Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, when the House Ways and Means Committee recently considered the health care overhaul proposal, I supported an amendment that said if our constituents must join the government-run public plan, so should Members of Congress. Unfortunately, the Democrats rejected this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I ask today: If the government-run plan is great enough for the American people, why isn't it good enough for the Members of Congress?

Americans deserve the freedom to choose their health care. This plan doesn't give them that choice. It will force Americans into a plan that supporters of the bill simply don't want.

We need to work together to protect and to strengthen the health care of every American, not take away choice and drive up costs. I urge my colleagues to reject this bill, to work together on a plan that will lower costs, while maintaining the freedoms of Americans to choose their health care.

And that is just some straight shooting from the sheriff.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, H.R. 3326.

(1) $2,300,000 for the Washington National Guard for the Tactical Operations Center

Requesting Entity: Washington State Military Department, Building One, Camp Murray, WA 98430-5000

Agency: NGB/WAARNG, Domestic Operations

Account: National Guard Equipment, Army Guard--P-1/Line # 094

Funding Requested by: Rep. Dave Reichert, Rep. Brian Baird, and Rep. Jim McDermott

Project Summary: This funding would help develop a rapidly deployable mobile command center, interoperable communications, and a forward domestic response command headquarters capable of providing defense support to civil authorities. This capability is needed to respond to state/interstate/national domestic emergencies, including terrorism and natural hazards like earthquakes, flooding, and fires. It would include tentage, vehicles, power, and communications to relocate support to any

community to assist in the event of an emergency and to help in facilitating receipt and control of reinforcing support and supplies necessary to respond to protect citizens' life, property and the economy in the event of an emergency or a disaster. The Washington National Guard is frequently called upon to protect lives and property during state emergencies, however, we do not have any assets dedicated to domestic operations. The federal equipment that they do operate can be (and is) deployed on a regular basis making it unavailable for state emergencies. Acquisition of the Domestic Operations Response Equipment will enable the Military Department to fulfill their mission to the people of the state of Washington.

Finance Plan: Cost of Domestic Operations Response Equipment--Finance Plan

1. The Washington Military Department's stated mission is to minimize the impact of emergencies and disasters on people, property, environment, and the economy of Washington State and the region; provide trained and ready forces for state and federal missions; and provide structured alternative education opportunities for at-risk youth.

2. Estimated costs of the equipment are as follows:

a. Deployable Field Shelter--$817,493.00

b. Command & Control Vehicle--$325,000.00

c. Truck Mounted Incident Site System--$1,157,500.00

Total--$2,299,993.00

3. The Washington Military Department's mission is to protect lives and property while minimizing the disaster impact on communities, the environment, and the economy of Washington State. They provide a trained and ready force for state and federal missions and offer structured alternative education opportunities for at-risk youth.

Acquisition of the Domestic Operations Response Equipment will enable the Military Department to fulfill their mission to the people of the state of Washington.

(2) $2,000,000 for B.E. Meyers & Co for Thermal Pointer/Illuminator for Force Protection

Requesting Entity: B.E. Meyers & Co., 14540 NE 91st St., Redmond, WA 98052

Agency: Special Operations Forces, U.S. Navy, RDT&E

Account: R-1/PE#1160479BB; P-1/Line #243; Special Operations Forces Visual Augmentation

Funding Requested by: Rep. Dave Reichert

Project Summary: This project would develop a prototype for testing a Long-Range, Day and Night, Covert Thermal Target Designator for ground- based and airborne applications, compatible with thermal imagers presently in use by U.S. Armed Forces. This rapid research and development program would result in the delivery of 50 field ready, hand-held, targeting devices to the Navy Special Warfare community. There is a demonstrated need for a thermal target designator that is compatible with thermal imagers presently in use by U.S. Armed Forces. The Long-Range, Day and Night, Covert Thermal Target Designator would enable rapid and simple target acquisition while remaining invisible to the human eye and night vision goggles and would operate well in adverse environmental conditions such as fog, rain and dust. This target designator could also be easily and rapidly integrated into existing military operations with minimal additional training required. Infrared (IR) pointing lasers are routinely used for targeting in darkness but are ineffective during bright daylight because the IR wavelength is invisible to the naked eye, and night vision goggles are not typically used during the day. The warfighter could benefit from this thermal target designator capability because it will enable pointing, illuminating and targeting when coupled with the thousands of thermal imagers currently employed by the U.S. Military.

Finance Plan: The proposed development effort is 12 months in duration at a total cost of $4.15 M. 50 production units will be delivered to the U.S. government at the conclusion of the 12 month effort. Travel is included.

The funding plan is as follows:

Cost Component Burdened Cost

Labor--57.1%

Materials--42.7%

Travel--0.2%

Source of funds is planned as follows:

Cost Component Burdened Cost

Total Government Funding--75%

BE Meyers Funded--25%

3) $1,000,000 for Stellar Photonics, LLC for Dynamic Eye-Safe Imaging Laser (DESIL)

Requesting Entity: Stellar Photonics, LLC, 14797 NE 95th Street, Redmond, WA 98052

Agency: U.S. Marine Corps: Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate (JNLWD), RDT&E

Account: R-1/PE #0603651M; P-1/Line #21

Funding Requested by: Rep. Dave Reichert

Protect Summary: The purpose of funding is to support the existing EYE-SAFE (DESIL, Dynamic Eye-Safe Imaging Laser) laser research program and to improve the capabilities to the non-lethal Plasma Acoustic Shield System (PASS) in terms of making it safer for eyes and increasing the range, higher repetitions and coverage area. The PASS system can be used at check points for riot control and to visually intimidate opponents from entering a restricted area. By operating in the EYE-SAFE laser wavelength and spectrum, the DESIL technology could enable the military to operate their desired laser systems and applications without being in violation of the United Nations' ``Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects'' Protocol IV on Blinding Laser Weapons, Vienna, 13th, October 1995.

Finance Plan:

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CY 2010 CY 2011 FY 2010 Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total dollar amount of the proposal:................... 2,027,225.60 1,832,076.83 3,859,302.43 Total Direct Materials................................. 505,545.00 505,545.00 1,011,090.00 Total Estimated Direct Labor........................... 221,050.00 200,375.00 421,425.00 Total Estimated Direct Costs........................... 898,850.83 812,323.89 1,711,174.72 General & Administrative Expenses...................... 1,031,840.21 932,511.19 1,964,351.40 Total Estimated Cost and Fee........................... 2,027,225.60 1,832,076.83 3,859,302.43 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This office conducted site visits to meet with representatives from all five of the projects listed above. Enclosed with this disclosure are statements from the military demonstrating the need and use for these specific projects.

Department of the Navy,

Naval Special Warfare Command,

San Diego, CA, April 6, 2009.

Mr. Bruce Westcoat,

Vice President, Business Development, BE Meyers Corporation,

Redmond, WA.

Dear Mr. Westcoat: The information provided by BE Meyers

email of March 31, 2009 has been reviewed. Naval Special

Warfare is very interested in a Thermal Pointer. The

proliferation of Night Vision on the battlefield has allowed

the enemy combatant to track the use of U.S. forces current

Infrared lasers. This emerging technology will allow U.S.

Special Operations Forces the ability to mark targets while

minimizing the ability to be compromised based on enemy

forces current NVG technology.

Your company's continued interest in developing better

products for Naval Special Warfare is greatly appreciated.

The product as described in the email is very desirable and

appears to be an attainable solution in support of Miniature

Day/Night Sight (MDNS), Annex to U.S. Special Operations

Command Special Operations Peculiar Modification (SOPMOD), of

December 16, 2004. Additionally, the Thermal Pointer may have

application to other Special Operation Forces and

conventional units. The Thermal Laser Pointer, if developed,

would enhance our ability to engage opposing forces, in the

prosecution of the Global War on Terrorism. Regrettably,

funding is not currently available to fund the development of

the Thermal Pointer System.

My points of contact for this matter are Mr. Bruce Holmes

and Mr. Calvin Hastings.

Sincerely,

T. H. DeGHETTO,

Captain, U.S. Navy.

Last week, I received a note from a constituent about the proposed government takeover of our health care. She said, As a small business owner, we are struggling already. We provide our employees and their families with insurance and cannot afford additional taxes. Please continue to fight this fight, keep up this fight, keep us from rising taxes, keep us from costing small businesses more taxes.

That's why I stand here today to give a voice to my constituents who are extremely afraid, frightened, worried about this massive $1.1 trillion proposal and a new 8 percent tax on their small business.

The stimulus isn't stimulating the economy. Unemployment continues to rise, and now we want to slap a new tax on job creators.

People are hurting in my district and across the Nation. This bill is out of touch with reality, out of touch with the American people.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3293, the Fiscal Year 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Act.

(1) $375,000 for the City of Bellevue, WA Wrap-Around Services Program

Requesting Entity: City of Bellevue, P.O. Box 90012, Bellevue, WA 98009

Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Account: Administration for Children and Families (ACF)--Social Services

Funding Requested by: Rep. Dave Reichert

The Wrap-Around Services Program is an innovative partnership between the City of Bellevue, the Bellevue School District and United Way of King County. Working collaboratively, the program coordinates and provides services on-site at Lake Hills Elementary School to meet the educational and developmental needs of the diverse children and youth population served by the school and community. The program encourages local resident and family participation in school life and maximizes the public's investment in local school facilities by making them available for educational and recreational activities.

Lake Hills Elementary School serves approximately 500 students in preschool through fifth grade. It is an ethnically diverse school with 59% of students speaking a first language other than English and 60% of students participate in the free or reduced price lunch program. The Wrap-Around Services Program addresses health and wellness in areas including academic growth, school engagement, adult education, mental health counseling, medical and dental care, family support and community building. Services are provided through a broad range of community partnerships with social service agencies, mental health providers, non-profit community groups, faith-based organizations, local businesses and other partners.

Wrap-Around Services began as a 3-year pilot project and transitioned into a program in the fall of 2008. In November of 2007, the Wrap- Around Services Evaluation Report was completed by Business Government Community Connections, an independent evaluator. The Evaluation Report showed the project produced student academic improvement, gains in school readiness for entering students and strengthening of parent and family involvement in the school and community. In particular, kindergarten students are coming to school better prepared since the Wrap-Around Project started. Family participation has risen, with 70- 80% of families visiting the school more than once during the school year. Non-profit organizations, like Jubilee REACH Center, have purchased and established a community center to be within walking distance of Lake Hills School.

Federal funding will augment partner funding and allow the expansion of the program to three more schools (two elementary and one middle) with similar diverse demographics to Lake Hills Elementary.

Finance Plan:

On Thursday, July 23, 2009, I intended to vote ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 616 to enable the resolution to be considered on the House floor.

Mr. Speaker, under the current health care proposal in the House, the health coverage of 16 million Americans who hold individual market health plans is in jeopardy.

We've heard, ``If you like it, you can keep it,'' but this bill breaks that promise, takes away the freedom to choose, and drives up costs.

Under this bill, private providers of individual health plans will be prohibited from enrolling even one new member. It's simple economics. Without new enrollees, the existing members will only get older, get sicker. Costs will skyrocket and so will the premiums.

Cost will prevent the providers from providing quality coverage. Cost will force 16 million Americans out of their current health care coverage. This is not choice. This is not freedom.

Last week, I offered an amendment in the House Ways and Means Committee to stop this. The amendment was rejected.

I urge my colleagues to reject this bill so we can discuss solid solutions that will protect and strengthen health care of every American.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

(1) $750,000 for the M Street SE Grade Separation Project Requesting Entity: City of Auburn, 25 West Main Street, Auburn, WA 98001

Agency: Federal Highway Administration

Account: Surface Transportation Priorities

Funding Requested by: Rep. Dave Reichert

Project Summary: This request will allow the City to complete right of way acquisition. Once completed, the grade separation will provide indirect economic benefits to the regional Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, and the BNSF railroad; it will also allow continued growth and increased economic impact, which will proportionally increase the number of jobs in the region.

finance plan:

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Tracking Anticipated Secured

Funding Source (million) (million) (million) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- City of Auburn.................................................. .............. .............. 2.2 FY08 Appropriations............................................. .............. .............. 0.12 City of Auburn--PWTF............................................ $2.00 .............. .............. 2010 Appropriations............................................. 4.60 .............. .............. FMSIB--State Funds.............................................. .............. .............. 6.00 City of Auburn.................................................. .............. $1.20 ..............

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3183, the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

(1) $2,600,000 for the King County, WA for Duwamish and Green River Basin

Requesting Entity: King County, 516 Third Ave, Rm 1200, Seattle, WA 98104

Agency: Corps of Engineers

Account: Construction

Funding requested by: Reps. Dave Reichert, Norm Dicks, Jim McDermott, Adam Smith

This project supports the restoration of the Duwamish Green watershed by implementing a range of habitat restoration projects for the recovery of ESA listed Chinook in a high priority watershed. The projects are coordinated to the extent possible with flood protection along the lower parts of the river where regional industrial and manufacturing centers are located. The watershed is the second most populous watershed in Puget Sound and encompasses 15 cities, including part of the city of Seattle, the water supply for the City of Tacoma, forest and agricultural production districts, as well as multiple natural resources and public parks and open space.

Finance Plan:

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Project name Phase Federal share ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mill Creek........................ Design.............. $250,000 Riverview Park.................... Construction........ 3,000,000 Upper Springbrook Creek........... Construction........ 1,000,000 Levee Bank Maintenance............ Construction........ 2,250,000

Mr. Speaker, our economy is struggling, and unemployment is near 10 percent. Yet the health care proposal being considered in Congress asks our job creators, the small businesses of America across this country, to pay a new 8 percent tax.

Last week, in the Ways and Means Committee, I proposed to exempt small businesses from this penalty tax if it would result in businesses having to lay off workers, cut wages, or reduce jobs.

America's businesses are hurting, and we're asking them to pay more taxes? Yet, my amendment was rejected. Requiring small businesses to pay a penalty tax is no way to help them stay in business and create jobs. American workers will be harmed. Workers will bear the new cost through lost jobs and smaller wages.

I urge my colleagues to reject this bill. Americans need the confidence that their jobs are not in jeopardy, that we are working to protect and strengthen their health care, while supporting the small businesses that create jobs.

And these aren't speaking points. That's just some straight shooting from the sheriff.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the City North Bend, Washington, for reaching its centennial year in 2009.

North Bend, located in the north end of the Eighth District of Washington State, is beautifully situated near the entrance of the Cascade Mountains with majestic Mount Si providing a stunning backdrop. Residents and tourists of all ages enjoy the many outdoor activities this natural, rural setting has to offer, including skiing, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing and swimming. The residents of North Bend are truly caring people who will continue to lead North Bend in protecting their unique rural setting while encouraging residential and business development. I commend Mayor Ken Hearing for his leadership of this town of 4,700.

The Eighth District is a more vibrant area because of North Bend and I rise today to commend the citizens past and present on their success in reaching this milestone.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the City of Wilkeson, Washington, for reaching its centennial year in 2009.

Wilkeson is located on the timber-lined Carbon River at the doorstep of Mount Rainier. This small town of 450 residents has a rich economic history in timber and sandstone mining. In fact, the sandstone used to build the Washington State Capitol came from Wilkeson. Samuel Wilkeson, a railroad pioneer and the City's namesake, called the forests of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains the ``most enchanting forests on the globe.'' Most tellingly, the City's rich history is still visible: five properties in Wilkeson can be found on Washington's historical register. Mayor Janet Kepka should be proud of the City she leads.

I am proud to represent such a community and sincerely congratulate the City of Wilkeson on this tremendous achievement.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of a recent graduate of the Los Angeles police academy who excelled in every aspect of his training and will, no doubt, serve and protect the people of Los Angeles with respect, honor and commitment.

Brandon Parks, 28, the son of my senior advisor Mariana Parks, and an Army veteran who served in Iraq, is now patrolling the streets of the Foothill District in northern Los Angeles. I'm confident a young, responsible and highly motivated young man such as Brandon is enjoying his first days and weeks on the force just as I did years ago for the King County Sheriff's Department.

But today, Madam Speaker, I want to focus my remarks on the exceptional way Brandon conducted himself during his 24-week training at the Los Angeles Police Academy. Arriving to the academy every morning at 6:00 a.m., a typical day for Brandon and his fellow recruits consisted of running, writing, shooting, thinking, perceiving and everything else in between. No matter the amount of physical, mental and emotional fatigue Brandon may have felt, he graduated on June 19 with outstanding final marks: a 99.5 average in his report writing and academic testing, a 91 average in grueling physical training and a 97.6 average conducting his tactical scenarios. Because of his excellent scores, Brandon was honored at the graduation ceremony with the Academic Achievement award, Top Physical Conditioning award and the William H. Parker award for overall excellence. The `overall excellence' award named after Mr. Parker--a former police chief for the LAPD who served admirably in WWII--is especially befitting an Army veteran such as Brandon.

Again, Madam Speaker, Brandon is the son of my senior advisor, Mariana Parks, and I know she is one of the proudest mothers in the world. I also know Brandon's grandparents on Whidbey Island, Washington, Joe and Jaynie Putnam, are extremely proud of Brandon and his accomplishments. Of course, this House owes Brandon a debt of gratitude for his service in Iraq and I am eager to follow his career serving as a dedicated law enforcement officer.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of five high schools located in the Eighth District of Washington that for the third year in a row were named to Newsweek Magazine's ranking of the top 1,500 public high schools in the country in academics. In 2009, all five high schools earned ``top 100'' recognition--the most coveted honor in the magazine.

The International School, Interlake High School, Newport High School, Sammamish High School, and Bellevue High School each earned the prestigious ``top 100'' recognition and two of the schools, Interlake High School and Sammamish High School, moved several places higher on the list than their positions last year.

During my tenure in the House, I've remained an outspoken advocate for investing in public education and the need for welcoming and safe learning environments. The five schools singled out for recognition by Newsweek have clearly developed a wonderful and unique learning environment to help students reach their full academic potential. The selfless, hardworking teachers and administrators who serve in these schools deserve equal recognition for the time and energy they devote to educating our children; they deserve our admiration and gratitude for their efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Centennial celebration of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties in my home state of Washington--the oldest and largest local homebuilders association belonging to the National Association of Home Builders. For one hundred years, the Master Builders have been committed to creating well-built homes and utilizing solid business practices to help in making the Pacific Northwest a wonderful place to live.

Even as our country struggles through an economic downturn and many sectors of our economy, especially home builders, are feeling the negative effects of a reduced workload, the Masters Builders continue to work hard to better families, communities, and the environment.

The Master Builders continue to place an emphasis on community projects such as building free access ramps for disabled homeowners and building and maintaining shelters for the homeless. The Master Builders work with community-centered organizations like Vision House in Renton, Washington, and the Mercer Slough Environment Center in Bellevue, Washington. The Master Builders are celebrating their Centennial by performing 100 community service projects in King and Snohomish counties throughout 2009--projects that guarantee improvement in communities where people work, live, or play.

The Master Builders also formed Built Green, an environmentally- friendly, non-profit, residential building program to provide sustainable housing in the region and actively reach out to all levels of government to ensure our laws protect the environment and provide attractive and affordable communities.

I am pleased to consider the Master Builders as partners in our efforts to protect our environment and build up our communities. I congratulate them on this milestone and wish them continued success in their current and future projects.

Mr. Speaker, Americans all agree, and even Members of this body, Members of Congress, agree on the broad major concepts of health care reform. We all agree that health care should be cost effective, easily accessed, high quality with choices, focused on the patient, and it should be for everyone.

A government takeover, though, wouldn't be affordable. It will cost $1.6 trillion. Easy access? Ain't gonna happen. High quality? I don't think so. Customer service? You've got to be kidding. Doctors might say you need an x ray; but under the government-run plan, you may just get told you've been X'd.