Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. The League introduces young people to many different activities, including exercise, sports and video games, and hopes to incorporate dance, martial arts, and the fine arts into its curriculum. Currently more than 50 teenagers have registered with the organization and more are interested in joining. The League also has plans of opening a second facility due to a growing interest. Again, I thank the Ashland-Boyd County and Catlettsburg Police Athletic League for giving young Kentuckians a safe place for mental and physical growth. I wish all the best in the future. ____________________ CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, today I congratulate the University of the Cumberlands. The Corporation for National and Community Service awarded the University of the Cumberlands with a place on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest Federal recognition a school can achieve for dedication to community-based service projects. Honored institutions are chosen from a series of factors, including the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning and the percentage of student participation in service activities. The University of the Cumberlands encourages student involvement in nearby communities by asking that each student complete forty hours of community service by graduation. Students with two hundred hours of community service are eligible to be named Hutton Scholars at Commencement. The university's student run organization, the Mountain Outreach program, has built 125 homes for local families in need of assistance, in the last 25 years. Again, I congratulate the University of the Cumberlands for being named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. I hope that its leadership in community outreach serves as an inspiration to others in Kentucky and in the Nation. ____________________ TRIBUTE TO THE 3RD BRIGADE, 98TH DIVISION, 108TH TRAINING COMMAND Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, today I pay tribute to the men and women in the 3rd Brigade, 98th Division, 108th Training Command in Lexington, KY, for receiving the 2008 Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Award. For those who are not familiar with this award, it recognizes National Guard and Reserve units who have displayed exceptional family readiness, while sustaining superior military readiness. This award was created in 2000 to recognize these outstanding military units. The men and women of the 108th Training Command in Lexington have shown that they value each and every family of their unit and remain committed to maintaining healthy relationships at home while they serve elsewhere. The U.S. military is the greatest fighting force in the world. I am proud that the best of the best hail from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I now ask my fellow colleagues to join me in congratulating the 108th Training Command for their distinguished accomplishment. They truly make Kentucky and the entire country proud of their service. [[Page 4346]] ____________________ HONORING NORTHERN KENTUCKY FIREFIGHTERS Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, today I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating four northern Kentucky firefighters for receiving awards from the Northern Kentucky Firefighters Association: Darlene Payette of Independence, Richard Messingschlager of Kenton County, Clayton James of Newport, and Larry Cappel of Covington. These brave firefighters have dedicated their lives to helping other people, and each is deserving of their prestigious award. Each award speaks of the character of these individuals. Darlene Payette received the Emergency Medical Service Award for her actions at Summit Medical in Nicholson during a full arrest in April 2008. During this situation, Ms. Payette's leadership and professionalism allowed her to resuscitate an individual under extreme circumstances. Richard Messingschlager was awarded the Chief Officer of the Year. His lifelong contributions to firefighting in Kenton County, northern Kentucky, and the Commonwealth serve as an inspiration to firefighters across the State. Clayton James received the Firefighter of the Year award for demonstrating leadership during the September wind storm and using the recent training he received to set up the National Incident Management System for Newport. His acts led to bringing fire, police, public works, and utility companies together under one command center. Larry Cappel was honored with the Fire Prevention/Education and Safety Award for his inventive approaches of teaching fire prevention and safety to residents of Covington. I am humbled and grateful that these citizens serve the people of the Commonwealth, and I know their coworkers are proud to work alongside of them. Madam President, I would like to thank these individuals for their contributions to the State of Kentucky, and I wish them well as they continue to protect our citizens. ____________________ RECOGNIZING KENTUCKY'S FIRST RESPONDERS Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, for the last month the attention of the Senate has been focused on the Nation's economic troubles. However, while this is very important legislation, my attention has also been focused on the thousands of Kentuckians who were impacted by the ice storm in my State. This storm caused the greatest electrical outage in Kentucky history, with over 600,000 people losing power and forcing many to evacuate their homes. Of the 120 counties in Kentucky, 91 were forced to declare a state of emergency. In response, the Kentucky governor was forced to call up 4,600 National Guard troops to assist our first responders. This was the largest mobilization of the Guard in our State's history. This situation could have been much worse if not for the efforts of Kentucky's public safety officials and the Kentucky National Guard. These individuals worked around the clock to ensure that their neighbors had the help they needed during this crisis. There are many stories of people going beyond the call of duty to assist their fellow citizens. National Guard units went door to door to ensure that people had all the supplies they needed until power was restored. Volunteers kept open shelters and soup kitchens to make sure families had places to sleep and eat. All of these unsung heroes have my respect and admiration. In closing I am grateful for the efforts of all the first responders across my State including the many volunteers from the Salvation Army, Red Cross, and countless other volunteer organizations that helped to limit the devastation caused by this storm. While I wish that this disaster had never occurred, I am very proud of the way all Kentuckians banded together to support each other during this time of need. ____________________ RECOGNIZING KENTUCKY'S OUTSTANDING STUDENTS Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, I would like to congratulate several outstanding young people from the Commonwealth of Kentucky who have been selected as recipients of the 14th annual Prudential Spirit of the Community Award. These young people were selected from over 20,000 nominees, and I would like to commend them on this wonderful achievement. The Prudential Spirit of the Community Award was created in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The awards are meant to impress upon all youth the value of community service and to recognize contributions made in this area. This year I am very proud that Kentucky has two State honorees and four distinguished finalists. The four distinguished finalists this year are Don Combs, Emily Goldstein, Arooshi Kumar, and Elizabeth Moore. Don is from Pikeville, KY, and was nominated by Pikeville High School because he started a recycling program that now encompasses all schools in Pike County. Emily Goldstein is a senior at Atherton High School in Louisville, and she volunteered over 1,000 hours of her time to help protect the environment. She started recycling programs at 12 local companies and donated the proceeds to the Louisville Zoo. Arooshi Kumar is also from Louisville and is completing her senior year at Dupont Manual High School. For her service project Arooshi raised nearly $5,000 to help establish schools for impoverished children in India. In order to raise this impressive sum Arooshi made and sold jewelry, cashmere stoles, and Indian tunics. Elizabeth Moore of Catlettsburg created a Spanish section in the Hatcher Elementary School library. Elizabeth chose this school because it has the largest number of Spanish-speaking students in her school district. Elizabeth is a senior at Fairview High School in Ashland, KY. The two State honorees from Kentucky are Jordan Campbell and Meg Olash. Jordan is a senior at Montgomery County High School and resides in Jeffersonville, KY. For his project, Jordan organized a student-run nonprofit theater company to help engage elementary students in the arts. His efforts resulted in 85 children and 15 teen directors putting on shows for the community that sold over 1,200 tickets. Meg is an eighth grade student at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Louisville. Meg helped refugees plant produce, which they in turn sold at a farmers market at her church. Meg, along with her fellow volunteers, also spent 3 days of the week playing with children at the local refugee community center. All of these young Kentuckians have my admiration, and I thank them for their service. They demonstrate that with hard work and perseverance all of us can make a difference in our communities and make them a better place to live. ____________________ TRIBUTE TO DR. ALISON DES FORGES Mr. FEINGOLD. Madam President, I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Alison Des Forges in the tragic crash of Continental flight 3407 on February 12. In her passing, we lost not only one of the foremost experts on the state of human rights in Rwanda and Central Africa, but also one of the greatest advocates for human rights in our time. Alison's tireless appeals for international action to save lives both before and during the 1994 Rwandan genocide are legendary in the human rights and Africa policy communities. Her efforts have been widely reported on since that time, and I hope they will continue to inspire future generations. Her personal witness should inspire and challenge us all as we seek an end to ongoing mass atrocities, whether in Darfur, eastern Congo, or areas affected by the Lord's Resistance Army. Long after the genocide ended, Alison maintained her relentless commitment to pursue the truth and promote human rights. Her authoritative research on the genocide informed the [[Page 4347]] International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, national courts across Europe and North America, and even this Congress. She was widely recognized over the years for her objective and balanced analysis of the changing situation in Rwanda and Central Africa. This was not a standard easily achieved or without its sacrifices. Indeed, just last year, Alison was twice refused entry by the Rwandan Government, a government that once praised her reporting on the genocide. As a Washington Post editorial recently noted, while the current Rwanda Government has made impressive ``accomplishments in righting its country and improving basic services . . . it continues to be intolerant of criticism.'' Alison was unwilling to allow that growing intolerance to go unnoticed--even when the result made it more difficult for her to do her job. Alison was never vindictive, but she was never afraid to speak the truth about growing repression or threats to basic rights when she saw them. In that sense, Alison Des Forges embodied the very best of America's tradition of supporting human rights and pressing for meaningful accountability for violations of those rights. She will be greatly missed, but we can pay tribute to her by carrying that tradition forward. ____________________ REMEMBERING PATTY JENNINGS Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam President, today I mourn an untimely death and to celebrate a full and remarkable life. Patty Jennings--committed activist, loving wife and devoted mother--died of cancer on February 14. The world's libraries are full of quotes about turning adversity into achievement, and I might have thought that everything on the topic had pretty much been said. But last week I heard one of the more eloquent statements on the topic. It came from Senator Tim Jennings, Patty's husband. Cancer is horrible, Senator Jennings told the 18,000 people at Patty's memorial service, ``but it's not all bad. We have met some of the nicest people in the world because of it.'' Tim's response to his wife's death tells you a lot about the couple. Patty and Tim rarely had it easy, but, as Patty put it, they didn't spend much time wishing things could be different. They took comfort in the people they loved--those they worked with and those they tried so hard to help. They responded to their own struggles by struggling on behalf of others. When Patty's daughter could not get health insurance because of her Down syndrome, Patty and Tim fought to create an insurance pool that would allow high-risk New Mexicans to get health care. Patty spent her limited free time fighting for the developmentally disabled--both as an advocate for systemic reform and as a caring supporter of individual young people. And she responded to her own breast cancer by helping to fund lifesaving research on the disease. The University of New Mexico's breast cancer program will soon be known as the Senator Tim and Patty Jennings Program for Breast Cancer. I can think of no more fitting tribute. While we cannot fully know the sadness that Patty's devoted family is feeling today, all New Mexicans are worse off for having lost Patty Jennings. Her compassion should continue to inspire us as we fight to complete her work. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this remarkable woman. ____________________ TRIBUTE TO AMBASSADOR ED ROMERO Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam President, today I wish to honor Ed Romero, a great New Mexican. Mr. Romero recently won the Senator Dennis Chavez Civil Rights and Leadership Award. The award is richly deserved. When the U.S. Congress placed Senator Chavez's statue in Statuary Hall, Reverend John Spence summed up the man nicely. Senator Chavez, Spence said, was ``ever a champion of the underdog, the poor and oppressed.'' In everything he did, Senator Chavez showed his concern for the underdog. He fought for public education, because he knew what it could do to help the children of struggling families become successful adults. He supported farmers, because he knew how difficult life can be in the small communities where the trains don't stop and the roads don't go. And he fought for civil rights, because Chavez believed that equality of opportunity is the core of the American creed. Dennis Chavez fought for the underdog because he was an underdog. Born into poverty in Valencia County, NM, when the State was still part of Mexico, Chavez walked a long and difficult road to the pinnacle of political power. A child of an isolated small town, he would see the world and help to shape it. A high school dropout, he earned a law degree and became a lawmaker. A victim of ethnic discrimination, he wrote legislation that would eventually make employment discrimination illegal and then unthinkable. Ambassador Ed Romero also has been an underdog. Those who know him as an international businessman might be surprised to know he started his career working in the fields. Ed Romero had to fight for his business successes. And he fought for the political power that he has used to make this world a better place. If Ed Romero had just one career, he would be impressive. If he had only risen from poverty to become a successful businessman--sought-after for corporate boards and respected by his colleagues around the world--that would be an achievement. But Ed Romero also has devoted his life to sharing what he has earned. As an activist, he has spent his time helping other underdogs play an active role in their government. He has helped America work with its allies to promote peace and human rights across the world. And, much like Senator Chavez before him, he has worked to ensure that men and women of color are represented in this country's corridors of power. Ed Romero has shown leadership at home and abroad. He is a founder of the Hispanic Cultural Foundation and the National Hispanic Cultural Center in New Mexico. He cofounded the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute executive board. He has served as a delegate to the Helsinki accords, and we are very proud that President Clinton named him U.S. Ambassador to Spain. Linking these two great New Mexicans is very appropriate. Each man turned his own personal struggle into a lasting compassion for life's victims. Both men fought for their people--and for every people that have tasted the bitter fruit of injustice. Both men make me proud to be a New Mexican. Men like Ed Romero keep America true to its ideals. New Mexico is proud to call him a native son. And I am proud to call him a friend. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ambassador Ed Romero on receiving the Senator Dennis Chavez Civil Rights and Leadership Award. ____________________ MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT Messages from the President of the United States were communicated to the Senate by Mrs. Neiman, one of his secretaries. ____________________ EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED As in executive session the Presiding Officer laid before the Senate messages from the President of the United States submitting sundry nominations which were referred to the appropriate committees. (The nominations received today are printed at the end of the Senate proceedings.) ____________________ REPORTS OF COMMITTEES The following reports of committees were submitted: By Mr. HARKIN, from the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, without amendment: S. Res. 51. An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. [[Page 4348]] ____________________ INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS The following bills and joint resolutions were introduced, read the first and second times by unanimous consent, and referred as indicated: By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Ms. Mikulski, Mrs. Hutchison, Ms. Stabenow, Mrs. Lincoln, Ms. Landrieu, Mrs. Boxer, and Mr. Corker): S. 451. A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centennial of the establishment of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. By Mr. CRAPO (for himself and Mr. Risch): S. 452. A bill to ensure public access to Federal land and to the airspace over Federal land; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself and Mr. Brown): S. 453. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants and offer technical assistance to local governments and others to design and implement innovative policies, programs, and projects that address widespread property vacancy and abandonment, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. By Mr. LEVIN (for himself and Mr. McCain): S. 454. A bill to improve the organization and procedures of the Department of Defense for the acquisition of major weapon systems, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services. By Mr. ROBERTS (for himself and Mr. Brownback): S. 455. A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition of 5 United States Army Five-Star Generals, George Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Eisenhower, Henry ``Hap'' Arnold, and Omar Bradley, alumni of the United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to coincide with the celebration of the 132nd Anniversary of the founding of the United States Army Command and General Staff College; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. By Mr. DODD (for himself, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Lautenberg, and Mr. Kerry): S. 456. A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to develop guidelines to be used on a voluntary basis to develop plans to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools and early childhood education programs, to establish school-based food allergy management grants, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. ____________________ SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND SENATE RESOLUTIONS The following concurrent resolutions and Senate resolutions were read, and referred (or acted upon), as indicated: By Mr. HARKIN: S. Res. 51. An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; from the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; to the Committee on Rules and Administration. By Mr. REED (for himself and Ms. Collins): S. Res. 52. A resolution designating March 2, 2009, as ``Read Across America Day''; considered and agreed to. ____________________ ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS S. 132 At the request of Mrs. Feinstein, the name of the Senator from Maine (Ms. Snowe) was added as a cosponsor of S. 132, a bill to increase and enhance law enforcement resources committed to investigation and prosecution of violent gangs, to deter and punish violent gang crime, to protect law-abiding citizens and communities from violent criminals, to revise and enhance criminal penalties for violent crimes, to expand and improve gang prevention programs, and for other purposes. S. 160 At the request of Mr. Lieberman, the name of the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Lautenberg) was added as a cosponsor of S. 160, a bill to provide the District of Columbia a voting seat and the State of Utah an additional seat in the House of Representatives. At the request of Mr. Specter, his name was added as a cosponsor of S. 160, supra. S. 205 At the request of Mr. Bingaman, the name of the Senator from Connecticut (Mr. Dodd) was added as a cosponsor of S. 205, a bill to authorize additional resources to identify and eliminate illicit sources of firearms smuggled into Mexico for use by violent drug trafficking organizations, and for other purposes. S. 213 At the request of Mrs. Boxer, the name of the Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. Feingold) was added as a cosponsor of S. 213, a bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure air passengers have access to necessary services while on a grounded air carrier, and for other purposes. S. 256 At the request of Mrs. Feinstein, the name of the Senator from Washington (Mrs. Murray) was added as a cosponsor of S. 256, a bill to enhance the ability to combat methamphetamine. S. 308 At the request of Mr. Baucus, the name of the Senator from South Dakota (Mr. Johnson) was added as a cosponsor of S. 308, a bill to amend title 23, United States Code, to improve economic opportunity and development in rural States through highway investment, and for other purposes. S. 309 At the request of Mr. Baucus, the name of the Senator from South Dakota (Mr. Johnson) was added as a cosponsor of S. 309, a bill to amend title 23, United States Code, to improve highway transportation in the United States, including rural and metropolitan areas. S. 371 At the request of Mr. Thune, the name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Brownback) was added as a cosponsor of S. 371, a bill to amend chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, to allow citizens who have concealed carry permits from the State in which they reside to carry concealed firearms in another State that grants concealed carry permits, if the individual complies with the laws of the State. S. 386 At the request of Mr. Leahy, the name of the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. Klobuchar) was added as a cosponsor of S. 386, a bill to improve enforcement of mortgage fraud, securities fraud, financial institution fraud, and other frauds related to federal assistance and relief programs, for the recovery of funds lost to these frauds, and for other purposes. S. 388 At the request of Ms. Mikulski, the names of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Lugar), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Brownback) and the Senator from New Hampshire (Mr. Gregg) were added as cosponsors of S. 388, a bill to extend the termination date for the exemption of returning workers from the numerical limitations for temporary workers. S. 414 At the request of Mr. Dodd, the name of the Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. Kohl) was added as a cosponsor of S. 414, a bill to amend the Consumer Credit Protection Act, to ban abusive credit practices, enhance consumer disclosures, protect underage consumers, and for other purposes. S. 416 At the request of Mrs. Feinstein, the names of the Senator from Maine (Ms. Collins) and the Senator from Washington (Mrs. Murray) were added as cosponsors of S. 416, a bill to limit the use of cluster munitions. S. 422 At the request of Ms. Stabenow, the names of the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Dorgan), the Senator from Michigan (Mr. Levin) and the Senator from Texas (Mr. Cornyn) were added as cosponsors of S. 422, a bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diesases in women. S. 428 At the request of Mr. Dorgan, the name of the Senator from Wyoming (Mr. Barrasso) was added as a cosponsor of S. 428, a bill to allow travel between the United States and Cuba. S. 450 At the request of Mr. Baucus, the names of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. Akaka) and the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Alexander) were added as [[Page 4349]] cosponsors of S. 450, a bill to understand and comprehensively address the oral health problems associated with methamphetamine use. ____________________ STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS By Mr. LEVIN (for himself and Mr. McCain): S. 454. A bill to improve the organization and procedures of the Department of Defense for the acquisition of major weapon systems, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services. Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009, with Senator McCain as an original cosponsor. The Department of Defense faces huge problems in its acquisition system today. Every year, the Government Accountability Office publishes a report assessing DOD's purchases of major weapon systems, and every year, the picture seems to get worse. Since the beginning of 2006, nearly half of DOD's largest acquisition programs have exceeded the so-called ``Nunn-McCurdy'' cost growth standards established by Congress to identify seriously troubled programs. As Secretary Gates pointed out in his testimony before the Armed Services Committee last month, ``The list of big-ticket weapons systems that have experienced contract or program performance problems spans the services: the Air Force tanker, CSAR-X, VH-71, Osprey, Future Combat Systems, Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, Littoral Combat Ship, Joint Strike Fighter, and so on.'' Overall, DOD's 95 major defense acquisition programs (known as ``MDAPs'') have exceeded their research and development budgets by an average of 40 percent, seen their acquisition costs grow by an average of 26 percent, and experienced an average schedule delay of almost two years. Last summer, GAO reported that cost overruns on DOD's MDAPs now total $295 billion over the original program estimates, even though we have cut unit quantities and reduced performance expectations on many programs in an effort to hold costs down. These cost overruns happen because of fundamental flaws that are endemic to our acquisition system. We even know what these flaws are: DOD acquisition programs fail because the Department continues to rely on unreasonable cost and schedule estimates, establish unrealistic performance expectations, insist on the use of immature technologies, and adopt costly changes to program requirements, production quantities and funding levels in the middle of ongoing programs. Particularly at this time, when the federal budget is under immense strain as a result of the economic crisis we simply cannot afford this kind of continued waste and inefficiency. That is why I am introducing this bill with Senator McCain today and why I have scheduled an acquisition reform hearing in the Armed Services Committee next week. The problems in our acquisition system may not be easy to solve, but they are far too big for us not to take whatever steps may be necessary to correct them. The key to successful acquisition programs is getting things right from the start with sound systems engineering, cost-estimating, and developmental testing early in the program cycle. Programs that are built on a weak initial foundation, including immature technologies, inadequate development and testing, and unrealistic requirements, are likely to have big problems in the long run. Unfortunately, a number of previous so-called acquisition ``reforms'' have taken the system in the wrong direction by cutting out people, organizations, and processes needed to establish a sound initial foundation for major programs. For example in the mid-1990's, DOD experimented with assigning ``total system performance responsibility'' to contractors, abdicating its role in overseeing and ensuring program performance; beginning in the late 1990's, DOD eliminated organizations and capabilities responsible for providing system engineering and overseeing developmental testing on major weapon systems; beginning in 2003, DOD revised its key guidance for major acquisition programs to make the key early phases of an acquisition program optional, authorizing MDAPs to skip over the concept refinement phase, the technology development phase, and even the system development and demonstration phase of the acquisition process, effectively leaping into production before design considerations were adequately addressed. The result has been excessive cost growth in weapon systems and excessive delays in fielding major defense acquisition programs. Congress has already taken some steps to address problems that come late in the acquisition process--for example, by establishing certification requirements to ensure that programs meet minimal requirements before they enter system development and by tightening the Nunn-McCurdy requirements that are used to identify underperforming programs. The bill that we are introducing today is designed to identify and address major problems much earlier in program development--before a Nunn-McCurdy threshold is breached, before a program is formally initiated, and before the program's trajectory has been established. For example, our bill would require the Department of Defense to address problems with unreasonable performance requirements by requiring DOD to reestablish systems engineering organizations and developmental testing capabilities; make trade-offs between cost, schedule and performance early in the program cycle; and conduct preliminary design reviews before giving approval to new acquisition programs; address problems with unreasonable cost and schedule estimates by establishing a new, independent director of cost assessment to ensure that unbiased data is available for senior DOD managers; address problems with the use of immature technologies by requiring the Director of Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E) to periodically review and assess the maturity of critical technologies and by directing the Department to make greater use of prototypes, including competitive prototypes, to prove that new technologies work before trying to produce them; and address problems with costly changes in the middle of a program by tightening the so-called ``Nunn-McCurdy'' requirements for underperforming programs to provide for the termination of any such program that cannot be justified after undergoing a complete reexamination and revalidation. Taken together, these provisions will require the Department of Defense to take the steps needed to put major defense acquisition programs on a sound footing from the outset. If they are successfully implemented, they should help these programs avoid future cost overruns, schedule delays, and performance problems. I look forward to working with Senator McCain and our colleagues to enact these important reforms into law. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a bill summary be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be placed in the Record, as follows: Summary of the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 Report after report has indicated that the key to successful acquisition programs is getting things right from the start with sound systems engineering, cost-estimating, and developmental testing early in the program cycle. Over the last twenty years, however, DOD has eliminated acquisition organizations and cut the workforce responsible for taking these actions, and has tried to ``reform'' the acquisition process by taking shortcuts around early program phases in which these actions should be taken. The result has been excessive cost growth in weapon systems and excessive delays in fielding those systems. title 1: acquisition organization Section 101. Systems Engineering Capabilities. The Defense Science Board Task Force on Developmental Test and Evaluation reported in May 2008 that ``the single most important step necessary'' to address high rates of failure on defense acquisition programs is ``a viable systems engineering strategy from the beginning.'' The Government Accountability Office has reached [[Page 4350]] similar conclusions. Unfortunately, the Committee on Pre- Milestone A and Early-Phase Systems Engineering of Air Force Studies Board of the National Research Council reported in February 2008 that the Air Force has systematically dismantled its systems engineering organizations and capabilities over the last twenty years. The other services have done the same. Section 101 would address this problem by requiring DOD to: (1) assess the extent to which the Department has in place the systems engineering capabilities needed to ensure that key acquisition decisions are supported by a rigorous systems analysis and systems engineering process; and (2) establish organizations and develop skilled employees needed to fill any gaps in such capabilities. Section 102. Developmental Testing. Many weapon systems fail operational testing because of problems that should have been identified and corrected during developmental testing much earlier in the acquisition process. The Defense Science Board Task Force on Developmental Test and Evaluation reported in May 2008 that this problem is due, in significant part, to drastic reductions in organizations responsible for developmental testing. According to the Task Force, the Army has essentially eliminated its developmental testing component, while the Navy and the Air Force cut their testing workforce by up to 60 percent in some organizations. Section 102 would address this problem by: (1) requiring DOD to reestablish the position of Director of Developmental Test and Evaluation; and (2) requiring the military departments to assess their developmental testing organizations and personnel, and address any shortcomings in such organizations and personnel. Section 103. Technological Maturity Assessments. For years now, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has reported that successful commercial firms use a ``knowledge-based'' product development process to introduce new products. Although DOD acquisition policy embraces this concept, requiring that technologies be demonstrated in a relevant environment prior to program initiation, the Department continues to fall short of this goal. Last Spring, GAO reviewed 72 of DOD's 95 major defense acquisition programs (MDAPs) and reported that 64 of the 72 fell short of the required level of product knowledge. According to GAO, 164 of the 356 critical technologies on these programs failed to meet even the minimum requirements for technological maturity. Section 103 would address this problem by making it the responsibility of the Director of Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E) to periodically review and assess the technological maturity of critical technologies used in MDAPs. The DDR&E's determinations would serve as a basis for determining whether a program is ready to enter the acquisition process. Section 104. Independent Cost Assessment. In a July 2008 report, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that ``DOD's inability to allocate funding effectively to programs is largely driven by the acceptance of unrealistic cost estimates and a failure to balance needs based on available resources.'' According to GAO, ``Development costs for major acquisition programs are often underestimated at program initiation--30 to 40 percent in some cases--in large part because the estimates are based on limited knowledge and optimistic assumptions about system requirements and critical technologies.'' Section 104 would address this problem by establishing a Director of Independent Cost Assessment to ensure that cost estimates for major defense acquisition programs are fair, reliable, and unbiased. Section 105. Role of Combatant Commanders. In a February 2009 report, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommended that the acquisition process be modified to allow combatant commanders (COCOMs) more influence and ensure that their long-term needs are met. The GAO report states: ``a COCOM-focused requirements process could improve joint war- fighting capabilities by ensuring that the combatant commander--the customer--is provided the appropriate level of input regarding the capabilities needed to execute their missions rather than relying on the military services--the suppliers--to drive requirements.'' Section 105 would address this problem by requiring the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) to seek and consider input from the commanders of the combatant commands in identifying joint military requirements. title 2: acquisition policy Section 201. Trade-offs of Cost, Schedule and Performance. The January 2006 report of the Defense Acquisition Performance Assessment Project (DAPA) concluded that ``the budget, acquisition and requirements processes [of the Department of Defense] are not connected organizationally at any level below the Deputy Secretary of Defense.'' As a result, DOD officials often fail to consider the impact of requirements decisions on the acquisition and budget processes, or to make needed trade-offs between cost, schedule and requirements on major defense acquisition programs. Section 201 would address this problem by requiring consultation between the budget, requirements and acquisition stovepipes--including consultation in the joint requirements process--to ensure the consideration of trade-offs between cost, schedule, and performance early in the process of developing major weapon systems. Section 202. Preliminary Design Review (PDR). The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has reported on numerous occasions that a knowledge-based approach is critical to the successful development of major weapon systems. In January 2006, the Defense Acquisition Performance Assessment Project (DAPA) endorsed this view, and recommended that Milestone B decisions be delayed to occur after PDR, to ensure a sufficient knowledge base to ensure the technological maturity and avoid ``a long cycle of instability, budget and requirements changes, costly delays and repeated re-baselining.'' Section 202 would address this problem by requiring the completion of a PDR and a formal post-PDR assessment before a major defense acquisition program receives Milestone B approval. Section 203. Life-Cycle Competition. The Defense Science Board Task Force on Defense Industrial Structure for Transformation reported in July 2008 that consolidation in the defense industry has substantially reduced innovation in the defense industry and created incentives for major contractors to maximize profitability on established programs rather than seeking to improve performance. The Task Force recommended the adoption of measures--such as competitive prototyping, dual-sourcing, funding of a second source for next generation technology, utilization of open architectures to ensure competition for upgrades, periodic competitions for subsystem upgrades, licensing of additional suppliers, government oversight of make-or-buy decisions--to maximize competition throughout the life of a program, periodic program reviews, and requirement of added competition at the subcontract level. Section 203 would require the Department of Defense to implement this recommendation. Section 204. Nunn-McCurdy Breaches. Since the beginning of 2006, nearly half of DOD's 95 Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs) have experienced critical cost growth, as defined in the Nunn-McCurdy provision, as amended. Overall, these 95 MDAPs have exceeded their research and development budgets by an average of 40 percent, seen their acquisition costs grow by an average of 26 percent, and experienced an average schedule delay of almost two years. Such cost growth has become so pervasive that it may come to be viewed as an expected and acceptable occurrence in the life of a weapons program. Section 204 would address this problem and enhance the use of Nunn-McCurdy as a management tool by requiring MDAPs that experience critical cost growth: (1) be terminated unless the Secretary certifies (with reasons and supporting documentation) that continuing the program is essential to the national security and the program can be modified to proceed in a cost-effective manner; and (2) receive a new Milestone Approval (and associated certification) prior to the award of any new contract or contract modification extending the scope of the program. In accordance with section 104, a certification as to the reasonableness of costs would have to be supported by an independent cost estimate and a stated confidence level for that estimate. Section 205. Organizational Conflicts of Interest. Defense Science Board Task Force on Defense Industrial Structure for Transformation reported in July 2008 that ``many of the systems engineering firms which previously provided independent assessment [of major defense acquisition programs] have been acquired by the large prime contractors.'' As a result, the Task Force reported, ``different business units of the same firm can end up with both the service and product side in the same program or market area.'' This structural conflict of interest may result in ``bias [and] impaired objectivity,'' which cannot be resolved through firewalls or other traditional mitigation mechanisms. Section 205 would address this problem, as recommended by the Task Force, by: (1) prohibiting systems engineering contractors from participating in the development or construction of the major weapon systems on which they are advising the Department of Defense; and (2) requiring tightened oversight of organizational conflicts of interests by contractors in the acquisition of major weapon systems. Section 206. Acquisition Excellence. The Department of Defense will need an infusion of highly skilled and capable acquisition specialists to carry out the requirements of this bill and address the problems in the defense acquisition system. The Committee has already established an acquisition workforce development fund to provide the resources needed to hire and retain new workers. However, positive motivation is needed as much as money. Section 206 would address this issue by establishing an annual awards program--modeled on the Department's successful environmental awards program--to recognize individuals and teams who make significant contributions to the improved cost, schedule, and performance of defense acquisition programs. Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, over the last few years, Senate Armed Services [[Page 4351]] Committee Chairman Levin and I have developed a number of initiatives that reform various aspects of the defense procurement process. Our hope is that, in the aggregate, those initiatives, including those that help control the proliferation of non-essential requirements; have the Department of Defense move towards more fixed price-type contracts while incentivizing performance; and subject major systems to a more evolutionary, knowledge-based procurement process, will have a beneficial effect on the process--as a system. I am under no delusion that a single ``silver bullet'' will remedy a fundamentally broken defense acquisition system. The Weapon System Acquisition Reform Act of 2009, which I am pleased to introduce with Chairman Levin today, is an important next step in efforts to reform the system. Consensus has emerged that a key to defense acquisition programs' performing successfully is getting things right from the start--with sound systems engineering, cost-estimating, and developmental testing early in the program cycle. Doing so helps the DoD understand and mete out costly technology-and integration-risk out of programs early-- before the DoD makes important go/no-go decisions on the program that effectively out it ``on rails''. We have learned this lesson the hard way--at great cost to the taxpayer. Typically, major weapons have been procured with insufficient systems engineering knowledge about critical technologies. But, with those weapons programs having, by a certain point, acquired often overwhelming political momentum, Nunn-McCurdy, basically only a reporting requirement, has done very little to bring costs associated with those originally underappreciated risks under control. We now know that when a program is predictable, that is, when decision milestones are being met; estimated costs are actual costs; and performance to contract specifications and key performance parameters are achieved, the acquisition process can be relied on as providing the joint warfighter with optimal capability at the most reasonable cost to the taxpayer. The bill that I am introducing with Chairman Levin today appreciates that fact--by focusing on starting programs right. It does so by emphasizing systems engineering; more effective upfront planning and management of technology risk; and growing the acquisition workforce to meet program objectives. A particularly important feature of the bill includes a provision that puts Nunn-McCurdy ``on dynamite.'' That provision requires, among other things, that programs currently underway, post-Milestone B, experiencing ``critical'' cost growth either be terminated or enter the new defense acquisition system, which the DoD recently and fundamentally restructured to help it manage technology and integration risk. In so doing, Chairman Levin and I hope to transform Nunn-McCurdy from a mere reporting requirement into a tool that can help the DoD manage out-of-control cost growth. While I am pleased to be introducing this legislation with Chairman Levin, we certainly must, and will, do more. That having been said, the primary responsibility to reform the process falls on the DoD itself. No amount of legislation can substitute for a true commitment to acquisition reform within the Pentagon. I look forward to seeing the White House convey that commitment--through deeds--going forward. ______ By Mr. DODD (for himself, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Lautenberg, and Mr. Kerry): S. 456. A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to develop guidelines to be used on a voluntary basis to develop plans to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools and early childhood education programs, to establish school-based food allergy management grants, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2009. I want to thank Senators Alexander, Whitehouse, Lautenberg, and Kerry for joining me for this introduction. Food allergies are an increasing food safety and public health concern in this country, especially among young children. I know first- hand just how frightening food allergies can be in a young person's life. My own family has been personally touched by this troubling condition and we continue to struggle with it each and every day. Sadly, there is no cure for food allergies. The number of Americans with food allergies is on the rise. From 1997 to 2007 the prevalence of food allergies among children increased by 18 percent. Today, 3 million children in the United States have a food allergy. While food allergies were at one time considered relatively infrequent, they now rank third among common chronic diseases in children under 18 years of age. Peanuts are among several allergenic foods that can produce life-threatening allergic reactions in susceptible children. Peanut allergies doubled among school-age children from 1997-2002. Clearly, food allergies are of great concern for school-age children nationwide, and yet, there are no federal guidelines concerning the management of life-threatening food allergies in our nation's schools. I have heard from parents, teachers and school administrators that students with severe food allergies often face inconsistent food allergy management approaches when they change schools. Too often, families are not aware of the food allergy policy at their children's school, or the policy is vastly different from the one they knew at their previous school, and they are left wondering whether their child is safe. In 2006, Connecticut became the first State to enact school-based guidelines concerning food allergies and the prevention of life- threatening incidents in schools. I am very proud of these efforts, and I know that the parents of children who suffer from food allergies in Connecticut have confidence that their children are safe throughout the school day. I had the opportunity to visit with students and parents at Washington Elementary School in West Haven, CT, last May who shared with me their schools' comprehensive plan for its students with food allergies. Nine other States, including Massachusetts, Tennessee, Vermont, New Jersey, Arizona, Michigan, New York, Washington, and Maryland have enacted statewide guidelines. But too many States across the country have food allergy management guidelines that are inconsistent from one school district to the next. The result is a patchwork of guidelines that not only may vary from State to State, but also from school district to school district. In my view, this lack of consistency underscores the need for enactment of uniform, federal guidelines that school districts can choose to adopt and implement. For this reason, my colleague Senator Alexander and I are introducing the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2009 today to address the growing need for uniform and consistent school-based food allergy management policy. I thank Senator Alexander for his hard work and commitment to this important legislation. Mr. President, the bill we are introducing today closely mirrors legislation I introduced last Congress which was cosponsored by 41 of my colleagues. Last May, I, along with Senator Alexander, chaired a hearing in our Children and Families Subcommittee exploring the current state of food allergies and the challenges parents of children with food allergies face. Since that hearing, Senator Alexander and I have been working with members on both sides of the aisle to address any concerns they had with the legislation. As a result, the legislation we are introducing today reflects many excellent suggestions and changes offered by my colleagues. It is my sincere [[Page 4352]] hope that the Senate will move quickly on this bipartisan legislation this year. The legislation does two things. First, it directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to develop and make available voluntary food allergy management guidelines for preventing exposure to food allergens and assuring a prompt response when a student suffers a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction. The guidelines developed by the Secretary are voluntary, not mandatory. Under the legislation, each school district or early childhood education program across the country can voluntarily choose to implement these guidelines. The intent of the legislation is not to mandate individual school policy, but rather to provide for consistency of policies relating to school-based food allergy management by providing schools with consistent guidelines at the federal level. Second, the bill provides for incentive grants to school districts to assist them with adoption and implementation of the federal government's allergy management guidelines in all K-12 public schools. I would like to recognize the leadership of Congresswoman Nita Lowey who is introducing companion legislation today in the House of Representatives. She has been a longstanding champion for children and for awareness of the devastating impact of food allergies. I also wish to acknowledge and offer my sincere appreciation to the members of the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network for their commitment to this legislation and for raising public awareness, providing advocacy, and advancing research on behalf of all individuals who suffer from food allergies. This legislation is supported by the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and many others. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill and a letter of support be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S. 456 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 ``Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Early childhood education program.--The term ``early childhood education program'' means-- (A) a Head Start program or an Early Head Start program carried out under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.); (B) a State licensed or regulated child care program or school; or (C) a State prekindergarten program that serves children from birth through kindergarten. (2) ESEA definitions.--The terms ``local educational agency'', ``secondary school'', ``elementary school'', and ``parent'' have the meanings given the terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). (3) School.--The term ``school'' includes public-- (A) kindergartens; (B) elementary schools; and (C) secondary schools. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF VOLUNTARY FOOD ALLERGY AND ANAPHYLAXIS MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES. (a) Establishment.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall-- (A) develop guidelines to be used on a voluntary basis to develop plans for individuals to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools and early childhood education programs; and (B) make such guidelines available to local educational agencies, schools, early childhood education programs, and other interested entities and individuals to be implemented on a voluntary basis only. (2) Applicability of ferpa.--Each plan described in paragraph (1) that is developed for an individual shall be considered an education record for the purpose of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g). (b) Contents.--The voluntary guidelines developed by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall address each of the following, and may be updated as the Secretary determines necessary: (1) Parental obligation to provide the school or early childhood education program, prior to the start of every school year, with-- (A) documentation from their child's physician or nurse-- (i) supporting a diagnosis of food allergy, and any risk of anaphylaxis, if applicable; (ii) identifying any food to which the child is allergic; (iii) describing, if appropriate, any prior history of anaphylaxis; (iv) listing any medication prescribed for the child for the treatment of anaphylaxis; (v) detailing emergency treatment procedures in the event of a reaction; (vi) listing the signs and symptoms of a reaction; and (vii) assessing the child's readiness for self- administration of prescription medication; and (B) a list of substitute meals that may be offered to the child by school or early childhood education program food service personnel. (2) The creation and maintenance of an individual plan for food allergy management, in consultation with the parent, tailored to the needs of each child with a documented risk for anaphylaxis, including any procedures for the self- administration of medication by such children in instances where-- (A) the children are capable of self-administering medication; and (B) such administration is not prohibited by State law. (3) Communication strategies between individual schools or early childhood education programs and providers of emergency medical services, including appropriate instructions for emergency medical response. (4) Strategies to reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic causative agents in classrooms and common school or early childhood education program areas such as cafeterias. (5) The dissemination of general information on life- threatening food allergies to school or early childhood education program staff, parents, and children. (6) Food allergy management training of school or early childhood education program personnel who regularly come into contact with children with life-threatening food allergies. (7) The authorization and training of school or early childhood education program personnel to administer epinephrine when the nurse is not immediately available. (8) The timely accessibility of epinephrine by school or early childhood education program personnel when the nurse is not immediately available. (9) The creation of a plan contained in each individual plan for food allergy management that addresses the appropriate response to an incident of anaphylaxis of a child while such child is engaged in extracurricular programs of a school or early childhood education program, such as non- academic outings and field trips, before- and after-school programs or before- and after-early child education program programs, and school-sponsored or early childhood education program-sponsored programs held on weekends. (10) Maintenance of information for each administration of epinephrine to a child at risk for anaphylaxis and prompt notification to parents. (11) Other elements the Secretary determines necessary for the management of food allergies and anaphylaxis in schools and early childhood education programs. (c) Relation to State Law.--Nothing in this Act or the guidelines developed by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall be construed to preempt State law, including any State law regarding whether students at risk for anaphylaxis may self-administer medication. SEC. 4. SCHOOL-BASED FOOD ALLERGY MANAGEMENT GRANTS. (a) In General.--The Secretary may award grants to local educational agencies to assist such agencies with implementing voluntary food allergy and anaphylaxis management guidelines described in section 3. (b) Application.-- (1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a local educational agency shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and including such information as the Secretary may reasonably require. (2) Contents.--Each application submitted under paragraph (1) shall include-- (A) an assurance that the local educational agency has developed plans in accordance with the food allergy and anaphylaxis management guidelines described in section 3; (B) a description of the activities to be funded by the grant in carrying out the food allergy and anaphylaxis management guidelines, including-- (i) how the guidelines will be carried out at individual schools served by the local educational agency; (ii) how the local educational agency will inform parents and students of the guidelines in place; (iii) how school nurses, teachers, administrators, and other school-based staff will be [[Page 4353]] made aware of, and given training on, when applicable, the guidelines in place; and (iv) any other activities that the Secretary determines appropriate; (C) an itemization of how grant funds received under this section will be expended; (D) a description of how adoption of the guidelines and implementation of grant activities will be monitored; and (E) an agreement by the local educational agency to report information required by the Secretary to conduct evaluations under this section. (c) Use of Funds.--Each local educational agency that receives a grant under this section may use the grant funds for the following: (1) Purchase of materials and supplies, including limited medical supplies such as epinephrine and disposable wet wipes, to support carrying out the food allergy and anaphylaxis management guidelines described in section 3. (2) In partnership with local health departments, school nurse, teacher, and personnel training for food allergy management. (3) Programs that educate students as to the presence of, and policies and procedures in place related to, food allergies and anaphylactic shock. (4) Outreach to parents. (5) Any other activities consistent with the guidelines described in section 3. (d) Duration of Awards.--The Secretary may award grants under this section for a period of not more than 2 years. In the event the Secretary conducts a program evaluation under this section, funding in the second year of the grant, where applicable, shall be contingent on a successful program evaluation by the Secretary after the first year. (e) Limitation on Grant Funding.--The Secretary may not provide grant funding to a local educational agency under this section after such local educational agency has received 2 years of grant funding under this section. (f) Maximum Amount of Annual Awards.--A grant awarded under this section may not be made in an amount that is more than $50,000 annually. (g) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to local educational agencies with the highest percentages of children who are counted under section 1124(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6333(c)). (h) Matching Funds.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary may not award a grant under this section unless the local educational agency agrees that, with respect to the costs to be incurred by such local educational agency in carrying out the grant activities, the local educational agency shall make available (directly or through donations from public or private entities) non- Federal funds toward such costs in an amount equal to not less than 25 percent of the amount of the grant. (2) Determination of amount of non-federal contribution.-- Non-Federal funds required under paragraph (1) may be cash or in kind, including plant, equipment, or services. Amounts provided by the Federal Government, and any portion of any service subsidized by the Federal Government, may not be included in determining the amount of such non-Federal funds. (i) Administrative Funds.--A local educational agency that receives a grant under this section may use not more than 2 percent of the grant amount for administrative costs related to carrying out this section. (j) Progress and Evaluations.--At the completion of the grant period referred to in subsection (d), a local educational agency shall provide the Secretary with information on how grant funds were spent and the status of implementation of the food allergy and anaphylaxis management guidelines described in section 3. (k) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Grant funds received under this section shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, non-Federal funds and any other Federal funds available to carry out the activities described in this section. (l) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2010 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years. SEC. 5. VOLUNTARY NATURE OF GUIDELINES. (a) In General.--The food allergy and anaphylaxis management guidelines developed by the Secretary under section 3 are voluntary. Nothing in this Act or the guidelines developed by the Secretary under section 3 shall be construed to require a local educational agency to implement such guidelines. (b) Exception.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Secretary may enforce an agreement by a local educational agency to implement food allergy and anaphylaxis management guidelines as a condition of the receipt of a grant under section 4. ____ Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, Washington, DC, February 18, 2009. Senator Christopher Dodd, Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Senator Dodd, on behalf of the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), I write to express strong support for the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act. This important piece of legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop guidelines for schools to prevent exposure to food allergens and assure a prompt response when a child suffers a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction. FAAN was established in 1991 to raise public awareness, provide advocacy and education, and advance research on behalf of the more than 12 million Americans affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis. FAAN has nearly 30,000 members worldwide, including families, dietitians, nurses, physicians, and school staff as well as representatives of government agencies and the food and pharmaceutical industries. An estimated 2 million school age children suffer from food allergies, for which there is no cure. Avoiding any and all products with allergy-causing ingredients is the only way to prevent potentially life-threatening reactions for our children. Reactions often occur at school including severe anaphylaxis, which can kill within minutes unless epinephrine (adrenaline) is administered. Deaths from anaphylaxis are usually a result of delayed administration of epinephrine. Nevertheless, there are no current, standardized guidelines to help schools safely manage students with the disease. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network applauds your effort to address the seriousness of food allergies and create a safe learning environment for those children who deal with these issues on a daily basis. We are pleased to endorse your legislation. Sincerely, Julia E. Bradsher, Chief Executive Officer. ____ American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Washington, DC, February 19, 2009. Hon. Chris Dodd, Hon. Lamar Alexander, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Senators Dodd and Alexander: I am writing on behalf of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) to express our strong support for your legislation, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2007, which would make available to schools appropriate guidelines for the management of students with food allergy who are at risk of anaphylactic shock. The AAAAI is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others dedicated to improving the treatment of allergic diseases through research and education. The number of schoolchildren with food allergies has increased dramatically in recent years. The policy developed under your bill would assist schools in preventing exposure to food allergens and assuring a prompt response when a child suffers a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction. Strict avoidance of the offending food is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction as there is no cure for food allergy. Fatalities from anaphylaxis often result from delayed administration of epinephrine. The importance of managing life-threatening food allergies in the school setting has been recognized by our own organization as well as the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Association of School Nurses. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology applauds your efforts to address the need to assist schools with the policies and information needed to improve the management of children with food allergy and avoid life- threatening reactions. We are pleased to endorse your legislation. Sincerely, Hugh A. Sampson, President. ____________________ SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS ______ SENATE RESOLUTION 51--AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION AND FORESTRY Mr. HARKIN submitted the following resolution; from the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; which was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration: S. Res. 51 Resolved, That, in carrying out its powers, duties, and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such rules, including holding hearings, reporting such hearings, and making investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry is authorized from March 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009; October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010, and October 1, 2010, through February 28, 2011, in its discretion (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate, (2) to employ personnel, and (3) with the prior consent of the [[Page 4354]] Government department or agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and Administration, to use on a reimbursable or non- reimbursable basis the services of personnel of any such department or agency. Sec. 2(a). The expenses of the committee for the period March 1, 2009, through September 30, 2009, under this resolution shall not exceed $2,735,622 of which amount (1) not to exceed $200,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946). (b) For the period October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall not exceed $4,809,496 of which amount (1) not to exceed $200,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946). (c) For the period of October 1, 2010, through February 28, 2011, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall not exceed $2,048,172 of which amount (1) not to exceed $200,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946). Sec. 3. The committee shall report its findings, together with such recommendations for legislation as it deems advisable, to the Senate at the earliest practicable date, but not later than February 28, 2010 and February 28, 2011, respectively. Sec. 4. Expenses of the committee under this resolution shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon vouchers approved by the Chairman of the committee, except that vouchers shall not be required (1) for the disbursement of salaries of employees paid at an annual rate, or (2) for the payment of telecommunications provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate, or (3) for the payment of stationery supplies purchased through the Keeper of the Stationery, United States Senate, or (4) for payments to the Postmaster, United States Senate, or (5) for the payment of metered charges on copying equipment provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate, or (6) for the payment of Senate Recording and Photographic Services, or (7) for payment of franked and mass mail costs by the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate. Sec. 5. There are authorized such sums as may be necessary for agency contributions related to the compensation of employees of the committee from March 1, 2009, through September 30, 2009; October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010; and October 1, 2010, through February 28, 2011, to be paid from the Appropriations account for ``Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations.'' ____________________ SENATE RESOLUTION 52--DESIGNATING MARCH 2, 2009, AS ``READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY'' Mr. REED (for himself and Ms. Collins) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to: S. Res. 52 Whereas reading is a basic requirement for quality education and professional success, and is a source of pleasure throughout life; Whereas the people of the United States must be able to read if the United States is to remain competitive in the global economy; Whereas Congress, through the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110) and the Reading First, Early Reading First, and Improving Literacy Through School Libraries programs, has placed great emphasis on reading intervention and providing additional resources for reading assistance; and Whereas more than 50 national organizations concerned about reading and education have joined with the National Education Association to use March 2, the anniversary of the birth of Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, to celebrate reading: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) designates March 2, 2009, as ``Read Across America Day''; (2) honors Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, for his success in encouraging children to discover the joy of reading; (3) honors the 12th anniversary of Read Across America Day; (4) encourages parents to read with their children for at least 30 minutes on Read Across America Day in honor of the commitment of the Senate to building a Nation of readers; and (5) encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. ____________________ NOTICE OF HEARING COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 10 a.m. in room 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building to conduct an oversight hearing on Youth Suicide in Indian Country. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 202-224-2251. ____________________ AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET committee on health, education, labor, and pensions Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be authorized to meet, during the session of the Senate, to conduct a hearing entitled ``Principles of Integrative Health: A Path to Health Care Reform'' on Monday, February 23, 2009. The hearing will commence at 2 p.m. in room 430 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________ FOREIGN TRAVEL FINANCIAL REPORTS In accordance with the appropriate provisions of law, the Secretary of the Senate herewith submits the following reports for standing committees of the Senate, certain joint committees of the Congress, delegations and groups, and select and special committees of the Senate, relating to expenses incurred in the performance of authorized foreign travel: CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION AND FORESTRY FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Elizabeth Croker: Qatar.................................. Riyal...................................... ........... 3,209.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 3,209.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,916.29 ........... ........... ........... 7,916.29 Misty McGowen: Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 300.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 300.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,756.86 ........... ........... ........... 8,756.86 Derek Miller: Belgium................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,955.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,955.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 1,749.33 ........... ........... ........... 1,749.33 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... ........... 5,464.00 ........... 18,422.48 ........... ........... ........... 23,886.48 SENATOR TOM HARKIN, Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, Jan. 13, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4355]] CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Senator Thad Cochran: United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,100.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,100.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,150.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,150.00 Austria................................ Euro....................................... ........... 950.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 950.00 Kay B. Webber: United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,100.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,100.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,150.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,150.00 Austria................................ Euro....................................... ........... 950.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 950.00 Stewart Holmes: United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,100.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,100.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,150.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,150.00 Austria................................ Euro....................................... ........... 950.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 950.00 Senator Robert F. Bennett: United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,100.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,100.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,150.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,150.00 Austria................................ Euro....................................... ........... 950.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 950.00 Mark E. Morrison: United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,100.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,100.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,150.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,150.00 Austria................................ Euro....................................... ........... 950.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 950.00 Mary Jane Collipriest: United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,100.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,100.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,150.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,150.00 Austria................................ Euro....................................... ........... 950.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 950.00 Senator Thad Cochran: Egypt.................................. Pound...................................... ........... 423.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 423.00 Jordan................................. Dinar...................................... ........... 703.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 703.00 United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 1,104.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,104.00 Spain.................................. Euro....................................... ........... 525.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 525.00 Kay B. Webber: Egypt.................................. Pound...................................... ........... 423.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 423.00 Jordan................................. Dinar...................................... ........... 703.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 703.00 United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 1,104.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,104.00 Spain.................................. Euro....................................... ........... 525.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 525.00 Stewart Holmes: Egypt.................................. Pound...................................... ........... 423.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 423.00 Jordan................................. Dinar...................................... ........... 703.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 703.00 United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 1,104.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,104.00 Spain.................................. Euro....................................... ........... 525.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 525.00 Galen Fountain: China.................................. Yuan....................................... ........... 696.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 696.00 North Korea............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 1,484.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,484.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 12,193.42 ........... ........... ........... 12,193.42 Jessica Frederick: China.................................. Yuan....................................... ........... 696.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 696.00 North Korea............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 1,484.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,484.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 12,193.42 ........... ........... ........... 12,193.42 Dianne Preece: China.................................. Yuan....................................... ........... 696.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 696.00 North Korea............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 1,484.00 ........... 1,050.00 ........... ........... ........... 2,534.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 12,193.42 ........... ........... ........... 12,193.42 Fitz Elder: China.................................. Yuan....................................... ........... 696.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 696.00 North Korea............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 1,484.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,484.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 12,193.42 ........... ........... ........... 12,193.42 Stacy McBride: China.................................. Yuan....................................... ........... 696.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 696.00 North Korea............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 1,484.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,484.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 12,193.42 ........... ........... ........... 12,193.42 Paul Grove: Turkey................................. Lira....................................... ........... 230.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 230.00 Italy.................................. Euro....................................... ........... 352.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 352.00 Austria................................ Euro....................................... ........... 412.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 412.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 438.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 438.00 United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 428.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 428.00 Thailand............................... Baht....................................... ........... 536.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 536.00 Burma.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 248.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 248.00 Australia.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 1,301.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,301.00 Malaysia............................... Ringgit.................................... ........... 219.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 219.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 19,520.35 ........... ........... ........... 19,520.35 Senator Judd Gregg: Australia.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 860.01 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 860.01 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 12,200.07 ........... ........... ........... 12,200.07 Turkey................................. Lira....................................... ........... 230.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 230.00 Italy.................................. Euro....................................... ........... 352.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 352.00 Austria................................ Euro....................................... ........... 412.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 412.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 438.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 438.00 United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 428.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 428.00 Gary Reese: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 9,482.42 ........... ........... ........... 9,482.42 Kuwait................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 113.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 113.00 Bahrain................................ Dinar...................................... ........... 248.43 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 248.43 Qatar.................................. Riyal...................................... ........... 227.96 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 227.96 United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 1,889.48 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,889.48 Tim Rieser: Haiti.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 535.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 535.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 556.00 ........... ........... ........... 556.00 Matthew McCardle: Australia.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 1,551.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,551.00 Singapore.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 506.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 506.00 Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 1,056.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,056.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 16,909.01 ........... ........... ........... 16,909.01 Arthur Cameron: Australia.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 2,460.60 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 2,460.60 Singapore.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 372.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 372.00 Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 832.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 832.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 15,544.01 ........... ........... ........... 15,544.01 Howard Goodloe Sutton: Australia.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 2,460.60 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 2,460.60 Singapore.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 372.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 372.00 Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 832.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 832.00 [[Page 4356]] United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 15,544.01 ........... ........... ........... 15,544.01 Sid Ashworth: Turkey................................. Lira....................................... ........... 937.25 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 937.25 Italy.................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,011.23 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,011.23 Austria................................ Euro....................................... ........... 607.59 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 607.59 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 3,204.98 ........... ........... ........... 3,204.98 Alycia Farrell: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,630.93 ........... ........... ........... 7,630.93 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 920.95 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 920.95 Brian Wilson: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,630.93 ........... ........... ........... 7,630.93 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 920.95 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 920.95 Sid Ashworth: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,630.93 ........... ........... ........... 7,630.93 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 672.97 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 672.97 Mary Catherine Fitzpatrick: Netherlands............................ Euro....................................... ........... 473.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 473.00 Georgia................................ Lari....................................... ........... 338.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 338.00 Azerbaijan............................. Manat...................................... ........... 317.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 317.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,400.86 ........... ........... ........... 11,400.86 Ellen Maldonado: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 9,369.41 ........... ........... ........... 9,369.41 United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,696.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,696.00 Charles Houy: Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 1,935.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,935.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 10,109.00 ........... ........... ........... 10,109.00 Senator Daniel K. Inouye: Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 1,935.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,935.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 10,109.00 ........... ........... ........... 10,109.00 Alycia Farrell: South Korea............................ Won........................................ ........... 1,007.50 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,007.50 Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 777.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 777.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,191.95 ........... ........... ........... 8,191.95 Katherine Kaufer: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 17,702.23 ........... ........... ........... 17,702.23 Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 612.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 612.00 South Korea............................ Won........................................ ........... 799.92 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 799.92 Philippines............................ Peso....................................... ........... 750.15 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 750.15 Mary Catherine Fitzpatrick: Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 612.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 612.00 South Korea............................ Won........................................ ........... 799.92 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 799.92 Philippines............................ Peso....................................... ........... 748.61 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 748.61 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 17,702.23 ........... ........... ........... 17,702.23 Erik Raven: Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 612.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 612.00 South Korea............................ Won........................................ ........... 760.25 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 760.25 Philippines............................ Peso....................................... ........... 748.61 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 748.61 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 17,702.23 ........... ........... ........... 17,702.23 Sara Kathleen Hagan: Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 612.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 612.00 South Korea............................ Won........................................ ........... 799.92 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 799.92 Philippines............................ Peso....................................... ........... 750.15 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 750.15 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 17,702.23 ........... ........... ........... 17,702.23 Brian Wilson: Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 612.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 612.00 South Korea............................ Won........................................ ........... 799.92 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 799.92 Philippines............................ Peso....................................... ........... 750.15 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 750.15 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 17,702.23 ........... ........... ........... 17,702.23 Scott O'Malia: United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,100.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,100.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,150.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,150.00 Austria................................ Euro....................................... ........... 950.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 950.00 Joseph Bradley Fuller: United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,100.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,100.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,150.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,150.00 Austria................................ Euro....................................... ........... 950.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 950.00 Christina Evans: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 10,957.23 ........... ........... ........... 10,957.23 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 732.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 732.00 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 430.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 430.00 Czech Republic......................... Koruna..................................... ........... 1,398.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,398.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,652.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,652.00 Chad Schulken: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,022.23 ........... ........... ........... 11,022.23 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 732.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 732.00 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 430.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 430.00 Czech Republic......................... Koruna..................................... ........... 1,398.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,398.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,652.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,652.00 David Bonine: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,288.23 ........... ........... ........... 11,288.23 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 732.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 732.00 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 430.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 430.00 Czech Republic......................... Koruna..................................... ........... 1,398.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,398.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,652.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,652.00 Dennis Balkham: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,507.23 ........... ........... ........... 11,507.23 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 732.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 732.00 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 430.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 430.00 Czech Republic......................... Koruna..................................... ........... 1,398.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,398.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,652.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,652.00 Ben Hammond: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 10,847.23 ........... ........... ........... 10,847.23 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 732.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 732.00 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 430.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 430.00 Czech Republic......................... Koruna..................................... ........... 1,398.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,398.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,652.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,652.00 Nikole Manatt: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 1,749.80 ........... ........... ........... 1,749.80 El Salvador............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 194.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 194.00 Honduras............................... Lempira.................................... ........... 132.44 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 132.44 Nicaragua.............................. Cordoba.................................... ........... 249.20 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 249.20 [[Page 4357]] Michele Wymer: El Salvador............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 429.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 429.00 Honduras............................... Lempira.................................... ........... 351.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 351.00 Nicaragua.............................. Cordoba.................................... ........... 338.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 338.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 2,425.30 ........... ........... ........... 2,435.30 Senator Byron Dorgan: Egypt.................................. Pound...................................... ........... 423.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 423.00 Jordan................................. Dinar...................................... ........... 703.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 703.00 United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 1,104.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,104.00 Spain.................................. Euro....................................... ........... 525.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 525.00 Brian Moran: Egypt.................................. Pound...................................... ........... 423.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 423.00 Jordan................................. Dinar...................................... ........... 703.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 703.00 United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 1,104.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,104.00 Spain.................................. Euro....................................... ........... 525.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 525.00 Dennis Kelleher: Egypt.................................. Pound...................................... ........... 423.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 423.00 Jordan................................. Dinar...................................... ........... 703.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 703.00 United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 1,104.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,104.00 Spain.................................. Euro....................................... ........... 525.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 525.00 *Delegation Expenses: Egypt.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 209.00 ........... 209.000 Jordan................................. Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 159.00 ........... 159.00 United Arab Emirates................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 144.00 ........... 144.00 Iraq................................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 77.00 ........... 77.00 Brian Potts: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,717.24 ........... ........... ........... 11,717.24 Australia.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 929.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 929.00 Sid Ashworth: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,717.24 ........... ........... ........... 11,717.24 Australia.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 1,084.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,084.00 Allen Cutler: France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 3,312.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 3,312.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,312.61 ........... ........... ........... 8,312.61 Michele Wymer: Australia.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 2,602.02 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 2,602.02 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,666.37 ........... ........... ........... 11,666.37 Senator Richard J. Durbin: Haiti.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 387.40 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 387.40 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 1,696.80 ........... ........... ........... 1,696.80 Michael E. Daly: Haiti.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 372.40 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 372.40 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 1,454.80 ........... ........... ........... 1,454.80 Chris Homan: Haiti.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 632.55 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 632.55 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 1,671.80 ........... ........... ........... 1,671.80 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... ........... 129,760.13 ........... 423,606.22 ........... 589.00 ........... 553,955.35 SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD, Chairman, Committee on Appropriations, Jan. 20, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Delegation expenses include payments and reimbursements by the Department of State under the authority of Section 502(b) of the Mutual Security Act of 1954, as amended by Section 22 of Pub. L. 95-384, and expenses paid pursuant to S. Res. 179, agreed to May 25, 1977. CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lynn F. Rusten: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,256.58 ........... ........... ........... 11,256.58 Netherlands............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 688.07 ........... 54.00 ........... ........... ........... 742.07 Georgia................................ Dollar..................................... ........... 526.17 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 526.17 Azerbaijan............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 748.74 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 748.74 William K. Sutey: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,192.29 ........... ........... ........... 8,192.29 Kuwait................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 314.81 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 314.81 Gabriella Eisen: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,192.29 ........... ........... ........... 8,192.29 Kuwait................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 314.81 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 314.81 Gerald J. Leeling: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,192.29 ........... ........... ........... 8,192.29 Kuwait................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 314.81 ........... ........... ........... 12.00 ........... 326.81 Richard F. Walsh: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,192.29 ........... ........... ........... 8,192.29 Kuwait................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 314.81 ........... ........... ........... 8.62 ........... 323.43 Michael J. McCord: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 5,414.00 ........... ........... ........... 5,414.00 Republic of Korea...................... Dollar..................................... ........... 744.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 744.00 Japan.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 180.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 180.00 Michael J. Kuiken: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 3,863.00 ........... ........... ........... 3,863.00 Colombia............................... Dollar..................................... ........... 1,328.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,328.00 Diana Tabler Forbes: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,232.29 ........... ........... ........... 8,232.29 Kuwait................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 358.13 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 358.13 Gregory T. Kiley: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 5,413.71 ........... ........... ........... 5,413.71 Republic of Korea...................... Dollar..................................... ........... 1,120.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,120.00 Japan.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 300.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 300.00 David M. Morris: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 5,413.71 ........... ........... ........... 5,413.71 Republic of Korea...................... Dollar..................................... ........... 767.05 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 767.05 [[Page 4358]] Japan.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 172.72 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 172.72 Lucian L. Niemeyer: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 5,132.00 ........... ........... ........... 5,132.00 Republic of Korea...................... Dollar..................................... ........... 991.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 991.00 Japan.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 235.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 235.00 Madelyn R. Creedon: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,196.00 ........... ........... ........... 11,196.00 Netherlands............................ Euro....................................... ........... 932.00 ........... 53.21 ........... ........... ........... 985.21 Georgia................................ Lari....................................... ........... 676.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 676.00 Azerbaijan............................. Manat...................................... ........... 834.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 834.00 United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,015.00 ........... 37.72 ........... ........... ........... 1,052.72 Senator John McCain: Kuwait................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 38.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 38.00 Bangladesh............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 33.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 33.00 Malta.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 159.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 159.00 Senator James M. Inhofe: Nigeria................................ Naira...................................... ........... 56.24 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 56.24 Ethiopia............................... Birr....................................... ........... 174.70 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 174.70 United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 83.24 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 83.24 Anthony Lazarski: Nigeria................................ Naira...................................... ........... 56.24 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 56.24 Ethiopia............................... Birr....................................... ........... 174.70 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 174.70 United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 86.55 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 86.55 Mark Powers: Nigeria................................ Naira...................................... ........... 56.24 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 56.24 Ethiopia............................... Birr....................................... ........... 174.70 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 174.70 United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 86.55 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 86.55 Senator Lindsey Graham: Kuwait................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 58.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 58.00 Bangladesh............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 20.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 20.00 Bhutan................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 357.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 357.00 Pakistan............................... Dollar..................................... ........... 20.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 20.00 Adam Brake: Kuwait................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 38.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 38.00 Bangladesh............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 104.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 104.00 Afghanistan............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 159.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 159.00 Gerald J. Leeling: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 13,765.00 ........... ........... ........... 13,765.00 Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 280.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 280.00 Gabriella Eisen: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 13,765.12 ........... ........... ........... 13,765.12 Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 223.35 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 233.35 Diana T. Forbes: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 13,765.12 ........... ........... ........... 13,765.12 Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 209.36 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 209.36 Richard F. Walsh: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 13,765.12 ........... ........... ........... 13,765.12 Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 219.96 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 219.96 Richard W. Fieldhouse: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,500.75 ........... ........... ........... 8,500.75 Israel................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 1,410.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,410.00 Richard H. Fontaine: Kuwait................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 167.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 167.00 Bhutan................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 190.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 190.00 Pakistan............................... Dollar..................................... ........... 75.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 75.00 Malta.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 140.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 140.00 Brooke Buchanan: Kuwait................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 167.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 167.00 Bhutan................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 110.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 110.00 Pakistan............................... Dollar..................................... ........... 75.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 75.00 Bangladesh............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 116.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 116.00 Malta.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 108.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 108.00 William G.P. Monahan: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 9,206.76 ........... ........... ........... 9,206.76 Germany................................ Dollar..................................... ........... 240.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 240.00 Belgium................................ Dollar..................................... ........... 336.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 336.00 Switzerland............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 540.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 540.00 Michael J. Kuiken: Belgium................................ Euro....................................... ........... 352.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 352.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 546.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 546.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 12,121.00 ........... ........... ........... 12,121.00 Sudan.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 1,327.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,327.00 Madelyn R. Creedon: Greenland.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 85.75 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 85.75 Korea.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 95.25 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 95.25 Afghanistan............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 15.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 15.00 Iraq................................... Dollar..................................... ........... 11.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 11.00 Turkey................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 286.64 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 286.64 Germany................................ Dollar..................................... ........... 109.50 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 109.50 Dana W. White: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 9,056.76 ........... ........... ........... 9,056.76 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 223.85 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 223.85 Belgium................................ Euro....................................... ........... 339.94 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 339.94 Switzerland............................ Franc...................................... ........... 980.79 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 980.79 Senator Joseph I. Lieberman: Iraq................................... Dinar...................................... ........... 38.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 38.00 Bhutan................................. Ngultrum................................... ........... 60.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 60.00 Afghanistan............................ Afghani.................................... ........... 79.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 79.00 Malta.................................. Lira....................................... ........... 80.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 80.00 Vance Serchuk: Iraq................................... Dinar...................................... ........... 93.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 93.00 Bhutan................................. Ngultrum................................... ........... 274.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 274.00 Afghanistan............................ Afghani.................................... ........... 79.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 79.00 Malta.................................. Lira....................................... ........... 245.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 245.00 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... ........... 24,737.67 ........... 182,781.01 ........... 20.62 ........... 207,539.30 SENATOR CARL LEVIN, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Jan. 14, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4359]] CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN AFFAIRS FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Senator Richard Shelby: Turkey................................ Lira....................................... ........... 937.25 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 937.25 Italy................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,011.23 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,011.23 Austria............................... Euro....................................... ........... 1,215.18 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,215.18 Germany............................... Euro....................................... ........... 1,333.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,333.00 England............................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,229.83 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,229.83 Anne Caldwell: Turkey................................ Lira....................................... ........... 937.25 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 937.25 Italy................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,011.23 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,011.23 Austria............................... Euro....................................... ........... 1,215.18 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,215.18 Germany............................... Euro....................................... ........... 1,333.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,333.00 England............................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,229.83 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,229.83 Laura Friedel: Turkey................................ Lira....................................... ........... 937.25 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 937.25 Italy................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,011.23 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,011.23 Austria............................... Euro....................................... ........... 1,215.18 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,215.18 Germany............................... Euro....................................... ........... 1,333.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,333.00 England............................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,229.83 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,229.83 Senator Wayne Allard: Turkey................................ Lira....................................... ........... 937.25 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 937.25 Italy................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,011.23 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,011.23 Austria............................... Euro....................................... ........... 1,215.18 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,215.18 Germany............................... Euro....................................... ........... 1,333.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,333.00 England............................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,228.83 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,228.83 Tewana Wilkerson: Turkey................................ Lira....................................... ........... 937.25 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 937.25 Italy................................. Euro....................................... ........... 1,011.23 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,011.23 Austria............................... Euro....................................... ........... 1,215.18 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,215.18 Germany............................... Euro....................................... ........... 1,333.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,333.00 England............................... Pound...................................... ........... 1,228.83 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,228.83 Senator Jim Bunning: Turkey................................ Lira....................................... ........... 230.00 ........... ........... ........... 707.25 ........... 937.25 Italy................................. Euro....................................... ........... 352.00 ........... ........... ........... 659.23 ........... 1,011.23 Austria............................... Euro....................................... ........... 412.00 ........... ........... ........... 803.18 ........... 1,215.18 Germany............................... Euro....................................... ........... 438.00 ........... ........... ........... 895.00 ........... 1,333.00 England............................... Pound...................................... ........... 428.00 ........... ........... ........... 801.83 ........... 1,229.83 Julie Chon: Ireland............................... Euro....................................... ........... 756.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 756.00 Germany............................... Euro....................................... ........... 398.00 ........... 325.75 ........... ........... ........... 723.75 United states......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,520.76 ........... ........... ........... 8,520.76 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... 31,644.45 ........... ........... 8,846.51 ........... 3,866.49 ........... 44,357.45 SENATOR CHRISTOPHER J. DODD, Chairman, Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Jan. 30, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kent Conrad: Egypt.................................. Pound...................................... ........... 423.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 423.00 Jordan................................. Dinar...................................... ........... 703.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 703.00 United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 1,104.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,104.00 Spain.................................. Euro....................................... ........... 525.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 525.00 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... ........... 2,755.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 2,755.00 SENATOR KENT CONRAD, Chairman, Committee on the Budget, Jan. 30, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Senator Jeff Bingaman: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 757.80 ........... ........... ........... 757.80 Haiti.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 533.60 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 533.60 Jeffry Phan: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 757.80 ........... ........... ........... 757.80 Haiti.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 548.60 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 548.60 Jonathan Black: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 2,644.58 ........... ........... ........... 2,644.58 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 968.75 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 968.75 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... ........... 2,050.95 ........... 4,160.18 ........... ........... ........... 6,211.13 SENATOR JEFF BINGAMAN, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Jan. 12, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4360]] CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thomas Sullivan: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 9,062.68 ........... ........... ........... 9,062.68 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 1,176.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,176.00 Eric Thu: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,674.75 ........... ........... ........... 7,674.75 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 1,176.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,176.00 Arvin Ganesan: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,873.59 ........... ........... ........... 8,873.59 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 1,344.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,344.00 Brad Crowell: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 5,776.59 ........... ........... ........... 5,776.59 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 1,176.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,176.00 Thomas Hassenboehler: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 3,963.77 ........... ........... ........... 3,963.77 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 1,512.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,512.00 Allyne Todd Johnston: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 9,304.00 ........... ........... ........... 9,304.00 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 1,176.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,176.00 Laura Haynes: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 6,149.04 ........... ........... ........... 6,149.04 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 1,680.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,680.00 Tristan Brown: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 9,062.68 ........... ........... ........... 9,062.68 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 1,176.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,176.00 Jessica Maher: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,674.45 ........... ........... ........... 7,674.45 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 1,177.06 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,177.06 Andrew Wheeler: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,414.46 ........... ........... ........... 8,414.46 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 1,008.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,008.00 Michael Quiello: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,602.68 ........... ........... ........... 7,602.68 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 840.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 840.00 Peter Rafle: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,637.04 ........... ........... ........... 7,637.04 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 840.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 840.00 Marc Morano: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,673.45 ........... ........... ........... 7,673.45 Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 840.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 840.00 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... ........... 15,121.06 ........... 98,869.18 ........... ........... ........... 113,990.24 SENATOR BARBARA BOXER, Chairman, Committee on Environment and Public Works, Jan. 15, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON FINANCE FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Senator Max Baucus: United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 174.80 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 174.80 Vietnam................................ Dong....................................... ........... 899.30 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 899.30 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 13,143.47 ........... ........... ........... 13,143.47 Melodee Hanes: United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 207.45 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 207.45 Vietnam................................ Dong....................................... ........... 768.42 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 768.42 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 13,143.47 ........... ........... ........... 13,143.47 William Dauster: United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 151.64 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 151.64 Vietnam................................ Dong....................................... ........... 754.79 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 754.79 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 13,143.47 ........... ........... ........... 13,143.47 Demetrios Marantis: United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 238.49 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 238.49 Vietnam................................ Dong....................................... ........... 811.66 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 811.66 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,986.47 ........... ........... ........... 11,986.47 Jon Selib: United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 232.23 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 232.23 Vietnam................................ Dong....................................... ........... 744.04 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 744.04 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,986.47 ........... ........... ........... 11,986.47 Janis Lazda: United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 450.61 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 450.61 Vietnam................................ Dong....................................... ........... 850.43 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 850.43 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,986.47 ........... ........... ........... 11,986.47 Chelsea Thomas: United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 247.21 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 247.21 Vietnam................................ Dong....................................... ........... 1,001.30 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,001.30 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,986.47 ........... ........... ........... 11,986.47 Carol Guthrie: United Arab Emirates................... Dirham..................................... ........... 231.96 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 231.96 Vietnam................................ Dong....................................... ........... 809.04 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 809.04 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,986.47 ........... ........... ........... 11,986.47 Demetrios Marantis: China.................................. Yuan....................................... ........... 208.11 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 208.11 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,910.49 ........... ........... ........... 11,910.49 Janis Lazda: China.................................. Yuan....................................... ........... 407.66 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 407.66 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,910.49 ........... ........... ........... 11,910.49 Hun Quach: China.................................. Yuan....................................... ........... 345.96 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 345.96 Hong Kong.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 1,249.56 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,249.56 Singapore.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 877.47 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 877.47 Malaysia............................... Ringgit.................................... ........... 14.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 14.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 10,236.33 ........... ........... ........... 10,236.33 [[Page 4361]] Chris Adamo: Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 706.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 706.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 2,886.11 ........... ........... ........... 2,886.11 JoEllen Darcy: Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 342.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 342.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 2,952.59 ........... ........... ........... 2,952.59 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... ........... 24,710.60 ........... 127,272.30 ........... ........... ........... 151,982.90 SENATOR MAX BAUCUS, Chairman, Committee on Finance, Feb. 4, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Senator Patrick Leahy: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 4,395.87 ........... ........... ........... 4,395.87 Ireland................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,721.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,721.00 John P. Dowd: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 1,577.12 ........... ........... ........... 1,577.12 Ireland................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,721.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,721.00 Charles Ross: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 1,605.87 ........... ........... ........... 1,605.87 Ireland................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,721.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,721.00 Edward Brady: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 1,577.12 ........... ........... ........... 1,577.12 Ireland................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,981.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,981.00 *Delegation Expenses; United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 416.95 ........... 416.95 Ireland................................ Euro....................................... ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 17,700.00 ........... 17,700.00 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... ........... 7,144.00 ........... 9,155.98 ........... 18,116.95 ........... 34,416.93 SENATOR PATRICK J. LEAHY, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, Jan. 30, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Delegation expenses include payments and reimbursements to the Department of State and the Department of Defense under the authority of Sec. 502(b) of the Mutual Security Act of 1954, as amended by Sec. 22 of P.L. 95-384, and S. Res 179 agreed to May 25, 1977. CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Senator Bob Corker: Russia................................. Ruble...................................... ........... 368.47 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 368.47 Ukraine................................ Hryvnia.................................... ........... 388.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 388.00 Azerbaijan............................. Manat...................................... ........... 346.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 346.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 14,241.32 ........... ........... ........... 14,241.32 Senator Christopher Dodd: Ireland................................ Euro....................................... ........... 556.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 556.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 398.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 398.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,520.76 ........... ........... ........... 8,520.76 Senator Russ Feingold: Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 370.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 370.00 Djibouti............................... Franc...................................... ........... 683.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 683.00 Tanzania............................... Shilling................................... ........... 506.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 506.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 6,496.43 ........... ........... ........... 6,496.43 Senator Chuck Hagel: China.................................. Yuan....................................... ........... 335.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 335.00 Korea.................................. Won........................................ ........... 68.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 68.00 Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 374.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 374.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 13,064.00 ........... ........... ........... 13,064.00 Senator John Kerry: India.................................. Rupee...................................... ........... 201.58 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 201.58 Pakistan............................... Rupee...................................... ........... 60.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 60.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 4,747.37 ........... ........... ........... 4,747.37 Senator Richard Lugar: United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 148.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 148.00 Russia................................. Ruble...................................... ........... 520.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 520.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,841.27 ........... ........... ........... 8,841.27 Senator George Voinovich: United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 430.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 430.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 534.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 534.00 Austria................................ Euro....................................... ........... 310.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 310.00 Senator Jim Webb: Singapore.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 724.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 724.00 Vietnam................................ Dong....................................... ........... 4,095.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 4,095.00 Thailand............................... Baht....................................... ........... 804.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 804.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 13,485.56 ........... ........... ........... 13,485.56 Fulton Armstrong: Ireland................................ Euro....................................... ........... 676.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 676.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 318.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 318.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,520.76 ........... ........... ........... 8,520.76 Jay Branegan: Philippines............................ Peso....................................... ........... 840.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 840.00 Laos................................... Kip........................................ ........... 489.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 489.00 [[Page 4362]] United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,021.78 ........... ........... ........... 11,021.78 George Callas: United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 700.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 700.00 France................................. Euro....................................... ........... 575.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 575.00 Austria................................ Euro....................................... ........... 360.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 360.00 Dan Diller: South Africa........................... Rand....................................... ........... 796.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 796.00 Zambia................................. Kwacha..................................... ........... 276.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 276.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 10,985.25 ........... ........... ........... 10,985.25 Andy Fisher: United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 152.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 152.00 Russia................................. Ruble...................................... ........... 538.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 538.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,183.27 ........... ........... ........... 8,183.27 Paul Foldi: Egypt.................................. Pound...................................... ........... 615.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 615.00 Jordan................................. Dinar...................................... ........... 507.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 507.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,055.76 ........... ........... ........... 11,055.76 Paul Foldi: Mexico................................. Peso....................................... ........... 858.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 858.00 Dominican Republic..................... Peso....................................... ........... 714.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 714.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 1,169.35 ........... ........... ........... 1,169.35 Mark Helmke: Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 1,503.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,503.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,936.00 ........... ........... ........... 8,936.00 Mark Lopes: Pakistan............................... Rupee...................................... ........... 126.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 126.00 Afghanistan............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 75.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 75.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 9,813.47 ........... ........... ........... 9,813.47 Frank Lowenstein: Georgia................................ Lari....................................... ........... 16.86 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 16.86 India.................................. Rupee...................................... ........... 144.68 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 144.68 Pakistan............................... Rupee...................................... ........... 69.95 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 69.95 Afghanistan............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 10.75 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 10.75 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,133.50 ........... ........... ........... 8,133.50 Greta Lundeberg: Pakistan............................... Rupee...................................... ........... 106.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 106.00 Afghanistan............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 75.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 75.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 9,783.47 ........... ........... ........... 9,783.47 Keith Luse: Indonesia.............................. Rupiah..................................... ........... 887.77 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 887.77 Singapore.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 369.26 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 369.26 Vietnam................................ Dong....................................... ........... 1,218.46 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,218.46 Thailand............................... Baht....................................... ........... 536.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 536.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,340.06 ........... ........... ........... 7,340.06 Sarah Margon: Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 582.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 582.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,785.38 ........... ........... ........... 7,785.38 Michael Mattler: Poland................................. Zloty...................................... ........... 670.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 670.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,986.02 ........... ........... ........... 7,986.02 Carl Meacham: Costa Rica............................. Colon...................................... ........... 477.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 477.00 Guatemala.............................. Quetzal.................................... ........... 560.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 560.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 2,418.02 ........... ........... ........... 2,418.02 Ken Myers, Jr.: United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 152.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 152.00 Russia................................. Ruble...................................... ........... 536.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 536.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,841.27 ........... ........... ........... 8,841.27 Ken Myers, III: United Kingdom......................... Pound...................................... ........... 150.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 150.00 Russia................................. Ruble...................................... ........... 526.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 526.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,183.27 ........... ........... ........... 8,183.27 Michael Phelan: Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 100.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 100.00 Ethiopia............................... Birr....................................... ........... 483.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 483.00 Uganda................................. Shilling................................... ........... 859.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 859.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 10,550.04 ........... ........... ........... 10,550.04 Rexon Ryu: China.................................. Yuan....................................... ........... 328.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 328.00 Korea.................................. Won........................................ ........... 188.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 188.00 Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 432.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 432.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 13,064.00 ........... ........... ........... 13,064.00 Shannon Smith: Sudan.................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 442.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 442.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 9,914.00 ........... ........... ........... 9,914.00 Chris Socha: Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 191.00 ........... 91.25 ........... ........... ........... 282.25 Connie Veillette: South Africa........................... Rand....................................... ........... 952.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 952.00 Zambia................................ Kwacha..................................... ........... 395.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 395.00 United States......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 10,985.26 ........... ........... ........... 10,985.26 Aaron Whitesel: Costa Rica............................ Colon...................................... ........... 444.75 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 444.75 Guatemala............................. Quetzal.................................... ........... 560.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 560.00 United States......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 2,418.02 ........... ........... ........... 2,418.02 Todd Womack: Russia................................ Ruble...................................... ........... 368.47 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 368.47 Ukraine............................... Hryvnia.................................... ........... 388.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 388.00 Azerbaijan............................ Manat...................................... ........... 346.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 346.00 United States......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 14,241.32 ........... ........... ........... 14,241.32 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... ........... 35,902.00 ........... 260,817.24 ........... ........... ........... 296,719.24 SENATOR JOSEPH R. BIDEN, Jr. Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, Jan. 15, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4363]] CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jay Maroney: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,162.29 ........... ........... ........... 8,162.29 Kuwait................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 501.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 501.00 Iraq................................... Dollar..................................... ........... 29.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 29.00 Afghanistan............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 150.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 150.00 Sharon Waxman: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,934.00 ........... ........... ........... 7,934.00 Kuwait................................. Dinar...................................... ........... 167.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 167.00 Syria.................................. Pound...................................... ........... 818.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 818.00 Jordan................................. Dinar...................................... ........... 597.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 597.00 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... ........... 2,262.00 ........... 16,096.29 ........... ........... ........... 18,358.29 SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY, Chairman, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Jan. 29, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Senator John Kerry: United States......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 4,149.13 ........... ........... ........... 4,149.13 Kathleen Frangione: United States......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,645.36 ........... ........... ........... 7,645.36 Poland................................ Zloty...................................... ........... 782.10 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 782.10 Virginia Worrest: United States......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 11,610.49 ........... ........... ........... 11,610.49 Poland................................ Zloty...................................... ........... 959.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 959.00 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... ........... 1,741.10 ........... 23,404.98 ........... ........... ........... 25,146.08 SENATOR JOHN F. KERRY, Chairman, Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Jan. 29, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Joel Spangenberg: United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 13,418.17 ........... ........... ........... 13,418.17 Singapore.............................. Dollar..................................... ........... 586.08 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 568.08 Hong Kong (China)...................... Dollar..................................... ........... 1,203.73 ........... 148.28 ........... 67.69 ........... 1,419.70 South Korea............................ Won........................................ ........... 304.55 ........... 87.58 ........... ........... ........... 392.13 Japan.................................. Yen........................................ ........... 744.02 ........... 112.02 ........... ........... ........... 856.04 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... ........... 2,838.38 ........... 13,766.05 ........... 67.69 ........... 16,672.12 SENATOR JOSEPH L. LIEBERMAN, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Jan. 8, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), CONGRESSIONAL-EXECUTIVE COMMISSION ON CHINA FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1, TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Charlotte Oldham-Moore: China.................................. Yuan....................................... ........... 925.00 ........... ........... ........... 10.00 ........... 935.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 15,305.00 ........... ........... ........... 15,305.00 Total................................ ........................................... ........... 925.00 ........... 15,305.00 ........... 10.00 ........... 16,240.00 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HONORABLE SANDER M. LEVIN, Chairman, Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Jan. 30, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), CODEL REID FOR TRAVEL FROM: AUG. 3 TO AUG. 11, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Senator Harry Reid: Kyrgyzstan............................. Som........................................ ........... 993.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 993.00 [[Page 4364]] Kazakhstan............................. Tenge...................................... ........... 387.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 387.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,623.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,623.00 Senator Jeff Bingaman: Kyrgyzstan............................. Som........................................ ........... 993.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 993.00 Kazakhstan............................. Tenge...................................... ........... 387.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 387.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,623.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,623.00 Senator Bill Nelson: Kyrgyzstan............................. Som........................................ ........... 993.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 993.00 Kazakhstan............................. Tenge...................................... ........... 387.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 387.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,623.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,623.00 Senator Johnny Isakson: Kyrgyzstan............................. Som........................................ ........... 993.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 993.00 Kazakhstan............................. Tenge...................................... ........... 387.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 387.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,623.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,623.00 Senator Robert Menendez: Kyrgyzstan............................. Som........................................ ........... 993.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 993.00 Kazakhstan............................. Tenge...................................... ........... 387.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 387.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,623.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,623.00 John Eisold: Kyrgyzstan............................. Som........................................ ........... 993.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 993.00 Kazakhstan............................. Tenge...................................... ........... 387.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 387.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,623.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,623.00 Jessica Lewis: Kyrgyzstan............................. Som........................................ ........... 760.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 760.00 Kazakhstan............................. Tenge...................................... ........... 287.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 287.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,262.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,262.00 Robert Herbert: Kyrgyzstan............................. Som........................................ ........... 993.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 993.00 Kazakhstan............................. Tenge...................................... ........... 387.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 387.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,623.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,623.00 Jon Summers: Kyrgyzstan............................. Som........................................ ........... 859.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 859.00 Kazakhstan............................. Tenge...................................... ........... 387.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 387.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,489.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,489.00 Julia Reed: Kyrgyzstan............................. Som........................................ ........... 893.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 893.00 Kazakhstan............................. Tenge...................................... ........... 387.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 387.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,598.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,598.00 Ron Weich: Kyrgyzstan............................. Som........................................ ........... 993.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 993.00 Kazakhstan............................. Tenge...................................... ........... 387.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 387.00 Germany................................ Euro....................................... ........... 1,490.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,490.00 *Delegation Expenses: Kyrgyzstan............................. ........................................... ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 7,725.40 ........... 7,725.40 Kazakhstan............................. ........................................... ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 14,446.47 ........... 14,446.47 Germany................................ ........................................... ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 36,303.73 ........... 36,303.73 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... ........... 31,813.00 ........... ........... ........... 58,475.60 ........... 90,288.60 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Delegation expenses include payments and reimbursements to the Department of State, and the Department of Defense under the authority of Sec. 502(b) of the Mutual Security Act of 1954, as amended by Sec. 22 of P.L. 95-384 and S. Res. 179 agreed to May 25, 1977. SENATOR HARRY REID, Majority Leader, Jan. 8, 2009. CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95-384--22 U.S.C. 1754(b), OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ James J. Tuite III: Kuwait................................. Dollar..................................... ........... 1,291.16 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 1,291.16 Iraq................................... Dollar..................................... ........... 29.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 29.00 Afghanistan............................ Dollar..................................... ........... 150.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 150.00 United States.......................... Dollar..................................... ........... ........... ........... 8,192.29 ........... ........... ........... 8,192.29 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................................ ........................................... ........... 1,470.16 ........... 8,192.29 ........... ........... ........... 9,662.45 SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD, President pro tempore, Jan. 16, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ____________________ READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 52, submitted earlier in the day. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: A resolution (S. Res. 52) designating March 2, 2009, as Read Across America Day. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution. Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related to the resolution be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The resolution (S. Res. 52) was agreed to. The preamble was agreed to. The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows: S. Res. 52 Whereas reading is a basic requirement for quality education and professional success, and is a source of pleasure throughout life; Where the people of the United States must be able to read if the United States is to remain competitive in the global economy; Whereas Congress, through the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110) and the Reading First, Early Reading First, [[Page 4365]] and Improving Literacy Through School Libraries programs, has placed great emphasis on reading intervention and providing additional resources for reading assistance; and Whereas more than 50 national organizations concerned about reading and education have joined with the National Education Association to use March 2, the anniversary of the birth of Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, to celebrate reading: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) designates March 2, 2009, as ``Read Across America Day''; (2) honors Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, for his success in encouraging children to discover the joy of reading; (3) honors the 12th anniversary of Read Across America Day; (4) encourages parents to read with their children for a least 30 minutes on Read Across America Day in honor of the commitment of the Senate to building a Nation of readers; and (5) encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. ____________________ ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2009 Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 160, the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2009, with the time until 11 a.m. equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees; further, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________ PROGRAM Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, at 11 a.m. tomorrow, the Senate will proceed to a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S. 160, to be followed by a cloture vote on the executive nomination of Hilda Solis to be Secretary of Labor. As a reminder to Senators, tomorrow, at 9 p.m., there will be a joint session of Congress to receive a message from the President. Senators should gather in the Senate Chamber at 8:30 p.m. to proceed as a body at 8:40 p.m. to the Hall of the House of Representatives. ____________________ ORDER FOR ADJOURNMENT Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order following the remarks of Senator Bill Nelson. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. NELSON of Florida. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________ THE STIMULUS Mr. NELSON of Florida. Madam President, this is the first time I am at my new desk. As we change each new Congress, according to seniority you get to select a different location. I look into this desk drawer and see the names of so many of the giants who have been here before. Perhaps those who are watching or listening to these remarks would know it is customary that Senators actually inscribe their names in the drawers of these desks, some of which in this Chamber go all the way back to the beginning of the Senate. That is true certainly in this Chamber, and I would not be surprised if some of these desks are the same ones that were in the Old Senate Chamber, which is right down the hallway. That is a place, by the way, which used to be used by the U.S. Supreme Court. I believe the famous Marbury v. Madison case was argued there. I address the Senate for a different reason, and that is that this day is the beginning of the session after we have had a week's recess to be back in our States on the occasion of Presidents Day, which was a week ago. That gives us the opportunity to get around and see the people of our State. Over the course of Monday through Friday, I ended up having some 15 townhall meetings. I have been doing this ever since I was a young Congressman, having come to the U.S. Congress--goodness, it is hard to believe, but it is over 30 years ago. Even before that, I did it as a State legislator. That goes back 37 years. I hold these townhall meetings where anyone can come. Especially this past week, I invited local elected officials--county commissioners, mayors, city commissioners, the superintendents of education in each of the counties, the elected school board members, the administrative officers of counties, the local legislators, and the members of the State legislature. I wanted them to come. I wanted to hear from them how they perceive what is going on economically in their communities. As well, I wanted to try to answer their questions, of which they had many, about the stimulus bill we had passed Friday a week ago, close to 11 o'clock at night because of having to keep the vote open until Senator Brown, bless his heart, could get back here after his mother's funeral. His vote was necessary because it was the 60th and we had to have 60 votes of 100 Senators to pass that legislation. I wanted to hear from these local officials. Naturally, they were glad to hear that of this $780-some billion package, over a third of that was tax cuts, tax cuts to stimulate a certain kind of activity or tax cuts to put dollars in the hands of individuals so they would spend it. That is not like this so-called stimulus bill we did a year ago that was sending $500 to every taxpayer. This time, it was targeted to moderate and lower income folks who need the money. Indeed, it was targeted to taxpayers who do not have a requirement of a Federal income tax to pay but who still pay a lot of taxes because they pay a payroll tax. This time, it is different. It is $400 to an individual and $800 to joint filers--husband and wife. That is one of the tax cuts we are giving to stimulate the economy. Other tax cuts we put in--we wanted to stimulate certain activities, such as a $2,500 tax credit for moderate- and low-income families to use, to send their kid to college. You say: What does that have to do with stimulus? That has a lot to do with keeping our colleges and universities going. That is providing we are not eating our seed corn. We want the seed corn so we can plant next year's crop. That is exactly what we are trying to do in education. The future of this country's ability to compete on the world stage is our intellectual capital, and we cannot have that unless we have an educated public. There were other kinds of tax cuts. There were tax cuts to stimulate certain activity in getting green energy, removing ourselves--as we country boys would say, weaning ourselves from our dependence on oil, particularly foreign oil. We do that by giving an inducement through tax incentives to businesses and individuals to produce new kinds of renewable energy instead of being so dependent, as we have been, just on oil, and in particular foreign oil. One part of the spending of this stimulus bill was to begin the planning of a smart grid system. Let me tell you, in my townhall meeting in Gainesville, FL--this, by the way, is the home of the national champion Florida Gators--the city of Gainesville is starting on their own a smart grid system. They are going to give a local business or an individual homeowner the incentive to produce their own electricity from renewables--in our case, solar--and they will guarantee in the first 2 years that any excess of that electricity which is produced by that individual in their home or that business [[Page 4366]] that is collecting the Sun's rays and turning them into energy--they, the city of Gainesville, will guarantee them 32 cents per kilowatt. Then, as you get on into the third year, it gradually goes down as economies of scale get in and also as the equipment to do this becomes cheaper. Those were some of the things that I found out, that people really believed this was the kind of stimulus they wanted. I can tell you I heard from the educators--the school board members, the superintendents of education in each of the 67 counties, and the teachers who came after their school boards--because Florida has been cutting its support for education, and the teachers would come and they would point out that the school board had announced it was going to lay off teachers because Florida has been cutting its support for education. In one county, Marion County in the town of Ocala, they announced they are laying off 522 teachers come July. In another county, Polk County, the county seat of Bartow, the superintendent, who came to the meeting, said they are going to have to lay off 1,200 teachers come summer. In Florida's portion of this fiscal stimulus bill, the fiscal stimulation fund is going to school boards, not the State department of education so it can siphon it off, but to the school boards--Florida's share is $2.2 billion. If those school systems want to preserve those teachers' jobs with this money, they can do that. They have to be careful. This is not recurring money, so they have to plan for how they are going to keep those teachers after this 2 years of stimulus money. But that gives them the chance to do that. Hopefully, the whole idea is we are going to jump-start the economy back to life. In doing so, with more dollars out there, jobs will be created, the economy will start to recover, homes will not be vacated and foreclosed on and property values will rise, and then the ad valorem tax, which is the basic tax which supports education in Florida, will continue to rise as well to support those teachers who otherwise, 3 and 4 years from now, might be laid off. What I brought to them was welcome news. I am surprised, I must say, in over some 15 townhall meetings, that I did not have a lot of negative catcalls that we have been hearing emanating out of Washington and out of the talking heads on the television. As a matter of fact, it is almost like two different worlds. You turn on the TV, turn on any of the cable shows, and you have these talking heads--sometimes talking over each other, which makes it very annoying, and it is as if this is the worst thing you have ever heard of, this stimulus bill. Of the votes up here, here we only got three Republican Senators, the two Senators from Maine--Senators Snowe and Collins--and Senator Specter from Pennsylvania. They are the only three. Down at the other end of the hall in the House of Representatives, they didn't get any Republican Members of Congress to vote for this. You hear this chatter going on, and it is like it is so partisan and it is so awful. That is not what I heard out there. What I heard back home this past week is: Our people are hurting. They are losing their jobs. They are losing their homes. Unfortunately, it has hit my State of Florida big time. Our unemployment rate is now at 8.1 percent. The national average is 7.6. There are some news articles that are speculating that in Florida it is going to 10 percent unemployment. Our foreclosure rate on homes is next to California. We are No. 2. And California is 2\1/2\ times as large as Florida. As a matter of fact, there are parts of Florida where the foreclosure rate is the highest in the Nation. An example is Fort Myers, Lee County, on the southwest coast of Florida. Our people are hurting, and they are scared. Naturally, when the Government tries to do something, however imperfect it is, they are appreciative that something is trying to be done. Is this the answer? Is the program the Secretary of Treasury announced the answer? We do not know. But the alternative, when the clerk called that roll Friday a week ago, was a vote that said yea or nay. It seems to me it was worth the risk to say yea in order to give our new President a chance of him trying to turn this economy around with our help. Now, I could go through the rest of the specifics that are going in. There is money for title I over and above the normal title I which is for disadvantaged children, which has made a huge difference in our school systems over the years. There is new money here for IDEA, which is for children with disabilities. In the old days, a half a century ago, we did not load all these problems on the school districts. But now the schools take care of a lot of these problems. Children with disabilities have to have special instruction and special ed. It is very expensive. So, indeed, in this stimulus bill, the Federal Government has given additional money to the local school districts in order to try to help them. Yes, there is money for roads and bridges. If this Senator had had his druthers, there would have been more money because infrastructure, this Senator feels, is a place to turn over dollars and create jobs. In Florida, we think that from this stimulus bill, which is a combination of about two-thirds of spending and one-third of tax cuts, all to stimulate the economy, over 200,000 jobs will be created in the next year and a half. Well, since the recession started, we have lost more than that. In Florida, we have lost 255,000 jobs. Let's hope and pray it works. If we have to tinker with it, so be it. Ultimately, we need to get it right. I think we have taken the first right step. I think the new President is trying hard. This Senator is going to try to help him. The American people expect no less. I yield the floor. ____________________ ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. TOMORROW The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senate stands adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow, February 24. Thereupon, the Senate, at 5:48 p.m., adjourned until Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at 10 a.m. ____________________ NOMINATIONS Executive nominations received by the Senate: DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE LANNY A. BREUER, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, VICE ALICE S. FISHER, RESIGNED. CHRISTINE ANNE VARNEY, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, VICE THOMAS O. BARNETT, RESIGNED. IN THE COAST GUARD THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT AS VICE COMMANDANT OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AND TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER TITLE 14, U.S.C., SECTION 47: To be vice admiral VICE ADM. DAVID P. PEKOSKE THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT AS CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AND TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER TITLE 14, U.S.C., SECTION 50A: To be vice admiral REAR ADM. JOHN P. CURRIER THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT AS COMMANDER, PACIFIC AREA OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AND TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER TITLE 14, U.S.C., SECTION 50: To be vice admiral REAR ADM. JODY A. BRECKENRIDGE IN THE ARMY THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be major general BRIG. GEN. VINCENT K. BROOKS IN THE AIR FORCE THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR REGULAR APPOINTMENT IN THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 531: To be major KATHY L. FULLERTON THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be colonel EMIL B. KABBAN PAUL E. WADE STEPHEN H. WILLIAMS THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be colonel BRIAN D. ANDERSON TAMARA A. AVERETTBRAUER JENNIFER D. BAUER MICHELLE L. BISHOP LOLA R. CASBY BARBARA A. CATON MARLA J. DEJONG JANE G. DENTON EDWARD F. FARLEY [[Page 4367]] ELEANOR T. FOREMAN ROBIE V. HUGHES ROBIN E. HUNT SUSAN JANO BEVERLY J. JOHNSON JACK L. KENNEDY BARBARA L. KUHN SUSAN M. MCNITT ALTHEA B. MILLER KELLEY C. MOORE NANCY A. OPHEIM PENNIE G. PAVLISIN ALLISON W. PLUNK MARINA C. RAY RICHARD J. REUSCH, JR. HILDEGARDE P. STEWART JULIE M. STOLA ANNATA R. SULLIVAN SHARON L. TAYLOR MARGARET M. WALSH THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be colonel MARK T. ALLISON ARLEN E. BEE JOSEPH P. BIALKE JAMES G. BITZES JAMES R. BYRNE JAMES H. DAPPER KIRK L. DAVIES MELINDA L. DAVISPERRITANO ERIC L. DILLOW THOMAS F. DOYON JAMES M. DURANT III MARK C. GARNEY LESLIE D. LONG MICHAEL J. OCONNOR MICHAEL J. OSULLIVAN FERAH OZBEK ROBERT A. RAMEY ERIC J. ROTH STEPHEN M. SHREWSBURY DOUGLAS M. STEVENSON PHILIP T. WOLD THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be lieutenant colonel TINA M. BARBERMATTHEW JOSEPH P. MOEHLMANN REGAN J. PATRICK THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be lieutenant colonel JAMES J. BALDOCK IV PAUL R. BREZINSKI RICHARD A. CRESPO TERENCE T. CUNNINGHAM IV JACKIE L. DAY LEIGHANN ERDMAN MICHAEL D. FOUTCH MARY A. GARBOWSKI KYLE W. GIBSON RASHON E. GILBERTSTEELE LOUIS P. GOLER, SR. ANGEL M. GONZALEZ KARA A. GORMONT MARGUERITE M. GUILLORY JOSEPH V. HALE JERRY A. HARVEY EVYN J. HELBER EDWARD J. LAGROU HOWARD W. LONG DERRICK J. MCKERCHER TODD L. OSGOOD ERIC L. PEIPELMAN MICHAEL J. ROBERTS TYLER W. SANDERS DIRK W. SANDSTROM DAVID A. SCHLEVENSKY KEVIN P. SEELEY SAM L. SILVERTHORNE, JR. MICHELLE A. STEPHENS PAUL J. TOTH, JR. DAVID R. WATSON BRENDA L. YI THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be major LISA L. ADAMS STANTON J. APPLONIE CORY L. BAKER HERMAN F. BALDWIN II ROGER BERMEA BRADLEY C. BROSDAHL DONALD J. BROWN TONYA N. BROWN XAVIER V. BRUCE LEA A. CALDERWOOD TERESA L. CLARK CARLA K. CLEVELAND CYNTHIA L. COHEN GEORGE A. DELANEY, JR. TONYA M. DUNAWAY JUSTIN J. EDER RONALD B. ELLER VICTORIA M. ELLIOTT JEFFREY S. FEWELL JENNIFER H. GARRISON DAVID R. GILL CARISSA E. GRANT JOHN K. HALLIGAN DAVID N. HAMPL ALAN C. HARDMAN JOSEPH G. INDOMENICO, JR. JAMES D. JEFFERS ERIC B. JOHNSON CARLA M. JONES JAMES L. JONES PAUL J. JONES MICHAEL J. KERSTEN SOPHIE T. KIESOW JEFFERY D. KINCANNON KATHY A. KNOWLES STACEY C. KRISHNA JOHN A. LANE CONNIE M. LOBRUTTO MAGDALENA MATA JOHN P. MCFARLANE LAURIE R. MCKENNA SCOTT L. MILLER CHARLES R. MONIZ NATHAN J. NIDIFFER RICHARD A. PALMER JAMES W. PAYETTE VICKY V. PRATT JASON P. RICHTER JAMES M. ROBERTSON, JR. SILVIA E. ROBLEDO JUSTICE M. SAKYI REGINALD L. SENNIE WILLIAM E. SORRELLS KESHI M. SURLES DAVID E. TATUM DAVID C. THOMPSON II ZOE M. WALEED CALVIN D. WEBB, JR. EBONY M. WESTON JAMES C. WHITE SHARON K. WILLIAMS SHAUNDRA D. WILLIAMS STEPHENIE D. WILLIAMS REGINALD E. YOUNG DANIEL P. ZABLOTSKY GEORGE A. ZALDIVAR RICHARD J. ZAVADIL THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be lieutenant colonel ARIEL O. ACEBAL THOMAS L. ADKINS II SCOTT A. AEBI BRIAN P. AFFLERBAUGH ALLISON L. AGAR INES M. AGOSTO DAVID K. AHRENS ROLAND AKINS III JEFFREY D. ALEXANDER HOBART R. ALFORD CRAIG D. ALLEN JACK E. ALLEN JAYSON L. ALLEN THOMAS W. ALLEN AARON T. ALLGEYER DONALD S. ALLISON EDUARDO E. ALONSO RICHARD P. AMISANO, JR. CHRISTOPHER R. AMRHEIN VICTOR A. ANAYA HEATHER J. ANDERSON JAMES G. ANDERSON JOHN M. ANDERSON RANDALL H. ANDERSON JEREMY A. ANFINSON WILLIAM S. ANGERMAN STANLEY B. ARANT TIMOTHY J. ARNOLD CHARLES D. ASHMORE, JR. ISREAL L. ASKEW, JR. ANTHONY D. BABCOCK JEFFREY L. BABINSKI BRIAN K. BAILEY JAMES R. BAILEY, JR. RICHARD W. BAILEY CHRISTOPHER H. BAIRD JOY O. BAITY ROBERT J. BANDSTRA DERRICK M. BANKS DAVID C. BARES PATRICK A. BARNETT STEVEN J. BAROSKO ALLAN D. BARTOLOME LOYD E. BARTON AARON C. BASS GLENN BASSO DAVID J. BAWCOM BAKER B. BEARD JOHN T. BEATTIE MICHAEL J. BEAVIN VICTOR W. BEELER JASON H. BEERS KENYON K. BELL LAUNA J. BELLUCCI JON C. BENDER TREVOR B. BENITONE DANIEL W. BENNETT MARCEL L. BENOIT J. D. BENSON, JR. STEVEN A. BENTON, JR. DAVID W. BERG CHARLES W. BERGERON STEPHEN E. BERGEY TODD D. BERGMAN RAYMOND BERNIER PETER A. BERUBE DAVID L. BIBIGHAUS JAMES J. BIERYLA ROBERT L. BILLINGS PAUL R. BIRCH MICHAEL W. BISHOP MARK W. BJORGEN JOHN C. BLACKWELL CONNOR S. BLACKWOOD STEPHEN K. BLAKE DANIEL D. BLEVINS STEVE L. BLEVINS EDWARD A. BLITT MARK E. BLOMME MARGARET I. BLOOM GRAHAM K. BLOXOM PAUL A. BLUE JOSEPH A. BOBROWSKI BRIAN K. BOGUE DONALD V. BOHNEY DAVID A. BOLES JAMES A. BOOKER LEONARD BOOTHE CHRISTOPHER L. BORING MATTHEW A. BOSCHERT JOHN W. BOSONE RAYMOND A. BOULTER ERIK T. BOVASSO JAMES R. BOWEN MATTHEW T. BOWERS JASON D. BRANCH JOHN M. BRANDT, JR. MATTHEW J. BRECHWALD JACQUELINE D. BREEDEN AUGUSTIN P. BRIGUET BERNARD C. BRINING LARRY R. BROADWELL, JR. BRENT G. BROCKINTON SCOTT W. BROKAW DANIEL T. BROOKS KAREEM C. BROOKS MATTHEW R. BROOKS KENT W. BROOME MICHAEL D. BROTHERS JASON A. BROWN SCOTT C. BROWN THOMAS H. BROWN, JR. JOSEPH W. BROWNING MICHAEL G. BROWNWORTH JAMES A. BRUNER II PAUL J. BRUNER COREY A. BRUNSON LOUIS D. BRYAN DAVID W. BRYNTESON RICHARD T. BUCKLEY BRADFORD E. BUCKMAN GREG D. BUCKNER MATTHEW R. BUEHLER TRAVIS P. BUFORD ERIC S. BULGER AMY S. BUMGARNER TRAVIS A. BURDINE JAMES R. BURLEIGH JEFFREY M. BURNSIDE DERREN P. BURRELL WILLIAM C. BUSCHUR JOHN D. BUTLER ROBERT B. BUTLER STEVEN BUTTIE DONALD C. CALLAGHAN ROD A. CAMERON SHAWN W. CAMPBELL WINSTON M. CAMPBELL DAVID J. CANEDA ALAN R. CANOVA THOMAS L. CANTRELL PAUL S. CAPES RITA C. CAREY ERIC A. CARNEY MICHAEL K. CARNEY CAMERON W. CAROOM SEBASTIAN J. CARRADO RICHARD A. CARRELL CHRISTOPHER M. CARROLL GREGORY T. CARTER JENNINE S. CARTER TRUDY M. CASSEN JONATHAN CASTELLANOS ANTONIO CASTILLO DAVID S. CHACE RYAN C. CHANDLER JAMES W. CHAPPELEAR III KATHERINE H. CHARECKY JOHN W. CHASTAIN III NICHOLAS H. CHAVASSE III CHRISTIAN J. CHEETHAM JERMONT CHEN TIMOTHY W. CHILDRESS [[Page 4368]] DAI H. CHO CHRISTOPHER A. CHOCOLAAD BRYAN J. CHOI JOHN C. CHONG JAMES C. CHRISLEY SARAH J. CHRIST PHILLIP A. CHRONISTER KRISTI K. CHURCH RICHARD D. CIMINO RAYMOND S. CIRASA JEFFREY D. CLARK LANCE D. CLARK CHRISTOPHER A. CLAUS MICHAEL L. CLAVENNA IRA C. CLINE MATTHEW J. CLIVER DAVID N. CLOUGH, JR. JOHN G. COCHRAN JORDON T. COCHRAN CHRISTOPHER L. COLCORD TIMOTHY C. COLE LISA K. COLEMAN MICHAEL L. COLEMAN BRADFORD D. COLEY ARLENE COLLAZO RICHARD I. COLLINS ALLAN J. CONKEY DAVID S. CONLEY MICHAEL E. CONLEY COLIN J. CONNOR CHAD W. COOK MICHAEL J. COOK THOMAS A. COREJ NOLAN R. CORPUZ JASON W. COSTELLO PEDRO A. COTTOPEREZ CHRISTOPHER P. COULURIS DONALD A. COURNOYER YANCEY S. COWEN SAMUEL D. COX RYAN B. CRAYCRAFT LUKE C. CROPSEY JEFFREY C. CROUSE ADRIAN M. CROWLEY KEVIN S. CRUIKSHANK CARY N. CULBERTSON TIMOTHY M. CULLEN JON A. CULP JOHN A. CUPP III MICHELLE M. DALE PATRICK C. DALEY NATHANIEL DASH, JR. ROBERT A. DAVIDSON II CURTIS G. DAVIS DANNY E. DAVIS JAMES E. DAVIS JUDY B. DAVIS ROBERT D. DAVIS LYLE M. DAWLEY JOHN R. DEA MICHAEL S. DEAL KENNETH W. DEAN KARL R. DEERMAN JEFFREY P. DEJOANNIS OSCAR DELGADO MICHAEL T. DELLERT MARK E. DELORY WILLIAM F. DENEHAN, JR. BRIAN R. DENMAN JOHN J. DERESKY JAMES A. DEREUS DARREN R. DEROOS SCOTT D. DERSHEM DANIEL A. DEVOE DENNIS P. DICKERSON KAREN E. DILLARD MATTHEW E. DILLOW ANDREW S. DIPPOLITO JEFFERY T. DITLEVSON DONALD B. DIXON ANDREW J. DOANE WILLIAM F. DOBBS TOBY G. DORAN GARY J. DORMAN SHANE A. DOUGHERTY LANCE N. DOVER CHRISTIAN J. DOWNS AARON D. DRAKE RUSSELL D. DRIGGERS MICHAEL R. DROWLEY DARON J. DROWN PAUL J. DUDLEY EVANGELINA F. DUMAN DAVID R. DUNKLEE JOHN A. DUNLAP DANIEL I. DUNN DAVID S. EAGLIN EDWARD L. EARHART KELLY S. EASLER KEVIN M. EASTLAND BRYAN N. EBERHARDT CHRISTOPHER R. EDEN ANTHONY N. EDENS ALAN W. EDWARDS DOUGLAS C. EDWARDS STEVEN G. EDWARDS CLINTON W. EICHELBERGER CAREY N. EICHHORST THUTAM V. ELLIOTT CHRISTOPHER L. ELLIS JOEL J. ELSBURY DEREK G. EMMONS MATTHEW L. ENFIELD WILLIAM D. ENGBERG JOSEPH A. ENGELBRECHT III JEFFREY P. ENGELKER WILLIAM T. ENGLAND BLAIR F. ENGLISH ROBERT H. EPSTEIN MICHAEL W. ERHARDT MICHAEL S. ERICKSON CHAD J. ERSPAMER JUPE A. ETHERIDGE JOHN S. EUBANKS MATTHEW A. EVANS LARA L. FALARDEAU TRENT C. FALON DAVID B. FAULK MIKE FAUNDA II ROCKY A. FAVORITO ANITA A. FEUGATEOPPERMAN BRUCE A. FIKE ROBERT K. FILBEY PATRICK J. FINAN ROBERT C. FINCH STEPHEN T. FINN JOSEPH E. FINNEGAN KARL C. FISCHBACH JACK D. FISCHER SHILOH D. FISCHER RUSSELL L. FLAMING CHARLES C. FLANDERS ERICKA R. FLANIGAN DEREK L. FLETCHER RICHARD L. FLETCHER WAYNE E. FLOYD STEVEN J. FOLDS JOHN W. FONCANNON ARTHUR P. FORD IV CHRISTOPHER T. FORD THOMAS C. FORD LORIANN FORINGER CAROLYN S. FORNER JOSEPH R. FOSTER ANDREW J. FRASCH BRIAN J. FREIBURGER ABRAHAM F. FRIEDMAN MARK T. FRITZINGER MARK S. FUHRMANN DANE F. FULLER JACK D. FULMER II RYAN O. FUNKHOUSER, JR. DANIEL C. FURLEIGH JUDSON M. FUSSELL SEAN P. GALLAGHER MICHAEL P. GALLANT FRANCISCO M. GALLEI BRIAN D. GALLO MATTHEW C. GAMBLIN ANTHONY S. GAMBOA ALEJANDRO R. GANSTER JOSEPH E. GARDENHOUR DEREK C. GARDNER DWYNE L. GARDNER TED R. GATLIN CHRISTOFF T. GAUB MARTIN P. GAUPP OMAR GAUTHIER STEPHEN M. GEORGIAN LEONARD J. GIAQUINTO JANE E. GIBSON ANGELA P. GIDDINGS JASON A. GIRARD NICOLA P. GISMONDI DAWN M. GITHENS KENNETH D. GJONE DAVID W. GLASS MARK D. GLISSMAN JOHN C. GLOVER GREGORY J. GOAR BRIAN M. GODFREY MICHAEL K. GODWIN ROBERT J. GOMEZ JOHN F. GONZALES KELLEY C. GONZALES AENEAS R. GOODING STEPHEN A. GOODMAN TIMOTHY A. GOODROE GARY E. GOOSEN DUANE L. GORDIN STEVEN M. GORSKI DOUGLAS C. GOSNEY ERIC C. GRACE ALEX GRACIA SCOTT E. GRAHAM SCOTT R. GRAHAM ROBERT S. GRAINGER CARL H. GRANT, JR. JENNIFER L. GRANT JEFFREY B. GRAY BRYAN C. GREEN STEVEN A. GREEN MICHAEL P. GREGORITSCH ERICA S. GREGORY DAVID A. GREIN JENNIFER S. GRESHAM STEPHEN C. GROTJOHN SCOTT A. GROVER JOHN M. GROVES MICHAEL GRUNWALD, JR. MATTHEW S. GUENTHER MONICA P. GUERRA JENNIFER C. GUESS DANIEL A. GUINAN SHAWN M. GUNTER MARTIN J. GUTHRIE GARRY A. HAASE CHAD S. HALE DEDE S. HALFHILL JAMES C. HALL MICHELLE L. HALL DAVID L. HAMBY JENNIFER HAMMERSTEDT DARIEN J. HAMMETT DIETER U. HANEY LOUIS W. HANSEN DAVID G. HANSON KENT E. HARBAUGH, JR. DANIEL P. HARBOWY CHARLES M. HARDING, JR. DAVID F. HARGY CRAIG M. HARMON MICHAEL J. HARNER SHAUN D. HARRADEN SEAN P. HARRINGTON GLENN T. HARRIS LARRY R. HARRIS CHAD J. HARTMAN ROBERT E. HARTMANN BRYAN K. HASTY BRIAN J. HAUG SHANE C. HAUGHIAN TIMOTHY G. HAWKINS GARY T. HAYWARD BRIAN E. HAZEL TREVOR D. HAZEN BRIAN J. HEAPS BRIAN J. HEBERLIE ROBERT B. HECHT KEVIN D. HECKLE MICHAEL O. HEDENSKOOG MATTHEW E. HEIKKINEN TIMOTHY J. HEINTZELMAN CHRISTOPHER M. HEMING BRIAN E. HEMINGWAY ROBERT L. HENDERSON SHANE M. HENDERSON TAMARA J. HENDERSON TROY C. HENDERSON JOHN A. HENNINGS BRIAN A. HENSON KELLY A. HERD KARLA J. HEREN DOUGLAS J. HERMES MARK D. HESSE DALE E. HETKE WILLIAM D. HEUCK, JR. VAUGHN R. HEYER SCOTT G. HEYLER TARAN S. HICKIE JUAN M. HIDALGO SAMUEL B. HIGHLEY SHARON M. HILL TRAVIS J. HILL DAVID L. HILLMAN DAVID A. HILLNER LESLIE F. HIMEBROOK JASON T. HINDS BRIAN A. HINSVARK DAEMON E. HOBBS LANCE A. HOBSON JAMES B. HODGES KENNETH L. HOFFMAN GEORGE A. HOLLAND III WILLIAM A. HOLLAND RYAN D. HOLLMAN JACOB J. HOLMGREN ERIC W. HOOK TODD M. HOOVER DAVID R. HOPPER KRISTINE L. HOPSON DEBBIE L. HORNE MARK T. HORNER ROBERT A. HOSKINS STEACY W. HOUSHOLDER JAMES C. HOWARD TIMOTHY C. HOWARD PAMELA M. HOWARDWHITEHURST RICHARD D. HOYT, JR. LANCE M. HRIVNAK STANTON Y. HUBBARD RICHARD E. HUFFMAN, JR. JAMES P. HUGHES, JR. ROBERT C. HUME FREDERICK A. HUNT, JR. STEPHEN K. HUNTER SCOTT W. HURRELBRINK JOSEPH R. HUSCROFT, JR. DALE E. HYBL MICHAEL D. INGERSOLL BRIAN A. JACKSON KI L. JACKSON PETER E. JACKSON ROBERT D. JACKSON ERIC J. JACOBS TIMOTHY E. JACOBS JAMES J. JAGODZINSKI, JR. EROME M. JAMES JASON M. JANAROS BRIAN T. JANNEY PETER G. JANYSKA RICHARD L. JARRELL CORY S. JEFFERS BLAKE W. JEFFRIES MATTHEW P. JEFSON BRIAN J. JENRETTE [[Page 4369]] BENJAMIN E. JOHNSON GARY S. JOHNSON JEFFREY M. JOHNSON MATTHEW C. JOHNSON MATTHEW D. JOHNSON STEPHAN K. JOHNSON MATTHEW L. JOHNSTON PAUL A. JOHNSTON JAMES C. JONES KENNETH M. JONES MICHAEL C. JONES MICHAEL K. JONES SEAN S. JONES STEPHEN K. JORDAN TIMOTHY R. JORRIS KEVIN G. JUDD CRAIG E. JUNEAU JOHN W. JURGENSEN, JR. KEITH A. JUSTICE LORI E. KABEL JAMES R. KAFER HAROLD M. KAHLER STEVAN C. KAIGHEN KELLY P. KANAPAUX EDWARD A. KAPLAN GREGORY G. KARAHALIS MICHAEL J. KARDOES ALAN D. KASTNER MITCHELL A. KATOSIC SEAN T. KEENE BRIAN T. KEHL CHARLES O. KELM JOSEPH P. KENDALL JAMES F. KENNEDY DAVID J. KENT LANCE E. KENT DARRELL G. KERR SCOTT M. KIEFFER VANETTA M. KILPATRICK SUZANNE M. KIM TROY C. KIMBALL LAWRENCE D. KING MARCUS D. KING CHRISTOPHER A. KIRBY KEITH R. KIRK MICHAEL L. KIRKMAN PAUL D. KIRMIS WILLIAM K. KLAUSE LEE E. KLOOS JOHN T. KNACK ERIC W. KNAPP DANIEL J. KNIGHT JASON L. KNIGHT SHANE A. KNIGHTON MICHAEL E. KNIPPER MONTI L. KNODE ELIZA S. KNUTSON RICHARD T. KOCH TROY D. KOEPNICK JEREMY D. KOKENES JASON T. KOLER JASON E. KOLTES MICHAEL D. KONGOS PAUL KOPECKI WILLIAM C. KOSSICK NICHOLAS T. KOZDRAS ROBERT C. KRAETSCH KENNETH R. KRANZ SCOTT A. KRAUSE TIMOTHY A. KRAUSS JEFFREY T. KRONEWITTER BENJAMIN G. KRUGGEL JEFFREY R. KRUSINSKI THOMAS J. KULAS SCOTT E. KULKA JEFFREY A. KWOKA CHRISTOPHER J. LACHANCE JOHN A. LACY GABRIEL C. LAJEUNESSE JAMES P. LAKE JAMES W. LAMB JASON B. LAMB KINGSTON LAMPLEY BRIAN J. LANCASTER RICHARD L. LAND III JONATHAN D. LANDIS JAMES D. LAPIERRE SHAWN D. LARCHER MARC A. LARUE STAN D. LAWRIE ROBERT L. LEARY JASON W. LEBLEU JOHN W. LECLAIR, JR. CLARENCE I. LEE GUINEVERE R. LEEDER OLIVER K. LEEDS ROBERT N. LEEJOICE JOHN E. LEIF GREGG A. LEISMAN CHRISTOPHER D. LEMANSKI DANIEL W. LEMON THOMAS A. LENZ BRIAN D. LEWIS JOHN T. LEWIS IV MELANIE M. LEWIS REX S. LEWIS II SUSIE G. LEWIS RODNEY D. LIBERATO JOHN V. LILLER STEVEN N. LINDEMUTH JASON E. LINDSEY JEFFREY P. LINGENS ROBERT M. LISCH DON K. LITTLE, JR. GARRY M. LITTLE DOUGLAS R. LOMSDALEN MARC N. LONDON TIMOTHY A. LONG MICHAEL E. LOVE DEBRA A. LOVETTE JONATHAN E. LOWE CRAIG R. LUCEY TIMOTHY P. LYON BRETT J. MACHOVINA DEBORAH L. MACKAY MORGAN D. MACKEY CHRISTOPHER B. MADDEN CURTIS J. MADELEY MONICA G. MADEROSCHREIBER MICHAEL K. MADRON LESLIE A. MAHER AARON P. MAINSTONE DARREN R. MAKELA JAMIE A. MAKI NICOLE M. MALACHOWSKI THERESA L. MALASAVAGE DANIEL R. MALIN LLOYD A. MALONE MICHAEL J. MALONE JOHN C. MANERI MICHAEL H. MANION WILLIAM M. MANLEY STEPHEN C. MANN MICHAEL T. MANOR KENNETH A. MARENTETTE DANIEL J. MARKHAM SEAN C. MARLER AUGUST J. MARQUARDT BRIAN M. MARQUETTE IAN P. MARR JOSEPH A. MARROQUIN ADAM S. MARSHALL CHARMAINE L. MARTIN JEFFREY S. MARTIN JOHN R. MARTIN MATTHEW J. MARTIN WILLIAM P. MARTIN FERNANDO MARTINEZ MICHAEL M. MARVICH GUY W. MATHEWSON WAYNE E. MATTINGLY BRIAN E. MAUE WILLIAM G. MAXWELL DAVID W. MAY BRADLEY M. MCALPINE BRIAN K. MCBEE SHAWN B. MCCAMISH CRAIG A. MCCARTY CHRISTOPHER J. MCCLEARY KEVIN R. MCCLUNEY MATTHEW S. MCCONNELL DANA C. MCCOWN DWAYNE T. MCCULLION JOHN D. MCCULLOUGH JOHN C. MCDANIEL THOMAS A. MCGEE WILLIAM L. MCGRAW SEAN A. MCKAY RICHARD A. MCKEE SEAN C. MCLAY JEFFREY S. MCLEMORE THOMAS W. MCMAHON, JR. ROBERT J. MCMURRY MATTHEW E. MCQUINN BRIAN E. MEAD HERBERT P. MEADOWS THOMAS E. MEANS WOODROW A. MEEKS DAVID C. MEGGETT STEPHEN W. MEGINNISS JOHN S. MEITER ROBERT A. MELZER II ANDRE R. MENARD, JR. JEFFREY T. MENASCO KURT A. MENCKE DAMON L. MENENDEZ JEFFREY A. MERCHANT JEFFREY C. MERRELL MICHAEL L. MERRITT CARLOS R. MESSER, JR. GREGORY J. MEYER AARON J. MEYERS STEPHEN G. MICELI KORWIN K. MIIKE BRIAN D. MIKUS MICHAEL T. MILES BRIAN M. MILLER BRYAN D. MILLER CAROL J. MILLER GREGORY J. MILLER MICHAEL D. MILLER MICHAEL K. MILLER MICHAEL S. MILLER THOMAS L. MILLER, JR. CHAD A. MILLETTE THOMAS G. MINER, JR. ALEXANDER MIRAVITE, JR. LAWRENCE W. MITCHELL MARK L. MITCHEM JAMES C. MOCK MARK P. MONGILLO FELIX MONTERO JEFFREY G. MOODY BRIAN R. MOORE THOMAS P. MOORE TODD R. MOORE ROBERT G. MOOSE MICHAEL T. MORGAN CHAD K. MORRIS RANDALL S. MORRIS BRIAN J. MORRISON ROBERT J. MORRISON JAMES V. MOTT MICHAEL W. MOYLES MICHAEL W. MULLINS BRIAN S. MUNOZ KEVIN D. MURRAY ANDREW J. MUSER CHRISTINA K. MUTH LINDA M. MUZQUIZ DAVID J. NADEAU JASON D. NAHRGANG KEVIN P. NAMAN JOSEPH E. NANCE MICHAEL T. NEEDHAM TYLER D. NELSON GILBERT D. NESS TY W. NEUMAN CRAIG W. NEUZIL RAYMOND R. NEWBILL III JESSICA D. NICHOL RODNEY H. NICHOLS DAWN A. NICKELL BRIAN C. NICOLOSI DANE R. NIELSEN PETER M. NIGRO, JR. BRIAN J. NOE JEREMY B. NOEL RIC K. NORDGREN KRISTOPHER T. NORWOOD ROSS C. NOVACK KYLE A. NOVAK STEVEN J. NOVOTNY, JR. GREGORY E. NOWAK CHRISTOPHER P. NUTTING BRENDAN D. OBRIEN WILLIAM M. OCHOA THOMAS J. OCONNELL, JR. JEFFERSON J. ODONNELL DONALD R. OHLEMACHER STEVEN C. OIMOEN DAVID W. OLANDER NATHAN A. OLIVER NICHOLE E. OLIVER FELIPE OLIVERA DENNIS M. OM THOMAS C. OMALLEY, JR. KEVIN T. OMEARA MARK T. ONEAL TRACY L. ONUFER MARK D. OREILLY PAUL H. ORTH ELIZABETH A. ORTIZ RYAN K. OSTEROOS CHRISTOPHER J. OUELLETTE ROBB E. OWENS NATHAN B. PADDOCK MARK S. PALERMO JAMES F. PALUMBO JOHN P. PANTLEO JONATHAN D. PARK DAVID R. PARKER MATTHEW A. PARKER JEFFREY J. PARKS MICHAEL R. PARRISH CHRISTOPHER W. PARRY TIFFANY L. PASANEN ROBBIE J. PASSINAULT ROBERT L. PATA JASON PATLA WILLIAM T. PATRICK JEFFERY S. PATTON ROBERT L. PATTON DANIEL C. PAUL JOHN G. PAUL DANIEL T. PAWLAK JEFFREY L. PAYNE SCOTT L. PAYNE TODD A. PEACHEY TIMOTHY J. PEARSON PAUL E. PENDLETON KEVIN M. PENROD PAUL F. PERKINS NESTOR L. PERONE, JR. CRAIG M. PERRY JEFFREY J. PETERS CHARLES H. PETERSON JOHN C. PETERSON PAUL L. PETHEL IAN D. PHILLIPS JEREMY C. PHILLIPS WILLIAM M. PHILLIPS WILLIAM F. PING III RYAN G. PLUNKETT ROBERT T. POCHERT RANDALL D. POLLAK MARK A. POSTEMA SHANE T. PRATER DOUGLAS G. PRATT SHARON E. PRESLEY SAMUEL T. PRICE SCOTT T. PROFFITT BRIAN T. PROULX KERRY J. PROULX JEFFREY A. PRUSS MICHELS D. PRYOR [[Page 4370]] MICHAEL J. PUGSLEY DONALD D. PURDY MARK B. PYE RILEY F. PYLES JASON A. QUEEN MILO QUESINBERRY, JR. JAMIE J. QUOLAS DANIEL P. RADULSKI HUGH M. RAGLAND III TERRI L. RAINES BRIAN E. RALSTON MICHAEL J. RAMIREZ ROBERT G. RAMIREZ COREY M. RAMSBY GERALD J. RAMSEY JACQUELINE G. RANDOLPH DANIEL E. RAUCH CHAD A. RAULS WADE J. RAWLINS MICHAEL J. RAYNOHA CLIFTON D. REED BOB A. REEVES JAY B. REEVES LAURA A. REGAN PAUL S. REHOME ROMERO H. REID MARK D. REIMANN JOHN J. REIMER ANDREW S. REISENWEBER JACK M. REMBISZ ROBERT A. REMEY, JR. ROBERT S. RENFRO II STEVE L. RENNER BRADLEY D. RENNICH ANTHONY G. RETKA RAUL REYES, JR. WILLIAM A. RHYNE HEIDI P. RICARTE DOUGLAS P. RICE BRYAN D. RICHARDSON NEIL R. RICHARDSON VINCENT T. RICHE DAVID J. RICHIE LAURIE K. RICHTER CHAD A. RIDEN MICHAEL G. RIDER JODI M. RILEY WILLIAM J. RILEY CHRISTINE Y. RILOVICK SUSAN M. RIORDANSMITH DANIEL J. RISBERG TILGHMAN L. RITTENHOUSE FRANCISCO RIVERA CHARLES P. ROBERTS ANGENENE L. ROBERTSON SEAN W. ROBERTSON SEAN P. ROBINSON WILLIAM C. ROBINSON BLAINE L. ROCHLITZ QUENTON L. RODGERS ROBYNN C. RODMAN PATRICIA RODRIGUEZREY ARNOLD RODRIGUEZ DAVID RODRIGUEZ JOSEPH I. RODRIGUEZ JAMES S. ROE II MICHAEL J. ROONEY TREVOR ROSENBERG STEVEN M. ROSS SCOTT A. ROTH SCOTT A. ROTHERMEL ERROL W. ROTTMAN, JR. PAUL C. ROUNSAVALL JOEL M. ROUSEY SEAN C. ROUTIER SCOTT J. ROXBURGH ROBERT D. ROY JAMES E. RUMBLEY MARK C. RUSK TIMOTHY R. RYAN JOEL W. SAFRANEK RICHARD M. SALASOVICH RYAN R. SAMUELSON JOSEPH M. SANCHEZ ALAN B. SANDERS JAMES K. SANDERS MARC J. SANDS NEIL T. SANGER ANTHONY J. SANSANO THOMAS I. SAVOIE CHRISTOPHER J. SCARBOROUGH STEVEN D. SCAVITTO MICHAEL L. SCHAFFER PAUL H. SCHAUM LANCE E. SCHMIDT MICHAEL C. SCHOENBEIN MARK A. SCHRAMEK MICHAEL D. SCHRIPSEMA JOHN P. SCHROEDER TODD S. SCHUG KIRK M. SCHULTZ WILLIAM A. SCHUM GREGORY J. SCHWABACHER GEORGE N. SCHWARTZ PAUL H. SCHWARTZ RICHARD T. SCOTT ROGER A. SCOTT SEAN H. SCOTT GREGORY J. SCOUGALL RANDALL A. SECHLER ROLAND E. SECODY LONES B. SEIBER III HARRY L. SEIBERT, JR. BRETT S. SEILING TIMOTHY A. SEJBA ATHIE L. SELF KEVIN C. SELLERS MARK A. SENG JOHN D. SEUELL BRYAN K. SHARBER DONALD G. SHEESLEY GLEN R. SHILLAND MARCUS J. SHIPMAN JOSEPH H. SHIREY AMY L. SHIRLEY DAVID G. SHOEMAKER DOUGLAS L. SHORT JENNIFER M. SHORT THOMAS C. SHRUM MICHAEL J. SIERCO JOHN D. SILVERMAN DAVID G. SIMPSON STEVEN M. SIMS MATTHEW A. SINNING DAVID M. SIRESS TIMOTHY A. SITES MARK T. SKOSICH STEPHEN M. SLOOP JOHN P. SMAIL BRADLEY K. SMITH CRISTIAN S. SMITH DOUGLAS D. SMITH GARY T. SMITH JOHN P. SMITH MATTHEW J. SMITH MATTHEW P. SMITH MICHAEL S. SMITH MICHAEL S. SMITH NICHOLAS A. SMITH PAUL P. SMITH, JR. SHANNON G. SMITH MARK K. SNOW MARK A. SNOWDEN CHRISTOPHER J. SOLO REBECCA J. SONKISS NATHANIEL A. SOUTHWORTH CHRISTOPHER J. SOVADA ANTHONY W. SPADUZZI MICHAEL J. SPANICH III PAUL F. SPAVEN BRADLEY L. SPEARS DAVID B. SPENCER YVONNE S. SPENCER SCOTT A. SPIERS RICHARD A. SPOSATO DENNIS R. SPRENKLE RICK A. SPYKER KIRK N. STAHLBAUM JEFFREY D. STANDS DAVID L. STANFIELD GEORGE A. STANLEY WESTLEY D. STARK DEVIN STATHAM GREGORY A. STAVEN JONATHAN A. STECKBECK RICHARD V. STEELE CRAIG S. STEFAN MICHAEL J. STEPANIAK JESSE S. STEVENS KENDAL A. STEVENSON WILLIAM J. STOCKEL JOHN D. STOCKWELL DAVID E. STONE JERRY C. STONECIPHER SARAH A. STRACHAN TODD R. STRATTON ANTHONY C. STROUP ERIC H. STUBBS TERESA L. SUH WILLIAM D. SULLIVAN TIMOTHY G. SUMJA DONALD A. SUPON, JR. DUSTIN G. SUTTON KRISTINE L. SWAIN ROBERT A. SYLVESTER DANIELLE L. TAYLOR DREW R. TAYLOR THOMAS A. TAYLOR JOHN D. TAYMAN MARY R. TEETER MERRYL TENGESDAL DARRYL L. TERRELL, JR. JOSEPH C. TERRONES JONATHAN L. TERRY HANS T. THATCHER ANDREA E. THEMELY ALLEN L. THIBEAUX KELLEY A. THIBODEAU JEREMY L. THIEL DOUGLAS G. THIES JOSEPH A. THILL JOSEPH Y. THOMAS RICKY A. THOMAS JONATHAN S. THOMPSON KEVIN V. THOMPSON ROBERT S. THOMPSON SHAWN C. THOMPSON DAYMEN L. TIFFANY VASAGA TILO, JR. RENE C. TOMAS KIMBERLY A. TOOMAN ROBERT J. TOREN JOHN M. TORRES PHUONG T. TRAN THUAN H. TRAN WILLIAM D. TRAUTMANN ANDREW E. TRAVNICEK JAMES P. TRESEMER JACOB TRIGLER CHRISTOPHER TROTTER JOHN S. TRUBE RAYMOND T. TRUONG JOHN E. TRYON ERIC J. TUCKER KELLY C. TUCKER TEERA T. TUNYAVONGS CHARLES W. TURNER JAMES A. TURNER UDUAK I. UDOAKA KENNETH R. UHLER DANIEL S. ULMER RYAN J. UMSTATTD DAVID M. VACLAVIK JEFFERY D. VALENZIA TAD D. VANNAMAN JENNIFER H. VANWEEZENDONK JAMES D. VARDEN JOHN E. VARGAS, JR. SCOTT A. VAUGHAN MICHAEL S. VAUGHN DENNIS R. VEENEMAN JOSEPH L. VEIT EDWARD S. VEITCH CHARLES M. VELINO FRANK R. VERDUGO MICHELLE A. VESTAL KRISTINE N. VIER MATTHEW C. VILLELLA JOHN C. VINCENT FRANK S. VIRGADAMO JASON A. VITAS JODI M. VITTORI JOACHIM F. VOGT KEVIN P. WADE DONALD S. WALKER KEVIN P. WALKER KARILYNNE WALLACE DAVID J. WALLER, SR. WILLIAM B. WALPERT THOMAS B. WALSH II DEMETRIUS WALTERS JAMES W. WAMHOFF DANIEL B. WARD DOUGLAS M. WARE CLINTON F. WARNER JENIFER B. WARREN WILLIAM B. WARREN BRADLEY D. WATERS DARRELL T. WATKINS TRACY R. WATKINS ALEXANDRIA R. WATSON RALPH L. WATSON MICHAEL T. WEAVER WILLIAM T. WEBB MATTHEW J. WEHNER HEWETT S. WELLS CHRISTIAN A. WENDLER KURT A. WENDT TREVOR A. WENTLANDT ALAN J. WESENBERG TRACY L. WEST SCOTT A. WESTON MICHAEL R. WHALEN PATRICK J. WHELAN ANTHONY D. WHITE PATRICK J. WHITE ROBERT T. WHITE STEVEN G. WHITE RANDY C. WHITECOTTON MICHAEL F. WHITEHEAD TREVOR J. WHITEHILL JILL L. WHITESELL LANCE D. WHITFILL PAUL H. WHITMORE MICHAEL G. WHYTE CURTIS J. WICHERS JEFFREY C. WIEMERI ROBERT D. WILFONG LANCE A. WILKINS CHRISTOPHER S. WILLIAMS DARIN L. WILLIAMS SHON P. WILLIAMS DONALD S. WILSON JAMES S. WILSON REGINA S. WINCHESTER JOHN W. WINKLER JOSEPH R. WIRTHLIN WAYNE L. WISNESKI MICHAEL F. WITTROCK THOMAS Q. WOFFORD JASON Z. WOLLARD GREGORY R. WOOD MARK F. WOOD ZACHARY A. WOOD BLAINE J. WORTHINGTON ERIC W. WRIGHT JONATHAN L. WRIGHT PARKER H. WRIGHT JOSEPH B. WURMSTEIN ALEXANDER M. WYLIE HEATHER H. YATES KENNETH E. YEE KYON R. YI JOHN A. YOCUM SANG H. YOO BRIAN J. YOUNG [[Page 4371]] MICHAEL B. YOUNG ROEL ZAMORA JOHN P. ZAPATA KAYLIN ZAPATA ZACHARY B. ZEINER DEAN E. ZEZEUS JAMES J. ZIRKEL STEVEN M. ZUBOWICZ in the army THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: To be colonel PETER C. GOULD THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: To be colonel GARRETT S. YEE THE FOLLOWING NAMED ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED STATES OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12211: To be colonel ROY L. BOURNE JOHN E. BURK PAUL F. GRIFFIN STEPHEN G. KENT GEORGE H. MCKINNEY II STANLEY W. SHEFTALL THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY DENTAL CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 624 AND 3064: To be colonel CHRISTOPHER L. ARNHEITER SHAN K. BAGBY MICHAEL D. BARNES HOWELL I. V. BEARD JEFFREY G. CHAFFIN ROBERT W. HEROLD JAMES M. HOWELL III TERRY S. LEE KATHLEEN MCNALLY RAMON E. MELENDEZ MICHAEL G. MOYER GEN B. PAEK MINAXI I. PATEL CHRISTOPHER D. PERRIN MICHAEL L. ROBERTS STEPHEN J. TANNER ALFRED J. TERP ANTHONY S. THOMAS JAMES W. TURONIS THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY MEDICAL CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 624 AND 3064: To be colonel BRET T. ACKERMANN ANTHONY W. ALLEN GEORGE N. APPENZELLER KRISTEN C. BARNER ROSS BARNER NORI Y. BUISING MICHAEL K. L. CHINN FRANCIS M. CHIRICOSTA CYNTHIA L. CLAGETT DAVID B. CLINE WILLIAM C. CONNER MARICELA CONTRERAS MARK H. CROLEY TELITA CROSLAND BRIAN M. CUNEO MARTIN P. CURRY KEVIN D. DEWEBER DARREL W. DODSON MARIE A. DOMINGUEZ MICHAEL E. DOYLE ETHAN E. EMMONS MICHAEL S. FRIEDMAN MARK M. FUKUDA TAD L. GERLINGER BLAKE D. GRAHAM WAYNE E. HACHEY CARTER J. HALE ANTHONY D. HIRTZ JOHN D. HORWHAT JOHN P. HUSAK NIEL A. JOHNSON SCOTT J. JOHNSON SCOTT M. KAMBISS ROSALYNN K. KIM JORGE O. KLAJNBART STEPHEN H. KOOPMEINERS ROBERT K. LATHER GREGORY Y. LEE JUAN M. LOPEZ ROBERT H. LUTZ ARTHUR G. LYONS KENDELL L. MANN BARRY D. MARTIN DAVID E. MCCUNE MARK A. MCGRAIL JOHN G. MCMANUS, JR. ANTHONY B. MICKELSON MICHAEL A. MILLER MICHAEL P. MULREANY GEORGINA L. MURRAY ANNE L. NACLERIO MARK L. NELSON NICOLE M. OWENS JOHN M. PALMER ROSANGELA PARSONS JOSEPH L. PERRY MARK E. POLHEMUS DANA K. RENTA MATTHEW S. RETTKE MARY JO K. ROHRER ROBERT S. RUDOLPHI JEFFREY S. SAENGER MICHAEL J. SERWACKI DANIEL E. SIMPSON JOHN A. SMYRSKI III DOUGLAS M. SORENSEN HENRY SPRING, JR. JEREMIAH STUBBS RICHARD D. STUTZMAN GREGORY P. THIBAULT JENNIFER C. THOMPSON JEANNE K. TOFFERI REBECCA R. TOMSYCK JAMES S. WADDING HARLAN M. WALKER II DAVID J. WILKIE MICHAEL J. WILSON FRANKLIN H. WOOD JACINTO ZAMBRANO MICHAEL J. ZAPOR D070597 D060652 In the Navy THE FOLLOWING NAMED INDIVIDUALS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE REGULAR NAVY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 531: To be lieutenant commander STEVEN A. KHALIL DAVID B. ROSENBERG THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be captain MIGUEL GONZALEZ THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be commander DAVID M. DROMSKY THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be lieutenant commander JED R. ESPIRITU THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 5721: To be lieutenant commander CHARLES C. ADKISON ROBERT J. BARRETT ALICIA L. BELCHER SHAN A. BOGART KENNETH A. BOURASSA MARK C. BURKE KEVIN R. CASAGRANDE THOMAS J. COOPER JANET H. DAYS DANIELLE C. DEFANT ERIC E. ERHARD ANDREW D. FLEISHER JENNIFER M. FREE RAYMOND J. GAMICCHIA CHRISTOPHER D. HEINZ JEREMIAH D. JACKSON ANTHONY G. JARED ALEXANDER B. KORN JASON LABOTT JIWAN A. MACK ROBERT L. NOWLIN DOUGLAS V. NYE RICHARD A. ROBBINS, JR. DAVID H. RYAN CHRISTOPHER J. SEVERS ERIC W. SISCO TRICIA L. TEAS In the Marine Corps THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: To be colonel DAVID G. ANTONIK DAVID A. HIGGINS REIDAR F. LARSEN THOMAS M. NELSON STEVEN D. PETERSON THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be colonel KELLY P. ALEXANDER GINO P. AMOROSO BRIAN P. ANNICHIARICO CHRISTOPHER A. ARANTZ MARY A. AUGUSTITUS BRUCE W. BARNHILL ROBERT S. BARR BRETT M. BARTHOLOMAUS PETER B. BAUMGARTEN MICHAEL J. BERGERUD DAVID J. BLIGH MICHAEL S. BODKIN JAMES C. BRENNAN ALLEN D. BROUGHTON MICHAEL H. BROWN ERIC F. BUER DAVE W. BURTON MARK A. BUTLER RICHARD L. CAPUTO, JR. JAMES K. CARBERRY JOHN H. CELIGOY PHILLIP W. CHANDLER BRADLEY C. CLOSE CHRISTOPHER P. COKE JEFFREY P. COLWELL DANIEL B. CONLEY JAMES S. CONNELLY MICHAEL A. COOLICAN MICHAEL E. CORDERO DARRIN DENNY KENNETH M. DETREUX PETER J. DEVINE JAMES E. DONNELLAN FRANCIS L. DONOVAN CHRISTOPHER S. DOWLING WILLIAM R. DUNN II EMILY J. ELDER TERRI E. ERDAG JOHN K. FAIRCLOTH, JR. MICHAEL FARRELL BARRY J. FITZPATRICK, JR. PAUL A. FORTUNATO, JR. SCOTT G. FOSDAL ROBIN A. GALLANT JONATHAN C. GOFF DANIEL J. HAAS KARL J. HACKBARTH JEFFREY A. HAGAN BRADLEY R. HALL RICHARD D. HALL ERIC C. HASTINGS KARSTEN S. HECKL DIMITRI HENRY JOHN M. HENRY RICHARD K. HILBERER MARK R. HOLLAHAN DOUGLAS G. HURLEY MARK K. JAMISON RUDOLPH M. JANICZEK MARK T. JOHNSON THOMAS V. JOHNSON GARY S. JOHNSTON WILLIAM M. JURNEY PATRICK N. KELLEHER TRACY W. KING PATRICK E. KLINE GARY A. KLING CRAIG S. KOZENIESKY MICHAEL L. KUHN GREGORY L. LEMONS STEPHEN B. LEWALLEN, JR. ANDREW G. MANCHIGIAH DAREN K. MARGOLIN REY Q. MASINSIN DAVID W. MAXWELL MICHAEL A. MCCARTHY THOMAS R. MCCARTHY, JR. MICHAEL G. MCCOY LANCE A. MCDANIEL JAMES F. MCGRATH CHRISTOPHER J. MICHELSEN JAY B. MONTGOMERY PAUL L. MULLER STEPHEN M. NEARY STEPHEN C. NEWMAN TERRENCE A. OCONNELL MICHAEL R. ORR DOUGLAS W. PASNIK PAUL D. PATTERSON, JR. JOSEPH R. PERLAK WILLIAM B. PITMAN ROBERT D. PRIDGEN JEFFREY M. REAGAN JAMES E. RECTOR PHILLIP J. REIMAN AUSTIN E. RENFORTH MICHAEL B. RICHARDSON PAUL J. ROCK, JR. JOHN A. RUTHERFORD TIMOTHY M. SALMON MICHAEL L. SCALISE DOUGLAS R. SCHUELER [[Page 4372]] HALLIBURTO J. SELLERS CHRISTOPHER C. SEYMOUR JOHN R. SHAFER ANDREW G. SHORTER KENT D. SIMON WAYNE A. SINCLAIR STEPHEN D. SKLENKA CHRISTOPHER B. SNYDER CHRISTOPHER C. STARLING JAMES C. STEWART CHARLES D. STOUT SAMUEL T. STUDDARD MICHAEL M. SWEENEY TRACY J. TAFOLLA HUGH V. TILLMAN ROBERT T. TOBIN III WILLIAM A. TOSICK II MATTHEW E. TRAVIS DALE S. VESELY WILLIAM A. VISTED JAMES A. VOHR THOMAS W. WARD BRADLEY E. WEISZ DAVID P. WELLS JAMES F. WERTH ANDREW G. WILCOX BLAKE M. WILSON DANIEL H. WILSON JOHN R. WOODWORTH ANTHONE R. WRIGHT [[Page 4373]] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES--Monday, February 23, 2009 The House met at 2 p.m. and was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Hastings of Florida). ____________________ DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following communication from the Speaker: Washington, DC, February 23, 2009. I hereby appoint the Honorable Alcee L. Hastings to act as Speaker pro tempore on this day. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives. ____________________ PRAYER The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, offered the following prayer: We praise You and we bless You Lord God for another day, another week, another opportunity to make a personal difference in this world, to serve the people of this Nation by serving in the 111th Congress, and give You glory in all our words and deeds. We pray and work for social and financial security as this Nation and the entire world is faced with economic crisis. Lord, stir creative thinking and greater collaboration in this Chamber that government may prove to be an agent of change and provide leadership in the world community. By Your grace and power, turn this time of anxiety into an era of peace, where people become more disciplined and responsible themselves and more caring for their neighbors and the least fortunate in the world. ``Love conquers all.'' This we believe, now and forever. Amen. ____________________ THE JOURNAL The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair has examined the Journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the House his approval thereof. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved. ____________________ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) come forward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. FOXX led the Pledge of Allegiance as follows: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ____________________ COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following communication from the Clerk of the House of Representatives: Office of the Clerk, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, February 13, 2009. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, The Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Madam Speaker: Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 13, 2009, at 11:25 p.m.: That the Senate agreed to the conference report accompanying the bill H.R. 1. That the Senate passed S. 234. That the Senate agreed to without amendment H. Con. Res. 35. That the Senate agreed to without amendment H. Con. Res. 47. Appointments: Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki) Senate National Security Working Group With best wishes, I am Sincerely, Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the House. ____________________ ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 4 of rule I, the following enrolled bill was signed by the Speaker on Friday, February 13, 2009: H.R. 1, making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. ____________________ BANKRUPTCY FIELD (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, ballparks across America are back in swing and only days until opening day at the taxpayers' new park in New York, Citi Field. The average cost for a family of four to see a game is $200. Wonder what the average cost for an office and executive secretary for former big shots at Citigroup in Manhattan costs? Well, it's not peanuts. According to news reports, our struggling friends at Citigroup have plenty enough to plaster their name on a new ballpark and keep high dollar offices and secretaries for ex CEOs. The coach at Citigroup is making cuts to the roster at every other position, but it seems the luxury suite won't be traded. Households across our country are prioritizing spending, doing without to make ends meet, and they're not getting any bailout money from the Federal Government. Citigroup is striking out when it comes to wise usage of taxpayer money. Citigroup should not spend taxpayer money on baseball parks and elaborate offices for former Citigroup players. If Citigroup goes broke, they shouldn't be coming looking for more taxpayer money. If they go bankrupt, we can call the new field in New York ``Bankruptcy Field.'' And that's just the way it is. ____________________ FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today there's a fiscal responsibility summit at the White House. I hope this summit will be the beginning of important decisions Congress is going to make in order to limit the rising cost of government. It is disappointing that this summit came after Congress passed a $1 trillion spending package last week that many of my colleagues and many Americans do not believe was the right way to stimulate our economy. Nevertheless, it is vital that we start anew and sincerely to make responsibility the foundation of governing. We need reforms that protect the services and benefits promised to American families while not growing the burden of taxation, tragic inflation, or the long-term tide of wasteful spending. If we are truly dedicated to protecting and preserving services like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, then, indeed, we must reform them to keep them solvent. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th. ____________________ QUIT HIDING BEHIND THE SKIRTS OF MR. VAN HOLLEN (Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California asked and was given permission [[Page 4374]] to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to talk about a gutless move by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. They are currently sending robo-calls into my district criticizing me for my vote on the stimulus package. Well, maybe that's fair game. But last week I was home in the district and I accepted an invitation by a bipartisan group, the Public Policy Institute of California, to discuss the issue. Three Members of the other side of the aisle in my area were invited to be on that panel. They all declined, including one who had accepted and then declined when she found out I was going to be there. You're messing with my children and my grandchildren's future. You're messing with my 91-year-old mother's current retirement. Have the guts to appear on panels with Members of this side of the aisle, and quit hiding behind the skirts of Mr. Van Hollen. ____________________ ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are advised that they should address their remarks to the Chair. ____________________ WASHINGTON WILL NOT FACE UP TO ITS RESPONSIBILITY (Ms. FOXX asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, we have some young people here on the floor with us today, and they represent American families who are hurting and need relief. But, instead, Washington continues to engage in out-of- control spending. There was the $1 trillion ``stimulus plan'' that will only stimulate more government and more debt. We're about to deal with a half trillion dollar omnibus spending bill to fund the government for just 7 months, which is an 8 percent increase in spending. And then we have the $75 billion for the President's mortgage bailout proposal. And then he's going to present to us a way to cut the deficit, which is going to be on the backs of our troops. He's going to cut spending for our troops. We need to remind the American people that the number one role of the Federal Government is the defense of this Nation. And we need people to understand that we are putting these children, their children and their grandchildren into great debt because Washington will not face up to its responsibility. ____________________ HONORING LARRY H. MILLER (Mr. CHAFFETZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, this week the people of Utah mourned the passing of a beloved community leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Larry H. Miller's life is an inspiration to all of us who care about families, our communities and our country. Larry Miller was an extraordinary businessman, building more than 80 companies, including his auto business from one dealership in 1979 to 39 today. His business holdings expanded with the 1985 purchase of the Utah Jazz and later the Salt Lake Bees and the creation of the Miller Motorsports Park. Perhaps more important than his business success was his charitable work, much of it unseen and anonymous. Through his Larry H. Miller Charities, Miller provided for thousands, funded campus sports facilities, and established a training center for entrepreneurs, as well as a facility for public safety training. Larry H. Miller had a profound impact upon the State of Utah, and his works will continue to be a positive force in countless lives. I honor his accomplishments, his example, his philanthropy, and wish nothing but the best for his family, and hope they understand the deep gratitude Utah shares for a truly honorable man. ____________________ STIMULUS GIVES JOBS TO LAW-BREAKERS (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the so-called stimulus bill gives jobs to law-breakers. Democrats put illegal workers ahead of Americans without jobs. They removed a requirement that employers verify the legal status of workers paid with stimulus money. So now we have taxpayers' dollars going to hire illegal immigrants instead of U.S. citizens and legal workers. Now that the requirement that employers hire legal workers has been removed, 300,000 jobs in construction alone will go to illegal workers, according to the Heritage Foundation. If the goal of the stimulus bill is to create jobs, is it too much to ask that the jobs go to citizens and legal workers? The American people need to know that the Democrats could have saved stimulus jobs for citizens but intentionally decided to give jobs to illegal immigrants instead. ____________________ ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair will postpone further proceedings today on motions to suspend the rules on which a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered, or on which the vote is objected to under clause 6 of rule XX. Record votes on postponed questions will be taken after 6:30 p.m. today. ____________________ GUAM WORLD WAR II LOYALTY RECOGNITION ACT Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 44) to implement the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 44 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Recognition of the suffering and loyalty of the residents of Guam. Sec. 3. Payments for Guam World War II claims. Sec. 4. Adjudication. Sec. 5. Grants program to memorialize the occupation of Guam during World War II. Sec. 6. Authorization of appropriations. SEC. 2. RECOGNITION OF THE SUFFERING AND LOYALTY OF THE RESIDENTS OF GUAM. (a) Recognition of the Suffering of the Residents of Guam.--The United States recognizes that, as described by the Guam War Claims Review Commission, the residents of Guam, on account of their United States nationality, suffered unspeakable harm as a result of the occupation of Guam by Imperial Japanese military forces during World War II, by being subjected to death, rape, severe personal injury, personal injury, forced labor, forced march, or internment. (b) Recognition of the Loyalty of the Residents of Guam.-- The United States forever will be grateful to the residents of Guam for their steadfast loyalty to the United States of America, as demonstrated by the countless acts of courage they performed despite the threat of death or great bodily harm they faced at the hands of the Imperial Japanese military forces that occupied Guam during World War II. SEC. 3. PAYMENTS FOR GUAM WORLD WAR II CLAIMS. (a) Payments for Death, Personal Injury, Forced Labor, Forced March, and Internment.--Subject to section 6(a), after receipt of certification pursuant to section 4(b)(8) and in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall make payments as follows: (1) Residents injured.--The Secretary shall pay compensable Guam victims who are not deceased before any payments are made to individuals described in paragraphs (2) and (3) as follows: (A) If the victim has suffered an injury described in subsection (c)(2)(A), $15,000. (B) If the victim is not described in subparagraph (A) but has suffered an injury described in subsection (c)(2)(B), $12,000. (C) If the victim is not described in subparagraph (A) or (B) but has suffered an injury described in subsection (c)(2)(C), $10,000. [[Page 4375]] (2) Survivors of residents who died in war.--In the case of a compensable Guam decedent, the Secretary shall pay $25,000 for distribution to eligible survivors of the decedent as specified in subsection (b). The Secretary shall make payments under this paragraph after payments are made under paragraph (1) and before payments are made under paragraph (3). (3) Survivors of deceased injured residents.--In the case of a compensable Guam victim who is deceased, the Secretary shall pay $7,000 for distribution to eligible survivors of the victim as specified in subsection (b). The Secretary shall make payments under this paragraph after payments are made under paragraphs (1) and (2). (b) Distribution of Survivor Payments.--Payments under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (a) to eligible survivors of an individual who is a compensable Guam decedent or a compensable Guam victim who is deceased shall be made as follows: (1) If there is living a spouse of the individual, but no child of the individual, all of the payment shall be made to such spouse. (2) If there is living a spouse of the individual and one or more children of the individual, one-half of the payment shall be made to the spouse and the other half to the child (or to the children in equal shares). (3) If there is no living spouse of the individual, but there are one or more children of the individual alive, all of the payment shall be made to such child (or to such children in equal shares). (4) If there is no living spouse or child of the individual but there is a living parent (or parents) of the individual, all of the payment shall be made to the parents (or to the parents in equal shares). (5) If there is no such living spouse, child, or parent, no payment shall be made. (c) Definitions.--For purposes of this Act: (1) Compensable guam decedent.--The term ``compensable Guam decedent'' means an individual determined under section 4(a)(1) to have been a resident of Guam who died or was killed as a result of the attack and occupation of Guam by Imperial Japanese military forces during World War II, or incident to the liberation of Guam by United States military forces, and whose death would have been compensable under the Guam Meritorious Claims Act of 1945 (Public Law 79-224) if a timely claim had been filed under the terms of such Act. (2) Compensable guam victim.--The term ``compensable Guam victim'' means an individual determined under section 4(a)(1) to have suffered, as a result of the attack and occupation of Guam by Imperial Japanese military forces during World War II, or incident to the liberation of Guam by United States military forces, any of the following: (A) Rape or severe personal injury (such as loss of a limb, dismemberment, or paralysis). (B) Forced labor or a personal injury not under subparagraph (A) (such as disfigurement, scarring, or burns). (C) Forced march, internment, or hiding to evade internment. (3) Definitions of severe personal injuries and personal injuries.--The Foreign Claims Settlement Commission shall promulgate regulations to specify injuries that constitute a severe personal injury or a personal injury for purposes of subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, of paragraph (2). SEC. 4. ADJUDICATION. (a) Authority of Foreign Claims Settlement Commission.-- (1) In general.--The Foreign Claims Settlement Commission is authorized to adjudicate claims and determine eligibility for payments under section 3. (2) Rules and regulations.--The chairman of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission shall prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary to enable it to carry out its functions under this Act. Such rules and regulations shall be published in the Federal Register. (b) Claims Submitted for Payments.-- (1) Submittal of claim.--For purposes of subsection (a)(1) and subject to paragraph (2), the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission may not determine an individual is eligible for a payment under section 3 unless the individual submits to the Commission a claim in such manner and form and containing such information as the Commission specifies. (2) Filing period for claims and notice.--All claims for a payment under section 3 shall be filed within one year after the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission publishes public notice of the filing period in the Federal Register. The Foreign Claims Settlement Commission shall provide for the notice required under the previous sentence not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. In addition, the Commission shall cause to be publicized the public notice of the deadline for filing claims in newspaper, radio, and television media on Guam. (3) Adjudicatory decisions.--The decision of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission on each claim shall be by majority vote, shall be in writing, and shall state the reasons for the approval or denial of the claim. If approved, the decision shall also state the amount of the payment awarded and the distribution, if any, to be made of the payment. (4) Deductions in payment.--The Foreign Claims Settlement Commission shall deduct, from potential payments, amounts previously paid under the Guam Meritorious Claims Act of 1945 (Public Law 79-224). (5) Interest.--No interest shall be paid on payments awarded by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. (6) Remuneration prohibited.--No remuneration on account of representational services rendered on behalf of any claimant in connection with any claim filed with the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission under this Act shall exceed one percent of the total amount paid pursuant to any payment certified under the provisions of this Act on account of such claim. Any agreement to the contrary shall be unlawful and void. Whoever demands or receives, on account of services so rendered, any remuneration in excess of the maximum permitted by this section shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than 12 months, or both. (7) Appeals and finality.--Objections and appeals of decisions of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission shall be to the Commission, and upon rehearing, the decision in each claim shall be final, and not subject to further review by any court or agency. (8) Certifications for payment.--After a decision approving a claim becomes final, the chairman of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission shall certify it to the Secretary of the Treasury for authorization of a payment under section 3. (9) Treatment of affidavits.--For purposes of section 3 and subject to paragraph (2), the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission shall treat a claim that is accompanied by an affidavit of an individual that attests to all of the material facts required for establishing eligibility of such individual for payment under such section as establishing a prima facie case of the individual's eligibility for such payment without the need for further documentation, except as the Commission may otherwise require. Such material facts shall include, with respect to a claim under paragraph (2) or (3) of section 3(a), a detailed description of the injury or other circumstance supporting the claim involved, including the level of payment sought. (10) Release of related claims.--Acceptance of payment under section 3 by an individual for a claim related to a compensable Guam decedent or a compensable Guam victim shall be in full satisfaction of all claims related to such decedent or victim, respectively, arising under the Guam Meritorious Claims Act of 1945 (Public Law 79-224), the implementing regulations issued by the United States Navy pursuant thereto, or this Act. (11) Penalty for false claims.--The provisions of section 1001 of title 18 of the United States Code (relating to criminal penalties for false statements) apply to claims submitted under this subsection. SEC. 5. GRANTS PROGRAM TO MEMORIALIZE THE OCCUPATION OF GUAM DURING WORLD WAR II. (a) Establishment.--Subject to section 6(b) and in accordance with this section, the Secretary of the Interior shall establish a grants program under which the Secretary shall award grants for research, educational, and media activities that memorialize the events surrounding the occupation of Guam during World War II, honor the loyalty of the people of Guam during such occupation, or both, for purposes of appropriately illuminating and interpreting the causes and circumstances of such occupation and other similar occupations during a war. (b) Eligibility.--The Secretary of the Interior may not award to a person a grant under subsection (a) unless such person submits an application to the Secretary for such grant, in such time, manner, and form and containing such information as the Secretary specifies. SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) Guam World War II Claims Payments and Adjudication.-- For purposes of carrying out sections 3 and 4, there are authorized to be appropriated $126,000,000, to remain available for obligation until September 30, 2013, to the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. Not more than 5 percent of funds made available under this subsection shall be used for administrative costs. (b) Guam World War II Grants Program.--For purposes of carrying out section 5, there are authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000, to remain available for obligation until September 30, 2013. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Guam. {time} 1415 General Leave Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill under consideration. [[Page 4376]] The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Guam? There was no objection. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 44, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act. First, I thank Chairman Nick Rahall and former Ranking Member Don Young for their leadership on this issue, for their support in passing the bill in the last Congress, and for bringing it back to the floor today given that the other body was unable to pass it before adjourning last year. Mr. Speaker, this bill, H.R. 44, is the same bill that was passed by the House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support on May 8, 2007. I have reintroduced it with the support of many colleagues. I want to thank also Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Chairman John Conyers of the House Committee on the Judiciary, Chairman Ike Skelton of the Committee on Armed Services, and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the former chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, for their steadfast support of this bill. H.R. 44 implements the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission, which was authorized by Public Law 107-333, to review the war claims program for Guam that Congress provided for following the occupation of Guam from December 8, 1941, to July 21, 1944. The review commission, Mr. Speaker, which was appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton, in September of 2003, was mandated by Congress to determine whether there was parity of war claims paid to the residents of Guam under the Guam Meritorious Claims Act as compared with awards made to similarly affected United States citizens or nationals as a result of the hostilities during World War II. The review commission was mandated to advise the Congress on any additional compensation that may be necessary to compensate the people of Guam for death, personal injury, forced labor, forced march, and internment in order to provide parity. In accomplishing its tasks, the review commission held 2 days of hearings on Guam in December of 2003 to receive testimony from survivors of the occupation of Guam. The review commission also held hearings here in Washington, D.C., and consulted with a panel of experts in this field of law. The review commission completed its work and reported to Congress its findings and recommendations on June 9, 2004. The review commission found that there was a lack of parity between the war claims program authorized for Guam as compared to the programs authorized for all other Americans similarly affected. It recommended that Congress remedy this injustice through the enactment of legislation which is before us today. I think it is very important that we note the first finding of the review commission's report: ``The review commission finds that there is a moral obligation on the part of our national government to pay compensation for war damages in order to ensure to the extent possible that no single individual or group of individuals bears more than just part of the overall burden of war.'' Today, Mr. Speaker, we again consider a bill that would fulfill this moral obligation on the part of our national government to a group of citizens, the people of Guam, most of whom were indigenous Chamorros who bore the burden of a brutal occupation. The people of Guam were brutalized through public executions, beheadings, rape, and severe injury, forced labor, forced march, and internment in concentration camps. H.R. 44 is called the Loyalty Recognition Act because the loyalty of the people of Guam to the United States during this 32-month enemy occupation should be honored. It is a tragic injustice of history that, following the liberation, Congress did not provide for war claims for the people of Guam in the same manner and with the same opportunities that were afforded to other Americans. The people who carried a disproportionate burden of the war were given less than other Americans when it came time to make our Nation whole, and those who gave more in blood got less in recognition. Over and over at the hearings on Guam, people said, ``We just want to be recognized. We just want to be treated with respect. We just want to receive the same restitution that other Americans received.'' This is a matter that each one of my predecessors has worked to bring to the attention of Congress. The late Mr. Antonio Won Pat, the first Delegate to serve in this institution, first pursued a resolution of this issue, which was followed by the efforts of our second representative to Congress--retired Marine Brigadier General Ben Blaz, himself--who survived the occupation. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Blaz is with us today, and I would like to point out that he has written a wonderful account and a very accurate account of the remembrance of the occupation years in World War II. It is called ``Let Us Remember.'' I know that many of my colleagues have read this book, and he is here today to lend support to H.R. 44. My immediate predecessor, Congressman Robert Underwood, sponsored the legislation in the 107th Congress that was passed with unanimous approval and that created the review commission. So our work today and the historic progress of the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act is possible only because of the foundation that each of these contributed to this bipartisan effort. The issue of Guam war claims has been studied and examined by this body over the past 26 years. As I stated the last time this bill came to the floor, several hearings have been held, and the record is replete with testimony from survivors, legal experts, historians, and scholars. Committee staff members have played a valuable role in this process. So the issue has thoroughly been examined. I want to thank Jim Zoia, staff director of the Natural Resources Committee, and Tony Babauta, staff director of the Insular Affairs Subcommittee. I also acknowledge the counsels to the committee, Rick Healy, Brian Modeste, as well as Lisa Pittman and Harry Burroughs from the Republican staff, who have worked on this legislation. Again, we stand on the brink of an historic moment for the people of Guam. I regret, Mr. Speaker, that many survivors of the occupation of Guam are not with us today, and we know that others will pass away before this bill completes its legislative journey, but we have this moment to recall why we continue this effort on whose behalf we are speaking today and why it is so vitally important to our Nation that we recognize the incredible sacrifices of the people of Guam during World War II. I very much doubt that any foreign power will ever again occupy American soil and place American citizens under subjugation. The story of the people of Guam will, thus, be a unique story less known than the bombing of Pearl Harbor and other heroic stories of World War II. It is a story of the faith in our Nation, of hope in our God and of love for our families. As I stated in 2007, Mr. Speaker, if I could vote on final passage of this bill, it would be my greatest honor to recognize the people of Guam by voting, but since I cannot vote as a Delegate, I offer all of my colleagues the honor of recognizing their fellow Americans by voting to pass H.R. 44 today. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The distinguished gentlelady from Guam has adequately explained this particular bill. I, personally, have no further comment, but I wish to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) to speak to this particular bill. Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to join in supporting H.R. 44. This bill had actually passed the House last year with bipartisan support. I want to commend the Congresswoman from Guam for her leadership on this issue. I have had the privilege of traveling with Ms. Bordallo around [[Page 4377]] the world. Everywhere I go, she finds persons of Chamorro descent, people who are originally from the territory of Guam, and you can tell immediately there is deep affection between the people whom she represents and their Member of Congress. Additionally, you can tell how wonderful the people are of Guam by their extraordinary loyalty and service to the people of the United States. I had the extraordinary privilege last week of participating in a program with Major General Donald Goldhorn, the Adjutant General of the Guam National Guard. I was present with Congresswoman Bordallo and with our colleague, Congressman and Ranking Member Solomon Ortiz of Texas. We were present at the National Guard program where the National Guard of Guam was recognized as the number one National Guard in the United States in terms of percentage of membership of state or territory. I particularly was very appreciative. I am a 31-year veteran of the Reserves and Guard. I have three sons serving in the Army National Guard, and so I know of the great opportunities that can be had by serving in the National Guard. The territory of Guam has truly come forward to be first in our country of percentage of membership. It has already been stated, but in my visit last week, we visited the memorial to the Marines who liberated Guam in July 1944. It was extraordinary to find out that, within 1 hour of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the people of Guam were under attack by the Imperial Japanese forces. They seized control of the Island of Guam. The island was inhabited by 22,000 United States nationals. The island was occupied for 31 months. It was very brutal. The people were subject to executions, beatings, rape, forced labor, and forced march. All of the residents were interned in concentration camps in the closing months of the occupation. This week, I had the extraordinary opportunity to read a book about the occupation by former Congressman Ben Blaz, a retired major general of the Marine Corps. It was very moving to see his tribute. This was a 13-year-old boy who sadly lived his teenage years under the brutal occupation of the Imperial Japanese forces. There are so many facts in there that the American people should know, but one of them that was particularly shocking to me was that there were six Americans, military personnel, who escaped as the Japanese seized control of the island. Five of them upon capture were summarily executed. The sixth person was hidden during the 31-month occupation and survived thanks to the people of Guam. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Carolina. Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I also would like to point out that the Guam Meritorious Claims Act of 1945 was passed within months of the cessation of hostilities for the immediate relief of the people of Guam, but there are deficiencies, obviously, that have been discovered in the last 64 years. They need to be corrected. I also want to point out that, last week, the strategic importance of Guam was recognized by the agreement between Japan and the United States, and 8,000 Marines are being relocated from Okinawa to Guam. I am, again, grateful to be here. We have extraordinary fellow citizens living on Guam--great Americans. Therefore, I urge that we adopt H.R. 44, which will update a statute that is flawed. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague Mr. Wilson for his very supportive words on this bill. At this time, I would like to recognize my dear colleague from the United States Virgin Islands, the Honorable Donna Christensen, for 5 minutes. Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise also in strong support of H.R. 44, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, and urge my colleagues to support its passage. I want to begin by welcoming former Delegate Ben Blaz as well but especially in commending my colleague and friend from Guam, the Honorable Madeleine Bordallo, for her steadfast and dedicated efforts to the enactment of this bill. Since becoming a Member of this House 6 years ago, nothing has been more important to her than the enactment of this legislation to provide compensation for those of her constituents who suffered unspeakable acts of horror during World War II. Mr. Speaker, the people of Guam, as you heard, were subject to the severest and most inhumane public treatment--torture as well as death at the hands of the Japanese--and they have waited much too long for this compensation. The Guam War Claims Review Commission rightly found that Guam's residents were inequitably treated under the Guam Meritorious Claims Act and subsequent Federal laws meant to address World War II personal injury claims. This commission, which was established pursuant to legislation sponsored by our former colleague from Guam, Robert Underwood, recommended that Congress enact legislation providing for additional compensation to Guam's residents, thus, the bill we are discussing today. {time} 1430 The struggle for fair compensation for the people of Guam has been ongoing now for more than 60 years. Sadly, many of the Chamorros who suffered these atrocities, as Ms. Bordallo has said, have passed away; but we must not let their suffering--largely due to the steadfast loyalty to the United States--be in vain. Passage of this is long overdue, and by doing so today, we will honor their memories and provide compensation to these brave Americans. I worked with Congresswoman Bordallo during the last Congress to secure enough votes to pass similar legislation out of the House, but we ran out of time before we were able to get it out of the other body. It's my fervent hope that our efforts will enjoy greater success in this Congress, and I again urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 44. The people of Guam have waited long enough. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren). Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 44. It has been articulated very well on this floor as to the reasons why this should be supported. I would like to suggest for Members on my side of the aisle that they might consider voting for this in tribute to our former colleague, Mr. Blaz--who was on the floor--a brigadier general of the United States Marine Corps, a Member of Congress for a number of terms, including those during which I was here the first time around; and, as importantly, a fellow graduate of the University of Notre Dame. I salute General Blaz. We are talking about facts that go to instances or events that occurred some 60-plus years ago. Sometimes we only hear about that by reading it in the history books and we attempt to try and place ourselves there to understand. We don't have to do that today. General Blaz is here. He went through it as a young boy. He is a credit to this country, he's a credit to Guam, he's a credit to this institution. He is an example of the triumph of American forces during World War II and what they allowed the people that they liberated to become. From rather modest beginnings in a war zone, he picked himself up, was educated in one of the finest universities in this country, became a member of the United States Marine Corps, rose to the position of brigadier general, and later had the privilege of representing those same people with whom he lived in an occupation status later on here in the House of Representatives. If there is any question about the loyalty of the people of Guam, if there is any question about what they suffered, if there is any question about the justice of this bill, it can be answered by just looking at this gentleman, Mr. Blaz. It is an honor for me to be here on the floor when he is here visiting us again to talk in favor of this bill. I would hope that there would be a unanimous vote for this bill. [[Page 4378]] Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to now recognize the distinguished gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) for as much time as he may consume. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I thank the gentlelady. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 44, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act. I certainly want to thank Chairman Nick Rahall of our Natural Resources Committee, Congressman Don Young, and Doc Hastings from Washington for their leadership in bringing this bill to the floor for consideration. I especially want to thank the chief sponsor, the current chairwoman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, my good friend and colleague, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, for her tireless efforts to continue to raise this important issue, now this form of legislation, before our Members for consideration. Mr. Speaker, in World War II, Guam, as a U.S. territory, was occupied by the Imperial Japanese military forces for nearly 3 years until the U.S. Armed Forces liberated Guam and its people in 1944. After World War II, the U.S. Congress in 1945 passed the Guam Meritorious Claims Act which authorized the Secretary of the Navy to appoint a claims commission in an effort to compensate the residents of Guam for their sufferings during the war. Almost six decades later, Mr. Speaker--this is 60 years now--Congress established the Guam War Claims Review Commission to determine whether there is parity of war claims paid to Guam residents in 1945 as compared with awards made under other Federal laws to similarly affected U.S. citizens or nationals in territories occupied by Japanese forces during World War II. In 2004, the review commission submitted its report which became the focus of the Natural Resources Committee oversight hearing last year. And it was further clear that awards were needed. Moreover, the commission recommended that Congress acknowledges both the suffering of the people of Guam during the enemy occupation of Guam during World War II. The bill before us today seeks to fulfill the recommendations of the review commission. This bill recognizes the suffering and the loyalty of the people of Guam, Mr. Speaker. Unfortunately, this bill was never passed by the Senate last year despite its having been hot-lined on multiple occasions. It was the subject of repeated objections, including a live objection on the Senate floor when unanimous consent was made to pass last year. Mr. Speaker, every former Member of Congress representing the territory of Guam has spoken about the deficiencies in making Guam whole after World War II. Our former colleague, the late Congressman Antonio Wan Pat, former Congressman General Ben Blaz, who is with us today, and former Congressman Robert Underwood had raised the issue throughout their service in this body. Through the efforts of Congressman Robert Underwood, a commission was established in the 107th Congress to review the historical record of addressing Guam's war claims. There were some of the key findings of the commission. If the U.S. has a moral obligation to pay proper compensations for war claims, that there was a lack of parity in war claims for Guam when compared to other war claims' programs established by the Congress that Guam was erroneously--I don't know if not purposefully--excluded from the coverage under title II of the War Claims Act. This legislation is vitally important, Mr. Speaker, because it addresses these long-standing inequities against the people of Guam. By implementing the recommendations of the review commission, it recognizes the sacrifices made by the people of Guam and their steadfast loyalty to the United States in the face of this adversity. It allows claims for death, personal injury, forced labor, forced marches, and internment. It allows compensation to certain survivors of the siege. I strongly support this legislation. And may I remind my colleagues, our Nation committed a grave injustice, as far as I'm concerned, concerning this issue. Sixty years, Mr. Speaker. How much longer are we going to have to wait for the people of Guam to get proper compensation for this tremendous wrong that was committed against them by Japanese military forces? Atrocities were committed against the people of Guam. And this piece of legislation embodies all they're asking for. I suspect that we have currently probably a $40 billion military presence in this territory that is so important and vital to our strategic and military interests, and yet we cannot even provide compensation for the loss of lives these people had to suffer and endure for 3 years under Japanese occupation in World War II. Where is the justice in this, Mr. Speaker? Where is the fairness? Where are the Members of this body to give proper voters support for this long- standing injustice that has not been remedied by the Congress? Mr. Speaker, as an example, my good friend and former colleague, Member of the Congress, Brigadier General Ben Blaz, at that time was a youth that was part of this forced evacuation. He personally witnessed some of the atrocities that were committed against his people by Japanese military forces. Our former colleague, Congressman Bob Underwood, who reiterated to our colleagues as some of his close relatives were beheaded Japanese style in the presence of other people of Guam. And this took place for some 3 years, 3 years, Mr. Speaker. And I could never forget the words echoed by my good friend General Blaz. He said, ``We are equal in war but not in peace.'' What a profound statement, as far as I'm concerned. Yes, the people of Guam sacrificed their sons and daughters to fight our enemies in our wars, but when it comes to giving proper compensation and remedy for its people, somehow after 60 years we seem to give a blind eye not really giving any real sense of importance about what happened in the lives of these people during the 3 years the Japanese forces took over this territory. Why, for the life of me, Mr. Speaker, it has taken all of these years in simply trying to make this inequity fair and just for the people and for the benefit of Guam, I do not understand. And if I may just for a second, Mr. Speaker, I would like to have a colloquy with my colleague from Guam, Madeleine Bordallo. As a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, do you think the territory of Guam has any importance as an insular member of our family as territories representing the United States in this part of the world? Ms. BORDALLO. Yes, I do. Guam is strategically located in the Pacific. And at this particular time, we are looking at a large military buildup in Guam. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Is it your understanding that we are about to spend some $15 billion to transfer some 9,000 Marines from Okinawa and some 40,000 dependents to be placed in Guam because of its military importance to our Nation's security interests? Ms. BORDALLO. Yes. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. What is the gentlelady's estimates in terms of the value of all of the military installations that we now have in place in Guam. Ms. BORDALLO. The value? Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Twenty billion, thirty billion? Anderson Air Force Base, the naval bases; all of the military presence that we have in Guam? Ms. BORDALLO. It's priceless. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. You would say in the billions? Ms. BORDALLO. In the billions. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. And would you suppose to suggest that maybe all we're asking for is some couple of pennies compared to the billions that we have? And where are the people of Guam in terms of the sacrifices that they've had to make; the lands that have been taken, one-third of Guam is now controlled by the military? Ms. BORDALLO. That is correct. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I'd like to ask the gentlelady also is it true that [[Page 4379]] since the closing of Subic Bay and Clark Air Force base that Guam then became vitally important, even to this day, to the defense of our national security interests in this region of the world? Ms. BORDALLO. That is correct. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I thank the gentlelady. And I want to thank my good friend, the gentleman from California, for complementing and for supporting this legislation. My good friends and Mr. Speaker, this is not a Republican or a Democratic bill. It is a bill in the interests of the needs of our fellow Americans who suffered tremendous atrocities in the hands of Japanese military forces during World War II. And all we're asking here is fair, fairness and equity, and for justice to the people of Guam. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx). Ms. FOXX. I thank my colleague from Utah. Mr. Speaker, you know, I was not aware of this bill until today, and I am sure that this is a very worthwhile program and that certainly we want to honor the people who have fought to help keep this country free; however, I am very concerned about the expenditure of another $131 million in addition to the trillions and billions that we are recently committing ourselves to. I mentioned earlier that I had some young people that I was concerned about. There's a little boy in my district by the name of Noah Zenger who's having a birthday very soon. And he wanted to come to Washington to see the Congress in action, and he brought his brother, Ben, and his sisters, Emma and Savannah, with him. They are the ones that are going to bear the responsibility for our profligate spending here. Where is it going to end? How much debt are we going to place on these children and their families? American families are hurting and need relief. And yet, we continue to engage in out-of-control spending. Now, I have to say at least this bill is being debated out in the open. It is not like the bills that have been debated or have been settled on recently in secret, the Reid-Pelosi secret Congress, which has been bringing these very expensive bills to us to vote on. The $1 trillion stimulus bill that's only going to stimulate more government and more debt. There's going to be a half trillion dollar omnibus spending bill that's going to fund the government for only 7 months. {time} 1445 And then we've got this $75 billion bill for the President's mortgage bailout proposal. Where is it going to end? We just continue to spend, spend, spend. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining on both sides. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlelady from Guam has 1\1/2\ minutes, and the gentleman from Utah has 12 minutes. Ms. BORDALLO. I would like to yield the balance of our time to our next speaker, who is the gentleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. Pedro Pierluisi). Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 44. I want to begin by commending the gentlelady from Guam (Ms. Bordallo), who has worked tirelessly for years to steer this important bill through the legislative process. Ms. Bordallo's legislation was approved by the House in 2007 but was not taken up by the Senate. I believe that passage of her bill is long overdue, and I respectfully urge my colleagues in both Chambers to support it. H.R. 44 will acknowledge the courageous loyalty shown by the U.S. nationals of Guam during the Japanese occupation in World War II. Chairman Rahall, in remarks delivered several years ago, summarized life in occupied Guam in stark terms: ``For more than 2\1/2\ years, brutal atrocities were committed against the people of Guam. The horrific acts of public beheadings, beatings and rapes were burned into the memories of parents and children. And in an island community of 22,000, everyone knew one another, and so no one escaped the tragedies of war-time occupation.'' Mr. Speaker, this bill is more than a symbolic gesture. It reflects the view that solemn speeches about sacrifice and loyalty are nice, and they are necessary, but they are not enough. This legislation embodies the determination of a grateful Nation to move beyond rhetoric and to provide tangible assistance to a relatively small universe of U.S. citizens whose bravery and suffering have yet to be adequately addressed. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. If the gentleman from Puerto Rico is not complete, I would be happy to yield him 1 minute. Mr. PIERLUISI. I will continue. Ms. Bordallo's bill would authorize the Federal Government to pay compensation to two categories of persons; first, to living Guam residents who were seriously injured or interned during the occupation; and second, to the surviving family members of those Guam residents who were killed or seriously injured in the course of their occupation. The eligibility criteria established by the bill are fair and transparent, and the amount of compensation prescribed is reasonable. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 44 would essentially implement the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission, which was established by the Congress. The Review Commission submitted its final report in June 2004. The report concluded that the war claims process created in 1945 to compensate the people of Guam was deficient in key respects. The Commission observed that many residents of Guam missed the window in which to file claims as a result of language barriers, high illiteracy rates, and the lack of newspapers and telephones on the island. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. I yield the gentleman another 30 seconds. Mr. PIERLUISI. Thank you so much. The Commission recommended that the United States provide additional compensation to the two categories of claimants I mentioned earlier. Mr. Speaker, it is likely that more pages have been written about World War II and its aftermath than any other subject. Today, we have an opportunity to write an important new chapter about an aspect of the conflict that has not received the attention it deserves. I am proud to join Ms. Bordallo in what is clearly a sacred mission for her and the good people of Guam and in what ought to be viewed as a worthy endeavor by all Americans. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe). Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, this week the House is scheduled to consider the fiscal year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which is going to spend an additional $410 billion. After spending $700 billion to bail out Wall Street, another $787 billion for what is supposedly stimulus, perhaps supporters of this week's bill just believe that spending another $410 billion has lost a lot of its significance and will go unnoticed. It cannot and it will not. The folks in Tennessee assume that when you spend $2 trillion in just discretionary spending--never mind spending on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid--that it gets easier to find some savings and set priorities because $2 trillion is a staggering amount of money. I have to tell them that, in Congress, the opposite is true; the more you spend here, the more difficult it is to set priorities. It's time to get our Nation's financial house in order. We can only do that by debating the spending package, but once again, it appears we will be faced with a take-it-or-leave-it package of priorities that will be subject to almost no scrutiny or debate. If we're going to restore fiscal responsibility, we must carefully review this package and demand that excessive spending be eliminated. I thank the general for his service. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. May I inquire if there are any other speakers that the gentlelady from Guam has. [[Page 4380]] Ms. BORDALLO. I have no further speakers, but I do want to go on record to thank you, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop), for the courtesy of giving us extra time on this side. Thank you. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. So that we can maintain this in some kind of order, I do not have any other speakers. I would just like to say in conclusion that we start a process here today which is somewhat strange as we enter into this next week. We have eight bills that are coming up from our particular committee--seven of which I actually support, including this one--and yet we are now committing them over to the death now of the Federal graveyard known as the United States Senate, where they shall probably languish for the next 2 years, only to be resurrected in the 112th session of Congress in some kind of omnibus form. We're doing probably the son of S.R. 22 even as we speak. However, having said that, I appreciate the words that have been spoken about this particular bill. And I would be willing, Mr. Speaker, to yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from Guam if she would like to conclude on this debate, and then that would be sufficient for me. Ms. BORDALLO. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I want to take this moment just to read a passage here: ``Why is the United States Government, not the Government of Japan, paying for these war claims? This may be a question that many would ask. Well, following World War II, American nationals and citizens were awarded some compensation from the Federal Government for certain war-time losses, yet Guamanians were excluded. ``In 1945, the United States Congress acknowledged and attempted to remedy the needs of Guamanians by passing the Guam Meritorious Claims Act within weeks after the cessation of hostilities. The bill was an attempt to provide immediate relief to the people of Guam for the sacrifices and the sufferings they endured during the Imperial Japanese occupation of the island. Unfortunately, the intent of the legislation was never fully realized. Then, the United States signed a treaty of peace with Japan on September 8, 1951 which precluded American citizens from making claims against Japan for war reparations.'' I think that's very, very important; it precluded American citizens from making claims against Japan for war reparations. ``The treaty closed any legal mechanism for seeking redress from the Government of Japan. And moreover, bureaucratic bungling of the Guam Meritorious Claims Act of 1945, post World War II, hindered many Guamanians from receiving the appropriate level of support. Since Guam had no representation in Congress until 1973, it was difficult for Guamanians to advocate for better implementation of the legislation.'' So, again, I thought it was important to explain this. Many people have asked why isn't Japan responsible for this. And so I thought I would include this in the Record, Mr. Speaker. And I urge my colleagues to vote for the bill, H.R. 44. Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support legislation that has been introduced by my colleague, Congresswoman Bordallo. H.R. 44, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, would honor the residents of Guam for their loyalty and compensate them for the atrocities they suffered during the long and violent Japanese occupation of Guam. During World War II, Guam was invaded, seized and occupied by Imperial Japanese forces for nearly three years. The war destroyed much of Guam, including housing, public buildings, utilities and infrastructure. In addition, the people of Guam suffered many deaths and an untold number of acts of brutality. This ruthless brutality has left a lasting impact on the survivors of the war and the descendants of victims. These sufferers wanted nothing more than survival and liberation under the U.S. flag. In 1947, the Secretary of the Navy commissioned a civilian committee on the Naval Administration of Guam and American Samoa to prepare a report with specific recommendations. The report became known as the Hopkins Report and was submitted to the Secretary of the Navy in 1947. Among other things, the report addressed deficiencies in the war claims process for Guam immediately after the war ended. In the cover letter submitted with the report, the committee stated, ``Only so can justice be done to a valiant group of Americans who at great cost to themselves remained steadfastly loyal during the war . . . in so special a case this government could well be very generous in method of distributing its relief as well as generous in amount awarded. It has been neither.'' Many decades later, the 107th Congress authorized the Guam War Claims Review Commission to determine if the people of Guam received parity in claims as compared to other Americans who experienced losses and damages during the war. In 2004, the Commission submitted their final report to Congress and found that Guam's residents were inequitably treated. There has been legislation to address this inequitable treatment in every Congress since 1985. Two hearings have been held, one in the 108th Congress and one on in the 109th Congress. In the 110th Congress, the House passed H.R. 1595 under a suspension of the rules but the Senate was not able to act on the measure before final adjournment. It is time to follow the recommendations made by both the Hopkins report and the Guam War Claims Review Commission by providing adequate reparations for the people of Guam. It is time to honor them for their sacrifices. Congresswoman Bordallo continues to call for a resolution to this open wound and has done a fantastic job over the years to create the most fair and equitable legislation that Congress can pass. I hope the people of Guam know that this issue is being addressed and the people have not been forgotten. I urge my colleagues to support the people of Guam and vote for final passage. Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I rise today in support of H.R. 44, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, which recognizes the great suffering and loyalty of the people of Guam during the Japanese occupation of Guam in World War II. On December 8, 1941, concurrent with the attack on Pearl Harbor, Imperial Japanese forces invaded and seized control of the island of Guam, a United States Territory. Guam was occupied for the following thirty months, during which time its people were subjected to executions, beatings, rape, forced labor, and forced marches. In the final months of the occupation, all residents were interned in concentration camps. The Guam Meritorious Claims Act of 1945 provided some relief to residents of Guam, but in 2004, the Guam War Claims Review Commission determined that there was a lack of parity in war claims for the people of Guam compared to other war claims programs authorized by Congress for similarly-affected U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals. The Commission felt that the U.S. government had a ``moral obligation'' to provide redress for the people of Guam, which is the goal of H.R. 44. As an original cosponsor of the bill, I support this objective wholeheartedly. I am proud to honor and recognize the patriotism shown by the people of Guam and the sacrifices they made during World War II and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 44. This is long-overdue legislation to compensate eligible residents of Guam for deaths and injuries suffered during the Japanese occupation. Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me express my support for H.R. 44, the Guam World War 2 Loyalty Recognition Act. As my colleagues know, during World War II, the people of Guam endured great suffering under the occupation of the military forces of the Japanese Empire. H.R. 44 would give appropriate recognition to the extraordinary hardships endured by the people of Guam and the loyalty they demonstrated to the United States of America during 32 months of occupation. The bill would also provide for compensation for the victims and relatives of those who suffered and for research, education, and media efforts to memorialize the occupation. I recently had the opportunity to visit Guam and I was reminded of the strategic importance it plays in preserving the security of our nation. We must never lose sight of what the people of Guam have done, and continue to do, for the United States. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 44. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. [[Page 4381]] Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. ____________________ CAPTIVE PRIMATE SAFETY ACT Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 80) to amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to treat nonhuman primates as prohibited wildlife species under that Act, to make corrections in the provisions relating to captive wildlife offenses under that Act, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 80 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 ``Captive Primate Safety Act''. SEC. 2. ADDITION OF NONHUMAN PRIMATES TO DEFINITION OF PROHIBITED WILDLIFE SPECIES. Section 2(g) of the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3371(g)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end ``or any nonhuman primate''. SEC. 3. CAPTIVE WILDLIFE AMENDMENTS. (a) Prohibited Acts.--Section 3 of the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3372) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (2)-- (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or'' after the semicolon; (ii) in subparagraph (B)(iii), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a semicolon; and (iii) by striking subparagraph (C); and (B) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``or subsection (e)'' before the period; and (2) in subsection (e)-- (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (6) respectively; (B) by striking ``(e)'' and all that follows through ``Subsection (a)(2)(C) does not apply'' in paragraph (1) and inserting the following: ``(e) Captive Wildlife Offense.-- ``(1) In general.--It is unlawful for any person to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any live animal of any prohibited wildlife species. ``(2) Limitation on application.--This subsection-- ``(A) does not apply to a person transporting a nonhuman primate to or from a veterinarian who is licensed to practice veterinary medicine within the United States, solely for the purpose of providing veterinary care to the nonhuman primate, if-- ``(i) the person transporting the nonhuman primate carries written documentation issued by the veterinarian, including the appointment date and location; ``(ii) the nonhuman primate is transported in a secure enclosure appropriate for that species of primate; ``(iii) the nonhuman primate has no contact with any other animals or members of the public, other than the veterinarian and other authorized medical personnel providing veterinary care; and ``(iv) such transportation and provision of veterinary care is in accordance with all otherwise applicable State and local laws, regulations, permits, and health certificates; ``(B) does not apply to a person transporting a nonhuman primate to a legally designated caregiver for the nonhuman primate as a result of the death of the preceding owner of the nonhuman primate, if-- ``(i) the person transporting the nonhuman primate is carrying legal documentation to support the need for transporting the nonhuman primate to the legally designated caregiver; ``(ii) the nonhuman primate is transported in a secure enclosure appropriate for the species; ``(iii) the nonhuman primate has no contact with any other animals or members of the public while being transported to the legally designated caregiver; and ``(iv) all applicable State and local restrictions on such transport, and all applicable State and local requirements for permits or health certificates, are complied with; ``(C) does not apply to a person transporting a nonhuman primate solely for the purpose of assisting an individual who is permanently disabled with a severe mobility impairment, if-- ``(i) the nonhuman primate is a single animal of the genus Cebus; ``(ii) the nonhuman primate was obtained from, and trained at, a licensed nonprofit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 the nonprofit tax status of which was obtained-- ``(I) before July 18, 2008; and ``(II) on the basis that the mission of the organization is to improve the quality of life of severely mobility-impaired individuals; ``(iii) the person transporting the nonhuman primate is a specially trained employee or agent of a nonprofit organization described in clause (ii) that is transporting the nonhuman primate to or from a designated individual who is permanently disabled with a severe mobility impairment, or to or from a licensed foster care home providing specialty training of the nonhuman primate solely for purposes of assisting an individual who is permanently disabled with severe mobility impairment; ``(iv) the person transporting the nonhuman primate carries documentation from the applicable nonprofit organization that includes the name of the designated individual referred to in clause (iii); ``(v) the nonhuman primate is transported in a secure enclosure that is appropriate for that species; ``(vi) the nonhuman primate has no contact with any animal or member of the public, other than the designated individual referred to in clause (iii); and ``(vii) the transportation of the nonhuman primate is in compliance with-- ``(I) all applicable State and local restrictions regarding the transport; and ``(II) all applicable State and local requirements regarding permits or health certificates; and ``(D) does not apply''; (C) in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A))-- (i) by striking ``a'' before ``prohibited'' and inserting ``any''; (ii) by striking ``(3)'' and inserting ``(4)''; and (iii) by striking ``(2)'' and inserting ``(3)''; (D) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A))-- (i) in subparagraph (C)-- (I) in clauses (ii) and (iii), by striking ``animals listed in section 2(g)'' each place it appears and inserting ``prohibited wildlife species''; and (II) in clause (iv), by striking ``animals'' and inserting ``prohibited wildlife species''; and (ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``animal'' each place it appears and inserting ``prohibited wildlife species''; (E) in paragraph (4) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)), by striking ``(2)'' and inserting ``(3)''; and (F) in paragraph (6) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A))-- (i) by striking ``subsection (a)(2)(C)'' and inserting ``this subsection''; and (ii) by striking ``2004 through 2008'' and inserting ``2010 through 2014''. (b) Civil Penalties.--Section 4(a) of the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3373(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``(e),'' after ``subsections (b), (d),'' ; and (2) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, (e),'' after ``subsection (d)''. (c) Criminal Penalties.--Section 4(d) of the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3373(d)) is amended-- (1) in paragraphs (1)(A) and (1)(B) and in the first sentence of paragraph (2), by inserting ``(e),'' after ``subsections (b), (d),'' each place it appears; and (2) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, (e),'' after ``subsection (d)''. (d) Effective Date; Regulations.-- (1) Effective date.--Subsections (a) through (c) shall take effect on the earlier of-- (A) the date of the issuance of regulations under paragraph (2); or (B) the expiration of the period referred to in paragraph (2). (2) Regulations.--The Secretary of the Interior shall issue regulations implementing the amendments made by this section by not later than the end of the 180-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 4. APPLICABILITY PROVISION AMENDMENT. Section 3 of the Captive Wildlife Safety Act (117 Stat. 2871; Public Law 108-191) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``(a) In General.-- Section 3'' and inserting ``Section 3''; and (2) by striking subsection (b). SEC. 5. REGULATIONS. Section 7(a) of the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3376(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) The Secretary shall, in consultation with other relevant Federal and State agencies, issue regulations to implement section 3(e).''. SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL. In addition to such other amounts as are authorized to carry out the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.), there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2010 to hire additional law enforcement personnel of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to enforce that Act. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo). [[Page 4382]] General Leave Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and exclude extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Guam? There was no objection. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The pending measure, the Captive Primate Safety Act, was introduced by our colleague from Oregon, Representative Earl Blumenauer. This bill amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit the import, export, transportation, sale, receipt, acquisition or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce of nonhuman primates such as monkeys and chimpanzees. One week ago today, in Stamford, Connecticut, a 200-pound chimpanzee went berserk and viciously attacked a family friend he had known for years. The injuries this chimpanzee inflicted on a 55-year-old woman were described as horrendous, including multiple broken bones, loss of limbs, and mutilation. According to a press report, the police called the attack ``lengthy and vicious.'' In trying to save her friend, the chimpanzee's owner stabbed him repeatedly with a kitchen knife and also tried hitting him with a shovel. In the end, police were forced to shoot the animal. Today, our thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Charla Nash, the victim of this attack. While nonhuman primates may seem cuddly and harmless to some, last week's tragedy reminds us all too clearly that they are wild animals and that they can become extremely dangerous. Although the importation into the United States of nonhuman primates for the pet trade has been banned since 1975, and some States already prohibit their possession as pets, these animals are readily available for domestic purchase on the Internet and from exotic animal dealers. We will never know, Mr. Speaker, what triggered last week's attack, but what we do know is that it is not unique. The Humane Society of the United States estimates about 15,000 monkeys and other primates are in private hands in the United States, and in recent years, there have been dozens of incidents of nonhuman primates injuring people. Fortunately, few were as tragic as the incident in Connecticut. By prohibiting interstate commerce in and transport of nonhuman primates, the pending measure limits the opportunity for people to acquire these wild animals as pets and diminishes the likelihood that another horrific incident like we saw in Connecticut will occur. This bill passed the House during the last Congress but was not acted upon by the other body. So today, we are renewing our call for action. And with that, I ask Members on both sides to support passage of this very timely legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This time, I do rise in opposition to H.R. 80, known as the so-called ``monkey bite bill,'' which we discussed again last time. Just to clear the deck and make sure that everything is up front, I own no monkeys. I am annoyed by rally monkeys at ALCS series games. Other than that, there is no personal interest here. But it is amazing, at a time when we are suffering economic pain--in fact, I find it somewhat incomprehensible that we are again debating an issue that clearly falls under the jurisdiction of State fish and wildlife agencies. In fact, 40 States already prohibit ownership of monkeys or require a license or permit in order to own a monkey. This is not within the realm of what national government needs to spend its time. As tragic as the incident in Connecticut was earlier with that 200- pound chimpanzee, Travis, there is nothing in this legislation that addresses the ownership of monkeys. There is nothing that would have impacted that particular occurrence, unless the monkey was willing to chase the woman from Connecticut over to New York State. Then maybe there would have been some nexus for which this bill would yield because this bill only deals with interstate shipment of monkeys. {time} 1500 In 1975 the Federal Government prohibited the importation of nonhuman primates into the United States. There is no legal way to import a monkey into the United States for more than 30 years. So what, pray tell, is the overriding need for this legislation, which, once again, does not prohibit monkeys from biting; we're only prohibiting them from shipping them over States? If a person is bit by a monkey, it will only have any impact if that hand of the kid goes across the State line and then when withdrawing the hand, the monkey follows it back into a different State. Only then would there be some kind of nexus with this. It was stated that there are 15,000 monkeys in the United States. The vast majority of those are not pets but used in other facilities. It was also stated that there are dozens of incidents of monkey bites. Well, I hate to say this. It's kind of like President Adams once said, ``Facts are stubborn things.'' In the decade from 1995 to 2005, there were only 132 documented incidences between captive primates and humans. Of that total, only 80 involved pet bites. That's 8 bites per year. If you really wanted to do something about protecting Americans from pets, go after dogs. You send 100,000 people to the hospital every year from being bitten by a pet dog. That maybe would have some relevance to what the Federal Government is trying to do. They also at some time will say that these nonhuman primates transmit disease. Once again in the 110th session of Congress, the expert testimony found that there is no documentation of pet primates being a threat to public safety. There is, though, a cost to this legislation. Regardless of the fact that the issue is minimal, the problem is minimal, the problem could easily be handled on a State-by-State basis, we will still appropriate to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or we will demand the Fish and Wildlife Service cull out from their budget $4 million to hire additional staff to conduct interstate inspections and investigation to enforce this law. On a per basis, that translates to a half million dollars per monkey bite. It is not surprising, therefore, that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife testified in opposition to this bill. They have better uses of their time and their money. So I urge my colleagues to resist this effort to try to make sure that everything in life is always fair and equal and controlled from these hallowed Halls of Washington and vote ``no'' on H.R. 80. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer). Mr. BLUMENAUER. I appreciate the gentlewoman's courtesy in permitting me to speak on this bill and her leadership in guiding it to the floor once again. We often speak of an idea whose time has come. Today's legislation is long overdue. Even though the Captive Primate Safety Act passed the House overwhelmingly last session, it was one of those bills alluded to by my friend from Utah that went to the other body to die. I hope that today our vote will at least be nearly unanimous, overwhelmingly again, and the Senate follow our lead. This is a critical step in terms of protection of the public. The gentlewoman referenced the last week's horrific chimpanzee attack that brings renewed urgency to the legislation before us. I am a little frustrated when I hear my distinguished colleague attempt to belittle the import of this bill. It is common sense that exotic species or animals destined for the food chain are treated not just as an animal welfare issue but as a human welfare issue. Animal welfare legislation is about far [[Page 4383]] more than merely treating God's creatures with the dignity and respect that is their due. How we treat these animals in our community reflects a lot on our own values and who we are. Last week's attack shows what can happen when primates are treated like pets rather than a wild animal. It's not an isolated instance. There have been 100 attacks on humans by primates in the last 10 years, 29 of which involved children. We don't know why the chimpanzee that had been treated like a member of the household snapped. We don't know what prompted the act, but we do know the results. And, indeed, all the money my friend decreed will be spent and more trying to deal with this one woman who was horrifically maimed. And it could have been much worse. What if the rampage had taken place near a school, if the officers hadn't responded quickly, or if the chimpanzee in question had been infected with one of the many diseases they commonly carry? Primates should be added to the Lacey Act prohibition just as we added lions, tigers, and other big cats in 2003 with the passage of the Wildlife Safety Act. There is this notion somehow that we will just sit back, let the States provide legislation protection or not. Well, we didn't do that with the big cats, appropriately so, and already it is not just illegal to import primates into the United States, but it's outlawed by 20 States. But primates are still readily available. Exactly the same way we have worked to deal with horrific consequences of animal fighting, which used to be legal in the various and sundry States, first dog fighting was made illegal, then cockfighting in a variety of States, but the prohibition of interstate transfer and making it a Federal misdemeanor was an important part of providing a chain of protection. When these animals can be regularly transported across State lines, they can be sold over the Internet, it's very difficult to have a pattern of protection. I salute the animal welfare advocates for their efforts. At times people are dismissive of one element or another, but the total package here is very important. With thousands of primates exposed to people around the country, we are in a situation where we have an opportunity to take the next important step. It is the least we can do to extend the protections of the Lacey Act. When we treat animals properly, respect the fact that they are not like us, that their needs are not being met, dressed up in tutus or taught to drink wine from wine glasses. The Lacey Extension Act will overnight stop the trade in animals that have no business being household pets. It will mean that the Federal Government is doing all we can to protect our citizens from attack and from disease. And, hopefully, this will be another step in a framework of protection where the 30 States that still allow primates as pets, including a number that have no regulation whatsoever, will be inspired to join the Federal Government and the 20 States which outlaw them entirely. In the meantime we are stopping this trade. Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Will the gentleman yield? Mr. BLUMENAUER. I will be happy to yield. Mr. BROUN of Georgia. I appreciate what the gentleman says. Would you please explain to me how this bill is going to stop the horrific accident that occurred in Connecticut? I don't see how this bill will do that, and I would appreciate it if you would explain how this is going to prevent animal bites. Mr. BLUMENAUER. I appreciate the gentleman's inquiry. And let me explain. I will use the analogy that I just made on the floor with animal fighting. Dog fighting and cockfighting used to be commonly accepted activities. There were those in this Chamber who fought against having Federal protections to stop it. And what we saw is that when we don't have the Federal protections, when we rely on inadequate activities across State borders, there are many States that don't step up, that don't provide the protection, and if it isn't a serious enough element, the Federal Government doesn't deploy enforcement tactics. In fact, I think it was in your home State of Georgia that we finally had a horrific example of Michael Vick and animal fighting that finally drove the point home and raised the profile of that issue. Now, what we are going to have to do is to provide a framework of protection to move to where we are, in fact, actually taking seriously this responsibility. And it is not a case of monkey bites, and people are dismissing it, that it's not important, we will just leave it to the State. Obviously, there are some States that aren't stepping up and providing protection. I want it to be clear because this is an important step. It doesn't solve it overnight, but if we had moved earlier, provided protection, stopped the interstate transfer, put the spotlight on how serious this is, maybe, maybe we would have had States move forward to do what the other 20 States have done, to outlaw them. And when we get to this point where we have a framework of protection, licensing, and outlawing, we are not going to have a place where a neighbor called in distress comes forward and has her face ripped off. This monkey would not have been shipped from Missouri and the victim would not be in Cleveland getting a face transplant. I sincerely hope that you and other skeptics look at what is happening around the country and revise the notion that this isn't a serious problem, that instead the Federal Government ought to do all it can to stop it, that States ought to step forward and prohibit it, and in so doing all our families will be safer, healthier, and more economically secure. Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Will the gentleman yield? Mr. BLUMENAUER. I yield. Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Surely you're not suggesting that owning a primate is equal to cockfighting or dog fighting. Surely the gentleman is not suggesting that. I don't think you can compare. We're comparing apples to oranges in that situation. I don't support dog fighting. I don't support cockfighting. I'm a physician and I have treated a lot of animal bites in my career. But in my opinion, I don't think this is going to prevent animal bites of any kind, even primate bites, and the only person who is going to get bitten in this is the American taxpayer. You may say $5 million is not a lot of money, but the thing is the American public is going to be bitten in the wallet and it's going to be a program that is going to continue for some period of time. Mr. BLUMENAUER. I appreciate the suggestion. Mr. BROUN of Georgia. But do you compare this to dog fighting? Mr. BLUMENAUER. What I'm saying precisely is that having a Federal framework to stop the transport of animals that are dangerous, that are not household pets is an important first step. This is, in fact, serious business. You can make the same argument, you can make exactly the same argument, about prohibiting big cats from being transferred. Just let it go. This is something that can be handled on the State level, that animal fighting is something that can just be handled on the State level and there is no role to play because you're still going to have problems. I respectfully suggest that contrary to your assertion that by having a framework for big cats, having a framework for animal fighting, and now for dangerous primates that should not be routinely treated like the traffic of household pets is an important step to protect the public. It was important for the big cats. It was important for cockfighting and dog fighting. And I think it's important that we do what we can to stop the potential of additional problems from primates and by not having them move in interstate commerce to be trafficking around the country. This is an important step for regulation and control. I think it's an important step forward. It's why there was an overwhelming vote last session, why it's supported by zoo keepers, animal welfare, research. This is, as I say, Mr. Speaker, legislation whose time has passed. {time} 1515 I would think what we saw in Connecticut is an example of why we need [[Page 4384]] to be serious about the role that these primates play. They aren't pets. The Federal Government should not facilitate their treatment as pets to the 30 States that still, sadly, permit them in households, and many of them that don't have any regulatory controls at all. We will be doing our part today to do what the Federal Government can do to prevent such tragedies in the future, but I think it is an important signal for State legislatures around the country to step up and provide protection for their communities to prevent these activities, and I think it's critically important that we are part of an effort to inform the public of this problem. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. I would be happy to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Broun), which was not where the dogfighting took place. That was Virginia. Mr. BROUN of Georgia. I thank the gentleman from Utah for yielding, and I just wanted to make a comment. I just respectfully disagree with my friend from out West and from Oregon about his very impassioned debate here, and I understand that my friend is very passionate about this. As a physician, I am very concerned about animal bites myself. But I don't see where this bill is going to stop animal bites. I don't see where it's going to stop primate bites. If you want to outlaw primate ownership, then maybe that bill is one that you bring to the floor. I am not sure how we would vote on that, but I don't see how we can compare ownership of a primate or even a lion or a tiger to dogfighting and cockfighting. They are totally separate entities and so totally separate issues. This is going to cost money when we are in a situation where the American public is fixing to be asked to increase their taxes, and we passed just 2 weeks ago, week-and-a-half ago, a huge stimulus bill that I don't think is going to stimulate the economy. But I do know this, increasing Federal spending and increasing Federal purview into people's lives, particularly States' lives, is not in the best interests of our taxpayers. It's not in the best interests of America, and, frankly, I carry a copy of the Constitution in my pocket all the time and I don't see anything in this document that allows us to continue to expand the size of the Federal Government like we are doing. So I just wanted to make a comment that I very much appreciate your impassioned remarks. I understand the horrible accident that my friend from Utah was not trying to belittle in any way whatsoever, and I am sure he would tell you the same thing, and I know that he has a heart just like we all do. This bill is not going to stop that type of activity, and I don't think it's in the best interests of America. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would also like to note that despite State laws, pet primates continue to be available for purchase between States, and this bill would prevent that. In one instance, all it took was $45,000 and a phone call to have a chimp shipped from Missouri to Maryland. While it is illegal to own a primate in 20 States, in the rest of the country there is little to no regulation, and that is why the chimp owner in Connecticut was able to purchase Travis from Missouri. What happened last Monday has happened repeatedly in the past, and it will happen again if we don't pass this bill. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, once again we look into what we are doing here in Congress in terms of the relationship of how we spend our time and what is most productive for our constituents and the people of this great country. The gentleman from Georgia, I appreciate him implying that I have a heart. I don't think my kids would concur with that decision, but it happens to be there. What we are talking about, obviously in this particular bill, is simply the cause-effect relationship between a piece of legislation and the impact of that piece of legislation. It is true that there are 15,000 chimpanzees in this country, the overwhelming majority of which are not owned as pets. They are in labs. They are in zoos. Those chimpanzees are specifically excluded by the language of this particular bill. We are only going after a small section, a small issue, and yet the so-called harm that's caused does not have a relationship to the bill in front of us. This is not dealing with bites. It's not dealing with ownership. If we are talking about ownership, that could be a legitimate nexus. This is simply importation and a Federal framework that goes a roundabout way and is not a way to actually come up with issues that solve the problems, especially when a State can do it just as easy as we can. Everyone's personal safety does not have to be guaranteed by a statute that comes from this Chamber of ours. There are other opportunities to deal with that. What we should be dealing with are the key issues that affect this country. The last time this bill was before us on the floor, it was one of those things where we refused to try and talk about significant issues at the time and instead dealt with issues like this. Not that this is an insignificant issue, but this is dealing with a small area of American life where we are faced with vast issues, and yet we still refuse to deal with them. It's almost like the end of whenever we left last week. It was the end of a TV season and we are starting over again, and yet we ended that TV season on a very high note of passing a bill of anywhere between 800 billion to $1 trillion with almost no discussion and time to debate it. We were promised 48 hours to talk about the stimulus bill. Actually, I guess I misheard because I am older; it was actually 4 to 8 hours that we had to actually read about and learn about that stimulus bill before we jumped into the debate on this floor. And yet this week we come back for our new season, and we are doing the same thing again. We are faced with huge economic issues and huge bills coming down the pike, and yet, instead, we are not spending our time discussing those issues. We are spending our time discussing whether a prohibition of trade is the same thing as the prohibition of biting. Yet, look at what is coming before us. We are going to be talking about an omnibus bill, an omnibus appropriations bill, hopefully sometime this week. Only a few moments ago, the text was finally available, even before it goes into the Rules Committee tomorrow. Why are we not looking at that text and going through that? That is a $400 billion piece of legislation on top of the $1 trillion stimulus bill, on top of the $800 billion we did in bailouts, on top of $200 billion for Freddie and Fannie and AIG, et cetera, et cetera, on top of maybe some $70 billion we are going to be using for the housing market, on top of another 5 to 10 for another omnibus land bill which may someday come here. All of these things are adding up, and yet we are not prioritizing the time of this Congress to deal with those. There is every indication that the omnibus spending bill that will be coming before us this week will come under a closed rule, which could indicate that there would be absolutely no debate on the floor of that bill. Not only are we not spending our time dealing with prioritizing what is important, we are not even allowing us, when we actually get to that point, to do it. Last year, for the first time in the history of this Congress, there was a closed rule on an appropriations bill. That has never happened before, and that is not the way these types of things should take place. That's what we should be talking about today. That's what we should be talking about. How are we doing? How is the spending that we keep going through, an 8.7 percent increase in discretionary spending, how is that going to have an impact, how will the housing decisions we are going to be making soon? That's where we should be spending our time. That's the discussion. I think, perhaps, if that were the discussion, maybe this room would be fully occupied by Members trying to find out where our future will be. What we are doing simply right now is galumphing towards some goal in [[Page 4385]] which we will have almost minimal time to discuss the main issues, but we are spending a lot of time dealing with bills that have been passed before, and dealing with bills once again that don't have a cause- effect relationship, which is why the entity that would be responsible for actually, actually supervising and enforcing this bill are opposed to it, because of that minimal nexus of cause-effect relationship. Now, that's the issue that we had before us. We should, as a Congress, be trying to prioritize our time so we are dealing with the important issues that have an impact for all Americans and have an impact for the future of this country. And until we can do that type of prioritization, we are missing our goal and missing our mission here as Members of Congress. I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inquire as to how much time we have left. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlelady from Guam has 4 minutes. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I would therefore like to yield 2 minutes to Mr. Blumenauer. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Thank you again. I don't want to belabor this, but I find no small amount of irony that my good friend from Utah is saying, well, we shouldn't be wasting time with this, we should be dealing with the major issues of the day, really the critical things. And then I look down the agenda and, lo and behold, he has two items on the suspension calendar that he is sponsoring that are coming forward, and I don't know that they meet the test that he just made of things that are going to shake the roots of the democracy and move forward to solve all our economic and global problems. We can, as they say, do more than one thing at once. We have a variety of things that may not be earthshaking for everybody and deal with the future of the republic, but are important business none the less. That's why you put them on the suspension calendar to move them forward and that is why I have done so with this bill. I want to just conclude with the notion, though, of the framework, and the dismissive notion of, you know, animal bites. I would respectfully suggest that having your face ripped off is not the same as just an animal bite, a nip here or a scratch there. We are dealing with animals that have the potential of inflicting serious damage and death. We have a patchwork framework right now where the States, some have stepped up and recognized the responsibility and the danger to their citizens and have outlawed it. Others are starting to move in this direction and have some registration, for example. But what we do with this legislation is provide a framework so that it is possible to actually have some enforcement. But what I mentioned in terms of the analogy, and I am sorry I wasn't clear to my friend from Georgia, that when you don't have a framework, when States are free to do whatever they want and you can transport things across State borders, it undercuts the abilities of the States that are trying to protect their citizens like with animal fighting. With all due respect, this provides a framework to start making this enforcement work. Even if you disagree, if this bill had been the law of the land, the chimp in the most recent attack would never have been shipped from Missouri and an unfortunate woman would still have her face. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. The gentleman from Oregon has said many things with which I totally agree. First of all, I didn't actually set the schedule. The Speaker sets the schedule. I do have two bills on the schedule, and I agree, those bills are not crucial to the value of this country. This country will survive without my bills. Actually, if we are living in the proper world, since both those bills, as many of these passed last year, the Senate should have dealt with them last year and got them over and we would be done with it. That's one of the problems; we have to deal with the other body. There is kind of a difference between my bills and this one as well. Mine don't cost anything. Mine also have the Federal entity that's involved in the Federal enrollment in support of those, and there is, I think, a cause-effect relationship that happens to be there. Having said that, it still doesn't change the fact that we are facing significant issues that we won't be addressing this week dealing with the economy, and dealing with how we are treating our fellow citizens in this Nation, and dealing with how we are going to ask taxpayers to pay for what we are dealing with, whether it's $1 trillion for a stimulus or a $200 billion bailout for Freddie and Fannie or $4 million a year to enforce a bill that could be done by the States and doesn't necessarily solve the problem that is supposedly the reason for the bill's introduction in the first place. So I hope that we can move on to more significant things, and I hope that we are allowed on the floor the time to talk about more significant things in the future. And, yes, I would include my two bills as insignificant in that pantheon of issues which Congress should be debating. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, again, I say this is a timely, important piece of legislation, and I urge my fellow colleagues to support bill number H.R. 80. Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Record the following exchange of letters between the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Natural Resources concerning certain jurisdictional matters on H.R. 80. House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, February 23, 2009. Hon. Nick Rahall, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Rahall: In recognition of the desire to expedite consideration of H.R. 80, the Captive Primate Safety Act, the Committee on the Judiciary agrees to waive formal consideration of the bill as to provisions that fall within its rule X jurisdiction. Specifically, the bill adds a new criminal prohibition for trafficking in nonhuman primates, with felony penalties, including up to 5 years in prison. The Committee takes this action with the understanding that by forgoing consideration of H.R. 80 at this time, it does not waive any jurisdiction over subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and with the understanding that our Committee will be appropriately consulted as the bill or similar legislation moves forward. The Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this or similar legislation, and requests your support for any such request. I would appreciate your including this letter in the Congressional Record during consideration of the bill on the House floor. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for the cooperative working relationship between our two committees. Sincerely, John Conyers, Jr., Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC February 23, 2009. Hon. John Conyers, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your recent letter regarding provisions of H.R. 80, the Captive Primate Safety Act, that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary. I appreciate your willingness to waive sequential referral of the bill so that it may proceed to the House floor for consideration without delay. I understand that this waiver is not intended to prejudice any future jurisdictional claims over these provisions or similar language. I also understand that you reserve the right to seek to have conferees named from the Committee on the Judiciary on these provisions, and would support such a request if it were made. This letter will be entered into the Congressional Record during consideration of H.R. 80 on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. With warm regards, I am Sincerely, Nick J. Rahall II, Chairman. Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as a co-sponsor of H.R. 80, I rise in strong support of this legislation. During the last Congress, a similar bill was approved by the House on a vote of 302 to 96. In fact, this year's version is an improvement because it addresses the needs of certain non-profit humanitarian organizations who utilize nonhuman primates to assist permanently disabled Americans. These service [[Page 4386]] monkeys have for over 30 years significantly improved the lives of dozens of Americans who suffer with polio, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and other severe mobility impairments. I would also like to compliment my distinguished Subcommittee Chairwoman, the Honorable Madeleine Bordallo who was willing to work in a bipartisan fashion to improve this legislation. During our Committee deliberations, two amendments were adopted to ensure that all non-human primate pets are treated in a humane manner. The first improvement allows owners to transport their beloved nonhuman primates across state lines when it becomes necessary to obtain essential veterinary care. During the debate on this measure, it became clear that there is a very limited number of veterinarians in the United States that have the expertise and even the interest in treating non-human primates. The second humanitarian improvement allows the transportation of nonhuman primates across state lines upon the death of their human owners. It is not unusual for many of these non-human primate species to live 25 or even 40 years and it becomes critical that they can be relocated to a safe, secure and health environment. Without these improvements, it was my fear that these monkeys would not receive adequate medical care or proper living conditions and that they would be dumped at an overcrowded zoo, wildlife sanctuary or animal shelter or simply abandoned to die. I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on H.R. 80, the Captive Primate Safety Act. Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 80, the Captive Primate Safety Act, a bill that will protect public health and safety as well as animal welfare by prohibiting interstate commerce in primates for the exotic pet trade. Last week, a woman from my district was brutally attacked and nearly killed by a chimpanzee that had been kept as a pet in a private home. Though the victim is currently receiving treatment at a specialized clinic, it is very likely that her wounds are grave and the effects lifelong. An estimated 15,000 primates are in private hands in the United States, and while some may think chimpanzees and monkeys are good pets, last week's incident made tragically clear that these animals are unsafe when not under supervision of trained professionals. According to the Captive Wild Animal Protection Coalition, at least 100 people have been injured by captive primates over the past decade. Currently, twenty states prohibit keeping primates as pets, and the importation of such animals into the United States for the pet trade has been prohibited by federal law since 1975. Nevertheless, primates such as the one involved in last week's tragic incident in Stamford are bred in the United States and are readily available for purchase from exotic animal dealers and on the Internet. By adding primates to the list of animals that cannot be purchased or transported as pets across state lines by individuals, H.R. 80 targets the pet trade and does not affect trade or transportation of animals between zoos, research facilities, or other federally licensed and regulated entities. This is a targeted, common-sense bill that will further protect our communities and promote animal welfare, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 80, the Captive Primate Safety Act. This timely legislation would help ensure the safety of not only chimpanzees and other nonhuman primates, but for humans as well. This legislation would keep chimpanzees and other nonhuman primates out of the pet trade and out of pet shops and out of our homes. In effect, this bill would prevent nonhuman primates from becoming pets, and instead, keep them in their natural environment or in a properly maintained facility. There are several reasons why we must pass this legislation. First, pet chimpanzees and other nonhuman primates can be very dangerous, even after years of attentive care. The recent horrific attack by a pet chimpanzee reminds us that no matter how much care a well-intentioned pet owner gives a pet chimpanzee, chimpanzees and nonhuman primates remain wild animals. Second, most people can not provide the appropriate care for chimpanzees and other nonhuman primates. Last year I had the privilege to hear Jane Goodall testify at Natural Resources Committee legislative hearing in support of the Captive Primate Safety Act. Dr. Goodall has dedicated her life to ensuring captive primates receive the attention and care they deserve, and that is why she strongly opposes having primates as pets. She testified that although chimpanzees may seem attractive as pets, primates have complicated needs that are impossible for even well- intentioned pet owners to provide. For example, by the age of five, chimpanzees are often stronger than human adults and become destructive, difficult to contain, and dangerous. Let us follow Jane Goodall's lead and work to protect these animals, not subject them to inadequate conditions. Third, as a nurse, I am greatly concerned with the public health risk posed by nonhuman primates. Nonhuman primates are so genetically close to humans, diseases can easily transfer from nonhuman primates to humans. Zoonotic diseases have produced some of our history's most deadly disease epidemics: the plague, the ebola virus, and cholera, to name a few. It is clear, when we have unnecessary contact with nonhuman primates, we carelessly jeopardize the public's health. Finally, chimpanzees and other nonhuman primates are wild animals, they do not belong in our homes or in pet shops. No matter how much love and attention nonhuman primates are given, they remain complex, wild, and unpredictable animals. The Captive Primate Safety Act is good legislation for both primates and people. It will add primates to the list of wildlife species prohibited from interstate or foreign commerce and thus, keep nonhuman primates out of the pet trade. Thank you and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in the supporting this timely legislation. Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, as the lead Republican sponsor I am pleased to rise in support of the Captive Primate Safety Act. This legislation, supported by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Jane Goodall Institute, among others, would protect public health and safety and enhance animal welfare by preventing people from keeping nonhuman primates as pets. On February 16, 2009, Travis, a 200-pound chimpanzee, attacked a 55- year-old woman in Connecticut. Travis, a popular figure in his home town who appeared in television commercials and posed for photographs, inflicted such massive injuries on the victim that she now awaits a face transplant. This gruesome incident highlights the fact that keeping a primate for a pet is both dangerous to the owner and inhumane to the animal. Over the past decade, roughly 100 people have been injured by primates, many of whom are children. Acts of neglect have also occurred in my home state of Illinois. In October 2008, Chicago police seized a ring-tailed lemur that was reportedly found with no food, little water, and standing in his own waste. Although nonhuman primates are our closest living relatives, because they have unique needs and can be dangerous, they should not be kept as pets. With an estimated 15,000 primates in private hands, federal legislation is needed to reinforce this fact. This legislation would amend the Lacey Act by adding nonhuman primates to the list of ``prohibited wildlife species,'' declaring it illegal for any individual person to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any prohibited wildlife species. The bill exempts zoos, universities, and wildlife sanctuaries. Having passed in the 110th Congress overwhelmingly, I strongly encourage my colleagues to join me again in passing this needed and timely legislation. Ms. BORDALLO. I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 80. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds note being in the affirmative, the noes have it. Mr. BROUN of Georgia. 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. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________ {time} 1530 VIRGIN ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK LAND LEASE Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill [[Page 4387]] (H.R. 714) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain lands in Virgin Islands National Park, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 714 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. CANEEL BAY LEASE AUTHORIZATION. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Park.--The term ``Park'' means the Virgin Islands National Park. (2) Resort.--The term ``resort'' means the Caneel Bay resort on the island of St. John in the Park. (3) Retained use estate.--The term ``retained use estate'' means the retained use estate for the Caneel Bay property on the island of St. John entered into between the Jackson Hole Preserve and the United States on September 30, 1983. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (b) Lease Authorization.-- (1) In general.--If the Secretary determines that the long- term benefit to the Park would be greater by entering into a lease with the owner of the retained use estate than by authorizing a concession contract upon the termination of the retained use estate, the Secretary may enter into a lease for the operation and management of the resort. (2) Acquisitions.--The Secretary may-- (A) acquire associated property from the owner of the retained use estate; and (B) on the acquisition of property under subparagraph (A), administer the property as part of the Park. (3) Authority.--Except as otherwise provided by this section, a lease shall be in accordance with subsection (k) of section 3 of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-2(k)), notwithstanding paragraph (2) of that subsection. (4) Terms and conditions.--A lease authorized under this section shall-- (A) be for the minimum number of years practicable, taking into consideration the need for the lessee to secure financing for necessary capital improvements to the resort, but in no event shall the term of the lease exceed 40 years; (B) prohibit any transfer, assignment, or sale of the lease or otherwise convey or pledge any interest in the lease with prior written notification to, and approval by the Secretary; (C) ensure that the general character of the resort property remains unchanged, including a prohibition against-- (i) any increase in the overall size of the resort; or (ii) any increase in the number of guest accommodations available at the resort; (D) prohibit the sale of partial ownership shares or timeshares in the resort; and (E) include any other provisions determined by the Secretary to be necessary to protect the Park and the public interest. (5) Rental amounts.--In determining the fair market value rental of the lease required under section 3(k)(4) of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-2(k)(4)), the Secretary shall take into consideration-- (A) the value of any associated property conveyed to the United States; and (B) the value, if any, of the relinquished term of the retained use estate. (6) Use of proceeds.--Rental amounts paid to the United States under a lease shall be available to the Secretary, without further appropriation, for visitor services and resource protection within the Park. (7) Congressional notification.--The Secretary shall submit a proposed lease under this section to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives at least 60 days before the effective date of the lease. (8) Renewal.--A lease entered into under this section may not be extended or renewed. (9) Termination.--Upon the termination of a lease entered into under this section, if the Secretary determines the continuation of commercial services at the resort to be appropriate, the services shall be provided in accordance with the National Park Service Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C. 5951 et seq.). (c) Retained Use Estate.-- (1) In general.--As a condition of the lease, the owner of the retained use estate shall terminate, extinguish, and relinquish to the Secretary all rights under the retained use estate and shall transfer, without consideration, ownership of improvements on the retained use estate to the National Park Service. (2) Appraisal.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary shall require an appraisal by an independent, qualified appraiser that is agreed to by the Secretary and the owner of the retained use estate to determine the value, if any, of the relinquished term of the retained use estate. (B) Requirements.--An appraisal under paragraph (1) shall be conducted in accordance with-- (i) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and (ii) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Guam. General Leave Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Guam? There was no objection. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend our distinguished colleague from the Virgin Islands, a valuable member of the Committee on Natural Resources, Donna Christensen, for sponsoring H.R. 714. This legislation would authorize the National Park Service to continue its successful relationship with Caneel Bay Resort, ensure that park resources are protected, and allow the resort to undertake needed maintenance and improvement programs that will benefit visitors to the Virgin Islands National Park and the Caneel Bay Resort well into the future. Mr. Speaker, this legislation was approved by the House in the previous Congress, but was not considered in the other body. It should be noted, however, that H.R. 714 includes some technical changes suggested by our colleagues in the Senate after hearings were conducted on the bill last year. Congresswoman Christensen deserves our thanks for her work in ensuring that visitor services at the Virgin Islands National Park are available and that the park's stunning natural resources are always protected. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 714. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill has been adequately explained by the other side and we support this legislation. I reserve my time. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen), the author of this legislation. Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Bordallo for those kind words and for yielding me time. I rise, of course, in strong support of H.R. 714, legislation that I introduced to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a lease with the owners of Caneel Bay Resort in my congressional district. I want to begin by thanking Chairman Rahall, as well as Chairman Grijalva, for their strong and steadfast support of this bill. Chairman Grijalva actually traveled to my district to see for himself how important the resort is to the island and the people of St. John and to meet with not only the management, but the employees, because it is important to the entire Virgin Islands. Mr. Speaker, Caneel Bay traces its roots to Lawrence Rockefeller's coming to the Island of St. John in 1952. He purchased the then- existing resort facilities and also acquired more than 5,000 surrounding acres to protect the area. In 1956, he donated the additional land to create the Virgin Islands National Park. At the same time, he created Caneel Bay Resort, comprising 170 acres, which continues to complement and be environmentally consistent with the natural beauty of the park's setting. Mr. Rockefeller subsequently decided to transfer the land underlying Caneel Bay to the National Park Service while retaining the improvements and continuing the Caneel Bay operations. He accomplished this through the execution of a series of unique agreements generally known as a retained use estate, or RUE. The bill before us is necessary because the RUE is slated to expire in 2023 and its current owners require more than the remaining 15 years to [[Page 4388]] provide the capital and long-term financing necessary to reverse the decline of the facilities over the years and to return it to the grandeur and stature that it deserves. It has been impossible for them to get that financing with just 15 years remaining in the RUE. Mr. Speaker, I have spent the last 4 years meeting with the National Park Service officials, representatives of the Rockefeller group, and various public officials and business partners to work out an equitable framework for the long-term lease with the National Park Service which will ensure the viability of the Caneel Bay Resort, the largest employer on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In return for a long-term lease needed to ensure the infusion of capital funds, the owners have agreed to pay consideration to the government based on independent appraisals commissioned by the parties, which will include valuable land and buildings held by them outside the park but which are necessary for resort operations. No consideration is currently being paid to the government under the existing retained use estate which expires in 2023. Mr. Speaker, Caneel Bay, along with virtually every business in the Virgin Islands, and I would say across the country, has suffered a dramatic decline in revenue and, in our case, future bookings. The company is being forced to make some very difficult decisions in an attempt to preserve its solvency so that it may survive this economic downturn. They are currently reducing employees' hours, have been forced to eliminate some positions and are laying off employees. They are making every effort to minimize losses due to the deepening economic recession as well as alleviate the impact on our long-term employees who are also struggling in this economic environment. The bill was supported by the administration at hearings both in the House and Senate as the best means of conclusively addressing this issue. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Natural Resources staff director, Jim Zoia, and the staff of the National Parks, Forest and Public Lands Subcommittee, in particular former staff director Rick Healy and current staff director Dave Watkins, for their hard work in making it possible for H.R. 714 to be on the floor today. I also want to thank the full committee ranking member, Doc Hastings, and subcommittee ranking member, Rob Bishop, and their staffs for their support as well. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this bill, which is very important to the economy of my district and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mr. BISHOP Of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I again urge Members to support H.R. 714, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 714. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________ HONORING APACHE LEADER GOYATHLAY Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 132) honoring the life and memory of the Chiricahua Apache leader Goyathlay or Goyaale, also known as Geronimo, and recognizing the 100th anniversary of his death on February 17, 2009, as a time of reflection and the commencement of a ``Healing'' for all Apache people. The Clerk read the title of the resolution. The text of the resolution is as follows: H. Res. 132 Whereas Goyathlay or Goyaale, called Geronimo by the soldiers against whom he fought, was born in June 1829 to the Bedonkohe band of the Apache people in No-Doyohn Canyon on the Gila River, which was then part of Mexico; Whereas in 1858, Mexican soldiers attacked the Bedonkohe people within the current borders of Mexico, setting in motion a war between that nation and the Apache that would last for three decades; Whereas Goyathlay, a spiritual and intellectual leader, became recognized as a great military leader by his people because of his courage, determination, and skill; Whereas Goyathlay led his people in a war of self-defense as their homeland was invaded by the citizens and armies first of Mexico, and then of the United States; Whereas that homeland was healthy, thriving, and beautiful with ample running water, extensive grasslands, and ancient forests and was a place beloved and revered by the Apache people, who had lived there for countless generations; Whereas Goyathlay's band, along with other Apache peoples, were forcibly removed by the United States Army, interned at San Carlos, Arizona, subjugated, and deprived of their rights as a free people, including the right to practice their traditional spiritual beliefs and maintain long-standing political and social structures; Whereas Goyathlay led fewer than 150 men, women, and children out of captivity and for several years evaded fighting forces consisting of one-quarter of the standing United States Army, as well as thousands of Mexican soldiers; Whereas upon surrendering to Unites States forces, Goyathlay and his band were promised a return to their homeland but were instead interned in military prisons in Florida and Alabama, far from their homeland; Whereas Goyathlay, promised respect as a prisoner of war, was put to hard labor for eight years; Whereas Goyathlay and other Apache prisoners of war were removed to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1894; Whereas after his death on February 17, 1909, Goyathlay was not granted the promised return to his homeland but instead was buried in the military cemetery at Fort Sill; Whereas Goyathlay's byname, ``Geronimo'', became a war cry uttered by paratroopers fighting against the totalitarian enemies of the United States during World War II, a name used with respect and honor for a great warrior and leader; Whereas to this day, the Apache people continue to honor and hold sacred what Goyathlay represented to a people separated and destroyed by historic and disruptive United States governmental policies of the past; and Whereas there still exists a need for spiritual healing among Apache people, stemming from the captivity and mistreatment of their ancestors under past policies of the United States Government, that can commence by honoring the memory of Goyathlay and his valiant efforts to preserve traditional Apache ways of life and the health of Ni'gosdza'n, the Earth: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) honors the life of Goyathlay, his extraordinary bravery, and his commitment to the defense of his homeland, his people, and Apache ways of life; and (2) recognizes the 100 anniversary of the death of Goyathlay as a time of reflection of his deeds on behalf of his people. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Guam. General Leave Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Guam? There was no objection. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 132 honors the life and the memory of the great Apache leader known to many of us as Geronimo. Last week, February 17 marked the 100th anniversary of his death. Geronimo began as the spiritual and intellectual leader of his people. Circumstance, in the manner of attack by the armies of first Mexico and then the United States, cultivated his keen military skill and determination. The story of Geronimo shows us some of the paradox that is the United States. We hunted this man as a perceived threat to the security of our young, developing Nation in the West. When he surrendered, we broke promises and mistreated him, ensuring he would never see his homeland again. Yet, half a century later, our U.S. [[Page 4389]] paratroopers used the name of Geronimo as a battle cry against our enemies in World War II. Using the name ``Geronimo'' was meant to instill fear in the enemy below that they were about to meet a soldier as fierce and determined as the mighty Apache warrior. And now, a full century after the death of Geronimo, the United States House of Representatives stands to acknowledge the mistakes of our flawed, disruptive policies of the past and to honor this great man. With this resolution, we honor the life of the great Apache leader Geronimo, his skill, his bravery, and his incredible tenacity in defense of his homeland and his way of life. So I congratulate and thank our colleague, Mr. Grijalva of Arizona, for sponsoring this resolution, and I urge all of my colleagues to support the passage of House Resolution 132. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume Mr. Speaker, if today someone says the word ``Geronimo,'' it evokes thoughts of an icon of popular culture. It is unfortunate that in the reality of this Apache warrior's life and death there is not more interest of the importance for him than simply the pop culture that was developed during World War II. It was in fact in 1940, the night before the first mass jump, that paratroopers at Fort Benning were watching a 1939 movie named, oddly enough, ``Geronimo,'' in which the actor playing this hero yells his name as he leaps from a cliff into a river. Thus was born the phrase that has become known to more people than the actual life of the Native American leader we call Geronimo. This resolution notes the treatment of Geronimo and the Apache people at the hands of both the Mexican and the U.S. Governments. It should serve as a lesson that government is often prone to error, incompetence and corruption, and that the larger government grows in size and power, the more pronounced and frequent these errors and misdeeds and mistakes indeed are made. It should make us shudder to think in a matter of weeks how this Congress has spent more than $1 trillion of borrowed money to grow the size and power of the Federal Government. Today we see problems in this country, problems of poverty, problems of joblessness, hopefully not a massive increase in homelessness, but sometimes hopelessness, and that is a sure sign, and the question is whether big government actually is helping to overcome those issues or is a hindrance to the people in their ability to overcome those particular issues. This resolution I hope will inspire fresh thinking about the direction of our government with respect to all American citizens, Native Americans and non-Native Americans alike, and hopefully will inspire us to consider the road we as a country are taking, and if it is indeed to require greater responsibility for individuals, does it help with individuals being able to succeed on their own. That is the course, that is the question, and I think this resolution does move us in that direction to ask those kinds of pertinent questions that are important, not just for this specific individual, but pertinent for all of us. With that, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega). Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I do want to commend the chairman of our Natural Resources Committee, Mr. Rahall, and the ranking member, Congressman Hastings, and especially my good friend, the chief sponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Grijalva, and a cosponsor, Congressman Dale Kildee. I know that our colleague Tom Cole would have loved to also have been an original cosponsor of this bill. Congressman Cole from Oklahoma is the only Native American Member of Congress that we have. He is a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation from the State of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, the name Geronimo evokes and brings to light other issues and I think something that we ought to be reminded of in light of our government's relationships and our treatment of the Native Americans, or American Indians. Geronimo, or as he was known when he was born, Goyathlay or Goyaale, his name means in the Chiricahua Apache language ``one who yawns.'' Interestingly enough, Geronimo was born in 1829. In 1851, a company of some 400 Mexican soldiers raided the Chiricahua campsite while Geronimo and his fellow warriors were away. {time} 1545 And as a result of this raid on their settlement, his wife, his children and mother were killed. The Chiricahua Apache--and, by the way, I wanted to note also, Mr. Speaker, that the place where Geronimo was born is now in Clifton, what is now known as the town of Clifton in Arizona, and I suspect this is probably why my colleague from Arizona wanted to make sure that there's proper recognition for this great Chiricahua Apache chief. What was stated here in the history, that his wife, his children, and his mother were killed by the soldiers, Mexican soldiers, the Chiricahua chief, Mangas Coloradas, sent Geronimo to join Cochise's warriors to fight and seek vengeance against the Mexican Army. In one of the many battles he fought, he repeatedly attacked Mexican soldiers with a knife, despite all the firing and the bullets that came his way, and so much so that the Mexicans were praying then for their own safety to their patron saint, Saint Jerome, or I suppose in Spanish it's Geronimo, and this is how the name Geronimo started ever since. Just wanted to give a little sense of history. Mr. Speaker, Geronimo was a military leader. He conducted raids in settlements along the Mexican and U.S. borders. And in geographical terms, you're talking about areas that stretch from Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and even what is now known as Mexico. Thousands of soldiers from both the U.S. and Mexican military forces tried to catch him for years and were unsuccessful in doing so, some 10 years, until finally Geronimo surrendered, only because, I suspect, of lack of food supplies and provisions and support for his little band of warriors and families. Geronimo was transferred to a military prison in Florida, and then it was at that time that the noted General Nelson Miles who, after years of trying to capture Geronimo, wrote in his journals a very interesting observation concerning this great Chiricahua warrior chief. And I quote from General Miles' journal. ``Everyone in Washington had now become convinced that there was no good in this old chief and he was, in fact, one of the lowest and most cruel of the savages of the American continent.'' That's not a very positive descriptive, I must say, of how people in those days described Native Americans. And in another part of General Miles' journal, he said, and I quote, and this is referring to Geronimo again, ``He was one of the brightest, most resolute, determined looking men that I have ever encountered. He had the clearest, sharpest, dark eye I have ever seen, unless it was that of General Sherman.'' Mr. Speaker, Geronimo was eventually transferred to a military prison at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he died on 17 February 1909, and that's the premise of this resolution in celebrating the hundredth anniversary when this great Indian warrior chief passed away in 17 February 1909. The resolution before us, Mr. Speaker, honors this great Chiricahua Apache warrior. And I'm reminded, when you mention Geronimo, you also have to mention other great Native American warrior chiefs. I can think of Crazy Horse and Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, among the famous warrior chiefs of the Lakota or the Sioux Nation. I can think of Cochise, also a Chiricahua Apache warrior chief, or Quanah Parker, a Comanche chief, or Tecumseh, a chief of the Shawnee Nation, or Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Nation, or Chief Massasoit of the Wampanoag tribe, and I suspect that this is where the name of the [[Page 4390]] State of Massachusetts had its origin from this great Indian, Native American tribal chief from the Wampanoag tribe. I can think also of Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa tribe, as well as Black Hawk of the Sac tribe. All of this, in essence, Mr. Speaker, and I want to share this with my colleagues. This resolution calls for a spiritual healing among the Apache people stemming from the captivity and the mistreatment of their ancestors under past policies of the U.S. Government. As I have said several times on this floor, Mr. Speaker, in terms of our treatment or mistreatment of Native Americans, ever since this country was founded, our first policy was to kill all the Indians. Then the next national policy was to assimilate all the Indians, make them part Americans. And then the next policy was let's not recognize them as Indians, and then they had to go through some procedures to be recognized as an Indian tribe. So it's really sad, when you think about it in those terms, Geronimo, yes, was a great warrior chief, but also a sad legacy, in some aspects, of our country's treatment of the Native American people. And I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I think it's worthwhile to remember and to consider the life and the story of this great Apache Chiricahua chief, Goyathlay, or Geronimo. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. It is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Broun). Mr. BROUN of Georgia. I rise in support of this bill. And actually it's one of the very few truly constitutional things we've seen around here recently. This government has mistreated terribly the Native American population in this country, and I think it's fitting that we recognize and honor Chief Geronimo. I live in northeast Georgia, and I represent an area where the Cherokee Nation was and still have a lot of Cherokee people in the northern part of my district in northeast Georgia in the mountains. I also live in an area where the Creek Indians resided. And this government has terribly mistreated the Native American population, not only in the past, but they continue to do so. We need to make changes, policy changes to bring the Native American people into this government, into this Nation as true, full citizens of this country. And we're not doing that. And I support honoring Geronimo. Having said that, I also want to add that there are a lot of things that this Congress is doing that are deplorable besides the way we mistreat the Native American people. The way this budget bill that's going to be brought to the floor of this House this week I think is deplorable. Half trillion dollar omnibus bill. Most people don't understand that word ``omnibus,'' I don't think. It's hard for me, as a Georgian, to even pronounce it. So I don't expect a lot of people to understand what that means. But what happened in the last Congress is the majority decided not to pass any budget bills and put it off until this Congress because they were hoping that they would have a President who was more favorable to the marked expansion of government that we've already seen proposed in this new budget. Just before we went on this President's Day break, this House passed, the Senate passed, the President signed into law very quickly, without much debate or much discussion and, generally, without any ability of the American public to look at the bill, in spite of this House passing unanimously an instruction to our Members of the House not to bring it to this floor without the American public being able to view on-line, for 48 hours, the $1.1- or $1.2 trillion so-called stimulus bill. I call it a non-stimulus bill. We're going to have a bill come this week. We're not going to be able to amend it. We'll have very little debate. It's not even been produced in totality yet. And frankly, as I look at this Constitution, a lot of the things that we do in this House and in the Senate and the President and even in the courts are not according to the intent of our Founding Fathers. Article I, Section 8 enumerates a list of functions of the Federal Government. There are only 18 things we're supposed to be passing bills about, only 18. The 10th amendment of the Constitution says, by golly, we mean it. The 10th amendment says, if a function is not specifically given to the Federal Government, by the Constitution, in other words, those 18 things in Article I, Section 8, if it's not prohibited from the States, things that are prohibited in the States, setting up interstate tariffs and things like that, those rights are reserved for the States and the people. We pass bill after bill in this House that are totally unconstitutional. The Federal court system rules over and over again about the constitutionality of State law and Federal law and rule unconstitutionally according to the original intent. And we are spending our grandchildren's future. Our grandchildren are going to live at a lower standard of living than we do today because of these massive bills that we are passing in this Congress and we passed in the last Congress. It's totally objectionable, totally deplorable and totally unacceptable to me of how we're doing business in this Congress and how we did business in the last Congress. We've got to stop spending the future of America. We have to have a strong national defense and national security. Those things are constitutional. Those things should be the major function of the Federal Government. And I just call upon my colleagues in this House and my colleagues over in the Senate to just take a step back and look at what we're doing. We're killing the American entrepreneurial system. We're killing the free markets. We're killing the future economic well-being of our children and our grandchildren because of these huge spending bills. We can't debate them. We can't amend them. We can't do anything except for vote on them. And it's being shoved down the throats of the American people. And that's totally unacceptable to me. I ask my colleagues, liberal and conservative alike, to look at what we're doing. We've got to stop borrowing and spending America's future because it's not going to work. That's exactly what we're doing. We're robbing little Johnny and little Mary's piggy bank and their children's piggy bank to grow a bigger socialistic government. It has to stop. These huge spending bills are not going to solve the economic woes. Americans are hurting. We have to do something. But what we do, or what we've been doing here is growing a bigger government. What we've been doing here is basically putting in place tax policy and Federal policy that's going to destroy freedom in America. We've got to stop it. We cannot continue down this road. We're going down a road of socialism. We had this non-stimulus bill that was shoved down the throats of the American public, shoved down our throats in this House and in the Senate, and it's going to strangle the American economy, and it's going to kill America's economic future. It has to stop. And we need to stop it this week. We cannot continue these big spending bills. We don't even have regular order on all these bills that come to the floor of the House. We have bill after bill with tax increases, spending, that are brought under suspensions, passed by unanimous consent. I find that deplorable and unacceptable. We need to call this--as Americans, we need to call this House and this Senate back to regular order. We need to stop this destruction of freedom and this rapid move to socialism in America. I want to honor Geronimo. I want to honor the Apache people. They've done a fantastic job with their wildlife management. I wish I could afford to go out there and hunt sheep, elk or field deer. We have done a disservice to the Native American people and continue to do so. We did to Geronimo. And this bill will honor Geronimo. But we cannot continue the disservice to the American taxpayers, to our children and our grandchildren. {time} 1600 Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional requests for time and would inquire of the minority whether they have any additional speakers. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. May I ask how much time is remaining. [[Page 4391]] The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Utah has 9 minutes. The gentlewoman from Guam has 11 minutes. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. I would be willing to say a few words, and then we are done. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate once again Representative Grijalva for introducing this particular resolution. I am supportive of this resolution, as was Representative Broun, and as, I think, everyone who has spoken for it. It does, I think, do several things for us that are very positive. One is asking us to reconsider and to rethink the issues that have created the situations that happened around the life of this great man. Also, it is asking ourselves if we are doing those same issues today in a different sphere, in a different element. It is one of the reasons I have the same concerns the gentleman from Georgia has as to the direction in which we are going. We will be talking about an omnibus spending bill that will go on to an omnibus bailout bill that will go on top of an omnibus stimulus bill. We will be talking specifically about the foreclosure of homes and home prevention plans. I think there are some questions that we need to make sure that we have added so that there is ample time to discuss just as we have had ample time to discuss this resolution. These other issues need that kind of time. Whatever plan we have for homeowners, what will it do for the 90 percent of the homeowners who are playing by the rules and paying by the rules? What will our plans do to compensate banks for bad mortgages they should never have made in the first place? Will individuals who misrepresented their income or assets on original mortgage applications be eligible to get taxpayer-funded assistance under these new plans? Will we require mortgage servicers to verify income and other eligibility standards before modifying existing mortgages? What will we do to prevent the same mortgages that receive assistance that are modified from going into default 3 or 6 or 8 months later? How do we intend to move forward in the drafting of this legislation? How much time will we have on the floor to discuss the details of this legislation? Will we have a chance to provide alternatives? In every issue we have had so far, there are grand alternatives that are out there, very little time to discuss what those alternatives are. That is a need that we have to do so we don't proceed down the road to make mistakes as was done in the past by a government to this particular individual. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to note that the chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe is observing our proceedings today, and so it is very fitting that the House supports the passage of House Resolution 132 in honor of the life of Geronimo. Mr. TEAGUE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th year after the passing of Goyathlay. Goyathlay, more famously known as Geronimo, was a Chiricahua Apache leader who hailed from an area that is now part of the great State of New Mexico. He was born on the Gila River, which now lies in the southwestern part of my district. Goyathlay's actions on behalf of his people have been commemorated in legends, history, and film. His skill and indomitable spirit live on as a memorial to the Apache people and their culture. Goyathlay fought to preserve the Apache from what he saw to be an invading force, one that was foreign to him and did not understand his people's ways and beliefs. I am proud to say that today I have the privilege of representing the Apache people in the United States Congress. It is an honor to serve as their Representative. The values that they cherish, values that Goyathlay fought so hard to preserve, are still alive in them today. On the anniversary of Goyathlay's death, we hope that we as a people and Nation have moved beyond the differences that separated us 100 years ago. We hope that we can begin a process to heal old wounds and ensure that everyone's voices are heard their needs are met. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 132, which recognizes the significance of the life and memory of the Chiricahua Apache leader Goyathlay or Goyaale, also known as Geronimo, and recognizing the 100th anniversary of his death on February 17, 2009, as a time of reflection and the commencement of a ``healing'' for all Apache people. Mr. Speaker, to the apaches, it is proclaimed that Geronimo embodied the very essence of the Apache values: aggressiveness, courage in the face of difficulty. The slaughter of Geronimo's family when he was a young man turned him from a peaceful Indian into a bold warrior. Originally named Goyathlay (``One Who Yawns'') he joined a fierce band of Apaches known as Chiricahuas and with them took part in raids in northern Mexico and across the border into U.S. territory which are now known as the States of New Mexico and Arizona. Geronimo was the last Apache fighting force. He became the most famous Apache of all for standing against the U.S. government and for holding out the longest. He was a great Apache medicine man, a great spiritual leader. Geronimo was highly sought by Apache chiefs for his wisdom. He is said to have had magical powers. He could see into the future and walk without creating footprints. Geronimo devoted his life to service and leadership, as evidenced in his words, ``I cannot think that we are useless or God would not have created us. There is one God looking down on us all. We are all the children of one God. The sun, the darkness, the winds are all listening to what we have to say.'' Mr. Speaker, Geronimo became a ``spokesman'' for Native American ways of life and their culture. He represented the Apache heritage. He is the known name when it comes to the Apache tribe. He is known for holding out against overwhelming odds. His name is a character that kids know when they, play Indians. Mr. Speaker, Geronimo should be remembered not as a violent Indian, but a Native American fighting for the freedom of his followers and his Apache people; fighting with something behind it. Not just fighting to fight, fighting for his ways of life. That is why he should be remembered. Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and affirm my support for H. Res. 132, to honor the great Apache leader Geronimo and recognize the 100th anniversary of his death as a time of reflection and healing for all Apache people. My congressional district is rich in culture and tradition. I recognize and respect the importance of tribal sovereignty and government-to-government relationships. My district includes the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and 15 of the 19 Pueblos in the State of New Mexico. All of these tribes add to our diverse culture in their own ways. My family and I have always treasured and respected the unique history and heritage of Native American people in New Mexico and across the U.S. As the Congressman from New Mexico's Third Congressional District, I am looking forward to working in partnership with tribal governments and with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to find solutions to the problems facing Indian country today. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, honoring the life and memory of the great Apache leader Geronimo. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Clay). The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 132. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________ BOX ELDER UTAH LAND CONVEYANCE ACT Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 601) to provide for the conveyance of parcels of land to Mantua, Box Elder County, Utah. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 601 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 ``Box Elder Utah Land Conveyance Act''. SEC. 2. CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN LANDS TO MANTUA, BOX ELDER, UTAH. (a) Conveyance Required.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall convey, without consideration, to the town of Mantua, Utah (in this [[Page 4392]] section referred to as the ``town''), all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to parcels of National Forest System land in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Box Elder County, Utah, consisting of approximately 31.5 acres within section 27, township 9 north, range 1 west, Salt Lake meridian and labeled as parcels A, B, and C on the map entitled ``Box Elder Utah Land Conveyance Act'' and dated July 14, 2008. (b) Survey.--If necessary, the exact acreage and legal description of the lands to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary. The cost of the survey shall be borne by the town. (c) Use of Land.--As a condition of the conveyance under subsection (a), the town shall use the land conveyed under such subsection for public purposes. (d) Reversionary Interest.--In the quitclaim deed to the town prepared as part of the conveyance under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide that the land conveyed to the town under such subsection shall revert to the Secretary, at the election of the Secretary, if the land is used for other than public purposes. (e) Additional Terms and Conditions.--The Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyance authorized under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Guam. General Leave Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Guam? There was no objection. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 601, introduced by Representative Bishop of Utah, requires the Secretary of Agriculture to convey without consideration approximately 31.5 acres of National Forest System land in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Utah to the town of Mantua, Utah. The conveyed land will be used by the town of Mantua to develop a new town cemetery, a new town hall and fire station, an elementary school, a court, law enforcement facilities, and a memorial park. Mr. Speaker, this bill passed the House in the 110th Congress. Also in the last Congress, our committee amended that measure to require that, as a condition of the conveyance, the town of Mantua shall use the land for public purposes only, and the land shall revert to the Secretary if used for another purpose, and that requirement is included in H.R. 601 as well. We have no objections to H.R. 601. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As usual, the gentlelady from Guam did an excellent job in describing this particular bill. I want to thank Chairman Rahall and Chairman Grijalva for the hearing last year. This bill did pass the floor on a voice vote, and yes, this is not one of those landmark decisions that is going to be recorded in the annals of congressional history. Some people may think that this is a trivial issue with the amount of land that we are talking about. Unfortunately, if you live in a State where 67 percent of the State is under the control of the Federal Government, these kinds of land conveyances become very important and become vital to small communities like Mantua that need this particular land. The land that was given to the Forest Service was given almost 60 years ago for the whopping price of $1, and in that period of time, basically, the Forest Service forgot they had the land. It was lost. It was not part of their inventory. It has never been used. It is surrounded by land that is either private or in control of the city already, so the land actually has limited value for the Federal Government, but has a major value for public purposes by the City of Mantua. Part of it borders the cemetery, and they are in desperate need of expanding that cemetery. They are also in desperate need of creating a new fire station, which not only would supply the needs of the town but would also supply the needs of the national forest there in Box Elder Canyon at the same time, as well as a new town hall. It is for that purpose we have tried to see if this land conveyance can be done for a simple and easy purpose since we are dealing with public purpose for public purpose. It is merely who owns that land that is somewhat different. This is a piece of legislation of which the Forest Service is supportive and the city is supportive, and I appreciate the kind words that were said about this particular bill. I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional requests for time and would inquire of the minority whether they have any additional speakers. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. No, Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I again urge Members to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 601. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. ____________________ UTAH NATIONAL GUARD READINESS ACT Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 603) to require the conveyance of certain public land within the boundaries of Camp Williams, Utah, to support the training and readiness of the Utah National Guard. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 603 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 ``Utah National Guard Readiness Act''. SEC. 2. LAND CONVEYANCE, CAMP WILLIAMS, UTAH. (a) Conveyance Required.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land Management, shall convey, without consideration, to the State of Utah all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to certain lands comprising approximately 431 acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled ``Proposed Camp Williams Land Transfer'' and dated March 7, 2008, which are located within the boundaries of the public lands currently withdrawn for military use by the Utah National Guard and known as Camp Williams, Utah, for the purpose of permitting the Utah National Guard to use the conveyed land as provided in subsection (c). (b) Revocation of Executive Order.--Executive Order No. 1922 of April 24, 1914, as amended by section 907 of the Camp W.G. Williams Land Exchange Act of 1989 (title IX of Public Law 101-628; 104 Stat. 4501), shall be revoked, only insofar as it affects the lands identified for conveyance to the State of Utah under subsection (a). (c) Reversionary Interest.--The lands conveyed to the State of Utah under subsection (a) shall revert to the United States if the Secretary of the Interior determines that the land, or any portion thereof, is sold or attempted to be sold, or that the land, or any portion thereof, is used for non-National Guard or non-national defense purposes. Any determination by the Secretary of the Interior under this subsection shall be made in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Governor of Utah and on the record after an opportunity for comment. (d) Hazardous Materials.--With respect to any portion of the land conveyed under subsection (a) that the Secretary of the Interior determines is subject to reversion under subsection (c), if the Secretary of the Interior also determines that the portion of the conveyed land contains hazardous materials, the State of Utah shall pay the United States an amount equal to the fair market value of that portion of the land, and the reversionary interest shall not apply to that portion of the land. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from [[Page 4393]] Guam (Ms. Bordallo) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Guam. General Leave Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Guam? There was no objection. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 603 was introduced by the ranking member on the National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee, Representative Rob Bishop. It directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management to the State of Utah for use by the Utah National Guard. The land would revert to the United States should it ever cease being used by the Guard. This legislation was approved by the House during the 110th Congress but was not considered in the other body. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend our colleague Representative Bishop for his leadership in this matter and for his willingness to work with the committee to resolve issues raised during the earlier consideration of this legislation. We have no objection to the passage of H.R. 603. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Once again, I appreciate the kind words of the gentlelady from Guam. I also appreciate the help and assistance of the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Rahall, and of the chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. Grijalva, in moving this bill forward. This is another bill that was discussed in the last session and was passed over there. Part of it was actually incorporated into the one by the Senate. The other part was not. This needs to finish off the process. It has the support of the entire Utah delegation, which happens to be bipartisan this time. It was suggested by the Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard as well as by the Governor of the State of Utah. It deals with long-term growing pains of the Utah National Guard facilities, their Camp Williams headquarters in Utah. As we discussed, part of the issue is that the State of Utah has outgrown the amount of land it owns within the camp for which there can be buildings. What we are asking in this land transfer is to make sure that the land would always stay where it is. It would be for military purposes, but land that belongs to the Bureau of Land Management would be transferred to the State for the building of facilities at the Utah National Guard, specifically for Utah National Guard purposes. It has to have that kind of purpose with it. This land transfer would allow the Utah National Guard to fulfill its military mission in land that is presently part of the camp, but technically not under the ownership of the State of Utah, for the sole purpose of building military infrastructure. With that, I appreciate the kind words that have been said, and I reserve the balance of my time. Actually, for the gentlewoman from Guam, I have no other speakers on this one. Do you have any other speakers? Ms. BORDALLO. I have no further speakers. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Then I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I again urge Members to support H.R. 603, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 603. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________ SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RECYCLED WATER ENHANCEMENT ACT Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 637) to authorize the Secretary, in cooperation with the City of San Juan Capistrano, California, to participate in the design, planning, and construction of an advanced water treatment plant facility and recycled water system, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 637 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 ``South Orange County Recycled Water Enhancement Act''. SEC. 2. PROJECT AUTHORIZATIONS. (a) In General.--The Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (Public Law 102-575, title XVI; 43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 16XX. SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO RECYCLED WATER SYSTEM. ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City of San Juan Capistrano, California, is authorized to participate in the design, planning, and construction of an advanced water treatment plant facility and recycled water system. ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the project. ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section. ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $18,500,000. ``(e) Sunset.--The authority of the Secretary to carry out any provisions of this section shall terminate 10 years after the date of the enactment of this section. ``SEC. 163X. SAN CLEMENTE RECLAIMED WATER PROJECT. ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City of San Clemente, California, is authorized to participate in the design, planning, and construction of a project to expand reclaimed water distribution, storage and treatment facilities. ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the project. ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section. ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000. ``(e) Sunset.--The authority of the Secretary to carry out any provisions of this section shall terminate 10 years after the date of the enactment of this section.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--The table of sections in section 2 of Public Law 102-575 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 163X the following: ``Sec. 163X. San Juan Capistrano Recycled Water System. ``Sec. 163X. San Clemente Reclaimed Water Project.''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Guam. General Leave Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Guam? There was no objection. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The purpose of H.R. 637, as introduced by our colleague from California, Mr. Calvert, is to authorize the Secretary, in cooperation with the Cities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, California, to participate in the design, planning and construction of an advanced water treatment plant facility and recycled water system. The continuing drought and the decrease in snow pack have led to a reduction in water supplies in many parts of the West. Water recycling projects can help communities protect against drought. H.R. 637 would authorize limited Federal financial assistance for two separate water recycling [[Page 4394]] projects in southern California--one in San Juan Capistrano and the other in San Clemente. {time} 1615 Recycled water can satisfy many water demands. The House favorably passed identical legislation in the 110th Congress. So I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 637. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 637. I yield myself such time as I may consume. This was sponsored by the distinguished former chairman of the House Water and Power Subcommittee, Mr. Calvert of California, and will help resolve water supply shortages in southern California by authorizing limited Federal assistance for water recycling projects in the Cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Historic drought and litigation to protect a three-inch fish will lead to decreased water deliveries in southern California, and as a result, less imported water will be recycled in the coming year. However, water recycling is a long-term necessity for southern California and other arid regions of the West. So all of these projects together will help ensure that there will be no such thing as wastewater. So I urge my colleagues to support this bill. It deals with water, fish--and no swallows. I reserve the balance of my time. However, I request once again of the gentlelady from Guam if she has other speakers. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional requests for time. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I will simply yield back the balance of my time. Ms. BORDALLO. I again urge Members to support the bill. Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, the South Orange County Recycled Water Enhancement Act is a relatively modest, yet important step towards meeting the long-term water needs for the West. Last week, Federal water managers said that they plan to cut off water, at least temporarily, to thousands of California farms as a result of the drought affecting the State. With the State and Federal reservoirs at their lowest levels since 1992, mandatory water rationing is just around the corner. In the midst of our dramatic economic downturn, the lack of water simply makes a bad economic situation worse. The passage of any legislation that enables communities in the West to be more drought-resistant could not be timelier. The South Orange County Recycled Water Enhancement Act authorizes two water reclamation projects in the south Orange County portion of my district. South Orange County relies heavily on imported water from sources such as the Colorado River and Bay-Delta in northern California. Water reclamation projects, and other steps that reduce demand for imported water, benefit all regional water users. The first project outlined in the legislation is the San Juan Capistrano Recycled Water System, which would enable the city of San Juan Capistrano to provide recycled water to users throughout the city and its neighboring communities. To meet the local demand, the city has developed a project that includes the construction of a water treatment facility as well as transmission infrastructure. I want to thank San Juan Capistrano Mayor Mark Nielsen and the rest of the city council for their dedication to this important project. The second project is the San Clemente Reclaimed Water Project which would expand San Clemente's reclaimed water infrastructure by doubling its production capacity. When completed, San Clemente's Reclaimed Water Project will reduce the city's demand of domestic water by 3,300 acre- feet per year. I applaud San Clemente Mayor Lori Donchak and the entire city council for their continued commitment to water recycling. Mr. Speaker, I think it is crucial that we recognize and assist communities that are working to reduce their reliance on imported water and I urge all of my colleagues to support the South Orange County Recycled Water Enhancement Act. Ms. BORDALLO. I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 637. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. ____________________ STOP CHILD ABUSE IN RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS FOR TEENS ACT OF 2009 Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 911) to require certain standards and enforcement provisions to prevent child abuse and neglect in residential programs, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 911 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 ``Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Assistant secretary.--The term ``Assistant Secretary'' means the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services. (2) Child.--The term ``child'' means an individual who has not attained the age of 18. (3) Child abuse and neglect.--The term ``child abuse and neglect'' has the meaning given such term in section 111 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106g). (4) Covered program.-- (A) In general.--The term ``covered program'' means each location of a program operated by a public or private entity that, with respect to one or more children who are unrelated to the owner or operator of the program-- (i) provides a residential environment, such as-- (I) a program with a wilderness or outdoor experience, expedition, or intervention; (II) a boot camp experience or other experience designed to simulate characteristics of basic military training or correctional regimes; (III) a therapeutic boarding school; or (IV) a behavioral modification program; and (ii) operates with a focus on serving children with-- (I) emotional, behavioral, or mental health problems or disorders; or (II) problems with alcohol or substance abuse. (B) Exclusion.--The term ``covered program'' does not include-- (i) a hospital licensed by the State; or (ii) a foster family home that provides 24-hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardians and for whom the State child welfare services agency has placement and care responsibility and that is licensed and regulated by the State as a foster family home. (5) Protection and advocacy system.--The term ``protection and advocacy system'' means a protection and advocacy system established under section 143 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15043). (6) State.--The term ``State'' has the meaning given such term in section 111 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. SEC. 3. STANDARDS AND ENFORCEMENT. (a) Minimum Standards.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services shall require each covered program, in order to provide for the basic health and safety of children at such a program, to meet the following minimum standards: (A) Child abuse and neglect shall be prohibited. (B) Disciplinary techniques or other practices that involve the withholding of essential food, water, clothing, shelter, or medical care necessary to maintain physical health, mental health, and general safety, shall be prohibited. (C) The protection and promotion of the right of each child at such a program to be free from physical and mechanical restraints and seclusion (as such terms are defined in section 595 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290jj)) to the same extent and in the same manner as a non- medical, community-based facility for children and youth is required to protect and promote the right of its residents to be free from such restraints [[Page 4395]] and seclusion under such section 595, including the prohibitions and limitations described in subsection (b)(3) of such section. (D) Acts of physical or mental abuse designed to humiliate, degrade, or undermine a child's self-respect shall be prohibited. (E) Each child at such a program shall have reasonable access to a telephone, and be informed of their right to such access, for making and receiving phone calls with as much privacy as possible, and shall have access to the appropriate State or local child abuse reporting hotline number, and the national hotline number referred to in subsection (c)(2). (F) Each staff member, including volunteers, at such a program shall be required, as a condition of employment, to become familiar with what constitutes child abuse and neglect, as defined by State law. (G) Each staff member, including volunteers, at such a program shall be required, as a condition of employment, to become familiar with the requirements, including with State law relating to mandated reporters, and procedures for reporting child abuse and neglect in the State in which such a program is located. (H) Full disclosure, in writing, of staff qualifications and their roles and responsibilities at such program, including medical, emergency response, and mental health training, to parents or legal guardians of children at such a program, including providing information on any staff changes, including changes to any staff member's qualifications, roles, or responsibilities, not later than 10 days after such changes occur. (I) Each staff member at a covered program described in subclause (I) or (II) of section 2(4)(A)(i) shall be required, as a condition of employment, to be familiar with the signs, symptoms, and appropriate responses associated with heatstroke, dehydration, and hypothermia. (J) Each staff member, including volunteers, shall be required, as a condition of employment, to submit to a criminal history check, including a name-based search of the National Sex Offender Registry established pursuant to the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-248; 42 U.S.C. 16901 et seq.), a search of the State criminal registry or repository in the State in which the covered program is operating, and a Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint check. An individual shall be ineligible to serve in a position with any contact with children at a covered program if any such record check reveals a felony conviction for child abuse or neglect, spousal abuse, a crime against children (including child pornography), or a crime involving violence, including rape, sexual assault, or homicide, but not including other physical assault or battery. (K) Policies and procedures for the provision of emergency medical care, including policies for staff protocols for implementing emergency responses. (L) All promotional and informational materials produced by such a program shall include a hyperlink to or the URL address of the website created by the Assistant Secretary pursuant to subsection (c)(1)(A). (M) Policies to require parents or legal guardians of a child attending such a program-- (i) to notify, in writing, such program of any medication the child is taking; (ii) to be notified within 24 hours of any changes to the child's medical treatment and the reason for such change; and (iii) to be notified within 24 hours of any missed dosage of prescribed medication. (N) Procedures for notifying immediately, to the maximum extent practicable, but not later than within 48 hours, parents or legal guardians with children at such a program of any-- (i) on-site investigation of a report of child abuse and neglect; (ii) violation of the health and safety standards described in this paragraph; and (iii) violation of State licensing standards developed pursuant to section 114(b)(1) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, as added by section 7 of this Act. (O) Other standards the Assistant Secretary determines appropriate to provide for the basic health and safety of children at such a program. (2) Regulations.-- (A) Interim regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall promulgate and enforce interim regulations to carry out paragraph (1). (B) Public comment.--The Assistant Secretary shall, for a 90-day period beginning on the date of the promulgation of interim regulations under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, solicit and accept public comment concerning such regulations. Such public comment shall be submitted in written form. (C) Final regulations.--Not later than 90 days after the conclusion of the 90-day period referred to in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, the Assistant Secretary shall promulgate and enforce final regulations to carry out paragraph (1). (b) Monitoring and Enforcement.-- (1) On-going review process.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall implement an on-going review process for investigating and evaluating reports of child abuse and neglect at covered programs received by the Assistant Secretary from the appropriate State, in accordance with section 114(b)(3) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, as added by section 7 of this Act. Such review process shall-- (A) include an investigation to determine if a violation of the standards required under subsection (a)(1) has occurred; (B) include an assessment of the State's performance with respect to appropriateness of response to and investigation of reports of child abuse and neglect at covered programs and appropriateness of legal action against responsible parties in such cases; (C) be completed not later than 60 days after receipt by the Assistant Secretary of such a report; (D) not interfere with an investigation by the State or a subdivision thereof; and (E) be implemented in each State in which a covered program operates until such time as each such State has satisfied the requirements under section 114(c) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, as added by section 7 of this Act, as determined by the Assistant Secretary, or two years has elapsed from the date that such review process is implemented, whichever is later. (2) Civil penalties.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall promulgate regulations establishing civil penalties for violations of the standards required under subsection (a)(1). The regulations establishing such penalties shall incorporate the following: (A) Any owner or operator of a covered program at which the Assistant Secretary has found a violation of the standards required under subsection (a)(1) may be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed $50,000 per violation. (B) All penalties collected under this subsection shall be deposited in the appropriate account of the Treasury of the United States. (c) Dissemination of Information.--The Assistant Secretary shall establish, maintain, and disseminate information about the following: (1) Websites made available to the public that contain, at a minimum, the following: (A) The name and each location of each covered program, and the name of each owner and operator of each such program, operating in each State, and information regarding-- (i) each such program's history of violations of-- (I) regulations promulgated pursuant to subsection (a); and (II) section 114(b)(1) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, as added by section 7 of this Act; (ii) each such program's current status with the State licensing requirements under section 114(b)(1) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, as added by section 7 of this Act; (iii) any deaths that occurred to a child while under the care of such a program, including any such deaths that occurred in the five-year period immediately preceding the date of the enactment of this Act, and including the cause of each such death; (iv) owners or operators of a covered program that was found to be in violation of the standards required under subsection (a)(1), or a violation of the licensing standards developed pursuant to section 114(b)(1) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, as added by section 7 of this Act, and who subsequently own or operate another covered program; and (v) any penalties levied under subsection (b)(2) and any other penalties levied by the State, against each such program. (B) Information on best practices for helping adolescents with mental health disorders, conditions, behavioral challenges, or alcohol or substance abuse, including information to help families access effective resources in their communities. (2) A national toll-free telephone hotline to receive complaints of child abuse and neglect at covered programs and violations of the standards required under subsection (a)(1). (d) Action.--The Assistant Secretary shall establish a process to-- (1) ensure complaints of child abuse and neglect received by the hotline established pursuant to subsection (c)(2) are promptly reviewed by persons with expertise in evaluating such types of complaints; (2) immediately notify the State, appropriate local law enforcement, and the appropriate protection and advocacy system of any credible complaint of child abuse and neglect at a covered program received by the hotline; (3) investigate any such credible complaint not later than 30 days after receiving such complaint to determine if a violation of the standards required under subsection (a)(1) has occurred; and (4) ensure the collaboration and cooperation of the hotline established pursuant to subsection (c)(2) with other appropriate National, State, and regional hotlines, and, as appropriate and practicable, with other hotlines that might receive calls about child abuse and neglect at covered programs. SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. If the Assistant Secretary determines that a violation of subsection (a)(1) of section 3 [[Page 4396]] has not been remedied through the enforcement process described in subsection (b)(2) of such section, the Assistant Secretary shall refer such violation to the Attorney General for appropriate action. Regardless of whether such a referral has been made, the Attorney General may, sua sponte, file a complaint in any court of competent jurisdiction seeking equitable relief or any other relief authorized by this Act for such violation. SEC. 5. REPORT. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Attorney General shall submit to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, a report on the activities carried out by the Assistant Secretary and the Attorney General under this Act, including-- (1) a summary of findings from on-going reviews conducted by the Assistant Secretary pursuant to section 3(b)(1), including a description of the number and types of covered programs investigated by the Assistant Secretary pursuant to such section; (2) a description of types of violations of health and safety standards found by the Assistant Secretary and any penalties assessed; (3) a summary of State progress in meeting the requirements of this Act, including the requirements under section 114 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, as added by section 7 of this Act; (4) a summary of the Secretary's oversight activities and findings conducted pursuant to subsection (d) of such section 114; and (5) a description of the activities undertaken by the national toll-free telephone hotline established pursuant to section 3(c)(2). SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014 to carry out this Act (excluding the amendment made by section 7 of this Act and section 8 of this Act). SEC. 7. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS TO STATES TO PREVENT CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT AT RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS. (a) In General.--Title I of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 114. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS TO STATES TO PREVENT CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT AT RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Child.--The term `child' means an individual who has not attained the age of 18. ``(2) Covered program.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `covered program' means each location of a program operated by a public or private entity that, with respect to one or more children who are unrelated to the owner or operator of the program-- ``(i) provides a residential environment, such as-- ``(I) a program with a wilderness or outdoor experience, expedition, or intervention; ``(II) a boot camp experience or other experience designed to simulate characteristics of basic military training or correctional regimes; ``(III) a therapeutic boarding school; or ``(IV) a behavioral modification program; and ``(ii) operates with a focus on serving children with-- ``(I) emotional, behavioral, or mental health problems or disorders; or ``(II) problems with alcohol or substance abuse. ``(B) Exclusion.--The term `covered program' does not include-- ``(i) a hospital licensed by the State; or ``(ii) a foster family home that provides 24-hour substitute care for children place away from their parents or guardians and for whom the State child welfare services agency has placement and care responsibility and that is licensed and regulated by the State as a foster family home. ``(3) Protection and advocacy system.--The term `protection and advocacy system' means a protection and advocacy system established under section 143 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15043). ``(b) Eligibility Requirements.--To be eligible to receive a grant under section 106, a State shall-- ``(1) not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this section, develop policies and procedures to prevent child abuse and neglect at covered programs operating in such State, including having in effect health and safety licensing requirements applicable to and necessary for the operation of each location of such covered programs that include, at a minimum-- ``(A) standards that meet or exceed the standards required under section 3(a)(1) of the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009; ``(B) the provision of essential food, water, clothing, shelter, and medical care necessary to maintain physical health, mental health, and general safety of children at such programs; ``(C) policies for emergency medical care preparedness and response, including minimum staff training and qualifications for such responses; and ``(D) notification to appropriate staff at covered programs if their position of employment meets the definition of mandated reporter, as defined by the State; ``(2) develop policies and procedures to monitor and enforce compliance with the licensing requirements developed in accordance with paragraph (1), including-- ``(A) designating an agency to be responsible, in collaboration and consultation with State agencies providing human services (including child protective services, and services to children with emotional, psychological, developmental, or behavioral dysfunctions, impairments, disorders, or alcohol or substance abuse), State law enforcement officials, the appropriate protection and advocacy system, and courts of competent jurisdiction, for monitoring and enforcing such compliance; ``(B) establishing a State licensing application process through which any individual seeking to operate a covered program would be required to disclose all previous substantiated reports of child abuse and neglect and all child deaths at any businesses previously or currently owned or operated by such individual, except that substantiated reports of child abuse and neglect may remain confidential and all reports shall not contain any personally identifiable information relating to the identity of individuals who were the victims of such child abuse and neglect; ``(C) conducting unannounced site inspections not less often than once every two years at each location of a covered program; ``(D) creating a non-public database, to be integrated with the annual State data reports required under section 106(d), of reports of child abuse and neglect at covered programs operating in the State, except that such reports shall not contain any personally identifiable information relating to the identity of individuals who were the victims of such child abuse and neglect; and ``(E) implementing a policy of graduated sanctions, including fines and suspension and revocation of licences, against covered programs operating in the State that are out of compliance with such health and safety licensing requirements; ``(3) if the State is not yet satisfying the requirements of this subsection, in accordance with a determination made pursuant to subsection (c), develop policies and procedures for notifying the Secretary and the appropriate protection and advocacy system of any report of child abuse and neglect at a covered program operating in the State not later than 30 days after the appropriate State entity, or subdivision thereof, determines such report should be investigated and not later than 48 hours in the event of a fatality; ``(4) if the Secretary determines that the State is satisfying the requirements of this subsection, in accordance with a determination made pursuant to subsection (c), develop policies and procedures for notifying the Secretary if-- ``(A) the State determines there is evidence of a pattern of violations of the standards required under paragraph (1) at a covered program operating in the State or by an owner or operator of such a program; or ``(B) there is a child fatality at a covered program operating in the State; ``(5) develop policies and procedures for establishing and maintaining a publicly available database of all covered programs operating in the State, including the name and each location of each such program and the name of the owner and operator of each such program, information on reports of substantiated child abuse and neglect at such programs (except that such reports shall not contain any personally identifiable information relating to the identity of individuals who were the victims of such child abuse and neglect and that such database shall include and provide the definition of `substantiated' used in compiling the data in cases that have not been finally adjudicated), violations of standards required under paragraph (1), and all penalties levied against such programs; ``(6) annually submit to the Secretary a report that includes-- ``(A) the name and each location of all covered programs, including the names of the owners and operators of such programs, operating in the State, and any violations of State licensing requirements developed pursuant to subsection (b)(1); and ``(B) a description of State activities to monitor and enforce such State licensing requirements, including the names of owners and operators of each covered program that underwent a site inspection by the State, and a summary of the results and any actions taken; and ``(7) if the Secretary determines that the State is satisfying the requirements of this subsection, in accordance with a determination made pursuant to subsection (c), develop policies and procedures to report to the appropriate protection and advocacy system any case of the death of an individual under the control or supervision of a covered program not later than 48 hours after the State is informed of such death. ``(c) Secretarial Determination.--The Secretary shall not determine that a State's [[Page 4397]] licensing requirements, monitoring, and enforcement of covered programs operating in the State satisfy the requirements of this subsection (b) unless-- ``(1) the State implements licensing requirements for such covered programs that meet or exceed the standards required under subsection (b)(1); ``(2) the State designates an agency to be responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with such licensing requirements; ``(3) the State conducts unannounced site inspections of each location of such covered programs not less often than once every two years; ``(4) the State creates a non-public database of such covered programs, to include information on reports of child abuse and neglect at such programs (except that such reports shall not contain any personally identifiable information relating to the identity of individuals who were the victims of such child abuse and neglect); ``(5) the State implements a policy of graduated sanctions, including fines and suspension and revocation of licenses against such covered programs that are out of compliance with the health and safety licensing requirements under subsection (b)(1); and ``(6) after a review of assessments conducted under section 3(b)(2)(B) of the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009, the Secretary determines the State is appropriately investigating and responding to allegations of child abuse and neglect at such covered programs. ``(d) Oversight.-- ``(1) In general.--Beginning two years after the date of the enactment of the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009, the Secretary shall implement a process for continued monitoring of each State that is determined to be satisfying the licensing, monitoring, and enforcement requirements of subsection (b), in accordance with a determination made pursuant to subsection (c), with respect to the performance of each such State regarding-- ``(A) preventing child abuse and neglect at covered programs operating in each such State; and ``(B) enforcing the licensing standards described in subsection (b)(1). ``(2) Evaluations.--The process required under paragraph (1) shall include in each State, at a minimum-- ``(A) an investigation not later than 60 days after receipt by the Secretary of a report from a State, or a subdivision thereof, of child abuse and neglect at a covered program operating in the State, and submission of findings to appropriate law enforcement or other local entity where necessary, if the report indicates-- ``(i) a child fatality at such program; or ``(ii) there is evidence of a pattern of violations of the standards required under subsection (b)(1) at such program or by an owner or operator of such program; ``(B) an annual review by the Secretary of cases of reports of child abuse and neglect investigated at covered programs operating in the State to assess the State's performance with respect to the appropriateness of response to and investigation of reports of child abuse and neglect at covered programs and the appropriateness of legal actions taken against responsible parties in such cases; and ``(C) unannounced site inspections of covered programs operating in the State to monitor compliance with the standards required under section 3(a) of the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009. ``(3) Enforcement.--If the Secretary determines, pursuant to an evaluation under this subsection, that a State is not adequately implementing, monitoring, and enforcing the licensing requirements of subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall require, for a period of not less than one year, that-- ``(A) the State shall inform the Secretary of each instance there is a report to be investigated of child abuse and neglect at a covered program operating in the State; and ``(B) the Secretary and the appropriate local agency shall jointly investigate such report.''. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 112(a)(1) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106h(a)(1)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``, and $235,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014''. (c) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Coordination with available resources.--Section 103(c)(1)(D) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5104(c)(1)(D)) is amended by inserting after ``specific'' the following: ``(including reports of child abuse and neglect occurring at covered programs (except that such reports shall not contain any personally identifiable information relating to the identity of individuals who were the victims of such child abuse and neglect), as such term is defined in section 114)''. (2) Further requirement.--Section 106(b)(1) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106a(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(C) Further requirement.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a State shall comply with the requirements under section 114(b) and shall include in the State plan submitted pursuant to subparagraph (A) a description of the activities the State will carry out to comply with the requirements under such section 114(b).''. (3) Annual state data reports.--Section 106(d) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106a(d)) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``(including reports of child abuse and neglect occurring at covered programs (except that such reports shall not contain any personally identifiable information relating to the identity of individuals who were the victims of such child abuse and neglect), as such term is defined in section 114)''; and (B) in paragraph (6), by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``or who were in the care of a covered program, as such term is defined in section 114''. (d) Clerical Amendment.--Section 1(b) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 113 the following new item: ``Sec. 114. Additional eligibility requirements for grants to States to prevent child abuse and neglect at residential programs.''. SEC. 8. STUDY AND REPORT ON OUTCOMES IN COVERED PROGRAMS. (a) Study.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall conduct a study, in consultation with relevant agencies and experts, to examine the outcomes for children in both private and public covered programs under this Act encompassing a broad representation of treatment facilities and geographic regions. (b) Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report that contains the results of the study conducted under subsection (a). The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) and the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York. General Leave Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which time Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 911 into the Record. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from New York? There was no objection. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 911, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009. I want to thank Chairman Miller and the committee staff for working with me on this important legislation, and for Mr. Miller's personal leadership on this over the years. I would also like to thank Mr. Platts and Mr. McKeon for all of the work that they have done on this important issue. Over the years, far too many children have been abused in residential treatment facilities that were billed as places where parents could send their kids to help them overcome behavioral problems. What's even more disturbing is that, in many cases, children have died in the care of these facilities. When we started working on this issue 2 years ago in committee, I became outraged over the testimony that we heard. In fact, the Government Accountability Office reportedly found thousands of cases of abuse and neglect at residential programs for teens. We heard gruesome accounts of abuse that occurred in residential treatment facilities. These facilities often used highly deceptive marketing practices to bill themselves as safe and effective places for troubled teenagers to get the help that they need so they could get on with their life. Brochures would claim, for example, that counselors are highly trained survival experts, but as we heard from the GAO, these so-called highly trained survival experts did not recognize the signs of dehydration in a 15-year-old girl when she began complaining of blurred version, stumbling, and vomiting 3 days into a hike. After the fifth day, she died. And she lay there dead in the road for almost 18 hours because the survival experts were not equipped with a radio. [[Page 4398]] In other examples, we heard of abuses that included staff members forcing children to remain in so-called stress positions for hours at a time and to undergo extreme physical exertion without food, water, or rest. We even heard of a child that died as a result of being denied medically prescribed medication that could have saved his life. Parents are sold a bill of goods about these facilities, are enticed by advertising schemes portraying these programs as safe with professional staff in highly qualified environments for their children. I want to say, also, there are many good places that children go to, but these are the ones that obviously need to be regulated. When parents send their children to these facilities, they are often at the end of their ropes and see few, if any, alternatives. We heard testimony from parents of children who died while in the care of residential treatment facilities. These parents thought they were doing the right thing by sending their children. They did research on where to send their children. Unfortunately, the information they were provided with was misleading. The GAO's investigation work has shown that a number of programs had deceptive marketing practices to appeal to parents and even uncovered deception, fraud, and conflicts of interests. Corruption and deception has been a hallmark of many aspects of the system surrounding residential treatment centers. In fact, I recently read with disgust that two judges were charged after it was found that they sent their children to facilities in which they, themselves, had financial interests. This is the height of corruption, and its impact is felt by the most vulnerable among us: children in trouble. This bill will create necessary national standards on some very basic human rights. For example, we say that child abuse and neglect is prohibited. This should be common sense. We say that acts which humiliate a child are prohibited. This should be common sense. We say that staff must not deny children food and water. This should be common sense. Another important provision is geared to help parents find good residential treatment facilities. We created a national Web site which will contain data on residential facilities and require programs to include information on their Web site in their marketing materials. Finally, we will give money to States to help them create their own licensing procedures and a public database on programs. This legislation is desperately needed to prevent anymore children from dying unnecessarily. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 911. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, residential treatment programs are unfamiliar to most of us. Sometimes referred to as ``wilderness therapy'' or ``teen boot camps,'' these programs serve a small number of extremely troubled youth. While many teens and their families have benefited from residential treatment programs, those success stories have been overshadowed by instances of abuse, neglect, and worst of all, the loss of life. The Education and Labor Committee has been investigating cases of abuse and neglect at these facilities for the last several years, and the result of that effort is the bill before us today. No one in this Chamber condones abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of the young people enrolled in these programs. And we all want to find the best way to ensure that abuse is prevented and prosecuted if it does occur. Because this issue is nonpartisan, we've been able to work together to find commonsense solutions. The bill before us today is not perfect, but it has improved at every step of the process. I do wish the bill had been considered under a rule so Members--and particularly new Members who were not here in the last Congress when we debated this issue--would have had an opportunity to offer amendments. Unfortunately, that process has been cut short by considering this bill under suspension of the rules. On a bill of this importance, I believe that regular order is necessary. There are complex issues that we have not yet resolved. For instance, we had a rigorous debate during the committee markup about how to balance parental rights with necessary treatment. Members on this side of the aisle, myself included, believe that more needs to be done to ensure that parents are fully informed of and involved with medical decisions made at these facilities. I hope that we can work on this issue as the bill moves forward and ensure that parental rights are protected. Mr. Speaker, this bill attempts to address a serious problem. Chairman Miller and Congresswoman McCarthy deserve credit for drawing attention to these intolerable instances of abuse and for attempting to find a solution. I supported this bill in committee, and I continue to do so today. But I am disappointed that the process has been short- circuited. We have another opportunity to work together as this bill moves to the other Chamber, and I look forward to doing so. I reserve the balance of my time. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I thank Mr. McKeon for all of the work he did on the committee in working with us to bring this bill to the floor. I know that there are those that are expressing concern about the process. We have had several debates on this particular bill. It did pass last year overwhelmingly. We also had the markup last week where amendments were added. But additionally, certainly I want to stress the bipartisan process in developing this legislation as an example to be followed to get the best product. One of the best things that we need to understand is that we have many pressing needs that are coming through the Education Committee and many other committees. So this bill had been passed, and I support the bill, and I know Mr. McKeon supports the bill. Obviously, we never, never have a perfect bill, but the bottom line is we're putting forth procedures that will save children's lives. And I think that is the most important thing. So I certainly encourage Members to vote for this piece of legislation. With that, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time. With this bill, we're trying to do the right thing, but we're doing it the wrong way. Through an open process marked by bipartisanship, we made considerable improvements to this bill. Unfortunately, flaws remain, including a failure to fully protect the rights of parents. If this bill had been brought under regular order--we addressed this issue, but by rushing it to the floor under a suspension of the rules, we've been left with an imperfect, even incomplete product. I trust we will not make that same mistake again, and I look forward to addressing this issue as the bill moves forward. I believe we need to protect the young people in these programs, and that's why I will vote ``yes'' today. But I do so with reservations because I believe this bill could have been much stronger and eventually, I believe it will be made stronger. {time} 1630 Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I know there was a great debate in the committee during the markup and many amendments were brought up. And I also know that there were some Members that had wanted to insert certain language as far as for parents and their rights as far as medication. What we did know is that all States have different levels on what the law is for the parents to handle that kind of a situation. Many of us felt that it would have been too complicated to try to debate that on every single State. The practices of many of these residential treatment facilities are shocking and outrageous. It is nearly impossible to believe that in the United [[Page 4399]] States of America there are facilities that would employ child abuse as a teaching technique. This behavior goes beyond cruelty; children have died. The abuse has not only been carried out on children, who are defenseless in these circumstances, the abuse has also been carried out against parents who, through their best intentions, were trying to do everything they could to bring that child back into a natural setting. There is a fundamental right in this country against abuse. That's why it is absolutely crucial that we make sure that children are kept safe when they are in these facilities by setting minimum safety standards. How can anyone oppose the setting of standards that assure the safety and well-being of children? How can anyone oppose stopping child abuse? The bill before us today reflects a bipartisan compromise on legislation that we nearly finished last year. It passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 318-103, but unfortunately the Senate did not act. The legislation is supported by the American Association of Children's Residential Centers, the American Bar Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association, the Child Welfare League of America, Children's Defense Fund, Easter Seals, Mental Health America, the National Child Abuse Coalition, and many other organizations. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation and end these practices once and for all. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for H.R. 911 because I think, on balance, this bill will help states prevent further negligence at some ``boot-camp'' style facilities. Most programs, like the First Freewill Baptist Ministries in my district, do a lot to help troubled teens turn their lives around, but a few bad apples risk ruining their reputation. This legislation will ask states to strengthen their own oversight of these programs, but will not give the Federal government oversight. While I will support the legislation, I am still concerned that this bill goes too far in taking away parents' rights to decide how their child will be medicated, and I hope the Chairman will work to improve this section before this bill becomes law. As written, the legislation will allow residential programs for teens to change a child's prescriptions without parental consent. Many of these programs are quick to use psychotropic drugs to calm mood swings in these teens, and in some cases, the medicating may be warranted. I believe, however, that parents should always be given the right to help decide on best treatment options for their children, even if it is just to grant the facility a waiver to provide treatment. No parent should have no say in how their child is medicated, but as it is currently written, that would be the result of this bill. So I hope we can improve this aspect of the bill, but again, I will support this legislation today to move the process forward. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 911, the ``Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teen Acts of 2009. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 911 and address the tragic circumstances that face some of out Nation's youth on a daily basis and to underscore our commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect so that all children can live in safety and security. I would first like to thank my distinguished colleague, Representative George Miller of California, for introducing this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 911 seeks to implement an ongoing review process for investigating and evaluating reports of child abuse and neglect; establish public websites with information about each covered program, as well as a national toll-free telephone hotline to receive complaints; establish civil penalties for violations of standards; and establish a process to ensure that complaints received by the hotline are promptly reviewed by persons with appropriate expertise. Furthermore, this bill amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to establish additional eligibility requirements for grants to states to prevent child abuse and neglect at residential programs. There are no greater crimes that an individual can commit than the crimes of child molestation and child abuse. The perpetrators of these crimes rob children of their innocence. Moreover, victims of child molestation are profoundly affected for the rest of their lives. As elected officials, we have an obligation to condemn this violence, work for stronger enforcement of the law and provide adequate funding for programs to assist children who may have experienced such abuse. At least 1 in 5 adult women and 1 in 10 adult men report having been sexually abused as children. In Texas, there were more than 111,000 investigations of child abuse and neglect by the Child Protective Services in Texas, and of those cases 7,650 were sexual abuse. The sexual victimization of children is great in magnitude and largely either unrecognized or underreported. Statistics show that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys are sexually exploited before they reach adulthood. However it is believed that less than 35 percent of the incidents are reported to authorities. It is estimated that approximately one-third of abused and neglected children grow up to victimize their own children. Child abuse and neglect can have long-term economical and societal costs. Community- based services to overburdened families are far less costly than the emotional and physical damage inflicted on children. These community- based services also outweigh potential costs of child protective services, law enforcement, courts, foster care, health care, and the treatment of adults recovering from child abuse. The annual estimated cost to the United States for not preventing child abuse and neglect is approximately $104,000,000,000, according to a 2008 report by Prevent Child Abuse America. Tens of thousands of American children and teens each year are placed into residential treatment programs. Many have been abused, neglected, and worse, some have died at the hands of those who were supposed to be there to care for them. Unscrupulous programs often hire unqualified, untrained, uncaring, misinformed, and often mean-spirited staff who do not have the qualifications to care for them. The number of children placed in residential treatment centers is growing exponentially. These modern-day orphanages now house more than 50,000 children nationwide. Once placed, these kids may have no meaningful contact with their families or friends for up to two years. Despite many documented cases of neglect and physical and sexual abuse, monitoring is inadequate to ensure that children are safe, healthy and receiving proper services in residential treatment centers. It will take more than just stronger enforcement of the law to prevent child molestation and other forms of child abuse. In order to end this serious epidemic that has plagued America, all segments of the community such as parents, educators, religious leaders, and community leaders must create a nurturing environment for children to develop within. The children must know that they are loved and the children deserve to be protected from violence and sexual abuse. I express my support for the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009. I believe we should increase public awareness of child abuse and neglect prevention and should continue to work to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect. We should recognize that child abuse and neglect prevention programs reduce child maltreatment, strengthen families, reduce mental illness, deter criminal behavior, and contribute to children's positive emotional, academic, social and cognitive development, but we need more. Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, I have always worked to protect children. The recent press reports of abuse, neglect, and tragically death, in some residential therapy programs for youth is very concerning to me. Over the years, many treatment centers have been established across the Nation, including Utah. As a result, Utah has worked hard to license and regulate residential treatment programs over the past several years and our state meets many of the standards set forth in the legislation passed by the House of Representatives. It is my understanding that some states have not developed as stringent requirements as Utah and that leads to a patchwork of regulations where kids can fall through the cracks. I believe a uniform set of standards makes sense, especially when it comes to meeting the needs of the most troubled children and their families. I am supportive of provisions in this bill which seek to support good actors and encourage those who are not to become so. I also feel that steps taken by Utah could be an example for other states implementing new requirements. I was able to include language in the legislation which requested HHS study the outcomes of individuals in these types of programs through a longitudinal study. I feel this data is extremely useful to better understand the outcomes of individuals in these programs and the progress made towards the goals of the treatment programs to fully rehabilitate troubled youth and teens. Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, as a mother and a former foster mother to 23 troubled [[Page 4400]] teens, I strongly believe in the important role of the parent or legal guardian in a child's life. This is especially true when it comes to matters as serious as the health and wellbeing of that child. Prescription drugs, such as medication to treat psychiatric conditions, can have a major impact on the mind and body of an adult, let alone the young mind and body of a child. And, let's be clear: As adult as today's teens like to appear, they are still very much children in need of adult guidance. Critical decisions regarding the administration of prescription medications should only be made by a qualified medical doctor with the express consent of a parent or legal guardian. Consider contraception, for example. Contraceptives can cause serious medical problems like blood clots and migraine headaches. Even worse, they can be dispensed in certain combinations to prevent implantation of new baby, a form of abortion that many parents and young girls find morally reprehensible. This ``morning after pill'' can also be used to hide evidence of sexual abuse, one of the very forms of abuse that this legislation is seeking to prevent. Unfortunately, H.R. 911 would not only allow residential treatment facilities to change a child's prescription medication without the consent of her or his parent or legal guardian, but without even consulting them. Committee Republicans offered language to require consent before such a change in prescription medication, but it was defeated during committee consideration, almost by party line. The right of consent is a necessary component of any decision affecting the life of a child, and should be explicitly stated in this legislation. Mr. Speaker, the parents and guardians that have raised and cared for these children know and understand their children and their medical histories best. Without language requiring consent prior to any change in prescription medication, the potential positive impact of this legislation is lost, and so is the important role of the parent in the life of his or her child. I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill. Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act, which would require standards and enforcement provisions to prevent child abuse and neglect in residential programs for teens with behavioral, emotional, mental health, or substance abuse problems. When families struggle with a troubled teen, many eventually look to private or public residential programs for help. Parents deserve to know that their child will be safe and in good hands. However, in some states residential facilities are subject to state law or regulation, but in other states they are not. Because of the resulting loose patchwork of state oversight and lack of accountability, at some programs, young people have been subject to abuse and neglect. In a small number of cases, this abuse and neglect has led to the death of a child. The Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act sets new national standards to prohibit abuse and neglect and increases transparency to help parents make safer choices for their children. The bill also holds teen residential programs accountable for violating the law and asks states to step in to protect teens in these programs. We have an obligation to keep teens safe, especially when they and their families are battling behavioral, emotional, mental health, or substance abuse problems. I hope that this legislation will support families in their pursuit of the health and well-being of their children. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Clay). The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 911. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. ____________________ RECESS The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess until approximately 6:30 p.m. today. Accordingly (at 4 o'clock and 31 minutes p.m.), the House stood in recess until approximately 6:30 p.m. ____________________ {time} 1833 AFTER RECESS The recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Carson of Indiana) at 6 o'clock and 33 minutes p.m. ____________________ ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings will resume on motions to suspend the rules previously postponed. Votes will be taken in the following order: H.R. 911, by the yeas and nays; H.R. 44, by the yeas and nays; H.R. 601, by the yeas and nays. Remaining postponed votes will be taken later in the week. The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining electronic votes will be conducted as 5-minute votes. ____________________ STOP CHILD ABUSE IN RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS FOR TEENS ACT OF 2009 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The unfinished business is the vote on the motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 911, on which the yeas and nays were ordered. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 911. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 295, nays 102, not voting 35, as follows: [Roll No. 72] YEAS--295 Abercrombie Ackerman Adler (NJ) Altmire Andrews Arcuri Austria Baca Baird Baldwin Barrow Bartlett Becerra Berkley Berman Berry Biggert Bilirakis Bishop (GA) Bishop (NY) Blumenauer Boccieri Bono Mack Boren Boswell Boucher Boyd Brady (PA) Braley (IA) Brown (SC) Brown, Corrine Brown-Waite, Ginny Buchanan Burgess Butterfield Buyer Capito Capps Capuano Cardoza Carnahan Carney Carson (IN) Castle Castor (FL) Chandler Childers Clarke Clay Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Conaway Connolly (VA) Cooper Costa Costello Courtney Crowley Cuellar Culberson Cummings Dahlkemper Davis (AL) Davis (CA) Davis (IL) Davis (TN) DeFazio DeGette Delahunt DeLauro Dent Diaz-Balart, L. Diaz-Balart, M. Dicks Dingell Doggett Donnelly (IN) Doyle Driehaus Edwards (MD) Edwards (TX) Ehlers Ellison Ellsworth Emerson Engel Eshoo Etheridge Farr Fattah Filner Fortenberry Foster Frank (MA) Frelinghuysen Fudge Gerlach Giffords Gonzalez Gordon (TN) Graves Grayson Green, Al Green, Gene Griffith Grijalva Guthrie Hall (NY) Halvorson Hare Harman Hastings (FL) Heinrich Heller Herseth Sandlin Higgins Hill Himes Hinchey Hinojosa Hirono Hodes Holden Honda Hoyer Inslee Jackson (IL) Jackson-Lee (TX) Johnson (GA) Johnson (IL) Jones Kagen Kanjorski Kaptur Kennedy Kildee Kilroy Kind King (NY) Kirk Kirkpatrick (AZ) Kissell Klein (FL) Kosmas Kratovil Kucinich Lance Langevin Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latham LaTourette Lee (CA) Levin Lewis (GA) Lipinski LoBiondo Loebsack Lofgren, Zoe Lowey Luetkemeyer Lujan Lynch Maffei Maloney Markey (CO) Markey (MA) Marshall Massa Matheson Matsui McCarthy (NY) McCaul McCollum McCotter McDermott McGovern McHugh McIntyre McKeon McMahon McNerney Meek (FL) Meeks (NY) Melancon Michaud Miller (MI) Miller (NC) Miller, George Mitchell Mollohan Moore (KS) Moore (WI) Murphy (CT) Murphy, Patrick Murphy, Tim Murtha Nadler (NY) Napolitano Nunes Nye Oberstar Obey Olver Ortiz Pallone Pastor (AZ) Paulsen Payne Perlmutter Peters Peterson Petri Pingree (ME) Platts Polis (CO) Pomeroy Price (NC) Putnam Rahall Rangel Rehberg Reichert Reyes Richardson Rodriguez Roe (TN) Rogers (KY) Rooney Ros-Lehtinen Roskam Ross Rothman (NJ) Roybal-Allard Ruppersberger Rush Ryan (OH) Salazar Sanchez, Linda T. [[Page 4401]] Sanchez, Loretta Sarbanes Scalise Schakowsky Schauer Schiff Schrader Schwartz Scott (GA) Scott (VA) Serrano Sestak Sherman Shimkus Shuler Simpson Sires Skelton Slaughter Smith (NJ) Smith (WA) Snyder Spratt Stupak Sutton Tanner Tauscher Teague Terry Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) Titus Tonko Towns Tsongas Turner Upton Van Hollen Velazquez Visclosky Walden Walz Wasserman Schultz Waters Watt Waxman Welch Wexler Whitfield Wilson (OH) Woolsey Wu Young (AK) Young (FL) NAYS--102 Aderholt Akin Alexander Bachmann Bachus Barrett (SC) Barton (TX) Bilbray Bishop (UT) Blunt Boehner Bonner Boozman Boustany Brady (TX) Broun (GA) Burton (IN) Calvert Camp Cantor Chaffetz Coble Coffman (CO) Cole Davis (KY) Deal (GA) Dreier Duncan Fallin Flake Fleming Forbes Foxx Franks (AZ) Gallegly Garrett (NJ) Gohmert Goodlatte Granger Hall (TX) Harper Hastings (WA) Hensarling Herger Hunter Inglis Issa Jenkins Johnson, Sam Jordan (OH) King (IA) Kingston Kline (MN) Lamborn Latta Lee (NY) Linder Lucas Lummis Lungren, Daniel E. Mack Manzullo Marchant McCarthy (CA) McClintock McHenry McMorris Rodgers Mica Miller (FL) Minnick Moran (KS) Myrick Neugebauer Olson Paul Pence Pitts Poe (TX) Posey Price (GA) Rogers (AL) Rogers (MI) Royce Ryan (WI) Schmidt Schock Sensenbrenner Sessions Shadegg Shuster Smith (NE) Smith (TX) Souder Stearns Sullivan Thornberry Tiahrt Wamp Westmoreland Wilson (SC) Wittman Wolf NOT VOTING--35 Bean Blackburn Bright Campbell Cao Carter Cassidy Conyers Crenshaw Gingrey (GA) Gutierrez Hoekstra Holt Israel Johnson, E. B. Kilpatrick (MI) Lewis (CA) Miller, Gary Moran (VA) Neal (MA) Pascrell Perriello Radanovich Rohrabacher Shea-Porter Solis (CA) Space Speier Stark Taylor Tiberi Tierney Watson Weiner Yarmuth {time} 1901 Messrs. GOODLATTE, GALLEGLY, BACHUS and BOEHNER changed their vote from ``yea'' to ``nay.'' Mrs. BONO MACK changed her vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.'' So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________ GUAM WORLD WAR II LOYALTY RECOGNITION ACT The SPEAKER pro tempore. The unfinished business is the vote on the motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 44, on which the yeas and nays were ordered. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 44. This will be a 5-minute vote. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 299, nays 99, not voting 34, as follows: [Roll No. 73] YEAS--299 Abercrombie Ackerman Aderholt Adler (NJ) Alexander Andrews Arcuri Baca Bachus Baird Baldwin Barrow Bartlett Becerra Berkley Berman Berry Biggert Bilirakis Bishop (GA) Bishop (NY) Bishop (UT) Blumenauer Bono Mack Boozman Boren Boswell Boucher Boyd Brady (PA) Braley (IA) Bright Brown (SC) Brown, Corrine Burgess Burton (IN) Butterfield Buyer Capito Capps Capuano Cardoza Carnahan Carney Carson (IN) Castor (FL) Chandler Childers Clarke Clay Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Cole Conaway Connolly (VA) Cooper Costa Costello Courtney Crowley Cuellar Cummings Dahlkemper Davis (AL) Davis (CA) Davis (IL) Davis (TN) DeFazio DeGette Delahunt DeLauro Dent Diaz-Balart, L. Dicks Dingell Doggett Donnelly (IN) Doyle Dreier Driehaus Edwards (MD) Edwards (TX) Ehlers Ellison Ellsworth Engel Eshoo Etheridge Fallin Farr Fattah Filner Forbes Foster Frank (MA) Frelinghuysen Fudge Gerlach Giffords Gohmert Gonzalez Gordon (TN) Granger Grayson Green, Al Green, Gene Griffith Grijalva Hall (NY) Halvorson Hare Harman Hastings (FL) Heinrich Herseth Sandlin Higgins Hill Himes Hinchey Hinojosa Hirono Hodes Holden Honda Hoyer Inslee Jackson (IL) Jackson-Lee (TX) Jenkins Johnson (GA) Jones Kagen Kanjorski Kaptur Kennedy Kildee Kilroy Kind King (NY) Kirk Kirkpatrick (AZ) Kissell Klein (FL) Kline (MN) Kosmas Kratovil Kucinich Lance Langevin Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Lee (CA) Levin Lewis (GA) Lipinski LoBiondo Loebsack Lofgren, Zoe Lowey Lucas Lujan Lungren, Daniel E. Lynch Maffei Maloney Manzullo Markey (CO) Markey (MA) Marshall Massa Matheson Matsui McCarthy (NY) McCaul McCollum McCotter McDermott McGovern McHugh McIntyre McKeon McMahon McNerney Meek (FL) Meeks (NY) Melancon Mica Michaud Miller (FL) Miller (NC) Miller, George Minnick Mitchell Mollohan Moore (KS) Moore (WI) Moran (KS) Murphy (CT) Murphy, Patrick Murphy, Tim Murtha Nadler (NY) Napolitano Nye Oberstar Obey Olver Ortiz Pallone Pastor (AZ) Paulsen Payne Perlmutter Peters Peterson Petri Pingree (ME) Pitts Platts Polis (CO) Pomeroy Price (NC) Putnam Rahall Rangel Rehberg Reichert Reyes Richardson Rodriguez Rogers (AL) Rogers (MI) Ros-Lehtinen Ross Rothman (NJ) Roybal-Allard Ruppersberger Rush Ryan (OH) Ryan (WI) Salazar Sanchez, Linda T. Sanchez, Loretta Sarbanes Schakowsky Schauer Schiff Schock Schrader Schwartz Scott (GA) Scott (VA) Sensenbrenner Serrano Sestak Sherman Shimkus Shuler Simpson Sires Skelton Slaughter Smith (NJ) Smith (WA) Snyder Souder Spratt Stupak Sutton Tanner Tauscher Teague Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Titus Tonko Towns Tsongas Turner Van Hollen Velazquez Visclosky Walden Walz Wasserman Schultz Waters Watt Waxman Welch Wexler Wilson (OH) Wilson (SC) Wittman Wolf Woolsey Wu Young (AK) Young (FL) NAYS--99 Akin Altmire Austria Bachmann Barrett (SC) Barton (TX) Bilbray Blunt Boccieri Boehner Bonner Boustany Brady (TX) Broun (GA) Brown-Waite, Ginny Buchanan Calvert Camp Cantor Castle Chaffetz Coble Coffman (CO) Culberson Davis (KY) Deal (GA) Diaz-Balart, M. Duncan Emerson Flake Fleming Fortenberry Foxx Franks (AZ) Gallegly Garrett (NJ) Goodlatte Graves Guthrie Hall (TX) Harper Hastings (WA) Heller Hensarling Herger Hunter Inglis Issa Johnson (IL) Johnson, Sam Jordan (OH) King (IA) Kingston Lamborn Latham LaTourette Latta Lee (NY) Linder Luetkemeyer Lummis Mack Marchant McCarthy (CA) McClintock McHenry McMorris Rodgers Miller (MI) Myrick Neugebauer Nunes Olson Paul Pence Poe (TX) Posey Price (GA) Roe (TN) Rogers (KY) Rooney Roskam Royce Scalise Schmidt Sessions Shadegg Shuster Smith (NE) Smith (TX) Stearns Sullivan Terry Thompson (PA) Thornberry Tiahrt Upton Wamp Westmoreland Whitfield NOT VOTING--34 Bean Blackburn Campbell Cao Carter Cassidy Conyers Crenshaw Gingrey (GA) Gutierrez Hoekstra Holt Israel Johnson, E. B. Kilpatrick (MI) Lewis (CA) Miller, Gary Moran (VA) Neal (MA) Pascrell Perriello Radanovich Rohrabacher Shea-Porter Solis (CA) Space Speier Stark Taylor Tiberi Tierney Watson Weiner Yarmuth Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore The SPEAKER pro tempore (during the vote). There is 1 minute remaining in this vote. {time} 1909 So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. [[Page 4402]] ____________________ BOX ELDER UTAH LAND CONVEYANCE ACT The SPEAKER pro tempore. The unfinished business is the vote on the motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 601, on which the yeas and nays were ordered. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 601. This will be a 5-minute vote. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 396, nays 1, not voting 35, as follows: [Roll No. 74] YEAS--396 Abercrombie Ackerman Aderholt Adler (NJ) Akin Alexander Altmire Andrews Arcuri Austria Baca Bachmann Bachus Baird Baldwin Barrett (SC) Barrow Bartlett Barton (TX) Becerra Berkley Berman Berry Biggert Bilbray Bilirakis Bishop (GA) Bishop (NY) Bishop (UT) Blumenauer Blunt Boccieri Boehner Bonner Bono Mack Boozman Boren Boswell Boucher Boustany Boyd Brady (PA) Brady (TX) Braley (IA) Bright Broun (GA) Brown (SC) Brown, Corrine Brown-Waite, Ginny Buchanan Burgess Burton (IN) Butterfield Buyer Calvert Camp Cantor Capito Capps Capuano Cardoza Carnahan Carney Carson (IN) Castle Castor (FL) Chaffetz Chandler Childers Clarke Clay Cleaver Clyburn Coble Coffman (CO) Cohen Cole Conaway Connolly (VA) Cooper Costa Costello Courtney Crowley Cuellar Culberson Cummings Dahlkemper Davis (AL) Davis (CA) Davis (IL) Davis (KY) Davis (TN) Deal (GA) DeFazio DeGette Delahunt DeLauro Dent Diaz-Balart, L. Diaz-Balart, M. Dicks Dingell Doggett Donnelly (IN) Doyle Dreier Driehaus Duncan Edwards (MD) Edwards (TX) Ehlers Ellison Ellsworth Emerson Engel Eshoo Etheridge Fallin Farr Fattah Filner Flake Fleming Forbes Fortenberry Foster Foxx Frank (MA) Franks (AZ) Frelinghuysen Fudge Gallegly Garrett (NJ) Gerlach Giffords Gohmert Gonzalez Goodlatte Gordon (TN) Granger Graves Grayson Green, Al Green, Gene Griffith Guthrie Hall (NY) Hall (TX) Halvorson Hare Harman Harper Hastings (FL) Hastings (WA) Heinrich Heller Hensarling Herger Herseth Sandlin Higgins Hill Himes Hinchey Hinojosa Hirono Hodes Holden Honda Hoyer Hunter Inglis Inslee Issa Jackson (IL) Jackson-Lee (TX) Jenkins Johnson (GA) Johnson (IL) Johnson, Sam Jones Jordan (OH) Kagen Kanjorski Kaptur Kennedy Kildee Kilroy Kind King (IA) King (NY) Kingston Kirk Kirkpatrick (AZ) Kissell Klein (FL) Kline (MN) Kosmas Kratovil Kucinich Lamborn Lance Langevin Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latham LaTourette Latta Lee (CA) Lee (NY) Levin Lewis (GA) Linder Lipinski LoBiondo Loebsack Lofgren, Zoe Lowey Lucas Luetkemeyer Lujan Lummis Lungren, Daniel E. Lynch Mack Maffei Maloney Manzullo Marchant Markey (CO) Markey (MA) Marshall Massa Matheson Matsui McCarthy (CA) McCarthy (NY) McCaul McClintock McCollum McCotter McDermott McGovern McHenry McHugh McIntyre McKeon McMahon McMorris Rodgers McNerney Meek (FL) Meeks (NY) Melancon Mica Michaud Miller (FL) Miller (MI) Miller (NC) Miller, George Minnick Mitchell Mollohan Moore (KS) Moore (WI) Moran (KS) Murphy (CT) Murphy, Patrick Murphy, Tim Murtha Myrick Nadler (NY) Napolitano Neugebauer Nunes Nye Oberstar Obey Olson Olver Ortiz Pallone Pastor (AZ) Paul Paulsen Payne Pence Perlmutter Peters Peterson Petri Pingree (ME) Pitts Platts Poe (TX) Polis (CO) Pomeroy Posey Price (GA) Price (NC) Putnam Rahall Rangel Rehberg Reichert Reyes Richardson Rodriguez Roe (TN) Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rogers (MI) Rooney Ros-Lehtinen Roskam Ross Rothman (NJ) Roybal-Allard Royce Ruppersberger Rush Ryan (OH) Ryan (WI) Salazar Sanchez, Linda T. Sanchez, Loretta Sarbanes Scalise Schakowsky Schauer Schiff Schmidt Schock Schrader Schwartz Scott (GA) Scott (VA) Sensenbrenner Serrano Sessions Sestak Shadegg Sherman Shimkus Shuler Shuster Simpson Sires Skelton Slaughter Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (TX) Smith (WA) Snyder Souder Spratt Stearns Stupak Sullivan Sutton Tanner Tauscher Teague Terry Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) Thornberry Tiahrt Titus Tonko Towns Tsongas Turner Upton Van Hollen Velazquez Visclosky Walden Walz Wamp Waters Watt Waxman Welch Westmoreland Wexler Whitfield Wilson (OH) Wilson (SC) Wittman Wolf Woolsey Wu Young (AK) Young (FL) NAYS--1 Wasserman Schultz NOT VOTING--35 Bean Blackburn Campbell Cao Carter Cassidy Conyers Crenshaw Gingrey (GA) Grijalva Gutierrez Hoekstra Holt Israel Johnson, E. B. Kilpatrick (MI) Lewis (CA) Miller, Gary Moran (VA) Neal (MA) Pascrell Perriello Radanovich Rohrabacher Shea-Porter Solis (CA) Space Speier Stark Taylor Tiberi Tierney Watson Weiner Yarmuth Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore The SPEAKER pro tempore (during the vote). There are 2 minutes remaining in this vote. {time} 1919 So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________ PERSONAL EXPLANATION Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, on February 23, 2009, I was called away on personal business. I regret that I was not present for the following votes: On the passage of H.R. 911. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' On the passage of H.R. 44. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' On the passage of H.R. 601. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea.'' ____________________ PERSONAL EXPLANATION Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Madam Speaker, due to personal reasons, I was unable to attend to several votes. Had I been present, my vote would have been ``yea'' on H.R. 911, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009; ``yea'' on H.R. 44, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act; and ``yea'' on H.R. 601--Box Elder Utah Land Conveyance Act. ____________________ NOTICE OF INTENTION TO OFFER RESOLUTION RAISING A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX, I hereby notify the House of my intention to offer a resolution as a question of the privileges of the House. The form of my resolution is as follows: Whereas Roll Call reported on February 9, 2008, that the offices of a prominent lobbying firm had been raided by the FBI in November; Whereas The New York Times reported on February 10, 2009, that ``Federal prosecutors are looking into the possibility that a prominent lobbyist may have funneled bogus campaign contributions'' to Members of Congress; Whereas the Washington Post reported on February 14, 2009, that they ``examined contributions that were reported as being made by the firm's employees and consultants, and found several people who were not registered lobbyists and did not work for the lobbying firm''; Whereas Roll Call reported on February 11, 2009, that ``the defense- appropriations-focused lobbying shop that the FBI raided this November'' had in recent years ``spread millions of campaign contributions to lawmakers''; Whereas The Hill reported on February 10, 2009, that the raided firm ``earned more than $14 million in lobbying revenue'' and ``specializes in obtaining earmarks in the defense budget for a long list of clients''; Whereas The Hill reported on February 10, 2009, that the 2008 clients of this firm had ``received $299 million [[Page 4403]] worth of earmarks, according to Taxpayers for Common Sense''; Whereas CQ Today reported on February 19, 2009, that ``104 House Members got earmarks for projects sought by clients of the firm in the 2008 defense appropriations bills,'' and that 87 percent of this bipartisan group of Members received campaign contributions from the raided firm; Whereas CQ Today also reported that ``Members who took responsibility for the firm's earmarks in that spending bill have, since 2001, accepted a cumulative $1,815,138 in campaign contributions from the firm's political action committee and employees''; Whereas Roll Call reported on February 19, 2009, that a bipartisan group of four Members have made plans to divest themselves of campaign contributions received from the raided firm; Whereas Politico reported on February 12, 2009, that ``several sources said FBI agents have spent months laying the groundwork for their current investigation, including conducting research on earmarks and campaign contributions''; Whereas numerous press reports and editorials have alleged several cases of influence peddling between Members of Congress and outside interests seeking Federal funding; Whereas such reports and editorials reflect public distrust and have raised inquiries and criticism about the integrity of congressional proceedings and the dignity of the institution; and Whereas the House of Representatives should respond to such claims and demonstrate integrity in its proceedings: Now, therefore, be it resolved that: (a) The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, or a subcommittee of the committee designated by the committee and its members appointed by the chairman and ranking member, is instructed to investigate the relationship between earmark requests already made by Members and the source and timing of past campaign contributions. (b) The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct shall submit a report of its findings to the House of Representatives within 2 months after the date of adoption of this resolution. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under rule IX, a resolution offered from the floor by a Member other than the majority leader or the minority leader as a question of the privileges of the House has immediate precedence only at a time designated by the Chair within 2 legislative days after the resolution is properly noticed. Pending that designation, the form of the resolution noticed by the gentleman from Arizona will appear in the Record at this point. The Chair will not at this point determine whether the resolution constitutes a question of privilege. That determination will be made at the time designated for consideration of the resolution. ____________________ THE ARC OF PALM BEACH COUNTY (Mr. KLEIN of Florida asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding organization in my Congressional District, the Arc of Palm Beach County. The Arc works to improve the lives of children and adults with developmental and mental disabilities, as well as their families. Arc programs, which include therapeutic education and Community Inclusion Services, are invaluable to their clients and our community. From young couples raising their children with disabilities, to aging parents working to care for their adult children, families depend on the Arc for essential services. I am committed to standing up for children and adults with disabilities, whether it is supporting the majority leader's ADA Restoration Act or fighting for increased funds for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I'm looking forward to addressing the Arc's first annual Arc Angels luncheon this Friday in West Palm Beach. And I congratulate all of the hard-working staff at the Arc, as well as their President, Executive Director and Board of Directors. Their efforts will have a valuable and lasting impact on South Florida. ____________________ SOMEBODY IS SMOKING SOMETHING THAT'S ILLEGAL (Mr. BURTON of Indiana asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, if what I'm about to say wasn't so sad, it would be funny. We've spent $700 billion in TARP, $14 billion for the auto bailout, and that's just the beginning, $738 billion in the so-called stimulus, and that does not include the interest that will take us over $1 trillion. $410 billion that's coming up in the omnibus spending bill, probably another $100 billion in supplemental. And the President today with his staff people down there was talking about national health care. Lord only knows how much that's going to cost. And Mr. Geithner is spending 1 to $2 trillion, he says, to help the financial institutions in this country to stay above water. And then the President said today he's going to cut the deficit in half in the next 4 years. It does not add up. How in the world are you going to do that when you're spending all this money, printing all this money, asking China to loan us more money? It just doesn't work. Somebody must be smoking something that's illegal. ____________________ COMMENDING STATE SENATOR JAMES MEEKS (Mr. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend State Senator James Meeks, who is also pastor of the House of Hope Church in Chicago, which is the largest church in the city that holds more than 10,000 people. Well, on Saturday morning, Reverend State Senator Meeks called a community meeting to help people understand the economic stimulus package. As cold as it was, more than 2,000 people came, representatives from every walk of life, the Governor's office, all of the other municipal offices. And I simply commend him for this initiative, for giving the people of Illinois an opportunity to better understand the stimulus package. ____________________ SECRETARY CLINTON'S MISSED OPPORTUNITY IN CHINA (Mr. WOLF asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to the chorus of human rights organizations who have expressed shock and disappointment at Secretary Clinton's comments during a recent Asia trip indicating that human rights will not be a priority in her engagement with China. We need to look no further than the Sharanskys and the Solzhenitsyns of recent history to know that bold and public proclamations on the importance of liberty, freedom and absence of repression are cause for great hope to those political prisoners who languish behind bars. Words have power, the power to inspire or deflate, to give vision or stifle hope. But for words to inspire the hope for a day when the Chinese people can worship freely, where the press is not censored, where political dissent is permitted, they must first be spoken. Silence itself is a message. Martin Luther King, Jr. said famously, ``In the end we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.'' America has always been a friend to the oppressed, the persecuted, the forgotten. I pray our allegiance has not changed. This administration must make the solid rock of freedom their foundation, rather than the sinking sand of repression. [[Page 4404]] Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, February 23, 2009. Hon. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, Washington, DC. Dear Secretary Clinton: I write to share my dismay, also voiced by a number of leading human rights organizations, at your comments during your recent Asia trip indicating that human rights will not be a priority in your engagement with China. These statements come on the heels of the U.S. failing to participate in the United Nations review of the human rights record of China, among other worst offenders. Both are deeply troubling commentary on this administration's commitment to human rights, and are undoubtedly disheartening for scores of Chinese citizens, including the imprisoned Catholic bishops, persecuted house church leaders and repressed Tibetan Buddhists. Certainly there is a place for pragmatism in diplomacy. It may be that the Chinese government, when confronted with its gross human rights violations, would dismiss U.S. concerns and tell us not to interfere in their ``internal matters.'' But we need look no further than the Sharanskys and Solzhenitsyns of recent history to know that it is equally pragmatic to believe that bold, public proclamations on the importance of liberty, freedom, and the absence of repression are cause for great hope to those political prisoners who languish behind bars. In short, words have power. They have the power to inspire, or deflate; they have the power to give vision or to stifle hope. But for words to inspire the hope for a day when the Chinese people can worship freely, where the press is not censored, where political dissent is permitted--they must first be spoken. Silence is itself a message. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, ``In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.'' America has always been a friend to the oppressed, the persecuted, the forgotten. Has our allegiance changed? Words are, of course, strengthened by policy, and policy is shaped by personnel. You have a number of important decisions before you in this regard: Will the new U.S. ambassador to China be singularly focused on good bilateral relations, and increased trade--or will that diplomat tirelessly work to ensure that our embassy is an island of freedom in a sea of repression? Will the assistant secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor be someone known and trusted by the human rights community? Will the new ambassador for International Religious Freedom worship with the underground church and press the Chinese government to respect this first freedom? This administration is young and finding its sea legs. My hope is that the solid rock of freedom will be your foundation, rather than the sinking sand of repression. I urge you to change course, lest this country itself be changed. I am reminded of a story told by Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel which speaks to this very point: ``One day a Tzadik came to Sodom; He knew what Sodom was, so he came to save it from sin, from destruction. He preached to the people. `Please do not be murderers, do not be thieves. Do not be silent and do not be indifferent.' He went on preaching day after day, maybe even picketing. But no one listened. He was not discouraged. He went on preaching for years. Finally someone asked him, `Rabbi, why do you do that? Don't you see it is no use?' He said, `I know it is of no use, but I must. And I will tell you why: in the beginning I thought I had to protest and to shout in order to change them. I have given up this hope. Now I know I must picket and scream and shout so that they should not change me.''' Sincerely, Frank R. Wolf, Member of Congress. ____________________ {time} 1930 SPECIAL ORDERS The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 6, 2009, and under a previous order of the House, the following Members will be recognized for 5 minutes each. ____________________ LORDS OF THE STREETS The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I bring you news from the front. This week, in one of our neighboring country's schools, an elementary school, there was a raging gun battle for over 2 hours between the bad guys, the Army, and of course the police were involved in all of this. I'm not talking about a battle that took place in Iraq or Afghanistan. I'm talking about a battle that took place just south of our border in Mexico--the border, the second front that we should be concentrating on as a Nation and be concerned about what's taking place there. In Reynosa, Mexico, right across the Rio Grande River from McAllen, Texas, is where this gun battle took place. The Gulf Drug Cartel, in control of Reynosa, was trying to move drugs into the United States, and they got involved with the Federal police and soldiers. This battle kept going on because both sides kept getting reinforcements. At least five of the gang members were killed and five peace officers, or Federal police, were killed. It is reported that teachers were shoving kids on the floor, blocking the windows with desks and tables, trying to keep down because of the ricochets that were taking place in the school. One third grader said this: ``We were all crying. We were so afraid,'' said this 9-year-old. She continued: ``They could have killed every one of us.'' The gun battle took place on both sides of the school. Then it moved into a shopping area and other parts of Reynosa. The principal of the school had this comment. She said, ``The bad men think they're lords of the streets.'' Mr. Speaker, maybe they are. This is gang warfare in Mexico. Just last year, there were 6,000 people killed in Mexico, most of them attributed to the gang fights to try to control the drugs that are coming into the United States. Six thousand people? What does that mean? Well, there have been 5,000 Americans killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, less than the total number killed just last year in Mexico. It's reported that one American a week is killed in Mexico, maybe more than one a week. The drug cartels murder police officers; they kill elected officials; they chop the heads off of police chiefs; and some now have said that Mexico may be a failed state because of the drug cartels and the violence that is taking place there. I don't know if it's a failed state or not, but it's a serious epidemic, and what is taking place that the drug cartels are in the center of this border war has to do with four commodities--with four commodities, Mr. Speaker. Two of those commodities go north, and two of those commodities go south. The drug cartels, of course, are running drugs and people into the United States. The two of those that are going south are the drug cartels that are helping to control, of course, the money and illegal guns going back into Mexico, most of those controlled by the drug cartels. We know that many of the drug cartels are working with the human smugglers, the coyotes, to have them bring drugs and people into the United States at the same time. So the drug cartels are the enemy of America. They're working in Mexico. If anyone thinks that they're going to stay south of the Rio Grande River, they've not been very attune to what has taken place. Much of Mexico, especially on the border, has been corrupted by the drug cartels. It is extremely violent. I've been down to the Texas- Mexico border about 15 times, and every time I go, the situation is worse on both sides. Yet good folks on both sides live in fear because of the drug cartels and their violence, and nothing is happening. President Calderon has answered with 40,000 soldiers on the border. He says, ``Mexico confronts a historic challenge to become a secure country, a challenge to truly transform itself into a country of law and order.'' Well, good for President Calderon. I hope he succeeds, but if we think it's going to stay south of the border, we're sadly mistaken. Just in 2007, in my hometown of Houston, in broad daylight, two rival gangs, smuggling gangs, were going up and down the freeway, shooting at each other, trying to fight over a group of illegals that one of them wanted to take away from the other. You know, that case, like many others, has gone ignored mainly by the mainstream media. This country, Mr. Speaker, faces a border war like we have never seen before, and so now I think we ought to take some action on this side of the border. It's interesting that, in the last Presidential campaign, neither candidate, in all of that talk, ever said [[Page 4405]] anything about the border--our border, the second front. It is time to reinforce the border with the National Guard, the military. If the Mexican Government is going to have the courage to have the military on the border to keep the drug cartels from crossing into our country, we ought to have the courage to have the border secured with our military to protect us and to squeeze those drug cartels dry. Send the military down there, and teach the drug cartels they will not have it their way, Mr. Speaker. And that's just the way it is. ____________________ THE BIRTHRIGHT OF AMERICA The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) is recognized for 5 minutes. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Poe raises some very good points. One of the major reasons we should be renegotiating NAFTA is to deal with many of the consequences of that trade agreement which was sold as a nirvana for the continent, and there are so many consequences that are harmful to people in this country and to the other two trading partners. So I was very interested in his remarks. I came down to the floor tonight to talk about liberty. When our Republic was founded, Patrick Henry courageously implored, ``Give me liberty or give me death.'' He put his priority on sacrifice for liberty as the fundamental building block of our Republic, a moral calling of the highest order. Similarly, as immigrants from far off lands flock to America's shores, they still journey through New York Harbor and read the timeless words at the base of the Statue of Liberty, penned by poet Emma Lazarus, that recall our primary founding moral value: ``Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.'' Freedom is not only what this Nation offers to all who come here legally, but it is the cornerstone upon which our founders built this Nation. America today is navigating a slippery slope that is a departure from our birthright, our Nation's very reason for being. When freedom becomes subjugated to financial dependence on undemocratic regimes or marketplace conveniences, surely we risk losing our way. Those around the world can become disillusioned with our Nation's very reason for being. Thomas Jefferson stated, ``Can liberties of a nation be sure, when we remove their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people, that these liberties are a gift from God?'' He clearly means we should not take the abundance of our Nation in whatever form and squander it or take it for granted. I become concerned myself when pecuniary interests trump human rights. With China's now becoming the chief holder of U.S. Treasury debt, one must ask, ``What comes first, liberty or bondage?'' Whether it is human freedom in China or repressive theocracies across the Middle East or dictatorships in Africa, Asia or Latin America, at what point does our growing financial dependence sully America's birthright, which is liberty first, last and always? I stand here, amazed, that yet again the wise Thomas Jefferson issued, for posterity, a warning as follows: ``If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of currency first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.'' Imagine how many years ago he said that. My friends, my dear colleagues and my fellow citizens, we must take a strong and devout look at where we are and how we got here. Our financial dependence on foreign regimes has compromised our very birthright. It was with sadness that I watched our able Secretary of State dance on eggshells on her recent trip to Beijing. It is Lady Liberty that must inspire us to recapture our freedom for our own posterity. Surely, Thomas Jefferson would like that. ____________________ SUE AND CHUCK COBB The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) is recognized for 5 minutes. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the life and the work of Ambassadors Sue and Chuck Cobb for what they have achieved in the life that they have made together. The Cobbs have set a new standard for the great American family as leaders in business, as public servants and as loving parents. Ambassador Chuck Cobb is an alumnus of Stanford Business School. The greatest prize that he took from Stanford was not the MBA that he earned there; it was Sue, his wonderful and future wife. Ambassador Chuck Cobb's professional life is as successful as it has been diversified. As a businessman, he has served on the borders of nine publicly traded companies as well as numerous private ones. More than 30 master plan communities and even entire towns have been developed under Chuck's leadership. As a public servant, he rose through the ranks of the Department of Commerce where he served as Undersecretary and then as assistant Secretary for President Ronald Reagan. He saw the fruition of his labor with his appointment to the position of Ambassador to Iceland for President George H.W. Bush. The people of Iceland graciously rewarded his work as an ambassador with their highest honor, the Falcon Grand Cross Star. Ambassador Sue Cobb's journey from Stanford to the position of ambassador was no less exciting. While leading several nonprofits and law firms, she attempted to be the first woman from the United States to climb Mt. Everest, and later wrote the book ``The Edge of Everest: A Woman Challenges the Mountain.'' Following her service as chairman of the Federal Reserve of Miami, Sue Cobb was appointed as U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica where she served to improve health care, law enforcement and environmental management practices. Sue's work as ambassador was so acknowledged as excellent that our Nation's finest diplomats are honored with the Sue M. Cobb Exemplary Diplomatic Service Award. During her tenure in Jamaica, Ambassador Sue Cobb coordinated the relief efforts to help Jamaica's people after it was ravaged by Hurricane Ivan. Ambassador Chuck was the cochairman of the committee that secured $9 billion in Federal funds to rebuild my community, South Florida, after Hurricane Andrew. In addition to their exemplary work in both government and private enterprise, Chuck and Sue have made a home together and have filled it with love for more than five decades. Mr. Speaker, on February 28, they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They have raised two sons, who are distinguished and remarkable people. Christian is an architect with an MBA from Harvard, and Tobin is an investment banker who earned his MBA from NYU. They have blessed the Cobb family with seven beautiful grandchildren. It is obvious that there is much that we can learn from the lives of the Ambassadors Cobb, but if we could glean a single lesson from the half century that they have spent together, Mr. Speaker, it would be how unbelievably far a man and a woman can go when the faith they have in each other is as unwavering as it is so clearly shown in Ambassadors Sue and Chuck Cobb. ____________________ AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as all of us know, February is African American History Month, and I rise to pay tribute to some of the outstanding individuals in the community that I live and represent for the tremendous services that they have provided. {time} 1945 I take a great deal of pride in the fact that I represent what I like to call 11 of the most activated communities in [[Page 4406]] America. As a matter of fact, I have 35 advisory groups who advise me on everything that there is pretty much to be advised on. But two of the chairs I'd like to point out are the education chair, Dr. Lurrerta Hurt, who developed an extensive community education program and approach; and, of course, she put on a great black history program at the Greater Gallery Baptist Church 2 weeks ago. I also would like to acknowledge the tremendous work of Ms. Anetta Wilson, who chaired our Child Welfare Advisory Group. And she and her organization just opened last week an intergenerational living facility that will house 54 families of grandparents, grandchildren, young children, older adult, where grandparents and grandchildren can live in the same environment and interact with each other. I also want to commend Reverend Walter Bauldrich, and the Coppin A.M.E. Church because on the other side of my district in what we call the south side--I mean, we divide Chicago up into sides and areas. Anetta Wilson opened hers on the west side. But the other part of my district, which happens to be one of the most diverse in America, is on the south side. And Coppin A.M.E. Church opened a 74-unit development for the same purpose, intergenerational living. So when I talk about the high level of activism, and especially in the last few weeks around just the whole question of the celebration of African American history, I was fortunate to spend part of yesterday at the Ascension Catholic Church in Oak Park, Illinois, for their African American history celebration; at the Herman Avenue Baptist Church in downtown Chicago yesterday afternoon for their African American history; then, of course, yesterday the Village of Bellwood had their large celebration that they do every year. Much of the focus of some of these celebrations has been taking a look at the Reconstruction Period in history, which is a period that many people, quite frankly, don't know much about. For example, there are African Americans who don't know that there were 22 Members of Congress during the Reconstruction Period who were African American-- that is before 1900. During the 1870s, 1880s, and 1890s, there were 20 Members of the House. There were two Members of the Senate. And of course, there was another Member from Louisiana who was elected to both the House and the Senate, P.B.S. Pinchback, but was never seated. As a matter of fact, Governor Pinchback was actually the Governor of Louisiana during this period. He didn't serve that long, but nevertheless, he was the governor. So history becomes the melding together of many thoughts, ideas, actions not of one group of people but of all of the groupings of people who have come to this Nation seeking a better life, seeking something that they did not have. And the fact that America has become the most diverse country is a tribute to all of us. So as we celebrate African American history, we celebrate the history of America. I thank you, Mr. Speaker. ____________________ MOVING FROM ENERGY INSECURITY TO ENERGY SECURITY The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Inglis) is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. INGLIS. Mr. Speaker, just before the President's Day recess, I stood on this floor and talked about the national security risk we're running with our energy insecurity. Tonight, I'd like to talk about the economic opportunity that's present in moving from energy insecurity to energy security. You know, I'm on the Science Committee, and in the Science Committee, we get to see a lot of new technology. The question of the hour really is how to get that technology to the market, how to do for energy what Microsoft and Apple did for the PC and the Internet; how do we get from here, from ideas, to jobs. Well, I happen to think that this is a place where folks on my side of the aisle, Republicans, can be particularly helpful because what we realize is some market distortions, and the impact of those market distortions, on bringing products to market. So the market distortion I'm particularly interested in talking about tonight comes from the fact that certain negative costs associated with the incumbent technologies, especially petroleum, aren't attached to that product. As a result, we drive around in our cars unaware of the extra costs that are really associated, properly associated with a gallon of gas. So, for example, it's a huge national security risk associated with buying gasoline. Gasoline right now in my district is costing about $1.70 a gallon. But that doesn't factor in the cost of operations in places like Iraq. It doesn't factor in the risk of future operations in the Middle East. And, of course, it also doesn't factor in the environmental consequences of that $1.70 worth of gasoline. So what would happen if you had what economists call internalize the externals. What if you attached to the price of that gallon of gasoline those externalities, those costs that are currently unrecognized? Well, that's really the key to moving technology from the lab into the showroom. Because right now, it's there in the lab; we know a lot of things will work. But it doesn't really compete with the incumbent technology because the incumbent technology--gasoline in this case, talking about transportation fuels--it gets a big freebie or two. It gets us subsidizing their business in the form of national security expenditures, and it gets us winking and disregarding the environmental consequences associated with that gallon of gasoline. If those externalities were internalized to that price of gasoline, of course the price of gas would rise; but the other technologies that are out there that are ready to take out that incumbent technology and reduce our national security risk and to create these new jobs would become viable. And, of course, in this economic downturn, we're looking for all of the ideas we can find about how to re-employ Americans, how to get our economy going. And what I'm hoping, Mr. Speaker, is that we see a tremendous opportunity in energy. Our insecurity in energy can become energy security when we internalize the externals associated with the incumbent technologies and make it so the market doesn't have this distortion any longer. This is a strength that I think that people who understand markets can deliver to this process. I hope the Obama administration is going to listen to those ideas because together, we can solve this problem and we can reach an American solution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. ____________________ THE FALLEN HERO COMMEMORATION ACT The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, throughout the history of our Nation, members of the United States Armed Forces have given their lives to secure and protect the freedoms America enjoys today. Today U.S. servicemembers are serving our Nation in Iraq, Afghanistan and many other parts of the world. Without a loved one serving in our military, it is all too possible for Americans to overlook the sacrifices that have been made and continue to be made by the men and women of the armed services. It is for this reason that I have introduced H.R. 269, the Fallen Hero Commemoration Act. This legislation would require the Department of Defense to permit media coverage when the remains of troops who had died in active duty arrive at military installations in the United States. Currently, the Department of Defense does not, does not permit arrival ceremonies for or media coverage of deceased military personnel returning or departing from United States military installations. This ban on media coverage has been in place since the Persian Gulf War in 1991. However, earlier this month President Obama announced that he had ordered a review [[Page 4407]] of this policy, and the Pentagon is expected to complete its review soon. While I welcome a decision by the current administration to repeal this ban on media coverage, enacting the Fallen Hero Commemoration Act would ensure by statute that our Nation properly commemorates the service of our fallen heroes now and in the years to come. If this legislation is enacted, the privacy of military families would be protected. Private memorial services would remain private and only credentialed media, as approved by the Department of Defense, would be permitted to cover the arrival of fallen heroes at U.S. military installations. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit for the record two letters I have received in support of the Fallen Hero Commemoration Act. One letter is an endorsement from the American Society of News Editors, and the other is from the National Press Photographers Association. As Mickey Osterreicher, father of a newly commissioned Air Force second lieutenant and general counsel for the National Press Photographers Association, wrote in a letter that is submitted--and I would like to read just a paragraph. ``It is one thing for a family to request that we not cover a private event it is another for the military to impose a total ban.'' This legislation would not only honor those who have given their lives in defense of our Nation, but also uphold the freedoms for which they gave the ultimate sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I hope that my colleagues here on the House floor will look seriously at H.R. 269 so that we may properly commemorate the sacrifices made by the United States servicemembers. And, Mr. Speaker, I have signed well over 8,000 letters to families and extended families who have lost loved ones in Afghanistan and Iraq. So I want to close by asking God to please bless our men and women in uniform; ask God to please bless the families who have given a loved one in Afghanistan and Iraq; and I ask God to please, three times, God please continue to bless America; please, God, continue to bless America; please, God, continue to bless America. National Press Photographers Association, Inc., The Society of Professional Photojournalists, Durham, NC. January 12, 2009. Hon. Walter Jones, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Jones: As general counsel for the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) I would like to thank you for your introduction of H.R. 269, the ``Fallen Hero Commemoration Act.'' It is my understanding that this legislation would direct the ``Secretary of Defense to grant access to accredited members of the media when the remains of members of the Armed Forces arrive at military installations in the United States.'' The NPPA represents almost 10,000 still and video photojournalists throughout the United States. As such we are very aware that the Department of Defense currently prohibits media coverage of these solemn ceremonies. Throughout our history photojournalists have documented every aspect of human endeavor from triumphs to tragedies. It is unfortunate that war often times creates the most compelling images. From Matthew Brady's graphic photos of Civil War battlefields to Joe Rosenthal's raising of the American Flag on Iwo Jima news photographers have risked (and all too often lost) their lives to capture these moments so that the public may be informed of these newsworthy events. A free, robust and unfettered press is as much a part of our history and culture as is the Constitution and the three branches of government. To deny media coverage of the return of our fallen heroes is a brazen attempt by the military to deny history. While our government tries to bring liberty and democracy to all corners of the world it lately seems to have forgotten that those freedoms are no less important at home. As a former photojournalist for over thirty years and the father of a newly commissioned 2nd Lt. in the USAF training to one day fly A-l0's I can state unequivocally that my colleagues mean no disrespect to the uniform or the families when we cover these moving events. Quite the opposite is true--as photojournalists try to honestly and accurately depict these moments for all to see. It is one thing for a family to request that we not cover a private event it is another for the military to impose a total ban. We agree that by once again permitting access to accredited members of the media at the arrival of the remains of fallen service members at U.S. military installations, this legislation would not only honor those who have given their lives in defense of our Nation but also uphold the freedoms for which they gave the ultimate sacrifice. Please feel free to contact me should you need anything further. In the past members of NPPA have testified at hearings on a number of issues related to photojournalism and we would be more than happy to do so again should the need arise. Very truly yours, Mickey H. Osterreicher, General Counsel. ____ American Society of Newspaper Editors, Reston, VA, January 13, 2009. Hon. Walter Jones, House of Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Jones: The American Society of Newspaper Editors thanks you to reintroducing the Fallen Hero Commemoration Act as HR 269. This legislation addresses an important issue in a manner that protects constitutional ideals that have been neglected far too often in recent years. We hope that this early introduction will allow us to get a fast start on moving this legislation toward eventual enactment. ASNE is a professional organization of directing editors of daily newspaper in the Americas. The purposes of the Society include assisting journalists and providing an unfettered and effective press in the service of the American people. H.R. 269 is an example of legislation that advances our organization's goals, and we are happy to endorse this legislation and offer any support and assistance you may need in obtaining its passage. The issue of photographing military repatriation ceremonies is clearly a controversial one. We agree that the families who must sadly endure the repatriation and burial of a loved one have a right to their privacy and that these ceremonies and those they honor demand the utmost dignity and solemnity. But banning accredited media from these events dishonors the sacrifices these valiant men and women have made for their country and the ideals they swore to uphold. The First Amendment demands that the government refrain from abridging freedom of the press in even the most controversial of debates. The ``Findings'' portion of H.R. 269 demonstrates how the Department of Defense has lost sight of this fundamental freedom by bending rules regarding press coverage to serve its own purposes, allowing access when publicity serves the government's needs while disallowing access--even if the family itself expresses a willingness or desire for media coverage--when it believes that photography or other coverage would highlight the negative aspects of war. This bill strongly supports freedom of speech and of the press. It will replace the censorship and staged media events that disrespect the freedom our fallen soldiers defended with the editorial independence necessary in a democracy. Openness is the best way to honor those who serve our country and their families. ASNE members understand that editorial independence is worthy only if practiced responsibly and respectfully. Newspaper editors and those they oversee are people first and have shown time and again sensitivity to grieving families. This bill will not change that mindset, though we do hope you reconsider the decision to remove access to commemoration ceremonies and memorial services from the bill. Press access to these events is necessary to provide the public with the complete story about a soldier's commitment to defend his or his country; we maintain that coverage will not detract from the solemnity of the proceedings or unduly invade the privacy of the families involved. We again thank you for reintroducing the Fallen Hero Commemoration Act. We hope that the this issue receives full consideration by the 111th Congress including, specifically, early hearings in the Committee on Armed Services, as which point the need for access to commemoration ceremonies and memorial services, in addition to repatriation ceremonies, can be discussed in full. We look forward to participating in that process. Sincerely, Charlotte Hall, President, ASNE, Senior Vice President/Editor, The Orlando Sentinel. ____________________ PAY-TO-PLAY POLITICS The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, over the past several weeks, the political world has been rocked by a scandal that led to the impeachment of the Governor of Illinois. At issue was the specter of pay-to-play, more specifically the possibility that political favors were either promised or exchanged, exchanged for campaign contributions. [[Page 4408]] The vote to remove Governor Blagojevich by the Illinois Senate was unanimous. Condemnation from Capitol Hill was equally swift and unequivocal. Pay-to-play politics should have no place. Fast forward just a few weeks. We now know that the Department of Justice is conducting an investigation into the propriety of campaign contributions made by individuals associated with the powerhouse lobbying firm the PMA Group, individuals who have contributed nearly 3.3 million to the campaigns and political action committees of many Members in this body. Within days of the announcement of the FBI investigation, the PMA Group, which had revenues of more than 15 million just last year, imploded. {time} 2000 So what would cause those associated with the PMA Group to contribute millions of dollars to Members of Congress? Here's what the public sees; press reports that nearly nine in 10 Members who made earmark requests in the fiscal year 2008 Defense Appropriation bill for clients of the PMA Group also received campaign contributions from those associated with the PMA Group. Those earmark requests resulted in nearly $300 million in earmark money for PMA clients. Mr. Speaker, much has been made of the rule changes in the 110th Congress that add transparency to the process of earmarking. As one who had sought these changes for years, I was the first to applaud when these new rules were adopted. Sunlight always illuminates, but it doesn't always disinfect. We now see what scurries around our feet, but we seem unwilling to grab a broom and clean house. Let me illustrate. Less than 6 months ago, we approved the Defense Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2009 as part of a so-called ``minibus.'' Some 48 hours before the bill was to be considered on the House floor, we learned that it contained more than 2,000 House earmarks, none of which had been considered by the full House Appropriations Committee. The minibus was considered as an amendment to the Senate bill, and therefore not a single earmark challenge was allowed. We now know, of course, that multiple earmarks in the minibus were secured for clients of the PMA Group. In addition, several earmarks in the minibus went to Kuchera Industries, a PMA client that is also being investigated by the Department of Justice. So here we are today, Mr. Speaker, about to consider an omnibus appropriations bill that contains more than 8,000 earmarks. It should be noted that we received the earmark list just hours ago. Of course, it's impossible to dig through 8,000 earmarks before the bill comes to the floor on Wednesday. But this much we know: In the list of earmarks we received are several earmarks worth millions of dollars for clients of the PMA Group. What else is in this bill? What other embarrassing details are just waiting for concerned citizens, enterprising reporters or curious Justice Department officials to discover? A short while ago, I noticed a privileged resolution on this situation. This is not a partisan resolution because this is not a partisan issue. I would implore my colleagues not to treat it as such. The ``whereas'' clauses mention no party or Member. The ``resolve'' clauses simply ask the Ethics Committee to investigate the relationship between earmarks and campaign contributions so that we can determine if the rules that we have in the House are adequate to maintain the dignity of the House. We see enduring examples of Members on both sides of the aisle taking their responsibility as stewards of taxpayer money very seriously. But when we are seen to be earmarking funds to campaign donors, we give unnecessary fodder to those who would question our motives. Some may argue that the absence of a visible quid pro quo with regard to earmarks and campaign contributions absolves us from our responsibility to take action on this resolution. After all, investigations are moving ahead; shouldn't they just take their course? This is certainly an option, but consider the cost to the reputation of this body. Should Department of Justice investigations, indictments and convictions be the standard for taking action to uphold the dignity of the House? Mr. Speaker, we owe far more to this institution than we are giving it. Let's pass this resolution and give this institution the respect and dignity it deserves. ____________________ THE STIMULUS BILL The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 6, 2009, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess) is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader. Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, as we left town right before the Presidents' Day recess, many of us spoke on the floor of this House about the issue of what was then the issue of the day, the issue before the House, the stimulus bill, the spending bill, the ``jobs bill,'' as it was described, but a bill that unfortunately contained much more Federal spending than anything else. This bill was posted on a Web site late in the night. It was not posted in a forum that was searchable by any Member of Congress. And you heard over and over again on the floor of this House a little over a week ago how no one in this House had been able to adequately peruse the bill--indeed, read the bill--before it came to a vote that Friday before last. The bill came to us late in the night. There seemed to be a great rush about getting it done--after all, the country is in dire trouble, people are needing this legislation to be passed--and then we all took a 3-day weekend; the Speaker took off to points unknown in Italy; the President took a vacation back home. And then finally, the day after Presidents' Day, the following Tuesday, the 17th, the bill was signed into law. We were then informed by several of the Federal agencies charged with dispensing this money and getting it out quickly into the economy to quickly have that stimulative effect that it is purported to have on the economy, well, we're told that many of those Federal agencies, it will take some time for them to promulgate the rules and set forth the rules under which this money is to be distributed amongst the Federal agencies. And it, indeed, may be the early part of the summer before some of this stimulus money actually makes it into the economy. I noticed in my home paper, the Dallas Morning News, today a gentleman wrote in--I assume it was tongue in cheek--he said, being in his advanced stage, he felt that he might be one of those shovel-ready projects that was mentioned in the stimulus bill. I am going to assume that that was a light-hearted remark on his part. But it brings to mind a more serious nature of what we are facing. And we've heard it so many times over the past month's time, the amount of money, $787 billion contained in this bill--more if you factor in the cost of capital, the cost of financing this bill, then the cost goes up to $1.1 or $1.2 trillion. The bill has built-in funding cliffs where if you really were honest about the amount of funding it would require to continue this stimulus bill over the actual life of the bill, we're probably talking about a bill that's closer to $3 trillion. And $3 trillion is $3 trillion that we don't have sitting in the Federal Treasury waiting to be dispensed. This is, in fact, money that will have to come from somewhere. Where is it going to come from? Well, it's going to come from the United States selling public debt. And the good news is that debt is still a saleable commodity on the world market, that people are still willing to purchase our debt. The good news is that they are still willing to purchase our debt and the interest rate has not risen significantly. But those days will only last so long because consider what is just right around the corner. You heard the gentleman from Arizona talk about an omnibus bill that will be on the floor of this House in less than 48 hours. The omnibus bill will spend [[Page 4409]] roughly $410 billion on top of the $787 billion that we just spent toward the end of last week. Bear in mind once again, we're not figuring in the cost of borrowing that money in that figure of $410 billion. And a little more than 24 hours from now the President will stand in this House and address a joint session of the House and Senate--all will be assembled here--and he will lay out his plan, his budget for the next year of the United States of America. At the present time, I do not know what the top number is, but I suspect it will be in excess of $3 trillion. In fact, I expect it to be in excess of $3.3 trillion because that would be a little bit above the number that was approved the last year that President Bush submitted his budget. So we all know it takes a lot of money to run the country over a year's time, and yet we've had TARP I and TARP II, and now stimulus one, we're going to have the omnibus or minibus bill in a few day's time, and then we have our regular spending--our regular spending that we've yet to take on for the next fiscal year; truly an absolute explosive growth in the Federal deficit that is going to be seen between now and the end of the fiscal year, September 30. Mr. Speaker, I had an interesting time at home over the Presidents' Day week when we weren't in session. I talked to a number of my schools throughout my district in north Texas. I talked to the high schoolers in Gainesville, Texas; I talked to a group of home schoolers in rural north Texas; I talked to a group of middle school students in my home of Lewisville; and I talked to a group of students at an early childhood learning center down on the southeast side of Fort Worth. At every location I felt obligated to explain what had just transpired in the United States Congress because I know what it's like when you're a kid, you're not really paying attention to what's going on in these hallowed halls of Congress. And yet every statement we made 2 weeks ago, every dollar we spent 2 weeks ago, every interest obligation we incurred 2 weeks ago is not going to be borne by people my age, it's going to be borne by those youngsters that I was talking to; in fact, likely their children as well. So we have handed off to the next generation an amount of debt, the likes of which no one has ever seen before. And bear in mind, these are some of the best of times that we've just been through, and yet we are handing off levels of debt that have previously been unseen in this country. Now, as I went to the high schools, I did feel obligated to explain the mechanisms that created the need for the stimulus bill, the problems I saw with the bill, perhaps some alternative strategies that were suggested, some by Members of the minority here on the House side, alternatives that were suggested by Members of the other body on the other side of the Capitol. There were alternative strategies out there. There really wasn't any strong chorus of individuals who said we just need to do absolutely nothing. Many of us thought that perhaps by dealing with problems in the Tax Code would be a quicker and more efficient way of returning money to the productive segment of society. But nevertheless, we were cut out of most of those debates because, in the name of speed, in the name of getting this done rapidly, quickly, and getting that money out there--remember, for those shovel-ready projects that are sitting there waiting to go. In the name of getting that money out there quickly we had to forego all meaningful debate and, in fact, just simply had a very short period of time--between a little after midnight eastern standard time on Thursday night until we voted on the bill some 11, 12 hours later here on the floor of the House--to actually make up our minds on whether or not this spending was worthwhile for the country. And then, as we found out, there really wasn't such a rush because at the end of the day the bill languished for several days, then got shipped to Denver, then got signed. Now the Federal agencies are telling us that it may be some time before they actually get the rules written and the details in place for getting the money out there to the people. I felt a need also to tender an apology to the high school students that I talked to because, after all, it was our haste in getting this bill out there so quickly, without fully vetting it, without perhaps fully thinking through the consequences of what this level of Federal debt was going to do to subsequent generations. I felt a need to take some responsibility for that even though I did not vote for the bill in its final form and final passage, but nevertheless, as an institution-- and we just heard Mr. Flake so eloquently talk about the integrity of the institution--because of the integrity of the institution, I certainly bear the responsibility of that bill that left out of here down to the President's desk last week the same as anyone else in this body. And I also thought it was important to talk to the students about the fact that this is America, this is America. And things may be dark today, but they are not going to be dark forever; in fact, in my opinion, they will not be dark for long. In north Texas, in the late 1980s, we were up against severe, severe economical straits. There was a recession in the country that had sort of slowly languished and rolled around various areas of the country. The price of energy dropped overnight. The price of a barrel of oil plummeted to levels unseen previously down to $10 a barrel and even lower. The price of real estate in north Texas plummeted. And loans that were made so businesses could expand were suddenly undercollateralized and those loans were called by the financial institutions. And the people who had made those loans found themselves facing great difficulty in being able to either supply the justification why the loan should be continued or to pay off that loan and settle those debts so that the lending institution would be made whole. And it was very difficult, very, very difficult times back then in north Texas. Many businesses didn't make it. Many small businesses didn't make it, many medium size and large businesses didn't make it. Many banks in north Texas failed. Fortunately, we did have the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which came in--they didn't nationalize banks, to be sure. If they found a bank that was in serious trouble they came in and examined its books and said you simply cannot make it. They failed a bank and found a buyer. And sometimes that required subsidizing some of the bad debt within that bank, but they found a buyer, they didn't simply own that bank in perpetuity. Banks were sold to other areas of the country that weren't in such bad shape. Some banks were allowed to continue, they were allowed to continue with a protocol known as a net worth certificate back at the time which allowed a bank to have on its balance sheet some additional collateral provided by this net worth certificate that was in fact backed up by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation--no actual cash exchanged hands--and then when the bank found its way out of that difficulty, that net worth certificate was repurchased from the bank. And as a consequence, many banks are in business in north Texas today that otherwise might have faced closure, or, in our present scenario today, might have faced what is being euphemistically referred to as ``nationalization'' with the Federal Government being the owner. {time} 2015 To be sure, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation owned a portion of those banks for a short period of time, but it was never in business to own those banks long term and did its job as it was intended to do, and also to protect the depositors. And perhaps one of the few good things we have done in the past several months is when the TARP bill was passed last fall, the bank bailout bill, the Wall Street bailout bill was passed last fall, we did increase the dollar amount of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance to $250,000, which, in my opinion, was an important thing to do as far as reestablishing some credibility within the banking sector. [[Page 4410]] But I wanted these students to know, I wanted them to know that I had lived through north Texas in the 1980s. I had seen businesses fail. I had seen friends of mine who owned businesses and had owned businesses for a number of years not be able to make it in those tough economic times. But, in fact, there was no largess coming from the Federal Government. No one came down from the Federal Government and opened up the coffers and said here's some dollars until you can see your way to get your business going again. That did not occur. Tough times, to be sure, but after those tough times that were over much more quickly than anyone anticipated, we had 25 to 28 years of sustained economic growth, sustained prosperity in north Texas. And the reality is it was only until the recession that hit the rest of the country a little over a year ago finally caught up with north Texas last fall, we had been creating jobs every month up until October or November of last year. So north Texas did, indeed, have a sustained period of prosperity, and it wasn't because the Federal Government came in and bailed people out during the 1980s. It was because people recognized the problems that were before them. They corrected their own finances. They corrected the finances within their business. If they couldn't, the businesses failed, the banks failed. But they picked themselves up, they dusted themselves off, to take a phrase from the presidential inauguration address, and they got on with their business. And they got on with their business in north Texas, and north Texas ultimately reaped the rewards of that. Contrast that to the country of Japan, which a few short years after that found itself in a recession. Japan was held up to us during the late 1980s as being the beacon of economic strength, but a few short years later, Japan itself was in great difficulty. Japan's federal government decided that it would spend its way out of the recession. They would spend federal dollars until that economy, by golly, got moving again, and the result of that is what is known as the ``lost decade'' in the country of Japan where economic growth stagnated. And even to this day, even to this day, they are having difficulty facing economic growth in the country of Japan. North Texas, by contrast, through a severe recession, to be sure, many people suffered as a consequence of that recession, but the rebound for that was many people profited from the sustained period of prosperity that followed. So I wanted the high school students to know that although the days may seem dark today and although when they turn on their broadcast news or their cable network news shows and people talk about the dire straits of the economy that this is America and we have not forgotten how to grow and we will again grow and this country will again have that long, sustained period of prosperity that we all know of which this country is capable. But at the same time, the one danger sign, the one red flag out there is that explosive growth of Federal spending that could undermine that ability of our economy to pull itself up out of this recession and take off into the next period of rebound. And I talk about this, it's not just simply an idea in abstraction. Two weeks ago, coming back to Congress, I went with a group of other Members of Congress down to a little known Federal agency called the Bureau of Public Debt. The Bureau of Public Debt is a part of the United States Department of Treasury. The Bureau of Public Debt is in a big tall building downtown. You go down there, and several times a week they auction off Federal paper, the loans that we are willing to sell to other people. The day we went down there, we watched the third auction of that day. It was for $32 billion. These were 3-year Treasury notes on sale at that time. Previously they had sold notes that were of a shorter duration and a longer duration. Each time a similar volume of notes were sold. So we're talking about $100 billion that was sold 2 weeks ago on Tuesday. The auction that we witnessed took about 30 minutes to complete. Again, the good news is there are plenty of people out there willing to buy our debt, willing to buy our paper. Apparently, United States dollars, the United States Treasury note is still a very, very safe place for people to go when they have money and they want to ensure that it stays safe. The interest rate was about 1\1/3\ percent, which seemed like a reasonable amount. But, Mr. Speaker, you must understand later that week we spent another $787 billion. Really $1.2 trillion if you figure in the cost of capital. And we're going to spend another $410 billion this week, and then we're going to have the President's budget, which will be much in excess of $3 trillion. Ultimately, ultimately, that debt is going to be able to be sold only by an increase in the interest rate. And if that happens, the interest rate increases for everyone else across the country. That crowds out private borrowing. That makes the cost of capital that much higher for any small business person in the country. That makes the ability to create new jobs for any small business person in this country that much more difficult. And do we really want to make it more difficult to create new jobs? Do we want to make it more expensive to create new jobs? That doesn't seem like the way to get yourself out of a recession. But we sold this public debt, and, again, the good news is that it did sell. We didn't just have to print the money and hope that it sold at some point in the future. There was, in fact, a willing buyer for the debt. The bad news is we are selling about between $150 to $160 billion a week in public debt. That's not all new spending. Some of that is recycled debt as those notes mature. But it still underscores the volume of dollars that we are having to float out there in the world currency on literally a weekly basis. The amount of public debt sold in contrast about a year ago was about $100 billion a week. Now we are up to $150 to $160 billion a week, which just goes to show the rapid rate with which that has increased. And so far what we have seen out of congressional spending this year, there hasn't been any lack of enthusiasm for spending Federal dollars. Now, some of the things we saw in the so-called stimulus bill last week, some of the markers for what might be described as health care reform, some people might describe as a greater Federal share in the administration of health care in this country, we certainly saw the markers last week in the stimulus bill. Now, the state of health care reform, in fact, the whole question of health care reform, was a pretty big piece of the Presidential campaign last fall. In fact, both presidential candidates, the presidential nominees of both major parties, talked a lot about health care during the course of their campaigns, and, of course, any sort of health care reform did comprise a significant portion of the debates between the candidates as we came through the fall. So there really was not any question that some type of change in health care would be coming with whoever took office, and certainly when President Obama was elected, it became clear, at least clear to some of us, what his ideas were during the campaign, and we expected those to come forward during the course of this year. Now, for whatever reason here we are now nearing the last week of February of this year, the President's having been sworn in a little over a month ago, and as yet we haven't seen the big plans coming out of the White House, the Senate, or the House of Representatives that would signal what type of health care reform is coming down. I noted today after the Economic Responsibility Conference in the White House, a Member from the other body who's chairman of one of the major committees over there stood up and spoke about his vision on the changes in health care and how he still wanted to see a unified position come out of the Senate for consideration, and I still expect that is something we are likely to see. On the House side, at least on the committee on which I sit, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the focus seems to be much more on climate change and global warming than [[Page 4411]] it does on the health care reform side. Obviously, we had our early debates with the stimulus bill, but there doesn't seem to be the push on the House side, at least that I got the impression, that the other body is going to put behind this. But suffice it to say it will be part of the discussion. It will be part of the landscape here in the United States Congress certainly for the balance of this year no matter what time that it actually comes up. There were some significant changes in health care spending that came about as a result of the stimulus bill. Probably most striking was in the aids to States for Medicaid spending. Currently, the Federal Government takes on about a 57 percent share of Medicaid spending. The States pick up the other 43 percent. Within the stimulus bill, the Federal matching part of that will be increased significantly for some States. It varies in amount from State to State. But this increase in Federal matching for State Medicaid will occur for the next 18 months' time. Now, you don't have to be a math whiz to know that 18 months from now puts us pretty close to the election of 2010. I don't realistically expect this Congress to back off on any Federal spending a week or a month or 2 before election day. It's going to be very, very difficult to throw a million-plus people off of Medicaid rolls a few months before the election day in 2010. So when I talk about funding cliffs, when I talk about funding that is not sustainable over time, this, indeed, is one of those areas where really people need to concentrate on just how much money has been obligated and what is the likelihood that we will behave by the 18-month time frame that we have set out for ourselves, 12-month time frame on the increased COBRA benefits that were put forward, and the 18-month time frame on increased aid to States for their Medicaid expenditures. The reality is this is a subprime loan, a subprime loan to the States. There's a big balloon payment due at the end. It's a low interest rate to get you in at the front. You increase the State Medicaid rolls, and 18 months from now, that increase in Federal spending just simply goes away. Again, there is not a person in this body who believes that 18 months from now, just shy of Election Day 2010, that this body is going to withdraw the Medicaid subsidy for a million Americans. It's just not going to happen in a few short weeks prior to Election Day. So, again, if we were really honest about what our spending was last week when we took on this stimulus bill, we would be honest and acknowledge that that spending is, indeed, going to be much higher, much higher than anyone has calculated to date. The actual expenditure, if you were to fund that over the 5-year budget cycle, if you include that plus the cost of capital, it's going to put this bill somewhere between $2 and $3 trillion. Now, there were other health care provisions that were placed into the bill. There was funding a billion dollars for a center for what's called Comparative Effectiveness. ``Comparative Effectiveness'' sounds on the surface like, well, why wouldn't you want to compare treatments and only use the treatments that were the best and encourage those treatments that were the best? But the problem is when the Federal Government gets into that type of activity, it's not just that we make recommendations; we tell people what they are going to do because if they don't do what we tell them, we are not going to pay them. And as a consequence, the role of the Institute for Comparative Effectiveness may loom as a very large player in the delivery of health care in this country. And it's not just me, a Member from Texas, or even Texas newspapers that are concerned about this. The Boston Globe, the online edition, in an op-ed piece from a few days ago by Phyllis Greenberger talked about why one size doesn't necessarily fit all. And let me just read the last couple of paragraphs from this piece in the Boston Globe: ``In Britain the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has been issuing appraisals of medical treatments for close to a decade. The institute considers both cost effectiveness, which measures the benefits of a treatment against the expense to provide it, and clinical effectiveness, which measures how much better a new treatment is for patients than an older one. The agency then makes recommendations to Britain's National Health Service about which treatments are worth covering.'' That all sounds innocent enough and perhaps a way to get some cost- effective medicine. But remember, Mr. Speaker, Dr. Elias Zerhouni, who recently was head of the National Institutes of Health. When he would come and talk to this body, when he would come and give testimony in front of our congressional committees, he talked about a day when medicine became a great deal more personalized. He talked about the wonder of sequencing the human genome, of knowing so much more about what a person's risks were before those problems ever even had a chance to surface. {time} 2030 So, personalized medicine was the holy grail of the future. He talked about medicine that was going to become more personalized and, as a consequence, it would be a great deal more predictive. Because it's more predictive it could be much more preventive and, along those same lines, it would have to be more participatory. But we pretty much throw the concept of personalized medicine to the wayside when we embrace concepts like the Institute for Comparative Effectiveness or Britain's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Let me read from the second to the last paragraph from a Boston Globe article by Phyllis Greenberger: ``Sometimes, though, the agency's findings prevent people from getting the best care possible. Last year, for instance, the institute recommended that the National Health Service not cover the life-extending lung cancer drug Tarceva because of its price tag. Even though the institute's decision was eventually overturned, some British cancer patients were denied their last hope for staying alive.'' Now, think about that for a moment. Here is an agency, albeit from a government from another country, that made a decision that this drug is too expensive. This person has a disease which is not compatible with longevity. Here is a new medicine. It's terribly expensive. We are not going to cover that medicine, and only after they lost the fight did they go back and cover the medicine. But think of the patients during that interval that were denied that newer treatment for a very debilitating disease, their families were denied that treatment and now, of course, the treatment is readily available. But that is the problem when you have a Federal body that has that order of magnitude of power within their hands. The group that is going to be comprising this, right now nobody really knows who that is or what that will look like. For heaven's sakes, we don't even know who the next Secretary of Health and Human Services is here a month into this new administration. We need to be more careful about these types of decisions because they may affect each and every one of our constituents at some point in their lives going forward. These are tremendously important decisions and yet, and yet, they are wrapped up into this great big stimulus bill, rushed through, no chance for debate, no chance for thinking about it, simply this is the way it's going to be, take it or leave it, this is what you get. This is what people find so objectionable about these large bills that come through Congress. And make no mistake about it, they found it objectionable when my party was in power. But it seems like, lately, the bills have gotten bigger, the provisions hidden within them have gotten more varied, more stringent, more widespread, more wide-sweeping provisions, and we are cutting the American people out of the debate when we cut out other Members of Congress, regardless of party. Remember, each and every one of us was elected to serve roughly 650,000 constituents back home. Some of our congressional districts have grown, [[Page 4412]] some have shrunk since that time, but all of us were sent here with an equal mandate with an equal number of people that we represented. So to cut 40 percent out of the body out of the vote, to cut 40 percent of the body out of the debate, rather, is to cut 40 percent of the American people out of the did debate as well. Now, Mr. Speaker, we heard from the previous speaker from Arizona that we will be considering the omnibus bill, House bill 1105, I think it is, on Wednesday of this week. The good news is the bill is up on the Rules Committee Web site, so, Mr. Speaker, if you or I wanted to look at this bill it, indeed, is available for our viewing here 36 hours before we actually have to vote on the bill. So that's the good news. The bad news is the bill is up there as a photostatic copy of a previous bill, so it's got some handwritten corrections on the page. In fact, on a couple of different sections you can see a staple mark up at the top of the page as this bill was photocopied or scanned into some type of scanning reader. The bad news for that is that when you try to search for a keyword on a page or in the bill, you are not going to be able to do it, because the bill is a replica. It's a scan of a previously printed bill. It's not a committee print of a new bill that is, in fact, searchable on line. So, we are left with our staffs, over the next 36 hours, to comb through this bill. As the gentleman from Arizona outlined, there are some provisions in that bill that many of us would not be proud of. We will be voting for earmarks for companies that no longer exist because of questions that were raised about some of their practices. Well, none of us, none of us would want to vote in favor of a bill that contained those types of provisions therein. There may be some provisions, an e-mail I received just taking the floor this evening, a bill that will seriously affect or phase out the District of Columbia school choice program, a program that has been invaluable to many, many families here in the District of Columbia. Why is it necessary to do this on such short notice? Why is it necessary to do this without any debate in Congress, without any public discourse or debate? Why is it necessary to do so so quickly unless you don't want people knowing what you are doing? I will give credit where credit is due. This time the bill is up on the Rules Committee Web site. Mr. Speaker, if you or I go to the Committee on Rules in the House of Representatives, perhaps if we type that into our search engine on our computer, we could, in fact, see the verbiage for House bill 1105 which will be the omnibus or minibus bill on which we will vote next week. This is a $410 billion bill, so it's not insignificant. It may sound significant after TARP 1 and TARP 2 and the stimulus bill, but, nevertheless, it is a significant amount of spending and, in fact, represents one of the largest increases in discretionary spending because this is, after all, spending that we should have passed last summer but decided not to work on before the election because it was politically too dicey. So, again, we simply rolled everything up into one big package, held it until well into the next Congress, and hopefully we are going to pass it very quickly before anyone has a chance to notice what we have done. This year, regardless of the top number that the President comes down with in his budget, this year I hope we will go through the normal appropriations process. I know it's painful. I know it's painful to have an open rule on these appropriations bills. I know that many Members from my side come down and offer endless amendments. Many Members from the other side come down and offer endless amendments, and it seems to drag on into the night day after day after day, but this is the work we were sent here to do. So this year I hope that the House leadership will take it under advisement to do this the correct way, to do this the correct way, to do this the time-honored way, bring these appropriations bills to the floor of the House after they have gone through their markups in subcommittee and full committee, bring them to the floor of the House as an open rule, as an open product, any number of amendments may be made in order, and let's have these bills have a full and fair debate under the intense light of the House of Representatives here. Let's not do it under the cover of darkness, roll them up into a big package and then punt them to sometime in the future when we hope no one's paying attention. That was a dreadful way to govern last summer. I am, frankly, shocked, Mr. Speaker, that the American people did not take greater umbrage to the way we behaved as we went through our appropriations process last year. Not only did we pass a big bailout bill right before we left to go home and campaign and not bother to explain to anyone why we had done it, but prior to that, prior to that when we were supposed to have done all of our spending bills we quite frankly just didn't do it. We gave ourselves an incomplete and said we will get back to it 6 months from now when we have got a little more time. Well, now, that bill has come due and this Wednesday we will have that omnibus bill on the floor of the House. We won't have much chance for debate. We likely will not have many amendments that will be made in order, so as a consequence we will have the largest increase in discretionary spending prior to the TARP last year. We will have the largest increase in discretionary spending for a fiscal year ever to come to this country. We will pass it without batting an eyelash. But the next level of appropriations that start in May, June and July of this year, let's be sure that we do those the correct way. Let's be sure that we have the debates here on the House floor. If we have to take some difficult votes on amendments, and we always do, there are always some amendments from the other side on which I have difficulty. I am sure there are amendments from my side that give other Members on the other side difficulty, but that's what we are sent here to do, take the tough votes, make the tough decisions, go home and explain ourselves to our constituents. That's what we were sent here to do. And to abdicate that responsibility, say it's too tough, we are going to roll it up into a big ball, punt it until the next session, that's not what the American people sent us here to do. And I would reference back to the gentleman from Arizona's remarks, it impacts negatively on the dignity of this House to behave that way. What are we trying to hide? What are we so afraid of that we can't debate these bills out here on the House floor, let the American people see what is contained within these bills and let us vote with the full knowledge that the country is aware of what we are doing to the extent the country wishes to be aware of what we are doing. Mr. Speaker, I would point out that you or I could go to the Internet tonight and visit and read House bill 1105 which will be voted on Wednesday. As the speaker from Arizona pointed out, there are some 4, 5 or 6,000 earmarks contained within this bill. It is not a huge amount of the total dollars in the bill, but it is certainly representative of some of the things that people think are important to push into congressional bills at the 11th hour. So, Mr. Speaker, I hope you and I will spend some time reviewing this bill, House bill 1105, which is now available on the rules Web site. I do apologize, Mr. Speaker, I wish it were searchable by keyword, but unfortunately at the present time we have only got a scan of the bill that was reported back to the Rules Committee from our counterparts in the other body. As a companion bill that's up there--and I have not had a chance to look at this--but, Mr. Speaker, many of us might be interested in looking at it because I think the bill is likely to come to the floor on Thursday, and this is House bill 1106 which is the bill to adjust mortgages that the President spoke about earlier this week, a $75 billion bill, and I do hope that many Members, Mr. Speaker, will take the [[Page 4413]] opportunity to become familiar with that bill before we do vote on it later this week. This is an important concept. I have had many calls from people in my district. I know there is concern because if a bank makes a loan at 4 percent, loans that money out at 5 percent and then is told by the government that it has to reduce that 5 percent expectation of return, how is the bank going to stay solvent if they are borrowing money at 4 percent and they are told they have to accept loans that are going to pay back a lower amount? It does look like something that may play havoc with the lending industry but certainly, Mr. Speaker, I will be open, I will be open to reading the bill. I am glad to see that that bill was posted up on the rules Web site as well. Well, a little more than 24 hours from now, the President will stand in the House and deliver his presidential budget to a joint session of the House and Senate. Additionally, I expect him to talk about some other parameters and other prerogatives that are important to the President. I expect to hear a great deal about health care in the President's address to the Nation tomorrow night. In fact, I am looking forward to that. Certainly some of the comments that came out of the meeting, the bipartisan meeting that the President held with Members of Congress, both the House and the Senate, members of the business community, members of industry, many of those comments were positive comments, particularly as it pertained to health care. So maybe this is the year where the American people see some significant change in the way health care is administered in this country. I hope that we will have the good sense to do that in a rational way and not in a way that undermines the delivery of health care in this country, but that remains to be seen. But, nevertheless, the President did speak about that favorably at the conclusion of his remarks today and many of the other Members, both House and Senate, and members of industry that were present in that meeting of responsibility and spending today voiced similar optimism. So being an optimistic person at heart, I hope to hear some significant words about the future direction of health care from the President tomorrow. It would have been helpful, Mr. Speaker, if Members of the House of Representatives could have received information about the President's budget directly from the White House. My staff has primarily relied upon press reports today in order to get information about the President's budget, that is probably not the ideal way for a budget of this size to come to Members of the Congress. I would encourage, Mr. Speaker, the House to be assertive in its prerogative to receive this information in a timely fashion from the other, from the other branch of government. After all, we are a coequal branch of government here in the legislative branch. It was the same phenomenon we encountered during the stimulus bill last week where we were getting reports from people who had acquaintances on K Street, the main lobby groups downtown, where they were getting reports of what was contained within the stimulus bill before we were privy to those same provisions here in the United States Congress. {time} 2045 This is not a good way to go about disseminating information. Again, I trust that we will see more openness from the administration, because, after all, that is what was promised to us during the runup to the election and certainly what was discussed during the President's inaugural address, and openness in government would require that the legislative branch be treated as that coequal branch of government that we all know it to be, and to receive these reports from the administration in a timely fashion. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to touch on one last point about the stimulus bill. There has been a lot made of the $19 billion or $20 billion contained within the stimulus bill which is to go for advances in health information technology, the computerization of medical records, Mr. Speaker, electronic medical records, certainly a concept that is a valuable one and one that is worth pursuing. I will just have to tell you, Mr. Speaker, in my 6 years since coming to the House of Representatives since leaving the active practice of medicine for the full time practice of legislation, I have been impressed with the number of medical practices and the number of hospitals and clinics around the country that have voluntarily gone to a system of electronic medical records. Now, the money put forward in the stimulus bill as I have been able to understand it in the writings that I have been able to find on this money actually put the money forward not until the year 2011. Now, 2011, if you do some quick math, is about 2 years from now, so it doesn't really comport with the concept of getting money out there quickly into the hands of practicing physicians. You may think, well, a doctor's office is hardly an area for economic development. But, Mr. Speaker, I will tell you, in the State of Texas where we have revamped and reformed our medical liability laws, we have seen a number of physicians move to Texas from other States, a significant number, and it is estimated that each physician coming to a community will in fact generate between $900,000 to a little over $1 million in economic activity within that state. So this is not an insignificant concept. The important thing is if there is advantage to gain from putting this money in the hands of medical practitioners in 2011, the advantage should be there in 2009 as well. I in fact introduced an amendment when we had the markup of this bill in our committee on Energy and Commerce. It was turned back by the majority. I frankly can't quite understand why. But I think this is something that we might re-look at. There is the ability to make technical corrections, and if indeed it is possible to pay physicians for improving their ability to keep and disseminate medical records and provide them substantial funding for doing so in 2011, it would make good sense to do that in 2009. After all, Mr. Speaker, we have just 10 months' time before we have to deal with a very substantial and to some degree very disturbing 20 percent cut in reimbursements to physicians, as is mandated under current law under the sustainable growth rate formula. We ought to give them at least a little bit of reassurance that we are serious about our approach to the practicing physician and their ability and willingness to take care of Medicare patients in the future by addressing this shortsightedness in the stimulus bill that we passed last week. Mr. Speaker, there is no shortage of things we can talk about when it comes to spending. Certainly the stimulus bill came to us advertised as a jobs bill. It turned out to be a spending bill, and that is a consequence that most of us will have to live with for the rest of our lives. It was an explosive growth in Federal spending. Unfortunately, we are on a pace to continue to see rapid growth in Federal spending. The President, to his credit, says he is going to cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term. That is a very, very tall order for him to have taken on. I intend to be supportive of that to the extent I can. If it is done in a way without harming the productive sector of our society, if it is done in a way without raising taxes on the productive segment of society, you can expect me to be there with him. If his only approach is to raise taxes during the time of a recession or perhaps even a depression, we have seen in the past that that formula doesn't work, and I don't think there is any way that I could be supportive. Mr. Speaker, it has been an interesting hour to be down here and talk about the effects of the stimulus bill and spending. It is something where we will have ample opportunity to talk for many, many months ahead. Suffice to it say, it stands to be a very interesting year here in the People's House. I look forward to future full and lively debate on this subject. [[Page 4414]] ____________________ CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 6, 2009, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Fudge) is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader. Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I stand tonight to represent the Congressional Black Caucus for this hour as we talk about Black History Month. The Congressional Black Caucus is proud to anchor this hour. Currently, the CBC is chaired by the Honorable Barbara Lee from the Ninth Congressional District of California. I am Representative Marcia Fudge, representing the 11th Congressional District of Ohio, here to anchor the hour for the Congressional Black Caucus. The CBC Members are advocates for families, nationally and internationally, and have played a significant role as local and regional advocates. We continue to work diligently to be the conscience of the Congress, but because all politics are ultimately local, for that reason we provide dedicated and focused services to the citizens of the congressional districts we represent. The vision of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus, to promote the public welfare through legislation designed to meet the needs of millions of neglected citizens, continues to be the focal point for the legislative work and political activities of the Congressional Black Caucus today. To close the month of February, we are proud to present a reflection on black history. Specifically, we would like to take this time to herald the unsung history-makers in the black community. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield to our chairperson, Barbara Lee, the gentlewoman from California. Ms. LEE of California. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. First let me thank the gentlelady from Ohio for yielding and also for your leadership. Let me give just a bit of history. We have been for many years now holding these special orders to make sure that the country understood what the priorities are of the Congressional Black Caucus, which, of course, we believe will make America live up to its creed of liberty and justice for all. As a result of that, the late beloved Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones chaired these special orders every week for us to sound the alarm, to beat the drum, to make sure the country knew the work of the Congressional Black Caucus. I want to thank the gentlelady from Ohio for continuing this tradition. This is truly historical. She is such a great leader, not only in her home State, but throughout the country. This is her first night chairing this, and we look forward to continuing the legacy of those who came before us to make sure that the agenda of the Congressional Black Caucus is put forth center front so that the country can know exactly the work of this great and august body. This is Black History Month. It began in 1926 as Negro History Week out of Dr. Carter G. Woodson's frustrations over the lack of black history in history books. For 83 years, the contributions of African Americans have been recognized and celebrated each February. It comes as no surprise that this year Black History Month is especially significant with the inauguration of Barack Obama as our Nation's 44th President. Forty years ago, the Congressional Black Caucus was founded with a simple yet a very profound goal, and I would like to read you what the founding statement said. Part of the statement said, ``To positively influence the course of events pertinent to African Americans and others of similar experience and situation and to achieve greater equity for persons of African descent in the design and content of domestic and international programs and service.'' Black History Month is a time to celebrate the legacy of so many of our heroes and our sheroes whose stories sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. For more than 400 years, and despite tremendous hardships, African Americans have made significant contributions to the economic, educational, political, artistic, literary, religious, scientific and technological work in the United States. In the words of the old Negro spiritual, we have come this far by faith: Faith in the divine justice of a merciful God; faith in the ideals proclaimed to the world in the Declaration of Independence by the founders; and faith in the capacity of Americans of all creeds, races and religions to devote their lives to making America freer, stronger, better, more equal and more just. Earlier this month, the Congressional Black Caucus, led by the Honorable Danny Davis from Illinois, held a Black History Month program to honor and celebrate the legacy of a truly courageous group of trailblazers, the 22 black lawmakers who served in the House and the Senate in the two decades after the Civil War. Every African American Member of Congress today and tomorrow will forever owe them a debt of gratitude. We must all pay tribute to this group, because they symbolized more than the Union's victory over the Confederate and the eradication of the institution of slavery. These men, eight of whom had been held as human chattel, represented the embodiment of hope. Hope not only that the shackles of slavery could be broken, but hope that America was indeed capable of fulfilling the principles of liberty, equality and justice for all who called this land home. ``Place all citizens upon one broad platform,'' declared Representative Richard Cain of South Carolina, who served two non- consecutive terms during the 1870s. He said, ``All we ask of this country,'' right here on this floor, ``is to put no barriers between us, to lay no stumbling blocks in our way; to give us freedom to accomplish our destiny.'' That was in the 1870s. Of course, part of that destiny, as I said earlier, was fulfilled on Tuesday, November 4, when this Nation elected Barack Obama President of the United States. We all know too well that electoral victories, however, can be fleeting if they are not coupled with a sustained commitment day in and day out to protect and empower all Americans. Despite the bravery and efforts of this early vanguard of black lawmakers, for most African Americans the strides made during the reconstruction period gave way to an era of Jim Crow, which many of us remember and experienced. And black lives in many of the lands that once were represented here on Capitol Hill by African Americans, and elsewhere in our country, were routinely lynched and subjected to second-class citizenship. Yet I am certain that we all know the true possibilities of this great country, and we know what we believe in can be achieved. And we owe this in no small measure due to what I like to call this original Congressional Black Caucus, those 22 Members, then moving forward to the 13 Members who founded the Congressional Black Caucus 40 years ago. And, yes, still today, the Congressional Black Caucus of 42 members of Congress, continues to be the conscience of the Congress and will continue, will continue, to work day and night to make this a more perfect Union. Thank you, Congresswoman Fudge, for leading us tonight and for leading us through the next couple of years with these special orders. Thank you for allowing me to speak for a few minutes tonight. Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank our distinguished Chair for her leadership, and I would now like to yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne). Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, in commemorating Black History Month this year, it is certainly fitting that the members of the Congressional Black Caucus have chosen to honor unsung heroes, since all of us know men and women in our communities who are laboring tirelessly to improve the quality of life for others while seeking no recognition for themselves. Let me begin by commending the new Member to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Fudge, for her outstanding work in the short period of time that she has been in the caucus. [[Page 4415]] {time} 2100 As you know, she replaced the Congresswoman from Cleveland, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, whose untimely death left a big hole in our heart and the Congressional Black Caucus. But we are very pleased to welcome her, and she is starting with a sprint. And her experience as a former mayor and active in civic and government affairs throughout her life have prepared her for this task. And so it's a pleasure to share this hour with you. As we mentioned, it's only fitting and proper that we recognize unsung heroes because there are so many in our community, all through the history of African Americans, whether it was the Underground Railroad, whether it was people at the battle of Bunker Hill, Peter Salem, who killed Major Pitcairn who led the Boston Massacre. We could go on through history, that so many African Americans were unsung heroes, many whose names never appear in our history books. And we have these living legends today in our community, and that's why I think it's so important that we have an opportunity to mention a few of them in our own district. My district, the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey, encompassing parts of 22 towns and three counties. I will focus on several who live in the City of Newark and Irvington, those who have devoted their time and energy to lifting others up and truly performing labors of love in communities in our Nation. Our community activist who have had a significant positive impact on my home City of Newark and surrounding communities for a period spanning over 30 years, is a dedicated human rights activist, Larry Hamm, whom I've known and had the privilege of knowing since he was a high school student as a very young man. He has been described as a forceful and articulate spokesperson for educational needs and aspirations for the students in the City of Newark. And, as a matter of fact, he was appointed to the Newark School Board when he was only a high school student himself, and transformed the local Board of Education to listening to the needs and the ideas of young people. Those who were supposed to be served by the Board of Education and felt they were not being served had an active voice on the School Board. He graduated from Arts High School in Newark, even achieved an outstanding record as a long distance runner, once again, showing the endurance that he even learned as a young person. He then went to Princeton University. And at Princeton he did not sit on his laurels. He actually organized a student protest against the oppressive system of apartheid in South Africa, successfully arguing that Princeton had a moral obligation to divest its financial interests in that Nation. As you may recall, there was the question of divestiture in South Africa's P.W. Botha-led apartheid government, and there was a move afoot to have governments, institutions of higher learning, other kinds of foundations divest their funds in companies that did business in South Africa. And by having that economic stranglehold on the finances going into South Africa, that was one of the weapons that helped bring down that evil system of apartheid that strangled people of color in South Africa. And Larry convinced the Board of Trustees at Princeton University to divest from South Africa. After earning his degree, Mr. Hamm returned to Newark and became active in local politics. A district leader and President of the 24th Assembly District, he was the founder and director of the People's Energy Cooperative, a community fuel oil cooperative. As you know, cooperatives tend to help people make affordable the cost of energy, and he did an outstanding job in that position. Then he served as director of the Community Organization Program of the United Church of Christ, the Commission for Racial Justice. Along with Reverend Ben Chavis, he organized a voters registration drive in Alabama during the 1980s. He is also known locally for his work this organizing the People's Organization for Progress, called POP, an independent, grass roots political organization that is active in Newark and the northern part of New Jersey. Under Mr. Hamm's leadership, the group works to build unity among community organizations, from promoting access to quality education and affordable health care. He currently is supporting H.R. 676, the universal health care legislation, to protesting racial profiling and police brutality where he's been extremely active in cases in the local communities. He says that a people united can never be defeated, and he says that if there is no justice there can be no peace. And he continually raises the question of police brutality and excessive use of police authority. He is a wonderful, committed young man. He's always been in the forefront of the struggle for justice and equality. As a matter of fact, most recently, he arranged for five buses to bring 300 New Jersey residents to Washington, D.C. so that they could experience the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama. As a matter of fact, he had to come down early because he wanted to be sure that all 300 people had Metro cards. Thinking ahead, he said, rather than have them wait in line that day, he took another day off to come down and had to then purchase them to bring them back so that when his group got here, they were able to proceed in an orderly fashion. We're all certainly proud of Larry Hamm, and we wish him well in his pursuit of equality for all. I90[H23FE9-R1]{H1649} All of us know individuals who are literally doing the Lord's work, and that is pastors and church volunteers who reach out to meet both the material and spiritual needs of those they serve. There are many, many great pastors in our communities, as we know. But there's one young one that I would just like to mention, his name is Reverend Ron Christian, who is pastor of Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington, New Jersey in the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey. Reverend Christian inspires all of those who find their way to his church with his message of compassion, forgiveness, spiritual renewal and optimism. He holds a special appeal for the young and the dispossessed, coaxing former gang members to give up destructive pasts and, instead, fulfill their God-given potential. Reverend Christian welcomes all with open arms. And he has said that his philosophy is, come as you are; let God worry about the rest. As a matter of fact, our court system depends on Reverend Ron, because they allow him to run a community service program for young men and teenagers who have had problems with the law. But they send them to Reverend Ron's church to do community service. And he has taken so many young men and has turned them around. Each Sunday, many, many young men come, and women, to give their life to God, who have said they're turning their life around because of how Reverend Ron has inspired them. He's just a wonderful young man. And not only does he do work here in the local community, but he's gone overseas to Africa, to Liberia, where he's had projects to help over there. He's just an exciting young man, and he said he's finally pleased that he is performing more weddings than funerals of young people because, as we know in our communities, there is an unbelievable carnage of young people with gun violence. But he is turning so many of those young lives around. As we talk about these two young men, let me talk about a remarkable woman in my community, Ms. Eddiemae Livingston. Now, Ms. Livingston, you would think that she was as young as Reverend Ron and Larry Hamm, but she was born in 1919 so she is a little bit older. Ms. Livingston, if you're looking, you said it was all right for me to mention your age once before so I remembered that. And you are a remarkable, 90-year old, and the work that you continue to do is amazing. It's hard to believe that Ms. Livingston will be 90 this summer. Actually I [[Page 4416]] pushed it up a couple of months because she remains interested and active every day. Early in her professional career she worked for the Federal Government providing family allowances to soldiers families. She wanted to move to Newark but initially was prevented from transferring because of discriminatory laws. After the NAACP intervened, she was able to move to Newark in 1942 where she worked for the Office of Dependents Benefits. Her community service includes working as a counselor for unwed mothers. She worked at various social agencies until retiring from the City of Newark in 1992. She holds two life memberships and two golden heritage memberships with the NAACP. In addition, Ms. Livingston has been honored for her work at Hopewell Baptist Church, Reverend Geis, where she actually sends donations to students from her church to simply help them with their books and things of that nature. She just has such a big heart. The North Jersey unit of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs and the City of Newark has recognized her. Our community was pleased when the Mayor of Newark declared July 13, 2004, as Eddiemae Livingston Day. Ms. Livingston now devotes much of her time to the unit complex where she lives. And she's active in the tenants council. She was an active supporter of President Barack Obama and was thrilled at his historic election. She was also a volunteer at the local YM/YWCA where I ran a program for young people when I was teaching. And she volunteered to be a counselor to one of the Tri-Hi-Y clubs at that time. So she is just a wonderful person. I wish her another several decades of outstanding work. Finally, another outstanding woman who I am pleased to call a friend is Gloria Hopkins Buck, who has dedicated her life to working tirelessly to improve the quality of life in our community. She is well-respected and well-loved for her accomplishments over the years as a leader in service to community, arts, culture, professional and educational organizations, primarily located in the Newark metropolitan area. Ms. Buck worked for over 25 years with the Newark Public Schools as a licensed clinical social worker and was among the first nationally to become certified as a School Social Work Specialist. In her early years she was a supervisor of Adoptive and Protective Services, which is now the Division of Youth and Family Services in our State. Ms. Buck is a former Public Relations Consultant with Rochelle Jones & Associates. She is a founder and former president of First Friday Group, Incorporated, a 20-year old corporate business designed to facilitate networking and socializing among African American entrepreneurs and professionals. Ms. Buck has served as a Trustee to the Newark Museum Association since 1978, and is presently vice president of the board and a member of the executive committee. She has initiated projects that increase community participation in museum programs and exhibitions. As chairperson of the Community Gifts for the Museum's 1989 Master Plan Campaign, Mrs. Buck helped raise $50,000 in the Black community in 2 days. She has delivered important testimony before the legislature on behalf of the Newark Museum, one of the prides of our city, one of the most outstanding museums in the country, where people now from New York City come to visit the Newark Museum, and that's really an achievement. And Mary Sue Sweeney Price, who is the director, has done such a fantastic job, with the help of people like Ms. Gloria Buck. And the overall importance of the arts in culture and contemporary life is something that Gloria Buck continues to push. {time} 2115 Ms. Buck is also a 1976 charter member and chairperson of the Newark Museum's Newark Black Film Festival Selection Committee. Celebrating 35 years, the film festival has been acclaimed the best and longest running festival of its kind in the country. Ms. Buck will serve as co- Chair for the Newark Museum Centennial Committee. One of the highlights of Ms. Buck's contribution to the arts in Newark and the State of New Jersey was her appointment in 1988 by Governor Tom Kean to the Literacy in the Arts Task Force, a 16-member panel charged with developing a comprehensive plan for arts education within the State's public school system. Many social and civic organizations have been the recipient of Ms. Buck's membership. She has given 25 years of service as a vice president and member of the board of trustees of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark, and currently serves on the Leadership Council. She led the effort that resulted in the historic decision to legally make girls a part of the Boys Clubs of Newark. Ms. Buck cofounded the Annual Wine Tasting to benefit the clubs, which has been held for over 20 years. She was a 1982 charter and founding member of the board of directors, New Jersey Coalition of 100 Black Women. For 25 years, Ms. Buck was a member of the governing body of the board of trustees of the New Jersey State Opera. In 2003, she was appointed a commissioner of the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission for a 3-year term by the then mayor of Newark. Ms. Buck is the recipient of many honors and awards for her work in the Newark community. In most recent years, she was awarded the 2001 Sojourner Truth Award by the Essex County chapter of the National Association of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., and was honored Woman of the Year by the National Council of Negro Women, the Newark chapter. In 2005, she received the Newark Museum's Commemorative Medal Award for Distinguished Service. In 2007, Ms. Buck received the Newark Boys and Girls Clubs' Champion of Youth Award, honoring her outstanding commitment to our youth, community and the club. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring these devoted volunteers who are the glue helping to hold our communities together and the light helping our neighborhoods to shine. We appreciate their service, and in that spirit, we pause this evening to say thanks to all you do. It has been a pleasure to have an opportunity to just shine the light on four individuals who happen to brighten the corner where they are. Ms. FUDGE. Thank you so much. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to yield to the gentlelady from the Virgin Islands, Mrs. Christensen. Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Thank you, Congresswoman Fudge, and thank you for hosting this hour this evening. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the end of Black History Month, once again, it is a privilege for me to join my colleague and friend-- Congresswoman Fudge--and all of my colleagues on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus this evening, but it is a special honor to be able to come to this floor in tribute to the many heroes and heroines of the African American descent of our past. In this Black History Month 2009, we particularly want to call attention to the ordinary people who have throughout our history stepped forward to do extraordinary things, the greatest number of whom remain nameless but to whom we owe a bottomless well of gratitude for the rights, freedoms and privileges we enjoy today. As we prepare to go on the biennial Alabama Civil Rights Pilgrimage, they come to mind--the many who joined the leaders we do know: the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, our colleague John Lewis, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Ambassador Andrew Young, and others--but there were also those who anonymously joined in the bus boycott, the countless numbers who met in churches and in homes to plan, to strategize or to just lend support to the movement, those who risked jail by their actions, and those who went to jails and prisons or the young, courageous children who braved dogs and fire hoses because they were stirred by [[Page 4417]] the injustices of the day and were inspired by the righteousness of the cause. There are countless others, some whose faces we see in pictures and who are named and those who remain nameless and very invisible. We may never know them, but their courage, resilience and sacrifice changed the course of history and this country. Their legacy is forever. There are also many unsung heroes from an earlier time in my district whom I want to acknowledge as well. On February 12, on the 200th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln, in the celebration of his birth and his legacy, the Congressional Black Caucus were the guests of the National Archives for a special viewing of the original Emancipation Proclamation. It was truly a moving moment for those of us who were able to attend. Less known is the story of our journey to emancipation in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I will just recount two highlights--the first step, not the end, but the milestone that we reached in the mid-19th century. One of the earliest rebellions by enslaved Africans in this hemisphere took place in St. John. The names of the leaders, Kanta and Klaes, are known to us but unknown to my colleagues and fellow Americans. They and others led thousands of their fellow Africans to wrest freedom from the plantation owners of that time. They were able to hold onto the island for over 6 months, and when surrounded and at the point of defeat, they jumped from an Annaberg cliff to the rocks below to their deaths. We only know the names of a few of those who led, but we honor the many others who fought to the death for their freedom. All of them helped to start the spark of liberty burning in our hemisphere. Then on July 3, 1848, thousands of Africans still in slavery in St. Croix were led by Moses Gottlieb, known as General Buddhoe, to demand their freedom. Because of their numbers and their sheer determination, Governor Peter von Scholten of Denmark was compelled to declare ``all unfree in the Danish West Indies are today free.'' We thank all of those forever unknown men and women brought in chains from Africa but who broke those chains and delivered emancipation to the people of the then Danish West Indies, now U.S. Virgin Islands, almost 15 years or more, really, before our sisters and brothers in the United States joined us. I just want to point out that men were not the only freedom fighters in the Virgin Islands. Those who fought in 1733 and those who planned and marched on the fort in 1848 certainly included many women. In fact, 30 years after emancipation, it was five women led by Queen Mary who led a famous and successful labor revolt in St. Croix and Queen Coziah who, with several hundred female coal workers, staged another successful strike in St. Thomas in 1892. I90[H23FE9-X1]{H1651} There are many other unsung heroes. In fact, almost any of our local Virgin Island heroes, except for the many who also accomplished much here on the mainland, are unknown to most Americans, but I want to focus on two men whom I knew when I was growing up and who were close friends of my father's. Despite the many times in recent months and years that the Tuskegee Airmen have been honored, it is not well-known that there were two who came from the U.S. Virgin Islands--Henry E. Rohlsen, who was born on St. John, and Herbert H. Heywood, who was born on St. Croix. Herbert Heywood joined my father at Columbia University, where my father was attending law school, which was also Mr. Heywood's intended course of study. In 1943, at the age of 19, he interrupted his studies and enlisted in the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet at Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama. He trained, and when he got his wings, he, too, flew the military P-39 and P-40 aircraft. Henry Rohlsen, after whom the St. Croix Airport is named, also enrolled in the Army Air Corps' pilot training program in 1943. He had been living in New York at the time. After he earned his wings, he flew the famed P-51 aircraft in addition to the P-39 and P-40. After honorable discharges, both eventually returned home and contributed to our community in significant ways. Both were elected to several terms in our early legislatures, and worked or volunteered in other capacities in government and community service. Mr. Speaker, in recognizing them, I also recognize once again and honor all of the Tuskegee Airmen who fought prejudice and injustice at the same time they fought the enemy in the defense of our country. Theirs was not an easy time to be a member of our armed services or even to be a black in America, before and after their service, but they persevered out of love and loyalty to this country. Their courage and contributions set the United States of America on the path to that ``more perfect union'' that we continue to strive to become. Both Airman Herbert H. Heywood and Airman Henry E. Rohlsen have gone on to the eternal sky. We thank them. We thank their families for sharing these heroes with us and with our country. Ms. FUDGE. Thank you. What we now call Black History Month was originated in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson as Negro History Week. The month of February was selected in deference to Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, who were both born in that month. Further, the NAACP was founded in February and just celebrated its 100th anniversary. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915 to train black historians and to collect, preserve and publish documents on black life and black people. He also founded the Journal of Negro History, Associated Publishers, and the Negro Bulletin. Woodson spent his life working to educate all people about the vast contributions made by black men and black women throughout history. Mr. Woodson died on April 3, 1950. Black History Month is his legacy. I am privileged to commend several trailblazers within the 11th District from the African American community. I would like to begin with Judge Jean Murrell Capers, who is a remarkable individual and a community icon. On the night of President Obama's inauguration, while the world celebrated change, we honored this stalwart in our community, who also helped to make that moment possible. Judge Jean Murrell Capers is one of those individuals who deserves to be recognized for her years of dedication to promoting diversity among elected officials and serving, protecting and upholding the laws of Ohio and this Nation. Judge Capers graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 1932. She began her career as an educator and earned her J.D. from Cleveland Law School in 1944. She was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1945, and began practicing law that same year. In 1949, she became the first African American woman elected to the Cleveland City Council. She was elected four subsequent times to 2-year terms. Beginning in 1964, Judge Capers began to work tirelessly for a black mayor. Though many doubted her efforts, she was audacious enough to hope. Cleveland's first black mayor, the Honorable Carl Stokes, was elected 3 years later. In 1977, Ms. Capers was appointed Cleveland municipal judge, and was reelected, but was forced to retire in 1986 because of an Ohio law that requires judges to retire at the age of 70. At the current age of 96, Judge Capers is the oldest active member of the National Bar Association in our district. She is still actively involved in the community, and mentors the next generation of leaders. It is my privilege to recognize my friend, my sorority sister, mentor, and an unsung hero. I want to say to her that she is so special to us that, on January 22, a flag was flown over our Nation's Capitol in her honor. I would like to as well recognize Dr. John B. Turner. John B. Turner was a Tuskegee Airman. He was the first black commissioner to be elected in east Cleveland, the first black dean at Case Western Reserve University and the first black dean of any school of social work across this country. He also [[Page 4418]] served the State Department in Zambia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda early in his career. He was a Fulbright Scholar who led a voting drive for the National Council of Churches, and he also stumped for Carl Stokes as mayor of the City of Cleveland. {time} 2130 Mr. Speaker, there is another. There is Dr. William O. Walker, who was a prominent journalist, publisher and political leader in Cleveland, Ohio, for much of the mid to late 20th century. W.O. Walker was born in 1896 in Selma, Alabama. He studied at Wilberforce University and Oberlin Business College and began a career in journalism. In 1932, he became the publisher and editor of the Cleveland Call and Post, one of the most influential African American newspapers in the United States. Walker used this weekly paper to educate the community about racial injustices occurring in both Cleveland and across the United States. He built the newspaper into one of the largest black weeklies in the Nation. As a publisher, he became a power in Cleveland, speaking out for civil rights and exposing discrimination and wrongdoing. Besides being an editorial voice, he was a mighty political force in the Republican Party. He was a councilman in the 1940s, and in the 1950s became Ohio's first black cabinet member as industrial relations director for Governor James A. Rhodes. At the time of his death, he was under consideration by President Ronald Reagan to become chairman of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. And lastly, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Mr. Wayne Embry. Wayne Richard Embry was born in 1937 in Springfield, Ohio. He is a retired basketball player. He was a center forward whose 11-year-career spanned from 1959 to 1969. He played for the Cincinnati Royals, the Boston Celtics, and the Milwaukee Bucks, all of the NBA. He attended Miami University and Tecumseh High School in New Carlisle, Ohio, before that. He played in the NBA All-Star game for five consecutive seasons from 1961 to 1965 and won the NBA championship with the Celtics in 1968. After retiring as a player, he became the first African American NBA general manager managing the Milwaukee Bucks from 1971 through 1979, the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1986 to 1999, and the Toronto Raptors in 2006. He was selected NBA Executive of the Year in 1992 and 1998. He was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999, not as a player but as a contributor. Mr. Embry is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all of my colleagues for their participation in this evening. Again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield to my colleague, the gentlelady from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen). Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Thank you, Congresswoman Fudge. We prepared a few more just in case we had some extra time left in the hour. So I'd like to also recognize and pay tribute to some Virgin Island pioneers in the area of environmental awareness and energy conservation: Mr. Onaje Jackson, Ms. Ann Marie Gibbs, Mr. Bevan Smith, Mr. Jesus Espinosa, Mr. Mario Francis, and Mr. Olasee Davis. And those are just a few. Mr. Onaje Jackson is best known in the Virgin Islands and Caribbean region as a community partner who tirelessly promotes earth-friendly infrastructure and facility design, engineering, and implementation. He began his work when he realized that bad solutions for development in the Caribbean were leading to divisions in communities and environmental damage. Deep down, he knew that a lot of it had to do with developers not being armed with better solutions and designs at the outset of their conception process. With this, Mr. Jackson set out to bring about a more holistic approach to planning, design, and engineering of island infrastructure; and over the years, he has continually collaborated with a broad cross- section of our community to design environmentally friendly solutions for our rapidly developing region. Individuals, local businesses, and international organizations all enlist Mr. Jackson's assistance when seeking to incorporate the latest in sustainable and renewable technology to their large- and small-scale development projects. But Onaje has not worked alone. Along with many others, he has worked tirelessly with others that I named before: Bevan Smith, the director of the Virgin Islands Energy Office; Olasee Davis, community conservationist, activist, and professor at our university; Ms. Ann Marie Gibbs, a high school science teacher; community activist Jesus Espinosa, and Mario Francis, who have each worked to educate our entire community, but particularly our children, about the importance of conservation. Each of these valued members of our community go above and beyond the call of duty to challenge our youth, to break through the walls of ignorance and profit to become stewards and protectors of our environment for generations to come. So it's without reservation that I submit Mr. Jackson, Mr. Smith, Ms. Gibbs, Mr. Espinosa, Mr. Davis, and Mr. Francis as unsung heroes as they are environmental pioneers of the Virgin Islands community; and I am convinced that they will remain at the forefront of our community's efforts to preserve and conserve the natural resources that make the U.S. Virgin Islands the precious jewel that they are. Their work, and that of others, has prepared us to use the opportunities that have been recently presented to us in the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and others that I am sure will be a part of our President's promise of change. And since we have some time left, I want to pay tribute to someone who is not only a local hero in the U.S. Virgin Islands but my personal one, my father. Born at home and largely raised by his grandmother while his mother taught just about everyone in St. Croix in those days, it was not easy for him to go to college. He began at the most accessible one geographically and financially, although it is also an outstanding institution, the University of Puerto Rico. He later transferred to Colombia University in New York and was in their school of law. It was then in his first year that he was drafted into the Army, probably around 1943 also, just like Tuskegee Airman Herbert Heywood. And after graduating from Officer Candidate School at Camp Davis, North Carolina, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Coast Artillery Corps and participated in the Normandy campaign and Pacific Theater operations. After the war, he completed his studies at Colombia and took his family--my mother and I--back home where he embarked on what became a distinguished legal career. He was admitted to practice before the Third Court of Appeals in 1950 and the U.S. Supreme Court in 1955. He practiced law privately and often for free or for chickens or for fish until 1962 when he was tapped by President John F. Kennedy to be our U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Virgin Islands. He was reappointed to a second term by President Lyndon Johnson. But the most not just nonpartisan but apolitical person I know of, he was soon appointed to serve as the first native-born judge of the District Court of the Virgin Islands by then President Richard Nixon, and he retired from that post after serving several terms. In his time on the bench, some of his decisions were groundbreaking in Virgin Islands jurisprudence such as Red Hook Marina v. Antilles Yachting Corp., which resulted in the Open Beach Law in the Virgin Islands; and another case, Hosier v. Evans and Chapman v. Gerard, which he championed the constitutional right of children from other Caribbean islands whose parents were brought in under legal arrangements to work in the Virgin Islands temporarily. But he championed the rights of those children to [[Page 4419]] attend public school in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Others of his decisions set legal precedents which are referred to in cases up to this day. I am justifiably proud of my father, but so are the people of the Virgin Islands, and judges, and attorneys who came in contact with him throughout his long career. For the rest of the United States, he is an unsung hero. So I'm proud to have had this opportunity to present this very brief and very incomplete synopsis of his life here this evening. With that, I yield back the balance of my time Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I will close with this last unsung hero, Dr. Julian Earls. He has been referred to as a Renaissance Man, holding eight university degrees. He earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia; a Master's degree in radiation biology from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, New York; and a Doctorate degree in radiation physics from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He completed the equivalent of the Master's degree in environmental health at the University of Michigan and is a graduate of the Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School. He was awarded the honorary Doctor of Science degree by the Vaughn College of Aeronautics in New York, the honorary Doctor of Pedagogy degree by Nova Southeastern University in Florida, the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by North Carolina A&T State University, Norfolk State University, and Wilberforce University in Ohio. In January 2006, Dr. Earls retired as Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in Cleveland, Ohio, after a career spanning more than 40 years. As director of NASA Glenn from 2003 to 2005, he managed a budget in excess of 600 hundred million and a workforce of over 3,000 employees. He was responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities required to accomplish the center's mission which included research, technology, and systems development programs in aeronautical propulsion, space propulsion, space power, space communications, and microgravity sciences in combustion and fluid physics. He is the author of 30 publications and has been a distinguished Honors Visiting Professor at numerous universities. As a NASA executive, he has received medals for outstanding leadership, exceptional achievement, and distinguished service. He received the Meritorious Executive Presidential Rank Award from President William J. Clinton in 1999 and from President George Bush in 2004. Dr. Earls has received many humanitarian awards and founded an organization that provides college scholarships for black students. As a mentor, he has guided many students through college and the professions. Recognized internationally for his oratorical skills, Dr. Earls is a Jennings Foundation Distinguished Scholar Lecturer. In addition to his many scholarly and work-related accomplishments, Dr. Earls is an athlete. He has completed 25 marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and was honored to carry the Olympic torch on its route through Cleveland for the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is a member of Tau Boule and holds life memberships in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the NAACP. Mr. Speaker, I thank you. I thank my colleagues, and again, I thank this Nation for recognizing that black history is indeed American history. ____________________ LEAVE OF ABSENCE By unanimous consent, leave of absence was granted to: Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas (at the request of Mr. Hoyer) for today. Ms. Kilpatrick of Michigan (at the request of Mr. Hoyer) for today on account of personal reasons. Mr. Stark (at the request of Mr. Hoyer) for today and the balance of the week on account of medical reasons. Mr. Gingrey of Georgia (at the request of Mr. Boehner) for today on account of personal reasons. Mr. Gary G. Miller of California (at the request of Mr. Boehner) for today and the balance of the week on account of medical reasons. ____________________ SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED By unanimous consent, permission to address the House, following the legislative program and any special orders heretofore entered, was granted to: (The following Members (at the request of Ms. Kaptur) to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material:) Mr. DeFazio, for 5 minutes, today. Ms. Woolsey, for 5 minutes, today. Ms. Kaptur, for 5 minutes, today. Mr. Davis of Illinois, for 5 minutes, today. (The following Members (at the request of Mr. Flake) to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material:) Mr. Poe of Texas, for 5 minutes, today, February 25, 26 and March 2. Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, for 5 minutes, today. Mr. Inglis, for 5 minutes, today. Mr. Burton of Indiana, for 5 minutes, today, February 25 and 26. Mr. Paul, for 5 minutes, today, February 25 and 26. Mr. Jones, for 5 minutes, today, February 25, 26, and March 2. Mr. Flake, for 5 minutes, today. ____________________ ENROLLED BILL SIGNED Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the House, reported and found truly enrolled a bill of the House of the following title, which was thereupon signed by the Speaker on Friday, February 13, 2009: H.R. 1. An act making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. ____________________ BILLS PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the House reports that on February 4, 2009 she presented to the President of the United States, for his approval, the following bill. H.R. 2. To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the House reports that on February 16, 2009 she presented to the President of the United States, for his approval, the following bill. H.R. 1. Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. ____________________ ADJOURNMENT Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn. The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o'clock and 42 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., for morning-hour debate. ____________________ EXPLANATORY STATEMENT SUBMITTED BY MR. OBEY, CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, REGARDING H.R. 1105, OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2009 Following is an explanation of the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, including disclosure of congressional earmarks and congressionally directed spending items as defined in clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives and rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate. Section 4 of the Act specifies that this explanatory statement shall have the same effect with respect to the allocation of funds and implementation of this legislation as if [[Page 4420]] it were a joint explanatory statement of a committee of conference. The Omnibus Appropriations Act includes fiscal year 2009 appropriations encompassing 9 regular annual appropriations bills, each in a separate division, plus a 10th division including further provisions relating to the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies. The divisions contained in the Act are as follows: Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009; Division B--Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009; Division C--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009; Division D--Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2009; Division E--Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009; Division F--Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009; Division G--Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2009; Division H--Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2009; Division I--Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009; and Division J--Further Provisions Relating to the Department of Homeland Security and Other Matters. Section 3 states that, unless expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ``this Act'' contained in any division shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division. DIVISION A TITLE I--AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS Production, Processing, and Marketing Office of the Secretary The bill provides $5,174,000 for the Office of the Secretary. The Department is directed to provide within 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act all reports and studies requested in this statement to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate (hereafter referred to as ``the Committees'') in both an electronic and hard copy format, unless another date is specified for a particular report. The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (hereafter referred to as ``the 2008 farm bill'') authorized many new programs, provided mandatory funding for a select number of them, and reauthorized existing programs throughout the Department of Agriculture. The Department is directed to submit a report detailing the Department's implementation plan for the 2008 farm bill. The report should include timeframes for developing new regulations and estimated dates the Department expects to finalize the regulations and implement the new or revised programs. The Department is also directed to provide to the Committees all reports requested in the 2008 farm bill. There is concern that agencies are being required, after appropriations have been enacted for other purposes, to support E-Gov and PART studies. This diminishes, delays, or eliminates the implementation of the activities for which funds were provided. Thirty days prior to any centrally determined charges being applied to any USDA agency that are different from those amounts displayed in the budget justification materials, the Department must submit to the Committees a detailed explanation of the amounts assessed and the method for determining those amounts. There continues to be strong support in Congress for programs that provide emergency food assistance throughout the world and that work to achieve sustainable food security. Among those programs is the Borlaug Dialogue (and its associated functions), which provides a forum for world leadership related to international food assistance. The Secretary is encouraged to support this activity and to ensure that the Department maintains a strong role in the fight against world hunger. Executive Operations CHIEF ECONOMIST The bill provides $10,651,000 for the Office of the Chief Economist. NATIONAL APPEALS DIVISION The bill provides $14,711,000 for the National Appeals Division. office of budget and program analysis The bill provides $9,054,000 for the Office of Budget and Program Analysis. office of homeland security The bill provides $974,000 for the Office of Homeland Security. The bill does not include funds requested for a Plant Biosecurity Policy Coordinator or for a Food Defense and Biosecurity Policy Coordinator. office of the chief information officer The bill provides $17,527,000 for the Office of the Chief Information Officer. office of the chief financial officer The bill provides $5,954,000 for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights The bill provides $871,000 for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. Office of Civil Rights The bill provides $21,551,000 for the Office of Civil Rights. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration The bill provides $687,000 for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration. Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments (including transfers of funds) The bill provides $244,244,000 for agriculture buildings and facilities and rental payments. The bill includes increases of $1,968,000 for repairs and maintenance projects, $2,400,000 for increased utility costs, $1,900,000 for increased contract support costs, $1,764,000 for life safety and security support, and $14,148,000 to continue renovation of the South Building. Hazardous Materials Management (including transfers of funds) The bill provides $5,100,000 for Hazardous Materials Management. Departmental Administration (including transfers of funds) The bill provides $27,011,000 for Departmental Administration. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations (including transfers of funds) The bill provides $3,877,000 for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations. Office of Communications The bill provides $9,514,000 for the Office of Communications. Office of Inspector General The bill provides $85,766,000 for the Office of Inspector General. Office of the General Counsel The bill provides $41,620,000 for the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). In conjunction with the Statistical and Science Policy Office in the Office of Management and Budget, OGC is directed to review the current data sharing agreement used by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in the collection and sharing of the National Resources Inventory survey data and provide a report to the Committees on any restrictions and the reasons for the restrictions on the sharing of detailed-level data with other USDA agencies that are covered by the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act and which are designated as statistical agencies under the Executive Order designating those agencies. Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics The bill provides $609,000 for the Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics. Section 7204 of the 2008 farm bill authorizes research and extension grants to study new technologies to assist cranberry growers in complying with Federal and State environmental regulations, increase production, develop new growing techniques, establish more efficient growing technologies, and educate cranberry producers about sustainable growth practices. The Department is directed to work with the cranberry industry to identify available resources to meet the mandate of the 2008 farm bill and to submit a report to the Committees no later than June 1, 2009. Economic Research Service The bill provides $79,500,000 for the Economic Research Service (ERS). ERS is directed to include, within its ongoing study and analyses of national trends for the basis for grains and the basis for livestock, the factors contributing to a continued decline of the basis for crops. ERS is conducting a two-year study of the impacts of local food systems and commerce that will account for the effects of local food systems on economic activity, nutrition, and energy and the environment. This study will consider government policies to support local food markets and reduce barriers to growth of that sector. ERS is encouraged to work in collaboration with the Agricultural Marketing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Food and Nutrition Service, and other appropriate federal agencies. ERS is also encouraged to study federal, state and local food program procurement issues as they relate to market development for small and mid-scale farms within local and regional food systems. National Agricultural Statistics Service The bill provides $151,565,000 for the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The bill provides $2,450,000 to carry out the Fruit Chemical Use Data study. Agricultural Research Service SALARIES AND EXPENSES The bill provides $1,140,406,000 for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Salaries and Expenses. The rapid spread of the wheat stem rust known as Ug99, from East Africa to the Arabian Peninsula and most recently to the [[Page 4421]] Middle East, is of great concern. Ug99 is a very virulent strain of stem rust and could threaten 80 percent of the world's wheat supply if resistant varieties of wheat are not developed. The bill provides an increase of $1,500,000 for work to develop Ug99 resistant wheat varieties. The Committees are concerned by the growing problem of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS). The bill provides an increase of $1,000,000 for monitoring, diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment and prevention of VHS. ARS is encouraged to work with research institutions in the Great Lakes region to ascertain the extent to which VHS is present in U.S. waters, develop an effective vaccine, and establish the genetic basis for resistance to VHS in fish. The bill provides increases of $254,000 each for Human Nutrition Research, Boston, MA; Chronic diseases of children, Houston, TX; West Tennessee Mississippi River Cropping Systems Unit, Jackson, TN; ARS Southwest Watershed Research Center, Tucson, AZ; and the Northwest Center for Small Fruits, Corvallis, OR. The bill provides an increase of $1,350,000 for research on food allergies and an increase of $800,000 for research on colony collapse disorder, to be spent as the agency determines appropriate. The ARS Cotton Quality Research Unit in Clemson, South Carolina, is expected to identify opportunities for increased collaboration with the University of Georgia Tifton MicroGin that would enhance the integration of research on fiber quality from harvest to gin to textile mill and ARS is requested to report to the Committees on its findings and needs assessments. None of the funds appropriated to ARS for the Advanced Animal Vaccine Project at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center may be directed for any other use by the Department of Homeland Security. The fiscal year 2009 budget request proposed to relocate the Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Laboratory (ABADRL) from its current location in Laramie, Wyoming. Before deciding whether it is appropriate to relocate the lab, ARS is directed to provide a report to the Committees describing the current status of the laboratory's facilities and research. Additionally, the agency shall assess no fewer than two locations that could serve as the new location of ABADRL. When selecting the locations to assess, ARS should consider the facilities, capacity, expertise, and synergies relevant to fulfilling and expediting the ABADRL mission that are offered by each potential location. The report should include a comparative cost analysis. Funds made available for the Center for Agroforestry should be used to continue research into all five temperate-zone agroforestry practices applicable in Midwestern states. The National Animal Disease Center (NADC) is an important component in the nation's animal disease research infrastructure, but it is in need of office, laboratory, and information technology equipment and designated animal space. The Department is encouraged to begin providing these items out of the funds made available in this bill. If they are not, a request for the remaining funds should be submitted by the Department for fiscal year 2010. ARS is directed to submit a report to the Committees by May 1, 2009, that analyzes the feasibility, requirements, and cost for conducting water quality and quantity research at Arkansas State University. The need to investigate diet-related health problems, including obesity and its associated illnesses, is recognized. With the continued support in this bill for the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, the Center is directed to continue development of programs to address obesity and diet-related health issues in rural and Native American communities, the study of minerals and other nutrients in widely consumed foods contributing to healthy diets, and the role of nutrition in the prevention of chronic diseases. The Metabolic Diet Unit at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University is in need of upgrades and ARS is encouraged to initiate such improvements from within available funds. The following is a list of Congressionally-designated projects: [[Page 4422]] ![]()
TH23FE09.001 [[Page 4423]] ![]()
TH23FE09.002 [[Page 4424]] BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES The bill provides $46,752,000 for the Agricultural Research Service, Buildings and Facilities. ARS is directed, when planning and designing the National Plant and Genetics Security Center, to include plans for expanded vivarium capacity. The following is a list of Congressionally-designated projects: [[Page 4425]] ![]()
TH23FE09.003 [[Page 4426]] Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES The bill provides $691,043,000 for research and education activities. The bill provides $1,139,000 for the Food and Agriculture Policy Institute. Of this amount, $188,000 is to continue a cooperative agreement with the University of Wisconsin relating to dairy policy and $140,000 is to conduct analysis of rangeland, cattle, and hay with the University of Nevada-- Reno. The bill continues funding for the Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Grants program as authorized in 7 U.S.C. 3242. The agency is directed to administer this program in the same manner as fiscal year 2008. The following table reflects the bill: [[Page 4427]] ![]()
TH23FE09.004 [[Page 4428]] ![]()
TH23FE09.005 [[Page 4429]] ![]()
TH23FE09.006 [[Page 4430]] ![]()
TH23FE09.007 [[Page 4431]] ![]()
TH23FE09.008 [[Page 4432]] ![]()
TH23FE09.009 [[Page 4433]] ![]()
TH23FE09.010 [[Page 4434]] ![]()
TH23FE09.011 [[Page 4435]] NATIVE AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS ENDOWMENT FUND The bill provides $11,880,000 for the Native American Institutions Endowment Fund. EXTENSION ACTIVITIES The bill provides $474,250,000 for Extension Activities. Investments in areas that develop job opportunities and expand the technological skills base of rural residents are valuable for spurring economic growth and competitiveness. The Rural Technologies program helps provide such skills and USDA is encouraged to support other initiatives, such as the Women In Technology program, to meet these and other rural development objectives. The following table reflects the bill: [[Page 4436]] ![]()
TH23FE09.012 [[Page 4437]] ![]()
TH23FE09.013 [[Page 4438]] INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES The bill provides $56,864,000 for integrated activities. The following table reflects the bill: [[Page 4439]] ![]()
TH23FE09.014 [[Page 4440]] Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs The bill provides $737,000 for the Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service SALARIES AND EXPENSES (including transfers of funds) The bill provides $876,675,000 for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Salaries and Expenses. The following table reflects the bill: [[Page 4441]] ![]()
TH23FE09.015 [[Page 4442]] ![]()
TH23FE09.016 [[Page 4443]] Funds provided for APHIS in this bill accept all transfers of funds proposed in the budget request. These transfers include the following: $4,634,000 from ``Foreign Animal Disease/FMD'' and $10,936,000 from ``Trade Issues Resolution and Management'' into ``Overseas Technical and Trade Operations''; $1,481,000 from ``Trade Issues Resolution and Management'' into ``Import/Export''; $51,047,000 from ``Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza'' and $15,610,000 from ``Low Pathogen Avian Influenza'' into ``Avian Influenza''; $1,938,000 from ``Biosecurity'' and $1,977,000 from ``Biosurveillance'' into ``Emergency Management Systems''; and $3,722,000 from ``Emergency Management Systems'' into ``National Veterinary Stockpile''. APHIS is drafting a final rule that would allow the agency to approve, after pest risk analysis, certain new fruits and vegetables for interstate movement, subject to meeting one or any combination of five specific designated measures. APHIS is encouraged to consider allowing shipment of untreated fruits and vegetables grown in Hawaii to cold-weather states during winter months if Hawaii has specific measures in place to meet the standards set in the final rule and can reasonably ensure that potential transshipment of such produce will not jeopardize the phytosanitary standards of warm weather states. The bill includes $9,907,000 for Cattle Fever Ticks, including an increase of $2,074,000 to initiate the five-year strategic plan to assist in moving the Cattle Fever Tick quarantine zone south of the U.S. border. The bill includes $62,320,000 for Fruit Fly Exclusion and Detection, including an increase of $1,000,000 to enhance the Guatemala-Mexico Medfly barrier. The bill includes $129,180,000 for Animal Health Monitoring and Surveillance, including $14,500,000, an increase of $4,713,000, for the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Given this investment, coupled with the almost $128,000,000 that Congress has already provided for NAIS, APHIS is expected to make demonstrable progress with effectively implementing the animal identification system. Accordingly, APHIS is directed to meet the following species traceability objectives that are derived from the agency's final 2008 animal disease traceability business plan: --Cattle: By March 1, 2009, identify 30 percent of the nation's cattle population to premises of origin within 48 hours of a disease event. --Goats: By October 1, 2009, identify 90 percent of goat breeding herds to their birth premises within 48 hours of a disease event. --Poultry: By July 1, 2009, achieve 98 percent traceability in the commercial poultry industry through the identification of commercial production units in the required radius within 48 hours of a disease event. --Sheep: By October 1, 2009, identify 90 percent of sheep breeding flock to their birth premises within 48 hours of a disease event. --Swine: By February 1, 2009, achieve 80 percent traceability in the commercial swine industries through the identification of commercial production units in the required radius within 48 hours of a disease event. In addition, APHIS is directed to meet the following program administration milestones that are similarly derived from the final 2008 animal disease traceability business plan: --By February 1, 2009: Publish proposed rulemaking to consider establishing the seven-character PIN as the national location identifier standard and establish the ``840'' Animal Identification Number as the single version for the numbering system. --By February 1, 2009: Incorporate the NAIS-compliant premises identification number format into existing Federal disease program activities. --By May 1, 2009: Publish proposed rulemaking to consider using a premises identification number, in the NAIS-compliant format, for import/export facilities, the destination of imported livestock and the location of exported animals prior to the assembly. There is concern that APHIS removed a key outcome milestone from its final animal disease traceability business plan that assessed the agency's progress on integrating tracking databases maintained by States and private organizations. APHIS is directed to submit a report to the Committees that explains why the agency dropped this important milestone from its final business plan. APHIS is further directed to provide an update on its current progress with fully integrating the Animal Trace Processing System with non-Federal tracking databases. APHIS is directed to submit a report to the Committees within one week after each of the milestone dates outlining the status of each species traceability objective and program administration milestone and the reason the deadline was not met. The bill includes $13,694,000 for Animal and Plant Health Regulatory Enforcement, including an increase of $1,111,000 to hire and train seven new investigators to address increased violations at major ports of entry referred by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The bill includes $4,528,000 for viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) control in Great Lakes States. APHIS is strongly encouraged to prioritize limited VHS resources, including research, to regions where the agency has confirmed cases. The bill includes $133,677,000 for Emerging Plant Pests. Included in this amount is $35,389,000 for citrus health; $19,918,000 for Asian long-horned beetle; $22,948,000 for glassy-winged sharpshooter; $5,305,000 for sudden oak death; $2,136,000 for Karnal bunt; $34,625,000 for emerald ash borer; $8,294,000 for potato cyst nematode; $1,001,000 for light brown apple moth; $1,500,000 for Sirex woodwasp; $2,092,000 for miscellaneous pests; and $469,000 for varroa mite suppression. APHIS is directed to work with the City of Chicago to manage the infestation of emerald ash borer and provide appropriate resources. APHIS is encouraged to use the funding provided for sudden oak death to address immediate needs in the recognized containment and control areas, to promote the research, development, and testing of new systems of nursery pest and disease management, and for programs of inspection and regulation. This bill includes $1,001,000 for the light brown apple moth (LBAM) program. In fiscal years 2007 and 2008, approximately $90,000,000 in Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds and $993,000 in appropriated funds had been made available for LBAM. Of this amount, $43,800,000 in CCC funding, as well as the $993,000 in appropriated funding, remain available in fiscal year 2009 to continue APHIS's efforts. The Secretary is encouraged to utilize all funds necessary from CCC to carry out the recommendation of the USDA science advisory panel to eradicate LBAM in California. The bill includes $5,552,000 for the grasshopper program. APHIS may use funds provided for Mormon cricket activities in Utah for eradication and control of black grass bug in Utah. A portion of the funding provided for the oral rabies vaccination funding should be made available for activities in the Appalachian region. Due to a new occurrence of bovine tuberculosis in New Mexico, the Secretary is encouraged to use authorities and resources of the Department to provide testing, monitoring, surveillance, and other services as needed toward the control and eradication of this disease, and for the prompt restoration of split-state status for New Mexico. APHIS is expected to make the fiscal year 2009 funding for beaver control in Mississippi available to all counties in the state. Sericea lespedeza is an important field crop in the southeastern United States. Sericea lespedeza also poses environmental challenges to ecosystems in tall grass prairie lands in the Great Plains region. APHIS is encouraged to collaborate with conservation programs in the Great Plains region where sericea lespedeza is an invasive species to find economically and ecologically appropriate approaches. The bill includes $12,877,000 for Biotechnology Regulatory Services, including an increase of $1,000,000 for the Biotechnology Quality Management System. APHIS is currently evaluating a theobromine and caffeine mixture as a possible tool for predation management. APHIS is encouraged to continue evaluating this method, conduct field studies, and take the appropriate steps to register these compounds with the Environmental Protection Agency. The bill includes $5,725,000 for Physical/Operational Security, including an increase of $1,564,000 to increase security at critical facilities. The following is a list of Congressionally-designated projects: [[Page 4444]] ![]()
TH23FE09.017 [[Page 4445]] ![]()
TH23FE09.018 [[Page 4446]] BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES The bill provides $4,712,000 for Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Buildings and Facilities. Agricultural Marketing Service MARKETING SERVICES The bill provides $86,711,000 for the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Marketing Services. The bill provides an increase of $9,600,000 to the agency's Marketing Services program in order to implement and enforce labeling requirements for all covered commodities under the country of origin labeling (COOL) law. After the release of the interim final rule for COOL in September 2008, concerns were raised about USDA's interpretation of congressional intent regarding the labeling of packaged meat of domestic and foreign origin. As USDA publishes a final rule and begins enforcement in April 2009, the Department is directed to effectively enforce the food labeling law. The bill includes $3,867,000 for the National Organic Program. USDA is implementing draft revisions to the National Organic Program resulting from the American National Standards Institute 2004 audit and USDA Office of Inspector General 2005 audit. AMS is directed to report to the Committees on the status of these revisions. It is appreciated that the Department has moved forward with the long-overdue proposed rule on access to pasture, and the Department is strongly encouraged to thoroughly review public comments on the subject. The bill provides $4,766,000 to continue the Microbiological Data Program (MDP). In its 2009 budget request, the Administration criticized MDP for not providing epidemiologically valuable data to support risk assessments because the survey was ``blinded'' and did not collect necessary information. However, AMS's January 2008 report to the Committees stated that if the program could begin collecting specific information to trace the origin of samples, the resulting survey data would be more useful to the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency's letter also noted that recent food borne illness outbreaks demonstrate that a lack of information undermines consumer confidence and causes considerable economic impact to the agricultural industry. In order to provide more valuable information and improve the program's public health effectiveness, AMS is directed to begin collecting origin of sample data. AMS is encouraged to provide appropriate technical and financial assistance to the Windy City Harvest Initiative and to the Iowa Buy Fresh/Buy Local Program. LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES The bill includes a limitation of $62,888,000 for Limitation on Administrative Expenses. FUNDS FOR STRENGTHENING MARKETS, INCOME, AND SUPPLY (SECTION 32) (including transfers of funds) The bill provides $17,270,000 for Funds for Strengthening Markets, Income, and Supply. In addition, the bill provides $10,000,000 for the Web- based Supply Chain Management system. PAYMENTS TO STATES AND POSSESSIONS The bill provides $1,334,000 for Payments to States and Possessions. Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration SALARIES AND EXPENSES The bill provides $40,342,000 for the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), Salaries and Expenses. The bill provides an increase of $1,160,000 for the Packers and Stockyards program to support GIPSA's reorganization effort and to strengthen the agency's enforcement activities. GIPSA is directed to use the additional resources to enhance its compliance reviews and investigations capabilities, as well as to support an increase in the agency's auditing of the largest meat packers. GIPSA must submit a report that provides details for the how the agency will deploy its resources for Packers and Stockyards Act enforcement. The report should include a description of the goals for addressing violations of the Act and packer audits, as well as key measures that the agency will use to track whether the additional funding is providing a measurable improvement in performance. LIMITATION ON INSPECTION AND WEIGHING SERVICES EXPENSES The bill includes a limitation of $42,463,000 for Limitation on Inspection and Weighing Services Expenses. Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety The bill provides $613,000 for the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety. Food Safety and Inspection Service The bill provides $971,566,000 for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The bill provides the full increase requested in the budget and the full estimated costs for fiscal year 2009 for implementation of the new interstate shipment and catfish inspection provisions in sections 11015 and 11016, respectively, of the 2008 farm bill. In addition, the bill provides an increase of $2,000,000 for strengthened enforcement of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. The Department is commended for the announcement that it intends to move forward with closing the loophole in the current rule governing non-ambulatory cattle and is strongly urged to expedite the rules process and close this loophole immediately. The Department is currently reviewing several proposals to increase maximum line speeds at chicken slaughter facilities. FSIS is directed to make any analysis conducted by the agency on increasing maximum line speeds, and the effects such changes might have on food and employee safety, available to the Committees within 30 days. There remain very serious concerns about contaminated foods from China and therefore the bill retains language prohibiting FSIS from using funds to move forward with rules that would allow for the importation of poultry products from China into the U.S. It is noted that China has enacted revisions to its food safety laws. USDA is urged to submit a report to the Committees on the implications of those changes on the safety of imported poultry products from China within one year. The Department is also directed to submit a plan of action to the Committees to guarantee the safety of poultry products from China. Such plan should include the systematic audit of inspection systems, and audits of all poultry and slaughter facilities that China would certify to export to the U.S. The plan also should include the systematic audit of laboratories and other control operations, expanded port-of- entry inspection, and creation of an information sharing program with other major countries importing poultry products from China that have conducted audits and plant inspections among other actions. This plan should be made public on the Food Safety and Inspection Service web site upon its completion. FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE FUNDING BY ACTIVITY Food Safety & Inspection: Federal..................................................$871,150,000 State......................................................64,703,000 International..............................................18,916,000 CODEX.........................................................3,827,000 Public Health Data Communication Infrastructure..............12,970,000 ________________ Total................................................$971,566,000 ================ Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services The bill provides $646,000 for the Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services. The 2008 farm bill authorized the temporary cost-share Durum Wheat Quality Program between growers and USDA to offset part of the cost of fungicide applications for scab until genetic resistance is found. USDA is encouraged to develop rules and regulations for this program and report to the Committees on the status of program implementation. Farm Service Agency SALARIES AND EXPENSES (including transfers of funds) The bill provides $1,170,273,000 for the Farm Service Agency, Salaries and Expenses. The bill provides an increase of $22,008,000 for information technology operational expenses and stabilization of the network and database applications. The bill provides to the Farm Service Agency, $24,000,000 for the National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP). This amount is in addition to any provided by cooperating funds from any other federal, state, or local government for NAIP. STATE MEDIATION GRANTS The bill provides $4,369,000 for State Mediation Grants. GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM The bill provides $5,000,000 for the Grassroots Source Water Protection Program. DAIRY INDEMNITY PROGRAM (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) The bill provides an appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the Dairy Indemnity Program. AGRICULTURAL CREDIT INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) The following table reflects the amounts provided in the bill: Farm Ownership Loans: Direct.................................................($222,298,000) Subsidy....................................................12,715,000 Guaranteed............................................(1,238,768,000) Subsidy.....................................................4,088,000 Farm Operating Loans: Direct.................................................($575,095,000) Subsidy....................................................67,804,000 Unsubsidized Guaranteed...............................(1,017,497,000) Subsidy....................................................25,336,000 Subsidized Guaranteed...................................(269,986,000) Subsidy....................................................37,231,000 Indian Tribe Land Acquisition...............................(3,940,000) Subsidy.......................................................248,000 [[Page 4447]] Boll Weevil Eradication...................................(100,000,000) ACIF Expenses: Salaries and Expenses....................................$309,403,000 Administrative Expenses.....................................7,920,000 ================ Risk Management Agency The bill provides $77,177,000 for the Risk Management Agency (RMA). The Pest Information Platform for Education and Extension (PIPE) is a monitoring and early-warning system developed to alert farmers to the presence and spread of soybean rust and other pests. RMA is encouraged to continue the PIPE program in fiscal year 2009. CORPORATIONS Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund The bill provides an appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund. Commodity Credit Corporation Fund REIMBURSEMENT FOR NET REALIZED LOSSES (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) The bill provides an appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for Reimbursement for Net Realized Losses of the Commodity Credit Corporation. Hazardous Waste Management (LIMITATION ON EXPENSES) The bill provides a limitation of $5,000,000 for Hazardous Waste Management. TITLE II CONSERVATION PROGRAMS Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment The bill provides $758,000 for the Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment. Natural Resources Conservation Service CONSERVATION OPERATIONS The bill provides $853,400,000 for Conservation Operations. There is significant concern in the wake of the Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) first stand-alone financial audit. The November 2008 audit presented a ``disclaimer of opinion'' on NRCS's consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2008, which means that NRCS was not able to provide the necessary information that the auditors needed to be able to express an opinion about the state of the agency's accounts. In the spectrum of possible findings, a disclaimer of opinion is potentially the weakest outcome because an agency has been found to be unable to adequately account for its financial transactions and program activities. The auditors uncovered five material weaknesses and several other deficiencies in the agency's financial management controls. This result, coupled with hundreds of millions of dollars in funds for contracts and conservation projects that the agency has had to cancel over the past two fiscal years, raises significant questions about not only NRCS's financial management systems, but also its program management and delivery capabilities. Because NRCS is responsible for disbursing billions of dollars on an annual basis, ensuring the financial integrity of the agency's management systems is critical. The process of reviewing its books and accounting for various financial controls is valuable; NRCS may ultimately improve program delivery and performance as it rethinks how it manages its money. Accordingly, NRCS must submit a report to the Committees that details how the agency is responding to the 2008 audit findings so that it does not receive a second disclaimer of opinion in its fiscal year 2009 audit. The report should detail a recovery plan, with milestones, for how NRCS will address all of the deficiencies identified in the 2008 audit. Finally, the report should detail a plan to improve its program delivery to ensure that all funds that Congress provides for conservation are used in a timely, accurate, and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, the bill provides $10,000,000 in Conservation Technical Assistance to strengthen the agency's program and financial management capabilities. NRCS is expected to appropriately use these additional funds to enhance the agency's budgeting, accounting, contracting, and information technology systems, as well as program delivery oversight and accountability. NRCS must submit an expenditure plan to the Committees within 60 days of enactment of this Act for how the agency will use the additional funds with an explanation for how the expenditures will strengthen the agency's performance. The 2008 farm bill made substantive changes to the design and intended performance of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). There is concern, however, that the redesigned program may place greater program delivery burdens on NRCS's field staff and overlay additional complex requirements on top of other conservation priorities. As NRCS prepares the design and delivery of the reauthorized program, the agency is directed to submit an assessment of the former program's performance to the Committees. The report should describe progress made in estimating CSP's environmental performance and detail the program's environmental outcomes. The report should compare the cost effectiveness of CSP relative to other NRCS implemented programs, including Conservation Technical Assistance and other programs authorized by the farm bill. Finally, the report should detail how the new program that the Administration will implement will improve upon the cost efficiency and environmental performance of its predecessor. It is understood that the President's budget maintains the activities of the National Water Management Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, from within the funds provided in the Conservation Operations account. Funding for fiscal year 2008 projects is not continued in fiscal year 2009 unless specifically mentioned in the following table. The following funds are directed to be used in cooperative agreements continued with the same cooperator entities as in the fiscal year 2008 agreements, except as noted. The following is a list of Congressionally-designated projects: [[Page 4448]] ![]()
TH23FE09.019 [[Page 4449]] ![]()
TH23FE09.020 [[Page 4450]] ![]()
TH23FE09.021 [[Page 4451]] WATERSHED REHABILITATION PROGRAM The bill provides $40,000,000 for the Watershed Rehabilitation Program. RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT The bill provides $50,730,000 for Resource Conservation and Development. TITLE III RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development The bill provides $646,000 for the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development. The Department is directed to provide a report to the Committees on the completion of the rule for the broadband loan program, which would include an analysis of the changes made to the rule by enactment of the 2008 farm bill. The Department is encouraged to assist with efforts to rebuild multi-family housing in Fort Kent, Maine, that was destroyed by severe flooding. Tourism and education can play a crucial role in rural economic development strategies and the Department is encouraged to consider demonstration projects that measure actual benefits of these strategies. The Department is urged to look at the potential impact of a commercially viable algae-based biofuels production system on rural development. RURAL DEVELOPMENT SALARIES AND EXPENSES (including transfers of funds) The bill provides $192,484,000 for Rural Development Salaries and Expenses. The bill provides an increase of $20,000,000 for high priority Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure Modernization needs. These funds can be used for IT expenditures for the rural housing voucher program if it is deemed by the agency as a priority use of the funding increase. Rural Housing Service RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT (including transfers of funds) The bill provides a total subsidy of $200,951,000 for activities under the Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account. The bill provides for an estimated loan program level of $7,599,821,000. The bill provides for a transfer of $460,217,000 to the Rural Development Salaries and Expenses account. The following table indicates loan and subsidy levels provided in the bill: Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account: Loan authorizations: Single family direct (sec. 502)......................($1,121,488,000) Single family unsubsidized guaranteed.................(6,223,859,000) Rental housing (sec. 515)................................(69,512,000) Multi-family housing guaranteed (sec. 538)..............(129,090,000) Housing repair (sec. 504)................................(34,410,000) Credit sales of acquired property........................(11,447,000) Site loans (sec. 524).....................................(5,045,000) Self-help housing land development........................(4,970,000) ________________ Total, Loan authorizations.......................($7,599,821,000) ================ Loan subsidies: Single family direct (sec. 502)...........................$75,364,000 Single family unsubsidized guaranteed......................79,043,000 Rental housing (sec. 515)..................................28,611,000 Multi-family housing guaranteed (sec. 538)..................8,082,000 Housing repair (sec. 504)...................................9,246,000 Credit sales of acquired property.............................523,000 Self-help housing land development.............................82,000 ________________ Total, Loan subsidies................................$200,951,000 ================ 0,217,000nistration expenses (transfer to RD).......................... ================ RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The bill provides $902,500,000 for the Rental Assistance Program. MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING REVITALIZATION PROGRAM ACCOUNT The bill provides $27,714,000 for the Multi-family Housing Revitalization Program. The Department is directed to provide a study to the Committees that analyzes the efficacy of the demonstration program to date and provide recommendations concerning the appropriateness of making the program permanent and, if recommended, any changes needed to improve the program's delivery or effectiveness. MUTUAL AND SELF-HELP HOUSING GRANTS The bill provides $38,727,000 for Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants. RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS (including transfer of funds) The bill provides $41,500,000 for Rural Housing Assistance Grants. FARM LABOR PROGRAM ACCOUNT The bill provides $18,269,000 for the Farm Labor Program Account. The bill provides for an estimated loan program level of $21,678,000; $9,135,000 for loan subsidies; and $9,134,000 for grants. Section 516 (j) of the Housing Act of 1949 directs the Secretary to use up to 10 percent of the amounts available in any fiscal year to provide financial assistance to encourage the development of farm labor housing projects. USDA has used this authority only on an intermittent basis. For this reason, the Department is directed that 10 percent of section 516 grant funds be allocated by the Rural Housing Service for technical assistance for farm labor housing. The Department is directed to provide a report to the Committees detailing the amount made available for technical assistance in fiscal years 2008 and 2009. Since the inception of the farm labor housing program, the Department has financed almost 36,000 units for over $1,200,000,000. Yet, the Department has little information on the physical or financial status of the projects. An assessment of these units would provide information on the physical condition of projects, their financial status, occupancy issues and other management and compliance issues confronting management of developments financed under the farm labor housing program. The Government Accountability Office is directed to conduct an assessment of the properties financed under the farm labor housing program. RURAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM ACCOUNT (including transfers of funds) The bill provides $63,830,000 for the Rural Community Facilities Program Account. The following table reflects the funding levels: Community Facilities: Direct loans...........................................($294,948,000) Direct subsidy.............................................16,871,000 Guaranteed loans........................................(206,425,000) Guaranteed subsidy..........................................6,358,000 Grants.....................................................20,373,000 Rural community development initiative......................6,256,000 Economic impact initiative grants..........................10,000,000 Tribal college grants.......................................3,972,000 ________________ Total, loan subsidies and grants......................$63,830,000 ================ Rural Business-Cooperative Service RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT (including transfers of funds) The bill provides $87,385,000 for the Rural Business Program Account. The following table reflects the funding levels: Business and Industry: Guaranteed loans.......................................($993,000,000) Guaranteed subsidy.........................................43,196,000 Rural business enterprise grants...........................38,727,000 Rural business opportunity grants...........................2,483,000 Delta regional authority....................................2,979,000 ________________ Total, loan subsidy and grants........................$87,385,000 ================ RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT (including transfer of funds) The bill provides an estimated loan program level of $33,536,000 with a subsidy of $14,035,000 for the Rural Development Loan Fund. The bill provides for a transfer of $4,853,000 to the Rural Development Salaries and Expenses account. RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT (including rescission of funds) The bill provides an estimated loan program level of $33,077,000 for the Rural Economic Development Loans program. RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS The bill provides $12,636,000 for Rural Cooperative Development Grants. The bill provides $4,424,000 for cooperative development grants; $2,582,000 for a cooperative agreement for the Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas program; $1,463,000 for cooperatives or associations of cooperatives whose primary focus is to provide assistance to small, socially disadvantaged producers; $300,000 for a cooperative research agreement with a qualified academic institution; and $3,867,000 for the value-added agricultural product market development grant program. The 2008 farm bill also provided $15,000,000 in mandatory funding for the value-added agricultural product market development grant program in fiscal year 2009, providing a total of $18,867,000 for the grant program. RURAL EMPOWERMENT ZONES AND ENTERPRISE COMMUNITIES GRANTS The bill provides $8,130,000 for Rural Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Grants. RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM The bill provides $5,000,000 for the Rural Energy for America Program. Rural Utilities Service RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT (including transfers of funds) The bill provides $556,268,000 for the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account. [[Page 4452]] The 2008 farm bill mandates the procedure the Department will use to determine poverty and intermediate borrower interest rates for direct Water and Waste Disposal Facility loans. Borrowers in this program will be required to rely more heavily on debt and less on grants. Under these provisions, there is a concern that needed program resources will not be delivered to the poorest, most remote communities currently served. The bill provides the same level of budget authority as in 2008 and the Secretary is expected to deliver at least the same total program level to communities with similar socio-economic and geographic characteristics as would have been served in 2008 absent this change. The Secretary shall provide a report to the Committees detailing how the Secretary plans to implement these directives. This report should include quantitative measures proposed to determine the socio-economic and geographic characteristics of communities served. The report should also identify benchmarks to evaluate if in fact communities of similar characteristics are being served. By November 1, 2009, the Secretary shall provide a comprehensive analysis and report to the Committees, utilizing these measures and benchmarks, to determine the results of this change in law. The Secretary is further directed to submit quarterly reports to the Committees on the distribution of funds between loans and grants, beginning one month after enactment of this Act. With reference to water and waste disposal systems grants for Native Americans, including Native Alaskans and the Colonias, the Secretary is directed to provide a report to the Committees that identifies the specific areas in which water and waste disposal program resources have been provided, where additional resources are most needed, the 2009 distribution of resources, and the relative costs of program delivery to the various areas and regions covered by the authorities identified for use of these specific funds. The Department is expected to continue to provide support for the National Drinking Water Clearinghouse through the water and waste technical assistance and training grant program. RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT (including transfer of funds) The bill provides a total subsidy of $525,000 for activities under the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program Account. The bill provides for an estimated loan program level of $7,290,000,000. The bill provides for a transfer of $39,245,000 to the Rural Development Salaries and Expenses account. The following table indicates loan and subsidy levels provided in the bill: Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program Account (RETLP): Loan authorizations: Electric: Direct, 5 percent......................................($100,000,000) Direct, FFB...........................................(6,500,000,000) ________________ Subtotal............................................(6,600,000,000) ================ Telecommunications: Direct, 5 percent......................................($145,000,000) Direct, Treasury rate...................................(250,000,000) Direct, FFB.............................................(295,000,000) ________________ Subtotal..............................................(690,000,000) ================ Total, loan authorizations.........................($7,290,000,000) ================ Loan subsidies: Telecommunications: Direct, Treasury rate........................................$525,000 ================ RETLP administrative expenses (transfer to RD)..............$39,245,000 ================ Section 6113 of the 2008 farm bill requests a study on rural electric power generation. In addition to the findings requested in the 2008 farm bill, the Secretary is directed to provide additional information in the study to include examinations of: (1) the impact of the source on the environment; (2) options and recommendations for meeting electric power needs in rural America through energy efficiency and demand management measures, including identification of available financing sources and amounts; (3) options and recommendations for meeting electric power needs in rural America through renewable energy sources, including identification of available financing sources and amounts; and (4) the effects of current and potential regulatory responses to climate change on the viability, including the financial viability, of different ways to meet electric power needs in rural America, including energy efficiency and renewable energy options. DISTANCE LEARNING, TELEMEDICINE, AND BROADBAND PROGRAM (including rescission of funds) The bill provides for an estimated loan program level of $400,487,000 for broadband telecommunications. The bill includes $15,619,000 for broadband telecommunications loan subsidy. The bill includes $34,755,000 for distance learning and telemedicine grants, of which $4,965,000 is for public broadcasting system grants. The bill includes $13,406,000 for broadband telecommunications grants. TITLE IV DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services The bill provides $610,000 for the Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. There continues to be concern about privatization of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Indiana and the Secretary is directed to continue comprehensive oversight of this effort. The Secretary is further directed to continue providing the Committees with quarterly reports on this contract, including the effects on enrollment, program access, error rates, and spending on administrative expenses. The quarterly reports should also include the monthly Indiana Program Operations Data reports required by USDA as well as the Department's analysis of these reports. The Secretary is directed to delay further expansion of the project if the state's program does not meet basic program integrity and access standards or if performance standards as stated in the contract are not met. Section 4307 of the 2008 farm bill requires the Secretary to carry out a nationally representative survey of the foods purchased during the most recent school year for which data is available by school authorities participating in the school lunch program. The Secretary is directed to provide to the Committees additional information that studies the differences between foods purchased for the school lunch program by school food authorities that directly manage the school lunch program and those contracted out to food service management companies. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is directed to provide a report to the Committees evaluating the impact that nutrition education is having on preventing obesity and improving the likelihood that eligible low-income people will make healthy food choices within a limited budget. The report shall include which programs this nutrition education is funded through, how much was provided in fiscal years 2007 and 2008 for each program, and a description of all guidance materials and policy documents that were developed with this funding in fiscal years 2007 and 2008. The Department is directed to provide the Committees with a report on federal activity related to metropolitan areas regarding links between the nutrition programs and small and local agricultural producers. Food and Nutrition Service CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS (Including Transfers of Funds) The bill provides $14,951,911,000 for Child Nutrition Programs. Included in the total is an appropriated amount of $8,496,109,000 and a transfer from section 32 of $6,455,802,000. The bill includes $15,000,000 for TEAM Nutrition. Included in this amount is $5,500,000 for food service training grants to States; $3,000,000 for technical assistance materials; $800,000 for National Food Service Management Institute cooperative agreements; $1,000,000 for print and electronic food service resource systems; $1,500,000 to assist USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion in development and maintenance of MyPyramid and Dietary Guidelines materials in support of nutrition education for program participants and their families; and $3,200,000 for other activities. The bill provides the following for Child Nutrition programs: Child Nutrition Programs: School lunch program...................................$8,516,983,000 School breakfast program................................2,612,146,000 Child and adult care food program.......................2,487,439,000 Summer food service program...............................361,025,000 Special milk program.......................................14,987,000 State administrative expenses.............................178,994,000 Commodity procurement and computer support................750,701,000 School meals initiative/Team nutrition.....................15,000,000 Coordinated review effort...................................5,636,000 Food safety education.......................................2,500,000 SNDA Data Collection and Analysis...........................2,000,000 CACFP Error Estimates.......................................1,000,000 CACFP Training and Technical Assistance.....................3,500,000 ________________ Total.............................................$14,951,911,000 ================ SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC) The bill provides $6,860,000,000 for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The bill includes $14,850,000 for continuation of the breastfeeding peer counselor program. The amount provided in the bill takes into account several changes from the budget request. [[Page 4453]] First, both food cost and participation estimates have increased significantly since the budget request was submitted in February. USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children December 2008 Report to Congress assumes WIC participation will be nearly 9.1 million per month, as opposed to 8.6 million assumed in the President's budget request. It further assumes that monthly food costs will be $44.94, as opposed to $43.55 included in the President's budget request. These new assumptions result in a budget shortfall of $455,000,000, according to the December report. Second, the bill again does not include a limitation on State nutrition services and administration (NSA) grants as proposed in the budget and assumed in the December report. The budget request included a reduction of $150,000,000 associated with this limitation, although there is concern that the estimate is insufficient. Therefore, the bill provides $180,000,000 to ensure NSA grants are fully funded. Reducing support for critical WIC services including nutrition education, obesity prevention, breastfeeding promotion and support, healthcare referrals, and immunization screening is not a wise or acceptable method of achieving budget savings. Third, although the budget request states that the funding request for WIC includes $150,000,000 to restore the contingency fund, this is a disingenuous statement. The budget request assumes the use of the entire contingency fund to maintain WIC participation. No funding is requested in the President's budget that would be available for unforeseen events, which is the purpose of a contingency fund. Therefore, the WIC funding level is currently estimated to be sufficient to meet program needs, and includes an additional $125,000,000 to restore the contingency fund. Food cost and participation estimates continue to change, and USDA is continuing to monitor estimates and provide monthly updates. This situation will be monitored and additional action will be taken as necessary to ensure that funding provided in fiscal year 2009 is sufficient to serve all eligible applicants. The Department is directed to continue providing monthly reports to the Committees on the program performance and estimated funding requirements to fully fund the WIC program. SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The bill provides $53,969,246,000 for the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Included in this amount is a reserve of $3,000,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2010. The bill includes $48,843,897,000 for program expenses, $1,760,435,000 for grants to Puerto Rico, $114,914,000 for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, and $250,000,000 for commodity purchase for the Emergency Food Assistance Program. Included in the recommended level for other program costs are $500,000 to increase assistance for USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion in the development and maintenance of MyPyramid and Dietary Guidelines materials in support of nutrition education for the eligible population; an increase of $3,000,000 for payment accuracy and cooperative services, retailer integrity and trafficking, and computer support; and an increase of $500,000 for program evaluation and modernization. Many low-income communities in urban centers, rural areas, and Tribal communities have the highest rates of diet-related diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. These communities also have poor access to healthy, affordable, and fresh foods in retail grocery stores, which can limit the real healthy food choices available to their families and children. The Department is encouraged to lead an interagency review of factors contributing to a lack of access to healthy foods and recommend ways to address these issues through existing government programs as well as private sector solutions. The Department is directed to study the issue of food desserts in low-income communities and issue a report to the Committees no later than eighteen months from the date of enactment of this Act. FNS is directed to provide a report to the Committees on the feasibility of installing electronic benefit transfer machines at all of the district or county farmers markets across the country. The Secretary is encouraged to continue the purchase of bison from producer-owned and Native American owned cooperatives for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. Although funding is not provided specifically for bison purchase, historically these purchases have been important for the Native American population both economically and nutritionally. COMMODITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The bill provides $230,800,000 for the Commodity Assistance Program. Of that amount, the bill provides $160,430,000 for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. It is expected that with this funding level, 2008 participation will be maintained. The bill provides $49,500,000 for administrative funding for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). In addition, the bill grants the Secretary authority to transfer up to an additional 10 percent from TEFAP commodities for this purpose. The bill provides $19,800,000 for the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and the Secretary is directed to obligate these funds within 45 days. NUTRITION PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION The bill provides $142,595,000 for Nutrition Programs Administration. FNS awarded a contract to the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine (IOM) for review of National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program meal patterns in February 2008. In September 2008, the contract was modified to also include an examination of meal patterns in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). A Phase I report outlining an approach to the analysis for school lunch and school breakfast was released in December 2008, and a set of recommendations for lunch and breakfast in a Phase II report is scheduled for publication in October 2009. The IOM Committee will then focus on meal patterns for the CACFP, with recommendations scheduled for publication in October 2010. FNS is directed to provide periodic updates as appropriate to the Committees. FNS is directed to make all policy documents related to the WIC program (including, but not limited to, instructions, memoranda, guidance, and questions and answers) available to the public on the internet within one week of their release to state WIC administrators. TITLE V FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS Foreign Agricultural Service SALARIES AND EXPENSES (Including Transfers of Funds) The bill provides $165,436,000 for the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Salaries and Expenses. The OIG highlighted in its 2007 Management Challenges report that one of USDA's top challenges is to develop a ``proactive, integrated strategy to assist agricultural producers to meet global trade challenges.'' In light of this major management hurdle, concerns exist about a number of OIG's recent findings regarding FAS's market development programs. In 2007, OIG reviewed the extent to which FAS's market development programs help to expand trading opportunities for U.S. agricultural products. In addition, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) also reviewed FAS's market development programs in 2005. The two offices expressed concern that the programs could not provide assurance that they were effective or served a clear need. The offices also stated that the programs subsidized entities that may not need government funding and that the programs may not even provide useful information to U.S. exporting companies. The government's investments in market development and trade promotion activities should be cost effective and achieve measurable outcomes. Accordingly, FAS is directed to submit to the Committees a report that details how the agency has addressed OIG's recommendations and implemented management reforms; the results that newly instituted management reforms have had on program performance and accountability; and how FAS oversees the performance of grants and contracts funded through its market development programs, including the Market Access Program. Funding is provided to continue the Cochran Fellows program at historical levels. The bill provides $1,000,000 for the Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellows Program. Public Law 480 Title I and Title II Program and Grant Accounts (Including Transfers of Funds) The following table reflects the Public Law 480 program accounts: Public Law 480 Title I--Salaries and expenses: Farm Service Agency (transfer to FSA)......................$2,736,000 Title II--Commodities for disposition abroad: Program level........................................($1,225,900,000) Appropriation...........................................1,225,900,000 The 2008 farm bill contained a provision mandating that a minimum level of Public Law 480 Title II resources be used for non-emergency assistance ($375,000,000 in fiscal year 2009), thereby creating a ``safe-box'' for non-emergency funds. FAS is directed to immediately notify the Committees once a determination is made that the need for emergency assistance will exceed the amount available. The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, is directed to submit quarterly reports to the Committees on the status of the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust, as well as notify the Committees when the Trust has been drawn down. [[Page 4454]] Commodity Credit Corporation Export Loans Program Account (Including Transfers of Funds) The bill provides $5,333,000 for the Commodity Credit Corporation Export Loans Program Account. MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM GRANTS The bill provides $100,000,000 for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. This is in addition to $84,000,000 that was included in the 2008 farm bill. TITLE VI RELATED AGENCY AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration SALARIES AND EXPENSES The bill provides total appropriations, including Prescription Drug User Fee Act, Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act, Animal Drug User Fee Act and Animal Generic Drug User Fee collections, of $2,622,267,000 for the salaries and expenses of the Food and Drug Administration. The bill provides a direct appropriation of $2,038,964,000. FDA is directed to provide all reports and studies requested in this statement to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate (hereafter referred to as ``the Committees'') in both an electronic and hard copy format within 60 days after the enactment of this Act, unless another date is specified for a particular report. Food and Drug Administration, Salaries and Expenses [In thousands of dollars] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Budget Program authority ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Foods...................................................... 648,722 Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition........... 210,486 Field Activities....................................... 438,236 Human Drugs................................................ 413,482 Center for Drug Evaluation and Research................ 302,386 Field Activities....................................... 111,096 Biologics.................................................. 183,451 Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research........... 148,134 Field Activities....................................... 35,317 Animal Drugs & Feeds....................................... 116,471 Center for Veterinary Medicine......................... 73,035 Field Activities....................................... 43,436 Device & Radiological Products............................. 280,587 Center for Devices and Radiological Health............. 209,061 Field Activities....................................... 71,526 National Center for Toxicological Research................. 52,511 Other Activities........................................... 120,560 White Oak Consolidation.................................... 38,536 Other Rent & Rent-Related.................................. 50,293 GSA Rent................................................... 134,351 ------------ Total Salaries & Expenses.......................... 2,038,964 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Food and Drug Administration has received significant increases in appropriated funds over the past several years. Specifically, the agency received an increase of $145,093,000, or nine percent, in the fiscal year 2008 appropriations act. An additional $150,000,000 in supplemental funding was provided to the agency during fiscal year 2008. This bill provides an increase of $324,672,000, or 19 percent, above the fiscal year 2008 funding level. It is expected that these substantial funding increases will lead to significant improvements in food and medical product safety. FDA should also build on these improvements by taking broader approaches to addressing safety issues. In the foods area, for example, FDA might focus on the identification of the most significant food safety hazards, prioritized by risk and the ability to reduce such risks, and develop a plan with findings, resources and tools to address those specific risks. Further, FDA could do a compliance audit for a whole category of foods with significant safety issues, providing the agency with a much more complete understanding of their risks and what needs to be done to address them. This approach could have helped FDA in the investigation into the Salmonella outbreak during the summer of 2008, which originally focused on tomatoes before additional evidence suggested that peppers may have been the source of the contamination. This audit approach also could be taken in other product areas, especially with regard to foreign drug facilities. To ensure that FDA efficiently applies this funding increase to its most pressing needs, FDA is directed to provide an expenditure report to the Committees no later than 15 days after the end of each fiscal year quarter following the date of enactment of this Act. This report shall include specific information for: --The number of new hires and their estimated costs; --The number of inspections and their estimated costs; and --Information technology acquisition and development spending. All cost estimates and spending in the quarterly reports must be shown on a center/field basis. To provide a basis of comparison for the new activities in these reports, FDA is directed to include information on base funding, FTEs, inspections, and any other applicable base activity levels for each activity that has received increased funding. Finally, the reports must include up-to-date dollar obligation data for each enhanced activity. The bill provides an increase of $54,531,000 for cost of living adjustments instead of $25,000,000 as requested in the budget. The amount provided reflects the full estimated cost associated with maintaining FDA's current staff levels in light of the hiring surge undertaken by the agency in fiscal year 2008. The bill provides an increase of $3,739,000 for rental payments to the General Services Administration. The bill includes an increase of $141,526,000 for activities related to food safety. An increase of more than $55,000,000 for food safety was provided in fiscal year 2008, and FDA received an additional $72,000,000 in supplemental funds during fiscal year 2008 for food safety related activities. It is expected that this funding will result in increased safety measures for both domestic and imported food from production to consumption. Specifically, these funding increases will, at a minimum, provide FDA with the capability to: --Significantly increase the number of domestic and foreign, risk-based, food production and/or processing facility inspections (and other high-risk products), significantly increase the number of import food field exams, and achieve greater laboratory capacity to support increases in risk-based inspections and sampling of domestic and imported foods; --Develop and deploy risk-based screening technologies that will allow FDA to target high-risk products at the border; --Identify, develop and deploy new screening tools and methods to identify pathogens and other contaminants, including more rapid screening tools to be used by field investigators and analysts; --Establish an early warning surveillance and notification system to identify adulteration of the pet food supply and outbreaks of illnesses associated with pet food; -- Enhance FDA's national food emergency system, allowing FDA to develop a risk communication strategy that would result in more rapid responses and reductions in the risk of consumer contamination when food contamination occurs; --Expand its presence in foreign countries. FDA recently opened its first foreign office in China. With this increase, FDA will be able to establish FDA offices in other foreign locations, as appropriate. These offices are intended to enhance the ability of FDA inspectors to enter foreign food facilities and to gain a greater understanding of manufacturing processes overseas, resulting in more rapid identification of and response to any potential food safety issues. The FDA also will be able to assess the ability of foreign government systems to manage food safety risks; --Enhance FDA's traceability capabilities for more rapid and precise product tracking, which will allow FDA to contain contaminated product and to provide consumers more specific information when problems occur; --Improve risk communications to the public during food- related events and make it easier to receive adverse events reports, including creating a reportable food registry; --Identify additional data and information needed to increase understanding of food protection risk and vulnerabilities by improving the quality of foodborne illness attribution data; and --Support partnerships with state and local partners through information technology, training and data sharing. The bill provides an increase of $1,000,000 for the Office of Cosmetics and Colors. The bill provides an increase of $114,211,000 for medical product safety. An increase of more than $21,000,000 for medical product safety was provided in fiscal year 2008, and FDA received an additional $58,000,000 in supplemental funds during fiscal year 2008 for medical product safety. As noted above, it is expected that this funding will result in safer drugs, devices, and biologic products for consumers. Similar to a recent approach FDA has taken to address overall food safety issues, FDA is directed to prepare and provide to the Committees on Appropriations a comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety of medical products from the manufacturing of raw ingredients or components to consumer use. Specifically, these funding increases will, at a minimum, provide FDA with the capability to: --Significantly increase foreign and domestic medical product facility inspections, improve laboratory infrastructure and rapid analysis tools, and conduct many more laboratory analyses and several thousand import exams and samples; --Establish a unique device identification system to track devices, facilitate recalls, and support inventory management; --Begin to implement the safety requirements outlined in the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act; --Upgrade the agency's information technology to enable data sharing and enhanced analysis of adverse events; --Develop a regulated product information data warehouse that will enable information sharing with other regulatory agencies; and --Integrate risk-based information into data systems that will support FDA's ability to improve electronic screening of imports and allow the agency to proactively identify [[Page 4455]] problems and risks associated with imported products. The bill provides $16,000,000 for the critical path initiative, including not less than $4,000,000 for competitive contracts or grants to universities and non- profit organizations to support critical path projects. Funding for critical path activities is distributed throughout FDA's program areas, and the Office of Critical Path Programs (OCPP) is responsible for coordinating these activities at the agency. It is understood that OCPP, working with FDA's centers, will play a primary role in determining which critical path efforts the agency will undertake. The bill provides an increase of $6,620,000 for the Division of Drug Marketing, Advertising and Communication in CDER. The funding provided is to be used for the review of direct-to-consumer advertisements and is equal to the amount of funding that the budget estimated would have been raised by the fee in fiscal year 2009. The bill provides $2,000,000 for Demonstration Grants for Improving Pediatric Device Availability, as authorized by the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007, in the Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Medical device products are typically developed for adults, limiting children's access to safe and effective medical devices. This program will provide grants to nonprofit pediatric medical device consortia, which will assist scientists and innovators with technical and financial resources to improve the number of medical devices available to children. The Office of Orphan Products Development will be responsible for carrying out this program. The bill provides $6,000,000 for the Office of Women's Health, an increase of $1,000,000. There is concern about the contamination of farm-raised shrimp imports with banned antibiotics. FDA currently inspects less than two percent of imported shrimp. FDA is strongly encouraged to develop, in cooperation with state testing programs, a program for increasing the inspection of imported shrimp for banned antibiotics. FDA is encouraged to conduct workshops and engage in other forms of communication with federal agencies, organizations involved in blood collection and others, to ensure that those organizations and the public understand the latest scientific information available on blood safety issues. There are poor survival rates and a lack of new therapies associated with many pediatric cancers, including high-risk neuroblastoma. FDA is encouraged to prioritize review of new treatments and clinical trials for pediatric oncology patients and provide a report on these activities. The bill provides no less than the fiscal year 2008 level in appropriated funds for activities related to the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). Appropriations for this program fund research grants and various activities to develop and enforce quality standards for mammography service. On June 26, 2008, the Committees received a report on actions being taken to implement recommendations made in the Institute of Medicine report entitled ``Breast Imaging Quality Standards.'' The report stated that FDA held an open public meeting on September 28 and 29, 2006, and has been considering potential amendments to MQSA, which would address the IOM report, since this meeting. To date, FDA has not acted on any of these recommendations. This is an unacceptable delay. FDA is directed to report to the Committees on which amendments that FDA will propose to MQSA, if any, in response to the IOM report recommendations, and provide a timeline for these amendments. The importance of seafood to a healthy diet is recognized, but there are concerns that FDA does not focus sufficient attention on economic integrity issues, particularly with respect to mislabeling of species, weights, country of origin, and treatment. FDA is encouraged to work with states to more aggressively combat fraud in parts of the seafood industry. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture has proposed a state- wide standardized food safety certification system. FDA is encouraged to work with the State of Hawaii on this system and to provide funding if appropriate. Serious concerns have been raised about illnesses and deaths from Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of persons develop serious MRSA infections in the United States each year and thousands die. While both FDA and USDA fund research on this issue, more may need to be done. FDA is encouraged to work with USDA and CDC, through the National Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring System and/or the Antibiotic Resistance Interagency Task Force, to address the issue of the prevalence of MRSA in domestic farm animals. The bill provides funding for the following items: $1,650,000 for the Agricultural Products Food Safety Laboratory at New Mexico State University; $525,000 for collaborative drug safety research at the Critical Path Institute and the University of Utah; $1,608,000 for dietary supplements research at the National Center for Natural Products Research in Mississippi; $2,077,000 for the National Center for Food Safety and Technology, Summit-Argo, Illinois; $139,000 for the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC); $174,000 for ISSC vibrio vulnificus education; $69,000 for the Waste Management Education and Research Consortium at New Mexico State University; and $1,399,000 for the Western Region Center of Excellence at the University of California-Davis. Funding for these items was included in the budget request. BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES The bill provides $12,433,000 for FDA buildings and facilities, as requested in the amended budget. This funding shall be used to upgrade FDA facilities and laboratories that are currently below public safety standards and incapable of performing agency requirements. In providing this funding, specific projects are not approved, as the backlog of maintenance and repairs at FDA locations is significant. FDA is directed to prioritize this funding consistent with the backlog of maintenance and repairs and improve the average facility condition index at FDA sites. Within 30 days of the date of enactment of this Act, FDA is directed to provide a plan for allocating the funding to the Committees. The plan should include the methodology used to allocate the resources; the specific maintenance or repairs that will be conducted; whether the funding allocated to the site will complete a project or is partial funding for the project; and if partial funding for a project is provided, the full cost of completing the project. INDEPENDENT AGENCY Farm Credit Administration LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES The bill includes a limitation of $49,000,000 on administrative expenses of the Farm Credit Administration. TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS (INCLUDING RESCISSION AND TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) Section 701.--The bill includes language making funds available for the purchase, replacement, and hire of passenger motor vehicles. Section 702.--The bill includes language regarding appropriation items that remain available until expended. Section 703.--The bill includes language allowing for unobligated balances to be transferred to the Working Capital Fund. Section 704.--The bill includes language limiting the funding provided in the bill to one year, unless otherwise specified. Section 705.--The bill includes language limiting indirect costs on cooperative agreements between the Department of Agriculture and nonprofit organizations to 10 percent. Section 706.--The bill includes language making appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for the cost of direct and guaranteed loans available until expended to disburse obligations for certain Rural Development programs. Section 707.--The bill includes language for funds to cover necessary expenses related to advisory committees. Section 708.--The bill includes language prohibiting the use of funds to establish an inspection panel at the Department of Agriculture. Section 709.--The bill includes language regarding detailed employees. Section 710.--The bill includes language regarding the appropriations hearing process. Section 711.--The bill includes language regarding the transfer of funds to the Office of the Chief Information Officer and information technology funding obligations. Section 712.--The bill includes language regarding the reprogramming of funds. Section 713.--The bill includes language regarding user fee proposals. Section 714.--The bill includes language regarding the closure or relocation of Rural Development offices. Section 715.--The bill includes language regarding the closure or relocation of a Food and Drug Administration office. Section 716.--The bill provides funding for the Denali Commission. Section 717.--The bill includes language regarding the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Section 718.--The bill includes language allowing for reimbursement of the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust. Section 719.--The bill includes language regarding the Watershed Rehabilitation Program. Section 720.--The bill includes language regarding the availability of funds for certain conservation programs. Section 721.--The bill includes language regarding government-sponsored news stories. Section 722.--The bill includes language regarding eligibility for certain rural development programs. Section 723.--The bill includes language regarding section 32. Section 724.--The bill includes language regarding the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. Section 725.--The bill provides funding for the National Center for Natural Products Research. Section 726.--The bill provides funding for an agriculture pest facility in Hawaii. Section 727.--The bill includes language prohibiting the establishment or the implementation of a rule concerning countries eligible to export poultry products to the United States. [[Page 4456]] Section 728.--The bill includes language establishing a forestry pilot program for lands affected by Hurricane Katrina. Section 729.--The bill includes language regarding meat inspection. Section 730.--The bill includes language providing that certain locations shall be considered eligible for certain rural development programs. Section 731.--The bill provides funding for the Bill Emerson and Mickey Leland Hunger Fellowships. Section 732.--The bill provides funding for certain projects. Section 733.--The bill includes language to repeal the mandate to audit the Delta Regional Authority each year. Section 734.--The bill includes language authorizing certain watershed projects. Section 735.--The bill includes language amending the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. Section 736.--The bill includes language modifying matching requirements for certain research grants. Section 737.--The bill includes language regarding certain products from Argentina. Section 738.--The bill includes language regarding the availability of funding for the Farm Service Agency and Rural Development. Section 739. -- The bill includes language regarding the Federal Meat Inspection and other acts. DISCLOSURE OF EARMARKS AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS Following is a list of congressional earmarks and congressionally directed spending items (as defined in clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives and rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate, respectively) included in the bill or this explanatory statement, along with the name of each Senator, House Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner who submitted a request to the Committee of jurisdiction for each item so identified. Neither the bill nor the explanatory statement contains any limited tax benefits or limited tariff benefits as defined in the applicable House and Senate rules. [[Page 4457]] AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Requester(s) Agency Account Project Amount --------------------------------------------------------------------- Senate House ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities Agricultural Research Center, Logan, UT $4,351,000 Bennett ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities Agricultural Research Facility, Beltsville, MD $2,192,000 Mikulski Hoyer, Steny H. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities Alcorn State Biotechnology Laboratory, MS $1,176,000 Cochran, Wicker ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities Animal Bioscience Facility, Bozeman, MT $2,192,000 Baucus, Tester Rehberg, Dennis R. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities Animal Waste Management Research Laboratory, $1,088,000 McConnell Bowling Green, KY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities Appalachian Fruit Lab, Kearneysville, WV $783,000 Byrd ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities ARS Research Facilities, Starkville and $3,177,000 Cochran, Wicker Stoneville, MS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities Center for Advanced Viticulture and Tree Crop $2,192,000 Thompson, Mike Research, Davis, CA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities Center for Grape Genetics, Geneva, NY $2,192,000 Schumer Walsh, James T.; Hinchey, Maurice D.; Arcuri, Michael A. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities Center of Excellence for Vaccine Research, $2,192,000 Dodd, Lieberman DeLauro, Rosa L.; Murphy, Storrs, CT Christopher S.; Courtney, Joe ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities Dairy Forage Agriculture Research Center, $2,002,000 Kohl Prairie du Sac, WI ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities Forage Animal Production Research facility, $1,632,000 McConnell Lexington, KY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station, ID $544,000 Craig, Crapo ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities National Center for Agricultural Utilization $2,192,000 LaHood, Ray Research, Peoria, IL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities National Plant and Genetics Security Center, $1,633,000 Bond Columbia, MO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities Southeastern Poultry Research Laboratory, $2,427,000 Chambliss The President; Kingston, Jack; Athens, GA Bishop, Jr., Sanford D. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities Systems Biology Research Facility, Lincoln, NE $1,088,000 Hagel, Ben Nelson Fortenberry, Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities U.S. Agricultural Research Service Laboratory, $1,096,000 Martinez, Bill Nelson Melancon, Charlie; Boyd, Allen; Canal Point, FL Hastings, Alcee L. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities U.S. Agricultural Research Station, Salinas, $2,192,000 Farr, Sam CA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research $1,565,000 Akaka, Inouye Hirono, Mazie K. Center, HI ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities U.S. Agricultural Research Facility, Knipling- $1,957,000 Hutchison Smith, Lamar Bushland Laboratory, Kerrville, TX ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities U.S. Agricultural Research Service Laboratory, $2,192,000 Cantwell, Murray Smith, Adam; Baird, Brian; Pullman, WA Hastings, Doc; McDermott, Jim; Larsen, Rick; Dicks, Norman D. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities U.S. Agricultural Research Service Sugarcane $2,505,000 Landrieu, Vitter Melancon, Charlie Research Laboratory, Houma, LA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4458]] Agricultural Research Service Buildings and facilities University of Toledo Greenhouse and Hydroponic $2,192,000 Brown, Voinovich Kaptur, Marcy Research Complex, Toledo, OH ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology $7,888,000 Cardin, Mikulski Hoyer, Steny H. Laboratory, Beltsville, MD ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Animal Health Consortium, Washington, DC $820,000 LaHood, Ray ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Animal Vaccines, Greenport, NY $1,518,000 DeLauro, Rosa L.; Courtney, Joe ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Animal Welfare Information Center, Beltsville, $560,000 Byrd MD ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Aquaculture Fisheries Center, Pine Bluff, AR $519,000 Lincoln, Pryor Ross, Mike; Berry, Marion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Aquaculture Initiatives, Harbor Branch $1,597,000 Martinez, Bill Nelson Mahoney, Tim; Hastings, Alcee L. Oceanographic Institute, Stuttgart, AR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (Rodale $42,000 Gerlach, Jim Institute), Wyndmoor, PA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses ARS Southwest Watershed Resarch Center, $254,000 Giffords, Gabrielle Tucson, AZ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Biology of Arboviruses/Control of RVF $3,421,000 Barrasso, Enzi Arthropods as Disease Vectors, Laramie, WY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Biomass Crop Production, Brookings, SD $1,131,000 Johnson Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Biomedical Materials in Plants (Biotech $1,698,000 Cardin, Mikulski Hoyer, Steny H. Foundation), Beltsville, MD ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Bioremediation Research, Beltsville, MD $111,000 Cardin, Mikulski Blumenauer, Earl; Wu, David; Hoyer, Steny H.; Hooley, Darlene ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Biotechnology Research and Development $2,503,000 Durbin LaHood, Ray Corporation, Washington, DC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Catfish Genome, Auburn, AL $819,000 Shelby Rogers (AL), Mike; Everett, Terry; Davis, Artur ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Center for Agroforestry, Booneville, AR $660,000 Bond Emerson, Jo Ann ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Central Great Plains Research Station, Akron, $498,000 Salazar CO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Cereal Disease, St. Paul, MN $290,000 Coleman, Klobuchar Peterson, Collin C.; Walz, Timothy J.; McCollum, Betty ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Corn and Soybean Research, Wooster, OH $959,000 Kaptur, Marcy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Cotton Production and Processing Research, $1,228,000 Neugebauer, Randy Lubbock, TX ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Crop Production and Food Processing, Peoria, $786,000 LaHood, Ray IL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center, $1,805,000 Lincoln, Pryor Berry, Marion; Ross, Mike Booneville, AR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Delta Nutrition Initiative, Little Rock, AR $3,937,000 Lincoln, Pryor Snyder, Vic; Berry, Marion; Alexander, Rodney; Thompson, Bennie G. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Diet Nutrition and Obesity Research $623,000 Landrieu, Vitter (Pennington), New Orleans, LA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4459]] Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Dryland Production, Akron, CO $219,000 Salazar ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Efficient Water Management of High Water $596,000 Bill Nelson Tables, Miami, FL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Endophyte Research, Booneville, AR $994,000 Lincoln, Pryor, Smith, Wyden Boozman, John; Wu, David; Emerson, Jo Ann; Ross, Mike; Hooley, Darlene ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Formosan Subterranean Termites Research, New $6,623,000 Landrieu, Vitter Alexander, Rodney Orleans, LA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Foundry Sand By-Products Utilization, $638,000 Cardin, Mikulski Hoyer, Steny H. Beltsville, MD ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Genetics and Production Research, Lane, OK $2,142,000 Boren, Dan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Honey Bee Lab, Weslaco, TX $1,762,000 Johnson Hinojosa, Ruben; Edwards, Chet ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Hormonal Control of Growth/Reproduction, $643,000 Chambliss, Isakson Athens, GA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Human Nutrition Research, Boston, MA $254,000 Kennedy, Kerry Capuano, Michael E.; Markey, Edward J. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Human Nutrition Research, Houston, TX $254,000 Hutchison Bishop, Jr., Sanford D.; Culberson, John Abney ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Improved Cow-Beef Operations for Water $599,000 Martinez Boyd, Allen; Brown-Waite, Ginny Quality, Brooksville, FL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Improved Crop Production Practices, Auburn, AL $1,293,000 Sessions, Shelby Rogers (AL), Mike; Aderholt, Robert B.; Cramer, Jr., Robert E. (Bud) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Karnal Bunt, Manhattan, KS $508,000 Brownback, Roberts Moran, Jerry; Boyda, Nancy E.; Tiahrt, Todd ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Kika de le Garza Subtropical Agricultural $8,688,000 Harkin Hinojosa, Ruben Research Center, Weslaco, TX ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Land Management and Water Conservation, $1,830,000 Murray Pullman, WA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Lyme Disease, 4 Poster Project, Washington, DC $700,000 DeLauro, Rosa L. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Medicinal and Bioactive Crops, Oxford, MS $111,000 Cochran ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Medicinal and Bioactive Crops, Washington, DC $111,000 Cardin Hoyer, Steny H. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Mid-West/Mid-South Irrigation, Columbia, MO $645,000 Emerson, Jo Ann ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Minerals/Dietary Requirements for Good Health, $9,534,000 Conrad, Dorgan Pomeroy, Earl Grand Forks, ND ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Mosquito Trapping Research/West Nile Virus, $1,154,000 Cochran DeLauro, Rosa L. Gainesville, FL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD $2,817,000 Cardin, Mikulski Hoyer, Steny H. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses National Center for Agricultural Law, $654,000 Harkin, Lincoln, Pryor Boozman, John Beltsville, MD ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses National Corn to Ethanol Research Pilot Plant, $360,000 Shimkus, John Washington, DC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses New England Plant, Soil, and Water Research $2,249,000 Collins, Snowe Michaud, Michael H. Laboratory, Orono, ME ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses North Appalachian Experimental Watershed $1,361,000 Kaptur, Marcy; Space, Zachary T. Research, Coshocton, OH ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4460]] Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, $58,000 Conrad, Dorgan Pomeroy, Earl Mandan, ND ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Northwest Center for Small Fruits, Corvallis, $254,000 Cantwell, Smith, Wyden Simpson, Michael K.; Hooley, OR Darlene; Blumenauer, Earl; Hastings, Doc ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Pasture Systems & Watershed Management $4,602,000 Specter Holden, Tim Research, University Park, PA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Phytoestrogen Research, New Orleans, LA $1,426,000 Landrieu, Vitter Kaptur, Marcy; Jefferson, William J.; Melancon, Charlie ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Potato Diseases, Beltsville, MD $61,000 Cardin, Mikulski Hoyer, Steny H. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Poultry Diseases, Beltsville, MD $408,000 Cardin, Mikulski Hoyer, Steny H. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Precision Agriculture Research, Mandan, ND $453,000 Conrad, Dorgan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Quality and Safety Assessment Research, $531,000 Chambliss, Isakson Athens, GA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Seismic and Acoustic Technologies in Soils $332,000 Cochran, Wicker Childers, Travis Sedimentation Laboratory, Oxford, MS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Soil Management Research, Morris, MN $2,878,000 Coleman, Klobuchar Peterson, Collin C. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Sorghum Cold Tolerance, Lubbock, TX $246,000 Neugebauer, Randy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Sorghum Research, Bushland, TX $452,000 Cornyn, Hutchison ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Sorghum Research, Little Rock, AR $135,000 Lincoln, Pryor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Source Water Protection Initiatives, Columbus, $700,000 Kaptur, Marcy OH ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Southern Piedmont Conservation Research, $2,908,000 Chambliss Athens, GA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Stable Fly Control, Lincoln, NE $866,000 Ben Nelson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Subtropical Beef Germplasm, Brooksville, FL $767,000 Brown-Waite, Ginny; Boyd, Allen ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Sugarbeet/Avian Disease and Oncology Labs, $5,024,000 Levin, Stabenow East Lansing, MI ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Swine Odor and Manure Management Research, $1,791,000 Harkin Ames, IA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Termite Species in Hawaii, Gainesville, FL $130,000 Akaka, Inouye Hirono, Mazie K. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Tropical Aquaculture Feeds (Oceanic $1,438,000 Akaka, Inouye Abercrombie, Neil; Hirono, Mazie Institute), Hilo, HI K. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses U.S. National Arboretum, Gardens and Education $1,878,000 Cardin, Mikulski Hoyer, Steny H.; Price, David E.; Units, Washington, DC Farr, Sam ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Vaccines and Microbe Control for Fish Health, $991,000 Shelby Rogers (AL), Mike Auburn, AL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Vector-Borne Diseases, Gainesville, FL $205,000 DeLauro, Rosa L. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4461]] Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Waste Management and Forage Research, $2,100,000 Cochran Mississippi State, MS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Water Management Research Laboratory, Brawley, $317,000 Boxer, Feinstein Filner, Bob CA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Water Use Reduction, Dawson, GA $657,000 Chambliss Bishop, Jr., Sanford D. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses West Tennessee Mississippi River Cropping $254,000 Alexander Duncan, Jr., John J.; Tanner, Systems Unit, Jackson, TN John S.; Wamp, Zach ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Research Service Salaries and expenses Wild Rice, St. Paul, MN $303,000 Coleman, Klobuchar Peterson, Collin C. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Agriculture Compliance Laboratory Equipment, $69,000 Biden, Carper Castle, Michael N. Inspection Service Delaware ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Avian Influenza Preparedness, Connecticut $700,000 Dodd, Lieberman Courtney, Joe; DeLauro, Rosa L. Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Beaver Management and Control, Mississippi $443,000 Cochran Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Beaver Management in North Carolina $208,000 Dole Price, David E. Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Berryman Institute, Jack Berryman Institute $1,049,000 Bennett, Cochran, Wicker Inspection Service Utah and Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station, Utah and Mississippi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Biosafety and Antibiotic Resistance, $225,000 Leahy Inspection Service University of Vermont ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Bio-Safety Institute for Genetically Modified $259,000 Grassley, Harkin Latham, Tom Inspection Service Agriculture Products ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Blackbird Management, Kansas $119,000 Roberts Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Blackbird Management, Louisiana $94,000 Landrieu Alexander, Rodney Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Blackbird Management, North and South Dakota $265,000 Conrad, Dorgan, Johnson Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Bovine TB Eradication Project, Michigan $248,000 Levin, Stabenow Stupak, Bart Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Brown Tree Snake Management in Guam $657,000 Akaka, Inouye Abercrombie, Neil; Hirono, Mazie Inspection Service K. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses California County Pest Detection Augmentation $581,000 Boxer, Feinstein Baca, Joe; Herger, Wally; Farr, Inspection Service Program, California Department of Food and Sam; Honda, Michael M.; Costa, Agriculture Jim; Filner, Bob ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses California County Pest Detection Import $693,000 Boxer, Feinstein Honda, Michael M.; Thompson, Inspection Service Inspection Program, California Department of Mike; Baca, Joe; Farr, Sam; Food and Agriculture Schiff, Adam B.; Herger, Wally; Costa, Jim; Filner, Bob; ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance, $1,268,000 Kohl Obey, David R. Inspection Service Wisconsin ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Chronic Wasting Disease Utah Department of $171,000 Bennett Inspection Service Agriculture and Food ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4462]] Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Chronic Wasting Disease, Colorado Department $36,000 Allard, Salazar Inspection Service of Agriculture ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Cogongrass Control, Mississippi Department of $208,000 Cochran Inspection Service Agriculture ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Cooperative Livestock Protection Program $209,000 Casey, Specter Inspection Service Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Cormorant Control, Michigan $139,000 Levin, Stabenow Stupak, Bart Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Cormorant Control, Mississippi $223,000 Cochran Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Cormorant Control, Vermont and Vermont Fish $103,000 Leahy Inspection Service and Wildlife Department ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Cormorant Control, New York $693,000 Walsh, James T. Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Crop and Aquaculture Losses in Southeast $207,000 Emerson, Jo Ann Inspection Service Missouri ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Database of North Carolina's Agricultural $208,000 Dole Etheridge, Bob; Price, David E.; Inspection Service Industry for Rapid Response Hayes, Robin; McIntyre, Mike ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis $650,000 Barrasso, Baucus, Craig, Crapo Rehberg, Dennis R.; Simpson, Inspection Service Committee, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming Michael K. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Hawaii Interline Activities $1,643,000 Akaka, Inouye Abercrombie, Neil; Hirono, Mazie Inspection Service K. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Integrated Predation Management Activities, $280,000 Byrd Inspection Service West Virginia ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Johne's Disease activities, Wisconsin $939,000 Kohl Kagen, Steve; Obey, David R. Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Lamprey Control, Lake Champlain Fish and $94,000 Leahy Inspection Service Wildlife Management Cooperative, Vermont ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Mormon Crickets, Utah $1,049,000 Bennett Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses National Agriculture Biosecurity Center, $259,000 Brownback, Roberts Boyda, Nancy E.; Moran, Jerry; Inspection Service Kansas Moore, Dennis; Tiahrt, Todd ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, $207,000 Murtha, John P. Inspection Service Kiski Basin, Pennsylvania ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses National Farm Animal Identification and $416,000 Leahy Walsh, James T. Inspection Service Records, Holstein Association, New York and Vermont ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses National Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi $239,000 Cochran Inspection Service Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station and Mississippi State University ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4463]] Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses National Wildlife Research Station, Texas A&M $290,000 Hutchison Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Nevada Weed Management, Nevada Department of $235,000 Reid Inspection Service Agriculture ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses New Mexico Rapid Syndrome Validation Program, $379,000 Bingaman, Domenici Wilson, Heather Inspection Service New Mexico State University ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Nez Perce Bio-Control Center, Idaho $176,000 Craig, Crapo Simpson, Michael K. Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Olive Fruit Fly Detection and Exclusion $218,000 Feinstein Thompson, Mike Inspection Service Program, California ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Predation Wildlife Services in Virginia $140,000 Goode, Jr., Virgil H.; Goodlatte, Inspection Service Bob ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Predator Research Station, Utah, Utah State $970,000 Bennett Inspection Service University, Colorado State University ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Remote Diagnostic and Wildlife Disease $1,315,000 Conrad, Dorgan Pomeroy, Earl Inspection Service Surveillance, North Dakota ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Rodent Control, Hawaii $162,000 Inouye Hirono, Mazie K. Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Tri-State Predator Control Program, Idaho, $926,000 Barrasso, Baucus, Craig, Crapo, Cubin, Barbara; Simpson, Michael Inspection Service Montana, and Wyoming Enzi, Tester K. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Varroa Mite Suppression, Hawaii $469,000 Akaka, Inouye Abercrombie, Neil; Hirono, Mazie Inspection Service K. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses West Nile Virus Disease Prevention, Louisiana $69,000 Landrieu, Vitter Melancon, Charlie Inspection Service Department of Wildlife and Fisheries ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Wildlife Services South Dakota, South Dakota $519,000 Johnson, Thune Inspection Service Department of Game, Fish, and Parks ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Wildlife Services, Hawaii $376,000 Akaka, Inouye Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Wildlife Services, AR $217,000 Berry, Marion Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium $1,455,000 Kohl Kagen, Steve; Obey, David R. Inspection Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Salaries and expenses Wolf Predation Management in Wisconsin, $727,000 Oberstar, James L.; Obey, David Inspection Service Minnesota, and Michigan R. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Childhood Farm Safety, Farm Safety Just 4 $69,000 Grassley, Harkin Education and Extension Kids, IA Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Conservation Technology Transfer, WI $376,000 Kohl Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Dairy Education, IA $159,000 Grassley, Harkin Latham, Tom Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4464]] Cooperative State Research Extension Diabetes Detection and Prevention, WA, PA $1,033,000 Murray DeLauro, Rosa L.; Fattah, Chaka; Education and Extension Smith, Adam Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension E-commerce, MS $231,000 Cochran, Wicker Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Efficient Irrigation, NM, TX $1,610,000 Bingaman, Cornyn, Domenici, Rodriguez, Ciro D.; Conaway, K. Education and Extension Hutchison Michael; Wilson, Heather; Service Edwards, Chet; Reyes, Silvestre ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Extension Specialist, MS $92,000 Cochran, Wicker Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Health Education Leadership, KY $590,000 McConnell Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Income Enhancement Demonstration, OH $864,000 Kaptur, Marcy Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Iowa Vitality Center $209,000 Grassley, Harkin Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension National Center for Agriculture Safety, IA $158,000 Harkin Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Nursery Production, RI $204,000 Kennedy, Patrick J. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Nutrition Enhancement, WI $751,000 Kohl Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Ohio-Israel Agriculture Initiative $466,000 Brown, Voinovich Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Pesticide Reduction on Vegetables, WI $329,000 Kohl Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Pilot Technology Transfer, MS, OK $209,000 Cochran, Inhofe, Wicker Lucas, Frank D. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Pilot Technology Transfer, WI $174,000 Obey, David R. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Potato Integrated Pest Management, ME $280,000 Collins, Snowe Michaud, Michael H.; Allen, Education and Extension Thomas H. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4465]] Cooperative State Research Extension Potato Pest Management, WI $277,000 Obey, David R. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Range Improvement, NM $209,000 Bingaman, Domenici Pearce, Stevan Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Red Cliff Tribal Hatchery, WI $346,000 Obey, David R. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Rural Technologies, HI, WI $141,000 Akaka, Inouye Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Urban Horticulture and Marketing, IL $104,000 Durbin Jackson, Jr., Jesse L. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Urban Horticulture, WI $376,000 Kohl Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research Extension Wood Biomass as an Alternative Farm Product, $131,000 Walsh, James T. Education and Extension NY Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Ag-Based Industrial Lubricants, IA $380,000 Grassley, Harkin Braley, Bruce L. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Agriculture Development in the American $349,000 Inouye Hirono, Mazie K. Education and Extension Pacific Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Agriculture Waste Utilization, WV $455,000 Byrd Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Animal Waste Management, OK $274,000 Inhofe Boren, Dan; Lucas, Frank D. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Applied Agriculture and Environmental $693,000 Feinstein Capps, Lois; Baca, Joe; Cardoza, Education and Extension Research, CA Dennis A.; Doolittle, John T.; Service Thompson, Mike; Napolitano, Grace F.; Farr, Sam; Radanovich, George; Schiff, Adam B. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Aquaculture Research, RI $280,000 Reed Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Aquaculture, PA $154,000 Specter Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Aquaculture, OH $623,000 Brown, Voinovich Kaptur, Marcy; Space, Zachary T. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Biotechnology Research, MS $480,000 Cochran Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4466]] Cooperative State Research RE/FA Botanical research, UT $629,000 Bennett Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Cellulosic Biomass, SC $469,000 Clyburn, James E. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, $412,000 Grassley, Harkin Latham, Tom Education and Extension IA Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Center for Food Industry Excellence, TX $946,000 Cornyn Conaway, K. Michael; Neugebauer, Education and Extension Randy Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Center for Innovative Food Technology, OH $793,000 Kaptur, Marcy Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Center for North American Studies, TX $693,000 Domenici, Hutchison Conaway, K. Michael; Edwards, Education and Extension Chet Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Centers for Dairy and Beef Excellence, PA $319,000 Specter Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Climate Forecasting, FL $2,494,000 Martinez, Bill Nelson Miller, Brad; Boyd, Allen; Diaz- Education and Extension Balart, Mario; Diaz-Balart, Service Lincoln ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Cotton Research, TX $1,730,000 Cornyn, Hutchison Neugebauer, Randy; Conaway, K. Education and Extension Michael Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Council for Agriculture Science and Technology $105,000 Harkin Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Dietary Intervention, OH $866,000 Brown, Voinovich Hobson, David L.; Turner, Education and Extension Michael R.; Kaptur, Marcy Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Equine Research and Science, TN $235,000 Gordon, Bart Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Ethnobotanicals, MD $469,000 Cardin, Mikulski Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Farmland Preservation, OH $105,000 Brown, Voinovich Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Feed efficiency, WV $105,000 Byrd Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4467]] Cooperative State Research RE/FA Florida Biomass to Biofuels Conversion $235,000 Martinez, Bill Nelson Klein, Ron; Wexler, Robert; Education and Extension Program, FL Hastings, Alcee L. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Greenhouse Nurseries, OH $502,000 Brown Kaptur, Marcy Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA High Value Horticultural Crops, VA $502,000 John Warner, Webb Goode, Jr., Virgil H. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Mariculture, NC $220,000 Burr, Dole McIntyre, Mike Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Medicinal and Bioactive Crops, TX $280,000 Hutchison Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Midwest Agribusiness Trade and Information $176,000 Grassley, Harkin Education and Extension Center, IA Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Mississippi Valley State University, $1,002,000 Cochran, Wicker Education and Extension Curriculum Development Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Monitoring Agricultural Sewage Sludge $839,000 Kaptur, Marcy Education and Extension Application, OH Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA NE Center for Invasive Plants, CT, ME, VT $295,000 Collins, Dodd, Lieberman, Snowe Courtney, Joe; Allen, Thomas H.; Education and Extension Michaud, Michael H.; DeLauro, Service Rosa L. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Pasteurization of Shell Eggs, MI $935,000 Knollenberg, Joe Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Phytoremediation Plant Research, OH $539,000 Voinovich Kaptur, Marcy Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA PM-10 Study, WA $268,000 Cantwell, Murray Dicks, Norman D. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Polymer Research, KS $1,284,000 Brownback Boyda, Nancy E. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Precision agriculture, Tennessee Valley $415,000 Shelby Cramer, Jr., Robert E. (Bud) Education and Extension Research Center, AL Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Rural systems, MS $215,000 Cochran, Wicker Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Shellfish, RI $245,000 Reed, Whitehouse Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4468]] Cooperative State Research RE/FA Shrimp Aquaculture, AZ, HI, LA, MA, MS, SC, TX $2,908,000 Cochran, Wicker Grijalva, Raul M.; Renzi, Rick; Education and Extension Pastor, Ed; Hirono, Mazie K.; Service Ortiz, Solomon P.; Neal, Richard E. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Sustainable Agricultural Freshwater $1,434,000 Cornyn Rodriguez, Ciro D.; Reyes, Education and Extension Conservation, TX Silvestre Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point- $1,408,000 Obey, David R. Education and Extension Institute for Sustainable Technologies Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia, OH $209,000 Brown, Voinovich Kaptur, Marcy Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Vitis Gene Discovery, MO $422,000 Emerson, Jo Ann Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research RE/FA Water pollutants, WV $385,000 Byrd Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Advanced Genetic Technologies, KY $452,000 McConnell Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Advancing Biofuel Production, TX $140,000 Hutchison Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Aegilops Cylindrica (Jointed Goatgrass), ID, $245,000 Cantwell, Murray Dicks, Norman D.; Baird, Brian; Education and Extension WA Hastings, Doc; Inslee, Jay; Service Smith, Adam ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Agricultural Diversification, HI $153,000 Akaka, Inouye Hirono, Mazie K. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Agricultural Diversity/Red River Corridor, MN, $188,000 Conrad, Dorgan Pomeroy, Earl Education and Extension ND Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Agricultural Entrepreneurial Alternatives, PA $233,000 Casey, Specter Peterson, John E. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Agricultural Marketing, IL $176,000 Johnson, Timothy V.; Jackson, Education and Extension Jr., Jesse L.; LaHood, Ray Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Agriculture Science, OH $382,000 Brown Kaptur, Marcy Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Agroecology/Chesapeake Bay Agro-ecology, MD $499,000 Cardin Cummings, Elijah E.; Gilchrest, Education and Extension Wayne T.; Hoyer, Steny H.; Van Service Hollen, Chris; Sarbanes, John P.; Ruppersberger, C. A. Dutch; Bartlett, Roscoe G. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4469]] Cooperative State Research SRG Air Quality, KS, TX $1,090,000 Cornyn, Hutchison, Roberts Edwards, Chet Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Alliance for Food Protection, NE $122,000 Hagel, Ben Nelson Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Alternative Uses for Tobacco, MD $280,000 Hoyer, Steny H. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Animal Disease Research, WY $242,000 Barrasso, Enzi Cubin, Barbara Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Animal Health, Forages for Advancing Livestock $273,000 McConnell Education and Extension Production Project, KY Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Animal Science Food Safety Consortium, AR, IA, $939,000 Grassley, Harkin, Lincoln, Pryor, Boozman, John; Latham, Tom Education and Extension KS Roberts Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Apple Fire Blight, MI, NY $346,000 Levin, Schumer, Stabenow Arcuri, Michael A.; Hinchey, Education and Extension Maurice D.; Rogers (MI), Mike; Service Ehlers, Vernon J.; Upton, Fred; Hoekstra, Peter; Walsh, James T.; Walberg, Tim ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Aquaculture Product and Marketing Development, $489,000 Byrd Education and Extension WV Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Aquaculture, CA, FL, TX $416,000 Bill Nelson Buchanan, Vern; Davis, Susan A.; Education and Extension Ortiz, Solomon P.; Brown-Waite, Service Ginny ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Aquaculture, ID, WA $529,000 Cantwell, Craig, Murray Baird, Brian; Dicks, Norman D. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Aquaculture, LA $188,000 Landrieu, Vitter Alexander, Rodney Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Aquaculture, MS $361,000 Cochran, Wicker Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Aquaculture, NC $227,000 Burr, Dole Etheridge, Bob; Miller, Brad; Education and Extension Price, David E. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Aquaculture, VA $139,000 John Warner, Webb Goode, Jr., Virgil H. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Armilliaria Root Rot, MI $104,000 Levin, Stabenow Rogers (MI), Mike; Walberg, Tim Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Asparagus Production Technologies, WA $173,000 Cantwell, Murray Hastings, Doc Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4470]] Cooperative State Research SRG Avian bioscience, DE $94,000 Biden, Carper Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Babcock Institute, WI $416,000 Baldwin, Tammy Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Barley for Rural Development, ID, MT $514,000 Baucus, Craig, Crapo, Tester Rehberg, Dennis R.; Simpson, Education and Extension Michael K.; Sali, Bill Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Beef Improvement Research, MO, TX $693,000 Bond, Hutchison Rodriguez, Ciro D. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Beef Technology Transfer $243,000 Bond Emerson, Jo Ann; Hulshof, Kenny Education and Extension C. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Biodesign and Processing Research Center, VA $868,000 Warner, Webb Boucher, Rick; Goodlatte, Bob; Education and Extension Davis, Tom Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Biomass-based Energy Research, MS, OK $839,000 Cochran, Inhofe, Wicker Boren, Dan; Pickering, Charles W. Education and Extension Chip; Lucas, Frank D. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Biomaterials from Sugar Cane, LA $469,000 Landrieu, Vitter Alexander, Rodney Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Biotechnology Test Production, IA $322,000 Latham, Tom Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Biotechnology, NC $199,000 Burr, Dole Etheridge, Bob; Price, David E.; Education and Extension Shuler, Heath; McIntyre, Mike Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Bovine Tuberculosis, MI $246,000 Levin, Stabenow Rogers (MI), Mike; Walberg, Tim Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Brucellosis Vaccine, MT $305,000 Baucus, Tester Rehberg, Dennis R. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Cataloging Genes Associated with Drought and $176,000 Bingaman, Domenici Education and Extension Disease Resistance, NM Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Center for One Medicine, IL $235,000 Durbin LaHood, Ray; Jackson, Jr., Jesse Education and Extension L.; Johnson, Timothy V. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Center for Public Land and Rural Economies, UT $209,000 Bennett Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4471]] Cooperative State Research SRG Center for Rural Studies, VT $245,000 Leahy Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Childhood Obesity and Nutrition, VT $169,000 Leahy Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Citrus Canker/ Greening, FL $1,217,000 Martinez, Bill Nelson Boyd, Allen; Mack, Connie; Education and Extension Crenshaw, Ander; Wexler, Robert; Service Putnam, Adam H.; Diaz-Balart, Mario; Mahoney, Tim; Stearns, Cliff; Klein, Ron; Buchanan, Vern ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Competitiveness of Agricultural Products, WA $469,000 Cantwell, Murray Baird, Brian; McDermott, Jim; Education and Extension Hastings, Doc; Dicks, Norman D.; Service Larsen, Rick; Smith, Adam ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Computational Agriculture, NY $131,000 Hinchey, Maurice D. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Cool Season Legume Research, ID, ND, WA $235,000 Cantwell, Conrad, Craig, Crapo, Dicks, Norman D.; Hastings, Doc; Education and Extension Dorgan, Murray Simpson, Michael K. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Cotton Insect Management and Fiber Quality, GA $346,000 Chambliss, Isakson Barrow, John; Scott, David; Education and Extension Gingrey, Phil; Bishop, Jr., Service Sanford D.; Marshall, Jim; Lewis, John; Kingston, Jack ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Cranberry/Blueberry Disease and Breeding, NJ $451,000 Lautenberg, Menendez Frelinghuysen, Rodney P.; Education and Extension LoBiondo, Frank A.; Pallone, Service Jr., Frank; Rothman, Steven R.; Saxton, Jim; Holt, Rush D. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Cranberry/Blueberry, MA $111,000 Kennedy, Kerry Frank, Barney Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Crop Integration and Production, SD $258,000 Johnson, Thune Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Crop Pathogens, NC $225,000 Burr, Dole Etheridge, Bob; Price, David E.; Education and Extension McIntyre, Mike Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Dairy and Meat Goat Research, TX $94,000 Hutchison Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Dairy Farm Profitability, PA $349,000 Casey, Specter Peterson, John E. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Delta Revitalization Project, MS $176,000 Cochran, Wicker Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Designing Foods for Health, TX $1,385,000 Hutchison Rodriguez, Ciro D. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Detection and Food Safety, AL $1,748,000 Shelby, Sessions Rogers (AL), Mike; Aderholt, Education and Extension Robert B. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4472]] Cooperative State Research SRG Drought Management, UT $629,000 Bennett Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Drought Mitigation, NE $469,000 Hagel, Ben Nelson Fortenberry, Jeff Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Efficient Irrigation, NM, TX $1,160,000 Bingaman, Cornyn, Domenici, Conaway, K. Michael; Ortiz, Education and Extension Hutchison Solomon P.; Rodriguez, Ciro D.; Service Wilson, Heather; Edwards, Chet; Reyes, Silvestre ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Environmental Biotechnology, RI $446,000 Reed, Whitehouse Kennedy, Patrick J.; Langevin, Education and Extension James R. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Environmental Research, NY $258,000 Schumer Hinchey, Maurice D. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Environmental Risk Factors/Cancer, NY $150,000 Schumer Lowey, Nita M. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Environmentally Safe Products, VT $188,000 Leahy Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Expanded Wheat Pasture, OK $223,000 Inhofe Lucas, Frank D. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Fish and Shellfish Technologies, VA $331,000 John Warner, Webb Goode, Jr., Virgil H.; Wittman, Education and Extension Robert J. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Floriculture, HI $243,000 Akaka, Inouye Abercrombie, Neil; Hirono, Mazie Education and Extension K. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Food and Agriculture Policy Research $1,139,000 Bond, Grassley, Harkin, Kohl, Emerson, Jo Ann; Hulshof, Kenny Education and Extension Institute, IA, MO, WI, NV Reid C.; Latham, Tom Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Food and Fuel Initiative, IA $280,000 Grassley, Harkin Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Food Marketing Policy Center, CT $401,000 Courtney, Joe; DeLauro, Rosa L. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Food Safety Research Consortium, NY $693,000 Schumer Hinchey, Maurice D.; Walsh, James Education and Extension T. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Food Safety, ME, OK $382,000 Inhofe Boren, Dan; Lucas, Frank D. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4473]] Cooperative State Research SRG Food Safety, TX $69,000 Hutchison Edwards, Chet Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Food Security, WA $276,000 Cantwell, Murray McDermott, Jim Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Food Systems Research Group, WI $381,000 Baldwin, Tammy Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Forestry Research, AR $319,000 Lincoln, Pryor Ross, Mike Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Fresh Produce Food Safety, CA $704,000 Boxer, Feinstein Thompson, Mike; Farr, Sam Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Functional Genomics, UT $1,119,000 Bennett Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Future Foods, IL $461,000 Durbin Jackson, Jr., Jesse L.; Johnson, Education and Extension Timothy V.; LaHood, Ray Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Genomics for Southern Crop Stress and Disease, $797,000 Cochran, Wicker Education and Extension MS Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Geographic Information System $1,248,000 Cantwell, Casey, Chambliss, Bishop, Jr., Sanford D.; Obey, Education and Extension Isakson, Lincoln, Pryor, Specter David R.; Marshall, Jim; Service Boozman, John; Baldwin, Tammy; Kanjorski, Paul E. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Global Change/UVB Radiation, CO $1,408,000 Allard, Salazar The President Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Grain Sorghum, KS, TX $515,000 Brownback, Hutchison, Roberts Boyda, Nancy E.; Edwards, Chet; Education and Extension Moore, Dennis; Moran, Jerry; Service Tiahrt, Todd; Conaway, K. Michael; Neugebauer, Randy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Grass Seed Cropping for Sustainable $313,000 Cantwell, Craig, Crapo, Murray, Dicks, Norman D.; Wu, David; Education and Extension Agriculture, ID, OR, WA Smith, Wyden Walden, Greg; Hooley, Darlene Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Great Basin Environmental Program, NV $211,000 Reid Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG High Performance Computing, UT $525,000 Bennett Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Human Nutrition, IA $451,000 Latham, Tom Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Human Nutrition, LA $494,000 Landrieu, Vitter Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4474]] Cooperative State Research SRG Human Nutrition, NY $377,000 Schumer Hinchey, Maurice D.; Walsh, James Education and Extension T. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Hydroponic Production, OH $124,000 Kaptur, Marcy Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Improved Dairy Management Practices, PA $243,000 Casey, Specter Peterson, John E. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Improved Fruit Practices, MI $147,000 Levin, Stabenow Ehlers, Vernon J.; Rogers (MI), Education and Extension Mike Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Increasing Shelf Life of Agricultural $603,000 Craig, Crapo Sali, Bill; Simpson, Michael K. Education and Extension Commodities, ID Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Infectious Disease Research, CO $572,000 Allard, Salazar Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Initiative to Improve Blueberry Production and $209,000 Chambliss Bishop, Jr., Sanford D.; Education and Extension Efficiency, GA Marshall, Jim; Kingston, Jack Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Institute for Food Science and Engineering, AR $775,000 Lincoln, Pryor Boozman, John Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Integrated Economic and Technical Analysis of $188,000 Lugar Education and Extension Sustainable Biomass Energy Systems, IN Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Integrated Production Systems, OK $177,000 Inhofe Lucas, Frank D. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG International Arid Lands Consortium, AZ $401,000 Bingaman, Domenici, Johnson, Grijalva, Raul M.; Udall, Tom; Education and Extension Thune Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie; Service Pastor, Ed; Johnson, Timothy V.; Ortiz, Solomon P. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Joint US - China Biotechnology Research and $420,000 Bennett Education and Extension Extension, UT Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Leopold Center Hypoxia Project, IA $105,000 Harkin Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Livestock and Dairy Policy, NY, TX $693,000 Hutchison, Schumer Edwards, Chet; Hinchey, Maurice Education and Extension D.; Walsh, James T. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Livestock Genome Sequencing, IL $564,000 Durbin Jackson, Jr., Jesse L.; Johnson, Education and Extension Timothy V.; LaHood, Ray Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4475]] Cooperative State Research SRG Livestock Waste, IA $184,000 Harkin Latham, Tom Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Lowbush Blueberry Research, ME $173,000 Collins, Snowe Allen, Thomas H.; Michaud, Education and Extension Michael H. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Managed Drainage System for Crop Production, $235,000 Bond Education and Extension MO Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Maple Research, VT $155,000 Leahy Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Meadow Foam, OR $180,000 Smith, Wyden Hooley, Darlene; Wu, David Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Michigan Biotechnology Consortium $384,000 Rogers (MI), Mike Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Midwest Advanced Food Manufacturing Alliance, $343,000 Hagel, Ben Nelson Education and Extension NE Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Midwest Center for Bioenergy Grasses, IN $188,000 Lugar Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Midwest Poultry Consortium, IA $471,000 Coleman, Grassley, Harkin LaHood, Ray; Latham, Tom Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Milk Safety, PA $771,000 Casey, Specter Peterson, John E. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Minor Use Animal Drugs $429,000 The President; Hinchey, Maurice Education and Extension D. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Molluscan Shellfish, OR $253,000 Smith, Wyden Hooley, Darlene; Wu, David Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Montana Sheep Institute, MT $254,000 Baucus, Tester Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Multi-commodity Research, OR $244,000 Smith, Wyden Blumenauer, Earl; Wu, David; Education and Extension Walden, Greg; Hooley, Darlene; Service DeFazio, Peter A. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG National Beef Cattle Genetic Evaluation $615,000 Allard, Chambliss, Salazar, Walsh, James T.; Hinchey, Maurice Education and Extension Consortium, CO, GA, NY Schumer D. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG National Biological Impact Assessment Program $184,000 The President; Goode, Jr., Virgil Education and Extension H. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4476]] Cooperative State Research SRG National Center for Soybean Technology, MO $690,000 Bond Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Nematode Resistance Genetic Engineering, NM $209,000 Bingaman, Domenici Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Nevada Arid Rangelands Initiative, NV $376,000 Ensign, Reid Heller, Dean Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG New Century Farm, IA $282,000 Grassley, Harkin Latham, Tom Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG New Crop Opportunities, KY $525,000 McConnell Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG New Satellite and Computer-based Technology $654,000 Cochran, Wicker Education and Extension for Agriculture, MS Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Nutrition Research, NY $188,000 Schumer Serrano, Jose Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Oil Resources from Desert Plants, NM $176,000 Bingaman, Domenici Wilson, Heather Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Organic cropping, OR $140,000 Smith, Wyden Blumenauer, Earl; Wu, David; Education and Extension Walden, Greg; Hooley, Darlene; Service DeFazio, Peter A. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Organic Cropping, WA $248,000 Cantwell, Murray Dicks, Norman D.; Hastings, Doc; Education and Extension McDermott, Jim; Larsen, Rick; Service Smith, Adam ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Organic Waste Utilization, NM $69,000 Bingaman, Domenici Wilson, Heather Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Peach Tree Short Life Research, SC $195,000 Graham Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Perennial Wheat, WA $98,000 Cantwell, Murray Dicks, Norman D.; McDermott, Jim Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Phytophthora Research, GA $178,000 Chambliss, Isakson Bishop, Jr., Sanford D.; Education and Extension Marshall, Jim; Kingston, Jack Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Phytophthora Research, MI $346,000 Levin, Stabenow Dingell, John D.; Upton, Fred; Education and Extension Ehlers, Vernon J.; Rogers (MI), Service Mike; Hoekstra, Peter; Walberg, Tim ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4477]] Cooperative State Research SRG Phytosensors for Crop Security and Precision $700,000 Alexander Duncan, Jr., John J.; Cohen, Education and Extension Agriculture, TN Steve; Wamp, Zach Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Pierce's Disease, CA $1,531,000 Boxer, Feinstein Radanovich, George; Farr, Sam; Education and Extension Thompson, Mike; Calvert, Ken; Service Capps, Lois ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Policy Analyses for National Secure and $140,000 Hutchison Education and Extension Sustainable Food, Fiber, Forestry and Energy Service Program, TX ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Potato Cyst Nematode, ID $349,000 Craig, Crapo Simpson, Michael K. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Potato Research $1,037,000 Cantwell, Collins, Craig, Crapo, Allen, Thomas H.; Hooley, Education and Extension Murray, Smith, Snowe, Wyden Darlene; Hastings, Doc; Wu, Service David; Michaud, Michael H.; Larsen, Rick; Walden, Greg; Simpson, Michael K. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Precision Agriculture, KY $471,000 McConnell Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Precision Agriculture, AL $419,000 Shelby Rogers (AL), Mike Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Preharvest Food Safety, KS $142,000 Brownback, Roberts Boyda, Nancy E.; Moore, Dennis; Education and Extension Moran, Jerry; Tiahrt, Todd Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Preservation and Processing Research, OK $174,000 Inhofe Lucas, Frank D. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Protein Utilization, IA $586,000 Harkin Latham, Tom Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Regional Barley Gene Mapping Project, OR $471,000 Smith, Wyden Dicks, Norman D.; Hastings, Doc; Education and Extension Walden, Greg; Wu, David; Hooley, Service Darlene ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Regionalized Implications of Farm Programs, $595,000 Edwards, Chet; Emerson, Jo Ann Education and Extension MO, TX Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Renewable Energy and Products, ND $939,000 Conrad, Dorgan Pomeroy, Earl Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Rice Agronomy, MO $174,000 Emerson, Jo Ann Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Ruminant Nutrition Consortium, MT, ND, SD, WY $563,000 Hagel, Johnson, Ben Nelson, Thune Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Rural Policies Institute, IA, MO, NE $835,000 Bond, Hagel, Harkin Emerson, Jo Ann Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4478]] Cooperative State Research SRG Russian Wheat Aphid, CO $214,000 Allard, Salazar Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Seed Technology, SD $282,000 Johnson, Thune Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Small Fruit Research, ID, OR, WA $307,000 Cantwell, Craig, Crapo, Murray, DeFazio, Peter A.; Hooley, Education and Extension Smith, Wyden Darlene; Hastings, Doc; Baird, Service Brian; Wu, David; Walden, Greg; Larsen, Rick; Dicks, Norman D.; Inslee, Jay; Smith, Adam ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Soil and Environmental Quality, DE $70,000 Biden, Carper Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Soil-borne Disease Prevention in Irrigated $176,000 Bingaman, Domenici Education and Extension Agriculture, NM Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Southern Great Plains Dairy Consortium, NM $235,000 Bingaman, Domenici Pearce, Stevan; Udall, Tom; Education and Extension Wilson, Heather Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Southwest Consortium for Plant Genetics and $271,000 Bingaman, Domenici Pastor, Ed; Grijalva, Raul M. Education and Extension Water Resources, NM Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Soybean Cyst Nematode, MO $556,000 Bond Emerson, Jo Ann Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Soybean Research, IL $745,000 Durbin Jackson, Jr., Jesse L.; Johnson, Education and Extension Timothy V.; LaHood, Ray Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Specialty Crop, AR $164,000 Lincoln, Pryor Berry, Marion; Boozman, John; Education and Extension Marshall, Jim Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Specialty Crops, IN $235,000 Ellsworth, Brad Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG STEEP III -- Water Quality in Northwest $444,000 Cantwell, Craig, Crapo, Murray, Blumenauer, Earl; Dicks, Norman Education and Extension Smith, Wyden D.; Hastings, Doc; Walden, Greg; Service Wu, David; Hooley, Darlene ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources, $133,000 Casey, Specter Peterson, John E. Education and Extension PA Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Sustainable Agriculture, CA $357,000 Farr, Sam Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Sustainable Agriculture, MI $266,000 Levin, Stabenow Rogers (MI), Mike; Ehlers, Vernon Education and Extension J.; Walberg, Tim Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4479]] Cooperative State Research SRG Sustainable Beef Supply, MT $682,000 Tester Rehberg, Dennis R. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Sustainable Engineered Materials from $485,000 John Warner, Webb Boucher, Rick; Goode, Jr., Virgil Education and Extension Renewable Sources, VA H. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Sweet Sorghum for Energy Production, NE $140,000 Hagel, Ben Nelson Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Swine and Other Animal Waste Management, NC $349,000 Burr, Dole McIntyre, Mike; Miller, Brad; Education and Extension Etheridge, Bob; Price, David E.; Service Hayes, Robin ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Tick Borne Disease Prevention, RI $280,000 Reed, Whitehouse Kennedy, Patrick J.; Langevin, Education and Extension James R. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Tillage, Silviculture, Waste Management, LA $188,000 Landrieu, Vitter Alexander, Rodney Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Tri-state Joint Peanut Research, AL $413,000 Sessions, Shelby Everett, Terry; Rogers (AL), Mike Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Tropical and Subtropical Research/T-Star $6,677,000 Akaka, Inouye Boyd, Allen; Putnam, Adam H.; Education and Extension Fortuno, Luis G.; Hirono, Mazie Service K.; Mahoney, Tim; Young, C. W. Bill ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Uniform Farm Management Program, MN $235,000 Klobuchar, Coleman McCollum, Betty; Walz, Timothy J. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Virtual Plant Database Enhancement Project, MO $588,000 Bond Carnahan, Russ Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Virus-free Wine Grape Cultivars, WA/Wine Grape $223,000 Cantwell, Murray McDermott, Jim; Hastings, Doc; Education and Extension Foundation Block, WA Dicks, Norman D.; Larsen, Rick Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Viticulture Consortium, CA, NY, PA $1,454,000 Boxer, Feinstein, Schumer Arcuri, Michael A.; Hinchey, Education and Extension Maurice D.; Thompson, Mike; Service Farr, Sam; Walsh, James T. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Water Conservation, KS $69,000 Brownback, Roberts Tiahrt, Todd; Boyda, Nancy E.; Education and Extension Moran, Jerry Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Water Quality, IN $469,000 Visclosky, Peter J. Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Water Use Efficiency and Water Quality $346,000 Chambliss, Isakson Bishop, Jr., Sanford D.; Education and Extension Enhancements, GA Marshall, Jim; Kingston, Jack Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Wetland Plants, LA $188,000 Landrieu, Vitter Alexander, Rodney Education and Extension Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4480]] Cooperative State Research SRG Wheat Genetic Research, KS $240,000 Brownback, Roberts Boyda, Nancy E.; Moran, Jerry; Education and Extension Moore, Dennis; Tiahrt, Todd Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Wood Utilization, AK, ID, ME, MI, MN, MS, NC, $4,545,000 Alexander, Burr, Byrd, Cochran, Duncan, Jr., John J.; Price, Education and Extension OR, TN, WV Coleman, Collins, Craig, Crapo, David E.; Wu, David; Rogers Service Dole, Klobuchar, Landrieu, (MI), Mike; Michaud, Michael H.; Levin, Murkowski, Smith, Snowe, Hooley, Darlene; Pickering, Stabenow, Vitter, Wicker, Wyden Charles W. Chip; Oberstar, James L.; Allen, Thomas H.; Etheridge, Bob ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cooperative State Research SRG Wool Research, MT, TX, WY $206,000 Conaway, K. Michael; Rodriguez, Education and Extension Ciro D. Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Food and Drug Administration Salaries and expenses Collaborative drug safety research, Critical $525,000 Bennett Path Institute and University of Utah ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Food and Drug Administration Salaries and expenses Dietary supplements research, National Center $1,608,000 Cochran, Wicker for Natural Products Research, Oxford, Mississippi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Food and Drug Administration Salaries and expenses Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference, $139,000 Cochran, Shelby ISSC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Food and Drug Administration Salaries and expenses ISSC vibrio vulnificus education $174,000 Cochran, Shelby Melancon, Charlie ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Food and Drug Administration Salaries and expenses National Center for Food Safety and $2,077,000 Durbin Jackson, Jr., Jesse L.; Lipinski, Technology, IL Daniel ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Food and Drug Administration Salaries and expenses New Mexico State University Agricultural $1,650,000 Bingaman, Domenici Wilson, Heather Products Food Safety Laboratory ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Food and Drug Administration Salaries and expenses Waste Management Education and Research $69,000 Bingaman, Domenici Pearce, Stevan Consortium, New Mexico State University ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Food and Drug Administration Salaries and expenses Western Region FDA Center of Excellence, $1,399,000 Boxer, Feinstein Lungren, Daniel E.; Thompson, University of California Davis Mike ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ General Provision Speciality Markets, Wisconsin Department of $338,000 Kohl Kagen, Steve; Obey, David R. Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ General Provision Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship $2,347,000 Emerson, Jo Ann; McGovern, James Program and the Mickey Leland International P.; Kaptur, Marcy Hunger Fellowship Program ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ General Provision Fruit fly facility, APHIS Hawaii $469,000 Akaka, Inouye Hirono, Mazie K. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ General Provision Graham Avenue Business Improvement District $94,000 Velazquez, Nydia M. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ General Provision Market Development, Vermont Agency of $469,000 Leahy Agriculture, Foods, and Markets ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ General Provision Market Development, Wisconsin Department of $1,408,000 Kohl Obey, David R. Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ General Provision Phase II construction, National Center for $3,497,000 Cochran, Wicker Childers, Travis W. Natural Products Research , Oxford, Mississippi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Accelerated Soil Mapping Survey, Wyoming $200,000 Barrasso, Enzi Cubin, Barbara Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Agricultural Development and Resource $376,000 Akaka, Inouye Hirono, Mazie K. Conservation Service Conservation, Hawaii RC&D Councils ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4481]] Natural Resources Conservation operations Agricultural Wildlife Conservation Center, $939,000 Cochran Conservation Service Mississippi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Alaska Association of Conservation Districts $864,000 Murkowski Young, Don Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Assistance to Improve Water Quality for $336,000 Granger, Kay Conservation Service Tarrant County, Texas ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Audubon at Home conservation curriculum $333,000 Kaptur, Marcy; Moran, James P. Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Best Management Practices and Master Farmer $267,000 Landrieu, Vitter Alexander, Rodney Conservation Service Special Research Grant with LSU, LA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Big Sandy Tri-State Watershed Inventory and $108,000 Byrd Conservation Service Analysis, West Virginia Conservation Agency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Carson City Waterfall Fire Restoration, Carson $269,000 Reid Heller, Dean Conservation Service City, Nevada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations CEMSA with Iowa Soybean Association $288,000 Grassley, Harkin Latham, Tom; Braley, Bruce L.; Conservation Service King, Steve; Boswell, Leonard L. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Chenier Plain Sustainability Initiative, $235,000 Landrieu Conservation Service McNeese State University, Louisiana ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Chesapeake Bay Activities $3,998,000 Cardin Sarbanes, John P.; Hoyer, Steny Conservation Service H.; Van Hollen, Chris; Norton, Eleanor Holmes; Bartlett, Roscoe G.; Scott, Robert C. Bobby; Gilchrest, Wayne T.; Moran, James P.; Davis, Tom ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Conservation Internships, Wisconsin Land and $113,000 Kohl Conservation Service Water Conservation Association ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Conservation Outreach and Education, City of $202,000 Shelby Conservation Service Foley, Alabama ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Conservation Planning, Massachusetts and $423,000 Kennedy, Kerry, Kohl Frank, Barney Conservation Service Wisconsin ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Conservation Technical Assistance in New $236,000 Lautenberg, Menendez Holt, Rush D.; Pascrell, Jr., Conservation Service Jersey Bill; Payne, Donald M.; Rothman, Steven R.; Sires, Albio ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Conservation Technical Assistance in Tennessee $235,000 Alexander Davis, Lincoln Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Conservation Technology Transfer, University $516,000 Kohl Conservation Service of Wisconsin ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Cooperative Agreement with Tufts University, $333,000 Dodd, Lieberman Courtney, Joe; DeLauro, Rosa L. Conservation Service Connecticut ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Delta Conservation Demonstration, Washington $376,000 Cochran Conservation Service County, Mississippi . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Delta Water Study, Mississippi $235,000 Cochran Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Driftless Area Initiative, Wisconsin $291,000 Klobuchar, Kohl Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Environmental Compliance, Wisconsin Dairy $207,000 Kohl Conservation Service Business Association ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4482]] Natural Resources Conservation operations Farm Viability Program, Vermont $236,000 Leahy Welch, Peter Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission $2,423,000 Chambliss Bishop, Jr., Sanford D.; Conservation Service Cooperative Agreement Marshall, Jim; Johnson, Jr., Henry C. Hank; Kingston, Jack ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Gilbert M. Grosvenor Center for Geographic $282,000 Hutchison Conservation Service Education Watershed Project, Texas State University ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, $732,000 Kohl Obey, David R. Conservation Service Wisconsin ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Great Lakes Basin Program for Soil Erosion and $404,000 Coleman, Klobuchar, Levin, Petri, Thomas E.; Emanuel, Rahm; Conservation Service Sediment Control Stabenow Rogers (MI), Mike; Sutton, Betty; Conyers, Jr., John; Kildee, Dale E.; Ehlers, Vernon J.; Jones, Stephanie Tubbs; Dingell, John D.; Higgins, Brian; Levin, Sander M.; Schakowsky, Janice D.; Slaughter, Louise McIntosh; Walberg, Tim ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Green Institute, Florida $267,000 Boyd, Allen Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Green River Water Quality and Biological $84,000 McConnell Conservation Service Diversity Project, Western Kentucky Research Foundation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Hawaii Plant Materials Center, Hawaii $106,000 Akaka, Inouye Hirono, Mazie K.; Abercrombie, Conservation Service Neil ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Hudson River Shoreline Revitalization, Village $167,000 Lowey, Nita M. Conservation Service of Tarrytown, New York ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Hungry Canyons Alliance, Iowa $282,000 Grassley, Harkin King, Steve Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Illinois River Agricultural Water $188,000 Durbin Conservation Service Conservation, Illinois Department of Natural Resources ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Kentucky Soil Erosion Control $724,000 McConnell Rogers, Harold Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Little Wood River Irrigation District Gravity $134,000 Craig, Crapo Conservation Service Pressure System, Idaho ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Long Island Sound Watershed, New York $133,000 Lowey, Nita M. Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Maumee Watershed Hydrological and Flood $667,000 Kaptur, Marcy Conservation Service Mitigation, Ohio ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Mississippi Conservation Initiative, $1,144,000 Cochran, Wicker Conservation Service Mississippi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Missouri River Sedimentation Study, South $303,000 Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie Conservation Service Dakota ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Mojave Water Agency Non-Native Plant Removal, $667,000 Lewis, Jerry Conservation Service California ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Molokai Agriculture Development and Resource $67,000 Akaka, Inouye Hirono, Mazie K. Conservation Service Conservation, Hawaii ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4483]] Natural Resources Conservation operations Municipal Water District of Orange County for $134,000 Boxer, Feinstein Sanchez, Loretta; Calvert, Ken; Conservation Service Efficient Irrigation, California Miller, Gary G.; Rohrabacher, Dana ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Nitrate Pollution Reduction, Rhode Island $155,000 Reed Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Non-Point Pollution in Onondaga and Oneida $333,000 Walsh, James T. Conservation Service Lake Watersheds, New York ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations On-Farm Management System Evaluation Network, $167,000 Grassley, Harkin Latham, Tom; Boswell, Leonard L. Conservation Service Iowa ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Operation Oak Program $267,000 Chambliss, Cochran Boyd, Allen; Bishop, Jr., Sanford Conservation Service D.; Berry, Marion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Pace University Land Use Law Center, White $133,000 Lowey, Nita M. Conservation Service Plains, New York ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Pastureland Management/Rotational Grazing, New $400,000 Arcuri, Michael A.; Walsh, James Conservation Service York T. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Phosphorous Loading in Lake Champlain, $168,000 Leahy Conservation Service Poultney Conservation District, Vermont ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Potomac River Tributary Strategy, West $168,000 Byrd Conservation Service Virginia ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Quabbin to Cardigan Conservation Initiative, $282,000 Hodes, Paul W. Conservation Service New Hampshire ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Range Revegetation for Fort Hood, Texas $333,000 Hutchison Carter, John R.; Edwards, Chet Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Riparian Restoration along the Rio Grande, $168,000 Bingaman Conservation Service Pecos, and Canadian Rivers, New Mexico Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Risk Management Initiative, NRCS West Virginia $673,000 Byrd Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Sand County Foundation, Wisconsin $892,000 Kohl Baldwin, Tammy Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Skaneateles and Owasco Lake Watersheds, New $216,000 Walsh, James T. Conservation Service York ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Soil Phosphorus Studies, West Virginia $202,000 Byrd Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Soil Surveys, Rhode Island $134,000 Reed Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Tallgrass Prairie Center--Native Seed Testing $298,000 Grassley, Harkin Braley, Bruce L. Conservation Service Lab, Iowa ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Technical Assistance Grants to Kentucky Soil $545,000 McConnell Rogers, Harold Conservation Service Conservation Districts, Kentucky Division of Conservation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Technical Assistance to Livestock/Poultry $300,000 Price, David E. Conservation Service Industry, North Carolina ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Town of Cary Swift Creek Stream Bank $199,000 Burr, Dole Miller, Brad; Price, David E. Conservation Service Restoration, North Carolina ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4484]] Natural Resources Conservation operations Upper White River Basin Water Quality, $287,000 Blunt, Roy Conservation Service Missouri ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Urban Forestry Conservation Project, $188,000 Solis, Hilda L.; Roybal-Allard, Conservation Service California Lucille ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Utah Conservation Initiative, Utah $2,457,000 Bennett Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Water Conservation, Central Colorado Water $376,000 Allard, Salazar Conservation Service Conservancy District ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Water Quality Protection Program for the $400,000 Farr, Sam Conservation Service Monterey Bay Sanctuary, California ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Water Quality, Utah Farm Bureau $236,000 Bennett Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Watershed Agricultural Council, New York $480,000 Hinchey, Maurice D. Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Watershed Demonstration Project, Iowa $134,000 Grassley, Harkin Boswell, Leonard L.; King, Steve Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Watershed Protection Plan for Hood County, $67,000 Edwards, Chet Conservation Service Texas ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Weed It Now on the Berkshire Taconic $45,000 Olver, John W. Conservation Service Landscape, Massachusetts ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Project, Kentucky $235,000 Yarmuth, John A. Conservation Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Conservation operations Wildlife Habitat Improvement, Illinois $188,000 Durbin Conservation Service Department of Natural Resources ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Alameda Creek Watershed Project, California $1,337,000 McNerney, Jerry; Stark, Fortney Conservation Service operations Pete; Schiff, Adam B.; Tauscher, Ellen O. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Big Slough Watershed Project, Arkansas $57,000 Berry, Marion Conservation Service operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Buena Vista Watershed Project, Virginia $160,000 Goodlatte, Bob Conservation Service operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Churchill Woods Dam Removal, DuPage River Salt $764,000 Durbin Conservation Service operations Creek Workgroup, Illinois ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Colgan Creek Restoration Project, California $382,000 Woolsey, Lynn C. Conservation Service operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Departee Creek Watershed Project, Arkansas $110,000 Berry, Marion Conservation Service operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Dunloup Creek Watershed Project, West Virginia $1,146,000 Byrd Conservation Service operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention East Locust Creek, Missouri $1,261,000 Bond Conservation Service operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4485]] Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Hurricane Katrina Related Watershed $229,000 Taylor, Gene Conservation Service operations Restoration Project, Mississippi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Lake George Watershed Protection Initiative, $764,000 Gillibrand, Kirsten E. Conservation Service operations New York ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Little Otter Creek Watershed Project, Missouri $3,859,000 Bond Graves, Sam Conservation Service operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Little Sioux Watershed Project, Iowa $1,146,000 Harkin King, Steve Conservation Service operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Lost River, West Virginia $6,495,000 Byrd Conservation Service operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Lower Hamakua Ditch Watershed Project, Hawaii $1,169,000 Akaka, Inouye Hirono, Mazie K. Conservation Service operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention McKenzie Canyon Irrigation Pipeline Project, $390,000 Smith, Wyden Walden, Greg Conservation Service operations Oregon ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Pidcock-Mill Creeks Watershed Project, $573,000 Murphy, Patrick J. Conservation Service operations Pennsylvania ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Pocasset River Watershed, Rhode Island $267,000 Reed Conservation Service operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Soap Creek Watershed Project, Iowa $984,000 Harkin Boswell, Leonard L.; Loebsack, Conservation Service operations David ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention South Fork of the Licking River Watershed $162,000 Brown Space, Zachary T. Conservation Service operations Project, Ohio ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Upcountry Maui Watershed Project, Hawaii $1,815,000 Akaka, Inouye Hirono, Mazie K. Conservation Service operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Upper Locust Creek, Missouri $382,000 Bond Conservation Service operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Resources Watershed/flood prevention Wailuku-Alenaio Watershed Project, Hawaii $191,000 Akaka, Inouye Hirono, Mazie K. Conservation Service operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rural Business-Cooperative Rural cooperative development Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural $2,582,000 Baucus, Boxer, Harkin, Johnson, Carney, Christopher P.; Rehberg, Service grants Areas Kohl, Lincoln, Ben Nelson, Dennis R.; Hinchey, Maurice D.; Pryor, Specter, Tester Boozman, John; Farr, Sam; Walsh, James T. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 4486]] FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS Bill Total--With Comparisons The total new budget (obligational) authority for fiscal year 2009 provided in the bill, with comparisons to the fiscal year 2008 amount and the 2009 budget estimate follows: [[Page 4487]] ![]()
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TH23FE09.030 [[Page 4496]] DIVISION B--COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2009 TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION The bill includes $429,870,000 in total resources for the programs of the International Trade Administration (ITA). This amount includes a direct appropriation of $420,431,000 and estimated offsetting fee collections of $9,439,000. Funds are to be available for the following activities at no less than the following amounts: Import administration.......................................$66,357,000 Market access and compliance (MAC)...........................42,332,000 Manufacturing and services...................................48,592,000 Executive direction..........................................25,411,000 U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service...........................237,739,000 Reporting requirements.--ITA is directed to submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, not later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act, a spending plan for all ITA units that incorporates any carryover balances from prior fiscal years, and is updated to reflect the obligation of funds on a quarterly basis. The positive and negative effects of a free trade agenda are difficult to balance, but it is critical that the United States government upholds its responsibility to enforce trade laws, particularly with China. If trading partners do not abide by the rules that are set in the global trading system, United States firms are unable to compete on a level playing field. The United States government has an obligation to ensure that U.S. companies are not forced to compete with foreign companies that are engaged in unfair trading practices. Import Administration.--The bill includes not less than $66,357,000 for the Import Administration (IA). ITA is urged to implement proactive trade enforcement activities, including textile safeguard actions with respect to China's World Trade Organization Accession Agreement, bilateral quotas on non-WTO members, and textile provision of the United States preferential programs and agreements, through filling of vacancies in enforcement offices. The bill designates $5,900,000 for the Office of China Compliance within the IA appropriation. The office is under- staffed and undergoing a reorganization that may potentially damage its long-term effectiveness. IA is directed to fully staff anti-dumping (AD) efforts and to ensure that the office consists of experienced investigators, accountants, trade analysts, and technical experts to aggressively investigate AD cases. The office shall notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations of any impediments to hiring or retaining this expertise. IA is further directed to expand the size of the AD and countervailing duty (CVD) verification teams and ensure new analysts receive on-site training in verification practices and techniques. IA's absorption of $2,000,000 in fees in recent years has eroded resources that otherwise would have been expended in conducting investigations and reviews of AD/CVD cases. U.S. industries should not have to pay fees to file AD/CVD petitions; therefore, IA should not be charged for fees. Import monitoring.--ITA is expected to undertake apparel import monitoring, focusing on prices of imports from China and Vietnam and whether their state-run industries are illegally pricing products and dumping in the U.S. market. Travel expenditures.--The Department is directed to increase the number of investigative teams traveling to China and India, the sources of most trade complaints, to verify documentation of information provided by foreign companies. The Department is expected to submit quarterly reports to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations regarding ITA's travel expenditures, including separate breakouts of funding, number of trips and the purposes of travel to both China and India. Appalachian-Turkish Trade Project (ATTP).--The Commercial Service is commended for its leadership role in helping to implement the mission of the ATTP, and is expected to continue to be a prominent ATTP sponsor. World Trade Organization.--The Department of Commerce is directed, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, to continue to negotiate within the WTO to seek express recognition of the existing right of WTO Members to distribute monies collected from antidumping and countervailing duties. The agency shall consult with and provide regular reports every 60 days to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. In addition, negotiations shall be conducted within the WTO consistent with the negotiating objectives contained in the Trade Act of 2002, Public Law 107-210, to maintain strong U.S. trade remedies laws, prevent overreaching by WTO Panels and the WTO Appellate Body, and prevent the creation of obligations never negotiated or agreed to by the United States. Reduced fees.--ITA reduced fees for export promotion services and trade missions for 2005 hurricane-affected companies. In light of the ongoing need to encourage exporting and assist local businesses with their economic recovery efforts, ITA is encouraged to find ways to extend these fee reductions through fiscal year 2009 for companies affected by hurricanes in the Gulf region. Within the appropriation, $4,400,000 is provided for the following activities: [[Page 4497]] ![]()
TH23FE09.031 [[Page 4498]] Bureau of Industry and Security OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION The bill includes $83,676,000 for the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which is $500,000 above the budget request. Of the amount provided, $14,767,000 is for inspections and other activities related to national security, and $2,385,000 is for program enhancements and new initiatives that will advance BIS' export control and enforcement activities. Economic Development Administration The bill includes $272,800,000 for the programs and administrative expenses of the Economic Development Administration (EDA), which is $149,168,000 above the request. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS The bill includes $240,000,000 for the Economic Development Assistance Programs, an increase of $147,200,000 above the request. Of the amounts provided, funds are to be distributed as follows: Global climate change mitigation initiative.................$14,700,000 Public works................................................133,280,000 Planning.....................................................31,000,000 Technical assistance..........................................9,400,000 Research and evaluation.........................................490,000 Trade adjustment assistance..................................15,800,000 Economic adjustment assistance...............................35,330,000 Global Climate Change Mitigation Fund.--The bill provides $14,700,000 for the Global Climate Change Mitigation Incentive Fund, $13,600,000 above the request. Economic development must address the effects of climate change. EDA is directed to provide a report and spend plan on the fund to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, no later than 90 days after enactment of the Act. The report should detail the scope of the fund, the criteria for approval of fund expenditures, and the methodology EDA will employ when reviewing grants. Public Works.--The bill provides $133,280,000 for Public Works, $126,080,000 above the budget request. These funds are critical to local communities and industries faced with increased economic pressures and dislocations in the rapidly changing global economy. Planning.--The bill provides $31,000,000 for planning, $4,000,000 above the request. EDA is directed to allocate $3,700,000 of the additional planning resources to the existing network of 370 Economic Development Districts (EDDs), with the remaining $300,000 to reduce the backlog of designated-but-unfunded EDDs. This increase provides EDDs with the flexibility needed to engage local government, business, and community leadership in setting and pursuing strategic job creation and retention initiatives effectively. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).--The bill provides $15,800,000 for trade adjustment assistance, an increase of $1,700,000 over the request. Not less than $200,000 and no more than $350,000 shall be available to fund permanent FTE. TAA has been heavily dependent on interns to process key program elements. While interns can supplement staff, they should not be relied upon to solve permanently staffing shortages. EDA is directed to provide quarterly reports on its progress in hiring of permanent FTE and processing levels, to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, with the first report to be delivered within 90 days of enactment of this Act. Hawaii field office.--EDA is strongly encouraged to increase staff support for this field office due to its exceptionally large geographic area. Funding disbursements.--EDA is directed to allocate all funding, including supplemental and disaster funding, through the competitive, regional allocation process. SALARIES AND EXPENSES The bill includes $32,800,000 for EDA salaries and expenses, $1,968,000 above the budget request. Current operational structure.--The bill fully funds the request for salaries and expenses appropriation, which provides adequate funding to begin filling vacancies within regional offices. EDA is directed to fill vacancies within regional offices prior to filling vacancies within headquarters. Continued commitment to the current operational structure, with six regional offices in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, and Seattle, is reiterated. Transfer authority.--The bill includes language providing EDA with permissive transfer authority, not to exceed $4,000,000, from EDA program grants, subject to the Section 505 limitations on transfers, for additional salaries and expenses for grant administration and management. EDA is also strongly encouraged to utilize retired EDA officials to address staffing needs on a volunteer basis. Minority Business Development Agency Minority Business Development The bill includes $29,825,000 for the Minority Business Development Agency, which is $1,202,000 above the budget request. Within the funds provided, existing Native American Business Development Centers are continued, and $825,000 is provided for the following activities: [[Page 4499]] ![]()
TH23FE09.032 [[Page 4500]] Economic and Statistical Analysis SALARIES AND EXPENSES The bill provides $90,621,000 for this account, which is $500,000 above the budget request. Bureau of the Census The bill includes a total operating level of $3,139,850,000 for the Bureau of the Census, which is the same as the budget request. Salaries and Expenses The bill provides $233,588,000 for this account, which is the same as the budget request. Of this amount, $45,742,000 is for the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), which is $486,000 above the budget request. This funding provides for a full SIPP sample of 45,000 households to begin in September 2008 and will allow for improvements, including security enhancements, to the current SIPP system by fiscal year 2012. PERIODIC CENSUSES AND PROGRAMS The bill provides $2,906,262,000 for this account, which is the same as the budget request. 2010 Decennial Census.--Full funding of the request has been provided to return the 2010 Census to a more reliable, paper-based operation, with the expectation that the new Administration will focus the requisite oversight to ensure a successful Decennial. It is noted that the Department's past lack of critical oversight and the previous Administration's lack of attention to the 2010 Decennial significantly increased the risk of failure for this constitutionally- mandated effort. Life cycle cost estimate.--The Census Bureau has recently negotiated a replan of the FDCA contract which will utilize the handheld devices only for the address canvassing and rely on a paper-based operation for non-response followup. This replan results in a significant increase in the life cycle cost of the Decennial Census, but allows for greater predictability in remaining cost estimates. The full impact of the life cycle increase is as yet undefined, but may increase by $3,000,000,000. The Census Bureau is directed to implement the Government Accountability Office's June 16, 2008, report recommendations on life cycle cost estimates and provide an updated life cycle cost estimate with the submission of the fiscal year 2010 budget request. 2010 Decennial milestones.--Report language that accompanies the fiscal year 2008 supplemental appropriations for the Census Bureau regarding the development and reporting of milestones associated with the 2010 Census is adopted by reference. Communications.--Paid media is critical to promoting increased participation in the 2010 Decennial, particularly in minority and other hard-to-count populations. In the 2000 Decennial, it improved the rate of response, particularly in communities with limited English proficiency. Despite operational improvements to the Census' conduct of the Decennial and upfront purchasing of media, the return to a paper-based nonresponse followup should result in a reevaluation of communication needs in light of changes to the process. Census is directed to conduct such reevaluation, and to submit a comprehensive communication plan in its fiscal year 2010 budget request that incorporates the effect of the replan and lack of handhelds for non-response followup. Partnerships.--The Bureau of the Census is directed to allocate sufficient funding from within the appropriation provided to support robust partnership and outreach efforts in preparation for the 2010 Decennial, with specific focus on hard-to-reach populations. Funding provided for the census partnership program will enlist community leaders to encourage their constituencies to fill out their census forms, emphasizing the importance of the census to their local community and education system. The increase in mail- back response rates as a result of such promotional efforts will likely result in substantial savings during nonresponse followup enumeration. Language assistance programs.--The Census Bureau is directed to provide updates on a semi-annual basis on its language assistance program, including information on how it will reach and assist respondents who speak Asian, American Indian and Alaska Native languages, Spanish, and other languages spoken by ethnic immigrants in the United States for the American Community Survey (ACS) and the 2010 Decennial. Additional outreach.--The Census Bureau is directed to provide not less than $10,000,000 for Census in Schools competitive grants and adult education materials for the 2010 Decennial. Census in Schools and adult education materials provide significant outreach to hard-to-reach populations through the medium of take-home materials that educate students, their parents and their extended families. Data on small population groups.--In many ethnic and immigrant communities, gathering accurate information about smaller subgroups is extremely important for policymakers, as the needs among the various populations vary significantly. The Census Bureau is urged to ensure that reliable information about Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and other national origins subgroups, especially numerically smaller groups, is collected from the ACS and Decennial census and published. The Bureau is directed to report back to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees within 90 days of enactment of this Act, describing the steps it will take to ensure the availability and accuracy of the data. Offshore U.S. jurisdictions.--The efforts of the Census Bureau to consider new options for reporting data reflecting all citizens of the United States, including Puerto Rico and other offshore U.S. jurisdictions, are noted. National Telecommunications and Information Administration SALARIES AND EXPENSES The bill includes $19,218,000 for the salaries and expenses of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is $773,000 above the budget request. Enhance 911.--The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund made $43,500,000 available in mandatory funding to implement the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004. The Assistant Secretary is directed to coordinate the work of the NTIA on this critical program with other relevant Federal agencies. Reimbursements.--The bill retains language from previous years allowing the Secretary of Commerce to collect reimbursements from other Federal agencies for a portion of the cost of coordination of spectrum management, analysis, and operations. The NTIA shall submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than June 1, 2009, detailing the collection of reimbursements from other agencies related to spectrum management, analyses and research. PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES, PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION The bill includes $20,000,000 for Public Telecommunications Facilities, Planning and Construction. The budget request proposed to terminate this program. United States Patent and Trademark Office SALARIES AND EXPENSES The bill includes $2,010,100,000 for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), which is the same as the USPTO revised fee collection estimate dated December 5, 2008. National Intellectual Property Law Enforcement Coordination Council (NIPLECC).--The bill includes a provision that transfers $750,000 to ``Departmental Management, Salaries and Expenses'' for activities associated with NIPLECC. In subsequent years, it is expected that funds will be requested through the Executive Office of the President. Backlog of patent applications.--The Government Accountability Office has found that the backlog of unexamined patent applications at the USPTO has increased by nearly 73 percent since fiscal year 2002. Currently, the average pendency of applications is 32 months. If this trend continues, average pendency will be 52 months by 2012. Since 2005, the USPTO budget has grown by over $500,000,000, yet pendency and backlog have worsened. Therefore, the bill includes language transferring $2,000,000 to the Office of Inspector General for the express purpose of conducting continual audit engagements and oversight at the USPTO. The USPTO has responded to the backlog by issuing final rules limiting the ability of applicants to modify their applications with additional information and claims through the use of continuing applications, even though an overwhelming majority of users of the patent system objected when given the opportunity for public comment. In addition, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has enjoined the issuance of the rules changes as exceeding the statutory authority of the Undersecretary and Director. However, the sustained increase in the number of applications that has given rise to the increasing backlog is largely a consequence of a globalized economy in which applicants are filing in more than one jurisdiction. This means that the USPTO and other national patent offices are duplicating one another's work. The Government Accountability Office has found that the hiring of additional patent examiners has not been sufficient to reverse this trend, and is therefore unlikely to resolve the backlog problem. Therefore, the most likely means of reducing the pendency of patent applications is for the leading patent offices to make more effective use of one another's work. The USPTO is directed to take actions to reduce duplication of work already performed by another patent office in a manner that does not compromise the quality of the examination or compromise the sovereignty of the United States. The USPTO is also encouraged to review its proposed rules changes so that they fall within the statutory authority of the Director and take into account the concerns of the majority of users of the patent system. USPTO operations.--The USPTO is directed to adopt the principles of the Baldrige National Quality Program, which represents the pinnacle of performance excellence for American business. The USPTO is directed to work with the Baldrige program to begin the process of incorporating these principles [[Page 4501]] and to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on a quarterly basis on progress made towards adoption. Patent examiners.--Numerous reviews conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) have shown that for every two examiners hired, one leaves the agency, many citing the unreasonable work productivity goals as a major reason for their departure. These goals, first adopted in the 1970s, have not been updated to address the ever more complex technologies that encompass today's patent applications. The unrealistic goals are encouraging junior examiners to leave, and that will make it difficult to replace the productivity rates of senior examiners when they retire. Thus, the bill includes language withholding $5,000,000 of fees from obligation pending a comprehensive reevaluation of the work productivity goals for patent examiners and submission of the results to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. Spend plan.-- Any deviations from the funding distribution provided for in this Act and in its accompanying statement, including carryover balances, are subject to the standard reprogramming procedures set forth in section 505 of this Act. The USPTO is directed to submit a spending plan to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, incorporating all carryover balances from previous years and describing any changes to the patent or trademark fee structure, within 30 days of enactment of this Act. Fee estimate.--It is noted that the USPTO's actual fee collections for the last four fiscal years have been less than the earlier estimates. The uncertainty of fees is understandable; however, results in excess appropriations. USPTO is therefore directed to provide revised fee estimates for fiscal year 2010 to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, no later than September 1, 2009. National Institute of Standards and Technology The bill includes $819,000,000 for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which is $183,000,000 above the request. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES The bill includes $472,000,000 for NIST's scientific and technical core programs, of which no less than $8,522,000 shall be for the Baldrige National Quality Program. Within 30 days of enactment of this Act, NIST is directed to provide a spend plan that coincides with the budget restructuring the agency proposed to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on July 7, 2008. NIST is encouraged to devote resources to its Measurement & Standards for Climate Change Program and the Office of Law Enforcement Standards. Printed electronics study.--Flexible, large area and printed electronics technology holds great promise for the competitiveness of the United States. NIST shall enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to undertake a study that examines the position of the United States in flexible electronics relative to efforts in other countries. The National Academies shall also consider the particular technologies and commercial sectors to which flexible electronics apply and the recommendations that must be undertaken at a Federal level for a national initiative. Working Capital Fund (WCF).--Within the appropriation, the bill provides up to $9,000,000 for transfer to NIST's WCF, which is $3,300,000 less than the budget request. NIST is directed to refrain from charging administrative costs for congressionally directed projects, and is expected to provide appropriate management and oversight of each grant. Within the appropriation, $3,000,000 is provided for the following congressionally directed activities: [[Page 4502]] ![]()
TH23FE09.033 [[Page 4503]] INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES The bill includes $175,000,000 for industrial technology services. Of this amount, $110,000,000 is provided for the Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEP) and $65,000,000 is provided for the Technology Innovation Program (TIP). CONSTRUCTION OF RESEARCH FACILITIES The bill includes $172,000,000 for construction of research facilities. NIST is directed to provide to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations a spend plan for the funding provided within 30 days of enactment of this Act. NIST is further directed to provide annual reports on the status of all construction projects, and to provide an accounting of such projects to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. Funds for NIST construction are to be available as follows: Boulder Bldg. 1E; JILA expansion; Safety, capacity, major modifications & repairs.................................................$90,800,000 NIST Child care center........................................7,200,000 Construction grants program..................................30,000,000 Congressionally directed projects............................44,000,000 Competitive construction grants.--The bill provides $30,000,000 for competitive construction grants for research science buildings. These grants shall be awarded to colleges, universities and other non-profit science research organizations on a merit basis. NIST is further directed to refrain from charging administrative costs for congressionally directed projects and competitive construction grants, and is expected to provide appropriate management and oversight of each grant. Within the appropriation, $44,000,000 is provided for the following congressionally directed activities: [[Page 4504]] ![]()
TH23FE09.034 [[Page 4505]] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The bill includes a total of $4,365,196,000 in discretionary appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is $261,283,000 above the request. Justification.--NOAA is directed to work with the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations to reformat its justification into a more useable and user-friendly document, starting with the fiscal year 2010 submission. Research and development (R&D) tracking and outcomes.--NOAA is directed to continue tracking the division of R&D funds between intramural and extramural research, and is further directed to assure consistency and clarity in the collection and reporting of data. NOAA is also directed to state clearly its expected research outcomes and available funding in order to provide transparency into the competitive grant process for extramural researchers. By not providing enough extramural research funding, NOAA risks discouraging extramural involvement in NOAA's research programs and the concomitant leveraging of external funds in support of mission-oriented research. Thus, NOAA is encouraged to provide additional extramural funding in future budget requests. Atmospheric sciences.--NOAA is urged to make atmospheric sciences a priority within the resources made available in the bill and to request additional resources in subsequent years to advance this research. OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) The bill includes a total program level of $3,133,549,000 under this account for the coastal, fisheries, marine, weather, satellite and other programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This total funding level includes $3,045,549,000 in direct appropriations, a transfer of $79,000,000 from balances in the ``Promote and Develop Fishery Products and Research Pertaining to American Fisheries'' account, a transfer of $3,000,000 from the Coastal Zone Management Fund, and $6,000,000 is derived from recoveries of prior year obligations. The direct appropriation of $3,045,549,000 is $214,296,000 above the request. Narrative descriptions and tables that identify the specific activities and funding levels included in this Act follow. National Ocean Service (NOS).--The bill includes $496,967,000 for NOS operations, research and facilities, which is $46,978,000 above the request. These funds are distributed as follows: [[Page 4506]] ![]()
TH23FE09.035 [[Page 4507]] Regional geospatial modeling grants.--The bill provides $7,000,000 to continue funding for this competitive program for researchers and resource managers to develop models or geographic information systems using existing geodetic, coastal remote sensing data, terrestrial gravity measurements or other physical datasets. Tides and current data.--The bill provides $31,337,000, which is $2,500,000 above the request, to better support existing operations and maintenance of Physical Oceanographic Real-Time Systems (PORTS). Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS).--The bill provides a total of $26,500,000 for IOOS, of which no more than $6,500,000 is for program administration and $20,000,000 is provided only for a competitive, regional ocean observing systems solicitation. NOAA is directed, as part of the IOOS 5-year strategic plan, to develop a strategy for incorporating observations systems from estuaries, bays and other near shore waters as part of the IOOS regional network of observatories. NOAA is directed not to tax the funds designated for regional observation systems as the bill provides more than adequate resources for programmatic administration. National Centers for Coastal and Ocean Science (NCCOS).-- Within the NCCOS program, the bill provides $15,801,000 for research related to HABs, Hypoxia, and Regional Ecosystems. NOAA is directed to use these funds for externally-based research. Coral reef program.--Within the NOS appropriation, $28,900,000 is provided for the coral reef program, which is $2,266,000 above the request and includes $737,000 for coral reef monitoring as requested under the NESDIS section; $750,000 in additional funding for international coral reef monitoring efforts; and $500,000 for additional funding within the Caribbean. NOAA is directed to consolidate agency- wide coral reef activities under this one NOS line item for future budget requests. Ocean and Coastal Management.--The goals of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and Mystic Seaport Museum are supported. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).--The recommendation provides $753,510,000 for NMFS operations, research and facilities, which is $29,299,000 above the request, and provides full funding for activities supporting the mandates of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. These funds are distributed as follows: [[Page 4508]] ![]()
TH23FE09.036 [[Page 4509]] Hawaiian monk seal.--The bill provides $35,800,000 for Protected Species Research and Management programs, which is $1,034,000 above the request. NMFS is directed to utilize funding of no less than $5,734,000 for the Hawaiian monk seal. The Hawaiian monk seal may be one of the world's most endangered marine species, and the agency has not provided adequate funding to reverse its decline. Fisheries research and management programs.--The bill provides $155,526,000 for fisheries research and management programs and regional science and operations to fully fund Magnuson-Stevens Act requirements. Fisheries habitat restoration.--The bill provides $22,953,000. NOAA is directed to apply $500,000 for the improvement of the living resources of the Chesapeake Bay watershed headwater streams. Chesapeake Bay oyster restoration.--The bill provides $4,600,000 for oyster restoration in the Chesapeake Bay. Of these funds, $2,600,000 is provided for oyster restoration in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay, which shall be for on- the-ground and in-the-water restoration efforts. In addition, $2,000,000 of these funds are for oyster restoration in Virginia waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Funds shall not be used for administrative costs, including banquets or salaries. Regional studies, Chesapeake Bay.--NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Office is directed to develop, within nine months after enactment of this Act, a collaborative strategic research and assessment program with the States of Maryland and Virginia. This program will advance multiple species management by focusing on blue crabs, oysters, and other resource species. In developing this program, NOAA shall utilize the Sea Grant programs from both States. Blue crab disaster assistance.--The bill provides $10,000,000 to be equally divided between the States of Maryland and Virginia for economic assistance to watermen and communities impacted by the Secretary's blue crab disaster declaration of September 22, 2008. New England fisheries assistance.--The bill provides $10,000,000 to assist New England's fisheries impacted by regulations and catch reductions. NOAA is directed to provide the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations with a spend plan for such funds within 30 days of enactment of this Act. Pacific salmon restoration.--The San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement will restore California's second longest river and help rebuild imperiled Pacific salmon runs. NMFS is obligated, under the Federal court order, to participate in the restoration planning and settlement implementation along with other Federal agencies. NMFS is expected to adhere to the requirements of the court order and report back to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on any developments. Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR).--The bill includes $396,734,000 for OAR operations, research and facilities, which is $37,492,000 above the request. These funds are distributed as follows: [[Page 4510]] ![]()
TH23FE09.037 [[Page 4511]] Laboratories and cooperative institutes.--Additional funds are provided for all sections of laboratories and cooperative institutes throughout OAR to further its commitment to the NOAA Cooperative Institute for the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Weather and air quality research.--An additional $250,000 above the request is provided for other partnership programs in support of instrumenting, maintaining and operating state- of-the-art nutrient and mercury speciation measurement stations. Analysis of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).--In support of NOAA's efforts to identify new technology platforms for studying the arctic, NOAA is directed to dedicate $1,000,000 from within the funds provided for competitive research program for the analysis of arctic UAS data. National undersea research program (NURP).--The bill includes a total of $9,200,000 for NURP, as requested, which includes funds designated for the National Undersea Research Center in Connecticut. National Weather Service (NWS).--The bill includes $847,938,000 for the NWS operations, research and facilities, which is $29,105,000 above the request. These funds are distributed as follows: [[Page 4512]] ![]()
TH23FE09.038 [[Page 4513]] Williston radar.--NOAA is directed to maintain staffing and operations at the Williston Radar site through fiscal year 2009. National mesonet network grants.--The National Research Council (NRC) has completed a study for NOAA, ``Developing Mesoscale Meteorological Observational Capabilities to Meet Multiple National Needs'' which provides a framework for a full scale national mesonet network. In particular, the NRC calls for the use of public/private partnerships, the aggregation of a network of networks and the leveraging of existing networks (public and private), as components of the national mesonet for high priority regions--mountains, coastal, and urban. The bill provides $11,000,000 for NOAA to procure competitively a national mesonet, which will provide the critical information needed to improve short- and medium- term weather forecasting (down to local scales), plume dispersion and climate monitoring, as well as air quality analyses. NOAA is directed to utilize $5,000,000 of these funds to maintain operations for existing mesonet network observation agreements. NOAA is further directed to utilize $1,500,000 to examine the use of real time mobile data collected from commercial trucking operators to evaluate, validate and demonstrate the efficacy of providing supplemental weather information to improve the safety and efficiency of the national highway system. NOAA is directed to provide to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, within 90 days after enactment, a plan, including policies and requirements, for the operation of the national mesonet, as well as integration of mesonet data into NWS field offices, mesoscale numerical weather prediction models, and with the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS), as part of the AWIPS Technology Infusion program. NOAA is further directed to make awards no later than September 1, 2009. Central forecast guidance.--An additional $10,000,000 is provided above the amount requested for central forecast guidance to reflect more accurately that these funds shall be available primarily for rent, operations and security of the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction. The increase corresponds with a decrease of funds for the same amount requested for Center for Weather and Climate Prediction under NOAA's PAC account. National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS).--The bill includes $187,422,000 for NESDIS operations, research and facilities, which is $22,130,000 above the request. These funds are distributed as follows: [[Page 4514]] ![]()
TH23FE09.039 [[Page 4515]] Coral reef monitoring.--Funding for this request has been moved to the ocean assessment program within the National Ocean Service. Ocean surface vector winds studies.--The bill does not include funding for the ocean surface vector winds studies. Instead, NESDIS is directed to conduct the study in-house and within available appropriations, and in conjunction with NASA, which has been directed similarly. Data centers and information services.--The bill includes $56,506,000 for archive, access and assessment, which is $16,917,000 above the request and provides for additional data and information archive services to address the backlog. Space-based scientific data.--NOAA is directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, on its plans to obtain space-based scientific data from commercial sources over the next three years. Program support (PS).--The bill includes $450,978,000 for PS operations, research and facilities, which is $56,583,000 above the request. These funds will be distributed as follows: [[Page 4516]] ![]()
TH23FE09.040 [[Page 4517]] Climate modeling and information technology security.-- NOAA's plans to upgrade its high performance computing and communications are supported with $20,000,000 above the request to accelerate climate modeling improvements and improve information technology services. NOAA is also encouraged to expand its partnership with the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation to provide supercomputing capacity to help meet research needs. Competitive education grants.--The bill provides $8,500,000 for competitive education grants, of which $7,500,000 is for a new ocean education grant program. Eligible recipients of the ocean education grants must be non-profit 501(c)(3) aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums with informal education partnerships regarding the ocean. The grants require a 50 percent non-Federal cost share and can be used for capital improvements, exhibit space and educational program development projects originating within the aquarium. BWET regional programs.--NOAA is directed to continue to support existing BWET programs and is encouraged to expand this program to additional regions. Marine operations and maintenance.--Increased funding for marine services and aviation services is provided above the request to offset increased fuel charges and to ensure critical research and operations are conducted. Fleet planning and maintenance.--Given the trend in lost sea days, an additional $11,000,000 is provided above the request to better ensure NOAA vessels are manned properly and operate safely. Improving fleet conditions and increasing days at sea will strengthen NOAA's ability to carry out many critical missions, including fisheries surveys, climate research, and nautical charting. Diving regulations.--NOAA's diving program is critical to conducting scientific research, ship maintenance and marine operations, and NOAA's unique mission requires unique diving operations. Section 106 of this bill provides the Secretary the authority to prescribe diving regulations. Within 90 days of enactment, NOAA is directed to submit a plan to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on how the agency will implement its own scientific and working diver regulations by the end of the fiscal year, which shall include recommendations on improving the viability, safety and efficiency of the NOAA diving program in out-years. Congressionally-directed items.--Within the appropriation for operations, research and facilities, the bill provides for the following Congressionally-directed activities: [[Page 4518]] ![]()
TH23FE09.041 [[Page 4519]] ![]()
TH23FE09.042 [[Page 4520]] ![]()
TH23FE09.043 [[Page 4521]] ![]()
TH23FE09.044 [[Page 4522]] ![]()
TH23FE09.045 [[Page 4523]] ![]()
TH23FE09.046 [[Page 4524]] ![]()
TH23FE09.047 [[Page 4525]] PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION The bill includes a total program level of $1,245,647,000 under the Procurement, Acquisition and Construction (PAC) heading, which is $4,987,000 above the request. This includes a direct appropriation of $1,243,647,000 and $2,000,000 is derived from recoveries of prior year obligations. The funds will be distributed as follows: [[Page 4526]] ![]()
TH23FE09.048 [[Page 4527]] NOAA satellite systems.--The bill includes $965,667,000 for geostationary and polar orbiting satellite programs and the restoration of critical climate sensors. The impact of the GOES-R out-year costs on NOAA's traditional mission areas is troubling, as GOES-R demands an ever-increasing percentage of NOAA's budget. If investments in necessary satellite infrastructure must be funded within NOAA's budget, those requirements should be accommodated in NOAA's budget requests without impinging on NOAA's other critical mission priorities. Furthermore, both the GOES-R and NPOESS programs are entering critical phases of their respective developments during the transition of administrations. The Office of Inspector General recommended that the Department of Commerce establish thresholds and procedures for reporting and improving major deviations from GOES-R's capability, cost, and schedule baseline, as well as enhancements to the baseline. NOAA and the Department of Commerce are directed to implement this recommendation no later than March 2, 2009. VIIRS.--The VIIRS instrument has consistently caused major delays and cost overruns to the NPOESS program. Development delays continue; forcing postponement in the launch of the NPP mission, and almost certainly delaying the launch of C1 and C2 of NPOESS. Therefore, NOAA is directed to provide, no later than March 2, 2009, to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, a revised total cost estimate to build and install the current VIIRS instrument for NPP, C1 and C2, as well as an analysis of alternatives to the VIIRS instrument, including cost estimates and risk analysis, as well as the matrix for development and contract performance. Comprehensive large array data stewardship system (CLASS).--NOAA CLASS is directed to establish a sound technical plan and implement foundation elements to move CLASS architecture to an enterprise solution that supports the anticipated increase in the demand for archival and distribution of current and planned data campaigns. NOAA CLASS is further directed to examine the technical and programmatic components required to establish an interface- to-data archives for the purpose of creating information products that would add value for stakeholders and the user community. Construction.--The bill provides $10,000,000 for program support construction, which allows NOAA to begin its highest priority construction projects. Cooperative Weather and Research Center.--The southeast United States experiences more severe weather events, such as hurricanes, tornados, lightning, flooding and severe droughts, than any other region of the country. NOAA dedicates few resources to respond and prepare for severe weather events in this area, and unlike other regions, the Southeast does not possess the surveillance, research and forecasting assets to study and predict these events. The bill provides a total of $10,550,000 for the NWS to build a Cooperative Institute and Research Center for Southeast Weather and Hydrology and to begin to develop and acquire dual polar, phased array and multi-frequency Doppler Radars and passive radiometers to study storms, improve rainfall estimates, and to begin to provide the citizens of the Southeast with state-of-the-art weather research and prediction capabilities. Of the funding provided, up to $1,500,000 shall be used for operations. NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction.--Based on revised information, the bill fully funds the request for the NCWCP building, but has shifted $10,000,000 to the ORF appropriation to more accurately reflect that these funds will be used primarily for rent, operations, and security of this facility. Congressionally-directed items.--Within the appropriation for procurement, acquisition and construction, the bill provides for the following Congressionally-directed activities: [[Page 4528]] ![]()
TH23FE09.049 [[Page 4529]] Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery The bill includes $80,000,000 for Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery, which is $45,000,000 above the budget request. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT FUND (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) The bill includes language transferring not to exceed $3,000,000 from the Coastal Zone Management Fund to the ``Operations, Research, and Facilities Account.'' FISHERIES FINANCE PROGRAM ACCOUNT The bill includes language under this heading limiting obligations of direct loans to $8,000,000 for Individual Fishing Quota loans and $59,000,000 for traditional direct loans. Departmental Management SALARIES AND EXPENSES The bill includes $53,000,000 for Departmental Management, which is $7,583,000 less than the amended budget request. 2010 Decennial report and certification.--The bill includes language that requires the Secretary of Commerce to provide a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations that audits and evaluates all decision documents and expenditures by the Bureau of Census as they relate to the 2010 Decennial. The bill also includes language that restricts $5,000,000 of the available appropriation from obligation until the Secretary certifies to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations that the Bureau of Census has met all standards and best management practices and Office of Management and Budget guidelines related to information technology projects and contract management. Emergency Steel Loan Guarantee Program (ESLG).--The proposed rescission of the remaining unobligated subsidy balances associated with the ESLG program is rejected. Information Technology (IT) security.--Within the appropriation, the bill provides an increase of $4,117,000 to address the Department's IT security material weaknesses and other concerns raised by the Inspector General. HERBERT C. HOOVER BUILDING RENOVATION AND MODERNIZATION The bill includes $5,000,000 for costs associated with the renovation of the Herbert C. Hoover building, which is $2,367,000 below the budget request. OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL The bill includes $25,800,000 for the Office of Inspector General, which is $1,034,000 above the request. The increased funding is provided to address the increasing oversight necessary for the 2010 Decennial Census and NOAA's satellite development programs. General Provisions--Department of Commerce (Including Transfer of Funds) Section 101 makes funds available for advanced payments only upon certification of officials designated by the Secretary that such payments are considered to be in the public interest. Section 102 makes appropriations for the Department for salaries and expenses available for hire of passenger motor vehicles, for services, and for uniforms and allowances as authorized by law. Section 103 provides the authority to transfer funds between Department of Commerce appropriations accounts, but not between NOAA and other Departmental appropriations; the provision makes transfers subject to the standard reprogramming procedures. Section 104 provides that any costs incurred by the Department from personnel actions taken in response to funding reductions shall be absorbed within the total budgetary resources available to the Department and shall be subject to the reprogramming limitations set forth in this Act. Section 105 includes a permanent prohibition of funds related to the trademark of ``Last Best Place''. Section 106 provides permanent authority for the Secretary of Commerce to prescribe and enforce standards or regulations affecting safety and health in the context of scientific and occupational diving within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Section 107 extends Congressional notification requirements for the GOES-R satellite program. Section 108 provides for the reimbursement for services within Department of Commerce buildings. Section 109 transfers prior year funding from the Fisheries Finance Program into NOAA Operations, Research, and Facilities appropriation. Section 110 amends the Pacific Salmon Treaty Act. Section 111 provides authority for the Secretary of Commerce to negotiate or reevaluate international agreements related to fisheries, marine mammals, or sea turtles. TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE General Administration salaries and expenses For fiscal year 2009, the bill provides $105,805,000 for General Administration (GA), which is equal to the budget request. Materials in support of the annual budget request.--The Department of Justice (DOJ) was the only agency under the CJS Subcommittee's jurisdiction which was unable to meet the liberal timetables imposed for submission of additional requested information in support of the Department's fiscal year 2009 budget. The Department is directed to take any action necessary to ensure that such delays do not occur in the fiscal year 2010 budget process. Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) investigations.--The Department shall continue to support OPR's ongoing reviews of the Federal government's interrogation methods and warrantless wiretapping practices, particularly through the provision of relevant documents and witnesses. It is expected that these investigations will be expeditiously pursued until they are complete. Resolution of jurisdictional disputes.--The Department is currently engaged in several jurisdictional disputes, both among DOJ components and between DOJ and other federal agencies. Particularly troubling examples include the ongoing conflict between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) over the investigation of explosives crimes and the dispute between DOJ and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over the appropriate location for the Office of Bombing Prevention. The Attorney General (AG) is directed to submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 120 days after the enactment of this Act on the steps the Department has taken in order to reconcile these disputes and clarify the jurisdictional lines between FBI and ATF and between DOJ and DHS. Immigration workload.--DOJ's budget request fails to articulate, or account for, the increased resource requirements that result from other agencies' activities. This is particularly true with respect to immigration, where the Department has been repeatedly forced to redirect internal resources in order to provide necessary judicial support and basic care for aliens turned over to DOJ by DHS. The practical effect of these redirections has been cuts to non-immigration programs at DOJ. In order to accurately estimate the magnitude of these funding pressures, a methodology is required to create defensible fiscal linkages between DHS activities and DOJ costs. The Department is directed to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to develop, test and select a budget model that accurately captures these fiscal linkages and leverages them into an estimate of DOJ's immigration-related costs. The $1,000,000 necessary to perform this study should be funded within the appropriated level for this account, and the resulting conclusions should be submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations upon completion, but not later than 20 months after the enactment of this Act. Rent estimates.--The rent estimates produced by the Justice Management Division are frequently incorrect, sometimes by tens of millions of dollars. The Department is urged to continue making improvements in its facilities and rent management system in order to improve the accuracy of future requests. National threat drug gangs.--No later than one year after the enactment of this Act, the AG, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations a report, in both classified and unclassified form, identifying the three international drug gangs that present the greatest threat to law and order in the United States; describing the composition, operations, strengths and weaknesses of each of these gangs; and setting forth a national strategy to eliminate within four years the illegal operations of each identified gang. In choosing the three gangs to be included, which will be designated as ``National Threat Drug Gangs,'' the AG shall consider the extent to which the gang conducts activities with any international terrorist organization or state designated by the Secretary of State as a sponsor of terrorism; the volume of controlled substances that the gang imports to or distributes within the United States; and the extent to which the gang is a threat to children and schools within the United States. Overseas pay equivalency.--The Department is directed to address issues relating to danger pay and locality adjustment disparities between DOJ employees serving abroad and overseas employees of other agencies. The Department is further directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 90 days of the enactment of this Act on the steps taken to address these disparities. Data center operations.--GAO is requested to review the operational costs of the Department's data centers from fiscal year 2006 through fiscal year 2008 and to report its findings to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than June 1, 2009. Budget restructuring proposals.--All accounts within DOJ shall continue to use the fiscal year 2008 decision units and account structures unless otherwise specified in prior years or in the body of this explanatory statement. Representation funds for foreign field offices.--The lack of representation funds available for foreign field office staff to perform their official duties in stations outside [[Page 4530]] of the continental United States is concerning. Agents in foreign field offices not only develop contacts with international law enforcement and intelligence agencies, but are also responsible for myriad other functions, including the detection and prevention of terrorism and crime, training, information sharing and responding to terrorist attacks internationally. These contacts serve a critical role in increasing Federal law enforcement's ability to identify and disrupt terrorist and criminal activity domestically. Therefore, FBI, ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United States Marshals Service (USMS) are directed to increase the amount of representation funds requested for foreign field offices. justice information sharing technology The bill provides $80,000,000 for Justice Information Sharing Technology (JIST), which is $13,868,000 below the budget request. Cyber security.--No later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act, the Department is directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on expected cyber security costs in the JIST account for fiscal year 2009 and the Department's plan for covering these costs without additional requested resources. Unified Financial Management System (UFMS).--Delays and other issues with the live deployment of UFMS at DEA have created concerns about the Department's ability to meet appropriate standards of success for this project. Rather than providing the relatively modest UFMS funding requested in this account, the bill focuses on fully funding the other important IT projects supported by JIST. Once the Department can demonstrate that UFMS deployment at DEA has proceeded successfully, a reprogramming will be considered to meet the UFMS project's projected 2009 needs. That reprogramming should include both those funds originally intended for reprogramming in 2009, as well as the balance of UFMS funds originally requested for appropriation in this account. tactical law enforcement wireless communications The bill provides $185,000,000 for Tactical Law Enforcement Wireless Communications, which is $63,349,000 above the budget request. Integrated Wireless Network (IWN).--The request for this account does not sufficiently address the Department's communications deficiencies and will contribute to the ongoing delays in the nationwide deployment of the IWN solution. Accordingly, the bill provides a total of $88,249,000 for IWN and directs the Department to use these funds for accelerated IWN deployment in high priority metropolitan regions. Consistent with planning materials submitted along with the budget request, the Department is directed to use these funds only for the modernization and improvement of land mobile radio (LMR) systems. Any plans related to secure cellular or data systems, or non-LMR tactical equipment, must be budgeted for and requested separately. To aid in program management and oversight, the Department is directed to set specific and detailed performance milestones for the use of IWN funds, including dates for planned completion. These milestones should be reported to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 60 days of the enactment of this Act, and quarterly updates should be provided on the Department's progress in meeting those milestones. Continued funding support for IWN in future years will be contingent on the Department's success in achieving its milestones within cost, schedule and performance expectations. administrative review and appeals The bill provides $270,000,000 for Administrative Review and Appeals, including $267,613,000 for the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), which is $6,209,000 above the budget request. The appropriation is offset by $4,000,000 in fees that are collected by the Department of Homeland Security and transferred to EOIR. Hiring new immigration judges.--Within funds provided, $5,000,000 is made available to hire new immigration judges and support personnel to address the growing caseload. The Department and EOIR are directed, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, to submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations a strategic plan to address the case backlogs. Legal Orientation Program (LOP).--With funds provided in this bill and in prior year appropriations, EOIR is directed to provide not less than $4,000,000 for the LOP program during fiscal year 2009. Immigration court reforms.--Within 30 days of enactment of this Act, the Department is directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the implementation status of the 22 reform measures to improve the efficiency of immigration courts that were identified by the Attorney General in August, 2006. Competency evaluation standards.--EOIR is encouraged to work with experts and interested parties in developing standards and materials for immigration judges to use in conducting competency evaluations of persons appearing before the courts. The bill provides $2,387,000 for the Office of Pardon Attorney to support a total of 15 permanent positions and 15 FTE. Detention Trustee The bill provides $1,295,319,000 for the Office of the Detention Trustee (ODT), which is equal to the budget request. Immigration workload.--ODT appears to have significant difficulties accurately estimating its annual funding requirements, particularly with respect to its immigration workload. If additional immigration-related funding is required in excess of the amount provided herein, the Department may submit a reprogramming request to address those needs, consistent with section 505 of this Act. Population and cost data.--ODT is directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on a quarterly basis the projected and actual number of individuals in the detention system, the annualized costs associated with those individuals and the costs reimbursed from other Federal agencies. District of Columbia prisoner reimbursement.--The Department's prisoner reimbursement agreement with the District of Columbia must be made consistent with the requirements set forth in the National Capital Revitalization Act of 1997. The Department is urged to work with the District government to review and update the reimbursable agreement in order to achieve the necessary consistency. The Department should immediately notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations if the updated agreement will require additional resources to implement. office of inspector general The bill provides $75,681,000 for the Office of Inspector General. The Inspector General is expected to continue with diligent oversight of the Department's hiring, enforcement, prosecutorial and policy decision making in order to ensure integrity and public confidence. The Inspector General is commended for its continuing oversight of the FBI's use of National Security Letters and PATRIOT Act Section 215 orders, and is expected to continue its assessment of FBI progress in implementing corrective actions in these areas. Within funds provided, the Inspector General is expected to continue its review of the FBI's development and implementation of the Sentinel case management system, and to assess whether cost, schedule, performance and technical benchmarks are being met and whether the FBI has resolved concerns identified in its previous audits. United States Parole Commission salaries and expenses The bill provides $12,570,000 for the United States Parole Commission for fiscal year 2009. Legal Activities salaries and expenses, general legal activities (including transfer of funds) The bill provides a total of $804,007,000 for General Legal Activities for fiscal year 2009. The funding is provided as follows: Solicitor General...........................................$10,440,000 Tax Division................................................101,016,000 Criminal Division...........................................164,061,000 Civil Division..............................................270,431,000 Environment and Natural Resources...........................103,093,000 Office of Legal Counsel.......................................6,693,000 Civil Rights Division.......................................123,151,000 INTERPOL--USNCB..............................................24,548,000 Office of Dispute Resolution....................................574,000 Federal Observer Program.--The bill provides $3,390,000 for the costs of the Federal Observer Program, which places election monitors in jurisdictions where the Attorney General certifies or a Federal judge orders that they are necessary to ensure free and fair elections. Criminal Division.--Within available funds, $1,800,000 is directed to be allocated for an additional 10 attorneys, six analysts and associated support personnel in the Criminal Division to investigate and prosecute individuals who violate Federal laws on serious human rights crimes, including but not limited to criminal statutes on genocide, torture and war crimes. vaccine injury compensation trust fund The bill provides $7,833,000 for the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund. salaries and expenses, antitrust division The bill includes $157,788,000 in budget authority for the Antitrust Division, $7,197,000 above the budget request, which is provided to lift the hiring freeze imposed during fiscal year 2008. This appropriation is offset by $157,788,000 in pre-merger filing fee collections, resulting in a direct appropriation of $0. salaries and expenses, united states attorneys The bill provides $1,836,336,000 for the salaries and expenses of the United States Attorneys in fiscal year 2009. Justice rooted in law, not in politics or favor, is a founding principle of our Nation. It is deeply troubling that partisan political considerations were a factor in the removal of several U.S. Attorneys fired in 2006. These actions severely damaged the Department's credibility. It is incumbent upon the Attorney General and U.S. Attorneys to restore public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of their prosecutorial decisions. [[Page 4531]] Ethical and professional standards.--U.S. Attorneys are vested with enormous power, and it is their sworn duty to enforce the laws of this country fairly and impartially and to uphold the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct. The Inspector General and the Office of Professional Responsibility are directed to review allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing by U.S. Attorneys, and each to provide on a quarterly basis to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations a summary report on such incidents investigated and any significant findings issued as a result of the investigations. Child exploitation investigations and prosecutions.--The additional $5,000,000 above the budget request is made available to support the hiring of additional assistant U.S. Attorneys to increase investigations and prosecutions of offenses related to the sexual exploitation of children, as authorized by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. Not less than $33,600,000 shall be available for this purpose in fiscal year 2009. Prosecution of serious crimes in Indian Country.--Due to evidence of declining rates of Federal investigation and prosecution of serious crimes in Indian Country, the Attorney General is directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, within 60 days of enactment of this Act, on the strategic and resource allocation plans for the prosecution of serious crimes in Indian Country, including murder and rape, which are reported to Federal law enforcement. united states trustee system fund The bill provides $217,416,000 for the United States Trustee System Fund. The appropriation is offset by $160,000,000 in offsetting fee collections and $5,000,000 derived from interest on investments in U.S. securities, resulting in a direct appropriation of $52,416,000. Data-enabled ``smart forms.''--Developed jointly by the United States Trustee Program and the Administrative Office of the Courts, data-enabled ``smart forms'' for filing bankruptcy petitions and schedules are cost-effective tools which are encouraged to be used to improve efficiencies in the bankruptcy system. salaries and expenses, foreign claims settlement commission The bill provides $1,823,000 for salaries and expenses of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission in fiscal year 2009. fees and expenses of witnesses The bill provides $168,300,000 for Fees and Expenses of Witnesses, which is equal to the budget request. salaries and expenses, community relations service The bill provides $9,873,000 for salaries and expenses of the Community Relations Service in fiscal year 2009. assets forfeiture fund The bill provides $20,990,000 for the Assets Forfeiture Fund, which is equal to the budget request. United States Marshals Service salaries and expenses The bill provides $950,000,000 for the USMS, which is $16,883,000 above the budget request. Adam Walsh enforcement.--The Marshals Service has not requested the resources needed to carry out the responsibilities assigned to it under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. To fulfill these responsibilities, the bill provides an increase of $5,187,000, which should be used to improve sex offender targeting through the National Sex Offender Targeting Center and related efforts. These resources are in addition to the $16,970,000 provided for Adam Walsh enforcement in P.L. 110-252. Together, these appropriations will provide the Marshals with a total of $22,157,000 available for Adam Walsh enforcement activities in 2009. Judicial security.--The Marshals have reported that 2008 is on pace to record the highest annual number of judicial threats and inappropriate communications in history. To address this escalating workload, the Marshals are provided $4,000,000 to analyze and investigate threats against the Judiciary. In addition, the Marshals are urged to develop an aggressive schedule for the rollout of state-of-the-art detection capabilities at pilot high-threat courthouses around the country. These technologies will enhance courthouse security through the use of proven equipment, training and procedures to screen for and detect evolving threats. Special consideration should be given to those technologies that have been deployed and proven effective by other Federal agencies. Regional Fugitive Task Forces (RFTF).--The bill provides an increase of $10,000,000 to the RFTF program for the establishment of new, or expansion of existing, RFTFs. Distribution of these resources should be based on fugitive workload, giving emphasis to workload created by the Adam Walsh Act. construction The bill provides $4,000,000 for Marshals Construction, which is $1,696,000 above the budget request. These funds should be applied to the highest priority renovation projects identified by the Marshals. National Security Division Salaries and Expenses The bill provides $83,789,000 for the National Security Division (NSD), which is equal to the budget request. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) backlog.-- NSD is processing over 2,200 FISAs per year with only 100 attorneys, which has led to the creation of a backlog among non-emergency FISA requests. NSD is directed to submit a report on the trend in FISA backlog numbers over the past 5 fiscal years and NSD's plan for addressing the backlog, beginning in fiscal year 2009. The report shall be submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act. Intelligence oversight.--NSD shall give immediate notice to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations if there are any significant deviations from the current plan to perform 18 National Security Reviews of FBI investigative activity in fiscal year 2009. Foreign investment reviews.--NSD is directed to submit a report on the Division's foreign investment review workload and the Division's ability to address this workload in the absence of additional requested resources. The report shall be submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act. Interagency Law Enforcement INTERAGENCY CRIME AND DRUG ENFORCEMENT The bill provides $515,000,000 for the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces, which is $16,581,000 below the budget request. Federal Bureau of Investigation SALARIES AND EXPENSES The bill provides $7,065,100,000 for the salaries and expenses of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which is equal to the budget request. Deployment aircraft.--The funding level provided does not include $20,040,000 that was requested for an emergency deployment aircraft lease. The costs of that lease were funded in P.L. 110-252. Pay modernization.--The bill does not include the requested funds for pay modernization because it remains unclear how the Bureau can implement an Intelligence Community-driven evaluation and compensation system within an organization with significant resources outside of the Intelligence Community. Once this and other issues are clarified, requests for this purpose may be resubmitted for consideration in the fiscal year 2010 budget. National Security Analysis Center (NSAC).--The budget request included an enhancement of $10,777,000 for NSAC. This funding has not been included in the bill due to two major concerns. First, FBI's written materials relating to NSAC expansion reference plans to engage in controversial ``predictive'' modeling practices that could violate the privacy and civil liberties of law abiding U.S. citizens. Second, the FBI has not completed, or submitted, the planning and implementation documentation necessary to ensure that the NSAC will be responsibly developed and deployed in accordance with policy, schedule and budget requirements. If the FBI believes that enhanced NSAC funding is required, those funds may be requested via reprogramming or in a future appropriation request. However, the provision of those funds will be conditioned on the receipt and consideration of the following items: written clarification of NSAC's intentions with respect to the use of ``predictive'' behavior modeling; a detailed spending plan and deployment schedule with dates for key milestones; and completed planning documentation, including an Exhibit 300, an updated System of Records Notice, a Privacy Impact Assessment and a concept of operations or other similar implementation guide. Intellectual property enforcement.-- The bill provides an increase of $9,393,000 for additional agents, dedicated solely to investigating criminal intellectual property rights (IPR) cases, in the same localities of the Department's Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (CHIP) units. The funding level provided will allow the addition of two agents in each of the field offices in the same locality as those CHIP units which the Attorney General has determined most merit assistance in IPR investigations, with no less than 26 agents assigned for this purpose. The funding level also provides for the creation of an additional and distinct operational unit at FBI Headquarters with at least 5 full-time, permanent agents dedicated to working with the Department of Justice's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section solely on complex, multi- district and international criminal IPR cases. The agents appropriated for this section shall solely investigate and support the criminal prosecution of violations of federal intellectual property laws, including Title 17 United States Code, sections 506 and 1204; Title 18 U.S. Code, sections 1831, 1832, 2318, 2319, 2319A, 2319B, and 2320. Mortgage fraud investigations.--The FBI's White Collar Crime program is straining to keep pace with a mortgage fraud caseload that has increased by more than 55 percent since 2003. To address this problem, the bill provides an increase of $10,000,000 for the FBI to dedicate additional agents to mortgage [[Page 4532]] fraud investigations and add to existing mortgage fraud task forces and working groups. Child exploitation investigations.--The bill provides an increase of $19,000,000 for FBI child exploitation investigations, including an increase of no less than $9,000,000 for the Innocent Images program. Foreign human rights violators.--The FBI is directed to increase efforts to investigate and support the criminal prosecution of serious human rights crimes committed by foreign nationals who have found safe haven in the United States. The bill provides an increase of $1,500,000 to support these activities. Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division.-- CJIS is provided $558,000,000, including $307,000,000 in appropriated funds and $251,000,000 in user fees. As in prior years, under no circumstances is the FBI to divert funding collected through CJIS user fees for any purpose other than CJIS, its refreshment plan or a subsequent modernization plan for the current facility. Retention and relocation.--The FBI is encouraged to continue working with the FBI Agents Association to ameliorate the impact on affected agents of the FBI's Field Office Supervisory Term Limit policy. Foreign intelligence collection.--The FBI's new tasking to collect non-case related foreign intelligence may dilute the FBI's primary missions and cause coordination problems with other agencies whose missions have always included foreign intelligence activities. The FBI is directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 60 days of the enactment of this Act on how the Bureau will engage in foreign intelligence collection without duplicating or conflicting with activities already underway at those other agencies with longstanding foreign intelligence missions. Long-term planning.--The FBI has experienced a very high rate of budget growth over the past seven years but seems unable to clearly articulate how much longer this kind of growth is going to be necessary. The ``end-state capabilities'' already submitted by the FBI are too vaguely defined to be used in strategic planning or budgetary decision making. Consequently, the FBI is directed to develop more discrete, quantifiable end-state goals and to submit those goals to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations together with the fiscal year 2010 budget request. National Security Letters (NSLs).--There has been little evidence that the FBI has a plan in place to work with third party information providers to educate them about their responsibilities and to reduce the incidence of mistaken productions of content and other information under an NSL. The FBI is directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 60 days of the enactment of this Act on the steps it is taking to reduce and prevent third party NSL errors. Sentinel.--The FBI is expected to inform immediately the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations of any significant deviations from the planned budget or schedule for the Sentinel project. FBI Headquarters building.--The J. Edgar Hoover Building is inadequate for the current FBI Headquarters workforce, causing dispersal of FBI staff to over 16 annex offices. The building also lacks adequate setback and other security features, which puts FBI operations and personnel at unacceptable risk. The GAO is directed to review the Hoover Building, and associated off-site locations, and provide an analysis of the FBI's ability to fulfill its mission and security requirements under present conditions. The GAO study should also assess the benefits of a consolidated headquarters facility. Work force distribution.--The FBI was extremely tardy in submitting a workforce study required by the statement accompanying P.L. 110-161. The FBI is directed to take all necessary steps to ensure that such tardiness does not recur with this year's reporting requirements. Achieving the proper distribution of staff to field offices around the country remains a concern. As the FBI considers the distribution of agents received in this appropriation, the Bureau is encouraged to consider the allocation of agents to locations that would alleviate any unjustified disparities in the number of personnel among offices. CONSTRUCTION The bill provides $153,491,000, which is $110,500,000 above the budget request. Program increases.--Within funds provided, $9,800,000 is for improvements at the FBI Academy and $41,000,000 is for the Terrorist Explosives Device Analytical Center. Drug Enforcement Administration SALARIES AND EXPENSES The bill provides $1,939,084,000 for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is $2,500,000 above the budget request. Drug Flow Attack Strategy (DFAS).-- The bill fully supports the DFAS request, with the exception of funds to purchase a helicopter. Funding for that purpose was provided in P.L. 110-252. Diversion control program.--Full funding of $244,450,000 is provided for the Diversion Control program, which is fully offset with fee collections. This funding level includes an increase of $498,000 for the Diversion Control portion of DFAS. Mobile Enforcement Teams (MET).--The bill provides an increase of $10,000,000 to allow DEA to begin rebuilding the MET program, both through the establishment of additional teams and by increasing the funds available for existing teams. The activities of MET should continue to include a focus on methamphetamine enforcement. Drugs on public lands.--DEA is urged to work with Federal land management agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service, and State and local law enforcement partners to aggressively and permanently eradicate marijuana and other drug operations on public lands. DEA is also strongly urged to increase the resources provided to investigate, apprehend and prosecute drug trafficking on public lands and to target those resources to areas with the highest concentration of trafficking activity. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives SALARIES AND EXPENSES The bill provides $1,054,215,000 for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which is $26,401,000 above the budget request. Program increases.--The bill provides a total increase over the budget request of $26,401,000, of which no less than $200,000 is for the hiring of additional regulation writers to address ATF's pending regulatory backlog and no less than $5,000,000 is for Project Gunrunner and other firearms trafficking efforts targeting Mexico and the border region. Project Gunrunner has been an effective tool in combating anti-smuggling efforts along the Southwest border, and ATF is encouraged to make sure that sufficient resources are allocated to this important program. Ballistics imaging and identification.--High-tech ballistics imaging and identification capabilities are very valuable and have been improved over time by significant investments on the part of State and local law enforcement partners in building the current data base. ATF is encouraged to ensure that ballistic imaging technology is routinely refreshed, upgraded and deployed to those State and local partners. Further, ATF is expected to ensure that upgrades and replacements for ballistic imaging technology take into account the resources already invested by those State and local partners. Conversion of records.--ATF is urged to complete the conversion of tens of thousands of existing Federal firearms dealer out-of-business records from film to digital images at the ATF National Tracing Center. Disposition of historical documents.--ATF is currently in possession of a letter signed by Alexander Hamilton on December 18, 1790. This letter reflects Hamilton's efforts to pay down Revolutionary War debt through the imposition of duties on distilled liquor. ATF is directed to provide immediately this letter to the National Archives and Records Administration for historical preservation and study. Canine transport conditions.--ATF headquarters' recent decision to shrink the size of the vehicles used by the 34 ATF explosive detection canine teams as a cost-savings mechanism is both disappointing and shortsighted. DOJ spends, at a minimum, $20,000 to train these assets, which are housed in agent vehicles while on deployment and while working to ensure public safety. The canines require reasonable comfortable space to not only work, but also to rest if they are to be effective when called upon to perform. ATF shall only purchase vehicles for explosive detection canine teams that provide no less usable space for the dog than the vehicles they are meant to replace. ATF shall submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 30 days after enactment of this Act certifying that this directive is being met. Federal Prison System SALARIES AND EXPENSES The bill provides $5,595,754,000 for the salaries and expenses of the Federal Prison System for fiscal year 2009, which is an increase of $160,000,000 above the budget request. Several years of insufficient budget requests have led to a critical juncture for the Federal Prison System--in terms of safety and security for inmates and staff. The additional funds are provided to support adequate correctional staffing levels and to address shortfalls in inmate programs. Within 30 days of enactment of this Act, the Department is directed to submit a spend plan to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, with a proposed distribution of funds across the four Bureau of Prisons (BOP) decision units and which specifically details the allocation of the $160,000,000 funding increase. Further, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is directed to review BOP's methods for determining resource requirements, including pricing of fixed costs such as utilities and medical care, as well as estimates of the inmate population. The GAO should make recommendations to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on steps BOP should take to develop more accurate projections of funding requirements no later than August 31, 2009. [[Page 4533]] Substance abuse treatment.--Forty percent of inmates entering Federal prisons have a drug use disorder and require residential drug abuse treatment. Despite the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which requires such treatment to be provided, an estimated 8,000 eligible inmates were put on the waiting list during fiscal year 2008. The fiscal year 2009 budget request did not address this shortfall. Within amounts appropriated, $79,200,000 is made available to provide residential and transitional drug abuse treatment for all eligible inmates. Inmate education, training and prisoner re-entry.--Within amounts appropriated, $138,000,000 is provided to reduce the backlog of inmates waiting to participate in education, vocational training and prisoner re-entry programs, which are cost effective tools in reducing the societal impacts of criminal recidivism. Reimbursement for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees.--The Attorney General is directed to work with the Department of Homeland Security to transfer expeditiously the estimated 700 ICE detainees who are currently housed in the Federal Prison System, or to obtain prompt and fair reimbursement from ICE for the costs of incarcerating them. The Attorney General is further directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act on actions taken to comply with this direction. In addition, the Attorney General is directed, on a quarterly basis, to report to the Committees on the costs incurred by BOP and the reimbursements received for housing ICE detainees and inmates of other Federal and State agencies. Staffing levels and staff-inmate ratios.--On a monthly basis, the BOP is directed to notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations of current correctional officer staffing levels, by facility, and of the staff-inmate ratios for all Federal prisons. National Institute of Corrections (NIC).--The budget proposal to eliminate funding for the NIC is rejected. The NIC provides valuable training and services, including research and evaluation, technical assistance, information sharing and planning to State and local adult corrections agencies, the BOP and other Federal agencies. The Department is encouraged to submit a reprogramming request if sufficient funds are not available within BOP for this effort. To address deficiencies in corrections reporting identified by the U.S. Census Bureau, the NIC is encouraged to work with State corrections agencies to develop better procedures and systems for collecting and maintaining corrections records. Inmate medical care.--The BOP is currently experiencing a shortage of dentists, which is expected to worsen due to retirements and retention difficulties. BOP is directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by February 19, 2009, on its current and projected dentist staffing needs and its plans to address this situation. Prevention of sexual misconduct.--The BOP is to be commended for its work to address and prevent sexual misconduct. With funds provided in previous years, the NIC has made meaningful progress in providing training and technical support to correctional systems throughout the country to eliminate staff sexual misconduct with inmates, provide training in investigating cases, and training the ``trainers'' in order that employees at every level will be more aware of, and better prepared to deal with, these cases. The BOP is directed to continue these efforts and to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by March 31, 2009, on progress made in this area. Contracting out.--The bill includes a general provision to prohibit the use of funds to conduct, process or approve a public-private competition under OMB Circular A-76 for personnel who are employees of the BOP or of Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated. This provision does not prevent BOP from meeting additional bed space needs using State, local, and private existing and new prison capacity. Activations and expansions.--The BOP is expected to adhere to the activation schedule included in its budget submission, and shall notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations of any deviations to that schedule. BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES The bill provides $575,807,000 for the construction, modernization, maintenance, and repair of prison and detention facilities housing Federal inmates. Within this amount, $440,000,000 is provided for new prison construction and $110,627,000 is provided to address the significant backlog of major health and safety repairs in Federal prison facilities. The BOP is directed to provide quarterly reports to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on its backlog of maintenance and repairs, and its schedule for addressing them. Female inmate facilities.--Additional capacity for female inmates at new facilities will significantly reduce crowding in this population, thereby enhancing safety and security. Within funds provided, the BOP is expected to begin site selection and development, environmental assessment and feasibility, planning, and initial design work to build an FCI in Leavenworth, Kansas. Reprogramming limitation.--The bill includes language directing that BOP may not transfer ``Buildings and Facilities'' appropriations to cover ``Salaries and Expenses'' costs unless the President certifies that such a transfer is necessary to the national security interest of the United States, and also subjects any such transfer to section 505 of this Act. LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES, FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED The bill provides a limitation on administrative expenses of $2,328,000 for Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated. Those who are repaying their debts to society should be provided opportunities to prepare themselves to re-enter society as gainfully employed citizens. The Department is expected to continue to offer meaningful work opportunities to inmates while respecting the interests of small and medium-sized businesses. State and Local Law Enforcement Activities Office on Violence Against Women VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION AND PROSECUTION PROGRAMS The bill provides $415,000,000 for Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) grants and programs, as follows: [In thousands of dollars] Program Conference STOP Grants....................................................$190,000 National Institute of Justice--R&D..........................(1,880) Transitional Housing Assistance............................(18,000) Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies..............................60,000 Rural Domestic Violence Assistance Grants........................41,000 Violence on College Campuses......................................9,500 Civil Legal Assistance...........................................37,000 Sexual Assault Victims Services..................................12,000 Elder Abuse Grant Program.........................................4,250 Safe Havens Project..............................................14,000 Education & Training for Disabled Female Victims..................6,750 CASA (Special Advocates).........................................15,000 Training for Judicial Personnel (child abuse).....................2,500 Stalking Database.................................................3,000 Court Training and Improvements...................................3,000 Services for Children/Youth Exposed to Violence...................3,000 Advocates for Youth/Services for Youth Victims (STARY)............3,500 National Tribal Sex Offender Registry.............................1,000 Research on Violence Against Native American Women................1,000 Engaging Men and Youth in Prevention..............................3,000 Training Programs to Assist Probation and Parole Officers.........3,500 National Resource Center on Workplace Responses...................1,000 Closed Circuit Television Grants..................................1,000 Native American/Native Alaskan Liaison Office.--The bill includes $400,000 for the State of Alaska, Native American/ Native Alaskan Liaison Office for the purposes of combating sexual assault and domestic violence. These funds may also be distributed to nonprofit entities that provide services, such as a crisis hotline, services to victims of sexual assault or domestic violence in rural areas, and medical assistance to victims. Salaries and expenses.--The bill establishes a new salaries and expenses account to fund the management and administrative costs of OVW and other Justice Department grant programs. No administrative overhead costs shall be deducted from the programs funded from this account. Office of Justice Programs JUSTICE ASSISTANCE The bill provides $220,000,000 for Justice Assistance for fiscal year 2009, as follows: [In thousands of dollars] Program Conference National Institute of Justice...................................$48,000 Bureau of Justice Statistics.....................................45,000 State Automated Victim Notification System.......................12,000 Regional Information Sharing System (RISS).......................45,000 Missing and Exploited Children...................................70,000 Office of Justice Programs (OJP) budgetary and programmatic transparency.--The OJP is directed to provide detailed personnel, contract and other cost information, by program, for Management and Administration and Office of Audit, Assessment, and Management (OAAM) activities in its fiscal year 2010 budget justifications. Fairness and objectivity in the award of competitive grants.--Allegations have been leveled that the Department steered fiscal year [[Page 4534]] 2007 juvenile justice grants to favored recipients instead of awarding them to deserving grantees who ranked more highly in a peer-reviewed process. The Department is directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 30 days of enactment of this Act, on the findings of its internal review of the 2007 grants process and awards, including corrective actions taken. The Inspector General is also directed to conduct an independent review of this 2007 grant award process and report expeditiously to the same Committees. Transparency in research decisions.-- The OJP is expected to improve transparency in research funding decisions, and is directed, within 60 days of enactment and prior to obligation of any funds, to provide a detailed report and spend plan on all National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) research activities, including their funding sources. The Department is also expected to produce detailed justification information on the research priorities assumed in the fiscal year 2010 budget request. National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS).--Within funds provided for BJS, $26,000,000 is made available for the NCVS, which since the 1970s has been a critical resource to improve the understanding of the costs and context of crime victimization in the United States. To improve the usefulness of the NCVS, BJS is urged to implement the recommendations of the National Research Council's recent report, Surveying Victims: Options for Conducting the National Crime Victimization Survey. NIJ is also encouraged to implement the Council's recommendation to develop, promote and coordinate sub-national victimization surveys. NIJ sole-source contracts.--The Attorney General is directed to submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, a plan that establishes competitive processes, criteria, and oversight measures to ensure that NIJ awards for studies, seminars and other activities are conducted in a fair, objective and ethical manner. Regional Information Sharing System (RISS).--Within amounts provided for RISS, funds shall be available to continue funding existing local-to-local law enforcement data and information sharing programs focused on solving routine crimes, especially in rural areas, by sharing law enforcement information not categorized as criminal intelligence by the owning law enforcement agency. DNA and forensics.--Within funds appropriated for NIJ, $3,000,000 is for DNA and forensics research, of which $500,000 shall be transferred to the National Institute of Standards and Technology Office of Law Enforcement Standards to support the development of standards for quality and proficiency in Federal, State and local crime laboratories. Forensic science education.--Based on findings of a Department panel on forensic science education, the NIJ established the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission. However, no Federal link has yet been established between the Department and the Commission to implement the recommended universal standards. Within 60 days of enactment of this Act, the NIJ is directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the actions taken to implement recommended standards. Victim notification.--The bill provides $12,000,000 for the Bureau of Justice Assistance to continue the State Automated Victim Notification grant program to allow States to join the National Victim Notification Network. No funding may be utilized from within the Victims Assistance Program for this initiative and funds provided under this heading shall require a 50 percent match from State, local, and private sources. Pregnant and parenting offenders.--The NIJ is encouraged to examine the potential of family-based treatment as an effective sentencing alternative for non-violent drug offenders who are pregnant or the parents of minor children. Salaries and expenses.--The bill establishes a new salaries and expenses account to fund the management and administrative costs of OJP and other Justice Department grant programs. No administrative overhead costs shall be deducted from the programs funded from this account. STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE The bill provides $1,328,500,000 for State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance programs for fiscal year 2009, as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Program Conference Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants.......................$546,000 National Institute of Justice...............................(5,000) State and Local Intelligence Training.......................(2,000) President-elect Security....................................(7,000) Byrne Discretionary Grants......................................178,500 Byrne Competitive Grants.........................................30,000 Indian Assistance................................................25,000 Tribal Prison Construction.................................(10,000) Indian Tribal Courts........................................(9,000) Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Grants...................(6,000) State Criminal Alien Assistance Program.........................400,000 Southwest Border Prosecutor Program..............................31,000 Northern Border Prosecutor Program................................3,000 Victims of Trafficking Grants....................................10,000 State Prison Drug Treatment......................................10,000 Drug Courts......................................................40,000 Prescription Drug Monitoring......................................7,000 Prison Rape Prevention and Prosecution...........................12,500 Justice for All--Capital Litigation/Wrongful Prosecution Review Grants..........................................................5,500 Missing Alzheimers Patients Grants................................2,000 Mentally Ill Offender Act........................................10,000 Economic, High-tech and Cybercrime Prevention....................18,000 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG).--The bill provides $546,000,000 for JAG formula grants. Funding under this program is authorized for law enforcement programs; prosecution and court programs; prevention and education programs; corrections and community corrections programs; drug treatment and enforcement programs; planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and crime victim and witness programs, other than compensation. Funding is not available for vehicles, vessels, or aircraft; luxury items; real estate; or construction projects. Of the amount provided, $2,000,000 is for intelligence training for State and local law enforcement entities; and $5,000,000 is for the National Institute of Justice to help local units of government to identify, select, develop, modernize and purchase new technologies for use by law enforcement. Within the funds provided, $7,000,000 shall be available to reimburse State and local law enforcement for security and related costs, including overtime, associated with the security requirements required to protect the President-elect during the Presidential transition period. These funds shall be allocated by the Department of Justice to State and local law enforcement entities that can document increased costs over and above normal law enforcement operations, which are directly attributable to security for the President-elect. Within the funds provided, $20,000,000 is also included to reimburse State and local governments for security and other expenses related to the 2009 Presidential Inauguration. Not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, the Department is directed to provide a report and spend plan to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, which details the criteria and methodology that will be used to award these grants. Byrne competitive grants.--$30,000,000 is made available for Byrne competitive, peer-reviewed grants to programs of national significance to prevent crime, improve the administration of justice or assist victims of crime. Within 90 days of enactment of this Act, the OJP is directed to provide a report and spend plan to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, which details the criteria and methodology that will be used to award these grants. It is expected that national programs that have previously received funding under the Byrne discretionary program will be eligible to compete for funding under this competitive grant program, including programs for which specific amounts are designated in this Act. Byrne discretionary grants.--The bill provides $178,500,000 for Byrne discretionary grants to prevent crime, to improve the criminal justice system, to provide victims' services and for other similar activities. The accompanying table details funding for Congressionally-designated activities, which are incorporated by reference in the bill: [[Page 4535]] ![]()
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TH23FE09.067 [[Page 4553]] Justice for All Act--capital litigation and wrongful prosecution review.--The bill provides $5,500,000 for capital litigation and wrongful prosecution review grants. Of this amount, $2,500,000 is for Capital Litigation Improvement Grants, authorized by section 426 of Public Law 108-405. In addition, $3,000,000 is made available for a new program of competitive grants to public and non-profit entities that work to exonerate people who have been wrongfully convicted. Within 90 days of enactment of this Act, the OJP is directed to provide a report and spending plan to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, which details the criteria and methodology that will be used to award these new grants. Tribal government funding.--The bill rejects the proposal to discontinue specific set-asides for tribal law enforcement, correctional facility construction, courts and juvenile justice programs. There is no evidence that the Department consulted with tribal governments on this proposal. These existing OJP and COPS programs are critical to implementing the public safety and justice priorities of tribal leaders throughout Indian Country. Further, it is unacceptable that the Department failed, in 2008, to complete a review and report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on the state of existing tribal detention facilities and the need for new capacity. By May 15, 2009, the Department is directed to complete this review and to report to the Appropriations Committees on its findings, including recommendations and actions that have or will be taken to address these needs. Hal Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.--The bill includes $7,000,000 for the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to assist States in building or enhancing prescription drug monitoring systems, facilitating the exchange of information among States, and providing technical assistance and training on establishing and operating effective prescription drug monitoring programs. The OJP is expected to work with the DEA to implement this program. Prison rape prevention and prosecution.--The bill includes $12,500,000 for prison rape prevention and prosecution activities. The Attorney General is required to promulgate national standards for the prevention of and response to sexual abuse in all confinement settings based on the recommendations of the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission. These funds are provided for purposes authorized under Public Law 108-79, such as the work of the Commission; mandated statistics, data and research; prevention and prosecution assistance; and grants to protect inmates and safeguard communities. The Department shall report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act on the proposed distribution of funding among authorized activities under this program. Economic, high-tech and cybercrime prevention.--The bill provides $18,000,000 for competitive grants to support and train State and local law enforcement agencies in the prevention, investigation and prosecution of economic, high- tech and Internet crimes, which shall be administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Within funds provided, up to $3,000,000 is available for new competitive grants to State and local law enforcement entities to combat these crimes, including the intellectual property crimes of counterfeiting and piracy. None of the funds provided for this program shall be diverted for research. Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Program.--The bill provides $2,000,000 for Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Program grants, which shall be awarded competitively and shall be administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. National Motor Vehicle Title Information System Program.-- The Department is directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment, on the status of the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System program, and its recommendations to achieve implementation. SEARCH National Technical Assistance and Training Program.--The Department is encouraged to support efforts to assist States in the development and use of information through criminal justice information systems to accelerate the automation of their fingerprints identification processes and criminal justice data identification processes so that State and local law enforcement which are compatible with the FBI's Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System. Salaries and expenses.--The bill establishes a new salaries and expenses account to fund the management and administrative costs of OJP and other Justice Department grant programs. No administrative overhead costs shall be deducted from the programs and projects funded from this account. WEED AND SEED PROGRAM FUND The bill provides $25,000,000 for the Weed and Seed Program for fiscal year 2009. JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS The bill provides $374,000,000 for Juvenile Justice Programs for fiscal year 2009, as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Program Conference Part B--State Formula $75,000 Part E--Challenge Grants--Demonstration Projects 82,000 Youth Mentoring Grants 80,000 Title V--Incentive Grants 62,000 Tribal Youth (25,000) Gang Prevention (10,000) Alcohol Prevention (25,000) Victims of Child Abuse Programs 20,000 Juvenile Accountability Block Grant 55,000 Fairness and objectivity in the award of competitive grants.--As discussed under the Justice Assistance account, the Department is directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 30 days of enactment of this Act, on the findings of its internal review of the 2007 grants process and awards, including corrective actions taken. The Inspector General is also directed to conduct an independent review of this 2007 grant award process and report expeditiously to the same Committees. Part E--discretionary grants.--The bill includes $82,000,000 for Part E discretionary grants for activities related to juvenile justice and at-risk youth. The accompanying table details funding for Congressionally- designated activities, which are incorporated by reference in the bill: [[Page 4554]]