Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, this program needs to be reauthorized. I represent northeastern California, which is one of the top recipients of money under this Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act, which expired a couple of years ago. Just to give you an example, Plumas County School District in my district receives roughly 20 percent of their annual operating budget from these funds. Without this money, the county is prepared to lay off 9 out of the 16 administrators; 47 teachers out of a total of 150; close all school libraries; possibly close some or all cafeterias; and cut transportation services. Another county adjoining Plumas that I represent is Sierra. They would need to lay off nearly 40 percent of their teachers and administrators.

Today's bill will not become law and therefore does nothing to support our rural counties. We cannot continue to go from year to year without this being resolved. In California, if you don't have the funding assured, layoff notices are sent off by March 15 of the year. For the second year in a row, those layoff notices have already gone out. We lose valuable teachers that do not come back once the funding has been restored.

This debate should be about schools and public infrastructure, not used as fodder to drive an anti-oil agenda. This process that we are using is deplorable. We were told that PILT would be included, but it was stripped out of the bill on its way to the floor. We were told there would be an acceptable offset, not one that has been rejected on three previous occasions by the U.S. Senate. But there is none.

We are also considering this bill under suspension of the bills, denying the minority a right to offer an alternative and preventing any Member from offering alternative offsets. A compromise has been offered and rejected.

For this reason, I would urge defeat of the bill.

General Leave

Madam Speaker, today I stand to recognize an outstanding public servant in my district. She is a woman who has dedicated her life to not only raising her own three children, but also teaching and nurturing many children in her community. I wish to recognize Marilyn Spiegel, who was recently named Teacher of the Year in the San Juan Unified School District.

As a sixth grade teacher at Earl Le Gette Elementary School, Marilyn has touched countless lives, both directly and indirectly. She began teaching in 1998 after a successful career as a professional chemist and parasitologist. After being an active parent volunteer in her sons' classrooms, she decided to obtain a teaching credential and share her passion for science with students. Voluntarily and independently, Marilyn developed a creative energy program designed to enhance a student's understanding of science and the environment through innovative teaching ideas. In the last six years, she has secured nearly $30,000 in educational grants for her energy education program. This program has inspired students to examine the role of energy in our Nation and how it relates to their individual lives. Unselfishly, Marilyn continues to share her grant information and educational program with teachers from other schools.

In her spare time, Marilyn serves on the San Juan Unified School District's science adoption committee and the California Department of Education's content review panel for the STAR exam. She is also an active member of the Le Gette teacher/student guitar ensemble, and continues to offer before-school, after-school, and lunch-time tutoring.

Marilyn has earned praise from students, parents, and colleagues for her inspirational style of teaching. In fact, the Teacher of the Year Award process begins with a parent nomination. She sets clear boundaries for the children and reinforces positive behavior through praise. ``I treat students with respect, I hold them accountable, and I challenge them,'' wrote Marilyn in her application. ``I do not accept wasted time and talent. I celebrate their success and help shoulder their disappointments and sorrow.'' Marilyn has the ability to motivate students beyond their natural abilities and helps them reach their greatest potential.

As we continue searching for ways to better the educational system, we need to look at the positive things happening in schools across the country. I believe that Marilyn Spiegel is an excellent example of what is right with America's schools. Congratulations to my friend Marilyn Spiegel, the San Juan Unified School District Teacher of the Year.

Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

Requesting Member: Representative John T. Doolittle.

Bill Number: H.R. 5658.

Account: Air Force--RDT&E, AEROSPACE PROPULSION.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Aerojet-General Corp.

Address of Requesting Entity: Highway 50 & Aerojet Rd., Rancho Cordova, CA 95742.

Description of Request: An increase of $3,000,000 for Air Force RDTE Line Aerospace Propulsion for Hydrocarbon Boost Technology Demonstrator. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL, Edwards AFB) has initiated a Hydrocarbon Boost Technology Demonstrator program to provide the United States with a liquid hydrocarbon rocket engine to power the next generation of launch vehicles for assured access of critical national security payloads. Instead of a hydrocarbon fuel, most American liquid engines in large thrust classes use liquid oxygen and hydrogen propellants. Cryogenic hydrogen is costly to produce. It is also difficult to work with compared to hydrocarbon fuels due to its extremely low storage temperature requirement and launch operations safety concerns. Furthermore, the propellant properties and very cold temperatures reduce the life of the materials involved and make low cost, rapid turnaround reusable applications nearly impossible. Hydrocarbon liquid rocket engines ultimately derived from the advanced technology developed and demonstrated in the Hydrocarbon Booster Technology Demonstrator program will not only provide the highest performing hydrocarbon engines ever developed in the United States, but also will provide higher operability, lower costs and greater safety with higher reliability than any liquid booster engine ever made in the U.S. and perhaps the world. The funding would be used for Ox Rich Preburner and Turbopump concept designs.

Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

Requesting Member: Representative John T. Doolittle.

Bill Number: H.R. 5658.

Account: Report Language.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Herlong Public Utilities District, Lassen County Board of Supervisors, Ft. Sage Unified School District, Susanville Indian Rancheria.

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 515, Herlong, CA 96113-0515.

Description of Request: Request that the Army promptly review the Herlong Public Utilities District (HPUD) proposal to privatize the water utility at Sierra Army Depot (Depot) and to convey the utility and offset the costs of the project if it is in the government's best interests. Currently, the Depot provides drinking water to the community of Herlong, and is not in compliance with State of California drinking water standards. Conveying the water utility to HPUD would save approximately $4.5 million of the $12 million currently estimated to bring the Depot into compliance with California State water standards. As HPUD is a local governmental entity, the matching requirement is not applicable.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Bill Santucci, who sadly passed away on May 7, 2008. Bill was a lifelong resident of Roseville, CA, and served his community for over 20 years as an elected official. His vision and leadership in the city of Roseville and Placer County enabled the region to accommodate a period of rapid growth and improve the quality of life for residents in the area.

In Roseville, Bill served on and chaired both the Roseville Project Review Committee and the Roseville Planning Commission. He also served for a year on Roseville's personnel board. Bill was first appointed and then elected to the Roseville City Council for two terms, including four years as Mayor. In 1988, after raising over $30,000 for their work, the American Cancer Society named Bill Man of the Year. Then in 1990, the Roseville Sons of Italy Lodge named Bill Citizen of the Year.

Bill Santucci was first elected to the Placer County Board of Supervisors in 1995. He served on the board for 12 years, serving as board chair twice. Bill's effectiveness and support were evident, as he ran unopposed for re-election in 1998 and 2002. As a county supervisor, Bill consistently championed the needs of his constituents while also being a strong advocate for the interests of the county as a whole. Bill's impact as a community leader was immediately apparent, as he aided residents whose homes were flooded shortly after he took office by raising the elevation of homes in flood zones and ensuring that new homes would not be vulnerable to flooding. Bill understood the importance of a solid infrastructure, helping the smaller towns he represented to install sewer lines and working to secure Federal funding for important transportation projects. He was also an advocate for the preservation of open space throughout the county, working to construct new parks.

On June 25, Bill will be honored as the new Justice Center in Roseville is dedicated in his name. This is a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life making Placer County a better place to live, work, and visit. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's wife, Norma and his son, David. Bill's accomplishments will carry on, and his example will benefit the region for years to come.

Madam Speaker, today I wish to join with the City of Oroville, California. in celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Oroville State Theater.

Dedicated on April 7, 1928, the Oroville State Theater has served as an integral part of downtown Oroville. Designed by Timothy L. Pflueger, one of the leading architects of the 1920s, the facility is now recognized in the National Historical Register.

The theater was originally designed for fine vaudeville acts and films. It was one of the last ``Movie Palaces'' built for both live and film entertainment. Although movies became the main staple, live performances, talent shows, war bond drives, and school graduations continued to take place within the theater.

The Oroville State Theater underwent significant remodeling at the direction of United Artists. Much of the theater's original 1928 architectural details, including the magnificent flag sign and marquee, were either removed or covered. In 1986, United Artists notified the city of its intent to close and sell the theater. Rather than have a vacant building downtown, the city viewed the pending closure as an opportunity to fill a longstanding need for a community performance center.

Since 1986, the Oroville State Theater has undergone a significant renovation with the goal of returning the facility to its original 1928 operating condition. Subsequently, these renovations have brought back some of the building's most interesting visual features, including the facade along Myers Street. The extensive improvements have occurred because of strong support by volunteers, business and community organizations.

On April 5, 2008, we will all celebrate the theater's 80th anniversary with an event that will replicate much of the program from its original ``Grand Opening,'' including a silent movie with live theater organ accompaniment. Without question, the community support of the Oroville State Theater continues to be the backbone of this longstanding community tradition. With the efforts put forth by so many, they have ensured that the curtain will not fall for their theater, but usher in a new era of theatrical performances.

Madam Speaker, today I wish to express my warm thanks, congratulations, and best wishes to William (Bill) Dennison. Mr. Dennison is being recognized by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and will be the recipient of its highest honor, the Francis H. Raymond Award for his 30 years of service and commitment to the California forest industry.

After being raised in rural northern California, Mr. Dennison earned a bachelor of science degree in forestry from the University of California, Berkeley in 1959. Bill's passion for the forest began while working for the Diamond Match Lumber Company in Stirling City, and within a few short years, he became a registered professional forester.

Mr. Dennison's knowledge and leadership in the forest industry set him apart from others and quickly qualified him to take the reins as the vice president and later president of the California Forestry Association (CFA). During his 14 year tenure, Bill represented the industry both in Sacramento and Washington, DC, and was able to navigate CFA through some of the most difficult forest management issues it ever faced.

Throughout his career, Mr. Dennison has distinguished himself as a visionary leader with the ability to educate the public on the value that California forest products provide. Bill was a critical member of the Quincy Library Group, helped organize the National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition and later served as the Executive Director of the Sierra Cascade Logging Conference.

Although Mr. Dennison's accomplishments in the forest industry are legendary, his greatest legacy may be his commitment to advancing forestry education programs and creating a network of forest community organizations known as the Alliance for Environment and Resources that are today the model throughout the country.

Most recently, Mr. Dennison served as the Third District Supervisor for Plumas County. He quickly became a national leader on resource conservation, water quality and rural management issues while serving as Chairman of the Public Lands Steering Committee for the National Association of Counties.

Bill has served on numerous boards and commissions and has received dozens of community and national awards including: the Plaque of Commendation by the National Forest Products Association; Award of Appreciation for Services by the National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition; and my favorite, selected twice with his wife Pat, as the Grand Marshall for the Chester Rotary Club Fourth of July Parade.

It is with deep respect and personal gratitude that I thank Bill Dennison for his service to the forest industry and to the citizens of Northern California.

Madam Speaker, today I wish to express my warm thanks, congratulations, and best wishes to William (Bill) Dennison. Mr. Dennison is being recognized by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and will be the recipient of its highest honor, the Francis H. Raymond Award for his 30 years of service and commitment to the California forest industry.

After being raised in rural Northern California, Mr. Dennison earned a bachelor of science degree in forestry from the University of California, Berkeley in 1959. Bill's passion for the forest began while working for the Diamond Match Lumber Company in Stirling City, and within a few short years, he became a registered professional forester.

Mr. Dennison's knowledge and leadership in the forest industry set him apart from others and quickly qualified him to take the reins as the vice president and later president of the California Forestry Association (CFA). During his 14 year tenure, Bill represented the industry both in Sacramento and Washington, DC, and was able to navigate CFA through some of the most difficult forest management issues it ever faced.

Throughout his career, Mr. Dennison has distinguished himself as a visionary leader with the ability to educate the public on the value that California forest products provide. Bill was a critical member of the Quincy Library Group, helped organize the National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition and later served as the executive director of the Sierra Cascade Logging Conference.

Although Mr. Dennison's accomplishments in the forest industry are legendary, his greatest legacy may be his commitment to advancing forestry education programs and creating a network of forest community organizations known as the Alliance for Environment and Resources that are today the model throughout the country.

Most recently, Mr. Dennison served as the Third District supervisor for Plumas County. He quickly became a national leader on resource conservation, water quality and rural management issues while serving as chairman of the Public Lands Steering Committee for the National Association of Counties.

Bill has served on numerous boards and commissions and has received dozens of community and national awards including: the Plaque of Commendation by the National Forest Products Association; Award of Appreciation for Services by the National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition; and my favorite, selected twice with his wife Pat, as the Grand Marshall for the Chester Rotary Club Fourth of July Parade.

It is with deep respect and personal gratitude that I thank Bill Dennison for his service to the forest industry and to the citizens of Northern California.

Madam Speaker, on August 18, 2007, Placer County Sheriff's Deputy Jeff Williams and California Highway Patrol Officer Michael Ketterer responded to the call of a woman who was about to commit suicide. The woman planned to jump from the Foresthill Bridge, which at 730 feet tall is the third highest bridge in the country.

Upon arrival, Deputy Williams and Officer Ketterer were met by Mr. Michael Owens, who was attempting to calm the woman until help arrived. When the officers approached the woman, they realized she had climbed over the rail of the bridge and was hanging by her hands while her feet dangled beneath her. Exhibiting extraordinary bravery, Deputy Williams reached through the rail and grabbed the woman's left arm while the two other men assisted in attempting to pull the woman to safety. In doing so, all three men risked their own lives by leaning over the side of the bridge safety rail in order to rescue the woman from certain harm.

I would like to commend Deputy Jeff Williams for his heroic efforts. A graduate of Sierra College who currently resides in Roseville, CA with his wife Maria, Deputy Williams is an asset to his community and deserves to be praised for his selflessness and bravery.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that 80 days into the fiscal year, the House has passed a budget that remains within the spending limits set by the President and contains essential funding for our soldiers serving in Iraq. Furthermore, I am glad several projects within the Fourth Congressional District are included in the final version of the bill. These projects are important to the people within my district, and will provide essential funding for new highway infrastructures, wastewater treatment facilities, and law enforcement upgrades, as well as other important projects. In addition, I am pleased at what this bill does not contain; harmful policy riders that would have opened the door for American tax dollars to be spent on abortions for citizens of foreign nations, and those that would tie the hands of our military leaders in Iraq.

However, I could not support this legislation due to the harm it causes to the completion of the border fence, which was authorized by Congress in the passage of the Secure Fence Act of 2006. Congress sent a clear message that a border fence should be constructed when it passed the Secure Fence Act. Specifically, it mandated the construction of 700 miles of fence along our southwestern border. Instead of building on this legislation, provisions in the omnibus increase bureaucratic

roadblocks, create new restrictions for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and repeal important measures that were signed into law in the 2006 bill.

In particular, a provision in the omnibus gives DHS the discretion on whether or not to build a fence, essentially eliminating the central tenet of the Secure Fence Act, which specifies locations where a fence shall be built. I am also deeply concerned that restrictions included in the omnibus, such as eliminating the authority of DHS to identify additional areas for fencing at the end of 2008 and requiring an onerous analysis of each 15 miles of planned fencing, will essentially end the project before the fence will be completed.

In addition to this harmful language, a provision in the omnibus requires that in locations where a border fence will be constructed, DHS must abide by excessive consultation and reporting requirements, thereby placing further bureaucratic roadblocks in front of an already delayed process. This language will require DHS to consult with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, Indian tribes, and landowners to minimize the impact on the environment, culture, commerce, and quality of life near where the fence will be constructed. However, while requiring this excessive consultation to be completed, this provision gives no guidance as to when the consultation can be determined to be completed and construction can begin.

Americans should not have to sacrifice border security for the passage of the fiscal budget. It is my hope that Congress will readdress this issue when it reconvenes in January and correct these provisions to ensure a border fence will be completed.

Mr. Speaker. I am deeply disappointed that the final version of H.R. 6, passed today by the House, did not contain a reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act, which compensates counties for the large amounts of land the Federal Government took from them to create the National Forest System. This loss of land weakened the counties' tax bases, leaving them without adequate funding to provide basic public services such as schools and roads. The county payments authorized under the act fulfill a promise the Federal Government made when the land was seized. As the first session of the 110th Congress draws to a close, leaving these payments to expire, that promise is once again being broken, and the basic public infrastructures of our rural counties are left to suffer.

In California, State law requires that layoff notices be issued to teachers and administrators by March 15 if the proper resources are not available in their budgets. Once layoff notices are issued, schools begin to experience adverse effects of the funding shortage even if the money is eventually recovered, which was the case this year. This means Congress will have a very short time to act in the new year, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for passing legislation that fulfills our commitment to rural counties. This language should have remained in the energy bill currently before Congress, and its omission is the primary reason for my opposition to the bill.

In addition to the harm that is caused by failing to provide county payments in this bill, I am concerned that the bill excludes biomass from Federal lands as an alternative source of fuel. Much of my district is owned by the United States Forest Service, and these areas are prone to wildfires due to the large buildup of forest fuels. I have encouraged the removal of these materials, which serves the duel purpose of providing energy produced at nearby biomass plants and making our forests less prone to catastrophic wildfires. By exempting biomass from Federal lands as a source of alternative energy, H.R. 6 misses an opportunity to exploit a large source of alternative fuels while leaving our forests vulnerable to great harm from potential wildfires.

It is imperative that Congress pass legislation to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act before school boards meet in February to discuss where cuts must be made. Furthermore, we must encourage development of alternative fuels such as biomass which are abundant and carry with them additional benefits. H.R. 6 misses an opportunity to accomplish both those goals.

Madam Speaker, on September 29, 2005, emergency flight nurses Erin Reed, Lois Suzuki and pilot Steve Smith gave their lives when their helicopter lost ontrol in inclement weather conditions after delivering a patient to a nearby hospital. This accident, like many of the increasing number of emergency medical service (EMS) fatal crashes, occurred under so-called ``Part 91'' regulations, which allow an EMS crew to fly in conditions which are more dangerous than what is permitted when a patient or an organ is on board.

Since her death, Erin's family has joined a coalition of friends and family members who have lost loved ones in a medical flight. Their efforts are devoted to making air medical transports safer for the flight crew and patients who take to the skies for emergency medical care. With the support of this coalition, I am pleased to introduce bipartisan legislation today that will increase safety for all those on board an aircraft providing emergency medical services. This bill will eliminate the Part 91 regulations for certain flights and direct the Federal Aviation Administration to study and implement several other proposals to increase safety conditions for medical flights.

I would like to recognize the efforts of the many families who have responded to their losses with determination to help others. I would particularly like to thank Stacey Friedman, Erin's sister, for her tireless efforts in advocating for changes that would protect caregivers like her sister. By enacting this legislation, we will not only honor the remarkable sacrifices of those who gave their lives while trying to save others, but in their honor we will also prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) of Auburn, California in celebration of 50 years of outstanding public service. Founded in 1957 as a result of the commitment of community leaders with an unusual sense of vision to develop and protect water resources within the County, the Agency has maintained the vision to address water resource needs across the 1,500 square miles of Placer County.

PCWA obtained federal and state licenses and permits and developed its Middle Fork American River Project which consists of two main reservoirs, a series of hydroelectric power plants and 24 miles of tunnels. The project, which was financed by the sale of electricity, today produces approximately one billion kilowatt hours of clean, green electricity annually.

The Agency has assisted water districts, cities and acquired and upgraded previously existing and antiquated water systems in Placer County, enabling it to provide retail and wholesale water to needy areas within the County; provided financial assistance to water districts within the County for the conservation and development of water supplies and facilities; and continues to focus on preserving water quality and enacting water use efficiencies that ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the region.

PCWA understands its role as an environmental steward to the watersheds of the County and continues to work in good faith with federal, state and local community stakeholders.

Madam Speaker, I commend and congratulate the Board of Directors, management and employees of the Placer County Water Agency for 50 successful years of vision, stewardship and dedicated service to the people of Placer County and for working to preserve the County's rich water resources while also working to provide clean, renewable energy for the benefit of future generations in Placer County.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to a remarkable woman, whom I have known for over 30 years. On July 20, 2007, Patti Winkler will retire after 34 years working for See's Candies.

Patti Winkler was born in Canada and moved to the United States as a child. She lived with her mother, father, brothers and sisters in South Sacramento, CA, until the late eighties when the family moved to Roseville. Today, Patti still lives in Roseville and shares her home with her mother, Rita, her two sisters Maxine and Mary Jane, her nephew Robbie, and five dogs. Patti enjoys visiting her family cabin in Cascade Shores, where she and her sisters spend time boating in Scott's Flat Lake, pulling the children behind on tubes, and then returning to the cabin at the end of the day to play card games.

In her life, Patti's family has always come first. She takes great pleasure in accompanying her mother to play bingo, helping her nephew through college, and cooking one of her famous BLT sandwiches for anyone in the family. Her loving and generous spirit is particularly evident during the Christmas season, as she cooks for her family and brings cookies and toffee in for her coworkers.

As a frequent customer, I always look forward to seeing Patti when I visit the See's Candies store in Roseville. Patti began working for See's in November 1973 at the Arden Fair Mall. Both her mother and sister Janie also worked for See's. On September 29, 1988, she opened the See's store in Roseville, which she managed until 2003. Patti knows the workings of the shop better than anyone else, and is special not only to the store's customers, but also to the people she works with, who truly cherish Patti's friendship. She makes the shop warm and inviting to anyone who works there and goes out of her way to make everyone feel like part of the team. While her family will benefit from spending more time with Patti in her retirement, her coworkers and customers are truly sad to see her go.

During her retirement, Patti is looking forward to splitting her time between her home in Roseville and their cabin in Cascade Shores. She also plans to continue traveling, as she enjoys taking cruises with her family to Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, and through the east coast. I join everyone who knows Patti in wishing her many happy moments in retirement, and thanking her for the joy she brings to everyone she knows.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to a remarkable woman, whom I have known for over 30 years. On July 20, 2007, Patti Winkler will retire after 34 years working for See's Candies.

Patti Winkler was born in Canada and moved to the United States as a child. She lived with her mother, father, brothers and sisters in South Sacramento, CA until the late eighties when the family moved to Roseville. Today, Patti still lives in Roseville and shares her home with her mother, Rita, her two sisters Maxine and Mary Jane, her nephew Robbie, and five dogs. Patti enjoys visiting her family cabin in Cascade Shores, where she and her sisters spend time boating in Scott's Flat Lake, pulling the children behind on tubes, and then returning to the cabin at the end of the day to play card games.

In her life, Patti's family has always come first. She takes great pleasure in accompanying her mother to play bingo, helping her nephew through college, and cooking one of her famous BLT sandwiches for anyone in the family. Her loving and generous spirit is particularly evident during the Christmas season, as she cooks for her family and brings cookies and toffee in for her coworkers.

As a frequent customer, I always look forward to seeing Patti when I visit the See's Candies store in Roseville. Patti began working for See's in November 1973 at the Arden Fair Mall. Both her mother and sister Janie also worked for See's. On September 29, 1988, she opened the See's store in Roseville, which she managed until 2003. Patti knows the workings of the shop better than anyone else, and is special not only to the store's customers, but also to the people she works with who truly cherish Patti's friendship. She makes the shop warm and inviting to anyone who works there and goes out of her way to make everyone feel like part of the team. While her family will benefit from spending more time with Patti in her retirement, her coworkers and customers are truly sad to see her go.

During her retirement, Patti is looking forward to splitting her time between her home in Roseville and their cabin in Cascade Shores. She also plans to continue traveling, as she enjoys taking cruises with her family to Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, and through the east coast. I join everyone who knows Patti in wishing he any happy moments in retirement, and thanking her for the joy she brings to everyone she knows.