Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1622 to provide for a program of research, development and demonstration on natural gas vehicles. I thank my good friend, Congressman John Sullivan from Oklahoma, for introducing this bill, and I'm very proud to be a cosponsor.

H.R. 1622 authorizes the U.S. Department of Energy to fund natural gas vehicle research, development and demonstration needs on natural gas vehicles to make them even cleaner, even more efficient, and ease their widespread integration into our current transportation system.

Approximately 98 percent of the natural gas we use in America comes from the United States and Canada, and the Energy Information Agency forecasts that, by 2030, over 98 percent of the natural gas used in America will come from the U.S. alone. Because of recent advancements in technology, the economically recoverable U.S. natural gas resource base has nearly doubled in just the last few years. A recent study concludes that we now have 118 years of natural gas resources right here in America. Doesn't it makes sense that we should be using this abundant, domestic resource to help fuel our transportation needs?

Renewable natural gas can also be produced from any organic waste or energy crop such as switchgrass. It has been conservatively estimated that America could produce 1.2 quadrillion Btus of renewable natural gas, also called biomethane. That is the equivalent of 10 billion gallons of gasoline. And if making biomethane from cellulosic energy crops is considered, the potential is just almost limitless.

Natural gas is affordable, it has an existing distribution infrastructure, it is a proven vehicle fuel, and it is clean.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill that will help increase our energy independence by serving to increase the amount of vehicles on our roads that run on domestic natural gas.

With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Sullivan).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to Mr. Olson, the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the Congressman from Georgia, Dr. Broun, the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. I yield back the balance of my time.

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 Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010:

Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall

Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

Account: Investigations

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Arkansas Red River Commission

Address of Requesting Entity: 4155 E. Clay St., Vicksburg, MS 39183

Description of Request: I have secured $25,000 for the Red River Navigation Study, Southwest Arkansas, AR & LA with the Arkansas Red River Commission. Funding for this project will be to study alternatives for extending navigation from Shreveport, LA to Index, AR. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall

Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

Account: Science

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Texas A&M University--Commerce

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 3011, Commerce, TX 75429

Description of Request: I have secured $300,000 for the Advanced Artificial Science and Engineering Research Infrastructure with Texas A&M University at Commerce. Funding for this project will assist in the development of an advanced artificial science and engineering research infrastructure to facilitate innovative computational modeling and analysis of complex electromagnetic wave propagation phenomenologies. The objectives of this proposal are twofold: (1) to implement and operate a high-powered computing grid (a virtual computing environment) that will facilitate the solution of interdisciplinary computational and engineering models, and (2) to develop a computational model of complex electromagnetic wave transmission, propagation, and reception, and analyze that model using new Computational Science methods within the virtual computing environment. The research will be conducted in Hunt County, and will provide faculty and students with research and educational opportunities currently not available. Furthermore, the ``grid'' will be available for other universities and industries to utilize, thereby expanding the area of impact across the state. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall

Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

Account: Construction

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District

Address of Requesting Entity: 1645 S. 101 East Ave., Tulsa, OK 74128

Description of Request: I have secured $1,800,000 for the Red River Basin Chloride Control, TX & OK with the Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District. This project is designed to control natural chloride brine emissions at three major source areas to improve water quality for municipal, industrial, and agricultural use. Funding for this project will improve construction of low flow dams, pump stations, and diversion pipelines to Truscott Brine Dam. The Red River water quality will be improved so it can be used for irrigation, municipals and industries. I certify that I do not have any financial interest in this project.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true public servant who has dedicated her life to promoting reading and library use, Ms. Kathy Melston, who recently retired as Library Director of the Rockwall County Library in my hometown.

Early on, Kathy recognized the emerging need for adult literacy. As a result, the award-winning Reading for Adults program was established in 2000. This program has grown from two students and five tutors to 68 volunteer tutors and 300 students, of which many have earned GEDs and their citizenship through this process. The innovative ``Rock and Read'' fundraiser supporting the program won the literacy award from the Texas State Reading Association.

Kathy is accredited by many for promoting bond propositions to purchase land and construct a new state-of-the-art library in Rockwall. County Commissioner Lorie Grinnan maintains that with Kathy's intelligence, extensive knowledge base and dedication, she has been able to steer Rockwall County through a time of tremendous growth and change. Kathy's belief that the main purpose of a library is to serve its community has been the foundation of the loyalty and dedication of her staff, volunteers and the Friends of the Library.

During her 20 years as Library Director, Kathy has provided vision, enthusiasm, and results in Rockwall County. She was named the Rockwall Soroptimist Professional Woman of the Year, served on several RISD committees, and was President and Secretary of the Public Library Administrators of North America. She is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and is a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at her church.

Kathy's recent retirement is bittersweet for those who know, love and respect her. They are happy for this new phase of her life which will be filled with travel, home projects, volunteering and a chance to read all of the books for which she will finally have the time. But, at the same time, they feel some distress at the loss of personal connections established between Kathy and the library patrons.

In September, at the grand opening of the new library, many noticed a large corner spot with a beautiful view, filled with flowers and cards with a brass plaque on the door identifying the Kathleen Melston Quiet Reading Room. This tribute from staff, friends and volunteers recognizes Kathy's enormous impact on the community.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to join the Rockwall County Library, Friends of the Library, and Rockwall citizens in congratulating Ms. Kathy Melston on her retirement. I can't think of a better testament to public service than educating tomorrow's leaders, and Ms. Melston is to be commended for her commitment to the advancement of reading literacy. Please join me in honoring her on this prestigious occasion.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and accomplishments of a man who dedicated his life to showing generosity towards others, Moody Newell Siebman of Pottsboro, Texas, who passed away last year.

Mr. Siebman was born March 27, 1932 in Wichita Falls, Texas, to school teachers Moody Nugent Siebman and Rudy Steedman Siebman. He married Carol Sue Gillum on March 8, 1958 in Collinsville, Texas and they had two children, my good friend and outstanding citizen Clyde Siebman, their daughter Annette Skupin, and four grandchildren, Elizabeth Siebman and Katie, Becca and Sam Skupin. Mr. Siebman was proud to be a fifth generation resident of Grayson County whose great- grandfather, S.D. Steedman was a Grayson County Judge in the 1800s.

Much of Mr. Siebman's professional life was dedicated to the transportation industry, where he worked in all aspects of the industry from long-haul truck driver to owner and manager of multi-truck fleets. He also worked as a traffic manager for twelve years and in 1998 as

a senior driver for the United States Brass Corporation.

After retirement, Mr. Siebman spent his remaining years devoted to his family, hunting and fishing. He was a tireless worker for conservative candidates in local political campaigns. He was known for his generosity and for being a loyal friend and neighbor.

The family and friends of Moody Newell Siebman will long remember his devotion to his family and to his community, and the legacy of this fifth-generation Texan will continue in the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a dedicated serviceman, excellent businessman, and community activist, Mr. John Wise ``Jay'' Adkisson of Greenville, Texas.

Born on October 5, 1920, to John Wise Adkisson Sr. and Lenna McCandless Adkisson in Greenville, Texas, Jay graduated from Greenville High School in 1938 and from Texas A&M University in 1942, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in landscaping architecture. He was also a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band. Shortly thereafter, he attended the U.S. Naval Midshipmen's School at Columbia University in New York, NY and upon graduation, was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy. For the remainder of WWII, he served in the South Pacific as commanding officer of a Landing Ship Medium (LSM) and was honorably discharged having obtained the rank of full lieutenant.

In 1946, Jay returned to Greenville to join in the operations of the family business, Wise Adkisson & Sons Florist, Greenhouse, and Nursery. In 1996, Jay was elected as President of the Texas State Florists Association (TSFA) and in 1978 he received the TSFA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his numerous contributions to the floral industry.

In addition to his work in the floral business, Jay was a dedicated public servant. He was elected for two terms as Greenville City Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem in the 1960s, served as Chairman of the Administrative Board for Kavanaugh United Methodist Church, member of the Greenville Lions Club, and Director of the Greenville Lake Club. He was also involved in the adult leadership of Boy Scouts of America and the Hunt County Aggie Club.

Jay is survived by his wife of 61 years, and business partner Nita Lee ``Tubby'', son Richard Wise Adkisson and wife Jan, son John Jay Adkisson and three grandchildren, Benjamin, Rebecca and Rob Adkisson, sister Mary Ward, brother Dr. Mike Adkisson and wife Beverly, great- granddaughter Bailey, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Madam Speaker, I am privileged to have known such a wonderful citizen of Greenville, Texas, who leaves a legacy of service that will be long remembered.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of a true American hero, Arthur ``Lu'' Campbell of Rockwall, Texas, who passed away earlier this year on February 18, 2009 at the age of 89.

Born August 21, 1919 in Rigby, Idaho, Mr. Campbell was the son of Herbert and Effie Campbell. He proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and was a prisoner of war. His unit was captured in April of 1942. Mr. Campbell was a POW first in the Philippines before being moved to Manchuria where the Japanese subjected him to extreme torture for medical experiments. When he was rescued by the Soviets who liberated the POW camp three and a half years later, Mr. Campbell weighed just 94 pounds.

Following his military service, Mr. Campbell worked in El Centro, California before retiring to Rockwall, TX in 1975. He was a member of the Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but also attended the Presbyterian Church of Rockwall with his wife, Frances, who preceded him in death in 2005. He was involved in the Kiwanis Club, the Elk Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was a member of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor.

Mr. Campbell is a true patriot who demonstrated bravery and strength of will in the most difficult of circumstances. He received the Presidential Citation for Valor, the Purple Heart on three separate occasions, a Bronze Star, and a Silver Star.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life and service of this American hero, Mr. Arthur Campbell.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of Alonzo John Wemple, who enjoyed a long and memorable career as a railroad engineer and fireman, much of which was spent in Bonham, Texas.

Alonzo J. Wemple was born in Schenectady, New York on October 1, 1833. He spent his entire professional life as a railroad man, which allowed him to witness some of the most important events of his time. He got his first taste of the railroad at the age of 17, and later became known as one of the ``oldest locomotive engineers in America.''

One of the most significant events Mr. Wemple witnessed was the funeral procession of President Abraham Lincoln. He was one of the engineers who transported Lincoln's body from Washington D.C., through Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Chicago, and then on to its final resting place in Springfield, Illinois. In addition, he was working as a switch engineer in Chicago when the great fire broke out on October 8, 1871, and

while working for the Central Railroad, he transported captured Confederate soldiers to Union Prison Camps during the Civil War.

After the Civil War, Mr. Wemple moved to Bonham, Texas, where he worked for the Texas and Pacific Railroad as a switch engineer in the Bonham Railroad yards until he retired in 1927. After he retired, he went to live with his son Judie Newton Wemple in Fort Worth, Texas. Mr. Wemple died on January 21, 1929, at the age of 95.

Alonzo J. Wemple's first wife was Charlotte Pennington and their children included Frances, Minnie, Frederick, Mary, Charles, and Charlotte. After Charlotte passed away in 1892, Alonzo Wemple married Pearly Williams, and they had one son, Judie.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Alonzo John Wemple and his role in the history of our nation. A perfect way to sum up the life of Alonzo John Wemple is a statement made in the resolution passed by the Texas State Legislature last month: ``History is made not only by the deeds of the famous but also by the accumulated experience of countless individuals, and although Alonzo Wemple played only a small part, he was a witness to some of the most important events of his time.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished and productive life of independent oilman Lloyd Franklin Pitts, a dear friend who passed away in March at the age of 98.

Born on October 7, 1910 to Addie Mae Sandifer and John Loyd Pitts in Wesson, Mississippi, Frank graduated from Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, Mississippi in 1930, and attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. In 1935, he married Mary Martha McCann of Brookhaven, Mississippi. Married for 58 years, she was Frank's companion, confidante and ``sweetheart.'' She died in 1993.

Recognized by his peers and the major trade organizations in the oil and gas industry for his leadership over 68 years, Frank began his business career in Chicago with Nu-Enamel Paint Company. He lived in Europe from 1934-37, where he opened paint stores throughout the Continent. His close observation of the rise of fascism in Italy and Germany engendered an intense patriotism and appreciation for the American democratic way of life. At the age of 29, he was elected President of the International Company. Involved in politics from an early age, he was Chairman of Young Democrats for Roosevelt in 1932, and campaigned in seven states on his behalf for President. He maintained a keen interest in current affairs throughout his life.

Frank appreciated his business associates at Pitts Oil Company, where he was actively involved until recently. An independent oil and natural gas producer for almost seven decades, Frank participated in the drilling of more than 3,000 wells in exploration for oil and natural gas. For 12 years, he was Chief Executive Officer of an international geophysical company. Frank was actively involved in a wide range of industry associations and political action groups. He served two terms as President of Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO). He was a member of the National Petroleum Council, an advisory group to the Secretary of the Department of Energy, and served under every Secretary since the inception of the Department in 1977. He served on the Natural Gas Committee of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA). He was the 1978-1979 Chairman of the Industry Forum of the American Petroleum Institute. In 1984, Texas Governor Mark White appointed Frank to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, an organization headed by the governors of 29 oil and gas producing states, and continuously served under appointment of all the subsequent Texas Governors. In 1988, he became one of the first independent oilmen to serve on the Board of Directors of Gas Research Institute in Chicago, where he served for 10 years. He served as a Trustee of the Southwest Research Institute from 1989 to 2003, and was a founding Trustee of the American Gas Foundation. In 1991, Frank was selected to become a member of All-American Wildcatters.

The many honors awarded him by industry associates include the Chief Roughneck Award presented at the IPAA Annual Meeting in 1979; the 2001 Pioneer of the Year Award presented by the Texas Railroad Commission; the 1993 IPAA Karney Cochran Award to honor a lifetime of distinguished service to community, industry, and country; the 1989 Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners' highest honor, the Mr. TIPRO Award; the 1998 Texas Oil & Gas Association's Distinguished Service Award; American Association of Petroleum Landmen's Distinguished Service Award and Special Award for Industry Leadership; and the 1996 Southwestern Legal Foundation's John Rogers Award. In 2006, the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission presented him with the Warwick Downing Award, and on April 25th, Frank was honored with the 2009 Hero of Industry Award presented by the National Stripper Well Association. As a dynamic spokesman for the energy industry in the United States, he was a frequent expert witness and conferee in Washington with members of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and Executive leadership concerned with oil and natural gas policy. Frank was also active with state government leaders in Austin. In 2003, the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers named Frank as a Legend Award recipient and he was recognized by Governor Rick Perry.

While he was an activist in his industry, Frank also made time for involvement in a significant number of community organizations. He helped found the Dallas Council on World Affairs (now the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth) and served as Chairman of the Board and Chairman Emeritus. In 1994 he received the Council's H. Neil Mallon Award for Distinguished Civic Service. He also helped in the formation of the Dallas Opera, serving on various committees and remained a Trustee. He worked with the Baylor University Medical Foundation, serving as Chairman of the Board and a member of the Executive Committee. Frank was a member and past President of Park Cities Rotary Club, a member of Dallas Citizens Council and a lifetime Deacon of Park Cities Baptist Church, where he was a member for 60 years. Copiah- Lincoln Community College honored him as Alumnus of the Year in 1973, and again in 2003, with the Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award. At SMU, where he was a member of the Board of Advisors of the Maguire Energy Institute, he established four endowed Presidential Scholarships, a Scholars Fund and an endowed lecture series in oil and gas.

Known as ``Papa'' by his family, his wisdom, discipline, perseverance and judgment have been a source of inspiration and guidance in each of their lives. Lloyd is survived by his daughter, Linda, and her husband, William A. Custard, three grandchildren: W. Allen Custard III and his wife, Mason, Martha E. Custard, Laura Custard Hurt and her husband, G. Ellison Hurt III, and four great-grandchildren, all of Dallas; a brother, Troy N. Pitts of Wesson, Mississippi, a sister-in-law, Ida M. Olson of Alexandria, Virginia, a cousin, Dr. Charles L. Lloyd, Jr. and his wife, Sandy, of Dallas and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Martha, young son, Lloyd Franklin Pitts, Jr., his great-grandson, Elijah Christian Noel Hurt, and his brother, Shelby D. Pitts, of Dallas.

I count it an honor to have been friends with this great public servant and his wonderful family. What our world needs today are a few more Lloyd Franklin Pitts. Please join me as we honor his memory and celebrate his 98 years of life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and accomplishments of a woman who dedicated more than fifty years of her life to educate and help others, Mary Alice Terry Skaggs of Plano Texas, who passed away this past March.

Mrs. Mary Skaggs was born in Celina, Texas on April 22, 1908. She attended high school at Gunter Bible College and Kidd-Key College in Sherman. Mary received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Austin College in Sherman, leading her later become the first Independent School District teacher to hold a master's degree.

Mary Skaggs taught English, economics, and journalism in Plano where her expertise in educating others did not go unnoticed. The Texas Federation of Women's Clubs acknowledged Mary as Teacher of the Year in 1958, and the Plano Business and Professional Women's Club honored her with the Career Achievement Award in 1968.

Mary's legacy to better educate, mentor, and improve young lives in the community at large are immortalized in a 2006 No Child Left Behind Ribbon School, the Mary Alice Skaggs Elementary, established by the Plano school district. In recognition of her 30 years as a Plano teacher, the school has been a source of exemplary education since its opening in 1996.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband James Harold Skaggs. She will be missed by her two sisters Addie Lee Cox and Benny Cox, and her niece, and the countless lives that were touched and influenced by her years as an outstanding educator.

Madam Speaker, I commend Mary Alice Terry Skaggs for her lifelong devotion to education and her community.

Madam Speaker, it is with deep respect that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding American, a great champion of conservative values, and my good friend, Paul M. Weyrich, who passed away last December 18, 2008. His contributions to American conservative politics over the past 35 years have been tremendous. Paul co-founded the Heritage Foundation in 1973, and in 1974 organized the Committee for the Survival of Free Congress, which later reorganized into the Free Congress Foundation on which he served as Chairman and CEO. By 1977, both the Heritage Foundation and Free Congress Foundation were ranked in the top 5 most influential and best funded conservative think tanks. Paul also held the highest honorary position in the Council for National Policy.

Born in Racine, Washington to Ignatius and Virginia Weyrich, Paul began his interest in politics while attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison. At the age of 19, he joined the Racine County Young Republicans where he was active for the next three years until 1964, when he chose to take part in Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign. In 1966 he became the press secretary to Republican U.S. Senator Gordon L. Allott of Colorado. While there he became acquainted with Jack Wilson, an aide to Joseph Coors of the Coors Brewing family. This contact spurred a series of events, which resulted in the formation of the Heritage Foundation.

The Free Congress Foundation, established shortly after the formation of the Heritage Foundation, and where Mr. Weyrich served as President from 1977 until 2002, is yet another milestone in his long list of achievements. The FCF served as a format to train and mobilize conservative activists, recruit conservative candidates, as well as raise funds for conservative causes. To raise funds, the FCF became one of the first organizations to utilize evangelical churches for recruiting support for conservative politics.

A titan in the world of conservative politics, Mr. Weyrich worked ceaselessly. His contributions include co-founding the Christian Voice with Robert Grant in 1977; co-founding the Moral Majority with Jerry Falwell in 1979; founding the American Legislative Exchange Council; founding the Council for National Policy; co-publishing the magazine Conservative Digest; serving as the National Chairman of Coalitions for America; founding the Washington, D.C. based satellite television station ``National Empowerment Television (NET)'', which later re- launched as ``America's Voice''; serving as President of the Krieble Institute from 1989 to 1996, a unit of FCF which trained activists to support democracy movements and establish small businesses in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Mr. Weyrich was also an ardent supporter of rail mass transit; his expertise in this area was utilized while he served as an AMTRAK Director and a National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commissioner. In and after 1989, Mr. Weyrich traveled to the formerly Communist Soviet Union where he organized training courses for the promotion of democracy and individual rights. In 2005 Mr. Weyrich won the Heritage Foundation's prestigious Clare Booth Luce Award.

These accomplishments are a testament to his unwavering commitment and passion for conservatism. A leader in his faith, as well as in the political realm, Paul was ordained in 1990 as a deacon in the Melkite Greek Eparchy, a conservative Catholic Church.

A few years ago he was diagnosed with a spinal injury, arachnoiditis, and as his illness progressed over the years, he was confined to a wheelchair. Despite these limitations, Paul persisted in his pursuit to better the nation and world through conservatism. He continued to play key roles as a political advisor and speaker, even finding time to organize summit meetings on the future of conservatism, and write opinion pieces for his own foundation and for news organizations.

On December 18, 2008, Paul passed away in Fairfax, Virginia, and our country lost one of its strongest champions for conservatism. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joyce, their five children and thirteen grandchildren.

Revered Louis P. Sheldon commented on the life of his friend, stating ``Paul Weyrich was a pioneer of the conservative movement and a staunch defender of traditional values. He was a brilliant strategist, an aggressive defender of the faith, and a determined foe against the failed philosophy of liberalism. Most of all, he was a good friend, confidante and someone who could be relied upon to do the right thing for our nation and for the Christian faith, which he embraced. We will miss him--and the conservative movement has lost a giant whose influence will be felt for years to come.''

Though Paul is no longer with us, he leaves a powerful legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. Madam Speaker, I ask those here today to join me in remembering and celebrating the life and achievements of this great American, Mr. Paul M. Weyrich.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mary Sue Alexander, a lifelong resident of Greenville, Texas, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 90.

Born in Greenville, Texas to Ed. B. Williams Sr. and Susie Lee Joiner, Mrs. Alexander found meaning in her family, her community, and her faith. She married her husband of 38 years, Sam Reeves Alexander, on June 5, 1937, and they had two daughters.

In her community, Mrs. Alexander was a member of the Junior Palace Club and the Dirtdobbers Garden Club. She enjoyed entertaining, cooking, and participated in two bridge clubs. Mrs. Alexander was a loyal member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville for 79 years.

She is survived by her two daughters, Patricia DeVeny and Sue Ann Harting, former mayor of Greenville; three grandchildren, Dianne DeVeny, David DeVeny, and Alexandra Alexander; one great-granddaughter, Shannon Nicole DeVeny; one sister, Rosabel Warren; and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Alexander was beloved by her family and many friends, and I join them today in paying our last respects to this wonderful woman, Mrs. Mary Sue Alexander.

Madam Speaker, I stand here to speak on this bill. I have some misgivings about it. But I intend to vote for this bill. I can't vote against this bill because it benefits people that have served this country and that have suffered for this country. And I have never, in the 28 years I have been here, voted for a bill that affected adversely any veteran or any person that stood up for this country, and I admire and respect Mr. Skelton, the author of this bill. I disagree with the way he has funded it and want to point that out.

I would also point out that I have a letter addressed to Mr. Skelton. He has not had the time to receive it because this bill was introduced yesterday, and it is on the floor today. That is a little hasty. But this is an important bill, and it is a bill that needs to be passed. But I'm torn today as I rise to speak on H.R. 2990. On the one hand, I support the revisions in the bill, retired pay benefits for Reserve members and compensation and benefits for servicemembers. But where I'm torn is how the chairman, my good friend, Mr. Skelton, chose to pay for the compensation and benefits provided under the bill.

I will first point out that this is a bill for the veterans, and this is a bill for those that probably without this bill would not have the assistance that they need, that they deserve and that they are entitled to.

I would also say that as a veteran of World War II, and probably one of about four or five on this floor still here, five or six over in the Senate, there are not very many of us left, but I take no backseat to anybody in supporting veterans. I have a veterans' hospital that my predecessor, Sam Rayburn, provided and benefited. And I have had the pleasure of walking in a mass of walkathons to preserve that hospital, from Bonham, Texas, where Mr. Rayburn lived, to Dallas, to protest cuts in it, as anybody here would. Anybody on this floor has to support the purpose of this bill, which is for those that are suffering.

The major desire of those that have served in any war is that no other generation would have to fight such a war and that we remove the causes of war. And probably the greatest duty of a Member of Congress is to prevent a war. And how do you prevent a war? You prevent a war by removing the causes of it. And energy itself, or the lack of it, has been the cause of most wars that I know anything about. Japan didn't hate this country. Japan loved this country. But our country had cut off their access to oil. They had 13 months' national existence. We had to know that Japan would break out somewhere. That was a war over energy, not the hatred of the United States of America. Twelve or fourteen years ago, George Bush, Senior, sent 450,000 of our troops over to Kuwait. That was not a battle for the emir of Kuwait. We don't care anything at all about the emir of Kuwait. That was to keep a bad guy, Saddam Hussein, from getting his foot on half the known mineral reserves and energy of that area over there. That was a war for energy.

So I have a bill that I passed. I passed it as a Democrat once, it failed, it didn't get through. I passed it as a Republican with Democratic and Republican support. It passed this body. The chairman, Ike Skelton, voted for it at the time. And that bill is now underway. And I want to say a few words about that bill because I think you're entitled to know, and I'm very hopeful that the other body will look closely at this. And I'm going to be working toward that. I haven't had the time or the opportunity to work toward it, and neither did I have the incentive to do anything to kill this bill.

I urge everybody within the sound of my voice to vote for this bill and to commend Ike Skelton for his leadership and his devotion to the men and women that fight for this country and care for this country.

I think unfortunately regarding this bill, he chose to redirect the funds which by law, Public Law 109-58, a law that passed the House 275- 156, a law that Chairman Skelton voted for, are reserved for the Ultra- Deepwater and Unconventional Onshore Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Research and Development Program, also known as section 999.

Now the hard, cold facts about it that brought that bill into being was that we can get energy up from the coastal waters. We can get it up to around 80 or 90, 900 feet. And this bill, without the technology, could not get it to the surface where we could benefit from it. But we knew that the energy was there. And we knew that technology was there. And the bill I introduced is not an energy bill nor a technology bill. It puts the two together. And it pays universities, and there are 26 universities in this country, and I'm going to mention some of those in a few minutes, that stepped forward, that are working within this bill and have put 3 years work into it.

I just think that we need to remember section 999. It has achieved a lot since its enactment. It passed, and it passed the bill. It was in the bill that

we passed, what, a year and a half ago, a consortium that administers the program has grown to achieve over 140 entities in 28 States, including 26 universities. Those 26 universities, I'm not going to recite all those universities, they are available and people know where they are and which they are, but I do want to point out just some of the universities: MIT--this is a list of them here--MIT; Florida International University; Louisiana State University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Mississippi State University. It goes on down: Rice University; Texas A&M; Texas Tech; Universities of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Tulsa, Utah, Alaska-Fairbanks, Houston, Michigan, South Carolina, Southern California, West Virginia, and West Virginia State. Those are just some of the many institutions that are working within the confines of the bill that we passed.

The consortium has awarded dozens of projects. These are underway. If you divert this money from this bill to support the bill that Mr. Skelton has, these are the things that you're knocking out, an effort to find energy for 100 years that this country needs, that would prevent us from having to pay foreign agents, Arab nations that we don't trust and don't trust us, those millions and trillions of dollars could stay here in this country. And the consortium has awarded dozens of projects, including 43 research projects currently underway, with a total project value of nearly $60 million.

Also, Madam Speaker, the value of the projects over and above the amount of annual funding for the projects, $37,500,000 was achieved because industry believes in the value of the program and has invested substantially in it, a testament to the work that the program has achieved to date. These projects were selected on a competitive basis from over 180 proposals totaling nearly $415 million. This program is underway and the projects awarded by the consortium include components that benefit dozens of universities throughout the country. In fact, the research and development projects undertaken through the program have included the participation of nearly 1,500 energy researchers from coast to coast. These are not the majors. These are little people. These are for little people. These are for the American people. These are to prevent a war in the future by providing the energy of today.

Nearly 80 percent of the awards made through the section 999 program have gone to universities, nonprofit organizations, national laboratories, and State institutions.

Program awards have created high-tech and innovative domestic jobs. The National Energy Technology Laboratory has estimated that the awards would create 1,300 job years from research alone. All the while, Madam Speaker, the research projects are aiding the development of cleaner, safer, and more environmentally responsible domestic energy sources, and yes, hundreds of years of energy that is there, we can bring to the top now that we couldn't before.

We get the technology. It doesn't cost the taxpayers anything. We pay for the energy we get by the technology that gives us the ability to bring it up, ability we didn't have--we couldn't get the energy. With that technology, we can get that energy, and that is the thing that really breaks my heart to see us kill a program that is underway and is working. It is hundreds of years of energy.

I want to just point out one other thing. Section 999 does just the type of research that the Secretary of Energy, the Honorable Steven Chu, feels that the Federal Government should be supporting, as he stated in a hearing earlier this year as he testified before the House Science and Technology Committee.

So this is a bill that is a wonderful bill. For the purpose of the bill, I support it. I'm going to vote for it. I urge everybody else to vote for it. But I urge you to work and look forward and find out for yourself the funds that are being utilized to take its place, already underway successfully and producing for us, not to throw it aside. There are surely other areas that we can find. And I will join Mr. Skelton in that, as this thing goes to conference, if it goes to conference, or as it works its way through the other body.

I thank you, and I thank Chairman Skelton.

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. 2647, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010:

Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall

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

Account: RDAF

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: L-3 Communications Integrated Systems

Address of Requesting Entity: 10001 Jack Finney Boulevard, Greenville, TX 75403

Description of Request: I have secured $2,500,000 for the Rivet Joint Services Oriented Architecture (SOA) with L-3 Communications Integrated Systems. Funding for this project will fully implement the RC-135 SOA, which will ensure full RIVET JOINT integration in the ISR Enterprise, thus meeting USAF/DoD/DNI requirements for making ISR data and information discoverable, accessible, and to enable information sharing. RIVET JOINT requires continuous, current access to other ISR nodes, databases, and special processing to accomplish current and projected missions. At the same time, the ISR Enterprise will benefit greatly from RC-135 provision of ISR services, both intra- and post- mission. This will be achieved by building on current ongoing RC-135 ground systems, extending the number and performance of ISR services available through these systems, and fully meeting USAF/DoD/DNI SOA tenets. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

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, FY2010 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010:

Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall

Bill Number: H.R. 2847, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Account: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Texas Tech University

Address of Requesting Entity: 19th and University Avenue, Mail Stop 2131, Lubbock, TX -79404

Description of Request: I have secured $1,000,000 for the Engineering Support For Extended Human and Robotic Space Flight Missions with Texas Tech University at Abilene. Funding for this project will contribute directly to NASA's initiative of returning to the moon and further exploring Mars. For human and robotic missions, the center for Space Sciences is addressing the need for a decrease reliance on mission control due to the communication delays that occur in long distance missions. For human missions the center is also addressing the need for greater autonomy in dealing with the physical needs of the astronauts, including long term water recycling, which currently limits the habitation period possible without re-supply, and the ergonomics and human factors aspect of human performance in zero and reduced gravity environments. The major research areas will include recyclable/ renewable water resources, autonomous/renewable control systems and ergonomics/human factors crew support. This project supports the space flight industry and related programs throughout Texas. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Frank Eikenburg of Dallas, TX, devoted member of the Republican Party and my good friend, who passed away June 4th at the age of 64.

Mr. Eikenburg was a respected member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1980 until he chose not to seek re-election in 1984. He was a respected leader in the Republican Party, and his contributions to the State were generous. He was known as a kind and honest man, unafraid to stand up for his beliefs. He was always able to find the humor in life.

Along with his service to the State of Texas in the Texas House of Representatives, Mr. Eikenburg was appointed by Governor Bill Clements to serve on the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles from 1989 until 1991. He spent the later years of his life as a political consultant, striving to uphold the conservative values he believed would make the country a better place.

Born July 7, 1944 in Wellington, TX, the son of Frank and Margaret Eikenburg, Mr. Eikenburg was a true Texan born and bred. He grew up in Dallas where he graduated in 1962 from Woodrow Wilson High School and obtained his Bachelor's degree from what is now Texas Tech University in 1966. His passion to serve his country, along with his leadership ability, was shown in his early years through his service in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in 1967.

He is survived by his daughter Constance Emily Eikenburg of Dallas, two sisters Madelyn Brooks of Dallas and Livonia Gay Glaves of Houston, sisters-in-law Elizabeth Eikenburg and Beth Eikenburg, and many nieces and nephews.

He leaves behind a legacy of service and commitment to conservative principles, and I ask those here today to join me in remembering this outstanding American, Mr. Frank Eikenburg.