Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, now that we have returned to our districts before the election, I'd like to highlight a valuable staff member of mine who recently left my office. I rise today to honor an outstanding golfer, a barbecue master, and an intensely devoted San Francisco 49ers fan who ably and professionally served for many years as my press secretary, Andrew Whelan. Andrew and his fantastic wife Paige recently moved back to their home state of California, and I've greatly missed his keen advice and genuine friendship.

Andrew started the Capitol Hill chapter of his career nearly seven years ago, working on the House Committee on Resources, eventually rising to deputy press secretary. In December 2006, I hired him as my press secretary, where he has successfully served the people of Oregon ever since.

Mr. Speaker, there may be no more challenging job on Capitol Hill than being a press secretary to a Member of Congress who was a press secretary to a Member of Congress. But Andrew went above and beyond by facing this demanding role with unflinching resolve and dedication--all while making it look nearly effortless and easy.

Before pursuing federal public service in Washington, Andrew worked for a state assemblyman in California, and edited his alma mater's campus newspaper, the California Aggie at University of California, Davis.

A Member of Congress relies on his or her staff to be his eyes and ears across the district--especially when the district covers 70,000 square miles, like Oregon's Second. Andrew has always been a highly effective representative of me whether it be when speaking to a national news outlet, the local hometown newspaper reporter, or an eager young student angling for an inside scoop for a school project on Congress.

Andrew made it a point to maintain a genuine connection to constituents he came into contact with in all corners of the district-- those who agree with my policy positions and those who do not. He listened sincerely to their points of view and, even if they challenged him with extreme emotion, his responses were always civil and respectful and his demeanor was patient.

Andrew made it his highest goal to keep in touch with the citizens of the Second District. He believes, as do I, that we are here to do the people's business, and the people have the right to know what their government is doing. It was Andrew's job to help communicate what we as Members are doing back to the people we serve.

Andrew played a leading role in a number of public affairs efforts that made a real difference in our country. From helping to uncover negligence in federal agencies, to spotlighting an unfair and misleading National Guard bonus program for new recruits, to restoring housing rights for homeless veterans, to developing many other communications strategies that forced the government to better help the people they are supposed to serve, Andrew accomplished much for his fellow citizens during his time in Washington.

As a press secretary, Andrew had to have a handle on a wide range of policy issues--and often had to know the issues as well as or better than the policy staff. He had to figure out how to explain complicated issues to people, often on a very tight deadline. To better keep in touch with people, he helped me expand the use of social media to more effectively reach Oregonians on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

On a personal level, Andrew's love of golf is only overshadowed by his love for his wife, Paige. According to his mother, he was seen swinging a golf club even in diapers and won his first tournament at eight years old. He's even played in the qualifier for the U.S. Open twice. Also according to his mother, the only time he's looked happier than his time on the golf course was the day he married Paige.

While living in Washington, DC, Andrew became an uncle, and he enjoyed being able to visit his brothers Don and Rob and his four nieces and nephews who live here on the East Coast.

But now Andrew and Paige have moved back home to California. While Team Walden was very sorry to see him go, I know his parents Bill and Lindy are happy to be close to their son once again. I speak for all my current and former staff when I say we have missed Andrew very much. I should also add that I know the folks at Potbelly's around Washington have also been very sad to see him go, but delighted at the prospects of him opening the first Potbelly's franchise in the Bay Area which will be necessary to satisfy his cravings.

I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Andrew and Paige the best of luck as they return West and pursue new personal and professional endeavors. Andrew, thanks for exemplary service to the Congress and citizens of Oregon.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 10 World War II veterans from Oregon who will be visiting their memorial this Saturday in Washington, DC, through Honor Flight of Oregon. On behalf of a grateful state and country, we welcome these heroes to the nation's capital.

The veterans on this flight from Oregon are: Harold ``Dayt'' Elston, U.S. Army; Walter Mullen, U.S. Army; Ellis Hallman, U.S. Army Air Forces; Daniel Lawler, U.S. Army Air Forces; Robert Mahr, U.S. Army Air Forces; Garner Pool, U.S. Navy; Kenneth Purcell, U.S. Navy; Albert Randow, U.S. Navy; Theodore Tannich, U.S. Navy; Arthur Wallace, U.S. Navy.

These 10 heroes join more than 100,000 veterans from across the country who, since 2005, have journeyed from their home states to Washington, DC, to reflect at the memorials built in honor of our nation's veterans.

Mr. Speaker, each of us is humbled by the courage of these soldiers, sailors, and airmen who put themselves in harm's way for our country and way of life. As a nation, we can never fully repay the debt of gratitude owed to them for their honor, commitment, and sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we have today.

My colleagues, please join me in thanking these veterans and the volunteers of Honor Flight of Oregon for their exemplary dedication and service to this great country. I especially want to recognize and thank Gail Yakopatz for her tireless work as president of Honor Flight of Oregon.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 48 World War II veterans from Oregon who will be visiting their memorial tomorrow in Washington, DC through Honor Flight of Oregon. On behalf of a grateful state and country, we welcome these heroes to the nation's capital.

The veterans on this flight from Oregon are: Harry Barber, U.S. Army; Clarence Carnahan, U.S. Army; Elmer Hendricks, U.S. Army; Burl Jarrell, U.S. Army; Melvin McCoy, U.S. Army; Lowell Miller, U.S. Army; Walter Orum, U.S. Army; Wilburt Rathke, U.S. Army; Fred Riggs, U.S. Army; Willard Runion, U.S. Army; Dennison Thomas, U.S. Army; Frank Vaughan, U.S. Army; Harley Hess, U.S. Army Air Forces; Marion Kirkham, U.S. Army Air Forces; Urban Kluthe, U.S. Army Air Forces; Robert Mitchell, U.S. Army Air Forces; Roland Stewart, U.S. Army Air Forces; Francis Ellmers, U.S. Air Force; Jack Keeler, U.S. Air Force; Milton Kelm, U.S. Air Force; John O'Brien, U.S. Air Force; Robert Stubblefield, U.S. Air Force; Walter Lowblad, U.S. Coast Guard; Billie Tracy, U.S. Coast Guard; Harvard Lewis, U.S. Marine Corps; William Sexton, U.S. Marine Corps, Muriel Yandle, U.S. Marine Corps; Douglas Smith, U.S. Merchant Marine; Adam Bachmann, U.S. Navy; James Bratton, U.S. Navy; Richard Davis, U.S. Navy; Joseph Doyon, U.S. Navy; James Dunn, U.S. Navy; Teddy Freeman, U.S. Navy; Thomas Gibbons, U.S. Navy; William Jordan, U.S. Navy; James Kohl, U.S. Navy; James Lancaster, Sr., U.S. Navy; William Matthias, U.S. Navy; Warren McCoy, U.S. Navy; Jerald Muck, U.S. Navy; Franklin Nolan, U.S. Navy; Leonard Premselaar, U.S. Navy; Vance Strunk, U.S. Navy; Leonard Swanzy, U.S. Navy; Walter Thompson, U.S. Navy; Frank Spiegel Jr., U.S. Navy; Richard Watson, U.S. Navy.

These 48 heroes join more than 100,000 veterans from across the country who, since 2005, have journeyed from their home states to Washington, DC, to reflect at the memorials built in their honor.

Mr. Speaker, each of us is humbled by the courage of these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who put themselves in harm's way for our country and way of life. As a nation, we can never fully repay the debt of gratitude owed to them for their honor, commitment, and sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we have today.

My colleagues, please join me in thanking these veterans and the volunteers of Honor Flight of Oregon for their exemplary dedication and service to this great country. I especially want to recognize and thank Dick and Erik Tobiason and Michael and Cindy Jensen for their tireless work with Honor Flight of Oregon.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the 100th year of the Lake County Railroad, a 55-mile stretch of track connecting the neighboring communities of Alturas, California and Lakeview, Oregon.

Since its completion in January 1912 as part of the Nevada- California-Oregon Railway, this rail line has been a vital economic lifeline to the region, transporting Lake County's abundant agricultural and natural resources to markets around this great nation and the world.

The arrival of the NCO Railway was heralded at the time as ``the most important epoch in the history of Lakeview and Lake County.'' Despite the limitations of its narrow-gauged tracks, the railroad spurred the growth of the livestock, mineral, and timber industries, brought in scores of new settlers, and turned a dusty frontier town into a vibrant community. Along with a passenger depot which still stands today, the railroad ushered in a building boom that saw the construction of a new opera house, high school, and even a sewer system.

In 1927, the line was sold to Southern Pacific, which quickly converted it to standard-gauge operations. As a result, Lakeview changed from a commercial center to an industrial hub containing up to ten lumber mills and remanufacturing plants. For nearly 60 years, rail- related trade in the region thrived as millions of board feet of ponderosa pine were carried to market via railcar.

With the beginning of the demise of the timber industry in the Northwest in the early 1980s, Southern Pacific announced plans to abandon the line. Recognizing the economic impact abandonment of the line would have on communities served by the railroad and appreciating its historic significance, Lake County purchased the line in 1986. In 1996, the county took over direct operations and established the Lake County Railroad.

Today, timber shipments have largely been replaced by loads of perlite, but the importance of the line has never been more pronounced. Reliable transportation brings industry and jobs, especially in rural Oregon.

While it has not been an easy task, the business and government leaders of Lake County have maintained and strengthened the Lake County Railroad with a tenacity and dedication that rivals those who first established the railroad. I am proud to have personally supported, advocated for, and been deeply involved in their many efforts to fuel this economic engine. And I will continue to do so.

On October 6, Lake County, Oregon, and the Town of Lakeview will celebrate the Centennial of the Lake County Railroad. Ten years ago, I had the pleasure of being on hand, with my son, to share in the community's previous celebration of the line. While unfortunately I cannot be there again to mark this momentous occasion, this record honors those efforts of my good friends in preserving the history of and building a future for railroads in America.

My fellow colleagues, please join me in congratulating the Lake County Railroad on 100 years of excellent service.

I thank the chairman, and I thank my good friend from California for his terrific work on this bipartisan piece of legislation which is very important to the citizens of this country.

I also want to thank you for this colloquy.

I plan to support your bill, obviously. I think it's a good bill. I just want to clarify because I'm concerned that the language in section 102 of the bill could be construed as authorizing the imposition of requirements on the communications sector. Can you assure me that this is not the effect of this language?

I yield to the gentleman.

I appreciate the gentleman's comments, and I welcome and thank you for them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a fellow Oregonian and good friend, Lieutenant Colonel Pete Derouin of the Oregon Army National Guard, as he departs the National Guard Bureau's Office of Legislative Liaison in Washington, DC to return to Oregon. While Pete has served around the world over the past decade, he has always kept a very special place for Oregon in his heart.

Pete was born and raised in my great state and joined the Army by earning his commission through the University of Oregon's ROTC program. He served for many years as a part-time soldier in Oregon as an officer in the Oregon National Guard. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Pete felt the call of service and decided to leave the comforts of home and make military service his full time career. Over the last decade, he has served his country in different corners of the globe, including Iraq, Bosnia, and Kosovo.

For the last four years, Pete has worked here on Capitol Hill as an outstanding advocate for the National Guard. I've worked closely with him during his time as a legislative liaison for the Guard, and have found his dedication and effectiveness to be exceptional. We worked together on obtaining approval for the new Readiness Center in The Dalles and on allowing the Oregon National Guard to retain parts of the Umatilla Chemical Depot. Pete was also instrumental in efforts to make sure that National Guard soldiers were not unfairly denied promised bonus payments due to paperwork errors by the Guard.

Now the time has come for Pete to return home to Oregon. He has been selected to lead the 2nd of the 641st Theatre Aviation Battalion, which controls all of Oregon's Army National Guard aviation assets. I have no doubt that he will serve our state and nation well in this new role.

I would like to thank Pete and his wife Andrea for tolerating the frantic pace which comes with working here in Washington, D.C., and wish them happiness and success as they continue their service to our nation back in Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I invite our colleagues to join me in saying thank you to Lieutenant Colonel Pete Derouin for his dedication to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a long time community leader in the heart of Southern Oregon, Gordon Ensley.

On June 30th, after a career in health care spanning 38 years, Gordon retired as Chief Executive Officer of the Lake Health District in the great town of Lakeview, Oregon. In 1996, after 11 years at another small town hospital in Gold Beach, Oregon, Gordon and his wife Pauline moved to Lakeview so he could serve as the Lake Health District Chief Financial Officer. Then in 2003, Gordon took the helm as Chief Executive Officer, and under his leadership the health district's local hospital, long term care facility, and home care and hospice programs, have experienced tremendous growth and improvement.

Most of Lakeview's 3,000 residents, whether they have encountered Gordon as an employee, patient, colleague, or friend, are likely to agree about the positive impact he has made on their community. This included one of Gordon's crowning achievements, a 10-year project to expand and upgrade the hospital. Gordon and his board knew this project wouldn't be without its obstacles, but nevertheless began work on a plan to find additional finances, which included a plea to the community to support an $8 million bond. In 2008, voters agreed that improving overall patient care and access was a worthy investment, and approved the ballot measure to help finalize a 33,000 square foot expansion and upgrade to the hospital.

Mr. Speaker, even with this achievement, Gordon still understood the struggles associated with providing health care to rural patients. Most areas within Oregon's Second Congressional District are as rural as you can get, and access to a health provider can be difficult. Lakeview is no exception, but fortunately for this community and its surrounding areas, Gordon embodies the dedication and vision that is necessary to provide quality care and improved access. All this, however, and Gordon will be the first to say that while working in the rural health care field offers its challenges, it presents even greater rewards.

And as we develop policies in Washington, D.C., it is crucial for Congress to do so only after seeking the advice of on-the-ground experts like Gordon and those like him. Fortunately, he has always been more than willing to take time out of his otherwise busy days to offer his valuable expertise, and he has never been afraid to get in touch with me to express his concerns. Whether discussing pending legislation, burdensome federal regulations--on which Gordon has certainly made his position known--or even sometimes non-health related issues, I have greatly appreciated his expert guidance and useful counsel over the years.

So as Charlie Tveit, the Lake Health District's new CEO, takes over, he begins on the solid foundation laid under Gordon's strong leadership. And while I know Gordon had reservations about leaving his post after so many dedicated years of doing what he knows best, I think all of those who know him, most notably his wife Pauline and their family, would agree that he has earned a well-deserved break.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Gordon's many years of service to his community as we wish him a long and happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay special tribute Hood River County Sheriff's Deputy Don Dillenbeck. Deputy Dillenbeck is retiring from the Sheriff's Office on July 29, capping more than 37 years of duty, honor and service to the citizens and visitors of Hood River County, Oregon.

Don Dillenbeck was born and raised in my home town of Hood River, Oregon where he graduated from Hood River Valley High School in 1972. Don began his career in public safety as a Dispatcher and Corrections Deputy with the Hood River County Sheriff's Office on January 23, 1975.

Deputy Dillenbeck was promoted to Road Deputy in 1978, taking on more responsibility with his new position. Patrolling the county for the next 34 years and serving under three different Sheriffs, Deputy Dillenbeck logged over 1 million miles on six different patrol cars. His duties included not only the protection of the public, but also the training and mentoring of new Deputies. His extensive knowledge of procedure, law and tactics has been invaluable to the county over the course of his career.

Mr. Speaker, Deputy Dillenbeck is also somewhat of a celebrity due to a dangerous highspeed pursuit that was featured on the television program ``World's Wildest Police Chases.'' In 1997, a fleeing suspect rammed his patrol car three times. Thankfully, the suspect was apprehended and did not seriously injure Deputy Dillenbeck. This incident is a prime example of the high level of commitment Deputy Dillenbeck holds for public service. When he is called upon to put his own life in danger--whether it's apprehending a fleeing felon or volunteering as a firefighter with Westside Fire Department--Deputy Dillenbeck can be counted on to answer.

Although he will officially retire from his full-time position, Deputy Dillenbeck has requested to remain with the Sheriff's Office in a volunteer capacity as a Reserve Deputy so he can continue to serve and protect the public in Hood River County. Even in retirement, Deputy Don Dillenbeck will continue to answer the call to service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my fellow colleagues join me in recognizing Don Dillenbeck. He has earned the thanks of a grateful nation not only for his dedication to service, but for his unwavering commitment to his community. Please join me in wishing Deputy Don Dillenbeck a very long and happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 127) expressing the sense of Congress regarding actions to preserve and advance the multistakeholder governance model under which the Internet has thrived.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials into the Record on H. Con. Res. 127.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 127, a resolution that opposes international regulation of the Internet.

The resolution was introduced by Mrs. Bono Mack in May and passed the House Committee on Energy and Commerce with bipartisan support from more than 60 Members, including Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Upton, Ranking Member Waxman, and my colleague on the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, Ranking Member Eshoo. I, too, am pleased to be an original cosponsor of this important resolution.

Nations from across the globe will meet in December for the World Conference on International Telecommunications in Dubai. There, the 193 member countries of the United Nations will consider whether to apply to the Internet a regulatory regime that the International Telecommunications Union created for old-fashioned telephone service, as well as whether to swallow the Internet's nongovernmental organization's structure whole and make it part of the United Nations. Neither of these are acceptable outcomes.

Now, among those that are supportive of such regulation is Russian President Vladimir Putin, who spoke positively about the idea of ``establishing international control over the Internet.'' Some countries have even proposed regulations that would allow them to read citizens' email in the name of security. H. Con. Res. 127 rejects these proposals by taking the radical position that if the most revolutionary advance in technology, commerce, and social discourse of the last century isn't broken, well, we shouldn't be trying to fix it.

The Internet is the greatest vehicle for global progress and improvement since the printing press; and despite the current economic climate, the Internet continues to grow at an astonishing pace. Cisco estimates that by 2016 roughly 45 percent of the world's population will be Internet users, there will be more than 18.9 billion network connections, and the average speed of mobile broadband will be four times faster than it is today.

The ability of the Internet to grow at this staggering pace is due largely to the flexibility of the multi-stakeholder approach that governs the Internet today. Nongovernmental institutions now manage the Internet's core functions, with input from private and public sector participants. This structure prevents governmental or nongovernmental actors from controlling the design of the network or the content that it carries.

Without one entity in control, the Internet has become a driver of jobs and information, business expansion, investment and, indeed, innovation. Now, moving away from that multistakeholder model, Mr. Speaker, would harm these abilities and would prevent the Internet from spreading prosperity and freedom.

In May, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology invited a panel of witnesses, including Federal Communications Commissioner Robert McDowell, to discuss the effects an international regulatory regime would have on the Internet. All agreed that such a regime would not only endanger the Internet, but would endanger global development on a much larger scale. House Concurrent Resolution 127 expresses the commitment of Congress to do all that it can to keep the Internet free from an international regulatory regime.

I'm pleased to report that earlier today, Ambassador Kramer, the leader of the U.S. delegation to the WCIT, gave a speech outlining the position of the United States that seems to be embracing the very principles contained in this resolution. Now, my hope is that the administration stays on this very course.

As the U.S. delegation continues to work in advance of the WCIT, House Concurrent Resolution 127 is an excellent bipartisan demonstration of our Nation's commitment to preserve the multistakeholder governance model and to keep the Internet free from international regulation. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce strongly supports House Concurrent Resolution 127, and I urge the rest of my colleagues in the House to join us.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I'm now honored to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Bono Mack), the sponsor of this legislation, the chairman of the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and a very active and effective member of the subcommittee I chair, the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, who has put a lot of time into making sure the Internet remains free and open. This is her resolution. We thank her for her work.

I now yield 3 minutes to a member of the Judiciary Committee who chairs the Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet Subcommittee and who has been one of our terrific leaders on the Republican side on the Internet with regard to keeping it free and open, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte).

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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

Tonight, the U.S. House of Representatives will send a clear and distinct message not only to our negotiators but to the world that we stand for liberty and we stand for freedom. When it comes to the Internet, both of those are incredibly important.

The Internet has brought us economic prosperity not here alone but all over the globe. The Internet has allowed for political discourse as never imagined by the great scholars of Greece and Rome. It's brought us intellectual capabilities. If you think about what you can do on the Internet today to research something, to evaluate something, there are an unlimited number of sources of data. It's improved our lives. It's improved our lives through our political systems. It's allowed people who thought they had no opportunity to effect change to have an overwhelming effect by communicating together. This really is a vote for liberty. It's a vote for freedom. It's a vote for free speech. It's a vote for the things that our Founders believed in when they gave us the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It's our version of that.

We know that there are forces out there in the world that are opposed to all of those things, because they want command and control of their people, and that's not right. We have an opportunity tonight to send a clear and convincing message that we stand in America for freedom of the Internet, for no government anywhere in the globe taking charge of it and shutting it down and denying that great human spirit that we believe in so much here in America.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join us in a unanimous show of support. I thank my staff and the staff of Representative Eshoo and Ranking Member Waxman for their good work on this, and especially to my colleague from California, Mary Bono Mack, who raised this with us early on and worked closely to write a piece of legislation, that, as you can see in a sometimes otherwise controversial House, has brought us all together. That's a real tribute to Congresswoman Bono Mack's work.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

I want to thank my colleagues here on the floor today for their support of this legislation, S. 270, the La Pine Land Conveyance Act.

This legislation was originally crafted over in the Senate by my friend and colleague, Senator Wyden. We've worked together on this project and thought that the most expeditious way to solve the problem for the people of La Pine was to just move his bill on through the Senate, and that's what we're doing today.

The La Pine Land Conveyance Act is the result of efforts of local officials who recognized years ago that for Oregon's newest city, the city of La Pine, to be able to take care of its residents, it needed a helping hand from the Federal Government. Here's why:

Seventy-eight percent of Deschutes County, the county in which the city of La Pine is located, is managed, owned, and controlled by the Federal Government. They're literally surrounded by Federal land. In fact, their own library sits on BLM land.

So, as they became a city and began to try to address the issues that brought about their desire to be a city, they realized they needed to be able to expand a little and take care of some of their problems. So, S. 270 will provide the city with 750 acres so it can build a new wastewater treatment facility, which will allow the community to move off of septic systems and onto municipal water and sewer systems. They have a real problem in La Pine with a fairly high water table and issues related to septic systems, so this will help solve that.

In addition, this legislation also transfers 150 acres to the La Pine Park and Recreation District to establish a more permanent home for what's known as the ``Greatest Little Rodeo in Oregon,'' the La Pine Rodeo, and also to help them build out one of their other celebrations, one which all Americans take advantage of, and that's the Fourth of July.

Now, why are these two things important? Well, among another reasons, it's a job creator. Expanding out the rodeo grounds really will help them grow jobs in this remote, rural community in Deschutes County. In addition,

of course, transferring the other lands will let them have a library on their own city ground and be able to take care of the water needs for the community.

So I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for support of S. 270. This is one of those commonsense bills that actually brings us together and we can get some work done here for the people back home.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues who have brought this legislation forward as well. Again, this, like the prior bill, it's a partnership between Senator Wyden and myself, as we've worked together to resolve some of these land issues out in Oregon.

This one's kind of interesting. In 1936, the City of Wallowa actually donated this parcel of land to the U.S. Forest Service, and what we're doing today is giving it back to the city. They had a Forest Service compound there for many years and then, at some point, probably 20, 30 years ago, quit using it for that purpose and, basically, the buildings are in horrible disrepair.

I was out there a few weeks ago and toured the compound site with Gwen Trice and some of the county officials and took a look at the facility as it is today and, literally, they've had water damage inside. One place the ceiling had caved in.

But they have this plan. They have this plan to turn this into this interpretive site to honor and teach the history about Maxville, which was a railroad logging town that existed about 15 miles north of Wallowa.

Now, what's interesting about this, the emergence of the Maxville project really reflects the local community's deep appreciation for the preservation of this unique history, and they want to use this facility and restore it to display photographs and really tell the story and bring students in to let them learn about Maxville heritage and what went on there.

Now, the interpretive center seeks to gather, catalog, preserve, and interpret this rich history of the multicultural logging community of Maxville. Maxville itself operated until the early 1930s and was unique in that it included 50-or-so African Americans and their families and was home to the only segregated school in Oregon.

Previous historic records only made small mention of these African Americans. But in the last 3 years, the Maxville heritage project has fostered a reawakening of the interest in this rich chapter of history through public lectures and school visits and Elderhostel lectures and stories that have run across the Nation now.

With the groundswell of historic artifacts and stories emerging from descendents and those with relationships to people from Maxville, a large number of video image audio programs are being put together. So what we're doing here today allows this local-grown idea, this vision that Gwen Trice and her supporters have to be able to rehabilitate this compound, restore these beautiful buildings--once beautiful--they're in pretty bad disrepair now. She's got a job ahead of her.

But it will help this small town in northeast Oregon add to its many attractions, natural and other, and tell this unique history about this special logging community that existed just north of Wallowa.

So I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for once again, in a spirit of bipartisanship, actually solving some problems around here that matter to people back home.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

I would ask the gentleman from Florida if he would be willing to enter into a colloquy.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

As chairman of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, I have taken an interest in the use of our Nation's spectrum resources by both Federal and non-Federal users. Spectrum is becoming increasingly important as our Nation's needs for mobile communications grow. Unfortunately, however, demand is quickly outpacing the supply of spectrum.

The U.S. Department of Defense is a large user of spectrum. Efficient use of spectrum would therefore not only greatly benefit our country in terms of technological and economic development, but also help our military in conducting its critical mission.

Recent discussion of spectrum policy in government has turned to ways that governmental and nongovernmental users might share spectrum to the benefit of both. It has come to my attention that the work of the Department of Defense--through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Joint Program Executive Office Joint Tactical Radio System, and other programs--has been examining some of these sharing technologies, but with mixed results. It is my belief that Congress would benefit greatly from a report on this research. I would suggest that the Department of Defense draft such a report that details the status of its work on cognitive radio, dynamic spectrum access, software-defined radio, and any other spectrum-sharing techniques and technologies.

I would like to ask for your support, Mr. Chairman, and assistance in working with the Department of Defense to get additional information on the types of technologies under development and production and how much has been spent to date for these efforts, as well.

In addition, I believe that a clearer understanding of the efforts being pursued by the Department of Defense and the associated organizations for joint spectrum management technology developments, what has been deployed and what future investments will achieve is important and should be pursued and we should fully understand what they're doing.

I thank the chairman for his work on not only this issue and working with us on this, but also your terrific dedication to the country over the years, and especially in moving this legislation forward.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Amendment Offered by Ms. Lee of California

Mr. Chairman, thank you for the time.

I stand here today in support of the bill of my friend and colleague, Mark Amodei.

I think it's really important that we use America's resources responsibly to grow jobs in this country. We need American jobs using American resources and not relying on foreign imports and driving our jobs offshore. This is especially important when it comes to our mineral resources. We've heard all the rhetoric on the other side of the aisle, all that stuff. Let me just talk to you about the eastern Oregon miners.

They are individual men and women. They are very blue collar. They are not part of the wealthy class you hear talked about here. They've just been trying to work with this Federal Government for over a decade to be able to use the mining claims that they have. Back in 2001 and 2004, the Forest Service grouped together 49 mining plans of operations for analysis and approval. Then in 2005, the Forest Service decision to approve the plans was then litigated, and it resulted in the requirement that the Agency reduce some of its analysis.

Today, 11 years later, the Federal Government still can't get their work done. This is in an area that at one time in our history produced some of the most substantial gold, silver, and minerals that we need in the United States.

When we pull out all our little electronic gadgets--you know what?-- if it weren't for the mining interests in

America, you wouldn't have those gadgets, because that's what goes into what we use. We need to be able to use America's resources. This allows us to do it.

The 42 mining operations in Baker County, if they were allowed to work--and these are just average Americans just trying to do what they're allowed to do under Federal law but held up because of the Federal agency's inability to get their work done or unwillingness to in the North Fork and the Burnt River and elsewhere. If they could just move forward, if they could just get an answer out of the Federal Government in something short of 10 or 11 years, they could be producing jobs. They could be producing mineral resources and wealth for this country, the United States of America. We can create jobs here using our mineral resources.

Some of these people have died waiting. You shouldn't have to die waiting for your Federal Government to get its work done. That's why we need this bill.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

Let's face it, the law that's on the books takes $500 billion out of Medicare and spends it on a new entitlement program. I don't think taking money away from seniors' health care to create a new government- run program is right--and neither do the American people.

I was a small business owner since 1986. We provided health insurance for the people who worked for us. As a small business owner, what I wanted was the ability to group up and have more effect in negotiating lower insurance rates for the people that we covered. This law doesn't really help in any regard with that. In fact, this is a jobs vote we're having today, because if you're a small business and you're at 49 employees, if you go to 51, then all of a sudden the government comes in on top of you with all kinds of potential penalties and fees.

And so a lot of small business owners in my district are saying: Why would I grow my business? Why would I take on this new risk? I think this stymies job growth.

I can tell you that out at Eastern Oregon University I met with the university president. They used to have a student health plan that cost $66 a term. Because of this law and its implication, that plan went up to $2,000 a year. They've had to walk away from it.

This law is hurting people today. It needs to be repealed and replaced.

Mr. Speaker I rise today to recognize the tremendous, longtime, and diverse public service of a leader who lives and works in the heart of Oregon's Second District, Wheeler County Judge Jeanne Burch. Judge Burch has served as Wheeler County Judge since 1994 but began serving her County long before that. Mr. Speaker, I have enjoyed working with her and I will miss her service and so will Wheeler County.

Judge Burch lives in the town of Fossil, the county seat of Wheeler County which has a total population of around 1,400 people. Wheeler County is one of Oregon's most geographically diverse counties--it's a rugged place home to Oregon's most unique John Day Fossil Beds, two national forests, and the iconic John Day River which runs right through the middle of it. Judge Burch has seen days when her county has thrived from the economic benefits generated by the adjacent forests. And she's been there when things haven't been so good as the forest sector was forced to a halt and those jobs and benefits disappeared. Regardless, good times or bad, Judge Burch has been there to lead her county when they needed her most.

Judge Burch has called Oregon home since 1947. In the early 1950s her father got a job as a railroad conductor in the region and the family moved to Wheeler County. Jeanne was a freshman in high school then, but went on to study at UC-Berkley where she received a degree in accounting. That is where she met her husband, Howard, who worked for oil companies as a drilling supervisor. Howard's job took them around the world--to such places as Nigeria, Iran, Greece, and the Canary Islands. After living and seeing the world, Jeanne moved back to Wheeler County to raise her daughters Belinda and Jennifer.

In 1985, Jeanne began working as the Fossil City Recorder and Finance Director. From there, she was appointed Wheeler County Judge in early 1994. Since then, Judge Burch has been described as a ``one woman county,'' and it's not hard to see why. She serves as a probate and juvenile court judge, the county administrator, and chair of the County Court. In her years of service she has overseen the complete rehabilitation of the county's courthouse, boosted local tourism, and opened the door for businesses to create jobs in Wheeler County.

As the Chairman of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I am grateful for Judge Burch's remarkable work on telecommunications issues. As a founding board member of Frontier TeleNet over ten years ago, she has helped implement communication services and rural broadband to communities in Gilliam, Sherman and Wheeler counties. It began as a need for broadband access and distance learning opportunities to the rural schools in the three counties. Under Judge Burch's leadership as Chair, Frontier TeleNet has expanded service coverage from roughly 4,000 square miles across three counties to 21,000 square miles across nine counties, bringing with it new ways for medical clinics to help their patients and a backbone for public safety communications in these rural counties. Judge Burch understands the important role that modern communications play in rural isolated communities.

Not only a driving force behind Frontier TeleNet's expansion, she spearheaded efforts to bring cell phone coverage to Fossil and the northern portion of Wheeler county, and continues these efforts in Mitchell and the southern end. Accomplishing these feats has not been an easy task and Judge Burch continued to push through. She has brought the knowledge gained from her experiences to other parts of Oregon as Chair of the Telecommunications Committee for Association of Oregon Counties.

Mr. Speaker, one of my fondest memories of Judge Burch is and will remain her long fight to bring modern telecommunications into the county. Years after most rural communities around Oregon had some access to cellular service, Wheeler County and the county seat of Fossil remained a completely isolated island without cell phone service. Judge Burch would often tell me about the number of recreational accidents and ``potential drownings'' that float down the John Day River through the county every week in the summer, and the need for cell phone service for emergencies and other uses. With this need and Jeanne's stories on my ``to-do'' list, I took the opportunity to point out to U.S. Cellular that this unserved area was in their coverage territory. Well, the company took Jeanne's and my message to heart and within weeks U.S. Cellular began analyzing how to cover this county. In July 2008, Jeanne's coordinated and unrelenting efforts culminated with the community celebration of the county's first cell tower.

I can recall that months after the cell service was established, Judge Burch closed a town meeting I held in Wheeler County by giving me a note from a woman whose husband most likely would have died from the heart attack he suffered, expect for the fact that she was able to use her cell phone to call for emergency assistance.

Mr. Speaker, I know you would appreciate Judge Burch's get'r done attitude. It's makes all the travel and work worthwhile to know that someone like Judge Burch was there to help find solutions to real problems.

Although the sun is setting on Jeanne Burch's career leading Wheeler County, I can tell you the sun will never set on the impact she has on this county and region and the people who call it home.

I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Judge Jeanne Burch and her husband Howard the best as she retires. Judge, thank you for your exemplary service to Wheeler County and to Oregon.