Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, the conference report that we are considering today addresses a number of issues affecting the energy and water infrastructure of our country. However, when it comes to the ongoing water crisis in California, the conference report comes up short.

The ongoing water crisis in California has exacerbated the economic downturn up and down my State. Statewide, the unemployment rate has risen to more than 12 percent. In the Central Valley, regional unemployment has now reached 20 percent, with some communities' unemployment now over 40 percent. California's water crisis is the result of severe drought conditions on top of the federally imposed pumping restrictions that have been placed on our State's critical water infrastructure.

While the conference report does provide some funding for a number of California's mid- and long-term water resource management projects, many of the projects are years away from completion and will not provide any assistance to Californians that are suffering today. Many of the most affected communities have made it clear they are not looking for a handout. They want their water and their jobs back.

During the markup of this bill in the Appropriations Committee, I offered an amendment to do exactly that, by ending the federally imposed pumping restrictions. Sadly, most of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle rejected my amendment and voted to protect a 3-inch fish instead of protecting jobs and the people of California. Similar efforts by my colleague, Mr. Nunes, have been rebuffed by the Democratic majority.

The fact remains that the flaws and shortcomings of the Endangered Species Act have tied the hands of judges and water resource planners, creating a manmade drought that is killing jobs, destroying livelihoods and hurting families in California.

I realize this issue should be addressed by the authorizing committee, but if the Democratic leadership will not force the committee of jurisdiction to act, the members of the minority have no other option. If this Congress and this administration fail to take the bold steps necessary to address this crisis in the near future, the people of California will know exactly who is responsible for their mounting job losses and economic suffering.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The observation of September as National Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 with the designation of Hispanic Heritage Week. It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. Now, every year from September 15 to October 15, we proudly celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose

ancestry includes Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The founding of the United States of America was predicated on the idea that all men are created equal and that America would be a place where anyone could achieve and succeed. That success should know no boundaries.

This year's theme for National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the role Hispanic Americans have played in making that dream a reality. Their strength and hard work, anchored by a deep love for family and country, has helped shape our society for the better.

I commend the proud history of all Hispanic Americans and ask that all Americans honor National Hispanic Heritage Month. The richness of Hispanic culture and the contributions of Hispanic Americans have made our country a better nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Ontario, California were exceptional. Today I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember an incredible man and American patriot, Paul Ballou Hofer, Jr. Paul was a dear friend of mine and I was deeply saddened by his passing on July 8, 2009.

Paul was born to Paul Ballou Hofer and Frances Morgan Hofer on January 23, 1921 at the family ranch in Ontario, California. He attended Mountain View Elementary School, Chaffey High School and the University of Southern California. A natural athlete, at Chaffey he played varsity basketball for four years and was a halfback on the football team, receiving dual scholarships to USC for both sports.

During World War II Paul served in the U.S. Navy, commissioned as a Naval Aviator, with several thousand hours of flight time. In 1944 Paul married his high school sweetheart, Laura Jean Belcher, who preceded him in death. They had three sons, Paul III, John and Brett who grew up in the same house in which their father was born. Along with his brothers Morgan, also deceased, and Phillip, Paul was a fourth generation vineyard farmer at Hofer Ranch which was founded by his family in 1882. Paul always believed that the lessons learned from lifetimes of farming, hard work and determination, coupled with the deeply held and abiding belief that land is what endures, have been the anchor that has guided the family through seven generations on the ranch.

In addition to ranching, Paul was a man of many interests. He had a great love of the outdoors, with a passion for fly fishing and wing shooting. Paul was a member of the Masons, and also of the Republican Party. He collected antique farm and winery equipment, proudly adding to the collection at Hofer Ranch. In addition to his three sons, Paul is survived by his brother, Phillip, and his family; his grandchildren, Jason Hofer (Christina), Jacklyn Hofer Winton (Jeremy), Morgan Hofer and Laura Hofer; his great-granddaughter, Elizabeth; and other family members.

Paul's passion for his ranch, his family, and his community has contributed immensely to the betterment of Ontario, California. I was proud to call Paul a fellow community member, American and good friend. I hope his family knows that their father, brother, and grandfather, and the goodness he brought to this world, will always be remembered.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Alan Wakefield, a close

personal friend and valued member of my home town. Corona, California has been blessed by dynamic and dedicated leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work.

Alan was five years old and attending kindergarten in Titusville, a small town in western Pennsylvania, when he first met a pretty young girl named Susan. For 58 years, Alan and Susan were best friends. For almost 39 years, they were husband and wife. Over the years, they have enjoyed a multitude of blessings, most importantly their son, Josh, and his wife, Jill, who have blessed Alan and Susan with two beautiful grandchildren. While Alan died long before we would have wished, Alan had some precious time to spend with his grandchildren. During those last months, Matthew and Garret witnessed the character of their ``Poppy'' that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. They learned that Alan was a man who loved to laugh but was not afraid to cry; that he would stand strong to defend the values that were important to him, but would melt in the face of another's sadness. The size of his heart belied his stature, and his generosity touched so many lives.

Since 1982, the Wakefields have owned ASJ Industrial Hose, whose name is an acronym for Alan, Susan and Josh. Alan would often say, ``Hose is my life.'' It was not, of course. His family was his life, along with the many friendships he formed over the years. He was also passionate about golf, was a gourmet cook, and an avid gardener who referred to plants by their Latin names. While Susan has been active in just about every organization in Corona with three or more members, Alan for the most part remained in the background; he was not ``a joiner.'' But a few years ago, he relented and joined the Corona Rotary Club, and was one of its most popular and active members.

Near the end of his life, visitors would find Alan to be more interested in what they were doing than talking about his health. When friends would mention they were considering a trip or a home improvement project, Alan would say, ``Do it. Do it now.'' He was speaking from a perspective that the rest of us could only imagine, and some of us sensed that he was suggesting something more than that. Don't put off those trips and projects, but more than that, don't put off telling someone you care, righting a wrong and keep focused on your life's priorities.

On behalf of all those who knew him, it is my honor to offer these remarks as a tribute to the life and legacy of my friend Alan Wakefield. His life and presence will be sorely missed and I extend my condolences to his dear family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, Lance Corporal Donald James Hogan, United States Marine Corps. Today I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to our country.

Lance Corporal Hogan graduated from Tesoro High School in 2007 and fulfilled his dream to follow in his grandfather's footsteps by joining the U.S. Marine Corps. His grandfather reached the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and Lance Corporal Hogan wanted to match his grandfather's success through a career in the Marine Corps. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton.

Hogan is remembered by friends as supportive, loyal and unselfish. He was a cross country runner in high school and his teammates recall his encouraging spirit that got them across the finish line. On Wednesday, August 26, 2009, Lance Corporal Hogan was killed while on a foot patrol in southern Afghanistan when a roadside bomb went off nearby in a blast that also injured several other Marines. He was 20 years old. Lance Corporal Hogan is survived by his father Jim, mother Carla, and sister Adrianna.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Lance Corporal Hogan, who bravely fought for the ideals of freedom and democracy. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. The day the Hogan family learned of their son and brother's death was probably the hardest day they have ever faced and my thoughts, prayers and deepest gratitude for Lance Corporal Hogan's sacrifice goes out to them. There are no words that can relieve their pain and what words I can offer only begin to convey my deep respect and highest appreciation.

Lance Corporal Hogan's family have all given a part of themselves in the loss of their loved one and I hope they know that their son and brother, the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made, will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Ontario, California were exceptional. Today I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember an incredible man and American patriot, Paul Ballou Hofer, Jr. Paul was a dear friend of mine and I was deeply saddened by his passing on July 8, 2009.

Paul was born to Paul Ballou Hofer and Frances Morgan Hofer on January 23, 1921 at the family ranch in Ontario, California. He attended Mountain View Elementary School, Chaffey High School and the University of Southern California. A natural athlete, at Chaffey he played varsity basketball for four years and was a halfback on the football team, receiving dual scholarships to USC for both sports.

During World War II Paul served in the U.S. Navy, commissioned as a Naval Aviator, with several thousand hours of flight time. In 1944 Paul married his high school sweetheart, Laura Jean Belcher, who preceded him in death. They had three sons, Paul III, John and Brett who grew up in the same house in which their father was born. Along with his brothers Morgan, also deceased, and Phillip, Paul was a fourth generation vineyard farmer at Hofer Ranch which was founded by his family in 1882. Paul always believed that the lessons learned from lifetimes of farming, hard work and determination, coupled with the deeply held and abiding belief that land is what endures, have been the anchor that has guided the family through seven generations on the ranch.

In addition to ranching, Paul was a man of many interests. He had a great love of the outdoors, with a passion for fly fishing and wing shooting. Paul was a member of the Masons, and also of the Republican Party. He collected antique farm and winery equipment, proudly adding to the collection at Hofer Ranch. In addition to his three sons, Paul is survived by his brother, Phillip, and his family; his grandchildren, Jason Hofer (Christina), Jacklyn Hofer Winton (Jeremy), Morgan Hofer and Laura Hofer; his great-granddaughter, Elizabeth; and other family members.

Paul's passion for his ranch, his family, and his community has contributed immensely to the betterment of the Ontario, California. I was proud to call Paul a fellow community member, American and good friend. I hope his family knows that their father, brother, and grandfather, and the goodness he brought to this world, will always be remembered.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding an earmark I received as part of the House-passed version of H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 3326

Account: Navy Research and Development--0604215N

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Navy; Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division

Address of Requesting Entity: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, Corona, CA 92878-5000

Description of Request: I have secured $5,800,000 for the Measurement Standards Research and Development Program. The program includes testing for electro-optic and night vision systems; chem/bio and radiation detection systems; advanced sensor technologies; nano- technology. It also provides for improved and state of the art measurement calibration systems that ensure an accurate traceability of measurement from the weapon system parameter to National Standards maintained at NIST. Without adequate measurement capability, verification of performance for weapon and detection system readiness is not possible. This project results in the development of the measurement standards and calibration systems necessary to provide traceable measurements. These state-of-the-art measurement standards often reside at NIST and thus provide benefit to other federal agencies and industry as well. This project allows the Navy to make correct test decisions that ensure mission success and safety while reducing the cost of unnecessary rework. Substantial cost savings have resulted from past R&D project funding through this program.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R 3326

Account: Microelectonic Technology Development and Support--0603720S

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University of Riverside, California

Address of Requesting Entity: 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521

Description of Request: I have secured $6,000,000 for the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering. The funds will be used for the 3-D Electronics program which aims to take advantage of recent advances in nanomaterials and nanodevices to begin to address the issue necessary to take the electronics industry beyond the two-dimensional silicon based devices and wiring and to develop high density, 3D-electronics technology together with associated packaging, heat dissipation solutions and the investigation of alternative electronic materials. Conventional electronics is based on 2D planar processes, but this is becoming prohibitively expensive as well as a barrier to performance. By stacking devices and interconnecting them in a 3D arrangement, a huge leap in functionality density is possible. 3D integration is a cornerstone of the coming revolution in electronics.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R 3326

Account: Navy Research and Development--0603739N

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Navy; Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division

Address of Requesting Entity: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, Corona, CA 92878-5000

Description of Request: I have secured $1,800,000 for the NSWC Corona IUID Center which provides technical support, implementation assistance, training, and lessons learned for IUID, a DoD mandate, to various DoD programs and offices. The IUID Center leverages complementary efforts and catalogs, distributes lessons learned, and helps streamline implementation efforts, reducing IUID implementation cost. IUID itself will enable lifecycle traceability and improve data integrity, leading to more informed decisions and improved asset management. Substantial cost savings result from IUID implementation in DoD programs as well as major gains in asset management and tracking of critical DoD material.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R 3326

Account: Operation & Maintenance; 1C8C Depot Operations Support

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Navy; Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division

Address of Requesting Entity: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, Corona, CA 92878-5000

Description of Request: I have secured $2,400,000 for the NSWC, Corona Fleet Readiness Data Assessment project which will update/ replace existing tools to enable the accurate, efficient collection and transmission of data to quickly perform detailed readiness analyses. It will take advantage of the improved automation and data collection capability provided by the METBENCH calibration system. The analyses resulting from this project will quickly put accurate readiness information into the hands of Navy decision-makers and accelerate the savings resulting from METBENCH implementation in the Navy.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R 3326

Account: Operation and Maintenance, Navy--03 Training and Recruiting 3A2J

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps

Address of Requesting Entity: U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps; 2300 Wilson Blvd, North, Arlington, VA 22201-3308

Description of Request: I have secured $651,000 for the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Program. The Sea Cadet Program is focused upon development of youth ages 11-17, serving almost 9,000 Sea Cadets and adult volunteers in 387 units country-wide. It promotes interest and skill in seamanship and aviation and instills qualities that mold strong moral character in an anti-drug and anti-gang environment. Summer training onboard Navy and Coast Guard ships and shore stations is a challenging training ground for developing self-confidence and self-discipline, promotion of high standards of conduct and performance and a sense of teamwork. Funds will be utilized to ``buy down'' the out-of-pocket expenses for training to $120/week. NSCC instills in every Cadet a sense of patriotism, courage and the foundation of personal honor. A significant percent of Cadets join the Armed Services often receiving accelerated advancement, or obtain commissions. The program has significance in assisting to promote the Navy and Coast Guard, particularly in those areas of the U.S where these Services have little presence.

Madam Chair, I am certainly proud to support H.R. 3326, the 2010 Defense Appropriations bill.

I represent four military installations, thousands of military personnel and their families, and I am pleased that this bill includes the $8.2 billion increase for military personnel accounts from last year. It also includes a 3.4 percent pay raise, which I wholeheartedly support and certainly believe that our troops deserve.

The bill also includes funding for three C-17s, which are vital to our airlift capability. While I am pleased with the additional procurement, I believe that Congress must continue to fund this additional aircraft that is necessary for additional airlift capability.

The C-17 aircraft plays a central role both in the ongoing global war on terror and in the humanitarian relief missions around the world. The three C-17s will be a welcomed addition to the fleet, which includes 8 C-17s attached to March Air Reserve Base's 452nd Air Mobility Wing, which is in my district in California. These will accelerate efforts to ensure that America's airlift needs are met in upcoming years.

I also support the removal of $100 million, requested by the administration, which would have been used to move detainees out of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. I commend the language in the bill, which was truly the result of a bipartisan effort. It prevents a single detainee from being released or transferred until the administration produces an acceptable plan--one that includes an assessment of the risks to the American people and that requires that our citizens be informed of any transfers so they will be ensured of their safety. It also requires a certification that any release or transfer of prisoners will not place our troops in harm's way or will hinder their efforts abroad. The language is similar to my bill, H.R. 1069, which I introduced in February of this year. I am hopeful we can work this out in a planned process.

Again, I commend the subcommittee and the full committee chairmen and ranking members for a bipartisan bill that meets the needs of our troops and that provides funding for vital missions around the world.

Mr. Speaker, right now we are debating one of the most important issues facing our country today, health care reform. There is no doubt that our current system must be reformed.

Unfortunately, rather than conducting a meaningful debate on how to improve access and quality and lower the cost of health care, the majority is making deals behind closed doors and going through the yellow pages to figure out who they can tax in order to pay for the $1 trillion bill they propose.

The majority asserts that their bill will insure more people, but the cost to America will not only be in dollars and cents; the bill will dramatically alter our health care, which is 20 percent of our economy, through the creation of a government-run public option. For those with private insurance in the short time before they are forced into a public plan, a government plan will still dictate what government service they can and cannot have.

This is unacceptable. The only people in the room making health care decisions should be you and your doctor, not a Washington bureaucrat.

I urge my colleagues to reject this misguided and dangerous proposal and initiate a real debate on health care reform.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding an earmark I received as part of H.R. 3293 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 3293

Account: Elementary & Secondary Education (includes FIE)

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Riverside Unified School District (RUSD)

Address of Requesting Entity: 4011 Fourteenth Street, Riverside, California 92501

Description of Request: I have secured $325,000 to provide the time and resources for highly qualified mathematics and science teachers to construct discrete digital learning modules aligned to the California science and mathematics standards, develop inquiry-based activities, and design extended learning opportunities for distribution via the Internet. iSTEM: Virtual Learning in Science and Mathematics is a project of the RUSD Riverside Virtual School that supports the enhancement of learning in science and mathematics through the construction of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related digital curriculum modules for use within traditional classrooms and online courses.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 3293

Account: Higher Education (includes FIPSE)

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: California Baptist University

Address of Requesting Entity: 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, California 92504

Description of Request: I have secured $300,000 to purchase specialized equipment for use in equipping engineering students and employees of local industries with the skills and techniques to become the next generation of professionals to deploy new sustainable technologies. In particular, the School of Engineering is developing an emphasis on utilization of engineering skills to engage local business and industry in sustainable design of ``green'' facilities and infrastructure.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 3293

Account: Higher Education (includes FIPSE) Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Riverside Community College District

Address of Requesting Entity: 4800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, California 92506

Description of Request: I have secured $600,000 to expand the curriculum of Riverside Community College District's law enforcement and fire academy programs to provide additional Basic Peace Officer and Correctional Deputy academies at the Ben Clark Training Center.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 3293

Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)--Health Facilities and Services

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Riverside Community College District

Address of Requesting Entity: 4800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, California 92506

Description of Request: I have secured $150,000 to purchase equipment for RCCD's Allied Health Sciences Program. The Inland Empire has California's lowest number of physicians per 100,000 residents, with a projected shortfall of 1,140 physicians by 2015. This ratio also holds for allied health service professionals, making the Inland Empire one of the most medically underserved areas in the nation. The new equipment would expand the Allied Health Sciences Program, enabling

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a couple from my congressional district who have spent their lives giving back to their community in Orange County, California. Brian and Connie Vermeulen are dedicated public servants, fully committed to improving the quality of life in the City of San Juan Capistrano for both neighbors and visitors. I was happy to learn that their selfless commitment to the values, ideals and traditions that this country was founded upon has earned them recognition from the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce as Man and Woman of the Year.

Brian and Connie both moved with their families to the Capistrano Valley in the early 1960s. They also both attended the parish grammar school and have remained members of the San Juan Mission parish ever since. Over the years, while busy running a business and raising children and grandchildren, they have never missed an opportunity to get involved with the community.

Together, Brian and Connie have become champions for a number of cherished local organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club and the Fiesta Association. They have logged countless hours as yearly volunteers for the San Juan Historical Society and the Capistrano 4-H Rangers. Aside from their joint ventures, the Vermeulens also pursue their passions individually. Brian volunteers his time and talent as a Little League Coach and Connie is involved with religious education programs at the Mission parish.

The Vermeulens are the kind of citizens that this country can be proud of; humble and hardworking, they truly represent the heart of America. I want to thank Brian and Connie Vermeulen not just for their tremendous sacrifice and remarkable accomplishment, but for providing us all with a glowing example of what it means to be an American.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks that I requested on behalf of local government entities in my congressional district in conjunction with the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act.

Requesting Member: Rep. Ken Calvert

Account: Transportation & Community & System Preservation

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Riverside County Transportation Commission

Address of Requesting Entity: 4080 Lemon Street, Riverside, CA 92501

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act provides $750,000 for the Riverside County Transportation Commission's Alameda Corridor East Grade Separations project. There are 61 at-grade highway-rail crossings in Riverside County. These crossings are blocked by freight trains traveling from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to the rest of the nation, negatively impacting local commerce, congestion, and air quality. The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) has prioritized the 20 most needed grade separations in the county and adopted a funding plan that includes local, state, and federal sources. The funding will allow RCTC to distribute federal funds to cities with projects most ready for construction. The significance of grade separations on the Alameda Corridor East in Riverside County has been recognized as a regional priority by the Southern California Consensus Working Group (goods movement coalition of Ports of L.A., Long Beach and Hueneme, L.A. METRO, OCTA, SANBAG, RCTC, VCTC, ACE-CA, Metrolink, ACTA, and SCAG), the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the State Goods Movement Action Plan, and the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association.

Requesting Member: Rep. Ken Calvert

Account: Buses & Bus Facilities

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Corona

Address of Requesting Entity: 400 South Vicentia Avenue, Corona, CA 92882

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act provides $208,000 for the City of Corona's Dial-A-Ride Bus Replacement. The City of Corona Transit Service (CCTS) operates a general population Dial-A-Ride that provides transportation throughout the City of Corona and the neighboring County areas of Home Gardens, El Cerrito and Coronita as well as satellite areas in the City of Norco. Three of the Dial-A-Ride buses have exceeded their useful life and require replacement at an estimated replacement cost of $260,000. The funding will provide $208,000 in federal support for the buses, while CCTS would provide a local match of $52,000. The project will benefit Corona residents by providing them with additional transportation options to Corona City Hall, the Corona Public Library, senior centers, shopping centers, hospitals and medical offices.

Requesting Member: Rep. Ken Calvert

Account: Economic Development Initiatives, Housing and Urban Development

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: National Community Renaissance

Address of Requesting Entity: 9065 Haven Avenue, Suite 100, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act provides $1,000,000 for the National Community Renaissance. The funding will allow National Community Renaissance (National CORE) to efficiently leverage federal resources to undertake one or more large-scale neighborhood revitalization projects which would preserve as many as 1,500 additional at-risk affordable apartments nationwide. According to National CORE, their comprehensive approach to affordable housing positively impacts families and seniors in the Inland Empire. National CORE owns 462 units in western Riverside County alone, which provide housing to more than 1,200 residents and has another 110 senior units under construction. The completed developments were all extensive revitalization projects that completely transformed entire communities from blighted, crime ridden neighborhoods to thriving communities where families flourish.

Requesting Member: Rep. Ken Calvert

Account: Capital Improvement Grants, Federal Transit Administration

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Riverside County Transportation Commission

Address of Requesting Entity: 4080 Lemon Street, Riverside, CA 92501

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act provides $5,000,000 for the Riverside County Transportation Commission's Perris Valley Line. The Perris Valley Line extends existing Metrolink service 22.7 miles further into Riverside County creating better access to popular commuter rail transportation. The Perris Valley Line will connect downtown Riverside to the UCR campus, March Global Port employment center, Moreno Valley, and the revitalized downtown Perris. The Perris Valley line will relieve congestion on I-215, which runs through the heart of Riverside County. The project is currently in the project development phase; local and state funds are being used for a majority of the current project development costs. As the project nears construction, federal grant funds will be necessary to keep the project moving forward. A current projection for opening service is 2011. The Perris Valley Line serves critical public needs in western Riverside County by providing a transportation alternative and providing greater accessibility to major local employers and employees. The project is of regional and national significance due to the congestion relief it will provide on I-215, as well as the emissions that will be removed from the air as a result of increased transit ridership.

Requesting Member: Rep. Ken Calvert

Account: Buses & Bus Facilities

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Riverside Transit Agency

Address of Requesting Entity: 1825 Third Street, Riverside, CA 92507

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act provides $1,400,000 for the Riverside Transit Agency's Bus Replacement Program. The funding will allow the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) to begin its bus purchase program to eventually replace 103 buses in its aging fleet with the purchase of eight replacement vehicles. The buses to be replaced were purchased in 2000 and 2001 and have reached the end of their

useful lives as determined by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Replacing aging buses is critical in assuring reliability of service and decreasing maintenance costs by reducing breakdowns and frequent repairs. The replacement buses would be powered by CNG and have all state-of-the-art technologies to provide enhanced passenger safety, better fuel efficiency and decreased emissions.

Requesting Member: Rep. Ken Calvert

Account: Transportation & Community & System Preservation

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Orange County Transportation Authority

Address of Requesting Entity: 550 South Main Street, Orange, CA 92863

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act provides $750,000 for the Orange County Transportation Authority's San Diego Freeway (I-5) Widening and Improvement project. Funding for the San Diego Freeway (Interstate 5), from Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1) to Avenida Pico, will add additional freeway capacity along I-5 in south Orange County with consideration for a potential connection with planned San Diego County high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on I-5. For FY 2010, the requested funds will be used to complete the required technical studies and environmental documents. This project is estimated to cost $250 million. The Interstate 5 (I-5) is the primary freeway linking Orange County to Los Angeles and San Diego counties. The project will reduce peak period delays for both commuters and goods movement carriers alike by relieving both existing and forecasted mobility problems while reducing emissions, increasing productivity and improving air quality in the region.

Requesting Member: Rep. Ken Calvert

Account: Economic Development Initiatives, Housing and Urban Development

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Norco

Address of Requesting Entity: 2870 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act provides $100,000 for the City of Norco's Santa Ana River Trail. The Santa Ana River, which flows from the San Bernardino Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, is the primary source of potable water for Orange County and several cities in Riverside County. Building the Santa Ana River Trail will provide a protective corridor that will reduce pollution and prevent crowding from expanding urban and suburban sprawl. The River Trail is an essential component of the long-term effort to protect the water quality of the Santa Ana River Basin. In addition to reducing pollution, the Santa Ana River Trail will be a multi-use recreational trail that will run from the Pacific Coast to the San Bernardino Mountains. This section of the trail will link the two largest cities in Riverside County, Corona and Riverside, and provide patrons with superlative recreational opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, around the country, more and more Americans are out of work, struggling to pay their bills. Yesterday, the Web site recovery.gov revealed that your government spent $1.2 million to purchase pork at twice what struggling families would pay at a local grocery store. It would be funny if it weren't so painful.

The $787 billion stimulus was sold to the American people as a bill that would put people back to work. But now we see it for what it really is, a massive expansion of social welfare which is doing nothing to create jobs.

Where are the jobs? Almost 6 months have passed since the stimulus was signed into law, and unemployment continues to tick upward. It is over 13 percent in my congressional district. The so-called ``stimulus'' was a missed opportunity to provide true tax relief to the American people and for shovel-ready infrastructure projects that would have provided jobs. As more information on this stimulus package is revealed, I'm sure more terrifying news will be before us.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a group of truly exceptional women who live in my Congressional District and whose service to our country was honored today by the passage of a bill awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Air Service Pilots of World War II.

Inspired by the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Margot DeMoss (Riverside, CA), MaryAnn Dreher (San Clemente, CA) and Jane Fohl (San Clemente, CA) answered our nation's call to duty by joining the Women Air Service Pilots of World War II, also known as the WASP.

Created on August 5, 1943, the WASP was charged with the critical task of delivering battle-ready planes from the factory line to military bases around the world. After just 16 months, the WASP had established itself as a premier ferrying squadron. Of the more than 25,000 women that applied for training, only 1,879 were accepted to participate in the rigorous program that would eventually produce 1,074 outstanding female pilots.

The WASP founder, world famous aviator Jacqueline Cochran, challenged the status quo by asking for permission to commission WASP directly as Service Pilots, a procedure used routinely with male pilots but prohibited for women. She lobbied passionately, but eventually lost her battle both with the Comptroller General of the Army Air Force and in the halls of Congress, leading to the WASPs disbanding in 1944.

I believe that these women pioneers deserve to be acknowledged not just for their remarkable bravery and sacrifice, but for reminding us all that an uncompromising commitment to America--to its values, ideals and traditions--is a unifying force. I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 2014, Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen's bill, awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Air Service Pilots of World War II, and I am pleased that the women of WASP will finally receive the recognition they so rightfully deserve.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to bring your attention to the ongoing water crisis in my home State which has exacerbated the economic downturn throughout California.

Statewide, the unemployment rate has risen to more than 11 percent. In the Central Valley, regional unemployment has reached 20 percent with some communities' unemployment now up to over 40 percent. California's water crisis is the result of severe drought conditions on top of the federally imposed pumping restrictions that have been placed on our State's critical water infrastructure.

The appropriations bill before us provides some funding for a number of California's mid- and long-term water resource management projects. Unfortunately, many of the projects that are receiving funding are years away from completion and will not provide any assistance to Californians suffering today.

Even the most promising short-term projects in the Delta, like the Two Gates project, will only provide relief if regulatory permitting and anticipated court challenges are resolved in quick fashion. Many of the most affected communities have made it clear that they aren't looking for a handout. They want their water and they want their jobs back.

During the markup of this bill in the committee, I offered an amendment to do just that by ending the federally imposed pumping restrictions. Sadly, most of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle rejected the amendment and voted to protect a 3-inch fish instead of protecting jobs and the people of my State of California. I'm disappointed the Rules Committee denied a similar amendment offered by my colleague, Mr. Nunes.

Mr. Chairman, the federally imposed pumping restrictions are harming California families up and down the State. If this Congress and this administration fail to take the bold steps necessary to address the crisis in the next 6-12 months, the people of California will know exactly who's responsible for the job losses.