Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to proudly announce that the Boeing Company has chosen North Charleston, South Carolina, as the site of a second assembly line for their 787 Dreamliner.

This is historic and exciting news for the Lowcountry and I, along with the rest of the State, warmly welcome Boeing's expanded presence in our community and the bright future of employment and prosperity that they bring with them.

I was proud to be a part of this process and I sincerely congratulate the South Carolina delegation, our State legislators, State officials and all the other parties involved for their hard work and efforts in getting Boeing to North Charleston.

Finally, I would like to highlight the outstanding leadership of Boeing's CEO, Mr. James McNerney, Jr., an accomplished businessman and high caliber individual.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and I am honored to welcome Mr. McNerney and his wonderful company to the Palmetto State.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the Democrats' plan to pay for their government takeover of health care by cutting nearly $162 billion of Medicare at the expense of our seniors.

Across the Nation, nearly 11 million seniors chose Medicare Advantage plans as their preferred coverage. Of those 11 million, over 11,000 seniors in the First District of South Carolina, an area with many retirees, may have their coverage dropped or benefits cut if the Democrats have it their way.

Despite the President's promise that if you like your current plan you can keep it, it is clear that some seniors will eventually be forced into a government-run plan. Additionally, the CBO has said that the Democrats' plan will increase seniors' Medicare prescription drug costs by 20 percent over the next decade.

As Medicare dangerously approaches bankruptcy, Democrats must open the process up to Republicans to work to repair this rapidly failing program and protect our seniors from rising drug costs, limited coverage, and reduced quality of care. Republicans vow to honor our seniors by blocking Washington's bureaucrats from overregulating their health care and by providing options and the best quality coverage for all Americans.

Madam Speaker, I stand today as a proud cosponsor of a resolution honoring Nancy Goodman Brinker, founder of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

This October marks the 25th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the 27th anniversary of Komen for the Cure.

In the Palmetto State, breast cancer occurs in over five thousand women a year and kills

over one thousand, but according to the American Cancer Society, these numbers have been falling since the 1990s.

However, there is always more to be done and we can all get involved in promoting breast cancer awareness.

This Sunday is the 16th Annual Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure in Charleston, and I congratulate our local affiliate staff, Lindsay Wiltshire, Michelle Temple, Lucy Spears, Taffy Tamblyn and Patricia Simon for their hard work organizing this event.

Their efforts bring us all closer to the ultimate goal of a world without breast cancer and we are very proud of them and all of their efforts in the First District.

Mr. Speaker, today I stand as a proud cosponsor of a resolution honoring Nancy Goodman Brinker, founder of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. This October marks the 25th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the 27th anniversary of Komen for the Cure.

In the Palmetto State, breast cancer occurs in over 5,000 women a year and kills over 1,000, but according to the American Cancer Society, these numbers have been falling since the 1990s. However, there is always more to be done, and we can all get involved in promoting breast cancer awareness.

This Sunday is the 16th Annual Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure in Charleston and I congratulate our local affiliate staff, Lindsay Wiltshire, Michelle Temple, Lucy Spears, Taffy Tamblyn and Patricia Simon for their hard work organizing this event. Their efforts bring us all closer to the ultimate goal of a world without breast cancer. We are very proud of them and all of their efforts in the First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Mr. Arkansas (Mr. Boozman) for yielding and the gentlelady from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) for her support of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, while only 10 years old, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, AIWWA, has become a strong voice representing the interests of commercial and recreational users of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway by promoting the waterway as a vital marine highway along the Atlantic coast, providing safe navigation for commercial and recreational vessels.

The association was organized in 1999 to address the navigational challenges of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and to encourage the continuation and further development of commerce and recreation on the AIWW. At present, the association has more than 200 members consisting of tug and barge companies, shippers, port facilities, marinas, dredging companies, and others with an interest in the waterway.

The AIWW was completed in 1940 and runs along the southeast coast of the United States from Norfolk, Virginia, to Key West, Florida, and measures 1,088 miles long. It has historically served as an important shelter for mariners from the stormy seas of the Atlantic. Since it runs parallel to Interstate 95, the waterway has the potential to become a major marine highway, serving as a safe, fuel-efficient, and economical alternative to congested highways and rail lines.

Every ton of traffic that runs through a marine highway like AIWW is a ton of traffic that isn't on our congested highway system. I have heard from multiple shippers visiting my office that would love to have a nonhighway shipping option. AIWW connects all of the east coast ports. The potential for coastal traffic between these ports is significant and has the ability to have a major impact on smaller ports like Georgetown in my district. In fact, if the AIWW could be developed as a marine highway, the South Carolina State Ports Authority has estimated business growth at the Port of Georgetown could be more than 2.5 million tons of cargo a year. However, the waterway faces significant funding challenges.

In South Carolina alone, the Army Corps estimates that the need of the waterway will total some $14.5 million in fiscal year 2010, yet the administration has requested less than $800,000 for maintenance. Indeed, to bring the entire waterway up to standards and to keep it there will require over $100 million in investment; yet administration after administration continues to shortchange the AIWW in their budget, barely requesting enough money to control the mosquitos.

This is no way to treat such a valuable potential resource, and I want to tip my hat to the AIWWA for their efforts to showcase the potential for the waterway not just to the communities it touches, but to the entire Nation. I'm proud to support the waterway and will continue to fight to ensure that it is not only maintained but improved to improve freight movement and open new economic doors for communities along its banks.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, legislation that I sponsored with Congressmen Solomon Ortiz, has passed out of committee with unanimous consent.

Also, I wanted to congratulate Weston DeWolff, a 15-year-old student at the Charleston County School of the Arts and winner of the Junior Duck Stamp Design Program's ``Best of Show'' award for the State of South Carolina, for his depiction of a male and female mallard duck.

I congratulate Mr. DeWolff for his achievement and I am proud to support the extension of the Junior Duck Stamp Design program so as to ensure that other students, like him, will have the opportunity to participate in this contest in the future.

Finally, in addition to applauding the unanimous passage of this essential conservation legislation, I want to congratulate Ducks Unlimited, the world's largest and most effective waterfowl conservation organization, for recently receiving a $1 million North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant.

This money will ensure that Ducks Unlimited is able to continue their mission of protecting waterfowl habitats nationwide and will provide additional funds to protect and enhance over 8,000 acres of diverse wildlife habitat in both Charleston and Georgetown counties in the First District of South Carolina.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to extend my congratulations to Ms. Lucy Beckham of Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina on her selection as the 2010 National Secondary Principal of the Year.

This distinction, presented by MetLife and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, is a most deserving recognition of her leadership and dedication to the students entrusted to her.

The National Principal of the Year program began in 1993 and was established to honor those education administrators that have set the highest example for their peers.

Ms. Beckham's contributions and sense-of-purpose extend beyond the campus of Wando to so many areas including her church and numerous community activities.

I am certain that all of the faculty and staff at Wando are proud to have her at the helm, and as the grandparent of a Wando student, speaking for all the families of the greater Charleston area, we congratulate her for being No. 1 at Wando and for now being No.1 in the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to extend my congratulations to Ms. Lucy Beckham of Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, on her selection as South Carolina's 2010 National Secondary Principal of the Year.

This distinction, presented by MetLife and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, is a most deserving recognition of her leadership and dedication to the students entrusted to her.

The National Principal of the Year program began in 1993 and was established to honor those education administrators that have set the highest examples for their peers. Ms. Beckham's contribution and sense of purpose extend beyond the campus of Wando to so many areas, including her church and numerous community activities.

I am certain that all of the faculty and staff of Wando are proud to have her at the helm. And as a grandparent of a Wando student, speaking for all the families of the greater Charleston area, we congratulate her for being number one at Wando and now being number one in all America.

Madam Speaker, as the Ranking Republican Member of the Natural Resources Subcommittee of Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. territories, including American Samoa, I was saddened to hear of the severe devastation that occurred after a tsunami hit the island. My deepest sympathies go out to the island nation of 65,000 people.

News outlets are reporting that four tsunami waves 15 to 20 feet high roared ashore on American Samoa. Many of the island towns are located near the sea and the devastation that followed the tsunami event appears to be immense, with pictures of the island showing buildings destroyed, cars and boats displaced and the local people trying to recover. The island is without power and water at this time as it is in the early stages of the recovery effort. Sadly, it has been reported that many people have lost their lives and the casualty numbers may increase as the recovery effort expands.

Madam Speaker, it is my understanding that the airport and sea port are open and emergency supplies and assistance are en route to the island. The Coast Guard will be inspecting the sea port and is bringing in much needed medical and other necessary supplies from Hawaii. In addition, the USS Ingram is headed to the island to assist with medical support, rescue efforts and water needs. Shelters are open on the island to assist displaced citizens and efforts are under way to clear roadways. It will most likely take months to recover from this event and we should do all we can to help assist and support American Samoa in their recovery from this tsunami.

I had the privilege of traveling to American Samoa where I received the utmost hospitality. My thoughts and prayers are with their people as they cope with the effects of this sudden natural disaster.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud my colleagues in the House and Senate for recently voting to block ACORN from receiving any additional Federal funding. It is clear that ACORN is unable to use Federal money properly, and as our constituents face financial hardships of their own, the last place hard-earned taxpayers' dollars should be allocated is to an organization known for its blatant abuse of these funds.

Thanks to action by Republicans and Democrats alike, this House has passed legislation preventing this questionable organization from receiving another cent of America's taxpayers' money.

But our efforts must not stop here. There is a complex web of nonprofits that directly fund ACORN and its affiliates.

The American public has a right to know how ACORN is funded. After all, for years we have been the ones footing the bill.

Mr. Speaker, last year Congress and President Bush announced an end to the decade-long ban on offshore drilling. But the Obama administration stopped progress on meeting our Nation's energy needs by instituting an extended 6-month public comment period.

That period ended Monday, but according to the Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, expanded offshore drilling may not happen until 2012, turning a 6-month delay into a 3-year ban. With the unemployment rate well over 9 percent nationwide and close to 12 percent in South Carolina, it is irresponsible for the administration to ignore the economic benefits that will come with America's energy production.

According to recent reports, drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf could generate $8 trillion in gross domestic products over the next 30 years, 1.2 million American jobs and $70 billion in wages annually. In South Carolina alone, offshore exploration could generate up to $250 million in revenue annually, and would create over 2,000 jobs in the Palmetto State.

Mr. Speaker, we need to be sure that we are able to continue to develop our resources.

Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

Requesting Member: Henry E. Brown, Jr.

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

Account: RDTE, Army

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: ALS TDI

Address of Requesting Entity: 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142

Description of Project: Continued support of its cutting edge fast track drug discovery & translational research program and to support clinical trials of effective drugs. (1) Identify physiological pathways and molecules in animal models of disease progression. Compare animal gene expression (transcriptome) to that of humans by employing the largest database ever compiled of animal and ALS patient samples. (2) Operate large scale validation program, using profiling technologies, to modulate gene expression in those genes determined to be candidates for disease effect. (3) Create a comprehensive translational medicine initiative to identify biomarkers for disease staging and prognosis, and drug efficacy and patient response.

Requesting Member: Henry E. Brown, Jr.

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

Account: RDTE, Army

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: South Carolina Research Authority

Address of Requesting Entity: 5300 International Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29418

Description of Project: Once fully configured, the Army expects a 5x- 10x reduction in delivery times for poured metal part base shapes using TacFab versus conventional procurement processes. Given the Army's considerable interest in and support for the TacFab program to date, it is essential that the program be expeditiously completed to deliver the critical support the warfighters are seeking.

This final increment being requested in FY 2010 will result in a mobile, rapidly deployable asset, both in theater and within the U.S. in support of RESET operations. This program will cut costs and improve efficiency, cutting waiting time for parts from weeks or months to only 24 hours.

Requesting Member: Henry E. Brown, Jr.

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

Account: RDTE, Army

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: South Carolina Research Authority

Address of Requesting Entity: 5300 International Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29418

Description of Project: This project will have an important impact on the Army as it will contribute greatly to the military efforts our troops are currently engaged in around the world and here at home. HIPER will implement a program which ensures the provision of the best and safest weaponry to the warfighter and in the quickest and most efficient way, by replacing parts and resetting weapons more quickly and at reduced cost. This will help keep our troops safe and fully equipped with the optimum defense mechanisms they need to effectively complete their missions, while using cutting-edge technology to reduce costs and lower wait times. To achieve this goal we will be relying on industrial and government partners in numerous states, resulting in employment sustained and created via manufacturing and research requirements.

Madam Speaker, on Monday, July 27, 2009, I was unable to make votes due to weather delays impacting my flight into Washington, DC. Below please find my personal explanation for the three roll call votes I missed that day.

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Had I been

Rollcall Number: present, I would

have voted: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 647--Recognizing and celebrating the 50th YEA. Anniversary of the entry of Hawaii into the Union as the 50th State.................................. 648--Waco Mammoth National Monument Establishment NO. Act of 2009........................................ 649--Blue Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock YEA. Land Exchange Act of 2009.......................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Speaker, August will be 6 months since the signing of the administration's so-called stimulus plan. Since February, we have been waiting for the jobs that were promised with this bill. We have been waiting so long that my constituents in South Carolina are beginning to wonder if they will ever come.

The President insisted that to save or create up to 4 million jobs, Congress must support this stimulus. Unfortunately, today we continue to lose jobs and pass legislation that will further increase unemployment around the country.

We were told by experts in the administration that unemployment would peak at 8 percent, but, as we all know, national unemployment is now at 9.5 percent. In my home State of South Carolina, it is over 12 percent.

It is a shame that while my constituents are desperately waiting for jobs, the Democratic leadership has made job creation second after bigger government, more borrowing, and ever-increasing spending. They must join Republicans in making our number one priority getting America back to work. My constituents are getting tired of waiting. Where are the jobs?

Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

Requesting Member: Henry E. Brown, Jr.

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

Account: USACE, Construction

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-- Charleston District

Address of Requesting Entity: 69A Hagood Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403

Description of Project: Dredged material disposal areas at Charleston Harbor, SC necessary to support continued operation of the harbor, which is a critical commercial and military harbor; if dredging does not occur, shippers will either light-load ships (which increases shipping cost) or bypass Charleston for other, deeper ports.

Requesting Member: Henry E. Brown, Jr.

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

Account: USACE, O&M

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-- Charleston District

Address of Requesting Entity: 69A Hagood Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403

Description of Project: Maintenance dredging and dredged disposal area maintenance necessary for continued operation of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW), SC; the AIWW is a protected marine highway and its maintenance ensures that smaller boats do not have to risk going out on the ocean, and in the future a well-maintained waterway will serve as a significant highway for energy efficient freight movement.

Requesting Member: Henry E. Brown, Jr.

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

Account: USACE, O&M

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-- Charleston District

Address of Requesting Entity: 69A Hagood Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403

Description of Project: Maintenance dredging of Charleston Harbor, SC necessary to support continued operation of the harbor, which is a critical commercial and military harbor; if dredging does not occur, shippers will either light-load ships (which increases shipping cost) or bypass Charleston for other, deeper ports.

Requesting Member: Henry E. Brown, Jr.

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

Account: USACE, O&M

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-- Charleston District

Address of Requesting Entity: 69A Hagood Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403

Description of Project: Maintenance dredging of Georgetown Harbor, SC necessary to support continued operation of the harbor; Georgetown Harbor supports local businesses, reduces shipping costs and congestion.

Requesting Member: Henry E. Brown, Jr.

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

Account: USACE, Investigations

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-- Charleston District

Address of Requesting Entity: 69A Hagood Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403

Description of Project: Charleston Harbor Post 45ft Deepening 905(b) Study to examine deepening the harbor beyond its current depth to ensure the harbor can handle deeper ships.

Requesting Member: Henry E. Brown, Jr.

Bill Number: H.R. 3170, Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: SBA, Salaries & Expenses

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Myrtle Beach

Address of Requesting Entity: P. O. Box 2468, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578

Description of Project: This project will provide for the expansion of the Convention Center to meet the needs of the area. Tourism is the number one industry in South Carolina and the Grand Strand represents the number one attraction in the State. An expanded Convention Center will increase the number of organizations that will consider this area for hosting a convention. Increased tourism will directly result in an increase in jobs in the Grand Strand.

Requesting Member: Henry E. Brown, Jr.

Bill Number: H.R. 3288, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: FTA, Buses & Bus Facilities

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Charleston Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA)

Address of Requesting Entity: 36 John Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Description of Project: Funding will be used in support of CARTA's on-going efforts to replace its current fleet of 36 35-foot commuter buses. The current buses are coming up on the end of their useful life and support a system that serves 40,000 passengers per month.

Requesting Member: Henry E. Brown, Jr.

Bill Number: H.R. 3288, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: HUD, EDI

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: South Carolina Maritime Foundation

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 22405, Charleston, SC 29413

Description of Project: Funds will assist the Maritime Foundation as it continues its effort towards expanding the education and leadership development programs for troubled youth aboard the Spirit of South Carolina across the entire state.

Requesting Member: Henry E. Brown, Jr.

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

Account: Department of Education--National Projects Innovation and Improvement

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Reading is Fundamental

Address of Requesting Entity: 1825 Connecticut Ave., NW., Washington,