Floor Statements

Madam Chair, this week the Majority Party, through this budget, has declared that they stand for bigger government, more taxes, and higher debt.

How does the Democratic budget spend on such high levels over the next ten years? Two words: tax increases. The budget includes a complicated cap-and-trade energy tax that will cost the average American household up to $3,128 annually, a new tax on charitable giving that will cost American charities as much as $16 billion per year, increased taxes on businesses and families that make over $250,000 per year, and the resurrection of the death tax which will punish family-owned businesses and farms.

The theme seems to be that the government knows best and the people should fall in line.

Fortunately, there are some of us on Capitol Hill who will not fall in line. Republicans have offered an alternative that reflects common- sense economics: when in debt, stop spending.

The Republican alternative places a priority on national defense and veterans' health and temporarily freezes other discretionary spending for five years. It would halve the President's deficit projection for 2019.

It would make the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent, cap the capital gains and dividends tax at 15 percent and give families and individuals options for a simplified tax code. To foster entrepreneurship and small businesses, it would cut the corporate tax rate--the second highest in the world--from 35 percent to 25 percent.

Unlike my friends on the other side of the aisle, I do not think the way forward is through increased government interference, funded by our wallets and our children's piggybanks. I urge members to reject the proposed Democrat budget and vote for the Ryan Budget.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a group of individuals whose dedication and contributions to the military community of Riverside, California are exceptional. Riverside has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated military community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. The Distinguished Flying Cross Society (DFCS) is such a group and I wholeheartedly support their efforts to build a National Distinguished Flying Cross Memorial at the March Field Air Museum (MFAM). This monument will ``perpetuate the memory of those persons who have been and those who will receive the Distinguished Flying Cross.''

I am honored to represent Air Force Village West (AFVW), a ``Continuing Care Retirement community'' (CCRC) that is home to and also provides medical care for over 680 retired military officers, their wives and widows. All the Services are represented among the residents: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Public Health Service and NOAA.

Eighty residents of the Village, who were flyers in their active duty days, organized the Inland Empire Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society which is the primary sponsor of the memorial. These members were awarded this prestigious medal under the Act which provided the award ``to any person while serving in any capacity with the Air Corps of the Army of the United States, including the National Guard and the Organized Reserves, or with the United States Navy since the 6th day of April 1917 has distinguished, or who, after the approval of this Act, distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.'' Among recipients are the 1st recipient of the medal Captain Charles L. Lindbergh, former President George H. W. Bush, former South Dakota Governor Joe Foss, Brig Gen. Jimmy Doolittle and the founder/organizer of the Air Force Village West retirement home, General Curtis Le May.

The memorial is a cooperative effort between the Air Force Village West Chapter, the March Field Air Museum, and the new DFCS Chapter. MFAM is located at March Air Reserve Base (MARB) which hosts the C-17As of the 792nd Air Mobility Wing (AMW) in addition to KC-135s, and C- 130s. The Air National Guard also has a detachment of F-16s. The Memorial will be available to thousands of visitors each year and while viewing the static display at MFAM, visitors will be frequently treated to an operational air unit providing support to our troops in Iraq. Every year, MFAM has a front row seat to the MARB air show, which frequently features the Air Force Thunderbirds. It is a fitting place to honor the many aviators who have distinguished themselves by deeds performed in aerial flight. The monument will be topped by a model of the Loening OA-1A amphibian aircraft, which was flown on the Pan- American Goodwill Flight of 1926. The ten aviators who flew this mission were the first recipients of the Distinguished Flying Certificate from President Calvin Coolidge.

Madam Speaker, it is truly an honor to represent Air Force Village West, the Distinguished Flying Cross Society and to lend my support to the efforts to build a National Distinguished Flying Cross Memorial at the March Field Air Museum.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a school in my congressional district, St. Margaret's Episcopal School, that not only excels in academics but is also distinguished on the football field. The St. Margaret's football team won the 2008 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Small Schools State Championship. In the championship game, St. Margaret's defeated Hamilton Union (Hamilton City) 59 to 7.

The football team is an outstanding example of hard work, determination and perseverance. They were undefeated in the 2008 season and have earned the title ``Champions.'' The members of the winning football team include:

Team Co-Captains Jeremy Baileys, Alex Brolick, David Mothander, and Chase Smith along with teammates John Murayama, Matthew Duenes, Conner Edgcomb, Michael Schmall, Austin Holden, Brennan Smith, Kent Iizuka, Chris Adams, James Murayama, Travis Anderson, Davis Edwards, JT Carpenter, Adam Miyawaki, Justin Oh, Leo Garcia, Jeff Askin, Colfax Selby, Alfredo Valencia, Will Findiesen, Connor McClure, Max Carpenter, Brett Nicholas and Mack Santora.

The team is led by Head Coach Harry Welch; Assistants Rod Baltau, Chris Colaw, Mark Davidson, Jay Noonan, Mel Taylor, Fr. Reggie Payne- Wiens, Brent Ward, and Butch Ward; Athletic Trainer Dave Tomlinson; and Team Managers Kira Cahill, Anna Maria Carabini, Emily Furman, and Valerie Wu.

It is an honor to represent such a fine group of young people with a strong dedication to team work and academics. I know each one of them will treasure the memories of their championship season and I commend them, and the entire St. Margaret's community, for this truly great achievement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the aerospace and aeronautics communities, and to our country, have been exceptional. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been fortunate to have a dynamic and dedicated leader who has given his time and talent to advance U.S. interests in space, science and aeronautics. On January 20, 2009, Administrator Michael Griffin concluded nearly four years of service as the NASA Administrator.

Dr. Griffin was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the United States Senate as the 11th Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. He began his term on April 14, 2005. As Administrator, Mike led the NASA team and managed its resources to advance the U.S. Vision for Space Exploration which included returning the space shuttle to flight, completing assembly of the International Space Station and development of the Ares rocket and Orion crew vehicle to return us to the moon and eventually to Mars.

Prior to his tenure with NASA, Griffin served as Space Department Head at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. He was previously President and Chief Operating Officer of In-Q-Tel, Inc., and also served in several positions within Orbital Sciences Corporation, Dulles, Virginia, including Chief Executive Officer of Orbital's Magellan Systems division and General Manager of the Space Systems Group. Griffin also previously served as chief engineer and as associate administrator for exploration at NASA, and as deputy for technology at the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization.

Mike Griffin is a true rocket scientist and has the post-secondary degrees to prove it. He received a bachelor's degree in physics from Johns Hopkins University; a master's degree in aerospace science from Catholic University of America; a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland; a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California; a master's degree in applied physics from Johns Hopkins University; a master's degree in business administration from Loyola College; and a master's degree in Civil Engineering from George Washington University.

Mike Griffin is a certified flight instructor with instrument and multiengine ratings. In addition, he is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and International Academy of Astronautics, an Honorary Fellow of the American Astronautical Society, a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, and a previous adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and George Washington University, where he taught courses in spacecraft design, applied mathematics, guidance and navigation, compressible flow, computational fluid dynamics, spacecraft attitude control, astrodynamics and introductory aerospace engineering. He is the lead author of more than two dozen technical papers, as well as the textbook, ``Space Vehicle Design.'' Mike is also the recipient of the Department of Defense's Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award given to a non-government employee.

Mike has demonstrated his ongoing passion for NASA and provided tremendous leadership for the agency in the Second Space Age. I am proud to call Mike a fellow American and friend. I know that many people around the country are grateful for his service and join me in saluting his many achievements. Whatever the future holds for him, Godspeed Mike Griffin.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, Lieutenant General William F. Pitts. Today, I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible man who dedicated his life in service to our country. On Tuesday, December 30, 2008, Lt. Gen. Pitts passed away at the age of 89.

Lt. Gen. Pitt's father was a career military officer, and Lt. Gen. Pitts was born at March Field Hospital, located in Riverside, California, on Thanksgiving Day 1919. When he was 10 years old, Lt. Gen. Pitts took his first airplane ride and vowed to become an Air Force pilot. In 1943, he graduated from West Point and flew 25 World War II missions against Japan in a B-29 Superfortress. In his last mission in the bomber, he was shot down off the coast of Japan but was able to parachute out of the plane and was rescued by a submarine.

After Lt. Gen. Pitt's heroic service during World War II, he was steadily promoted and earned three stars. He served as a NATO commander in Turkey, four tours at the Pentagon and also as a diplomat in Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, England and Taiwan. In 1972, Lt. Gen. Pitts returned to March Air Force Base as the Commander of the 15th Air Force. His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with an oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem with one oak leaf cluster and the Purple Heart.

In 1975, Lt. Gen. Pitts retired from the Air Force and he and his wife, Doris, made Riverside their permanent home in the 1990s. He was active in the March community during his retirement, helping to keep the base open during the Base Realignment and Closure process. In honor of his efforts, March erected a stone post at the parade grounds on the base. He was also a board member of the March Field Museum.

On December 22, 2008, Lt. Gen. Pitts celebrated his 60th anniversary with his wife Doris. He is survived by his wife; daughters Cowgill, Alisha and Linda; sister Nanetta Atkinson; and four grandchildren.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men like Lt. Gen. Pitts 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. Lt. Gen. Pitts was a dear friend and above all, he was a patriot. He will be sorely missed but his legacy and service to our great nation will always be remembered.

Madam Speaker, just over 5 years ago, two engineering marvels--the Mars

Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity--captured the imagination of the American public and the world when they landed on Mars to begin a 3 month-long NASA mission. The mission objective was to search for signs that water may have been present for long periods of time--signs that could tell us whether the Red Planet had been hospitable to life in the past. Within the first several months of the Mars mission, the NASA Web site experienced over a billion site visits. The Mars Exploration Rovers have been a wildly successful mission, with more than 13 miles of harsh Martian terrain traversed and over a quarter million awe- inspiring images from the Martian surface captured, in addition to many thousands of scientific spectra that lends to our study of Mars.

Spirit and Opportunity have made many important discoveries over the last 5 years. One of the most significant discoveries was evidence of water and geological information that supports an understanding that ancient Martian environments included periods of wet, possibly habitable conditions.

I wholeheartedly support H. Res. 67, the resolution offered by my friends and colleagues from southern California, Mr. Schiff and Mr. Dreier to honor NASA, their team from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Cornell University on 5 years of great engineering and scientific discovery.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Riverside, California and to the United States of America are exceptional. This country has been fortunate to have dedicated, honorable, and steadfast leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent to make our communities better places to live and work. General Robert E. Duignan of the United States Air Force is one of these individuals and today I thank him for 36 years of service to our great nation. On Sunday, January 25, 2009, General Duignan was honored with a retirement celebration at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California.

General Duignan took his first plane ride at the age of 13, traveling from Seattle to New York, and from that moment he knew that he wanted to fly airplanes. He attended the University of Washington on an ROTC scholarship and earned a bachelor's degree in business. He entered the Air Force during the Vietnam War, a time when it was not popular to be in the military, and he experienced first-hand the objection to the war on his college campus. However, he never changed course and after graduation he spent 14 years at Travis Air Force Base, flying C-141 cargo planes on missions across the world, sometimes to pick up a single wounded soldier.

In 1989, General Duignan was promoted to Deputy Commander of Operations for the 459th Military Airlift Wing. While serving in this post, General Duignan witnessed the September 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon and focused his efforts on the Global War on Terror as the Director of Plans and Programs at Headquarters AFRC. After two years, he returned to March Air Reserve Base and has worked tirelessly in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As the Commander of the 4th Air Force he has supervised the Reserve's long-range airlift and air refueling units located throughout the continental United States, Hawaii and Guam. It is also important to note that during his career, he has accumulated more than 5,000 flying hours as a pilot flying the C-141, C-5, T-38 and T-37 aircrafts.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men, just like General Robert Duignan, 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. Today I offer my gratitude for the decades of service and I salute Major General Robert Duignan as he retires from the United States Air Force.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Riverside, California are exceptional. Riverside 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. Tedd Laycock is one of these individuals. On March 7, 2009, a dinner in honor of Chief Laycock will be held to celebrate his retirement from the City of Riverside Fire Department.

A lifelong resident of Riverside, Chief Laycock graduated from Ramona High School. After receiving his Associate of Science Degree in fire technology from Riverside City College, he went on to graduate from the University of Redlands with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

In 1973, Chief Laycock began his career with the City of Riverside Fire Department as a firefighter. He was subsequently promoted to Engineer in 1980; to Captain in 1984; to Battalion Chief in 2002; and to Fire Chief on April 8, 2005. Chief Laycock's natural leadership ability has contributed to his excellence as a Fire Chief and established him as a pillar in the community. Chief Laycock retires after forty-six years of service to spend time with his grandchildren, two daughters, three sons, and his wife of ten years Cindy.

As a member of the Riverside community, Chief Laycock not only lived and worked there, but served those in his neighborhood. Chief Laycock has been a member of many local organizations such as the Uptown Kiwanis, the Latino Network and the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Twice, in 1994 and 1996, Chief Laycock was awarded the honor of the Exchange Club's Firefighter of the Year Award.

Chief Laycock's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Riverside, California. I am proud to call Tedd 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, I rise today to honor and welcome a person whose passion for leadership and duty have distinguished him amongst his colleagues. I stand to recognize the Inauguration of the eighth Chancellor at the University of California, Riverside: Dr. Timothy P. White. The Inauguration ceremony will be held on March 17, 2009.

Chancellor White was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His family would later immigrate to the United States where he would come to call California his home. A first-generation college graduate, Chancellor White has certainly made his family, who deeply values education, proud.

Dr. White began his collegiate studies at Diablo Valley Community College, and later graduated Magna Cum Laude from the California State University of Fresno, where he received his Bachelor's Degree. He then pursued and obtained his Masters Degree from the California State University of Hayward. Later Dr. White added a doctorate in exercise physiology from the University of California, Berkeley to his resume.

Chancellor White's curriculum vitae includes a long list of work throughout the United States as an educator and scientist at the University of Michigan, Oregon State University,

University of California Berkeley, the University of Idaho, and now the University of California Riverside. Chancellor White is internationally recognized for his discussion of physiology in various published medical journals and editorials. With more than 30 years of service in higher education, Dr. White's experience is not only an impressive accolade, but a symbol of his passion and tireless commitment toward the sharing of knowledge and ideas. The University of California, Riverside will benefit greatly from Dr. White's impressive knowledge and skills, especially as it embarks on the establishment of a medical school.

Riverside is an area that calls for great leaders that are ready to achieve goals that will propel both the university and the community forward. Dr. White has proven he is a true leader and his experience and passion will greatly benefit UC Riverside, a proud part of the Riverside community and the state of California. Chancellor Timothy P. White represents a welcome addition to the University of California at Riverside and to the region it serves. On behalf of the Inland Empire delegation, I wholeheartedly welcome Dr. White as the eighth distinguished Chancellor of the University of California, Riverside and look forward to working with him for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to two individuals whose dedication and contributions to the community of Corona, California are exceptional. Corona 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. Mike and Maria Vasquez are two of those individuals. On January 17, 2009, Mike and Maria Vasquez were honored at the Corona Chamber of Commerce's 94th Annual Installation and Awards Gala and received the 2008 Citizen of the Year Award.

Mike and Maria Vasquez are wonderful people that have worked their way up from humble beginnings and turned one restaurant into a successful family empire. In 1973, upon receiving a Corona restaurant named Chile Pepper, they entered the restaurant business, renaming the establishment ``Miguel's'' in honor of Mike's grandfather. Maria developed dishes based on recipes from her childhood in Mexico. They focused on exceeding customer service expectations and delivering fresh great-tasting food while offering an inviting ambiance and providing a culture of integrity and self-responsibility. It was Mike and Maria's work ethic and undaunted ambition that has ensured the success of Miguel's.

In 1975, Mike and Maria purchased a fast-food restaurant two miles from the original. Miguel's Jr., as they called it, was immediately embraced by the community. Today, the original Miguel's has two locations in Corona including their newest location at Dos Lagos, and Miguel's Jr. has expanded to include seven locations. Following the same business philosophies and family traditions that founded the business, the Vasquez children are committed to growing Miguel's. Their youngest son, Javier, is the President, Michael oversees Miguel's Jr., and Carol and Sylvia serve in the corporate offices.

In a large effort to honor their parents, Javier worked with Corona City Councilman Eugene Montanez to create a special park in Corona to honor his parents' accomplishments and to be a place they could enjoy with their grandchildren. Their vision materialized this past August when the Citrus Park splash zone opened to throngs of happy families. I'm proud to say that the Citrus-themed playground is Corona's first ever water park and was designed based on Corona's proud citrus history. The water park is yet another successful venture of the Vasquez family and a testament to their continued willingness to give back to the community.

Mike and Maria's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of Corona, California. Volunteerism is a major part of the Vasquez's life and from their business, they support many non-profit organizations and schools. For more than 35 years, the Vasquez family has achieved success by focusing on the things that matter: community, family, and tradition. I am proud to call Mike and Maria fellow neighbors, Americans and friends. I know that many community members are grateful for their service and we salute them in their recent award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because 7 months from now the E-Verify program will expire. It is unacceptable that Congress continues to kick the can down the road on E-Verify. Last Congress, I along with 406 other Members of Congress, voted to extend E-Verify for 4 years. It was a bipartisan bill that had the overwhelming support of Members, as well as the American public. Congresswoman Giffords and I have introduced the same legislation this Congress, H.R. 662.

Let's be clear: Reauthorization of E-Verify is not immigration reform. The existing voluntary program is the only way for employers to ensure that that are complying with existing law, which requires them to hire a legal workforce. Extending the voluntary program will also provide certainty to the 106,000 users of the system, including the States of Arizona and Mississippi, that E-Verify will continue to be available.

So why do we find ourselves counting down to an expiration date? Because there are certain special interests that may try to leverage E- Verify for a so-called comprehensive immigration reform bill.

We cannot allow the reauthorization of E-Verify to be tied up in a battle over an amnesty bill. Let's bring the bipartisan reauthorization of E-Verify through regular order and give the American people, and the thousands of E-Verify users, the assurance that employment verification will continue to be available.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the FY 2009 Omnibus.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert

Bill Number: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: DOJ, COPS Law Enforcement Technology

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Corona Police Department

Address of Requesting Entity: 849 W. Sixth Street, Corona, California, 92882

Description of Request: I have secured $330,000 for the City of Corona Police Department for Interoperability Equipment. The funding would be used to replace outdated communication technology through the purchase of new equipment including new microwave dishes, control station antennas, and new local base station radio equipment. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: DOJ, COPS Law Enforcement Technology

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Corona Police Department

Address of Requesting Entity: 849 W. Sixth Street, Corona, California, 92882

Description of Request: I have secured $325,000 for the City of Corona Police Department for the Public Safety Wireless Network. The funding would be used to complete work on a high speed wireless network to allow mobile access by Police Officers and Firefighters to the City wireless network and other resources available through the internet. The funding would be used to purchase approximately 10 to 12 base station/repeaters with a mobile device to be installed in each City police and fire vehicle. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: DOJ, OJP--Byrne Discretionary Grants

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Office of the Orange County District Attorney

Address of Requesting Entity: 401 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, California, 92701

Description of Request: I have secured $500,000 for the Office of the Orange County District Attorney for the DNA Expansion Project. The funding would be used to purchase DNA mobile collection vehicles and related equipment, supplies and DNA processing. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: OJP--Byrne Discretionary Grants

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Riverside County Probation Department

Address of Requesting Entity: 3801 University Avenue, Suite 400 Riverside, California, 92501

Description of Request: I have secured $500,000 for the Riverside County Probation Department for an Automated Kiosk Reporting System. The funding would be used to purchase 15 automated kiosk reporting systems to be placed at government buildings throughout the county at where offenders would report on a regular basis as directed by their probation officer. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: DOJ, OJP--Byrne Discretionary Grants

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, CA

Address of Requesting Entity: Riverside County Sheriff's Department-- 4095 Lemon Street, Riverside, California 92501, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department--655 East Third Street, San Bernardino, California 92415

Description of Request: I have secured $1,925,000 for San Bernardino and Riverside Counties for the joint Regional Fingerprint Identification Project. The funding would be used for ongoing product development, research and pilot programs of the identification project which provides fingerprint, photo and DNA services to all public safety agencies including local police departments, district attorney, school districts, coroner and Sheriffs' Departments in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: DOJ, COPS Law Enforcement Technology

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Riverside

Address of Requesting Entity: 3900 Main Street, Riverside, California, 92522

Description of Request: I have secured $895,000 for the City of Riverside for the Public Safety Interoperability System. The funding would be used for the purchase of satellite phones as well as the acquisition, installation, and first year maintenance of Internet Protocol (IP) based radio ``gateways'' and Mobile Satellite WLAN/IP Broadband to achieve interoperability. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE) account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Riverside Unified School District

Address of Requesting Entity: 3380 14th Street, Riverside, California 92501

Description of Request: I have secured $238,000 for the Riverside Unified School District Virtual School Program. The funding will

be used to provide additional curricular content for the online education program. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE) account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Riverside County Office of Education

Address of Requesting Entity: 3939 13th Street, Riverside California 92501

Description of Request: I have secured $476,000 for the Riverside County Office of Education School Dropout Prevention and Student Success Initiative. The funding will be used to conduct research and implement reforms to address the origins of students dropping out and to devise solutions to keep students in school and promote their academic success. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: California Baptist University

Address of Requesting Entity: 8432 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, California 92504

Description of Request: I have secured $238,000 for the California Baptist University Equipment Modernization and Health Care Training Initiative. The funding will be used to purchase specialized equipment for the School of Engineering and the School of Nursing. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: La Sierra University

Address of Requesting Entity: 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside, California 92515

Description of Request: I have secured $143,000 for the La Sierra University Integrated Biological and Physical Science Laboratory. The funding will be used to purchase equipment for an integrated biological and physical science laboratory. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Riverside Community College District

Address of Requesting Entity: 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, California 92506

Description of Request: I have secured $333,000 for the Riverside Community College District Allied Health Sciences Program. The funding will be used to purchase equipment for the Allied Health Sciences Program. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Riverside County Regional Medical Center

Address of Requesting Entity: 26520 Cactus Avenue, Riverside, California 92555

Description of Request: I have secured $523,000 for the Riverside County Regional Medical Center Facilities and Equipment Funding. The funding will be used to expand and renovate the trauma unit at the Riverside County Regional Medical 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Operations

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Municipal Water District of Orange County

Address of Requesting Entity: 10500 Ellis Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92728.

Description of Request: I secured $134,000 for the Municipal Water District of Orange County for Efficient Irrigation. The funding would be used to continue the installation of a smart irrigation controller system that uses cutting edge technology to regulate the amount of water that is delivered based on weather conditions, soil, slope, and type of landscape. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

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

Address of Requesting Entity: 1111 Franklin Street, 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94607

Description of Request: I secured $1,531,000 for the Pierce's Disease Research Program. The requested funding will allow the University of California to conduct competitive research projects for Pierce's Disease focusing on wine-grape growing regions and counties as well as for Invasive Species emphasizing on high priority introductions. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

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

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

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

Description of Request: I secured $369,000 for the Aliso Creek, CA project. The funding would be used for the Aliso Creek, CA watershed project in Orange County, CA. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

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

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

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

Description of Request: I secured $215,000 for the Heacock and Cactus Channels, CA project. The funding would be used for the Heacock and Cactus Channels flood control project in southern California. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

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

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

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

Description of Request: I secured $339,000 for the Riverside County Special Area Management Plan (SAMP), CA. The funding would be used to complete work on the Riverside County SAMP for the San Jacinto and Santa Margarita River Watersheds in Riverside County, CA. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

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

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

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

Description of Request: I secured $382,000 for the San Clemente Shoreline, CA project. The funding would be used for a shoreline protection project in San Clemente, CA. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

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

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

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

Description of Request: I secured $717,000 for the San Juan Creek, South Orange County, CA project. The funding would be used for the San Juan Creek flood control project in Orange County, CA. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

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

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

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

Description of Request: I secured $3,349,000 for the Murrieta Creek, CA project.

The funding would be used for the Murrieta Creek, CA flood control project in Riverside County, CA. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

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

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

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

Description of Request: I secured $14,000,000 for the Santa Ana River Mainstem, CA project. The funding would be used for the Santa Ana River Mainstem flood control project in southern California. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

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

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

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

Description of Request: I secured $946,000 for the South Perris, CA project. The funding would be used to produce potable water from an otherwise unusable groundwater resource through the construction of a three million-gallon per day reverse osmosis desalter, feed-water pipelines, and brackish water wells in the Perris South sub-basin. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

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

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

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

Description of Request: I secured $2,871,000 for the Upper Newport Bay, CA project. The funding would be used for the Upper Newport Bay ecosystem restoration project in Orange County, CA. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: Bureau of Reclamation, Water and Related Resources

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Inland Empire Utilities Agency

Address of Requesting Entity: 6075 Kimball Avenue, Chino, CA 91710

Description of Request: I secured $5,000,000 for the Inland Empire Regional Water Recycling project. The funding would be for continued construction of the Inland Empire Regional Water Recycling Project in California. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: Bureau of Reclamation, Water and Related Resources

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Orange County Water District

Address of Requesting Entity: 10500 Ellis Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Description of Request: I secured $540,000 for the Orange County Regional Water Reclamation Project. The funding would be used for the completion of the Orange County Regional Water Reclamation Project in Orange County, CA. 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: FY 2009 Omnibus

Account: Bureau of Reclamation, Water and Related Resources

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Western Municipal Water District

Address of Requesting Entity: 450 Alessandro Boulevard, Riverside,

Madam Speaker, I wish to make the following disclosure in accordance with the Republican Earmark Transparency Standards requiring Members to place a statement in the Congressional Record prior to a floor vote on a bill that includes earmarks they have requested.

Specifically, H.R. 637, the South Orange County Recycled Water Enhancement Act, which I introduced on January 22, 2009, contains two earmarks as defined under House Rule XXI, clause 9. Both earmarks contained in H.R. 637 authorize appropriations for projects under Title XVI of Public Law 102-575, the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act.

The first project authorized in H.R. 637 is an advanced water treatment plant facility and recycled water system located in the City of San Juan Capistrano. Located in Orange County, California, the City of San Juan Capistrano relies on imported water from the Sacramento/San Joaquin Bay-Delta and the Colorado River to meet much of its water needs. Recognizing the increasing need to provide local water for irrigation, large fields and other non-potable uses, the City plans to construct a water recycling project consisting of four reservoirs, one pump station, and 29 pipelines. The legislation authorizes $18.5 million of federal appropriations, which sunsets 10 years following the passage of the H.R. 637. The federal cost share shall not exceed 25 percent of the total project cost and no federal funds shall be used for project operation and maintenance.

The second project authorized in H.R. 637 will expand reclaimed water distribution, storage and treatment facilities in the City of San Clemente. The City of San Clemente also relies on imported water to meet some of its needs. In 1991, San Clemente completed construction of a water treatment and reclaimed water facility that produced 2.2 million gallons of reclaimed water per day. The plant could be expanded to produce over 4 million gallons per day. The project would also consist of a two million gallon storage reservoir, a pumping station, retrofit of an existing pumping station at the treatment facility, and pipelines. The legislation authorizes $5 million of federal appropriations, which sunsets 10 years following the passage of the H.R. 637. The federal cost share shall not exceed 25 percent of the total project cost and no federal funds shall be used for project operation and maintenance.

I certify that neither project has a direct and foreseeable effect on any of my financial interests, nor the financial interests of any member of my family. Consistent with the Republican Conference's policy on earmarks, I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge this request (1) is not directed to an entity or program that will be named after a sitting Member of Congress; (2) is not intended to be used by an entity to secure funds for other entities unless the use of funding is consistent with the specified purpose of the earmark; and (3) meets or exceeds all statutory requirements for matching funds where applicable.

Mr. Speaker, the South Orange County Recycled Water Enhancement Act is a relatively modest, yet important step towards meeting the long-term water needs for the West.

Last week, Federal water managers said that they plan to cut off water, at least temporarily, to thousands of California farms as a result of the drought affecting the State. With the State and Federal reservoirs at their lowest levels since 1992, mandatory water rationing is just around the corner. In the midst of our dramatic economic downturn, the lack of water simply makes a bad economic situation worse. The passage of any legislation that enables communities in the West to be more drought-resistant could not be timelier.

The South Orange County Recycled Water Enhancement Act authorizes two water reclamation projects in the south Orange County portion of my district. South Orange County relies heavily on imported water from sources such as the Colorado River and Bay-Delta in northern California. Water reclamation projects, and other steps that reduce demand for imported water, benefit all regional water users.

The first project outlined in the legislation is the San Juan Capistrano Recycled Water System, which would enable the city of San Juan Capistrano to provide recycled water to users throughout the city and its neighboring communities. To meet the local demand, the city has developed a project that includes the construction of a water treatment facility as well as transmission infrastructure. I want to thank San Juan Capistrano Mayor Mark Nielsen and the rest of the city council for their dedication to this important project.

The second project is the San Clemente Reclaimed Water Project which would expand San Clemente's reclaimed water infrastructure by doubling its production capacity. When completed, San Clemente's Reclaimed Water Project will reduce the city's demand of domestic water by 3,300 acre- feet per year. I applaud San Clemente Mayor Lori Donchak and the entire city council for their continued commitment to water recycling.

Mr. Speaker, I think it is crucial that we recognize and assist communities that are working to reduce their reliance on imported water and I urge all of my colleagues to support the South Orange County Recycled Water Enhancement Act.

Ms. Bordallo. I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of San Clemente, California, are exceptional. San Clemente 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. Susan Ritschel is one of these individuals. On February 19, 2009, the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce will honor Susan as the ``2008 Citizen of the Year.''

I've known Susan for several years and can attest to all that she does for the community of San Clemente. Susan served on the San Clemente Planning Commission as Commissioner after which she served on the San Clemente City Council for two terms and was mayor of the city. Susan is a former president of the Orange County Division of the League of California Cities and a board member and chair of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board and was the Orange County planning commissioner.

Susan's accomplishments in 2008 are extraordinary. She was the honorary chair of the Capital Campaign for the new Dorothy Visser Senior Center in San Clemente. I was honored to join Susan for a short leg of her 1,000 miles to raise funds for the Senior Center. She also planned and held a major fundraiser entitled ``Cruising to our Destination'' as well as oversaw and coordinated outreach to foundations. Susan's passion for helping seniors in our community was the driving force in gathering support for the Dorothy Visser Senior Center from legislators at all levels as well as businesses, service clubs and other entities. Susan developed and implemented a Capital Campaign, which raised over 2.1 million dollars in pledges and payments to meet the Campaign goal.

In short, there is nothing Susan cannot do once she puts her mind to it. Susan Ritschel is a model citizen and in 2008 she worked untiringly to improve the lives of San Clemente seniors. She is held in high esteem by the city of San Clemente, the business community and the many people that she impacts everyday in a positive way.

Susan's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of San Clemente, California, and especially to the senior community. I am proud to call Susan a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for her service and salute her as she receives the much-deserved ``2008 Citizen of the Year'' Award.