Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded

votes on the House floor on Monday, July 27, 2009.

I ask that the record reflect that had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 647 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 593); ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 648 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to HR. 1376); and ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 649 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 1121).

Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Tuesday, July 7, 2009.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 478 (on motion to suspend the rules and pass H. Con. Res. 135), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 479 (on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1129).

Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed some recorded votes on the House floor on Wednesday, July 29, 2009.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 655 (on agreeing to H. Res. 685), ``present'' on rollcall vote No. 656 (on motion to table the Boehner Privileged Resolution).

Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed some recorded votes on the House floor on Thursday, July 23, 2009.

I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 620 (on agreeing to the Hensarling of Texas Part A Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 621 (on agreeing to the Latham of Iowa Part A Amendment No. 3 to H.R. 3288), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 622 (on agreeing to the Frelinghuysen of New Jersey Part A Amendment No. 7 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 623 (on agreeing to the Blackburn of Tennessee Part A Amendment No. 8 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 624 (on agreeing to the Jordan of Ohio Part A Amendment No. 10 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 625 (on agreeing to the Neugebauer of Texas Part A Amendment No. 11 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 626 (on agreeing to the Stearns of Florida Part A Amendment No. 12 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 627 (on agreeing to the Flake of Arizona Part B Amendment No. 1 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 628 (on agreeing to the Flake of Arizona Part B Amendment No. 4 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 629 (on agreeing to the Flake of Arizona Part B Amendment No. 7 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 630 (on agreeing to the Flake of Arizona Part B Amendment No. 8 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 631 (on agreeing to the Flake of Arizona Part B Amendment No. 9 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 632 (on agreeing to the Flake of Arizona Part B Amendment No. 10 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 633 (on agreeing to the Flake of Arizona Part B Amendment No. 11 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 634 (on agreeing to the Hensarling of Texas Part C Amendment No. 3 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 635 (on agreeing to the Hensarling of Texas Part C Amendment No. 4 to H.R. 3288), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 636 (on motion to recommit with instruction to H.R. 3288), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 637 (on passage to H.R. 3288).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition of H.R. 3269, the Corporate and Financial Institution Compensation Fairness Act of 2009.

Restoring confidence in our financial markets is crucial, Mr. Speaker, a component in bringing about economic recovery. And I support efforts to responsibly address the issues that led to the financial crisis that we're facing today.

However, H.R. 3269 does not do either. Instead of addressing the need for smarter regulation, this bill represents further government intrusion into the private sector that could ultimately hinder economic recovery. If this legislation is passed, it will put in place far- reaching and permanent government regulations on the compensation practices of financial institutions, crippling their ability to recruit top talent and remain competitive abroad and here at home.

Mr. Speaker, this bill goes too far by giving the Federal Government the authority to make compensation decisions for a wide range of employees in thousands of financial firms across the United States, which we can all agree is a far cry from just capping executive pay.

In tough economic times like these, we need to focus on ways to restore confidence in America's financial markets and increase the ability of American businesses through responsible policies that restore market discipline and discourage excessive risk. I firmly believe that we cannot have a successful economic recovery with the permanent overreaching regulations that this puts in place by this legislation.

I therefore urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``no'' on this legislation.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed some recorded votes on the House floor on Thursday, July 16, 2009.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote #555 (On agreeing to the Price of Georgia amendment to H.R. 3170), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #556 (On agreeing to the Emerson of Missouri amendment to H.R. 31 70), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #557 (On agreeing to the Blackburn of Tennessee amendment to H.R. 3170, ``aye'' on rollcall vote #558 (On agreeing to the Broun of Georgia amendment to H.R. 3170), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #559 (On agreeing to the Flake of Arizona amendment #7 to H.R. 3170), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #560 (On agreeing to the Flake of Arizona amendment #8 to H.R. 3170), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #561 (On agreeing to the Flake of Arizona amendment #9 to H.R. 3170), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #562 (On agreeing to the Flake of Arizona amendment #10 to H.R. 3170), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #563 (On agreeing to the Flake of Arizona amendment #11 to H.R. 3170), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #564 (On agreeing to the Flake of Arizona amendment #12 to H.R. 3170), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #565 (On agreeing to the Flake of Arizona amendment #13 to H.R. 3170), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #566 (On agreeing to the Flake of Arizona amendment #14 to H.R. 3170), ``no'' on rollcall vote #567 (On agreeing to the Flake of Arizona amendment #15 to H.R. 3170), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #568 (On agreeing to the Flake of Arizona amendment #16 to H.R. 3170), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #569 (On agreeing to the Flake of Arizona amendment #17 to H.R. 3170), ``no'' on rollcall vote #570 (On Motion to Table Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair to H.R. 3170), ``no'' on rollcall vote #571 (On passage to H.R. 3170), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #572 (On Motion to Suspend the Rules and pass H. Res. 476).

Madam Speaker, unfortunately I also missed some recorded votes on the House floor on Friday, July 17, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote #573 (to Table Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair), ``no'' on rollcall vote #574 (on ordering the previous question to H. Res. 653), ``no'' on rollcall vote #575 (on agreeing to H.Res. 653), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #576 (on agreeing to the Hastings of Washington part B substitute amendment to H.R. 1018), ``no'' on rollcall vote #577 (on passage to H.R. 1018), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #578 (on agreeing to Heinrich of New Mexico Part A Amendment No. 9 amendment to H.R. 3183), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #579 (on agreeing to Cao of Louisiana Part A Amendment No. 10 to H.R. 3183), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #580 (on agreeing to Blackburn of Tennessee Part A Amendment No. 11 to H.R. 3183), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #581 (on agreeing to Campbell of California Part B Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 3183), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #582 (on agreeing to Flake of Arizona Part C Amendment No. 1 to H.R. 3183), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #583 (on agreeing to Flake of Arizona Part C Amendment No. 3 to H.R. 3183), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #584 (on agreeing to Flake of Arizona Part C Amendment No. 4 to H.R. 3183), ``aye''

on rollcall vote #585 (on agreeing to Flake of Arizona Part C Amendment No. 5 to H.R. 3183), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #586 (on agreeing to Flake of Arizona Part C Amendment No. 10 to H.R. 3183), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #587 (on agreeing to Flake of Arizona Part C Amendment No. 11 to H.R. 3183), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #588 (on agreeing to Hensarling of Texas Part D Amendment No. 1 to H.R. 3183), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #589 (on agreeing to Hensarling of Texas Part D Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 3183), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #590 (on agreeing to Hensarling of Texas Part D Amendment No. 4 to H.R. 3183), ``no'' on rollcall vote #591 (on motion to recommit with instructions to H.R. 3183), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #592 (on passage to H.R. 3183).

Madam Speaker, unfortunately I also missed recorded votes on the House floor on Monday, July 20, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote #593 (On approving the journal), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #594 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 607), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #595 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 2245).

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the House passed version of H.R. 3288, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman J. Gresham Barrett

Bill Number: H.R. 3288

Provision: Federal Highway Administration, Transportation & Community & System Preservation Account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Anderson County, SC

Address of Requesting Entity: 101 South Main Street, Anderson, SC 29622

Description of Request: The purpose of this appropriation is to provide $400,000 for the Parker Bowie Road Bridge in Anderson County, SC. Built in 1962, the Parker Bowie Road Bridge's current sufficiency rating is only 28.9 out of a possible 100, and a recent SC DOT Inspection Report rated the bridge as basically intolerable, requiring a high priority of replacement. Requested funding would be used to replace and widen the bridge to 34 feet curb-to-curb allowing for two lanes with safety shoulders. It would also raise the height of the bridge and its approaches in order to minimize current waterway obstructions from flooding. These changes would allow emergency service vehicles and school bus traffic, which cannot currently use the bridge, to access it.

Requesting Member: Congressman J. Gresham Barrett

Bill Number: H.R. 3288

Provision: Federal Highway Administration, Transportation & Community & System Preservation Account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Greenwood County, SC

Address of Requesting Entity: 600 Monument St., Laurens, SC 29646

Description of Request: The purpose of this appropriation is to provide $400,000 for the Widening of SC Highway 225 in Greenwood, SC. At present, SC Highway 225 is a four-lane highway excect for a 4.36 mile stretch at the southern end. In this stretch, approximately 1.4 miles from where the four lanes narrow to two, SC Highway 225 intersects with Alexander Road. Due to the addition of a new development, including a public school, healthcare entities, and industry, this intersection has become a major safety concern. During peak traffic times, SC Highway 225 and Alexander Road become very congested, and may be backed up for 1.5 miles.

Madam Speaker, Wednesday, July 22, 2009, I mistakenly voted ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 605 (on motion to table the Flake of Arizona Resolution). As a member of the House Committee on Standards on Official Conduct, I must remain consistent with the many other PMA-related resolutions offered by Rep. Flake in the past. I intended to vote ``present'' and would request that the record reflect my vote on rollcall vote No. 605 as such.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 605, I inadvertently voted ``nay.'' Being a member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, I meant to vote ``present.''

Mr. Speaker, only in Washington, D.C., does government know best. My friends on the other side of the aisle think they know how to create jobs: stimulus I and possibly II, cap- and-trade, health care reform, higher taxes, more regulation, more government intervention. The Democrats think this is going to create wealth and jobs in our economy.

Mr. Speaker, we need to be about the business of overhauling taxes, of bringing commonsense regulation reform to the people, of giving people real choice to make decisions for their health care between them and their doctors. It is about empowering people, not government. What I'm talking about, Mr. Speaker, is not socialism. It's freedom. With all that our colleagues on the other side have done, and with all that they propose to spend, I ask a simple question, Mr. Speaker: Where are the jobs?

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the House passed version of H.R. 3170, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman J. Gresham Barrett

Bill Number: H.R. 3170

Provision: Title V, Independent Agencies, Small Business Administration, Salaries and Expenses

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Clemson University

Address of Requesting Entity: Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634

Description of Request: The purpose of this appropriation is to provide $100,000 for the Clemson University Advanced Materials Innovation Center. With many manufacturing jobs going overseas, there is a critical need in the United States, and particularly in South Carolina, of incubators such as the Advanced Materials Innovation Center to accelerate the creation of knowledge-based companies. The United States must also continue to develop new advanced materials to ensure continued military superiority. The Advanced Materials Innovation Center at Clemson's Advanced Materials Center in Anderson County will serve as a research and development campus for start-up companies devoted to cutting-edge research, development, and job creation in the advanced materials fields. The Innovation Center will also house fledgling high-technology companies that focus on such advanced materials as optics, nanotechnology, and biomaterials. These federal funds will be used to develop laboratories at the Advanced Materials Innovation Center. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on the pecuniary interests of my spouse or me.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Monday, July 13, 2009.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 530 (On Motion to Adjourn).

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

Requesting Member: Congressman J. Gresham Barrett

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Provision: Title II, Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of South Carolina Aiken

Address of Requesting Entity: 471 University Parkway, Aiken SC 29801

Description of Request: The purpose of this appropriation is to provide $456,000 for the University of South Carolina Aiken, USCA, Biofuels Laboratory in Aiken SC. A key element to solve U.S. energy supply problems is the development of renewable fuels such as hydrogen, and one of the most environmentally friendly ways that hydrogen can be produced is biologically by bacteria. For the past year, the USC, with the support of the Aiken/Edgefield Economic Development Partnership has engaged in research at the Aiken County Center for Hydrogen Research to isolate and develop bacteria that generate large amounts of hydrogen. Also, USCA has been working on the process of embedding bacteria with high hydrogen production potentials into latex mats that can be used to produce hydrogen. The requested funds will enable USCA to become a full partner in the establishment of a bio-energy research center. Specifically, the funding will allow USCA to purchase equipment that will make it possible to screen hundreds of bacterial isolates in a short period of time and to fund a full-time laboratory technician. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on the pecuniary interests of me or my spouse.

Requesting Member: Congressman J. Gresham Barrett

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Provision: Title II, Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Clemson University

Address of Requesting Entity: 300 Brackett Hall, Box 5702, Clemson University, Clemson SC 29634

Description of Request: The purpose of this appropriation is to provide $1,000,000 for the construction and operation of the Clemson University Cellulosic Biofuel Pilot Plant to be built in Charleston, SC. As our nation looks to expand our renewable energy portfolio, this funding would be used to construct and operate a pilot plant at a brownfield industrial site in Charleston SC, to scale-up commercially viable technology for conversion of cellulosic feedstocks from the coastal plains, i.e. trees, wood residuals, and row crops, to bio-fuels and other higher value products. Clemson has partnered with the Savannah River National Laboratory and South Carolina State University to bring together complimentary strengths that support a vertically integrated systems approach addressing issues from feedstock to consumer distribution. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on the pecuniary interests of me or my spouse.

Requesting Member: Congressman J. Gresham Barrett

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Provision: Title I, Corps of Engineers Investigations

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District

Address of Requesting Entity: 100 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah GA 31401

Description of Request: The purpose of this appropriation is to provide $1,000,000 for Phase II of the Savannah River Basin Comprehensive Study. Section 414 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 (PL 104-303) authorized a Savannah River Basin Comprehensive Water Resources Study in order to develop an updated plan addressing current and future needs in the basin, examine reallocation of storage at Corps of Engineers multi-purpose projects, and to develop a better management structure to address basin water resources issues. The study was initiated in 2000 upon agreement by the Corps and the states of Georgia and South Carolina. However, federal funding for this project has not

been appropriated by Congress since fiscal year 2006, and Phase II of the study has yet to be completed. The completion of the second phase of the Comprehensive Study will generate new operating guidelines for the allocation of the water stored at the three Federal reservoirs in the Savannah River basin, possibly changing the water allocations for hydropower, water supply, and flood damage reduction. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on the pecuniary interests of me or my spouse.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Friday, July 10, 2009.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 526 (On ordering the previous question to H. Res. 622) and ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 527 (On agreeing to H. Res. 622), ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 528 (On agreeing to the Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona amendment to H.R. 3082), ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 529 (On passage to H.R. 3082).

Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 531 (on Motion to Adjourn); ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 532 (on Motion to Adjourn), ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 533 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 612), ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 534 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 469), ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 535 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 1037), ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 536 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 402).