Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008; Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009.

Request as named in the report: D-NET: Electrically Charged (ECM) Mesh Defense Net Troop Protection System.

Requesting Member: Aderholt.

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009 RDT&E--Army; Line 10, Missile Technology.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Victory Solutions, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: 4900 Corporate Drive, Suite A, Huntsville, AL, 35805.

Description of Request: $2,560,000 will be used to further develop a system to defend against rocket propelled grenades (RPG), mortars, and small rocket fire. The system meets a need for a defense mechanism which uses a non-explosive form of delivery and thereby can be mounted on helicopters without adding danger to the helicopter when it is fired upon. Recent meetings of the contractor with DOD have created a strong interest in possibly first deploying this system to protect ground vehicles. Funding of $3.2 million would have provided for the following activities, with perhaps more funding needed for the final phase; these plans will be adjusted, to adapt to the final Congressional figure above. Phase II, Task A Net Development R&D ($500k): Net Material, Ground vehicle version $80k; Aerial Platform $80k; 15 Range Tests/ Parametric Studies/Validation, $100k; Labor/Salaries (Engineering and Manufacturing labor), $240k. Phase II, Task B Launcher Development ($1M): Ground and Aerial Launcher Design and Development R&D and Fabrication, $450k; 10 Range Tests, $75k; Labor for Engineering, Integration and Manufacturing, $400k; Travel to Govt Program Office Customers, $75k. Phase II, Task C Launcher Fire Controller ($500k): Sensor Compatability Design, Platform Design, Current System Availability Design, $200k; Fire Control Communication Cards, $150k; Labor (Engineering and Manual Data Card Configuration), $150K. Phase II, Task D Integration to Systems & Platforms:

Design and Integration Trade Studies, COTS Integration Analysis and Labor, $450; Customer Specification Design Driven Travel to Platform Project Offices, $50k. Phase III, On Demand Manufacturing and Fielding Requirements: 1st Order (500-1,000) Material, Manufacturing to Order and Ship to War Zone Delivery Costs, $1.2M Estimated. The Army Aviation & Missile, Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) at Redstone Arsenal conducted initial tests and development activities, including Net Prototype Hardware, which passed a bench test in November 2007, and a range test February 26, 2008. 100 percent Effective vs. RPGs with 3 for 3 Intercept Negations. After summer briefings to Army and JIEDDO staff, additional Army tests funds have been committed by AMRDEC for 6 Tests in October 2008. The Army and JIEDDO have stated they want technology for Ground vehicles and rotor aircraft ASAP and will sponsor seed tests. If successful tests continue, this project could provide very near-term, very effective protection for helicopters and ground vehicles at a much lower cost than current efforts, thereby saving lives, equipment, and mission-time.

Request as named in the report: Collection Management Tool Development.

Requesting Member: Cramer, Aderholt.

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009. Defense-Wide RDT&E; Budget line 999 Classified Programs.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: DESE Research, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: 315 Wynn Drive, Suite 2, Huntsville, AL 35805.

Description of Request: $1,440,000 to develop automated tools to assist analysts in identifying foreign technology intelligence collection requirements.

Request as named in the report: Space Control Test Capabilities.

Requesting Member: Everett, Aderholt, Rogers (AL).

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009. RDT&E--Air Force, Line 66 Counterspace Systems.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Davidson Technologies.

Address of Requesting Entity: 530 Discovery Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806.

Description of Request: $1,600,000. The funding is for the continued development and accreditation of Space Control Test Capabilities to support the Air Force's requirement to integrate offensive and defensive space control elements into a single System-of-Systems counterspace system approach; specifically, to address the optimization of C \2\ processes and resources, and to develop a cost assessment tool for the government to test space control systems in a simulated environment before costly hardware development begins. Space Control Test Capabilities supports the Air Force Space Control mission areas and mission support as outlined in the Air Force's ``Strategic Master Plan for FY 2006 and beyond'', the ``Joint Doctrine for Space Operations (JP 3-14)'', and the ``Counterspace Operations (JP 2-2.1)''. The SCTC software suite allows the warfighters the capability to develop net-centric System-of-Systems architecture-based C \2\ models. Warfighters also have the ability to model Friend or Foe C \2\ structures yielding the analysis of vulnerabilities and/or strengths. Based on funding of $2,000,000, the spending plan would have been as follows, and will be adjusted to meet the final amount mentioned above. Engineering Salaries (including Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Design, Requirements and Documentation, Test Engineering, and Configuration Management): 1,780,000; Software Licensing (Goes toward software accreditation process): $10,000; Travel to Colorado Springs, AF Space Command: $10,000; Government Pass-through Costs: $200,000.

Request as named in the report: Protective Self-Decontaminating Surfaces.

Requesting Member: Grijalva, Aderholt.

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009. Defense Wide RDT&E Line 33, Chemical and Biological Defense Program--Advanced Development.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Ventana Research Corp. (VRC); and Kappler, Inc. (K, Inc).

Address of Requesting Entity: Ventana: 2702 South 4th Avenue, South Tucson, AZ 85713-4816; Kappler: 115 Grimes Drive, Guntersville, AL 35976-9364.

Description of Request: $1,600,000 to complete research on and produce prototypes of protective self-decontaminating clothing for use by the warfighter and Homeland Security personnel. The following spend plan was adjusted to the House subcommittee figure of $2,000,000, and will be adjusted to the House's final figure mentioned above. Ventana Research Corp: Labor, $620,000; Materials $60,000; Travel $20,000. Government Performers: DOD Joint Program Management Office-Decon (Program Manager), $170,000; Air Force Research Lab/RXQL (Test & Evaluation), $200,000; Natick Soldier Res. Dev. & Eng. Center (ACD&P Manager), $100,000. Kappler, Inc. (Protective Garments & Shelter Interiors), $800,000; WPI Chemistry & Biochemistry Dept. (Consulting), $30,000. Present decontamination processes against Chemical & Biological (CB) Agents are very labor intensive and time consuming requiring in many cases the use of expensive equipment and considerable down-times for applying the process. The advanced prototypes generated under this program will demonstrate the capability of providing immediate on-site protection applicable against multiple threats. The decontamination system will be much less manpower intensive, storage stable, environmentally safe, compatible with a wide variety of materials and protective gear and have the capability to penetrate and adhere to surfaces. It minimizes the need for complicated after-the- fact decontamination processes and maximizes recovery of critical military assets. The advanced prototypes produced and field tested under this program will demonstrate a cost-effective protection technology for our military personnel and civilian population. The target completion date is 12/30/2010.

Request as named in the report: Vertical/Horizontal Integration of Space Technologies and Applications (VISTA).

Requesting Member: Aderholt.

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009 RDT&E--Army; Line 34 Command, Control, Communications Advanced Technology.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Global Security & Engineering Solutions/L-3 Communications.

Address of Requesting Entity: 654 Discovery Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806.

Description of Request: $2,400,000 to the VISTA technology effort, to develop an application-based software program to integrate space and missile defense products and services with the tactical Army's Battle Command workstations using multi-agent and knowledge management technologies. When completed, this program will allow the warfighter to receive information on the battlefield from any U.S. asset, from any branch of the Armed Services, including satellite data. FY09 Congressional support will keep the program progressing and accelerate its delivery to the warfighter. The spend plan is as follows: Travel-- $50,000; ODCs (Hardware and Software procurement), $50,000; Labor-- $2,300,000: Broken Down by Task: Requirements Definition $225,000; Design $300,000; Implementation $350,000; Test $350,000; Certification $275,000; Event Participation (experiments, Army technology demonstrations, exercises and training events) $450,000; Fielding to Warfighter $350,000. The VISTA effort has demonstrated, in a laboratory Proof of Concept evaluation, automated space to specific unit threat warning capabilities across multiple networks. Missile Threat Warnings generated in the strategic Joint Data Network (JDN) were identified, analyzed and provided directly to the specifically threatened unit in the tactical Brigade and below network. These warnings were directly integrated with individually affected units equipped with either FBCB2 or C2PC Battle Command systems. This capability is being integrated into the Space and Missile Defense Battle Lab for experimentation during the fall of 2008. Additionally, this capability is in the planning and integration phases with the overall TITAN ATO effort with a planned demonstration at the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) On- The-Move (OTM) test-bed, Ft. Dix New Jersey, during the summer of 2009. This demonstration of the VISTA Information Dissemination and Management (IDM) intelligent multi-agent system is being sponsored by Battle Command Battle Lab-Leavenworth (BCBL-L) in coordination with the SMD Technical Center (SMDTC), Space Division, as well as CERDEC Command and Control Directorate (C2D) under a spin out capability from the TITAN ATO. The VISTA intelligent multi-agent system is also being proposed by BCBL-L (Battle Command Battle Lab at Ft Leavenworth) as a capability to enhance Battalion

and below electronic warfare and IED Situational Awareness. The VISTA system would integrate WARLOCK (IED Sensor) systems with FBCB2 Battle Command systems. This potential VISTA spin-out capability has been briefed to the Army G-6/CIO and JIEDDO PMs by BCBL-L personnel. BCBL-L in coordination with SMDTC (SMDC Technical Center) has developed proposal to execute a two-year rapid prototyping of this capability into FBCB2. Congressional support will facilitate approval for the rapid prototype development. Based on progress to date, the DOD has decided to include this program in future budget requests, beginning with FY10.

Request as named in the report: Radiation Hardening Initiative.

Requesting Member: Cramer, Aderholt.

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009. RDT&E--Army. Line 55 Army Missile Defense Systems Integration.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Analytical Services, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: 350 Voyager Way, Huntsville, Alabama 35806.

Description of Request: $2,400,000 for a Radiation Hardening Initiative (RHI) to provide an integrated design suite enabling simpler yet comprehensive rad-hard analysis that can be performed earlier in the design of systems allowing for satisfaction of rad-hard requirements, reduced cost/risk and better schedule adherence. Approximately 90 percent of the funding is for salaries of researchers, engineers, and software developers. Approximately 10 percent is for software costs, including the purchase of some COTS to improve the analysis capability. Radiation hardening is not a requirement typically made at the local or state level. The programs that require this capability are typically national defense or space programs. Many planned assets remain vulnerable to radiation environments. The RHI will integrate four related technology areas: (1) RadHard Component Catalog. (2) Automated design environments for military systems. (3) Radiation transport and effects models, including natural and man-made radiation environments. (4) System-specific accredited modeling and simulation tools. The integrated RHI products will encapsulate a comprehensive rad-hard design approach that predicts mission performance and system cost through use of proven components and simulation-based design trades.

Request as named in the report: Autonomous Cargo Acquisition for Rotorcraft Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

Requesting Member: Cramer, Aderholt.

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009. RDT&E Army. Line 31 Aviation Advanced Technology.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Advanced Optical Systems, Inc. (AOS).

Address of Requesting Entity: 6767 Old Madison Pike, Suite 410, Huntsville, AL 35606.

Description of Request: $2,400,000 to develop and demonstrate completely unmanned cargo pickup and delivery, leveraging current developments for manned systems. This project will provide the Aviation and Missile Command with the development and demonstration of fully unmanned cargo pickup and delivery for logistics supply and weapons placement. The Army is currently developing a system for manned rotorcraft that will eliminate the need for a ground crew in external cargo operations. A completely unmanned cargo pickup and delivery system is the next logical extension, but currently this operational need is unfunded. Unmanned cargo operations would help reduce aircrew losses in situations such as those our armed forces are currently experiencing in Iraq and Afghanistan. Numerous Army UAS would benefit from this technology, and the technology would be applicable to other DOD UAS. These systems could also become useful for emergency evacuation. The spend plan is as follows: Army in-house: 10 percent-- $240,000; In-house Labor: 60 percent--$1,440,000; Local machine shops 5 percent--$120,000; Local Radar subcontractor 15 percent--$600,000. The Army will supply an unmanned rotocraft, such as Fire Scout, A-160, or Unmanned Little Bird for testing. As a fallback, the Army may provide a manned helicopter for testing. The planned radar subcontractor is Phase IV of Huntsville, Alabama. Machine shops will provide custom hardware used in sensors, auto-attachment mechanisms, and for integration to the aircraft. Out of state vendors will supply parts such as lasers and computer chips.

Request as named in the report: Brownout Sensor Visualization and Hazard Avoidance System.

Requesting Member: Cramer, Aderholt.

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009. Army RDT&E. Line 31 Aviation Advanced Technology.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: 200 Westside Square, Suite 320, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Description of Request: $800,000 to lead a Visualization System for helicopters in OIF and OEF. Efforts include development and testing of a system of novel sensors and displays for mitigating the dangerous brownout phenomenon as helicopters land and takeoff. The system will enable the pilot to maintain situational awareness as the helicopter enters and maneuvers in brownout. This project builds upon R&D by the Aviation and Missile RDEC and for Aviation PEOs. The program will develop, integrate, and test the visualization system including the sensor, the synthetic scene algorithms, and displays. Testing will encompass synthetic fly-throughs and testing at the Blackhawk flight simulator facility at Redstone Arsenal as well as human factors studies to assess pilot performance improvement. At a funding level of $1,000,000, the funds would be spent as follows; adjustments will be made to adapt to the final Congressional funding figure. The spend plan is approximately $700,000 for salaries of engineers and researchers within Polaris, and $100,000 for materials. The national significance of the Brownout Visualization System is the improved safety of our soldiers, flight crews, and support personnel, especially in environments such as Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition, the terrain mapping capability will improve intelligence gathering in high OPTEMPO regions.

Request as named in the report: Helicopter Reliability and Failure Analysis Center.

Requesting Member: Cramer, Aderholt.

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009. Army RDT&E. Line 8 Aviation Technology.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Alabama Huntsville.

Address of Requesting Entity: 301 Sparkman Drive, VBRH M-11, Huntsville, AL 35899.

Description of Request: $880,000 for a Center which would utilize Systems Engineering to help provide an understanding of failure mechanisms, failure modes and failure effects, of safety-critical and mission-critical parts for the DOD. The funding will be spent as follows, and the plan will be adjusted proportionally to adapt to the final Congressional dollar amount provided: Labor, $221,000; equipment investment, $645,000; travel, $14,000. Work will combine nondestructive testing with math modeling and simulation to determine the most efficient use of physical tests. The findings of the failure analysis will identify ``the condition'' that forms the basis for condition- based maintenance. This work has great potential to reduce O&M costs for aviation, automotive, communications systems while increasing systems readiness. This project will help Army Program Managers reduce maintenance and logistical support costs and improve systems readiness for Army aviation, automotive, and communication weapons systems.

Request as named in the report: Air, Space and Missile Defense Architecture Analysis Program (A3P).

Requesting Member: Aderholt, Rogers (AL).

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009. Army RDT&E. Line 57 Air and Missile Defense Systems Engineering.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Westar Aerospace & Defense Group, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: 890 Explorer Boulevard Huntsville, AL 35806.

Description of Request: $1,200,000 which provides the digital modeling and simulation infrastructure for systems to defend high priority assets from attack by missiles (cruise and tactical). The funding will be used for salaries of engineers and analysts working on the project. The future Integrated Air and Missile Defense system will provide a lethal net-ready force with an increased span of control and a smaller deployment footprint. The smaller footprint will make sustainment in the field less expensive. The use of networked battle command and improved capabilities for situational

awareness and soldier training will dramatically increase overall system effectiveness, survivability and force protection.

Request as named in the report: Advanced Hypersonic Weapon Technology Demonstration.

Requesting Member: Everett, Aderholt.

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009. Army RDT&E. Line 55 Army Missile Defense Systems Integration.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Westar Aerospace & Defense Group, Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: 890 Explorer Boulevard Huntsville, AL 35806.

Description of Request: $2,400,000 to continue work on the AHW Tech Demo which reduces risk and flight test validates critical technologies required for prompt global strike. Funds will be used for salaries working on the technologies that are a part of this Prompt Global Strike support project. AHW would provide a ground-launched forward- deployed mid-term option to destroy time sensitive/high value targets at long distances. Critical technologies include Hypersonic Boost- Glide, TPS, precision NG&C, and the secure 2-way inflight communication required to enable the successful execution of the emerging USSTRATCOM mission for prompt global strike.

Request as named in the report: Army Responsive Tactical Space System Exerciser (ARTSSE).

Requesting Member: Aderholt, Cramer.

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009. Army RDT&E. Line 46 Missile and Rocket Advanced Technology.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: J2 Technologies Inc.

Address of Requesting Entity: 4801 University Square, Suite 31, Huntsville, AL 35816-1815.

Description of Request: $2,000,000 to provide the Hardware in the Loop test capability designed to address the need to define performance requirements, evaluate and execute ORS (Operationally Responsive Space) programs thus ensuring the warfighter's continued access to space. The funds will be used as follows: $200,000 to support the Government Program Office Operations; $150,000 to purchase lab equipment; with the remaining $1,650,000 used to provide software and engineering support services, local or state matching funds. The ARTSSE capability, along with system flight testing, will fully address the existing need to define performance requirements, evaluate, and execute the Army Responsive Tactical Space Systems needed to ensure the warfighter's continued access to space.

Request as named in the report: Enhanced Rapid Tactical Integration and Fielding Systems (ERTIFS).

Requesting Member: Aderholt.

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009. Army RDT&E. Line 31 Aviation Advanced Technology.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: PeopleTec.

Address of Requesting Entity: 4901-D Corporate Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805.

Description of Request: $1,600,000 to to support the development of new software, the purchase and testing of related hardware components, and related salaries, to accelerate the delivery of a prototype ``plug- and-play'' tool set that emulates weapon system functionality. Funding would be spent as follows: Approximately 90 percent allocated to engineering and related technical salaries for critical work on the Condition Based Maintenance efforts; approximately 5 percent allocated to material purchases; approximately 5 percent of the funds allocated to travel expenses. E-RTIFS will provide considerable cost savings and risk reduction for verifying and certifying interoperability of aviation systems with Future Force Battle Command Applications. It will be interoperable with the E-RTIFS environment and evolving CBM architectures currently under development in the ASIF (Aviation Systems Integration Facility).

Request as named in the report: Enhanced Rapid Tactical Integration and Fielding Systems (ERTIFS). Requesting Member: Aderholt.

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009. Army RDT&E. Line 31 Aviation Advanced Technology.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: PeopleTec.

Address of Requesting Entity: 4901-D Corporate Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805

Description of Request: $1,600,000 to to support the development of new software, the purchase and testing of related hardware components, and related salaries, to accelerate the delivery of a prototype ``plug- and-play'' tool set that emulates weapon system functionality. Funding would be spent as follows: Approximately 90 percent allocated to engineering and related technical salaries for critical work on the Condition Based Maintenance efforts; approximately 5 percent allocated to material purchases; approximately 5 percent of the funds allocated to travel expenses. E-RTIFS will provide considerable cost savings and risk reduction for verifying and certifying interoperability of aviation systems with Future Force Battle Command Applications. It will be interoperable with the E-RTIFS environment and evolving CBM architectures currently under development in the ASIF (Aviation Systems Integration Facility).

Request as named in the report: M65 Bismaleimide Carbon Fiber Prepreg.

Requesting Member: Aderholt, Bisho (UT), Tauscher.

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009. Navy RDT&E. Line 16 Force Protection Advanced Technology.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Hexcel Corporation.

Address of Requesting Entity: 3300 Mallard Fox Drive, Decatur, AL 35603.

Description of Request: $1,600,000 to continue the work of qualification of M65 Bismaleimide resin for the F-22, F-35, Long Range Strike, UAV's and other future programs. Qualification consists of the generation of design allowable data that enables engineers to design aircraft. Labor and salaries will account for approximately 80 percent of the costs; materials 10-20 percent.The currently qualified BMI system on the F-22 and F-35 is a very low viscosity resin that exhibits a high percentage of resin flow during cure. This high resin flow results in excessive variability in the thickness of the cured structure. To account for this, parts manufacture either adds excess material and machine to final thickness or add shims during the assembly process. In some cases, a structure will be assembled and disassembled three or more times to achieve the desired tolerances. M65 is a controlled flow resin that does not exhibit high resin flow during cure. The controlled flow nature of M65 BMI resin will allow the manufacture of net thickness structures that will not need post manufacture, machining, or shimming. Other benefits of the system include faster processing rates using Advance Fiber Placement (AFP) and suitability for co-curing sandwich structures. The increase in fiber placement will reduce the number of man hours for parts manufacture as well as reduce the cost for new tooling. There would be significant cost reduction benefit from reduced assembly effort, increased processing speeds, longer out times, and simplified sandwich processing for current and future DOD aircraft programs. In addition, the elimination of shimming will result in reduced and consistent structural weight. Initial trials of the new M65 resin system have shown a 50 percent increase in the speed of part fabrication on the existing fiber placement machines. This could easily save $60-80M in equipment cost alone, plus it will reduce the cost of the F-35 and F-22 parts by approximately 40 percent. Additionally, the ability to return to the large one piece parts, like the F-35 upper wing skin, will create a significant weight savings, which the F-35 program desperately needs. Finally, material cost savings would be realized by introducing M65 as a competitive, second source. The impact of savings can be derived from the F-18 example where 40 percent material cost savings were realized. Given the national security significance, it is also important to maintain U.S. skills in this process.

Request as named in the report: High Fidelity Virtual Simulation and Analysis

Requesting Member: Aderholt.

Bill Number: Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2638 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2008.

Account or Provision: Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009. Army RDT&E. $1,600,000. Line.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Science Applications International Corporation, (SAIC).

Address of Requesting Entity: 6723 Odyssey Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806

Description of Request: $1,600,000 to leverage concept development/ research across the operational spectrum. Funds will

primarily be used for the salaries of engineers working on this project, with 10 percent or less possibly be used for hardware or software. The Lab cuts operational support timeline by using simulation-based analyses & experiments with man-in-the-loop. The System Simulation and Development Directorate (SSDD) of the Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) is continuing to upgrade the capability of the Advanced Prototyping, Engineering and eXperimentation (APEX) Laboratory and is extending the application of detailed engineering level simulations across external networks in order to maintain the leading edge in modeling and simulation technology. The HFVSA is enhancing the SSDD's APEX Laboratory's capability to support deployed Soldiers through leveraging of the lab's concept development and research across the entire spectrum of operational environments. A key linkage to leverage the aviation and missile models and simulations is the use of existing Army simulation networks connected to Users in the TRADOC community to provide engineering level models and simulations in sufficient detail to properly examine mission needs. The APEX Lab is working to reduce the timeline necessary to support current and future operations using distributed simulation-based analyses and experiments with man-in-the- loop. Future improvements will increasingly be focused on accurately representing today's fight while also ensuring that research & development efforts supporting current and future weapon systems are conducted within accurate and meaningful operational environments throughout the life-cycle. The HFVSA program will provide relevant solutions to existing and emerging operational challenges. It will provide the ability for commanders to prioritize and gain consensus through relevant studies and analyses of alternative concept solutions. HFVSA increases the level of engineering fidelity available to Battle Labs and consolidates engineering resources between simulation communities/domains.

Requesting Member: Aderholt.

Bill Number: Senate Amendment to H.R. 2638.

Provision/Account: Division D/Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: ``City of Rainbow City.''

Address of Requesting Entity: 3700 Rainbow Drive, Rainbow City, AL 35906.

Description of Request: Provide $1 million for urgent storm drainage improvements. The project would be one of several phases due to Rainbow City having widespread storm drainage issues. CDBG funding through ADECA has been applied for in the amount of $500,000 to address drainage problems in the City's only low income area. With local funds alone, this overall project would be completed at a much slower pace. However, the City is prepared to include the 45 percent local match in the general budget. The project is not eligible for completion with state funds.

Requesting Member: Aderholt.

Bill Number: Senate Amendment to H.R. 2638.

Provision/Account: Division D/Coast Guard.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: ``Warrior Tombigbee Waterway Association''.

Address of Requesting Entity: 250 No Water St., Mobile, AL 36652.

Description of Request: Provide $4 million to the U.S. Coast Guard for the replacement of the CSX RR Bridge over Mobile River ordered by USCG Commandant as authorized under the Truman-Hobbs Act. Pending availability of funds, the design of the new bridge would be completed in November 2008 and ready for construction in FY 2009. The current estimated total cost of the project is $75.5 million; the federal share is $69.8 million. To date, the total amount of federal funds appropriated to this project has been $48.4 million. The potential $4 million appropriation would raise the amount of available federal funds to $52.4 million; hence an additional $17.4 million would be needed to complete the federal funding portion of the project presuming no increases in project cost before beginning construction.

The Fourteen Mile Bridge received an average of $5.38M annually since fiscal year 2000. Progress is limited by availability of funds, inflationary pressures, and the significant increase in the cost of steel over the last several years. It is estimated that the construction duration for the new bridge will be two years.

Requesting Member: Aderholt.

Bill Number: Senate Amendment to H.R. 2638.

Provision/Account: Division D/Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: ``Center for Domestic Preparedness'' (Federal Training Facility).

Address of Requesting Entity: 61 Responder Dr., Anniston, AL 36205.

Description of Request: Provide $62.5 million for the Center for Domestic Preparedness which is located in Anniston, Alabama. It is a key training Federal facility operated by the Department of Homeland Security. It is the only weapons of mass destruction (WMD) training facility that provides hands-on training to civilian emergency responders which includes live chemical agents. The Center is a leading member of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium. For Fiscal Year 2008, Congress provided $62.5 million for the Center for Domestic Preparedness. In addition, the 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act of 2007, which the President signed into law on August 3, 2007, included language that authorized increases in funding for the Center over a period of four years. (Sec. 1204, P.L. 110-53). The House Appropriations Committee bill recommended a funding level consistent with the president's budget. The Senate Appropriations Committee recommended last year's funding level of $62.5 million. This bill contains the Senate amount.

Requesting Member: Aderholt.

Bill Number: Senate Amendment to H.R. 2638.

Provision/Account: Division D/Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: ``Jackson County Commission''

Address of Requesting Entity: Courthouse Suite 47, Scottsboro, Alabama 35768.

Description of Request: Provide $90,000 to construct a transmitter to assist residents receiving notifications to their NOAA weather radios. This amount represents the entire cost of the transmitter. The funds will be used for the transmitter, coax, antenna, and installation.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the chairman and ranking member for their support of this piece of legislation. And of course as it has been said, we're here today to honor Ola Lee Mize by naming the veterans clinic in Gadsden, Alabama after him. Col. Mize was a soldier in the United States Army during the Korean war. And as has already been mentioned, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 10 and 11, 1953.

Most people may be surprised to learn that just over 100 recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor are alive today. And only one of them lives in Alabama. And I'm honored that Ola Lee Mize resides in the district I represent, which is the Fourth District of Alabama.

Ola Lee Mize was the son of an Alabama sharecropper. He dropped out of school in 1946 after the ninth grade. And he did that so that he could take care of his mother, his brothers and his sisters. A few years later he decided he could do better. So he left a job that was paying $15 a week and then enlisted in the United States Army.

However, when he went to apply to the Army, he was rejected because he weighed only 120 pounds. But he was persistent, and recruiters finally let him enlist. Mize's military career

would see him courageously rise to the high ranking position of colonel after the humble beginnings of a young high school drop-out who was once rejected by the Army.

Col. Mize's story is a great example to all Americans who aspire to great things in the face of challenges. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States Government. It is bestowed on a member of the United States Armed Forces who risk their life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States. Col. Mize exemplifies this. And I think it is appropriate and fitting that he be honored again by the naming of this clinic in Gadsden, Alabama.

Colonel Ola Mize earned his Medal of Honor when he was a sergeant for the U.S. Army with Company K of the 15th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division.

During one particular battle in the Korean war, his company was committed to the defense of an outpost in the southern region of what is now South Korea. And at the time, the Chinese were under heavy attack of the area.

With all the company's officers dead or wounded, Mize worked to establish a defensive position while dragging wounded into the shelters made by timbers pulled from American bunkers destroyed by enemy fire. Over the next several hours, he assembled an impromptu patrol that went from bunker to bunker firing out of the open spaces in an effort to make the Chinese believe that they were still opposed by a vigorous force.

American counterattack forces reached Mize's position about noon on the 11th day of June, and after helping to resecure the outpost, Mize got permission to take his wounded men back to American lines. Upon reaching friendly territory, Mize, the regimental commander and the division commander, were all standing together. The two commanders did not recognize Mize, whose uniform at the time was in tatters, his flight jacket smoking, and his face badly swollen from burns. ``Who are you,'' demanded the regimental commanders? ``Sergeant Mize,'' he answered. ``You're not Mize,'' the commander responded. ``He's dead.''

His Medal of Honor citation states that Sergeant Mize's valorous conduct and unflinching courage reflect lasting glory upon himself and upon the noble traditions of military service.

Several months later, informed that he would receive the Medal of Honor, Mize told the commanding officers that he didn't want it because it really should go to the entire platoon. Reluctantly, he was flown back to the United States so he could attend a ceremony in Denver, Colorado. He was decorated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on September 7, 1954. In the early 1960s, Ola Mize joined the Special Forces and did three tours in Vietnam. He retired as colonel in 1981.

Ola Mize is a great soldier that has served our country with bravery and class, and it is my pleasure today to offer this resolution in his honor.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from New Jersey, the Honorable Chris Smith for his work on this important issue. It is a privilege to work alongside him in the fight for the lives of the unborn children in our country and around the world.

I want to remind this body and the American public about the need to spend taxpayer funds in a responsible manner by upholding the provisions of the Kemp-Kasten Amendment.

According to the Congressional Research Service, ``In 13 of the past 22 years the United States has not contributed to the [United Nations Population Fund] as a result of executive branch determinations that UNFPA's program in China was in violation of the Kemp-Kasten amendment banning U.S. aid to organizations involved in the management of coercive family planning programs.''

On June 26, 2008, President Bush issued a determination that because China continues its policy of coercive abortions and forced sterilizations, the provisions of the Kemp-Kasten Amendment continue to prohibit the funding of UNFPA. Nearly $7 million of the $39.6 million appropriated for this organization in the Fiscal Year 2008 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act will now be transferred to the Global Health and Child Survival account.

U.S. foreign aid is meant to help those in less fortunate circumstances with the generosity and goodwill of America; it must not be tainted with coerced abortion, forced sterilizations, and draconian family-limiting policies. We seek to eliminate human rights abuses, not promote them under the guise of our aid.

Since China initiated its one-child policy in 1980, countless women have been traumatized and terrorized by their government. A 2005 article in Time magazine by Hannah Beech, detailed one family's situation: ``When family-planning officials came to fetch [Hu] in May for a forced sterilization, [she] escaped with her two daughters to her parents' home in another village. Several days later, seven officials showed up, she says, grabbed her younger child and shoved the girl into a car. Afraid that her daughter would be abducted, Hu jumped into the vehicle with them. The car drove to the local family-planning clinic, where, Hu says, nurses threw her onto an operating table. `Other people were fine after their operations, but it hurt me so much, I could barely stand up,' says Hu, 33. Two weeks later, doctors operated again and promised things would heal better. But even today, Hu doubles over in pain after just a few steps. `They told me they were doing this for my own good,' says Hu. `But they have ruined my life.' ''

In April 2007, National Public Radio (NPR) uncovered evidence of dozens of forced abortions in southwest China, even as late as 9 months into the pregnancy. According to the NPR report, one family had one child and believed that--like many other couples--they

could pay a fine and keep their second baby. The wife was 7 months pregnant when 10 family planning officials visited her at home. The husband says they were threatened and told that if the wife did not go to the hospital for an abortion that the officials would take her themselves. ``I was scared,'' the wife told NPR. ``The hospital was full of women who'd been brought in forcibly. There wasn't a single spare bed. The family planning people said forced abortions and forced sterilizations were both being carried out. We saw women being pulled in one by one.''

Madam Speaker, U.S. policy must remain in place that protects women and their children. We cannot morally participate in and fund programs that ruin the lives of these women and unborn children. As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I will continue to fight to maintain the protections offered by the Kemp-Kasten Amendment, and I look forward to working with my colleagues such as Representative Smith on these issues.

Mr. Speaker, I do want to thank my colleagues for taking time to call attention to this topic that we have been discussing tonight. And certainly from the very beginning of our history in this Nation, religious expression and faith was the norm amongst conversations that our Founding Fathers had.

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Forbes) along with several of my colleagues tonight pointed out that as we stand here tonight in this Chamber that as we look around the room and we see the reliefs under the ceiling of the Chamber, and we see the 23 different lawgivers that are depicted above the gallery doorways, the most prominent relief, of course, has been noted is that of Moses who handed down the Ten Commandments. And of course those Ten Commandments were handed down to the children of Israel from God Himself.

Furthermore, it has been noted here tonight that ``In God We Trust'' is above the Speaker's chair, as it is our national motto. And of course let's not forget that as we started the legislative day today, before we voted on the legislation just a couple of hours ago, a chaplain said a prayer that began the legislative day. And of course that has been the custom dating back to the days of our Founding Fathers.

The Founding Fathers no doubt believed that God had His Almighty hand in the founding and the building of this Nation. George Washington himself believed that America's independence from Britain ultimately depended on God and not man. I find it interesting that it is not unusual for the Founding Fathers when they dated documents at that time they would use the phrase ``in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ 1776'' of what the date may have been.

A few months ago, I was walking down the stairways just outside of the House Chamber, and one of the paintings that is above the stairways is the ``Signing of the Constitution.'' And I have passed by that painting hundreds of times. Of course, most Americans are very familiar with that famous painting. But for some reason, one thing caught my eye that was not usually the case, and I noticed there was an open book there near where the presiding officer was over the signers of the Constitution. And I took a closer look and noticed that it was an open book. And at the top it said ``Saint Matthew.'' And certainly I don't think it is any coincidence that that book was open on that particular day.

One may ask why our Founding Fathers were so concerned about this issue. And one reason I believe that they were so focused on this issue and thought it was so important is because they had this radical belief that we are all endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights. And this was indeed a radical concept in the time, because in England your rights were granted to you by the king. Therefore, if the king or the queen granted your rights, or if man granted your rights, then the king or the queen or the man could take those rights away. However, if God granted those rights, no person, be he king or queen, could take them away. They were a gift of God.

So when one asks the importance of religious history and faith in America, one can point to many reasons. And one reason that we can point back to is that in the United States of America, rights are granted by God and not by man.

Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress, we know how difficult the transition to Washington, DC, can be for our spouses. The Congressional Club provides them a home away from home, encouraging bipartisan friendships.

The Congressional Club was established in 1908, by a group of 25 women from Washington who sought to establish a nonpolitical group which would bring the spouses of Members of Congress together when in Washington, DC. The Club was officially chartered by a unanimous Act of Congress in 1908, and remains the only club to be established by Congressional action. President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Congressional resolution into law on May 30, 1908.

Today, the Club is a charitable organization active in the Washington, DC, community and hosts events for the spouses of foreign dignitaries.

Since its beginning, the Congressional Club has participated in a wide range of charitable work, including rolling bandages, purchasing two evacuation planes for wounded soldiers, and honoring local fire and police departments. They have hosted Christmas parties and end of school pizza parties for inner-city children, appreciation days for local nursing home senior citizens. The annual First Lady's luncheon raises tens of thousands of dollars for charity.

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the club has a year full of festivities and ceremonies that include a Founder's Day program, a birthday cake at the First Lady's Luncheon, an anniversary postage stamp, and a 100-year pin/pendant designed by past president Lois Breaux.

I would like to thank all the members of the Congressional Club for all their work and dedication over the years. Congratulations on your first 100 years. I wish you many, many more.

Madam Speaker, I move to reconsider the vote on adoption of the resolution.

Motion to Table Offered by Mr. Welch of Vermont

Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank every Member who has worked on this piece of legislation, and there has been a lot, especially Mr. Barton and Mr. Deal who have gone beyond the call of duty in their work. I have been in meetings with them for many hours, so I appreciate their work.

I think we are all disappointed that it has taken so long to come up with a solution, but in the end we have arrived at a correct decision.

When SCHIP was first brought to the floor in 1997, I was a new Member of Congress. It was a bipartisan bill that was enacted by a Republican House and Senate. And it was signed into law by a Democrat President.

This year's process has been anything but bipartisan. I think it would be fair to say that the political rancor in the debate that has occurred over the last several months has surpassed anything that most of us have seen while we have been in Congress. But it is time to move forward and it is time that we remember what is important in this whole process, and that is the children that need health care in America, that are simply the poor in this country.

In my home State of Alabama, SCHIP has been a tremendous success and has helped a new generation of children live happier and healthier lives.

I'm pleased that this Congress has decided to extend this vital program into 2009 and provide a level of certainty to State health directors that did not exist under our previous resolutions. This is a good solution, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in mourning the loss of one of our own, it's been mentioned here tonight, Representative Jo Ann Davis. Representative Davis, as has been said and as we have discussed tonight, battled cancer for several years, and of course, as we know, lost her battle Saturday morning.

At a time when others would have considered retirement, Jo Ann Davis continued to represent the people of the First District of Virginia with distinction. Through her service she set an example of courage in the face of adversity. She refused to allow a disease that afflicts far too many affect her life and take her away from the work that she loved so dearly.

As the first female elected to the House of Representatives from the Commonwealth of Virginia, Jo Ann was a leader and example to all of us. But of all of Jo Ann's accomplishments, of all the roles she played, she would not be ashamed to tell you that her decision to follow Jesus Christ was the most important decision for her.

The people of Virginia were privileged to have known her as a public servant. The Members of this Congress were honored to share her as a colleague. I was honored to consider her a friend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Chuck; her sons, Charlie and Chris; along with her granddaughter, Charlotte. May God give each of them an extra measure of peace during this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in remembering one of our own, Paul Gillmor. It is moments like this that you realize the fleeting nature of time. Indeed, we truly realize the shortness of time and the greatness of eternity. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his friends and all of the people that he touched during the time he was on this Earth.

Representative Gillmor was a friend. He was a gentleman who I had the pleasure of getting to know as a neighbor. Because we lived across the street from each other at one time, there were several occasions that we shared a ride home after a long night of votes. During those times, I was able to gain a small measure of the man and discovered him to be generous, kind, and, above all, considerate.

The people of Ohio were privileged to have known him as a public servant. The Members of Congress were honored to share him as a colleague. His friends were rewarded with his company, and his family was embraced by his love.

We will miss Paul and remember our time with him and honor his memory. May God give Karen and his children an extra measure of grace during this most difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I would like to commend the outstanding achievements of Dr. George V. Irons Jr., native Alabamian, who has treated the hearts of Americans, literally, for over five decades as one of our nation's foremost cardiologists.

Dr. Irons' accomplishments began at an early age. As a high school junior, he won the prestigious Bausch and Lomb National Science Award, based on a nationwide scientific talent search--written competitive examinations sponsored by the University of Rochester, New York. He graduated from Woodlawn High School with a straight ``A'' record--first in his class--and served as president of his student body. At Howard College (now Samford University), he completed a rigorous four year pre-med curriculum in 35 months with a perfect 4.0 G.P.A. For his excellence in scholarship, leadership and service, he was awarded the John R. Mott Trophy, and as the outstanding graduating senior he won the Birmingham Exchange Club Trophy, Danforth Award, and ODK National Award. He

also found time to letter in varsity track; the mile relay team of which he was a part won their conference championship.

Dr. Irons graduated from the University of Alabama Medical College at Birmingham with a straight ``A'' record. While in medical school, he was selected by the American Medical Association as one of the top two medical students in the country. For his superior scholastic record, leadership and service he received the Alabama Medical School's Stuart Graves Award.

Since then his professional accomplishments have been truly phenomenal. After duty as flight surgeon (Captain, U.S. Air Force), and internship, Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Irons served as Chief Resident in Cardiology, University of Chicago (Billings Hospital). Dr. Irons then joined the Duke University Medical School Faculty in 1964, where he was named Fellow in Cardiovascular Diseases. Since 1966, he has been in active practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the first board certified cardiologist in western North Carolina. Dr. Irons is Founder and President of Mid-Carolina Cardiology, the premiere coronary care provider in the Carolinas, serving some ten cities in several states. He begins his sixth decade of active practice.

Having published in leading medical journals here and internationally, he was honored by induction as a Fellow into the American College of Cardiology and received a special citation Award of Merit from the National Association of Cardiologists for his research contributions to the science of coronary disease. For distinctive scientific accomplishments, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Alpha Epsilon Delta National Pre-Medical Society.

He has served the Nation in numerous medical associations, such as the Alabama Medical Association, American Society of Internal Medicine, Council on Clinical Cardiology (Fellow), American College of Physicians (Fellow), American Heart Association (Fellow), and the American Board of Internal Medicine (Diplomate), Alpha Omega Alpha (President).

Recently the State of North Carolina honored Dr. Irons for his half- century of service as eminent cardiologist, President and Founder Mid- Carolina Cardiology, and as the first board certified cardiologist in western North Carolina. He was also honored by his home state. The State of Alabama, on February 28, 2007, by Joint House Senate Resolution, honored him for his lifetime of achievements as distinguished cardiologist and for his notable research contributions to the science of coronary disease.

Madam Speaker, I commend Dr. Irons lifetime scientific achievements, distinguished research and his superior devotion to optimal patient care. His dedication and exploration in the science of coronary diseases to provide a better life through improved medical technology and treatment, reflect great credit upon all who serve our Nation in his profession.

Madam Speaker, I view Dr. Irons as America's foremost cardiologist and proudly salute him for the nationwide impact of his work.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose the amendment, and I'm sure that my friend and colleague from Arizona means well in this endeavor. But I must say that I support the National Textile Center.

As you know, Mr. Chairman, our domestic textile manufacturers are facing tremendous competition from around the world, and much of that is due to the way that our trade laws in this country are structured. And it's not the fault of our domestic manufacturers. The only way we can remain competitive against cheap labor in these foreign countries is through cutting-edge technology.

The National Textile Center strengthens our Nation's efforts by bringing together diverse research and also those in the industry so that our textile producers can produce to lead the world in technology. So the end results, therefore, will be workers in the United States can continue to produce the highest-quality products and in the most efficient manner.

This center that we're discussing today, the National Textile Center, provides real-world applications that are needed to make sure that the textile industry in America survives. For that reason, Mr. Chairman, I rise to support this center and to oppose the amendment that is being offered before us at this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our guest chaplain, Dr. Billy Franklin Hudgins. Dr. Hudgins has served selflessly as a pastor in Louisiana, South Carolina, and now in the district I represent in Alabama where he's the senior pastor of Cross Creek Community Church of Hokes Bluff, Alabama.

In addition to pastoral work, Dr. Hudgins has also been very involved with both State and national church leadership organizations. Among the honors he's received, he's served as president of the Alabama Baptist Convention Pastors Conference. He also served as trustee of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Dr. Hudgins has been a teacher and a coach over the course of his career. He has spent 5 years as a bi-vocational pastor and 35 years in churches belonging to the Southern Baptist Convention. If that wasn't enough, at a time when others look toward retirement, at the age of 60, Dr. Bill Hudgins helped start the church he currently serves in Hokes Bluff.

Dr. Hudgins is joined in Washington today by his wife, Connie, with whom he'll be celebrating 46 years of marriage in a matter of weeks. I'm honored to welcome Dr. Billy Hudgins as our guest here in the United States House of Representatives this morning as someone who is a servant and has spent his career as a follower of Jesus, and one who has helped others do the same along life's way.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Chairman's support for this legislation to be brought to the floor. I also want to say that I appreciate Congressman Coble, his lending his support for this legislation and making sure that it gets to the floor today. And as Chairman Conyers noted, Congressman Davis of Alabama and Congressman Braley of Iowa have been very helpful in this effort as well. So I'm glad to have their support.

One other person that has been very supportive that actually called this to my attention initially was a friend of mine from Alabama, Mike Turner, some time ago brought this issue to my attention, and so I'm glad that we can work on this and try to get this resolved here on the floor of the House and through the United States Congress.

I'm pleased to have been able to work together with the committee of jurisdiction to find a satisfactory solution to this issue dealing with recognition across State lines. During the hearing that was held during the 109th Congress, which has already been mentioned, by the Subcommittee on the Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property, then Ranking Member Howard Berman pointed out that though the topic of notary recognition between the States is not necessarily the most exciting issue, it is an extremely practical one. And to my colleague who, of course, now chairs that subcommittee, I would have to agree with him on both points.

During the hearing, which was held back in March of 2006, we heard from several witnesses who all agree that this is an ongoing and a difficult problem for interstate commerce. To businesses and individuals engaged in businesses across State lines, this is a matter long overdue that is being resolved.

H.R. 1979, the bill today, will eliminate confusion that arises when States refuse to acknowledge the integrity of documents from another State. This act preserves the right of States to set standards and regulate notaries, while reducing the burden on the average citizen who has to use the Court system.

It will streamline the interstate, commercial, and legal transaction consistent with the guarantees of the State's rights that are called for in the Full Faith in Credit Clause of the United States Constitution.

Currently, as the law is today, each State is responsible for regulating its notaries. Typically, an individual will pay a fee, will submit an application, takes an oath of office. Some States require the applicants to enroll in educational courses, pass exams and even to obtain a notary bond. Nothing in this legislation will change these steps. We are not trying to mandate how States regulate notaries which they appoint.

In addition, the bill will also not preclude the challenge of notarized documents such as a will contest.

During the subcommittee hearings on this bill that were held back in the 109th Congress, Tim Reineger, who serves as the executive director of the National Notary Association stated, ``We like this bill because it is talking about a standard for the legal effects of the material act, the admissibility of it, not at all interfering with the State requirements for education and regulation of the notaries themselves.''

This is an issue that has really lagged on for many, many years. When I was first elected to Congress back in 1997, this was an issue that I was first made aware of, and here we are in 2007, and this issue is still not resolved. And this is an issue that people who deal with notaries on a daily basis deal with, to a lot of frustration.

And simply, this legislation that we have before the House today and that will be going before the United States Senate, hopefully in a very short period of time, will address this problem. It will try to expedite interstate commerce so that court documents and so that when notaries are in one State or the other, they will be fully recognized.

And again, I think it must be stressed that it is in no way trying to mandate what a State should do or should not do. It simply allows there to be more free flow of commerce between the States and particularly when you're talking about the regulation of notaries themselves.

Again, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your support, Congressman Coble for your support of this legislation, and allowing it to be able to move forward today. And I would urge my colleagues that when this bill comes for a vote, that they would support it under the suspension of the rules.

First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Smith and Mr. Stupak for their leadership on this amendment. What we are doing here on this amendment is no small thing.

Mr. Chairman, I believe it should be noted for the record that most Americans do not believe that abortion is an appropriate form of family planning. To suggest it is simply wrong. It would never be considered proper within the United States and it isn't proper that taxpayers' money be spent for this purpose overseas.

The amendment that we are debating today in question is not anti- family planning. There are a number of alternatives to abortion which do not rise to the level of concern that this proposal engenders. This is only anti-family planning if one considers abortion to be a method of family planning. I reject this way of thinking and urge the adoption of this amendment.

When President Bush adopted our Nation's current policy, he was right. Prohibiting the expenditure of taxpayer dollars to fund abortions outside the United States is a policy that has been in place for many years. Therefore, I urge all of my colleagues who care about the sanctity of human life to vote in favor of the Smith-Stupak amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of Congressman Space's amendment, which is of course funding for the ARC, Appalachian Regional Commission, in this year's Energy and Water appropriations bill.

Many Americans may not be aware that this was a program that was established back in 1965. ARC was created to address the persistent poverty and the growing economic despair of the Appalachian region, which is an area that extends from southern New York to northeast Mississippi. At that time in 1965, one out of every three Appalachians lived in poverty. Per capita income was 23 percent lower than the U.S. average, and high unemployment and harsh living conditions had, in the 1950s, forced more than 2 million people in that area to leave their homes and seek work in other regions.

Even today, ongoing changes in declining sectors of the economy, such as

manufacturing and textiles, exacerbated by globalization, changes in technology, and the recent downturn in the economy have hit this region very, very hard. It has threatened to reverse a lot of the economic gains that were made in these communities over the past several years. For an area that has suffered economically for so long, we can't allow this to happen.

By funding the ARC at least at last year's level, $65 million, we will ensure that the people and the businesses of Appalachia have the knowledge, have the skills and the access to telecommunications and the technology to compete in a technology-based economy.

As has been mentioned here by Congressman Space, this restoration of funds will be offset by $30 million for the Department of Energy's administrative account. ARC has been a responsible steward for the Federal funds that it has received over the past several years. For example, in fiscal year 2006, across all investment areas each dollar of ARC funding was matched by $3.14 in non-ARC public project funding, and each ARC dollar invested leveraged $11.55 in private investment in ARC projects over time.

The 410-county region still faces a complex set of issues. However, this program has made a difference, and we are seeing results.

Over the last 10 years, funding for the ARC has remained level at $65 million. And the region continues to receive less Federal assistance per capita than the rest of the country. Additionally, in the past, the House of Representatives has voted to authorize the ARC levels at the higher level of $65 million.

I would like to thank Congressman Space for his assistance in this program, and also Chairman Visclosky for his attention to this matter.