Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information in regard to H.R. 3183, the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill.

Project Name: Wappapello Lake, MO

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: MRT--Operations and Maintenance

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Address of Requesting Entity: 101 Oak St. Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $5,416,000 for Wappapello Lake, MO MR&T Operations and Maintenance. This funding is for routine operation and maintenance, as well as work on U.S. Highway 67. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, MR&T Operations and Maintenance Account.

Project Name: Bois Brule Drainage and Levee District, MO

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: Construction

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Bois Brule Levee and Drainage District of Perry County, MO

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 347, Perryville, MO 63775

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $3,773,000 to continue work on a flood

damage reduction and deficiency correction project conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Approximately, $400,000 to award a contract for the Missouri Chute pump station; $420,000 to complete exploration and design of relief wells; $1,176,000 to construct 25 additional relief wells; and $1,777,000 to complete design and begin contracting for the completion of the remaining two pump stations. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Construction General Account.

Project Name: Cape Girardeau (Floodwall), MO

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: Construction

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Cape Girardeau

Address of Requesting Entity: 401 Independence Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $183,000 to continue work on a flood damage reduction project conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The $183,000 will be used to complete the rehabilitation of the floodwall. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Construction General Account.

Project Name: Clearwater Lake, MO (Seepage Control)

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: Operations & Maintenance

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Piedmont

Address of Requesting Entity: 115 West Green Street, Piedmont, MO 63957

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $40,000,000 for Clearwater Major Rehabilitation Project to continue work on a flood control project conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The $40,000,000 will be used to complete Phase I(b) construction and continue Phase II to construct a cutoff wall. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Construction General Account.

Project Name: Mississippi River Levees, AR, IL, KY, LA, MS, MO & TN

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: MRT--Construction

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission

Address of Requesting Entity: 105 E. North Main Street, Dexter, MO 63841

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $28,874,000 for Mississippi River Levees (MR&T) to continue work on flood protection projects conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Construction Account.

Project Name: St. John's Bayou and New Madrid Floodway, Missouri

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: MRT--Construction

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: St. John's Levee and Drainage District of Missouri

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 40, New Madrid, MO 63869

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $200,000 for the St. John's Bayou and New Madrid Floodway. This funding will be used to conduct NEPA activities. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, MR&T Construction Account.

Project Name: Clearwater Lake, Missouri

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: Operations and Maintenance

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Piedmont, Missouri

Address of Requesting Entity: 115 West Green Street, Piedmont, MO 63957

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $2,933,000 for Operation and Maintenance of Clearwater Lake. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Operations and Maintenance Account.

Project Name: St. Francis Basin, AR & MO

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: MRT--Operations and Maintenance

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Little River Drainage District

Address of Requesting Entity: 1440 Kurre Lane, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $6,243,000 for St. Francis River and Tributaries, AR & MO Maintenance. This funding will be used for land and damages, cultural resources, engineering, design, construction management and operate and maintain two pumping stations. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, MR&T Maintenance Account.

Project Name: Caruthersville Harbor, Missouri

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: Operations and Maintenance

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Pemiscot County Port Authority

Address of Requesting Entity: 619 Ward Avenue, Caruthersville, MO 63830

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $40,000 for Caruthersville Harbor for annual maintenance of the navigation channel conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Approximately $40,000 is for dredging the harbor to authorized levels. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Operations and Maintenance Account.

Project Name: New Madrid Harbor, Missouri

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: Operations and Maintenance

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: New Madrid County Port Authority

Address of Requesting Entity: 435 Main Street, New Madrid, MO 63869

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $90,000 for the New Madrid County Harbor for annual maintenance of the navigation channel conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Approximately $90,000 is for dredging the harbor. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Operations and Maintenance Account.

Project Name: New Madrid Harbor (Mile 889), Missouri

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: Operations and Maintenance

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of New Madrid, Missouri

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 96, New Madrid, MO 63869

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $40,000 for the New Madrid Harbor Mile 889 for annual maintenance of the navigation channel conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Approximately $40,000 will be used to dredge the harbor. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Operations and Maintenance Account.

Project Name: Little River Diversion, Dutchtown, Missouri

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: Section 205

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Little River Drainage District

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 159 Cape Girardeau, MO 63702

Description of Request: The Little River Diversion project will be funded at the discretion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, through Section 205 funds. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Section 205 account.

Project Name: Mississippi River Levees, AR, IL, KY, LA, MS, MO & TN

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: MRT-Operations and Maintenance

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission

Address of Requesting Entity: 105 E. North Main Street, Dexter, MO 63841

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $8,011,000 for Mississippi River Levees (MR&T) to continue work on flood protection projects conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Operations and Maintenance Account.

We really do hope that you will come. You will be amazed at not how badly we play at all, but how good we have become, and at how, as Debbie says, we have really come together as a team. We all know how to play softball. We are going to be playing some of the women of the Democratic and Republican National Committees. We are at least twice their age.

We will be doing it, as Debbie said, next week on Tuesday at 7:30 at Guy Mason Field. It is at 3600 Calvert Street NW at Calvert and Wisconsin behind the Vice President's house. We really, really want all of you to come.

We also want to thank all of our teammates. We have about 15 of us. We are pleased that we have also three of the men helping coach us. I think we won't let you down, and we really want you to come. There will be food there and good things to drink and eat.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information in regards to H.R. 2996, the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

Project Name: City of East Prairie, Missouri Stormwater and Sewer Infrastructure

Bill Number: H.R. 2996

Account: STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project

Requesting Entity: City of East Prairie, Missouri

Address of Requesting Entity: 219 N. Washington St., East Prairie, Missouri, 63845-1141

Description of Request: Provide an earmark in the amount of $200,000 to rebuild East Prairie, Missouri's wastewater and storm water infrastructure. The existing 84-year-old water infrastructure is crumbling under the streets due to sinkholes which have plagued the community. The sinkholes are destroying box culverts, which is posing a threat to streets and houses in East Prairie. The money procured will pay for the construction of new stormwater sewers. A minimum of 45% of the total project cost will come directly from the City of East Prairie, Missouri.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information in regards to H.R. 2997, the Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Requesting Member: Jo Ann Emerson

Bill Number: H.R. 2997

Account: National Institute of Food and Agriculture--SRG

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Missouri-Columbia

Address of Requesting Entity: 101 Park DeVille Drive, Suite E, Columbia, MO

Description of Request: Provide $1,139,000 for the Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute to provide objective, quantitative economic analysis of agricultural policy alternatives. Approximately $188,000 or 17% is to continue a cooperative agreement with the University of Wisconsin relating to dairy policy; $140,000 or 12% is to conduct analysis of rangeland, cattle and hay with the University of Nevada--Reno; $811,000 or 71% is to be divided between the University of Missouri and Iowa State University to provide a ten- year baseline and policy analysis for US and world agriculture.

Requesting Member: Jo Ann Emerson

Bill Number: H.R. 2997

Account: National Institute of Food and Agriculture--SRG

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Missouri-Columbia

Address of Requesting Entity: 101 Park DeVille Drive, Suite E, Columbia, MO

Description of Request: Provide $595,000 for the Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) and the Agricultural and Food Policy Center (AFPC) to provide Congress with information regarding farm financial risk and farm structure and the impacts of alternative agricultural policies on these factors. Approximately $244,000 or 41% is for FAPRI at the University of Missouri to provide stochastic and deterministic baseline and policy scenarios and $351,000 or 59% is for AFPC at Texas A&M University to provide representative farm analysis.

Requesting Member: Jo Ann Emerson

Bill Number: H.R. 2997

Account: National Institute of Food and Agriculture--SRG

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Missouri-Columbia Delta Research Center

Address of Requesting Entity: Highway 61, Portageville, MO 63873

Description of Request: Provide $174,000 for the University of Missouri--Delta Research Center to continue research on rice production in the mid-South. Approximately $140,610 will be for multiple personnel costs, $29,000 for materials and supplies, and $5,000 for other costs.

Requesting Member: Jo Ann Emerson

Bill Number: H.R. 2997

Account: National Institute of Food and Agriculture--SRG

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Missouri-Columbia

Address of Requesting Entity: 214 Middlebush Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211

Description of Request: Provide $835,000 for the Rural Policies Institute to provide unbiased analysis and information on the challenges, needs, and opportunities facing rural people and places; and to spur public dialogue and help policymakers understand the impacts of public policies and programs on rural people and places. Of the $835,000, $600,000 is for salaries and benefits, and the remaining $135,000 is for center investments, conferences and events, consultants, office expenses and travel.

Requesting Member: Jo Ann Emerson

Bill Number: H.R. 2997

Account: National Institute of Food and Agriculture--SRG

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Missouri-Columbia Delta Research Center

Address of Requesting Entity: Highway 61, Portageville, MO 63873

Description of Request: Provide $556,000 for continued soybean cyst nematode research at the University of Missouri--Delta Research Center. Of the $556,000, 85% is for salaries and benefits, the remaining 15% is for travel, supplies, and costs for a winter seed nursery.

Requesting Member: Jo Ann Emerson

Bill Number: H.R. 2997

Account: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Salaries and Expenses

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Bootheel Resource Conservation and Development, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: 18450 Ridgeview Lane, Dexter, MO 63841

Description of Request: Provide $207,000 to the USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services in Southeast Missouri. Of the $207,000, 80% would be utilized for salaries and benefits, 17% for APHIS-Wildlife Services program support and 3% for vehicle maintenance and fuel. A portion of the operating budget will also be provided by local municipalities, commodity organizations and university support.

Requesting Member: Jo Ann Emerson

Bill Number: H.R. 2997

Account: General Provision

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Congressional Hunger Center

Address of Requesting Entity: Hall of States Building, 400 North Capitol Street, N.W., Suite G100, Washington, DC 20001

Description of Request: Provide $2,500,000 for the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program and the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship Program. Of the $2,500,000 in funding 54% would be for salaries, benefits, healthcare and other costs associated with the Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program and 46% for similar costs associated with the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship Program.

Requesting Member: Jo Ann Emerson

Bill Number: H.R. 2997

Account: Agriculture Research Service--Salaries and Expenses

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry

Address of Requesting Entity: 203 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building, Columbia, Missouri 65211

Description of Request: Provide $660,000 to support research on viable alternative production and protection options to help revitalize the economic and environmental health of rural farms and communities in Missouri and surrounding states. Approximately, $438,882 [or 66%] is for salary and fringe to support professional track faculty, research associates, field research specialists, graduate and undergraduate students; $201,982 [or 31%] for materials and supplies in support of laboratory and field-based research on campus and at five MU farms and centers; $19,137 [or 3%] for travel.

Requesting Member: Jo Ann Emerson

Bill Number: H.R. 2997

Account: National Institute of Food and Agriculture--Research and Education Activities

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Center for Grapevine Biotechnology at Missouri State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 9740 Red Spring Road, Mountain Grove, Missouri 65711

Description of Request: Provide $422,000 to research the ability of wild grapevines to defend themselves against pathogens, and their capacity to synthesize health-promoting properties. Of the funds available 46% for salary and benefits, 21% for other direct costs including materials and supplies, and 25% for F&A.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information in regards to the Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill and the Fiscal Year 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.

Requesting Member: Representative Jo Ann Emerson

Bill: Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill

Account: OJP-Byrne

Requesting Entity: Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence

Address of Requesting Entity: 1106 Missouri Avenue, West Plains, Missouri 65775

Description of Request: To provide an earmark of $200,000 to the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence (SEMO NASV) to equip and staff an office in the Bootheel of Missouri to assist victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as support local law enforcement investigations. SEMO NASV provides services to over 700 adult and child victims of sexual and physical abuse. The organization serves a 10 county region in Southeastern Missouri. It plays a vital role in the process of convicting sex offenders, provides counseling and other services to victims. The funds will be spent as follows: $126,000 for personnel, $59,000 for equipment, $12,000 for office space, and $3,000 for training and travel.

Requesting Member: Representative Jo Ann Emerson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill.

Account: COPS-Meth

Requesting Entity: Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 1763, Sikeston, Missouri 63801

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $200,000 to supplement and support operations of the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force (SEMO DTF). SEMO DTF is a multijurisdictional drug task force unit that serves a 10-county area of Southeast Missouri. The unit conducts both covert and overt investigations into the possession, manufacture, and distribution of controlled substances. The funds will be spent as follows: $32,000 for personnel, $89,000 for overtime compensation, $66,000 for equipment, $4,500 for telecommunication services, $6,000 for supplies, and $2,500 for personnel expenses.

Requesting Member: Representative Jo Ann Emerson

Bill: Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill

Account: COPS-Meth

Requesting Entity: Mineral Area Drug Task Force/City of Leadington, Missouri

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 349, Farmington, MO 63640

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $200,000 to assist with funding Mineral Area Drug Task Force's enforcement efforts in locating, dismantling, and reducing the number of methamphetamine laboratories within the area of their operation. Approximately $124,000 is for the purchase of equipment to assist officers in their investigations, $36,000 is for overtime for officers assigned to methamphetamine investigations, $16,000 is for office and field supplies to assist officers in the preparation of reports and to provide supplies to facilitate the processing of clandestine labs, and $24,000 is for travel and training to equip officers with the knowledge to efficiently perform their duties.

Requesting Member: Representative Jo Ann Emerson

Bill: Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill

Account: COPS-Meth

Requesting Entity: Howell County, Missouri

Address of Requesting Entity: 1106 Missouri Avenue, West Plains, Missouri 65775

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $250,000 for the South Central Drug Task Force to enhance drug enforcement in project area. South Central Drug Task Force is a multijurisdictional drug enforcement task force, and an existing HIDTA initiative within Midwest HIDTA, comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers including nine Sheriffs Departments, Municipal Police Departments, Missouri State Highway Patrol, United States Forest Service, and United States Park Service. Approximately $50,000 in overtime funding for existing narcotics officers; $122,500 for technical surveillance and reporting equipment; $65,000 for civilian personnel/Intel analyst; and $12,500 for consumable supplies.

Requesting Member: Representative Jo Ann Emerson

Bill: Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill

Account: COPS-Law Enforcement Technology

Requesting Entity: St. Francois County, Missouri

Address of Requesting Entity: 102 Industrial Drive, Park Hills, MO 63601

Description of Request: Provide an earmark for the Southeast Missouri Law Enforcement District for $697,000 project for the following counties of the 8th Congressional District to acquire and greatly benefit from availability of a Law Enforcement Visual Tool: Iron, Washington, and Bollinger. Federal, state, and local agencies will have a common tool to jointly manage emergencies. The project enhances public safety, officer safety, by placing sophisticated geospatial intelligence information in the hands of emergency responders. The funding would be used as follows: $12,000 for project administration, $675,000 for image libraries, and $10,000 for equipment.

Requesting Member: Representative Jo Ann Emerson

Bill: Fiscal Year 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

Account: State and Local Programs

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Howell County Emergency Preparedness

Address of Requesting Entity: 3 Courthouse, West Plains, Missouri 65775

Description of Request: Provide an earmark for $250,000 for an Emergency Operations Center in West Plains, Missouri. The Emergency Operations Center will serve the residents of Howell County and surrounding counties in the region in case of any natural or man-made hazards. The funding is budgeted at approximately $7,275 for administrative and legal expenses; $81,000 for land, structures, right- of-ways, appraisals, etc.; $2,925 for project inspection and architectural and engineering fees; $153,175 for equipment, construction and miscellaneous items; $5,625 for contingencies.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor from H.R. 2072.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and thank my Chief of Staff, Lloyd Smith, for 28 years of service to the Emerson family and to the Eighth Congressional District. Since 1981, Lloyd has served the people of Southern Missouri and the institution of Congress. In the political landscape of our state, he is a fixture. His name is inseparable from the term of service first of my late husband Bill Emerson in Congress from 1981 to 1996 and then, from 1996 until now.

Lloyd has left the ranks of my staff from time to time in order to give others the benefit of his policy experience and political know- how. Those lucky to enlist him have never been the worse for it.

To my staff, Lloyd is their leader. He inspires them, rallies them, guides them and motivates them. He brings out the best in them, and though he shares in all of their successes he freely gives them all of the credit.

Though he is important to many people for many reasons, to me Lloyd is also a great and dear friend. I have long valued Lloyd's strategic mind, his intellect and his insight--which truly drive our congressional office. Lloyd thinks in terms of big ideas, but he never neglects the details. This combination of brave creativity and studious diligence is rare, and the easy smile and gentle charm of this man from East Prairie, Missouri, belies the depth of his dedication to the office.

And in thanking Lloyd for his years of service, I must also express my deepest gratitude to his wonderful wife, Marlys, and his three amazing children, Trista, Sam and Tiffany. They have made sacrifices, too, so their husband and father could work the long, stressful hours this job demands. They also share the credit for Lloyd's ability to stay positive and optimistic, week after week, year after year, decade after decade.

As he moves on to new challenges, I wish Lloyd the very best of luck. I cannot quantify the immense debt owed to him by Missouri's Eighth Congressional District, by this nation, and by me for his faithful service. I commend him to the U.S. House of Representatives today, and I thank him for his friendship always.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information in regards to H.R. 1105, the Consolidated Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009.

Requesting Member: Rep. Jo Ann Emerson

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: COPS-Meth

Requesting Entity: Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 1763, Sikeston, Missouri 63801

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $165,000 to supplement and support operations of the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force (SEMO DTF). SEMO DTF is a multi-jurisdictional drug task force unit that serves a 10 county area of Southeast Missouri. The unit conducts both cover and overt investigations into the possession, manufacture, and distribution of controlled substances. The funds will be spent as follows: $28,000 for personnel, $68,000 for overtime compensation, $60,000 for equipment, $2,500 for telecommunication services, $5,000 for supplies, and $1,500 for personnel expenses.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information in regards to H.R. 1105, the Consolidated Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009.

Project Name: Bois Brule Drainage and Levee District, MO Bill Number:

Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to speak on the Financial Services and General Government section of the omnibus.

The bill includes $22.7 billion for this subcommittee, which is an increase of almost 10 percent above the fiscal year 2008 level. Nearly every account in the bill is funded at or above the budget request. If you will look closely at this $410 billion legislation, you will see most of the bill provides operational funding for government agencies, not program funding for grants or other services.

I am very concerned that this bill focuses on the Federal bureaucracy at the expense of the bricks-and-mortar projects we need to fund to spark our economy. Even within the areas of spending on infrastructure, I harbor concerns.

One example is the funding provided for the GSA. In the stimulus bill just passed by the House last week, GSA received $5.6 billion for the construction and alterations of Federal buildings. This bill provides GSA with another $1.4 billion for construction and alterations. In the last fiscal year, GSA only received a total of $1.4 billion for all of these activities. This year, they will receive a total of $7 billion.

We have all had experience with GSA projects in our districts. Does anyone really believe they have the contracting, program management, building engineering expertise to effectively manage $7 billion of new projects in 1 year?

I also note that the bill includes language prohibiting new District of Columbia students from eligibility for Opportunity Scholarships and stating that the program will be terminated after the 2009-2010 school year unless the authorization is extended. The Opportunity Scholarship Program provides close to 2,000 disadvantaged children the opportunity to attend private schools in the Nation's capital. All of these students who don't have the means to pay private tuition beyond the 2009-2010 school year will be forced

out of the schools they and their parents have chosen. These children are from some of the poorest families in the District of Columbia. They have average incomes of approximately $23,000 per year.

Mayor Fenty and Chancellor Rhee are to be commended for their heroic reform efforts. However, the D.C. public school system is still the only place in the country where I, personally, support school vouchers. D.C. is still struggling to improve student achievement and to address school violence. Now isn't the time to limit academic choice for D.C.'s poorest families. I look forward to working with Chairman Serrano during the coming year to ensure that the families in the District of Columbia have the academic opportunities they need.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information in regards to H.R. 1105, the Consolidated Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009.

Project Name: Route 67 Poplar Bluff Industrial Park Bypass.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Account: Transportation & Community & System Preservation.

Requesting Entity: Missouri Department of Transportation.

Address of Requesting Entity: 105 West Capitol, P.O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $665,000 to construct of a new bypass and acquire right of way access to improve the roadway safety conditions and congestion at the Poplar Bluff Industrial Park on Route 67. The State of Missouri will provide a 20% match. All federal funds received will be spent on the Poplar Bluff Industrial Bypass and will not be transferred to another project.

Project Name: Route 160 in Taney County, Missouri Safety Improvements.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Account: Transportation & Community & System Preservation.

Requesting Entity: Missouri Department of Transportation.

Address of Requesting Entity: 105 West Capitol, P.O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $665,000 for improvements to the design of Route 160 in Taney County, Missouri. The earmark will also address safety conditions along this dangerous stretch of roadway. The State of Missouri will provide 20% to match the federal contribution. All federal funds received will be spent on safety and roadway improvements on Route 160 in Taney County, Missouri and will not be transferred to another project.

Project Name: Chester Bridge in Perry County, Missouri Bridge Repair.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Account: Transportation & Community & System Preservation.

Requesting Entity: Missouri Department of Transportation.

Address of Requesting Entity: 105 West Capitol, P.O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $475,000 to rehabilitate the Chester Bridge which traverses the Mississippi River from Perry County, Missouri to Randolph County, Illinois. The bridge is vital to the region's transportation needs. The State of Missouri will provide 20% to match the federal contribution. All federal funds received will be spent on rehabilitation of the Chester Bridge and will not be transferred to another project.

Project Name: Farmington Airport Parallel Taxi-way.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Account: Airport Improvement Program.

Requesting Entity: Missouri Department of Transportation.

Address of Requesting Entity: 105 West Capitol, P.O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $855,000 for the construction of a taxi-way parallel to the main runway. The funds would also be used towards the reconstruction of the airport terminal to address the needs of general and corporate aviation. The State of Missouri will provide 10% to match the federal contribution. All federal funds received will be spent on the construction of a taxi-way and rebuilding a terminal. These funds will not be transferred to another project.

Project Name: Route 63 Phelps, Maries, Osage Counties.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Account: Transportation, Community, and System Preservation.

Requesting Entity: Missouri Department of Transportation.

Address of Requesting Entity: 105 West Capitol, P.O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $332,500 for right of way improvements and an environmental study to the narrow portion of Route 63 in Phelps, Maries, and Osage Counties. This project with improve the overall safety of the roadway. The State of Missouri will provide 20% to match the federal contribution. All federal funds received will be spent on right of way improvements and an environmental study. None of these funds will be transferred to another project.

Project Name: BJC Mental Health for Youth Offenders.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Account: OJP--Juvenile Justice.

Requesting Entity: BJC Behavioral Health.

Address of Requesting Entity: 1085 Maple Street, Farmington, Missouri 63450.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $900,000 for a program that will target offenders under the age of 18 that are in need of mental health services. The program will serve the Missouri counties of St. Francois and Washington. The $900,000 will be used for operations cost to start up the program, including nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals. BJC will provide support to state and local governments, therefore no match is required.

Project Name: Mineral Area Drug Task Force.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Account: COPS-Meth.

Requesting Entity: City of Leadington, Missouri.

Address of Requesting Entity: 12 Weir Street, Leadington, Missouri 63601.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $205,000 to assist with funding Mineral Area Drug Task Force's enforcement efforts in locating, dismantling, and reducing the number of methamphetamine laboratories within the area of their operation. Approximately $93,800 is for the purchase of equipment to assist officers in their investigations, $60,600 is for overtime for officers assigned to methamphetamine investigations, $36,100 is for office and field supplies to assist officers in the preparation of reports and to provide supplies to facilitate the processing of clandestine labs, and $14,500 is for travel and training to equip officers with the knowledge to efficiently perform their duties.

Project Name: Visual Intelligence Tool for Southern Missouri.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Account: COPS-Law Enforcement Technology.

Requesting Entity: Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Council.

Address of Requesting Entity: 3019 Fair Street, Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark for the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Council for $1,030,000 project for the following counties of the 8th Congressional District to acquire and greatly benefit from availability of a Law Enforcement Visual Tool: Ripley, Wayne, Carter, Wright, and Texas. Federal, state, and local agencies will have a common tool to jointly manage emergencies. The project enhances public safety and officer safety by placing sophisticated geospatial intelligence information in the hands of emergency responders. The funding would be used as follows: $50,000 for project administration, $800,875 for image libraries, and $180,000 for installation, training and customer support.

Project Name: South Central Drug Task Force.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Account: COPS-Meth.

Requesting Entity: Howell County, Missouri.

Address of Requesting Entity: 1106 Missouri Avenue, West Plains, Missouri 65775.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $250,000 for the South Central Drug Task Force to enhance drug enforcement in project area. South Central Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement task force comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. Funds will be spend as follows: approximately $50,000 in overtime funding for existing narcotics officers; $122,500 for technical surveillance and reporting equipment; $65,000 for civilian personnel/Intel analyst; and $12,500 for supplies.

Project Name: City of East Prairie, Missouri Stormwater and Sewer Infrastructure.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Account: STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project.

Requesting Entity: City of East Prairie, Missouri.

Address of Requesting Entity: 219 N. Washington St., East Prairie, Missouri, 63845-1141.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark in the amount of $200,000 to rebuild East Prairie, Missouri's wastewater and storm water infrastructure. The existing 83-year-old water infrastructure is crumbling under the streets due to sinkholes which have plagued the community. The sinkholes are destroying box culverts, which is posing a threat to streets and houses in East Prairie. The money procured will pay for engineering design and engineering inspection for new storm water sewers. A minimum of 45% of the total project cost will come directly from the City of East Prairie, Missouri.

Project Name: City of Hartville Water and Wastewater repairs.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Account: STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project.

Requesting Entity: City of Hartville, Missouri.

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 37, Hartville, Missouri, 65667.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $138,000 to make public health related improvements to the city's wastewater collection system. The existing water infrastructure in Hartville is aging and too small to address the needs of the community. The funds will pay for a new force main and bore, new gravity sewer piping, and a new duplex lift station with redundant power. A minimum of 45% of the total project cost will come directly from the City of Hartville.

Project Name: Mark Twain National Forest Meth Prevention.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Account: National Forest System.

Requesting Entity: Howell County, Missouri.

Address of Requesting Entity: 1106 Missouri Avenue, West Plains, Missouri 65775.

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $492,000 to enhance methamphetamine prevention and enforcement efforts on Mark Twain National Forest. Approximately $300,000 directed toward cooperative law enforcement (CLE) agreements; $125,000 for assigned Forest Service salary/fringe; and $67,000 for vehicle, travel, supply, and support of assigned Forest Service personnel. Cooperative law enforcement agreements allow for needed funding and resources required of rural Missouri law enforcement agencies for improved communication, intelligence sharing, and interagency coordination regarding drug prevention and enforcement efforts within the proclamation boundaries of the Mark Twain National Forest. Cooperative efforts with the following counties agencies have proven successful in the past and remain a high priority for drug enforcement efforts in the Mark Twain National Forest: Barry, Carter, Christian, Douglas, Iron, Madison, Oregon, Ozark, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon, Stone, Taney, Texas, Washington, and Wayne Counties; and South Central Drug Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional drug task force covering roughly the same area.

Project Name: Missouri Bootheel Regional Consortium, Portageville, MO for the Fatherhood First program.

Bill Number: H.R. 1105.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Missouri Bootheel Regional Consortium.

Address of Requesting Entity: 46 State Hwy. 162 East, Portageville,

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Gary Stilts, Wappapello Lake Operations Manage for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Stilts is retiring this week after a long and distinguished career of more than 30 years of federal service. Nearly 28 of those years have been in the service of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake in the Eighth Congressional District.

During his time at Wappapello, Mr. Stilts has dramatically improved public access to the natural resources offered at the lake, and he has forged key local partnerships that enabled the placement of fishing piers, access points, and a fish cleaning station at the lake. Major flood control improvements and an important transportation infrastructure project have been implemented at Wappapello Lake during his term of service as well.

The remarkable thing about Mr. Stilts has been his ability to make Wappapello Lake a true member of the local community. The lake is important to families, for recreation, and to businesses, for the tourism it draws. Under Mr. Stilts's leadership, Wappapello Lake twice won the Natural Resources Project of the Year Award, in 1999 and again in 2008.

In a district with as many acres of fields, forests and, yes, lakes, as the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri, good stewardship is at the pinnacle of importance. Mr. Stilts has left his mark on Wappapello Lake and the surrounding area by first and foremost being a good steward. His hard work and good advocacy for Wappapello Lake have made it an important fixture on the list of the very best natural resources in our state. I wish him the best in his retirement and thank him for his excellent service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and to the citizens of the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Daughters of Sunset, an active group of leaders in Sikeston, Missouri, devoted to the improvement of our community. The Daughters of Sunset were founded in 1984, and this year they celebrate their 25th anniversary.

In southern Missouri, we are very fortunate to have many organizations that serve their neighbors and create opportunities for young Americans. One of the cornerstones of the Daughters of Sunset is a scholarship program that enables young people in Sikeston to achieve the dream of attending college. It's truly a program that opens doors to talented students that would never be available to them otherwise. Even better, the recipients of the Daughters of Sunset scholarship often take the lesson of this local support to heart; they stay in southern Missouri to put their educations to work and give back to the community that sent them to college.

The philosophy of the Daughters of Sunset is grounded in community service. They seek out opportunities to recognize the service of others, and they are recognized throughout the community as a reliable friend to any neighbor in need of a helping hand.

We are fortunate to have the Daughters of Sunset in Sikeston, and I am very proud to congratulate them on 25 years of service to the Eighth Congressional District and to commend them to the U.S. House of Representatives for all of their good works.

Mr. Speaker, the American economy is in dire straits and our constituents are looking to us to act. This is a moment when we should be coming together, putting party differences aside, and crafting responsible legislation that will both solve the problem and unite the country. I do not believe H.R. 1 is this legislation.

I am also disappointed that this conference was so small--with only five Members from the House--that it could have been conducted around the dining room table of my house in Cape Girardeau. It was so brief that it could have been over before I had the chance to make coffee for everyone.

Despite the promises of bipartisanship made at the outset, this legislation has been constructed and finished behind closed doors. The motion to instruct conferees we passed here unanimously gave members of this House 48 hours to review the bill before we vote. We got 14.

The American economy is hurting, families in my district in Southern Missouri are hurting, and we are applying a code of priorities here that doesn't fit the crisis we're facing. These funds should go to the people and places with the greatest potential to create jobs and improve the economy. This bill deviates from that mission while better solutions have been largely ignored.

Regarding the contents of the Financial Services portion of the conference report, I am pleased it reduces funding below both the House and Senate levels. However, $6.9 billion for the Financial Services Subcommittee is still too much.

GSA will get $5.5 billion to build and renovate new Federal buildings and ports of entry. However, in fiscal year 2008, GSA received a total appropriation of only $1.4 billion for construction and renovations. This is a huge windfall for an agency that, in my opinion, already has a hard time managing its regular budget.

The Accountability and Transparency Board created by this bill was provided $14 million in the House bill, and $7 million in the Senate bill. The funding for the Board in this conference report mysteriously increases to $84 million. Even though this is called a ``transparency'' board, as the Ranking Member, I do not know how or why the funding increases by 600 percent over the House bill. Maybe these funds are needed, but no one on my side of the aisle knows who asked for this funding or how it will be spent.

Madam Speaker, first, I would like to say that I hope this bill can be vastly improved in the conference committee.

While much has been said about the Senate cuts, their version of the bill still costs $838 billion, which is a $20 billion increase over the House-passed bill of $819 billion.

Also, with regard to the Financial Services section of the recovery bill, and particularly since I am a new ranking member, I am disappointed that neither I nor the minority's committee staff were given an opportunity to consult with the majority members or staff before the bill was produced and unveiled on the Internet. I hope that this practice won't continue as this stimulus bill is negotiated with the Senate and as the committee begins its work for fiscal year 2010.

With regard to the motion to instruct before us, it simply asks that the House conferees not approve of the final conference agreement until the text of the legislation has been available in an electronic, searchable, and downloadable form for at least 48 hours prior to voting on the final agreement. I think this is a simple request, and it is a simple request that ensures American people have an opportunity to review the bill and contact their representatives regarding its content. I believe, and I think all of us believe, that our constituents have a right to see the bill before it is voted out of conference and it is no longer amendable.