Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of the Amdt to H.R. 2638, Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009.

Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers.

Bill Number: Amdt to H.R. 2638.

Account: OM, A.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Outdoor Venture Corporation.

Address of Requesting Entity: 2280 S. Highway 1651, Stearns, KY 42647.

Description of Request: The funding of $3 million will be used to address U.S. Army modular command post tent needs.

Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers.

Bill Number: Amdt to H.R. 2638.

Account: OM, A.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Outdoor Venture Corporation.

Address of Requesting Entity: 2280 S. Highway 1651, Stearns, KY 42647.

Description of Request: The funding of $5 million will be used to address U.S. Army air-supported temper tent needs.

Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers.

Bill Number: Amdt to H.R. 2638.

Account: RDTE, A.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Progeny Systems Corporation.

Address of Requesting Entity: 445 South U.S. 27, Suite 201, Somerset,

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the sham legislation Speaker Pelosi unfurls for us this week. For months, energy and gas costs have impacted every aspect of Americans' lives--prices at the pump, the cost of a gallon of milk, school board budgets, etc.--and today, the Speaker believes that we have cause to celebrate, because at long last, she has unveiled from the deep recesses of her chambers a bill with the word ``energy'' in the title.

But when the champagne toast is over and the streamers come down, all America gets in this so-called ``energy'' bill, is hot air and higher taxes. The bill is merely a reflection of the status-quo, and a fraud on the American consumer paying $4 a gallon gas.

The reality is:

This bill blocks production and 35 years worth of American oil in 88 percent of the outercontinental shelf!

Impedes production in ANWR, with a projected 10 billion barrels of oil, and permanently locks up a trillion barrels of western oil shale.

New refineries to be built on American soil with this bill? Not a chance.

Fifty percent of our power is from coal, yet there is zero encouragement of coal-to-liquids development or clean coal generation.

Even emissions-free nuclear energy gets a backseat in this bill.

Don't look for pro-production measures to reduce prices at the pump, you won't find them here.

What this bill does do is raises taxes and increases electricity costs for families, seniors and small businesses already feeling their wallets being pinched by high gas prices and rising home heating costs.

Simply put, today we do nothing to provide relief at the pump to the citizens of Kentucky and elsewhere. Let's take off our party hats and call today's festivities what they really are--a thinly veiled effort to inoculate the Speaker in November and appease a small group of special interests. I urge my colleagues to reject this Election Day mirage and demand meaningful comprehensive energy legislation for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, let me start by echoing Ranking Member Lewis's misgivings about this so-called process. While I am certainly no stranger to omnibus appropriations bills, I must say we could have avoided this amended bill business that we are going through here today, this kabuki dance, and actually conferenced each bill. That was certainly the case on the Homeland Security bill when Republicans were in the majority. The bill was debated on the House floor. It was brought through the conference committee with the Senate in regular order.

Instead, this has been a closed-door process largely devoid of Member input, no formal conference, no motion to recommit, very little debate. Needless to say, this process falls far short of the open and fair debate that has been a hallmark of this People's House.

Now, having said that, and getting that off my chest, I am reminded a bit of what Mark Twain said about Wagner's music. He said it is really better than it sounds. And this bill is better than I have just described it.

I have to commend Chairman Price on doing his very best through this flawed process, looking out for House priorities and putting together a thoughtful agreement on the homeland security portion of this bill.

This division includes substantial funding for critical border security, immigration enforcement, infrastructure protection, and State and local programs that will certainly make our Nation safer and more secure.

I also want to applaud Chairman Price's efforts in keeping DHS on track to produce results and continuing our subcommittee's tradition of strict accountability. Tying funding to results has always been the mantra of this subcommittee, and I trust it will thus ever be so.

Lastly, I would be remiss, Mr. Speaker, without personally thanking Chairman Price for accommodating the minority's concerns where possible. He has approached his duties as chairman with the honorable statesmanship for which he is known in this chamber, and I have sincerely valued my time in serving alongside him over the last 2 years.

Mr. Speaker, I reflect upon the last 6 years in which I have had the privilege of serving both as chairman and now ranking member on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. I am struck by both the progress that we have made since 9/11 and the daunting challenges that remain before us. Homeland security is not just about guns, guards and gizmos. It is about the dedication of hundreds of thousands of people who are working tirelessly and standing the watch to keep us safe. We must all remember that the department is only 5 years old, a fledgling agency that is mature in some areas, sadly deficient in others.

And it is this continued development of DHS that probably concerns me most. I have always cautioned the department to resist a migration toward the bureaucratic inertia that so grips and paralyzes many government agencies. In the case of homeland security, the mission is far too critical to head down such a cumbersome path to failure.

I remain hopeful the vast resources we have devoted to homeland security over the past 6 years have not only made us more secure against known threats, but also more prepared for those we have not even thought of. It is this devotion to resolute vigilance and constant improvement that will carry our great Nation through the fire and over all of those who wish to do us harm.

Again, let me thank the staff for the work that they have contributed on this bill, both majority and minority and personal office staffs have all pitched in. We have had a good time working together, and I would like to say finally how much I have enjoyed working with the new chairman of this subcommittee, David Price, who has been agreeable most of the time and has been a gentleman all of the time. I have enjoyed our association, and wish that it would continue.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mary Jo Sharpe, a shining example of a true lady, in my hometown of Somerset, Kentucky. Sadly, Mary Jo passed away on July 8, 2008, at the age of 76.

Mary Jo and her husband of 58 years, Jim Sharpe, are lifelong residents of Pulaski County, Kentucky. Together, they were one of the most thriving and generous entrepreneurial couples that Southern Kentucky has ever seen. Through hard work during their life together they started and operated numerous successful business ventures. They led a distinguished career in grocery and food retail

business, automobile dealerships, marinas, restaurants, and most notably the houseboat industry where Jim and Mary Jo are recognized as the pioneers of the industry.

As successful as Mary Jo and Jim were in their business life, their real sense of pride and love was found in their family. They raised four children and nine grandchildren. Mary Jo, or ``Mim'' as her grandchildren call her, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and the rock of the family. She was the heart, soul and guiding light helping to lead her children and grandchildren through the trials and tribulations of life. ``Mim'' was the eternal optimist always giving encouraging advice and making those around her a better person.

Mary Jo's other great love was for her church, First Baptist Church of Somerset. Jim and Mary Jo were married at First Baptist Church on April 4th, 1950. She was a lifelong member and taught the junior and senior girls Sunday school class. Mary Jo was instrumental in the construction of the new sanctuary for the church and was also the ``Happy Birthday Voice'' for First Baptist's outreach program.

In addition to raising her family and church duties, Mary Jo found time to be president of the local PTA and contribute in various ways to the educational system throughout her life. She also loved to sing and did so on local radio stations and at numerous weddings and funerals.

Mary Jo Sharpe was a graceful, friendly, caring, patriotic, beautiful woman. She believed that ``positive things happen to positive people''. Mary Jo was a Christian woman and an angel on earth and she is now basking in the glory of her Savior.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Mary Jo Sharpe. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy and character will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of her loving family and friends.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 6599, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009.

Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers.

Bill Number: H.R. 6599.

Account: MILCON, Army National Guard.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kentucky Department of Military Affairs.

Address of Requesting Entity: Boone National Guard Center, 100 Minuteman Parkway, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.

Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $7.836 million to complete construction of the Readiness Center Phase 3--London Joint Support Operations Center located in Laurel County, Kentucky. Of this amount, $646,200 is scheduled for design cost and $208,000 is for supervision, inspection, and overhead costs. This third and final phase of construction will include administrative space, aircraft hangar space, and paving for hangar aprons, taxiways, and aircraft parking. Aircraft will include various fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, OH- 58s, UH-60s, and a C-130. The project is required to fully house the Joint Support Operations equipment and personnel in one facility located in the vicinity of operations. Currently the operation is spread over several facilities approximately 100 miles apart. At the conclusion of this project, the unit will be able to respond quicker and in a much more efficient manner which will allow a greater return on investment funds spent on the operation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Andrew Pate for his service to the U.S. House of Representatives and the United States Coast Guard.

As some of you may know, Lieutenant Pate was detailed to the Coast Guard's House Liaison office in July of 2006, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to work closely with him over the past two years. My colleagues, staff, and I have valued his knowledge and understanding of the Coast Guard's operational missions, day-to-day challenges, and roles and responsibilities.

Lieutenant Andrew Leigh Pate is a native of Wesley Chapel, Florida. In the summer of 1998 he enrolled at the United States Coast Guard Academy, with summer duty assignments onboard Coast Guard cutters Northland, Eagle and Drummond. First elected as Treasurer of his Academy Class in 1998, Lieutenant Pate has served continuously as President of his Academy Class since the spring of 2000.

In May of 2002, Lieutenant Pate graduated from the Academy with a Bachelor's degree in Government. His first assignment was onboard the High Endurance Cutter USCGC Gallatin (WHEC 721) home ported in Charleston, South Carolina. While onboard Gallatin, Lieutenant Pate served in a variety of positions including Assistant Operations Officer, Combat Information Center Officer, and Maritime Law Enforcement Boarding Officer. His tour highlights include the interdiction and repatriation of over 570 Haitian migrants during Operations Able Manner and Able Sentry.

In June of 2004, Lieutenant Pate transferred to Fort Myers Beach, Florida as the fourth Commanding Officer of the 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boat USCGC Marlin (WPB 87304). From June 2004 to July 2006, Marlin successfully conducted over 250 law enforcement boardings in an operational area covering more than 108,000 square miles. These efforts resulted in the apprehension of 10 wanted fugitives, the voyage termination of 18 commercial fishing vessels for hazardous safety conditions and the interdiction and repatriation of over 150 Cuban migrants attempting to illegally enter the United States. Under Lieutenant Pate's command, Marlin safely evaded six major Hurricanes and conducted a total of 21 Search and Rescue cases saving the lives of 50 people.

Two years ago, Lieutenant Pate reported to the Hill as an Assistant House Liaison Officer for the Coast Guard. Since arriving in 2006, Lieutenant Pate has worked tirelessly to provide Members of Congress and their staff with timely, accurate, and detailed information needed to fulfill their duties. Through his careful planning and execution of dozens of Congressional Delegation trips and hundreds of briefings, Lieutenant Pate clearly articulated Coast Guard views in support of needed authorities and appropriations, working constructively with the Congress to ensure careful stewardship of resources.

On July 14, 2008, Lieutenant Pate will leave his post in the House Liaison Office and report to the Office of Senator Roger Wicker (MS) for a one-year assignment as a Military Fellow.

I am proud to know and pay tribute to him in the United States Congress. On behalf of the Representatives and staff who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Andrew, I wish him, his wife Kristen, and their son Aidan, clear skies and following seas.

Madam Speaker, during this time of conflict overseas, the United States has called on her brave men and women in uniform to serve and to sacrifice. And they have answered this call-- with honor, with immeasurable courage and with distinction. I rise today to recognize the Woolum Family, hailing from my region of southern and eastern Kentucky, for their dedication and decorated service to our great Nation.

David and Ruby Woolum, of Artemus, Kentucky, devoted their lives to imparting in their 12 children love of God, love of family, and love of country. Today, I am incredibly honored to share with you that seven of their nine sons, and four of their grandchildren, have taken these valuable lessons to heart and in turn dedicated their lives to military service. Their representation of both Kentucky and the United States is exemplary.

David and Ruby's sons David and Robert served valiantly in the Marine Corps; in fact, David returned from his second tour in Vietnam a decorated veteran and a recipient of a Purple Heart. Their brothers-- Charles, Richard and Keith--spent their military careers in the Air Force, while Joseph and Terry Woolum served bravely in the Army. Terry is currently in his 33rd year of military service, as a member of the National Guard. The support of their siblings Priscilla, Ellen, Eric, and James never wavered.

Even more impressive is that their collective spirit of patriotism has trickled down to a younger generation of Woolums, who continue to represent southeast Kentucky with pride: David and Ruby's grandchildren Joseph, Robert, Jason and Jolene are currently serving in the Marine Corps, Army, National Guard and Air Force, respectively.

Thankfully these 11 closely knit men and young woman have returned safely from their many overseas tours of duty, including multiple deployments to such destinations as Vietnam, Germany, France, and recently, Iraq. I

believe we have a special duty to honor these brave soldiers, airmen, marines and guardsmen for their outstanding service to our country and, in particular, to recognize the important role of David and Ruby Woolum in raising their children with a desire to serve our country and support one another in this noble endeavor.

When David Woolum passed away in November 2002, he and Ruby had been married for 64 years. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating and honoring the patriotism of this couple, which should serve as an example to American families for centuries to come.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to inform the House of the passing of Regina Correll, a truly great lady, in my hometown of Somerset.

Regina and her husband of 56 years, Ward Correll, started their marriage with meager belongings, but through hard work during their life together, were able to become the largest philanthropic givers to the good and the needy in their home county's history.

Caring for others has been the hallmark of the Corrells. Regina's greatest love though, was for her seven children, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and she saw them continue the culture of helping others.

Her and Ward's other great love was for their church, the First Baptist Church of Somerset. They rarely missed attending Sunday services in their 50-plus years of membership. It is astonishing to note that during the last year of her life, in spite of a seriously disabling illness, she missed only two Sunday school classes of the group she taught. The church has been a major receiver of their sacrifice. The Corrells subscribe to what Mark Twain once wrote: ``To get the full value of joy, you must have people to divide it with.''

No one will ever know just how many underprivileged people, young and old, have seen that joy with the Corrells and been helped over a rough patch, and mostly without publicity. And in addition to their church, there are the good institutions that promote hard work and caring for others they have helped in major ways--such as the Somerset Christian School and Victory Christian School, to which they gave millions of dollars. The Clear Creek Baptist Institute, a ministers school, the University of the Cumberlands, Somerset Community College, Bluegrass Council of Boy Scouts, Little League Baseball, and others too numerous to mention. They agreed with actor Leonard Nimoy who said: ``the miracle is this--the more we share, the more we have.''

Regina's loving and devoted husband, Ward, continues the extremely successful business empire they built together. His heart is heavy with her loss but his spirit remains light and optimistic. His work is not over.

Madam Speaker, I have known the Corrells for all my adult life. I have witnessed innumerable acts of kindness and generosity by these humble, caring and loving people. Never, though, have I heard them complain about their difficult course, the hard work, the huge risks taken or their deep personal, family losses. Always forward looking, always faithful, always cheerful.

Regina Correll was a graceful, quiet, deeply faithful woman. She was a devoted wife, and mother; a God-fearing, God-loving Christian, who, no doubt, now basks in the glory of her Savior.

If ever anyone could be compared to the Bible's Timothy as he described his life at its conclusion, it is Regina Correll. He said: ``I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith.'' 2 Timothy 4:7

And Regina Correll did.

Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers.

Bill Number: H.R. 5658.

Account: MILCON, Army National Guard.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kentucky Department of Military Affairs.

Address of Requesting Entity: Boone National Guard Center, 100 Minuteman Parkway, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.

Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $7.836 million to complete construction of the Readiness Center Phase 3--London Joint Support Operations Center located in Laurel County, Kentucky. Of this amount, $646,200 is scheduled for design cost and $208,000 is for supervision, inspection, and overhead costs. This third and final phase of construction will include administrative space, aircraft hangar space, and paving for hangar aprons, taxi ways, and aircraft parking. Aircraft will include various fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, OH- 58s, UH-60s, and a C-130. The project is required to fully house the Joint Support Operations equipment and personnel in one facility located in the vicinity of operations. Currently the operation is spread over several facilities approximately 100 miles apart. At the conclusion of this project, the unit will be able to respond quicker and in a much more efficient manner which will allow a greater return on investment funds spent on the operation.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, we're dealing here with a bill that until today has never seen the light of day. This bill was concocted in the back room of the Speaker. We were not allowed to have input on it. We have not been allowed to have amendments. Jack Murtha's subcommittee on national defense was not allowed to have a hearing on this or discuss it with his subcommittee members. No subcommittee on appropriations was allowed to have a hearing and debate the issues.

I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

You say you met with the subcommittee and informed them about what's in the bill that the Speaker wrote? I agree with that.

That's what I'm saying.

And the full chairman of the committee did the same thing. He didn't draft this bill. This bill was given to him. And the Members of the minority have had no say in what's in this bill.

The people of this country deserve to have their representatives in Congress have a say-so in what comes before the House and what's debated on the House floor, and we have not been given that.

This is a dictatorship here. This bill has not seen the light of day. It has not been the subject of amendments. We have not been allowed to ask questions. We didn't know what was in it until yesterday, a bill this thick.

So the process here is flawed. And it's the first time that I recollect in my 28 years here of a bill coming to the floor, an appropriations bill, without the minority's having a say-so unless they had agreed to it. This is a new procedure we are having here.

That's objection number one. We did not have a chance to have a say-so on this bill. The American people have been shut out of a discussion of what's in this bill, until today.

Number two, this bill is loaded down with matters that are not related to helping the brave men and women on the battlefield on the other side.

Now, there are all sorts of amendments that you're hearing today that will be offered, one of which contains a lot of spending and a lot of spending that's not related to helping the troops overseas.

And so I am disappointed. I'm disappointed in the fact that the Appropriations Committee was bypassed, therefore the people were denied a voice, and this bill brought directly to the floor without ever having had a single day of hearings in the subcommittees and the full committee.

I urge a ``no'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, I move to reconsider the vote.

Motion to Table Offered by Mr. Hastings of Florida

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I move to reconsider the vote.

Motion to Table Offered by Mr. Hastings of Florida

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I move to reconsider the vote.

Motion to Table Offered by Mr. Hastings of Florida

Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, the reason our region in Kentucky moves forward is because people stand up to be counted. They have passion for their community, believe in others, and have a can-do spirit to get things done. They radiate optimism wherever they go and spread it to others, and it catches fire in the communities in which they live. These people are priceless--their passion makes them natural leaders.

One such person is Billie Jean Osborne. Because of her, young people in eastern Kentucky learned something that is as vitally important as it is elusive--self-confidence. The Kentucky Opry Junior Pros, who range in age from elementary school to college-aged students, perform live shows for up to 1000 people throughout the year. She gives them a musical education and they put that on display for the whole community.

She did more than give young kids self-confidence. Billie Jean is the driving force that led to the creation of the Mountain Arts Center in which they perform. Because of this facility, grandparents, parents, friends and neighbors can see the talents of these young performers.

Billie Jean approached many people about building this center in 1992. She talked to anyone who would listen about this idea and many said ``this is great; call us when you're ready.'' It turns out she was ready, and made a lot of us ready as well and we got it built 5 years later. Communities large and small need a focal point. Whether it is the St. Louis arch or the Washington Monument, these landmarks define communities by the history and heritage they represent.

In this region that heritage involves country, bluegrass and gospel where folks learned to play guitars, banjoes and sing from their parents and grandparents. But for many smaller communities there isn't such a landmark or even a place nearby large enough where very many people can congregate. Thanks to Billie Jean we have both. It is the Mountain Art Center, or simply ``the MAC'' and it is the pride of Prestonsburg.

Her life experience led to the establishment of the Kentucky Opry nearly 20 years ago for older musicians. Many Junior Opry members later go on to join the Kentucky Opry. A school teacher for 30 years, Billie Jean still provides area schools with supplemental music education programs. She educates thousands of children with private music lessons, plays the organ at her Church, where she's been a member for nearly half a century, and started a music education program at the MAC at no cost to the students.

She will be honored at the MAC on April 12. Her students spanning generations, current and former members of the Kentucky Opry and Jr. Opry and people throughout the region will be there. They will be there because Billie Jean Osborne showed us how to take what is in us and put it on a stage.

I am proud to know her and pay tribute to her in the United States Congress.

Madam Speaker, I want to recognize some individuals in my district who are committed to maintaining ties to their community. In Pike County, the Hellier High School shut down a long time ago and many of its graduates scattered to all parts of the country. While it is true that many young people leave their hometowns, it is especially true in our region, dependent as it was on industries that rely on limited natural resources.

So it takes a special effort to remember those from high school. As young people reach that turning point where childhood is left behind and the tough choices about what career to choose, how to start a family and where to live come all at once, it is all too easy to leave those memories behind as we become adults.

The Hellier High School ``Hellcats'' have developed a strong alumni network to ensure that the past is more than something found in pages of an old year book. Rather, they make this part of Pike County stronger today by meeting every Memorial Day weekend and posting photos and comments on their alumni website.

They meet every May 24 and a growing number of re-connected alumni rightfully consider this ``Hellier High School Day.'' This year, eight more alumni were inducted into their alumni hall of fame, going back to the 1930's. They are starting an annual award for their 1941 basketball captain, Victor Ratliff, who lost his life defending our country in World War II.

We are working very hard to make our region of Kentucky one where people want to stay and raise their own families, and we are succeeding. We succeed because people remember the rich traditions and the values that guide the way during challenges that inevitably come later in life.

I am proud of the Hellier High School graduates who make the effort to embrace their past. In doing so, they remind us of what really counts in life--the people you meet along the way, fellow students, coaches, teachers, who play a critical role in making us productive citizens later on.

Every town needs people committed to making their communities better by actively participating in it. Communities are built by one high school, one church or one civic group at a time. They do not have to dry up and go away if we chose not to let them. We are fortunate to have that in Pike County, at the Hellier High School.

The people connected to Hellier High School made it more than an old school building. It is a symbol for many who wish never to forget the place they came from.