Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, in accordance with House earmark reforms, 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 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009.

I'd like to take just a few minutes to describe why I support these projects and why they are valuable to the nation and its taxpayers.

division a--agriculture

The report contains $254,000 in ARS Salaries and Expenses for NW Center for Small Fruits in Corvallis, Oregon. 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. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is the University of Idaho, located at 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, Idaho 83844 through the USDA's ARS located at 29603 U of I Lane, Parma, Idaho, 83660.

The report contains $650,000 in Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, salaries and expenses, for Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee. 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. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, located at 2270 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, Idaho 83712.

The report contains $176,000 in Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, salaries and expenses, for the Nez Perce Bio-Control Center. 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. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is the Nez Perce Tribe Bio-Control Center, located at 102 Agency Road, Lapwai, Idaho 83540.

The report contains $514,000 in CSREES, research and education, for the Barley for Rural Development Project. Funding for this program will 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. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is the University of Idaho, located at 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, Idaho 83844.

The report contains $235,000 in CSREES, research and education, for the Cool Season Legume Research Project. 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. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is the University of Idaho, located at 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, Idaho 83844.

The report contains $603,000 in CSREES, research and education, for Increasing Shelf Life of Ag Commodities. 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. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is the University of Idaho, located at 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, Idaho 83844.

The report contains $349,000 in CSREES, research and education, for Potato Cyst Nematode Research. This funding will 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-vectorvirus relationships, which may also lead to new ways to fight potato viruses.

FY08 funding established the groundwork, and the University of Idaho is now prepared 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. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is the University of Idaho College located at 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, Idaho 83844.

The report contains $1.037 million for potato research (CSREES). 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. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is the University of Idaho, located at 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, Idaho 83844 through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. Research will be performed at the United States Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service, Pacific West Area, located at 1691 S. 2700 W., Aberdeen, Idaho 83210.

The report contains $8.294 million in Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, salaries and expenses, for Potato Cyst Nematode Eradication. The USDA is currently conducting an aggressive eradication program to address the outbreak of Potato Cyst Nematode in Idaho, the first discovery in the U.S. This pest can result in up to 80% crop reductions, and agricultural trade has already been affected. It is imperative that our trading partners know we are aggressively addressing this issue. Furthermore, this pest has a very high risk of dispersion. While it is currently confided to a small area in Eastern Idaho, it is very conceivable that, if left untreated, this pest can spread, affecting crops other than potatoes. Through this funding, the program will continue to adequately address this issue, and there is a good potential the pest could be eradicated. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service located at 1400 Independence Avenue, Washington, D.C.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I feel like I went to bed a couple weeks ago and woke up in bizarro-world. We are about to spend over $1 trillion for a stimulus bill which will do little, if anything, to stimulate the economy. What it will stimulate is the growth of government.

I have no doubt that those on the other side of the aisle feel that this is the right thing to do to help the economy, but sincerity does not make something right which is fundamentally wrong, and this bill is fundamentally wrong.

We were just told a few minutes ago that the key word here is ``necessary.''

Millions of dollars for mouse habitat? Yes, it is not specifically put in the bill. What they have done is put in a fund for habitat restoration, which the agency says they will spend up to $30 million on mouse habitat restoration. That is beautiful. Necessary? I don't know.

Fifty million dollars for the NEA. I love the NEA. Necessary in a stimulus bill?

Billions of dollars for a sin express train from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Necessary? I don't think so.

And, of course, we have got the infamous Frisbee golf course. And if you are going to have a Frisbee golf course, you had better have green golf carts, So we put money in for green golf carts. That is good, too. Necessary? I don't think so.

The list is too long to complete when you look at this bill; but, fundamentally, the problem is the process that created this bill. None of this stuff would have been in here had we gone through a process which allowed Members to have input and debate and so forth on this bill. Instead, this has been created in the Speaker's office, in the President's office, and handed to us and said, ``We have got to pass this bill.''

This process stinks. There is no other word for it. And for the first time in my public life, 4 years on a local city council, 14 years in the Idaho legislature, and 10 years in this body, for the first time in my life I am embarrassed to be a Member of this body.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 51, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 52, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 53, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

I thank the ranking member for the time. Everyone on this floor agrees that something needs to be done in terms of stimulating this economy. We all know that we are in difficult times. I also agree with Speaker Pelosi that any stimulus plan needs to be timely, temporary, and targeted.

It is timely. We need to do something. We know we need to do it quickly. Targeted. This would be targeted if your weapon was a scatter gun, because everything but the kitchen sink has been thrown into this appropriation bill.

Temporary? It would take a stretch of the imagination to believe that this was temporary.

Today, President Obama came and spoke with us. He said that he didn't want programs started that had what he called ``a long tail,'' and that meant that it contributed to the long-term deficit of this country and that they were going to have to cut in later years.

I will tell you that there is nothing as eternal on this earth as a temporary government program. We all know that. I give you one example, school construction. We are going to start a school construction program. It has never been authorized before, but we are going to start one here. Does anybody really believe that we will then end it after 3 or 4 or 5 years whenever this slowdown in our economy turns around? It will be going on forever. We all know that.

We have a number of programs that have never been debated; I can't remember the exact number, something like 32 new authorizations, that have never been debated in committee. They may be appropriate, I don't know, but we have never debated them to see if they should be authorized and whether they can compete against other programs for the limited amount of money. Well, the unlimited amount of money we apparently have in this bill.

In other cases, the spend-out is 3 or 4 or 5 years down the road. And I would ask you, why are we appropriating money for a program that will spend out money in 4 or 5 years down the road when we all hope that this economy has turned around? But yet, we are appropriating money now for that spend-out. It just doesn't make sense.

Why don't we go through the regular appropriation process to do that? I will give you one example dealing with the National Mall that we have talked about here today.

The Tidal Basin work alone has had huge swings in cost estimates for the very complicated and extensive work. In late December, the Park Service told the subcommittee that the Mall work alone could cost $600 million, and now that number is $20 million. In late December, the Park Service Budget Office told the subcommittee staff that they could use only $15 million to $20 million for planning and design the next 2 years, which seemed honest and logical given the size of the plan. Now, they claim they can spend over $200 million over the next 2 years.

Our problem is that these things should be going through the regular appropriation process, and they are not. And there is a reason that they are not: It is because every idea that anyone has ever had for spending that they think is appropriate has been thrown into this bill to avoid the PAYGO rules. We all know that is the case, and we need to redo this bill and target it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional public land manager in my district, Karen Rice, the Assistant Idaho Falls District Manager of the Bureau of Land Management, who is being recognized this week as the Public Lands Foundation's Outstanding Public Lands Professional Technician for 2008.

Now in its 20th year, the Public Lands Foundation award is an important recognition for special achievement by professional public land technicians and managers. The Public Lands Foundation is the only national membership organization dedicated solely to the protection and perpetuation of the National System of Public Lands under the administration of the BLM. It is a national nonprofit conservation organization whose members are primarily active and retired BLM employees.

As a member of that organization, Ms. Rice has worked hard for over 10 years on projects that protect wildlife habitat and promote responsible recreational activities along the South Fork of the Snake River and in the Henry's Lake Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

I am honored to take part in recognizing Ms. Rice today. I commend her for her tremendous efforts and dedication to such a crucial and worthwhile effort. Her efforts are paving the way for a more beautiful state and a more conservation-minded world.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the important research it is doing. There are few investments the Federal government makes that regularly pay such important dividends to the American taxpayer. The National Institutes of Health, the lead government agency tasked with preventing and curing diseases and disorders, is one such investment. While NIH conducts some biomedical research at its Bethesda, Maryland campus, between 80 to 90 percent of its budget funds research that takes place at universities, research centers and hospitals throughout the United States. At a time when stimulating the economy is on everyone's mind, we should remember that the NIH dollars that flow into our communities provide direct economic benefits in the form of increased employment and growth opportunities for research institutions and local businesses at the same time that they are funding research to save lives and improve the quality of life of all Americans. One example of that is NIH-supported research to identify a gene variant involved in isolated cleft lip.

About one in every 600 babies in the United States is born with isolated cleft lip and/or palate (roof of the mouth). While there are several surgeries to correct the condition, families suffer under the emotional and economic strain, and children often require additional treatment, including complex dental care and speech therapy. Because isolated clefts occur during fetal development from disruptions in the dynamic, but still poorly understood, interplay of genes, diet, and environment, ongoing research is seeking ways to prevent or reverse the problem before a baby is born.

One course of action has been to isolate genes involved in the developmental process. Six years ago, a gene known as IRF-6 was discovered. Within the gene's structure is a sequence variant known as a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Scientists recently discovered that the frequency of this SNP was significantly higher in babies born with cleft lip only.

Through this type of research, scientists can now account for about 30 percent of isolated cleft lip. Researchers supported by NIH's National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) are working to identify the causes of cleft lip, develop better ways of treating clefts, and provide information on whether they might occur again in a family. Hopefully, better prevention strategies can also be an outcome of this work. Through continued research, American families can look forward to prevention of cleft lip and palate.

This is just one example of how the research funded with taxpayer dollars at the NIH is improving the health and well-being of all Americans.

Madam Speaker, in accordance with House earmark reforms, 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 H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 Appropriations Bill. I originally attempted to submit this statement on September 24, 2008, but it appears that it was never printed in the Congressional Record, so I would like to resubmit my original statement.

I'd like to take just a few minutes to describe why I support these projects and why they are valuable to the nation and its taxpayers.

The report contains $4,000,000 in the NPPD Infrastructure Protection and Information Security account for the Power and Cyber Systems Protection, Analysis, and Testing Program at the Idaho National Laboratory. The program would conduct vulnerability analysis, testing, and protection of power and cyber connected systems for the Department of Homeland Security, utilizing the unique resources available at the Idaho National Laboratory, such as the electric grid, SCADA and control systems, cyber and communication test beds, and the explosives test range. The proposed work entails collaboration with leading universities and other National Laboratories to leverage ongoing research at these institutions and advance the state-of-the-art in building resilience into infrastructure systems. The funding would be used to obtain full-scale systems in sectors of interest to DHS for testing of vulnerabilities, identification of protection strategies, and evaluation of resilient designs; partner with universities and National Laboratories to develop resilient control systems; and establish a program that develops new protection schemes. The INL is uniquely placed to carry out this program, which would leverage its ongoing work in this area sponsored by DoD, DHS, and Intelligence Agencies and its established relationships with industry, universities, and National Laboratories. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is the Idaho National Laboratory, located at 2525 North Freemont St., Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415.

The report contains $1,600,000 in the Defense Production Act Purchases account for the Read Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) Manufacturing Improvement. The United States Air Force and the Missile Defense Agency have been investigating ways to improve manufacturing capabilities and improve cryogenic and radiation performance of these circuits. The thermal imagers of the future will operate in harsh environmental conditions for longer periods of time and will have increased resolution (through increased pixel count) over the detectors of today. Maintaining a domestic source of this technology as well as working to enhance the manufacturing capabilities of this critical technology arc equally as important as increasing the yield. Funds for this project will be used to establish a long-term, known US source; improve yields both by the manufacturer and by the vendors who use the contractor as a manufacturing source; decrease the cycle time required in manufacturing ROICs and a reduction of design cycle time by ROIC designers; and provide a roadmap to meet the future needs of the ROIC designers. When the program is completed, ROICs will be available with twice the number of pixels for less money than the ROIC currently costs. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is ON Semiconductor, located at 2300 Buckskin Rd. Pocatello, Idaho 83201.

The report contains $1,600,000 in the Medical Advanced Technology account for the Integrated Patient Quality Program. To directly enhance the patient-provider encounter, the Integrated Patient Quality Program will identify the degree to which physicians utilize consumer content integrated into the DoD Electronic Medical Record (AHLTA) and provide after-visit summaries to patients, and identify the impact this critical medical information has on patients' health and their ability to make informed decisions. This phase of the project will build upon the requirements' definition and technical feasibility study performed within FY08 funding that developed a functional and technical road map, and successfully tested the Integrated Patient Quality concept in a development environment. Additionally, the Integrated Patient Quality Program will explore content delivery options outside of the patient- provider face-to-face interaction to include: secure provider/patient email, online laboratory results, pre-visit/test preparation, surgical decision support, and disease management to at-risk patients. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Healthwise, Incorporated, located at 2601 N. Bogus Basin Road Boise, Idaho 83702.

The report contains $2,000,000 in the Support Systems Development account for the Accelerator-Driven Non-Destructive Testing. The Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC) proposes to continue development of penetrating and nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques utilizing new techniques in positron annihilation spectroscopy with accelerator-based gamma-beams, and the use of monochromatic x-ray beams that are produced by colliding high-power laser beams with high-energy electron beams. Both of these core technologies have been under development at the IAC for several years and have matured to the point that serious in-field commercialization is possible. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Idaho State University, located at 921 South 8th Avenue Pocatello, Idaho 83209.

The report contains $1,440,000 in the Electronics Technology account for the 3-D Technology for Advanced Sensor Systems Project. The military has a need for new three-dimensional (3-D) packaging of electronic systems, particularly sensor systems for portable applications. The team of Boise State University and RTI International has developed 3-D processing techniques on silicon and LTCC platforms, including technologies for die- and wafer-scale bonding and 3-D) interconnects. These funds will allow them to apply these techniques to create 3-D integration and packaging solutions applicable to a general category of high performance sensor systems. These funds will be used to support summer salaries for faculty, and provide salaries for research staff, post-doctoral associates, graduate and undergraduate students. Research supplies, capital equipment, and travel will be funded as required to support the objectives of the project. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Boise State University, located at 1910 University Drive Boise, Idaho 83725-1135.

The report contains $1,200,000 in the Critical Infrastructure Protection account for the Electric Grid Reliability/Assurance project. The effort will operationalize advanced electric grid modeling simulation and analysis capability that links disparate critical infrastructure sector models that run simultaneously and dynamically to share information providing greater understanding of critical infrastructure status before, during or after a destructive event. Funds will be used for the enhanced development of electric grid modeling, simulation and testing capabilities at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Incorporation of both real-time and distributed system modeling capabilities will provide expanded capabilities for analysis of systems critical to DoD. These efforts will provide DoD an enhanced capability to simulate, prove and make recommendations for techniques to sustain mission operations via continued power generation when power from the electric utilities is no longer present. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Idaho National Laboratory, located at P.O. Box 1625 Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415

The report contains $1,200,000 in the Advanced Electronics Technologies for the Hybrid Power Generation System. Research has resulted in a breakthrough technology using compressed magnetic fields which can generate power. The continued research, development, testing and validation of the technology should result in mission extension for dismounted soldiers and considerable savings by reducing the reliance on disposable batteries. Approximately $57,000 is being spent per soldier, per year on batteries alone in theatre. This technology will not only reduce federal spending needed for such batteries, but will considerably reduce related military logistics costs, reduce the amount of hazardous waste disposal costs (for the toxic substances used in battery materials), and will reduce the man/machine interface by reducing the 20-30 lbs of extra batteries soldiers are currently required to carry for extended missions. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is M2E Power, Inc., located at 875 W. McGregor Court, Suite 150 Boise, Idaho 83705

The report contains $3,200,000 in the Chemical and Biological Defense Program Account for the Vacuum Sampling Pathogen Collection and Concentration project. Production

and commercialization potential of the recently completed basic wet- vacuum pathogen collection system will be further enhanced through completion and integration of current prototype-stage ``sister'' technologies. The combined systems will provide safer, more accurate and faster sample collection and processing capabilities with GPS-RFID sample site documentation and sample identification, plus handling, transport and lab traceability. Current outsourced production activities will be centralized through expanded in-house production facilities for more stringent cost, QC and delivery schedule management and control. Integrated technology systems will improve safety, accuracy and standardization of bio-agent detection methods for our soldiers and civilian end users. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Microbial-Vac Systems, Inc., located at 160 Bridon Way, Jerome, Idaho 83338.

The report contains $3,200,000 in the Advanced Spacecraft Technology account for the Ultra Low Power Electronics. Ultra-Low Power (ULP) Electronics is an Air Force Research Lab-sponsored initiative working in collaboration with industry to develop electronics that require less power and provide increased efficiency. A key challenge for DoD electronics applications is the reduction of power consumption in the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)--the technology platform used for advanced integrated circuits. Funding in 2009 will develop a high OPS/Watt ULP platform solution for DoD designers of electronic systems and demonstrate a base technology that can be rapidly scaled to meet general ULP industry requirements for portable electronics. The project is an iterative, multi-lot, fabrication research and development effort that includes design tool and model development necessary to deploy the new technology. A viable scaling method for reducing electronic voltage requirements and the associated ULP products will define an alternative CMOS scaling roadmap specific to portable technology. This program will establish a new technical approach and industrial capability for U.S. electronics. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is American Semiconductor, Inc., located at 3100 S. Vista Ave., Ste 230 Boise, Idaho 83705.

The report contains $800,000 in the New Design Ssn Account for the Highly Corrosive-Resistant Alloy Joining for Nuclear Applications. This funding will be used to develop and test novel prototype design-for- manufacturing methods, flexible automated welding and inspection technology for application in submarine nuclear reactor propulsion systems. The research will result in new joining techniques to shape highly corrosive-resistant alloys to meet the requirements of underwater power generation and radiation containment. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Premier Technology, located at 1858 W. Bridge Street Blackfoot, Idaho 83221.

The report contains $1,800,000 in the Air Force Military Construction Account for the Mountain Home AFB Logistics Readiness Center. The Existing Logistic Supply is a condemned 53-year old wooden structure beyond economical repair. The building had to be evacuated and now 60 percent 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 and an armory and will include administrative areas. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is the 366th Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, located at 366 Gunfighter Avenue, Ste 107, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho 83648.

I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of Congressionally- directed projects in my district and an explanation of my support for them.

(1.) $4 million for the Power and Cyber Systems Protection, Analysis, and Testing Program; Idaho National Laboratory.

(2.) $1,600,000 for the Read Out Integrated Circuit (ROIL) Manufacturing Improvement; ON Semiconductor.

(3.) $1,600,000 for the Integrated Patient Quality Program; Healthwise Incorporated.

(4.) $2,000,000 for the Accelerator-Driven Non-Destructive Testing; Idaho State University.

(5.) $1,440,000 for the 3-D Technology for Advanced Sensor Systems; Boise State University.

(6.) $1,200,000 for the Electric Grid Reliability/Assurance; Idaho National Laboratory.

(7.) $1,200,000 for the Hybrid Power Generation System; M2E Power Inc.

(8.) $3,200,000 for the Vacuum Sampling Pathogen Collection and Concentration; Microbial-Vac Systems, Inc.

(9.) $3,200,000 for the Ultra Low Power Electronics; American Semiconductor.

(10.) $800,000 for the Highly Corrosive-Resistant Alloy Joining for Nuclear Applications; Premier Technology.

(11.) $1,800,000 in the Air Force Military Construction Account for the Mountain Home AFB Logistics Readiness Center; Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Mr. Speaker, in accordance witt House earmark reforms, 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 H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 Appropriations Bill.

I'd like to take just a few minutes to describe why I support these projects and why they are valuable to the Nation and its taxpayers.

The report contains $4,000,000 in the NPPD Infrastructure Protection and Information Security account for the Power and Cyber Systems Protection, Analysis, and Testing Program at the Idaho National Laboratory. The program would conduct vulnerability analysis, testing, and protection of power and cyber connected systems for the Department of Homeland Security, utilizing the unique resources available at the Idaho National Laboratory, such as the electric grid, SCADA and control systems, cyber and communication test beds, and the explosives test range. The proposed work entails collaboration with leading universities and other National Laboratories to leverage ongoing research at these institutions and advance the state-of-the-art in building resilience into infrastructure systems. The funding would be used to obtain full-scale systems in sectors of interest to DHS for testing of vulnerabilities, identification of protection strategies, and evaluation of resilient designs; partner with universities and National Laboratories to develop resilient control systems; and establish a program that develops new protection schemes. The INL is uniquely placed to carry out this program, which would leverage its ongoing work in this area sponsored by DoD, DHS, and Intelligence Agencies and its established relationships with industry, universities, and National Laboratories. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is the Idaho National Laboratory, located at 2525 North Freemont St., Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415.

The report contains $1,600,000 in the Defense Production Act Purchases account for the Read Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) Manufacturing Improvement. The United States Air Force and the Missile Defense Agency have been investigating ways to improve manufacturing capabilities and improve cryogenic and

radiation performance of these circuits. The thermal imagers of the future will operate in harsh environmental conditions for longer periods of time and will have increased resolution (through increased pixel count) over the detectors of today. Maintaining a domestic source of this technology as well as working to enhance the manufacturing capabilities of this critical technology are equally as important as increasing the yield. Funds for this project will be used to establish a long-term, known U.S. source; improve yields both by the manufacturer and by the vendors who use the contractor as a manufacturing source; decrease the cycle time required in manufacturing ROICs and a reduction of design cycle time by ROIC designers; and provide a roadmap to meet the future needs of the ROIC designers. When the program is completed, ROICs will be available with twice the number of pixels for less money than the ROIC currently costs. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is ON Semiconductor, located at 2300 Buckskin Rd., Pocatello, Idaho 83201.

The report contains $1,600,000 in the Medical Advanced Technology account for the Integrated Patient Quality Program. To directly enhance the patient-provider encounter, the Integrated Patient Quality Program will identify the degree to which physicians utilize consumer content integrated into the DoD Electronic Medical Record (AHLTA) and provide after-visit summaries to patients, and identify the impact this critical medical information has on patients' health and their ability to make informed decisions. This phase of the project will build upon the requirements' definition and technical feasibility study performed within FY08 funding that developed a functional and technical road map, and successfully tested the Integrated Patient Quality concept in a development environment. Additionally, the Integrated Patient Quality Program will explore content delivery options outside of the patient- provider face-to-face interaction to include: secure provider/patient e-mail, online laboratory results, pre-visit/test preparation, surgical decision support, and disease management to at-risk patients. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Healthwise, Incorporated, located at 2601 N. Bogus Basin Road, Boise, Idaho 83702.

The report contains $2,000,000 in the Support Systems Development account for the Accelerator-Driven Non-Destructive Testing. The Idaho Accelerator Center (lAC) proposes to continue development of penetrating and nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques utilizing new techniques in positron annihilation spectroscopy with accelerator-based gamma-beams, and the use of monochromatic x-ray beams that are produced by colliding high-power laser beams with high-energy electron beams. Both of these core technologies have been under development at the lAC for several years and have matured to the point that serious in-field commercialization is possible. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Idaho State University, located at 921 South 8th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho 83209.

The report contains $1,440,000 in the Electronics Technology account for the 3-D Technology for Advanced Sensor Systems Project. The military has a need for new three-dimensional (3-D) packaging of electronic systems, particularly sensor systems for portable applications. The team of Boise State University and RTI International has developed 3-D processing techniques on silicon and LTCC platforms, including technologies for die- and wafer-scale bonding and 3-D interconnects. These funds will allow them to apply these techniques to create 3-D integration and packaging solutions applicable to a general category of high performance sensor systems. These funds will be used to support summer salaries for faculty, and provide salaries for research staff, post-doctoral associates, graduate and undergraduate students. Research supplies, capital equipment, and travel will be funded as required to support the objectives of the project. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Boise State University, located at 1910 University Drive, Boise, Idaho 83725-1135.

The report contains $1,200,000 in the Critical Infrastructure Protection account for the Electric Grid Reliability/Assurance project. The effort will operationalize advanced electric grid modeling simulation and analysis capability that links disparate critical infrastructure sector models that run simultaneously and dynamically to share information providing greater understanding of critical infrastructure status before, during or after a destructive event. Funds will be used for the enhanced development of electric grid modeling, simulation and testing capabilities at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Incorporation of both real-time and distributed system modeling capabilities will provide expanded capabilities for analysis of systems critical to DoD. These efforts will provide DoD an enhanced capability to simulate, prove and make recommendations for techniques to sustain mission operations via continued power generation when power from the electric utilities is no longer present. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Idaho National Laboratory, located at P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415.

The report contains $1,200,000 in the Advanced Electronics Technologies for the Hybrid Power Generation System. Research has resulted in a breakthrough technology using compressed magnetic fields which can generate power. The continued research, development, testing and validation of the technology should result in mission extension for dismounted soldiers and considerable savings by reducing the reliance on disposable batteries. Approximately $57,000 is being spent per soldier, per year on batteries alone in theatre. This technology will not only reduce Federal spending needed for such batteries, but will considerably reduce related military logistics costs, reduce the amount of hazardous waste disposal costs (for the toxic substances used in battery materials), and will reduce the man/machine interface by reducing the 20-30 lbs of extra batteries soldiers are currendy required to carry for extended missions. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is M2E Power, Inc., located at 875 W. McGregor Court, Suite 150 Boise, Idaho 83705.

The report contains $3,200,000 in the Chemical and Biological Defense Program Account for the Vacuum Sampling Pathogen Collection and Concentration project. Production and commercialization potential of the recently completed basic wet-vacuum pathogen collection system will be further enhanced through completion and integration of current prototype-stage ``sister'' technologies. The combined systems will provide safer, more accurate and faster sample collection and processing capabilities with GPS-RFID sample site documentation and sample identification, plus handling, transport and lab traceability. Current outsourced production activities will be centralized through expanded in-house production facilities for more stringent cost, QC and delivery schedule management and control. Integrated technology systems will improve safety, accuracy and standardization of bio-agent detection methods for our soldiers and civilian end users. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Microbial-Vac Systems, Inc., located at 160 Bridon Way, Jerome, Idaho 83338.

The report contains $3,200,000 in the Advanced Spacecraft Technology account for the Ultra Low Power Electronics. Ultra-Low Power (ULP) Electronics is an Air Force Research Lab-sponsored initiative working in collaboration with industry to develop electronics that require less power and provide increased efficiency. A key challenge for DoD electronics applications is the reduction of power consumption in the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)--the technology platform used for advanced integrated circuits. Funding in 2009 will develop a high OPS/Watt ULP platform solution for DoD designers of electronic systems and demonstrate a base technology that can be rapidly scaled to meet general ULP industry requirements for portable electronics. The project is an iterative, multi-lot, fabrication research and development effort that includes design tool and model development necessary to deploy the new technology. A viable scaling method for reducing electronic voltage requirements and the associated ULP products will define an alternative CMOS scaling roadmap specific to portable technology. This program will establish a new technical approach and industrial capability for U.S. electronics. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is American Semiconductor, Inc., located at 3100 S. Vista Ave., Ste 230 Boise, Idaho 83705.

The report contains $800,000 in the New Design Ssn Account for the Highly Corrosive-Resistant Alloy Joining for Nuclear Applications. This funding will be used to develop and test novel prototype design-for- manufacturing methods, flexible automated welding and inspection technology for application in submarine nuclear reactor propulsion systems. The research will result in new joining techniques to shape highly corrosive-resistant alloys to meet the requirements of underwater power generation and radiation containment. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is Premier Technology, located at 1858 W. Bridge Street, Blackfoot, Idaho 83221.

The report contains $1,800,000 in the Air Force Military Construction Account for the Mountain Home AFB Logistics Readiness

Center. The Existing Logistic Supply is a condemned 53-year-old wooden structure beyond economical repair. The building had to be 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 and an armory and will include administrative areas. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account.

The entity to receive funding for this project is the 366th Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, located at 366 Gunfighter Avenue, Ste. 107, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho 83648.

I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of Congressionally- directed projects in my district and an explanation of my support for them.

(1) $4 million for the Power and Cyber Systems Protection, Analysis, and Testing Program; Idaho National Laboratory.

(2) $1,600,000 for the Read Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) Manufacturing Improvement; ON Semiconductor.

(3) $1,600,000 for the Integrated Patient Quality Program; Healthwise Incorporated.

(4) $2,000,000 for the Accelerator-Driven Non-Destructive Testing; Idaho State University.

(5) $1,440,000 for the 3-D Technology for Advanced Sensor Systems; Boise State University.

(6) $1,200,000 for the Electric Grid Reliability/Assurance; Idaho National Laboratory.

(7) $1,200,000 for the Hybrid Power Generation System; M2E Power Inc.

(8) $3,200,000 for the Vacuum Sampling Pathogen Collection and Concentration; Microbial-Vac Systems, Inc.

(9) $3,200,000 for the Ultra Low Power Electronics; American Semiconductor.

(10) $800,000 for the Highly Corrosive-Resistant Alloy Joining for Nuclear Applications; Premier Technology.

(11) $1,800,000 in the Air Force Military Construction Account for the Mountain Home AFB Logistics Readiness Center; Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the important research it is doing. The federal government's investment in NIH research regularly pays tremendous dividends to the American taxpayer. Federal funding supports NIH--to conduct biomedical research at its Maryland campus as well as research conducted at hundreds of medical centers, independent research laboratories, and colleges and universities across the country. Today, I would like to highlight research being done at NIH to alleviate the economic and personal suffering caused by Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease, one of the most frightening memory-robbing disorders, interferes with the lives of 2.5 to 5 million older Americans, including over 200,000 people under the age of 65. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease may have trouble recalling addresses, major events, and the names of their own family members. Making meals and managing finances can become difficult. Over time, problems with memory and thinking get even worse. Alzheimer's disease costs the United States almost $150 billion in medical care and lost productivity each year. With an aging population, this number will continue to grow larger and larger. By the year 2030, Alzheimer's disease is predicted to affect 7.7 million people in the United States over the age of 65. By 2015, Medicare costs for beneficiaries with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are expected to more than double from $91 billion in 2005 to $189 billion.

Fortunately, research funded by the NIH has helped generate new treatments that can aid memory loss. Studies determined that a brain afflicted with Alzheimer's disease contains decreased levels of acetylcholine, a chemical that aids in memory and thought. Based on this finding, researchers developed several medications now available, termed cholinesterase inhibitors, which attempt to maintain normal levels of acetylcholine and can aid memory, thinking, and functional abilities in some people with Alzheimer's disease. While the effects of these drugs tend to be fairly short-lived and they do not stop the progression of the disease, they can be very helpful to some patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Moreover, great progress has been made in understanding the brain abnormalities that underlie Alzheimer's disease, thanks to research involving genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology. Researchers are on the threshold of developing new treatments that target these flaws in an effort to preserve brain circuits and help maintain memory function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. New drugs are being developed that target different biological pathways, which, following years of basic science research, have also been implicated in memory. With continued study, scientists believe a variety of improved treatments will be able to aid more people with memory impairments for longer periods of time and perhaps prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease or slow its progression.

We have so much more to learn about the brain, and NIH-funded researchers nationwide, including in my own state of Idaho, are working to understand how it functions and to identify potential new therapies and treatments. That national research commitment gives the millions of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and the millions more who care for them, hope that treatments for this devastating disease are on the horizon.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Special Olympics on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary. Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for athletes. In addition, every two years, athletes from all over the world come together to compete in the Special Olympics World Games. The United States and the State of Idaho are proud and honored to host the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. This event will attract more than 3,000 athletes from over 100 nations to compete in seven Winter Olympic-type sporting events. This will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in the State of Idaho.

On July 23, 2007, my colleagues in the House of Representatives and I unanimously passed a resolution commending Idaho on winning the bid to host the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Among other things, this resolution expresses Congress's support for the 2009 Games, congratulates Idaho as the host of the Games, and applauds the goals of the Special Olympics to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sports.

Madam Speaker, I have been privileged to work closely with Special Olympics and its staff both in Idaho and Washington, DC. I would like to commend the organization for the great work that it is doing on behalf of the thousands of Special Olympians throughout

the world. I would also like to thank the thousands of volunteers and coaches who donate their time and energy to support this great program. I am pleased to recognize Special Olympics International for 40 years of service and commitment to the many Special Olympians both in America and across the globe.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the National Institutes of Health, NIH, and call attention to one example of important NIH-supported research being conducted through the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders,

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to KTVB-TV in Boise, Idaho. KTVB-TV was recently recognized by the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation as the 2008 Friend in Need Television Award recipient for its efforts to end methamphetamine abuse in Idaho.

In March 2007, the KTVB News Group dedicated 100 percent of its public services resources to the ``March Against Meth'' campaign. This month-long, statewide campaign aimed to stop meth use by educating adults and children about the dangers of methamphetamines. As part of the campaign, KTVB-TV produced an award-winning primetime documentary called ``Life or Meth,'' which played in the homes of families throughout southern Idaho. Within 60 days, 90 percent of the households in southwestern Idaho heard the anti-meth awareness message at least seven times.

Meth is one of the most dangerous substances available on the illegal drug market and has a devastating impact on individuals, families, the environment, and society. My home State of Idaho has the dubious distinction of ranking fifth on the list of States with the highest rates of meth use in the country. Combating the growth of meth use in Idaho has become a top priority for me, but it is clear that winning the war against this epidemic will require a partnership between public and private organizations, individuals, and families in our State and across the country. I am so pleased that KTVB-TV has taken up this fight.

Education about the destructive effects of meth use on individuals and communities is key to ending meth use in Idaho and across the Nation, and I am proud that KTVB-TV's efforts to communicate these dangers to Idaho families have been recognized. It is my honor to work with this company and the dedicated employees at KTVB-TV to make our community a better place to live.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a potentially serious liver disease that affects a growing number of young people in our society and to commend an outstanding research program that the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a unit of the National Institutes of Health, is conducting to address it before it creates a major crisis for our population.

I am referring to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, NAFLD. While the name is unwieldy, the concerns are real. We are all aware of the growing epidemic of obesity in young people and the impact that this can have on increased incidence of diabetes, heart disease,

and stroke. However, few of us realize that obese children often have fat buildup in their livers. This can lead to cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, and cause serious complications in adolescence or young adulthood.

The Liver Disease Research Branch at NIDDK has built a national network of researchers focusing on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and they have assembled a database that includes information on more than 1,500 adults and children. In addition, this network is doing a study in children that is expected to determine by next year whether sustained treatment with either metformin or vitamin E improves the liver when compared to a placebo. The results will help determine treatment options for children with Fatty Liver Disease.

This is an important disease for which NIH is doing exactly what we would hope--addressing a major health issue before it becomes a national crisis. This is yet another example of how our investment in this important agency today saves billions of dollars in future health care spending and prevents untold human suffering.

Madam Speaker, this research is one of many examples underscoring the value of our investment in biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, and I trust that, like me, my colleagues will recognize the positive impact these advancements will have on the health of our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.