Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the successes and achievements of William Pender who has received the Congressional Certificate of Merit award at Temple High School in Temple, Texas. William has shown exceptional leadership qualities through his involvement in numerous activities which makes him a great candidate for this award.

William is a member of the Temple High School Top Band, Wind Ensemble, and has played on the varsity Wildcat football team. William is a volunteer in the assisted nursing area of the VA Hospital in Temple. Through his volunteering for the VA, William has learned the importance of giving back to the men and women that serve our country.

I congratulate William Pender for his achievements in school and in his community and am proud to represent such talented and dedicated people in the District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 343, the Motion to Recommit H.R. 6049 with Instructions, I was unavoidably absent due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''.

On rollcall No. 344, on Passage of H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act, I was unavoidably absent due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no''.

On rollcall No. 345, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 1771, the Crane Conservation Act of 2008, as Amended, I was unavoidably absent due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no''.

On rollcall No. 346, on Passage of H.R. 2419, the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act, Objections of the President Not Withstanding, I was unavoidably absent due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''.

On rollcall No. 347, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3819, the Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2008 as Amended, I was unavoidably absent due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

On rollcall No. 348, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 5826, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008, I was unavoidably absent due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

On rollcall No. 349, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 5856, the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization and Lease Act, I was unavoidably absent due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the successes and achievements of Sydney Moore, who has received the Congressional Certificate of Merit award at Westwood High School in Austin, Texas. Sydney has shown exceptional leadership qualities through her involvement in numerous activities which makes her a great candidate for this award.

Sydney is a wholesome, bright, and energetic young woman. She has shown strong leadership abilities at home, in clubs, and in sports. She has earned the trust of her peers by being elected to a variety of positions on and off of the field, including Student Council and Miracle League.

I congratulate Sydney Moore for her achievements in school and in her community and am proud to represent such talented and dedicated people in the 31st District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to submit documentation consistent with the new Republican Earmark Standards.

Requesting Member: Congressman John R. Carter.

Bill Number: H.R. 5658--The Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009.

Account: Military Construction, Army.

Legal Name of Receiving Entity: Fort Hood, TX.

Address of Receiving Entity: U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Hood, Bldg. 1001, Rm W321, Fort Hood, TX 75544.

Description of Request: I have secured $18,288,000 in authorization funding in H.R. 5658 in the Military Construction, Army account for a Chapel with Religious Education Center project at Fort Hood, TX.

This project will construct a standard design chapel complex and religious education center. Primary facilities include a chapel complex, religious education center, administrative area, conference rooms, library, multipurpose activity area, kitchen and storage areas, fire alarm and fire suppression systems, connection to Installation Energy Management Control System (ECMS), and building information systems. Special foundations are required due to the expansive soils. Supporting facilities include electrical, water, sanitary sewer, and natural gas utilities; storm drainage; chilled water distribution; paving, walks, curbs and gutters; security lighting, information systems; landscaping and site improvements. Heating will be provided by self-contained natural gas units. Access for the handicapped will be provided. Comprehensive Interior Design package is required. Anti- terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) measures include mass notification system, structural reinforcement, special doors and windows, high curbing, and other measures to maintain stand-off distance.

Fort Hood, Texas is a strategic installation for the Army. This project was programmed to receive funding in Fiscal Year 2012, but was identified by the garrison commander as the highest unfunded priority in Fiscal Year 2009. The project is necessary to improve psychological and spiritual care for the soldiers and their families.

Military Construction projects are always 100% funded by the U.S. Federal government so there is no opportunity for matching funds.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the successes and achievements of Bobby Lindsey, who has received the Congressional Certificate of Merit award at Round Rock High School in Round Rock, Texas. Bobby has shown exceptional leadership qualities through his involvement in numerous activities which makes him a great candidate for this award.

Bobby has been involved in band throughout high school and is a volunteer and tutor for English as a second language students. Outside of school, Bobby works as a volunteer with people who are learning to speak English.

I congratulate Bobby Lindsey for his achievements in school and in his community and am proud to represent such talented and dedicated people in the 31st District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the successes and achievements of Karlynda Johnson, who has received the Congressional Certificate of Merit award at Killeen High School in Killeen, Texas. Karlynda has shown exceptional leadership qualities through her involvement in numerous activities which makes her a great candidate for this award.

Karlynda is involved in numerous volunteer activities such as Camp Celebration, the City of Nolanville, and she is a Book Room volunteer at her school. On top of all of her volunteer activities, Karlynda is one of the top students in her class of 385.

I congratulate Karlynda Johnson for her achievements in school and in her community and am proud to represent such talented and dedicated people in the 31st District of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 350, On Ordering the Previous Question, Providing for consideration of H.R. 5658, the Department of Defense Authorization, 2009, I was unavoidably absent due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 351, On Agreeing to the Resolution H. Res. 1218, Providing for consideration of H.R. 5658, the Department of Defense Authorization, 2009, I as unavoidably absent due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 352, On Motion To Table H. Res. 1221, I was unavoidably absent due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 353, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 6124, to provide for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through the fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes, I was unavoidably absent due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 354, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. 1194, Reaffirming the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, I was unavoidably absent due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I move to reconsider the vote by which the previous question was ordered on the resolution.

Motion to Table Offered by Mr. Welch of Vermont

Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I move to reconsider the vote.

Motion to Table Offered by Mr. Hastings of Florida

Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Thirtieth Quadrennial Convention of the Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas (SPJST), which will be held on June 8-11, 2008. For 111 years, SPJST has served as a fraternal organization and an educational tool for Czech immigrants to learn the democratic process, the value of free speech, and the importance of voting in their newly adopted homeland.

Today, there are more than 47,000 members of the SPJST in 120 lodges throughout the state of Texas. In recent years, SPJST has expanded to include youth activities and community service programs. As a result, many SPJST projects and members have been recognized by the Texas Fraternal Congress for their service and contribution to communities throughout Texas. SPJST has provided its members with identity and support throughout the years. In lodges all over the state of Texas members are committed to helping those in need by working in hospitals, providing scholarships, and supporting drug abuse programs and other charities. The members of SPJST have upheld the tradition of helping people to care for their families and their communities.

With its great commitment to its members, communities, and organizations that it serves, SPJST embodies the value and tradition of the great state of Texas.