Floor Statements

I rise today to celebrate a gem of western Nebraska, Lake Alice School. The school first opened its doors in 1915, and it will bid its farewell on Monday. A farewell will actually be held with an open house at the school, allowing anyone who is or has been associated with the school to reflect on its impact to our community and what it has meant to so many people through the years.

Nearly 7,000 students from Scottsbluff and the surrounding area have passed through the school during its 93 years. I'm proud to have known Lake Alice students, teachers, graduates, and faculty throughout my life. The school provided a quality education and serves as a point of pride for the community.

It will hold a special place in our hearts. I hate to see the doors close, but I know the memories will last forever.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a gem of western Nebraska, Lake Alice School. The school, which first opened its doors in 1915, will bid its final farewell on Monday.

A Farewell to Lake Alice School will be held with an open house at the school, allowing anyone who is or has been associated with the school to reminisce on its impact to our community and what it has meant to so many people through the years.

Nearly 7,000 students from Scottsbluff and the surrounding area have passed through the school during its 93 years. I'm proud to have known Lake Alice students, teachers, graduates, and faculty throughout my life. The school provided a quality education and served as a point of pride for the community.

Lake Alice will hold a special place in our hearts. I hate to see the doors close, but I know the memories will last forever.

Madam Speaker, nestled in a quiet corner of Washington D.C. a memorial stands in remembrance of some of our bravest citizens. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was dedicated in 1991 to honor America's federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel. Its walls bear the names of more than 18,000 officers killed in the line of duty, dating back to the first known death in 1792.

Every May, the nation honors the men and women who paid the ultimate price. It is a time to recognize the contributions of more than 900,000 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who serve this nation and the thousands who have lost their lives.

Earlier this week, hundreds of Nebraskans from across our state gathered to pay tribute

to the 130 Nebraska law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty since 1866. On Monday, May 11, the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial was dedicated to our friends and neighbors who gave their lives to make our world a better place. Located in Grand Island, the names of these heroes are now etched in gold on three granite panels, a solemn reminder of the cost they--and their families--have paid.

It is fitting the pathway to the Washington D.C. Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is guarded by a statue of a lion protecting its cubs. Thousands of Americans from all walks of life owe their lives to the actions of the brave men and women in uniform who protect us. Each day, law enforcement officers ensure our laws are enforced and our communities are safe.

Madam Speaker, throughout the month of May, the city of Bridgeport has been celebrating the 75th anniversary of a family business which is more of an institution than a store.

I want to thank Jack and Dee Berg for their commitment and their dedication to their community. They should serve as an inspiration for us all.

This remarkable achievement has spanned two generations of Bergs and thirteen presidents. The family business--first a Gamble's Department Store before becoming Berg's True Value--served Bridgeport through two World Wars, good economic times and bad, and has strengthened western Nebraska for decades.

The store remains in its original location, but has grown from 1,000 to 10,500 square feet. As it grew, it changed with the times--stocking everything from clothing to furniture.

It is still the best place to get Husker gear.

I want to congratulate the Bergs as they continue to their anniversary celebration. May they find continued success in the years to come.

During the height of last summer, gas prices hit an all-time high. Thirty years ago, in the midst of another energy crisis, our country began to explore turning algae into fuel. The microscopic, single-celled plant has the potential to be a tremendous resource.

Algae grow very quickly, as anyone with a backyard garden or a watering tank in their pasture knows. It ingests carbon dioxide-- releasing oxygen in the process--and is laden with oils which can be used to produce biodiesel.

My friends, we need to continue to explore any and all viable forms of research and development in this renewable energy.

On Thursday, Members of Congress will have the chance to see what the future may hold for our Nation's energy resources at the Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo. There are still hurdles to overcome, but now is the time to begin working for a strong and diverse renewable energy portfolio.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 211 on the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, H.R. 46, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Robert Knisely, a friend to all of Nebraska and a man whose philanthropy over the years--many times anonymous in nature--will be missed.

Born in Shubert, Nebraska, Bob served our country honorably during World War II, captaining B-17 and B-29 bombers in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

After the war, Bob founded Midwest Construction Company which became a nationally recognized heavy construction contractor for more than 56 years. He did not rest on his laurels, instead earning a reputation for a man who loved and lived his work. He returned this success to the State of Nebraska not only through private philanthropy, but also by working to make our State a better place.

Bob's strength was his ability to tap into the humor, empathy and charm which made him well-liked by everyone who knew him.

A driven man, a passionate Husker fan, and a loving husband, father and grandfather, Bob will be missed. My thoughts and prayers remain with his family.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yesterday, the Savings Recovery Act, legislation designed to help Americans rebuild their retirement, college and personal savings, was introduced. This legislation will make it easier for Americans to save more for their retirement by increasing the contribution and catch-up limits for individuals and families. It will restore college savings by extending the existing credit for contributions made to college savings accounts. The Savings Recovery Act will ensure workers retain control over their hard-earned 401(k)s, not the Federal Government.

Mr. Speaker, the American people need more than just lip service when it comes to their futures. They need real solutions, solutions which come from empowering the public, not from racking up more debt.

I urge my colleagues to support the Savings Recovery Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a wonderful lady and a true Nebraska treasure. Today, Sally Gordon will be celebrating her 100th birthday in a place which has come to know and love her--The Nebraska State Capitol.

Sally was the Nebraska Legislature's first female Sergeant-at-Arms when she was first hired in 1983--and she has been putting Nebraska lawmakers in their place ever since.

In this day and age, such dedication to public service is rare and her amazing stamina has put many of her colleagues to shame over the years.

She truly exemplifies the word ``elegant'' and I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with her during my time in the Nebraska Unicameral.

Sally, may your force never diminish and your voice never fade.

Happy Birthday.

I rise today out of concern for the public lands bill that we are taking up. We will be taking up the Senate amendments to H.R. 146. I support the underlying goals of our Nation's conservation systems, but I am concerned about overreaching actions by the Federal Government negatively affecting the American public.

The original bill, S. 22, combined 170 separate measures--most of which have never received a committee hearing. Last week, the Senate called up H.R. 146, an unrelated battlefield preservation bill, and substituted the text of S. 22. Because we have already passed an earlier version of H.R. 146, the measure can be shielded from further amendments. This is unfortunate. There will be no opportunity to amend this bill. By sidestepping a legislative process, we are not making this bill better.

Last week, there was an amendment that protects hunting and fishing, but it certainly was silent because it didn't need to be vocal at the time on the right-to-carry provision. But, on March 19, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly single-handedly decided to block the government's common sense policy.

We can do better, Mr. Speaker, and we should do better.

Mr. Speaker, approximately 150,000 veterans live in Nebraska, many of whom live in my Third District. I am grateful for their sacrifice and certainly honored to represent them here in the United States House of Representatives.

I rise today to expression extreme disappointment, but also some gratitude for a policy that was made and then rescinded. I am grateful it was rescinded because it would cause a great burden for our veterans who have served us so admirably with sacrifice when they would have to go through the private sector health insurance rather than the VA.

Mr. Speaker, I rise again to express my gratitude because our veterans deserve better than that. They shouldn't be burdened with such a bureaucratic

process. They need a streamlined process so they can experience their health care in a more effective manner.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember a young Nebraskan who left this world too soon. Justin Balfany, 15 years old, will be laid to rest tomorrow afternoon. My heart goes out to his parents Greg and Susan, his sister Kaci and the rest of his family, and I pray they find comfort in the coming days.

Justin had a strong faith in God and in his fellow students. He has been described as a ``tremendous young man'' who competed in tennis, baseball, and basketball. He was active in his church and in other groups in his hometown of Kearney.

Last year, he was invited to attend President Barack Obama's nomination acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, where he served as a correspondent for his hometown newspaper, the Kearney Hub, as well as the Sidney Sun Telegraph.

I was fortunate to have met Justin last year. I was impressed with his intelligence, his spirit, and his dedication.

Justin's spirit and his enthusiasm with his church, his friends, and his community reminds us what it means to be a Nebraskan. He will be missed by many.

I rise today to remember Paul Harvey, one of our nation's great storytellers and a fixture for anyone who spent time listening to radio while traveling Nebraska's highways.

Unfortunately, we lost one of our most distinctive voices on Saturday when Harvey passed away at the age of 90.

Since 1951, his signature ``Stand by . . . for news'' alerted listeners to both stories which would strike a chord for the common man, and for commentary which would bring smiles to faces and nods across our country.

Paul Harvey's strength was his ability to tap into the humor, empathy and charm which made him unique. In a day of constantly streaming news and information, Harvey made each of us feel like we were listening to a local radio commentator, not a national program.

America's air waves are a little quieter today.

So I end today with the immortal words of Mr. Harvey, ``Good day, America.''

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks the Third Congressional District will receive as part of the Consolidated Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009.

Requesting Member: Congressman Adrian Smith

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: Small Business Administration, Salaries and Expenses

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Nebraska Kearney

Address of Requesting Entity: 905 West 25th Street, Kearney, Nebraska, USA

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $100,000 for the University of Nebraska World Trade Center. The funding would be used to provide market research to businesses, facilitate participation in trade shows, organize trade missions, conduct international trade education for businesses, and offer business services that directly support trade for clients. This program will be a one-stop resource for businesses at various stages, from exploring opportunities to forming export and import agreements with trade partners. The Small Business Administration has recognized that support for entrepreneurship is critical to economic growth, as reflected in SBA's guiding principles of supporting entrepreneurs through a network of local resource partners and empowering the spirit of entrepreneurship in every community. This project will provide specific support for growth- oriented small businesses that need access to larger markets, a particular challenge faced in non-metropolitan areas. Because impact is closely tied to the geographic distribution of resources, this project will achieve federal interests by locating a resource partner in a critical region.

Requesting Member: Congressman Adrian Smith

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: Transportation and Community and Safety Preservation

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Nebraska Department of Roads

Address of Requesting Entity: 1500 Highway 2, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $570,000 for a new interchange located on Interstate 80 at Cherry Avenue, which is located approximately three miles east of Kearney's only interstate exit. This project will provide efficient access from Interstate 80 to the large industrial and commercial area on the northeaster part of the city and relieve traffic congestion along 2nd Avenue. Currently, regional and national truck traffic serving these businesses must pass through the center of Kearney, causing delays and safety concerns. A new interchange and connecting roadway will encourage economic development and investment in this part of the country at a time when rural areas are experiencing difficult economic times.

Requesting Member: Congressman Adrian Smith

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: Transportation and Community and Safety Preservation

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Panhandle Area Development District

Address of Requesting Entity: 1432 10th Street, Gering, Nebraska, USA

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $475,000 for the Heartland Expressway Corridor Management Study. The funding would be used to prepare a corridor development and management plan for the Heartland Expressway High Priority Corridor which will update project cost estimates, schedule segment priorities, and quantify economic development benefits. The plan will include, at a minimum, a coordinated corridor development plan and schedule, including a timetable for completion of all planning and development activities, environmental reviews and permits, and construction of all segments; the results of any environmental reviews and mitigation plans; a gap analysis identifying areas that need environmental reviews; a complete and comprehensive analysis of corridor costs and benefits; a finance plan, including any innovative financing methods and a State-by-State breakdown of corridor finances; and, the identification of any impediments to the development and construction of the corridor, including any environmental, social, political and economic objections.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, the majority has adequately explained the purpose of H.R. 326. This legislation is the same as H.R. 673 that passed by unanimous consent in the House in 2007 but did not move in the Senate.

At present, the tribe benefiting from this legislation has a reservation that consists of several noncontiguous trust lands. H.R. 326 places tribal fee lands in trust to fill in some of the gaps in these reservation properties, and thereby, improves travel management and governance of the reservation.

The text of H.R. 326 reflects changes that had been recommended by the Bush administration in the last Congress. To the best of our knowledge, the bill is noncontroversial; and, therefore, we have no objections to it.

I reserve the balance of my time.

No, we haven't.

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