Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I would like to correct an error made in my description of a law enforcement request for the City of Lansing that should read ``$500,000'' rather than ``$3,125,000.'' This project was funded at $500,000 by H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009.

I'm very honored to be here to welcome Chaplain Larry Vollink and his wife, Susie, who was also in the counterintelligence field in the United States military during her day. They're in Washington, D.C. for the annual Washington American Legion Conference. The chaplain is the national chaplain for the American Legion. He lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan, a graduate of South High School, the very same high school that Gerald Ford attended.

He's retired from the Army after 20 years of service to his country. He was stationed in Germany, Fort Campbell, Fort Carson and Selfridge Air Base in Michigan.

He has pastored churches in Ohio and Illinois and Michigan. He has served as a pastor and continues to serve as a pastor in hospitals and Hospice around the mid-Michigan area.

He has committed and dedicated his life to the military families that he loves and respects and is a part of. He has nourished their souls and strengthened their faith. We are honored to have him today lead us in prayer and through the challenging days that lie ahead of this great Nation. And we welcome not only his wife, Susie, but the entire Michigan delegation that has joined him. He's got one heck of a cavalry in his reserve.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Division A: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug

Administration and Related Agencies

Requesting Member: Mike Rogers (MI)

Bill: H.R. 1105

Michigan State University, Fire Blight Research

Account: United States Department of Agriculture/Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Services (USDA/CSREES) Special Grants Account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 484 Administration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824

Description of Request: Provide funding of $500,000 for fire blight research at Michigan State University. Approximately, $148,000 is for the salaries of laboratory and field research personnel; and $36,000 is for materials and supplies. Michigan State University has obtained funding from the Michigan Apple Committee and industry sources and will continue to fund the fire blight research at MSU at a level of $52,500 in FY09.

Requesting Member: Mike Rogers (MI)

Bill: H.R. 1105

Michigan State University, Armillaria Root Rot Research

Account: United States Department of Agriculture/Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Services (USDA/CSREES) Special Grants Account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 484 Administration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824

Description of Request: Provide funding of $150,000 for research of Armillaria Root Rot. Approximately, $110,000 is for the salaries of laboratory researchers; $19,000 is for operating costs; $1000 is for travel to field sites; and $20,000 is for equipment necessary.

Requesting Member: Mike Rogers (MI)

Bill: H.R. 1105

Michigan State University, Bovine Tuberculosis Research

Account: United States Department of Agriculture/Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Services (USDA/CSREES) Special Grants Account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 484 Administration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824

Description of Request: Provide funding of $356,000 for research of Bovine Tuberculosis. Approximately, $274,252 is for Salaries and support for 3 graduate students; $72,978 is for Laboratory supplies; and $8,770 for research related travel. Michigan State University will provide $127,500 in-kind funding.

Requesting Member: Mike Rogers (MI)

Bill: H.R. 1105

Michigan State University, Improved Fruit Practices

Account: United States Department of Agriculture/Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Services (USDA/CSREES) Special Grants Account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 484 Administration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824

Description of Request: Provide funding of $212,000 to improve fruit practices for sugar beets and dry beans. Approximately, $131,440 is for salaries and expenses and $80,560 is for lab maintenance and equipment. In addition to the federal funds provided by this grant,

this research is supported by personnel, equipment, and facilities funded by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and Michigan State University Extension.

Requesting Member: Mike Rogers (MI)

Bill: H.R. 1105

Michigan State University, Sustainable Agriculture

Account: United States Department of Agriculture/Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Services (USDA/CSREES) Special Grants Account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 484 Administration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824

Description of Request: Provide funding of $387,000 to enhance the environmental sustainability of food and agricultural systems under research at Michigan State University. Approximately, $385,000 is for salaries of 11 researchers; $15,000 is for travel expenses; $10,000 is for farmer stipends; $25,000 is for materials and supplies; and $65,000 is for communication and outreach. Michigan State University expects to leverage at least $150,000 in state, local, and private funds to expand the impacts of the special grant.

Requesting Member: Mike Rogers (MI)

Bill: H.R. 1105

Michigan State University, Wood Utilization

Account: United States Department of Agriculture/Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Services (USDA/CSREES) Special Grants Account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 484 Administration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824

Description of Request: Provide funding of $6,850,000 for wood utilization with Michigan's share being--$728,545. The requested funds will be used for salaries of key personnel and graduate students. Grant funds will also be used to purchase equipment, materials and supplies needed. Michigan State University provides in excess of $500,000 in support of this project annually through use of lab space, equipment, and personnel assigned to the project.

Requesting Member: Mike Rogers (MI)

Bill: H.R. 1105

Michigan State University, Cellulose Conversion Research

Account: United States Department of Agriculture/Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Services (USDA/CSREES) Special Grants Account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 302 Administration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824

Description of Request: Provide funding of $625,000 for detailed investigation of the most promising technologies to determine the value proposition that is needed to interest commercial partners in the further development of bio based production of fuels, chemicals, and materials. Grant funds will be used for salaries, materials and supplies and for equipment purchases and travel costs.

Requesting Member: Mike Rogers (MI)

Bill: H.R. 1105

Michigan State University, Soil Erosion Research

Account: United States Department of Agriculture/Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Services (USDA/CSREES) Special Grants Account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Natural Resources Conservation

Address of Requesting Entity: 2805 S. Industrial Hwy, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Description of Request: Provide funding of $404,000 for reducing soil erosion and controlling sediment. Grant funds will be used for salaries, materials and supplies and for equipment purchases and travel costs.

Requesting Member: Mike Rogers (MI)

Bill: H.R. 1105

Michigan State University, Phytophthora Research

Account: United States Department of Agriculture/Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Services (USDA/CSREES) Special Grants Account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 109 Agriculture Hall, East Lansing, Michigan 48824

Description of Request: Provide $346,000 in funding for Phytophthora research at Michigan State University. Approximately 85 percent of the funding will go to researchers, technicians and students. Approximately 15 percent will be used for materials, supplies and administration. Michigan State University has received outside sources of funding for Phytophthora research as well. This funding is consistent with the authorized purpose of the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension.

Division B--Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies

City of Lansing--Law Enforcement Technology

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (MI)

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Lansing

Address of Requesting Entity: 124 W. Michigan Avenue, 9th Floor, Lansing, MI 48933

Description of Request: To provide $3,125,000 to enable the procurement of crime-fighting technology critical to the safety of the community. Approximately 35% for a Fiber Optic Communications Network; 25% for an In-Car Video Camera System; 20% for a Public Video Surveillance System; 10% for a Patrol Vehicle Laptop Workstation Replacement; and 10% for a Detention Camera Replacement. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the COPS Law Enforcement Technology account. At least $500,000 in local City of Lansing funds will be provided as matching funds. Lansing public safety capabilities lag current standards in law enforcement, and require upgrading in order to best secure the jurisdiction. Through support requested of the federal government, the City of Lansing would be able to realize significant integrated upgrades.

Division C--Energy and Water Development

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: Environmental Protection Agency

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The City of Mason

Address of Requesting Entity: 201 West Ash Street, Mason, Michigan, 48854

Description of Request: Provide $500,000 to construct a water treatment plant for the City of Mason to enable them to reach the federal water compliance requirements. Total estimated cost of the project $8,900,000. The amount requested was $2,000,000 This project has never previously received federal funds. The City of Mason will provide a minimum of a 50/50 cost share and this funding will come directly from the City.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: United States Environmental Protection Agency's Science and Technology Account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 20634, St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Description of Request: Provide $750,000 for research and commercialization for clean energy, national energy security, and a cleaner environment. Approximately, 7.4% for peer reviewed competitions and 92.6% is for research projects. The Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research has stated that they are able to match Federal funds, on average, 130% with non-federal funds. Industry also provides at least 50% cash matching, additional in-kind matching, and substantial investments in technology development.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: United States Department of Energy's Solar and Renewable Energy Account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 20634, St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Description of Request: Provide $3,806,000 for research and commercialization for clean energy, national energy security, and a cleaner environment. Approximately, 7.4% for peer reviewed competitions and 92.6% is for research projects. The Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research has stated that they are able to match Federal funds, on average, 130% with non-federal funds. Industry also provides at least 50% cash matching, additional in-kind matching, and substantial investments in technology development.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: United States Department of Energy

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 302 Administration Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824-9190

Description of Request: Provide $475,750 for detailed investigation of the most promising technologies to determine the value proposition that is needed to interest commercial partners in the further development of bio based production of fuels, chemicals, and materials. Funds will cover salaries; materials and supplies; and equipment purchases and travel costs.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: United States Army Corps of Engineers

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The City of Lansing

Address of Requesting Entity: 124 W. Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48933

Description of Request: Provide $500,000 for Grand River Waterfront Restoration--next

phase planning activities based on 2004 Corps Pre-Planning Reconnaissance Study for Grand River shoreline and habitat restoration, including potential modifications to Moores and North Lansing Dams.

Division D: Financial Services and General Government

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (MI)

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account:

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Cleary University

Address of Requesting Entity: 3750 Cleary Drive, Howell, Michigan 48843

Description of Request: To provide $100,000 for the development of a Micro Business Incubator at Cleary University in Howell, Michigan. Approximately $80,000 of the funding will go toward the acquisition of a suitable adjacent building, $11,000 of the funding will go toward renovations and $9,000 will go toward office equipment.

Division E--Interior, Environment and Related Agencies:

City of Mason Water Treatment Plant

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (MI)

Bill Number H.R. 1105

Account: STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Mason, Michigan

Street Address of Requesting Entity: 201 West Ash St. Mason, MI 48854

Description of Request: City of Mason Water Treatment Plant $500,000.00 The purpose of this project is to construct a water treatment plant for use by the City of Mason. The Water Treatment facility is necessary to comply with federal water safety regulations.

The Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research

Requesting Member: Mike Rogers (MI)

Bill Number H.R. 1105

Account: Science and Technology

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Consortium for Plant Biotechnology

Mailing Address: PO Box 20634 St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Description of Request: $750,000 for research and commercialization of clean energy technologies. Approximately, 7.4% for peer reviewed competitions and 92.6% is for research projects. The Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research has stated that they are able to match Federal funds, on average, 130% with non-federal funds. Industry also provides at least 50% cash matching, additional in-kind matching, and substantial investments in technology development.

Subtitle F: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related

Agencies

Lansing Community College--Military Medic Transition Program

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: Fund to Improve Post-Secondary Education

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lansing Community College

Address of Requesting Entity: 210 W Shiawassee St, Lansing, MI 48933

Description of Request: To provide $450,000 to create a Military Medic Transition Program to allow military medics to transition first to civilian paramedic certification and then through a fast-track nursing program. Approximately $200,000 for curriculum development; $200,000 for personnel; and $50,000 for recruiting and marketing. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the Fund to Improve Post-Secondary Education account. In a short period of time, this innovative program has the ability to provide fast-track training to job seekers and assistance to hospitals and first responders in filling their vacancies. The potential impact of this program has been recognized by the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, Primia Civitas Foundation, Sparrow Health Care Systems, Capitol Health Care Employment Council, and Delhi Township Fire Department; all whom have indicated their support for this initiative.

Oakland Community College--Emerging Sectors Consortium

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (MI-08)

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: Employment and Training Administration

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Oakland Community College

Address of Requesting Entity: 2480 Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304-2266

Description of Request: To provide $425,000 for an educational consortium to support the economic transformation in Michigan from manufacturing to knowledge-based. Approximately $200,000 is for Salaries, Wages and Benefits; $50,000 for consulting services; $100,000 for Consortium Subcontracts; $35,000 for supplies and materials; $30,000 for technology and equipment; and $10,000 for communication and printing. The focus of the project in 2009 will be expanding the consortium from supporting Oakland County's ``Emerging Sectors'' initiative to supporting workforce and economic development initiatives throughout southeast Michigan. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the Employment and Training Administration account. The project is a continuation and expansion of an FY2008 appropriation. The project is supported by the Education and Workforce Committee of the Oakland County Business Roundtable, Oakland County government, local and state economic development entities and the Workforce Development system. The Oakland County Michigan Works! Agency is underwriting the cost of a skills assessment inventory--a critical foundational piece for the Educational Consortium--at cost of $280,000.

Cleary University--Distance Learning Technology

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (MI-08)

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Cleary University

Address of Requesting Entity: 3750 Cleary Drive, Howell, Michigan 48843

Description of Request: To provide $600,000 for technological infrastructure improvements for its Distance Learning Model. Approximately $150,000 for a virtual classroom; $135,000 for mobile computer labs and equipment; $120,000 for a multimedia production studio; $85,000 for faculty training; $80,000 for computer servers; and $30,000 for software licenses. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education account. By expanding and extending Cleary's services and programs throughout the region, the University can continue to educate area adults seeking a fresh start in a different industry or profession. The enhancement and extension of Cleary's distance delivery model has tremendous support from current as well as prospective students.

Subtitle I: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related

Agencies

Widening of Baldwin Road, Orion Township Michigan

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: IM

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Road Commission of Oakland County

Address of Requesting Entity: 31001 Lahser Road, Beverly Hills, Michigan 48025

Description of Request: Provide funding of $237,000 for the purchase of right of ways necessary to complete the widening of Baldwin Road from two lanes to a four lane boulevard between Brown Road and Waldon Road, a distance of 2.0 miles as access to the I-75 interchange. This project P.E. is funded with previous congressional budget appropriations and High Priority Program funds from SAFETEA-LU.

Latson Road Interchange, City of Howell Michigan

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: IM

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Michigan Department of Transportation

Address of Requesting Entity: Michigan Department of Transportation, 425 W. Ottawa St. Lansing, MI 48909

Description of Request: Provide funding of $570,000 for the purchase of right of ways necessary to complete the construction of an interchange and overpass at the interchange of Interstate 96 and Latson Road.

Commuter Bus Purchase, Capital Area Transportation Authority, Lansing, Michigan

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: 5309

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Capital Area Transportation Authority

Address of Requesting Entity: 4615 Tranter Street, Lansing, MI 48910

Description of Request: Provide funding of $1,900,000 for the purchase of approximately 3 40 foot hybrid buses, 2 60 foot hybrid buses, 2 small buses, 2 rural service buses and 7 Mini-Hybrid fan systems.

Bus Storage Facility Construction Purchase, Capital Area Transportation Authority, Lansing, Michigan

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: 5309

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Capital Area Transportation Authority

Address of Requesting Entity: 4615 Tranter Street, Lansing, MI 48910

Description of Request: Provide funding of $712,000 for the renovation and expansion of the existing bus storage facility. The funding will be distributed such that 50% will pay for

renovations and 50% for expansion construction that will extend the useful life of the facility.

Nobody knows the pain of a bad economy like us fellow Michiganders, and we're suffering worse than any other State in the Nation. And if this bill even came close to providing hope or a job, I would be for it, but this bill is dangerous. And this is the kind of thing that happens when you rush it and you don't let people in to see it.

Think about it. They do say, listen, it gives credits for hybrid plug-ins. But what they don't tell you is that in this bill, for every dollar the average family saves by going green, the electric companies charge you $1. Your electric bill is going up with this piece of legislation. They say, do you know what? There is business relief in this bill for small businesses. They don't tell you that less than 1 percent of this bill goes to small businesses.

As was said before, we spend more on arts than we do on small business, which is 80 percent of our job providers. They say this bill spends money on roads and bridges. But they don't tell you it is less than 7 percent, and only about $10 billion in the first year over 50 States. That is hardly an investment in our roads and our bridges.

They say there is no mouse in this bill. But there is, sir. What they don't tell you is that in the EPA projects, it cites for sure and for certain they will spend money on the salt marsh habitat for the mouse in San Francisco. Certainly, the Speaker is getting her cheese. The people in Michigan are waiting for theirs. I will tell you this. Do you know what? We spend money in this bill. True enough. And what they don't tell you is that this is one of the most massive, massive transfers of debt to our children in the history of this country. There are lots of IOUs, but not much for jobs in this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand here and give a moment of honor and praise to a gentleman who has committed himself to this institution and to his country and certainly to his State.

And I have often said along the way that if you ever want to tangle with somebody in politics, there is no better rival you can have than John Dingell, and you better buckle up and show up and be ready to go. And when you're on his side, there is no better friend to have in this House. And it has been a fun experience to get to know him in a better and more personal way the last 8 years that I've been here.

I will never forget the first day I got here. We happened to meet, I think, in the hallway on the way to the Chamber, and he offered his hand in congratulations. And I said, ``Sir, do you have any advice for a new Member here in the House of Representatives?'' And he thought about it for a minute and he said, ``Michael, if you're going to sup with the devil, make sure you do so with a very long spoon.'' I thought it was the very best advice that I have ever gotten in this Chamber and in the life of politics in the last 8 years.

He has always been there with a kind word and an offer for help. And when he's against you, as I said before, believe me, you'll know it. He even had some good advice when we were in opposition to certain positions along the way.

But he is truly one of the statesmen of this institution, and we shouldn't forget it. The fact that you can disagree and passionately disagree with civility has always been the hallmark of John Dingell. And he has that same passion, and you can imagine him having some 53- plus years ago when he showed up in these chambers. And that I draw inspiration from, to know that you can be through all of these tough and very difficult political issues and still show up with a little bit of hip in your getalong, as my dad used to say.

All of those years, all of those accomplishments, all of that civility, that, my friend, is what a statesman is all about.

It has been an honor and a privilege to know you, sir, in the capacity as a United States Representative. You're one of the intellectual giants. Thank you for your service to your State. Thank you for your service to your country.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the House today for taking up the important issue of engineers.

I was talking just recently in my district in Michigan; we are hit incredibly hard, 11 percent unemployment and growing.

A single mom, college educated, lost her job. She was a marketing manager for a large retailer, went to work for a small cafe. She found out last week her hours are being cut because they didn't have enough traffic. It is pretty difficult for her to even make ends meet. We just got an announcement that 10,000 General Motors white collar employees will be out by May 1. Some of them will be engineers. It is incredibly devastating.

And when you think about what we are talking about today and how important it is laid over the fact that we are having a discussion about the most massive spending bill in the history of the United States, these people are hurting. And if I could for just one minute look in their eyes and say, ``This is the bill that will save you and your children's future,'' I could be on board. But what we are telling them is that it is more important for fancy golf carts here for bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., billions of dollars spent in this town, in this town, when people living in places like Lansing and Howell and Brighton, Michigan, and Holt are fighting to keep their jobs today.

And, by the way, I am going to have to go to that eighth grade class and say, you know, we are going to go to the market for the first time in American history with something on the order of $2.6 trillion. And do you know what that means for you? Maybe you can't get a loan for a car that you would like to buy some day. You probably will be crowded out when you are trying to get a student loan, or paying maybe double digit, close to 20 percent interest. Your milk will be more expensive, your bread will be more expensive. And, guess what. We will have the most massive debt in the United States history to show for it.

So if we want to encourage people to go into engineering, and I think we should, we ought do smart things. And, oh, by the way, something else in this bill for our engineers.

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.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Michigan State University for its selection as a recipient of the Presidential Award for General Community Service from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Since its founding in 1968 as the Office of Volunteers, the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement at Michigan State University has been instrumental in encouraging students to become involved with volunteering both locally and across the globe. In 2007-2008, more than 14,000 students were involved in volunteer efforts, a number that has doubled in the past six years. It is these qualities which made Michigan State University a wonderful choice as an Honor Roll Presidential Award winner for 2008. Each year this award is given to colleges and universities as an acknowledgment of their commitment to service learning and civic engagement. In 2008, Michigan State University was one of three universities to receive the Honor Roll's Presidential Award, and one of only 18 to be honored since 2006.

Specifically, Michigan State University is being recognized for the stability, growth, and impact of its student volunteer program. This program organizes students to work with over 360 nonprofits, public schools, hospitals, and neighborhood organizations and cooperates with student-led programs such as Alternative Spring Break. These are just a few examples of the many creative and variable ways that the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement reaches out to communities locally and worldwide.

Madam Speaker, a commitment to volunteering and service learning is the foundation for creating a more engaged citizen body. A commitment to others lies at the heart of many of the principles upon which this country was founded. I wish to extend my gratitude to Michigan State University for its achievements, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Michigan State University for its years of dedication to service and community organizing and in their selection as a Presidential Award for Service winner.

Madam Speaker, we have seen pictures of children on the floor, certainly touched our hearts. We have heard stories, I think from the new gentleman, the new Member from Colorado, who talked about the 100,000 kids who are eligible and not enrolled.

But what we haven't heard today, or we haven't seen, are the faces of hundreds of thousands of senior citizens who will be told, when this is signed into law, you cannot go get your cancer care. You cannot go get your pain care at the hospital of your choice that your doctor has referred you to.

We found one hospital in Washington where 90,000 Medicare seniors will not be able to get the care that they have and the relationship that they have with their doctors. We can do better.

We should not pit kids against seniors. We don't have to do that. And what you say to that family in Colorado is, you may be a family of four making $21,000, and we haven't found you yet to get connected to the services you deserve, but we think we are going to go out and find that family in New Jersey making $80,000. Apparently that $80,000 family is more important than that Colorado $21,000 family.

Let's get our priorities right. Let's not pit kids against seniors.

I would urge a strong ``no'' vote against the bill.

Announcement By the Speaker Pro Tempore

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Special Agent Samuel K. Hicks, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on November 19. Throughout his career as a law, enforcement officer and special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Samuel Hicks served his country with honor. He will be remembered for his integrity, bravery, and firm commitment to protecting the people of the United States of America.

First and foremost, Special Agent Hicks was a devoted father and loving husband. His commitment to law enforcement was surpassed only by his unmatched love for his family. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Brooke and son Noah, as well as his entire family during this difficult time.

Special Agents Hicks was born and raised in Somerset, PA, and after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, he went on to graduate from the Baltimore Police Academy in 2002. He began his distinguished law enforcement career in the Southwestern District and remained there until 2005, when he was assigned to the organized crime division. Eventually, Special Agent Hicks went on to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming an FBI agent in 2007, serving on the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force in Pittsburgh. He quickly proved to be an exceptional special agent.

Special Agent Hicks' life was dedicated to serving others--whether it be as an Eagle Scout, member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, or eventually a world-class law enforcement officer. His strong character and giving heart were recognized by everyone around him--from instructors at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, to fellow Agents on the Pittsburgh Joint Terrorism Task Force. A gifted leader, Special Agent Hicks was dedicated to

public service. He gave his life to ensure that others could live without fear of violence or harm. For that, he is most certainly a hero for which this country is eternally grateful.

Throughout his career, Special Agent Hicks exemplified the FBI's motto of Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity by serving and protecting the citizens of the United States. As a former special agent, I know he will be sorely missed by all those with whom he served.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the life of one of our Nation's finest, Samuel K. Hicks, for his model service to United States law enforcement and his commitment to his country. He is truly deserving of America's respect and admiration.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Ronald M. Davis, who sadly passed away on November 6 after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. A resident of Michigan's Eighth District in East Lansing, Dr. Davis will be sorely missed. Yet his legacy of service and compassion will never be forgotten.

First and foremost, Dr. Davis was a committed father and loving husband. He will also be remembered as a distinguished public health advocate throughout his entire career, most notably during his time as president of the American Medical Association. During his tenure at the American Medical Association, he worked tirelessly to promote public awareness of healthy lifestyles, encourage health insurance reform, and push doctors to reduce medical errors and improve patient care.

Even while suffering from a terminal illness, Dr. Davis fought to advance critical public health initiatives. A staunch opponent of smoking, Dr. Davis worked every day to save lives by promoting tobacco control. Over the years, Dr. Davis served the tobacco control community in numerous ways, including as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Office on Smoking and Health and as chief medical officer of the Michigan Department of Public Health. He was an expert witness in litigation against the tobacco industry and a National Cancer Institute-funded researcher. Dr. Davis was also the founding editor of the world's very first scientific journal dedicated to the field of tobacco control.

Through his cancer treatment, Dr. Davis continued to work diligently as a leader in the health care community. His remarks to the American Medical Association last year were particularly memorable and moving as he discussed his terminal illness, even joking about the baldness caused by his chemotherapy. In spite of the odds against someone with a diagnosis that included such a slim chance of long-term survival, Dr. Davis told his fellow physicians to ``never take away someone's hope.'' They agreed and cheered his courage.

As a cancer survivor myself, I understand the challenges Dr. Davis faced every day, and I deeply admire his indomitable spirit throughout such a difficult battle. He will be remembered as a remarkable leader and a determined public servant. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Nadine, their sons and entire family during this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Dr. Ronald M. Davis. He is truly deserving of our respect and admiration for his tremendous contributions to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Thomas V. Fuentes, who is retiring after 25 years of service in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Throughout his career with the FBI he has served his country with honor and integrity.

Mr. Fuentes began his distinguished career with the Bureau in 1979 as a Special Agent in the Chicago Field Office. Serving in this office for over 10 years, Mr. Fuentes led the fight against organized crime and mob corruption. As an Organized Crime Task Force supervisor, his efforts were instrumental in bringing countless Chicago criminals to justice. I had the privilege of serving with Mr. Fuentes in the Chicago Field Office and witnessed firsthand his tremendous skill and dedication.

Mr. Fuentes was promoted to FBI Headquarters in 1990 as a supervisor in the Organized Crime Section. As a result of his continued success against organized crime targets, Mr. Fuentes was eventually appointed as the assistant special agent in charge of the San Francisco Field Office. There he established the International Cybercrime Squad and was selected to serve as an FBI tactical commander at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

In August 1997, Mr. Fuentes was promoted to the Senior Executive Service as the chief of the Organized Crime Section at FBI Headquarters. Among his many ground-breaking law enforcement initiatives, Mr. Fuentes created the Organized Crime Task Force consisting of FBI Agents and Hungarian National Police Officers in Budapest, Hungary--the first such multinational organized crime task force of its kind in the FBI.

Mr. Fuentes' extraordinary career with the FBI has been marked by his transformational

work to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation. In 2004, Mr. Fuentes was called upon to lead the FBI's Office of International Operations where he was eventually promoted to Assistant Director and managed more than 75 FBI offices in U.S. Embassies and U.S. Consulates worldwide. His skilled leadership, both within the Bureau and international law enforcement agencies, resulted in election to the Executive Committee of Interpol, where he served as a delegate for the Americas in 2006. To the end of his service with the Bureau, Mr. Fuentes continued to establish innovative international working groups such as the recently established FBI/Ministry of Public Security of the Peoples Republic of China Working Group.

Mr. Fuentes' relentless hard work and dedication was recognized numerous times as evidenced by his outstanding law enforcement record and repeated promotions within the Bureau. His years of service brought fundamental change to the FBI's work on organized crime and international law enforcement cooperation. Throughout his career he has exemplified the FBI's motto of Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity by serving and protecting the citizens of the United States of America and people across the world. I am proud to know this remarkable public servant.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Thomas V. Fuentes for his model service to United States law enforcement and his commitment to his country. He is truly deserving of our respect and admiration.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republician Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act for 2009:

1. Account: Defense Wide RTD&E.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Next Energy.

Address of Requesting Entity: 461 Burroughs, Detroit MI.

Description of Request: Provide $2,720,000 to develop and deploy an Advanced Mobile MocroGrid prototype technology to provide high-quality electric power using conventional generation and renewable generation, vehicles powered with exportable power sources and encampment waste. The Microgrid will improve management and efficiency of AC and DC power sources to reduce fuel and logistics costs and meet the increasing demands of U.S. and coalition forces for electricity. DOD's escalating power requirements for forward operating bases, training centers, and main operating installations requires the effective management of power distribution and a greater capability to benefit from a wide variety of non-grid generating assets including renewable energy sources. The Microgrid system features the Electronic Power Control and Conditioning (EPCC) module. This module will effectively manage a range of generating assets, including conventional generators of varying voltage and frequency; power from mobile equipment and vehicles; renewable power from an array of renewable sources including waste, solar and wind generators; and aircraft maintenance generators. These technologies will serve the needs of not only the U.S. military but homeland security and civilian challenges for power and fuel as well.

2. Account: RTDE, U.S. Army.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lowry Computer Products, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: 9420 Maltby Road, Brighton, MI.

Description of Request: Provide $1,200,000 to integrate the Michigan National Guard Base Security Systems with the Michigan Homeland Security required evacuation system. This system allows for the ability to scan driver's licenses, and track personnel. This is a deployable capability that will be used to electronically validate and track personnel arriving in or departing from disaster response sites. It will also allow for electronic monitoring of the location of disaster evacuees. Additionally, this will enable an internet based tracking of evacuees for relatives of disaster victims.

3. Account: Defense-Wide, Counter Drugs.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: PBS Biotech Incorporated.

Address of Requesting Entity: 2843 East Grand River, #262, East Lansing, MI.

Description of Request: Provide $800,000 to produce a large scale single use bio reactor for rapid response to terrorism for the Department of Defense. This bioreactor will provide a simple, fast and economic method of producing biological agents in large capacity.

4. Account: Operations and Maintenance, (BA 01: Operating Forces).

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Peckham Industries.

Address of Requesting Entity: 2822 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing, MI.

Description of Request: Provide $2,400,000 to fund procurement of approximately 21,000 sets of Cold Weather Layering System (CWLS) for the U.S. Marines. Approximately $1.2 million will be spent on garment production, $0.96 million on materials, and $0.24 million on quality control/fielding. In direct response to the U.S. Marine Corps' unique combat needs, a Polartec Power Dry Silkweight and Polartec Power Dry Grid with flame resistant properties for use in the CWLS is currently in development.

5. Account: Other Procurement-Navy, Line: Aviation Support Equipment--Aviation Support Equipment--Aviation Life Support (P-1 Line 97).

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Peckham Industries.

Address of Requesting Entity: 2822 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing, MI.

Description of Request: Provide $2,000,000 to fund procurement of approximately 2,000 sets of the Multi Climate Protection System (MCPS) for U.S. Navy Aircrews. Approximately $.85 million will be spent on garment production, $1.05 million on materials, and $0.1 million on quality control/fielding. The total requirement for the U.S. Navy for MCPS is 25,000 systems. Between FY 2004 and FY 2007, the Navy and Congress have provided enough funding for fielding of only 25% of the required systems. In FY 2008, Congress allocated $2 million for the program. In FY 2007 the House and Senate Armed Services Committees addressed the need for MCPS in their authorization bills. The House authorization text reads, ``The committee strongly encourages the Department of the Navy to include the necessary funds for the MCPS in its future budget requests to meet MCPS requirements.''

Madam Speaker, I too want to congratulate Dr. Vern Ehlers of Michigan who has spent a great portion of his career in the United States Congress championing our Great Lakes. They are truly our Nation's jewel that we in the north don't think we get enough credit for helping protect. I know the Speaker understands exactly what I am talking about, being a part of that Great Lakes basin.

And now I think if you watch the speeches on the floor today, that the rest of America will see why we become so feisty about water diversion and invasive species and contaminants going into our Great Lakes, and why, in a bipartisan way, we stand on this floor today to celebrate what has been done, what this bill will do, and the future health of the Great Lakes for future Americans.

I too grew up in the Great Lakes region and remember the warnings of no fishing and no wall eye fishing in Lake St. Claire when I was growing up, and how devastated we were to think that you couldn't even go out and put your line in the water and take that fish home without some horrible thing happening to you.

Well, we've come a long way since then, and I think we've all gotten a lot smarter on how we protect these lakes. And it goes just beyond what is good for the Great Lakes Basin. Currently it provides water to 42 million people in America. Nearly 30 percent of the Nation's gross domestic product is produced in the Great Lakes region.

The Great Lakes States have 3.7 million registered recreational boats, a third of the Nation's total. The commercial sport and fishing industry is collectively valued at more than $4 billion annually. Unfortunately, years of

industrial pollution have spread toxic sediments throughout the Great Lakes, and this bill directly confronts and cleans up those polluted and degraded areas.

This act has had an enormous impact on the citizens of Michigan and their communities. In Michigan alone, hundreds of thousands of pounds of dangerous contaminants have already been removed and safely disposed of. Of the 31 areas of concern in U.S. waters, four projects have already been completed, one project is underway, and six are currently being monitored and evaluated. This program is extremely workable and has been named one of the most effective Federal clean-up programs we have.

Since 2004, the EPA estimates that almost 1 million cubic yards of contaminated sediments have been removed from our Great Lakes tributaries. These sediments are filled with toxic substances such as mercury, arsenic, chromium, cadmium, polychlorinates (PCBs), and lead.

This really stands as our legacy to the next generation of Americans who will enjoy the Great Lakes, and it is an investment in the health of those Great Lakes for a prosperous, clean future of the Great Lakes basin. We have to pass this Great Lakes Legacy Act and continue the investment in the Great Lakes so that future generations will experience the lakes as we know them today.

Mr. Speaker, this is the trouble when you introduce bills to hurt somebody, to try to punish somebody. When the Democrats took over a couple of years ago, they said they had a secret plan they were going to lower gas prices. The problem was the plan was deeply rooted in punishing average Americans.

If you drive a minivan, you are bad, and you are wrong. If you use electricity at home, you are wrong. If you commute more than 40 miles to work, you are wrong. So you have developed a plan that punishes them, and we are seeing the impact of that in every community in this country.

Single moms are having a difficult time packing their kids up. They have got to be at three events, they have got to pay for child care. They have got to stop and get gas to get them there. What they said is, you are wrong. You are wrong for working that hard.

What this bill does is it says ``no'' to more than it says ``yes.'' You want to hurt somebody so bad, oil companies, Alaskans, middle-class families. You are in such a hurry to do that, you have created a bill that hurts them more.

If you go home and try to put your kids on the Internet to do their homework, it will raise their monthly bill. If you cook their food on the stove, it will raise their monthly bill. If you put food in the refrigerator, this bill will raise their monthly bill.

It does nothing to help middle-class families. This is a slap in their face.

You say no to biomass, no to coal, no to shale oil, no to nuclear because you don't like it. This bill makes it easier for China to drill off our coast than it does for American companies to produce American- made energy.

This is not an energy bill for average Americans. I am a small-town guy. I plead with you, come to small-town America, see what these provisions, these plans are doing to average Americans in the middle class. It's killing them.

Don't punish America. Unleash the resources that we have to help America.