Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name from H.R. 2260.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember a dear friend of Southern Oklahoma who passed away on July 20th, 2008 after a short battle with cancer. Pat Ferris devotedly served Johnston County as the District 1 Commissioner for nearly ten years and was a recognized friend of the entire community.

Pat lived most of his life in his home county, leaving briefly to pursue higher education through earning a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education from Oklahoma State University in 1977. Ferris was an incredibly active member in the Johnson County community, but his true passion was working with Oklahoma youth. He was heavily involved with Future Farmers of America and the Johnson County Junior Livestock Association.

While a rancher in Connerville, Oklahoma for most of his life, Pat received the call of public service and ran for a County Commissioner position in 1998, winning in a hotly contested election. He was reelected twice, most recently in 2006. Throughout his tenure in the position of Commissioner, Pat worked on issues important to his constituency. He was instrumental in preserving the county hospital and in the creation of a new jail.

Pat Ferris is not only dearly remembered by his wife Robin and their five children, but also by countless citizens in Johnston County, Oklahoma who he touched in the 53 years of his life. I stand today to honor and celebrate the life of this great Oklahoman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in response to statements made on July 17, 2008 referencing the Cherokee Nation and the Freedmen citizenship issue in discussions on the NAHASDA bill. The Cherokee Nation is the second-largest Indian nation within U.S. borders with 280,000 citizens. I represent the largest number of Cherokees in any Congressional District--more than 95,000--and I am proud to serve as their Congressman.

I believe that, regardless of what one thinks about the merits, this is an issue for the courts, and Congress should stay out of the litigation. A current federal court case in Washington, D.C. involving these issues was filed five years ago. Last year, more than 300 people filed suit over these same issues in Cherokee Nation tribal courts. We in Congress need to let the courts do their work without interfering. The Bureau of Indian Affairs similarly has said it will take no action until the courts decide. I cannot help but note the irony that we in Congress or any legislative body generally do all we can to avoid getting involved with litigation until it is finally resolved. This issue should be treated no differently.

That is why I have worked with Chairman Frank and others to craft compromise language that would allow the Cherokee Nation to continue receiving federal funds until the courts decide. It is not a perfect solution, as I would prefer this Congress avoid establishing the precedent that it is permissible to punish a single tribe for an internal decision. That is a dangerous slippery slope that will ultimately undermine the very meaning of sovereignty when it comes to all Indian tribes.

There is another sad irony here; if the Cherokee Nation were to lose these funds, thousands of my constituents would be hurt, including the Freedmen descendants who have been recently reinstated in the tribe and who are also my constituents. I appreciate the fact that efforts have been aimed at helping them, but the reality of the legislation falls short of that goal if funding were ever to be cut.

The consequences of losing this federal housing funding would be real, damaging and lasting. In 2008 alone, this would mean more than $30 million. Without it, more than 7,000 low-income Cherokee families would lose their federal housing assistance. Many would lose their homes, precipitating a housing crisis in eastern Oklahoma. The State, which is already stretched, would be forced to pick up the slack. How tragic it would be if the U.S. Congress were once again responsible for removing Native Americans from their homes. Truly, the most responsible and prudent thing we can do is wait for the tribal and federal courts to decide these issues first.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a true Oklahoma statesman.

Clem Rogers McSpadden passed away on Monday, July 7, 2008, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Clem was the great nephew of Will Rogers and served as a Member of the U.S. House from 1973 until 1975.

If you ask Oklahomans about Clem, they will tell you about how he helped them during his time in elected office, how they remember him announcing rodeo championships, or how he gave them some great advice about life.

Clem was also a highly respected Member of this Chamber. He was honored with being the first freshman Member ever to be appointed to the Rules Committee. He also helped create the Rural Caucus, which I am honored to be a member of today.

Clem will not just be remembered as a former Congressman or President pro tem of the State Senate. As those of us from Oklahoma know, Clem had a positive impact on his community, his State, and the Nation in many ways, ranging from family, to military service, to rodeo, to business, and to ranching.

In keeping with a proud family legacy, Clem represented Oklahoma values on a daily basis: Hard work and personal responsibility. This is truly what helped make him one of Oklahoma's favorite sons, just like his great uncle, Will Rogers. There are very few people who have been such a great role model to us all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the entire McSpadden family. Thousands of Oklahomans and rodeo fans across the Nation share the sadness of their loss.

I would like to yield at this time to the dean of our Oklahoma House delegation, Frank Lucas.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully request Members to join me in a moment of silence to remember Clem's legacy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a remarkable Oklahoman.

Jack Mildren passed away on Thursday, May 22, following a 2-year battle with cancer.

Jack was born in 1949 and later was a Texas high school football star who chose to attend college in Oklahoma.

Known as the ``Godfather of the Wishbone,'' Jack led the University of Oklahoma football team in an appearance in the 1971 ``Game of the Century,'' along with being the MVP of a Sugar Bowl win. He's most widely recognized for laying the foundation for the success of the Sooner football program for years after his graduation. Jack left OU an Academic All-American and went on to play professional football for three seasons.

Jack was not only a football star but also a civic leader and an outstanding public servant. He was elected as Oklahoma's 22nd Lieutenant Governor. Most recently, he served as a banker as well as a beloved Oklahoma sports radio host.

Jack Mildren will not only be remembered by his wife, Janis; and children, Leigh, Lauren, and Drew; but by all Oklahomans for his contributions to the history of our State.

We will miss you, Jack.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Today, I rise in support of my amendment to the Duncan Hunter National

Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 that would bring additional clarity to the language in section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

First, I would like to thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter for their exceptional work in crafting this important piece of legislation that is extremely vital for the defense needs of this Nation. This is a good bill. I believe it will address the readiness needs of our Armed Forces for the near and distant future. Our servicemembers that so bravely protect and defend our Nation deserve nothing less than our full support.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment now being considered before this Chamber would amend section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act in a manner that would address the concerns that I share with many of my fellow colleagues within this Chamber.

Section 526 prohibits any Federal agency from entering into a contract to purchase alternative or synthetic fuels for mobility- related purposes, unless the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of such fuels are less than that of conventional petroleum-based fuels.

While I recognize the positive intent behind section 526 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, I have strong concerns about how it will affect the ability of DOD to provide for the future energy needs of our Armed Forces.

Section 526 falls short of determining what alternative or synthetic fuels Federal agencies are prohibited from contracting to purchase. It also does not clearly define ``nonconventional petroleum sources.'' This ambiguity in the law, therefore, creates uncertainty as to whether the Department of Defense can procure generally available fuels that contain mix-in amounts of fuel derived from nonconventional petroleum sources, such as oil sands.

My amendment would amend section 526 to allow DOD and other Federal agencies to enter into contracts to purchase generally available fuels that are not predominantly derived from nonconventional fuel sources. Any contract to purchase such fuel must specify that the lifecycle greenhouse emissions are less than that of conventional petroleum sources.

If my amendment is adopted, it would not repeal section 526. Rather, it will improve section 526 to provide additional clarity that is needed to meet the future energy needs of our Armed Forces.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment reflects an agreement--this is very important--this is an agreement that was reached with the respective committees of jurisdiction, House leadership and myself. I am very pleased that we were able to reach a compromise on the language of this amendment that is mutually acceptable to all parties.

Therefore, I urge my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support the adoption of this amendment.

I want to thank the chairman.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the ranking member for his friendship. I know this is his last term here on Capitol Hill, and he's been a great leader for our committee. He's also a fellow deer hunter friend of mine, and I would also like to see the double Boren amendment. We're going to try to take half a loaf right now and work on this in the future.

At this time, I would like to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to my great friend and colleague from the State of Texas (Mr. Ortiz).

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the passage of H. Res. 1092, a resolution designed to block consideration of the U.S.- Colombia Free Trade Agreement in the U.S. House of Representatives.

This resolution will more than likely prevent the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement from receiving an up-or-down vote during the 110th Congress. I believe we should have an open and fair debate on every free trade agreement. The normal process established by law in which free trade agreements are considered allows Members of Congress opportunities to raise concerns regarding free trade that they heard from their constituents.

I disagree with the decision by the President to send this agreement to Congress without the necessary consent of both the House and Senate. However. I am concerned the passage of H. Res. 1092, which suspends the 60-day time line for a House floor vote on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, will only serve to deepen the already existing partisan divide in Washington.

Along with my fellow colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives. I closely weigh the potential costs and benefits of each free trade agreement the President negotiates. Furthermore, I believe in order for these agreements to be evaluated thoroughly, they must be considered by the normal process established by law. The resolution adopted today undercuts this process.

Mr. Speaker, it is for these reasons I voted against H. Res. 1092 along with 195 of my colleagues. I hope in the coming months Members of the House and Senate will have the opportunity to debate and assess the potential value of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support for H.R. 2675, the HALE Scouts Act. This bill would grant the U.S. Forest Service authority to sell roughly 140 acres of land to the Indian Nations Council of Boy Scouts, which is adjacent to the Scout's summer camp, Camp Tom Hale located in Talihina, OK. The Council is a nonprofit organization providing educational programs for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of citizenship, and to develop personal fitness,

The camp first opened in June 1930 to serve Boy Scouts in the McAlester, Oklahoma area. It was originally located at what is now Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton, Oklahoma. In 1963, the Boy Scout Council in McAlester worked with the State of Oklahoma and the U.S. Forest Service to exchange the camp at Robbers Cave for 480 acres of wilderness area in the Ouachita National Forest. This ``new'' Camp Hale has continued as a summer adventure camp serving thousands of scouts during the intervening 41 years. In 1997, the Council board developed a strategic plan for a $3.5 million expansion and renovation of the camp. Since then, the Council has spent in excess of $1 million continually updating and expanding facilities to meet the needs of scouts. As a result, a renewed emphasis on wilderness and the outdoors has flourished, with over 6,000 scouts and leaders from a five state area attending weekly sessions offered in June and July and enjoying the beautiful Ouachita Forest. Attendance has now exceeded the maximum number of available campsites and program areas, which is causing Camp Hale to begin turning away hundreds of scouts each summer.

It is now critical for camp growth that the boundaries be extended to include more area for camping and additional program and training services. Successful completion of this objective will allow the Boy Scouts to continue the expansion of outdoor and leadership training for thousands of youth living in the Central Southwest and bring additional usage and enjoyment of the Ouachita Forest to more families. I greatly appreciate this body's consideration of this measure, and urge my colleagues support.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of access to colorectal cancer screening for all Americans. The month of March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Like far too many other Americans, my life has been touched by cancer. Nine years ago I lost my mother, Janna, to colon cancer. I understand too well the importance of catching this type of cancer early. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading killers in the United States that will this year unnecessarily take the lives of almost 50,000 of our constituents nationwide.

This is a tragedy because we have every tool necessary to prevent the suffering and death from this disease. Only 22 States and the District of Columbia have protections in place to provide access to screening and early detection procedures for colorectal cancer. This is unacceptable. Lifesaving tests that are widely available and reliable should be accessible to each and every one of our constituents.

Please join me in recognizing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of making early detection of this disease a priority.

Mr. Chairman, I would first like to thank Chairman Miller and the members of his committee for their hard work and dedication to improving the safety of our Nation's mines and bringing this important issue to the forefront. As we all know, the tragic mining accidents of the last few years have made this a serious topic of national and public debate.

I am a strong supporter of increasing safety at our Nation's mines. This is why I strongly supported and voted for the MINER Act of 2006. Since its enactment, I have continued to support its complete implementation and I look forward to the mining industry reaching full compliance with its provisions.

While Chairman Miller's bill, the S-MINER Act, aims to further strengthen mining industry safety and health standards, I have serious concerns about how this bill will affect local mining operations in my congressional district and the State of Oklahoma.

This new mining safety legislation will impose a one-size-fits-all set of safety standards and regulations upon the mining industry, regardless of a mining operation's differing characteristics or risk factors. Therefore, numerous surface mines in my district would be forced to comply with expensive Government regulations that do not enhance safety for their workers.

Fine increases and the process laid out in the S-MINER Act for evaluating and judging regulatory infractions are also matters of great concern to me. Requiring increased fines to be made in escrow, while a citation is investigated, may be reasonable for large mining companies. However, for the small mining operations in my district, this requirement would be financially crippling and is likely to precipitate the loss of valued jobs.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, it is my firm belief this new mine safety legislation comes far too soon after the enactment of the MINER Act of 2006. Currently the mining operations in my congressional district and the State of Oklahoma are working diligently to achieve full compliance with the new law. I am concerned the additional regulations and standards set forth in the S-MINER Act of 2008 will be financially overwhelming to an industry that is a vital supplier of jobs for my constituents. I believe it very well could reduce progress on implementing the achievements of the MINER Act.

It is for these reasons listed above, Mr. Chairman, I voted against the S-MINER Act when it came before the House floor for a vote. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure the future sustainability and safety of our Nation's mines, which are integral to the vitality of our Nation's energy supply and strength of the American economy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and dedication of Philip Giers on the occasion of his retirement.

Philip has worked at the Veterans Administration for 37 years and on January 3rd he will retire after an impressive career. Fresh out of college, he began his service in West Haven, CT at the brand-new Blind Rehabilitation Center. Philip, a highly skilled woodworker, taught industrial arts to the blind. He then received his Masters degree in Special Education and started teaching cane travel and electronic mobility aids for the blind, where he became instrumental in the development of laser cane use and binaural sensory aid. In June of 1975, Phil and his wife, Christine, moved to Northampton, Massachusetts where he became Chief of Blind Rehabilitation at the Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Clinic in Leeds, which covered the entire eastern seaboard (as far east as the Mississippi River) and Puerto Rico. When the Blind Rehab Clinic was finally closed, Phil continued his work in public service in the Northampton VAMC's Human Resources Department and later in Pittsfield, MA where he was given the task of opening a sheltered workshop for veterans. He will end his long, award-winning career as manager of the sheltered workshop in Leeds VAMC, where he has worked to expand the influence of the work of veterans throughout western Massachusetts.

Phil's achievements and prominence has touched millions of people here in Washington, DC, as well: he was consulted in the development of our Metro system. He was also consulted in the development of the electric car and was called upon by Australia and several African nations on handicap accessibility issues.

Phil's dedication to helping the blind extends to his life outside of the office as well. He has been a member of Lions International since 1986 and has held several leadership positions, including president. The Lions Club is an advocate for bettering the lives of those with vision problems and Phil has worked tirelessly to further their cause on the local, State, national and international levels. Besides his work with the Lions Club he has been an active member of his church, Saint Mary's, for 28 years and has also served in leadership positions in Business Networking International. He is also an active blood donor, having donated 152 pints of blood over the past 37 years.

Phil is a respected leader in his community and a dedicated family man. He has been a loving husband to Christine for 34 years and father to Erica. While he will miss his work, Phil is looking forward to working more in his antique business, traveling with his wife and playing golf. We are all grateful for his service and wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank my colleagues on the Committee on Appropriations for language in the Manager's Statement accompanying the Omnibus Appropriations bill, regarding USAID and hunting conservation programs in Africa and around the world. This language provides an opportunity for these USAID conservation projects to continue and asks them to come before the Committee and explain how these important conservation programs have seen success in Africa and around the world. I support this effort and commend the Committee on this language.

Earlier this year, language to deny funding for USAID assistance programs in Africa utilizing recreational, sport and trophy hunting was included in the House State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Committee Report. I opposed this language as tourist hunting has proven to be a valuable tool for the conservation of wildlife and habitat. These programs have proven to be particularly useful in the survival of African elephants, white and black rhinos, leopards, markhor, argali, and other threatened and endangered species. To block this revenue would do nothing for the conservation of species and would simply be one step further in a campaign to ban hunting.

I welcome the opportunity for USAID to come before the Committee and explain these valuable and beneficial projects as the language directs. USAID and their conservation projects will have their opportunity to tell their conservation story and how revenue brought in by these hunters benefits the local native communities, encouraging them to conserve and manage wildlife populations responsibly. The CAMPFIRE and the LIFE Plus Projects in Africa are just two examples of working conservation programs that involve controlled, regulated sport and trophy hunting. These programs literally support the entire tribal system in many areas of Africa. Without them, millions of acres that are properly managed now would fall prey to poachers and the land would prove to have no economic value. Animals in this environment would be killed for food, over-hunted and poached. None of us want that result.

Licensed, regulated tourist hunting provides tens of millions of dollars for the operating

budgets of foreign wildlife departments, significantly reduces poaching, and creates incentives for local inhabitants to perpetuate biodiversity on hundreds of millions of acres where it is needed beyond the borders of protected areas. In twenty-three African countries that allow licensed, regulated hunting, approximately 18,500 hunters generate over $200 million annually in remote rural areas. The USAID programs are extremely important to the survival of many species worldwide and I thank the Appropriations Committee for recognizing the flaw in the House Report language and speaking to it appropriately in the Statement of the Managers that accompanies the Omnibus legislation.

Madam Speaker, recently, the Milken Institute released what I believe to be a landmark study on the cost to the United States from the startling growth of chronic disease in this nation. Its findings are eye-opening:

More than half of all Americans suffer from one of more of the following diseases--cancer, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, pulmonary conditions or mental disorders.

Over the past 20 years we have spent trillions of dollars in research and treatment on these diseases, improving both treatment and mortality outcomes but the rates of chronic disease continue to climb.

If no changes are instituted, within 16 years, 2023, there will be a 42 percent increase in the number of cases.

The cost to the American economy will be $4.2 trillion in treatment costs and lost productivity, with lost productivity accounting for 81 percent of all costs.

Improving Americans' health behaviors through anti-obesity and anti- smoking efforts can save the U.S. $1.6 trillion in treatment and lost productivity, decrease the number of cases by 40 million and improve gross domestic product by $254 billion.

Let me put these numbers into some kind of perspective. The $4.2 trillion cost to the economy if nothing changes is greater than the current gross domestic product of France, the United Kingdom and Spain combined. That amount is greater than the current GDPs of either Africa or Latin America and not much lower than the GDPs of the two continents combined.

The recommendations of the Milken Institute, which describes itself as an independent economic think tank, center on ensuring that incentives in the health care system focus on prevention and early disease intervention and that we commit as a nation to achieving a ``healthy body weight.''

Madam Speaker, all of us bear some responsibility in combating these diseases--individuals, non-governmental organizations, governments, corporations, the medical community and the insurance industry. But we here in Congress also bear a special responsibility to remove any federal disincentives to promoting good physical well-being. We set policy; we set the tone for the Nation on any issue. Pending before this body are two pieces of legislation to promote physical fitness, a key component of prevention and a central means of achieving a healthy body weight, the Workforce Health Improvement Program Act (H.R. 1748). If enacted, this legislation would remove federal barriers to the promotion of physical activity and move our health care system ever more to one that emphasizes prevention over disease treatment.

As the Milken Institute's study so strongly shows, there are great costs ahead if we do nothing, but great savings to be gained if we act. Passage of this legislation would help us achieve a healthier America. I urge enactment this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize November 16, 2007--Oklahoma's Statehood Day and Centennial Celebration. From east to west, north to south, Oklahoma boasts a variety of cultures, landscapes, and opportunities that Oklahomans and visitors enjoy every day. The diversity represented in the State has long been a source of pride for and attraction to Oklahoma. Many Native American tribes were relocated to Oklahoma under force, but have grown to be a vital source of pride and diversity for the State's heritage and future. Furthermore, the land-runs that began in 1889 showed our Nation the power and promise that the lands of Oklahoma held for its inhabitants in the early days as a territory. It was just a short while later, in 1907, that the Federal Government and the other States of the Union fully recognized this and made Oklahoma a State. Those same feelings still ring true today as we honor our State's centennial celebration.

As an Oklahoman, I share a heritage built on the values of faith, family, hard work, and personal responsibility. In Oklahoma, people are our greatest asset. There is warmth in our people that you won't find anywhere else. Throughout many years of hardship, our communities endured because of our ``pioneer spirit.'' The same strength and spirit that enabled generations before me to survive the Great Depression and two world wars, is still alive today. For all of these reasons, I am happy to highlight the Centennial Celebration of Oklahoma.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in order to pay special tribute to one of Oklahoma's own, Jeannine Tuttle Rainbolt, who recently lost her life after a long struggle with lung cancer.

I join with all my fellow Oklahomans in mourning the tragic loss of this remarkable woman. Jeannine Tuttle Rainbolt was both deeply admired and sincerely respected by all who knew her. She will forever be remembered for her generosity, leadership, and integrity.

For 57 years, she was dedicated to her husband and best friend, Gene Rainbolt, who will undoubtedly miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gene and all who mourn the loss of Jeannine.

Jeannine lived a purposeful life focused on enhancing the lives of others. Throughout her career as an educator, she inspired her pupils to vigorously pursue greater levels of personal and academic achievement; and she tirelessly worked to shape youth, into the leaders of the future. Jeannine's example also reached beyond the walls of the classroom. As a passionate and active philanthropist, she was a model member of her community, inspiring countless others to become civically engaged and to join together for the purpose of strengthening local families and communities.

Madam Speaker, it is without question Jeannine was an exceptional woman; however there is one notable quality about her which I find to be most remarkable--her ability to persevere. Throughout her difficult struggle with cancer, she never yielded to despair. Rather she continued to live with hope and grace.

For these reasons, Madam Speaker, I commemorate the life and legacy of Jeannine Tuttle Rainbolt along with my fellow Oklahomans. Jeannine's legacy of unconditional love, generosity, and leadership will undoubtedly continue to exist in the hearts and minds of all she inspired.