Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, in accordance with the policies and standards put forth by the House Appropriations Committee and the GOP Leadership, I submit a list of the congressionally directed projects I requested in my home state of Idaho that are contained in the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2997, the FY2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill.

Project Name: Aquaculture Research Initiative

Amount Received: $529,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: Research and development of strains of barley for the production of high-value protein concentrates from barley and oats that can be used as fish feed. Increasingly, fish that are consumed world wide originate from aquaculture. This increase has taxed global supplies of marine protein and oil traditionally used in aquafeeds resulting in record prices for these commodities. Idaho is a leader in the national aquaculture industry, producing over 70% of the nation's commercially grown rainbow trout and generating $100 million per year. Funding would support innovative research to develop new ways of addressing problems in the industry.

Project Name: Barley for Rural Development

Amount Received: $547,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: Funding for this program would support research directed at the continued development of improved malt, feed, cellulosic ethanol and food barley varieties for growers and value added end-users in rural Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota communities. This research is starting to expand and meet market opportunities, addressing the critical need of growers in production agriculture to increase economic yield, enhance domestic and international market access, improve production technologies, better compete with Canadian imports and reduce dependence on government subsidies. Research supported by this project will increase the manufacture and sale of value-added barley products (malt, beer, fuel, food, livestock) in these states, having a substantial positive impact on their economies, supporting jobs, generating business activity, and federal, state, and local tax revenue. Maintenance of the strength of barely in the Idaho economy requires continual efforts to improve crop quality and productivity. This can only be accomplished by investing in strong research programs that keep the industry at the forefront.

Project Name: COOL Season Legume Research

Amount Received: $350,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: This program is an aggressive cooperative research program between the USDA, the University of Idaho, and the University of Washington that seeks new, high yielding, high quality, nutritious dry pea, lentil, and chickpea varieties to meet producer and consumer needs. This research focuses on the breeding of new, superior varieties of legumes; management of nematodes, insects, plant diseases and weeds that can limit production; and reduction of soil erosion and water degradation associated with production, as well as the development of value-added new products. The technology being generated through the research is essential for the pea, lentil, and chickpea industries to remain competitive and profitable. Funding would be provided to the University of Idaho through the USDA ARS facility located at 29603 U of I Lane, Parma, Idaho 83660.

Project Name: Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee

Amount Received: $605,000

Account: USDA/APHIS

Recipient: Idaho State Department of Agriculture

Recipient's Street Address: 2270 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, ID 83712

Description: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming are each required by law to manage brucellosis-infected wildlife within their borders in order to prevent the spread of brucellosis to non-infected wildlife, cattle, or domestic bison. The Committee is coordinating with federal, state, and private actions in eliminating brucellosis from wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Area and preventing transmission of this disease from wildlife to livestock. The funding will be used to develop and implement brucellosis herd unit management plans; to perform functions and duties of Idaho relative to the Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee; to conduct brucellosis prevention, surveillance, control and eradication activities in Idaho and the Greater Yellowstone Area.

Project Name: Increasing Shelf-Life of Agriculture Commodities

Amount Received: $603,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: In order to prevent serious food safety issues, this project will fund research and development of bio-electronic sensors that can detect the presence of microbial pathogens in food and food products. Preventative detection and treatment at the agricultural commodity level and fast, accurate detection of biological pathogens and dangerous food toxins is an important element for ensuring safety and shelf life. The research being conducted in this area at the University of Idaho will advance and expand previous work on biosensor systems to further enhance preventative detection and treatment of biological pathogens and dangerous food toxins.

Project Name: Nez Perce Bio-Control Center

Amount Received: $176,000

Account: USDA/APHIS

Recipient: Nez Perce Tribe Bio-Control Center

Recipient's Street Address: 102 Agency Road, Lapwai, ID 83540

Description: The Nez Perce Bio-Control Center is authorized by the Noxious Weed Control and Eradication Act of 2004 and manages and establishes nurseries to increase biological control organism availability, distribute biological control organisms, monitor their impacts, and provide an increased number of annual technology transfer workshops to Cooperative Weed Management Areas and other landowners and managers regionally. This funding will continue the partnership between USDA and the Nez Perce Tribe to maximize the effectiveness of implementing a complete bio-control of weeds program in an Integrated Weed Management strategy. The Center will increase the availability of agents for landowners and managers throughout the region. Biological control offers long-term management of invasive weeds and can be used with other integrated pest management approaches.

Project Name: Potato Cyst Nematode Research

Amount Received: $349,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: This funding would be used by the University of Idaho for research and development of means to eradicate and better protect the Idaho potato crop from the soil-borne pathogen potato cyst nematode, hardened nematode bodies filled with eggs which can persist in the soil for up to 25 years. Current eradication depends upon methyl bromide, which is not totally effective and which may be banned because of its ozone depleting properties, as well as other chemicals which are even less effective and several of which may also be banned. The funds will be used to maximize the efficiency of methyl bromide while it is available and develop new ``green'' replacement eradicants (such as green manure or biologically derived nematicides) and procedures (advance hatching frequency), as well as to improve planting material screening procedures and to study plant-vector-virus relationships, which may also lead to new ways to fight potato viruses. Previous funding established the groundwork and prepared the University of Idaho to fully implement the needed research. This project will work in concert with the ongoing USDA eradication program by providing new methods of treatment. This crop pest can result in 80% yield reductions and has negatively affected agricultural trade. There is a good chance that if this threat is addressed with adequate research and treatment it can be eliminated.

Project Name: Small Fruit Research, ID, OR, WA

Amount Received: $307,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: The Small Fruits Initiative-Plant Improvement project will build upon the strengths of existing cooperative research programs aligned through the Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research. This ongoing tri-state program supports the development of small fruits as an alternative agriculture crop in the Pacific Northwest. The funding will strengthen existing programs throughout the region and add key programs to fill in critical gaps that are not met by the existing infrastructure associated with the Center, providing key resources for Idaho scientists to address problems that negatively impact the emerging berry, grape, and wine industries in the Northwest.

Project Name: STEEP IV--Water Quality in the Northwest

Amount Received: $444,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: Soil erosion affects 10 million acres of cropland in the Inland Pacific Northwest, reducing farm productivity. STEEP is a coordinated research and technology transfer program designed to develop and implement erosion control practices for agriculture. Emerging environmental and human health concerns also require control of erosion and other environmental impacts of agriculture. New strategies and cropping systems for the protection of soil, water, and air resources are being developed and assessed through collaborative research conducted by scientists in the Pacific Northwest. The STEEP program continues to provide Pacific Northwest farmers and supporting agribusiness entities the new conservation technologies, tools, and understand to meet with evolving demands of agriculture, the environment, and Pacific Northwest residents.

Project Name: Tri-State Predatory Control

Amount Received: $926,000

Account: USDA/APHIS

Recipient: USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

Recipient's Street Address: 9134 West Blackeagle Drive, Boise, ID 83709

Description: This project would continue assistance to Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming to control wolves and other predators. The Yellowstone wolf population has reached levels 3 to 4 times the initial recovery goals, leading to a delisting from the ESA earlier this year for the wolves in Idaho and Montana and leaving states responsible for managing the increasing wolf populations. As a result, ranchers are facing increasing threats from these predators. The continuation of this program will ensure that the tri-state area will be able to address predator management.

Project Name: Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research

Amount Received: $275,000

Account: USDA/ARS

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: The Small Fruits Initiative-Plant Improvement project will build upon the strengths of existing cooperative research programs aligned through the Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research. This ongoing tri-state program supports the development of small fruits as an alternative agriculture crop in the Pacific Northwest. The funding will strengthen existing programs throughout the region and add key programs to fill in critical gaps that are not met by the existing infrastructure associated with the Center, providing key resources for Idaho scientists to address problems that negatively impact the emerging berry, grape, and wine industries in the Northwest. Funding would be provided to the University of Idaho through the USDA ARS facility located at 29603 U of I Lane, Parma, Idaho 83660. Biological control offers long-term management of invasive weeds and can be used with other integrated pest management approaches.

I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of congressionally- directed projects I requested that are included in the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2997, the Agriculture Appropriations Act for FY2010 and provide an explanation of my support for them.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of John Lindsay and to wish him well in his next endeavors.

For the past four years, John Lindsay has directed the communications activities of Idaho National Laboratory, INL. During that time, INL has achieved great success as the lead laboratory for the Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy. INL has increased the size of its research portfolio, achieved success in its pursuit and receipt of R&D 100 awards, and played a leading role communicating the technical facts behind the growing nuclear renaissance we see developing in the U.S. and especially around the world. John Lindsay has had a steady hand communicating the lab's success, and he has assembled a strong team that will continue on after he departs.

John's most important contribution to Idaho may have been his leading role in the formation of a public organization known as the Partnership for Science and Technology, which seeks to bring balance and facts into the discussion of science and energy matters. The Partnership has become an effective and trusted resource that can respond quickly to misrepresentations and misstatements regarding nuclear power and any other clean energy source. Indeed, the Partnership mobilized the citizens of Idaho to express their views of nuclear issues to such an extent that this visible public support became a major factor in the decision by AREVA to site its next uranium enrichment plant in Idaho.

John Lindsay is a true professional and a valued member of the communities of eastern Idaho. John is recognized and respected as a true gentleman--he always treats everyone he meets with respect and dignity, and he has brought great respect to Idaho National Lab as one of its most visible leaders.

While we will miss them, on behalf of eastern Idaho, I want to wish John and Terri all the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, in accordance with the policies and standards put forth by the House Appropriations Committee and the GOP Leadership, I would like to list the congressionally-directed projects I have requested in my home State of Idaho that are contained in the report of H.R. 3326, the FY2010 House Defense Appropriations Bill.

Project Name: 3-D Technology for Advanced Sensor Systems

Amount Received: $2,000,000

Account: Electronics Technology Account in the Department of Defense

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Treena Tubbs of Malad, Idaho. Treena is celebrating her twentieth year of work for the U.S. Government. She began her career with the USDA-FSA in the Malad office. After three years, she was recruited to work for the Veterans Administration. She traveled to Pocatello to work at the Veterans Affairs Community-based Outreach Clinic of the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Treena quickly became known as a friendly and helpful assistant to the veterans who came to the clinic for services. Throughout her career, she has proved herself to be a compassionate ally of those who have bravely served their country and now are in need of medical care. By contributing her time and talents, Treena has ensured a brighter future for our veterans.

It is not enough for Treena to assist in meeting the needs of veterans during office hours. She always makes time from home to help fill out paperwork, answer questions, and remind of appointments. Because it is often difficult to remember all the questions while in the doctor's office, Treena welcomes calls at home to clarify issues the veteran may have regarding his or her care.

The son of one veteran tells of Treena calling in the evening to make sure his father was alright, as he had missed his appointment that day. Another vet said he spent several hours asking questions at Treena's kitchen table on a Saturday.

Although the drive from Malad to Pocatello is difficult, Treena makes it to the clinic unless the winter roads become truly impassable.

In keeping with her commitment to make positive contributions to her community and her sincere willingness to serve, Treena has recently been appointed to the Oneida County Hospital Board.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to have a constituent in my district who is dedicated to improving the lives of our veterans and who devotes her time in selfless service to others.

I repeatedly heard Members come to the floor to ask the question, Where are the jobs? The Obama administration and congressional Democrats told us that with the passage of their $787 Billion stimulus package that unemployment would not rise above 8 percent. Well, it now stands at 9\1/2\ percent.

It's a legitimate question: Where are the jobs?

Let me tell you where the jobs are. As reported on the news last night on the spending of the stimulus package, we are spending your tax dollars on building a living snow fence for $80,000; $31.5 million on a bike trail in California; $1.5 million on a deer underpass; $3.4 million on a turtle tunnel in Florida. That's right, a turtle tunnel in Florida. I hope some of the money from this stimulus is going to train the turtles as to the advantages of using a turtle tunnel.

These are the Democratic stimulus dollars at work, your tax dollars at work.

Madam Speaker, in accordance with the policies and standards put forth by the House Appropriations Committee and the GOP Leadership, I would like to list the congressionally-directed projects I requested in my home state of Idaho that are contained in the report of H.R. 3288, the FY2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

Project Name: City of Rocks Back Country Byway Relocation, ID

Amount Received: $1,000,000

Account: FHWA/Public Lands Highways

Recipient: Idaho Transportation Department

Recipient's Street Address: 3311 West State Street, Boise, ID 83707

Description: This 16.7 mile long project is located on the popular City of Rocks Back Country Byway in Cassia County, Idaho, which provides the only direct access to the City of Rocks National Reserve. When fully completed, the project will pave a 1.0 mile gravel segment, reconstruct 15.7 miles of deficient roadway, correct deteriorated road and slope conditions, provide a wider road with shoulders and guardrail, and improve the road's alignment by reducing the number and severity of sharp curves and steep grades. These improvements will increase safety for the driving public and provide safer access for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. These improvements will also significantly reduce the amount of on-going maintenance required to keep the route usable.

Project Name: Custer County Economic Development Initiative in Custer County, ID

Amount Received: $500,000

Account: HUD/EDI

Recipient: Custer County, ID

Recipient's Street Address: 802 Main Street, Challis, ID 83226

Description: At almost 5,000 square miles, Custer County is larger than three states yet has just over 4,000 people. Unfortunately, it is burdened with a high proportion of public lands with over 95% of the county's 3.4 million acres administered by federal agencies. The county's tax base, or more specifically the lack thereof, is inadequate to support the services required for such an expansive county. This grossly disproportionate public ownership causes a severe strain on their resources. Funding would be used to construct a community center which would serve a number of purposes for the county.

Project Name: Trail Creek Highway/Forest Highway 66 Reconstruction, Mackay, ID

Amount Received: $2,750,000

Account: FHWA/Public Lands Highways

Recipient: Lost River Highway District

Recipient's Street Address: 213 South McCaleb, Mackay, ID 83251

Description: Trail Creek Highway/Forest Highway 66 runs through the Salmon-Challis National Forest from U.S. Highway 93 west to Sun Valley, Idaho. The road is maintained entirely by the Lost River Highway District and includes 17 miles of unpaved road that is used extensively for commerce and recreational purposes by tourists and homeowners. The high traffic volume (500 cars per day and expected to grow) and poor road conditions cause safety concerns for those traveling along the highway. Funds would be used to complete study and design work and upgrade the road by paving 5.5 miles of gravel road from the end of existing pavement near the West Bartlett Point Road (MP 11.750) to the Copper Basin Turn-off (MP 17.250).

I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of congressionally- directed projects I requested that have received funding in the FY2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill on behalf of Idaho and provide an explanation of my support for them.

Madam Speaker, in accordance with the policies and standards put forth by the House Appropriations Committee and the GOP Leadership, I would like to place in the record a listing of the congressionally-directed projects I have requested in my home state of Idaho that are contained in the report of HR 3293, the FY2010 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations:

Project Name: Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Addition and Remodel

Amount Received: $300,000

Account: Health Resources and Services Administration Health Facilities and Services

Recipient: Bear Lake Memorial Hospital

Recipient's Address: 164 South 5th Street, Montpelier, Idaho 83254

Description: The Bear Lake Memorial Hospital is a key service provider to all individuals and plays a vital role in the community, as well as provides services to the popular Bear Lake recreation area. The current Emergency Department lacks sufficient space for a waiting room for emergency room patrons. It also fails to meet HIPPA compliance because of a lack of privacy for patients due to a high-use public hallway dissecting the two emergency room locations. In addition, the current diagnostic imaging facilities are scattered throughout the hospital, which makes it more difficult to provide timely and efficient care. By consolidating the services into one wing, the hospital will be able to provide improved patient care and increase overall staff efficiency. Funding provided would be used for the design and construction of a new addition as well as a renovation of the existing facilities in the Emergency Department and Diagnostic Imaging Department.

Project Name: College of Southern Idaho's Pro-Tech Training Program

Amount Received: $200,000

Account: Department of Education Higher Education

Recipient: College of Southern Idaho

Recipient's Address: 315 Falls Avenue, Twin Falls, ID 83303-1238

Description: This program will enable the College to partner with other agencies to identify training needs and to identify potential candidates for employment. Data provided by Region IV of the State of Idaho Economic Development Agency indicate that manufacturing will be a leading employment area in the Magic Valley and the state of Idaho with over 250 new jobs expected over the next two years. Current trends in manufacturing development necessitate the need for in-depth training in the technological aspects of the design, fabrication, and manufacturing phases of production. CSI is participating in a joint educational venture with Twin Falls High School and local industry that creates a pre-engineering academy at the high school and a Computerized Numeric Controls (CNC)/Industrial Networking Program at the college campus. The Pro-Tech program volves students from grade levels 10-14, and allows the students to move from high school into a two-year program at CSI or into an engineering program at one of Idaho's four-year institutions. At the secondary school level, students learn the basics of computer- assisted design, design physics, and fabrication, with each course offering aligned to the program at CSI through either tech prep or dual credit affiliation. At the post-secondary level students will receive industry-standard training in CNC, automated logic, and industrial networking. This program will train students to meet the educational requirements needed to enable them to enter the high demand fields of the hi-tech manufacturing and engineering sectors.

Project Name: Custer County Purchase of Medical Equipment

Amount Received: $400,000

Account: Health Resources and Services Administration Health Facilities and Services

Recipient: Custer County

Recipient's Address: 801 East Main Avenue, Challis, ID 83226

Description: At almost 5,000 square miles, Custer County is larger than three states yet has just over 4,000 people. Unfortunately, it is burdened with a high proportion of public lands with over 95% of the county's 3.4 million acres administered by federal agencies. The county's tax base, or more specifically the lack thereof, is inadequate to support the services required for such an expansive county. This grossly disproportionate public ownership causes a severe strain on their resources, including their ability to provide access to health services. The influx of tourism and visitors due to the nearby US Forest Service, BLM, recreation and wilderness areas leads to an increased rate of trauma and accidents, placing a large burden on the county. The EMT services and health clinics in the county are in need of renovation and modernization of equipment. This funding would be used to purchase the much needed equipment and technology for the clinics and EMT services in Custer County.

Project Name: Idaho Caring Foundation for Children for dental services for low-income children

Amount Received: $300,000

Account: Health Resources and Services Administration Health Facilities and Services

Recipient: Idaho Caring Foundation for Children

Recipient's Address: 1211 W. Myrtle, Suite 110, Boise, ID 83702

Description: According to the 2000 U.S. Surgeon General's report, ``Oral Health in America'', tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease. As a dentist, I understand the importance of proper dental hygiene at a very young age. Poor oral health can affect a child's self-esteem, ability to eat, appearance and ability to communicate. School attendance can also be negatively impacted. Over 35% of Idaho children lack dental insurance, which serves as a major deterrent in accessing and receiving needed dental care. According to Idaho Department of Health and Welfare 2005 Smile Survey, 27% of Idaho children in grades K-6 had untreated decay. Low-income, uninsured children suffer the greatest incidence of dental decay because their families lack the financial resources to receive regular dental care. The Idaho Caring Foundation will provide access to needed dental services for 600 low-income, uninsured Idaho children. These services will be provided by our network of 140 Idaho dentists from across the state. Eligible children will be identified by working in partnership with Idaho schools, Head Start programs, and other children's programs, such as the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Project Name: Idaho Early Literacy Project

Amount Received: $350,000

Account: Department of Education Elementary and Secondary Education

Recipient: Lee Pesky Learning Center

Recipient's Address: 3324 Elder Street, Boise, ID 83705.

Description: The aim of the Idaho Early Literacy Project is to ensure that all children in Idaho are ready to read when they enter school. Stage III includes utilization of the research-based booklets, ``Every Child Ready to Read and Every Child Ready for Math'', an integrated approach to reading and mathematical literacy, the training of child care providers statewide, both live and on-line, and a direct intervention with parents and children. The training of child care providers includes a face-to-face approach in larger population centers and an on-line approach for remote rural locations. Stage III builds on early literacy training models implemented in 2008-2010 by unifying reading and mathematical literacy and by strengthening the intervention with parents and children. As such, the project assures that pre-school children will receive direct literacy education from child care providers and in special workshops with their parents, creating the ``language rich'' upbringing necessary to succeed in school.

Project Name: Idaho SySTEMic Solution

Amount Received: $400,000

Account: Department of Education Elementary and Secondary Education

Recipient: Boise State University

Recipient's Address: 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725-1135

Description: Idaho SySTEMic Solution is a nationally relevant, hands- on, project-based STEM learning system (science, technology, engineering, & math) designed to spur achievement and confidence among elementary-age learners and their teachers. Proven methods show that long-term student achievement and interest in STEM can be dramatically improved by introducing systemic, contiguous, and engaging hands-on activities at an elementary level before children develop misconceptions, gender bias, math anxiety, or become distracted by cultural influences prevalent at puberty. In 2010 the project will extend into middle school grades where the need for hands-on activities is even greater. Key project components include a comprehensive,

continuing teacher training model that includes a one-week summer institute and ongoing site-based follow-up training to boost the ability and confidence of elementary and middle school teachers; implementation into demographically diverse schools of curriculum- aligned learning lab systems that have been shown to improve student scores in math, science, and technology; and research and evaluation of results in accordance with Idaho and national assessment standards.

Project Name: Madison County Memorial Hospital Renovation

Amount Received: $350,000

Account: Health Resources and Services Administration Health Facilities and Services

Recipient: Madison County Memorial Hospital

Recipient's Address: 450 East Main, Rexburg, ID 83440

Description: Madison Memorial Hospital will initiate the implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System into Physician Clinics that feed into Madison Memorial Hospital. Information from the EMR helps the clinician make informed decisions. As the patient status is entered into this EMR, the information increases staff efficiencies through faster transcription times, nursing notes, lab results, radiology and other electronic sources. This system will make it easier for physicians and clinicians to comply with all regulations by enabling them to keep their records up to date. Patient safety will be increased by developing a paperless electronic medical record environment where clinical information can be readily shared via electronic transactions with all entities within the Madison Memorial Hospital network.

Project Name: Purchase of Biochemistry and Microbiology Laboratory Equipment

Amount Received: $400,000

Account: Health Resources and Services Administration Health Facilities and Services

Recipient: Idaho State University

Recipient's Address: 921 South 8th Avenue, Stop 8007, Pocatello, ID 83209-8007

Description: Modern instrumentation is essential to improving both the Biochemistry and Microbiology programs at Idaho State University (ISU). This request will enable the purchase of the required instrumentation needed for courses in biochemistry, chemistry laboratories, microbiology and biology. More than 400 students per year would gain access to state of the art instrumentation through this request, improving both the quality of their educational experience and the quality of research in these scientific fields that can be pursued.

Project Name: St. Luke's Regional Medical Center's Children Health Services Expansion

Amount Received: $350,000

Account: Health Resources and Services Administration Health Facilities and Services

Recipient: St. Luke's Regional Medical Center Ltd

Recipient's Address: 190 E. Bannock Street, Boise, ID 83712

Description: St. Luke's Health System is home to the only Children's Hospital in Idaho, providing unique full-service tertiary pediatric services between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Portland, Oregon, both more than 350 miles from Boise, Idaho. St. Luke's delivers over 25% of the babies born in the State. The Children's Health Services Expansion project provides an essential increase in capacity for Pediatric Medical/Surgical, Pediatric Intensive Care, Neonatal Intensive Care, Pediatric Oncology, and Pediatric Surgical Suites and support area, to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population in the hospital's service area. Prior to the beginning of this multi-year project, each area was frequently full, requiring children to be placed in adult units or diverted to other and often very distant hospitals. The federal funding provided for the expansion project has resulted in expanding all units with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Funding received will assist with the purchase of equipment, including electronic medical record hardware and software programs and patient monitor technology for patient support and EMR connectivity to be used in the Medical/Surgical Pediatrics, Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care, Oncology, Surgical Suites and support areas. The hospital is spending millions on the expansion and federal funds will represent only a small portion of the project's total costs.

Project Name: Twin Falls Library Modernization Project

Amount Received: $100,000

Account: Museums and Libraries in the Institute of Museums and Library Services

Recipient: City of Twin Falls

Recipient's Address: 201 Fourth Avenue East, Twin Falls, ID 83301

Description: The Twin Falls Public Library seeks to obtain a fully searchable database for its local historical newspapers. The Library has on 709 reels of microfilm of local newspapers from 1904 to the present. It is difficult to use the microfilm because of its deteriorating physical condition and outdated format. There is no index; if an exact date is not known, patrons must browse through the microfilm by hand, which is very inefficient. These funds will be used to digitize and index 709 reels of microfilm of the local newspaper dating from 1904 through 2008. The searchable database will replace the deteriorating microfilm with a searchable format allowing patrons to search articles, pictures, and advertisements by keyword; view information in its historical context; preserve the look and feel of the original format; and print or email articles, photos, or ads of interest. The reference staff will be able to serve the community more effectively, both on-site and remotely, by digitizing and indexing the microfilm. This newspaper database will be an historical asset to library patrons and will provide an accessible and unique service to the community.

I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of Congressionally- directed projects in the report accompanying the FY2010 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations on behalf of Idaho and provide an explanation of my support for them.

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

In its current form.

Mr. Speaker, this motion to recommit strikes all funds for Yucca Mountain Geological Repository. I think it's time to get everyone on the record about where they stand.

This motion would fulfill the President's stated intention to ``terminate'' Yucca Mountain. It would support Speaker Pelosi's anti- nuclear stance, and it would probably make Senator Reid very happy.

Some on the other side of the aisle may question the intent of this amendment, but there is no gimmick here. The motion does exactly what I described. Even more, it provides each of us with the opportunity to show where we stand on this critical issue of a permanent geological repository at Yucca Mountain.

Let me tell my colleagues what else this amendment would do.

First, most of our districts are either storing or producing spent nuclear fuel. Currently, 104 nuclear reactors provide 20 percent of the Nation's electricity needs. Spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste is being stored on-site at 121 locations across 39 States, sites that were never intended for long-term storage. These are sites in your districts.

I personally know that this fuel is safe where it is today. However, the Secretary of Energy has admitted that even with his blue ribbon panel a permanent geological repository will be necessary.

By voting for this amendment, we would ensure that this material stays where it is for the next 25 to 50 years or perhaps longer. And it would add additional delays and costs to the development of a permanent geological repository to be built in any State other than Nevada.

Second, it would rob our constituents of potential jobs and tax revenue. For those of you who have metal workers or pipe fitters or welders or scientists in your districts, this amendment would curb their ability to gain and secure high-paying jobs operating nuclear power plants that can sustain 700 permanent jobs, while new plants generate as many as 2,400 construction jobs. Our constituents need these jobs, and our country needs the power these nuclear plants create.

As I said, 20 percent of the electricity is produced by nuclear power. What you may not know is 72 percent of the non-carbon emitting electricity is produced by nuclear power.

Third, killing Yucca Mountain would bring over $22 billion of liability against the Federal Government; $22 billion is just an estimate. Some have estimated as high as $50 billion. This is money which the Federal Government will owe to the industry because we have failed to live up to our responsibilities.

We have signed contracts with these companies to take this waste off their hands. And because of political deals like that between the President and Senator Reid, we have failed. As a result, the taxpayers will have to pay $22 billion or more in fines and penalties.

Colleagues, these are the ramifications if you support killing Yucca Mountain. You see, the President and Senator Reid's plan to kill Yucca Mountain has no alternatives. It is only a study, a blue ribbon commission. This project has been studied to death. We have spent $10.5 billion on it, 1.5 million documents. Over 50 studies by the National Science Foundation have been done on this Yucca Mountain. We know it is scientifically sound.

The President's decision was a political bow to the Senate majority leader, not one based on good science or good policy.

I make this motion to recommit so that none of us here can claim that we don't know the facts. I want all of us to have the opportunity to be on record today. We can vote for this motion to fill the President's and Senator Reid's plan to kill Yucca Mountain. This will keep nuclear waste scattered across the country for the foreseeable future, potentially costing taxpayers $22 billion or more in liabilities, jeopardizing the stability of the electrical system, lose jobs and tax revenues in our districts, and kick the can down the road on the location of a permanent geological repository that will still have to be built. Or we can defeat it, supporting good policy and ensuring that science, not politics, rules the majority of our decisions here in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, in 2002 this body voted overwhelmingly in favor of approving the Yucca Mountain site location. I'm not here to urge you to vote for or against this motion to recommit. The choice is up to all of us, but none of us can or should remain on the sidelines.

Mr. Speaker, how much time remains?

Mr. Speaker, I would yield 15 seconds to my friend from Nevada, Mr. Heller.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, in accordance with the policies and standards put forth by the House Appropriations Committee and the GOP Leadership, I submit a list of the congressionally-directed projects I have requested in my home state of Idaho that are contained in the report of H.R. 3170, the FY2010 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill.

Project Name: Proof of Concept Center

Amount Received: $285,000

Account: Small Business Administration Salaries and Expenses

Recipient: Idaho TechConnect Inc.

Recipient's Street Address: 5465 E. Terra Linda Way, Nampa, ID 83687

Description: Idaho TechConnect was created as a statewide private- public cooperation that would bridge the gaps in the state's innovation pipeline. The Idaho TechConnect Proof of Concept Center will manage innovations from early stage projects to the launch of a viable start- up business or to license the product or service to an existing business. The Proof of Concept Center will work with new and existing businesses as well as the state's colleges and universities and the INL to create new commercial products, goods and services. Concepts will be vetted to ensure significant and efficient marketability and commercialization. These concepts will then be relegated to teams/ existing businesses to build or expand successful and profitable businesses. The Center will provide assistance with business models, intellectual property strategy, and access to capital, resulting in more ideas becoming products, creating jobs and companies. During these challenging economic times, this funding will assist businesses and public entities in their efforts to mature their innovative ideas into market-ready products and services to strengthen the economy of Idaho and the region.

Project Name: Research and Economic Development and Entrepreneurial Initiative

Amount Received: $400,000

Account: Small Business Administration Salaries and Expenses

Recipient: Boise State University

Recipient's Street Address: 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725- 1135.

Description: Boise State University will establish research partnerships with business and governmental agencies to aid and assist businesses in an effort to preserve free market enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the local and regional economy. The federal funds being requested will be used to match private and public sector dollars and in-kind contributions to conduct collaborative research that spurs intellectual innovation, creates jobs, and ultimately leads to the benefit and growth of the business community. The funds will also be used to develop the necessary infrastructure to mine, protect, and assess the commercialization potential of the intellectual property that is developed as a result of these efforts. A healthy business climate is critical to the economic strength of the state of Idaho, the region and the nation. The innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that originates from this sector will help the United States compete in today's global marketplace.

I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of Congressionally- directed projects in the report accompanying the FY2010 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill on behalf of Idaho and provide an explanation of my support for them.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to defend funding for the Idaho TechConnect Proof of Concept Center. This project received $285,000 in the FY2010 House Financial Services bill.

Idaho TechConnect is a non-profit organization. It was created as a state-wide private-

public cooperation that would bridge the gaps in the state's innovation pipeline. It has received significant funding from the Idaho State Legislature since its birth in 2007. In addition, the Idaho National Laboratory has provided funds to assist in its efforts.

The hi-tech industry is an important industry to the United States and to Idaho and the government plays an important role in helping to foster and encourage new innovations and ideas. The Idaho TechConnect Proof of Concept Center assists people and organizations with novel innovations from early stage projects to the launch of a viable start- up business or to license the product or service to an existing business. Over the last 3 years Idaho TechConnect has worked with more than 1,000 companies and individuals as well as all of Idaho's universities and colleges and the Idaho National Lab to get more ideas out of the research and development funding. It has been very successful at discovering ideas and assessing their potential. These funds will assist its efforts to turn promising ideas into products and services and assist businesses in efforts to mature these innovations into market-ready products and services.

The Center will provide assistance with business models, intellectual property strategy, and access to capital, resulting in more ideas becoming products. Innovation is key to creating new jobs and fostering new businesses and growing current ones. This funding will assist businesses and public entities in their efforts to mature their innovative ideas into market-ready products and services. During these difficult economic times, the federal government should seek every means possible to foster real economic growth and make our economy stronger in the short term but particularly in the long-term.

Madam Speaker, in accordance with the policies and standards put forth by the House Appropriations Committee and the GOP Leadership, I would like to place in the Record a listing of the congressionally-directed projects I have requested in my home state of Idaho that are contained in the report of HR 3183, the FY2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill.

Project Name: City of Boise Geothermal Expansion to Boise State University

Amount Received: $1,000,000

Account: DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Geothermal Technology

Recipient: City of Boise

Recipient's Street Address: 150 N Capitol Boulevard, Third Floor, Boise, Idaho 83702 Description: The Boise City geothermal system currently provides a low cost, environmentally sound, sustainable, locally provided heat source to commercial and publicly owned buildings in downtown Boise. Geothermal heat is considered a renewable source of energy and does not rely on fossil fuels, nuclear power, mining or damming of rivers and emits zero emissions into the atmosphere. This project will extend the City of Boise geothermal pipeline system to Boise State University and would have the capacity to heat almost two million square feet on the campus. As global energy costs increase, the expansion to increased facilities will provide significant cost savings.

Project Name: Idaho Accelerator Center Production of Medical Isotopes

Amount Received: $1,500,000

Account: DOE Office of Science

Recipient: Idaho State University

Recipient's Street Address: 921 South 8th Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83209

Description: The National Academy of Sciences recently issued a report recommending that the federal government increase support to radionuclide production, distribution and basic research in production mechanisms; increase the domestic production of medical radionuclides through dedicated accelerators and reactors; and educate the next generation of medically-related nuclear scientists. The Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC) will develop a medical isotope production facility that will serve regional isotope needs, conduct basic research in isotope production, educate the next generation of medically-related nuclear scientists, and partner with regional and national entities in medical isotope distribution and use. This program will meet regional and national needs in education and isotope production and provide new isotopes that are not currently part of the national isotope portfolio. IAC will complement, supplement and enhance DOE's National Isotope Program.

Project Name: Idaho National Laboratory Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES)

Amount Received: $1,000,000

Account: DOE Office of Science

Recipient: Idaho National Laboratory

Recipient's Street Address: 2525 North Freemont St., Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415

Description: CAES is a partnership between the State of Idaho and its academic research institutions, the federal government through the U.S. Department of Energy and the Idaho National Laboratory managed by the Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC. Through its collaborative structure, CAES combines the efforts of these institutions to provide timely energy research on both technical and policy issues. The funds provided will procure world-class computation and visualization research equipment to be located in the CAES research laboratory. These research tools will enable both critical-path scientific research and graduate education programs focused on such twenty-first century energy challenges as the availability of carbon-neutral renewable energy, such as biofuels for transportation; the stewardship of the environment including water resource management through energy efficiency; the management of fossil fuel energy systems; and the expansion of energy production from commercial nuclear power while educating the next generation of scientists, engineers, policy makers and the public.

Project Name: Little Wood River Ecosystem Restoration

Amount Received: $100,000

Account: Corps of Engineers

Recipient: City of Gooding, Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 308 5th Ave. West, Gooding, ID 83330

Description: This funding was authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 and would be used to repair and replace an aging WPA/CCC project that channeled the Little Wood River through the City of Gooding, Idaho. The project will remove and replace the existing rock wall and the boxed culverts that severely restrict the stream channel flow. Approximately 1.5 miles of the Little Wood River flow within Gooding city limits. Over the years, aging along with high water and ice jam events have caused severe deterioration of the masonry rock walls constructed in the 1930s and 40s in order to protect the city from floods. Large portions of the existing lava rock walls that line the Little Wood River through the city are structurally unserviceable and many have failed and fallen into the channel. This deterioration has increased at an alarming rate. The Corps of Engineers and the City of Gooding have been working on a solution for this rock wall failure for the past 20 years. The Army Corps has completed the Reconnaissance Study and the General Investigation Study, but the project has been on hold due to a lack of funding.

Project Name: Rural Idaho Section 595

Amount Received: $5,000,000

Account: Corps of Engineers

Recipient: Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers

Recipient's Street Address: Boise Field Office, 304 8th St., Rm. 140, Boise, ID 83702-5802

Description: The funding was authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. This funding is critical to assisting rural Idaho communities in upgrading their water and wastewater treatment facilities. In many cases, this funding is required to comply with unfunded mandates passed down by this Congress and federal agencies. In addition, these funds help rural communities in Idaho trying to attract new businesses and spur economic development. The vital water funding in this bill will assist rural communities in job creation and affordable housing by offering improved services at lower costs than would otherwise be possible. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. Funding will be directed primarily to the Eastern Idaho Regional Wastewater Authority in Shelley, Idaho.

I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of Congressionally- directed projects in the report accompanying the FY2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill on behalf of Idaho and provide an explanation of my support for them.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to rise today in support of the fiscal year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. I would like to thank Vice Chairman Pastor and Ranking Member Frelinghuysen for their work on this important bill. They have done a great job putting this bill together.

I also want to thank the staff on both sides of the aisle for their hard work and dedication on this piece of legislation.

I would like to focus my remarks today on the Department of Energy's loan guarantee program. The loan guarantee program is one of the few policy tools we have that delivers immediately available, market-ready, innovative, clean energy technologies that will have a positive impact on our economy.

Congress has authorized $2 billion in loan guarantee authority for front-end nuclear facilities. DOE should be recognized for their work creating a loan guarantee program that has sound criteria to ensure the protection of taxpayers and award guarantees to the most creditworthy projects.

I support the efforts of my colleagues in the House to encourage DOE to administer the loan guarantee program, particularly for front-end facilities, efficiently and in the earliest possible time frame. I also support efforts to ensure that these decisions are based on merit and that all loan guarantees are issued to the most qualified and not necessarily the most politically connected applicants.

This program is not a bailout. It is designed to allow creditworthy companies to invest in large, multibillion dollar ``investment grade'' projects that will create thousands of jobs and inject several billion dollars in the local economy without jeopardizing taxpayers' interest.

For the loan guarantee program to succeed, it must demonstrate integrity and credibility through a fair, objective and timely process. It must also meet the reasonable business needs of the applicants and protect the Treasury and the U.S. taxpayer from undue exposure.

The Department of Energy has personally assured me that all decisions regarding loan guarantees will be made based on the merit of the recommended projects rather than on politics.

I look forward to working with my colleagues, the Department of Energy and Secretary Chu to issue loan guarantees in the earliest time frame possible by applying the program criteria in a fair and unbiased manner.

Madam Speaker, in accordance with the policies and standards put forth by the House Appropriations Committee and the GOP Leadership, I place in the Record a listing of the congressionally- directed projects I have requested in my home state of Idaho that are contained in the report of H.R. 3082, the FY2010 House Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Bill.

Project Name: Civil Engineer Maintenance Complex at Mountain Home Air Force Base

Amount Received: $690,000

Account: Air Force Military Construction Account

Recipient: 366th Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 366 Gunfighter Avenue, Ste 107, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, 83648

Description: The civil engineer functions are currently dispersed among 10 WWII-era wood-frame and Korean War-era facilities. Wood frame facilities have a RAC 2 due to failing roof structures and cracked and spreading concrete foundations that have contributed to failing floors and trusses, presenting risk to squadron members who work in the facilities. Currently, employees must evacuate during heavy snowfall or high winds. The fire safety deficiencies are endemic to all buildings, the patchwork electric wiring is maxed out, which increases fire risk, and the HVAC systems can't keep buildings heated and cooled. The dispersed locations and failing conditions of existing facilities adversely affects all daily Civil Engineering operations and negatively impacts the Wing's mission. This funding will be used for planning and design.

Project Name: Logistics Readiness Center

Amount Received: $20,000,000

Account: Air Force Military Construction Account

Recipient: 366th Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 366 Gunfighter Avenue, Ste 107, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, 83648

Description: The existing Logistics Supply is a condemned 53-year-old wooden structure beyond economical repair. The roof is held up with temporary structural supports. The building is evacuated and now 60% of base supply functions operate from temporary spaces across base, creating significant delays in troop/equipment mobilization. This negatively impacts the Wing's ability to demolish and relocate from other substandard facilities on base. When funded, the Logistics Readiness Center will provide command and control for all materials in- bound and outbound, including freight processing, packing, crating, pallet buildup shop, and provide bulk and bin storage. The facility will also support secure storage, an armory, and have administrative areas.

I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of Congressionally- directed projects in the report accompanying the FY2010 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill on behalf of Idaho and provide an explanation of my support for them.

Madam Speaker, in accordance with the policies and standards put forth by the House Appropriations Committee and the GOP Leadership, I submit a listing of the congressionally directed projects I requested in my home state of Idaho that are contained in the report of H.R. 2997, the FY2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill.

Project Name: Aquaculture Research Initiative

Amount Received: $529,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: Research and development of strains of barley for the production of high-value protein concentrates from barley and oats that can be used as fish feed. Increasingly, fish that are consumed worldwide originate from aquaculture. This increase has taxed global supplies of marine protein and oil traditionally used in aquafeeds resulting in record prices for these commodities. Idaho is a leader in the national aquaculture industry, producing over 70% of the nation's commercially grown rainbow trout and generating $100 million per year. Funding would support innovative research to develop new ways of addressing problems in the industry.

Project Name: Barley for Rural Development

Amount Received: $514,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: Funding for this program would support research directed at the continued development of improved malt, feed, cellulosic ethanol and food barley varieties for growers and value-added end-users in rural Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota communities. This research is starting to expand and meet market opportunities, addressing the critical need of growers in production agriculture to increase economic yield, enhance domestic and international market access, improve production technologies, better compete with Canadian imports and reduce dependence on government subsidies. Research supported by this project will increase the manufacture and sale of value-added barley products (malt, beer, fuel, food, livestock) in these states, having a substantial positive impact on their economies, supporting jobs, generating business activity, and federal, state, and local tax revenue. Maintenance of the strength of barley in the Idaho economy requires continual efforts to improve crop quality and productivity. This can only be accomplished by investing in strong research programs that keep the industry at the forefront.

Project Name: COOL Season Legume Research

Amount Received: $235,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: This program is an aggressive cooperative research program between the USDA, the University of Idaho, and the University of Washington that seeks new, high-yielding, high-quality, nutritious dry pea, lentil, and chickpea varieties to meet producer and consumer needs. This research focuses on the breeding of new, superior varieties of legumes; management of nematodes, insects, plant diseases and weeds that can limit production; and reduction of soil erosion and water degradation associated with production, as well as the development of value-added new products. The technology being generated through the research is essential for the pea, lentil, and chickpea industries to remain competitive and profitable. Funding would be provided to the University of Idaho through the USDA ARS facility located at 29603 U of I Lane, Parma, Idaho 83660.

Project Name: Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee

Amount Received: $650,000

Account: USDA/APHIS

Recipient: Idaho State Department of Agriculture

Recipient's Street Address: 2270 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, ID 83712

Description: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming are each required by law to manage brucellosis-infected wildlife within their borders in order to prevent the spread of brucellosis to non-infected wildlife, cattle, or domestic bison. The Committee is coordinating with federal, state, and private actions in eliminating brucellosis from wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Area and preventing transmission of this disease from wildlife to livestock. The funding will be used to develop and implement brucellosis herd unit management plans; to perform functions and duties of Idaho relative to the Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee; to conduct brucellosis prevention, surveillance, control and eradication activities in Idaho and the Greater Yellowstone Area.

Project Name: Increasing Shelf-Life of Agriculture Commodities

Amount Received: $603,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: In order to prevent serious food safety issues, this project will fund research and development of bio-electronic sensors that can detect the presence of microbial pathogens in food and food products. Preventative detection and treatment at the agricultural commodity level and fast, accurate detection of biological pathogens and dangerous food toxins is an important element for ensuring safety and shelf life. The research being conducted in this area at the University of Idaho will advance and expand previous work on biosensor systems to further enhance preventative detection and treatment of biological pathogens and dangerous food toxins.

Project Name: Nez Perce Bio-Control Center

Amount Received: $176,000

Account: USDA/APHIS

Recipient: Nez Perce Tribe Bio-Control Center

Recipient's Street Address: 102 Agency Road, Lapwai, ID 83540

Description: The Nez Perce Bio-Control Center is authorized by the Noxious Weed Control and Eradication Act of 2004 and manages and establishes nurseries to increase biological control organism availability, distribute

biological control organisms, monitor their impacts, and provide an increased number of annual technology transfer workshops to Cooperative Weed Management Areas and other landowners and managers regionally. This funding will continue the partnership between USDA and the Nez Perce Tribe to maximize the effectiveness of implementing a complete bio-control of weeds program in an Integrated Weed Management strategy. The Center will increase the availability of agents for landowners and managers throughout the region. Biological control offers long-term management of invasive weeds and can be used with other integrated pest management approaches.

Project Name: Potato Cyst Nematode Research

Amount Received: $349,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: This funding would be used by the University of Idaho for research and development of means to eradicate and better protect the Idaho potato crop from the soil-borne pathogen potato cyst nematode, hardened nematode bodies filled with eggs which can persist in the soil for up to 25 years. Current eradication depends upon methyl bromide, which is not totally effective and which may be banned because of its ozone depleting properties, as well as other chemicals which are even less effective and several of which may also be banned. The funds will be used to maximize the efficiency of methyl bromide while it is available and develop new ``green'' replacement eradicants (such as green manure or biologically derived nematicides) and procedures (advance hatching frequency), as well as to improve planting material screening procedures and to study plant-vector-virus relationships, which may also lead to new ways to fight potato viruses. Previous funding established the groundwork and prepared the University of Idaho to fully implement the needed research. This project will work, in concert with the ongoing USDA eradication program by providing new methods of treatment. This crop pest can result in 80% yield reductions and has negatively affected agricultural trade. There is a good chance that if this threat is addressed with adequate research and treatment it can be eliminated.

Project Name: Potato Research/Multistate Potato Variety Development Program

Amount Received: $1,037,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho through CSREES

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: This funding would be used to support an on-going research program that provides critical support to the potato industry through the development of new potato varieties and resistance to disease and pests. The ARS research station at Aberdeen, Idaho, has produced eight new potato varieties, and it has participated in the development of twelve other varieties nationwide. With the increasing threat of disease and pests, new varieties are crucial for America's agriculture community. Research will be performed at USDA's Pacific West Area ARS facility, located at 1691 S. 2700 W., Aberdeen, Idaho 83210.

Project Name: Small Fruit Research, ID, OR, WA

Amount Received: $307,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: The Small Fruits Initiative--Plant Improvement project will build upon the strengths of existing cooperative research programs aligned through the Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research. This ongoing tri-state program supports the development of small fruits as an alternative agriculture crop in the Pacific Northwest. The funding will strengthen existing programs throughout the region and add key programs to fill in critical gaps that are not met by the existing infrastructure associated with the Center, providing key resources for Idaho scientists to address problems that negatively impact the emerging berry, grape, and wine industries in the Northwest.

Project Name: STEEP III--Water Quality in the Northwest

Amount Received: $444,000

Account: USDA/CSREES

Recipient: University of Idaho

Recipient's Street Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844

Description: Soil erosion affects 10 million acres of cropland in the Inland Pacific Northwest, reducing farm productivity. STEEP is a coordinated research and technology transfer program designed to develop and implement erosion control practices for agriculture. Emerging environmental and human health concerns also require control of erosion and other environmental impacts of agriculture. New strategies and cropping systems for the protection of soil, water, and air resources are being developed and assessed through collaborative research conducted by scientists in the Pacific Northwest. The STEEP program continues to provide Pacific Northwest farmers and supporting agribusiness entities the new conservation technologies, tools, and understanding to meet evolving demands of agriculture, the environment, and Pacific Northwest residents.

Project Name: Tri-State Predatory Control

Amount Received: $926,000

Account: USDA/APHIS

Recipient: USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

Recipient's Street Address: 9134 West Blackeagle Drive, Boise, ID 83709

Description: This project would continue assistance to Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming to control wolves and other predators. The Yellowstone wolf population has reached levels 3 to 4 times the initial recovery goals, leading to a delisting from the ESA earlier this year for the wolves in Idaho and Montana and leaving states responsible for managing the increasing wolf populations. As a result, ranchers are facing increasing threats from these predators. The continuation of this program will ensure that the tri-state area will be able to address predator management.

I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of congressionally- directed projects I requested that have received funding in the Agriculture Appropriations Act for FY2010 and provide an explanation of my support for them.