Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, consistent with the Republican Leadership's policy on earmarks, I submit the following justifications for projects I received in the FY2009 Defense Appropriations bill.

Project name (as it appears in the bill): AN/AVS-7 Day Heads-Up Display (DayHUD).

Amount received: $5 million.

Bill number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

Account: Aircraft Procurement, Navy.

Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: Elbit Systems of America, Fort Worth Operations (EFW, Inc.), 4700 Marine Creek Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76179-6969.

Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: This product is a day version of the currently fielded night Heads-Up Display for the Aviator Night Vision Imaging System night vision goggles. The Day HUD provides the same aircraft and mission performance data to the pilots as the ANVIS version to give them access to ``time critical'' information while also keeping their eyes on the target or landing zone. The system completes the picture for the aircrew, provides increased safety and reduces the likelihood of mishaps involving brown out or lack of situational awareness by the pilots.

There is no integration required with the product and testing is complete. Funding will directly procure 150 units of system hardware.

Description of matching funds: None required.

Project name (as it appears in the bill): UH-60A Rewiring Program.

Amount received: $5 million.

Bill number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

Account: Aircraft Procurement, Army.

Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: InterConnect Wiring LLP 5024 west Vickery Blvd. Fort Worth, Texas 76107.

Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: The requiring of aging UH-60 aircraft will ensure a single, standardized aircraft configuration, reduce extensive maintenance time requirements needed to isolate electronic malfunctions and enhance operational safety due to the age of the wire within the aircraft. Each aircraft will rewire $108,333 in materials and $725,000 in labor to require. At a unit price of $833,333 per aircraft, the requested funds will rewire 6 aircraft.

Description of matching funds: None required.

Project name (as it appears in the bill): NNSA metals Declassification for Reuse by DoD in Armaments.

Amount received: $2.72 million.

Bill number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide.

Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: e-PEAK Inc. 311 Diamond Oaks Drive Weatherford, TX 76087.

Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: A critical Army need is lightweight and specialty metals to support development of advanced armors, vehicles, and weapon systems; however, these metals are extremely expensive. The DOE has a major stockpile of specialty metals recovered from decommissioned warheads. This program delivers a process that allows DOE to safely, securely, and efficiently discard these metals through a unique microwave melting furnace and plasma melting. These advanced melting technologies require additional development to scale them up to meet DOE's unique declassification requirements. The specialty metals can then be provided to the Army at significantly low costs. This program provides technologies that allow for the safe, secure, environmentally sound recovery and reuse of more than one million tons of discarded metals that are currently stockpiled at DOE facilities.

Finance Plan Based on Request:

Facility site selection, permitting, operational safety requirements, support utilities, and other required items (site staffing, training and DOE site requirements): $400,000

Final design, DOE approvals, construction and required certifications for melting systems: $2,400,000

Delivery and operational testing of systems: $600,000

Total Request: $3,400,000

The plan for the project will be adjusted according to the funding level in the final agreement.

Description of matching funds: None required.

Project name (as it appears in the bill): Smart Machinery Spaces System

Amount received: $2.4 million.

Bill number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

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

Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: Williams Pyro Inc., 200 Greenleaf Street, Fort Worth, Texas.

Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Shipboard machinery spaces are currently inspected using a costly manual process. Manual data collection and analyses require significant manpower, and results are often inconsistent. This system supports a smart sensor node, an information systems network, and video-based situational awareness and fire detection capability. Congress provided funds in FY 07 for the Smart Machinery Systems to develop the system which enables condition-based monitoring capabilities combined with improved automatic configuration management. This program fully supports the Navy's January 2007 Naval Science and Technology Strategic Plan, which one of the focus area include Affordability, Maintainability and Reliability. The vision of that focus area was to ``Reduce acquisition and lifecycle cost of Naval Platforms through design tools, reduced maintenance, intelligent diagnostics and automation.'' This program reduces maintenance and lifecycle costs, provides for remote monitoring of the equipment and allows for a reduction in manpower.

Finance Plan Based on Request:

Engineering and labor for the development and completion of the project: $1.9 million.

Subcontracts involving Texas A&M for engineering, testing and support: $980,000.

Supplies, testing facilities and travel/meetings: $120,000.

Total Request: $3,000,000.

The plan for the project will be adjusted according to the funding level in the final agreement.

Description of matching funds: None required.

Project name (as it appears in the bill): MK 19 Crew Served Weapons System trainer.

Amount received: $328,000.

Bill number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

Account: Operation and Maintenance, Army National Guard.

Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: Texas National Guard, PO Box 5218, Austin, Texas 78763.

Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Acquisition of the systems, which provides initial and sustainment marksmanship training, gunnery and tactical training, and ``shoot/don't shoot training,'' will enhance the battle readiness of the Texas National Guard and will aid in the transformation of the Guard into an Operational Force. The requested amount ($410,000) will purchase for the Texas National Guard, 10 trainers ($41,000 per trainer). The plan for the project will be adjusted according to the funding level in the final agreement.

Description of matching funds: None required.

Project name (as it appears in the bill): RC-26B Modernization.

Amount received: $7.2 million.

Bill Number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

Account: Aircraft Procurement, Air Force.

Legal name and address of requesting entity: ATK Integrated Systems, 236 Citation Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76106.

Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: The RC-26B performs critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in support of national disaster response by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air National Guard, and in direct support of Special Operations Forces in the GWOT. The Air National Guard (ANG) operates a fleet of eleven RC-26B aircraft that provide support to individual states for disaster relief and counter- drug missions. As the demands for the RC-26Bs proven utility increased, non-availability of the platform due to use in GWOT operations have prevented ANG crews from performing their domestic assigned missions.

Special Operations Command funded the modification of five RC-26B aircraft--to provide ISR missions in support of deployed operations. With five RC-26B aircraft deployed in support of missions outside of the continental United States, an availability vacuum at the state level has occurred. The remaining six RC-26B aircraft (from Mississippi, Arizona, Florida, Texas, West Virginia and New York) are not sufficient to support the disaster relief and counter-narcotics missions of both the ANG and DHS/CBP.

The requested $9,000,000 will be used for concept development, design, integration and flight verification for one aircraft of the following technologies that would enhance the current Block 20 RC-26B performance and effectiveness. The plan for the project will be adjusted according to the funding level in the final agreement.

Description of matching funds: None required.

Project name (as it appears in the bill): Network Centric Collaborative targeting for the P-3C.

Amount received: $3.2 million.

Bill Number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

Account: Aircraft Procurement, Navy.

Legal name and address of requesting entity: L-3 Communications, ComCept Division, 2800 Discovery Blvd, Rockwall TX 75032.

Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: NCCT is an Air Force program that provides legacy and new ISR assets with transformational networking capabilities. NCCT takes advantage of existing platform sensors which dramatically improves the probability of detection, accuracy of identification, precision location, and timeliness. This integration of newer technologies expands the networking range, thus enabling wider information-sharing and obviating the need for newer sensors. CENTCOM endorsed this technology as one that can solve immediate operational needs. The integration of sensors enabled by NCCT software will provide a low cost, near term option for greatly enhancing US capabilities in Maritime Domain Awareness, Strike Support, and Undersea Warfare. The effect of using existing platforms and sensors as a team allows for target detection, location, and identification against time critical targets and threats, as well as support war fighting and counter- terrorism operations abroad when integrated with US Intelligence and Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems.

Finance Plan Based on Request:

Procurement of NCCT Equipment: $250 thousand.

Design, Mission System Integration & Installation of NCCT on MPRA Aircraft: $2.75 million.

Labor, materials, and Support Activities: $1 million.

Total request: $4,000,000.

The plan for the project will be adjusted according to the funding level in the final agreement.

Description of matching funds: None required.

Project name (as it appears in the bill): Vision Integrating Strategies in Ophthalmology and Neurochemistry (VISION).

Amount received: $3.2 million.

Bill Number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

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

Legal name and address of requesting entity: UNT Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107.

Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: The research performed by the VISION team will target the various causes and effects of visual damage resulting from both ocular injuries and eye exposure to the elements during combat operations. This research will ultimately be used to develop compounds and novel therapeutic strategies to more quickly return an injured warfighter to his unit. More significantly, the goal is to have the Services be able to equip warfighters and combat medical personnel with therapy solutions that can be (1) administered preventatively, (2) self-administered or (3) easily deployed and administered in the field. This will enable the effective delivery of therapies that take advantage of the narrow time window that eye injuries have for most effective treatment once the damage has occurred. In addition, the development of effective treatments for these conditions could save the U.S. government hundreds of millions of dollars annually in preservation of combat readiness, improvement of the visual performance of reenlisting soldiers and in reduction of long-term health care related costs.

Finance Plan Based on Request:

Staffing, development of compounds, instrumentation & therapeutic imaging: $1.2 million.

Mass spectrometry: $1.2 million.

Advance computing research: $800 thousand.

Preclinical and translational implementation: $800 thousand.

Total request: $4 million.

The plan for the project will be adjusted according to the funding level in the final agreement.

Description of matching funds: None required.

Project name (as it appears in the bill): Flashlight Soldier-to- Soldier Combat Identification System.

Amount received: $5.6 million.

Bill Number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

Account: Research, Development, Test And Evaluation, Defense-Wide.

Legal name and address of requesting entity: ATR Electronics, Inc., 109 Ridgemont Ave., San Antonio, TX 78209.

Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Friendly Fire is a serious problem for the U.S. military and its coalition partners. Friendly Fire casualties occur frequently and weaken the resolve of some coalition partners. Per capita, U.S. Friendly Fire casualties increased 300 percent during the 2003 invasion of Iraq compared to 1991 Desert Storm. Efforts to reduce Friendly Fire casualties through ``doctrine and training'' and ``Blue Force Tracking'' have not succeeded. The Flashlight project equips the soldier with rifle mounted/body worn hardware that immediately identifies friendly soldiers and equipment at the point of engagement. Funds would go toward phase 2 of the development of a bottom-up, rifle mounted/body worn hardware Combat ID capability that reduces U.S. and coalition Friendly Fire casualties and increases combat effectiveness. Follow-on Flashlight antennas can be mounted on platforms (tanks, etc.) and aircraft to create a single-system Combat ID capability that can be integrated into advanced communications systems (FCS). This project develops 10-prototype M4 rifle mounted/body worn devices for military testing in 18-months. The plan for the project will be adjusted according to the funding level in the final agreement.

Description of matching funds: None required.

Project name (as it appears in the bill): Enhanced Holographic Imager (EHI).

Amount received: $2.48 million.

Bill Number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

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

Legal name and address of requesting entity: Zebra Imaging, Inc., 9801 Metric Blvd., Suite 200 Austin, TX 78758.

Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: This is the final phase of a three-year development program to reduce the size and enhance efficiency of the holographic imager system currently used to produce 3D imagery for the Army's Tactical Battlefield Visualization

program. The requested FY09 funds will be administered by the U.S. Army Engineering Research and Development Center (USAERDC) and will complete the EHI development program, with the delivery of a fully-tested prototype of the field-deployable Enhanced Holographic Imager. The Enhanced Holographic Imager (EHI) system is needed by DOD to reduce the time now required to provide 3D imagery to Coalition Forces in Iraq for intelligence and operation planning.

Finance Plan Based on Request:

Complete design of system & lab test prototype: $1.75 million.

Develop & prototype post-processor: $580 thousand.

Construct and test in-field beta prototype: $770 thousand.

Total request: $3.1 million.

The plan for the project will be adjusted according to the funding level in the final agreement.

Description of matching funds: None required.

Project name (as it appears in the bill): Center for Geospatial Intelligence & investigation (GII).

Amount received: $1.52 million.

Bill Number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

Account: Research, Development, Test And Evaluation, Navy (Marine Corps).

Legal name and address of requesting entity: Texas State University, San Marcos, Center for Geospatial Intelligence & Investigation, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666.

Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: The Center for Geospatial Intelligence & Investigation is conducting research of interest to the US military. Recognizing the need for better tools to track down insurgents responsible for kidnapping, maiming, and killing US Forces, allies, and civilians in operations in OIF and OEF, the Army sanctioned the initial stage of this project through the Army Topographic Engineering Center in FY06. This project is designed to assist in counter-IED (improvised explosive devices) efforts having a direct impact on increased safety levels and reduced risk of injury and/or death for U.S. military forces deployed to OIF and OEF. Funds will be used for the next phase of the project supported by the US Marines Systems Command. Employing a cross- disciplinary approach, GII seeks to help military and military intelligence officials build more powerful investigative and analytic tools. This project will continue to develop computer modeling based on insurgent behavioral theories to help extract knowledge from information and data, assisting military officials in predicting insurgent activity areas and bases of operation. Components of the project will focus on suicide attacks, attacks along main supply routes/roads, and the use of specialized technology to depict the ``Behavioral Decision-Making Template'' of insurgents.

Finance Plan Based on Request:

Personnel: $843,520.

Equipment: $414,300.

Other direct costs: $100,000.

Indirect costs: $635,465.

The plan for the project will be adjusted according to the funding level in the final agreement.

Description of matching funds: None required.

Project name (as it appears in the bill): Authorized Emergency Satellite Communication Packages (JISCC).

Amount received: $2.8 million.

Bill Number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations.

Bill Account: Operation and Maintenance, Army National Guard.

Legal name and address of requesting entity: Texas National Guard, PO Box 5218, Austin, Texas 78763.

Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Texas Military Forces is authorized, but not fully funded, for 10 Joint Incident Scene Communication Capability (JISCC) packages needed to support the various disaster command posts including JIATF HQ, each subordinate task force command post, local incident command posts, EOCs, and other multi-agency coordination centers. There are 2 JISCCa on-hand. Funding for this project would procure 8 authorized, but not-funded, JISCC packages required for disaster response. JISCC system uses DoD satellites eliminating the persistent shortage of funds to pay for commercial satellite service. This equipment fully enables the Texas National Guard Joint Inter- Agency Task Force (JIATF) to Command and Control its Inter-Agency structure across the State, or out of State in support of other States under EMAC, best serving as DoD's lead agent for disaster response in Texas.

Finance Plan based on request:

Satellite emergency/interoperable communications packages (x8): $4,091,400111.

Transportation vehicles (x8): $311,200.

Total request: $4.403 million.

Description of matching funds: None required.

Project name (as it appears in the bill): Air Force Plant 4 (AFP 4) Physical Security Enhancements.

Amount received: $2.072 million.

Bill Number: FY 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

Account: Other Procurement, Air Force.

Legal name and address of requesting entity: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, 1 Lockheed Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76108.

Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Air Force Plant 4 is a critical Government Owned Contractor Operated (GOCO) Industrial facility dedicated to the design, development, and manufacture of tactical fighter aircraft systems, including the F-16, F-22 and the F-35. Protection of this facility, its human resources, and its unique manufacturing capabilities from determined threats is required in order to reduce the potential for disruption to these critical DoD programs. This project will accomplish the following Physical Security improvements at Air Force Plant No. 4, located in Fort Worth, Texas:

(1) Provide Flight Line Security Enhancements, Air Force Plant 4 (AFP4)--Project will install an inner perimeter fence, and closed circuit video monitoring systems, to restrict unauthorized access to the AFP 4 aircraft operating areas (flight line, run stations, fueling areas). These improvements are required to reduce the security and safety risk to F-16 and F-35 aircraft undergoing final checkout and flight operations. AFP 4 flight line security has been identified as vulnerable during various Government reviews and assessments. $970K

(2) Provide Security Enhancements, Building 200--Engineering & Office Bldg, Air Force Plant 4 (AFP 4)--Project will modify standoff distances or install protective barriers on the north, south and east approaches to Building 200. These modifications are required to meet DoD recommended antiterrorism standards for existing facilities. Bldg. 200 security deficiencies have been identified during various Government reviews and assessments. $1.461M

(3) Install Perimeter Vehicle Barrier System, Air Force Plant 4 (AFP 4)--Project will construct a cable vehicle barrier system in vulnerable areas along the perimeter of the government owned manufacturing facility. This installation will more effectively deter a determined threat to these critical facilities while augmenting the overall hardening of the common perimeter for both AFP 4 and the adjacent Fort Worth NAS-Joint Reserve Base. $3.124M

The plan for the project will be adjusted according to the funding level in the final agreement.

Description of matching funds: None required.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to get here in time to speak about an issue I feel very strongly about. I speak about the need to honor the Code Talkers. It was brought to my attention by my friend and constituent, Mr. Ben Tahmahkera, of Fort Worth, Texas. He is a proud Comanche himself and passionately articulated the important role of the Code Talkers contributed to our Nation during World War II.

Mr. Tahmahkera came to me and pointed out that in July, 2001, President Bush honored the Navajo Code Talkers for their contribution to the United States Armed Forces as radio operators in World War II. Mr. Tahmahkera was very pleased to hear about the Navajo recognition, but he wanted to make sure the sacrifices of the Comanche Code Talkers and other Code Talkers were not forgotten either.

Mr. Tahmahkera suggested that I learn more about Charles Chibitty, who at the time was the only surviving Comanche Code Talker.

In January of 1941, Charles Chibitty enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned the Army's 4th Signal Company. Chibitty himself probably saved thousands of lives during the Normandy invasion alone, and he remembers, years after the battle, that he could clearly remember the messages he received and set out on D-day.

On that day, he identified where our troops were, protected them from being fired on by our own troops and, in general, completely confused the Germans. Chibitty specifically remembers saying in code to our men, ``Okay, we know where you are. Just keep on doing what you are doing.''

The code that Chibitty used was never broken.

For a long time, Germans believed it was just gibberish, and eventually the Germans sent spies to training grounds in Ft. Gordon and reservations in Oklahoma to try and crack the code. None of the spy missions were successful.

After hearing the compelling story of the Comanche Code Talkers from Mr. Tahmahkera, I introduced a bill to award the Comanche Code Talkers the Congressional Gold Medal in December 2001 during the 107th Congress.

I have worked to get these men an honor that is long overdue for the past several Congresses. After a lot of hard work and research by many different Members today, we are, at long last, honoring the Code Talkers who so nobly served our country during both World War I and World War II.

My friend, Representative Dan Boren from Oklahoma, I appreciate his work and this Congress for bringing the bill to the floor.

Like the Navajo Code Talkers who were recognized for services in 2001, the Comanches, along with members of at least 15 other tribes, acted as Code Talkers in some capacity during both world wars. The Code Talkers were

sent out on their own to provide communications on enemy locations and their strength.

They sometimes spent 24 hours in headphones without sleep or food. Many of these men endured terrible conditions without protection from the enemy. The Code Talkers were able to send messages in their native dialect, a code an enemy could never track. Military commanders credit the Code Talkers with saving the lives of countless American soldiers and ultimately to the success of the United States in many battles.

In my mind, the Native American Code Talkers are some of our Nation's greatest heroes. As my good friend, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England said, ``The story of the Native American Code Talkers is one of the most inspiring chapters in America's march to victory in World War II. Their heroic and dramatic contributions were instrumental in driving back our enemies across the Pacific.''

It's time for Congress to give the Native American Code Talkers the recognition they deserve for their contribution to U.S. victories in World War I and World War II.

Charles Chibitty, a true American hero, was also a loyal friend. He once turned town a Medal of Honor because it did not include all the four signal companies who he considered his brothers.

Chibitty said, I am glad that I am still here, but I miss my comrades. I know that my comrades that have already gone before me are listening and laughing right now. I know when I go up there someday, they will be there waiting for me.

Today, at long last, we honor the late Charles Chibitty and all of his friends who served our country as their service Code Talkers during World War I and World War II.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4544.

Mr. Speaker, a terrible storm has swept over my home State of Texas, brought devastation to neighborhoods and communities; 2,500 search and rescue missions out, 2 million people without energy in their home probably for 3 weeks.

There's another storm that will sweep this Chamber and this Nation over the hoax of this energy, this energy bill that brings no energy to the American people, at a time when we need the shot in the arm for the long term, as well as for today.

This bill that's been brought as if it were a real bill, brought, passed in the dead of night, brought with no debate, no discussion, no input, no process, a process that has stood us well for decades, for centuries, no process, no offshore exploration, no oil shale resources, no refineries, no drilling in ANWR, no nuclear, no coal, no energy, no nothing, and no commitment to the American people who support this and understand what we should be doing, what they deserve, what they respect, what is our job.

What a hoax. What a disappointment.

Mr. Speaker, as the previous speaker mentioned, in a normal time we would be debating this particular bill that has merit, I am sure. But these are not normal times. We are now in the last weeks before we adjourn this Congress, and we are not addressing the issue that is uppermost certainly in the minds of my constituents, and that is the energy crisis.

I noticed recently we haven't been talking much about the energy potential of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, or ANWR. There are rumors that we may have a bill this week on energy, but there is nothing mentioned about ANWR. Perhaps that is because the Democrats' later energy bill doesn't mention it at all.

The American Energy Act, however, does give ANWR the attention it deserves. The American Energy Act opens the coastal plain of ANWR to drilling, limiting the footprint to just 2,000 acres. That is one one- hundredth of 1 percent of the whole refuge. I know we have all heard the comparison, but I think it is worth repeating. That is the size of a postcard on a football field.

ANWR has over 10 billion barrels of recoverable oil. That is over twice the proven oil reserves in all my State of Texas. Once ANWR is on line, it could produce as much oil per day as the entire State of Texas.

In addition to increasing the supply of oil and therefore reducing prices, the royalty and tax revenue from ANWR would be considerable. Congress has authorized several programs to help develop alternative and renewable energy sources. However, we have not been able to fully fund those initiatives, so have not seen the benefit we were hoping for when they became law. The American Energy Act reinvests any bonus bids and royalty revenue from ANWR into a trust fund to help fund these initiatives to develop alternative and renewable energy sources.

Poll after poll shows that Americans want more domestic production. My office is flooded with calls and e-mails begging me to convince Speaker Pelosi to allow a vote on drilling in ANWR. We need to increase domestic production. We need to develop alternative energy sources. We need to make renewable energy sources more effective. Allowing access to ANWR, as outlined in the American Energy Act, accomplishes all of these objectives.

Let's heed the call of the American people. After all, that is what we were elected to do. Let's take responsibility and vote today to give them the relief they so desperately are seeking.

I invite my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join us and vote for real solutions today, this week, on this energy crisis.

Mr. Speaker, last week on Thursday we finished our week and our voting. Like most Members of the House here, I went back home to my district in Fort Worth, Texas, and there I spent the weekend talking to people, listening to people, receiving telephone calls. The question was, time and time again, Kay, what are they doing about energy? The answer was nothing.

In addressing this crisis and the solutions to this energy crisis, a key to increasing the American production of energy is to increase our refinery capacity.

As you know, it has been over 30 years since a new refinery was built in the United States. The refineries we do have are operating at near capacity, but we are not able to keep up with consumer demand.

The United States consumed over 15 million barrels per day of petroleum products in the year 2004, and consumption is expected to increase to nearly 26.1 million barrels per day by 2025. That's why increasing refinery capacity is a key piece of the American Energy Act.

Through many innovations, technology has changed a lot since the last U.S. refinery was built in 1976. We should use the advances we have made over the years to build new state-of-the-art facilities that can refine the oil and gas that we need. We need to cut the red tape that has prohibited us from moving forward.

That is why I am proud of my colleagues, Heather Wilson and Joe Pitts, who have legislation, the American Energy Act, that would take the necessary steps to remove the bureaucratic roadblocks that have hampered new efforts to build new refinery facilities. Our country has the resources and the space available to increase our capacity and to do so in environmentally safe ways.

An important part of our plan to increase our refinery capacity is using closed military installations to build new refineries. These bases provide the space we need to build refinery infrastructure quickly and get more refineries online as soon as possible.

We have seen the impact of Mother Nature on our refinery infrastructure. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita wreaked havoc on our refineries. During the current hurricane season, as much as 25 percent our Nation's refinery capacity has been taken offline in the wake of these terrible storms in Texas and along the gulf coast. We could greatly reduce the impact of these service interruptions if we had more refineries in this country.

I completely understand increasing our refinery capacity is not the only answer to the energy crisis. I understand the need to look to the future toward alternatives, such as solar and wind. My home State of Texas is doing just that. But in the short-term, increasing our refinery capacity will give us the time to improve and increase these alternative forms of energy.

Until we are able to rely more on these energy sources, we need to boost the source of energy that has powered this Nation in the 21st century. That's why I call on this body and the Democrats in this body for a vote, an up-or-down vote on the American Energy Act, a comprehensive solution that has the support of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, week after week, we have implored the Speaker of the House to address the most important issue of our day, and that is the energy crisis. The gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop) outlined some of the severe problems that people are having and will continue to have until we address this and do what they expect us to do.

We hear rumors and hints about the possibility of a bill coming to the floor and finally, perhaps, an announcement that we can have a vote on this energy crisis and its solutions.

Mr. Speaker, when I first read in the newspaper that Speaker Pelosi had decided to open the Outer Continental Shelf for drilling, I thought it was too good to be true. Unfortunately, it turns out I was right. It really was too good to be true. While all of the headlines proclaimed that the House would finally get to vote on a real energy bill that expands domestic production, it simply wasn't true.

The Democrats' latest energy plan lists the current moratorium on drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf and replaces it with a provision that virtually guarantees that no drilling will ever take place there. Democrats are proposing to ban all drilling up to 50 miles off the coast, cutting off all access to some of the most promising areas. Then between 50 and 100 miles of the coast, the Democratic plan leaves it up to the States to decide whether to allow drilling. However, their plan cleverly leaves out any incentives to the States to actually start drilling.

Unlike the Democrats' bill, our all-of-the-above American Energy Act, which I'm proud to support, does not permanently lock up the most promising area for production. Instead, it allows the States to decide whether to allow drilling up to 50 miles off their coast, keeping those most promising areas available for consideration. It doesn't take an expert to see that by leaving out any sort of revenue sharing agreement my Democrat colleagues ensure that the States will have no real motivation to take any action whatsoever.

The American Energy Act, on the other hand, provides appropriate incentives for the States to make sure they see some of the benefits of drilling off their shores. Our bill includes revenue

sharing to provide the States with the financial motivation they need to act. States could use those royalties to benefit their citizens as they see fit. At the same time, all Americans would benefit from lower energy prices. This is a real energy bill. This is what citizens expect and deserve from us.

Mr. Speaker, it's time to stop playing games and wasting time. Let's have a straight up-or-down vote on the American Energy Act and give Americans the relief they deserve. They can't wait any longer and they shouldn't have to.

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

Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

Requesting Member: Congresswoman Kay Granger.

Project name (as it appears in the bill): Security Forces Building/ Combat Arms Addition.

Amount received: $5 million.

Bill number: H.R. 6599.

Account: Air National Guard.

Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: 136th Airlift Wing, Texas Air National Guard, JRB NAS Fort Worth, 200 Hensley Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76127-1672.

Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: The Air Force has increased its need for Security Forces personnel. That has resulted in an increase of Security Forces personnel at the 136th Airlift Wing. Current space and facilities are inadequate (the building is less than 50 percent of the authorized and required size). The project is programmed for FY11 but needs to be constructed earlier to accommodate the training and readiness of the 136th Airlift Wing's growing force of Security Personnel and their role in the Global War on Terror. According to the Future Year Defense Plan, 96 percent of the amount received would go toward contract costs while the remaining 4 percent accounts for contingency, supervision, overhead, and inspection costs.

Description of matching funds: Matching funds are not required for Military Construction projects.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 4789.

Madam Speaker, a new sense of optimism has emerged in the international community regarding Cyprus. Since the February 2008 election of Demetris Christofias as Greek Cypriot President, the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities have met three times and have agreed to work toward a new federal partnership.

The most recent meeting between the leaders of the Turkish and Greek Cypriots was held on July 1, 2008. As stated in the Joint Declaration, they decided to meet again on July 25 to review the final reports of the working groups and technical committees and also to announce the commencement of full-fledged negotiations.

On April 24, 2000, after years of negotiations, both communities held separate votes on the United Nations Comprehensive Settlement Plan (Annan Plan). Turkish Cypriots approved the plan by 65 percent, while Greek Cypriots rejected it by 76 percent. Ironically, Greek Cypriots became members of the European Union, and Turkish Cypriots remained subject to political and economic isolation.

Hopefully, the process can move forward. The international community should encourage the sides to reach a comprehensive and just solution which will bring peace and stability not only on the island but also to the region as a whole.

As co-chair of the Turkey Caucus, I should inform my colleagues that Turkey continues to support Turkish Cypriot Leader Mehmet Ali Talat in his quest for a solution. Turkey will continue to support the process in good faith and encourages all sides to find an overdue solution to the Cyprus question.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 518, I would like to clarify that my intent was to vote ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, House Republicans set forth an energy agenda that addresses the number one concern facing American families today: the high price of gasoline. The high price of gas is costing hardworking families an average of $4.11 a gallon. That's $1.70 more a gallon than it was in January 2007 with no relief in sight.

Skyrocketing gas prices have taken a dramatic toll on almost every area of our lives. Families are having to adjust by tightening budgets and trimming back family vacations. Small businesses, like the ones in my district, are watching their profits shrink while making tough decisions about expanding their companies or being able to make their payroll.

House Republicans have a plan that will increase production of American-made energy in an environmentally safe way. Our plan will promote new, clean, and reliable sources of energy while cutting red tape and increasing the supply of American-made fuel and energy. Our plan also encourages greater energy efficiency by offering conservation tax incentives to Americans

who make their home, car, and businesses more energy efficient.

House Republicans stand ready and willing to help American families combat the increased costs of energy. I invite my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join us.

Madam Speaker, rise today to honor Hazel Harvey Peace, a longtime friend of District 12 and a Fort Worth icon, who passed from this life on June 8, 2008, at the age of 100.

Hazel Harvey Peace, while small in physical stature, was a giant of a Texan who had a huge influence not only on the individuals who were fortunate enough to come within her sphere of influence during her long and fruitful life, but on her community, the state and the country. A native of Fort Worth, Hazel Harvey Peace was born on August 4, 1907 at a time when segregation was still alive and when opportunities for African Americans were still limited. Hazel Harvey Peace always exhibited that she was a special person. By the age of 13, she graduated from Fort Worth Colored High School, which later was renamed I.M. Terrell High School. By the age of 16, Mrs. Peace earned a bachelor's degree from Howard University, located in Washington, DC.

She returned to Fort Worth to join the staff of her alma mater, I.M. Terrell High School, where she was a teacher and administrator for 46 years before retiring, for the first time. After her I.M. Terrell High School career, Mrs. Peace served nine years as the student affairs director and the financial aid coordinator of Bishop College in Dallas before retiring a second time. During her teaching career, Mrs. Peace earned a masters degree from Columbia University and did subsequent graduate work at other universities.

While Hazel Harvey Peace may have retired from her professional career twice, she never retired from teaching, mentoring and kindly encouraging her former students, her neighbors, and her community. The cornerstone of her message and teaching was simple but powerful: attain the best education possible and always conduct yourself properly in your personal and professional lives. Generations of students fondly recall Mrs. Peace dedicating herself to arming them with knowledge that would enable each to be successful at whatever they chose in life, while also stressing what one student describes as ``proper conduct, proper diction, proper vocabulary, proper dress and proper carriage.'' Likewise, generations of community leaders, mayors, council members, city managers and other public stewards were the recipients of her wise counsel and of her vision to make the City of Fort Worth, the State of Texas and the United States of America a better place for generations to come. She rose to become the great dame of Fort Worth not because of wealth, not because of powerful position and not because of her station in life. Rather, she became one of the most influential women in Fort Worth's history because of her determination and dedication to inspire.

Throughout the years, Mrs. Peace worked tirelessly not only for her students and the community's youth, but for the entire community. Her involvement included serving as co-chair for the City's Committee for the 150th Anniversary of Fort Worth, chairwoman of the Near Southeast Neighborhood Advisory Council and the United Community Centers, as well as service on other organizations such as the Tarrant County Housing Partnership, YWCA, Fort Worth Chapter of the NAACP and Women's Policy Forum Management Committee. Her numerous awards included Tarrant County Junior College Northeast Campus President's Cup Award, The Black Awareness Better Life Award, the Fort Worth School District's Distinguished Alumni Award and the Fort Worth Outstanding Women Award. In 2002 she was honored by being selected to be an Olympic Torchbearer as the torch made its way through Fort Worth.

Because of her dedication to education and her belief that excellent libraries go hand in hand with education, the City of Fort Worth Central Library named its children's section the Hazel Harvey Peace Children's Library in 2002. To honor her life work, former students, friends and corporate citizens raised more than $350,000 in 2004 to create a Hazel Harvey Peace professorship at the University of North Texas in Denton, the first endowed professorship in Texas to be named for an African American woman at a four-year, publicly supported university.

Our city, our state and our county are much better as a result of the life work of a wonderful, loving and dedicated woman-Hazel Harvey Peace.

She will live forever in the thousands upon thousands of people she touched, from her students and children throughout the community, to her neighbors and public stewards. She will be missed but not forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Marine Captain Jennifer Harris, who was killed in a CH-46 crash outside of Baghdad on February 7, 2007.

Captain Harris embodied many of the great traits our men and women are displaying both at home and abroad in three theaters of war. Captain Harris was dedicated to her Nation, her Corps, and to the Iraqi people.

Captain Harris was a member of the United States Naval Academy's class of 2000 and graduated with an honors degree in political science and a minor in Spanish. She was a graduate of the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Instructor course in Yuma, Arizona. Accordingly, she served as a primary tactics instructor for her squadron, HMM-364. As the pilot training officer and lead instructor pilot, she was responsible for training new copilots and evaluating seasoned pilots for advanced designations.

Captain Harris was one of only four Marine officers selected by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to represent the U.S. Marine Corps in the 2007 Senate Youth Program. She was to participate in the program after her return from her last deployment to Iraq.

At the time of her death, Captain Harris was serving with HMM-364 as a CH-46 helicopter pilot in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, performing assault support, casualty evacuation, and combat raid missions. She gave her life so that the Iraqi people might have an opportunity for a better life. This was her third combat deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, including the initial invasion operation from February to October 2003.

I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Captain Jennifer Harris's family and hope that they are able to find comfort in the knowledge that Captain Harris's countless selfless acts, including her ultimate selfless act, helped to provide opportunity for the people of Iraq.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Marine MAJ Megan McClung who was killed in Ramadi, Iraq on December 6, 2006.

Major Megan Malia McClung graduated from the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned a second lieutenant in May 1995. She later completed her masters in Criminal Justice through Boston University. Throughout her career, she was stationed at various posts. While at Camp Pendleton, she served as the Public Affairs and Media Officer. She later served at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island as the Academics and Scheduling Officer, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point as the Public Affairs Officer, and finally at Camp Lejeune, where she served as the East Coast Regional Representative for the Marine For Life program.

Always dedicated to the mission in Iraq, Major McClung took a civilian position in public relations in Baghdad, Iraq in 2004. While there, she handled public relations preparation for Congressional hearings and escorted media throughout the theater. In 2006, she deployed with I Marine Expeditionary Force for one year in Al Anbar Province. While there, she worked as the Public Affairs Plans Officer at Camp Fallujah and later volunteered for duty with the Army's 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, operating in Ramadi.

Major McClung, the first female Marine officer killed in the war, was a polished professional who received numerous accolades for her ability to communicate complex thoughts and issues to various and diverse audiences across the globe. She volunteered to serve and sought to be where she could make a difference. Of her service in Iraq, she told her friends, ``Before we leave here we will make Al Anbar a safer place.'' She accomplished her mission.

In her passing, Major McClung has done what she did in life--bring people together to create a better understanding.

I wish to extend my condolences to Major Megan McClung's family and hope that they continue to find solace in Major McClung's lasting impact on both her country and her Corps.