October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2463 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

TRIBUTE TO THE CONGREGATION I received $897,000 for the Coastal Data In- It is estimated that approximately $8.1 billion GEMILUTH CHASSODIM formation Program/Southern California Beach is spent in the United States each year on Processes Study within the Army Corps of En- treatment of breast cancer. However, while the HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER gineers. Through this program, high-resolution rate of breast cancer diagnosis has increased, OF LOUISIANA wave data and forecasts are disseminated in the overall breast cancer mortality rate has real time via the internet to the National dropped steadily—decreasing by 1.8% per IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Weather Service and to tens of thousands of year from 1999 to 2005 among women ac- Wednesday, October, 7 2009 diverse users each day. Sea state and surf cording to the Centers for Disease Control and Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise warnings are issued based on this information Prevention. today to pay tribute to the Congregation for the protection of life and property. In addi- This decrease in mortality rates can be at- Gemiluth Chassodim of Alexandria, La., origi- tion, beach elevations are monitored and ana- tributed to a combination of early detection, nally known as the Hebrew Benevolent Soci- lyzed, and this information is provided to expanding screening, and improvements in ety of Rapides. Chartered on Oct. 2, 1859, the coastal communities online where local gov- treatments as well as a willingness to openly congregation recently celebrated its 150th an- ernments and engineers use it for making discuss breast cancer. Breast Cancer Aware- niversary of distinguished service to the Jew- educated policy decisions for protecting and ness month is an opportunity to help the more ish community, as well as to providing faithful enhancing local beaches. This request is con- than 211,000 American women who learn they dedication to the Alexandria area. sistent with the intended and authorized pur- have this disease each year. These newly di- The congregation first held religious serv- pose of the Army Corps of Engineers, which agnosed women, survivors, their families, and ices in various private homes with lay leader- has the federal responsibility for shoreline pro- all those affected will benefit from the re- ship. The initial Jewish sanctuary was built in tection and uses this data for coastal dredging search, education, and awareness, which in- 1870, and the first rabbi, Marx Klein, came in and construction projects. This program is crit- crease early diagnoses and save lives that 1873. On Oct. 14, 1873, the young congrega- ical to marine safety and operations for the Breast Cancer Awareness month highlights. tion became one of the original charter mem- coastal United States and there are no com- f bers of the Union of American Hebrew Con- petitive funding sources available. HONORING REVEREND ROBERT E. gregations, presently known as the Union for f Reform Judaism, which today represents 900 HENSON PERSONAL EXPLANATION affiliate congregations in the United States and abroad. The present sanctuary was con- HON. DALE E. KILDEE structed in 1952. HON. J. GRESHAM BARRETT OF MICHIGAN OF SOUTH CAROLINA The congregation has been served by 23 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rabbis and 33 board presidents. It grew to a Wednesday, October 7, 2009 peak of nearly 300 families during the mid- Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, Reverend twentieth century. Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Many members of the Temple have held Robert E. Henson is celebrating 30 years as Speaker, unfortunately, I missed recorded pastor of the South Flint Tabernacle on Octo- various leadership roles in civic and charitable votes on the House floor on Thursday, Octo- organizations throughout Central Louisiana. In ber 10th at a dinner to be held at the church. ber 1, 2009. I ask the House of Representatives to join me addition, they have made significant contribu- Had I been present, I would have voted in congratulating Reverend Henson on this tions in the fields of medicine, law, govern- ‘‘Aye’’ on rollcall vote No. 746, on Motion to momentous occasion. ment, social services, education and the cul- Instruct Conferees to H.R. 2892; ‘‘Aye’’ on roll- Prior to his ministry at South Flint Taber- tural life of the region. call vote No. 747, on motion to suspend the nacle, Reverend Henson served pastorates in The Temple, the Rabbi and individual mem- rules and agree to H. Res. 517; ‘‘Aye’’ on roll- Texas and Indiana. He has over 40 years bers continue to play an integral part in call vote No. 748, on motion to suspend the serving as a minister. For seven years he was achieving better interfaith understanding, work- rules and agree to H Res. 487; ‘‘No’’ on roll- the Youth President of the Indiana District of ing to strengthen the quality of life for all citi- call vote No. 749, on agreeing to H. Res. 788, the United Pentecostal Church International. zens in the communities of the region. which provides for consideration of the con- He also worked as the Editor of the Indiana Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join ference report to accompany H.R. 3183; ‘‘Aye’’ District United Pentecostal Church Inter- with me in commending the Congregation on rollcall vote No. 750, on motion to suspend national periodical the ‘‘Indiana Apostolic Gemiluth Chassodim. the rules and agree to H. Res. 692; ‘‘Aye’’ on Trumpet.’’ After he moved to Michigan, Rev- f rollcall vote No. 751, on motion to suspend the erend Henson spent 16 years as presbyter rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 151; ‘‘Aye’’ EARMARK DECLARATION and member of the Michigan District Board of on rollcall vote No. 752, on Agreeing to the the United Pentecostal Church International. Conference Report to H.R. 3183. HON. BRIAN P. BILBRAY He was the Home Missions director for one f OF CALIFORNIA year. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Reverend Henson has written several arti- MONTH cles and several books including ‘‘Effective Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Altar Ministry,’’ ‘‘The Silhouette of Majesty,’’ Mr. BILBRAY, Madam Speaker, I would like HON. ZOE LOFGREN ‘‘Prayer Force One,’’ ‘‘Marvelous Mercy,’’ ‘‘Liv- to submit the following Earmark request: OF CALIFORNIA ing a Balanced Life . . . In an Unbalanced Requesting Member: Congressman BRIAN World,’’ ‘‘World Changers,’’ and ‘‘Just Braggin’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BILBRAY on Jesus.’’ He co-authored ‘‘Victorious Living Bill Number: Conference Report to H.R. Wednesday, October 7, 2009 for New Christians.’’ 3183, FY 2010 Energy and Water Appropria- Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Together with his wife, Shirley, Reverend tions Speaker, I rise this October day in strong sup- Henson has two daughters, Melissa and her Account: Army Corps of Engineers, General port of and to draw attention to Breast Cancer husband Jonathan Hudson, and Jerusha and Investigations, Miscellaneous Awareness month. According to the National her husband Jason McGhee, and four grand- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Scripps Cancer Institute, in the United States, breast daughters: Jelissa, Macy, Jade, and Madelyn. Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego cancer is the most common non-skin cancer Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Rep- Address of Requesting Entity: 9500 Gilman and the second leading cause of cancer-re- resentatives to rise with me today and applaud Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 lated death in women. the work of Reverend Robert E. Henson and

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2464 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 South Flint Tabernacle as they celebrate 30 TRIBUTE TO JESUS GONZALES, His 14th summer, 1989, was his first sum- years of worship, service, and spirituality RECIPIENT OF THE 2009 ST. MAD- mer working for Sacred Heart. He painted speed bumps and dug irrigation trenches. under his guidance. I pray that he will continue ELEINE SOPHIE AWARDS, SA- to guide the congregation and serve the com- CRED HEART SCHOOLS Always a big smile on his face and usually a wise crack to go with it to try and deflect munity for many, many years to come. me from seeing how sore he was from swing- HON. ANNA G. ESHOO ing the pick. f OF CALIFORNIA In high school he worked in the Gator Pit IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES where he would flash those green eyes and HONORING PAULETTE WALZ, Wednesday, October 7, 2009 talk with all of the high school girls because, LEESBURG, FLORIDA Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I rise today well, heck, he was in high school too. to honor Mr. Jesus Gonzales, a recipient of In 1997 he was hired full time in the Main- HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE the prestigious St. Madeleine Sophie Award tenance Department. from Sacred Heart Schools. Established in the Two years later he was put in charge of St. OF FLORIDA year 2000, the St. Madeleine Sophie Award Joseph’s and the Montessori School and his honors individuals in the Sacred Heart com- job changed from actually physically hands IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES munity who have made a sustained and sig- on working, to management and dealing nificant contribution to the Schools and em- with the administration, faculty, coaches, Wednesday, October 7, 2009 parents and neighbors. He was in his ele- body the Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida, ment, this was his strength. He was happier education. The individuals honored are se- than a pig wallowing in slop. He did well. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Pau- lected by a committee comprised of the senior lette Walz of Lake County, Florida. This past In 2003 he was promoted to ‘‘Physical Plant administrative team in conjunction with the Manager’’ in charge of all of the buildings on week, she was awarded the Social Security Chair of the Board of Trustees and are hon- the campus. There are many decisions made Administration’s highest honorary award; the ored at a reception and at the Mass of the by the Board and the Operations Department Commissioner’s Citation. I cannot think of a Holy Spirit, the first all-school liturgy of the and they get handed down to Jesus and his more deserving recipient. school year. The recipients will be VIP guests crew. at various SHS events throughout the year Born in a small town in middle Tennessee, They might have a list of 25 things to do. and featured in their alumni magazine, The They do 10 of them and check the list again she first began her work with Social Security Heart of the Matter, for their commitment to and it’s up to 30 things to do. It never ends. recipients while working as a Claims Develop- the mission of Sacred Heart education. Jesus gets to deal with everyone on cam- ment clerk in the Cookeville, TN Social Secu- This year, Jesus Gonzales was chosen, pus by e-mail, phone and face-to-face. That rity Office. From there she was promoted to along with two other distinguished recipients, starts with his crew of about 20 maintenance the Service Representative position in Lees- to be recognized with the Award for his tire- and housekeeping personnel. They are the burg, FL and thus made her move to the 5th less work and commitment to the Sacred front lines. They are the men and women in district, where she continues to work as the Heart School as the Physical Plant Manager. the trenches. They are the people we all de- Public Affairs Specialist for Lake and Sumter His award was presented by Mr. Dan Green- pend on but might not realize it. Counties. leaf, who gave this speech at the Awards Jesus is very fair with his crew. He is con- Ceremony in tribute to Jesus: sistent in dealing with 20 personalities. He For the past 24 years, Paulette has done an evaluates, makes changes and implements Jesus Gonzales is a lover. What I mean these changes fairly across the board. He can exceptional job of both helping Social Security here is his heart is full of love. recipients with their every concern and in He shares that love everyday with the stu- be stern and honest when he needs to be, but keeping SSA issues front and center. Her ef- dents, faculty, staff, administration and par- he talks to them the same way he would ex- pect someone to talk to him. forts span much farther than her office how- ents at Sacred Heart Schools. ever; she utilizes print, radio and TV to edu- Which is not always easy. But he gives this Most of his conversations are peppered love. And he gets love in return. with humor. He listens, I mean really listens cate recipients about the Social Security op- He shares this love everyday of his life and makes informed decisions. He is not tions available to them. Paulette hosts two with his brothers and sisters, nieces and above his crew. weekly radio shows in The Villages, as well as nephews and friends. He has a lot of love to give and he gets lots Then he deals with everyone else: adminis- records weekly Public Service Announce- trators, teachers, parents, vendors, police de- ments. She also records a 30 minute tele- in return. Which is no surprise to me because I knew his father Gabriel. partment, fire department, city hall, con- vision program three times a month where she Gabriel didn’t speak English and I don’t tractors. and her guests discuss programs the Agency speak Spanish but we still knew each other There is nobody that he doesn’t approach administers. Additionally, she utilizes her well. with a smile and an open mind. He is patient. weekly column in The Villages Daily Sun to re- Gabriel raised 8 wonderful kids into happy He is organized, and he will give you all his spond to congressional inquiries regarding So- productive adults while he was working here time to get you what you need. at Sacred Heart. cial Security. The family is: Theresa, Gabriel Jr., Vidal, In the big picture he knows why he’s here. I’ve heard him say it before, ‘‘We are here for When she is not covering the issue in the Valentine, Jesus, Urlinda, Maria and Tony. This is a very close family who hold on the kids.’’ It is that easy. You give love, you media, Paulette teaches a monthly class on tightly to their heritage while raising their get love, ‘‘We are here for the kids.’’ SSA benefits at The Villages Life Long Learn- own families here in the melting pot of the He is who his father and family and maybe ing College. Additionally, she conducts pre-re- Bay Area. even a little bit of Sacred Heart raised him lease seminars at area Correctional Institu- They see each other every day. They share to be. meals, they vacation together, they hang out tions, including the Coleman Federal Correc- A child of the Sacred Heart. on the porch doing nothing together, they tional Complex, the largest federal prison in have strong relationships with each others But still after all of this, there is still one the United States. She was also instrumental children. They give love to each other and person who remains the center of his life. in implementing the North Florida Area’s they get love from each other. Someone who goes for camping, fishing, eServices Outreach Pilot Program; this initia- I tell you this because the family is so bowling and makes him laugh. Someone who tive offers individuals who are close to retire- much of who Jesus is. helps him get ready for work in the morning. Jesus first stepped on the Sacred Heart That most special someone in his life is his ment assistance in making an informed deci- campus in 1981, when he was 5 years old. One sion as to when to retire. son Vidal who is now 8 years old and who of Jesus’ oldest memories on the campus was gets to grow up in the loving glow of his fa- I have only scratched the service on all she Sr. Mesa’s chickens and rabbits down by the ther and the whole Gonzales family. has accomplished. From working first hand shop. Sr. Mesa would sell the rabbits for $1 each, Madam Speaker, I ask the entire House of with Paulette on many Social Security issues, dead or alive. They tasted like chicken. At Representatives to join me in offering our con- I can tell you that her expertise and dedication that time, there was: no McGanney Gym, no gratulations to Jesus Gonzales on the very are invaluable. Montessori, no Spieker Pavilion, no Apart- ments, no football field/field house. special occasion of being chosen for the St. I congratulate her on this prestigious honor Sr. Lawrence had warm cookies in the Madeleine Sophie Award and for all he does and wish her only the very best in the years Main Building and Jesus had a great place to daily to strengthen our community and our to come. grow up. country.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2465 HONORING EGGLESTON SERVICES REPEAL THE DON’T ASK, DON’T Many of us have concerns for family and AND THE SARAH BONWELL TELL POLICY friends impacted by breast cancer. This month HUDGINS CENTER we must take those concerns and turn the SPEECH OF emotion into action. HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY According to the American Cancer Society, HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN OF NEVADA breast cancer is the most commonly diag- nosed form of cancer in women in California OF VIRGINIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and the United States as a whole. It is the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, September 29, 2009 second most common cause of cancer death. Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to The California Cancer Registry estimates that Wednesday, October 7, 2009 thank Congressman MURPHY for providing me each year, more than 25,000 California Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I am privi- with the opportunity to speak on this important women develop breast cancer and over 4,000 leged to rise today to honor Eggleston Serv- issue. As a cosponsor of the Military Readi- die as a result. California represents a large ices for the meaningful opportunities they pro- ness Enhancement Act, I fully support the re- portion of the 192,370 new cases of breast vide for individuals with disabilities. Eggleston peal of the unjust, unnecessary, and unsound cancer that have been diagnosed in 2009 alone. Services is a company in southeastern Vir- ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’’ policy. I believe we This disease is not gender specific; it will ginia that has close to 600 employees, and must reject current practices that have institu- tionalized discrimination against many valu- develop in approximately almost 2,000 men upwards of three fourths of those employees able members of our armed services for too this year as well. Early detection and treat- have a disability. Many of these workers are long. Instead, we must establish a new policy ment for both sexes has resulted in 2.5 million able to work through a federal program called of nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual ori- breast cancer survivors in the United States. Ability One. Ability One encourages federal entation. We must continue to encourage all women entities to work directly with agencies like ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’’ is simply unjust. It and men to undergo mammography screen- Eggleston to provide valuable work at a fair flies in the face of the fundamental American ing, as it is the most effective test to deter- price, all the while utilizing the skills of per- value of equality for all. No individual, includ- mine the presence of breast cancer. To do so, sons with disabilities. ing those in our armed forces, should be dis- I have joined with my colleagues to cosponsor Eggleston Services is dedicated to providing criminated against based on his or her sexual the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness a broad array of programs and services for in- orientation. Members of our armed services Requires Learning Young Act of 2009. This bill dividuals with disabilities. Since 1955 their have fought honorably to protect our safety will enhance efforts to increase public aware- goal has been to assist people in obtaining and freedom, so the least we can do in return ness regarding the threats posed by breast meaningful work opportunities, and to help is to fight to protect their freedom and equality cancer to young women and men, as well as them participate fully in their communities. as well. My hometown of Las Vegas includes to enhance campaigns that will further educate Eggleston Services helps individuals with dis- Nellis Air Force Base, one of the premier Air the community on the risk factors of breast abilities gain freedom from dependence on Force facilities in the U.S., and I believe the cancer and the importance of early detection. I am proud to stand today with my col- government support by providing them on-the- courageous men and women who serve there leagues to recognize the importance of con- job training and stable work opportunities. deserve to be treated with equality and re- spect, regardless of their sexual orientation. tinuing efforts to enhance awareness and pre- Just recently, I had the honor to visit the The ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’’ policy is also ventative actions. Sarah Bonwell Hudgins Center in Hampton, completely unnecessary. The vast majority of f Virginia. The center is owned by the Sarah Americans believe our troops deserve the op- Bonwell Hudgins Foundation and managed by portunity to serve with honesty and honor. And TRIBUTE TO JAN TITTLE Eggleston Services, Inc. The center provides most importantly, a majority of dynamic programs for individuals with mental servicemembers have said they would have HON. DALE E. KILDEE and/or physical disabilities. Through its part- no reservations about serving alongside gay OF MICHIGAN nership with Eggleston Services, the Founda- and lesbian troops, proving the problems this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion helps persons with disabilities by pro- policy supposedly prevents are not, in fact, Wednesday, October 7, 2009 viding a place to work, a place to live in a safe problems at all. Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today caring environment, and a place to learn to Not only is this practice unjust and unneces- to pay tribute to Jan Tittle, the National Presi- live independently. sary, it is also unsound. Our military should not fire valuable servicemembers simply for dent of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of The profound work and programs that are being gay, particularly during a time of war Foreign Wars of the United States. Mrs. Tittle available at the center help many and are in- when we need every American who is willing will address the Veterans of Foreign Wars Fall valuable. At the Sarah Bonwell Hudgins Cen- and able to serve. Furthermore, repealing Conference on October 10th in Sault Ste. ter, Eggleston Services operates a Life En- ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’’ would increase, not un- Marie, Michigan. hancement Program, which provides special- dercut, unit cohesion by fostering openness The 600,000 members of the Ladies Auxil- ized services, activities, and residential care. and trust among troops. iary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars have Eggleston Services also provides programs at Ultimately, ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’’ does spent the last 96 years honoring those who the center, including Eggleston Document De- nothing to contribute to our national security. have sacrificed and served our Nation to pre- struction, a full-service secure document de- In reality, it only undermines the strength and serve our freedoms. They volunteer their time struction and shredding business, a business integrity of our military system. I believe this maintaining memorials to the persons making fulfillment center, and a ceramics manufac- practice should be repealed immediately, not the ultimate sacrifice for our country and to turing facility. only for the benefit of our armed forces, but teach our youth about our veterans. They pro- vide financial assistance to preserve the Stat- These remarkable programs serve as a way for the safety of Nevada and our Nation as a whole. ue of Liberty, have volunteered over 2 million for people with disabilities to find independ- hours in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and f ence and a sense of one’s own. None of this other hospitals. They provide awards and would be possible without the Ability One Pro- RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS scholarships to students based upon their ex- gram and the dedication of Eggleston Serv- BREAST CANCER AWARENESS pressions of patriotism through art, speech ices. Businesses can look to Eggleston Serv- MONTH and volunteerism. ices and the Ability One program and use their Jan Tittle was elected the 2009–2010 Na- successful programs as a model for their own HON. DARRELL E. ISSA tional President this past August at the 96th business practices. Persons with disabilities OF CALIFORNIA National Convention. She is a Life Member of can be key contributors in the workplace and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the TSgt. Walter C. Fulda Auxiliary 3433 in I commend Eggleston Services in conjunction Ladson, South Carolina. She is eligible with the Ability One program and the Sarah Wednesday, October 7, 2009 through her father, Arlen Owens, a World War Bonwell Hudgins Foundation for their work in Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, today I rise in II Purple Heart recipient. As the National providing opportunities for individuals with dis- support of October as Breast Cancer Aware- President she plans to focus on the Auxiliary’s abilities. ness Month. core programs for veterans and their families.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2466 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 She also plans to lead the Auxiliary in topping amount would increase to $168 million by with 24 or fewer employees, can now deduct $3 million to the Cancer Aid and Research 2019, with new state expenditures amounting 150% of the money they spend on health in- Fund. to billions over time. surance premiums from their state taxes, This fiscal hit to states would come on top and their employees earning up to $50,000/ Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Rep- of the Medicaid funding cliff created by Con- year can do the same. resentatives to rise and applaud Jan Tittle as gress in American Recovery and Reinvest- Rather than increasing the size and cost of she brings together the Ladies Auxiliary under ment Act. (ARRA). ARRA established a tem- government by putting more people on Med- the theme, ‘‘It’s Time for America’s Military porary increase in the Federal Medical As- icaid, and thereby making more citizens de- Heroes.’’ I congratulate her and the members sistance Percentage (FMAP) rate to help pendent on government as Washington ap- of the Auxiliary for their commitment to safe- states deal with Medicaid costs. This higher pears ready to do, Alabama is trying to re- guarding the memory of our veterans and their FMAP rate is set to expire on December 31, duce the burden of health care costs for the 2010. If the higher FMAP rate is not ex- sacrifice for our Nation. overwhelming majority of its employers and tended, states will face an immediate and their employees. I believe our state can be f significant increase in costs to operate Med- looked to as a model for other states. icaid programs. In Alaska, approximately Our Medicaid program is a national inno- GOVERNORS OF ALASKA, ALA- $120 million more in state general funds will vator in the area of medical homes and BAMA, AND ARIZONA EXPRESS be needed to operate the Medicaid program health information technology. A higher per- CONCERNS WITH UNFUNDED for just one year. centage of Alabamians have health insurance MANDATES IN HEALTH REFORM Further, proposals in Congress would give than the nation as a whole, and Alabama has the federal government a stronger role in ad- a lower percentage of uninsured children ministering Medicaid and undercut state au- than the nation as a whole. In addition to HON. MIKE ROGERS thority. Coverage would have to be expanded achieving higher rates of coverage, Alabama OF MICHIGAN to childless adults who qualify and would re- has some of the nation’s lowest health care IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES place the current state option to cover par- costs. That is one reason why Alabama has ents of low-income children with a federal been so successful in attracting national and Wednesday, October 7, 2009 mandate to provide coverage to qualifying international companies and the thousands Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, adults. Maintenance of effort requirements of jobs they have created in our state. I rise today to express concerns regarding would prevent states from adjusting eligi- Not only is health care less expensive in health reform proposals which would create bility to meet ever-changing fiscal condi- Alabama than just about anywhere else in tions. Lower limits of practitioner reim- the country, we are also an open market for unfunded state mandates. Legislation currently bursement and coverage limits would be im- insurers. More than 300 companies are li- before the House would dramatically expand posed. New services and the coverage of addi- censed to sell health care insurance in our the Medicaid program and place over $35 bil- tional provider groups would be mandated state. We encourage competition and wel- lion in new liabilities on state budgets over the and stale flexibility in the eligibility process come insurers to help in the effort to drive next ten years. In addition, these proposals would be constrained. All these mandates down costs. would expand the federal government’s role in limit state control and flexibility to control We, as a nation, must address the problems administering Medicaid, which would severely the Medicaid program. of our existing health care system, but sim- While I am sympathetic to the dilemma of ply unloading them on the states will not handcuff states’ ability to run their own pro- health care reform and I applaud your efforts work. I thank you for your interest in this grams and preempt state authority to manage to find a solution, I cannot support legisla- very important matter and look forward to Medicaid eligibility and benefits. tion from Congress that imposes costly un- working with you to find common sense Over the last several weeks, governors funded federal mandates on Alaska and other ways to reform our health care system. have expressed concerns over these pro- states. Instead, the federal government Sincerely, posals. I would like to submit for the RECORD should be looking for ways to give the states BOB RILEY, the following letters from the governors of increased flexibility with federal funding to Governor, Alabama. Alaska, Alabama and Arizona: meet the unique needs of each state’s popu- lation. This tact would lead to innovation JULY 16, 2009. SEPTEMBER 8, 2009. and cost-containment as compared to the Senator JOHN MCCAIN, Hon. MAX BAUCUS, current rout pursued in existing health care U.S. Senate, Russell Senate Bldg., Chairman, Senate Finance Committee, Hart legislation. Washington DC. Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. Sincerely, Senator JON KYL, Hon. CHARLES GRASSLEY, SEAN PARNELL, U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Bldg., Ranking Member, Senate Finance Committee, Governor, Alaska. Washington DC. Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DEAR SENATOR MCCAIN AND SENATOR KYL: DC. SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. Thank you for the opportunity to provide in- DEAR CHAIRMAN BAUCUS AND RANKING MEM- Hon. RICHARD SHELBY, formation about Arizona’s Medicaid pro- BER GRASSLEY: States cannot afford to carry U.S. Senate, Russell Senate Office Building, gram, the Arizona Health Care Cost Contain- the huge costs of health care reform. States Washington, DC. ment System (AHCCCS). (and their businesses and residents) are DEAR SENATOR SHELBY: Democrats and Re- As you know, Arizona is facing one of the struggling to recover financially. The Na- publicans alike agree that our health care worst financial deficits in the nation and tional Conference of State Legisla- system is in need of reform; however, it ap- projections show that the State is expected tures(NCSL) reports states had a $113 billion pears the proposal you will likely be called to make a slow recovery. In the meantime, dollar budget shortfall in 2009 and the situa- to vote on has serious flaws that will have a unemployment has continued to increase and tion is getting worse. NCSL estimates state dire budgetary impact on Alabama. As gov- counter-cyclical programs like AHCCCS budget shortfalls will increase to $142 billion ernor of our state, I am writing to express a have continued to experience record-break- in 2010. I am also concerned with the pro- specific concern I have about this proposal. ing enrollment. In the last four months posed new federal mandates that would un- The Senate and House of Representatives alone, AHCCCS has grown by more than dercut stare authority over the Medicaid are considering a bill that includes a major 100,000 new enrollees, and July 2009 enroll- program. expansion of Medicaid and an increase in ment is almost 17 percent above the same On fiscal impact, H.R. 3200 expands Med- costs to the states. Our Medicaid Depart- month in 2008. Total enrollment, including icaid coverage to all citizens under 133 per- ment has reviewed the cost of expanding our Title XXI KidsCare program, in July cent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Medicaid to 150% Federal Poverty Level and reached 1,275,109 members, which is almost 19 while the Senate HELP committee legisla- determined that it would cost state and fed- percent of the state’s total population. tion assumes an expansion to 150 percent of eral taxpayers an additional $1.2 billion per I am proud that AHCCCS program has the FPL. The Congressional Budget Office year to cover this mandate alone. Unlike the served as a model for other state Medicaid estimates these proposed expansions would federal government, our state actually has programs across the country in terms of cost require spending hundreds of billions of dol- to balance its budget. Given the effects of containment. This is due, in large part, to lars in new public funds. While the proposals the current economic condition on our budg- the fact that AHCCCS is a capitated man- would initially place responsibility on the ets, any additional costs will overwhelm our aged care model and 65 percent of its long- federal government to pay for expanding resources. Expecting states in the current term care members receive home and com- Medicaid coverage, a shift would later occur economic climate to provide additional fund- munity based services rather than institu- to state treasuries and the impact would be ing for federal mandates is not reasonable or tional care. According to the Kaiser Family significant. For Alaska, the National Gov- even practical. Foundation, AHCCCS has the lowest per ernors Association estimates it would cost Instead of raising taxes, imposing man- member per year (PMPY) cost among Med- $140 million in state general funds to expand dates and charging penalties on small busi- icaid programs in the country. The average Medicaid for all Alaskans up to 133 percent nesses, Congress and the White House may PMPY costs are: (1) $5,645.52 for acute care; of FPL in 2015. (Assuming there is full fed- want to consider an approach we have begun (2) $45,960.72 for long-term care, which is a eral funding the first two years.) This to take in Alabama. Small businesses, those blended average of our elderly and physically

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2467 disabled and developmentally disabled pro- dedicated her life to public service. She is FRIANT WATER USERS AUTHORITY, grams. The weighted average PMPY cost often asked to train and mentor employees in Lindsay, CA, October 1, 2009. across all Title XIX groups is $7,182.60. other branches, which she does without hesi- Subject: Support for transfer legislation for I am concerned that the Medicaid expan- the Central Valley Project. sion proposals being discussed at the federal tation. In fact, this is the third time she has re- ceived the Regional Commissioner’s Citation, Hon. Congressman JIM COSTA, level do not consider the fiscal difficulties Longworth House Building, states are facing and are likely to continue an award that is rarely awarded even once in Washington, DC. to face over the next few years. At the same a career, let alone three times. DEAR CONGRESSMAN COSTA: On behalf of time as Congress is considering prohibiting Friant Water Users Authority (Authority), states from changing their Medicaid eligi- I applaud the good service that Joyce Bo- land has not only provided the Social Security we thank you for introducing transfer legis- bility standards, there have been discussions lation for the Central Valley Project (CVP) about establishing a federal floor for Med- Administration, but to the citizens of York and we support your efforts and this legisla- icaid provider rates, which even further lim- County and Pennsylvania as a whole. For this tion as a means of providing greater flexi- its state flexibility in setting funding levels. reason, I urge my colleagues to join me in bility for management of CVP water sup- State flexibility has been key to Arizona’s plies. success in developing and efficiently man- commending Joyce Boland for her good work The diminished water deliveries to the aging a Medicaid program that provides high and service to her country. CVP as a result of 3 years of below average quality care at a low cost. precipitation amplified by various regu- Even with our strong cost containment f measures, I remain concerned about Arizo- latory restrictions, including the ESA and na’s ability to sustain the existing AHCCCS the most recent delta smelt and salmon Bio- INTRODUCTION OF THE ‘‘WATER logical Opinions, have, as you know, created model, let alone a mandatory expansion to TRANSFER FACILITATION ACT 150 percent, regardless of whether the federal a desperate situation in the San Joaquin government provides full financing of the ex- OF 2009’’ Valley. pansion for the first five years. Medicaid is While long-term solutions are being already an increasing share of state budg- sought, numerous short term efforts are ets—Arizona’s General Fund spending on HON. JIM COSTA needed to help bridge the water supply gap AHCCCS has increased by 230% over the past and greater flexibility, as provided in your ten years, and has risen from 8 percent of OF CALIFORNIA legislation, to move water supplies across the San Joaquin Valley would be a useful General Fund spending in FY 1999 to an esti- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mated 16 percent in FY 2009. tool. In addition, the legislation would help Friant districts affected by the SJR Settle- Maintaining this level of spending in- Wednesday, October 7, 2009 creases will be difficult, especially given ment improve management of surface and that Medicaid enrollment and costs continue groundwater supplies. Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, today with The Authority consists of nineteen mem- to rise. Moreover, Arizona’s revenues are not Congressman CARDOZA I introduced the expected to turn around for several years ber water, irrigation and public utility dis- and, even when they do rebound, we would ‘‘Water Transfer Facilitation Act of 2009.’’ The tricts. The Friant Service area includes ap- require significant revenue growth in order measure should reduce unnecessary delays in proximately one million acres and 15,000 to sustain rising expenditures for the exist- water transfers at a time when Central Valley mostly small family farms on the east side of ing Medicaid program. farmers have been hard hit by a three-year the southern San Joaquin Valley (Madera, Attached, please find data responsive to drought. It would allow new water transfers of Fresno, Tulare and Kern County). Friant Di- vision water supplies are also relied upon by your requests. There is a summary sheet roughly 250,000 to 300,000 acre-feet of water that provides an overview of the information several cities and towns, including the City requested, along with several other sheets per year. The bill would grant new authority to of Fresno, as a major portion of their munic- that provide additional detail. As you know, the Bureau of Reclamation to approve vol- ipal and industrial water supplies. there are many unanswered questions re- untary water transfers between sellers and We look forward to engaging in this effort garding the proposals. This analysis includes buyers in the San Joaquin Valley. The meas- and working closely with you and your staff the assumptions that were used to develop ure also would streamline environmental re- in advancing this legislation and addressing the figures, which will obviously change as views for Central Valley water transfers by en- California water issues. Sincerely, the proposals are refined. suring that they occur on a programmatic Please do not hesitate to contact my office RONALD D. JACOBSMA, if you have questions or should require addi- basis, instead of the current project-by-project Consulting General Manager. tional information. I share your concern re- basis. garding Arizona’s ability to expand its Med- Transferring water between and within coun- SAN LUIS & DELTA MENDOTA WATER AUTHORITY, icaid program and what the long-term fiscal ties for water districts is a critical tool during implications will be for Arizona, and I hope Los Banos, CA, October 5, 2009. you find this information useful as you con- periods of drought. While the best solution Re Water Transfer Facilitation Act of 2009. sider the various proposals that are before would be to have the federal and state pumps Hon. DIANNE FEINSTEIN, you. fully operational, because we have been un- U.S. Senate, Sincerely, able to modify the Endangered Species Act, Washington, DC. JANICE K. BREWER, this change in the law provides us some relief. Hon. BARBARA BOXER, Governor, Arizona. This legislation makes permanent the ability to U.S. Senate, f transfer water to our Valley’s farms when it is Washington, DC. most needed, therefore, allowing our farmers Hon. DENNIS CARDOZA, COMMENDING JOYCE BOLAND FOR House of Representatives, RECEIVING THE REGIONAL COM- a lifeline to continue to grow crops and help Washington, DC. MISSIONER’S CITATION FROM our local economy. More will need to be done Hon. JIM COSTA, THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINIS- to protect the Valley’s water, and I will con- House of Representatives, TRATION tinue that fight. Washington, DC. DEAR SENATOR FEINSTEIN, SENATOR BOXER, The bill is supported by a great number of MR. CARDOZA, AND MR. COSTA: I am writing HON. TODD RUSSELL PLATTS water users across the Central Valley, includ- on behalf of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota OF PENNSYLVANIA ing the following: Friant Water Users Authority, Water Authority to express our enthusiastic IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Au- support for your bill, the Water Transfer Fa- Wednesday, October 7, 2009 thority, Delta-Mendota Canal Authority, cilitation Act of 2009, authorizing certain Westlands Water District, Metropolitan Water transfers of water in the Central Valley Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise today District, Glenn Colusa Irrigation District, North- Project and other purposes. Water transfers to commend my constituent, Joyce Boland, for are essential to sound water management ern California Water Association, Banta- receiving the Regional Commissioner’s Cita- and often are time sensitive. Your legisla- Carbona Irrigation District, Tehama-Colusa tion from the Social Security Administration. tion will bring important reform to existing Canal Authority, Association of California The Regional Commissioner’s Citation is the transfer authorization thus increasing the Water Agencies, Placer County Water Agency, second highest award that Social Security efficacy of this essential water management Conaway Preservation Group, and Reclama- tool. gives to employees who demonstrate the high- tion District 2035. As you are keenly aware, coping with Cali- est standards of professionalism as estab- fornia’s water crisis and, in particular, the lished by the agency. I have submitted several of these support chronic water supply shortages impacting Joyce Boland has worked for the Social Se- letters, and I understand that Mr. CARDOZA will the Central Valley Project demands utiliza- curity Administration for 39 years and has submit additional letters as well. tion of various best management practices

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2468 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 including water transfers. Moreover, the BANTA-CARBONA IRRIGATION DISTRICT, development of algae-based biofuels, I made need to transfer water is often urgent and in Tracy, CA, October 2, 2009. a project request intended to help develop the response to climactic conditions that are fre- Re Water Transfer Facilitation Act of 2009. facilities necessary to the production and cul- quently sporadic and ephemeral. Regret- Hon. DIANNE FEINSTEIN, turing of a variety of algae strains. These fa- tably, bureaucratic process can unneces- Hart Senate Office Building, cilities would be both on campus at UCSD and Washington, DC. sarily thwart successful execution of a trans- at an off-site location where existing infrastruc- fer and the best management of this all too Hon. DENNIS CARDOZA, Longworth Building, ture can be readily upgraded, refurbished and precious resource. The clarity your legisla- leveraged for the SD-CAB research enterprise. tion brings to existing authorizations will Washington, DC. A congressionally directed appropriation of only improve the capability of water man- Hon. JIM COSTA, Longworth House Office Building, agers throughout the State to effectively re- $750,000 has been provided in the House FY Washington, DC. 2010 Energy and Water Development appro- spond to the ongoing crisis and put our scant DEAR HONORABLE PUBLIC SERVANTS: We en- water resources to use even more efficiently. priations bill to help meet these needs. courage you to pass this proposed bill as it This advanced research project will provide The Westside of the great San Joaquin Val- can only help Californians best use the wa- ters within the state. It is a waste of storage an important training component for both stu- ley is inarguably the most transfer depend- dents and faculty, in this critical emerging field ent region of the State. Your efforts to ad- and conveyance systems to limit the uses of these facilities to strictly one brand of of research. It will serve as a platform for con- dress this important matter as well as your water, ie. CVP water. When facilities can be tinued collaboration with other universities and vast knowledge of and longstanding commit- used to move various sources of water to di- key industry partners. It is also a logical con- ment to water resource issues vital to the verse destinations and beneficial uses then State are most deeply appreciated. If there is tinuation of the San Diego region’s leadership the facilities are doing the most good for the role at both the state and federal levels in de- anything I can do to be of further service to American public. These public facilities will you in this cause, please do not hesitate to then better serve municipal, industrial and veloping and deploying viable alternative en- call. agricultural water needs while the environ- ergy and transportation fuel solutions. Further, Very truly yours, ment is being served during times of the cutting edge R&D into alternative transpor- DANIEL G. NELSON, drought. This bill will clarify a portion of tation fuels derived from algae enabled by this Executive Director. law that federal regulatory agencies are in- project will be reflective of current related pol- terpreting in such a way as to prevent con- icy goals and funding priorities of both the fed- veyance and storage of otherwise legal water GLENN-COLUSA IRRIGATION DISTRICT, eral government and the State of California. transfers within the State of California in Willows, CA, October 2, 2009. Federal facilities. Please pursue passage of f Re Support for water transfer legislation. this legislative correction. GOVERNORS OF CALIFORNIA AND Hon. JIM COSTA, Sincerely, FLORIDA EXPRESS CONCERNS House of Representatives, DAVID WEISENBERGER, Washington, DC. General Manager. WITH UNFUNDED MANDATES IN HEALTH REFORM DEAR CONGRESSMAN COSTA: On behalf of f Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District (GCID), we thank you for introducing legislation au- EARMARK DECLARATION HON. MIKE ROGERS thorizing and establishing a permanent long- OF MICHIGAN term program to promote and manage water HON. BRIAN P. BILBRAY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES transfers in the Central Valley of California. OF CALIFORNIA Wednesday, October 7, 2009 We support your efforts and this legislation IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, as a means of providing greater flexibility in Wednesday, October 7, 2009 the management of Central Valley Project I rise today to express concerns regarding (CVP) and other water supplies to help meet Mr. BILBRAY. Madam Speaker, I would like health reform proposals which would create unmet needs critical to the future of the to submit the following Earmark request: unfunded state mandates. Legislation currently State of California. Requesting Member: Congressman BRIAN before the House would dramatically expand BILBRAY the Medicaid program and place over $35 bil- As you are aware, the devastating impacts Bill Number: Conference Report to H.R. lion in new liabilities on state budgets over the of diminished water deliveries to the CVP as 3183, FY 2010 Energy and Water Appropria- next ten years. In addition, these proposals a result of 3 years of below average precipita- tions would expand the federal government’s role in tion have been made even greater by the var- Account: EERE ious regulatory restrictions, including the administering Medicaid, which would severely Legal Name of Requesting Entity: UC San handcuff states’ ability to run their own pro- requirements established by the recent fed- Diego eral biological opinions for endangered fish grams and preempt state authority to manage Address of Requesting Entity: 9500 Gilman Medicaid eligibility and benefits. under the ESA. Your legislation will provide Drive, San Diego CA 92093 immediate, much needed relief in the form of Over the last several weeks, governors Description of Request: I received $750,000 have expressed concerns over these pro- a flexible and useful tool that will allow for the San Diego Center for Algae Bio- posals. I would like to submit for the RECORD water to be transferred from willing parties technology (SD-CAB). SD-CAB is a consor- to those in need within the CVP. the following letters from the governors of tium of renowned research institutions—includ- California and Florida: GCID is the largest and one of the oldest ing UC San Diego, The Scripps Research In- JULY 31, 2009. diverters of water from the Sacramento stitute, the Salk Institute, Scripps Institution of Hon. HARRY REID, River, dating back to 1880. As a senior water Oceanography, San Diego State University right holder and CVP Sacramento River Set- Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, and other regional entities—that are collabo- Washington, DC. tlement Contractor, we believe we can and rating with industry partners in a broad-scale Hon. MITCH MCCONNELL, will actively participate in this water trans- research effort to develop advanced transpor- Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, fer program. The language in your legisla- tation fuels from algae. Scientists from these Washington, DC. tion directing the Bureau of Reclamation to institutions established SD-CAB in an effort to Hon. NANCY PELOSI, work with other federal agencies to imple- make sustainable algae-based fuel production Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, ment the necessary long-term environmental Washington, DC. and carbon dioxide abatement a reality within processes addressing impacts of a water Hon. JOHN A. BOEHNER, transfer program on the ESA-listed Giant the next 5 to 10 years. The primary goal of the Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Garter Snake will be imperative to its use- center is to create a national facility capable of Washington, DC. fulness and success. developing and implementing innovative re- DEAR SENATOR REID, SENATOR MCCONNELL, search solutions for the commercialization of MADAM SPEAKER AND MR. BOEHNER: I appre- We look forward to working with you and fuel production from algae. Algae biofuels ciate your commitment and hard work to- your staff in the coming months in this im- ward reforming the nation’s health care sys- portant legislative effort, and appreciate have the potential to provide a secure and re- newable source of transportation fuel that is at tem. I think we can all agree that the cur- your leadership in advancing this legislation rent system is not working as it should, and and addressing California water issues so im- least carbon neutral, and does not compete I have long supported a significant overhaul. portant to our collective future. for land or fresh water resources required to Costs continue to explode, while tens of mil- Sincerely, grow food supply crops. lions remain uninsured or underinsured. THADDEUS L. BETTNER, To further establish the SD-CAB as a na- Many families are one illness away from fi- General Manager. tional research resource for the sustainable nancial ruin—even if they do have insurance.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2469 We have the greatest medical technology in federal efforts that could provide more sta- fornia has a long history of protecting con- the world at our fingertips, yet Americans’ bility to state Medicaid programs. Moreover, sumers through our two separate insurance health status lags behind many countries given the fiscal crisis that many states, in- regulators, one covering health maintenance that spend less than half what we do per cap- cluding California, are experiencing, I organizations and the other monitoring all ita. Any successful health care reform pro- strongly urge Congress to extend the tem- other insurance products. Maintaining a posal must be comprehensive and built porary increase in the federal matching ratio strong regulatory role at the state level is in around the core principles of cost contain- to preserve the ability of state Medicaid pro- the best interest of consumers, and I urge ment and affordability; prevention, wellness grams to continue to provide essential serv- Congress to maintain this longstanding and and health quality; and coverage for all. ices to low-income residents pending full im- effective relationship as you design these new market structures. COST CONTAINMENT AND AFFORDABILITY plementation of national health reform. I hope our experience in California work- PREVENTION, WELLNESS AND HEALTH QUALITY Cost containment and affordability are es- ing toward comprehensive health care re- PREVENTION sential not only for families, individuals and form has informed the debate in Washington. businesses, but also for state governments. Wellness and health promotion, along with There will be many short-term triumphs and Congress is proposing significant expansions chronic disease management, can help to seemingly insurmountable roadblocks for of Medicaid to help reduce the number of un- lower the cost curve over the long run and Congress and the nation on the road to com- insured and to increase provider reimburse- improve health outcomes in the near term. prehensive health care reform. We must all ment. This was one of the cornerstone pieces of my remain focused on the goal of fixing our Today, California administers one of the health care reform proposal in California, health care system and remember that we all most efficient Medicaid programs in the and I continue to believe it should be a key have something to gain from the reforms, country, and still the state cannot afford its piece of the federal efforts. Prevention, and we all have a shared responsibility to Medicaid program as currently structured wellness and chronic disease management achieve them. I look forward to working and governed by federal rules and regula- programs should include both the individual with you as you move forward on this des- tions. The House originally proposed fully and wider population levels. perately needed legislation. funding the expansion with federal dollars, At the individual level, proposals to pro- Sincerely, but due to cost concerns, members decided to vide refunds or other incentives to Medicare, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, shift a portion of these expansion costs to Medicaid and private plan enrollees who suc- Governor, California. states. I will be clear on this particular pro- cessfully complete behavior modification posal: if Congress thinks the Medicaid expan- programs, such as smoking cessation or SEPTEMBER 17, 2009. sion is too expensive for the federal govern- weight loss, are critical reforms. To ensure Hon. BILL NELSON, ment, it is absolutely unaffordable for they are widely used, individual prevention U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, states. Proposals in the Senate envision and wellness benefits should not be subject Washington, DC. passing on more than $8 billion in new costs to beneficiary cost sharing. DEAR SENATOR NELSON: Thank you for to California annually—crowding out other Because individuals’ behaviors are influ- your valuable work on behalf of Floridians in priority or constitutionally required state enced by their environments, health reform the United States Congress. I am pleased spending and presenting a false choice for all must place a high priority on promoting with our ability to work together on issues of us. I cannot and will not support federal healthy communities that make it easier for important to our state, including the health health care reform proposals that impose bil- people to make healthy choices. California and well being of our residents. lions of dollars in new costs on California has demonstrated through its nationally rec- We can all agree that we need to work to- each year. ognized tobacco control efforts that popu- gether to make quality health care more af- The inclusion of maintenance of effort re- lation-based strategies can be effective and fordable and accessible, especially to those strictions on existing state Medicaid pro- dramatically change the way the people who currently do not have health insurance. grams only compounds any cost shift to think and act about unhealthy behaviors, I stand united with my fellow governors; states. We simply cannot be locked into a such as tobacco use. A similar model, com- however, with our concerns about how Con- cost structure that is unsustainable. Gov- munity transformation grants, has been ad- gressional proposals may affect our ability ernors have three primary ways to control vanced in the Senate Committee on Health, to manage scarce state resources. Medicaid costs: they can adjust eligibility, Education, Labor, and Pension legislation, In the last year, enrollment in Florida’s benefits and/or reimbursement rates. Main- and it should be included to support policy, Medicaid program has increased from 2.2 tenance of effort requirements linked to ex- environmental, programmatic and infra- million in July 1, 2008 to 2.63 million in July isting Medicaid eligibility standards and pro- structure changes that address chronic dis- 2009, causing a strain on our state budget. cedures will effectively force state legisla- ease risk factors, promote healthy living and Congressional proposals would increase those tures into autopilot spending and lead to decrease health disparities. numbers by expanding Medicaid eligibility. chronic budget shortfalls. Quality improvement measures are also Under the U.S. Senate Health, Education, The federal government must help states critical to health reform. The House proposal Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee pro- reduce their Medicaid financing burden, not for a Center for Quality Improvement to im- posal for example, more than 1.46 million increase it. A major factor contributing to prove patient safety, reduce healthcare-asso- people would be added to our current Med- Medicaid’s fiscal instability, before any pro- ciated infections and improve patient out- icaid caseload in Florida at a cost of $4.93 posed expansion, is that the program effec- comes and satisfaction is a positive step. Co- billion for the next fiscal year. Although providing more access to health tively remains the sole source of financing ordinated chronic disease management is care for individuals and families in our for long-term care services. Therefore, I am necessary to improve outcomes for chron- struggling economy is an affable goal, our encouraged by congressional proposals that ically ill people. preliminary Florida estimates show that in create new financing models for long-term Systematic use of health information tech- the following year (State Fiscal Year 2010– care services. Proposals that expand the nology and health information exchange, in- cluding access for public health agencies, is 2011), once the American Recovery and Rein- availability and affordability of long-term vestment Act Federal Medical Assistance care insurance are steps in the right direc- vital to providing the necessary tools to measure the success of quality improvement Percentage funds have been exhausted, the tion, but they must be implemented in a fis- impact increases as more than 1.72 million cally sustainable way. More fundamentally, efforts. Finally, investments in core public health infrastructure can be facilitated people are expected to be added to our case however, the federal government must take load at a cost of $5.875 billion. full responsibility for financing and coordi- through the creation of the proposed Preven- tion and Wellness Trust. Some Members of Congress have indicated nating the care of the dually eligible in order that states should shoulder some of the bur- COVERAGE FOR ALL to appreciably reduce the cost trend for this den to fund the expansion of Medicaid at a group. This realignment of responsibilities is Coverage for all is also an essential ele- time when our economy and residents are absolutely essential to controlling costs for ment of health care reform and I believe an struggling. To pay for this expansion, states this population, while ensuring that state enforceable and effective individual man- fear the need to cut critical services like governments will be better positioned to fill date, combined with guaranteed issuance of education or public safety to add more in any gaps that will undoubtedly arise from insurance, is the best way to accomplish this money to Medicaid. This would have a crip- federal health care reform efforts. I also en- goal. The individual mandate must provide pling effect on Florida’s state economy and courage Congress to incorporate other strat- effective incentives to help prevent adverse the national economy. egies to help stabilize Medicaid costs for selection that could occur if the mandate is In addition, state Medicaid programs cur- states. too weak. Creating transparent and user- rently take on the burden of financing long Delaying the scheduled phase-out of Med- friendly health insurance exchanges to help term care services for our aging and disabled icaid managed care provider taxes pending consumers compare insurance options will residents. Due to our large elderly popu- enactment of new Medicaid rates, reimburse- also help facilitate participation. States lation, Florida is estimating expenditures of ment for Medicaid claims owed to states as- should maintain a strong role in regulating $4.3 billion for state fiscal year 2009–2010 (this sociated with the federal government’s im- the insurance market and have the ability to includes coverage of institutional care, home proper classification of certain permanent maintain and operate their own exchanges, and community based waiver and our nurs- disability cases, and federal support for legal with the understanding that some national ing home diversion waiver services). Med- immigrant Medicaid costs are examples of standards will need to be established. Cali- icaid is the primary payor for nearly two-

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2470 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 thirds of all nursing home residents in the I am still a little unclear as to why Cee Cee travels the world to learn about other state. While the U.S. Senate HELP proposal Salberg asked me to introduce her for this cultures and enhances her own life to better and the House bill call for the creation of a prestigious award. I cannot figure out if she understand humanity. new voluntary federal insurance program for asked me to do her this honor because I Cee is kind. community-based long-term care services, don’t actually work in the pre-school and Cee believes in our mission and does every- the Congressional Budget Office has ques- Kindergarten so, therefore, I don’t really thing possible to instill the mission of the tioned the long term viability of this provi- know how she behaves on a daily basis. Or, if school in the children. sion. Any federal health care reform discus- it is because she knows that I am afraid of Each decision Cee makes is for the chil- sion must include a combined federal and her and that it is unlikely that I will share dren. Although some say she is not warm and state approach to the financing and provi- anything other than the most positive senti- fuzzy—my entire family adores her. She is sion of Medicaid and long term care services. ments about her. In any case, tonight we get there for the children and that is what mat- Lack of health insurance is the greatest to celebrate a wonderful and a brilliant edu- barrier to accessing health care. With nearly ters. cator. Cee cares about every child in her school— four million Floridians currently lacking I am so thrilled to be able to introduce Cee no matter what. health insurance, our state has launched ini- Salberg for the St. Madeleine Sophie Award Cee teaches the children independence, re- tiatives designed to reduce that number and tonight. As I understand it, this award is spect, kindness, understanding, and thought- assist those who need prescription medica- given to those who have committed them- fulness—everything a parent wants in a tion. Many of these programs can serve as selves to Sacred Heart Schools and who em- child. examples to our nation. I have attached a body the Spirit of St. Madeleine Sophie Cee is not a woman of many words but she brief summary outlining several of these Barat. For those of you who know Cee it is hears all. successful programs Florida is using to ad- clear to you why she is the winner of this Cee always has the perfect outfit for every dress the health care needs of our residents, award. Put quite simply . . . occasion; classy and elegant. while targeting ways to reduce costs to our Cee has the vision of Sophie. Cee will bend down and pick up every last health care system. Cee has the courage of Sophie. scrap of liter under the lunch tables. The partnership between our state and our Cee has the generosity of Sophie. Cee is organized, efficient and thrives on federal government is critical in enabling Cee has the direct communication style of order—the preschool runs like a well oiled Florida to serve its residents, and I stand Sophie. machine under her control. ready to work with you to address those And most importantly, Cee has the single- Cee is a blessing; a wonderful leader for the issues which are most essential in health hearted love of children that we believe is parents, children and her staff—I feel proud care reform: access and affordability. Our the most important characteristic of to be a member of her staff. goal should remain clear: maintaining a high Sophie’s own life and legacy. Cee has always based her goals for the quality health care system which allows in- I believe it is this last characteristic that Montessori on the Goals and Criteria. dividuals to get treatment when they need has landed Cee here this evening. Cee has a Cee has led us to be a faculty that values it. I hope I can count on your support to single-hearted love of children that is awe professional growth, love of God and one an- work together on solutions to improve care inspiring for those who work closely with other, and social justice. Cee encourages teachers to keep up on all at the same time as providing sustainability her and for those whose children have been the newest information in teaching and often in essential programs like Medicaid through in the pre-school and kindergarten. If you gives us professional articles, internet sites, sound financing options at the state and fed- speak to children who attended our Montes- and always encourages us to attend classes eral levels.Thank you for your consideration sori program they will tell you that they love Ms. Salberg. One high school student and workshops. and support. Cee has a professional commitment to get Sincerely, told me that Ms. Salberg is the kindest woman that she knows. to know each student at the Montessori. She CHARLIE CRIST, However, let me get something clear from spends from 12:15p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at recess Governor, Florida. the beginning. I am not suggesting that Cee each day, observing and interacting with the f is touchy-feely or that she has never been ac- children. Cee always encourages early intervention TRIBUTE TO CEE SALBERG—RE- cused of being aloof or unfriendly. She is in fact, sometimes scary for parents and other when students are having difficulties so- CIPIENT OF 2009 ST. MADELEINE adults. As Rich Dioli recently said to me, cially, emotionally, or academically. SOPHIE AWARDS, SACRED ‘‘Cee may not say hi to every parent who Most importantly Cee has dedicated her HEART SCHOOLS walks through the door but she knows every years here to boost our financial aid, based kid by name and she is the best educator we on her value of social justice. We now have HON. ANNA G. ESHOO have.’’ I have several funny anecdotes about many wonderful students who would not times when Cee has scared me but I will save have been able to attend Sacred Heart with- OF CALIFORNIA those for her retirement roast in about 15 out Cee’s dedication to financial aid in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES years. creases. Wednesday, October 7, 2009 After Cee invited me to introduce her, I am guessing that by now you have gotten which I am sure she is now regretting, I the point. Cee is wonderful. In fact, she Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I rise today started asking people about her and why sounds almost perfect. So, let me share with to honor Ms. Cee Salberg, a recipient of the they felt that she should be the recipient of you some of her shortcomings. Just kidding prestigious St. Madeleine Sophie Award from this award. I had a great time. People feel Cee. I do, however, want to share with you how Sacred Heart Schools. Established in the year very strongly about Cee and almost every I feel about Cee Salberg. 2000, the St. Madeleine Sophie Award honors person I spoke with, particularly those that It is unlikely that you will ever hear Cee individuals in the Sacred Heart community work in the preschool and kindergarten, give a speech about God, St. Madeleine who have made a sustained and significant made it clear that they are thrilled that she Sophie Barat or the Mission of the School. It contribution to the Schools and embody the is receiving this award. And they feel strong- would surprise me to find Cee in a large ly about her for four reasons: because she Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart edu- group talking about the latest instructional loves scotch, because she loves the San Fran- strategies or arguing about pedagogical cation. The individuals honored are selected cisco Giants, because she keeps chocolate by a committee comprised of the senior ad- methods. It is rare that you will find Cee stocked in the faculty room and, most im- making loud protests against injustice. It is ministrative team in conjunction with the Chair portantly, because everything she does— unusual to hear Cee gossiping about a col- of the Board of Trustees and are honored at every day—is about the children that walk league or undermining the work of her peers. a reception and at the Mass of the Holy Spirit, through the doors of the Montessori build- I can almost guarantee that you won’t find the first all-school liturgy of the school year. ing. I was tempted to summarize what people Cee creating arbitrary policies that prevent The recipients will be VIP guests at various said about Cee but perhaps I should just re- a child’s growth. port some of the thoughts that Cee’s col- SHS events throughout the year and featured But in my experience you will . . . leagues have about her. . . Find Cee hugging her students and making in their alumni magazine, The Heart of the Cee has always been available to me when sure that they feel loved. Matter, for their commitment to the mission of I needed advice, a sounding board, or a kind Find Cee allocating resources for teacher Sacred Heart education. shoulder on which to cry. She has helped me development and creating an environment at This year, Cee Salberg was chosen along navigate the Sacred Heart experience. She the Montessori in which student interest with two other distinguished recipients to be has been a constant beacon for all of us. drives student learning and achievement. recognized with the Award for her tireless Cee has a loving and giving heart. She is Find Cee fighting for financial aid and non- committed to the mission of the school; to work as an educator as well as to the Goals tuition related financial aid so that all stu- economic, social, and ethnic diversity and dents have access to a Sacred Heart edu- and Criteria of Sacred Heart Schools. Her she is an educational leader that works very cation. award was presented by Mr. James Everitt, closely with her teachers to ensure that the Find Cee confronting parents and col- who gave this speech at the Awards Cere- students are being loved and having success leagues who do things that don’t build com- mony in tribute to Cee: in the classroom. munity. And, you will find the kind joy and

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2471 laughter in the Montessori building that is at Georgia Tech, my prayers continue to be of these reforms remain unknown and we are at the very heart of building community. with the chapter in Texas for the rebuilding of uncertain of the possible negative impacts And, my favorite, you will find Cee on va- their residence. on local businesses, families and senior citi- cation in the middle of the school year be- Nationally, more needs to be done to im- zens. However, it is clear that these sweeping cause she values balance in her life and she proposals would irresponsibly shift a sub- understands the importance of her family. prove campus-wide fire safety awareness pro- stantial and unmanageable financial burden I was not surprised to learn that Cee was grams so as to prevent the loss of life and to the states. Like Idaho, many states al- nominated and ultimately selected to be one property damage on college and university ready are functioning under severely limited of the St. Madeleine Sophie Award winners. campuses. Many of these fatal fires have oc- and strained budgets. It is certain that the Cee has been an amazing mentor to me and curred in buildings where the fire safety sys- burden of these reforms would be placed I can say from the very depth of my being tems have been compromised, are obsolete, upon the shoulders of hardworking Ameri- that I have learned more from Cee Salberg or have been disabled by occupants. College cans. about teaching and learning and about what The costs associated with these proposed it means to be a Sacred Heart educator than administrations must continue to make stu- reforms are astounding. Conservative esti- from any other person in my career. Cee is a dents aware of the need for automatic fire mates from the Idaho Division of Medicaid woman who St. Madeleine Sophie Barat and alarm systems and the safety they provide to indicate that the bill’s Medicaid eligibility St. Rose Philippine Duchesne would recog- occupants and local fire departments. proposal would increase our state share of nize as one of their own. Madam Speaker, fire safety education is im- Medicaid and the federal matching rate ef- I want to end by reading a nice poem that perative on college and university campuses fective would drop in the middle of fiscal was written by a member of Cee’s staff. across the nation. This resolution encourages year 2011, leaving Idaho struggling to fill the void. Idaho’s tax base could not support this There once was a principal named Cee administrators and municipalities to evaluate large unfunded mandate without resorting to As good at her job as she could be. the level of fire safety being provided in both tax increases, including a possible increase She juggles admins, parents, kids and teach- on- and off-campus student housing. It further in Idaho’s already 6-percent sales tax—an ir- ers, calls upon them take the necessary steps to responsible action which would do serious But she’d rather be cheering in the bleachers ensure fire safe living environments through harm to Idaho taxpayers. The proposed re- For the San Francisco Giants, her favorite forms would impose an undue burden on citi- team. fire safety education, installation of fire sup- pression and detection systems, and the de- zens already struggling in this difficult econ- Soon, the World Series? Hey, a girl can omy. dream! velopment and enforcement of applicable It has been estimated that combined fed- Cee and Keir travel to many a port. codes relating to fire safety. I urge all of my eral-state Medicaid costs in Idaho could in- And luckily, Janet can hold down the fort. colleagues to support this resolution so that crease by $501 million. In addition, raising At work and at home, Cee has a great crew. we can protect future generations of our na- the Medicaid reimbursement rate to 110 per- She’s the captain, she knows what to do! tion’s leaders from the devastating and poten- cent of the Medicare reimbursement rate For Cee to get this award, we’re all very tially life threatening effects of campus fires. would increase total federal-state costs $50 proud, million more. And not a bit shy to say right out loud: f This proposed change in the federal reim- She deserves this award and can pass any GOVERNORS OF IDAHO, INDIANA, bursement rate likely would reduce the num- test. ber of plans that are offered to persons on All of us know that Cee is the best! AND LOUISIANA EXPRESS CON- Medicare, resulting in increased premiums Cee, it is a true honor and pleasure to be CERNS WITH UNFUNDED MAN- and reduced services and access to service your friend and your colleague. I look for- DATES IN HEALTH REFORM providers. Seniors in rural Idaho already ward to celebrating your retirement with have trouble finding providers who accept you in about 15–20 years. HON. MIKE ROGERS Medicare patients. Congratulations. Should these changes be approved, that OF MICHIGAN trend could continue statewide—severely Madam Speaker, I ask the entire House of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES limiting access to medical care for some of Representatives to join me in offering our con- Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Idaho’s most vulnerable residents. The peo- gratulations to Cee Salberg on the very spe- ple of Idaho have entrusted us with a respon- cial occasion of being chosen for the St. Mad- Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, sibility to use our government resources eleine Sophie Award, and for all she does I rise today to express concerns regarding wisely and efficiently. Imposing costly fed- daily to strengthen our community and our health reform proposals which would create eral mandates that cannot be sustained in unfunded state mandates. Legislation currently the long run is an irresponsible violation of country. this public trust. Quite simply, these pro- f before the House would dramatically expand posals are financially irresponsible and the Medicaid program and place over $35 bil- would not adequately address the needs of SUPPORTING CAMPUS FIRE lion in new liabilities on state budgets over the senior citizens and other vulnerable groups. SAFETY MONTH next ten years. In addition, these proposals I encourage you to join me in opposing cur- would expand the federal government’s role in rent health care reform proposals. By ending SPEECH OF administering Medicaid, which would severely these nonsensical debates and stopping the handcuff states’ ability to run their own pro- proposed reforms, we can move forward in a HON. PHIL GINGREY more positive, measured and reasonable di- OF GEORGIA grams and preempt state authority to manage rection, using common sense to find a work- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Medicaid eligibility and benefits. able healthcare solution that benefits all Over the last several weeks, governors Americans. Tuesday, October 6, 2009 have expressed concerns over these pro- As Always—Idaho ‘‘Esto Perpetua’’, Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, posals. I would like to submit for the record C.L. ‘‘BUTCH’’ OTTER, I rise today to express my support for H. Res. the following letters from the governors of Governor, Idaho. 167, a resolution that supports the goals and Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana and Minnesota: SEPTEMBER 8, 2009. ideals of recognizing September as Campus SEPTEMBER 15, 2009. Hon. RICHARD LUGAR, Fire Safety Month. This recognition would both Hon. MIKE CRAPO, Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. heighten awareness and encourage improve- U.S. Senate, Dirksen Senate Office Building, DEAR SENATOR LUGAR: During your sum- ments in the overall safety on our college and Washington, DC. mer recess I am sure that many, if not all of university campuses. DEAR SENATOR CRAPO: Idaho has a proud you heard from your constituents regarding history of fiscal responsibility, ensuring that Since January 2000, 129 people including health care reform. our State government serves its proper role I have heard from them as well. In fact, students, parents, and children, have died in for the people of Idaho while staying within over the past few months, I have watched student housing fires, many of which were their financial means. As the United States Americans come forward to passionately ex- preventable. Currently a majority of college Congress attempts to address the healthcare press their anxieties about the legislation students live off campus, and eighty percent of challenges facing our nation, it is important currently making its way through Congress. these deaths have occurred in off campus that we remain diligent in assessing the im- Their worries are well-founded. housing. One recent example is more per- plications of our decisions, always ensuring There is no disputing the fact that aspects sonal for me. Over the 2008 Christmas break, that we take seriously our duty to safeguard of American health care, such as access and the financial resources of the American pub- affordability, truly do need to be restruc- there was a suspected arson at the Sigma Nu lic, and allocating taxpayer money in an effi- tured and improved. Yet, I have serious con- fraternity house at Texas A&M University. cient and effective manner. cerns about Congress’s proposed solutions to Thankfully, no one was residing in the house As revised healthcare proposals continue these problems. In fact, I fear the current at that time, but as a Sigma Nu from my days appearing in Congress, the full consequences rush to overhaul the system will ultimately

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2472 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 do more damage than good and create far can help improve the cost and quality deliv- containing costs for the vast majority of more problems than it solves. ered in the Medicaid program. This waiver Americans who already have insurance. And unfortunately, Indiana would bear the proposes national best practices of coordi- Those costs will not be contained by a mas- brunt of many of the reckless policies being nated care, medical homes, provider pay- sive expansion of federal programs. proposed. For example, our Healthy Indiana ment reform, electronic medical records, and Massachusetts’s experience should caution Plan (HIP), an innovative and successful consumer incentives to manage cost and im- Congress against focusing primarily on ac- state sponsored health insurance program prove quality. This proposal can help im- cess. While the Massachusetts plan has re- for uninsured citizens, would suffer greatly prove the efficiency in Medicaid and utilize duced the number of uninsured people, costs as Congress expands Medicaid coverage, forc- those savings, along with the shifting of DSH have been dramatically higher than ex- ing many of the Hoosiers already enrolled in dollars from expensive hospital based care to pected. The result? Increased taxes and fees. HIP out of the plan and into a broken Med- community based outpatient care, to expand The Boston Globe has reported on a current icaid program that does not focus on preven- coverage through private insurance to tens short-term funding gap and the need to ob- tion, healthy lifestyles, or personal responsi- of thousands of adults in our state. tain a new federal bailout. bility. Again, I ask that you consider the budg- Imagine the scope of tax increases, or addi- Additionally, states will likely have to etary pressures being felt by Louisiana and tional deficit spending, if that approach is pick up the tab for this extension of Med- many other states and avoid passing any utilized for the entire country. icaid. We have estimated that the price for health care legislation that would serve as Indiana could reach upwards of $724 million an unfunded mandate to the states. annually. These additional costs will over- Best regards, f whelm our resources and obliterate the re- BOBBY JINDAL, serves we have fought so hard to protect. Governor, Louisiana. IN HONOR OF THE CALIFORNIA While these reforms could do serious dam- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA age to our state, I fear they will also have [From the Washington Post, Aug. 3, 2009] STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF WHO HAVE SERVED OUR harmful consequences all across the country TO FIX HEALTH CARE, FOLLOW THE STATES by reducing the quality and quantity of NATION IN IRAQ available medical care, stifling innovation, (By Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota) and further burdening taxpayers. If you tie money to results, you’ll get bet- There is another way. Americans from all ter results. Unfortunately, government often HON. JOHN P. MURTHA dumps money into programs without regard walks of life and every political stripe should OF PENNSYLVANIA work together with President Obama and to accountability and outcomes. This past Congress to create a set of measured and sen- week, Democrats in Congress have been busy IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sible reforms that bring down costs, increase tinkering with a Washington takeover of the Wednesday, October 7, 2009 access and portability and stress the impor- health-care system, but perhaps they should tance of innovative state-run health insur- look instead to the states for models of mar- Mr. MURTHA. Madam Speaker, I rise today ance programs. ket-driven, patient-centered and quality-fo- to ask this chamber to recognize the students, The majority of Americans do believe that cused reform. Rather than taking power faculty, and staff at California University of health care reform is needed, but do not be- away from states, federal health-care reform Pennsylvania who have valiantly served their should use the lessons we’ve learned tackling lieve that the legislation currently on offer country in Iraq. Cal. U. students have an ex- is the answer. I agree. And I will do every- this crisis in our back yards. thing in my power to raise these concerns In Minnesota, our state employee health- emplary record of serving our country in times and work with you to find a solution. care plan has demonstrated incredible re- of need and have done so again during the Sincerely, sults by linking outcomes to value. State war in Iraq. MITCH DANIELS, employees in Minnesota can choose any clin- There have been nineteen California Univer- Governor, Indiana. ic available to them in the health-care net- sity students who have been deployed to Iraq. work they’ve selected. However, individuals Furthermore, five members of the staff and who use more costly and less-efficient clinics SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. faculty were also deployed. Many were part of Hon. STEVE SCALISE, are required to pay more out-of-pocket. Not Cannon House Office Building, Washington, surprisingly, informed health-care con- the Pennsylvania Army National Guard 56th DC. sumers vote wisely with their feet and their Stryker Brigade Combat Team, north of Bagh- DEAR CONGRESSMAN SCALISE: I join many wallets. Employees overwhelmingly selected dad. This was the largest National Guard call- of my fellow Republican and Democrat gov- providers who deliver higher quality and up in support of a single operation in the his- ernors in expressing concern with any health lower costs as a result of getting things right tory of the university. I have joined my col- care legislation being signed into law that the first time. The payoff is straightforward: leagues in recognizing the 56th Stryker Bri- would serve as an unfunded mandate to For two of the past five years, we’ve had zero gade by becoming an original cosponsor of H. states. percent premium increases in the state em- Res. 754, which honors the citizen-soldiers of Louisiana is similar to many other states ployee insurance plan. around the country in that we are attempt- Minnesota has also implemented an inno- the National Guard of the State of Pennsyl- ing to address budgetary deficits in large vative program called QCARE, for Quality vania, including the 56th Brigade Combat part by working to streamline government Care and Rewarding Excellence. QCARE Team (Stryker) of the Pennsylvania Army Na- to be more efficient and cost-effective. In identifies quality measures, sets aggressive tional Guard on its return to the United States short, we are trying to emulate many of our outcome targets for providers, makes com- from deployment in Iraq. working families, small businesses and sen- parable measures transparent to the public Madam Speaker, these students, just like iors by watching our spending, doing more and changes the payment system to reward countless others across Pennsylvania and the with less, and making every dollar count. quality rather than quantity. We must stop However, Louisiana’s budgetary situation paying based on the number of procedures rest of the country, are choosing to serve their is uniquely challenged due to an unprece- and start paying based on results. nation and put their own education on hold. dented FMAP rate drop from 72 to 63.1 per- Instead of returning power to patients and I have seen the consequences and effects cent beginning next fiscal year that will cost rewarding positive outcomes, many Demo- of returning home after combat and I am Louisiana at least $700 million annually. crats in Washington want a government-run pleased that Cal. U. has an Office of Veterans This additional cost will place significant plan that would require states to comply Affairs. This office has been instrumental in pressures on our ability to expand our econ- with dozens of new mandates and regula- helping veterans reintegrate into the university omy, create new jobs and protect critical tions. One study by the Lewin Group re- services in our state. cently concluded that an estimated 114 mil- community and has helped to facilitate the Louisiana is proud of its commitment to lion Americans could be displaced from their issuance of G.I. Bill benefits. This is an excel- its citizens’ health in the face of long-stand- current coverage under such a plan, and an- lent way to help those who have given so ing issues of extreme poverty experienced in other study by House Republicans said the much to our country. few other states. Our state is a national plan could result in the loss of up to 5 mil- I wish to conclude my remarks by com- model for insuring children with over a 95% lion jobs over the next 10 years. mending the California University of Pennsyl- rate of child insurance and we were recently In typical fashion, the self-proclaimed ex- vania students, faculty and staff members who recognized for achieving the 2nd highest perts piecing together this Democratic child immunization rates in the nation after health-care legislation are focusing on only have selflessly dedicated themselves to our an intensive state-wide private-public effort. one leg—access—of a three-legged stool that great nation by serving their country. I would My Department of Health & Hospitals has also includes cost and quality. Expanding ac- also like to commend students and university submitted a Medicaid waiver to the US De- cess to health care is a worthwhile goal. But staff and faculty across our great nation who partment of Health & Human Services that equal or greater focus should be placed on have done the same.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2473 RECOGNIZING DYKE MARSH PERSONAL EXPLANATION icaid expenses while providing for essential WILDLIFE PRESERVE services including public education and pub- lic safety. HON. STEVE KING While there has been some discussion at SPEECH OF OF IOWA the federal level to assist states in paying for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES this expansion, my staff learned last week that the Senate Finance Committee is pro- HON. JOHN D. DINGELL Wednesday, October 7, 2009 posing to cap the amount of federal money OF MICHIGAN Mr. KING of Iowa. Madam Speaker, on roll- distributed to the states to pay for this ex- call No. 754, I was unable to reach the House pansion at $40 billion over 10 years. Esti- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mates show the cost of expanding the Med- floor to cast my vote before the vote was icaid system to all states at the lowest level, Tuesday, October 6, 2009 closed. or 133 percent FPL, is $30 billion per year. At Had I been present, I would have voted 133 percent FPL, states would be saddled Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in ‘‘yea.’’ with Medicaid expansion costs in the second strong support of H. Res. 701, honoring the f year of expansion. 50th Anniversary of the Dyke Marsh Wildlife These projections are overwhelming as Preserve. GOVERNORS OF MISSISSIPPI AND Mississippi, like all states, continues to NEBRASKA EXPRESS CONCERNS grapple with budget realities. Our General Fifty years ago, commercial dredging and WITH UNFUNDED MANDATES IN Fund Revenue collections for July 2009 are dumping operations threatened the very exist- HEALTH REFORM 11.27 percent below our estimate. Compared ence of Dyke Marsh. In 1959, Congress des- to the prior year, collections for this July ignated Dyke Marsh as a protected wetland are 21.43 percent or $56.3 million below what habitat, allowing it today to provide a vital HON. MIKE ROGERS was collected in July 2008. During Fiscal OF MICHIGAN Year 2009, Mississippi’s revenue was $390 mil- habitat for over 6,500 species of animals and lion short of the revenue estimate, causing IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES plants, and serve as one of the national cap- most of state government, except for edu- ital area’s most cherished wetland and wildlife Wednesday, October 7, 2009 cation and Medicaid, to take approximately preserves. Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, a 6 percent cut in the Fiscal Year 2010 budg- et. I am proud to have taken part in the des- I rise today to express concerns regarding Our Fiscal Year 2010 budget included $523 ignation of Dyke Marsh. The best times of my health reform proposals which would create million in stimulus funds; otherwise, we life were hunting and fishing with my dad and, unfunded state mandates. Legislation currently would have faced even more significant cuts. later in life, with my children. I want to ensure before the House would dramatically expand It will take our state years to catch up, and others are able to enjoy the outdoors in that the Medicaid program and place over $35 bil- that’s without a $297 million or $333 million lion in new liabilities on state budgets over the Medicaid state-share increase. same meaningful way. Further, the proposed healthcare reform next ten years. In addition, these proposals legislation also includes numerous tax in- This anniversary reminds me of the great would expand the federal government’s role in times John Saylor, Henry Reuss and I shared creases to finance significant expansions of administering Medicaid, which would severely government-run healthcare. Different while working on environmental and conserva- handcuff states’ ability to run their own pro- versions of the House legislation incorporate tion legislation together. They were great grams and preempt state authority to manage a payroll tax on small businesses. Although friends and legislators, and I am proud of what Medicaid eligibility and benefits. the recent House Energy and Commerce we were able to accomplish. John was wise to Over the last several weeks, governors Committee agreement included an 8 percent payroll tax for small businesses with an an- have once said: ‘We are a great people be- have expressed concerns over these pro- cause we have been successful in developing nual payroll of $500,000, previous versions posals. I would like to submit for the RECORD taxed small businesses with a payroll of and using our marvelous natural resources; the following letters from the governors of Mis- $250,000. but, also, we Americans are the people we are sissippi and Nebraska: This tax will do nothing more than punish largely because we have had the influence of AUGUST 6, 2009. wage and job growth, especially when you the wilderness on our lives.’ Hon. GREGG HARPER, consider that the tax rate increases as the size of payroll increases. According to the I am also reminded of a quote by another Cannon HOB, Washington, DC. National Federation of Independent Busi- great leader, Winston Churchill. Churchill, as nesses (NFIB), such employer mandates DEAR CONGRESSMAN HARPER: As Congress you know, enjoyed the occasional drink. One debates healthcare reform, I want to raise a could cost 1.6 million jobs with more than 1 day he was meeting with a group of women few issues of concern with the policies being million of those jobs lost in the small busi- who were offended by his consumption of al- considered in both House and Senate bills. ness sector. That means higher taxes for Mississippians, since 96.7 percent of our em- cohol. They said ‘Mr. Churchill, if you lined the Healthcare reform is truly a bipartisan issue; after all, Republicans and Democrats under- ployers are small businesses. In addition, the walls of your office with the alcohol you have Senate HELP Committee proposal requires stand that our healthcare system faces sig- consumed, it would be up to here.’ Churchill employers to offer health coverage to their nificant challenges—from steadily increasing employees and contribute at least 60 percent looked up, thought for a moment, looked at medical costs to confusing insurance provi- of the premium cost or pay $750 for each em- the ladies and said, ’So much to do, so little sions. As the national debate continues, it is time.’ We should be proud of the good our ployee that is not offered coverage. important that everyone realizes the severe Language in the proposed legislation also work towards conservation has done, but re- impact the proposed legislation would have would mandate an individual to purchase member we have more to do on states like Mississippi. health insurance and, should he be unable to As Governor, I am particularly concerned afford such coverage, he’ll be slapped with a The Gentleman from Virginia, Mr. MORAN, is about the direction the Senate and House are to be commended for his hard work in pro- 2.5 percent additional income tax for the cov- taking in regards to Medicaid expansion. In- erage. But the proposed legislation goes even tecting Dyke Marsh and for the good work he stead of discussing policies to reform a bro- further, taxing higher income individuals be- has done from his perch in the House Appro- ken system, the debate in Congress has shift- ginning at $280,000 and families at $350,000 on priations Subcommittee on the Interior. Impor- ed to finding ways to fund an expanded Med- a sliding scale. tant conservation programs are better off be- icaid program at the state level. At the end This language generates a massive tax in- of the day, both the Senate and House pro- cause of his wisdom and diligence. crease on high income filers, more than half posals are unfunded mandates, which, for of whom are small business owners already I also want to take a moment to recognize states like Mississippi, would result in bur- being taxed if they do not provide health in- the hard work of the Friends of Dyke Marsh. densome and costly changes to the system. surance to their employees. A tax increase in This organization, currently under the leader- For example, when we talk about sharing the middle of a recession, with unemploy- the cost of an expanded Medicaid program, ment rising, is not the answer. ship of Glenda Booth, has done a great job of Mississippi would pay another $333 million Besides increasing taxes, the House bill protecting this beautiful space and getting the annually under a larger program covering up cuts Medicare nearly $500 billion. These cuts story of Dyke Marsh out. Friends of Dyke to 150 percent below the Federal Poverty include reductions to Medicare providers and Marsh is an outstanding advocacy organiza- Level (FPL). A Medicaid program covering hospitals, while gutting Medicare Advantage tion and they have much of which to be proud. up to 133 percent FPL expansion would cost by $150 billion to $160 billion. Admittedly, I an extra $297 million. In many states, fund- am baffled as to why Congress would propose I urge all my colleagues to rise and com- ing the current Medicaid programs robs slicing funding for a program that our sen- memorate the 50th Anniversary of the Dyke other critical programs. The same is true for iors support and that provides for their Marsh Wildlife Preserve. us. Each year we struggle to cover our Med- health and well-being.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2474 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 As Congress heads home for the recess, I state budgets, forcing states to raise taxes. Medicaid, employer mandate, and insurance urge Members to review the proposed legisla- In Mississippi, that would necessarily mean reforms. The single most important concern tion with their state leadership. I am pri- increases in our state income or sales tax was this legislation would be the biggest un- marily concerned about the effect this legis- rates. Mississippi, like so many states, sim- funded mandate on the fifty states in the lation may have on Mississippi’s financial ply can’t afford to pick up the tab for an- history of our country. stability, both now and in the future. These other unfunded mandate passed by Congress. President Obama has told the Governors so-called ‘‘reforms’’ would severely impact Such state tax increases would be on top of that health care reform must not be an un- Mississippi’s budget and our ability to fund the federal tax increases already included in funded mandate for the states. I am in other important priorities, like education the House and Senate bills, like huge tax in- strong agreement that an unfunded health and public safety. Before Congress makes creases on small businesses whether in the care mandate would be unfair to state tax- such sweeping reforms to our healthcare sys- form of an additional 8 percent payroll tax or payers. tem, I implore you to first ensure that these a 5.4 percent income tax surcharge. During a In handout 4, NGA Executive Director Ray changes are efficient and beneficial to our deep recession, when most people believe job Scheppach outlines concerns about Medicaid citizens, without burdening our states creation and economic growth should be top in the context of health care reform. He indi- through unfunded mandates. priorities, huge tax increases will make it cates that if the Medicaid expansion becomes Sincerely, more expensive to employ people; con- an unfunded mandate, states are likely to re- HALEY BARBOUR, sequently, employers will employ fewer peo- duce their investments in education. That Governor, Mississippi. ple. would be very unfortunate and as Scheppach Medicare, the nation’s largest provider of writes ‘‘Reducing state education invest- health coverage for the elderly and people SEPTEMBER 8, 2009. ment will lower U.S. competitiveness, pro- with disabilities covering over 46 million Hon. ROGER WICKER, ductivity and real income of U.S. citizens. Americans, is on the chopping block. CBO U.S. Senate, Russell Senate Office Building, This is not good long-run policy for the Washington, DC. has estimated that provisions in H.R. 3200 would lead to a total of $162.2 billion in cuts U.S.’’ DEAR SENATOR WICKER: Governors across While I have other concerns about health the nation are growing increasingly con- being taken from Medicare Advantage plans. This $162.2 billion impacts 11 million people care reform, one of the most troubling as- cerned about the financial strain rising pects is the potential for an unfunded man- healthcare costs are putting on state budg- and represents nearly $15,000 in new costs passed to every Medicare Advantage senior date on the states. I strongly urge you to ets. During the National Governors Associa- avoid an unfunded mandate on the states. tion (NGA) meeting in July, governors—both beneficiary. These harmful and arbitrary cuts could result in Medicare Advantage Thank you. Republicans and Democrats—formalized Sincerely, their opposition to current Congressional re- plans dropping out of the program, harming beneficiary choice, and causing millions of DAVE HEINEMAN, form proposals by issuing a policy opposing Governor, Nebraska. unfunded mandates that shifts costs to the seniors to lose their current coverage. More- states. This will necessarily require almost over, the bill grants federal bureaucrats the f all states to raise taxes to manage this bur- power to eliminate the Medicare Advantage program entirely, making the oft-repeated FORMER CONGRESSMAN den. In Mississippi, the issue of Medicaid ex- BRADEMAS AWARDED HON- pansion hits close to home, since our state’s statement, ‘‘if you like your plan you can share of the Medicaid program is currently keep it,’’ ring hollow for seniors. ORARY DEGREE BY THE AMER- Lastly, if we are trying to make health $707 million, or 12 percent of a $5.87 billion ICAN COLLEGE OF GREECE care more affordable, how do you leave out state supported budget, which includes tem- tort reform? After all, litigation and the re- porary stimulus funds. HON. JOHN P. SARBANES Nevertheless, the current proposals, both sulting practice of defensive medicine add OF MARYLAND in the House and Senate, will expand the tens of billions to the cost of health care. In Mississippi we passed comprehensive tort re- Medicaid program at additional costs paid IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES form in 2004, partially to stop lawsuit abuse not by the federal government, but passed in the area of medical liability. It worked. Wednesday, October 7, 2009 down to the states. After a call with the gov- Medical liability insurance costs are down 42 ernors representing the NGA Healthcare Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I am percent, and doctors have received an aver- Task Force and the Senate Finance Com- pleased to note that on June 27, 2009, our age rebate of 20 percent of their annual paid mittee, Chairman Baucus told the news distinguished former colleague in the House of premium. The number of medical liability media it would be impossible for the federal lawsuits against Mississippi doctors fell al- Representatives, Dr. John Brademas, was government to pick up all the costs for new most 90 percent one year after tort reform awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicaid recipients; thus, states would have went into effect. Doctors have quit leaving Laws by The American College of Greece. to bear some of the costs. the state and limiting their practices to John Brademas was the first Greek-Amer- Why? Although CBO appears to estimate avoid lawsuit abuse. ican elected to the United States House of that H.R. 3200 will cost more than $1 trillion With all the issues concerning a govern- over the next ten years, the fine print re- Representatives and as such this honorary de- ment-run health care system, I wanted to gree from The American College of Greece veals the true cost would be much higher. By warn you of the state tax increases Mis- imposing tax increases early in the budget sissippi will shoulder on top of the federal has particular symbolic resonance. I add, how- window, before the bulk of the spending oc- tax increases in the pending bills as well as ever, that this is the 55th honorary degree re- curs, the true cost of the bill is hidden by my concern for the increased costs our sen- ceived by Dr. Brademas. budget gimmickry. Delaying the implemen- ior citizens will face as Medicare Advantage Madam Speaker, the remarks of Dr. tation of the program until the fourth year is cut. Congress must slow down and work in Brademas at The American College of Greece also uses budget tricks effectively to hide a bipartisan manner. Everybody agrees that the immense long-term cost of this proposal. on June 27, 2009 follow. health reform is needed, but it should be JUNE 27, 2009. CBO has projected a 10 year deficit of more done thoughtfully. I hope you’ll keep this REMARKS OF DR. JOHN BRADEMAS, PRESIDENT than $200 billion associated with the bill as important information in mind when pro- EMERITUS, NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, NEO is. However, when the full cost of the bill is posals that shift costs to states or to our FALIRO, PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP STADIUM, taken into account after it is fully imple- senior citizens are considered. ATHENS, GREECE mented, the spending in the bill skyrockets Sincerely, to nearly $2 trillion over 10 years (2014–23) HALEY BARBOUR, Father Constantinos, President Horner, Dr. with a deficit of more than $600 billion. I Governor, Mississippi. Sue Horner, Consul General McKeever, Chan- have included an attachment showing the cellor Bailey, chairman Peter Thun of the scoring of H.R. 3200 the only comprehensive JULY 21, 2009. Board of Trustees, Senior Vice President health care reform bill CBO has scored. Hon. BENJAMIN NELSON, Protopsaltis, fellow honorees, members of According to the National Association of U.S. Senator, Hart Building, Washington, DC. the faculty and graduating students of The State Budget Officers, Medicaid expenses in Hon. MIKE JOHANNS, American College of Greece. 2007 for federal and state government com- U.S. Senator, Russell Senate Office Building, It is for more than one reason that I count bined were $336 billion. This number is pro- Washington, DC. the award I have just received among the jected to reach $523 billion by 2013, a 56 per- DEAR SENATOR NELSON AND SENATOR great honors of my life, and I’m especially cent increase in just six years. Should the re- JOHANNS: I just returned from the National pleased that my wife, Mary Ellen, a prac- forms being debated in Congress become law, Governors Association meeting and much of ticing physician, was able to break away Mississippi would be saddled with an average the discussion among Governors was about from New York City to join us here. increase of $360 million in additional costs, health care. As former Governors, I thought In the first place, this is a degree from The on top of the already $707 million it costs to you might appreciate the information that American College of Greece. As you know, fund Mississippi’s annual state share of the we received from the NGA staff. Attached my late father, Stephen J. Brademas, was Medicaid program. These proposals, which are seven handouts. born in Greece—in Kalamata—and my two would cover all individuals at 133 percent The handouts and discussion among Gov- brothers and sister and I were all raised to be federal poverty level (FPL), will burden ernors reflect concerns about funding, cost, deeply proud of our Hellenic heritage.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2475 ‘‘Be proud that you are an American’’, my in which I describe my experience as a Mem- ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Unfor- father used to say, but ‘‘be proud, too, that ber of Congress in writing legislation to as- tunately, the ports are also home to emissions you are a Greek!’’ sist schools, colleges and universities; the generated by the short-haul transport of All four of the Brademas children were students who attend them; and measures to deeply conscious of the importance of our assist libraries and museums. goods. The neighborhoods surrounding the Greek background. I move ahead, In 1980, as a result of the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are dis- Here let me say how pleased I am that my landslide victory of Ronald Reagan, I lost proportionately impacted by the air pollution cousin, Anna Bredima, General Counsel for my race for reelection to a twelfth term. caused by trucks and suffer from associated the Union of Greek Shipowners, is here Shortly thereafter, I was invited to become health problems including emphysema, asth- today with her two children, Evangelo and president of New York University, the larg- ma, and cancer. Ersiliana. est private, or independent, university in the Successfully addressing localized air pollu- Anna, by the way, is a graduate of Pierce United States. In 1991 I became president College. tion and climate change will require a national emeritus, my present responsibility, so now strategy and a federal framework to coordinate Although my mother was not of Greek de- I’m only going some twelve hours a day! scent she was, like her father, a teacher—and If I were to single out one dimension, of implementation of air quality goals. Cities, that fact emphasizes another dimension of my commitment to strengthening New York local communities and local government can his Greek ancestry that my father used to University, it would be that I gave particular and should play a role in our national strategy. press upon his children—the importance of attention to building our programs for the As seen by the Clean Truck Program’s suc- learning, of knowledge, of education. study of other countries and cultures, not cess, local governments are already making A second dimension of the history of only through programs in New York City but important contributions to federal efforts to im- Greece that my father and I often discussed centers abroad as well. Much of the responsi- was democracy. ‘‘We Greeks invented democ- prove air quality. On October 1, 2008 the ports bility of an American university president of Long Beach and Los Angeles implemented racy!’’ my father reminded us, and said that focuses on fundraising, both from the Fed- some of us should still practice it. eral government and private sources. So I a ban on trucks with model years prior to Accordingly, after graduating from Har- pressed hard, and, I believe, effectively, to 1989. Today, port officials estimate that ap- vard University and one year of postgraduate bolster the financial situation of New York proximately 1,500–2,000 ‘‘dirty’’ diesel trucks study there, I went to England, on a Rhodes University. have been removed from drayage operations. Scholarship, to study at Oxford University. I must add just a word about my present The new trucks that replaced them generate At Oxford, I wrote a doctoral dissertation on initiative, another strongly shaped by my 90 percent fewer emissions than the old dirty the anarchist movement in Spain but I like Greek origins, the establishment at NYU of to note that although I studied anarchism, I diesels. the John Brademas Center for the Study of Beyond cleaning the air the Clean Truck did not practice it! Congress, of Congress as a policy-making in- For on my return to my hometown in Indi- stitution. Program has successfully stimulated local ana, I immediately plunged into politics and Let me explain that unlike parliamentary economic activity. The program’s financial in- became a candidate for election to the Con- institutions in Europe, the Congress of the centives have stimulated $500 million in pri- gress of the United States. Just old enough— United States has great power, in addition to vate investment. Nationwide, new truck sales 25—under our Constitution to be a candidate, that of the President of the United States, to are down 60 percent. In contrast, truck dealers I lost my first race by half a percent. Natu- make national policy. But with 100 Senators rally, I ran again, two years later, but lost a near the ports of Long Beach and Los Ange- and 435 Representatives and without the second time. Undaunted, I was first elected, les have reported a 33 percent year over year party discipline characteristic of parliamen- on my third attempt, and then ten times re- increase in sales due to the financing made tary systems, it is not easy for even in- elected. So I served as a Member of Congress formed Americans to understand Congress. available by the Clean Truck Program. These for 22 years. So we are, with the establishment of the new truck sales include the sale of several liq- In the House of Representatives, I gave John Brademas Center for the Study of Con- uefied natural gas trucks, which draw upon particular attention to writing legislation to gress at New York University, creating an one of America’s greatest energy assets. support schools, colleges and universities; institution that will bring together Sen- Almost 800 trucking companies have em- and the students who attend them; to meas- ators, Representatives, scholars and citizens ures to help libraries and museums; and the braced the program’s financial incentives, re- to discuss the ways in which our national arts and the humanities, generally. sulting in the deployment of more than 5,000 In my last four years as a Member of Con- legislature makes national policy and ways 2007 EPA compliant trucks. At the program’s gress, I was the Majority Whip of the House of improving the system. current pace, the ports estimate that by Janu- Now, ladies and gentlemen, from what I of Representatives, an assignment that ary 2010, more than 90 percent of the cargo brought me every other week, with Speaker have told you, I hope you can see that I have inherited from my Greek father at least two transit at port terminals will be made by trucks of the House of Representatives, ‘‘Tip’’ meeting USEPA 2007 heavy duty truck emis- O’Neill of Massachusetts, and the other dimensions of the extraordinary contribu- Democratic Leaders of the House and Senate tions of Hellenic civilization to today’s com- sions standards. This achievement will allow to breakfast at the White House with Presi- plex world: first, respect for learning, for the ports to meet their 2012 goal of 80 percent dent Jimmy Carter arid Vice President Wal- education; and second, respect for politics, emissions reductions from overall drayage op- ter Mondale. All Democrats, we talked poli- for democracy. erations two years ahead of schedule. tics and policy. So even as I pay tribute to two distin- The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles guished persons you are also honoring here It was, of course, while a Member of Con- Clean Truck Program has been a tremendous gress that I became deeply involved in the today, Andrew Athens, a valued friend of many years and an outstanding leader of the success and has brought economic and envi- issue of Cyprus, a matter that continues to ronmental benefits to the Area. I congratulate preoccupy me. I worked closely then with Greek-American community; and Mikis my valued friend, also a Rhodes Scholar at Theodorakis, musician, scholar, public serv- the ports on the first year of an innovative so- Oxford, and the first Greek-American elected ant, I reiterate how deeply touched I am to lution, and I optimistically look forward to the to the United States Senate, Paul S. Sar- receive an honorary degree from The Amer- results of the program next year. ican College of Greece. banes. And I’m pleased to note that Paul’s f son, John Sarbanes, now serves in the United f States House of Representatives. RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE As I am the son of a Greek immigrant, I RECOGNITION OF THE ANNIVER- OF CLINICAL TRIALS THAT FO- am pleased to call your attention to another SARY OF THE CLEAN TRUCK CUSED ON WOMEN AND PEOPLE son of Greek immigrants, both his father and PROGRAM OF COLOR IN THE UNITED mother. I speak of Peter C. Peterson, the STATES highly successful and highly respected Amer- ican business leader and public servant. HON. LAURA RICHARDSON Peter G. Peterson, co-founder of Blackstone OF CALIFORNIA HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA Group and former Secretary of Commerce, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA has just published a fascinating book, The IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Education of an American Dreamer, which I Wednesday, October 7, 2009 am pleased to present to President Horner Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise Wednesday, October 7, 2009 for the College library. Your faculty and stu- today to applaud the economic and environ- Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, people of dents will find the story of this remarkable mental benefits the landmark Clean Truck Pro- color, both women and men, have historically son of Greek immigrants inspiring, I am con- fident. gram has brought to southern California during been underrepresented in the medical profes- More modestly, I am pleased also to its first year. sion, biomedical and biotechnology research, present a book of my own to The American California is home to one of our nation’s and clinical trials in the United States. As we College of Greece, The Politics of Education, largest and most vibrant economic hubs: the move toward an era of personalized medicine,

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2476 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 we realize that small differences between peo- affected communities. As Congress moves for- As we develop more specific information, I ple become critically important in devising ward with health reform, with outcome and ef- will be providing you with our best estimates more effective, tailored treatments to improve fectiveness-based reimbursement models, we of the magnitude of the impact on Nebraska. Thank you for your attention to this matter. and extend quality of life while helping doctors must strongly encourage the expansion of ef- Sincerely, and patients better prevent and treat disease. forts industry and academia are making to re- DAVE HEINEMAN, Language and cultural barriers, stigma about flect the diversity of our nation in their work- Governor, Nebraska. participating in studies, and a historical lack of force and clinical trials. diverse community involvement in clinical trials f SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. by industry must be overcome so that all of KATHLEEN SEBELIUS, our communities can be assured that they PERSONAL EXPLANATION Secretary of Health and Human Services, Hu- equally participate in the future of medicine. bert H. Humphrey Building, Washington To address this problem, we need more DC. HON. RON KLEIN DEAR SECRETARY SEBELIUS: As Congress studies that reflect the changing face of the OF FLORIDA and the Administration work through the HIV/AIDS and other epidemics, both on effec- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES various versions of health care reform cur- tive messaging and education campaigns for Wednesday, October 7, 2009 rently moving through the legislative proc- the diverse group of affected individuals and ess, we ask that you carefully consider the on possible vaccines. One notable example of Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I following issues. this kind of effort is the Gender Race and Clin- would have voted on September 15, 2009 First, having served as chief executive of a when I was unavoidably detained as follows: state yourself, I am sure you are mindful of ical Experience (GRACE) study conducted by the growing concern among the nation’s gov- Tibotec Therapeutics, part of the Johnson & Had I voted, I would have voted ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall No. 702. ernors about the risk to states of including Johnson family of companies. The GRACE unfunded mandates in national healthcare study, findings from which were recently pre- f legislation. States are constitutionally man- sented at the International AIDS Society con- GOVERNORS OF NEBRASKA, dated to balance their budgets, which means that any shortfalls caused by unfunded fed- ference in South Africa, is the largest study to NORTH DAKOTA, NEVADA, AND date to examine gender and race differences eral mandates could force increases in taxes, RHODE ISLAND EXPRESS CON- a reduction in services or both. This poten- in response to an HIV therapy. In addition, the CERNS WITH UNFUNDED MAN- tial is especially troubling at a time when trial was designed to help overcome some of DATES IN HEALTH REFORM states are financially struggling. the barriers, identified by the advisors, which We cannot be certain what form evolving have historically deterred women and people HON. MIKE ROGERS legislation will take, and what the impact of of color from participating in clinical studies, that final legislation will be on state budg- OF MICHIGAN including stigma, lack of child care, transpor- ets. For that reason, we, along with the Na- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tation and personal support systems. Based tional Governors Association, urge extreme Wednesday, October 7, 2009 caution in moving forward with any plan upon advisor and community input, study par- that would commit the states, without their ticipants could obtain assistance to cover Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, express participation and consent, to obliga- costs associated with their participation in the I rise today to express concerns regarding tions that may financially bind them for dec- study, including funds for travel and childcare, health reform proposals which would create ades into the future. as well as food vouchers. Through innovative unfunded state mandates. Legislation currently Second, it is important that any strategies like these, the GRACE study was before the House would dramatically expand healthcare reform plan passed by Congress and signed by the President reward the able to enroll seventy percent women, sixty the Medicaid program and place over $35 bil- states for good Medicare and Medicaid out- percent African Americans and twenty-two lion in new liabilities on state budgets over the comes. North Dakota health care providers, percent Latinos. I believe that the GRACE next ten years. In addition, these proposals for example, consistently provide low-cost, study is significant for reasons beyond just its would expand the federal government’s role in high-quality healthcare, yet have the lowest clinical results. Studies like this, which are de- administering Medicaid, which would severely reimbursement rates in the nation. Any re- signed to overcome the barriers to participa- handcuff states’ ability to run their own pro- form of the system must have incentives for tion and engage affected communities and grams and preempt state authority to manage good performance and cost-effectiveness. Notwithstanding these issues, like Ameri- providers show that with greater industry ef- Medicaid eligibility and benefits. cans everywhere, we too are concerned about fort, meaningful numbers of women and racial Over the last several weeks, governors rising healthcare costs and the need to pro- and ethnic minorities can be enrolled in impor- have expressed concerns over these pro- vide access to affordable, high-quality tant clinical trials. posals. I would like to submit for the RECORD healthcare for our citizens. Congress and the For example, studies in the United States the following letters from the governors of Ne- Administration should be looking at a range and across the world are seeking an answer braska, North Dakota, Nevada and Rhode Is- of reforms chat can deliver meaningful and to the devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic. The land: almost immediate benefits for our healthcare system. These include measures, epidemic is changing its face, spreading into SEPTEMBER 16, 2009. among others, like tort reform for medical new populations and presenting new chal- Hon. BENJAMIN NELSON, liability; tax credits to help make insurance lenges to education and outreach efforts. In U.S. Senator, Hart Building, Washington, DC. more affordable; providing transparency in the United States, women are increasingly af- Hon. MIKE JOHANNS, billing; ensuring healthcare insurance port- fected by HIV/AIDS, accounting for more than U.S. Senator, Russell Senate Office Building, ability; and limiting denials for preexisting one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses, Washington, DC. conditions. DEAR SENATOR NELSON AND SENATOR with African American and Latina women rep- Clearly, healthcare reform is needed. On JOHANNS: I am writing to alert you that the that matter there is no disagreement, but it resenting seventy-nine percent of women liv- analysis provided by the staff to the mem- needs to be done right. To that end, I do hope ing with the disease. HIV/AIDS disproportion- bers of the NGA Health Care Reform Task that you will keep in mind OUR concerns ately impacts our African American and Latino Force indicates that the Chairman’s Mark and recommendations as you consider pro- communities, and the infection rate is rising released by Senator Baucus this morning posals to improve America’s healthcare sys- among Asian American and Pacific Islanders contains a new unfunded Medicaid mandate. tem. as well. In my home state of California, there Earlier this year I wrote both of you express- Sincerely, ing my concern that this might occur as part are almost 150,000 people living with AIDS, JOHN HOEVEN, of health care reform. Governor, North Dakota. and Latinos represent about one-quarter of I greatly appreciate the fact that both of these cases. There are over 60,000 people liv- you have repeatedly expressed concerns SEPTEMBER 11, 2009. ing with HIV/AIDS in the greater Los Angeles about the negative impact that health care Hon. HARRY REID, area alone. In terms of new HIV infections, reform could have on the Federal deficit and Senate Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Wash- Latina women are infected at a rate almost the State budget. As former Governors you ington, DC. four times as high as white women. African understand the impact that Medicaid has on DEAR SENATOR REID: It has been clear from Americans in my district are also highly im- state spending. This new unfunded federal the early days of the 111th Congress that Medicaid mandate could result in higher health insurance reform will be a top pri- pacted by HIV/AIDS. taxes on Nebraskans or in cutting state aid ority for lawmakers this year. Comprehen- I commend Tibotec Therapeutics, Johnson to Nebraska’s school districts as well as sive reform should lower health care costs & Johnson, and all researchers and compa- state appropriations to our universities, while increasing insured populations, quality nies actively engaged in diversifying their clin- state colleges and community colleges. This of care, and point-of service accessibility for ical trials and creating new relationships with proposal is not in Nebraska’s best interests. all Nevadans.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2477

One common thread appears throughout SEPTEMBER 25, 2009. I hope you will ensure that any legislation recent legislative proposals: the expansion of Hon. JACK REED, enacted by Congress does not include addi- Medicaid as a central ‘‘reform’’ component. Senator, U.S. Senate, Hart Building, Wash- tional mandates on states, or at the very Simply put, the expansion of existing ington, DC. least compensates states fully for those it healthcare programs is not authentic reform DEAR SENATOR REED: I appreciate your does impose, including the administrative and further, places the cost burden to the work and that of your colleagues in the Con- costs associated with expansion. Addition- states at a time when states can ill afford it. gress to craft legislation to reform the ally, providing states with the flexibility health care system in America. As you they need to implement the relevant provi- It is essential that Congress take the time know, Rhode Island took on reform last sions of reform should be a top priority to examine all possible options for health in- year, albeit on a smaller scale, as we devel- today and in the future. surance reform in order to find sustainable oped and pursued approval of our There are better ways to reform America’s long-term solutions. Lowering healthcare groundbreaking Global Consumer Choice health care system, and I hope that Presi- costs and reforming the healthcare system is Waiver. dent Obama and Congress will work with possible without unfunded mandates or Med- One of the primary reasons the State pur- Governors, providers, consumers and others icaid expansions forced on the states. While sued the Global Waiver is that federal Med- to bring about sensible reforms that increase certain changes to the current Medicaid pro- icaid rules often limit the ability of the quality, contain costs and ensure portability gram could advance the overall function of states to adapt to fiscal realities and the of health care. health insurance reform, expansion of the complex and changing needs of beneficiaries. Sincerely, program without a permanent funding mech- It is difficult to deliver vital services to the DONALD L. CARCIERI, anism is not something that any state can beneficiaries and be fair to all taxpayers Governor, Rhode Island. support, nor is it a viable solution. when the federal government denies us the f As you know, unlike the United States flexibility to effectively structure and man- Constitution, most state constitutions re- age a program representing such a signifi- CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 3183, quire a balanced budget, including Nevada. cant financial investment. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOP- In Nevada, we will spend nearly $907,000,000 I am extremely concerned that several of MENT AND RELATED AGENCIES for Medicaid programs in Fiscal Years 2010 the health reform initiatives recently intro- APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2010 and 2011. This accounts for 13.8 percent of our duced in Congress will prevent Rhode Island from fulfilling the Global Waiver’s promise. General Fund budget. Any further expansion SPEECH OF Such initiatives will further strain the of this program would be another great ex- state’s budget at a time of great fiscal uncer- ample of Washington playing budget games HON. RUSH D. HOLT tainty and impose even more debt on our OF NEW JERSEY by passing on costs to the state—this is un- children, grandchildren and great grand- realistic in the current economy and as a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES children. long term resolution. Therefore, I ask for your support and that Thursday, October 1, 2009 Additional expansions of the Medicaid pro- of all members of the Rhode Island Congres- Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, I rise in sup- gram will force Nevada into deep cuts in sional Delegation, to preserve the innovative port of the conference report on the Fiscal other programs and services which are not health care initiatives now under way in Year 2010 Energy and Water Development federally mandated in order to balance our Rhode Island and in many other states. I ask and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Pro- that you reject any reform proposals that General Fund. In the current fiscal year grams funded under this legislation range from gaming revenues are down 12.5 percent, and impose additional financial burdens on the sales tax revenues are down 20 percent. By states and the people and communities we nuclear weapons and nonproliferation capabili- overriding my veto, the 2009 Nevada Legisla- serve or that otherwise limit our capacity to ties to basic research on current and next ture passed substantial tax increases to bur- meet our constituents’ needs. generation energy sources and distribution den our already beleaguered citizens. As originally proposed, the Senate Finance technologies. I am pleased that the con- bill required a significant portion of the Many current proposals also include sig- ference agreement before us today reflects a costs for covering the uninsured through strong commitment to our nation’s needs in nificant cuts to the Medicare program. Ne- Medicaid to be paid by lower and middle in- vada’s growing senior population is fright- come taxpayers and the states. I am aware these areas. ened by the proposed $162,200,000 reductions that changes in the proposed legislation pro- I believe that nuclear proliferation is the sin- which will impact an estimated 11,000,000 vide, at least temporarily, additional fund- gle greatest threat to global peace and secu- seniors. Harmful and arbitrary cuts to Medi- ing for the required Medicaid expansions to rity. The United States should be leading ef- care Advantage may result in plans dropping ‘‘high need’’ states like Rhode Island. How- forts to eliminate nuclear weapons and secure out of the program, limiting beneficiary ever, full federal funding will only be avail- loose or inadequately safeguarded nuclear choice, and causing millions of seniors to able for a limited period and would cease at material. That is why I am very pleased that lose their current coverage. These proposals the very time population projections esti- must be stopped. the conference agreement increases our in- mate we will begin to see a surge in Medicaid vestment in nonproliferation programs to $2.1 Nevadans cannot afford more taxes. Now is eligibility for elders. It is unclear how the not the time to place unfunded Medicaid or state or federal government will be able to billion, including a 43 percent increase in fund- other mandates on the states. By expanding sustain these Medicaid expansions in light of ing for International Nuclear Material Protec- Medicaid programs, the United States Con- these projections and at a time of decreasing tion and Cooperation. These funds will im- gress will be forcing the State of Nevada into revenues and sky-rocketing deficits. The prove our ability to stop illicit nuclear trafficking deep budget cuts in other state programs. I House legislation imposes burdens on state and prevent terrorists from gaining access to do not believe that any child’s education budgets and working Americans that are un- unsecured nuclear material around the world. should be placed on the chopping block to acceptable. Equally important is the fact this agreement Likewise, there still remain Medicaid eligi- fund these new programs, but we will face exceeds the budget request for weapons dis- that dilemma if these proposals of the Demo- bility and coverage mandates that will limit cratic Congress are enacted. the flexibility of the states to operate finan- mantlement and disposition, reflecting a dedi- cially sound, sustainable programs. More- cation to reduced U.S. nuclear weapon stock- Health insurance reform should be ad- over, ongoing health reform efforts, such as piles. dressed in a cooperative manner by both the those now under way in Rhode Island, may The conference agreement also maintains federal and state governments. If states are be hampered as limited administrative re- treated as partners—not pawns—we can work significant investments in Department of En- sources are diverted to finance the mandated to enact important reforms in concert with ergy research and development programs that expansions. Federal oversight of the Med- federal efforts. State-enacted caps on med- are critical to placing our nation on a path to- icaid program should be streamlined, and ical malpractice lawsuits, for example, ward a sustainable energy future. The support allow for far greater innovation at the state would have a transformative impact on the level. for energy efficiency and renewable energy re- health care and health insurance industry in As a Governor, I am particularly concerned search in this legislation will help us develop each state, cutting costs for consumers with- about the prospect of additional ‘‘short-term new, less expensive ways to produce and use out negatively affecting the stability of our funded’’ federal Medicaid mandates. The energy. Funding for electricity delivery and re- current health care industry. Medicaid program itself is expensive, pro- liability will allow us to begin modernizing and I am ready to work with my fellow Gov- vider-centered, inefficient, slow to innovate securing our aging electrical grid against inter- ernors and the U.S. Congress in order to sup- and, as such, ultimately unsustainable. For nal and external threats. The $4.9 billion in port sensible, accountable, and workable these reasons, the Medicaid program is hard- health insurance reform that helps, not ly the best and by no means the most appro- funding for the Office of Science will support hurts, Nevadans. priate platform for expanding health cov- the basic research that will be the foundation Sincerely, erage to tens-of-thousands of additional of tomorrow’s transformative discoveries and JIM GIBBONS, Rhode Islanders and millions of other Ameri- innovations. I appreciate the $426 million in- Governor, Nevada. cans. vestment for fusion energy sciences included

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2478 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 in the conference agreement, and I hope we PERSONAL EXPLANATION The current House and Senate proposals will continue to strengthen this and other basic would expand Medicaid and pass health care and applied energy programs in the coming costs down to the states. Senate Finance HON. J. GRESHAM BARRETT Committee Chairman Max Baucus said that years. OF SOUTH CAROLINA it would be impossible for the federal govern- Finally, I applaud the conference agreement IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment to pick up all of the costs for new Med- for upholding the funding goals of the America icaid recipients and that states would have Wednesday, October 7, 2009 COMPETES Act—an important step toward to bear additional costs. To help put this restoring the rightful place of science in our Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam matter into perspective, when the enhanced nation. Yet we should not underestimate the Speaker, unfortunately, I missed recorded federal medical assistance percentage ex- pires at the end of 2010, South Carolina will size or scope of the challenges posed by cli- votes on the House floor on Tuesday, October be spending $1.2 billion, or more than 20 per- mate change and energy security. As we con- 6, 2009. cent of our state budget, on Medicaid annu- sider future legislation, the twin goals of a Had I been present, I would have voted ally. That total represents just one-third of clean energy future and a robust economy will ‘‘aye’’ on rollcall vote No. 753 (on motion to the total Medicaid dollars spent in our require a firm dedication to providing our sci- authorize conferees to close conference on state—not counting the costs associated entists and engineers the resources they need H.R. 2647), ‘‘aye’’ on rollcall vote No. 754 (on with the proposed changes to our health care to initiate genuinely transformative changes in motion to instruct conferees to H.R. 2647), system. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) es- our energy sector. ‘‘aye’’ on rollcall vote No. 755 (on motion to timates H.R. 3200 will cost in excess of $1 suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 707). trillion over the next ten years. However, f f the fine print reveals that the true cost would be much higher. The legislation relies EARMARK DECLARATION GOVERNORS OF SOUTH CAROLINA on a large tax increase, which is imple- AND TEXAS EXPRESS CONCERNS mented four years before most of the pro- WITH UNFUNDED MANDATES IN gram’s spending is ramped up. This delay in HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO HEALTH REFORM implementation is nothing more than a OF NEW JERSEY budget trick masking the true cost of the proposal. Even under the CBO projection, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. MIKE ROGERS H.R. 3200 would add more than $200 billion to OF MICHIGAN Wednesday, October 7, 2009 the budget deficit in the next 10 years. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES This projection is predicated on $219 billion in spending changes that may be an illusion. Mr. LOBIONDO. Madam Speaker, as per Wednesday, October 7, 2009 the requirements of the Republican Con- A strong indicator that suggests that these Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, savings will not materialize is found in a fur- ference Rules on earmarks, I secured the fol- ther analysis of the CBO study by Ways and lowing earmarks in the Conference Report to I rise today to express concerns regarding health reform proposals which would create Means Committee staff, which shows that accompany H.R. 2997: the total price tag will reach $2 trillion by unfunded state mandates. Legislation currently Requesting Member: Congressman FRANK 2024, including roughly $600 billion in deficit before the House would dramatically expand LOBIONDO (NJ–02) spending. These are the significant costs you the Medicaid program and place over $35 bil- are contending with at the federal level in Bill Number: H.R. 2997 (Conference Report) lion in new liabilities on State budgets over the times of $2 trillion deficits. Account: National Institute of Food and Agri- next 10 years. In addition, these proposals According to the National Association of culture—SRG would expand the Federal Government’s role State Budget Officers (NASBO), Medicaid ex- in administering Medicaid, which would se- penses nationally will reach $523 billion by Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Rutgers 2013—a 56 percent increase in just six years. University Marucci Center for Blueberry and verely handcuff States’ ability to run their own The proposed changes to the program would Cranberry Research and Extension programs and preempt state authority to man- increase Medicaid spending by $450 million in Address of Requesting Entity: 125A Oswego age Medicaid eligibility and benefits. South Carolina—more than half of what we Road, Chatsworth, NJ 08019 Over the last several weeks, governors already spend on Medicaid. With that signifi- cant an increase, South Carolina would be Description of Request: Provide an earmark have expressed concerns over these pro- posals. I would like to submit for the record forced to either raise taxes or cut critical of $550,000 for the Cranberry/Blueberry Dis- services in education and public safety, the ease Project for research on breeding and the following letters from the governors of South Carolina and Texas: two other large spending items in our budg- pest management to provide continued sup- et. port for the $50 million a year industry. Past SEPTEMBER 11, 2009. Any state tax increase would be in addi- research has found bacterial anti-adherence Hon. LINDSEY O. GRAHAM, tion to the proposed federal tax increases in- U.S. Senate, Russell Senate Office Building, mechanisms helping to fight urinary tract infec- cluded in the House and Senate bills, like Washington, DC. huge tax increases in the form of an addi- tion and dental caries, and other antioxidant DEAR LINDSEY: Thank you for the work tional 8 percent payroll tax or a 5.4 percent properties. A major effort within the breeding you do on behalf of this country and our income tax surcharge on small businesses. program aims to enhance these health bene- state. Even in prosperous times, we would not sup- ficial properties. With this work in mind I write to respect- port the incredible burden of this unfunded fully layout some concerns our administra- Requesting Member: Congressman FRANK mandate, but in the current global economy, tion has with regard to proposed health care that impact would be disastrous for our LOBIONDO (NJ–02) changes in Washington. I am not writing to state. Bill Number: H.R. 2997 (Conference Report) second guess your work, or that of Congress, The proposal being discussed in the United Account: Animal and Plant Health Inspection but just to give you the vantage point from States Senate has similar problems for Service—Salaries and Expenses the seat I hold—and the consequent implica- South Carolina as, by 2015, this proposal tions for taxpayers of this state given the would add more than 400,000 South Caro- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: State of proposed changes’ impact in Medicaid ad- linians to the Medicaid program. The federal New Jersey, Department of Agriculture ministered by our state. government would cover increased funding Address of Requesting Entity: 369 S. War- Like many governors across the nation, only until 2015. After 2015, South Carolina ren Street, P.O. Box 330, Trenton, NJ 08625 our administration is growing increasingly must start picking up the tab. By 2020, South concerned about the financial strain rising Carolina would be forced to come up with an Description of Request: Provide an earmark health care costs are putting on South Caro- additional nearly $900 million annually for of $500,000 for the New Jersey Gypsy Moth lina’s annual budget. During the National the increased number of Medicaid enrollees. Pest Management Program to support and en- Governors Association meeting in July, Federal programs will grow at South Caro- hance gypsy moth control on effected commu- many governors joined together in a bipar- lina’s expense, and will increase Medicaid nities and public lands. Funds will be used to tisan effort to formally oppose the current costs in our state by 50 percent. cost share aerial treatments borne by local Congressional health care proposals by Lastly, if we are trying to make health municipalities; for outreach in developing a issuing a policy opposing unfunded man- care more affordable, why exclude tort re- dates. If these so-called reform proposals form and national insurance markets from web-based interactive online map showing the move forward, almost all states will have to the plan? Litigation, and its negative impact distribution of the gypsy moth in New Jersey raise taxes to manage this health care ex- on the practice of medicine, significantly in- and proposed treatment areas; and for tech- pansion. In South Carolina, Medicaid already creases the cost of health care in this state. nical support for salaries for field scouts and receives up to $880 million annually—16 per- South Carolina passed comprehensive tort vehicle operation. cent of our budget. reform legislation in 2004, partially to stop

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2479 lawsuit abuse in medical liability cases. Sub- The Texas waiver proposal reflected strong medicine in the Lone Star State. Tort re- sequently, medical liability insurance costs bipartisan acknowledgement of the need for form is the sort of state-specific, market- are down 42 percent, and doctors have re- reform. Improving quality of care, control- driven reform measure that will help provide ceived an average rebate of 20 percent of ling escalating health care costs and address- effective, affordable solutions to our health their annual paid premium. The number of ing access-to-care issues requires collabora- care woes. lawsuits against South Carolina doctors fell tion among federal, state and local govern- In addition, as you may know, last month, almost 90 percent one year after tort reform ments. A one-size-fits-all federal government I wrote to Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to went into effect. Doctors have stopped leav- mandate will not achieve significant reform. again urge approval of the Texas Medicaid ing the state and no longer limit their prac- Rather, allowing states and local govern- reform waiver, which was originally sub- tices to avoid lawsuit abuse. ments the flexibility to restructure the way mitted in April 2008. This waiver—which Likewise, eliminating the interstate pur- health care is financed and delivered is crit- would promote preventive care, improve chasing restrictions for insurance would cre- ical to significant reform. quality and access to care, and enable more ate a bigger market for insurance, thereby Texas just concluded its 81st Legislative low-income working Texans to purchase pri- giving consumers more options and driving Session, which was marked by the passage of vate health insurance—continues to languish down the price. A national market for health a biennial state budget with less than 1 per- at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid or life insurance means that South Caro- cent growth in general revenue spending, Services. linians can purchase whichever policy best leaving intact the state’s Rainy Day Fund, I urge you to support our right, as a state, fits their needs—whether the policy is from which will provide an expected balance of to further explore these approaches, rather South Carolina, New York or California. $9.1 billion to address future state needs. than forcing us to implement federal man- With all the issues surrounding a govern- However, despite the many legislative ac- dates that promise financial hardships for ment-run health care system, I wanted to complishments that will continue to position the states and little in the way of benefits bring to your attention the increased taxes Texas as an economic leader in this country, for our economy and all of our constituents. that South Carolinians might shoulder on the state faces significant financial burdens Sincerely, top of the federal tax increases in the pro- ahead due to rapidly increasing Medicaid RICK PERRY, posed bills. Everybody agrees that there should be re- caseload and health care cost growth. Governor, Texas. I urge you to ensure that the momentum forms to our health care system, but it surrounding the current health care reform f should be done thoughtfully. I look forward debate is informed by the effect on Texas in to working with you on this and other issues. HONORING THE STUDENTS AND a way that protects state flexibility and in- Sincerely, STAFF OF DEVINE HIGH SCHOOL novation while guarding against growing fed- MARK SANFORD, erally mandated programs that will be finan- Governor, South Carolina. cially unsustainable, not only for Texas, but HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ for most other states and the federal govern- JUNE 5, 2009. OF TEXAS ment, as well. No government has ever Hon. JOE L. BARTON, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES taxed, or borrowed, its way to prosperity, no House of Representatives, Rayburn House Office matter how laudable the spending goal may Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Building, Washington, DC. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE BARTON: As Con- have been. I hope you will resist the tempta- Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I com- gress continues to grapple with the daunting tion to finance an item as basic as health mend your hard work and dedication in the challenge of enacting significant health care care with deficit financing that cannot be maintained. pursuit of academic excellence. Through your reform measures before the August recess, I efforts, you have garnered the prestigious urge you to contemplate the effects of cer- Sincerely, tain policy considerations on our great state. RICK PERRY, honor of being named a National Blue Ribbon Government-run health care is not the so- Governor, Texas. School by Secretary of Education Arne Dun- lution to fix a broken health care system, can, the highest distinction a school in the and is financially unsustainable. At today’s SEPTEMBER 23, 2009. United States can achieve. costs, extending Medicaid benefits to unin- Hon. MAX BAUCUS, The Blue Ribbon Schools Program was es- sured citizens at or below 100 percent of the Chairman, Committee on Finance, tablished in 1982 by Secretary of Education U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, federal poverty level would cost Texas an ad- Terrell Bell. The program honors public and ditional $4.6 billion in general revenue per Washington, DC. year (equal to a 2.3 cent, or 27 percent, sales DEAR CHAIRMAN BAUCUS: Last week, Senate private elementary, middle, and high schools tax increase), on top of the $19 billion in gen- Majority Leader Harry Reid said he was con- that demonstrate academic superiority or dra- eral revenue the state expects to spend on cerned that the health care legislation you matic gains in student achievement. Only 3.9 Medicaid in the 2010–11 biennium. This type have proposed will expand the Nevada Med- percent of all schools in the United States of federal government spending mandate icaid population beyond what his state can have received this award. would erode the state’s economic viability afford. Speaking as governor of a state with As your Member of Congress, I am proud of a significantly larger caseload than Nevada— without containing health care costs or im- your ambition and inspired by your success. I proving health care quality and access. a caseload that could double under your pro- Health and human services general revenue posed Senate Finance plan—let me respect- have always believed that our future prosperity spending in Texas for the 2010–11 biennium is fully say I am troubled by the financial im- is predicated on our present commitment to projected to grow almost 13 percent, to $25.3 pact on Texas taxpayers and our budget. education. You are lighting the way as a bea- billion. The Texas Health and Human Serv- The Texas Health and Human Services con for those not only in our district, but also ices Commission already projects a Med- Commission estimates that the various fed- in our nation. I applaud you for your efforts icaid-related shortfall of more than $1 billion eral health care proposals circulating around and encourage you to keep up the excellent in general revenue in the coming biennium, Congress could add as much as $60 billion to work. and combined Medicaid and Children’s the state budget over the next 10 years, cre- Health Insurance Program caseloads will ex- ating twice the number of Texas Medicaid f ceed 3 million people. The number of unin- recipients. IN HONOR OF THE SANTA CRUZ sured Texans also continues to grow, and the Additionally, these bills place a new tax state continues efforts to address a critical burden on certain businesses and provide for COUNTY PARTICIPANTS OF primary care physician shortage in many the federal takeover of some current state ‘‘PEDAL FOR PEACE’’ OCTOBER 7, areas of the state. insurance functions. These one-size-fits-all 2009 In 2007, I set forth a comprehensive plan to government mandates are both unsustain- transform health care in Texas. This reform able and unable to fix our broken health care waiver has been languishing before the Cen- system. HON. SAM FARR ters for Medicare and Medicaid Services for Instead of government mandates and more OF CALIFORNIA more than a year. My plan would provide deficit spending, successful health care re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES more people with insurance, reduce expen- forms can only be achieved by providing Wednesday, October 7, 2009 sive emergency room visits for basic care, states with the flexibility to develop state- and make it easier for the working poor to specific solutions. Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I want to com- buy into employer-sponsored insurance. I am For example, in 2003, I signed into law mend the Santa Cruz County Participants of pleased to note that many of the policy pro- medical liability reform that has improved ‘‘Follow the Women—Pedal for Peace’’. This posals in this waiver are surfacing in Con- access to medical care in Texas, particularly year’s participants are Jane DeJarnette, Janet in underserved areas. Prior to these reforms, gressional discussions on health care reform, Fogel, Lilly Ann Popken, JoAnn Smith, Marilyn including programs that emphasize quality Texas doctors were being sued at twice the preventive care and reforms that promote a national average, and many were giving up Marzell, and Elizabeth Schwartz. The objective robust, competitive private insurance mar- practicing in Texas altogether. Today, doc- of the ride is to raise awareness of violence in ket centered on consumer choice and afford- tors are coming to Texas as fast as they can, the Middle East and its affects on women and ability. with record numbers applying to practice children, who suffer the most as a result of the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2480 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 conflict. The women from Santa Cruz County campaigns. He also helped elect Senator Don Transfer Facilitation Act of 2009.’’ the measure will be joining women from 40 other countries. Reigle and State of Michigan Speaker of the should reduce unnecessary delays in water Created in 2004, the ‘‘Follow The Women’’ House Bobby Crim. transfers at a time when Central Valley farm- annual bicycle ride is the brainchild of 2001 After retiring in 1988, Jack moved to ers have been hard hit by a three-year European Woman of the Year and Nobel Gladwin, Michigan and built his dream home drought. It would allow new water transfers of Peace Prize Nominee Detta Regan. In April on Sugar Springs Lake. He is survived by his roughly 250,000 to 300,000 acre-feet of water 2004, she gathered together 270 women from wife Joan, and his daughters: Janine Wallace, per year. The bill would grant authority to the all over the world, including the United States, Rebecca Tereau and Leslie Stone. Bureau of Reclamation to approve voluntary Palestine, Britain and Iraq, to bike across Leb- Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Rep- water transfers between sellers and buyers in anon, Syria and Jordan to campaign for peace resentatives to join me in honoring the mem- the San Joaquin Valley. The measure also and an end to violence in the region. Tradi- ory of a dear friend, Jack Allen Stone. Over would streamline environmental reviews for tionally throughout the Middle East, women do the years I have respected his wisdom, en- Central Valley water transfers by ensuring that not ride bicycles making the ‘‘Follow the joyed his friendship, heeded his advice and I they occur on a programmatic basis, instead Women—Pedal for Peace’’ ride extraordinary. am saddened by his passing. of the current project-by-project basis. It brings much attention to the worthy cause of f Transferring water between and within coun- promoting good relations between different RESOLUTION TO HONOR OUR ties for water districts is a critical tool during cultures and ethnicities. SCHOOL PRINCIPALS periods of drought. While the best solution ‘‘Follow the Women’’ has held several dif- would be to fully operate the federal and state ferent events in addition to the annual bike HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS pumps, this change in the law provides us some relief. This legislation makes permanent ride. In 2007, they distributed medical kits in OF CALIFORNIA the ability to transfer water to our Valley’s Gaza throughout the conflict. That year, they IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES also held a youth exchange to explore and farms when it is most needed, therefore, al- share the experiences between different cul- Wednesday, October 7, 2009 lowing our farmers a lifeline to continue to tures. The participants gained a better under- Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, grow crops and help our local economy. More standing of themselves and others. I rise today to introduce a resolution sup- will need to be done to protect the Valley’s ‘‘Follow the Women’’ has also helped fund a porting October 2009 as National Principals water, and I will continue that fight. counseling project in Ramallah. The aim of Month. This designation will honor and recog- The bill is supported by a great number of this project was to offer support to children nize the critical role that school principals play water users across the Central Valley, includ- and their families who were suffering following in the lives of our students. ing the following: Friant Water Users Authority, the conflict in the Middle East. This year, ‘‘Fol- One of the principle reasons behind a San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Au- low the Women—Pedal for Peace’’ hopes to school’s success is often a strong principal. thority, Delta-Mendota Canal Authority, raise enough funds to build a playground or Elementary, middle and high school prin- Westlands Water District, Metropolitan Water possibly two for the children of Gaza. cipals consistently provide the vision, dedica- District, Glen Colusa Irrigation District, North- Madam Speaker, I congratulate Follow the tion, and mobilizing force behind successful ern California Water Association, Banta- schools. Women and especially wish to recognize the Carbona Irrigation District, Tehama-Colusa Principals set the academic tone for their Canal Authority, Association of California riders from Santa Cruz. I wish them much luck schools and work collaboratively with teachers Water Agencies, Placer County Water Agency, in their annual bike ride. to develop performance goals and objectives, Conaway Preservation Group, and the Rec- f all in an effort to improve student achieve- lamation District 2035. ment. REMEMBERING JACK ALLEN I have submitted several of these support STONE Today’s principals are expected to fill a vari- ety of roles, each complex in its own right. letters here for the record, and I understand On any given day, they are likely to be ev- that Mr. COSTA will submit additional letters as HON. DALE E. KILDEE erything from educational visionary, to commu- well. OF MICHIGAN nity builder, to budget analyst, to facility man- ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ager, to counselor. WATER AGENCIES, October 6, 2009. Wednesday, October 7, 2009 This means that principals often work long hours. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Re ACWA support for Water Transfer Legis- lation. Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today estimates that one in three principals works to pay tribute to Jack Allen Stone. Sadly, Jack more than 40 hours per week and often works Representative CARDOZA, Longworth House Office Building, passed away on July 28, 2009 in Bay City, additional time supervising school activities at Michigan. I have known Jack since the early Washington, DC. night and on weekends. Representative COSTA, 1960s and will deeply miss him. During my time on the San Diego School Longworth House Office Building, Jack Stone moved to Michigan from Mis- Board, I worked with many of these remark- Washington, DC. souri in 1930. He was the Class President at able individuals. I witnessed how their commit- DEAR REPRESENTATIVES CARDOZA AND Beecher High School when he graduated in ment and energy can inspire an entire COSTA: Thank you for introducing water 1944 and this began his dual interests in edu- school—from the youngest student to the most transfer legislation for the Central Valley cation and politics. He joined the U.S. Army senior teacher. Project (CVP) which ACWA is pleased to sup- and served as a Corporal E4 during the Ko- In the end, it is principals who are respon- port. As California’s water supply challenges rean War. Returning to Flint, Jack worked for sible for creating and managing the environ- multiply, this legislation can provide greater flexibility for management of CVP water Chevrolet and became a committeeman for ment where our students learn and grow. supplies. As you know, ACWA’s 450 public the UAW. During this time he married, had This month, let’s honor this important role, agency members are collectively responsible three daughters and attended the University of which they dedicate themselves to year-round. for 90 percent of the water delivered in Cali- Michigan-Flint. He graduated with a B.A. de- I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan fornia for residential and agricultural uses. gree in 1961 and began teaching that same resolution with my colleague from the Edu- California’s water supply situation is dire year. cation and Labor Committee, Congressman and worsening. Three years of below average Teaching US Government and Michigan TODD PLATTS. precipitation along with heavy regulatory restrictions through the ESA and Biological f History at Grand Blanc High School for 27 Opinions, have seriously diminished Califor- years, Jack was a moving force in starting the INTRODUCTION OF THE ‘‘WATER nia’s water supplies. Under these conditions, Grand Blanc chapter of the National Honor TRANSFER FACILITATION ACT it is essential that short term actions, such Society. During this time he also was active OF 2009’’ as provided by your legislation to flexibly with negotiating teacher contracts. He nego- enable water supplies to move across the San tiated the first teacher contract with Grand Joaquin Valley, be pursued. Blanc Schools and played a major role in ne- HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA Again, thank you for introducing water OF CALIFORNIA transfer legislation. ACWA looks forward to gotiating contracts for many years. He was an IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES working with you to secure its passage in an advisor for MEA PAC and sat on the interview Wednesday, October 7, 2009 expedited manner. board for school board candidates. Active in Sincerely, the Genesee County Democratic Party, Jack Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, today with TIMOTHY QUINN, worked on my first campaign and successive Congressman COSTA, I introduced the ‘‘Water Executive Director.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2481

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA salmon. Your legislation will provide much importance of health system reform in our WATER ASSOCIATION, needed relief in the form of a flexible and country. However, I believe the best place for Sacramento, CA, October 2, 2009. useful tool that will allow water to be trans- innovation and policy change is in the indi- Re Support for Water Transfer Legislation. ferred from willing parties to those in need vidual states, as we have a greater under- Hon. JIM COSTA, within the CVP. standing of the specific needs of our citizens. Many of our members have participated in House of Representatives, This effort is already underway in Utah, water transfer programs in the past and Washington, DC. with great success. I am worried, however, would continue under this legislation in a DEAR CONGRESSMAN COSTA: On behalf of that the direction of the current language of more flexible manner. Also, the language in the Northern California Water Association federal health system reform bills will pre- your legislation directing the Bureau of Rec- (NCWA), we thank you for introducing legis- clude state-directed reform and place a detri- lamation to work with other federal agencies lation authorizing and establishing a perma- mental burden on states’ budgets. Therefore, to implement the necessary long-term envi- I am contacting you in order to forge a part- nent long-term program to promote and ronmental processes addressing impacts of a manage water transfers in the Central Val- nership to enact reform that will benefit not water transfer program on the ESA-listed only the citizens of Utah, but will benefit ev- ley of California. We support your efforts and Giant Garter Snake will be imperative to its this legislation as a means of providing eryone throughout our great country. usefulness and success. In Utah, we have a good system of public greater flexibility in the management of We look forward to working with you and medical programs that provide for our need- Central Valley Project (CVP) and other your staff in the coming months in this im- iest population. However, the weight of the water supplies to help meet unmet needs portant legislative effort, and appreciate current programs strains our state budget. critical to the future of the State of Cali- your leadership in advancing this legislation So far, we have managed to fully fund the ex- fornia. and addressing California water issues so im- isting programs, although it becomes more As you are aware, the devastating impacts portant to our collective future. challenging each year. The extension of Med- of diminished water deliveries to the CVP as Sincerely, icaid to additional populations, as discussed a result of three years of below average pre- JEFFREY SUTTON, in proposed federal healthcare legislation, cipitation have been made even greater by General Manager. will amount to an unfunded mandate that the various regulatory restrictions, includ- would create financial havoc for our state. ing the requirements established by the re- THE METROPOLITAN WATER DIS- While I understand the idea that everyone cent federal biological opinions for endan- TRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, must ‘‘share in the pain,’’ and appreciate the gered fish under the ESA. Your legislation Los Angeles, CA, October 5, 2009. Administration’s commitment to reforming will provide immediate, much needed relief Hon. DIANNE FEINSTEIN, healthcare without increasing the size of the in the form of a flexible and useful tool that U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, federal deficit, to force Medicaid cost in- will allow water to be transferred from will- Washington, DC. creases onto states will simply shift massive ing parties to those in need within the CVP. DEAR SENATOR FEINSTEIN: The Metropoli- cost increases to the states. As I am sure you NCWA was formed in 1992 to present a uni- tan Water District of Southern California is know, Utah, like most other states, is suf- fied voice working to resolve California’s pleased to support the legislation you are in- fering from the negative impacts of a nation- water issues and protect the water rights and troducing related to water transfers for the wide recession. As we prepare the state’s fis- supplies of the diverse Northern California Central Valley Project (CVP). This legisla- cal year 2011 budget, we face continued cuts region, now and into the future. NCWA rep- tion will help provide good water manage- to agency budgets and reduced government resents 54 agricultural water districts and ment while providing flexibility for CVP cus- services on top of painful reductions made agencies, private water companies, and indi- tomers. last year. The unfunded mandate of a forced vidual water rights holders with rights and As a regional wholesale water provider, Medicaid expansion will only exacerbate an entitlements to the surface waters and Metropolitan provides water for nearly 19 already dire situation. If required to increase groundwater resources of the Sacramento million people throughout our six-county our Medicaid program as envisioned in Wash- Valley. Many of our members can and will service area in Southern California. As Met- ington, Utah, and most every other state, actively participate in this water transfer ropolitan and the entire state continue to will be forced to find the money to do so program. The language in your legislation address water supply challenges throughout through other means. This will require directing the Bureau of Reclamation to work California, the vitality of our economy and states to either raise taxes or continue to with other federal agencies to implement the environment has been seriously affected. cut budgets in areas currently suffering from necessary long-term environmental proc- Your proposed legislation will help address a lack of funding, such as public and higher esses addressing impacts of a water transfer these critically important issues. education. We must work together to ensure program on the ESA-listed Giant Garter Please let me know if we can be helpful in that no new requirements for states to fund Snake will be imperative to its usefulness any way. Sincerely, health care for additional populations pass. and success. This does not mean, however, that the We look forward to working with you and JEFFREY KIGHTLINGER, General Manager. State is ignoring or has forgotten about mid- your staff in the coming months in this im- dle-income uninsured families in Utah. Quite portant legislative effort, and appreciate f the contrary, the aggressive health system your leadership in advancing this legislation GOVERNOR OF UTAH EXPRESSES reform being pursued in Utah is designed to and addressing California water issues so im- address the healthcare needs of those fami- portant to our collective future. CONCERNS WITH UNFUNDED MANDATES IN HEALTH REFORM lies in a manner that does not shift addi- Sincerely, tional burden to the State. DONN ZEA, As mentioned above, Utah has made re- President and CEO. HON. MIKE ROGERS markable progress toward health system re- OF MICHIGAN form. One of the cornerstones of our State’s TEHAMA-COLUSA CANAL AUTHORITY, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES efforts is the introduction of a defined con- Willows, CA, October 5, 2009. tribution health benefit system and imple- Re Support for Water Transfer Legislation. Wednesday, October 7, 2009 mentation of the Utah Health Exchange, Hon. JIM COSTA, Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, which provides the technology to make that House of Representatives, I rise today to express concerns regarding market work. This new market approach is Washington, DC. health reform proposals which would create proving to be very popular. In fact, in just DEAR CONGRESSMAN COSTA: On behalf of unfunded state mandates. Legislation currently nine days, following the official launch of the Tehama Colusa Canal Authority (TCCA), the Utah Health Exchange, 136 of Utah’s we thank you for introducing legislation au- before the House would dramatically expand small businesses signed up to contribute to thorizing and establishing a programmatic the Medicaid program and place over $35 bil- health care coverage for their employees, program to promote and manage water lion in new liabilities on state budgets over the representing approximately 7,000 covered transfers in California, including the Sac- next ten years. In addition, these proposals lives. ramento Valley. We support your efforts and would expand the federal government’s role in It is essential that federal legislation not this legislation as a means of providing administering Medicaid, which would severely derail this promising effort to provide insur- greater regulatory certainty for the manage- handcuff states’ ability to run their own pro- ance in a new way to Utah’s small business ment of Central Valley Project (CVP) water grams and preempt state authority to manage employees, who are the backbone of our supplies for water users. economy. When fully implemented, the Ex- As you are aware, the TCCA is intimately Medicaid eligibility and benefits. change will help individuals and employees aware of the impacts of diminished water de- Over the last several weeks, governors access the information they need to make in- liveries to the CVP as a result of below aver- have expressed concerns over these pro- formed choices about their health and health age precipitation and regulatory require- posals. I would like to submit for the RECORD care, as well as their health insurance. This ments placed upon the CVP and its water the following letter from the governor of Utah: tool has a standardized application process users through the requirements established SEPTEMBER 15, 2009. and allows people to apply for a broad range by the recent National Marine Fisheries DEAR SENATOR BENNETT, as Governor of of coverage electronically; which further in- Service biological opinions for endangered the State of Utah, I am aware of the critical creases access to affordable coverage.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2482 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 To me, the highlight of the Exchange is HONORING SENATOR EDWARD in the 1970s. A self-educated man who never that it is almost entirely run by the private KENNEDY accepted the status quo, Mr. Roth occupied sector. The State brought together a tech- his spare time by employing his understanding nology company, a finance company, and many different insurers who have worked HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY of mechanics to improve the efficiency of the out the necessary details to provide a plat- OF CALIFORNIA meat freezing process. form for this new marketplace. We were able IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES This focus led him to working with stainless to go from a signed bill to a functioning ex- steel firms in the area to develop a large change in just five months. This is the very Wednesday, October 7, 2009 drum. His natural mechanical genius devised definition of forging unprecedented partner- Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise a way to liquefy the meat product at the low- ships to find solutions that government today to honor Senator Edward Kennedy, who est possible temperature. The FMI Roller alone cannot provide. The driving force be- passed away August 25, 2009, at age 77. A Press Freezer, a huge piece of equipment, hind any proposed exchange must continue leader in the Senate for over 46 years, Sen- was a new concept for the continuous quick- to be private sector ingenuity, with govern- ment assisting in the appropriate ways. ator Kennedy dedicated his career to equality freezing of ground meats and other similar I look forward to working with you in a and justice for all. consistency products. Through his work, the similar manner to ensure that federal and Senator Kennedy believed that the fight for freezing process was trimmed from two days state healthcare reforms are compatible and quality and affordable healthcare was the to a matter of mere minutes. It revolutionized will result in success for the citizens of our cause of his life and nothing less than a moral the industry and standardized the quick-chill great State. I believe that together we can obligation for us all. His courageous commit- process that now assures high levels of food develop workable alternatives to the tradi- ment to improving the welfare of all people safety. tional Washington D.C. ‘‘one-size-fits-all’’ solution. We must continue to recognize that was inspirational to me and millions of Ameri- Over the years, Mr. Roth continued his inno- states are the laboratories of innovation and cans. As Chairman of the Senate Committee vating work and as a selfless man of integrity, that the best solution to our nation’s chal- on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, he he takes time to share his discoveries with lenges is to empower states to serve their influenced nearly every piece of legislation other meat processors to protect consumer unique populations in the best ways possible. that came before the Senate. Because of his health. Mr. Roth has not only developed Please contact me if there is any way I can deep concern for the treatment of mental unique ways to increase the value of beef and be of assistance with this very important health patients, he helped individuals suffering pork, but he led a revolution in equipment de- issue. from mental health and substance abuse dis- sign. By taking great pride in his work, Mr. Best Regards, GARY R. HERBERT, orders receive adequate coverage and Roth undoubtedly raised the bar in terms of Governor, Utah. prompted the growth of America’s Community excellence for the U.S. meat and poultry proc- f Mental Health Centers. Senator Kennedy was essing industry. also committed to increasing access to health Today, the company Mr. Roth founded, Beef HONORING STAFF SERGEANT care for everyone. I wish he was with us long Products Inc. is the world’s leading producer ZACHARY J. RHYNER, USO AIR- enough to see all his hard work come true. of boneless beef. Mr. Roth’s impact in the MAN OF THE YEAR Senator Kennedy was a compelling advo- market of beef and poultry has justly earned cate for equal access to education for all chil- him multiple awards. BPI has built plants in HON. BOB ETHERIDGE dren. His leadership was instrumental in ex- Texas, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. He is a OF NORTH CAROLINA panding the Head Start Program and he de- recipient of a 2008 Beef Industry Division IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES voted himself to improving teaching quality award presented by the National Cattlemen’s Wednesday, October 7, 2009 and equality across the country. Foundation as well as the recipient of the Senator Kennedy fought tirelessly to ensure 2007 E. Floyd Forbes Award, the highest Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise in all students who wished to obtain higher edu- honor from the National Meat Association. honor of Staff Sergeant Zachary J. Rhyner’s cation were able to do so. During the 110th Along with founding the world’s leading pro- distinguished service in the United States Air Congress, he helped enact the most substan- ducer of high-quality lean-beef trimmings, Mr. Force, and to congratulate him on being tial increase in student aid funding, making Roth made sure to give back to the local com- named USO Airman of the Year. Staff Ser- higher education more accessible and afford- munity. Last year, Mr. Roth organized an geant Rhyner’s extraordinary heroism in Shok able to all. event in Sioux City, Iowa where he hosted a Valley, Afghanistan on April 6, 2008 as part of Madam Speaker, Senator Kennedy was a prime rib appreciation dinner Salute to the Operation Enduring Freedom is a testament to shining example of what the very best public 185th Refueling Wing of the Iowa Air National his training, character, and personal strength. servants can aspire to become and his pas- Guard. He had about 1,500 Guardsmen with While conducting an air assault infiltration sion for helping others will live on through the their families and guests to attend at the BPI as Special Tactics Combat Controller, Ser- lives he has touched. His legacy of hard work, aircraft hangar, and he and his company staff geant Rhyner and his team were caught in an compassion, and excellence will continue to cooked hot roast beef for everyone! One of his ambush. Intense sniper, machine gun and impact America for generations to come. special guests was Congressional Award win- rocket-propelled grenade fire rained down on f ner Col. Bud Day, along with other local dig- the team from a well-trained insurgent force. nitaries. Sergeant Rhyner was shot once in his left leg HONORING ELDON ROTH Mr. Roth is known as a self-made man who and struck twice in his chest. Although wound- possesses unequaled discipline, drive, and ed, Sergeant Rhyner stayed calm and called HON. JACK KINGSTON discernment. He is successfully building a leg- in more than 50 air strikes and strafing gun OF GEORGIA acy of generosity by giving back to the people runs. He placed himself between enemy IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of his own community. I am proud to stand forces and his men several times in order to Wednesday, October 7, 2009 here today, shoulder to shoulder with Con- return fire and to allow his teammates to re- gresswoman ROSA DELAURO, to honor Eldon trieve the critically wounded and the de- Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Speaker, I rise Roth of South Dakota. today to honor Eldon Roth, a celebrated and ceased. He has been recognized for his her- f oism several times. In addition to being named respected member of the agricultural commu- USO Airman of the Year today, he received nity. I am privileged to be joined by the distin- PERSONAL EXPLANATION the Air Force Cross, the service’s second guished Congresswoman ROSA DELAURO in highest medal for valor, on March 10, 2009. recognizing Mr. Roth. It is a remarkable day HON. ANNA G. ESHOO He also received a Purple Heart and the Jew- indeed when we can both wholeheartedly en- OF CALIFORNIA ish Institute for National Security Affairs Grate- dorse the same objective. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ful Nation Award. Growing up in rural South Dakota, Eldon Staff Sergeant Rhyner is based at Pope Air Roth learned the values of a strong work ethic Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Force Base, in North Carolina’s Second Dis- and perseverance. Lacking access to elec- Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I was not trict and lives in Harnett County, my home tricity and running water in his home, he never present during the rollcall vote Numbers 758 county. I am proud to have him as a fellow allowed the limitations of sheer circumstance to 760 on October 7, 2009. Had I been North Carolinian, and I urge my colleagues to to hinder his pursuit for excellence. Eldon and present, I would have voted: join me in congratulating him on this honor his wife Regina, who is his business partner, On rollcall vote No. 758 I would have voted and saluting his service. started their business in San Francisco back ‘‘yes.’’

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2483 On rollcall vote No. 759 I would have voted adopting cropping systems that reduce pro- law in Arizona. He was also the first Native ‘‘yes.’’ duction cost primarily by reducing the need for American lawyer to argue a case before the On rollcall vote No. 760 I would have voted nitrogen fertilizer, pesticides, fuel, and equip- United States Supreme Court. Shortly after ‘‘yes.’’ ment. Federal funding would allow the pro- law school, Rod faced an effort by the State f gram to expand reniform nematode research of Arizona to tax the sale of tractors to the throughout the State, develop more intense Gila River Indian Community farms. Rod IRAN—GLOBAL THREAT mature management research that includes fought this effort and prevailed in a 5 to 4 Su- REQUIRING GLOBAL ACTION bioenergy crops, and expand research on the preme Court decision. The Central Machinery development of alternative substrates for nurs- v. Arizona State Tax Commission decision HON. KAY GRANGER ery crop production. Current and future profit- continues to stand as the definitive case rec- OF TEXAS ability of agronomic based crop production in ognizing the right of Indian tribes to operate IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Alabama is dependent on the research and beyond the taxing authority of states. outreach efforts. Use of precision technologies Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Rod served as the General Counsel of the associated with these studies have resulted in Gila River Indian Community for more than 30 Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, the global practices that saves fuel, herbicides, and fer- years. For much of his tenure as General threat of Iran’s nuclear program is growing tilizers and protects Alabama’s vital natural re- Counsel, Rod led the battle to secure the every day. The luxury of time has vanished sources. The project’s total budget is water rights of the Gila River Indian Commu- and the need for Congressional action is ab- $8,874,000. Specifically within the budget, nity. Rod worked tirelessly in litigating and ulti- solute. $1,298,734 will go toward permanent per- mately negotiating the single largest Indian What we already knew about the Iranian nu- sonnel salaries, $360,760 for research ex- water rights settlement in the history of the clear program, compounded with the recent pense, and $240,500 for equipment. This re- United States. This settlement resulted in the revelations of an additional uranium enrich- quest is consistent with the intended and au- return of 653,000 acre-feet of water to the ment facility outside of Tehran and Iran’s con- thorized purpose of the Agricultural Research ‘‘River People’’ of the Gila River Indian Com- tinued testing of long-range missiles, only con- Service, ARS Account. Auburn University will munity and $200 million to construct a system tinues to build on an already disturbing sce- meet or exceed all statutory requirements for to deliver water to the reservation. nario. matching funds where applicable. Rod Lewis has dedicated his life to being a The Iranian regime is furiously building its f nuclear program and threatening anyone who champion for the Gila River Indian Commu- walks the streets of Paris, Beijing, London and HONORING RODNEY B. LEWIS ON nity. He is a genuine trailblazer who has bro- New York. Every day that goes by without HIS DISTINGUISHED CAREER– ken down barriers and served as a role model weakening the regime or its ambitions, the for a new generation of Native American law- world becomes less safe. We MUST act now. yers. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recog- HON. ED PASTOR nize Rod for his distinguished career and out- I wholeheartedly support increased sanc- OF ARIZONA standing leadership and thank him for being tions and divestment efforts and hope the U.S. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES my friend. Congress responds immediately to provide these critical tools to the President. Wednesday, October 7, 2009 The United States needs to show strong Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I f leadership to show the world that we are seri- rise before you today to praise and reflect EARMARK DECLARATION ous in taking down this imminent threat from upon the career of an outstanding attorney Iran. U.S. actions should be matched by other and community leader, Rodney B. Lewis. I world leaders—especially Russia and China. would also like to congratulate Rod on re- HON. BRIAN P. BILBRAY Iran’s potential peril to the world is global, cently being honored with a Lifetime Achieve- so too should be the response. ment Award by the Native American Bar Asso- OF CALIFORNIA f ciation of Arizona. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Rod Lewis comes from a family dedicated to EARMARK DECLARATION serving the Native American community in Ari- Wednesday, October 7, 2009 zona. Rod is one of three sons born to the Mr. BILBRAY. Madam Speaker, I would like HON. MIKE ROGERS late Reverend Roe B. Lewis and Sallie Lewis. to submit the following request: OF ALABAMA He and his brothers, John and Robert, grew Requesting Member: Congressman BRIAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES up on the Gila River Indian Reservation. All three attended college and graduate school BILBRAY Wednesday, October 7, 2009 and each has devoted their careers to the Bill Number: Conference Report to H.R. Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, service of Indian tribes and Indian people. In 3183, FY 2010 Energy and Water Appropria- pursuant to the Republican Leadership stand- fact, John is the Executive Director of the Inter tions ards on earmarks, I am submitting the fol- Tribal Council of Arizona. Account: Army Corps of Engineers, General lowing information regarding earmarks I re- Rod earned his bachelor’s degree from Trin- Investigations ceived as part of the Conference Report ac- ity College in San Antonio, Texas. While in Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The City companying H.R. 2997—Agriculture, Rural De- college, Rod participated in the Reserve Offi- of Solana Beach velopment, Food and Drug Administration, and cers’ Training Corps and upon graduation was Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Address of Requesting Entity: 635 South Requesting Member: Congressman MIKE Army Rangers, ultimately obtaining the rank of Highway 101, Solana Beach, CA, USA 92075 ROGERS (AL) first lieutenant upon discharge from the Army. I received $305,000 to complete the feasi- Bill Number: Conference Report accom- Rod earned his master’s degree from Arizona bility study for the Solana Beach-Encinitas panying H.R. 2997 State University in 1969 and went on to law Shoreline Protection Project. The protective Account: ARS, Salaries and expenses ac- school at the University of California Los An- beaches throughout the Solana Beach area count, $1,293,000 geles. Upon graduating with his JD in 1972, are severely eroded, leaving residences, por- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn Rod returned to the Gila River Indian Commu- tions of Highway 101, and public access University, Auburn, AL nity to serve as the tribal attorney for the points susceptible to dangerous wave attack Address of Requesting Entity: 102 Samford Community and to raise a family. He and his and beachgoers subject to falling rocks as Hall, Auburn, Alabama 36849 wife Willardene have three children and five bluffs are destabilized by erosion. This Shore Description of Request: ‘‘Improved Crop grandchildren. Protection Project will build up the protective Production Practices’’ Taxpayer justification—It Rod has had an extraordinary legal career. beaches along the coast, preserving public ac- is my understanding that this funding will pro- He was the first Native American to pass the cess, recreational areas, and as well as public vide $1,293,000 to develop and assist in Arizona Bar Exam and be licensed to practice infrastructure and private homes.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2484 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 TRIBUTE TO JOAN BURDICK, RE- Several of her former students commented gether and in so doing transform not only CIPIENT OF THE 2009 ST. MAD- on her gift for transforming their shy, even the physical space, but the audience which ELEINE SOPHIE AWARDS, SA- withdrawn selves into polished, confident had come to be transported into that imagi- CRED HEART SCHOOLS public speakers. ‘‘She taught us to walk de- native mental space that theater engenders. liberately and never fidget when speaking,’’ Joan understands this power of theater, and wrote one. ‘‘She corrected our posture and throughout her life, she has made her stu- HON. ANNA G. ESHOO forced us to project and enunciate, to think dents (and I count myself among them) un- on our feet and improvise.’’ One went as far derstand this. Her willingness to take risks, OF CALIFORNIA as to say that it was Joan who introduced tackling such daunting works as Shake- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES him to his ‘‘first sense of community with speare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Wednesday, October 7, 2009 other students.’’ Another credited her with Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, is grounded evoking and developing her self-esteem and in her proven ability to inspire casts with a Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I rise today overall confidence—qualities that obviously Dionysian fervor that spins itself out into to honor Joan Burdick, a recipient of the pres- allow everything else to fall into place. the audience. But Joan’s gifts went even beyond how to tigious St. Madeleine Sophie Award from Sa- When Joan was invited back to direct the write essays on Bronte’s Wuthering Heights cred Heart Schools. Established in the year Farewell to the Little Theater show in June or how to deliver a line of iambic pentameter 2000, the St. Madeleine Sophie Award honors of 2003, the 120 cast members, including stu- like you meant it. She taught us how to be- individuals in the Sacred Heart community dents, faculty and alums, gave Joan the have. longest standing ovation many ever remem- who have made a sustained and significant Permit me an anecdote. ber witnessing. No wonder. contribution to the Schools and embody the For several years we took the entire senior Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart edu- class on a five-day trip to the Ashland JOAN BURDICK, COLLEAGUE AND MASTER cation. The individuals honored are selected Shakespeare Festival. Please note that this BUILDER by a committee comprised of the senior ad- was the ENTIRE senior class, not a self-se- ministrative team in conjunction with the Chair lecting group of dramaphiles. In addition to In 1990, Joan transferred full-time to the of the Board of Trustees and are honored at preparing the students for what they were high school, and we began working closely about to see onstage, Joan also prepared together. In addition to teaching with her in a reception and at the Mass of the Holy Spirit, them to be a good AUDIENCE: mouths shut, the English department, I was privileged to the first all-school liturgy of the school year. bodies quiet, hats off, minds alert. One after- watch her build not only the SHP drama pro- The recipients will be VIP guests at various noon we were waiting in the lobby for our gram, but the entire Fine Arts department. SHS events throughout the year and featured ninety students to arrive. [I believe it was We went from a school that offered five elec- in their alumni magazine, The Heart of the the same day Michele Rench and I had tives in drawing, painting, photography and Matter, for their commitment to the mission of bought Joan a pink volume of Emily Post’s drama to one that, by the time she retired in Sacred Heart education. Etiquette in a used bookstore.] Suddenly, 2001, offered twenty, including sculpture, ce- This year, Joan Burdick was chosen along one very large and bumptious senior ap- ramics, dance, computer graphics, concert proached Joan, lowered himself onto one and chamber choir, instrumental music, with two other distinguished recipients to be knee, and kissed her hand with a courtly technical theater and scenic design, video recognized with the Award for her tireless flourish. It’s a gesture I doubt he’s ever re- production, and the ever-amazing student-di- work as an educator and for her dedication to peated since, but it speaks volumes about rected play. the arts, as well as to the Goals and Criteria how Joan could ignite hidden reserves of As Fine Arts chair, she represented her de- gentility within even the most unlikely of Sacred Heart Schools. Her award was pre- partment on the school Curriculum Com- knight-at-arms. I read recently that St. sented by Connie Solari who gave the fol- mittee with passion and precision. She nur- Madeleine Sophie believed good manners to lowing speech at the Awards Ceremony in tured her department members in the be an expression of CARITAS; if we accept tribute to Joan: nuanced art of becoming a Sacred Heart edu- her judgment, then Joan Burdick unleashed cator. For Joan was not only an employee of When I was about 10 years old, I saw the a FLOOD of Christian Love via students who Sacred Heart, she is an alumna of Sacred movie Auntie Mame with Rosalind Russell. I recognized, even temporarily, the value of Heart Schools, Atherton—quite literally always wanted to BE that person—elegant, good manners. Another former student (one I raised on the vision of St. Madeleine Sophie. spontaneous, excitable, risk-taking, gen- vividly remember for his livewire person- erous, brunette—and above all gorgeously ality) wrote: ‘‘To this day I think I’m a bet- AND THIS BRINGS ME, FINALLY, TO JOANIE BUR- DRAMATIC. While I’ve fallen considerably ter audience than most. If I make noise dur- DICK, FRIEND—AND BY EXTENSION FAMILY short in embodying this remarkable char- ing a performance, I can still feel Mrs. Bur- WOMAN acter, I did finally meet her avatar one after- dick’s stern look beading into the back of noon in the spring of 1978. my head.’’ For over 150 years, Sacred Heart educators Her name was Joan Burdick. JOAN HUNT BURDICK, DIRECTOR (virtually all of them nuns) were referred to At the time, I was writing the Sacred as ‘‘Mothers.’’ Joan Burdick is nothing if not The distinction between Joan the Teacher Heart Schools Newsletter, and I’d been as- the ultimate MATRIARCH, a maternal fig- and Joan the Director is of course quite arbi- signed to interview ‘‘the drama teacher’’ at ure not only to her family but also to her trary, since Joan DIRECTED her English St. Joseph’s. After about three minutes, it many friends. Joan enjoys deep, powerful classes in much the same way she TAUGHT was clear that I was in the face of a mythic and lasting friendships. Many of her former her aspiring actors. But let me leave the educator. Since then, I’ve come to know students and colleagues now consider her a classroom now and take you all to the stage Joan as a gifted classroom teacher, an awe- friend, someone with whom we still enjoy in the Little Theater—a vanished building, inspiring director, a close professional col- having an elegant cup of tea or glass of sher- but one whose ghost hovers beneath the league—and a friend. And it’s under these ry. I’d argue that we all consider ourselves foundations of this marvelous Campbell Cen- frequently overlapping headings that I pro- part of Joan’s extended family as we seek ter. Let’s imagine it’s 1987. Joan has un- pose to introduce her. her advice or share stories with her. leashed her latest brainchild—an all-campus MRS. BURDICK, TEACHER production of The Sound of Music. In addi- With respect to her biological family, she When Nancy Tarantino requested nomina- tion to students from grades one through is a matriarchal force that one crosses at tions for this award she received pages of twelve, she has cast teachers from both sides one’s peril. When her son-in-law Ken Thomp- testimony from Joan’s former students. As of campus, the Director of Development, the son was diagnosed with leukemia three years the mother of two of her sixth-grade English Director of Admissions, and—yes—none ago, I had the sense that Ken would somehow students at St. Joseph’s, I can personally at- other than Director of Schools Nancy Morris be safe because Joan was standing there, a test to her excellence: She’s one of those as the ‘‘Climb-Every-Mountain’’-crooning cross between a lioness and a heavily, armed teachers whose high standards bring high re- Mother Superior. I myself was among the archangel, determined that NOTHING was sults, and who manage to inspire students many actors whom she’d recruited and given going to hurt her family. Her daughters with a belief in their ability to do things their first taste of thespian glory. One alum Corie and Riette and her son Hunt accorded they never dreamed possible. A few years described the Little Theater as ‘‘a symbol of their mother the ultimate compliment by later, as Dean of Faculty, I saw her spin her the great things that can come out of a following her into that magical world of the- magic first-hand in the high school English small space occupied by a director who cul- ater themselves, scoring major successes as classroom, making William Shakespeare and tivates the imagination and talent of actors actors, singers, dancers, stage designers and Emily Bronte and Tennessee Williams come who want to do great things.’’ We wanted to directors. Her grandson Sean now enjoys life fully alive as a tea-kettle bubbled in the do great things. Witnessing Joan rallying us with a grandmother who teaches him chess, background and students nestled com- together just before the opening performance instructs him in the fine art of taking tea, fortably on the couches and overstuffed of Sound of Music, we were gripped by that and occasionally sweeps him off to Europe or chairs that filled her classroom. feeling. We were going to ‘‘make theater’’ to- New

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2485 York City, much like my Auntie Mame did The Historical Society of Saginaw County bioenergy crops, and expand research on the for her nephew Patrick. was founded in 1938 and incorporated in development of alternative substrates for nurs- Let’s face it. Joan Burdick is nothing if 1964. The Society has operated Castle Mu- ery crop production. Current and future profit- not ‘‘elegant, spontaneous, excitable, risk- seum since 1992 and is committed to telling ability of agronomic based crop production in taking, generous, brunette, and gorgeously dramatic.’’ (It’s only fitting that she just the continuing story of the people of the Sagi- Alabama is dependent on the research and flew in from Paris last night to receive this naw region. The Castle Building was con- outreach efforts. Use of precision technologies award.) structed in 1898 in the French chateau style. associated with these studies have resulted in She is the Queen of all Drama Queens—but At that time the Federal government decided practices that saves fuel, herbicides, and fer- one with her beautifully shod feet planted all Federal buildings were to be built to reflect tilizers and protects Alabama’s vital natural re- firmly on the ground of faith, family, and the historic legacy of the community and Ar- sources. The project’s total budget is friendship. A Queen whose reverence tor the- chitect William Aitken decided to design the $1,900,000. Specifically within the budget, ater reminds us that Western drama evolved building to reflect the early French traders that $1,298,734 will go toward permanent per- out of Greek religious ritual—an idea echoed settled in the region. Originally utilized as a sonnel salaries, $360,760 for research ex- by a former colleague who wrote that ‘‘Joan’s productions were always, always a Post Office, the Castle Building is listed on the pense, and $240,500 for equipment. This re- validation of life and meaning.’’ I am hon- National Register of Historic Places and is the quest is consistent with the intended and au- ored to introduce Joan Burdick, whose work cornerstone of the Historical Society’s dedica- thorized purpose of the Agricultural Research here for 25 years so validated life and mean- tion to preserve Saginaw’s heritage for future Service, Salaries and Expense Account. Au- ing, and who so incarnates The Sacred Heart generations. burn University will meet or exceed all statu- Educator at her very finest. Today, the Castle Building serves as the tory requirements for matching funds where Madam Speaker, I ask the entire House of Castle Museum and houses over 100,000 ar- applicable. Representatives to join me in offering our con- cheological and historical artifacts from the re- f gratulations to Joan Burdick on the very spe- gion. Traveling and long-term exhibits are dis- cial Occasion of being chosen for the St. Mad- played in the facility. The Historical Society of EARMARK DECLARATION eleine Sophie Award and for all she does daily Saginaw County has utilized the building to to strengthen our community and our country. showcase their educational programs, film HON. SPENCER BACHUS f presentations, and community tours. They also OF ALABAMA offer research services, an oral history record- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PERSONAL EXPLANATION ing program and a living history program at Wednesday, October 7, 2009 the Museum. Currently, the Historical Society HON. J. GRESHAM BARRETT is retrofitting a van to take the museum’s pro- Mr. BACHUS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to grams to elementary schools and they are the Republican Leadership standards on ear- OF SOUTH CAROLINA planning to launch this project in early 2010. marks, I am submitting the following informa- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Madam Speaker, please join me in con- tion regarding funding that I requested as part Wednesday, October 7, 2009 gratulating Board President, Margaret E. of the H.R. 2997, the Agriculture, Rural Devel- opment, Food and Drug Administration, and Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Clark, the Board members, staff, volunteers, Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Speaker, unfortunately, I missed recorded and Society members as they are honored by Requesting Member: Congressman SPEN- votes on the House floor on Wednesday, Sep- the American Association of Museums and CER BACHUS tember 30, 2009. wish them continued success in preserving our history for many, many years to come. Bill Number: H.R. 2997—Agriculture, Rural Had I been present, I would have voted Development, Food and Drug Administration, f ‘‘no’’ on rollcall vote No. 743 (on motion to and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 2442), EARMARK DECLARATION 2010 ‘‘no’’ on rollcall vote No. 744 (on motion to Account: Agricultural Research Service, Sal- suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 1771), aries and Expenses Account ‘‘aye’’ on rollcall vote No. 745 (on motion to HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 1053). OF ALABAMA University f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Address of Requesting Entity: 202 Samford Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849 HONORING THE HISTORICAL SOCI- Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Description of Request: Provide $1,293,000 ETY OF SAGINAW COUNTY AND Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, pursuant to develop and assist in adopting cropping CASTLE MUSEUM to the Republican Leadership standards on systems that reduce production cost primarily earmarks, I am submitting the following infor- by reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizer, HON. DALE E. KILDEE mation regarding earmarks I received as part pesticides, fuel, and equipment. Federal fund- of H.R. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, and OF MICHIGAN ing would allow the program to expand Science Appropriations Bill: IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES reniform nematode research throughout the Requesting Member: ADERHOLT state, develop more intense mature manage- Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Bill Number: H.R. 2997, Department of Agri- ment research that includes bioenergy crops, Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today culture, Rural Development, Food and Drug and expand research on the development of to recognize the Historical Society of Saginaw Administration, and Related Agencies Appro- alternative substrates for nursery crop produc- County for being selected by the American As- priations Act, 2010 tion. Current and future profitability of agro- sociation of Museums for participation in the Account: Agricultural Research Service, Sal- nomic based crop production in Alabama is Museum Assessment Program. The Historical aries and Expenses Account dependent on these research and outreach ef- Society of Saginaw County operates Castle Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn forts. Use of precision technologies associated Museum in downtown Saginaw. The Society is University with these studies have resulted in practices holding its annual Membership Lumberjack Address of Requesting Entity: Auburn Uni- that saves fuel, herbicides, and fertilizers and Brunch and Open House on October 18th at versity, 102 Samford Hall, Auburn, AL 36849 protects Alabama’s vital natural resources. the Museum. Description of Request: ‘‘Improved Crop The project’s total budget is $1,900,000. Spe- The American Association of Museums con- Production Practices, AL, $1,293,000’’ cifically within the budget, $1,298,740 will go ducts the Museum Assessment Program to Provide $1,293,000 to develop and assist in toward permanent personnel salaries, help museums identify challenges and develop adopting cropping systems that reduce pro- $360,760 for research expense, and $240,500 strategies to address them. The program also duction cost primarily by reducing the need for for equipment. This request is consistent with helps museums to ensure high standards in nitrogen fertilizer, pesticides, fuel, and equip- the intended and authorized purpose of the collections care, governance, institutional plan- ment. Federal funding would allow the pro- Agricultural Research Service, Salaries and ning and effective community engagement. gram to expand reniform nematode research Expense Account. Auburn University will meet Over 3500 museums have benefited from this throughout the state, develop more intense or exceed all statutory requirements for match- program. mature management research that includes ing funds where applicable.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2486 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 HONORING THE LIFE AND WORKS demonstrations of affection and support. At And we are comforted in the knowledge that OF SENATOR EDWARD M. KEN- the 1980 convention, we were outsiders, there he is with his family and his legions of friends NEDY against the wishes of an incumbent president and that he is at peace. May God grant this whose strategists controlled all the machinery peace to Vicki, his great love, his precious HON. ANNA G. ESHOO of convention-like hoopla. children and his entire family. OF CALIFORNIA So, for an hour, we clapped and cheered, As John Bunyan wrote in ‘‘Pilgrim’s IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES we cried and we chanted ‘‘Kennedy, Ken- Progress’’: Wednesday, October 7, 2009 nedy.’’ ‘‘When the day that he must go hence was In retrospect, we were enthralled not by the come, many accompanied him to the riverside, Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, ‘‘Be not end of a campaign but by the promise of fu- into which as he went, he said, ‘Death, where afraid of greatness: some are born great, ture fights and the certainty that our cause is thy sting?’ And as he went down deeper, he some achieve greatness, and some have would go forward, as would our work on be- said, ‘Grave, where is thy victory?’ So he greatness thrust upon ’em.’’—William Shake- half of the downtrodden and the disaffected. passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for speare, ‘‘The Twelfth Night.’’ He said in 1985, with yet another presi- him on the other side.’’ It is with a sense of proud sadness and dential election stirring, ‘‘The pursuit of the f deep gratitude that I am blessed to offer a few presidency is not my life. Public service is.’’ words about a man who was born to great- He loved to be of service and he reveled in BREAST CANCER AWARENESS ness, had it thrust upon him and achieved all that it meant, taking joy in those things that MONTH greatness—because, in the end, he was not would have seemed small and inconsequential afraid. to him—and spreading joy. HON. JOE BACA It is with an array of inexpressible emotions In 1986, while serving as a member of the OF CALIFORNIA that I am blessed to call him an inspiration, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mentor, and most valued friend. was elected to the position of chairman of the To be Ted Kennedy’s friend was to be Board. The title was nice, but it was anti- Wednesday, October 7, 2009 wrapped in a special embrace, a golden aura quated and was a vestige of an era when only Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise in sup- of generosity and thoughtfulness, compassion men served in office. I asked the county coun- port of recognizing the month of October as and comradeship. It simply felt good to be sel to take the necessary steps to change the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. around him. title to president of the Board. This special recognition started 25 years I believe the highest praise bestowed on It became a national news story that ap- ago to highlight and raise awareness of this anyone is that he made the people around peared in the Wall Street Journal, an article devastating disease. him better. This he did by calling all of us to that included the headline: ‘‘Eshoo to become Breast cancer is the most common type of the better angels of our nature. president.’’ cancer among women in the U.S. other than It is said that to whom much is given, much Teddy sent me a telegram that read: ‘‘I al- skin cancer. is expected. No one expected more of himself ways wanted to be president, but I’m glad you In 2009, it is estimated that in the United than did Ted Kennedy, and no one gave more got there first.’’ States there will be 192,370 new cases and of himself to others. No one bore greater burdens—some of 40,170 deaths from breast cancer. No one bore greater burdens—some of them self-inflicted. He faced them unflinchingly Sadly, just in my District in San Bernardino them the result of cataclysmic events that and with the hope that he would do better. In County, California the breast cancer incidence damaged not only our nation, but hurt him a scandal-besieged era, he was, again, an ex- was reported to be 116.6 cases per 100,000 deeply and in ways that would have paralyzed ample to us of how to live in the public eye females during the period of 2001 to 2005. any of us. with humility, with humanity and with yet an- This is why we need to continue all efforts He carried on, shouldering the future of a other kind of courage. to raise awareness, not just during October young and sprawling family and the continuing He said: ‘‘I recognize my own short- but throughout the year. hopes and dreams of our nation. comings—the faults in the conduct of my pri- In a speech in August of 1968, mere weeks As a husband, father, grandfather, and as a vate life. I realize that I alone am responsible son—the wonderful women in my life continue after the death of his brother Bobby, Teddy for them, and I am the one who must confront said: to be my driving force behind trying to make them. I believe that each of us as individuals a difference in this fight against breast cancer. ‘‘There is no safety in hiding. Like my broth- must not only struggle to make a better world, ers before me, I pick up a fallen standard. My efforts and passion date back to my but to make ourselves better, too.’’ public service in the California State Legisla- Sustained by the memory of our priceless When others would have scrambled for the ture. years together, I shall try to carry forward that safety of obscurity, he stood at the helm and Through the leadership of Senator DIANNE special commitment to justice, excellence and sailed the storms. courage that distinguished their lives.’’ He was flawed but in a way that makes his FEINSTEIN, I helped passed the reauthorization We met in 1978 in San Francisco when I virtues stand even taller, for in our midst was for the Breast Cancer Stamp, which to this was little more than a laborer in the vineyards a man who never thought of himself as a date has raised over $55 million dollars for re- of California Democratic politics. In 1979, I saint, but believed that the least among us de- search on breast cancer. joined his campaign for president and was ap- serve the greatest blessings this nation can These efforts coupled with the month long pointed to his state steering committee. bestow. activities of many organizations on behalf of I soon found myself involved in decisions He was generous. He was thoughtful. He Breast Cancer Awareness Month are nec- about who to seat at the 1980 Democratic was passionate. He was courageous beyond essary to ensure that all men and women Convention and in strategic discussions about measure. across America have the tools to overcome how we might win the nomination against a And so it is fitting that his last large moment breast cancer. sitting president. on the national stage should be filled with While we recognize October as Breast Can- In this way, he lifted the fortunes and the hope. This is how he lived his life. This is the cer Awareness Month, we must also keep in sights of so many, allowing us to find new gift he gave to us. mind that breast cancer is prevalent in our so- challenges, to seek out new responsibilities At his final Democratic convention, he ciety and any healthcare reform must address and to broaden our own understanding of harkened to his own past to paint an enduring this problem. what we could do, who we could be and how vision of a better tomorrow that is uniquely This is why passing healthcare reform that we could help him achieve an America of jus- Teddy: includes a ban on denying coverage based on tice, excellence and courage. ‘‘The work begins anew. The hope rises pre-existing conditions is extremely important. It was at the convention, of course, that he again. And the dream lives on.’’ Millions of Americans combating breast can- gave what is widely regarded as his greatest So, we are saddened at his passing and in cer must not be denied coverage based on single speech. The speech concluded with the knowledge we will never see his like again their condition at a time when these individ- those words that have continued to ring out and that we will never be warmed by the sun uals need coverage the most. through the decades: ‘‘The work goes on, the in quite the same way. We must ensure that access to adequate cause endures, the hope still lives, and the But we are filled with the promise he be- testing for breast cancer and patient education dream shall never die.’’ lieved and that he gave us, ready to do battle is readily available. Conventions have become pre-packaged in his name and to extract a measure of joy I congratulate all individuals and organiza- events with carefully staged ‘‘spontaneous’’ from life, as he would do. tions that will hold events this month, and urge

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2487 every American to do their part to observe votes 756, 757, 758, 759 and 760. Had I been petition Act of 2009, a bill that will help Breast Cancer Awareness Month. present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ or ‘‘aye’’ on achieve some of the goals that are essential f all. to health care reform: ensuring fair market f competition and increasing access to afford- 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE able drugs. BOROUGH OF SOMERVILLE IN RECOGNITION OF MARY’S PIZZA State-of-the-art drugs have undoubtedly im- SHACK proved and saved lives, and consumer de- HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN mand for these drugs has certainly posed an OF NEW JERSEY HON. MIKE THOMPSON economic burden on countless Americans. Al- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA though prescription drugs account for 10 per- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cent of total health care expenditures, it is one Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Thursday, October 8, 2009 of the fastest-growing segments within health Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I care spending. Consumers are not the only Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam rise today to congratulate the citizens of the ones who face the cost of prescription drugs. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Borough of Somerville, county of Somerset, The federal government is now the largest LYNN WOOLSEY, to recognize and honor New Jersey, as they celebrate the 100 year purchaser of drugs in the United States and Mary’s Pizza Shack, which has been selected anniversary of the incorporation of their mu- accounts for roughly two-fifths of the drug con- as the Business of the Year by the Sonoma nicipality. sumer market. Valley Chamber of Commerce. Although the Borough of Somerville was not Generic drugs cost between 80–85 percent Not only is Mary’s Pizza Shack being hon- incorporated until April 16, 1909, its roots lie less than brand name drugs and comprise 70 ored by the Chamber, but the restaurant chain much deeper in American history. The town of percent of all drug prescriptions that are filled is celebrating its 50th year anniversary as a Somerville was settled in 1683 by Dutch and in the United States today. Many have ac- English immigrants as part of Bridgewater mainstay in Sonoma Valley. Family matriarch, Mary Fazio, started the knowledged the role that generics have played Township. The town unwaveringly aided in the business in Boyes Hot Springs with a $700 in- in alleviating the burden of prescription drug fight for the independence of our Nation, in- vestment and pots and pans from her own costs on individual and government health cluding housing General George Washington kitchen. Her dream was to have a warm, fam- care spending. The Hatch-Waxman Act of from December 1778 to June 1779 while the ily-friendly place where people could enjoy 1984 established a pathway for generic drugs Continental Army was stationed at Camp Mid- hearty portions of her family’s favorite foods at to receive approval from the Food and Drug dlebrook. reasonable prices. It was clearly a recipe for Administration, FDA, and enter the consumer Until the 1840s, Somerville was a sparsely success. Today there are 18 ‘‘Shacks’’ in market. However, some generic and brand populated agricultural community. However, seven counties in Northern California and this name drug companies have exploited a flaw in with the completion of the rail line in the 1840s third generation-run family business is branch- this Act and have restricted access to and the development of water power in the ing out this year with a new fast/casual res- generics. 1850s, Somerville rapidly developed. From the Under the Hatch-Waxman Act, the first drug taurant concept to compliment to original abundant red clay from which Somerville was company that submits an application for prod- Mary’s Pizza Shacks. built, brick making became one of the earliest But Mary’s is much more than a successful uct approval to the FDA receives a 180-day industries. business model; it is an integral part of the period of exclusivity in which no other generic Today, Somerville is an essential hub in fabric of the community. company is allowed to enter the market. This central New Jersey, and the seat of county For generations, it is been the after-game application is also accompanied with a chal- government, the Somerset Board of Chosen destination for every sports team in the valley, lenge to the brand company’s drug patent. In Freeholders. Its bustling yet quaint Main Street young or old. Countless victories have been response, brand companies often pay generic boasts numerous boutique specialty shops celebrated there and losses have been made companies large sums of money to encourage and a large variety of dining options. The bor- a little more bearable with a pepperoni pizza them to postpone their entry into the market. Generic drug companies frequently comply ough also hosts many local recreational, cul- or two. tural, and historical activities, including the an- Since its inception, Mary’s has given back to because they can retain their 180-day period nual Tour of Somerville bike race, the oldest the community through its financial support of of exclusivity even if they agree to enter the bicycle race in the United States, and both the 50 community organizations each year, market years later than was first anticipated. home of the historic Wallace House and Old through its popular ‘‘Dine and Donate’’ nights, Additionally, generic manufactures that were Dutch Parsonage. Somerville has truly be- and its commitment to the valley’s youth. As not the first-to-file have no incentive to chal- come a premiere destination for visitors. an employer, Mary’s makes it a point to hire lenge the brand company’s patent and poten- The Borough of Somerville continues to people with disabilities. tially open the blocked markets because they grow and prosper. Currently, the borough is in Madam Speaker, local businesses in the would not be able to enter the market until the process of completing a large redevelop- small communities throughout our two Con- after the 180-day exclusivity period. ment project to include a new shopping cen- gressional districts are much more than em- Madam Speaker, the Drug Price Competi- ter, town homes, and many other amenities on ployers. They are the backbone of a support tion Act of 2009 is a House companion to a the grounds of the former borough landfill. The system for projects, non-profit organizations, bill that Senator BILL NELSON of Florida intro- project is centered around the Somerville train and our youth and civic events that would not duced earlier this year. The bill targets the station and envisioned as a transit village re- be successful without their involvement. Like root of the blocked drug market problem. It al- development. many of the businesses selected by the lows generic companies that win patent chal- Madam Speaker, for 100 years, Somerville Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce as its lenges to share the 180-day exclusivity period has been a center for local commerce, not Business of the Year, Mary’s Pizza Shack ex- with the generic companies that first submitted only the citizens of Somerville, but for all of emplifies this commitment. It is therefore ap- an application to the FDA. However, no sub- New Jersey. Somerville is truly a unique and propriate for us to honor Mary’s Pizza Shack, sequent challenger would be eligible to share special part of New Jersey, and I ask you, the Fazio family and all of their employees, in the exclusivity reward once the generic drug Madam Speaker, and my colleagues to con- both past and present, for 50 years of dedi- has been launched. If enacted, first-to-file generic manufactures gratulate all residents of Somerville on their cated service to the Sonoma Valley. special centennial celebration. would be less likely to accept a late entry date f f because this would mean that another generic INTRODUCING H.R. ll, DRUG manufacturer could win a patent challenge PERSONAL EXPLANATION PRICE COMPETITION ACT OF 2009 and share the 180-day exclusivity period. Madam Speaker, generic medications are HON. JOHN B. LARSON HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS critical to managing everything from heart dis- OF CONNECTICUT OF FLORIDA ease to battling life-threatening cancer. Sty- mied market competition and delayed access IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to generic medication pose serious health and Thursday, October 8, 2009 Thursday, October 8, 2009 economic costs to patients and taxpayers. The Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, Drug Price Competition Act of 2009 will effec- Speaker, on October 7, 2009 I missed rollcall I rise today to introduce the Drug Price Com- tively correct the systemic flaw in the Hatch-

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2488 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 Waxman Act that has blocked price competi- serve Readiness Command, Northeast, New- trict, as the Puerto Rico—Virgin Islands tion, and increase access to affordable life- port, RI. He also served as the Director of Lo- Friendship Celebration, to honor and com- saving medications. I urge my colleagues to gistics, Naval Air Facility, Washington, D.C. mend a mover and shaker in my community, support this important bill that takes a fair mar- from September 2007 to December 2007. who has served our community, in particular ket and cost-saving approach to improving our Commander Clements is currently the Deputy its youth in an exceptional manner for many health care system. Director of Training and Readiness (J–97), years. Celia Torres Garcia Maldonado, or f Joint Reserves Forces, Defense Logistics Cielo, as she is affectionately known, has for Agency (DLA), Fort Belvoir, VA, responsible the past thirty five years been the visionary HONORING COMMANDER ROBERT for the training and readiness of over 750 mili- ‘‘CLEM’’ CLEMENTS behind an organization that has provided tary reservists assigned throughout the DLA structure, creativity, and the opportunity to organization supporting worldwide military op- excel to young women and men on my home HON. ERIC J.J. MASSA erations. island, St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. OF NEW YORK His personal decorations include the De- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meri- In 1974, when her young daughter ex- pressed interest in becoming a majorette, Thursday, October 8, 2009 torious Service Medal (four awards), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Cielo, finding that there were not any viable Mr. MASSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today Marine Commendation medal (three awards), groups for her to join on St. Croix, took it upon to honor a friend and fellow Naval Officer, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement herself, with the help of like minded friends to CDR Robert S. Clements. Tomorrow, after his Medal (five awards). Commander Clements found the St. Croix Majorettes, an organization 25-year tenure with the United States Navy, was the recipient of the Naval Reserve Asso- which has stood the test of time in providing Commander Clements will commemorate his ciation’s 1994 Junior Officer of the Year a positive outlet for St. Croix’s youth to de- retirement with a ceremony aboard the Display Award. He is a life member of the Naval Re- velop their performing talent. Ship Barry in the Washington Navy Yard. serve Association, NRA, and also a member As the story is told, with the purchase of a He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve in of the National Naval Officers Association. On May 1984 and graduated from Recruit Basic baton and the help of her sister Mirta L. behalf of the United States Congress, it is my Mart´nez, it all began. The St. Croix Majorettes Training in October 1984. After receiving his honor to recognize Commander Clements and was organized in May 1974 with Celia T. commission in the Navy and graduating with a the essential contributions he has made to our Maldonado as director, and Mirta L. Martı´nez B.S. degree in Business Management in May great Nation. 1988, Commander Clements subsequently and Marı´a Cotto as co-directors. These ladies f graduated from Navy Supply Corps School, were assisted by the late Miguel Duchesne. Athens, GA, in December 1988. BREAST CANCER AWARENESS The local majorettes started with twenty girls In January 1989, Commander Clements re- MONTH practicing at the Canegata Ball Park. Within ported to USS Savannah (AOR–4) in Norfolk, two months, and with the help of the Doc VA, and served as the Disbursing Officer, HON. J. GRESHAM BARRETT James Radio Talk Show, parents were en- Sales Officer, and Food Service Officer. In OF SOUTH CAROLINA couraged to register their children and this led April 1992, he reported to Naval Air Station, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to an increase of 150 active participants. In Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans, LA, where 1975, the St. Croix Majorettes and Marching he served as Combined Bachelor Quarters Of- Thursday, October 8, 2009 Band were officially inducted into the Major- ficer, and Aviation Support Division Officer. Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam ettes and Band Federation of Puerto Rico. After receiving his M.S. degree in business Speaker, October marks Breast Cancer The organization grew and eventually, Cielo management from Troy State University in Au- Awareness Month. Right now there are over and the St. Croix Majorettes, was responsible gust 1994, he served as Supply Officer in 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in this na- for hosting the first Majorette festival on St. USS Elliot (DD–967) in San Diego, CA from tion. 1995 to May 1997. Croix. Seven groups came from Puerto Rico Jean Kling in Aiken, SC is one. Upon hear- and one from St. Thomas to participate in the Commander Clements was selected to ing of her diagnosis, Mrs. Kling tearfully and VIPR Friendship Day celebrations. serve as the Officer in Charge, Chairman’s bravely smiled at her husband and three Dining Room, Office of the Chairman, Joint grown children. Nothing had prepared any of Under the leadership of Cielo, the St. Croix Chiefs of Staff, Pentagon, Washington. DC, them for this news. But like every other chal- Majorettes have been invited and have partici- where he served on the Joint Staff from June lenge in her life, Mrs. Kling encouraged herself pated in numerous festivities on the U.S. 1997 to July 1999. A millennium graduate of in her faith in Jesus Christ and began the mainland and Caribbean islands representing the Marine Corps University, Command and process of getting well. St. Croix in a dignified and diligent manner. Staff College, he completed the 10–month She underwent a mastectomy. Lost all her After thirty three years, Celio T. Maldonado, Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) hair during six months of chemotherapy and director of the St. Croix Majorettes, has over Phase I curriculum and Military Operations saw signs of re-growth during six months of 300 members who are still performing when- other than War (MOOTW). radiation. After all her treatments, doctors said ever they are called upon to do so. They con- Commander Clements served as the Direc- she was cancer free and she remains that tinue to practice at their headquarters located tor of Operations, Fleet Hospital Support Of- way 10 years later. in Est. Peter’s Rest. All members and parents fice, Williamsburg, VA from August 2000 to Mrs. Kling is one of many women who have September 2003 and as Deputy Director of of the St. Croix Majorettes have become her survived the devastating diagnosis of breast most precious ‘‘extended family’’. Operations and Mobilization Officer, Navy Ex- cancer. During October, we remember our peditionary Logistics Support Force loved ones who have lost their lives to this Her utmost satisfaction, pride and joy is (NAVELSF), Williamsburg, VA from October disease and we thank all those in the medical when former members, who are now parents, 2002 to July 2004 where he mobilized the ini- profession, researchers and the American bring their children to enroll. As she travels tial NAVELSF capabilities in support of Oper- Cancer Society for all they do to make a dif- around and meets her ‘‘extended family’’, her ation Iraqi Freedom I. He then served as the ference. proud remark is always, ‘‘This is, or was one Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics/ f of my majorettes.’’ N4A, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Cielo’s reach has been far and wide. For in- Command, Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet, TRIBUTE TO CELIA TORRES stance, one of my staffers, Attorney Angeline Manama, Bahrain in support of Operation Iraqi GARCIA MALDONADO Muckle Jabbar, one of the original group of lit- Freedom II and additionally, he led the logis- tle girls who are now successful in their ca- tics crisis action planning in support of the Oc- HON. DONNA M. CHRISTENSEN reers, was molded by Cielo and the St. Croix tober 2005 Pakistan earthquake relief effort. OF VIRGIN ISLANDS Majorettes. From May 2006 to August 2007, Com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mander Clements served as the Director of Madam Speaker, today, I ask the Congress Logistics, Reserve Component Command, Re- Thursday, October 8, 2009 to join me in commending an outstanding Vir- gion Mid-Atlantic and was responsible for the Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Madam Speaker, I gin Islander and American of Hispanic Herit- integration of Navy Reserve Readiness Com- rise to join in the commemorations of Hispanic age who continues to serve her community mand Mid-Atlantic, Wash., D.C. and Navy Re- Heritage Month and as it is known in my dis- and its youth in an outstanding manner.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2489 CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 3183, ments of the Atomic Energy Act and NEPA in CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2997, ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOP- regards to the licensing process. Under these AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOP- MENT AND RELATED AGENCIES regulations, for example, the NRC is required MENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMIN- APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2010 to prepare an environmental impact statement ISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS SPEECH OF (EIS) as part of the COL application. Accord- ing to the NRC website, ‘‘the NRC staff esti- ACT, 2010 HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY mates that the environmental review process OF MASSACHUSETTS will take approximately 24 months. This in- SPEECH OF IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cludes scoping, issuance of the draft EIS, a HON. CANDICE S. MILLER Thursday, October 8, 2009 comment period, and issuance of the final OF MICHIGAN Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to ad- EIS.’’ dress briefly the language of Section 401 of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES While it is true that the necessary reviews the conference report, which requires the Nu- Wednesday, October 7, 2009 clear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to pro- take time, the NRC’s licensing regulations vide a report on barriers to the issuance of a were enacted to protect the public from poorly Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I combined construction and operating licenses sited locations, untested reactor designs, and rise today in strong support of the Conference (COLs). other factors that could lead to environmental Report for H.R. 2997, the Agriculture Appro- As the Chairman of the Energy and Environ- damage, unsafe construction, or even cata- priations Act of 2010. ment Subcommittee of the House Energy and strophic nuclear emergencies. I support an ef- My district is home to some of the most fer- Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction ficient and effective NRC licensing process as tile farm land in our great nation, as well as over the NRC, I want to ensure that the Com- long as it does not come at the expense of the some of the hardest working farmers. mission, in responding to Section 401, re- safeguards codified in existing law. While so many people identify Michigan with mains cognizant of its responsibilities to com- manufacturing, it can be easy to forget that In point of fact, it does not appear that the ply with the substantive and procedural re- agriculture is Michigan’s second leading indus- quirements of the Atomic Energy Act, the Na- licensing process itself is to blame for any try, and the bright spot in a struggling Michi- tional Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and delays in new reactor approval. In 2007 the gan economy. NRC regulations in the issuing of COLs to NRC established the Office of New Reactors As you drive through my district, you will new nuclear power plants. These laws cannot (NRO), separate from the Office of Nuclear see fields full of dry beans, sugar beets, corn, be overridden or even challenged by a report- Reactor Regulation, so that the NRO can wheat, soybeans, various vegetables, and ing requirement appended to an annual appro- focus solely on the review of new reactors. In- other crops needed to feed our nation and the priations bill. deed, NRC Chairman, Dr. Gregory Jaczko, The NRC should, of course, review COL ap- rest of the world. You will also see thriving plications in an efficient fashion, without undue has repeatedly stated that the licensing delays cattle and pork industries. or unwarranted delays. However, speed of ac- are ‘‘almost exclusively tied to challenges with This bill is important because it provides tion is not the only policy interest that the Con- the [reactor] designs not being complete,’’ re- much needed funding for the Farm Services gress has with respect to licensing. Public sulting in license applications that reference Agency which administers disaster and loan confidence in the fairness and integrity of the uncertified design plans. This bottleneck has programs, farm commodities and conservation licensing process requires the Commission to far more to do with the iterative design ap- programs directed towards producers. ensure that licensees comply with the sub- proval process, than with potential internal The bill also goes a long way in providing stantive safety requirements of the law and of NRC barriers such as inefficient administration money for continued agriculture research NRC regulations. The Commission must there- or inadequate funding. Certainly all must which is so important in increasing harvest fore assure that it does not sacrifice crucial agree that it is impossible for the NRC to ap- yields and furthering education for our pro- safety evaluations, public input or adequate prove a license application for which there is ducers. Agriculture research is vitally important environmental review as part of any effort to not yet an approved design! to ensure that America remains the greatest streamline or accelerate its regulatory func- food producer in the world. tions. Finally, I would note that while Section 401 Finally, this legislation will provide nec- Under Section 185 of the Atomic Energy mandates report submission to the committees essary money for our nation’s struggling dairy Act, the NRC is directed, after holding a public on Appropriations, the House Energy and farmers. In these tough economic times, dairy hearing, to ‘‘issue to the applicant a combined Commerce Committee, which is the NRC’s au- producers have been struggling with a steep construction and operating license if the appli- thorizing committee, also expects to receive drop in price for their product. My district is cation contains sufficient information to sup- copies of any reports submitted pursuant to home to a large dairy industry, and it is of vital port the issuance of a combined license and this Section. importance that we do all that we can to help the Commission determines that there is rea- these producers out. sonable assurance that the facility will be con- I look forward to seeing the Commission’s While there are certainly challenges with structed and will operate in conformity with the report on this matter, and I urge the Commis- this bill, it is vital that we move this important license, the provisions of this Act, and the sion to pay careful heed to the current laws funding bill forward. The funding provided by Commission’s rules and regulations.’’ and regulations under which the NRC oper- this bill will serve as strong support for an in- The Act further stipulates that in conducting ates, so that we ensure that the nuclear reac- dustry that is crucial for our national economy. its licensing activities, ‘‘The Commission shall tor application process works properly. identify within the combined license the in- I strongly urge my colleagues to vote in spections, tests, and analyses, including those f favor of this important legislation. applicable to emergency planning, that the li- censee shall perform, and the acceptance cri- PERSONAL EXPLANATION f teria that, if met, are necessary and sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that the facil- PERSONAL EXPLANATION ity has been constructed and will be operated HON. JIM GERLACH in conformity with the license, the provisions of HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN this Act, and the Commission’s rules and reg- OF PENNSYLVANIA OF FLORIDA ulations.’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Moreover, the Act mandates that: ‘‘Following IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES issuance of the combined license, the Com- Thursday, October 8, 2009 Thursday, October 8, 2009 mission shall ensure that the prescribed in- spections, tests, and analyses are performed Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, unfortu- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, on and, prior to operation of the facility, shall find nately, on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, I missed rollcall no. 754, a motion to instruct Conferees that the prescribed acceptance criteria are three recorded votes on the House floor. Had on H.R. 2647, the Department of Defense Au- met.’’ I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on thorization, FY2010. In addition, NRC regulations 10 CFR Part rollcall 753, ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall 754, and ‘‘yea’’ Had I been present, I would have voted 51 and 10 CFR Part 52 implement the require- on rollcall 755. ‘‘nay.’’

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2490 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 HONORING THE SERVICE AND entire region especially our longtime partner brate Italian-American culture while inspiring DEDICATION OF MARK W. LIBELL Pakistan. new generations of civic involvement and gen- We need to heed the advice of our com- erosity, fitting tributes to Mr. Stella’s continued HON. BART GORDON manders on the ground who are requesting work. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join OF TENNESSEE more reinforcements and more resources. We me in thanking Frank Stella for his lifetime of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES need to implement a strategy that will capture or kill those responsible for terrorist acts as service and dedication. I wish Mr. Stella a joy- Thursday, October 8, 2009 well as destroy their financial and logistical ous 90th year full of health and happiness. Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam networks. We must ensure they will not find a f Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and safe haven anywhere from which to plot. I join RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVER- dedication of Mark William Libell, a member of with Republican Whip ERIC CANTOR to urge SARY OF THE SUNSHINE SLOP- my staff who is leaving my office to pursue the Democrats and Republicans to uphold Presi- ERS SKI CLUB next phase in his career. dent Barack Obama’s campaign pledge to pro- Mark grew up in Alabama and received his tect American families by defeating terrorists bachelor’s degree in History from Maryville in Afghanistan. HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK OF FLORIDA College in East Tennessee. After getting his f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES start on the Senate side of the Hill, Mark re- turned to school to pursue a J.D. at the Uni- TRIBUTE TO MR. FRANK STELLA Thursday, October 8, 2009 versity of Alabama, which he completed in 2 Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise years. HON. SANDER M. LEVIN to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the Sun- Mark was drawn to the pace and promise of OF MICHIGAN shine Slopers Ski Club, the first African-Amer- Washington at a young age. With a love of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ican ski club in the state of Florida. American history, Mark grew up reading the Thursday, October 8, 2009 Skiing, a sport that is an exhilarating activity stories of our Nation’s leaders. In fact, I think that allows individuals and families to enjoy a he has the record in my office for the number Mr. LEVIN. Madam Speaker, it is with joy natural environment and participate in physical of books he requested from the Library of that I rise today in tribute to Mr. Frank Stella, activity, may seem uncommon for residents in Congress. His commitment to public service is an icon of Metropolitan Detroit, who will cele- the State of Florida. Yet, the Sunshine Slopers evident in his work and has earned the re- brate his 90th birthday on October 30, 2009. Ski Club prospered throughout the last 20 spect of his colleagues. A successful entrepreneur and eternal phi- years into a popular and successful club that As the Senior Legislative Assistant in my of- lanthropist, Mr. Stella embodies the American positively impacts African-American commu- fice, Mark was a valuable resource to me and Dream. The son of Italian immigrants, he nities through programs that provide opportu- my staff. His broad knowledge of policy, his bravely served in the U.S. Army Air Forces nities for adults and youth to participate in rec- appreciation for the rules of the House, and during the Second World War and founded the reational and competitive skiing. his enthusiasm for the job helped me to ad- F.D. Stella Products Company, a food service On June 28, 1989, the first organizational vance my legislative priorities and better serve distributor, in 1946. His company is today a meeting of the Sunshine Slopers, Inc. was my constituents. preeminent national supplier and designer of held at the North Dade Regional Library in While Mark’s work-related contributions restaurant equipment. Miami Gardens, Florida. Subsequent meetings were held at the same location while the have been greatly valued, his sheer presence Over the past six decades, Mr. Stella has group developed a club logo, selected club in the office will be sorely missed. Mark was not just built a business in Detroit: he has built colors, and elected officers. By September 5, always one of the first in the office to grab a legacy in service to the community. His in- 1989, the club was established with 36 charter lunch, usually around 11:30 a.m. His choice of volvement spans prominent educational and medical institutions, civic and business organi- members and was accepted as a develop- food was always a topic of discussion in the mental club of the Eastern Region of the NBS. office as the aroma filled the air, whether fish zations, and charitable and political causes. He has served as a Board Member to the Uni- The Sunshine Slopers, Inc. was incorporated from the cafeteria or Chinese food. on October 2, 1989, thereby becoming the first Madam Speaker, there is no question that versity of Detroit—Mercy for more than two decades, in addition to the Board of Directors African-American ski club in the State of Flor- Mark’s character of thoughtfulness, dry humor, ida. Soon thereafter, the officers began to get and fun spirit is strong and will be missed by for the Detroit Medical Center, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Club of the club active through involvement in ski-bet- all. ter workshops and attending eastern regional Mark, I thank you for your service and wish Detroit, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall, and the National Italian American Foundation board meetings. you the best of luck in the future and in your The groups first trips were: Beech Mountain, of Washington, D.C., among many, many oth- new position. North Carolina; Snowshoe, West Virginia; ers. The impact of his philanthropy was recog- f Lake Tahoe, Nevada, Mini-Summit, and nized by five of our country’s presidents and Smugglers Notch, Vermont, Winterfest. On DEEPEST SYMPATHIES FOR INDIA three of our state’s governors. March 22, 1990, during the American Chal- AND AFGHANISTAN Frank Stella has received many awards, lenge Cup Mini-Summit at Heavenly Ski Re- though none can fully capture his contributions sort in Lake Tahoe, the Sunshine Slopers, Inc. HON. JOE WILSON to the public and private arenas. His catalogue was officially accepted into the National Broth- OF SOUTH CAROLINA of honors only begins to highlight the gratitude erhood of Skiers by the national president IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of those he has served: Mr. Stella was award- Paul Ray, national membership director Naomi ed the decoration of ‘Grande Ufficiale,’ the Thursday, October 8, 2009 Bryson and eastern region vice president Government of Italy’s highest honor; named Jeanie Polk. Sunshine Slopers, Inc. was rec- Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam ‘Michigander of the Year’ by the Detroit News ognized by Polk as the fastest growing club in Speaker, I wish to express my deepest sym- and ‘Executive of the Year’ by the Detroit Ex- the country. At the end of its first year, mem- pathies for the people of India and Afghani- ecutive Association; received the George bership was approximately 140 which included stan after a cowardly homicide bomb attack Romney Award for Lifetime Achievement in singles, married couples and children. Cur- outside the Indian Embassy in Kabul this Volunteerism, the Urban League Warrior rently, there are about 200 members of the morning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Award, and the Bnai Brith Award, to name just club. the families who have lost loved ones. As the a very few; and was granted three honorary The Sunshine Slopers strongly supports the former co-chair of the Congressional Caucus doctorates. NBS’ key focus of finding and developing on India and Indian Americans and current co- As he turns 90, and is joined by his family, Olympic caliber skiers. Their focus is one of a chair of the Afghanistan Caucus, I am person- friends, and colleagues in celebration, Mr. kind, and fosters assertiveness, self-actualiza- ally concerned. Stella is unsurprisingly choosing to honor this tion, and self-determination. Additionally, they These bloodthirsty attacks are a clear sign landmark occasion with a fundraiser for four of aim to develop leaders that are a benefit to that we face a determined enemy. But our his favorite charities—the National Italian various communities. The NBS provides fund- fight in Afghanistan not just against terrorist American Foundation Scholarship Fund, Or- ing to its youth programs in support of young elements like Al Qaeda who murdered Ameri- ders of the Sons of Italy in America, Italian athletes who otherwise would not have the op- cans on September 11. We face a larger Language Inter-cultural Alliance, and Boys portunity or financial resources to ski competi- threat to the people and to the stability of the Town of Italy. These charities proudly cele- tively or recreationally.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2491 Madam Speaker, please join me in applaud- short period of time. Labor market experts Ceremony for today, Friday, October 9, 2009 ing Sunshine Slopers Ski Club as it celebrates believe that in the future there will be a in the St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Chapel. Chief 20 years of synonymous and exceptional ex- strong supply of jobs for people who have William ‘‘Dub’’ Warrior will be the keynote two-year degrees or occupational certifi- perience to the sport of skiing—which in turn cates. In fact, these so-called ‘‘middle-skill’’ speaker for this event. He is the descendant offers unique opportunities to allow all Florid- jobs—nurses, hotel managers, paralegals, of Tony Warrior, who collaborated with and ians and Americans a chance to be together etc.—make up about 50 percent of the labor assisted John Horse, leader of the Seminole- outside and enjoy the season. I appreciate this market in New Jersey and pay above-average Negro Indians, in the movement of their tribe opportunity to congratulate Sunshine Slopers salaries. A licensed practical nurse, for ex- from Indian Territory to slavery-prohibited Ski Club before the United States House of ample, earned a median salary of $46,800 in Mexico. Chief Warrior’s grandfather, Carolina Representatives. 2006, well above the $35,838 median salary for Warrior, and great grandfather, Bill Warrior, all occupations in New Jersey that year. f were members of the revered U.S. Army FLEXIBILITY scouts. OBAMA, THE ECONOMY AND To have a lasting impact on the economy, f COMMUNITY COLLEGES it will be important to prepare students for jobs in industries that are growing and have TESTIMONIAL RECOGNIZING MS. HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN a future. A hallmark of county colleges has LUCY BECKHAM AS THE 2010 NA- been their ability and willingness to add TIONAL SECONDARY PRINCIPAL OF NEW JERSEY courses of study that are in demand by the OF THE YEAR IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES communities they serve. This year, Bergen Thursday, October 8, 2009 Community College added nine more degree programs in subjects such as non-profit man- HON. HENRY E. BROWN, JR. Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Madam agement, homeland security, fire science and OF SOUTH CAROLINA Speaker, I would like to submit the following sports management. When you add them to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES article entitled ‘‘Obama, the Economy and the existing curricula, Bergen students have Thursday, October 08, 2009 Community Colleges.’’ This article was printed 140 programs of study to choose from, each in the Bergen Record on September 15, 2009: leading to a rewarding career. Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Madam Obama’s speech was a beginning, a recogni- Speaker, I am pleased to extend my congratu- [From the Bergen Record, Sept. 15, 2009] tion that the path to improving employment lations to Ms. Lucy Beckham of Wando High OBAMA, THE ECONOMY AND COMMUNITY must include community colleges. Many de- School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina on COLLEGES tails need to be worked out, but we have the her selection as the 2010 National Secondary know-how and experience to help people get (By G. Jeremiah Ryan) Principal of the Year. If most experts are to be believed, the re- back to work. G. Jeremiah Ryan is president of Bergen This distinction, presented by MetLife and cession has bottomed out and we are about the National Association of Secondary School to begin the process of rebuilding our econ- Community College in Paramus. Principals, is a most deserving recognition of omy. While this is good news, it is hardly f comforting to the thousands of New her leadership and dedication to the students Jerseyans who are out of work or under- HONORING CHIEF WILLIAM ‘‘DUB’’ entrusted to her. employed. WARRIOR OF BRACKETTVILLE, The National Principal of the Year program That’s because although business activity TEXAS began in 1993 and was established to honor is starting to pick up, job creation isn’t. In those education administrators that have set fact, the same experts who are predicting the the highest example for their peers. start of an economic rebound readily admit HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ Ms. Beckham’s contributions and sense-of- that the labor market will continue to dete- OF TEXAS purpose extend beyond the campus of Wando riorate well into next year, and they expect IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the unemployment rate to hit double digits. to so many areas including her church and nu- The question, then, is: What can we do to Thursday, October 8, 2009 merous community activities. prevent further erosion in the job market Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I am I am certain that all of the faculty and staff and jump-start employment? President honored to rise today to recognize Chief Wil- at Wando are proud to have her at the helm, Obama answered that question back in July liam ‘‘Dub’’ Warrior of Brackettville, Texas, a and as the grandparent of a Wando student, when, in a major public policy address, he Historian and Seminole-Negro Indian descend- speaking for all the families of the greater unveiled a plan to spend $12 billion over the Charleston area, we congratulate her for being next 10 years to help the nation’s community ent of the John Horse Band, and commemo- rate the distinguished service and loyalty of No. 1 at Wando and for now being No.1 in the colleges train people for the jobs that will be Nation. needed in tomorrow’s economy. the Seminole-Negro Indian Scouts to the f PARTNERSHIP United States Army. By looking to community colleges for help, Following the Civil War, the Army was INTRODUCTION OF THE ‘‘WATER the president is harnessing a job-training in- called into west Texas to defend settlements TRANSFER FACILITATION ACT frastructure that already exists. No need to and travelers against retaliation raids from dis- OF 2009’’ reinvent the wheel. Two-year colleges have placed Apache and Comanche Indians. How- been preparing students for employment for ever, they lacked the ability to track down and HON. JIM COSTA as long as they have existed. More recently, stop them. The Army needed experienced In- OF CALIFORNIA they have taken the lead in partnering with dian fighters who knew the rugged terrain and government agencies to provide customized IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES were as skilled as their opponents at surviving job training for businesses in their commu- Thursday, October 8, 2009 nities. and fighting in the desert borderlands. Thus, in Bergen Community College and the Bergen 1870 the fearless Seminole-Negro Indians Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, yesterday County Workforce Improvement Board came were recruited from Mexico as U.S. Army with Congressman CARDOZA I introduced the together this summer to help supermarket scouts. They were highly regarded and ‘‘Water Transfer Facilitation Act of 2009.’’ retailer Whole Foods train 300 of its employ- praised by their commanders for being excel- Given the overwhelming water user support ees at stores in Paramus and Edgewater. The lent trackers, hunters and marksmen, and ex- we received for this bill, I am submitting addi- board helped arrange a $1 million training perts at hand-to-hand combat. During twenty- grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, tional letters in connection with this bill. while the college developed training budgets six expeditions they engaged in twelve battles SAN JOAQUIN RIVER and schedules, and located instructors for without losing a single scout, and their bravery WATER AUTHORITY, computer courses, as well as for classes in earned four scouts the Congressional Medal San Joaquin Valley, CA, October 5, 2009. customer service and basic supervision. of Honor. Re Support for Transfer Legislation for the Obama is not the only one to recognize the Therefore Madam Speaker it is my great Central Valley Project. value of community colleges. The public has, pleasure to rise and announce in honor of Hon. JIM COSTA, too. This fall, many two-year colleges saw these esteemed persons that the greater Longworth House Office Building, Washington, sharp increases in enrollment. As of the first Washington, DC chapter of the 9th and 10th DC. day of classes, Bergen Community College DEAR CONGRESSMAN COSTA: On behalf of had enrolled 16,769 students, a 17 percent in- Horse Calvary Association, in partnership with the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors crease over last year. the Army Freedom Team Salute and St. Eliza- Water Authority (Exchange Contractors), we Two-year colleges are also preparing stu- beth’s Hospital of Washington, DC, has thank you for introducing transfer legisla- dents to join the workforce in a relatively planned a Seminole-Negro Indian Recognition tion for the Central Valley Project (CVP)

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2492 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 and we support your efforts and this legisla- are a critical tool for providing water sup- EARMARK DECLARATION tion as a means of providing greater flexi- plies for areas that are faced with chronic bility for management of CVP water sup- water supply shortages. However, the ap- plies. proval process for many transfers often dis- HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO The diminished water deliveries to the tract from their usefulness. Your legislation OF NEW JERSEY CVP as a result of various regulatory restric- will bring important reform to existing IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tions, including the most recent delta smelt transfer authorization thus increasing the Thursday, October 8, 2009 and salmon Biological Opinions and three efficacy of this essential water management years of below average precipitation state- tool. Mr. LOBIONDO. Madam Speaker, as per wide, have, as you know, created a desperate As you are keenly aware, the chronic the requirements of the Republican Con- situation in the San Joaquin Valley. water supply shortages impacting the area of ference Rules on earmarks, I secured the fol- While long-term solutions are being the San Joaquin Valley served by the Cen- lowing earmarks in the Conference Report to sought, numerous short term efforts are tral Valley Project demands that water users accompany H.R. 2467. in the affected area rely on water transfers. needed to help bridge the water supply gap Requesting Member: Congressman FRANK and great flexibility, as provided in your leg- Moreover, the need to transfer water is often LOBIONDO (NJ–02) islation, to move water supplies within the urgent and in response to climactic condi- San Joaquin Valley would be a useful tool. tions that are frequently sporadic and Bill Number: H.R. 2467 (Conference Report) The Exchange Contractors consist of four ephemeral. Regrettably, bureaucratic proc- Account: Army—Research, Development, member agencies serving over 240,000 acres in ess can unnecessarily thwart successful exe- Test, and Evaluation the San Joaquin Valley in Fresno, Madera, cution of a transfer. The clarity your legisla- Legal Name of Requesting Entity: (1) Drexel Merced, and Stanislaus Counties. tion brings to existing authorizations will University; (2) Waterfront Technology Center We look forward to engaging in this effort only improve the capability of water man- Address of Requesting Entity: (1) 3141 and working closely with you and your staff agers throughout the State to effectively re- Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (2) in advancing this legislation and addressing spond to the ongoing crisis and put our scant 200 Federal Street, Suite 300, Camden, NJ California water issues. water resources to use even more efficiently. The westside of the San Joaquin Valley is 08103 Sincerely, Description of Request: Provide an earmark STEVE CHEDESTER, inarguably the most transfer dependent re- Executive Director. gion of the State. Your efforts to address of $3.8 million for Applied Communications this important matter are greatly appre- and Information Networking (ACIN). ACIN en- SAN LUIS WATER DISTRICT, ciated. If there is anything I can do to be of ables the warfighter to rapidly deploy state-of- Los Banos, CA, October 5, 2009. help in connection with your efforts, please the-practice communications and networking Re Water Transfer Facilitation Act of 2009. let me know. technology for warfighting and National Secu- Very truly yours, Hon. DIANNE FEINSTEIN, rity. This funding will build on funding from THOMAS W. BIRMINGHAM, U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, General Manger/General Counsel. previous years to fully develop this technology. Washington, DC. Requesting Member: Congressman FRANK f Hon. BARBARA BOXER, LOBIONDO (NJ–02) U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, IN RECOGNITION OF THE OPENING Bill Number: H.R. 2467 (Conference Report) Washington, DC. OF THE CLOVERDALE HISTORY Account: Air Force—Research, Develop- Hon. DENNIS CARDOZA, CENTER ment, Test, and Evaluation House Representatives, Longworth Building, Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Accenture Washington, DC. Address of Requesting Entity: 200 Federal Hon. JIM COSTA, HON. MIKE THOMPSON Street, Suite 300, Camden, NJ 08103 House of Representatives, Longworth House Of- OF CALIFORNIA Description of Request: Provide an earmark fice Building, Washington, DC. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DEAR SENATOR FEINSTEIN, SENATOR BOXER, of $4.0 million for Distributed Mission Inter- MR. CARDOZA, and MR. COSTA: I am writing Thursday, October 8, 2009 operability Toolkit (DMIT). DMIT is a suite of on behalf of the San Luis Water District and Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam tools that enables an enterprise architecture its Board of Directors. We strongly support Speaker, I rise today to recognize the for on-demand, trusted, interoperability among the Water Transfer Facilitation Act of 2009. Cloverdale Historical Society as it dedicates and between mission-oriented C4I systems. Given the regulatory impacts of recent Bio- logic Opinions, the survival of our commer- and opens the new Cloverdale History Center. This spending will build on funding from pre- cial, residential and agricultural water users The new 4,000 square foot, temperature vious years to allow DMIT to be extended to is increasingly dependent on supplemental controlled History Center will house and pre- Joint and coalition requirements, and address water transfers. Your legislation will bring serve a wide variety of artifacts and docu- current weaknesses in Air Force management important reform to existing transfer au- ments and provide accommodations for histor- years ahead of current schedules. Adoption by thorization and this essential water manage- ical, genealogical and cultural research. It will major programs and commercial entities would ment tool. be the centerpiece of a cultural renaissance in lead to savings in the $100 millions on current Coping with chronic water supply short- what has become Sonoma County’s fastest and future DOD programs. ages impacting the Central Valley Project growing city. Requesting Member: Congressman FRANK requires implementation of best manage- ment practices including water transfers. The Society is staffed 100 percent by volun- LOBIONDO (NJ–02) The need to transfer water is often urgent. teers who take great pride in the area’s herit- Bill Number: H.R. 2467 (Conference Report) Regrettably, bureaucratic process can unnec- age and its diversity. It was founded in 1968 Account: Navy—Research, Development, essarily thwart successful execution of a by local residents dedicated to preserving the Test, and Evaluation transfer. Your legislation will improve the local history of this vibrant community. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Absecon capability of water managers throughout the One of its more unique projects is its on- Mills Inc. State to effectively and efficiently respond going work to completely restore Cloverdale’s Address of Requesting Entity: Vienna and to the ongoing crisis. oldest residential structure. The Gould-Shaw Aloe Avenues, PO Box 672, Cologne, NJ Your continuing efforts to address these house and its gardens face the town’s main 08213 important matters are critical and deeply Description of Request: Provide an earmark appreciated. boulevard and lend a 19th century charm Sincerely, through its Gothic Revival architectural style. of $2.5 million for Force Protection—Non-Tra- MARTIN R. MCINTYRE, The Historical Society has also hosted the ditional Weaving Application for Aramid (Bal- General Manager. annual ‘‘Old Time Fiddle Festival’’ for the past listic) Fibers and Fabrics. By reevaluating 35 years. The event helps preserve the his- standard Industry design and manufacturing WESTLANDS WATER DISTRICT, toric fiddling culture and has fostered appre- techniques for force protection technology, we Fresno, CA, October 6, 2009. ciation for this distinctively American music believe Non-Traditional weave designs of Re Water Transfer Facilitation Act of 2009. among the thousands of visitors who have Aramid (ballistic) fiber coupled with new appli- Hon. DIANNE FEINSTEIN, participated in this event throughout the years. cations of microwave plasma treatments can U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, Madam Speaker, the City of Cloverdale is enhance the strength of the fiber and result in Washington, DC. rightfully proud of the Historical Society and its enhanced individual mobility, ease of medical DEAR SENATOR FEINSTEIN: I am writing on behalf of Westlands Water District to express new History Center. It is therefore appropriate access, reduced weight, increased ballistic its support for your bill, the Water Transfer that we acknowledge and honor the protection, cost effective savings and weight Facilitation Act of 2009, authorizing certain Cloverdale Historical Society and the count- reduction of ballistic materials currently used. transfers of water in the Central Valley less volunteers who have made this dream a Requesting Member: Congressman FRANK Project and other purposes. Water transfers reality. LOBIONDO (NJ–02)

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2493 Bill Number: H.R. 2467 (Conference Report) grow up to become President of the United 93rd Intelligence Squadron at Lackland AFB in Account: Air Force—Advance Procurement States.’’ San Antonio, Texas. The 93rd is the largest Legal Name of Requesting Entity: L–3 Com- I congratulate Dennis Rahiim Watson on his intelligence squadron in the Air Force with munications Systems latest achievement of becoming the new over 800 personnel. Address of Requesting Entity: 1 Federal Chairman of the National Youth and Gang Vi- Following that successful command, the Air Street, Camden, NJ 08103 olence Taskforce and President and CEO of Force sent Colonel Sievers back to school at Description of Request: Provide an earmark the Center for Black Student Achievement. the National Defense University, here in of $3.75 million for Senior Scout COMINT Your commitment to the value of educating Washington, DC. During times of war the best (Communications Intelligence) Capability Up- our youngsters and listening to their concerns and brightest are needed to lead our young grade. As part of the Senior Scout ongoing is irrefutable. men and women and the Air Force turned to mission, there is an immediate need to add So, Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my Colonel Sievers to serve as the forward Direc- improved COMINT capability to detect and distinguished colleagues join me in recog- tor of Intelligence for the entire Air Force com- characterize new, modern, low-power radio nizing my good friend Dennis Rahiim Watson. ponent under Central Command. Deployed signals at extended standoff ranges in the His success is a testament to his historic and forward to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Colonel presence of interference. The current systems tireless commitment to bringing African-Amer- Sievers directed the efforts of all intelligence are not able to detect these specific signal ican youth the vision, the hope, and the dream personnel supporting combat operations in sets, which limits intelligence collection capa- that an African-American could become Presi- both Iraq and Afghanistan. bilities. dent in our lifetime before anyone ever knew Returning to the U.S., Colonel Sievers uti- f it was remotely possible. lized her war experience to help guide the De- f partment of Defense intelligence, surveillance RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBU- and reconnaissance enterprise as the Collec- TIONS OF DENNIS RAHIIM WAT- HONORING COLONEL KIMBERLY B. tion Requirements Division Chief at the Joint SON AND HIS ONE-MAN SHOW, SIEVERS Functional Component Command for Intel- ‘‘FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT OF ligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. THE UNITED STATES’’ HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ This would be her final assignment as both OF PENNSYLVANIA she and her husband have chosen to retire HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES from active duty. OF NEW YORK Thursday, October 8, 2009 I am proud to represent Colonel Sievers in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the U.S. Congress. She has forged many new Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise Thursday, October 8, 2009 paths within both the intelligence career field today to honor Kimberly B. Sievers, Colonel, and the Air Force, and has led thousands of Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, as we cele- United States Air Force on her retirement from men and women in both peace and war. Our brated the election of President Barack active duty service on October 1, 2009, after nation is safer because of her dedication. Obama as the first African-American President serving for 27 years in uniform in defense of Colonel Sievers is a unique leader, inspiring of the United States, I rise to pay tribute to our country. those around her to perform at the very high- motivational speaker Dennis Rahiim Watson In 1982, Colonel Sievers reported to the est levels in pursuit of mission accomplish- on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of his U.S. Air Force Academy. She graduated in ment, yet at the same time possessing the critically acclaimed one-man show, ‘‘The First 1986 and began training as an intelligence of- compassion to ensure that those in her Black President of the United States,’’ which ficer at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver, Col- charge—and their families—are cared for made its debut in the Art Gallery of the Adam orado. She spent the next several years di- properly. Madam Speaker, I ask that my col- Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building in my rectly supporting flying operations, providing leagues join me in recognizing and thanking beloved village of Harlem, New York. intelligence and training to pilots at the fighter Colonel Sievers for her exemplary service, Since 1982, Dennis Rahiim Watson, a Ber- squadron level—including the 80th Tactical leadership, dedication, and sacrifice to our na- muda born and Harlem raised former actor co- Fighter Squadron in Kunsan Air Base, Repub- tion. median, has made a major contribution for lic of South Korea, and the 50th Tactical Fight- f over a quarter of a century to black and white er Wing in Hahn Air Base, Germany. youths of America. Throughout his life, he has Colonel Sievers continued to develop her INTRODUCTION OF THE RECIP- inspired, motivated and challenged over 5 mil- analytical and leadership skills at Ramstein Air ROCAL MARKET ACCESS ACT OF lion youth and adults alike with his one-man Base in Germany at both the 7450th Tactical 2009 show, ‘‘The First Black President of the United Intelligence Squadron and the European Com- States.’’ Dennis has thrilled audiences at high mand staff, ending her time at Ramstein as HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER schools, colleges, and universities among the Team Leader for Intelligence Force Man- OF NEW YORK them Harvard, Notre Dame, Howard, Univer- agement. She returned to Korea for a second IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sity of Georgia, Tufts, NYU, CCNY, Malcolm- tour at the operation level, leading the Intel- King College, Illinois State University and Uni- ligence Plans and Manpower section at 7th Air Thursday, October 8, 2009 versity of Pittsburg. Force and then the Analyst Element at the Ms. SLAUGHTER. Madam Speaker, I rise Former President William Jefferson Clinton 607th Air Intelligence Squadron. From there, today to introduce the Reciprocal Market Ac- in a letter to Dennis stated that, ‘‘for over a Colonel Sievers moved to the Pacific Air Force cess Act. In the wake of the biggest economic quarter of a century you have used your role staff in Hawaii where she directed the liaison crisis since the Great Depression, our country as the First Black President of the United efforts between the staff and intelligence ele- faces a difficult road towards recovery. As part States to give disadvantaged youth an insight ments of all the Air Force squadrons in the of this effort, it is critical that we ensure that into the future and its possibilities, and by your Pacific. our trade policy is working as it should: to own example you have helped to provide Colonel Sievers was then selected to serve generate new opportunities for our busi- countless young people with the tools and en- in the first of what would be many future lead- nesses, strengthen American manufacturing couragement they need to reach their god- ership positions, as the Director of Operations capabilities, and reduce the unemployment given potential. Your life’s work has been a for the Pacific Intelligence Squadron. She rate that has risen to the highest level in dec- true investment in the future of our Nation.’’ spent a year in residence at the Air Command ades. More recently, President Barack Obama in a and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base American manufacturers of products ranging letter praised Watson for his role as the First in Montgomery, Alabama. From there, she from optical fiber to autos and agriculture face Black President of the United States by stating was selected to command the Intelligence Di- continual problems with access to overseas that, ‘‘theatre has the power to inspire and the vision at the elite USAF Weapons School at markets. Our own trade negotiators do little to power to teach and it’s important to use that Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada. prevent this from happening, as it is often power to lift up and honor our highest ideals.’’ Colonel Sievers was herself one of the very standard for trade agreements to open our ‘‘You have broadcast the message in your role first intelligence officers to graduate from the markets fully to foreign competitors, yet we as the First Black President of the United Weapons School and only the second ‘‘home gain little market access in return. States that all children can dream big dreams grown’’ Intelligence Weapons Officer to com- We must provide our negotiators with un- and that anyone regardless of the color of mand the division. Building on that experience, equivocal guidelines so that they do not relin- their skin can achieve anything. Anyone can Colonel Sievers was selected to command the quish our domestic trade protections without

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2494 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 gaining meaningful market access for Amer- IN RECOGNITION OF THE PASSING Since 1974, ARN has been the leading ican manufacturers in exchange. Unless other OF CYRUS BLACKMAN source for the latest rehabilitation information, governments play by the rules and remove resources, and professional development and barriers to our exports, the U.S. should not ac- HON. JEFF MILLER career opportunities for rehabilitation nursing quiesce to their demands by further opening OF FLORIDA professionals. ARN members are nurses, with our market—which is already the most open a broad range of clinical experience, dedicated IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES market in the global economy. Unilateral disar- to helping individuals affected by chronic ill- mament in the face of foreign protectionist Thursday, October 8, 2009 ness or a physical disability adapt to their dis- practices is unacceptable, and we must en- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I abilities, achieve their greatest potential, and sure that our trade negotiators do not under- rise today to recognize Mr. Cyrus Blackman, a work toward productive, independent lives. mine our industries and our workers. World War II hero and a Northwest Florida Presently, ARN comprises a nationwide net- The Reciprocal Market Access Act would in- community leader who passed away on Octo- work of more than 5,500 rehabilitation nurses struct our trade negotiators to eliminate foreign ber 7, 2009. Mr. Blackman spent his life serv- who practice in many settings, including hos- market barriers before reducing U.S. tariffs. ing his country and his family, and I am proud pitals, rehabilitation facilities, home health This bill would also provide enforcement au- to honor his lifetime of dedication and service. agencies, sub-acute and long-term care facili- thority to reinstate the tariff if the foreign gov- Cy Blackman was a native and lifelong resi- ties, and private companies. ernment does not honor its commitment to re- dent of Milton, Florida. He joined the United Ms. Jernigan earned her Bachelor of move its barriers. States Army at a young age during World War Science degree in Nursing from the California This legislation also addresses a serious II, and went on to serve with the 563rd Anti- State University and her Master of Science problem in the current trade negotiating proc- Aircraft Automatic Weapons Battalion oper- degree in Management, with a concentration ess. Tariff and non-tariff sectoral barriers are ating trucks to move personnel, equipment, in Healthcare Planning, from Troy University. In addition to Ms. Jernigan’s academic compartmentalized, meaning that a tariff item and supplies under extremely hazardous com- achievements, she is the author of ‘‘Bureau- can be reduced or eliminated by our nego- bat conditions. A veteran of combat in much of tiators without securing elimination of the non- crats at the Gate,’’ and article published in Central Europe, Cy fought honorably in the tariff barriers that deny U.S. industry access to ARN Network in 2003. She has also given Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of the a foreign market. This legislation would give presentations numerous times on topics relat- Rhine, receiving the World War II Victory our government the right to revoke conces- ing to electronic medical records, surviving the Medal, the American Service Medal, and the sions to cut tariffs if our trading partners fail to nursing shortage, uniform data systems, and European African Middle Eastern Service implement negotiated commitments to elimi- using algorithms in rehabilitation. Medal with three Bronze Stars. nate barriers that had initially been identified Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to After demobilization at the end of the war, by U.S. domestic producers for our nego- join me today in recognizing the outgoing Cy returned to Northwest Florida. He worked tiators. president of the Association of Rehabilitation The principle of reciprocity—the principle on at International Paper, where he retired. De- Nurses, Donna P. Jernigan, for her dedication which this legislation is built—is not new. In spite his service in World War II, for 60 years and exemplary work in the field of rehabilita- fact it is a principle that should be essential to Cy never spoke of his time in the Army and tion nursing. any effective trade relationship. Cordell Hull, never requested Veterans Administration ben- f Democrat from Tennessee and Roosevelt’s efits. However in 2008, Cy participated in the Emerald Coast Honor Flight, an experience A TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT Secretary of State in 1933, was responsible GENERAL TERRY L. GABRESKI for bringing this concept into the U.S. and that changed his life. After visiting the National global trade systems with the Reciprocal World War II Memorial, he began to open up Trade Agreement Act of 1934. It was this act about his experiences in the war, and later HON. MICHAEL R. TURNER which formed the basis for the General Agree- even served as a spokesman for the Honor OF OHIO ment on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Flight organization, connecting the community IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES World Trade Organization (WTO). Mr. Hull de- with our veterans. Thursday, October 8, 2009 Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United veloped the Act to move away from the nega- Mr. TURNER. Madam Speaker, United States Congress, I am privileged to honor Cy tive consequences of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff States Air Force Lieutenant General Terry Blackman as an American hero reflective of Act, which raised U.S. tariffs on thousands of Gabreski, the highest-ranking female officer in imports to record levels. Smoot-Hawley estab- the spirit of Northwest Florida. Cy will be re- the Air Force, is retiring after 35 years of dis- lished the United States as protectionist, and membered as a loving husband and father tinguished and honorable service to our na- provoked a rash of retaliatory measures from and as an important part of our community. tion. our trading partners. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his General Gabreski distinguished herself as It is no longer the United States that is shut- wife, Polly, children, Christopher and Lecia, Vice Commander of the U.S. Air Force Mate- ting its markets to foreign competitors. We grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as we rial Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force have the most open market in the world, and remember and honor the life of Cy Blackman. Base, located in my congressional district, continue to find ways to lower tariffs and elimi- f from August, 2005 through January, 2010. nate market barriers. Yet this policy is often HONORING DONNA P. JERNIGAN, During her leadership, she catapulted the Air not reciprocated, as American manufacturers Force Material Command into one of the most BSN, RN, CRRN, MS find significant barriers to foreign markets highly efficient and productive organizations while they watch their own domestic market within the Department of Defense. share dwindle. The result is quality American HON. BOB ETHERIDGE General Gabreski executed over 40 percent companies are forced to downsize or close OF NORTH CAROLINA of the entire U.S. Air Force budget during her their doors for good, and American workers IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tenure and oversaw the full operational capa- are left jobless. Thursday, October 8, 2009 bility of the F–22A. That is not free trade. Free trade involves a General Gabreski supported the warfighter, system where American companies are able Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise ensuring our forward-deployed operations to compete in markets uninhibited by barriers. today to honor Donna P. Jernigan of Carolina have the resources they need. She also It involves a level playing field for American Case Management and president of the Asso- oversaw the development and deployment of companies and our trading partners. And I ciation of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) and a AngelFire persistent surveillance and the re- have no doubt that if given a level playing resident of Sanford, North Carolina in my dis- connaissance program, which was lauded by field, American companies and American trict. Ms. Jernigan will soon complete her year the U.S. Marine Corps as ‘‘war-winning tech- workers can compete in any market. as the 2008–2009 national president of the nology.’’ She is also responsible for the Aero- The Reciprocal Market Access Act will man- ARN, a professional organization representing nautical System Center’s Large Aircraft Infra- date that at the very least any trade agree- professional nurses who work to enhance the red Countermeasures (LAIRCM) program, ment does not put American companies and quality of life for those who are affected by which was established in response to the port- workers at a competitive disadvantage. It es- physical disabilities or chronic illnesses. Dur- able anti-aircraft missile threat to intra-theater tablishes what should be the standard for all ing her tenure as president at ARN, Ms. airlift. trade agreements: a mutually beneficial trade Jernigan has been a strong leader and advo- General Gabreski worked to effectively relationship in which goods can be freely ex- cate for rehabilitation nurses, as well as the make sure the Air Force lived within its budg- changed and that promotes economic growth. patients ARN serves every day. et. She radically simplified and streamlined the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2495 Air Force sustainment funding system through The $750 million authorized in the bill should sponse from U.S. Army Central Command the development and implementation of Cen- be enough to ensure a minimum level of ac- dated September 30, 2009 from Chief of Staff tralized Asset Management (CAM). These ef- cess to legal aid in every county in the coun- Colonel Stephen M. Twitty. The response stated ‘‘On August 14, 2009, the command forts allowed the Air Force to make decisions try. submitted an urgent universal needs state- within constrained funding, enabling war- Although the program has not been reau- ment to their higher headquarters, United fighters to focus on their primary missions, thorized in over 30 years, appropriations bills States Forces—Afghanistan for 75 IEDDDs and established a new level of credibility in over that time have placed restrictions on the with handlers for immediate fielding’’ and warfighter support overall. activities that attorneys in LSC programs can that the request was still pending at that General Gabreski was a leader and inspira- provide. The bill lifts most of these restrictions, time. tion to the Dayton community. During her time including collecting attorneys’ fees, permitting It is my understanding that after fifty-six at WPAFB, she participated in many events, legal aid attorneys to bringing class-action days of operations since the urgent request was made by commanders in the field, the offering advice to women in leadership roles. suits, and allowing lobbying with non-federal 5th Brigade has yet to receive the necessary She is a credit to the Air Force and a source funds. In the spirit of compromise, the bill IEDDDs. I am concerned that commanders of support and inspiration to many throughout does maintain the prohibition on abortion re- on the ground are not receiving resources the military and the Dayton community. lated litigation and incorporates some limits on they are requesting. Please provide an expla- As General Gabreski culminates a distin- whom LSC-funded programs can represent, nation of the plan that is in place to ensure guished career of more than three decades of including prisoners challenging prison condi- that our troops on the ground have the as- Air Force service, I appreciate her dedication tions and people convicted of illegal drug pos- sets needed to keep Americans safe and de- tect IEDs. to her country, her outstanding performance session in public housing eviction pro- If you have any questions, please contact as the highest ranking female officer in the Air ceedings. The bill also provides for more ef- my district director, Mark Bell. Thank you Force, and her significant contributions toward fective administration of LSC. for your time and attention to this matter, strengthening our military. The Government Accountability Office wrote and I look forward to your reply. f reports highlighting issues with the govern- Sincerely, ance of LSC. In an August 2007 report, GAO PATRICK J. TIBERI, INTRODUCTION OF THE CIVIL found ‘‘. . . LSC has not kept up with evolving Representative to Congress. ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT OF 2009 reforms aimed at strengthening internal control Enclosures. over an organization’s financial reporting proc- DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, THIRD HON. ROBERT C. ‘‘BOBBY’’ SCOTT ess and systems.’’ That same report stated ARMY, UNITED STATES ARMY CEN- OF VIRGINIA that ‘‘The current board has four committees, TRAL, OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES but none are specifically targeted at providing CHIEF OF STAFF, G1. Fort McPherson, GA, September 30, 2009. Thursday, October 8, 2009 critical audit, ethics, or compensation func- tions, which are important governance mecha- Hon. PATRICK J. TIBERI, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, nisms commonly used in corporate govern- Representative in Congress, today I rise to introduce the Civil Access to ance structures. Because it has not taken ad- Columbus, OH. Justice Act of 2009. The purpose of this legis- DEAR MR. TIBERI: Thank you for your re- vantage of opportunities to incorporate such cent letter to the Department of Defense on lation is to reauthorize the Legal Services Cor- practices, LSC’s Board of Directors is at risk behalf of concerns. poration, which has not been reauthorized by of not being able to fulfill its role of effective The 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Congress since 1977. Legal Services Corpora- governance and oversight.’’ (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) arrived in tion was established by Congress in 1974 to Overall, the Civil Access to Justice Act of Afghanistan in July 2009 and deployed into provide legal assistance to low-income people 2009 will provide relief to those who need civil sector in August 2009 with all assigned mine in civil matters. LSC directs and supervises legal representation. I would like to thank Judi- detection equipment. The brigade is not au- thorized Improvised Explosive Device Detec- the federal grants to local legal service pro- ciary Committee Chairman CONYERS and Rep- viders who give legal assistance to low-in- tion Dogs (IEDDDs) or K9 handlers in accord- resentatives COHEN, WATT, DELAHUNT, LINDA ance with their Headquarters, Department of come clients. SA´NCHEZ and HANK JOHNSON for their hard the Army approved Modified Table of Orga- I am particularly pleased that we are intro- work and dedication to this cause. I urge my nization and Equipment, dated April 16. 2009. ducing this bill, not only because it helps those colleagues to cosponsor and support this im- On August 14, 2009, the command submitted in need, but because of my personal experi- portant legislation to ensure that those who an urgent universal needs statement to their ences with the program. Over 30 years ago, I need civil legal representation are able to ob- higher headquarters, United States Forces— was the founding Chairman of the Board of tain it. Afghanistan for 75 IEDDDs with handlers for Peninsula Legal Aid Center, Inc., so I am immediate fielding. That request is still f pending at this time. aware of the need for resources to make a This command stands ready to provide any legal services program fully operational. In this ARMY STRYKER FORCE IN further assistance required by your office. bill, we are seeking to ensure that the Cor- AFGHANISTAN Sincerely, poration has the resources required to help STEPHEN M. TWITTY, those in need. HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI Colonel (P), U.S. Army, Chief of Staff. The bill accomplishes several goals. It in- OF OHIO creases the authorized funding level for LSC SEPTEMBER 14, 2009. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Re Army Stryker Force In Afghanistan. to $750 million. This is approximately the Thursday, October 8, 2009 amount, adjusted for inflation, appropriated in SGT MARK BELL AND JASON DOMINGUEZ IN Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to PAT TIBERI’S OFFICE. 1981, which was the high watermark for LSC This last week, Army Stryker Force in Af- submit to the RECORD the attached information funding. LSC is currently funded at $390 mil- ghanistan was on the news. Their job is to lion—which, in current dollars, is well below concerning a constituent and a mother of a sweep Afghan villages for IED’s. They’ve lost the amount needed to fully fund the program. soldier that served in Afghanistan. 9 people in the last month. The point made Currently, more than 80 percent of individuals CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, was that they do not have bomb sniffing dogs who need civil legal representation do not HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, or metal detectors. I actually watched a sol- have the means to obtain it. Families who Washington, DC, October 8, 2009. dier trying to visually inspect a mud wall for Hon. ROBERT M. GATES, need this assistance the most make less than an IED. This isn’t the first time that I’ve Secretary of Defense, seen such reports on the news or shows about 125 percent of the poverty line or about Washington, DC. the military. $27,500 for a family of four. Nationally, 50 per- DEAR MR. SECRETARY: Last month I re- If my information is correct, then those 9 cent of these eligible applicants for legal as- ceived a letter from a constituent and moth- lives lost cost the military 9 million dollars. sistance from federally funded programs are er of a soldier that served in Afghanistan. This is outrageous. 9 families lost loved ones turned away mainly because these programs She was concerned after learning that the because their unit didn’t have the proper lack ample funding. Moreover, as the econ- 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker equipment. Do you think that for 9 million, omy continues to decline, the number of indi- Brigade Combat Team) had not been author- the Army could send dogs for every unit ? Do ized the necessary Improvised Explosive De- I need to say Da. viduals who will need legal representation will vice Detection Dogs (IEDDDs) for its mis- I wrote you about the units needing dogs increase. We need to ensure that resources sion. quite some time ago. Apparently, no one are available to provide legal services to those After forwarding her concerns to the U.S. paid attention. If you’re going to send the who cannot afford adequate representation. Department of the Army, I received a re- military, then you MUST equip them with

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2496 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 what they need. That includes dogs. I will be Either side could have dug in their heels diminished water deliveries cause to farmers happy to raise the money to pay for them and accomplished nothing. Instead, working and communities. Because of PCWA’s experi- but I can’t ship them to any unit. You can together, and with the help of many other con- ence with previous water transfers, we also believe me when I say that I’ve tried. My son would like an opportunity to meet you and completed one year in Afghanistan and two scientious people, Ann and I crafted an ordi- your staff to discuss additional regulatory in Iraq. I thank God every day for his return. nance that worked for both sides. In the proc- improvements to Reclamation law that Parents can purchase and ship lots of things. ess, Ann and I also became dear friends. Ann would streamline future transfers. I can buy a bomb sniffing dog. I just can’t has since passed away, but her handiwork Because of below average precipitation and ship the dog. And the dog needs a handler. can still be seen in much of Simi Valley. regulatory requirements placed upon the It’s not something that a unit soldier can Simi Valley shows the handiwork of many, CVP and its water users through the require- learn on the job. many others, too. From the burgeoning farm- ments established by the recent National I want Stryker Force and every other unit Marine Fisheries Service biological opinions to have two dogs with handlers. And I want ing community that incorporated in 1969, Simi Valley has grown into a balanced city of about for endangered smelt and salmon, the impact it now, The military can do it. They just to water users is severe. Your legislation will need the proper motivation. What will it 120,000 people with homes, schools and provide much needed relief in the form of a take? churches alongside upscale retail centers and flexible and useful tool that will allow water f clean industry. Since 1993, it has been among to be transferred from willing parties to the top 10 safest cities in America, and topped those in need within the State of California. IN RECOGNITION OF THE CITY OF the list several times. It is the home of the We look forward to working with you and SIMI VALLEY’S 40TH BIRTHDAY Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Mu- your staff in the coming months in this im- seum and the gateway to Ventura County. I portant legislative effort, and appreciate HON. ELTON GALLEGLY am proud of the city I have called home since your leadership in advancing this legislation OF CALIFORNIA and addressing California water issues so im- before it was a city. portant to our collective future. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will Sincerely, Thursday, October 8, 2009 join me wishing Simi Valley, California, a PLACER COUNTY WATER AGENCY, Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I rise in happy 40th birthday and congratulate its citi- GRAHAM L. ALLEN, recognition of the City of Simi Valley’s 40th zens on a job well done. Chairman, Board of Directors. birthday. f On September 20, 1969, the people who CONAWAY PRESERVATION GROUP, WATER TRANSFER FACILITATION Woodland, CA, Oct. 2, 2009. lived in the unincorporated Ventura County, ACT OF 2009 Re Support for water transfer legislation: California, communities of Simi Valley and Hon. JIM COSTA, Santa Susana voted 6,454 to 3,685 to incor- HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA House of Representatives, porate. On October 10, 1969, the combined Washington, DC. OF CALIFORNIA communities officially incorporated into the city DEAR CONGRESSMAN COSTA: On behalf of of Simi Valley. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Conaway Preservation Group, LLC Simi Valley lies on the far eastern end of Thursday, October 8, 2009 (CPG), thank you for introducing legislation Ventura County. Ventura, the county seat, lies authorizing and establishing a permanent Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, due to on the far western end. It is a long drive to ob- long-term program to promote and manage overwhelming response from water users in tain governmental approval, and the quest for water transfers in the Central Valley of Cali- the Central Valley, I am compelled today to in- fornia. We support your efforts and this leg- local control is what drove incorporation. troduce additional letters of support for the islation as a means of providing greater Since incorporation, the people of the city Water Transfer Facilitation Act of 2009. The flexibility in the management of Central have worked tirelessly to structure a safe, bal- bill would grant authority to the Bureau of Rec- Valley Project (CVP) and other water sup- anced, family-friendly and business-friendly lamation to approve voluntary water transfers plies to help meet unmet needs critical to community. It was done by embracing citizen the future of the State of California. between sellers and buyers in the San Joa- involvement. Neighborhood Councils, the As you are aware, the devastating impacts quin Valley and streamline environmental re- Youth Council and the Council On Aging were of diminished water deliveries to the CVP as views for Central Valley water transfers. established as part of the government infra- a result of three years of below average pre- The bill is supported by a great number of structure, ensuring that residents of all ages cipitation have been made even greater by water users across the Central Valley, includ- the various regulatory restrictions, includ- have an opportunity to be heard and to be in- ing the following: Friant Water Users Authority; ing the requirements established by the re- volved in government decisions at a grass- San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Au- cent federal biological opinions for endan- roots level. gered fish under the ESA. Your legislation Today, Simi Valley maintains more than 20 thority; Delta-Mendota Canal Authority; Westlands Water District; Metropolitan Water will provide immediate, much needed relief citizen advisory boards and commissions that in the form of a flexible and useful tool that advise the City Council on a variety of com- District; Glen Colusa Irrigation District; North- will allow water to be transferred from will- munity issues. ern California Water Association; Banta- ing parties to those in need within the CVP. Obviously, in any city differences of opinion Carbona Irrigation District; Tehama-Colusa Further, the language in your legislation di- arise. But unlike in some cities, Simi Valley’s Canal Authority; Association of California recting the Bureau of Reclamation to work elected leaders have a well-earned reputation Water Agencies; Placer County Water Agency; with other federal agencies to develop the Conaway Preservation Group; and Reclama- necessary long-term environmental docu- for discussing issues vigorously and then, mentation addressing impacts of a water once a vote is taken and the decision is made, tion District 2035. Thank you. transfer program on the ESA-listed Giant having all sides come together behind that de- Garter Snake is a critical and necessary cision. I believe that is very much the result of PCWA, near-term next step. empowering the community to shape the October 6, 2009. CPG owns the Conaway Ranch in Yolo Hon. JIM COSTA, County. The Conaway Ranch property covers issues before they come to the City Council. 1314 Longworth House Office Building, House of Madam Speaker, I am proud of my role in more than 17,000 acres on the west side of the Representatives, Washington, DC. Sacramento River between the cities of helping to shape Simi Valley. I served on the Re Support of Central Valley Project Water City Council as a member and appointed Davis and Woodland. Conaway Ranch has Transfer Legislation. been operated for many years to meet goals mayor, and as the city’s first elected mayor, DEAR CONGRESSMAN COSTA: On behalf of of agricultural production and waterfowl/ from 1979 to 1986. During that time, we Placer County Water Agency (PCWA), we wildlife habitat. Approximately 40 percent of began bringing jobs into what was then pri- thank you for introducing legislation au- the Ranch is located within the Yolo Bypass marily a bedroom community, and there was thorizing and establishing a programmatic and the remainder lies west of the bypass. much debate on how to accomplish that. approach to promote and manage water Conaway Ranch’s water rights and Bureau of One of the issues that came from that de- transfers in California. We support your ef- Reclamation Settlement Contract are held bate was the creation of the city’s first hillside forts and this legislation as a means of pro- by CPG. CPG’s Settlement Contract water is ordinances, which we passed while I was viding greater regulatory certainty for the a major contributor to the Conaway Ranch water supply during its annual summer oper- mayor. The issue was framed by many as management of Central Valley Project (CVP) water supplies for water users. ational term of April 1 through October 31. preservation vs. development. I was seen as As you may be aware, PCWA has partici- We look forward to working with you and being on the side of development. Then-Coun- pated in water transfers in the past to help your staff in the coming months in this im- cilwoman Ann Rock was seen as being on the meet the needs of water users within the portant legislative effort, and appreciate side of preservation. CVP and is intimately aware of the impacts your leadership in advancing this legislation

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2497 and addressing California water issues so im- his skills to keep our country safe. Often rec- On behalf of the House of Representatives, portant to our collective future. ognized for his leadership and tireless dedica- I extend our sincerest congratulations to Alicia, Sincerely, tion, Captain Santoro was assigned to for her courageous spirit and the inspiration TOVEY GIEZENTANNER, Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where he President and CEO, provided to 300,000 other young people strug- Conaway Preservation Group, LLC. would serve bravely in Operation Enduring gling with this disease today, and our best Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, among wishes in the 2009 Arthritis Walk. RECLAMATION DISTRICT 2035, others. f Woodland, CA, October 6, 2009. In 2008, as the Chief Tactics and Instructor Re Support for water transfer legislation. Pilot, his squadron completed 29 missions and INTRODUCTION OF THE CIVIL Hon. JIM COSTA, delivered 211 tons of humanitarian cargo, in- ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT OF 2009 House of Representatives, cluding food and hygiene kits, to the country Washington, DC. of Georgia. It is because of these heroic ac- HON. STEVE COHEN DEAR CONGRESSMAN COSTA: On behalf of tions that Captain Santoro is receiving the OF TENNESSEE Reclamation District 2035, thank you for in- 2008 Cheney Award; which is given for an troducing legislation authorizing and estab- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ‘‘act of valor, extreme fortitude, or self-sacrifice lishing a permanent long-term program to Thursday, October 8, 2009 promote and manage water transfers in the in a humanitarian interest, performed in con- Central Valley of California. Reclamation nection with aircraft, but not necessarily of a Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, today I am District 2035 (RD 2035) was formed in 1919 to military nature, by an Air Force officer or en- pleased to join Representative BOBBY SCOTT provide flood control and water delivery for listed member.’’ The award is named after Lt. and Chairman JOHN CONYERS in introducing approximately 22,000 acres in Yolo County, William H. Cheney, who was killed in an air the Civil Access to Justice Act of 2009. This California. While RD2035 does not own water collision in Italy in 1918. important legislation will expand civil legal rights, it is responsible for the delivery of Madam Speaker, Captain Santoro is a true services to low-income families and individ- CVP water to its agricultural customers testament to the bravery and the sacrifices uals. whose crops represent the top three agricul- made by the men and women in the Armed In 1974, Congress established the Legal tural commodities in Yolo County. As you are aware, the devastating impacts Forces. His accomplishments are significant Services Corporation (‘‘LSC’’) to operate as a of diminished water deliveries to the CVP as and an inspiration. private, non-profit corporation to promote a result of three years of below average pre- f equal access to justice under the law and to cipitation have been made even greater by provide grants for high-quality civil legal assist- CONGRATULATING ALICIA SEIDEL the various regulatory restrictions, includ- ance to low-income persons. LSC distributes ing the requirements established by the re- more than 95 percent of its total funding to cent federal biological opinions for endan- HON. DAVID G. REICHERT 137 independent nonprofit legal aid programs gered fish under the ESA. Your legislation OF WASHINGTON to represent low-income individuals and fami- will provide immediate, much needed relief IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in the form of a flexible and useful tool that lies in every congressional district. Programs will allow water to be transferred from will- Thursday, October 8, 2009 receiving LSC grants help the most vulner- ing parties to those in need within the CVP. Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, today I able, such as families facing unlawful evictions Further, the language in your legislation di- rise in recognition of a brave young girl in my or foreclosures, displaced persons attempting recting the Bureau of Reclamation to work district, Alicia Seidel, and congratulate her for to obtain federal emergency assistance, and with other federal agencies to develop the being named an honoree at the 2009 Arthritis women seeking protection from abuse. In fact, necessary long-term environmental docu- many programs have been besieged recently mentation addressing impacts of a water Walk happening this Saturday in Bellevue, transfer program on the ESA-listed Giant Washington, and for living her life so bravely with requests for foreclosure assistance be- Garter Snake is a critical and necessary while battling her disease. cause of the subprime mortgage crisis. near-term next step. Alicia, a ten-year-old fifth grader from The current economic downturn will likely We look forward to working with you and Sammamish, Washington, was diagnosed in lead to more families and individuals needing your staff on this important legislative ef- 2007 with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Imme- legal assistance. According to a recently re- fort. diately before and for some time following the leased study commissioned by LSC’s Board of Sincerely, diagnosis, Alicia struggled to do something as Directors, Documenting the Justice Gap in REGINA J. CHEROVSKY, simple as holding a pencil. Thankfully, the America, many recipient programs of LSC Chairperson. wonderful doctors, specialists and staff at funds must turn away half of all individuals f Swedish Medical Center and Children’s Hos- who qualify and seek their assistance because CONGRATULATING DANIEL J. pital in Seattle worked to alleviate the pain of the lack of resources. Unfortunately, state, SANTORO UPON RECEIVING THE Alicia was under, which allowed her to act like local, and private funding and pro bono sup- 2008 CHENEY AWARD the vivacious girl she is. My office had the op- port have been unable to help close the ac- portunity to meet Alicia and her mom, Cynthia, cess to justice gap. The underfunding may re- HON. KATHY CASTOR more than a year ago to discuss Alicia’s ail- sult in a potential catastrophe for millions of low-income families and individuals throughout OF FLORIDA ment and a photo from that meeting is proudly the country who need, but are unable to ob- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES displayed in our office; her infectious nature and sweet disposition made a lasting impact. tain, legal assistance in matters relating to Thursday, October 8, 2009 The Arthritis Prevention Control and Cure their housing, employment, and access to Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I Act, H.R. 1210, of 2009 is legislation I’m proud health care. Currently, LSC is funded at rise today to honor CPT Daniel J. Santoro, a to have co-sponsored. At this time, the legisla- $390,000,000, which is insufficient to provide member of the Tampa Bay community for re- tion is in the House Committee on Energy and legal representation to all of the impoverished ceiving the 2008 Cheney award for distin- Commerce and I encourage the entire House in need of legal assistance. This legislation guished service in the United States Air Force. to act on it as quickly as possible because it authorizes an increase in funding for LSC of Captain Santoro is a C–130E instructor is an important bill. The bill would, among $750,000,000, which represents an inflation- pilot, assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, many other things, focus attention on juvenile adjusted funding level from fiscal year 1981. 86th Operations Group, 86th Airlift Wing, at arthritis research by creating a juvenile arthritis This funding will help close the justice gap and Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Captain database and provide financial incentives to provide civil legal assistance to all potential el- Santoro was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Oc- encourage more health professionals to enter igible clients. tober 1977; he attended the United States Air the field of pediatric rheumatology. Addition- Additionally, the Civil Access to Justice Act Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo- ally, I will continue to work on behalf of young eliminates certain restrictions that have signifi- rado, graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor’s of people like Alicia to urge Congress to make a cantly limited the ability of legal aid attorneys Science in Human Factors Engineering. long-term, sustained investment in medical re- to represent all low-income families and indi- After graduation, Captain Santoro continued search through the National Institutes of viduals. First, the bill would remove many re- his pilot training at Whiting Field Naval Air Sta- Health because it represents our greatest strictions on the use of state, local, and private tion, in my home State for Florida. His service hope for finding cures and treatments for de- money by LSC-funded programs. Second, it to our country has taken him to numerous bilitating conditions like arthritis and freeing would eliminate restrictions on the ability of States: Oklahoma, Arkansas, and North Caro- Alicia and her family from the constraints of LSC-funded attorneys to represent clients in lina where he constantly worked to improve arthritis. class action cases. Also, the bill would provide

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2498 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 programs the opportunity to seek court-or- civil-military and reconstruction engineer in the would be based on and succeed the highly dered attorneys’ fees, which they are currently 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New successful Guam-only visa waiver program, prohibited from seeking. York. For 15 months from 2006 to 2007, Lieu- which was authorized by the Omnibus Terri- Finally, this legislation codifies recent rec- tenant Choi saw duty as an Infantry Platoon tories Act of 1986. ommendations from the Government Account- Leader and Arabic linguist in South Baghdad, The Department of Homeland Security will ability Office to improve LSC governance and Iraq, providing an invaluable service to his fel- commence control of six ports of entry in the accountability. These recommendations should low soldiers and the United States’ mission by CNMI on November 28, 2009, in accordance lead to better management and oversight of communicating quickly and clearly with the with the CNRA. The bill I have introduced LSC-funded programs. Iraqi people. In 2008, Lieutenant Choi became today would make a technical correction to the I urge my colleagues to join me, Mr. SCOTT, an Infantry Platoon Leader in the Army Na- CNRA, by delaying for one year the start of Chairman CONYERS, and others, and cospon- tional Guard’s 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry in the authorized joint Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver sor this important and timely legislation. I am Manhattan, New York. Program. Its effect would be to allow for fed- optimistic that Congress can send a bill to the While an officer with the Army National eral control of immigration to commence in the President for his signature so that the doors of Guard, Lieutenant Choi co-founded KNIGHTS CNMI on November 28, 2009, but also for the justice will always remain open to those in OUT: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and existing CNMI visitor entry program under need. Transgender West Point Graduates, an orga- CNMI law to continue but be controlled and f nization of West Point alumni, staff, and fac- administered by U.S. Customs and Border ulty who are united in supporting the rights of Protection (CBP) under the Department of RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT DAN- LGBT soldiers to openly serve their country. Homeland Security. The current approved IEL CHOI FOR HIS SERVICE TO On March 19, 2009, Lieutenant Choi appeared countries under the Guam-only visa waiver THE UNITED STATES OF AMER- on MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show to program and the CNMI visitor entry program ICA AND OUTSTANDING CON- discuss the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell pol- would be maintained, respectively for each ter- TRIBUTIONS TO THE LESBIAN, icy. In a surprising announcement, Lieutenant ritory, for an additional year. Such a continu- GAY, BISEXUAL, AND Choi revealed that he was gay. Fully aware of ation of the visitor entry rules for both of these TRANSGENDER EQUALITY MOVE- the consequences, he refused to lie about territories would afford the Department of MENT who he is and accept a policy that com- Homeland Security additional time to devise promises the integrity of the U.S. military and rules and allocate the resources necessary in HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS its service members. Despite testimony from both the CNMI and Guam for the successful OF FLORIDA his commanding officer, members of his unit, operation and administration of the new IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and fellow soldiers who served in Iraq, as well Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program consistent Thursday, October 8, 2009 as 260,000 letters and signatures of support, with Congressional intent. The additional time a panel of New York National Guard officers will also provide for an orderly transition to Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, recommended that Lieutenant Choi be dis- occur in both territories. I rise today to recognize LT Daniel Choi for his charged on June 30, 2009. Most importantly, this bill would allow the service to the United States of America and Guided by the same values he learned at Department of Homeland Security to focus its outstanding contributions to the Lesbian, Gay, West Point and in the Army, Lieutenant Choi resources initially on the standing-up and con- Bisexual, and Transgender, LGBT, equality now advocates for the repeal of Don’t Ask, trol of six ports of entry in the CNMI and also movement as an Army officer, Iraq War vet- Don’t Tell and the reversal of Proposition 8 in protect the economic interests of the CNMI eran, and now civil rights activist. In clear defi- California, an amendment to the state con- with the continuation of its visitor entry pro- ance of ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’’ the unjust law stitution that recognizes marriage as between gram. The CNMI economy is heavily reliant on that prohibits LGBT service members from only one man and one woman. He continues tourism and its visitor sector is accustomed to serving openly and honestly in the military, to raise public and political awareness of operating under the territory’s visitor entry pro- Lieutenant Choi courageously spoke three issues that affect LGBT service members and gram. words on national television—‘‘I am gay.’’ In the LGBT community as a whole. The bill also authorizes a study to be con- doing so, he knew that he was risking his mili- Madam Speaker, the West Point Cadet ducted by the Secretary of the Interior, ana- tary career, but was firm in the belief that he Prayer teaches cadets ‘‘. . . never to be con- lyzing the economic situation and forecast for had chosen the harder right over the easier tent with a half-truth when the whole can be the CNMI. This report will be provided to the wrong. Lieutenant Choi was ultimately dis- won.’’ Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is a no-truth policy committees with jurisdiction, the House Com- charged, but has since devoted his life to ac- and must be repealed. I am honored and mittee on Natural Resources and the Senate tivism in the hope that, one day soon, Don’t humbled by Lieutenant Choi’s selfless exam- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Ask, Don’t Tell will be repealed. ple and, although he is no longer in uniform, within 30 days of enactment. This report will Lieutenant Choi’s story is one of excellence he continues to fight for the freedom of all help the Committees exercise oversight of the and leadership. He was born in February 1981 Americans to be the best they can be, gay or implementation of the CNRA and the transition in Orange County, California and attended straight. by the Department of Homeland Security to Tustin High School, where he was student f the new joint, Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Pro- body president, participated in the American gram. Legion Boys State program, and was involved PROVIDING FOR A TRANSITION I look forward to working with my colleagues in various extracurricular activities ranging PERIOD FOR THE GUAM-CNMI as this bill moves forward in the legislative from Christian Club and Model United Nations VISA WAIVER PROGRAM process. to varsity swimming and marching band. It f comes as no surprise that Lieutenant Choi HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO was admitted to the prestigious U.S. Military OF GUAM IN HONOR OF DR. DANIEL SIM- MONS AND THE MOUNT ZION Academy at West Point, where he continued IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to excel and learn the values that gave him BAPTIST CHURCH purpose as an officer in the Army and activist Thursday, October 8, 2009 for LGBT rights. It was at West Point that Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, today I HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. Lieutenant Choi first recited the Cadet Honor introduced legislation to amend the Consoli- OF GEORGIA Code: ‘‘A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tol- dated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (CNRA), IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES erate those who do.’’ Public Law 110–229, for the purpose of pro- In 2003, Lieutenant Choi became one of viding for a transition period for the implemen- Thursday, October 8, 2009 only eight graduates in his class to earn a de- tation of the new Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I gree in Arabic Language, in addition to Envi- Program. Section 702 of the CNRA extends rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Daniel Sim- ronmental Engineering. During his 10 years of the immigration laws of the United States to mons and the Mount Zion Baptist Church of honorable service to this nation, Lieutenant the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Albany, Ga. On Sunday, October 11, the Choi served as an Infantry Officer. Specifi- Islands (CNMI). It also provides for a visa Mount Zion Baptist Church will jointly cele- cally, he was a Platoon Leader, Company Ex- waiver program for travel to Guam and the brate Dr. Simmons’ 18th year as the Senior ecutive Officer, Battalion and Brigade Staff Of- CNMI consistent with the new arrangements Pastor and the church’s 144th anniversary. I ficer, Iraqi Arabic language instructor, and for control of immigration in the CNMI and that have known Pastor Simmons for many years

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2499 and feel honored to call him my pastor, a for the rest of his life. He graduated from Paul Burgess ‘‘Red’’ Fay, and in extending my friend, a teacher, and an inspiration. Likewise, Stanford University in 1941 with a Bachelor’s deepest sympathy to his entire family during I have been a member of Mount Zion Baptist Degree in Economics and he enlisted in the this difficult time. He represented the best of Church for 13 years and have found it to be Navy shortly after the Japanese attack on America and his decades of contributions to a Christian fellowship of love in action through Pearl Harbor brought the United States into his family and friends, his community and his service to mankind. World War II. country stand as lasting legacies of a life lived Dr. Simmons is a great many things to a It was during his service in the Navy that exceedingly well. How privileged I am to have great many people. Since I joined Mount Zion Mr. Fay met and became friends with Presi- known him, to represent him and to have had in 1996, I have come to know him as a man dent John F. Kennedy. In 1942, after attending him as my friend. He loved his community and of character, an humanitarian, a bridge build- Officer Training School, Mr. Fay was assigned his country and he served both with distinc- er, a shepherd, and a leader. Above all, ‘‘Pas- to PT boat training in Melville, Rhode Island, tion, making our Nation a better place for gen- tor Simmons,’’ as he is known, through his where the future President was his instructor. erations to come. own humble and morally strong existence, They met during a touch football game. They f helps us, as followers of the Word, to strive to- were later assigned to the same base in the ward the Spiritual fulfillment graciously offered South Pacific and became friends after both of HONORING THE DANVILLE-ALAMO to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. their boats were damaged. President Ken- BRANCH OF THE AMERICAN AS- As the Word says in Proverbs 3:5, ‘‘Trust in nedy’s PT–109 was attacked in an event that SOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY the Lord with all your heart and lean not on made him a war hero, and Mr. Fay’s boat was WOMEN ON ITS FORTIETH ANNI- your own understanding.’’ Pastor Simmons struck by a torpedo, after which he was VERSARY has truly lived by this principle. Since his ar- awarded a Bronze Star. While their ships were rival at Mount Zion in 1991, he has sought to temporarily out of action, they roomed to- HON. JERRY McNERNEY implement the church’s mission to be a ‘‘vi- gether in a small Quonset hut and became OF CALIFORNIA brant church that reaches the world for Christ fast and lasting friends. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES After the war, Mr. Fay returned to San Fran- through evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, Thursday, October 8, 2009 and missions.’’ cisco and joined the family business. In 1947, Under his leadership, the church has grown he married the love of his life, Anita Marquez Mr. MCNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I am to 2,700 members and counting. Financial of Mill Valley. He remained close with John F. honored to congratulate the Danville-Alamo stewardship has increased substantially. In Kennedy and became a political supporter and Branch of the American Association of Univer- July of 2008, the church broke ground on a a trusted adviser in his inner circle, working on sity Women on its 40th Anniversary. The new 67,000 square foot facility to provide the his election campaigns for the House of Rep- chapter has a proud history serving the com- space necessary to continue building upon resentatives, Senate, and the Presidency. munity by supporting political, social, profes- Pastor Simmons’ vision and the church’s mis- When John Kennedy was elected President in sional, and educational opportunities for sion. With all this growth and expansion, it is 1960, he appointed Mr. Fay Under Secretary women. abundantly clear that God is doing great work of the Navy, an office he held until January Through the chapter’s work, Danville and at Mount Zion Baptist Church through the min- 1965. Alamo benefit from stimulating speakers and istry of Pastor Simmons. After leaving Washington, Mr. Fay returned programs, candidates’ nights, and community With ordained leadership and divine grace, to the Bay Area and the family business, service opportunities. The AAUW Danville- Pastor Simmons has built a church that deliv- which he sold and later resurrected as a finan- Alamo Branch has been active in local ers God’s message and works daily to imple- cial consulting and business ventures firm. He schools, enhancing educational opportunities ment God’s vision. Pastor Simmons personi- wrote a best-selling book, ‘‘The Pleasure of in the arts, music, languages, science, and fies the love of God through his teaching and His Company,’’ a memoir of his close friend- math. The branch also started a local Expand- his way of life. I thank him for his years of ship with the late President Kennedy. He be- ing Your Horizons in Science and Mathe- service to his parishioners, the Albany com- came a founding partner of William Hutch- matics conference to expose middle school munity, Georgia’s Second Congressional Dis- inson & Co., an investment research and bro- girls to careers in math and science. The trict, and the Nation. Moreover, I wish him kerage firm, and he was for many years a di- Danville-Alamo Branch also helps girls many more fruitful years to come. rector of First American Financial and Vestaur achieve the dream of a college education I also recognize and celebrate the body of Securities. He retired from business in 2005. through its scholarship programs. Christ which is the Mount Zion Baptist Church Among Mr. Fay’s many social and charitable Today, the Danville-Alamo Branch has more on the occasion of its 144th anniversary. May activities was his work with Youth Tennis Ad- than 200 members. These members continue it forever utilize the blessings of great leader- vantage, a Bay Area organization that helps to serve the community and advance a wide ship and bountiful resources with which it has teach tennis to at-risk youth. He also contrib- range of issues that affect women and girls. I been provided to the Glory of Almighty God. uted his time to such charitable causes as the wish you a heartfelt congratulations on 40 f Robert Odell Foundation, the Robert F. Ken- years of changing lives and making a dif- nedy Foundation, and the American Ireland ference for women. A TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE Fund, whose San Francisco Chapter named f PAUL BURGESS FAY, JR. him ‘‘Man of the Year’’ in 1995. He was a trustee of the Naval War College Foundation VETERANS HEALTH CARE BUDGET and of Mount St. Joseph-St. Elizabeth of San REFORM AND TRANSPARENCY HON. ANNA G. ESHOO ACT OF 2009 OF CALIFORNIA Francisco, and he was a member of the Pa- cific Union Club, Bohemian Club, Burlingame IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEECH OF Country Club, Chevy Chase Club, California Thursday, October 8, 2009 Tennis Club and the Vintage in Indian Wells, HON. MAXINE WATERS Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I rise today California. OF CALIFORNIA to honor the extraordinary life and work of a Mr. Fay was an extraordinary host, an ac- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES distinguished American, a friend and an Amer- complished master of ceremonies and indefati- ican hero, Paul Burgess ‘‘Red’’ Fay Jr., who gable organizer of everything from charities to Wednesday, October 7, 2009 passed away on September 23, 2009, at the family touch-football games. An accomplished Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I rise in age of 91. He leaves his beloved wife, Anita, athlete, he played baseball at Stanford and support of H. R. 1016—To amend title 38, to whom he was married for 62 years; his chil- enjoyed tennis and golf well into his eighties. United States Code, to provide new discre- dren Paul Fay III, Katherine Fay and Sally Fay He was a central figure in Bay Area society tionary budget authority for certain medical Cottingham; and seven grandchildren. whose warmth and charm never failed to draw care accounts of the Department of Veterans Mr. Fay, a fourth-generation San Francis- others to him, and he had hundreds of friends Affairs. This bill would ensure sufficient, timely, can, was born in San Francisco in 1918 to a from all walks of life. He was a man of great and predictable veterans funding so that the distinguished family. His father, Paul B. Fay integrity and everyone who knew him came Department of Veterans Affairs would have Sr., was President of the Fay Improvement away a better person. the Federal funding to better serve veterans’ Company, a paving contracting firm founded in Madam Speaker, I ask the entire House of medical needs and improve health care serv- 1875, and gave young Paul the nickname Representatives to join me in honoring a na- ices. This is a very timely and important meas- ‘‘Red’’ as a child, which his friends called him tional treasure and an extraordinary American, ure as many of our troops today are returning

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2500 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 home in need of accessible and adequate HONORING REAR ADMIRAL WAYNE fired more Talos missiles than any other per- health care services. Therefore, I strongly E. MEYER son. By the time he finished his sea duty, he’d commend my colleague BOB FILNER for bring- served on seven ships and sailed the Pacific, ing this measure before the floor. HON. ERIC J.J. MASSA Atlantic, and Mediterranean. This bill provides for a new two-fiscal-year OF NEW YORK The next phase of Admiral Meyer’s career discretionary budget authority for three critical IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES was leading critical programs and facilities in the Navy’s material establishment. In 1963 accounts of the Department of Veterans Af- Thursday, October 8, 2009 fairs: medical services, medical support and Secretary of the Navy Fred Korth chose then compliance, and medical facilities. Accord- Mr. MASSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today Commander Meyer to serve in the special ingly, this measure will give the Department of to laud the achievements, acumen, patriotism Navy Task Force for the Surface Guided Mis- Veterans Affairs sufficient time to effectively and long service to our country by RA Wayne sile Systems, under command of RADM Eli T. plan how it will deliver the best care to a grow- E. Meyer, affectionately known as the ‘‘Father Reich, USN. His work at the Terrier missile ing number of veterans with increasingly com- of AEGIS.’’ His service to our Navy and our system desk led to his appointment to lead the plex medical conditions. And to ensure that Nation has been continuous since his enlist- engineering effort to transition the entire Ter- the funds are being used appropriately, H.R. ment as a midshipman recruit in 1943. He is rier fleet (30 ships) from analog to high speed 1016 requires the United States Comptroller best known as the founding project manager digital systems. After turning down a destroyer General to conduct a study to determine the of the AEGIS Shipbuilding Project, which command to continue this prelude to ad- adequacy and accuracy of the department’s began building AEGIS cruisers in 1978. vanced weapons system design, he was ap- budget model projections. AEGIS destroyers are still being constructed pointed an Ordnance Engineering Duty Officer today, and remain the world’s most formidable My military constituents often turn to me for the same year he was selected for captain, multi-mission warships. The cruisers and de- support in confronting the many challenges 1966. He then served as the Chief Engineer at stroyers in our fleet today are the direct result they face when working with the Department the Naval Ship Missile Systems Engineering of Rear Admiral Meyer’s leadership and dedi- of Veterans Affairs. We have come to under- Station, Port Hueneme, California. From this cation to his country. stand, that many of the challenges in efficient post he led the in-service engineering of the Admiral Meyer’s life began far from the sea, health care services are attributable to the De- Navy’s surface missile systems. in Brunswick, Missouri, in 1926. His family partment of Veterans Affairs’ inadequate fund- Ordered back to Washington in 1969, he plowed the black earth in the ‘‘gumbo’’ region ing. Over the last two decades, the appro- became the AEGIS Weapons System Man- near the Missouri River, and, like so many priated funds for medical care have not been ager in the Bureau of Ordnance, the most im- other American families of that era, survived provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs portant phase of his career. It was here that the Depression only through their determina- in a timely manner. This has resulted in the Meyer’s lifetime operational and engineering tion and their indomitable spirit. experience was put to the test. It would also department’s problems in planning and man- When the Nation went to war in 1941, aging care for enrolled veterans. Accordingly, require him to exercise what many know to be Wayne Meyer was only 15. He continued his his unparalleled genius—organization and this bill addresses this budgetary problem and schooling, but only days after his 17th birth- allows for advance appropriations to ensure communication. day, with his parent’s written permission, he Meyer’s first major challenge was to make the department has the Federal backing to ef- enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve to serve AEGIS work. That is—develop and test a new fectively address the medical needs of our Na- his country. After graduating high school as area air defense system to protect the fleet tion’s veterans. his class president and valedictorian, the Navy from aircraft and cruise missile attack. By vir- As a vocal advocate for veterans’ rights, I called him to active duty as an apprentice sea- tue of his ‘‘double-hat’’ as the Director of Sur- am pleased to add my voice of support for man, and sent him to the University of Kan- face Missile Systems in NAVSEA, he was also H.R. 1016. I look forward to working with my sas’ engineering school—part of President charged with keeping the existing fleet of Ter- colleagues to ensure that we continue to pro- Roosevelt’s ‘‘V–12’’ program. After an acceler- rier and Tartar ships capable against ever vide the necessary resources towards improv- ated and exhausting 32 months, Wayne Meyer more sophisticated Soviet threats. Those who ing our Department of Veterans Affairs’ health earned a B.S. in electrical engineering. Later worked for Meyer in those early days knew care programs and administrative services. that month, in February 1946, he was commis- him as untiring, relentless, and driven towards sioned an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve, success. They also knew him to be the con- f and sent to M.I.T. for further schooling in the summate engineer—demanding back-ups for THE FEDERAL BUDGET DEFICIT nascent fields of radar and sonar. His school- risky technologies and redundancy to ensure ing later included atomic weapons training, a his system would work under even the most further graduate degree in electrical engineer- demanding conditions. After a number of land- HON. LEONARD LANCE ing, a master’s in aeronautics and astronautics based tests, the AEGIS Weapon System pro- OF NEW JERSEY from M.I.T., the Navy General Line School and totype was installed in the USS Norton Sound IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES certification as a Navy Ordnance Engineer. in 1974 for at-sea testing. Two more years of His early years in the Navy were marked by development and testing, following Meyer’s Thursday, October 8, 2009 extensive sea duty. He was ordered to De- mantra, ‘‘build-a-little, test-a-little, learn a lot’’ Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, the Federal stroyer Radar Picket USS Goodrich (DDR led to ‘‘Super Sunday’’ in 1977, when AEGIS budget deficit tripled to a record $1.4 trillion for 831), where he served as part of the occupa- detected, tracked and engaged two targets si- the 2009 fiscal year that ended last week, tion forces in the Mediterranean, service in the multaneously. congressional analysts announced late yester- Greek civil war, and with part of the force sup- With such a powerful new weapon system day. porting the creation of Israel in 1948. He was in development, the Navy understood that it accepted for transfer to the regular Navy that could be used for more than just air engage- According to the Congressional Budget Of- year as well. ments, and in 1976 charged Meyer with devel- fice this year’s budget deficit is a level not wit- Meyer was next posted in Chinese waters, oping the AEGIS Combat System. The combat nessed since World War Two. where his ship, the light gun cruiser Spring- system, which included the AEGIS Weapon The deficit amounted to almost 10 percent field (CL 66), was in the mouth of the System, would allow simultaneous multi-mis- of the nation’s economy, triple the size of the Huangpu River when Chiang Kai-Shek’s Na- sion engagements against surface, air, and shortfall for 2008. tionalist forces fell to Mao’s Red Army in submarine targets, as well as strike capability. While tax revenue fell by $420 billion, or 17 March 1949. He returned home to serve on a With his naval engineer’s eye toward cau- percent, to the lowest level in more than 50 number of ships on Fleet Staffs—twice deploy- tioned, prudent design, Meyer again de- years, Federal spending rose by 18 percent. ing in the destroyer tender USS Sierra (AD manded a stepwise approach to development, Despite this sobering economic report, the 16). He patrolled the Distant Early Warning and thorough land-based testing before send- White House and its allies in Congress con- line (extended) off Newfoundland as Executive ing the system to sea. tinue to press ahead with health care overhaul Officer in the Radar Picket Strickland (DER With these combat and weapon systems legislation that could cost at least $900 billion 333). After a return to shore for more school- under controlled development, Meyer’s next over the next decade. ing, he was ordered to the guided missile major challenge was to ‘‘get AEGIS to Sea.’’ How many alarm bells must be set off be- cruiser Galveston (CLG 3) as Fire Control Offi- Since the project began in 1969, the ship to fore Washington gets serious about tackling cer and subsequently Gunnery Officer for her carry AEGIS had been a hotly debated issue our ever-growing budget deficits? conversion as the first Talos cruiser, where he in the Navy, the Department of Defense, and

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2501 Congress. Meyer knew that he couldn’t have H. CON. RES. 51, RECOGNIZING THE SUPPORTING NATIONAL ADULT his engineers constantly focus as the targeted 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EDUCATION AND FAMILY LIT- ships changed each year, and thus instituted ANTARCTIC TREATY ERACY WEEK ‘‘Superset.’’ The ‘‘Superset’’ combat system SPEECH OF would be the largest aggregation of capability under consideration for a single ship. If a less HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI HON. DANIEL B. MAFFEI OF NEW YORK capable version were eventually authorized by OF OHIO Congress, ‘‘down-designing’’ would be easier IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES than inserting new combat system features. Tuesday, October 6, 2009 When our democracy finished its great debate Thursday, October 8, 2009 Mr. MAFFEI. Madam Speaker, today I rise on the first ship to carry AEGIS, a highly modi- in support of House Resolution 707, express- Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to fied version of the USS Spruance hull was the ing support for the week of September 13, express my support for H. Con. Res. 51, Rec- result. Christened by Nancy Reagan in 1981, 2009, as Adult Education and Family Literacy ognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Antarctic Week. Syracuse, NY, in my district, is consid- and commissioned in 1983, the cruiser USS Treaty. ered the ‘‘home’’ of the adult literacy move- Ticonderoga was built on time, and slightly ment. It was in Syracuse that Dr. Frank This resolution recognizes that the Antarctic under budget. It was on the battle line in Leb- Laubach established Laubach Literacy Inter- anon only 9 months after its commission. Treaty has ensured Antarctica’s peaceful use national to combat this ever growing problem. Today, when our country seems to have dif- and the continuance of international harmony In my district, ProLiteracy continues the fight ficulties building ships, we should remember for the past half century. Also, it encourages to encourage adult literacy in order to improve that we have had great patriots like Admiral international and interdisciplinary collaboration the lives of adults, their families and commu- nities. ProLiteracy, the world’s largest organi- Meyer, who could lead the most complex of in the Antarctic Treaty Summit. The Antarctic Treaty was signed by the zation of adult literacy and basic education endeavors—and bring them in on cost and on programs, provides advocacy, professional de- schedule. United States and eleven other nations in velopment, training, technical assistance, and But one ship does not a fleet make. Pro- Washington, D.C. on December 1, 1959. Over materials to the programs that help adults moted to rear admiral in 1975, Meyer’s third the past five decades, the Antarctic Treaty has learn to read, write, perform basic math, use major challenge was to ‘‘rebuild the Surface succeeded as a firm foundation for ongoing technology, and communicate in English. Navy’’—transitioning from a Terrier and Tartar international cooperation. It has grown to in- Fourteen percent of adults nationwide can- not read at an 8th grade level, that number cruiser and destroyer fleet to an AEGIS cruis- clude 47 nations, representing nearly two- thirds of the world’s population. rises to twenty two percent of adults in the er and destroyer fleet. Meyer knew it would be state of New York. The ability to read is a key a long process, and would require school- The Antarctic Treaty was established to component for overcoming poverty, maintain- houses, shore-based logistics, facilities for continue and develop international ‘‘coopera- ing good health, finding a job that pays a living computer program maintenance, training, in- tion on the basis of freedom of scientific inves- wage and preventing crime. Almost 63 percent service engineering, and a host of other facili- tigation in Antarctica as applied during the of all inmates in state and federal prisons are ties and people to keep the new fleet ready. International Geophysical Year.’’ almost totally illiterate. For example, Carl Sodeberg from Min- With his partner in the Chief of Naval Oper- November 30th through December 3, 2009, ations’ Office, Vice Admiral James H. Doyle, neapolis, Minnesota had a learning disability on the 50th anniversary of its signing, the Ant- that made it difficult for him to read. When Jr., he set out to build this supporting infra- arctic Treaty Summit will convene in Wash- Carl was in high school, he was called to the structure, which keeps the fleet ready today. ington, D.C. at the Smithsonian Institution. The front of the classroom to read something from With 27 cruisers and 62 destroyers built or summit will be an international and inter- the blackboard. When students and the teach- under construction, and more in planning, Ad- disciplinary meeting that will offer a unique er mocked him, Carl lashed out at the teacher miral Meyer’s vision of rebuilding the surface venue for scientists, legislators, administrators, verbally and was suspended from school. He Navy is now complete. lawyers, historians, educators, executives and never went back. Over the next 20 years Carl found himself in and out of work. He devel- After retiring in 1985, Admiral Meyer’s rest- others to explore the scientific and policy oped a drug problem and ended up in jail. less zeal has kept him thoroughly involved in achievements of the Antarctic Treaty System When he finally realized he needed to learn to our Nation’s defense. He has chaired numer- and its global precedents in international gov- read, Carl was in his mid–40’s. Carl worked ous Navy Advisory Boards, the Ballistic Missile ernance. with an adult literacy program in his commu- Defense Advisory Committee, and remains a This resolution also encourages inter- nity—he learned to read, earned his high valuable counselor to those in our Navy as the national and interdisciplinary collaboration in school diploma, and then went on to get a ‘‘Father of AEGIS.’’ paraprofessional’s license that enables him to the Antarctic Treaty Summit to identify lessons work as a teacher’s aide. He’s now employed He has watched with special pride as his from 50 years of international cooperation AEGIS fleet has been transformed into a crit- by the high school from which he was sus- under the Antarctic Treaty that have legacy pended, working with students who have fallen ical arm of our Nation’s ballistic missile de- value for humankind. behind in their studies due to reading prob- fense system. With his guidance and I would especially like to recognize my con- lems. mentorship, the process has again been, stituent, Dr. Paul A. Berkman. Professor It is stories such as Carl Sodeberg’s that re- ‘‘build-a-little, test-a-little, learn a lot,’’ with a Berkman was awarded a Fulbright Distin- mind us the importance of encouraging adult record of success unparalleled among the literacy and the mission of organizations like guished Scholarship at the University of Cam- missile defense programs. ProLiteracy. I encourage other Members to bridge to plan the Antarctic Treaty Summit: join me in supporting H. Res. 707 to designate His accomplishments and contributions to Science-Policy Inter-actions in International the defense of our Nation have been so nu- the week of September 13 Adult Education Governance. Dr. Berkman now serves as and Family Literacy Week. merous and far-reaching that the Secretary of Chair of the international board for this inter- f the Navy named an AEGIS destroyer, DDG disciplinary project. I am thankful for his dedi- 108, the USS Wayne E. Meyer. She is to IN RECOGNITION OF THE PASSING cation, passion, and enthusiasm for the Ant- commission this October, an event that will no OF W.L. SMITH arctic Treaty and the Antarctic Treaty Summit. doubt be attended by thousands who have taken part in the ‘‘AEGIS movement.’’ In ad- I hope that my colleagues will join me in HON. JEFF MILLER vance of that monumental event, I would like recognizing the important contributions, and OF FLORIDA to thank Admiral Meyer for his more than 65 peaceful international cooperation the Ant- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES years of service to our Nation. I stand in awe arctic Treaty has encouraged for the past half Thursday, October 8, 2009 of his achievements, his systems, his fleet, century by passing H. Con. Res. 51. A truly bi- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I and his commitment to the excellence of our partisan measure will both capture and accu- rise today to recognize Mr. W.L. Smith ‘‘Jun- Navy. rately honor the spirit of the Antarctic Treaty. ior,’’ a World War II veteran and a community

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E2502 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 8, 2009 leader who passed away on October 5, 2009. was an active member of the community. He W.L. Smith ‘‘Junior’’ as a World War II hero Mr. Smith spent his life serving his country, his was a member of the Jay United Methodist and Northwest Florida leader. Junior will be community, and his family, and I am proud to Church, as well as the Masonic Lodge. Junior remembered as a loving husband and father honor his dedication and service. will be sorely missed by his wife of 59 years, and as an important part of our community. Junior Smith was born on November 7, Louise, his children, Connie, Donna, Ricky, My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his 1921 in Weedowee, Alabama and was a life- and Scotty, his 10 grandchildren, his great- family as we remember and honor the life of long resident of Jay, Florida. He served honor- grandchild, and his entire extended family. ably in World War II before opening Smith Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United W.L. Smith. Tractor Company in Jay. In addition, Junior States Congress, I am privileged to honor

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:07 Jan 16, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E08OC9.REC E08OC9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE