Floor Statements

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 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Account: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

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 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act provides $750,000 for the City of Norco's Waste-to-Energy Facility. Last year, a preliminary feasibility study prepared for the City of Norco showed that thermal conversion of horse manure and bedding material into electricity appears to be a viable proposition, both technologically and financially. The city is now taking steps towards a contract for the design and construction of a manure-to-energy facility. The requested funding will allow the city to design and engineer the project. When complete, the project will allow the city to reduce its carbon footprint by providing an environmentally friendly ``green'' source of renewable energy to citizens of Norco and surrounding communities. The City of Norco will provide the non-federal cost-share of the project.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Account: Water and Related Resources

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Inland Empire Utilities Agency

Address of Requesting Entity: 6075 Kimball Avenue, Chino, CA 91708

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act provides $100,000 for the Inland Empire Utilities Agency's Inland Empire Regional Water Recycling Project. The Inland

Empire Regional Water Recycling Project will produce 100,000 acre-feet of recycled water per year when the project is complete. The water will be used for outdoor irrigation, industrial processes and recharging groundwater basins, thereby serving the needs of 800,000 current residents in the Inland Empire. The requested funding will be allocated to engineering design and construction of the project. The non-federal funding will be provided by the Inland Empire Utilities Agency.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Account: Construction, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District

Address of Requesting Entity: 915 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 980, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act provides $2,000,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers' Murrieta Creek project. Murrieta Creek poses a severe flood threat to the cities of Murrieta and Temecula, where overflow flooding from this undersized creek with a tributary watershed of over 220 square miles has periodically wreaked havoc, most recently in 1993 when the public and private sectors incurred flood-related damages of nearly $20 million, and nearby Camp Pendleton Marine Base suffered $88 million in damages. The project, developed jointly by the Corps of Engineers and the local sponsor, not only provides flood protection for these two communities, but also includes other elements such as environmental restoration and recreation that will serve as the lynchpin for regional economic development. The requested funding will be used to award and construct the project's entire Phase II reach, which includes protection for Old Town Temecula, as well as to complete the Design Documentation Report (DDR) and the preparation of plans and specifications for Phase III's Multi-Purpose Detention Basin.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Account: Water and Related Resources

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Orange County Water District

Address of Requesting Entity: 18700 Ward Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act provides $100,000 for the Orange County Water District's Orange County Regional Water Reclamation Project. The Orange County Water District diverts secondary treated waste water from the Orange County Sanitation District that would otherwise be disposed of in the ocean. The waste water is highly treated using microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultra violet light with hydrogen peroxide. Currently, half of the collected water is injected into groundwater basin along the coast to create a barrier preventing seawater from intruding our precious drinking water supplies and is pumped to the District recharge basins for percolation into the groundwater basin. The project would expand the capacity of the current plant by an additional 18 million gallons per day. Additional microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light treatment equipment would be purchased and installed. A significant portion of the infrastructure has already been constructed to accommodate an expansion. This includes the yard piping, pump stations, and the electrical backbone. When the Ground Water Replenishment System was designed and constructed, all piping, facilities, electrical systems, and the site were designed for an ultimate capacity of 130 million gallons per day.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Account: Water and Related Resources

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Western Municipal Water District

Address of Requesting Entity: 450 Alessandro Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92508

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act provides $1,000,000 for the Western Municipal Water District's Riverside-Corona Feeder project. The Riverside-Corona Feeder project captures and stores new water to increase firm water supplies, reduce water costs and improve water quality as well as reduces regional dependence upon increasingly unreliable imported supplies from the State Water Project, the Colorado River and the northern Bay-Delta. The project will also be equipped to clean plumes of perchlorate and VOCs in the Bunker Hill basin, and will provide a link among groundwater basins in the region. In addition to the Bunker Hill Basin, the Feeder will allow water supplies to be conjunctively used in the Chino, Riverside and Arlington groundwater basins, further enhancing the ability of the region to withstand droughts and providing a mechanism to allow treatment and recovery of poor quality groundwater found in these basins.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Account: Investigations, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District

Address of Requesting Entity: 915 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 980, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act provides $221,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers' Riverside County Special Area Management Plan. The Corps is developing the nation's largest Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) for both the San Jacinto and Upper Santa Margarita Watersheds, which by assisting federal, state and local agencies with their decision making and permitting authority, will position those agencies to protect, restore and enhance aquatic resources while also accommodating various types of development activities and public infrastructure projects. The Corps has already made significant progress on a ``Landscape Level Aquatic Resource Delineation'' and ``Functional Assessment'' to help in determining the value of area waters and wetlands. Once completed, the plan will not only streamline the permitting process to foster regional economic development, but it will also create and protect woodlands, wetlands, freshwater marshes, vernal pools, streams, lakes and rivers. The Corps had developed alternatives incorporating Riverside County's previously approved Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan and the General Plan and the information learned from the Landscape Level Delineation and Functional Assessments. They have also started the process of preparing environmental documents for NEPA and CEQA compliance. The requested funding will be used to complete the EIR/EIS, complete the development of the Abbreviated Permits and complete the Resource Conservation Plan to adequately mitigate for impacts to jurisdictional waters authorized through the issuance of SAMP permits.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Account: Investigations, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District

Address of Requesting Entity: 915 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 980, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act provides $100,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers' San Clemente Shoreline project. Erosion of the protective beach in San Clemente has caused much of the study area to have little if any beach, particularly during the winter season. Storm induced waves have become a serious threat over the past several years to City facilities, the Lossan railroad, commercial properties, infrastructure, and coastal residencies. The public components of these facilities threatened by erosion and coastal storms have a value of over $10 million. Also, there have been emergency revetments placed in several areas along the study area to prevent damage to the railroad from storms. It is estimated that the railroad will be required to spend $14-$20 million in the future to protect the rail line. Restoration of a protective beach will reduce these costs for protection. The requested funding will allow the Corps of Engineers to complete work on the feasibility study and move towards the project's design.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Account: Construction, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District

Address of Requesting Entity: 915 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 980, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act provides $582,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers' San Juan Creek, South Orange County, project. The Corps of Engineers began the San Juan Creek Watershed Feasibility Study in 1998 and the initial study phase was completed in 2003. The project has now moved into what the Corps calls a ``spin-off'' study. The spin-off study is a more focused and narrowly defined study of flood control and ecosystem restoration alternatives in the very bottom of the watershed in the cities of Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano. With sufficient federal appropriations in FY2010 and FY2011, the study will be completed. The project has taken on additional importance with the failure of 1,500 linear feet of concrete channel lining on January 9, 2005. About 3,200 residents in the Cities of Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano were evacuated in the early morning hours. The County of Orange declared an emergency and together with the Corps of Engineers placed large rock on the exposed earthen slope as a temporary repair.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Account: Construction, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District

Address of Requesting Entity: 915 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 980, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act provides $52,193,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers' Santa Ana River Mainstem project. The Santa Ana River Mainstem Project is being constructed to address what the Corps of Engineers identified in the 1980s as ``the worst flood threat west of the Mississippi River''--which then impacted three million people and 110,000 acres located in the three Southern California counties of Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino, with estimated loss of 3,000 lives and $15 billion in economic losses (1987-8 price levels). To date, the Federal Government and the flood control districts of the impacted counties have spent over $1 billion on the Project. Continued funding is necessary to complete the Project and ensure the level of protection as planned. Specifically, funding is needed to complete the Reach 9 component, which is the last section of the Santa Ana River, between Prado Dam and the Pacific Ocean, to be improved as part of the project. Until the Reach 9 channel and levee improvements are completed, this reach of the river will not be able to convey the maximum 30,000 cubic feet per second outflow from the new Prado Dam outlet works. The completion of Reach 9 is necessary to provide the level of protection envisioned by the authorized project. The overflow from Reach 9 would destroy local businesses, commercial properties and homes and the adjacent sections of the State 91 freeway, a major transportation artery in the region. Interior dikes in the Prado Dam flood control basin and the construction of a new Prado Dam spillway are additional components of the project that must be funded.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Account: Construction, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles

District Address of Requesting Entity: 915 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 980, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Description of Request: The Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act provides $800,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers' Seven Oaks Dam Water Conservation Study. The requested funding would allow the Corps of Engineers to perform much needed studies and amend the water control plan to permit Seven Oaks Dam to be used for water conservation. The winter rains of 2005 demonstrated beyond question that water conservation at Seven Oaks Dam can provide a major supplemental source of water to for this increasingly water-short region. Specifically, the studies will update the environmental documents relating to water conservation at Seven Oaks. The studies will also address the problem of anaerobic conditions that developed during the summer of 2004 so as to ensure that such conditions do not contaminate water stored for human consumption in the future.

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. 3082, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, Fiscal Year 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 3082

Account: Military Construction, Air Force Reserve

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: March Air Reserve Base, Riverside,

Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the article titled ``Did Fired OC Air Marshal Endanger Flying Public, or Protect It?'' The article was posted online on May 8, 2009 and I believe my colleagues in Congress will benefit from the article and the topic of whistleblower protection.

Did Fired Oc Air Marshal Endanger Flying Public, or Protect It?

(By Teri Sforza)

On July 26, 2003, the Department of Homeland Security

issued an alert to all U.S. airlines, airport security

managers and federal air marshals:

A possible hijacking plot was in the works, involving five-

man teams that might try to seize planes and fly them into

government, military or economic targets.

Robert MacLean of Ladera Ranch had been working as a

federal air marshal since shortly after 9/11. So it struck

him as particularly bizarre when--just three days later--a

text message popped up on his government-issued mobile phone:

Overnight missions involving federal air marshals will be

cancelled from late July through early August.

What? No overnights? That meant no air marshals on long-

distance flights. To save money on hotel rooms, MacLean would

come to understand.

This, thought MacLean, was crazy. The 9/11 hijackers

targeted long-distance flights because they hauled the most

fuel and could do the most damage. Pulling air marshals from

such flights, precisely when there was warning of a possible

attack, was gross mismanagement--and a ``specific threat to

public safety that could lead to catastrophic loss of life,''

he'd say later in court papers.

So MacLean took his concerns to his supervisor and other

officials.

He didn't get far.

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. 2892, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R 2997

Account: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of California-- Agriculture and Natural Resources

Address of Requesting Entity: 1111 Franklin Street, Room 6402, Oakland, California 94607

Description of Request: I have secured $3,000,000 to continue the highly successful Pierce's Disease and Invasive Species Research Program. This program funds competitively awarded research grants to find solutions to this potentially devastating bacterial disease that threatens California's wine grape industry, as well as other grape varieties, citrus, almonds and tree fruit.

This program also focuses on other invasive species impacting California and the nation. These include pathogens (West Nile virus, Avian Influenza, Sudden Oak Death), insects (vine mealy bug, light brown apple moth), marine and fresh water species (green crab and quagga mussel), and weed species (yellow star thistle). Greater knowledge of these species, understanding of invasion biology parameters, and potential control and eradication strategies is critical for California and the U.S.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R 2997

Account: Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS)

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC)

Address of Requesting Entity: 18700 Ward St., Fountain Valley, California 92708

Description of Request: I have secured $500,000 to expand an existing program and add an additional 5,500 Smart Irrigation Controllers to residential and commercial properties in Orange County, CA by 2011. These Smart Irrigation Controllers assist water customers in delivering the appropriate amount of water to residential and commercial landscapes by monitoring and accounting for soil type, slope, plant type, sun exposure and current weather conditions.

Smart Irrigation Controllers, as a part of MWDOC's overall Water Use Efficiency Program, will assist water users in the district in more efficiently utilizing water resources and reduce the dependence of the area on water imported from Northern California and the Colorado River. The implementation and demonstration of this technology can serve as a demonstration project for areas of the arid west and other regions of the United States subject to water shortages who may be interested in utilizing this technology to decrease water consumption.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2996, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 2996

Account: Environmental Protection Agency, STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Western Municipal Water District

Address of Requesting Entity: 450 Alessandro Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92508

Description of Request: H.R. 2996 provides $500,000 for the Western Municipal Water District for Arlington Desalter Biodenitrification project. The funding will be used to build a biological denitrification facility for drinking water. The process, called ``Fixed-Bed Biological Treatment'' (FXB) uses an innovative bioreactor to remove multiple contaminants from groundwater. Western Municipal Water District has completed pilot testing of the FXB process at the Arlington Desalter and has already received conditional approval from the California Department of Public Health for a full scale facility. This new facility will consist of a series of large biofilter, polishing and backwash equalization tanks as well as supply pumps and a new groundwater well. It will be built at the site of the Arlington Desalter in Riverside, California. The project benefits the City of Norco, portions of the City of Riverside, unincorporated areas of Riverside County, and any entity within the Arlington Groundwater Basin by cleaning the area's water supply and creating up to 3.7 million- gallons-per-day of new water.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 2996

Account: Environmental Protection Agency, STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of San Juan Capistrano

Address of Requesting Entity: 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Description of Request: H.R. 2996 provides $500,000 to the City of San Juan Capistrano for ground water recovery plant expansion and regional distribution facility. The funding will allow the city to expand the current capacity of the existing treatment facility to 7.3 million-gallons-per-day from 5.6 million-gallons-per-day. During the ongoing drought, water that is produced locally can be conveyed to surrounding water agencies thereby reducing the demands placed on the Sacramento Bay Delta and the Colorado River. In the event of a natural disaster or other emergency, the treatment plant will have the ability to function as a regional distribution facility to neighboring water agencies and helping to provide a reliable source of safe drinking water.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Orange County, California are exceptional. Orange County has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Fire Chief Charles ``Chip'' Prather is one of these individuals. Chief Prather is retiring from the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and today I honor his years of public service.

Chief Prather became Fire Chief for the Orange County Fire Authority on October 1, 1997. In this capacity he is responsible for the daily operation of one of the largest fire organizations in the State of California. Under Chief Prather's direction are a total of 1,500 firefighters, reserves and professional staff. The OCFA serves 22 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County, with a total population of more than 1,300,000, from 62 fire stations and has an annual operating budget of 260 million dollars.

In addition, Chief Prather currently serves on the Orange County Emergency Council, Chairs the Orange County Emergency Operational Area Council, Fire Scope Board of Directors, Co-chairs an Orange County Joint Law/Fire/Health anti-terrorism advisory committee and is a member of the California Fire Chiefs Association Executive Board of Directors. In 2002, Chip was appointed by Governor Davis to the State Emergency Council which advises the Governor on policy matters during times of disaster and served on the states 2003 Blue Ribbon Fire Commission.

Chief Prather is also is a member of The Raise Foundation's Advisory Board (formerly Prevent Child Abuse Orange County), serves as a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Trauma Intervention Program Advisory Board and numerous other boards and commissions. Chief Prather was honored as the recipient of the Boy Scouts Spurgeon Award 2000 for his involvement in Explorer Scouting and in 2002 was selected as the Fire Chief of the Year by the California Fire Chiefs Association.

Chief Prather is a member of the following organizations: Orange County Chambers of Commerce, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Metropolitan Fire Chiefs' Association, California Fire Chiefs' Association, California State Firefighters' Association, the Orange County Fire Chiefs' Association and the National Fire Protection Association.

Chip holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management and has completed the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government Program for Senior Executives in state and local government. He has also attended the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy, completing the Executive Fire Officer Program.

Chief Prather and his wife Katie live in San Clemente California with their two children.

Chief Prather's tireless passion for community and public service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Orange County, California. I am proud to call Chip a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he retires.

Madam Speaker, Families in communities across our nation continue to struggle through the most difficult economy most of them have ever experienced. Nationally, our unemployment rate is nearing 10 percent. In California, the unemployment rate has soared to 11 percent and in some of the hardest hit portions of my congressional district it has reached almost 18 percent.

Like many Americans, I am dismayed by the decision of the Democratic leadership to bring such an economically damaging bill to the House floor in the midst of these historically difficult times.

Economic organizations and think tanks from around the country have studied the economic impacts of the bill before us . . . and the results are not good. A study conducted by the National Black Chamber of Commerce determined that by 2030 the Waxman-Markey bill will cut net employment by 2.5 million jobs--even after accounting for new ``green'' jobs. Similar studies by the Brookings Institution and the Heritage Foundation also project huge job losses.

Ironically the Democratic leadership in Congress and the Democratic Administration have made job creation one of their biggest priorities this year. During the consideration of the stimulus bill we repeatedly heard claims that the bill would ``save or create more than 3.5 million jobs.'' As most Americans know, the bill has yet to deliver as promised. I think it is notable that as we consider another major piece of legislation both the Administration and Democratic leadership are eerily silent on their job creation predictions.

The reality is the bill before us will kill jobs, weaken our economic security, and enacts punitive measures that will only make matters worse for families struggling to get by. I urge all of my colleagues to vote against this poorly conceived bill that is being pushed through with little to no time for debate or discussion.

I would like to thank Chairman Price and Ranking Member Rogers for crafting a very thoughtful bill for fiscal year 2010, the Homeland Security Appropriations bill. And I appreciate the recognition of the Air and Marine Operations Center, which is located in my congressional district. AMOC has been foremost in aviation-oriented law enforcement operations and coordinates our operations in the United States. It plays an integral role in protecting us from attack from drug and gun smuggling across our borders.

However, I was disappointed that the extension of E-Verify was reduced from the President's request of 3 years to 2 years. The House overwhelmingly passed a 5-year reauthorization last year, and I think many people would support a permanent reauthorization of E-Verify.

During full committee markup of the bill I offered an amendment but was repeatedly told that a reauthorization of E-Verify would be part of a comprehensive immigration reform bill, which simply makes no sense. A reauthorization of a voluntary program that has existed for 13 years should not be part of an immigration reform debate. Perhaps my friends on the other side of the aisle are confusing reauthorization with mandatory participation in E-Verify, which I support, of course.

However, the thousands of businesses that use E-Verify to comply with existing Federal law and the two States that have made it mandatory deserve assurance that the program will continue to be available.

Furthermore, I would like to clear up some misconceptions about the E-Verify program, which seem to be endlessly repeated.

E-Verify is 99.6 accurate. That's right, only .4 percent of tentative non-confirmations are an error in the data. E-Verify is free to employers. It does not cost anything other than the minutes it takes to sign up for the program to use the system.

My friends on the other side of the aisle repeatedly state that 10 percent of naturalized citizens receive a tentative non-confirmation. I would like to deliver some good news: That statistic is now down to 6.1 percent. So that means 93.9 percent of naturalized citizens are immediately cleared to work. Of the 6.1 percent that received the tentative non-confirmation, they only need to call a toll-free number to rectify their information.

Other than my disagreement with the length of the reauthorization, I was also disappointed that an amendment I offered in the Rules Committee was ruled out of order. My amendment would have allowed Members to vote on whether the executive order requiring Federal contractors to use E-Verify should not be delayed again. The executive order has been delayed three times for dubious reasons.

Secretary Napolitano has signaled her support for E-Verify, and the people running E-Verify have declared they are ready with the Federal contractor requirement. When it comes to doing business with the Federal Government, which is funded by the American taxpayer, the use of E-Verify should be mandatory.

In closing, I would like to reiterate my support for the bill, but with strong reservations about the majority's actions that has severely restricted amendments and has shut down a once open process.

Madam Speaker, as the original author of E-Verify, I would like to report tonight we have over 135,000 employers throughout the United States that are using E-Verify every day successfully. Millions of employees have gone through that system to make sure that the workforce that they're employing is a legal workforce. As a former employer in the restaurant business, I can tell you, I wish I had that system available to me. Adding this $50 million will make sure E-Verify is accurate. It's already 99 percent accurate. That's pretty good for government work. We can make it even more accurate. We need to make sure that jobs in this country go to people who are here legally. This is an opportunity for the House to vote for this motion to recommit that will make sure that Americans who are looking for jobs will have the opportunity to find one.

So I would ask all my colleagues, vote ``yes'' on this motion to recommit.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 2847

Account: DOJ, COPS Law Enforcement Technology

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Corona

Address of Requesting Entity: 400 S. Vicentia Avenue, Corona, California 92882

Description of Request: I have secured $150,000 for interoperability upgrades for the City of Corona Police Department. The funding would be used to purchase equipment required to achieve interoperability in the field; as well as equip the department's Mobile Command Vehicle (MCV) with necessary technology, including mobile radios, digital television monitors, video recording capability, computers, printers, mapping software, wireless router and system to ensure the MCV can act as a planning and collaborative field center. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on any of my pecuniary interests.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 2847

Account: DOJ, COPS Law Enforcement Technology

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Riverside Public Utilities

Address of Requesting Entity: 3901 Orange Street, Riverside, California 92501

Description of Request: I have secured $1,000,000 for the City of Riverside Public Utilities Infrastructure Video Security. The funding will go towards the purchase, installation and configuration of necessary infrastructure for video security at Public Utilities Substations. The City's Information Technology department and Public Utilities will design a system that will provide for video security cameras at each substation as well as the network, storage and enterprise software necessary to effectively manage the cameras. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on any of my pecuniary interests.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 2847

Account: DOJ, COPS Law Enforcement Technology

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Riverside County Sheriff's Department

Address of Requesting Entity: 4095 Lemon Street, Riverside, California 92501

Description of Request: I have secured $700,000 for Night Vision Binoculars for the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. The funding will provide the department night vision binoculars that will greatly enhance the night time capabilities of the Riverside County Sheriff's Emergency Services Team. The AN/PVS-15 models can be hand-held or used as a helmet-mounted goggle and is specifically designed for critical missions where high performance and depth perception are vital under low light conditions. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on any of my pecuniary interests.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 2847

Account: DOJ, OJP--Byrne Discretionary Grants

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: California Department of Justice

Address of Requesting Entity: 1300 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814

Description of Request: I have secured $250,000 for the California Department of Justice's Riverside Gang Suppression Enforcement Team. The funding will provide support for the Gang Suppression Enforcement Team program in Riverside County. Funding will be used for training, equipment, translation services, wiretapping, overtime pay, and travel expenses for law enforcement personnel. I certify that this project does not have a direct and

foreseeable effect on any of my pecuniary interests.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 2847

Account: DOJ, OJP--Byrne Discretionary Grants

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Chabad of Riverside

Address of Requesting Entity: 3579 Arlington Avenue, Suite 100, Riverside, California 92506

Description of Request: I have secured $400,000 for Chabad of Riverside's Project PRIDE (Prevention, Resource, Information and Drug Eradication). The funding would be used to expand Project PRIDE, a drug prevention program to reach at-risk youth in my district and the region. Funding will be used to train additional counselors and volunteers, drug and alcohol prevention material production, an interactive drug prevention website and an at-risk youth treatment and prevention camp. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on any of my pecuniary interests.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 2847

Account: DOJ, OJP--Juvenile Justice

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Olive Crest Treatment Centers

Address of Requesting Entity: 2130 E. 4th Street, Suite 200, Santa Ana, California 92705-3818

Description of Request: I have secured $500,000 for Olive Crest's Independent Living Skills for At-Risk Youth. The funding would be used towards expanding a three phase program for successful independent living for at-risk youth. The program assists the participants in developing tools that will enable them to foster relationships and become responsible for themselves by providing training on issues such as banking, health, education, housing plans and job preparation. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on any of my pecuniary interests.

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. 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 2647

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 $2,000,000 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 measurements 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 projects funding through this program.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 2647

Account: Army Research and Development--0602787A

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Address of Requesting Entity: 801 N. Randolph Street, Arlington, VA 22203

Description of Request: I have secured 3,000,000 for the Military Photomedicine Program. Photomedicine is an emerging field of biomedical research that shows considerable promise in the ability to address many priority military medical problems, including treatment of drug resistant infections, light activated repair of severed nerves and blood vessels, non-invasive critical care monitors for hemorrhagic shock and compartment syndrome, self directed needles for vascular access, sealing of penetrating eye injuries, early detection of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), biopsy imaging without tissue removal for airway injury from smoke or chemical agent inhalation, real time imaging of tissue circulation for wound management and reconstructive surgery, and targeted accelerated wound healing. Through peer reviewed, competitive grant funding this program supports teams of scientists and health care professionals at academic centers in collaborations with DoD medical laboratories in the development of technologies identified by DoD as important to military personnel, with a specific focus on the wounded warrior priorities identified in the Department's Guidance for Development of the Force FY 2010-2015 document.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 2647

Account: Military Construction; Air Force Reserve

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: March Air Reserve Base

Address of Requesting Entity: March Air Reserve Base, Riverside, California 92518-2166

Description of Request: I have secured $9,800,000 for the March Air Reserve Base Small Arms Firing Range. The funds would be used to construct an adequately sized and configured small arms firing range which is required for training and maintaining the standard of current Air Force preparedness. The project also includes office space, classrooms, and equipment with fire protection and security alarm, lightning protection and explosion proof electrical which would bring the facility up to current force protection standards. The existing firing range was built in 1942 and is sub standard as a training facility. It is located approximately 5 miles away from March ARB and creates security, safety, and health and maintenance problems. Without funding the current facility will deteriorate further and will not be able to meet the training and readiness requirements of the base. Security, health and safety will be a concern and may cause the existing firing range to shut down. The range closure will seriously impact the small arm training, Force Protection and Personnel Combat Arms requirement for Reserve and National Guard units.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 2647

Account: Navy Operations and Maintenance--BA03-1804N

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 $650,600 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 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. 2892, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: H.R. 2892

Account: DHS, FEMA, National Predisaster Mitigation

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Orange County Fire Authority

Address of Requesting Entity: 1 Fire Authority Road, Irvine, California 92602

Description of Request: I have secured $252,000 for predisaster mitigation for the Orange County Fire Authority. The funding would be used to support a full time year-round hand crew for wildland fire operations through the purchase of materials such as personal protective equipment, supplies and tools. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on any of my pecuniary interests.

Mr. 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), Mary Ann Roberta 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.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual from my Congressional District who has dedicated his life to defending the people of this country and preserving the basic freedoms and liberties that we hold dear. Commanding Officer Captain Robert A. Shafer of the United States Navy is a true American hero and today I thank him for his 28 years of naval service. On Monday, January 22, 2009, Captain Shafer will be honored at his retirement and Change of Command Ceremony at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona, California.

Captain Robert A. Shafer graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1981. He was commissioned an Ensign and immediately began training as a Surface Warfare Officer in Coronado, California.

During his career, Captain Shafer's assignments included Combat Information Center Officer aboard the USS O'Brien (DD-975); Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer aboard the USS Antietam (CG-54); Executive Officer of the USS San Jacinto (CG-56); and Commanding Officer of the USS Vincennes (CG-49). Captain Shafer also completed seven deployments, primarily to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Gulf during this time.

Following his Division Officer tour, Captain Shafer attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. There he earned a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and completed the requirements for a Weapons Systems Engineering subspecialty. Additionally, he is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College as well as the Naval War College.

Subsequent shore tours include duty as Executive Assistant and Instructor in the Department of Weapons and Systems Engineering, United States Naval Academy; and as Fleet Liaison for the Technical Director, Aegis Combat Systems.

His previous shore tour included assignment as Chief Staff Officer for PEO Theater Surface Combatants, Aegis Combat Systems Engineer, Director, Battle Force Systems Engineering, and duties as Military Deputy for the Director of Integrated Combat Systems for PEO Integrated Warfare Systems.

Captain Shafer's awards include the Meritorious Service medal with 3 Gold Stars, the Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 3 Gold Stars, as well as various unit and campaign ribbons which include five Battle ``E'' awards.

Captain Shafer will retire from naval service with more than just his experience, decorated career and remarkable accomplishments; his enduring legacy will serve as a shining example and constant reminder of what it means to be an American.

Mr. Chair, I wholeheartedly support Commerce-Justice- Science Subcommittee Chairman Mollohan's bipartisan amendment to restore $100 million to the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), to meet the Fiscal Year 2009 level of $400 million.

I greatly appreciate my good friend, Alan Mollohan, and his staff's recognition of the importance of this program by rejecting the President's proposal to eliminate SCAAP.

Counties across the country depend on SCAAP for reimbursement of the costs associated with the detention and incarceration of criminal aliens.

Keep in mind, local law enforcement only receive a partial reimbursement through SCAAP. For example, in my district, Riverside County received reimbursement for only 17% of the cost of incarcerating criminal aliens in Fiscal Years 08-09. And out of Orange County's 65,000 inmates booked each year at the county jails, approximately 19% are criminal aliens.

Although illegal immigration is clearly the federal government's responsibility, counties incur millions of dollars in unreimbursed expenses each year as a result of housing criminal aliens.

During difficult economic times, local governments are struggling to pay for budgeted programs and additional demands for services are straining the system to the breaking point--unreimbursed expenses simply cannot go unmet.

This amendment will help the many communities across the nation burdened with the costs of our federal government's failed responsibility to secure our nation's borders.

I urge my colleagues to accept the amendment.