Supporting the goals and ideals of the Arbor Day Foundation and National Arbor Day.

Madam Speaker, for the information of our colleagues and my constituents, I want the Record to reflect how I would have voted on the following votes I missed this session.

On rollcall 338, on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 1212 providing for consideration of H.R. 6049, Energy Production and Conservation and Individual Income Tax Relief I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 339, on agreeing to the resolution providing consideration of H.R. 6049, Energy Production and Conservation and Individual Income Tax Relief, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 340, on ordering the previous question providing for consideration of H.R. 5658, the National Defense Authorization of 2009, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 341, on ordering the previous question providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany S. Con. Res. 70, the Congressional Budget Act, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 342, on agreeing to the resolution providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany S. Con. Res 70, the Congressional Budget Act, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 343, on the motion to recommit with instructions H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act, I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 344, passage of H.R. 6049, The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 345, to suspend the rules and pass as amended H.R. 1771, The Crane Conservation Act of 2008, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 346, passage of H.R. 2419, the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act objections of the President notwithstanding, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 347, to suspend the rules and pass, as amended H.R. 3819, Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2008, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 348, to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5826, Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living adjustment, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 349, to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5856, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization and Lease Act, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 350, on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 1218, providing for consideration of H.R. 5658, Department of Defense Authorization, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 351, on agreeing to the resolution providing for consideration of H.R. 5658, Department of Defense Authorization, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 352, on motion to table H. Res. 1221, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 353, to suspend rules and pass H.R. 6124 to provide for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2012, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 354, to suspend rules and pass H. Res. 1194, reaffirming the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government of Lebanon, under Prime Minister Fouad Sinoria, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 355, on the Akin amendment to H.R. 5658, to cut military pay, benefits, and healthcare by $163 million. I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 356, on the Franks amendment to H.R. 5658, that would take $719 million from high priority R&D programs outside of the Missile Defense Agency, in order to eliminate the committee's targeted reductions to the missile defense budget, I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 357, on the Tierny amendment to H.R. 5658, to reduce funding for the Missile Defense Agency by an additional $996.2 million beyond the $719 million already reduced, I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 358, on the Pearce amendment to H.R. 5658, to cut $10 million from the Department of Defense Energy Conservation Improvement Program in order to restore RRW funding, I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 359, on the Lee amendment to H.R. 5658, requiring that any security guarantee, arrangement, or assurance between the US and Iraq would have to be ratified by the Senate or approved by the full Congress, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 360, on the Braley amendment to H.R. 5658, requiring an extensive report on current and future war costs, including direct war costs and veterans payments, to try to capture the full cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 361, on the Price amendment to H.R. 5658. prohibiting agencies under the Department of Defense from using contractors to perform interrogations, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 362, on the Holt amendment to H.R. 5658, requiring that strategic intelligence interrogations of Department of Defense detainees being conducted in theater interment facilities, and not on the battlefield, are video-taped or otherwise electronically recorded and stored according to guidelines that the Secretary of Defense will promulgate, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 363, on the McGovern amendment to H.R. 5658. requiring the secretary of defense to remove recently imposed secrecy and return to the previous practice of releasing the names, upon request, of the students and instructors at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 364, on the motion to recommit with instructions H.R. 5658, the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009, I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 365, on passage of H.R. 5658 Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 366, to suspend the rules and agree, as amended H. Res. 986, recognizing the courage and sacrifice of those members of the United States Armed Forces who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict and calling for a full accounting of the 1,729 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam conflict, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 367, to suspend rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 138 supporting National Men's Health Week, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 368, to suspend rules and agree on H. Res. 923 recognizing the State of Minnesota's 150th Anniversary, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 369, to suspend rules and agree to H. Res. 1114 supporting the goals and ideals of the Arbor Day Foundation and National Arbor Day, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on February 6, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 29: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 867. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 30: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 942. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'', and rollcall No. 31: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 943. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''.

Madam Speaker, on February 7, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 32: On ordering the previous question for H. Res. 956. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 33: On agreeing to H. Res. 956. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 34: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 283, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 35: On motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4848, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 36: On agreeing to the amendment numbered 4 to H.R. 4137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 37: On agreeing to the amendment numbered 5 to H.R. 4137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 38: On agreeing to the amendment numbered 7 to H.R. 4137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; rollcall No. 39: On motion to Recommit H.R. 4137 with Instructions. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; rollcall No. 40: On passage of H.R. 4137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall

No. 41: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 947. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'', and rollcall No. 42: On agreeing to the Senate amendment to H.R. 5140. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Madam Speaker, On March 11, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following vote: rollcall No. 111: On motion to adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Madam Speaker, on April 14, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 183: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 886, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 184: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 994, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; and rollcall No. 185: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3548, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on May 5, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 240: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 952. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 241: On a motion to table the motion to reconsider H. Res. 952. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 242: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1011, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 243: On a motion to table the motion to reconsider H. Res. 1011. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; and rollcall No. 244: On a motion to adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on May 6, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following vote: rollcall No. 260: On motion to adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on June 3, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 367: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 138, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 368: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 923. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 369: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1114. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on July 17, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 510: On agreeing to the resolution to H. Res. 1350. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 539: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1370, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

I thank the gentlelady from North Carolina for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day and an outstanding Nebraskan, once said, ``Each generation of humanity takes the earth as trustees.'' That is the spirit embodied in Arbor Day. The simple act of planting a tree provides resources

and beauty for future generations, and engages in good environmental stewardship. This resolution supports the goals of National Arbor Day and the National Arbor Day Foundation.

I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), the chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, and Mr. Clyburn of South Carolina for his help today, and the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Davis), the ranking member of the committee, for their help in bringing this important resolution to the floor.

A bit of history on Arbor Day. J. Sterling Morton served as United States Secretary of Agriculture, and is honored as one of two Nebraskans to have a statue in the United States Capitol. His former home, Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City, is now the centerpiece of a truly magnificent State historical park.

An early pioneer to the Nebraska territory, he first proposed Arbor Day in 1872 to address the absence of trees in Nebraska. Trees were needed to produce fuel and building materials, provide the necessary shade and wind breaks, as well as to prevent soil erosion. It is estimated that Nebraskans planted more than 1 million trees during that first Arbor Day.

Before long, the idea spread. Arbor Day is now celebrated in all 50 States and in many Nations throughout the world. Although National Arbor Day is always the last Friday in April, individual States observe Arbor Day on various dates, according to the most appropriate tree planting times.

Another outstanding Nebraskan, John Rosenow, built upon that legacy. In 1972, he established the National Arbor Day Foundation. Its mission is to ``inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.'' Through its Trees for America program, it distributes more than 8 million trees annually. The Foundation has worked with the United States Department of Agriculture's forest service since 1990, helping to plant nearly 4 million trees in national forests that have been damaged by fire, insects, or other natural causes. The Foundation has also branched out beyond the United States borders, promoting environmental activities throughout the world, including rainforest preservations.

Mr. Speaker, it is very appropriate that we honor Arbor Day and its vision of dedication to tree planting. We should also recognize the countless individuals in our country who have planted trees in fulfillment of this important vision.

J. Sterling Morton once also said, ``Other holidays repose on the past. Arbor Day proposes for the future.'' By supporting this resolution, we honor the spirit of Arbor Day. Planting trees is about planting for the future.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Nebraska, the author of this resolution, Mr. Fortenberry.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Idaho (Mr. Sali).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution honoring the goals and ideals of the Arbor Day Foundation and National Arbor Day.

Trees--They provide us with shelter and warmth. They clean the air we breathe. Their majesty inspires awe and alters landscapes. Mankind owes its livelihood to these miracles of nature, yet it is so easy to overlook their importance and beauty.

These traits were not lost to J. Sterling Morton, a pioneer who moved from Detroit to the unforgiving, treeless plains of the Nebraska Territory in 1854. A journalist and avid lover of nature, Morton used his position as editor of Nebraska's first newspaper to spread agricultural information and his enthusiasm for trees.

His words did not fall on deaf ears. Fellow pioneers soon realized how valuable trees were to their survival, not only for fuel and building materials, but for the stability of the soil and shade from the arid sun.

Once appointed as the secretary of the Nebraska Territory, on January 4, 1872 Morton first proposed a tree-planting holiday called ``Arbor Day.'' That same year, on April 10, citizens across Nebraska planted over one million trees.

The first official Arbor Day was held on April 10, 1874 and by 1885 it became a legal holiday in Nebraska to be celebrated on April 22, J. Sterling Morton's birthday. Throughout the 1870's the appeal spread across the nation and it was not long before Arbor Day was celebrated in each state of the United. States.

Today, Arbor Day is observed not only throughout this great nation, but across the globe. While most states observe Arbor Day on the last Friday in April, celebrations have evolved to correspond with varying ideal planting weather.

In response to growing national and international popularity, the Arbor Day Foundation was founded in 1972 to ``inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.'' The Arbor Day Foundation fuels their mission through the Arbor Day Farm, promoting and coordinating events, working with government and corporate entities, and distributing over' 10 million trees annually.

What began as a local holiday born of one man's enthusiasm has flourished into a global celebration. From Florida to Oregon and Cambodia to Venezuela, people gather to honor the ideals of Arbor Day.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and cherish its goal, captured convincingly in the words of its founder, J. Sterling Morton-- ``the cultivation of trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful, and the ennobling in man.''

Mr. Davis of Illinois. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1114) supporting the goals and ideals of the Arbor Day Foundation and National Arbor Day.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present for consideration H. Res. 1114, which expresses the support of Congress for the environmental goals and ideals of Arbor Day and the work of the Arbor Day Foundation.

H. Res. 1114, which was introduced by my colleague, Representative Jeff Fortenberry, on April 16, 2008, was reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2008 by voice vote. This measure has the support and sponsorship of 53 Members of Congress, and recognizes the importance of Arbor Day and the Arbor Day Foundation in preserving America's green spaces.

J. Sterling Morton, the father of Arbor Day, once observed that, ``The cultivation of trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful, and the ennobling in man.'' Established in 1872 as a tree planting holiday and celebration, Arbor Day has had a powerful and positive effect on America's landscape and ecosystem, and is now observed both nationally as well as in many foreign countries.

Mr. Speaker, we can't speak about National Arbor Day without mentioning the work of the National Arbor Day Foundation which was created with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. The Foundation has attracted almost 1 million members to become passionate about conservation and is worthy to be commemorated for their efforts to distribute 10 million plus trees annually for planting. And so I ask, Mr. Speaker, that we show our support of Arbor Day and the Arbor Day Foundation by agreeing to H. Res. 1114.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Nebraska for introducing this resolution.

I am reminded that my mother was a serious conservationist who just loved the beauty of flowers and trees. I would urge passage of this resolution as I close by remembering the words of Joyce Kilmer who had a poem called ``Trees.'' He said that:

I think that I shall never see

A poem so lovely as a tree.

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately sleeps with the rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

I would urge passage.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.