Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Coach Jim Boeheim for helping to bring home a Gold Medal in Men's Basketball at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and for his decades of service to Syracuse University basketball and the Syracuse community.

Jim Boeheim, an Upstate New York native from the Wayne County town of Lyons, began his career with Syracuse basketball as a walk-on player in 1962. By the time he was a senior he had worked his way to being a co- captain and helped lead his team to the NCAA tournament for the second time in school history. After graduating from Syracuse, Jim had a successful pro playing career until he turned to coaching when he joined the Syracuse Men's Basketball coaching staff in 1969. He worked his way up the ranks, starting as a graduate assistant coach to ultimately being named head coach in 1976.

For 32 years Jim Boeheim has honorably served as head coach of the Syracuse University Men's basketball team. During his tenure he has become one of the most successful and respected coaches in college basketball history. He has led all of his teams to a winning record, including 30 seasons with 20 or more wins. His 30-20 win or better seasons ties him with coaching legend Dean Smith for the most ever. Under Coach Boeheim's direction, SU has made it to the post-season 31 times, including 25 trips to the NCAA Tournament where they made appearances in three championship games. In 2003 Coach Boeheim led the Syracuse Orange to its first ever NCAA National Championship Title.

With 771 career wins, Jim ranks 11th all time in wins among Division I head coaches, 4th among active coaches. He is also the winningest coach in Big East Conference history, with 342 conference wins, which include five conference championships. In September 2005 he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

In November 2005, Jim continued to add to his hall of fame resume when he was named as one of three assistant coaches for USA Basketball Men's National Team for a three year appointment. His coaching expertise helped lead Team USA to an undefeated record in the 2008 Olympics, culminating in a 118-107 victory over Spain in the gold medal game. Team USA's victory not only brought home a gold medal, but it also restored pride and respect in American basketball, and Jim's role in achieving both was instrumental. His role as part of the gold medal men's basketball team gives us all another reason to applaud him. With his Olympic success, Jim brought a piece of Syracuse to Beijing and a piece of the gold back to Syracuse.

Jim is someone that I have admired for his entire career, not only for being a great coach, but for also being a great human being. He has always handled himself with class, even in the face of adversity from critics, many of whom have never even played basketball. He has never looked for credit in his teams' successes; he just goes out and does his job and does it well. I also hold Jim in high regard for his selfless contributions to his community through numerous charitable initiatives, including Coaches vs. Cancer, for which he has been a top fundraiser, nationwide, for many years.

On behalf of the people of the 25th District of New York, I thank Coach Boeheim for his contributions to basketball, both at Syracuse and at the Olympic games, and for being an outstanding community leader. I also wish to

thank Jim's wife Juli and his children for sharing him with us for all these years. Thank you Jim for your service and congratulations on all of your success. Best of luck in the upcoming season; I know you and your team will continue to make us proud.

Madam Speaker, consistent with Republican transparency standards, the following is a disclosure for each of my requested projects in H.R. 2638, the FY 2009 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance and Continuing Appropriations Act Homeland Security.

Requesting Member: Rep: James T. Walsh.

Bill Number: H.R. 2638.

Account: Homeland Security NPPD Infrastructure Protection and Information Security.

Legal Name of Representing Entity: Manhole Barrier Security Systems, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: 400 Garden City Plaza, Suite 204, Garden City, NY 11530.

Description of Request: (1) Include $3 million for critical underground infrastructure in major urban areas. This funding would be utilized to complete an inventory of critical underground infrastructure in urban areas; identify the access points to the identified critical underground infrastructure; and, demonstrate low- cost, self-contained technologies that can deter unauthorized access while allowing authorized access to critical underground infrastructure.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 633, a motion to suspend the rules and pass as amended the Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2008, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, consistent with Republican transparency standards, the following is a disclosure for each of my requested projects in the FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill:

Requesting Member: Rep. James T. Walsh.

Bill Number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

Account: RDT&E, Navy.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Photon Gear, Inc., Ontario, NY.

Address of Requesting Entity: 245 David Parkway, Ontario, NY 14519.

Description of Request:

(1) Include $800,000 for Agile Laser Eye Protection.

The Office of Naval Research in conjunction with the Naval Air Systems Command has funded the initial development of a frequency-agile laser eye protection unity magnification goggle. This day-only, unity magnification goggle, demonstrated in earlier laboratory and field testing, is the first ever device capable of providing laser eye protection across the visible and near infrared portion of the spectrum in daytime situations, thereby eliminating the need for multiple, fixed wavelength forms of laser eye protection. Hostile use of lasers against U.S. military assets to inflict personnel injury, damage targeting sensors, and degrade/deny mission success continues to increase. The eyesight of aircrew and electro-optical sensors are susceptible to both temporary and permanent damage and are of particular concern to the U.S. military. Current laser eye protection targets known, fixed wavelength laser threats. These devices require a prior knowledge of the potential threat. Due to limited transmittance these devices cannot provide protection across the entire visible, near infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. An integrated approach to providing frequency-agile-laser laser-eye protection with advanced helmet mounted displays to provide full protection during day and night operations is critical, and would ultimately provide cost savings to the military by eliminating the need for different day/night usable fixed wavelength protection to cover all the potential wavelengths. A fully integrated Unity Magnification Goggle/Modular Advanced Visions System displaying day, night and Forward Looking Infrared scene information and targeting symbology would provide a versatile device that would potentially provide further cost savings while enhancing situational awareness.

Requesting Member: Rep. James T. Walsh.

Bill Number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

Account: RDT&E--Army.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Sensis Corporation, Syracuse, NY.

Address of Requesting Entity: 85 Collamer Crossings, East Syracuse,

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to honor someone who is a good friend and for whom I have great respect-- Rep. Michael McNulty. For two decades Mike has served as a Member for the House of Representatives, first for the 23rd and then for the 21st Congressional District of New York State. We were elected together to the House of Representatives in 1988, and this year we will leave together. It has been a great honor to work with Mike for so many years. He has been and will continue to be a good friend.

Mike began his career in public office in November 1969 as Town Supervisor of Green Island, 8 years later becoming Mayor of the Village of Green Island. He then went on to be elected to represent New York's 106th Assembly District in 1982. Six years later Mike was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the 23rd Congressional District of New York in 1988, and was re-elected in 1990. In 1992, he was elected to represent the new 21st Congressional District, and was re- elected in 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006.

During his ten terms in office, Mike has served on the Armed Services Committee, the Small Business Committee, the International Relations Committee, the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service, the Select Committee on Hunger, and the Executive Committee of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus.

Mike is also currently serving in his fifteenth year on the Ways and Means Committee. I must praise Mike's effectiveness as a member of this important committee. Throughout his tenure he has sought to serve wisely and justly, while never failing to attend to the needs of New York State.

In addition, I would like to note Mike's service in the chair as the Speaker pro tempore, a position he often occupied during his tenure. He served honorably in that role and was always considered to be fair and impartial.

Many of you may not know that Mike is a true citizen of the world, having visited an incredible number of countries, spanning all seven continents. One of my most memorable experiences with Mike was my first trip to Ireland with him and former President Clinton. I fondly remember that Congressional delegation trip and many others that Mike and I took together.

I thank Mike for his 20 years of serving the United States and New York and recognize his wife Nancy and his four daughters Michele, Jody, Nancy and Maria for sharing him with us for so many years. I congratulate Mike on a job well done and wish him the best in a well- deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Washington for yielding me the time.

I am very disappointed. After the disappointment of moving to minority in the year 2007, I took some solace in the fact that the three highest elected Democratic leaders are all members of the Appropriations Committee, and I thought that they would work the will of the committee within the committee.

I am disappointed that in my last year as a member of the Appropriations Committee this majority has not seen fit to bring one regular spending bill before the House of Representatives.

It is no secret that I do not always agree with the current President on spending levels, but even if I did, he is brought into the process only after we complete our work. He has been a primary consideration throughout this process, and that's why we haven't worked our will.

In short, we gave up a fight without a fight, and that disappoints me, and that should disappoint those we represent.

We gave up without letting the Appropriations Committee work its will, without letting the membership of the House work its will.

The Senate is the Senate. We have no control over what happens or, more likely, what doesn't happen over there, but we do have control over whether or not the House gets its job done, and quite frankly, that did not happen this year.

So here we are, punting on second down.

Having said that, Mr. Speaker, I must say that as I reflect on my 20 years here, 16 of those on the Appropriations Committee, 12 of those as a subcommittee Chair on this, I believe, the greatest committee of the House of Representatives, there's been much more satisfaction than disappointment.

As this is probably the last time I will address this body on a pending appropriations bill, I respectfully ask my Chair and the members of the committee to in the future restore regular order and protect the prerogatives of this committee. It is of signal importance to the Congress that the Appropriations Committee perform its will.

Mr. Speaker, I am disappointed. After the disappointment of moving to the minority in 2007, I took some solace in the fact that the three highest elected Democratic leaders are all former members of the Appropriations Committee--I thought they knew and respected the work and procedures of our committee.

I am disappointed that in my last year as a member of the Appropriations Committee, this majority has seen fit to bring just one regular spending bill before the House.

Disappointed that in the continuing resolution and disaster sections of this legislation, our Committee abandoned its traditional bipartisan approach in favor of an attempt to play election-year politics.

Disappointed that, as far back as February, my friends in the majority indicated they did not wish to deal with this President on issues relating to spending and--regardless of the finger pointing that I'm sure will go on--set the stage for the train wreck before us.

It is no secret that I do not always agree with the current President on spending levels, but even if I did, he is brought into the process only after we complete our work.

In short, we gave up without a fight, and that disappoints me and that should disappoint those we represent.

We gave up without letting the Appropriations Committee work its will, without letting the membership of the House work its will.

The Senate is the Senate and we have no control over what happens--or more likely, doesn't happen there. But we do have control over whether or not the House gets its job done, and quite frankly, that did not happen this year.

So here we are, punting on what is the equivalent of a second down. I regret that.

Having said that, reflecting on twenty years here in the Congress, sixteen on the Appropriations Committee, and twelve as a subcommittee chair, there has been far more satisfaction than disappointment.

Since this is probably the last time I'll address the Congress on a pending Appropriations bill, I would respectfully request that the

Committee Chair and Appropriations Committee members return to regular order and fiercely protect the prerogatives of this great committee.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation for Motorized Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFAA).

In 1958, SPAAMFAA was founded in Syracuse, New York by Dick Horstmann to serve as a way to preserve antique fire apparatus and promote an appreciation for fire service history. Since its conception the society has grown to include more than 3,000 members in over 50 chapters across the globe and it is still going strong today.

On behalf of the people of the 25th district of New York I congratulate Dick Horstmann and all the members of SPAAMFAA for a successful 50 years and wish them continued success in the future.

Madam Speaker, consistent with Republican transparency standards, the following is a disclosure for each of my requested projects in H.R. 6599, the FY 2009 Military Construction--VA Appropriations Bill:

Requesting Member: Rep: James T. Walsh

Bill Number: H.R. 6599.

Account: Military Construction--Air National Guard.

Legal Name of Representing Entity: Hancock Field, Air National Guard, Syracuse, NY.

Address of Requesting Entity: 6001 East Malloy Road, Syracuse, NY 13211.

Description of Request: (1) Include $5 million for Hancock Field-- TFI--Predator IOC/FOC Beddown. This is included in the President's FY 2009 Budget Request. Funding will be used for conversion and upgrade of the Squadron Operations Facility to bed down Predator Operations Center (POC), Ground Control Station (GOC) and squadron operation functions. Rearrange and extend interior walls and utilities. Provide secure areas and Sensitive Compartmentalized Information Facility (SCIF) and alarm systems. Provide sustainable design elements and high efficiency energy-saving features/materials. Provide standby power with uninterruptible power capability. Exterior work includes: Utility support, pavements, site improvements, fire protection, and antiterrorism force protection measures. See DD Form 1391 for project details. (2) Include $5.4 million for Hancock Field--Upgrade ASOS Facilities (included in FYDP); funding will be used for an addition: Metal framed, masonry slab-on-grade facility with standing seam metal roof, architecturally compatible to

existing facility. Rearrange and extend interior walls and utilities. Provide interior walls, ceilings, and floor coverings and finishes as well as plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, alarms, and fire detection and suppression functions. Provide exterior support such as pavements, utilities, site improvements, fire protection and all other necessary work as required. Install utility metering and connect to Direct Digital Control System. See DD Form 1391 for project details.

Madam Speaker, consistent with Republican transparency standards, the following is a disclosure for each of my requested projects in H.R. 6599, the FY 2009 Military Construction-VA Appropriations Bill:

Requesting Member: Rep. James T. Walsh.

Bill Number: H.R. 6599.

Account: Military Construction--Air National Guard.

Legal Name of Representing Entity: Hancock Field, Air National Guard, Syracuse, NY.

Address of Requesting Entity: 6001 East Malloy Road, Syracuse, NY 13211.

Description of Request: (1) Include $5 million for Hancock Field-- TFI--Predator IOC/FOC Beddown. This is included in the President's FY 2009 Budget Request. Funding will be used for conversion and upgrade of the Squadron Operations Facility to bed down Predator Operations Center (POC), Ground Control Station (GOC) and squadron operation functions. Rearrange and extend interior walls and utilities. Provide secure areas and Sensitive Compartmentalized Information Facility (SCIF) and alarm systems. Provide sustainable design elements and high efficiency energy-saving features/materials. Provide standby power with uninterruptible power capability. Exterior work includes: utility support, pavements, site improvements, fire protection, and antiterrorism force protection measures. See DD Form 1391 for project details.

(2) Include $5.4 million for Hancock Field--Upgrade ASOS Facilities (Included in FYDP); Funding will be used for an addition: metal framed, masonry slab-on-grade facility with standing seam metal roof, architecturally compatible to existing facility. Rearrange and extend interior walls and utilities. Provide interior walls, ceilings, and floor coverings and finishes as well as plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, alarms, and fire detection and suppression functions. Provide exterior support such as pavements, utilities, site improvements, fire protection and all other necessary work as required. Install utility metering and connect to Direct Digital Control System. See DD Form 1391 for project details.

Madam Speaker consistent with Republican transparency standards, the following is a disclosure for each of my requested projects in the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2009, H.R. 5658:

Requesting Member: Rep. James T. Walsh.

Bill Number: H.R. 5658.

Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army Account.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Syracuse Research Corporation.

Address of Requesting Entity: 6225 Running Ridge Rd., Syracuse, NY 13212.

Description of Request: Include $4 million in H.R. 5658--Army Account RDT&E--Advanced Tactical Computer Science and Sensor Technology--to assist transition of the Foliage Penetrating, Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Tracking, and Engagement Radar (FORESTER) prototype to an operational configuration adding User specific capabilities.

The FORESTER Program is on-going with radar integration and testing continuing through the remainder of FY08 on the A160 Hummingbird. The Program objectives are being met, namely to detect and track moving dismounted soldiers and vehicles under foliage to a range of at least 30 km, and to detect and track people and vehicles in the open or through foliage to a range of at least 50 km. FORESTER can also detect and track moving low-altitude air vehicles such as helicopters, small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and aircraft to a range of 75 km. Additionally, FORESTER has a real-time radar mode to image targets concealed in the foliage. The FY09 request will provide funding necessary to transition FORESTER to the User community and apply the technology to additional platforms.

Currently, U.S. Forces have no radar capability to detect and track activity under foliage. FORESTER is an airborne sensor system that provides standoff and persistent wide-area surveillance of dismounted troops and vehicles moving through foliage. Designed and developed to fly on the A160 Hummingbird unmanned helicopter, FORESTER is one-of-a- kind technology providing the warfighter with all-weather, day-night target detection and tracking capability in real-time. This request would leverage the existing technology to accommodate other platforms and border surveillance applications. Specifically, transition the FORESTER prototype to an operational configuration adding User specific capabilities, including: performance improvements, platform integration, flight test execution, and demonstration of the system on new platforms.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mike Price, a Syracuse broadcasting legend, as he retires after 46 years at NewsChannel 9 WSYR.

Mike began his career with Channel 9, then WIXT-TV, on September 2, 1962 just before the station went on air for the very first time. He quickly grew to earn a reputation for being an honest and good natured broadcaster who treated all people with deep respect. Mike rose to fame through his portrayal of the character ``Baron Daemon,'' a vampire that hosted late night horror shows. His character became so popular that the station added a late afternoon show titled ``Barron and his Buddies.'' Additionally, Mike recorded a popular single called ``The Transylvania Twist,'' which is played every Halloween. For 25 years, Mike was the anchor of ``Good News'' on NewsChannel 9, which recognized community happenings and school groups across the Syracuse area. Mike's hard work and dedication to NewsChannel 9 helped the station to reach the number one spot in local ratings.

Mike Price valiantly served his country for 30 years as a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, serving in the Persian Gulf War in 1991. He went on to produce a documentary about his experiences during this time that received several awards. Mike is a Syracuse native, attending Onondaga Valley Academy and Syracuse University. Additionally, he is the recipient of the Syracuse Press Club's Career Achievement Award. After undergoing open-heart surgery in 2001 and sharing his recovery with viewers, Mike has been an inspiration and a valuable resource to many who undergo the same treatment.

On behalf of the people of the 25th District of New York, I congratulate Mike on a wonderful career and wish him the best as he retires.

I thank him for his many decades of serving the Syracuse community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the West Genesee High School boys lacrosse team, 2008 Class A New York State Champions. With their 11-7 victory over Syosset High School on June 14, 2008 the West Genesee Wildcats won their 15th New York state title.

The road to the title was not an easy one for the West Genesee Wildcats. With an injury riddled line up the team had a bumpy start that included 3 losses and a drop to 17th in the state rankings. Many were skeptical that the Wildcats could reach the level of success that previous school teams had achieved, but the players and coaches set out to prove the skeptics wrong and ended the season on a 12 game win streak. West Genesee finished an outstanding season with an impressive record of 2l-3 and their 15th state championship is the most titles won by a New York state high school team in anyone sport.

On behalf of the people of the 25th District of New York, I congratulate Athletic Director Anthony Pascale, Head Coach Mike Messere, Assistant Coach Bob Deegan, and the players of the West Genesee High School boys lacrosse team: 2--Shane Martin, 3--Mike Fetterly, 4--Dylan Sabene, 5--Ryan McConnell, 6--Kevin Grome, 7--Jim Marks, 8--Tim Besio, 9--Matt McCabe, 10--Henry Luke Cometti, 11--Owen Alberts, 12--Mike Simiele, 13--Eric Mazzoni, 14--Garrett Ryan, 15--Joe Fazio, 16--Dylan Parker, 17--Jordan Rogers, 18--Eric Miccio, 19--Jaron Davie, 20--Ryan Barber, 21--John Glesener, 22--Ike Hopper, 23--Conor Regin, 24--PJ Hart, 25--Jack Conboy, 26--Ben Waldron, 27--Jack Kennedy, 28--Joe Fletcher, 29--Dan Stapleton, 30--Evan Mazzoni, 31--Steve Mahle, 32--Chris Burns, 33--Matt Lebduska, 34--Andrew Luczka, 35--Alex Iannicello, and 36--Chris Schneider.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the West Genesee High School Girls Lacrosse Team on their Class A New York State Championship victory. West Genesee defeated Farmingdale by a score of 13-12.

The Wildcats played an impressive game returning from a 10-12 deficit to take home another state title. This talented team has claimed victory in their last 48 straight games and was the only lacrosse team in all of New York State to post a perfect undefeated season.

On behalf of the people of New York's 25th Congressional District, I congratulate these young ladies on their outstanding athletic achievement and praise Athletic Director Anthony Pascale, Head Coach Bob Elmer and Assistant Coach Dan Hallinan on their team's success. I look forward to another exciting season of lacrosse and congratulate the Lady Wildcats: Davey Gallagher, Laura Lucchesi, Jeri Burke, Kellyn Savage, Lauren Corso, Kiersten Tupper, Maddie Farchione, Lindsay Vona, Amanda Cizenski, Bre Hudgins, Nicole Perkins, Amanda Corso, Maria DiFato, Emily Rozwood, Steph Dattellas, Ariel Kramer, Carley Motondo, Lauren Welch, Lauren Bianchi, Morgan Corso, Sarah Brown, Karlyn Tupper, Carly Graham, Nikki Greco, Jenny Perkins, and Kelly Fucillo.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Syracuse University Men's Lacrosse team, 2008 Division I NCAA National Champions. With their 13-10 victory over Johns Hopkins University on May 26, 2008, the Syracuse Orange won a record 10th National Championship.

The Syracuse Orange had an outstanding season, finishing with an impressive record of 16-2 with a perfect record at home. Their 16 wins ties a school record for most wins in a single season. Syracuse's championship season is especially amazing considering that the team went from a losing season last year, which resulted in missing the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1982, to winning the national title just one season later. The team had four players named to the 2008 All- Tournament team. Additionally, Steven Brooks and Mike Leveille of the Orange were named to the 2008 first-team All America. Mike Leveille was also named the winner of the 2008 Tewaarton Trophy, distinguishing him as the player of the year in men's college lacrosse.

On behalf of the people of the 25th district of New York, I congratulate Head Coach John Desko, Assistant Coaches Lelan Rogers, Roy Simmons III, Kevin Donahue and the players of the Syracuse University Men's Lacrosse Team:

Nate Tucker, Pat Perritt, Peter Coluccini, Matt Abbott, Jack Harmatuk, Max Bartig, Nathan Farabee, Al Cavalieri.

Jake Moulton, Josh Amidon, Kenny Nims, Joel White, Spencer Van Schaack, Steve Babbles, Chris Daniello, John Galloway.

Tim Desko, John Carrozza, Matt Tierney, Mike Leveille, Greg Niewieroski, Mike MacDonald, Dan Hardy, Jovan Miller.

Brendan Loftus, John Mecionis, Joe Coulter, Lincoln Cavalieri, Stephen Keogh, Derek Philipiak, Blair Koontz, Evan Brady.

Tim Harder, Sid Smith, Thomas Guadagnolo, Sean McGonigle, Jay Shaw, Tyler Hiawati, Josh Knight, TJ Murphy.

Danny Brennan, Jeff Gilbert, Kyle Guadagnolo, Brandon Conlin, Steven Brooks, Pat Nemes, Alex Giocondi, Anthony Bucco, Gavin Jenkinson.