Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Graham Schnaars for his contributions to the Sixth District of Tennessee while serving on my Washington, DC staff. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. They work long hours--often for little pay or recognition--and their service is simply invaluable to those of us who serve in this esteemed chamber. Throughout my 26 years in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close.

Graham comes to Capitol Hill from the field of engineering. He earned a BS from the University of Virginia and a Master's in Structural Engineering from Lehigh University. After working on structural engineering projects from Louisiana to Alaska, and fitting in time to complete a cross-country bike trip to raise awareness for Habitat for Humanity, Graham followed his interest in public policy to Washington,

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Jacqueline Frederick for her contributions to Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. As any Member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. They work long hours--often for little pay or recognition--and their service is simply invaluable to those of us who serve in this esteemed chamber. Throughout my 26 years in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close.

Jackie Frederick joined my Washington office as staff assistant after impressing me and my staff throughout her internship as she completed her final semester at American University this spring. During college, she studied political science and studied abroad in Spain. Her research and organizational skills and deep interest in politics and foreign affairs made her an excellent candidate for the staff assistant position when it became available.

During her time with us, Jackie has managed an exceptionally warm and friendly front office. From VIP dignitaries to very young constituents, Jackie has welcomed all with total grace and Southern hospitality. She has helped hundreds of Middle Tennesseans secure passports and schedule tours around Washington, all while providing valuable support to my legislative staff and correspondence program. Her sense of humor, pride in her Miami Cuban heritage and unshakable optimism have made her a great addition to the office.

In the short time she has been with us, Jackie has shown tremendous initiative in conceiving and implementing projects, notably her Constitution Day project. After noting that my Washington office had an abundance of pocket Constitution booklets, Jackie took it upon herself to distribute them. By reaching out to public schools in my district, she was able to put 2,500 Constitutions in the hands of Tennessee students on Constitution Day in September. It was an inspired idea, and it really did our office proud.

Madam Speaker, it has been a pleasure having Jackie with us. In January, she will join the staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka, where she will serve as executive assistant to the Ambassador. My staff and I are thrilled about this newest chapter in her career and are confident she will do great work there. Jackie, I and your colleagues wish you all the best in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Elizabeth Kelsey Nevitt for her contributions to the Sixth District of Tennessee while serving on my Washington, DC staff. As any Member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. They work long hours--often for little pay or recognition--and their service is simply invaluable to those of us who serve in this esteemed chamber. Throughout my 26 years in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close.

Elizabeth Nevitt came to my staff last fall with stellar references from the office of my colleague Congressman Zack Space of Ohio and a background that has made her well-suited for the halls of Congress. She studied communications and political science at Muhlenberg College before taking a position with the University of Michigan. Eventually, her love of politics brought her to our Nation's capital, where she earned her Master's degree in Political Management at The George Washington University and worked in government affairs prior to beginning her service on the Hill. Elizabeth's strong principles, diligent work ethic and appreciation for policy nuances have made her a natural for her chosen career.

In her role as my senior legislative assistant, Elizabeth helped me advance key legislative

priorities in the areas of energy, trade and transportation by working with the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Science and Technology Committee. She successfully oversaw House passage of the Radioactive Import Deterrence Act and worked with committee staff to address my concerns and add language to the Home Star Energy Retrofits Act and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Elizabeth has also worked with stakeholders in my district to see several major local initiatives through the appropriations process. With a great sense of diplomacy and attention to detail, she has been a tireless advocate for the people of the Sixth District of Tennessee and the universities in my district.

Elizabeth is a consummate professional and has been a great addition to my office. She is bright, possesses excellent writing and editing skills, and a curiosity and depth of knowledge that made her an invaluable member of the team. She applies all of her talents to her efforts, whether it's her work as a founder of the Women's Congressional Staff Association or her well known karaoke pursuits.

Madam Speaker, it has been a pleasure having Elizabeth on my staff. I look forward to following her successful career, wherever it takes her, and wish her and her husband, Jason, all the best in the future.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Eric Fins for his contributions to Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. They work long hours--often for little pay or recognition--and their service is simply invaluable to those of us who serve in this esteemed Chamber. Throughout my 26 years in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close.

Eric attended American University and graduated Cum Laude in 2008. Following a successful internship with his hometown representative, Congressman Jim McGovern, Eric joined my office as a staff assistant. He maintained a friendly front office and handled every task set in front of him, including the daunting job of ticket distribution for the overwhelming number of constituents who wanted to attend President Obama's inauguration. Eric's hard work earned him a promotion to the role of Legislative Correspondent and then Legislative Assistant.

As a Legislative Correspondent, Eric managed a heavy volume of constituent concerns on a number of issues, ensuring all received prompt and thorough responses. As a Legislative Assistant, Eric brought a thoughtful approach and an impressive depth of knowledge on a broad range of issues, from immigration to defense to homeland security to financial services. Eric shepherded House passage of the Combat Methamphetamine Enhancement Act, which was signed into law this fall. Meth production continues to be a serious problem in my district, and many Tennesseans will see benefits from Eric's hard work.

Eric should also be commended for his work with my internship program. His patience and good attitude made him such a good fit for the job of intern coordinator that he returned to it even after taking on a full legislative portfolio. By recruiting, training and mentoring an excellent group of interns, Eric did a service both to my staff and to the young people he worked with.

Madam Speaker, it has been a pleasure working with Eric. His dedication and great sense of humor have made him an integral part of the team in Washington and endeared him to his coworkers in Tennessee. We consider him an honorary Tennessean and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Lauren Perry for her contributions to Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. Lauren has served as my executive assistant and scheduler in Washington, DC, and served as field representative in my Murfreesboro, Tennessee, office prior to moving to our Nation's capital. She will soon join the staff of my colleague Congressman John Barrow of Georgia, and I am confident she will be a great addition there.

A fellow graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Lauren first came to my office through her hard work on my 2008 campaign. Although Lauren grew up nearby in Lawrenceburg, she quickly came to call

Murfreesboro home. When she joined my staff as a field representative in 2009, she helped my constituents obtain their Social Security and Medicare benefits and helped students with concerns related to federal student loans. Lauren was enthusiastic, capable and quick to help all constituents who came through our door. Her kindhearted, compassionate nature endeared her to many people who were going through rough times and just needed some help cutting through government redtape.

In June, Lauren left the big city of Murfreesboro and headed to a really big city, Washington, DC, to experience work on Capitol Hill. When the scheduler position became available, Lauren stepped in and rose to the challenge. In a short time she mastered the complexities of the job and put her organizational skills to good use on major logistical projects, such as archiving my congressional papers for our alma mater.

Lauren's professionalism and positive attitude have made her a great addition to the office. She generously shared her home-baked treats with the office and became an integral part of the team. Her tiny dog, Nona, even graced us with occasional visits to the office in her leopard-print Snuggie, further brightening the mood.

Madam Speaker, I and the rest of the staff will miss Lauren, but we are thrilled about this newest chapter in her career. I've had the pleasure of meeting her family, and I know she makes them proud. Lauren, I and your colleagues here in DC and in Tennessee wish you all the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5866) to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 requiring the Secretary of Energy to carry out initiatives to advance innovation in nuclear energy technologies, to make nuclear energy systems more competitive, to increase efficiency and safety of civilian nuclear power, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5866, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

The ongoing national discussion on our path forward towards a comprehensive energy strategy necessarily raises questions about climate change, national security, and economic stability. In having this discussion, most experts have come to agree that any realistic strategy will require a diverse portfolio of energy sources. Renewables, clean coal and gas, and nuclear power must all play a role in moving our Nation towards energy independence while balancing our Nation's economic interests.

Before us today is H.R. 5866, which amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to modernize and improve our Federal nuclear energy R&D programs. I introduced this legislation after close collaboration with my friend from Texas, Ralph Hall, Mrs. Biggert, and many others on the committee on a bipartisan basis who share my belief that we must continue to seek the answers to the challenges of high capital costs for nuclear power systems and management and recycling of nuclear waste. Our Nation's 104 commercial reactors today produce 20 percent of our electricity, 70 percent of our emissions-free energy. Clearly, if we are to increase our energy independence, nuclear must

continue to be a large part of our Nation's energy mix.

Once the world's leader in nuclear energy technologies, the U.S. is losing its competitive edge after decades of being dormant. Of the nearly 60 reactors currently under construction worldwide, most are in Asia, with China making up the bulk of that using its own CPR-1000 reactor technology. This trend will represent billions of dollars in foregone opportunities for the U.S.

As I mentioned, this bill is the result of a truly bipartisan effort over the past 8 months that has won the support of the nuclear industry, nuclear suppliers, and numerous trade associations. I would like to take a moment to thank the committee staff who worked on this bill, specifically Rob Walther and Chris King of the majority side and Dan Byers on the minority side. And I would like to thank Energy Subcommittee Ranking Member Mr. Inglis and Subcommittee Chair Dr. Baird for their effort to bring this bill before us today. I call on my colleagues to support H.R. 5866.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my friend from California (Mr. Rohrabacher).

I will conclude by saying it's a ``we,'' not ``you.'' Mrs. Biggert and Mr. Rohrabacher have been a strong part and, again, a bipartisan effort in an effort to bring forth good legislation. I'm proud of the fact this is the 151st bill and resolution that we have been able to bring forth here in a bipartisan way in the last 4 years. I think that's a record. And I thank you for being a part of that.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3729) to authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for fiscal years 2011 through 2013, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on S. 3729, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, in his fiscal 2011 budget request, the President proposed a number of initiatives for NASA in the coming years, many of which I and my colleagues support. However, after extensive hearings and oversight, we reluctantly came to the conclusion that both the current Constellation program and the President's proposed human space flight plan are unexecutable under the current and projected budgets.

For too long, the mission hasn't matched the money at NASA, and I am unwilling to let that practice continue. As a result, an alternative approach was needed that would be executable and affordable, and both the House and the Senate authorizing committees have spent the major part of this last year work on a NASA reauthorization bill. The bill before us today represents the results of the Senate's efforts.

The House Science and Technology Committee marked up its version in late July, and we have spent the last several months in discussion with the Senate to come up with compromise language that would incorporate the best of both bills. Last week, I released bipartisan compromise language that reflects those discussions, as well as constructive input from colleagues here in the House.

I have a number of concerns about the Senate bill which I have enumerated. It has now, though, become clear that there is not time remaining to pass the bill incorporating the compromise language through the House and Senate before the start of the election recess.

For the sake of providing a degree of certainty, stability, and clarity to the NASA workforce and the larger space community, I felt it was better to consider a flawed bill than no bill at all as the new fiscal year begins. Thus, despite its flaws, I will vote to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill.

However, I see today's floor consideration to be only one more step in crafting a substantial, affordable, and productive future path for NASA. To that end, I plan to continue to advocate to the appropriators for the provisions in the compromise language. I believe that the compromise language provides a solid basis for NASA's future activities.

Mr. Speaker, it has been a difficult year for NASA, its workforce and its contractors. We are in tough economic times and sacrifices will have to be made. However, NASA is an investment in our future and in the future of our children. The United States has been a global leader in space exploration and technology and innovation, and our efforts over the remainder of the Congress should be aimed at preserving that leadership position.

With that, I encourage the House to pass the suspension.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from Houston, Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Meek).

(Mr. MEEK of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from California. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Houston, Texas (Mr. Gene Green).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), a valued member of the Science and Technology Committee.

I yield the gentlewoman 30 more seconds.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Kosmas).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the chair of the Space and Aviation Subcommittee, the gentlelady from Arizona (Ms. Giffords), who has had, very conscientiously, 17 or 18 subcommittee meetings on this subject.

Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff).

Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of H.R. 2923, the Combat Methamphetamine Enhancement Act.

I'd like to thank Chairman Pallone, Ranking Member Shimkus, Chairman Waxman, Ranking Member Barton, and the staff of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee for their hard work on this bill. I'd also like to thank Senator Feinstein for her determination and diligence in the effort to combat the spread of meth.

While visiting a Middle Tennessee high school a number of years ago, I asked a group of students to tell me about the most troubling issue facing them. Their top concern shocked me: they were worried about friends who were trying meth.

Four years ago, Congress began to tackle this issue head on. In 2006, Congress approved the most comprehensive bill to date targeting the spread of meth by bringing all pseudoephedrine products behind the counter.

For a time, this approach worked, and meth abuse rates went down.

But the criminals who cook and distribute this dangerous drug have exploited loopholes in the laws that regulate the sale of precursor materials. As a result, we have once again seen an increase in the distribution, use, and manufacturing of meth across the country.

In Tennessee, meth seizures have increased 50 percent in the past year.

Too many retailers and distributors of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine products are not in compliance with the 2006 law. Even more alarming, recent trends are showing that more and more of those arrested are young people, who are first brought into the business as runners sent to purchase these products from retailers.

Building on the 2006 law, H.R. 2923 would: require all retailers of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine products to register with the U.S. Attorney General; require distributors of these products to sell only to retailers who are registered to sell controlled substances; require the Attorney General to provide a downloadable database on its website to all retailers who have filed self-certification; and, clarify that a retailer who neglects to file required self-certifications can face civil fines.

This bill has been endorsed by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the Health Care Distribution Management Association, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, the National Narcotics Officers' Association and the Fraternal Order of Police.

Meth is a highly addictive and dangerous drug, with widespread consequences for users, their families, and their communities. With this legislation, we move one step closer to securing the safety of our communities across the nation by ensuring these products are used for their intended purpose, and not for illegal drugs.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1660) expressing support for the goals and ideals of the inaugural USA Science and Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C., and for other purposes.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 1660, the resolution now under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1660, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the inaugural USA Science and Engineering Festival. I want to congratulate the gentleman

from California (Mr. Bilbray) for introducing this resolution.

A number of much-publicized studies have shown that the mathematics and science achievement of American students is poor by international standards. This is a dark cloud over the future of American competitiveness. Without high-achieving math and science students today, we won't have the innovative scientists, engineers and technologists for tomorrow.

As you know, the House recently passed the America COMPETES Act reauthorization, which seeks to improve STEM education at all levels, not only so that our Nation will produce the world's leading scientists and engineers, but also so that all students, high school, and junior college students will have a strong background in math and science.

The USA Science and Engineering Festival, which is taking place in October on the National Mall and in satellite locations across the country, is a collaboration of hundreds of science and engineering companies, professional associations, colleges and universities, K-12 schools, and other organizations, all with the goal to recruit the next generation of scientists and engineers by inspiring students and showing them how science intersects daily with their lives. The culmination of the festival will be a free 2-day expo on the National Mall and will feature over 1,500 interactive science activities.

Once again I want to commend Mr. Bilbray and his cosponsors for introducing this resolution, and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the goals and ideals of the inaugural USA Science and Engineering Festival.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I once again thank my friend from San Diego for an excellent resolution and also for the good constructive role he plays on our Science and Technology Committee.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res.

1421) recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission and the heroic actions of both the crew and those working at mission control in Houston, Texas, for bringing the three astronauts, Fred Haise, Jim Lovell, and Jack Swigert, home to Earth safely.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 1421, the resolution now under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, it is hard to imagine a more difficult problem than that of figuring out how to safely return to Earth in a critically damaged spacecraft heading towards the Moon--or one that is more urgent. Yet, through the combined efforts of the three consummately trained astronauts, the skilled NASA engineers and flight controllers and contractor workforce, Apollo 13 and its crew were brought back to Earth safely. As we consider the future of NASA and its human spaceflight programs, let this 40th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission both inspire us and remind us of the importance of ensuring safety and the strength and capabilities of our human spaceflight workforce as we send our astronauts into space.

I would like to thank the resolution's sponsor, Mr. Poe, for introducing this good resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6160) to develop a rare earth materials program, to amend the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 6160, the bill now under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in strong support today of H.R. 6160, the Rare Earths and Critical Materials Revitalization Act of 2010. This bill was introduced by the gentlelady from Pennsylvania (Mrs. Dahlkemper) and cosponsored by Mr. Jerry Lewis, Mr. Coffman, Mr. Carnahan, myself, and a number of other Members who all recognize that we must take steps to recapture our technological lead in a wide range of industries critical to our economic health, our national defense, and a clean and secure energy future.

For the last week you couldn't open a newspaper or watch TV without seeing a story warning us about the danger of our reliance on China for a little-known but critical class of raw materials called ``rare earths.'' Rare earths are an essential component of technologies in a wide array of emerging and established industries. And, for everything from oil refining to hybrid cars, wind turbines to weapon systems, computer monitors to disk drives, the future demand for rare earths is only expected to grow. However, despite the U.S. at one time being the leader in this field, China now controls 97 percent of the global market. Making matters more urgent, China has begun limiting production and export of rare earths. This is clearly an untenable position for the U.S.

This is not the first time the Congress has been concerned with the competitive implications of materials such as rare earths. In 1980--30 years ago--we established a national minerals and materials policy. One core element in that legislation was a call to support ``a vigorous, comprehensive, and coordinated program of materials research and development.'' Unfortunately, over successive administrations the effort to sustain the program eroded. Now it is time to revive a coordinated effort to level the global playing field in rare earths. Mrs. Dahlkemper's bill calls for increased research and development to help address the Nation's rare earths shortage and reinvigorates the national policy for critical materials.

Furthermore, the bill does not start a big new government program. All activities authorized in this Act should take place within existing programs at the Department of Energy, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and other relevant agencies. And the bill does not authorize any new appropriations.

I call on my colleagues to support H.R. 6160, and I look forward to its passage.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield such time as she may consume to the lead sponsor of this good bill, the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Mrs. Dahlkemper).

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Center for Atmospheric Research on their 50th anniversary. NCAR was created in 1960 as a program of the National Science Foundation and operated by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, a consortium of universities.

The mission of the National Center for Atmospheric Research is to: understand the behavior of the atmosphere and related physical, biological and social systems; to support, enhance and extend the capabilities of the university community and the broader scientific community nationally and internationally; and to foster transfer of knowledge and technology for the betterment of life on Earth.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research has provided a platform for collaboration by the larger university research community and has provided the community with tools, facilities, and scientific expertise for 50 years.

As Chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology, I would especially like to recognize the National Center for Atmospheric Research for its profound impact on the understanding of atmospheric processes and systems and its long partnership with the National Science Foundation.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating the National Center for Atmospheric Research on its 50th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I am submitting, pursuant to House Resolution 1493, changes in law that could help achieve deficit reduction by reducing waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement; promoting efficiency and reform of government; and controlling spending within Government programs for which the Committee on Science and Technology has primary authorizing authority. The specific measures listed below are pending before Congress. If enacted, these measures would reduce government waste, promote efficiency, and help to control spending within Government programs.

Coordination and Non-Duplication

One of the recurring legislative themes for the Science and Technology Committee during the 111th Congress has been coordination and non-duplication. In tough budgetary times, it is vital that precious Federal research dollars not be spent on duplicative programs. Unfortunately, the coordinating activities necessary to prevent duplicative research efforts have been surprisingly lacking both across the Federal government and within individual agencies. To ensure that Federal research expenditures are most effective, the Committee included coordination requirements in several bills this Congress.

The first example of this theme was the House passage of the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2009 (H.R. 554) on February 11, 2009. The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is an effort to coordinate over 1.7 billion dollars in annual Federal nanotechnology research expenditures across 15 separate agencies. The 2009 bill is an update to the existing program which should strengthen the interagency coordination and oversight functions of NNI.

Interagency coordination was also the driving premise behind H.R. 1145, the National Water Research and Development Initiative Act of 2009, which passed the House on April 23, 2009. The purpose of this bill is to create a Federal initiative to coordinate the Government's efforts in research and development related to water resources. This is another field of inquiry in which multiple Federal agencies are involved, but where little effort has been expended to date to determine if these efforts are complementary or duplicative. H.R. 1145 would remedy this by bringing each of these agencies together, along with the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), to develop a National Water Research and Assessment Plan to coordinate water research across the Federal Government.

The Committee's efforts to coordinate Federal Government activities also extended to the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in H.R. 1709, the STEM Education Coordination Act of 2009, which passed the House on June 8, 2009. The purpose of H.R. 1709 is to establish a committee through the National Science and Technology Council with OSTP, to coordinate Federal programs and activities in support of STEM education across the Federal Government. The coordinating committee would also be charged with developing and periodically updating a strategic plan for STEM education to craft a more cohesive and effective Federal effort toward STEM education.

In H.R. 2020, the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2009, the Committee updated the successful Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) program to codify and emphasize the National Coordination Office to ensure coordination of the computing and information technology research of the 13 Federal agencies performing this type of work. The bill would also require the formulation of a strategic plan to set a coordinated direction for Federal information technology research. Additionally, the bill emphasizes communication with outside communities of interest in an effort to help ensure that Federal research investments in these areas compliment, rather than duplicate, private-sector investments in these areas.

The Committee also established an Interagency Coordinating Committee in its reauthorization of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program in H.R. 3820, the Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2010. The purpose of the committee is to ensure a coordinated approach in Federal research related to the earthquake and wind programs authorized in H.R. 3820. H.R. 3820 passed the House on March 2, 2010.

Finally, the Committee broadly addressed the issue of coordination of Federal efforts in the areas of research and development and STEM education in H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, which passed the House on May 28, 2010. In addition to containing identical provisions as H.R. 554, H.R. 1709, and H.R. 2020, the

COMPETES Act contained additional provisions dealing with coordination and non duplication. Under Title VI of the bill, the Undersecretary for Science at the Department of Energy was given additional authority to coordinate energy technology research, development, and demonstration activities across the Department. There are also coordination provisions relating to the management of federal scientific collections and manufacturing research and development.

NASA Acquisition Reform

Over the course of the past several years, the Committee on Science and Technology has investigated deficiencies in the awarding of major NASA contracts, with a focus on the flawed awarding of the Space Communications Networks Services Contract. This contract award, worth 1.3 billion dollars, has been successfully protested to the Government Accountability Office twice, and significant concerns regarding NASA's contract award management have been raised by these protests. To address these issues, the Committee devoted Title VIII of its 2010 NASA authorization (H.R. 5781) to acquisition management. Notably, this title attempts to avoid organizational conflicts of interest in major NASA acquisitions by prohibiting contractors providing systems engineering or technical assistance to NASA from competing for the underlying management or acquisition contract. Similar provisions applicable to the Department of Defense were included in the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009. In an effort to control spiraling acquisition costs, Title VIII of H.R. 5781 also strengthens a prohibition on expenditure of funds for acquisitions which exceed a 30 percent cost growth.

Manufacturing Extension Partnership Management

As a component of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, the Committee included a provision requiring the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to conduct an assessment of the governance of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. In carrying out the assessment, the Director is instructed to use criteria established pursuant to the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. This novel approach is intended to require the director of NIST to use criteria generally applied in making assessments of private sector proposals on NIST's own programs. It is hoped that this critical assessment will lead to better management of the MEP program.

Future areas of focus

The Committee on Science and Technology continues to look at ways of making the Federal scientific agencies more efficient and better managed. One area of future focus is the management of the Department of Energy's (DOE) civilian research laboratories. DOE's laboratories are currently regulated internally, and, to a large degree, to a single DOE set of standards. However, the safety, environmental, and security requirements of DOE's civilian and military laboratories vary greatly. The Committee has begun to investigate whether turning DOE's civilian laboratories over to non-DOE regulation would prove more cost effective than its current internal management structure. The Committee has also been looking at recommendations from a 2009 report by the National Academy of Public Administration to determine if DOE could implement practices aimed at better management of its human capital.

I hope these examples of the Committee's legislative work prove helpful to the Congress at large. As the Congress moves forward with future efforts toward deficit reduction and enhanced management of the Federal Government, the Committee on Science and Technology will continue to be an enthusiastic partner in these endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and dedication of Ted Canter, a member of my staff who is leaving my office to pursue a law degree at Emory University.

Ted grew up in Maryland and graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a degree in English. After getting his start on the Hill with the office of Senator Tim Johnson, Ted joined my office as a Legislative Correspondent last fall and was soon promoted to Legislative Assistant. Ted was a welcome addition to the office from the start. He handled his legislative work skillfully and was good- natured to professional contacts, constituents and coworkers alike. His unflappably good manners on the phone were renowned among our staff.

As a Legislative Assistant for education, housing, agriculture and other vital domestic issues, Ted has been a valuable resource to me and to constituents with concerns in these areas. He transitioned easily to the position, quickly grasped the intricacies of the issues, and speaks to the legislative process with the confidence of a veteran staffer. Ted's dedication and enthusiasm for the job helped me to advance my legislative priorities and better serve my constituents.

Madam Speaker, I am certain the qualities that made Ted a fine staffer will make him an equally fine fellow lawyer, and I wish him all the best in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Dedman, who is retiring after twelve years of service as Wilson County Mayor and a lifetime of public service.

A lifelong resident of Lebanon, Tennessee, Bob served a tour of duty with the Army in the 1950s, followed by a time with the American Legion. After serving his country, he served his community as Lebanon's Purchasing Agent in 1972. He went on to join the Tennessee Secretary of State's Personal Property and Inventory Division until 1984, when he successfully ran for Wilson County Property Assessor. After deciding not to seek re-election to the office, he spent a term with the 100th General Assembly as Senate Sergeant-At-Arms.

In 1998, Bob was elected Wilson County Mayor, and during his time in office, Wilson County has become the fastest growing county in the state. For twelve years, he has been a dedicated servant to the people of Wilson County. He has always been true to his promise to listen to the people he serves, accessible and welcoming to county residents.

Recently, Progressive Farmer magazine ranked Wilson County as one of the top ten ``Most Livable Small Communities.'' This accolade is in large part due to Bob's leadership and the collective vision of the Wilson County Commission, over which he has presided.

For decades, Bob has been committed to his community. He has served on the boards of the Four Lakes Development District, Greater Nashville Regional Council of Governments, University Medical Center, and the Regional Transportation Authority. This list of memberships is only a small sample of Bob's commitment to his community.

Thank you, Bob, for a job well done. I hope you enjoy a long and happy retirement with your wife Lois, your children and grandchildren.