Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the underlying bill, the Indian Arts and Crafts Amendment bill, started in the Senate. It started with Senator McCain and Senator Kyl from Arizona. The Senate passed that particular bill from the Senate. It came over here. And as Chairman Rahall told you, my companion bill, the bill that I authored, was passed by the House and mirrored the bill passed in the Senate.

When it went over to the Senate, the Indian Arts and Crafts bill, checking with Senator McCain and Senator Kyl, the amendment was added to the bill, the underlying bill. The Senate, by unanimous consent, took the amended bill and sent it back to us for our consideration, and that's where we are today.

Mr. Speaker, I will tell you that this bill has been heard in the Senate, has been heard in the House--the underlying bill as well as the amendment--and, Mr. Speaker, I will tell you that there is concurrence in Indian Country that this bill is supported. There is concurrence here with the Native American Caucus, which is a bipartisan caucus that deals with the interests, the positive interests, of Native American issues, who are in support of it.

The gentleman objects because of the procedure, but the content and the support is there. And so I would ask my colleagues, both on the Republican side and the Democratic side, to support this bill, which has had the scrutiny of the Senate and the House and a bill that has the approval, unanimous consent, in a bipartisan manner.

It's very rarely that we see this type of cooperation between the House and the Senate, much less cooperation in a bipartisan manner. So I would ask my colleagues to support this bill and have it pass and be signed by the President.

Madam Speaker, while many have written of the inspirational story surrounding Raul Hector Castro, Arizona's first Hispanic Governor, it seems only fitting that in today's highly charged atmosphere of anti-immigrant sentiment, we take the occasion of Governor Castro's 94th birthday on June 12th to examine his life as one who has surely proven the American dream is achievable. In fact, he has not only shown that dream is achievable, he has also underscored the fact that those pursuing the dream contribute mightily to the strength of our nation.

Born in Mexico, the second youngest of 12 children raised in Arizona by an immigrant copper miner and a mother who was a well-trusted midwife, it would have been easy for him to get lost in the shuffle of such a large family that had to scratch a living from the ground to survive, but early on, he recognized the value of setting goals and not giving up until they are met. Based on that determination, he parlayed his natural athleticism and keen mind in high school into a scholarship to Arizona State Teacher's College.

While no stranger to racism and discrimination when he graduated from college and become a naturalized citizen in 1939, he still had not anticipated the rejection he would experience when applying for teaching positions because school districts were unwilling to hire an Hispanic teacher. Discouraged, but not defeated, he traveled America for several years until he landed a civil service job as a foreign- service clerk for the U.S. State Department in Sonora, Mexico. Many would have been satisfied with a secure position in the federal government, but he was determined to further his station in life, becoming a Spanish instructor at the University of Arizona so that he might attend the institution's law school. Passing the Arizona State Bar in 1949, he established an enviable career over the next five decades that took him from Pima County Attorney through the appointment by two United States Presidents to three ambassadorships, in addition to becoming Arizona's first Hispanic governor. Throughout this process, he never lost sight of the importance of an education and his mother's mantra that he could accomplish whatever he set his mind to. As a result, when he did accomplish more than many ever hoped for, he didn't forget the four miles he and his Hispanic friends had to walk to school while the buses filled with Anglo children passed them by, and he worked tirelessly to rectify these kinds of incomprehensible bigotry.

For example, as a judge he presided over a full-schedule of cases, but was particularly disturbed by the vulnerable at-risk youngsters in the juvenile court system who were being shoved under the rug by society. This inspired him to take time every Monday to check attendance records at the local high schools. In the evenings, he would visit with families of students exhibiting high rates of absenteeism in an effort to get their support in encouraging the students to stay in school and make the most of that experience. This concern for improving society continued throughout his career. Sometimes limited to simply seeing Hispanic children given equal access to the YMCA, to concentrating on improving human rights abroad while serving as an ambassador, he never lost sight of using his opportunities to make a difference.

Throughout our history it has been proven that immigrants are far more than just an inexpensive work force. They are in fact a valuable asset to this country and Raul H. Castro is an outstanding example of one such person. Therefore, in light of today's divisive view of immigration, his story should be noted as a symbol of how the United States has benefitted from those who value this country so much, and that after moving here to build a better life for their families, they remain dedicated to making sure that they improve our nation for future generations.

Madam Speaker, while many have written of the inspirational story surrounding Raul Hector Castro, Arizona's first Hispanic Governor, it seems only fitting that in today's highly charged atmosphere of anti-immigrant sentiment, we take the occasion of Governor Castro's 93rd birthday on June 12th to examine his life as one who has surely proven the American dream is achievable. In fact, he has not only shown that dream is achievable, he has also underscored the fact that those pursuing the dream contribute mightily to the strength of our Nation.

Born in Mexico, the second youngest of 12 children raised in Arizona by an immigrant

copper miner and a mother who was a well-trusted midwife, it would have been easy for him to get lost in the shuffle of such a large family that had to scratch a living from the ground to survive, but early on, he recognized the value of setting goals and not giving up until they are met. Based on that determination, he parlayed his natural athleticism and keen mind in high school into a scholarship to Arizona State Teacher's College.

While no stranger to racism and discrimination when he graduated from college and become a naturalized citizen in 1939, he still had not anticipated the rejection he would experience when applying for teaching positions because school districts were unwilling to hire an Hispanic teacher. Discouraged, but not defeated, he traveled America for several years until he landed a civil service job as a foreign- service clerk for the U.S. State Department in Sonora, Mexico. Many would have been satisfied with a secure position in the Federal Government, but he was determined to further his station in life, becoming a Spanish instructor at the University of Arizona so that he might attend the institution's law school. Passing the Arizona State Bar in 1949, he established an enviable career over the next five decades that took him from Pima County Attorney through the appointment by two United States Presidents to three ambassadorships, in addition to becoming Arizona's first Hispanic governor. Throughout this process, he never lost sight of the importance of an education and his mother's mantra that he could accomplish whatever he set his mind to. As a result, when he did accomplish more than many ever hoped for, he didn't forget the 4 miles he and his Hispanic friends had to walk to school while the buses filled with Anglo children passed them by, and he worked tirelessly to rectify these kinds of incomprehensible bigotry.

For example, as a judge he presided over a full-schedule of cases, but was particularly disturbed by the vulnerable at-risk youngsters in the juvenile court system who were being shoved under the rug by society. This inspired him to take time every Monday to check attendance records at the local high schools. In the evenings, he would visit with families of students exhibiting high rates of absenteeism in an effort to get their support in encouraging the students to stay in school and make the most of that experience. This concern for improving society continued throughout his career. Sometimes limited to simply seeing Hispanic children given equal access to the YMCA, to concentrating on improving human rights abroad while serving as an ambassador, he never lost sight of using his opportunities to make a difference.

Throughout our history it has been proven that immigrants are far more than just an inexpensive work force. They are in fact a valuable asset to this country and Raul H. Castro is an outstanding example of one such person. Therefore, in light of today's divisive view of immigration, his story should be noted as a symbol of how the United States has benefitted from those who value this country so much, and that after moving here to build a better life for their families, they remain dedicated to making sure that they improve our Nation for future generations.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the life of a great educator, El Hadj Amadou Thiouf. Born in Bargny, Senegal, he devoted his entire life to the cause of education. Studying for 4 years at ecole normal William Ponty, an elite school in Thies, Senegal, he was first assigned to Lamingue, Kaolack, where he served for 2 years and met his wife Adj Fatou Ndoye. They were married on August 11, 1957.

From 1957 to 1971, he lived in Rufisque where he taught at three different institutions: Diokoul, Fass and Matar Seck. In 1971, he was sent to Matam, a city in northwest Senegal, and then moving again, serving in Bargny, the city of his birth, from 1972 to 1975.

In 1978, he returned to his hometown of Rufisque and became the principal of Thiokho Elementary School, the school close to his home and where his children attended. There, he remained as principal until 1985, when he became the head of El Hadj Ousseynou Diagne, the largest elementary school in Rufisque.

After a long and distinguished career as an educator, Mr. Thiouf retired on September 9, 1992. He is a recipient of the Ordre National du Lion, Senegal's highest national honor and the Chevalier des Palmes Academiques for his lifelong dedication and commitment to education.

In 1998, Mr. Thiouf and his wife became permanent residents of the United States and spent half their time in the United States and the other half in Senegal.

He is survived by his widow Fatou Ndoye and their 10 children: Mame, Diaraf, Abdou, Seynabou, Pape, Adj, Sokhna, Awa and Mahomet. Mr. Thiouf also had 13 grandchildren. Their oldest son Alassane, a graduate of the University of Arizona, died in a tragic car accident in September 1990 in Senegal.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor to come before you today and share the life of this great man.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to praise and reflect upon the life and career of an outstanding community leader and dear friend, Mary Alice Eckstrom.

Mary Alice Eckstrom was born in Tucson, Arizona on October 29, 1946. Throughout her lifetime she always made herself available to help others, especially the less fortunate. She did all of this very quietly, never seeking personal praise or recognition. It was her abiding faith in God, her devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and her dedication to St. Therese the Little Flower, which enabled her to effectively serve others.

Alice selflessly gave her time, talents, and resources to the community. She served for 20 years, including seven terms as President, with the League of Mexican American Women, which provided $2 million in postsecondary educational scholarships. She served the Diocese of Tucson for ten years, at St. Ambrose School, also serving on the School Board. She served on the Board of Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, and as a volunteer for the Pio Decimo Center. In February 2010, LULAC and the NAACP honored her with the Rosa Parks Lifetime Community Advocacy Award.

Within her family, Alice was the solid foundation from which her two children acquired and developed their individual knowledge, skills and talents. She was the main driving force in making sure that each of them were carefully nurtured and trained to become sustaining and contributing community members. She always provided a special guiding hand focusing on how to live proper and acceptable lives. To her children and all that knew her, Alice was an exceptional mother, teacher, mentor, confidant, and friend.

For more than a year, Alice waged a valiant battle to overcome Lymphoma. Fighting cancer was nothing new to her, which she had done in 1985, when stricken with Breast Cancer. [After a year of chemotherapy and radiation, her cancer was in remission for 23 years and she lived every day of her life to the fullest.] In October 2008, to celebrate another annual survival milestone, she led a grassroots fundraising effort in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, by successfully raising $2,500 in $5 contributions. One month later, after a routine chest x-ray, she was diagnosed with Lymphoma. She received chemotherapy treatments for more than a year and underwent a bone marrow transplant. During each of these aggressive medical treatments, she never complained, but was always sustained by her strong faith. She possessed an amazing spirit of survival, and always maintained an ever- present and radiant smile. She was hospitalized for several weeks before Christmas, but this did not prevent her from helping others. As she had done for 37 years, Alice helped raise needed funds so that 6,000 disadvantaged children could receive a new toy at Christmas.

On March 29, 2010, surrounded by her loving family, Alice left our earthly presence to begin her promised journey of eternal life. On ``Holy Thursday,'' Rites of a Christian Burial were celebrated at Saint Augustine Cathedral. Her celebration of life was attended by more than 1,200 mourners, and it was led by the most Reverend Gerald F. Kicanas, Bishop of Tucson, Father James Hobert, Father Patrick Crino and Deacon Oscar Bueno. She was eulogized by her daughter Jennifer and son Daniel, who shared many lifetime memories and remembrances. A special honor guard and escort were provided by the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the South Tucson Police Department led the funeral procession to Holy Hope Cemetery, her final resting place.

Alice is survived by Dan Eckstrom, her husband of more than 37 years, a retired Chairman of the Pima County Board of Supervisors and Mayor of the City of South Tucson; her devoted children-daughter Jennifer Eckstrom, who serves as Mayor of the City of South Tucson and son Daniel William Eckstrom II, a Staff Assistant for U.S. Congressman Ed Pastor. She is also survived by her mother Felicita Rosales, her sisters Jenny and Grace; and her brothers Rudy, Robert, Julian and Louis. She is predeceased by her father Louis Rosales, her sister Anita Rosales and her beloved niece, Melissa Dian Gomez.

In keeping with her commitment to serving the less fortunate portion of our population, Alice's family, friends and supporters are continuing her legacy by establishing a memorial fund that will provide scholarships for deserving students attending Pima Community College- Desert Vista Campus.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the leadership of Mary Alice Eckstrom and the friendship she has given me and my family.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to praise and reflect upon the career of an outstanding community leader and a dear friend, John M. Williams, Jr. I would also like to congratulate John on his upcoming retirement.

John is the president of the Salt River Project (SRP), the nation's third-largest public power utility and the largest supplier of water to the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. John serves as president of both the Salt River Valley Water Users' Association, the water distribution side of the company, and the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District, the electricity-generating side of the company. He began serving on the SRP council in 1964 and has served 28 years with SRP, including 12 years as vice president. He was elected SRP's 16th president in 2007.

During his tenure as president, John signed the largest-ever Indian water rights settlement; helped SRP expand its sustainable-energy portfolio to approximately seven percent of the total energy generated, including partnering on the state's first commercial wind farm; and presided over a far-reaching settlement that will help ensure the future sustainability of Arizona's Verde River.

John is a member of the Groundwater Users' Advisory Council, the American Public Power Association, the National Water Resources Association, the Colorado River Water Users' Association and the Cowman's Club. In addition, President George W. Bush appointed him to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council in 2008.

An Arizona native, John is active in numerous community-based efforts, including serving on the board of the Farmers Gin and as a committee member of the Maricopa County Farm Services Administration. He has been involved in many other community activities in the Laveen area. John, who owns John M. Williams Farms in Laveen, lives in the West Valley with his wife, Dawnetta.

I have been fortunate to have John as a friend for many years. I first became familiar with John's trademark black cowboy hat when he came to visit my office in Washington, DC. Since that time, I have seen him wear that same black cowboy hat twice a year at Corona Ranch, where we have enjoyed the music and good company together.

Madam speaker, I am honored to recognize the leadership of John Williams and the friendship he has given me and my family.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 149, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I inform the House that former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall, father of our former House colleague, Senator Tom Udall, and uncle of our other former Member, Senator Mark Udall, passed away this morning at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, surrounded by his family. He was 90 years old.

Stewart Udall was born in St. Johns, Arizona, on January 31, 1920, to the former Supreme Court Justice Levi S. Udall and Louise Lee Udall. He attended the University of Arizona where he earned undergraduate and law degrees.

During World War II, Stewart served 4 years in the United States Air Force as a gunner. He flew 50 missions over Western Europe for which he received the Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters.

In 1954, Stewart was elected to serve from Arizona's Second Congressional District to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to serve four terms in Congress, which he did with great distinction.

In 1960, he proved instrumental in helping persuade Arizona Democrats to support then-Senator John F. Kennedy during the Democratic National Convention. Upon election in 1960, President Kennedy appointed Stewart Udall Secretary of the Interior, where his accomplishments under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson made him an icon in environmental and conservation communities.

Legislative achievements from Secretary Udall's Cabinet career include the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the expansion of the National Park System, and the creation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Until his passing, Stewart Udall continued his dedication to public service as an author, historian, scholar, lecturer, and environmental activist, lawyer and citizen of the outdoors. He was the last surviving member of the President Kennedy's original Cabinet.

Stewart Udall was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Erma Lee Udall. He is survived by his six children, Tom, Scott, Lynn, Lori, Denise, and Jay, and other family members including eight grandchildren.

The country is greater for Stewart Udall's service, and on behalf of the House I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the Udall family. I ask that we join for 1 minute of remembrance.

I thank the House.

Madam Speaker, today, I would like to highlight the small country of Azerbaijan, wedged between Russia and Iran, on the Western shore of the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan has now been an Independent Republic for the longest time period in its history-- nearly 20 years. The Region contains oil and gas resources equivalent to those of Saudi Arabia, and Azerbaijan owns one-third of the oil and gas deposits in the Region. Their main oil pipeline runs from the capital city, Baku, through Georgia and Turkey, and out to the Turkish Port of Ceyhan on the Mediterranean Sea. An important oil customer of theirs is Israel. Azerbaijan is a Muslim country that has practiced complete religious tolerance for hundreds of years, with some five Jewish Temples in Baku alone. And of major importance, Azerbaijan has provided troops to support our military efforts in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Between 1991 and 1993, Azerbaijan was locked in a conflict with surrounding countries. A brutal act during the conflict happened at the Azerbaijani village of Khojaly in February 1992, when women, children, and old people were killed. Therefore, February is an especially emotional time for the people of Azerbaijan.

With the help of the government of Russia, a cease-fire was negotiated in this war in 1994, leaving 16 percent of Azerbaijan, including the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, occupied by Armenian forces. Since that time, the Minsk Group of OSCE has played the lead negotiating role in attempting to bring about a solution to this situation, encouraged by numerous international resolutions including five in the United Nations.

Today, some 18 years after Khojaly, there is a glimmer of hope. President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has been meeting regularly with President Sargysian of Armenia, and in a recent weekend spent with President Medvedev of Russia, it was reported that the two Presidents worked on a Preamble to an agreement that will take great political courage for both of them. It is important that we give them our encouragement and make sure that our actions with respect to the Region support this historic agreement.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to praise and reflect upon the career of an outstanding attorney and community leader, Rodney B. Lewis. I would also like to congratulate Rod on recently being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Native American Bar Association of Arizona.

Rod Lewis comes from a family dedicated to serving the Native American community in Arizona. Rod is one of three sons born to the late Reverend Roe B. Lewis and Sallie Lewis. He and his brothers, John and Robert, grew up on the Gila River Indian Reservation. All three attended college and graduate school and each has devoted their careers to the service of Indian tribes and Indian people. In fact, John is the Executive Director of the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona.

Rod earned his bachelor's degree from Trinity College in San Antonio, Texas. While in college, Rod participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps and upon graduation was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Rangers, ultimately obtaining the rank of first lieutenant upon discharge from the Army. Rod earned his master's degree from Arizona State University in 1969 and went on to law school at the University of California Los Angeles. Upon graduating with his JD in 1972, Rod returned to the Gila River Indian Community to serve as the tribal attorney for the Community and to raise a family. He and his wife Willardene have three children and five grandchildren.

Rod has had an extraordinary legal career. He was the first Native American to pass the Arizona Bar Exam and be licensed to practice law in Arizona. He was also the first Native American lawyer to argue a case before the United States Supreme Court. Shortly after law school, Rod faced an effort by the State of Arizona to tax the sale of tractors to the Gila River Indian Community farms. Rod fought this effort and prevailed in a 5 to 4 Supreme Court decision. The Central Machinery v. Arizona State Tax Commission decision continues to stand as the definitive case recognizing the right of Indian tribes to operate beyond the taxing authority of states.

Rod served as the General Counsel of the Gila River Indian Community for more than 30 years. For much of his tenure as General Counsel, Rod led the battle to secure the water rights of the Gila River Indian Community. Rod worked tirelessly in litigating and ultimately negotiating the single largest Indian water rights settlement in the history of the United States. This settlement resulted in the return of 653,000 acre-feet of water to the ``River People'' of the Gila River Indian Community and $200 million to construct a system to deliver water to the reservation.

Rod Lewis has dedicated his life to being a champion for the Gila River Indian Community. He is a genuine trailblazer who has broken down barriers and served as a role model for a new generation of Native American lawyers. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Rod for his distinguished career and outstanding leadership and thank him for being my friend.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 788, I call up the conference report on the bill (H.R. 3183) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the conference report to accompany H.R. 3183.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present to the House today the conference report on H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Development Appropriation Act for fiscal year 2010.

The conference agreement before us is a good one, and it merits the support of all of the Members of the House.

The agencies and the programs under the jurisdiction of energy and water development contribute to solving many of the most pressing challenges facing our country, including strengthening and maintaining our water infrastructure, advancing U.S. scientific leadership, combating global climate change with renewable and cleaner energy technologies, and providing security against nuclear threats. I believe the conference agreement provides strong support for these agencies and programs.

The total amount of funding included in the energy and water conference agreement is $35.5 billion. This constitutes an increase of $204 million from the enacted level for fiscal year 2009. While the conference agreement is below the budget request, the primary reason for this difference is the Congressional Budget Office score of the Department of Energy's budget. The conference agreement provides $571 million above the budget request in program scope to further critical energy, water development and related goals.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my Senate counterpart, Chairman Byron Dorgan, and his ranking member, Robert Bennett, for their hard work during this conference. I especially want to extend my appreciation to my ranking member, the Honorable Rodney Frelinghuysen of New Jersey, for his extraordinary cooperation and insight. I truly value his support and advice and that of all of the members of our Energy and Water Subcommittee. I believe we are all proud of this bipartisan product.

Mr. Speaker, before I conclude, I would also like to thank the staff for their help in shepherding this bill through the House and through conference with the Senate. The subcommittee staff includes Taunja Berquam, Robert Sherman, Joseph Levin, James Windle, Casey Pearce, and our detailee from the Corps of Engineers, Lauren Minto.

I also want to thank Richard Patrick of my staff and Rob Blair and Kevin Jones of the minority staff, and Nancy Fox and Kathleen Hazlett of Mr. Frelinghuysen's staff.

Mr. Speaker, I urge unanimous support in the House for the adoption of this conference report.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present to the House today the conference report on H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2010. The agencies and programs under the jurisdiction of Energy and Water Development contribute to solving many of the most pressing challenges facing our country, including strengthening and maintaining our water infrastructure, advancing U.S. scientific leadership, combating global climate change with renewable and cleaner energy technologies, and providing security against nuclear threats. I believe the conference agreement provides strong support for these agencies and programs.

The total amount of funding included in the Energy and Water conference agreement is $33.5 billion. This constitutes an increase of $204 million from the enacted level for fiscal year 2009, and is approximately $929 million below the budget request. While the conference agreement is below the budget request, the primary reason for this difference is a Congressional Budget Office score of $1.5 billion for the Department of Energy's budget request for the Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program. The conference agreement provides $571 million above the budget request in program scope.

Title I of this conference report provides funding for the Civil Works program of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. The conference agreement provides the Corps with $5.4 billion in fiscal year 2010, slightly above fiscal year 2009, and $320 million over the budget request. These investments will provide increased transportation efficiency on our nation's waterways, job creation, clean water, and, most importantly, will ensure the safety of our citizens. The conference agreement also recognizes the increasing cost of aging infrastructure through significantly increased funding for the operation and maintenance of existing projects.

The conference agreement continues to limit new contract obligations that require funding from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund due to the insolvency of the Fund. If the revenue stream is not addressed, the level of investment must be adjusted to the available resources-- resulting in increased costs to existing projects as they are suspended, as well as the deferral of new projects in need of recapitalization. I would urge the administration and interested parties to pursue this issue with the relevant authorizing committees.

Funding for title II, which includes the Central Utah Project Completion Account and the programs of the Bureau of Reclamation, is $1.13 billion, $12 million above the amount appropriated last year and $67 million above the budget request. The conferees support funding for two projects to alleviate water supply and conservation issues in the California Bay-Delta, as proposed by the House. The conference agreement provides $133 million, $69 million above the request, for rural water projects to bring clean water to tribal and rural communities in Arizona, California, Montana, New Mexico, and South Dakota.

Total funding for title III, the Department of Energy, is $27.1 billion, $318 million above fiscal year 2009 and $1.3 billion below the budget request due to a score by the Congressional Budget Office of $1.5 billion for the Department of Energy's budget request for the Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program. This conference agreement, when combined with the $36.6 billion of American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding, represents a historic investment into energy and science technology, as well as the cleanup of the nation's nuclear legacy. The conference agreement also supports the national security missions of the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Our nation's ongoing energy crisis affects our economy, security, and environment, and the conferees have taken. action with this agreement to develop lasting solutions for our energy challenges. Americans today face rising electricity prices, a transportation system still dependent on foreign oil, and the looming uncertainty of global climate change. A broad portfolio of approaches across energy technologies at the Department of Energy will be required to transform our energy economy and address this energy crisis. To further diversify this portfolio, the conferees provide a prudent level of funding for Energy Innovation Hubs, Hubs, a new research model that will gather a broad array of researchers around critical energy challenges. The conference agreement provides the Department of Energy with the opportunity to establish three Hubs to research the next generation of clean and safe nuclear power, cutting-edge science and technology to convert sunlight to transportation fuels, and systems to reduce energy use in buildings.

The conference agreement provides a record investment of $2.24 billion in renewable energy and efficient energy technologies, $314 million above the fiscal year 2009, to develop and deploy long-term solutions to our energy challenges. By investing in ways to harness energy from solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and water sources, the conference agreement takes steps to advance technologies that will provide affordable, clean energy from domestic, renewable sources. Although they offer vast, untapped renewable energy resources in the United States, these technologies currently account for less than 3 percent of our electricity generation. Applied research and development for these renewable energy technologies is funded at $620 million, an increase of 17 percent over the fiscal year 2009, to launch our nation into the next generation of clean and secure electricity generation.

To bring electrical power from these new renewable resources to the population centers that use it, and to reduce energy losses during power transmission, the conference agreement boosts funding by 26 percent over 2009 for electricity delivery and energy reliability. In addition to funding research and development for smart grids, energy storage, and other ways to modernize the nation's power transmission and distribution system, the conference agreement more than triples funding over the fiscal year 2009 for cyber security research and development to secure the nation's electric power system as cyber attacks increase worldwide while the grid is becoming increasingly network-connected.

Chronically high fuel prices and dependence on foreign oil continue to hinder our nation's economy and transportation sector. The conference agreement invests nearly $950 million in activities at the Department of Energy to permanently reduce our dependence on petroleum fuels. The agreement provides $311 million for vehicle technologies, $38 million above the fiscal year 2009, to increase vehicle efficiency, advance alternative fuel technologies for next-generation biofuels, and develop electrified vehicles that can run petroleum-free. Further, the conference agreement provides $174 million for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, to continue the work at the Department of Energy, in conjunction with private industry and research institutions, furthering one of a small handful of pathways that may reduce the need for imported petroleum fuels.

The conference agreement invests $570 million in programs that cost- effectively cut energy consumption now and in the future by developing and deploying efficient energy technologies. Americans will save money and energy in the near-term through $210 million in funding for weatherization assistance grants, a

5 percent increase over the fiscal year 2009. Further, the conference agreement increases funding for Industrial Technologies and Building Technologies to develop innovative technologies that will help our homes, businesses and industries save energy and money while reducing harmful emissions.

The conference agreement is a measured commitment to positioning nuclear energy to play a role in the nation's energy future. The conference agreement provides $787 million for nuclear energy, $5 million below fiscal year 2009 and $10 million above the request. This funding supports the licensing, research, and development of nuclear reactor technologies.

In addition, the conference agreement supports fossil energy funding to emphasize carbon capture and sequestration--the key to enabling the use of our extensive reserves of coal while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil Energy research and development programs are funded at $672 million, $55 million above the request, of which $404 million is for fuels and power systems and $37.8 million focuses on natural gas and unconventional petroleum research.

There is a legacy of contamination from the past 60 years of nuclear weapons manufacturing and research. This conference agreement is a major investment in mitigating the environmental effects of the nation's nuclear legacy and, for the first time, meets virtually all of the cleanup regulatory compliance milestones at sites around the country. The conference agreement provides $6.4 billion for environmental cleanup, which includes national defense and non-defense sites, as well as Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning (UED&D). Defense sites are funded at $5.6 billion, $147 million above the request. The conference agreement provides non- defense sites with $245 million, $7 million above the request, and $574 million for UED&D, $14 million above the request. The clean-up projects and activities take place around the country, in places like Hanford, Washington; Savannah River, South Carolina; Los Alamos, New Mexico; Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Portsmouth, Ohio; Idaho; and Paducah, Kentucky, among others.

The conference agreement increases funding for the Office of Science 3 percent from fiscal year 2009, progress in these constrained times. The conference agreement provides $394 million for advanced scientific computing research, $25 million above fiscal year 2009. The Office of Science conducts world-leading scientific research and development, both in exploring the fundamental nature of matter and energy, and in laying the technological foundations upon which are found our best prospects of building energy independence and control of climate change.

While the administration is determining national policy regarding how to dispose of high-level radioactive waste and nuclear spent fuel, it is prudent to continue to learn from the investment that has been made to the Yucca Mountain waste repository. For nuclear waste disposal activities, the conference agreement provides a total of $197 million to continue the licensing process at Yucca Mountain. Within these funds, the conference agreement provides $5 million to create a Blue Ribbon Commission to evaluate all alternatives for nuclear waste disposal.

The programs of the National Nuclear Security Administration, NNSA, reduce the threat of nuclear proliferation overseas, maintain the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, and provide reliable nuclear propulsion for the U.S. Navy. The conference agreement provides a total of $9.9 billion for the NNSA, which includes $666 million of construction activities for the Mixed-Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility not funded in the NNSA in fiscal year 2009. Adjusting for the new activities, the conference agreement for the NNSA is $9.2 billion, the same as fiscal year 2009.

Nuclear weapons or material with nuclear weapons potential, in the hands of terrorists are a priority national security threat to the United States and our allies. The NNSA programs address the full spectrum of the proliferation threat by supporting multilateral agreements, securing nuclear materials overseas, detecting illicit trafficking, and researching and developing the leading-edge technology to support nonproliferation. Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation activities are funded at $2.1 billion. The International Nuclear Material Protection and Cooperation program that works in Russia and elsewhere to secure nuclear material and enhance border and port security receives $572 million, $20 million above the request and $172 million above fiscal year 2009. The conference agreement includes funds for the Mixed-Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility, Waste Solidification Building, and supporting activities at Savannah River, South Carolina.

Given the serious international and domestic consequences of the U.S. initiating a new nuclear weapons production activity, it is critical that the administration lay out a comprehensive course of action before funding is appropriated. Major transformation of the weapons complex can only be produced with significant bipartisan support, lasting over multiple sessions of Congress and multiple Administrations.

The Nuclear Posture Review should inform an enduring strategy and provide the basis of the underlying complex necessary to ensure the nation's nuclear weapons continue to keep our nuclear weapons safe and reliable. The conference agreement provides $32.5 million for a limited study of how to improve the non-nuclear components of the B61 bomb. The agreement also includes direction for the NNSA to commission two independent studies to ensure that the B61-12 is both necessary and technically sound. In particular, the second study will examine whether the B61-12 has sufficient technical advantages to constitute a long- term 21st century weapon, or whether it is likely to need near-term replacement or retirement. Should the Nuclear Posture Review confirm the B61-12 as a national security requirement, the agreement includes a provision allowing the NNSA to reprogram funds from other, limited, activities to address technical issues associated with the non-nuclear portion of this program. In the interim, this agreement maintains B61- related technical expertise while evaluating whether the program is essential for national security.

For Naval Reactors, the conference agreement provides $945 million, $117 million above fiscal year 2009, in order to support the next- generation nuclear reactor for the U.S. Navy.

Funding for title IV, Independent Agencies, is $292 million, a decrease of $16 million from the previous fiscal year and $27 million below the budget request. The conference agreement funded the Appalachian Regional Commission at $76 million and the Delta Regional Authority at $13 million, the same as the request. The conference agreement also provides $12 million for the Denali Commission, the same as the request. Two new commissions have been funded by conference agreement: the Northern Border Regional Commission at $1.5 million and the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission at $250,000. The Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board is funded at $3.9 million, the same as the request, and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board is funded at $26 million, the same as the request. The Federal Coordinator for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects is also funded at the budget request level of $4.5 million. Finally, the conference agreement provides $154.7 million for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NRC, $29 million below the budget request.

We have a responsibility to do everything possible to address our current energy crisis and the state of our infrastructure. This conference agreement invests in the energy areas that will put us on the long-term path to increased energy independence, reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases, and lead global efforts to confront global climate change. Further, it provides funding to build and maintain our nation's navigation, flood damage reduction projects and water supply facilities to strengthen our economy, protect our citizens and provide those who do not have it, clean water.

I want to thank my Senate counterpart, Chairman Byron Dorgan, and his Ranking Member, Senator Robert Bennett, for their hard work during this conference. I especially want to extend my appreciation to my Ranking Member, the Honorable Rodney Frelinghuysen of New Jersey, for his extraordinary cooperation and insight. I truly value his support and advice, and that of all the members of our Energy and Water Subcommittee. I believe we are all proud of this bipartisan product.

Mr. Speaker, before I conclude I would also like to thank the staff for their help in shepherding this bill through the House and through conference with the Senate. The Subcommittee staff includes Taunja Berquam, Robert Sherman, Joseph Levin, James Windle, Casey Pearce, and our detailee from the Corps of Engineers, Lauren Minto. I also want to thank Richard Patrick of my staff, and Rob Blair and Kevin Jones of the minority staff, and Nancy Fox and Kathleen Hazlett of Mr. Frelinghuysen's staff.

I urge the unanimous support of the House for adoption of this conference report.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I wish to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. Chairman, this is the first time I've done this bill, and I have to tell you that one of the lessons I learned is that the inland waterway is of great value to our country, and we have not paid enough attention to it. So I would agree with my colleague that it's a problem that we need to solve.

The Inland Waterway Trust Fund is the vehicle which would construct and maintain these locks. But at this point, we haven't been able to solve that problem. And the gentleman is right. We did help him here in the House when we passed this bill, but I have to tell him with great regret that in the conference we found very little support from the Senate in this particular lock, and in working out the conference bill, we had to go back to the $1 million.

At this moment, I would like to yield 3 minutes to my colleague from Texas (Mr. Edwards).

Mr. Speaker, when we were doing this bill, and in fact, when this bill was on the floor, we assisted, to the best of our ability, in terms of providing authorization and also money, and in some cases we waived matching restrictions so that we would have both the authority and the financial resources to deal with the problem.

What the previous speaker had asked us to do was to waive the environmental impact statements that were required, and we did not have the ability to do it, and the authorizing committee would not allow us to do it. So we did not have that ability to do it. But we did try, and it was kept in the conference to provide the authorization and the financial resources to continue to, in the short term, deal with the water shortages in central California.

At this point, I would like to yield 3 minutes to my friend and a member of

the subcommittee, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Salazar).

In response to the comment from my friend from Florida, all new starts in this bill--and there were a few, and the Everglades got two. We have the number of 100,000, but that was to signify that a new start is available for this project. By designating the new start for the Everglades, that means that recovery money can be used now for the purpose that you spoke about.

Secondly, the Corps will now be able to reprogram moneys that now you designated as a new start, can reprogram moneys to continue the efforts on this lagoon.

And so we thought that the new start was not a cutback in money but was a vehicle that would make more money available so that the Everglades program could go forward. That's how we attempted to solve this problem. Hopefully, that will be the result.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I'd like to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished chairman of the Transportation Committee, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver).

Mr. Speaker, in response, I have to tell you that the conferees on the House side, the House managers, were united on this front, as well as the chairman of the other body's committee. We felt that the alternative that was desired did not provide additional protection and it would have delayed the permanent protection of New Orleans by anywhere from 18 to 36 months, which we thought was too long of a period of time to keep New Orleans unprotected. The cost, we believe, would have been $3 to $4 billion more.

And so for that reason, we felt that, in fairness, that we should continue with the program that the Corps has for New Orleans.

At this time, I'd like to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished member of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Berry).

Mr. Speaker, in reference to Mr. Deal, it's our understanding that that is right, the language in this conference requires two studies to determine the critical yield of the Federal projects. But we don't know, first of all, what the outcomes are going to be, so that's why we're having these studies. We don't want to get into the water wars, and we don't think that the consumption issue is an issue that will be part of the studies. Well, the language is report language, and this administration could do what it wants with the Corps of Engineers.

At this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott).

Mr. Speaker, I just want to clarify that the Corps was wanting to do these studies, and defeating this conference report is not going to stop the Corps from doing these studies. I have committed to the gentleman from Georgia that we will work with him because we don't believe that the consumption of water by the residents of Atlanta or Georgia should play a role, and it should be a factor in these studies.

I now yield 3 minutes to my colleague from Ohio (Mr. Ryan).

Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Costa).

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, Tom Bevill used to describe this bill as the ``all-American bill'' because it meets the needs of America. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1 of rule XXII and by direction of Committee on Appropriations, I move to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 3183) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes, with a Senate amendment thereto, disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to the conference asked by the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, I first of all want to congratulate the ranking member for the work he has done on this bill. I want to thank him for the cooperation he has given and thank him again for his cooperation in working on this conference.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to praise and reflect upon the career of an outstanding public servant and community leader, Adam Diaz. I would also like to take a moment to congratulate Mr. Diaz on his upcoming 100th birthday.

For more than seventy years, Mr. Diaz has been a champion for the Mexican American community in Phoenix. A lifelong Arizonan, Mr. Diaz was born in Flagstaff on September 29, 1909, before moving to Phoenix, where he has lived for the past 94 years. He began his career working at the Luhrs Hotel as a messenger boy with Western Union. From this humble beginning, he eventually became the Superintendent of Properties for Luhrs Properties, a position he held until his retirement. During the 1970's, I had the occasion to see him and his brother at Luhrs and seek his counsel.

Mr. Diaz is noted for having been elected as Phoenix's first Mexican American City Councilman in 1948. He served four years on the council and one year as vice-mayor of the city of Phoenix. Later, Diaz served for five years on the Phoenix Elementary School District Number One Governing Board.

Mr. Diaz has served on the board of directors of several community- based organizations including The Friendly House and Chicanos Por La Causa. He has also been actively involved in many other organizations, commissions, and committees such as the League for United Latino American Citizens, the Arizona Centennial Commission, the Governor's Conference on Youth, the Boy Scouts, and the Vesta Club.

While Chairman of the Board of Chicanos Por La Causa, his efforts to fund senior housing for low-income Hispanics resulted in establishing Casa de Primavera, a low-income senior housing complex near 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road. Later, President Bill Clinton appointed him to the Task Force on Aging. In this role, Mr. Diaz visited the White House to discuss Social Security, Medicare and other important senior issues with Second Lady Tipper Gore.

Mr. Diaz continued his work for senior citizens at the American Legion Post 41, where he organized numerous fundraising events to help indigent elderly buy dentures and hearing aids, items not covered by Medicare. When Mr. Diaz was in his 70's, he still went daily to the YMCA gym and assisted seniors as a trainer in the swimming pool and weight room.

Adam has been a mentor and a friend to many community leaders. I have been fortunate to have him as a supporter, advisor and a friend. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Adam Diaz for his extraordinary leadership and lifelong dedication to public service, and wish him a happy 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this motion to recommit.

With the indulgence of my colleagues, I'll take a few minutes to explain why we are in opposition.

Mr. Speaker, I want to correct a notion that was given to you by my dear friend from Idaho (Mr. Simpson). For those of us who support nuclear energy and wanted to see it pull forward, as the ranking member knows and I know, the Speaker allowed that this form of energy go forward and balance with other interests that we have in the formation of alternative energy, et cetera. So we're here with a balanced bill today because of the Speaker's leadership and willingness for us to go forward.

When the Secretary of Energy appeared before us, he told us that Yucca Mountain was off the table and that the administration wanted a blue ribbon committee to be formed that would not include Yucca Mountain. Well, this bill says that that blue ribbon committee will be formed, but Yucca Mountain will also be considered with any other site that's being considered.

I agreed with my friend from Idaho when the Secretary said that $197 million that is used to continue the licensing for Yucca Mountain was not wanted. I wanted to zero it out because that way I would give my colleague from Arizona more floor time by giving him more earmarks. But the staff said no, and they persuaded me.

They said we need the $197 million to be in this account so that we will not breach the contracts that we have, as my good friend Mike Simpson told you, because then what we would do, we would probably increase the problem--we would increase the probability of billions of dollars being spent in liability, the likelihood the government would lose, so you would put this government further into deficit. It would provide an opportunity for all of us, including my Republican colleagues, to provide more opportunities for trial lawyers.

And so for those two reasons, I said let's keep the $197 million to continue the licensing, continue pushing nuclear energy as a form that we need in this country and that we protect Yucca Mountain to the extent that we don't create a greater deficit and we don't create a slush fund for more lawsuits.

So with that, I ask you to vote against the motion to recommit.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 3183.