Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the 3-month anniversary of the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. This catastrophic event injured hundreds, took 15 lives, and cost tens of millions of dollars in damage. Since that tragic day, the State of Texas and the entire community of West have been working tirelessly to rebuild and to recover.

FEMA originally denied Texas Governor Rick Perry's request for a major disaster declaration. Since then, the Governor has filed an appeal for the President to reconsider this decision. I am pleased to be joined by a substantial bipartisan majority of the Texas congressional delegation as we urge the President to support this appeal on behalf of the citizens of West and McLennan County.

It is our hope that the President honors the commitment he made on April 25--to help the citizens of West recover, rebuild, and reclaim their community. We must help ease the burdens this community continues to face through the recovery process.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all Americans keep the community of West in their prayers. God bless America.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chairman, last year, the House adopted my bipartisan amendment that would prevent agencies under the FY 2013 CJS appropriations bill from imposing ocean zoning related to the Obama administration's National Ocean Policy under Executive Order 13547. Executive Order 13547 was signed in 2010 and requires that various bureaucracies essentially zone the ocean and the sources thereof. This essentially means that a drop of rain that falls on your house could be subject to this overreaching policy because that precipitation will ultimately wind up in the ocean.

The Department of Energy is a part of the National Ocean Council established under this executive order that has been tasked to zone the oceans. Concerns have been raised by many groups that the National Ocean Policy will restrict ocean and inland activities. It is also worrisome that the administration has not made any requests for funds for this effort, nor has Congress ever appropriated money for this purpose. We have had hearings on this in the Natural Resources Committee, and no agency has told us from what source they're getting the funding for this initiative. So where is the money coming from? Are they raiding existing accounts and diverting already scarce dollars from existing statutory responsibilities?

On this chart you can see the executive order creates a huge new bureaucracy at a time when we're trying to make the government smaller, more efficient, more accountable, and less intrusive. The next chart lists the 63 agencies that are involved in this effort to try to zone the oceans. This looks like much more than a planning exercise at this point.

Let me say you're going to hear from the other side from time to time something that says that planning is good. Yes, planning may be good. Planning with the intent to in effect backdoor nonstatutory rulemaking is not good.

And here's what the executive order states on its face. It says:

All executive departments, agencies, and offices that are

members of the council and any other executive department,

agency, or office whose actions affect the ocean, our coasts,

and the Great Lakes shall, to the full extent consistent with

applicable law, comply with Council-certified coastal and

marine spatial plans.

That sounds like rulemaking, to me, that has not been authorized by statute.

It's important to note that ocean zoning was debated during the 108th, the 109th, the 110th, and the 111th Congresses, and each of those Congresses determined that this action was not necessary. This clearly indicates that Congress explicitly does not intend for the oceans to be zoned in the manner that the President is attempting to do. Thus, Executive Order 13547 has no specific statutory authority, and there have been no appropriations by Congress to pay for the cost of this new bureaucracy.

My similar amendment earlier this year passed by a bipartisan vote of 233-190 to the offshore energy packaged we considered last month. This amendment was also adopted on a bipartisan basis as a part of the FY 2013 CJS appropriations bill.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this commonsense amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, I rise to offer an amendment which addresses another misguided and restrictive Federal regulation.

Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act prohibits Federal agencies from entering into contracts for the procurement of fuels unless their lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions are less than or equal to emissions from an equivalent conventional fuel produced from conventional petroleum sources. My simple amendment would stop the government from enforcing this ban on all Federal agencies funded by the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill.

The initial purpose of section 526 was to stifle the Defense Department's plans to buy and develop coal-based or coal-to-liquids jet fuel. This restriction was based on the opinion of some environmentalists that coal-based jet fuel might produce more greenhouse gas emissions than traditional petroleum. However, one of the unintended consequences of section 526 is that it essentially forces the American military to acquire fuel refined from unstable Middle East crude resources. Furthermore, section 526's ban on fuel choice now affects all Federal agencies, not just the Defense Department.

This is why I'm offering this amendment again today to the Energy and Water Appropriations bill. The American military and our Federal agencies should not be burdened with wasting their time studying fuel restrictions when there's a simple fix. That fix is to not restrict Federal Government fuel choices based on unsound policies and misguided regulations like those in section 526.

Section 526 also essentially makes our Nation more dependent on Middle East oil. Stopping the impact of section 526 will help us to promote American energy, grow the American economy, create American jobs, and become more energy secure.

Madam Chair, it is also important to know what this amendment does not prevent and does not restrict. And it doesn't restrict or prevent the ability of the Federal Government from purchasing any alternative fuels, including biodiesel, ethanol, or other fuels from renewable resources. It places no restrictions whatsoever on those types of procurements.

I offered this amendment to the Homeland Security appropriations bills and several appropriations bills during the 112th Congress, and they all passed on the floor of the House with strong bipartisan support. My friend, Mr. Conaway, also added similar language to the latest defense authorization bill to exempt the Defense Department from this burdensome regulation.

I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this commonsense amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I claim time in opposition to the motion.

I rise in strong opposition to this motion. This motion epitomizes what's wrong with Washington Democrats' energy and economic plan.

Let's start with the obvious: the Great Lakes are not part of the Outer Continental Shelf. The second thing is current law already provides for offshore drilling to be done, using America's goods and service wherever practical. So their empty argument doesn't make any sense at all.

But more importantly, Mr. Speaker, this week offers a true contrast between two visions for how to fuel our economy and to build manufacturing jobs. One vision was laid out by the President earlier this week. While we are currently in the midst of a transformation in the way we produce American energy cleanly, affordably, abundantly, and responsibly through the use of new and improving technology, how does the administration respond? By declaring a war on coal and picking winners and losers in energy production, both of which have been an assault on job creators, especially for American manufacturing.

Even as we've been debating this bill, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have responded by attempting to drown offshore production with more regulations and declarations that make it more difficult to achieve energy independence by 2020, thus, killing tens of thousands of American jobs that could be created.

But, Mr. Speaker, there is another vision of how we can energize America through the responsible production of our resources and create American jobs. That vision does not include ill-advised regulations that ignore the effects on the pocketbooks of hardworking American families. It does not include programs where political appointees and bureaucrats can decide who can and cannot produce energy at the expense of hardworking taxpayer dollars. And, most importantly, it does not include administrative attempts to implement a backdoor cap-and-trade regime to fulfill the President's original goal, where ``electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket.''

This new vision, our vision, builds off what the private sector has done in revolutionizing how oil and can be produced. It takes stock of what laws this Congress has passed and the regulations this administration has promulgated, and then we ask ourselves? What can we do to make America truly energy independent? What can we do to make it easier for the job creators to

actually create jobs that grow healthy American families?

This House is working to achieve this vision now, offering solutions to take advantage of the innovative, job-creating, and cost-reducing energy resurgence that is going on across America to fuel the next generation of American manufacturing. We have passed hydropower bills out of this house. We passed the popular Keystone XL pipeline bill. Today, we will pass a bill for responsible offshore energy production. And this is just the beginning. This House, through the leadership of my good friend from Washington, Chairman Doc Hastings, will continue to bring bills through committee and to the House floor that will embrace American resources and that will get the government out of the way of producing them.

By producing American energy, we are just starting. We must harness these same technological advances to achieve even greater economic opportunity and job creation through the distribution of this energy and, most importantly, creating an environment where we can start making things in America again.

We know that the cost of energy is one of the most important factors that determine where plants are built and if jobs are created. So we know that cheaper energy means higher-paying American jobs.

I often see my colleagues on the other side of the aisle on this floor with a big sign that says, ``Make It in America.'' We agree. So instead of standing next to a slogan or getting behind the same rhetoric as the President, I urge my colleagues to work toward a vision, a vision of jobs and energy security and a greater standard of living that all Americans are desperately seeking. This is how we really take action for our kids, as compared to the empty rhetoric of the White House.

The American people want us to create results-oriented solutions of what America can do, not the tired liberal rhetoric of what America can't do. We will not sit idly by as the President lays down his vision of new regulations, producing uncertainty for American energy workers and American families that could stamp back our Nation's energy and economic revolution.

Remember the results of the President's last energy plan:

Number one, greatly reduced access to offshore areas and public lands;

Number two, programs like Solyndra, where he ``invested'' $26 billion of money from hardworking taxpayers to produce only 2,300 jobs, at a cost of $11.5 million per job;

Number three, the shutdown of 20 percent of our coal-fired electricity generation and the loss of paychecks for thousands of American families.

His latest energy plan is more of the same types of action that he wants to do to destroy the futures of our kids and grandkids.

Mr. Speaker, we will work toward energy security, and I urge a ``no'' vote on the motion to recommit and a ``yes'' vote on the underlying legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

I thank Mr. Gohmert for yielding to me for a very special few minutes.

Mr. Speaker, on June 8, America lost Army Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark in the war on terror. Lieutenant Colonel Clark was killed in action during an attack at an Army base in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark was a native of New York, and he attended college in Texas. His father, Jack, was also an Army colonel. Todd was in Junior ROTC while in high school, and, upon graduation, he attended Texas A&M University, where he joined Company B-2 of the Corps of Cadets.

At the time of his tragic death, he was a brigade level advisor for the 10th Mountain Division. During his Army career, he would serve on five separate deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During his 17 years of service to our country, Lieutenant Colonel Clark earned many awards and decorations, including the following:

Three Bronze Star Medals; the Purple Heart; two Meritorious Service Medals; the Army Commendation with combat distinguishing device ``V''; four Army Commendation Medals; three Army Achievement Medals; the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal; the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; the Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star; two Afghanistan Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Star; four Iraq Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Star; the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; the Korea Defense Service Medal; the Army Service Ribbon; three Overseas Service Ribbons; the NATO Medal--Kosovo; the NATO Medal--Combat Action Badge; and the Basic Parachutist Badge.

At the conclusion of his current tour, Lieutenant Colonel Clark's next assignment was to come back to Texas. He was thrilled to be chosen to be the executive officer, or essentially the second-in-command, of the Corps of Cadets' ROTC program at his alma mater, Texas A&M University.

On Friday, June 21, Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark was laid to rest at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Lieutenant Colonel Clark. He will forever be remembered as an outstanding soldier, husband, and father. We thank him and his family for their service and sacrifice for our country.

His sacrifice reflects the words of Jesus in John 15:13, where Jesus said:

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man will lay

down his life for his friends.

I ask that everyone remember to pray often for our country during these difficult times. Please pray for our military men and women who protect us from threats abroad, and please pray for our first responders who protect us from threats here at home.

God bless our military men and women and God bless America.

And I thank my good friend from Texas (Mr. Gohmert).

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment is a very simple amendment. It basically says that it prohibits the offshore agencies of the Interior Department from imposing ocean zoning related to the Obama administration's continued attempts to establish the National Ocean Policy under Executive Order 13547 without congressional authorization.

It also requires the administration to submit a report to Congress identifying expenditures for fiscal years 2011 through 2013 by the Bureau of Ocean Energy, the Ocean Energy Safety Service, and their predecessor agencies.

Just as a little background, Executive Order 13547 was signed in 2010, and it requires that various bureaucracies essentially zone the ocean and the sources thereof. This essentially means that a drop of rain that falls on your house could be subject to this overreaching policy because that drop of rain will ultimately wind up in the ocean.

There are concerns that have been raised recently that the National Ocean Policy may not only restrict ocean and inland activities, but it may also have a problem because it has not been given any specific appropriations by this Congress. We have had hearings on this in the Natural Resources Committee, and no agency has told us from which source they're getting the funding for this initiative.

As you can see in chart 1, this light green area shows the area that's covered under ocean zoning. As you can see, that covers a lot more than the blue areas that represent the ocean. There are 26 States just in the Mississippi watershed that would be affected by this executive order.

If we go to chart 2, you can see that the executive order creates a huge new bureaucracy at a time when we're trying to make government smaller, more efficient, and less intrusive. There are 63 agencies involved, as we see on the next chart, in this effort to try to zone the oceans. This looks like more than a planning exercise at this point.

Let me say that you're going to hear from the other side something that says planning is good. Yeah, planning may be good. Planning with the intent to regulate or a backdoor regulation or backdoor rulemaking is not, because here is what the executive order states on its face. It says:

All executive departments, agencies, and offices that are

members of the council and any other executive department,

agency, or office whose actions affect the ocean, our coasts,

and the Great Lakes shall, to the fullest extent consistent

with applicable law . . . comply with council certified

coastal and marine spatial plans.

That means all these folks are going to have something to say on how we move forward.

This is a very simple amendment, and it was so simple that we offered it as a limitation amendment for the FY13 CJS appropriations bill, and it passed on a bipartisan vote of 246-174.

Let me close by saying that we're not plowing new ground here. This has already been approved in the CJS appropriations bill from last year. This amendment does not stop any existing statute, any existing rule, or any existing regulation. For instance, you may hear that it stops the Rigs-to-Reefs program. That is totally false. It does not get in the way of any existing program.

I yield to the gentleman.

Reclaiming my time, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I am a newcomer to Congress, but the reason I'm a newcomer to Congress is because before I did this, I had 30 years of experience working offshore. So I have firsthand experience with this. Twenty years of that, it was as a sea level officer for different companies that operated offshore.

Congress studied this issue for 10 years, and took no action. What does that tell us? That means the intent of Congress is to have no statute or regulation to zone the oceans. So the gentleman's issue is a little off base here. And just to make sure we correct the statement about what NOIA said, here's what they're putting out today:

NOIA staunchly supports the good work that Congressman

Flores has done and continues to do to fight back this ill-

conceived national ocean policy, and stands in strong support

of the Flores amendment on the House floor today.

I want to remind everybody I have this list of folks that support this. This is the fishing industry, both commercial and recreational. It's agriculture. It's home builders. It's the energy industry. We're not trying to stop a niche problem.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor Lillian Edwards, one of our nation's selfless veterans, who will be turning 100 on July 18th. In addition to serving our country during World War II, she spent a lifetime as an educator and serving her community.

Lillian is a native of Marion, Louisiana, and at the age of 15 completed high school. She then went on to work on numerous advanced degrees. She graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 1933 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Science and a teaching certificate. In 1940, she received her Master of Science in Physical Education from Louisiana State University, and in 1950 she achieved a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina.

As a teacher, Lillian taught at Farmerville High School and Mansfield High School in Louisiana.

In 1942, Lillian entered the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) in the U.S. Navy. She then served our nation for two and a half years as a Naval communications officer. For her service she earned a World War II Victory Ribbon and American Theater Ribbon Work Experience

A year after returning from service, Lillian joined the Louisiana Public Health Department and was the first woman in the U.S. to receive her job training before she received her Master in Public Health. In 1956, she moved to Monroe and became the regional health educator, serving 28 North Louisiana parishes.

Lillian has served on a number of committees and boards, including the Louisiana Public Health Association, the American Public Health Association, the Louisiana Conference of Social Workers, the Louisiana Mental Health Association, and the Ouachita Council for the Aging.

In anticipation for her 100th birthday, I pay tribute to Lillian Edwards for her service to her

community and to our nation during World War II. She is truly one of America's Greatest Generation.

Mr. Speaker, I submit this statement on behalf of the office of the Chief of Legislative Liaison.

Karen Regno has faithfully worked for the better interests of our country for nearly 22 years in the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, the Patent and Trademark Office, and even for a short time as a Fellow in a Congressional office in Washington, D.C.

Originally from Waco, Texas, Karen brings a well-rounded knowledge of the nongovernmental world as well, as evidence by her 14 years working for Bell South and then later AT&T. She took her education seriously during this time and earned her undergraduate degree in Business from the University of Maryland, an MBA from Kennesaw State University, a Masters Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University, and a certification as a Project Management Professional.

Karen returned to civil service in May of 2009, and has served as the Congressional Affairs Contact Officer for the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology since that time. She takes the utmost care to ensure that the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology provides timely and accurate responses to all Congressional inquiries and requests. As a Member of Congress, I cannot emphasize enough how valuable this capability and dedication to the job is to the efficient and effective running of our government.

Service to our country runs in her family. Her Father, Bryan, served in the Marines during World War II in Guam, Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, and the Philippines; her older brother, Rob, served in the Army during Vietnam; her father-in-law, Jim, served in the Army; her son-in-law, Todd, is a Colonel in the Army currently serving in Stuttgart, Germany; and her daughter Keli, is an Assistant District Attorney in Texas. She has not only seen the examples of those who came before her, but has also been an example to those who have come after about the importance of serving our country.

We, the office of the Chief of Legislative Liaison, wish her the best of luck as she steps into this next adventure as she travels, goes to as many baseball games as possible, and spends time with her grandkids.

Mr. Speaker, the city of West, Texas, is a small, tight- knit community located a few miles north of Waco, Texas, with a population of just under 3,000. West is commonly known for its Czech bakeries, Czech gift shops and antique stores, and it has been recognized as the ``Czech Heritage Capital of Texas.''

On April 17, the city of West was subject to a catastrophic explosion that was felt hundreds of miles away. The tragic explosion injured hundreds, caused tens of millions of dollars in damage, and took 15 lives.

On the evening of the explosion, first responders from West and surrounding communities responded to a fire at the West Fertilizer Company. These brave men worked to try and tame the flames and evacuate a nearby apartment complex and nursing home when the explosion erupted and rocked this small community.

When the smoke cleared and the rescue mission was complete, we learned we had lost 12 first responders. These brave men died while doing the job that they were trained and prepared to do in order to keep our community safe. Today, we honor and remember these fallen first responders who put themselves in harm's way for the good of their family, their friends, their neighbors, and their community.

Mr. Speaker, today we remember Morris Wayne Bridges, Jr., of West, Texas. He was born February 28, 1972, in Dallas, Texas, to Morris and Sharon Bridges. He attended schools in Dallas and later became a pipefitter for Action Fire Pro in Waxahachie, Texas. He had been a volunteer for the West Fire Department for the past 3 years.

Morris loved to ride motorcycles. He also loved to go fishing and enjoyed camping and the outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Carmen Bridges; three children, Brent Bridges, Brittany Bridges, and Jaemeson Bridges, all of West; and two sisters, Lula Mill of Bristol and Melinda Hager of Olean, Missouri; and many friends and extended family.

Mr. Speaker, today we remember Perry Wayne Calvin of Frost, Texas. He was born January 18, 1976, in Dallas, Texas, to Phil and Cindy Calvin. He graduated from Frost High School and attended the Fire Academy and Emergency Medical Technician school at Hill College. Perry was a self- employed farmer and loved the outdoors. He was a member of the Navarro Mills Volunteer Fire Department and the Mertens Volunteer Fire Department.

Perry enjoyed horseback riding, rodeos, fishing, and especially spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Rebecca Ann Calvin; two sons, Paul Wyatt Calvin and Preston Calvin, all of Frost; a brother, Wes Calvin and his wife, Emily, of Frost; two sisters, Penny Dixon of Bryan-College Station and Page Calvin, who is currently serving in the United States Air Force; his grandmother, Edna Calvin of Hutchins; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Mr. Speaker, today we remember Jerry Dane Chapman of Hillsboro. He was born April 7, 1987, in Pampa, Texas, to Martin Dane and Rhonda Chapman. He grew up in Pampa and moved to Hillsboro in 2003. Jerry had various jobs early in his career and ultimately discovered his passion, which began when he became a member of the Abbott Volunteer Firefighters. He then proceeded to work towards becoming an emergency medical technician.

He loved all things Batman, Star Wars, Tolkien, and was an avid video gamer. As an avid electronics enthusiast, he always wanted to be on the cutting edge of technology. He was a generous person; he would give what he had to anyone in need.

Jerry was known for his passion for helping others, both those he knew and those he did not. His willingness and giving spirit were fit for the career he chose to pursue as a firefighter and an EMT.

He was preceded in death by an uncle, Rodney McCulloch, who was also a volunteer firefighter. He leaves to cherish his memory, his parents, Dane and Rhonda Chapman of Hillsboro; maternal grandfather, Bryan McCulloch, and his wife, Joy, of Plainview; maternal grandmother, Charlotte McCulloch, of Lubbock; paternal grandparents, Gerald and Janet Chapman of Amarillo; great grandmother, Gladys Ragle, of Lubbock; one sister, Shay Pohlmann, and her husband, Justin, of Nacogdoches; niece, Chloe Rose Pohlmann, of Nacogdoches; and many friends and extended family.

Mr. Speaker, tonight we remember Cody Frank Dragoo of West. He was born October 15, 1962, in Billings, Montana, to Christopher Clyde and Mildred Dragoo. Cody graduated from Montana State University with a degree in agriculture.

He had been employed with the West Chemical and Fertilizer plant for many years. As a member of the West Volunteer Fire Department, Cody was very involved with the annual volunteer fire department barbecue cook- off fundraiser and organized tractor pulls in West.

Cody enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, watching NASCAR, and being with family and friends. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West and the Knights of Columbus Council 2305. He served as the president of the Cottonwood Water Supply.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tom Dragoo. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Patty Dragoo, of West; sisters, Shirley McDonald, and husband,

Matt, of Billings, Montana, and Loretta Fisher and husband, Richard of Fort Worth; brother-in-law, Gary Berger, of West; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Carolyn and Ron Sumner of Houston, David and Janet Mynar, of Midlothian, Michael and Natalie Mynar of Weatherford, Susan and James Miller, of West, and Cindy and Tony Kubacak, of West; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, today we remember Captain Kenneth ``Luckey'' Harris, Jr., of West. He was born November 21, 1960, in Killeen, Texas, to Kenneth Luckey Harris, Sr. and Scottie Harris. He graduated from Crawford High School and went on to attend McLennan Community College until he was accepted into the Dallas Fire Academy.

He graduated from the Dallas Fire Academy in 1982 and served as a firefighter with the Dallas Fire Department for over 31 years, attaining the rank of captain. He also owned Harris Home Inspections and Construction with his family.

Luckey loved offshore fishing with his sons and spending time on his boat, the Boots Up he called it. He also enjoyed hunting, traveling, and spending time with friends. He was a member of the High Point Church in Waco and the Dallas Firefighters Associated Local 58.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 28 years, Holly Harris, of West; three sons, Jud Harris, of Grapevine, Jarrod Harris and Heath Harris, both of Midland; mother, Scottie Isham, and husband, Emory, of West; father, Ken Harris, and wife, Annita, of Crawford; sisters, Anne Harris, of Quinlan, Carmen Burkhart and husband, Brian, of Hutto; three nieces, Abby Hunt and husband, Jeff, Bethany Grubb and fiance, Jay Baker, and Andrea Burkhart; nephew, Perry Burkhart; great- nephew, Hayden Hunt; and many friends and extended family.

Mr. Speaker, today we remember Jimmy Ray Matus of West. He was born November 9, 1960, in Waco to Raymond Rudolf and Lillian Francis Matus. He attended St. Mary's School, was a graduate of West High School, and also attended McLennan Community College.

Jimmy started working at his family business, Westex Welding & Fire Apparatus, at a very young age. He continued to work there for the next 40 years and spent the last 20 years managing all aspects of the business.

Jimmy was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, the SPJST Lodge 54, Sokol West, where he served as past president, the State Fireman's Association, and was an honorary member of the Masonic Lodge in West. Jimmy also served on the West ISD School Board and played the role of Santa Claus for many organizations, including Sokol in the City of West.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gail Matus. He leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Raymond and Lillian Matus, of West; son, Dustin Matus and fiance, Becca Wright, of West; daughter, Jennifer Kalina and fiance, Brian Walker, of Lorena; two stepdaughters, Heather Roberson and Derek Barnes, both of Bosqueville, and Karry Dornak and husband, Jeff, of Spring; two sisters, Kathy Matus and Cindy Matus, both of West; brother, Thomas Matus, and wife, Ruth Ann, of Chalk Bluff; five great grandchildren; and numerous extended family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, today we remember Joseph F. Pustejovsky, Jr. of West. He was born August 3, 1983, in Waco to Joseph Frank ``Joe'' Pustejovsky, Sr. and Carolyn Pustejovsky. He attended St. Mary's School, graduated from West High School, and also attended McClennan Community College.

Since 2009, he had served as the city secretary for West. He had also worked for the Sears and Roebuck Company, and as a personal property appraiser for McLennan County Appraisal District.

Joey liked to hunt, play golf and work in his yard and was an avid Texas A&M fan. He loved spending time with his children and his family. He also enjoyed being actively involved with his community, his church, and the fire department family.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, where he started the youth ministry and was a director of the Catholic Brothers and Sisters United Youth Ministry for 2 years. He also served as a gift bearer and CCE teacher.

He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council Number 2305, and the Monsignor George 4th Degree Assembly 2391, also the West ACTS Men's Community, West ACTS Core, where he served as treasurer, the County Line Aggie Club, the West Fire Department, where he served as treasurer, and the National Rifle Association.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeremy Pustejovsky, and grandparents, Frankie Kapavik, Sr., and Anton and Helen Pustejovsky. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of a year, Kelly Pustejovsky, of West; children, Parker, Beau, Kayla and Ashley, all of West; parents, Joe and Carolyn Pustejovsky, of West; grandmother, Teresa Compton and husband, Marcus, of Crawford; brother, Bradley Pustejovsky and wife, Dolores, of West; in-laws, Joe and Brenda Sebesta, of Waco, brother-in-law, David Sebesta, of Fort Worth; and numerous aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Speaker, today we remember Captain Cyrus Adam Reed of Houston. He was born February 11, 1984, in Houston to Mark Andrew and Lucy Reed. He was a member of the Abbott Volunteer Fire Department, the Bynum Volunteer Fire Department, the West Ambulance Department, a former member of the Elm Mott Volunteer Fire Department. He was affiliated with the Community Volunteer Fire Department in Alief, and he was also an Eagle Scout in Troop 1110.

Cyrus lived his life with an infectious smile, a giant heart, and a dedication to honor which he would not compromise.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles P. Reed and E. Miles II and Shirley Ann Brown; uncle, Edwin Miles Brown II; and uncle, Robert Zulko. He leaves to cherish his memory his grandmother, Martha J. Reed of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; parents, Mark and Lucy Reed of Houston; sister, Sarah Reed and fiance, David Hobbs, of Houston; niece, Edith Cheyenne of Houston; brother, Bryce Reed and wife, Brittany; and their daughter, Finley, of West; three aunts, three uncles, 11 cousins, and many friends.

Mr. Speaker, today we remember Kevin William Sanders. He was born October 13, 1979, outside of Chicago to Duane and Sandra Sanders. He grew up in Palos Hills, Illinois, and graduated from Marist High School. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign with a bachelor's degree in animal science and from Parkland College with a veterinary technician certification.

Kevin truly believed in the strength and goodness of people. His passion in life was helping and caring for others. He held several registered veterinary technician positions in Champaign, Illinois; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Plainfield, Illinois; Waco, Texas; and Hewitt, Texas.

Kevin always did as he thought was right and strove to be the best that he could be.

He taught at Fox College in Tinley Park, Illinois, and McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, inspiring greatness in his students at each location. Kevin lived for the service of others through his participation in the Plainfield Emergency Management Agency in Illinois and the Bruceville-Eddy Volunteer Fire Department in Texas.

Kevin loved caring for animals, working on cars, restoring his 1970 Dodge Charger, listening to music and attending concerts, watching the Chicago Bears and the Fighting Illini, playing paintball and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Duane Sanders. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Sarah Sanders; son, Reeve Sanders; mother, Sandra Sanders; maternal grandmother, Eleanore Frey; sister, Jeannette, and her husband, Tim White; brother, Scott, and his wife, Allison Sanders; and many friends and extended family.

Mr. Speaker, today we remember Captain Douglas ``Doug'' James Snokhous of West. He was born January 1, 1963 in Hillsboro to Jimmy Rudolph and Louise Marie Snokhous. He attended St. Mary's School, was part of the West Boy Scouts and spent most of

his childhood with his dad and uncles at the West Volunteer Fire Department. He played baseball and football for the West Trojans and graduated from West High School. After high school, he began his career at Central Texas Iron Works.

Doug loved spending time with family, especially his 7-month old grandson, Hogan James. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, fishing, talking with friends and cooking barbecue. Doug's passion was volunteering with the West Volunteer Fire Department, alongside his brother, Robert.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Bob, died in the same accident that took Doug's life. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 13 years, Donna Snokhous of West; two daughters, Lauren and Laken Snokhous, both of West; grandson, Hogan James; stepsons, Steven Beseda and his wife, Maggie, of Eva Beach, Hawaii; and Paul Beseda and his wife, Amy, of West; stepdaughter DeAnna Reaves and her husband, Brandon, of Azle; three step-grandchildren; sister, Karen Hoelscher and her husband, Keith, of West; brother, Barry Snokhous and his wife, Sayoko, of Okinawa, Japan; sister-in-law, Alison Snokhous of West; along with nieces and nephews; a great-niece and great-nephew; numerous other relatives, and many friends.

Mr. Speaker, today we remember Captain Robert ``Bob'' Louis Snokhous of West. He was born June 4, 1964, in Hillsboro to Jimmy Rudolph and Louise Marie Snokhous. He graduated from West High School and received an Associate Degree from Texas State Technical College in Waco. He was a project manager for Central Texas Iron Works in Waco and was on their emergency response team.

Bob was a volunteer for the West Fire Department, where he held a passion for putting out fires. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption and the Knights of Columbus West Council No. 2305. He loved hunting and outdoor barbecues.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Doug, died in the same accident that took Bob's life. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 13 years, Alison Snokhous; son Robert ``Bubba'' Snokhous, Jr., of Cape Coral, Florida; daughters Margee Snokhous of Cape Coral, Florida, and McKenzie Ryan of West; brother Barry Snokhous and wife, Sayoko, of Okinawa, Japan; sister, Karen Hoelscher and her husband, Keith, of Ross, Texas; two grandchildren, Kandence and Kameron Snokhous of Cape Coral; several nieces and nephews; a great-niece and great-nephew; and numerous other relatives and many friends.

Mr. Speaker, today we remember William Ray ``Buck'' Uptmor, Jr., of Abbott. He was born April 11, 1968, in Waco, to Billy Ray Uptmor, Sr. and Beverly Ann Uptmor. He graduated from West High School, and went on to study air conditioning for 2 years at Hill Junior College. He also attended Texas State Technical Institute, where he studied auto body work. For over 25 years, he owned and operated Uptmor Welding and Construction. He built fences, barns and arenas, including designing and constructing the Hubbard Arena and Auction facility.

Buck grew up loving the outdoors. He loved to camp, hunt, fish, ride horses and work cattle. He was an animal lover, and he was always picking up strays. He also loved watching his children's sporting events, coaching Little League, and supporting his daughter in barrel racing. He trained and jockeyed racehorses and was the drummer for the Billy Uptmor and the Makers band. Buck loved rodeo and rode saddle broncs, bareback broncs, and bulls. He also liked to grill, and he thought he was a great chef. He was also a member of St. Martin Catholic Church in Tours, the West Longhorn Club, where he served as director, Catholic Life, and SPJST Lodge 6 in Cottonwood.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 13 years, Arcy Uptmor of Abbott; sons, Hunter and Trevor Uptmor, both of Abbott; daughter, Dusty Uptmor of Abbott; parents, Billy and Beverly Uptmor of Tours; grandmother, Agnes Middleton of Tours; brother, Brian Uptmor and his wife, Kris, of Tours; sister, Bethany Raines and her husband, Matt, of Tours; mother-in-law, Julia Silva of Pharr; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Speaker, these 12 men paid the ultimate sacrifice while providing for the safety and security of the community of West. They all died doing what they loved to do, which was serving and protecting others. They will forever be remembered as heroes. Their selfless service is a model for the rest of us to follow.

These men each exemplified the words of Jesus in John 15:13:

Greater Love has no man than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.

I am in awe of the outpouring of support for the West community from surrounding communities and indeed from people across this Nation and around the world. We are hopeful this great town will quickly and fully recover from this tragic event. All of the help that has been given and continues to come will certainly speed the recovery process. Tragedies such as this explosion remind us of how fragile life really is.

I ask that everyone please remember to pray often for our country during these difficult times. Please pray for our military men and women who protect our country from threats abroad and for our first responders who protect us from threats here at home.

Mr. Speaker, before I close this evening, I would like to recognize the West Veterans Honor Guard.

Throughout the decade of the 1990s, due in part to the reduction of the country's Active Duty military forces and coupled with the increasing number of World War II-era veterans reaching the ends of their lives, the Department of Defense was typically unable to provide graveside military honors to deceased veterans. In 1990, West VFW Post 4819 and its commander, Frank Podsednik, answered the call and selected fellow member Harry Lee Hykel to form and lead the West Veterans Honor Guard, whose mission has become ``Honoring Those Who Served.''

The original group consisted of Squad Leader Captain Harry Lee Hykel, bugler Bob Fuller, Jim Garrett, Chaplain C.J. Hlavaty, Ernest Holecek, Claude King, Robert Kreid, Boyd Mangrum, Riflemen Frank Podsednik, Robert Podsednik, Alwood Scheler, and Color Bearers Gene Schutza and Ernest Zahirniak.

The VFW Honor Guard was later joined by American Legion members to become the West Veterans Honor Guard. Additions and transitions to the squad include Color Bearer Ross ``BO'' Bohannon, Rob Buchanan, Chaplain Marvin Cepak, Michael Driscoll, Jerry Kadlubar, John Kostecka, Joe Laubert, William Karlik, Ronnie Matus, William Pavelka, Dan Pokluda, Riflemen Buddy Shields, Steve Soukup, Robert Sanislav, Chris Waters, Russell Willsey and Robert Zahirniak.

In addition to rendering military honors at veterans' funerals, the honor guard participates in numerous civic functions and ceremonies throughout Central Texas, including leading and marching in Westfest Labor Day parade, providing a color honor guard, providing display of service flags and displaying the POW/MIA flag.

Since its inception in 1990, the West Veterans Honor Guard has provided the longstanding military tradition of funeral honors, ceremonial elements of flag folding and presentation, playing ``Taps,'' providing rifle details, and providing color guards at over 430 funerals.

Mr. Speaker, tonight I honor the West Veterans Honor Guard for all that they have done for our great community.

Mr. Speaker, on June 8, America lost Army Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark in the war on terror.

Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark was a native of New York, and his father, Jack, was an Army Colonel. Todd was in the Junior ROTC while in high school, and upon graduation, attended Texas A&M University where he would join Company B-2 in the Corps of Cadets.

At the time of his tragic death, he was a brigade level advisor to the 10th Mountain Division. He would serve on five separate deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

During his 17 years of service to our country, Lieutenant Colonel Clark earned many awards and decorations. He earned three Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart, two Meritorious

Service Medals, the Army Commendation with Combat Distinguishing Device ``V,'' four Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Kosova Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Star, four Iraq Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas Service Ribbons, the NATO Medal Kosova and the NATO Medal Combat Action Badge, and the Basic Parachuters Badge.

At the conclusion of his current tour in Afghanistan, Lieutenant Colonel Clark's next assignment was going to bring him back to Texas as he was poised to become the executive officer or the second-in-command of the Reserve Officers Training Core at his alma mater, Texas A&M University.

In the coming days, Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark will be laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in West. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark. He will be forever remembered as an outstanding soldier, husband, and father. We thank him and his family for their service and sacrifice for our country. His sacrifice also reflects the words of Jesus in John 15:13: ``Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.''

God bless our military men and women, and God bless America.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to Mr. Gingrey from Georgia.

Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment which addresses another restrictive and misguided Federal regulation.

Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act prohibits Federal agencies from entering into contracts for the procurement of an alternative fuel unless its lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions are less than or equal to emissions from an equivalent conventional fuel produced from conventional petroleum sources. In summary, my amendment would stop the government from enforcing this ban on all Federal agencies funded by the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill.

The initial purpose of section 526 was to stifle the Defense Department's plan to buy and develop coal-based or coal-to-liquids jet fuels. This restriction was based on the opinion of environmentalists that coal-based jet fuel produces more greenhouse gas emissions than traditional petroleum.

We must ensure that our military has adequate fuel resources and can efficiently rely on domestic and more stable sources of fuel. But section 526's ban on fuel choice now affects all Federal agencies, not just the Defense Department. This is why I'm offering this amendment today to the DHS appropriations bill.

Federal agencies should not be burdened with wasting their time studying fuel emissions when there is a simple fix, and that fix is to not restrict Federal Government fuel choices based on extreme environmental views, unsound policies, and misguided regulations like those in section 526.

With increasing competition for energy and fuel resources, and the continued volatility and instability in the Middle East, it is now more important than ever for our country to become more energy secure and to further develop and produce our domestic energy resources. Placing limits on Federal agencies' fuel choices is an unacceptable precedent to set in regard to America's energy policy and independence.

Madam Chair, section 526 makes our Nation more dependent on Middle East oil. Stopping the impact of section 526 will help us promote American energy, improve the American economy, and create American jobs.

Madam Chairman, it is also important to note that this amendment does not prevent and does not restrict the ability of the Federal Government to purchase any alternative fuels, including biodiesel, ethanol, or other fuels from renewable resources. It places no restrictions whatsoever on that.

Let's remember the following facts about section 526. It increases our reliance on Middle Eastern oil, it hurts our military readiness, our national security and our energy security, it prevents the increased use of safe, clean, and efficient North American oil and gas, it increases the cost of American food and energy, it hurts American jobs and the American economy, and last--but certainly not least--it costs our taxpayers more of their hard-earned dollars.

I offered this amendment to appropriation bills during the 112th Congress and they all passed on the floor of the House with strong bipartisan support. My friend, Mr. Conaway, also added similar language to the Defense authorization bill today to exempt the Defense Department from this burdensome regulation.

I urge my colleagues to support passage of this commonsense amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I missed rollcall vote 142 to H.R. 807 taken on May 9, 2013. Had I been present for this vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

I was not present for this vote due to a speaking engagement at Texas A&M University.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in the wake of two grave tragedies in our Nation. The terrorist attack in Boston and then the tragedy in West, Texas, last night remind us of the risks that modern life presents. I ask that all Americans pray for these two communities and to hug your families a little tighter tonight.

As we gather on the House floor, I want to take a moment to remember all of those affected by the explosion in West, Texas, who have been injured or killed, and their families and their loved ones.

I would also like to recognize the bravery of the first responders and the volunteers from our community and, actually, from all over Texas who have come to the aid of those in need.

I want to thank my House colleagues for their many offers of support, and I also ask for a moment of silence.

Amendment No. 9 Offered by Mr. LaMalfa

Mr. Speaker, on February 15 and 16, a couple of weeks ago, America lost two more heroes and dedicated first responders. On those dates, the Bryan Fire Department responded to a fire at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Bryan, Texas. This blaze was fierce, and ultimately the roof collapsed, taking the lives of Lieutenant Eric Wallace and Lieutenant Gregory Pickard. In addition, firefighters Ricky Mantey, Jr., and Mitch Moran were critically injured during the rescue operation.

Lieutenant Gregory Pickard was born in Guymon, Oklahoma, and eventually made his way to the great State of Texas. Pickard was a 32- year veteran of the Bryan Fire Department. During those 32 years, he served our community through one of the darkest days of our community, the collapse of the bonfire at Texas A&M University. Lieutenant Pickard served as a rescue division commander during the search and rescue of the victims and, ultimately, the 12 fallen students. He rose through the ranks and served as battalion chief from 1999 to 2005 before choosing to step back to lieutenant to finish out his career. Pickard also served as an EMT and obtained his Advanced Firefighter certificate, and he was a leader in establishing many of the current Bryan Fire Department firefighting operations.

Lieutenant Eric Wallace was born here in our Nation's capital and, just like Lieutenant Pickard, eventually found his way to Texas. He also adapted quickly to our Texas culture and became an avid hunter. Wallace was a 13-year veteran of the Bryan Fire Department, and in 2010 he received an award for bravery during a fire in 2009 from the 100 Club.

On February 20, I attended the memorial service for both of these honorable men and stood with their families and friends, their fellow first responders, and the hundreds of citizens in attendance to honor and recognize these local heroes. We all mourned, and yet we celebrated the lives of both these great men. On February 21 and February 22, Lieutenant Eric Wallace and Lieutenant Gregory Pickard were laid to rest in Marlin and Bryan, Texas.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and many friends of Lieutenant Wallace and Lieutenant Pickard. They will forever be remembered as outstanding firefighters, husbands, and devoted fathers. We thank them and their families for their service and their sacrifice for our community.

Also, our thoughts and prayers are with firefighters Ricky Mantey, Jr., and Mitch Moran, who were critically injured during the fire. We pray that our Heavenly Father will give them a speedy recovery and comfort their families.

The sacrifices of these men model the words of Jesus in John 15:13, where he said:

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his

life for his friends.

God bless our first responders, and God bless America.

I thank the gentleman from Texas for organizing this very special evening.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deepest admiration and respect for Congressman Sam Johnson. Tonight, America has heard many accolades for and compliments dedicated to Sam Johnson, and I'm not going to repeat those in my comments.

Rather, I want to say that our country needs more Sam Johnsons during these difficult times. We need more persons like Sam to bravely move and serve in our country's military today. We need more persons like Sam to serve as statesmen.

We need more people like Sam who put principle ahead of politics or personal gain. We need more persons like Sam to be knightly gentlemen in an unstable society. We need more persons like Sam who are devoted husbands and loving fathers.

Mr. Speaker, America needs more heroes like Sam Johnson. I pray that America continues to produce men and women of strength and perseverance and character like Sam Johnson.

God bless Sam and his wife, Shirley, and his family, in particular. We remember their son, Bob Johnson, this evening.

I'm honored and humbled, and I have to say deeply humbled, to serve with my good friend from Texas, Congressman Sam Johnson.

Mr. Speaker, on February 2 America lost Naval Chief Petty Officer Christopher Scott Kyle in a tragic shooting.

Chief Kyle was a true Texan who grew up learning the cowboy ways in central Texas. After a riding injury to his arm, his future in the rodeo was lost. Kyle went on to pursue his other dream and joined the military. He served in the Navy for 10 years most notably as a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy SEAL's. Assigned to SEAL team 3 as a sniper, he served 4 tours in ``Operation Iraqi Freedom.'' At the time of his tragic death, he was helping two fellow veterans cope with post- military life as he did with many other veterans.

During his 10 years of service to our country, Chief Kyle earned many awards and decorations. He earned two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation. Kyle's achievements and ferocity earned not only the respect of his fellow service men and women, but the enemy as well.

On February 12, Chief Petty Officer Chris Kyle was laid to rest at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas. Thousands lined the streets and highways to pay their respects and honor the service and sacrifice of Chief Kyle as his funeral procession traveled 200 miles from Midlothian to Austin.

On that day, we laid this American hero to rest. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the many friends of Chief Kyle. He

will forever be remembered as an outstanding sailor, husband, and father. We thank him and his family for their service and sacrifice for our country.

His sacrifice reflects the words of Jesus in John 15:13, ``Greater love hath no man that this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.''

God bless our military men and women, and God bless America.

Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment that would address concerns in funding the Regional Ocean Partnership program under NOAA that is included in the underlying amendment.

Let me tell you what this amendment is not. It is not a poison pill designed to stop funding for Sandy relief. It is not an amendment designed to delay aid to Sandy victims. It is not an amendment designed to stop the much-needed aid to Sandy victims.

All the amendment does is it stops the ability to allow a crisis to be used by the White House to fund Executive Order 13547, which is basically to zone the oceans. Funding for that could be used for purposes like this: to regulate economic activity in the Mississippi River watershed. And you could see that none of the money that's used for this program would be used to help Sandy relief. So that's just an example of what it would do.

According to the NOAA Web site, the Regional Ocean Partnership grant program was developed to advance effective coastal and ocean management through regional ocean governance, including the goals for national ocean policy or, in other words, Executive Order 13547, set out in the President's final policy of the Interagency Ocean Task Force, dated July 19, 2010. Again, back to the Executive order.

This amendment is essentially the same amendment that was passed that was part of the CJS appropriations bill that passed by a bipartisan vote of 246-174 last May.

Now, we can all agree that ocean planning is a good thing. However, that needs to be done through the normal appropriations process when approved by Congress, and not through an executive order by the President.

The Natural Resources Committee has held hearings, under the leadership of Chairman Doc Hastings, to ask the administration where they're getting the funding to implement national ocean policy. They have not responded with any answers to that, and now they're using this crisis as a way to come up with funding of $150 million to basically fund all of these agencies in the President's effort to zone the oceans. We think that that's inappropriate.

And again, this is not to stop Sandy aid. It's not to delay Sandy aid. It's not to be a poison pill for Sandy aid. It's only designed to stop the use of this crisis to fund a program that this Congress did not intend to have an effect.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his remarks, but this program is designed and was changed beginning with the Obama administration to fund Executive Order 13547.

If you go to the NOAA budget request, it says, ``The Regional Ocean Partnership grants program will establish a competitive grant program to support regional ocean partnerships. The program will help support the development and implementation of priority actions identified in plans of regional ocean partnerships. Support will include the development of comprehensive Coastal and Marine Spatial Plans,'' i.e., Executive Order 13547.

So, yes, this program was around before during the Bush administration, but it has changed under the Obama administration, and now they're using this Sandy relief as a methodology to fund this program which, again, was never authorized directly by Congress.

There were two rounds of grant requests that were granted by NOAA in 2012. Only one went to a State, and that was to the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and the Office of Planning.

Here are the NGOs and outside groups that did get money from this, though: The Nature Conservancy, the Smith River National Recreation Area, the University of Hawaii, the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, and others. But not to States. Only one went to a State and that was to the State of Hawaii.

Again, this is an inappropriate use of funding, the inappropriate use of funding in the middle of a crisis to try to carry out something that this Congress has never authorized.

I reserve the balance of my time.

This is what the $150 million is going to go for. This is a bunch of federal bureaucracies to carry out an Executive order that this Congress never approved.

This is not about stopping Sandy relief, this is not about putting roofs back over people's head, this is not about providing food and sustenance for anybody, this is not about rebuilding our roads and bridges, this is not about preventing future storms. This is about just growing a Federal bureaucracy that was never authorized by this Congress.

With that being said, I think it's a clear amendment. It does not stop Sandy relief.

I would urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.