Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, in conformance with Republican Earmark Standards Guidance, I hereby submit the attached detailed finance plan for the C-130 Squadron Operations Facility at the Cheyenne Municipal Airport in Cheyenne, WY. This project is funded at $7,000,000 in H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009, as reported by the House Rules Committee on September 23, 2008. I am pleased to support this project on behalf of the Wyoming National Guard as they seek to fulfill vital national defense and homeland security requirements in association with the active duty Air Force.

Requesting Member: Rep. Barbara Cubin (WY-At Large).

Bill Number: H.R. 2638.

Account: Military Construction; Air National Guard.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Wyoming National Guard.

Address of Requesting Entity: 5500 Bishop Boulevard/Cheyenne, WY 82009.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark for $7,000,000 to construct a squadron operations facility at the Cheyenne Municipal Airport in Cheyenne, WY. Specifically, $5,795,000 for basic construction of the approximately 26,200 square foot facility; $200,000 for utilities; $165,000 for roadway and parking pavements; $55,000 for site improvements; $75,000 for communications support; $315,000 in contingency funds for unforseen expenses; and $396,000 for supervision, inspection and overhead. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the Air National Guard's Military Construction account. The Wyoming National Guard has identified a need for this new, consolidated facility to provide space for administration, training, intelligence, life support, survival equipment, command post, flight planning, aircrew briefing rooms, flight management, and storage. This facility is designed to sustain 24-hour/day operations supporting airborne firefighting, aeromedical evacuation, and homeland defense missions of 12-PAA C-130 aircraft associated with active duty Air Force personnel.

In conformance with Republican Earmark Standards Guidance, I hereby submit the attached detailed finance plan for the ADAL Missile Service Complex at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY. This project is funded at $810,000 in H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009, as reported by the House Rules Committee on September 23, 2008. I am pleased to support this project on behalf of F.E. Warren Air Force Base as the base continues its efforts to provide our nation with robust nuclear deterrence.

Requesting Member: Rep. Barbara Cubin (WY-At Large).

Bill Number: H.R. 2638.

Account: Military Construction; Air Force.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: F.E. Warren Air Force Base-Address of Requesting Entity: F.E. Warren Air Force Base.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $9,043,000 for a modern and efficient facility in which to perform missile component repair, technical training, administrative functions, and security code issuance. This requirement will provide a Keys and Codes Control Center (KCCC) and an Operational Security Keys and Codes (OSC) center. It will also provide a Proof Load Test Pit (PLTP), an essential part of Minuteman III (MMIII), as well as a facility to test the structural integrity of the missile carriage and erection vehicle, something that occurs 10-20 times each month. The $810,000 earmark in this bill will support planning and design for this project.

In conformance with Republican Earmark Standards Guidance, I hereby submit the attached detailed finance plan for the Multicontinuum Technology for Space Structures project in Laramie, WY. This project is funded at $2,880,000 in H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009, as reported by the House Rules Committee on September 23, 2008. I am pleased to support this project on behalf of Firehole Technologies, Inc. as they continue their efforts to provide our Armed Forces with a foundation for the efficient computer analysis of the composite structures that are growing in importance to our national security.

Requesting Member: Rep. Barbara Cubin (WY-At Large).

Bill Number: H.R. 2638.

Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force; Space Technology; Line 13.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Firehole Technologies, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: Wyoming Technology Business Center/ Dept. 3011, 1000 E. University Avenue/Laramie, WY 82071

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $3.6 million to develop a foundation for accurate and efficient computer analysis of composite structures in order to ensure their optimized application and, ultimately, mission success. The Air Force is actively designing and developing space structures where increased payloads, structural precision and deployable sub-structures are critical to mission success. Composites have emerged at the forefront of the material selection process for these applications based upon their unique strength-to-weight ratios, physical property tailoring, and shape memory capability.

Specifically, the budget for this project breaks down as follows: $1,626,713 for engineering labor; $585,000 for University of Wyoming subcontract expenses; $133,835 in consulting costs; $93,805 in travel expenses; $404,647 in General and Administrative expenses; and $756,000 for Air Force program management.

In conformance with Republican Earmark Standards Guidance, I hereby submit the attached detailed finance plan for the Eye-Safe Long Range Stand-Off System for Detection of Chemical and Biological Weapons project in Laramie, WY. This project is funded at $1,500,000 in H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009, as reported by the House Rules Committee on September 23, 2008. I am pleased to support this project on behalf of DeltaNu as they continue their efforts to provide our Armed Forces with enhanced chemical/biological materials long-range detection capabilities.

Requesting Member: Rep. Barbara Cubin (WY-At Large).

Bill Number: H.R. 2638.

Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide; Chemical and Biological Defense Program--Advanced Development; Line 33.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: DeltaNu.

Address of Requesting Entity: 628 Plaza Lane/Laramie, WY 82070.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $4.5 million for the development of long-range chemical/biological detection technology critical to new requirements for U.S. forces in the Middle East. Currently available detection systems are based on outdated technology that will never be able to provide soldiers sufficient early warning about incoming chemical/biological weapons.

This project received $1.12 million for FY08 to develop a hand-held detection device to function up to 25 meters and beyond, though this device is not eye-safe. This year's request will continue to enhance the range at which the device can be used effectively, as well as fund the development of an eye-safe version of this product. The chemical/ biological detection system developed by this request will enhance several military capabilities, including: the ability to detect exposed personnel or vehicles before they enter a base; the detection

of weapons materials before they can threaten personnel; and the accurate identification of hazardous material such that the correct countermeasure can be applied.

Specifically, the budget for this project breaks down as follows: $1,000,000 for materials; $675,000 for labor; $809,528 for labor overhead; $85,006 for subcontractors, including $75,006 for the University of Wyoming; $30,000 for travel; $1,705,034 for General and Administrative expenses; $200,000 in facilities expenses; and $495,502 for profit.

In conformance with Republican Earmark Standards Guidance, I hereby submit the attached detailed finance plan for the Enhanced Landmine and IED Detection System project in Laramie, WY. This project is funded at $960,000 in H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009, as reported by the House Rules Committee on September 23, 2008. I am pleased to support this project on behalf of ADA Technologies, Inc. as they continue their efforts to provide our Armed Forces enhanced landmine and Improvised Explosive Device detection capabilities.

Requesting Member: Rep. Barbara Cubin (WY-At Large).

Bill Number: H.R. 2638.

Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army; Landmine Warfare and Barrier Advanced Technology; Line 48.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: ADA Technologies, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: Wyoming Technology Business Center/ Dept. 3011, 1000 E. University Avenue/Laramie, WY 82071

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $3,400,000 for the development and testing of prototype integrating portable robots with landmine and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) detection technology. The Enhanced Landmine and IED Detection System (eLIDs) will allow potential landmine and IED threats to be accurately and quickly classified. The application of this technology into robotic form will greatly enhance the war fighter's ability to concentrate on other missions while the machinery protects war fighters from the explosives threats posed by landmines and IED's.

Buried mine detection and IED detection has become an increasingly urgent requirement for our nation's war fighters in Afghanistan and Iraq. IED detection in the field includes route clearance, urban environment, check point clearance and vehicle borne IEDs. Historically, landmine and IED detection has been done with a single detector capability, such as a metal detector, and has not been effective since landmines and IED's are built from other materials. New and more accurate detection techniques need to be developed and integrated into operational detection systems.

Specifically, the project budget breaks down as follows: $2,260,000 for labor ($1,630,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010); $80,000 for materials ($40,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010); and $60,000 for travel expenses ($30,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010).

In conformance with Republican Earmark Standards Guidance, I hereby submit the attached detailed finance plan for the Enhanced Robotic Manipulators for Defense Applications project in Jackson, WY. This project is funded at $750,000 in H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009, as reported by the House Rules Committee on September 23, 2008. I am pleased to support this project on behalf of Square One Systems Design as they continue their efforts to provide our Armed Forces with robotics technology with defense-related applications.

Requesting Member: Rep. Barbara Cubin (WY-At Large).

Bill Number: H.R. 2638.

Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army; Army Technical Test Instrumentation and Targets; Line 135.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Square One Systems Design.

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 10520/Jackson, WY 83002.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $870,000 for the development of robotic manipulators, including the extension for use in Improvised Explosive Device disassembly capability, the integration of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) devices into the manipulator to allow for remote treatment of critically wounded soldiers and the development of grippers consistent with the robotic casualty evacuation.

Improvised explosive devices have emerged as the most lethal threat facing Coalition Forces in Iraq. A number of countermeasures have been developed to address this threat including the use of tele-operated explosive ordnance disposal robots. While these robots are capable of providing standoff detonation capability, they lack the dexterity needed to effectively perform high-level explosive handling tasks. The successful development of robot manipulators has the potential to improve the effectiveness of America's frontline combat forces while greatly reducing the exposure of our soldiers to hostile fire. As mentioned above, there remain other potential applications for robotic manipulators, including their integration into tele-operated trauma care robots.

Specifically, this project breaks down as follows: $280,000 for mechanical design; $86,000 for electrical design; $120,000 for controls; $56,000 for machine vision; $74,000 for prototype assembly and testing; $44,000 for project management; and $210,000 for parts and materials.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in partnership with Representative Darlene Hooley to address an issue that transcends district boundaries and party lines--methamphetamine addiction.

While we hail from different political parties, Representative Hooley and I are natural partners in the fight against meth. We both represent rural, western districts that have struggled with the horrible effects of the meth epidemic. We both feel that we need a comprehensive approach to fighting meth, including increased education, awareness, and treatment for the addicted.

For the benefit of Wyoming, Oregon, and other rural areas across the Nation, we decided to combine our work into one bill, H.R. 6901, the Meth Free Families and Communities Act. This legislation incorporates portions of H.R. 405, the Family-Based Meth Treatment Access Act, which I introduced in both the 109th and 110th Congresses. My meth treatment provisions, combined with the education and awareness provisions authored by Representative Hooley, will give our citizens more tools to fight meth in our schools, in places of work, and in the family unit itself.

Too many young men and women in Wyoming are getting hooked on meth. In a survey conducted in my home State of Wyoming, nearly half of Wyoming's young adults believe there are significant benefits to meth use, including weight loss and happiness.

It's this misperception that leads young people into the nightmare of meth. These people have families, and children, that suffer right along with them. We need increased awareness in Wyoming. We also need treatment options for those that succumb to meth addiction.

I crafted the provisions of H.R. 6901 that reauthorize the pregnant and parenting women grant program. These grants support family-based treatment centers, which meet the needs of the entire family--mother, father, and children, rather than just the addict. This

means healthy mothers, healthy fathers, and safe and healthy children. Every success story is one less family torn apart by meth.

H.R. 6901 authorizes over $110 million for family-based treatment over 5 years. We need this funding in rural areas like Wyoming that otherwise lack treatment options. This legislation points us in that direction,

I know that some question the wisdom of spending taxpayer dollars on drug treatment. I don't think we can afford not to invest in treatment. The cost of treatment pales in comparison to what meth has cost the taxpayer through our courtrooms, our prisons, our emergency rooms, and our foster care system. Moreover, the emotional cost to Wyoming's families has been immeasurable. Family treatment is a sound investment, one that this body should make.

I want to thank Representative Hooley for her leadership and willingness to tackle the meth problem in a bipartisan fashion. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in support of H.R. 6901, which will make a real difference for meth-affected families in Wyoming and across the Nation.

Madam Speaker, in conformance with Republican Earmark Standards Guidance, I hereby submit the attached detailed finance plan for the C-130 Squadron Operations Facility at the Cheyenne Municipal Airport in Cheyenne, WY. This project is funded at $7,000,000 in H.R. 6599, the Fiscal Year 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, as reported by the House Appropriations Committee on July 24, 2008. I am pleased to support this project on behalf of the Wyoming National Guard as they seek to fulfill vital national defense and homeland security requirements in association with the active duty Air Force.

Requesting Member: Rep. Barbara Cubin (WY-At Large).

Bill Number: H.R. 6599.

Account: Military Construction; Air National Guard.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Wyoming National Guard.

Address of Requesting Entity: 5500 Bishop Boulevard, Cheyenne, WY 82009.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark for $7,000,000 to construct a squadron operations facility at the Cheyenne Municipal Airport in Cheyenne, WY. Specifically, $5,795,000 for basic construction of the approximately 26,200 square foot facility; $200,000 for utilities; $165,000 for roadway and parking pavements; $55,000 for site improvements; $75,000 for communications support; $315,000 in contingency funds for unforeseen expenses; and $396,000 for supervision, inspection and overhead. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the Air National Guard's Military Construction account. The Wyoming National

Guard has identified a need for this new, consolidated facility to provide space for administration, training, intelligence, life support, survival equipment, command post, flight planning, aircrew briefing rooms, flight management, and storage. This facility is designed to sustain 24-hour/day operations supporting airborne firefighting, aeromedical evacuation, and homeland defense missions of 12-PAA C-130 aircraft associated with active duty Air Force personnel.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize May 9th 2008 as National Childcare Provider Appreciation Day. Started in 1996 by a group of volunteers, this is an occasion to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for the children of working parents. Today, I join a chorus of state and local government proclamations, business and community events and the personal acknowledgment of providers by the parents themselves.

It takes a special kind of person to work in the childcare field, which is so critical to quality family life and the early childhood development of millions of Americans. Our Nation's childcare providers are all too often unsung heroes, making the recognition of National Child Provider Appreciation by this body that much more important.

Childcare is also an important component of our Nation's economy. The National Child Care Association has estimated that there are nearly 2.8 million childcare providers in the United States and that nearly 12 million under age 5 are in their care. Moreover, healthy families contribute immeasurably to healthy workplaces.

Many regions in my home State of Wyoming are experiencing population increases due to growth in the energy sector of our economy. Like other aspects of Wyoming's infrastructure, Wyoming's childcare community is being challenged by this growth and the increased demand for childcare services. I am proud to recognize Wyoming's childcare providers for their valuable contribution to Wyoming's communities in this time of transition.

With that, I commend our Nation's childcare providers and invite my colleagues to do the same on National Childcare Provider Appreciation Day.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ryan Hopkin and James Etier, Wyoming's State Honorees for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. These students were selected in a highly competitive, nationwide program, recognizing their outstanding acts of volunteerism.

Ryan Hopkin, a senior at Powell High School, installed crosswalk flags for younger children at dangerous intersections around the town's elementary schools. This innovative idea placed canisters on either side of the street, with cans provided for picking up and depositing the flag after use. That way, each student has a neon orange flag to carry, alerting drivers of their presence, and increasing their safety on the trip to school.

James Etier, an eighth-grader at Rock Springs East Junior High School, did a variety of volunteer activities at an after-school program. He helped out at the Humane Society shelter, worked at an elementary school with young children, and volunteered with the Salvation Army. James also assisted a group of senior citizens with yard work, in addition to visiting the local nursing home to meet residents.

Volunteerism is a community activity that is important to instill in our youth and these two individuals embody the spirit of service. I applaud them for their hard work and dedication to helping others. I hope they serve as role-models for their fellow students, leading by example.

In addition, I would like to recognize Wyoming's Distinguished Finalists, Elizabeth Whetstone of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Walter Wilson of Albin, Wyoming, for their commendable efforts.

Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I'm under the impression that the delegates from the territories' vote cannot be counted when it makes a difference in the outcome of the vote. So could you tell me when those votes can be considered and when they can't be considered?

Mr. Chairman, the Report accompanying H.R. 2643, the fiscal year 2008 Interior and the Environment Appropriations Act, urges the Environmental Protection Agency to study the health and environmental effects of using trona in air pollution control systems. Trona is a naturally occurring, non-toxic mineral widely used in food additives, in glass manufacturing, paper, laundry products and medicine. It is odorless, non-combustible and stable in the air. Trona is a key ingredient of baking soda. Here in the United States, we are fortunate to have an abundance of this incredibly useful mineral. The Green River Basin of Wyoming is home to the world's largest trona deposit, and the Wyoming trona industry alone products close to 20 million tons of trona every year and employs more than 2,000 people.

For almost 20 years, trona has also played a critical and growing role in air pollution control at coal-fired power plants, cement plants, municipal incinerators and similar facilities around the country, including Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Virginia and Washington. Texas-based Solvay Chemicals, Inc. pioneered the use of trona in air pollution control systems, and it is the only company in the United States that produces trona products for that purpose.

Trona simply works in air pollution control systems, and it works incredibly well. The EPA, which has repeatedly approved the use of trona in air pollution control systems, reports that those systems have actually reduced sulfur dioxide emissions by more than 85 percent and hydrochloric acid emissions by 95 percent at several power plants around the country, without increasing particulate matter emissions.

Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 454) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Shane Stanfield of Cheyenne, Wyoming, who was killed in Iraq while serving his nation. It is with deep sadness today that I join Shane's family in mourning their loss.

Shane Stanfield entered into military service on behalf of his country in 2000, eventually serving with honor and distinction in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. In 2004, Shane left the active duty military but continued serving his country as a private security officer. Shane was killed while protecting American personnel during Operation Iraqi Freedom on January 23, 2007.

Shane was only 25 years old. He is remembered both for his love of adventure and for his hardworking nature. Shane may be best remembered, however, for his kindness toward everyone he met.

We must never forget the sacrifice made by Shane Stanfield, or the countless other soldiers, who willingly place the safety and well being of the nation above their own. Shane Stanfield was a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and dear friend to those left behind. His family members and friends selflessly parted with him during his service to our nation.

We recognize that our deepest gratitude cannot possibly begin to diminish Shane Stanfield's absence, but his memory will live on in the hearts of our nation's citizens. I hope that this knowledge will provide his family with some measure of comfort as they work to find healing in Shane's remembrance.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise today to offer my congratulations to the University of Wyoming womens basketball team. On March 31st, the team handily defeated the University of Wisconsin to win the Womens National Invitational Tournament for the first time in school history.

As the Representative of the great State of Wyoming, it is my pleasure to join my fellow citizens as our state beams with pride for these 14 very accomplished young women and their coach, Joe Legerski.

Madam Speaker, millions of people across America call themselves basketball players, but only the truly elite will ever have the satisfaction and delight of calling themselves national champions. Members of the Wyoming Cowgirl basketball team are now living the dream of every young girl who has ever laced up her high tops and joined her local hoops team.

But the road to the WNIT Championship wasn't easy. In the semi- finals, the Cowgirls were pitted against the defending WNIT champs, Kansas State University. In front of a boisterous home crowd, the Cowgirls won a triple-overtime thriller, earning a ticket to the first post-season championship game in the program's history.

Three days later, over 15,000 fans arrived at Laramie's famous Arena- Auditorium to watch the Cowgirls roll to a 72-56 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers. Their victory came in front of the largest-ever crowd of Cowgirl basketball fans, a testament to the State's overwhelming support and pride for these women.

I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Amy Bolerjack, her sister Jodi Bolerjack, Mallory Cline, Elisabeth Dissen, Annie Gorenstein, Angiah Harris, Gemma Koehler, Megan McGuffey, Megan Mordecai, Justyna Podziemska, Dominique Sisk, Rebecca Vanderjagt, Aubrey Vandiver, and tournament MVP Hanna Zavecz.

These Cowgirls have proven they know how to get 'er done. They are living a dream come true, and they will have memories to last a lifetime.

Madam Speaker, with spring upon us, college students across the Nation are trekking to our Nation's coastal areas in search of sunny skies and sandy beaches. Yes, Madam Speaker, spring break is upon us.

Often, this collegiate ritual is typified by moral abandon and excesses of many types. However, today it is my pleasure to highlight several students from the University of Wyoming who visited the Nation's Capital to take part in an entirely different spring break experience.

Last week, eight students traveled here from Laramie, Wyoming, to take part in an up-and-coming program known as ``Alternative Spring Break.'' Here in Washington, they spent their days not sightseeing or sunbathing like many of their peers, but volunteering with the National Coalition for the Homeless.

Their week included long days spent working to serve homeless individuals and learning about the special needs of this all-too- frequently overlooked population of needy Americans.

Students like Amanda Blair, Jonathan McBride, Mackenzie Mixer, Lydia Bustos, John Ellis, Amber Johnson, Bailey Loghry, Jonathan Ingebrigtsen, Amber Pace, Brynn Hvidston, and their coordinators Robyn Paulekas at UW and Michael O'Neill of the National Coalition for the Homeless, are role models for people of all ages.

These students will undoubtedly now have spring break memories to last a lifetime. They deserve all the respect and praise this noble body can give.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to House Concurrent Resolution 63.

This proposal sends a dangerous message to the terrorists in Iraq. It informs them that they have succeeded in dividing us, that they should continue training their fighters, rebuilding their resources, and then they should attack with their full force when we leave.

There is no denying the difficulty of our current situation in Iraq. Terrible fractures exist along ethnic and religious fault lines. The need to stabilize Baghdad has never been more apparent.

All these realities are reflected in the President's new way forward, which is much more than just an increase in troop strength.

On January 10, the President changed the strategy on how we will fight this war. The President has laid out in great detail a plan for the Iraqis to take a leading role in their own security, a plan to isolate violent extremism and protect Iraq's citizens, a plan to make room for political and economic progress.

Most importantly, though, this is a plan for victory, to stabilize Iraq, to secure Iraq's democratic future, and then to bring our troops home.

In testimony before the Senate Armed Forces committee, General David Petraeus, the commanding officer in Iraq, described the implementation of the President's plan, as ``a test of wills.''

General Petraeus confirmed that the congressional action against the President's new plan would only encourage our enemies. Today, the will of the House of Representatives is being put to the test.

Underpinning the resolution before us today are calls to defund our military in a time of war. This proposal most certainly does not pass the test of wills. Rather, it puts us on a path to defeat.

The expulsion of U.S. troops from Iraq is critical to al Qaeda's plan to spread their deadly jihad beyond September 11, 2001, beyond Iraq's borders, and into the greater Middle East and the rest of the world.

Failing to achieve victory in Iraq will roll back the clock in the war on terror, giving al Qaeda the opportunity to establish a base in the heart of the Arab world, a place to train, rebuild resources, and plot the demise of American citizens across the globe.

A rapid U.S. withdrawal would lead to chaos, sectarian genocide, and military intervention by Iraq's neighbors.

We can, as the President has proposed, pass the test of wills and implement our plan for victory. The alternative to the President's plan is to retreat from our objectives, setting the stage for regional conflict in which terrorist agitators like al Qaeda, Hamas and Hezbollah will thrive.

Radical Islamists have declared war on the United States. This is a harsh and striking reality. We did not choose to be put in the cross- hairs of terrorists, and yet we have been for decades.

We do have a choice, however, in whether or not we have the will to win this war. My choice is to provide for the safety of our citizens and the security of future generations. My choice is to oppose today's misguided and dangerous resolution. My choice is to vote ``no,'' and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Wyoming Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors. This board has been serving Wyoming for 100 years by certifying engineers in order to ensure their competence and the highest level of training.

In 1907, when Clarence T. Johnston became the Wyoming State Engineer, there was no national or State certification process for workers. Realizing that many engineers were not trained for their positions, and thus were providing sub-par workmanship, he proposed to the Wyoming State legislature a bill to mandate registration of engineers and to create a board of examiners.

Wyoming became the first State with an engineer licensure law in 1907. Soon after, the Nation followed step; and in 1920, the organization now known as the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying was born. This organization has created licensure standards and professional ethics for engineers countrywide.

Through its licensure regulations and training, the National Council ensures the safety of our Nation's infrastructure. Engineers design our buildings and bridges, they develop our

technology, and they manufacture our machines. All U.S. citizens are affected by their work, and ensuring public safety through the guarantee of quality products is a noble cause.

I am proud to represent the first State to create accountability for engineer workmanship. I commend the Wyoming Board of Registration for their continued service, and congratulate them once again on their 100- year anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, today we are considering H.R. 335, a bill I authored to designate a facility of the United States Postal Service located in Laramie, Wyoming, as the ``Gale W. McGee Post Office.'' Gale W. McGee first came to my home State of Wyoming in 1946, to serve as an American History professor at the University of Wyoming. Gale and his wife Lorraine had three of their four children during his time in Laramie. His classes were said to be so popular that the students would ``hang from the rafters'' to be able to attend. He was a respected member of the community.

That respect was never more evident than 12 years later, in 1958. It was then that Gale McGee began a new chapter in his service to Wyoming, by being elected to the U.S. Senate in his first-ever attempt at public office. His accomplishments didn't stop there. During his entire 18- year tenure in the Senate, McGee served on the Appropriations Committee. In fact, he was the first Freshman in Senate history to be granted this coveted assignment. He also served as Chairman of the Senate Post Office and Civil Service Committee--a fitting position considering the designation I am asking you to support today. As Committee Chairman, he was widely credited with preventing a nationwide rail strike in 1973, and for spearheading the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970. After his Senate career was over, McGee later served as U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States from 1977 to 1981.

As a professor and Senator, Gale McGee dedicated 30 years of his life serving the people of Wyoming. In August of 2006, the Laramie City Council recognized that service by passing a resolution supporting the naming of their local post office after Senator McGee. Due to that local support, I was proud to introduce H.R. 335, and I am even prouder that the entire House will recognize this fine man's service to Wyoming and our Nation when it passes the bill today.

Gale McGee died on April 9th 1992, and his wife Lorraine passed just last March. Through the passage of this bill, we grant not only his family, but the State of Wyoming an official remembrance of our thanks.

I ask for your support of H.R. 335.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and achievements of one of Wyoming and Delaware's great citizens, Joseph Maull Carey. I am honored to venerate a man who served his fellow citizens in the halls of local, State, and Federal Governments.

Joseph Maull Carey was born in 1845 to successful Delaware farmers in Milton, Delaware. After schooling in Delaware, Carey attended college in New York and law school in Pennsylvania. Joseph Carey moved to Wyoming following his graduation from law school, where many years later he would join the list of Governors hailing from Milton.

Governor Carey began his memorable career in public service to the people of Wyoming and the United States in 1869, serving as a U.S. district attorney while Wyoming was still a territory. In 1871 Joseph Carey moved to the bench and served the growing population of Wyoming as an associate justice to the Wyoming Supreme Court until 1876. Even though Carey went on to serve in many other capacities, he still kept the title of judge for the remainder of his life. Following his departure from the bench, Governor Carey and his brother went into business together, creating a thriving ranching business in the heart of Wyoming. Despite this successful business venture, Joseph Carey still had a longing desire to serve his fellow citizens.

Carey reentered public life in 1881 when he was elected Mayor of Cheyenne, Wyoming. He served only a single term as Mayor before moving on to represent the people of Wyoming at the federal level. Carey became the territorial representative to the United States Congress in 1885, and led the push for Wyoming to achieve statehood. Under his leadership, a bill was introduced that paved the way for Wyoming to become the 44th state in the union. Following Wyoming's constitutional convention in September of 1889, Carey was on hand as President Benjamin Harrison signed the bill into law officially granting statehood to Wyoming, In 1890 Carey became Wyoming's first senator, serving as the chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor. Senator Carey returned to Cheyenne in 1895 and resumed his law practice while advancing educational opportunities for the people of our great state as a trustee for the University of Wyoming. Joseph Carey forayed once more into public service in 1911, becoming governor of Wyoming for one term. During his tenure, he was one of the founding members of the progressive party, which sought to re-elect Teddy Roosevelt.

Joseph Maull Carey was a devoted public servant for the people of Wyoming, Delaware, and the United States. He served the people admirably in many different roles throughout the course of his life, and has forever etched himself in the history of our Nation.