Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute the Los Padres Council, Boy Scouts of America, as the Boy Scouts celebrate 100 years on February 8, 2010.

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Today's Boy Scouts are tomorrow's leaders, as evidenced by the fact that more than 200 members of the 111th Congress were Boy Scouts or adult leaders, including myself. Boy Scouts alumni also include 179 U.S. astronauts, 35.5 percent of the United States Military Academy cadets, 30.5 percent of United States Air Force Academy cadets and 25 percent of United States Naval Academy midshipmen.

In 2005, the Boy Scouts of America and the Youth and Family Research Center produced a report on the ``Values of Americans, A Study of Ethics and Character.'' The report found:

``Compared with men who were never Scouts, men who were Scouts five or more years as youth are more satisfied with their present lives and occupations, have sustained lifelong friendships, and place a higher value on family relationships. Men who were Scouts also earn higher incomes, achieve higher levels of education, and attend religious services more often then men who were never Scouts.

``Boys who are or were Scouts also agree that Scouting is a positive influence in their life. Scouting has helped them gain self-confidence, leadership skills, determination, and social interaction skills. Scouting has also impacted their academic skills. Scouting activities have helped Scouts improve their reading, science, engineering, physical fitness, and emergency preparedness skills. In addition, boys who are Scouts report earning higher grades than do boys who were never Scouts.''

Furthermore, the report also found that, ``Scouts are also more likely to make the most ethical decisions, not the easiest. Scouts are more likely to volunteer to be a leader, practice responsible recycling procedures, and take part in community service. They are also more likely to report a classmate with a gun and are less likely than non- Scouts to drink alcohol.''

It is clear that the Boy Scouts of America has had a positive impact on our youth for a century. The Los Padres Council, which reaches across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, is at the forefront of training tomorrow's leaders by serving more than 9,000 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in paying tribute to the Boy Scouts of America and the Los Padres Council for their dedication to molding our youth into responsible and high-achieving citizens.

Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to Robert O. ``Bob'' Huber, who was recently awarded the Ben E. Nordman 2009 Public Services Award by the Ventura County Bar Association in recognition of his many years of community service.

This award recognizes outstanding community contributions by a Ventura County, California, attorney through charitable and public services activities. One would be hard-pressed to find someone more deserving of the award than Bob.

I have known, and been friends with, Bob for more than 30 years. We served together on the Simi Valley City Council in the early 1980s and he was one of my first and most fervent supporters when I decided to run for Congress.

Bob became an attorney after 13 years as a mortician. He runs his own law office in partnership with Russ Takasugi and has served as a Judge Pro Tem since 1981. In 2004, he returned to elective office as a Ventura County Community College District trustee. He currently serves as board president.

As examples of his leadership, Bob initiated the first Affordable Housing Committee in the state of California while serving on the Simi Valley City Council. As a College District trustee, he prompted the board to launch an emergency response system to protect students at the district's three campuses after the Virginia Tech massacre. The district was the first college or university system in California to launch an emergency program and earned the district a special commendation from the State Chancellor's office.

Throughout the years, Bob has also served on a number of governmental boards and commissions. He also became active in the private sector starting at an early age. For instance, he was 27 years old the first time he served as president of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he has also headed his Rotary Club, the Simi Valley Boy Scout District, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and the Administrative board of the United Methodist Church of Simi Valley. He was a founding steering committee board member for Leadership Simi Valley, the Simi Valley Education Foundation and the Simi Valley Community Foundation.

He has also provided pro bono legal work for the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church, the Rotary Club, the Boys & Girls Club, the Free Clinic of Simi Valley, the Simi Valley Community Foundation and the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Foundation.

There is more but, in short, Bob Huber is very deserving of this honor.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating Robert O. ``Bob'' Huber for earning the Ben E. Nordman 2009 Public Services Award and in thanking him for his many decades of service to his community.

Madam Speaker, I rise in memory of Nao Takasugi, a former California assemblyman and Oxnard mayor, who passed away last week after 87 years of dedication to family, friends, his country and his community.

Nao and I served together on the Ventura County Regional Sanitation Board more than 30 years ago and he and his wife, Judy, quickly became friends with me and my wife, Janice. I have also been friends with his son Russell for more than 30 years though Russell's law partnership with Bob Huber. They are a close and strong family.

Nao was an incredible gentleman. I don't think I ever heard him raise his voice. His strength was in quiet determination, a will to do good always, and an undyingly optimistic outlook.

Nao's parents immigrated to the United States from Japan and set up shop in Oxnard, California, where Nao was born on April 5, 1922. When World War II broke out, Nao was

a junior at UCLA and he was called home to help his family pack their belongings. With thousands of other Japanese-Americans, the Takasugi family was sent to internment camps, first at the Tulare County fairgrounds and then at Gila River, Arizona.

Nao's parents would have lost the Asahi Market his father had owned and operated since 1907 if it hadn't been for an employee, Ignacio Carmona, who offered to run it in their absence. When the family returned, Ignacio handed the keys over and thanked Nao's father for the opportunity to run the business.

Nao's family spent the entire war in an internment camp but Nao was offered an opportunity to continue his studies through a program run by the American Friends Service Committee and the Quakers in Philadelphia. He completed his business degree at Temple University in 1945 and went on to earn his master's from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Then he returned to Oxnard to help run Asahi Market.

In Tom Brokaw's book, The Greatest Generation, Nao described the internment camp experience this way: ``I find that I am compelled to remember the best--not the worst--of that time. To focus not on the grave deprivation of rights which beset us all, but rather on the countless shining moments of virtue that emerged from the shadows of that dark hour.''

Nao's road into politics mirrored my own. When the city denied his plans for a new sign, he decided politics needed a businessman's perspective. He was appointed to the planning commission, ran for city council and won, ran for mayor and won consecutive terms, ran for the California Assembly and was elected to three terms, then was elected to two terms on the Oxnard Harbor Commission.

Nao experienced the best and the worst that America had to offer during often trying times. Many Americans experienced the best America has to offer because of Nao's friendship, compassion and dedication to his country. I will miss him.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in sending our condolences to Judy, their children, and all their family and friends, and in remembering a gentle man who left an indelible mark.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the amendment offered by Mr. Boehner. I have long supported changes to current health care system which reduce health care costs through increased efficiency and provide affordable insurance for people with preexisting conditions. But, at the same time, any changes to our current system should ensure doctors and patients are allowed to make health care decisions--not government bureaucrats.

Therefore, I support real health insurance reform and support the version offered by the Minority Leader, which would:

Lower health care premiums for working families,

Allow small businesses to join together in order to buy reasonably priced health insurance,

Reduce medical costs by limiting frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits,

Prevent insurers from unjustly cancelling health insurance policies, and Establish universal access programs that provide affordable insurance for people with preexisting conditions.

Mr. Speaker, we should not consider changes of this magnitude without a complete report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, CBO. The preliminary estimate from the CBO puts the cost of H.R. 3962 at more than $1.05 trillion, but many independent experts believe this bill will actually increase Federal expenditures by more than $1.3 trillion.

In addition, this bill would impose $730 billion in new taxes and mandates on individuals and small businesses. Most economists, including CBO experts, have concluded that these requirements could increase unemployment by discouraging businesses from hiring low-wage workers. It could also lead to wage stagnation as payroll is diverted to comply with new Federal mandates on health care coverage.

I am also concerned about the impact of this proposal on Medicare beneficiaries. H.R. 3962 would cut $400 billion from Medicare over 10 years, including a $170 billion reduction to Medicare Advantage plans, which provides insurance coverage for many seniors.

Finally, H.R. 3962 does not address the problem of frivolous malpractice lawsuits in a meaningful way. These suits lead to the practice of expensive, defensive medicine and raise the health care expenses of all patients.

I urge my colleagues to reject H.R. 3962 and support the amendment offered by Mr. Boehner.

Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of the City of Simi Valley's 40th birthday.

On September 20, 1969, the people who lived in the unincorporated Ventura County, California, communities of Simi Valley and Santa Susana voted 6,454 to 3,685 to incorporate. On October 10, 1969, the combined communities officially incorporated into the city of Simi Valley.

Simi Valley lies on the far eastern end of Ventura County. Ventura, the county seat, lies on the far western end. It is a long drive to obtain governmental approval, and the quest for local control is what drove incorporation.

Since incorporation, the people of the city have worked tirelessly to structure a safe, balanced, family-friendly and business-friendly community. It was done by embracing citizen involvement. Neighborhood Councils, the Youth Council and the Council On Aging were established as part of the government infrastructure, ensuring that residents of all ages have an opportunity to be heard and to be involved in government decisions at a grassroots level.

Today, Simi Valley maintains more than 20 citizen advisory boards and commissions that advise the City Council on a variety of community issues.

Obviously, in any city differences of opinion arise. But unlike in some cities, Simi Valley's elected leaders have a well-earned reputation for discussing issues vigorously and then, once a vote is taken and the decision is made, having all sides come together behind that decision. I believe that is very much the result of empowering the community to shape the issues before they come to the City Council.

Madam Speaker, I am proud of my role in helping to shape Simi Valley. I served on the City Council as a member and appointed mayor, and as the city's first elected mayor, from 1979 to 1986. During that time, we began bringing jobs into what was then primarily a bedroom community, and there was much debate on how to accomplish that.

One of the issues that came from that debate was the creation of the city's first hillside ordinances, which we passed while I was mayor. The issue was framed by many as preservation vs. development. I was seen as being on the side of development. Then-Councilwoman Ann Rock was seen as being on the side of preservation.

Either side could have dug in their heels and accomplished nothing. Instead, working together, and with the help of many other conscientious people, Ann and I crafted an ordinance that worked for both sides. In the process, Ann and I also became dear friends. Ann has since passed away, but her handiwork can still be seen in much of Simi Valley.

Simi Valley shows the handiwork of many, many others, too. From the burgeoning farming community that incorporated in 1969, Simi Valley has grown into a balanced city of about 120,000 people with homes, schools and churches alongside upscale retail centers and clean industry. Since 1993, it has been among the top 10 safest cities in America, and topped the list several times. It is the home of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and the gateway to Ventura County. I am proud of the city I have called home since before it was a city.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me wishing Simi Valley, California, a happy 40th birthday and congratulate its citizens on a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my strong support for H.R. 2522, which is a bill introduced earlier this year that would raise the ceiling on the Federal share of the cost of completing the Calleguas Municipal Water District Recycling Project.

I believe most of the country knows about the water shortage plaguing the state of California. In my district, maintaining adequate water supplies has also become increasingly problematic, especially as the traditional sources of imported water have become unreliable. For this reason, I introduced H.R. 2522, which will assist the Calleguas Municipal Water District with the development of new water sources.

Specifically, this legislation would authorize an additional $40 million in funding for the Bureau of Reclamation to support the completion of a salinity management pipeline, also known as a brine line. This pipeline will collect salty water generated by desalting facilities and excess recycled water and then transport that water for reuse elsewhere. The result will be both improved water quality and an enhanced supply of local groundwater.

The increased use of recycled water will expand the water available for approximately 600,000 of my constituents and, at the same time, reduce dependence on water from the sensitive Bay-Delta ecosystem. In an era of drought and water shortages throughout California, local water districts need to do all they can to reduce their dependence on increasingly scarce supplies of imported water.

I want to thank Chairman Rahall and Ranking Member Hastings, along with their staffs, for their assistance with moving this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, I wish to make the following disclosure in accordance with the Republican Earmark Transparency Standards requiring members to place a statement in the Congressional Record prior to a floor vote on a bill that includes an earmark that I have requested.

H.R. 2522, a bill to raise the ceiling on the Federal share of the cost of the Calleguas Municipal Water District Recycling Project, and for other purposes, which I introduced on May 20, 2009, contains one earmark as defined under House Rule XXI, clause 9. The earmark contained in H.R. 2522 would authorize additional appropriations for a project under Title XVI of Public Law 104-266, the Reclamation Recycling and Water Conservation Act of 1996.

The project authorized under H.R. 2522 would authorize an additional $40 million in federal spending authority, not to exceed 25 percent of the total project cost, to allow the Calleguas Municipal Water District to fully complete their Salinity Management Pipeline, which will generate an additional 27,000 acre feet per year of groundwater and facilitate the use of an additional 16,000 acre feet per year of recycled water in the area.

Consistent with the Republican Leadership's policy on earmarks, I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge this request (1) is not directed to an entity or program that will be named after a sitting Member of Congress; (2) is not intended to be used by an entity to secure funds for other entities unless the use of funding is consistent with the specified purpose of the earmark; and (3) meets or exceeds all statutory requirements for matching funds where applicable.

Madam Speaker, I rise in memory of Lompoc, California, Mayor Dick DeWees, who passed away last night from complications related to a prior medical condition.

Dick DeWees was more than a legislative colleague. He was an ally and personal friend. The relationship we built over the years greatly benefited our mutual constituencies.

I will miss his leadership and friendship.

Dick and his wife of more than 30 years, Jane, moved to Santa Barbara in 1974 and to Lompoc in 1987, where Dick quickly became involved in the community. In addition to serving as mayor, Dick served on the Santa Barbara County Local Agency Formation Commission and is its past chairman, and was the City of Lompoc's representative on the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments. Dick also served on numerous local non-profit organization boards.

As owner of a local advertising agency, DeWees & Company Media Services, which specializes in electronic media, Dick was the recipient of the Sam Walton Business Leader Award. In addition, he taught a public speaking course at the Lompoc Valley Center of Alan Hancock College.

Jane and Dick met while they were performing Summer Stock Theater together in Michigan. Their two married children, Nathan and Anna, also live in Lompoc, as does their first grandchild, Emma Chastain.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in sending our condolences to Jane, their children, their grandchild, and all their family and friends.

Godspeed, Dick.

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. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010:

Requesting Member: Rep. Elton Gallegly

Bill: H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy; Electronic Warfare Development

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Regional Defense Partnership--21st Century

Address of Requesting Entity: 311 Main Road, Building 1, Point Mugu,

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 Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010:

Requesting Member: Representative Elton Gallegly

Bill: H.R. 3293, the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration--Health Facilities and Services

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: California State University Channel Islands

Address of Requesting Entity: One University Drive, Camarillo, CA 93012

Description of Request: This request of $195,220 is to enhance nursing education and practice and improve health care quality by addressing technological competency in pre-licensure nursing education. Three areas of education are highlighted: faculty development, curriculum integration and infrastructure support. First, this project will strengthen faculty preparation in using health information technology through an intense week of training immersion prior to each fall semester and regularly updated thereafter. Second, health information technology theory and practice will be integrated into multiple courses and all levels of the nursing program and supported as a basic practice skill in the simulation lab under the direct supervision of an instructor. Lastly, the existing regional simulation laboratory will be augmented by twelve computerized hospital information systems work stations equipped with information systems used in local facilities. Health information technology integration throughout the curriculum will enable beginning students to tackle technology in their introductory courses and labs and then increasingly use health information technology throughout their nursing educational experience. By integrating health information technology into the nursing program curriculum, CSUCI is ensuring that future nurses will be able to access and retrieve electronic data necessary for technological advances in patient care. The bill provides $195,000 in funding for this project request.

Requesting Member: Representative Elton Gallegly

Bill: H.R. 3293, the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: County of Ventura

Address of Requesting Entity: 800 So. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009

Description of Request: This request of $750,000 is for the formation by the County of Ventura Human Services Agency of a multidisciplinary ``expert team'' to comprehensively address the diverse needs of victims of elder abuse. The team will be comprised of experts and would provide new perspectives in working with the elderly and the training of social workers, mandated reporters, the medical community and all other types of organizations that interface with seniors and the aged community. The unified expert team concept is a practical approach for the development of empirical data and outcomes regarding service strategies, intervention and assessment tools, training, and public awareness information. Existing systems that service the aged population largely rely on intergovernmental partnerships, service referral networks, and community organizations. However, this proposal brings diverse services together under a unified mission to more fully realize the best practice models of expert teams. The bill provides $654,000 in funding for this project.

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. 3288, the Department of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010:

Requesting Member: Representative Elton Gallegly

Bill: H.R. 3288--the Department of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Transportation & Community & System Preservation

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Thousand Oaks

Address of Requesting Entity: 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Description of Request: This request of $500,000 is for a project to widen the US-101 and SR-23 Interchange from the Los Angeles/Ventura County line to Moorpark Road (US-101) and Hillcrest Drive (SR-23). The proposed improvements include the extension of existing auxiliary lanes in both directions, conversion of auxiliary lanes to mixed-flow lanes, addition of a northbound lane, realignment and widening of ramps at the interchange, and the construction of soundwalls and retaining walls. The improvements are necessary to relieve congestion along the 101 and 23 Freeways in the City of Thousand Oaks. The California Department of Transportation recently began the three-year project to widen the Route 23 Freeway connecting to the 101/23 Interchange. Completion of the improvements is crucial to achieve the congestion benefits of the project. The Ventura County Transportation Commission considers both improvements as two integral parts of a single congestion relief project. Since the freeway widening is now underway, the interchange improvement needs to move forward without delay. The bill provides $500,000 in funding for this project request.

Requesting Member: Representative Elton Gallegly

Bill: H.R. 3288--the Department of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, Grade Crossings on Designated High Speed Rail Corridors

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: SCRRA-Metrolink

Address of Requesting Entity: 700 So. Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Description of Request: This requests of $2,000,000 will be used for an important project that enhances safety at highway-rail grade crossings through the construction of grade crossing safety improvements, including median barriers, four-quadrant gates at crossings, fencing at strategic points, traffic signal system upgrades, additional traffic signage, and street striping improvements. These safety enhancements will take place at crossings in the Simi Valley and Moorpark areas in Ventura County. The objective is to reduce the opportunity for accidents in the corridor.

Within my congressional district, there are fourteen highway-rail crossings needing funding along the Ventura County Line, with two projects currently underway. In 2005, Metrolink, in partnership with cities throughout Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, developed the Sealed Corridor program to improve safety at highway-rail grade crossings. The first in the nation, the Sealed Corridor program takes a systematic approach and performs on-site diagnostics to identify grade crossing enhancements to reduce and eliminate accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians. Grade separation costs range from $20 to $70 million and with 464 at-grade crossings on the Metrolink system, funding to grade separate all crossings is unlikely. The Sealed Corridor approach is a cost-effective alternative that will improve rail safety through a comprehensive strategy to enhance the safety of trains, passengers, motorists, and pedestrians in the areas serviced by Metrolink. The bill provides $750,000 in funding for this project.

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

Requesting Member: Rep. Elton Gallegly

Bill: H.R. 3183--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Calleguas Municipal Water District

Address of Requesting Entity: 2100 Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Description of Request: This request is for the Calleguas Municipal Water District Recycling Plant, which will provide critical support to the mission of providing safe and reliable drinking water to the 600,000 people living in the Water District's service area. Each year, the Calleguas Municipal Water District imports over 110,000 acre-feet of water through the California Water Project, and imports constitute 100 percent of Calleguas' supply. The $6,000,000 requested through the Bureau of Reclamation would provide the 25 percent federal share to continue construction of a facility that will reclaim and reuse over 50,000 acre-feet of water annually. This recycled resource will replace water that otherwise would have to be imported, with the added benefit of ensuring water supply in the case of delivery interruptions due to natural disasters or attacks on the imported water infrastructure. The funding for this project, authorized by P.L. 104-266, section 2, will be used for development of a pipeline system that would collect and convey brackish groundwater and recycled water for direct use, stretching local water supplies. The Recycling Plant will facilitate the development of up to 50,000 acre-feet of water per year for municipal and agricultural uses, thereby reducing the need to import water to the region from Northern California. The bill provides $100,000 in funding for this project request.

Requesting Member: Rep. Elton Gallegly

Bill: H.R. 3183--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: County of Ventura

Address of Requesting Entity: 800 So. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009

Description of Request: This request of $2,000,000 will be used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Santa Clara River Watershed Management Plan Feasibility Study. Encompassing more than 1600 square miles, the Santa Clara River watershed is the largest in Southern California and is divided into two almost equal parts by the Los Angeles-Ventura County line. Since 1991, a group of more than 26 stakeholders has been developing the Santa Clara River Enhancement and Management Plan (SCREMP) for the 100-year floodplain. Recognizing the continued pressure of urbanization in both Los Angeles and Ventura Counties that may affect the floodplain and environmental resources in the Santa Clara River Watershed, the Ventura County Watershed Protection District, Los Angeles County, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agreed to cooperate in expanding the SCREMP to complete a feasibility study for the Santa Clara River Watershed Protection Plan. This funding would go toward the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's 50% share of the total project cost of $8.2 million. The bill provides $500,000 in funding for this project.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank the gentlelady from Guam (Ms. Bordallo), my good friend, for her work on this; and I rise today in strong support of H.R. 129.

This bill would authorize the Forest Service to convey a small parcel of land on the perimeter of the Los Padres National Forest to a nonprofit organization, the White Lotus Foundation. In 1983, the White Lotus Foundation inherited property in the hills above Santa Barbara, California, on the border of Los Padres National Forest. After operating in the location for over 25 years, the Forest Service sent a letter to the White Lotus Foundation notifying them of a parcel that was 0.05 acres, just a few actual square feet, of encroachment on the Forest Service land. It required them to remove all encroachments by December 31, 2008, or they would begin enforcement action.

The encroachment in question is located on a loop of the only road that allows White Lotus and the rest of the public access to and from the White Lotus property. Due to the steep topography, the foundation has no other reasonable alternatives.

The loop lies on flat ground which was held for the purpose of providing space for equipment storage for fire and flood emergencies and provided access to a water pump and other necessary equipment. There is no other flat ground on which to move these items, and without this space, the foundation would be forced to cease operations.

My legislation will not cost the taxpayers a single penny. The White Lotus Foundation will pay for the land, the survey, and all administrative costs. There are no exemptions from NEPA or other environmental laws. The land in question is not protected by wilderness or any other specifically designated area.

Finally, my legislation does not even mandate this land be conveyed. It merely allows the Forest Service to convey the land and to determine the amount to be conveyed; meaning, if the Forest Service does not feel this land conveyance is in its best interest, it does not have to sell any Federal land to the White Lotus Foundation.

In closing, I want to thank the chairman, Chairman Rahall, Ranking Member Mr. Hastings, for allowing this legislation to be considered today; and I urge support of this legislation, H.R. 129.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010:

Requesting Member: Rep. Elton Gallegly

Bill: H.R. 2847--the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Department of Justice, OJP--Byrne Discretionary Grants

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: County of Ventura

Address of Requesting Entity: 800 So. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009

Description of Request: This $570,000 request is for a pilot program in Ventura County, California to establish a DNA Cold Case Prosecution Unit to investigate and prosecute violent crimes through the use of DNA technology. The federal government has devoted considerable resources to DNA testing and establishing DNA databases. However, even with a DNA match, the passage of time makes these cases extremely difficult to investigate and prosecute as prosecutors must reconstruct the case based upon the new DNA evidence. This program will fund the hiring of a prosecutor and two investigators for the sole purpose for solving and prosecuting DNA cold cases.

Requesting Member: Rep. Elton Gallegly

Bill: H.R. 2847--the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Department of Justice, COPS Methamphetamine Enforcement

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: County of Ventura

Address of Requesting Entity: 800 So. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009

Description of Request: This request of $350,000 is for the purpose of providing funds for two California multi-jurisdictional Methamphetamine investigators. The Ventura County Combined Agency Task Force is a collaborative effort with city, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies working toward the disruption, dismantlement, apprehension, and arrest of narcotic offenders and drug trafficking organizations. Funding would be used for two Senior Deputy investigators that will be utilized to specifically target mid- to large-scale methamphetamine dealers and manufacturers and will assist in funding vehicle costs and miscellaneous safety equipment for these two positions. These investigators will be assigned to the Special Services Division, Special Investigations Unit.

Requesting Member: Rep. Elton Gallegly

Bill: H.R. 2847--the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Department of Justice, OJP--Byrne Discretionary Grants

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: County of Ventura

Address of Requesting Entity: 800 So. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009

Description of Request: This request of $318,000 is to provide federal support for two forensic scientists for the County of Ventura Sheriff's Gang Unit. The Sheriff's Gang Unit is responsible for the apprehension of gang members, the disruption and dismantlement of gangs, and the investigation and prevention of gang-related crimes. This addition to the Ventura County Sheriff's Gang Unit will enhance the regional aspect of the Gang Unit by adding much-needed forensic scientists dedicated to analyzing evidence from gang-related crimes throughout the County of Ventura. The geographic area of Ventura County encompasses several local law enforcement jurisdictions. The bill provides $80,000 in funding for this request.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably absent for the rollcall vote on H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Had I been present, I would have voted for H.R. 1256.