Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to a special day for the congregation of the Hopewell Baptist Church in Wellington, Alabama.

Hopewell Baptist Church was established in 1909 by Leona Gore, Jeff Turner and Mollie Turner under the direction of Reverend Milton. Through the years, the church has had a total of 22 pastors and has truly been a beacon of light for the Wellington community.

On August 1st, the church will celebrate its 100th Anniversary under the leadership of Reverend Carlos Woodward. This is an important occasion that speaks to the enduring faith of the Hopewell community, as well as its larger mission both in Wellington and in our state.

On behalf of the people's House, I would like to congratulate Hopewell Baptist Church on reaching this important milestone.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3293-- Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 3293--Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Department of Education, FIPSE--$100,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Alexander City, AL

Address of Requesting Entity: 120 Tallapoosa Street, Alexander City, Alabama

Description of Request: For the Gateway to Education Scholarship program, including scholarships Taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that the funding would be used for an ongoing education and workforce development initiative to provide free tuition to Russell High School graduates to attend Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City, Alabama.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 3293--Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Department of Education, FIPSE--$100,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Gadsden State Community College, Gadsden, AL

Address of Requesting Entity: 405 Korner Street, Gadsden, Alabama 35903

Description of Request: ``for technology upgrades'' Taxpayer justification--It is my understanding the funding would enhance technology in the classroom and technology infrastructure between Cherokee, Etowah, Cleburne, and Calhoun Counties.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 3293--Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Department of Education, FIPSE--$250,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Jacksonville State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265

Description of Request: ``For purchase of equipment'' Taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that the funding would be used to purchase a Nuclear Magnetic Resonate Spectrum to provide hands-on student learning and understanding of modern chemistry, instrumental methods, and the determination of molecular structures across the discipline and in physics and biology. This piece of equipment also fosters interdisciplinary research and collaborative work.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 3293--Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Department of Education, FIPSE--$100,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Southern Union Community College

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 1000, Wadley, Alabama 36276

Description of Request: ``For purchase of equipment'' Taxpayer justification--This funding would be used to purchase equipment for the new Technology Center on the Opelika Campus of Southern Union State Community College so that the College may re-train and educate individuals for jobs in high-tech, high-pay careers required by industry moving into the College's Service area.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 3293--Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Department of Health and Human Services HRSA--$200,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Childersburg Medical Clinic Board

Address of Requesting Entity: 34011 Hwy 280 East Childersburg, Alabama 35044

Description of Request: ``for facilities and equipment at the Regional Diabetic Care and Advanced Wound Care Center'' Taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that the funding would be used for construction and equipping the Regional Diabetic Care and Advanced Wound Care Center for Childersburg Alabama and surrounding areas.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 3293--Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA)--Training & Employment Services (TES)--$200,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind

Address of Requesting Entity: 205 E. South Street, P.O. Box 698, Talladega, AL 35161

Description of Request: Provide $200,000 to develop a collaborative program with employers incorporating assistive technology and targeting deaf and blind individuals with developmental disabilities for workforce placement. The funding would be used for employer training in disabilities and assistive technology for the deaf and blind. The project's total budget is $680,000. Specifically within the budget, $200,000 for salaries, $250,000 for assistive technology for the deaf and blind, $20,000 for travel, $30,000 for employer training in disabilities, $30,000 matching administrative personnel cost, and $150,000 for matching assistive technology cost. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA)--Training & Employment Services (TES) Account. The Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind will meet or exceed all statutory requirements for match funding where applicable.

Mr. Speaker, where are the jobs? The President and Speaker Pelosi came to this House early this year and said, if you'll borrow and spend $1.1 trillion, which is the largest spending bill in American history, it's going to save existing jobs and create another 3 million jobs. Well, where are those jobs?

They say, Well, you know, we had to spend that money because we couldn't go to the failed policies of the past and repeat those. Well, they would like to rewrite history. But the fact is, in 2003, this Congress passed one of the largest tax cuts on small businesses in America in our history, and it was followed by over 50 months of consecutive job growth, the largest consecutive period of time of expansion of jobs in American history.

I would suggest to you, the only failed policies of the past that we shouldn't repeat are the failed policies of the past 6 months.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3170-- Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 3170

Account: Small Business Administration, Salaries and Expenses

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Alabama Small Business Institute of Commerce

Address of Requesting Entity: 3331 Rainbow Drive, Suite E, Rainbow City, Alabama 35906

Description of Request: ``Alabama Small Business Institute of Commerce business training, $100,000.'' Taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that this funding will be used to hire more business counselors to train small business owners throughout the Third Congressional District on how to contract with the Federal Government. East Alabama has many opportunities for Federal government contracting. Contracting is a complex but advantageous way for small businesses to find and maintain work. Contracting assistance is a needed service especially with the expected growth due to the recent BRAC decision and the overall economic situation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss my strong concerns over this never-ending spending by this Congress. In tough economic times when folks across Alabama and our Nation are tightening their belts, Congress is doing the exact opposite.

Just this week, House Democrats unveiled their new health reform plan which rings up a mind-boggling $1 trillion in spending over 10 years. While I agree that health insurance reform is important and Congress should pay close attention to affordable, accessible health care, spending another trillion dollars of taxpayer dollars on a possible government takeover is not the answer.

Folks in my home State of Alabama tell me Congress is spending like drunken sailors, and I agree. It's time for Congress to sober up and stop borrowing and spending money we don't have.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3183--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: Corps of Engineers, Section 206 account

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Phenix City, AL

Address of Requesting Entity: 601 12th Street, Phenix City, Alabama 36867

Description of Request: ``Chattachoochie River Dam Removal'' Taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that this funding will be used to remove two small, under utilized and outdated low-head dams, restore fish habitat for the shoal bass and other species in a 2.3 mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River and allow the use of a natural white-water course for related recreation consistent with Corps planning policy. Together these project objectives will improve fish habitat and environmental quality and advance ecotourism and economic development for Alabama and Georgia communities.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: DOE, EERE account, $1,500,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Address of Requesting Entity: 102 Samford Hall, Auburn, Alabama 36849

Description of Request: ``Auburn University, Biomass to Liquid Fuels and Electric Power Research'' taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that the funding will help the development of renewable, liquid transportation fuel alternatives from domestic sources, will improve U.S. energy security by decreasing our dependence on foreign oil sources, development of renewable energy systems will reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, and the development of integrated biorefining systems that can produce liquid fuels from biomass will create new jobs in rural communities throughout the U.S.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 3183

Account: DOE, EERE account, $300,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, Talladega, AL

Address of Requesting Entity: 205 E. South Street, Talladega, Alabama 35161

Description of Request: ``Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Biodiesel Project Green'' taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that the funding will implement a multifaceted biodiesel training, production and public education program. AIDB views alternative energy projects, like Project Green, as a viable means to not only reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, but to also to deflect fuel prices, support local agriculture, aid city sewer infrastructures, cleanse the environment, lower carbon dioxide emissions, educate Alabama's youth, promote public awareness and develop work skills among those with disabilities (an untapped labor pool) that can transfer into a variety of employment settings. It is an excellent model for replication on a national scale.

Madam Speaker, in accordance with the Republican Conference standards regarding Member initiatives, I am submitting the following information regarding the earmark I received as part of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama)

Bill Number: H.R. 3082, Military Construction--Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for FY 2010

Account: Military Construction, Army

Legal Name of Receiving Entity: Congressman Mike Rogers

Address of Receiving Entity: Anniston Army Depot, 7 Frankford Avenue, Anniston, AL 36201

Description of Request: Provide $3,300,000 in funding for the Industrial Area Electrical System Upgrade. This funding will be used to construct electrical system upgrades to the area south of Third Avenue in the industrial area. Construction will include new power poles, cross arms, insulators, cutouts, re closers, anchor systems, wire, transformers, underground duct and circuit breakers for a couplet 12470 volt electrical service system in the area south of Third Avenue in the industrial area. This construction will provide upgraded

overhead lines and underground service from the power poles to pad mounted transformers that supply each building. Construct the secondary for a 10.5 MVA 44.000/12/470 volt substation. The substation secondary will consist of vacuum breakers, voltage regulator, bypass switches and the structural steel. Anti-terrorism/force protection measures will include observance of vehicle access sitting distances, landscaping berms, exterior lighting, laminated glass, and walkway bollards.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2997-- Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 2997

Account: ARS, Salaries and expenses account, $819,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Address of Requesting Entity: 102 Samford Hall, Auburn, Alabama 36849

Description of Request: ``Catfish Genomics Research'' Taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that this funding, similar to other research dollars the Federal government provides to key universities throughout the United States, in this case would be used to utilize genetic information to help develop fish lines with superior genetic disease resistance. Other objectives of the research include the development of rapid and sensitive pathogen detection tests to help prevent the introduction of pathogens from domestic and foreign sources into the U.S. aquaculture industry. Given the paramount necessity of safeguarding our food supply and the importance that the aquaculture industry plays in the economies of Alabama and other states, this is a prudent use of taxpayers' dollars.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 2997

Account: NIFA, SRG account, $1,748,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Address of Requesting Entity: 102 Samford Hall, Auburn, Alabama 36849

Description of Request: ``Auburn Research Center on Detection and Food Safety'' Taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that the funding would be used to educate a new generation of engineers and scientists with depth of specific knowledge and breadth from traditional disciplines of engineering and biology that are capable of addressing and resolving complex issues in the food industry like rapidly identify, pinpoint and characterize, through an integration of sensor and information technology, problems that arise in the food supply chain.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss H.R. 2881, the Kenny Callahan Act, a bill I recently introduced.

Kenny Callahan was a friend and a cameraman in a local TV station in east Alabama. Recently, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December of 2008 and died less than 2 months later.

Kenny worked two jobs to support his family, but when he got sick, he couldn't work any longer. Given only a short time to live, he could not outlive the waiting period required to receive Social Security and Medicare benefits. This bill, named for Kenny, would eliminate the waiting period for Social Security and Medicare benefits for folks diagnosed with terminal illness.

This legislation is about starting a compassionate conversation to help these people and their families. It's about a moral obligation to help those most vulnerable in our communities.

If ending the disability waiting periods for everyone is not included in the health care reform package, at a minimum, it should be eliminated for the terminally ill.

I ask my colleagues to support this bill.

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

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 2996

Account: EPA, STAG account, $275,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: East Alabama Water Sewer and Fire Protection District

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 37, Valley, Alabama 36855

Description of Request: ``Wastewater System Planning'' Taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that the funding would be used to map the District's entire sanitary sewer system, analyze specific areas within the existing sanitary sewer system and, identify areas within the system where modifications and upgrades must be performed.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 2996

Account: NPS, Save America's Treasures account, $100,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Talladega College, Talladega, AL

Address of Requesting Entity: 627 West Battle Street, Talladega, Alabama 35160

Description of Request: ``Swayne Hall Historic Restoration and Renovation'' Taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that the funding would be used to restore and upgrade Swayne Hall, the original building that housed Talladega College (built in 1852-53).

Madam Speaker, in accordance with the Republican Conference standards regarding Member initiatives, I rise today to provide a description for how funds authorized in response to my requests submitted to the House Armed Services Committee will be allocated. In making those requests, I submitted a financial certification letter to Chairman Skelton which accompanied my requests, and included the following information:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge these requests (1) are not directed to any entity or program that will be named after a sitting Member of Congress; (2) are not intended to be used by any entity to secure funds for other entities unless the use of funding is consistent with the specified purpose of the earmark; and (3) meet or exceed all statutory requirements for matching funds where applicable. I further certify that should any of the requests I have submitted be included in the bill, I will place a statement describing how the funds in each of the included requests will be spent and justifying the use of federal taxpayer funds.

In order to fully comply with these standards, Madam Speaker, I hereby submit a description of how the funds authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 will be used for the projects to follow.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama)

Bill Number: H.R. 2647 the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

Account: RDT&E, Air Force

Legal Name of Receiving Entity: THY Enterprises, Inc.

Address of Receiving Entity: 440 Hillabee St., Alexander City, AL 35010

Description of Request: Provide $2,700,000 in funding for Special Mission Clothing for AFSOC. The funding will be used to continue research and development of Special Mission Clothing for AFSOC. Approximately, $1,500,000 is for research and development of a lighter, quieter, water/wind proof, tear resistant and fire retardant material; $375,000 for engineering; $100,000 for laboratory analysis; $25,000 for field assessment; and $700,000 for risk and plan management. This Special Mission Clothing project will focus on producing products suitable for multiple Special Mission Unit requirements, and which meet or exceed military operational specifications.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama)

Bill Number: H.R. 2647 the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

Account: Other Procurement, Air Force

Legal Name of Receiving Entity: Telos Corporation

Address of Receiving Entity: 7956 Vaughn Road, Suite 134, Montgomery,

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2892-- Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 2892

Account: FEMA, State and Local Programs

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Center for Domestic Preparedness

Address of Requesting Entity: Fort McClellan, Anniston, Alabama 36202

Description of Request: ``Center for Domestic Preparedness-- $40,000,000'' Taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that the funding would be used by the Center for Domestic Preparedness in order for it to continue to provide the highest quality all hazards training to first responders from around the nation and world to ensure that they have the necessary skills to keep their communities safe. This is a Federal training facility.

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 2892

Account: FEMA, State and Local Programs

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Town of Shorter, Alabama

Address of Requesting Entity: 2521 Old Federal Road, Shorter, Alabama 36075

Description of Request: ``Emergency Operations Center--$500,000'' Taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that the funding would be used to help provide emergency services to the citizens of Shorter, Alabama. Shorter is a small community in Macon County and as it develops economically it needs to be able to provide coordinated emergency services. This project will enhance community safety by allowing improved communications and coordination between first responders.

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

Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL)

Bill Number: H.R. 2847

Account: DOJ, COPS Tech account, $100,000

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Auburn, Alabama

Address of Requesting Entity: 144 Tichenor Avenue, Suite 1, Auburn,

I rise today to offer my reluctant support of the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act, also known as the Cash for Clunkers program.

All of us have witnessed the devastation felt by our automotive sector. In my home State of Alabama, as in many other States, workers have lost their jobs or had their hours cut. Many hardworking dealers have simply been forced to close their doors.

To help protect our jobs and stimulate the automotive sector, we must work to stimulate consumer credit markets and restore consumer confidence. That is why I recently introduced my bill, the Consumer Auto Relief Act. Unlike the bill we are considering today, my proposal would help all sectors of the automotive industry.

In addition to offering tax credits to working families to help purchase new vehicles, the bill would also help incentivize lenders to finance new vehicles. The bill would also place no limitations on eligibility to participate in the program. Unfortunately, my bill is not what is on the floor today. Nonetheless, despite my reservations about H.R. 2751, I believe that passing it is better than doing nothing, but not by much. I offer my support for the bill and urge its passage.

Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to recognize the life of a heroic American citizen, Major Kevin M. Jenrette.

Major Jenrette, of Lula, Georgia, died in Afghanistan on June 4, 2009, of injuries sustained when an IED detonated near his military vehicle followed by small arms fire. He is survived by his wife and children in Lula and his parents in Auburn, Alabama.

Like all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in this conflict, words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family, and the gratitude our country feels for his service. Major Jenrette died serving the United States and the entire cause of liberty, on a mission to bring stability to a troubled region and liberty to a formerly oppressed people. He was a true patriot indeed.

We will forever hold him closely in our hearts, and remember his sacrifice and that of his family as a remembrance of his bravery and willingness to serve. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the House's remembrance on this mournful day.