Floor Statements

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

Mr. Chairman, I want to yield some time to my chair, Mr. Edwards. But I just want to say how bothered I am by the attacks on this particular bill.

This is about military construction. And there are construction projects in here--and not many--but when you're dealing with a lot of construction, there's a lot of slippage. And what happens, if you have an opportunity to move one project ahead of another, it makes a lot of sense. And these aren't projects that are invented by Members of Congress that come here and know the specifics, these are projects that come from the military itself.

For example, Mr. Flake's amendment would cut out, in Arizona, the State that he comes from, in Fort Huachuca, the Air Tactical Command Radar Operations Building. Now, I don't think a Member of Congress thought that we have to go and add this in here. What happens is the opportunity, Fort Huachuca that's seeking this, comes and says if there is an opportunity buy, let's be able to use it. That's what strikes me, that there's some kind of devious action going on here, and it's just not true.

And the other gentleman's discussion in California alone, Edwards Air Force Base near his district, to strike out a main base runway repair that's in this bill. And that wasn't some legislator coming along and thinking about, we've got to add this in as an earmark. No, this came out of the Air Force saying, we need this; if it's possible, can we put it in the bill? That's how we discuss these things in committee.

These are priority opportunity buys. And I resent the fact that this amendment is a reckless amendment and just strikes it across the board, regardless of the impact.

And so as Mr. Edwards so eloquently said, it does a lot of havoc to the men and women who are serving our country in uniform and to the bases that they operate out of.

I would like to yield the remainder of my time to my chairman, Mr. Edwards.

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

I rise in opposition to this amendment. I am not going to take the 5 minutes, but I just want to point out that Davis-Bacon has been part of Federal law for almost 80 years, and what that law has done is every public project, all the roads in America, schools, courthouses, buildings, harbors, airports, train stations, libraries, Smithsonian buildings, you look around America, the entire infrastructure in this country built in the last 80 years has been built under the provisions of a prevailing wage paid to the employees, prevailing for the area in which the buildings are being constructed.

What is wrong? What is broken that needs fixing? I have never had a constituent in the 32 years that I have been in elective office come up and say, you know what? This library or this road or this school was built wrong because it was built under Davis-Bacon.

This is an annual thing, people coming up and complaining about it, because the prevailing wage oftentimes is what the unions pay, and that can get the union contract. And what is wrong with union labor? This effort to amend this is essentially just another strike against organized labor in America, against a fair, decent wage, at a time when the cost of living is almost at an all-time high. It is always tried, it always fails, because there is no need to fix it, because it ain't broken.

Reject this amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Manuel Santana, Santa Cruz County's 2008 Artist of the Year and beloved contributor to Central Coast art. He sadly passed away July 8, 2008, ten days before he was to present his award-winning work at the Museum of Art & History in Santa Cruz.

Mr. Santana was born on March 31, 1927, to a family of Mexican descent, and began demonstrating his artistic talent in his youth, drawing bugs and collecting comic books. He grew up in Los Angeles, initially pursuing a career as a teacher but later discovering his talent as an artist. After moving to Santa Cruz in 1961, Manuel worked diligently as owner of the restaurants Manuel's in Aptos and Jardines de San Juan in San Juan Bautista, all while caring for his family.

Manuel's art incorporates a deep connection to Mexican traditions, as well as politics and social movements like that of Cesar Chavez. The numerous sculptures, paintings, and acrylics he produced display a vibrant use of colors, which provide new aspects of the pieces with each view.

In addition to art, Mr. Santana was also intimately involved in the community. He founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Convocation at the University of California Santa Cruz, served on the University of California's Water Resources Advisory Board and the Board of Directors for the Bear Republic Theatre Company, and was president and lifetime board member of the Cabrillo Music Festival. He also was president of the Central Coast Counties Development Corporation, working to organize and empower farm workers in Monterey County.

Many people were touched by Manny's generous and enlightening spirit, and his passing leaves our community greatly saddened. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House, I would like to extend our nation's deep gratitude for Manuel Santana's commitment to his local community. I know I speak for every Member of Congress in offering my condolences to the entire Santana family: his daughter Angelina, son Leonardo, daughter-in-law Patricia, and grandchildren Oliver, Joaquin, and Valentin. California has lost a great citizen, but the legacy he leaves behind is priceless.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sean D. Tucker, an aerobatic pilot from Salinas, California, who this month joins the Wright Brothers, Neil Armstrong, and Charles Lindbergh in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio.

Tucker started out as a crop duster in the Salinas Valley before transitioning into air show routines, where--despite an early fear of flying--he has over 1,000 performances at more than 400 airshows under his belt. Performing his stunts in his Oracle, a one-seat biplane designed for him by his team, he is regarded as one of the world's top civilian aerobatic pilots, as well as a highly respected ambassador for the sport. In the 20,000 hours of flight time he has logged, Sean has created maneuvers with his plane that have never been replicated by another aerobatic pilot. His innovation and technique have led to numerous titles, including the Championship Air Show Pilots Association Challenge 4 years in a row. Even with his accomplishments, though, his election to the Hall of Fame still took him completely by surprise. Said Tucker, ``I was so stunned I didn't even tell anybody. I'm just this guy who likes flying upside down.''

In addition to performing in front of millions of fans, Tucker founded the Tutima Academy of Aviation Safety, an institution committed to improving the standards of aviation safety in aerobatics as well as aviation in general by teaching seasoned and aspiring pilots the tricks behind completely controlling an aircraft. For his dedication to safety and unique flying style, Tucker has received all of the airshow industry's highest honors, including the privilege of being named one of the Living Legends in Aviation. He is also the only civilian performer ever to be allowed to fly in close formation with the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds.

Sean wants to continue his craft and be a role model to the community and aviation industry for as long as his body and plane allow; the day after the ceremony he will perform at the Dayton Airshow. Said executive director of the Hall of Fame Ron Kaplan, ``He's a real asset to the aviation community. Overall, he's just a fantastic role model and ambassador for aviation, having performed for years and years for millions of people.'' One of those he has inspired is his son, Eric, who works alongside him on Team Oracle.

Sean, who was selected out of 200 nominees, will be introduced by his close friend, Joe Kittinger, a Vietnam prisoner of war who set a world record for parachuting in 1960.

Madam Speaker, Sean Tucker is being honored by the aviation industry for an esteemed career and unwavering passion to test the boundaries of aerobatics. I wish to join the aviation community and the city of Salinas in honoring his dedication and accomplishments and wish him continued prosperity and safety in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of overriding the President's veto of this Medicare bill. I may not sit on the Ways and Means Committee but I have followed the progress of this bill minute- by-minute, it seems. The seniors in my community need this bill. The doctors in my community need this bill. If this country wants to assure affordable health care for its elderly, this country needs this bill.

The President's veto of this bill was a poorly cloaked nod to the insurance industry. While the rest of us are trying to find a way to reform the Medicare system, the White House is trying to find a way to privatize it. Whereas government has the charge of making sure the program delivers health care efficiently, private insurance has the charge of making sure the program brings a profit to shareholders. Taxpayer dollars should not be making insurance companies rich.

I urge all my colleagues to vote to override.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5618 the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008 authored by my friend and chairwoman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, Representative Madeleine Bordallo.

The National Sea Grant College Program has, since 1966, provided research grants, traineeships and fellowships which help graduate students and researchers study areas of the ocean which have strong effects on people. This is mostly done through the State Sea Grant programs which operate in most coastal States in conjunction with major universities. The Sea Grant programs provide valuable research and education into the economics, public health, and environmental impacts where people connect with the oceans. I have trouble thinking of a better return to the public on our research investments.

The National Sea Grant program operates the Dean John A. Knauss National Marine Policy Fellowship which provides graduate students in ocean science and environmental studies the opportunity to bring their expertise as a fellow in a Congressional office or in a Federal agency office to gain experience and impact ocean policy. In my tenure in Congress, I have had 11 Sea Grant Fellows in my office. They have provided invaluable knowledge and passion for the oceans that have improved my understanding and helped to bolster my fight for the oceans.

In California, we are lucky to have two Sea Grant Programs: the California Sea Grant program operated through the world class University of California system and the Southern California Sea Grant program operated through the University of Southern California. These programs are on the ground in California connecting the research and policy community, providing research grants, and educating the public, scientists, and policy makers on the importance of human interactions with the ocean.

Mr. Speaker, the National Sea Grant programs have done a lot with a little money and I am confident that they will continue this tradition. I cannot emphasize enough the need for this Congress to provide for ocean stewardship now. The oceans and the Great Lakes belong to all the people of the United States and it is our duty to understand the implications of our actions on them. I support the National Sea Grant College Program Amendment Act and I urge my colleagues to join me.

Madam Speaker, many Americans enjoy taking cruises, in large part because they get to see some of the Nation's most beautiful marine ecosystems. Cruise ships have the potential to bring these beautiful locations to many people, but these people also have an expectation that the ship that transports them will not damage the environments that they are visiting. Because I want to see these beautiful marine ecosystems protected for future generations to enjoy, I am introducing the Clean Cruise Ship Act of 2008.

The Cruise Ship Industry has experienced much success over the past 18 years and has been growing at a rate of 5 percent per year. U.S. ports handled 8.6 million cruise embarkations which accounted for 75 percent of global passengers. Unfortunately, as it grows, its potential to negatively affect the marine environment grows as well.

Cruise ships are floating cities, with large cruise ships routinely carrying more than

3,000 passengers and crew. Right now a new 225,000 gross-ton cruise ship is being built which will carry 5,400 passengers. This super-sized cruise ship is twice the size of a Nimitz class aircraft carrier.

During a typical 1-week voyage, a large cruise ship (with 3,000 passengers and crew) is estimated to generate 210,000 gallons of sewage; 1 million gallons of graywater (wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundries); more than 130 gallons of hazardous wastes; and 8 tons of solid waste. A large cruise ship will also generate more than 25,000 gallons of oily bilge water (oil and chemicals from engine maintenance that collect in the bottom of ships and are toxic to marine life).

We all know what happens when untreated sewage is dumped through accident or failure: It damages the environment. Beaches are closed. Swimmers and surfers get sick from a number of diseases. Americans have come to expect that the sewage they create is regulated and that cities will not dump untreated sewage into the water. When sewage spills occur, Americans expect that they will be quickly informed and protected.

Isn't it reasonable to think that these ships should be subject to the same wastewater regulations as those governing municipalities of comparable size? I think so. Is it our responsibility to enact the policies which will ensure that these floating cities do not cause damage to our marine environment? With 75 percent of the passengers going through U.S. ports, it is our duty.

While many cruise ship companies have environmental policies and agreements in place, many are voluntary with no monitoring or enforcement provisions. Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with the down-side to voluntary agreements. In my district a cruise ship-- breaking its voluntary agreement--illegally discharged 36,000 gallons of sewage into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in 2002.

Simply put, voluntary agreements between cruise lines and States are not enough to ensure protection of our oceans. The public deserves more than industry's claims of environmental performance. We need a Federal law and we need it now. It's time we strengthen the environmental regulations and in so doing, bring these floating cities in line with current pollution treatment standards. The Clean Cruise Ship Act of 2008 is the answer.

The legislation that I am introducing today has bipartisan support and is endorsed by many local and national groups, plugs existing loopholes in Federal laws, bans the dumping of wastewater within 12 miles of shore, bans the dumping of hazardous waste, sewage sludge and incinerator ash in U.S. waters, requires ships to treat their wastewater wherever they operate, and authorizes broadened inspection and enforcement authority.

Several States including California, Alaska, and Maine, have enacted legislation to better regulate various cruise ship wastes--similar to the legislation I am introducing today. In fact, I am proud to report that California is leading the country in protecting its coastal waters from cruise ship pollution.

Now I would like to mention another way in which ships may damage our coasts: aquatic invasive species that slip into our lakes and coastal waters in discharged ballast water. Alien species that have escaped into U.S. waters are causing massive harm. We have to do everything in our power to prevent new invasive species from getting loose. With this in mind, many of us have been closely watching court cases surrounding the Environmental Protection Agency's responsibility for regulating ballast water under the Clean Water Act. That litigation may have implications for cruise ship wastewater pollution.

I do not intend for this bill or these comments to interfere with or undermine the provisions of the Clean Water Act that deal with discharges of pollution into the Nation's waters. I have always supported and continue to support the Clean Water Act. It will continue to be an important tool that, in conjunction with the Clean Cruise Ship Act, can significantly reduce wastewater pollution from cruise ships.

Passing the Clean Cruise Ship Act of 2008 is one of the ways to provide all States with the kinds of ocean and coastal protections that the people of California, Alaska, and Maine benefit from. Enacting this bill will protect the tourism industry by making sure that the beaches and oceans, two of the attractions that make California the most visited State in our country, will be protected from cruise ship pollution. Simply put, this legislation ensures two things: (1) a sustainable future for our oceans, and (2) a sustainable future for the cruise and tourism industry.

This legislation promotes the public interest for all Americans. The public expects and deserves clean water--both in our inland waterways and in our oceans. The Clean Cruise Ship Act of 2008, through its discharge regulations, will give the public what it deserves.

In closing, Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this critically important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4174, the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2007 authored by my friend and fellow co-chair of the House Oceans Caucus Representative Allen.

Since the industrial revolution, the human species has begun a dangerous experiment with our planet. Humans have become, according to Alan Weisman, a volcano that has been erupting continuously for 150 years. We have taken tons of carbon from the earth and put it up in the atmosphere. It is now clear that the increase in atmospheric CO2 is causing drastic and rapid changes in ocean chemistry.

The ocean has no choice but to absorb the increase in CO2, in fact, the ocean will continue to absorb CO2 long after we reduce our output. Recent research from a study led by Dr. Feeley, a NOAA scientist, has found that ocean waters from the 1950s were much more acidic than expected. We do not know the outcome of our global experiment, but we know that it will change the chemistry of the ocean.

Many fisheries off of our coasts are already collapsing. We do not know how this increase in acidity will affect these collapsing populations or the fisheries that are currently healthy. An increase in ocean acidity will dissolve the shell of the endangered black abalone of the California coast. We know that corals, already under stress from the increased ocean temperature will have their skeleton dissolved by a more acidic ocean.

We must have more research to discover how this unprecedented change will affect shellfish, corals, and the food chain that fish, and mammals, including humans, that depend on the ocean. We must create collaboration between the federal agencies who manage and study the ocean to address this problem. This bill will provide funding for research and collaboration between researcH and management agencies necessary to address this serious problem.

Mr. Speaker, I cannot emphasize enough the need to show our ocean stewardship now, so we can turn the tide on the dire consequences facing our oceans and Great Lakes. The oceans and the Great Lakes belong to all the people of the United States and it is our duty to understand the implications of our actions on them. I strongly support the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act and I urge my colleagues to help understand and protect our shared ocean.

I thank Chairman Rahall for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the FLAME Act. I rise in support of the act with background experience of having been a seasonal firefighter for the U.S. Department of Forestry when I was a young college student. And I rise with the experience of being on the base and complex fire in Big Sur many times last week.

What I have learned from my experience throughout my life is that what we have done in responding to fires has been the best organizational structure in government. The whole incident command structure is now being used--it started in a California fire, and being used all over the United States and the rest of the world for how we should manage emergency incidents like fires; in fact, our whole structure within homeland security, which is essentially a lot of money that we spent to bring to one stop so that we can bring the resources necessary for prevention and response.

The one area, though, that has never been addressed has actually been in the area where we have to respond year after year after year, which is wildland fires. Last year, the U.S. Forest Service spent $1 billion on fires. And essentially that spending is an emergency process. And what happens at the end of the year is, when you want to say, okay, now it has stopped, the fire season, we have some time, let's go and do some prevention, let's do some control burns and do things like that, and we have no money to do it. And what this great bill does is it sets up a special fund that essentially recognizes that we need to have that emergency money there available to respond to emergencies.

And I would just like to say that in California we have really changed the nature of our whole State through our fire experiences. And we have changed the Department of Forestry in California.

What this bill does is now, for the first time, to bring the Federal Government together and say let's do the same thing we've done with homeland security; let's have one stop, let's have fire planning; let's have prevention, and let's have the ability to respond. This is a great bill.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding. I rise, supporting this resolution, with the backing of almost all the Members of Congress and certainly many co-authors that are on here.

This resolution commends the firefighters who are fighting. On this incredible map, you can just see what the extent of fires are in California. Having come off the fire in the Big Sur region that I represent, you can't help but have an incredible amount of pride for the ability to call to order firemen and women from all over the United States, and in this case, because we are so over strapped, we are now asking help from Mexico with both crews and equipment. We have had firefighters come down from Canada and, as I understand, CAL FIRE is negotiating now with New Zealand and Australia to even bring in more personnel.

These firefighters work nonstop. They are on 12 hours and then off 12 hours. But they have to work every day. They don't stop on weekends. They just keep going out of the camps and into the fire lines. As was pointed out by the Speaker just a moment ago, the tragedy for two of those workers, one a volunteer fireman from Anderson Valley Fire Department, Robert Roland, died on the fire line of heart failure. John Hermo, who is a firefighter, full-time professional firefighter from Oregon, came down to fight the California fires and got some time off after so many days on the fire, and during his rest, just not being on the fire line, drowned in the river there, in the Kern River. It's really a tragedy. Here, these families have sent off these young folks to help us to respond as first responders, as emergency responders.

So this resolution is a profound debt of gratitude to them. I know that those firefighters can't see this on their C-SPAN at home, but certainly the parents and relatives of all of those who have sent loved ones to these fires.

Fires have threatened 9,000 homes and businesses. There are still 223 wildland fires burning in California. More than 14,000 fires have already been contained because of the work of the firefighters. There are 18,000 personnel, firefighters on the lines right now, and there have been evacuation orders in Kern, Mendocino, Santa Barbara, Plumas, and in my county, and I'd like to personally thank our sheriff, Mike Kanalakis, for lifting the mandatory evacuation, which made people leave their homes in the rural area, many of whom felt that they were best suited to protect those homes. That evacuation order has been lifted and now the Big Sur Highway, Highway 1, is back in order for local personnel.

So our firefighters are working nonstop, and some for 4 weeks without rest. They are going to need rest. You can't stop the fire burnings. You're going to have to bring in more personnel. That's why we are reaching out to other countries.

So I want to thank those who I saw on the lines, the people I talked to, the communities that rallied around them. This is a heartfelt thanks from the Congress of the United States of America to the personnel in this country who respond on a basis to keep our cities and rural areas safe during wildfires. Thank you very much.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my comments for the record on this Medicare bill that we debate today.

Yes, it is a critical bill. It will prevent a 10.6 percent cut in payments to doctors who treat America's senior citizens, the wide network of doctors in the Medicare system. In addition, it shores up those payments with a 1.1 percent payment increase in 2009.

But though I applaud what is in this bill, I bemoan what is not in the bill.

The negotiators on this bill have heard from me--and others--long and loud about the flaws in the formula that determines Medicare doctor fees. In a number of States across the country the formula knowingly and erroneously designates some areas as being rural in nature when they are by all other definitions clearly urban. The result of this deliberate misclassification is to pay doctors at low rural reimbursement rates rather than at their true costs of operating a medical practice in a high-end urban setting.

Doctors in my district and 9 other counties in California are paid upwards of 10 to 12 percent less than the law--yes, the law--says they ought to be paid. But because the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS, won't make the necessary technical formula adjustment in a factor called the Geographic Practice Cost Index or GPCI, these doctors are underpaid. Doctors in Santa Cruz, Sonoma, Monterey, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Sacramento, El Dorado, Marin, and San Benito counties in California are mistreated by CMS. But nothing in the bill we debate today will help them.

Previously this House did take a step to correct this inequity. In H.R. 3162, the original CHAMP bill that we passed last summer, Section 308 fixed the GPCI factor. But despite my efforts and those of my colleagues from affected counties throughout California and in similarly impacted States of New York, Texas and elsewhere, H.R. 6331 maintains the flawed formula and perpetuates the clear disparities of this CMS payment policy. Even the GAO in its report last year, GAO-07- 466, showed that without a doubt the CMS formula did not fairly compensate doctors and needed serious reform. Despite mountains of evidence and years of engaging the Ways and Means Committee on this issue, H.R. 6331 ignores an opportunity to do what's right by these doctors.

I am not going to vote against this bill. But I have to say that it is a sad day when this House votes to pass a doctor payment reform bill that only reforms doctor payments for some and not for all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dave Mora, who is retiring after 35 years of exemplary public service to his community and his country. Dave's public life began with the Boy Scouts and culminates with 17 years as city manager of Salinas, California. Dave began his career in California local government in 1973 with the city of Santa Barbara as Director of Community Relations. He also served as the city manager of the city of Oxnard and Town Manager of Los Gatos, but Mora said the years in Salinas were some of the best in his life. This is where he and his wife Judy raised their two daughters, Gabi and Teresa.

In 1990, Dave Mora came to Salinas to serve as the city manager. Salinas is the largest city in my congressional district and the seat of Monterey County government, so I have had the pleasure of working closely with Dave Mora since I was elected to Congress in 1993. During his tenure as city manager, Dave has faced continuing challenges resulting from State budget crises, yet he was able to restore Salinas' budget from red ink to black ink by making tough decisions while ensuring that the most critical public safety and social services remained in place. Dave's financial acumen enabled city leadership to assure city residents that their shared sacrifice, however painful in the short-run, would result in a financially stronger Salinas.

Dave's city manager skills have been honed by his participation in the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) where he served as president and was involved in a number of international initiatives, including work in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. He currently serves on the ICMA Retirement Corporation Board of Directors. Mora is also a member of the National Academy of Public Administration and has worked on such issues as citizen engagement, social equity, environmental management, and economic development.

Mora's interest in these issues and his career in public service may have been shaped by his experience in the Peace Corps whose motto is, ``The toughest job you'll ever love.'' Dave served in the Philippines from 1967 to 1970, after he graduated from California State University Los Angeles. Following his Peace Corps service, Dave earned a master's degree in public and international affairs at University of Pittsburgh.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in wishing Dave Mora happiness in his well-earned retirement from ``the toughest jobs he ever loved.'' His commitment to public service is a life well lived.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall 431, I was unable to record my vote. I intended to vote ``no'' on that question.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Command Sergeant Major Brett Rankert for his 25 years of service to the Nation as a member of the United States Army. On behalf of the whole House, I am honored to extend to CSM Rankert and his family the gratitude of the Congress and the American people for his service on this occasion of his retirement.

I have had the great personal pleasure of meeting CSM Rankert during his tour of duty as the Presidio of Monterey Command Sergeant Major. I can say without reservation that his performance in this position epitomizes the very best of what military service should be--smart, professional, selfless, and humane. He has truly been an ambassador for the uniformed services in general, and the Army in particular. My office has repeatedly worked with CSM Rankert to help resolve problems ranging from individual soldier concerns to the frustrations of several elderly Presidio neighbors over the `just outside the gate' smoking habits of certain DLI students. In every instance of which I am aware, CSM Rankert has helped to transform a situation from conflict to resolution with grace, certainty, and a smile.

CSM Rankert is also a warrior--a soldier's soldier. A native of South Bend, Indiana, he first enlisted into the Army in 1983. CSM Rankert's leadership qualities, particularly his attention to the soldiers in his care, led to a succession of promotions and leadership positions, including Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, and ultimately Command Sergeant Major. His assignments included the 313th Military Intelligence Battalion in support of the 82nd Airborne Division; the 102nd Military Intelligence Battalion in support of the 2nd Infantry Division; and the 101st Military Intelligence Battalion serving as the Bravo Company First Sergeant. Finally, I should note that CSM Rankert never scored below a perfect 300 on his annual physical fitness test.

His military education included the Army Airborne Course, Basic Instructor Training Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course, First Sergeants Course, United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Command Sergeants Major Designee Course, and the Garrison Sergeants Major Course. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College, New York, and an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Intelligence Operations. CSM Rankert's Awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Army Parachutist Badge, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd OLC), Army Commendation Medal (2nd OLC), Army Achievement Medal (4th OLC), Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (4th Award), NATO Medal.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I want to emphasize the importance of military families in the ultimate success of our military's mission. CSM Rankert's past and future success are very much built on the support and partnership of his wife Sharon and son Justin. I want to thank them for their public service and wish the Rankert family good luck and God's speed in the next chapter of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to welcome those from all over the United States who are here this week celebrating National Oceans Week. They are here to celebrate a week that, frankly, we have no national ocean policy about, and that is why I want to speak to you today about the need to have this Congress enact laws that will make the ocean policy like clean air and clean water policy, perhaps addressing some of those problems that other speakers have talked about today.

America's waters are managed by 140 different laws that spread across 20 different agencies. I have introduced a bill, Oceans 21, with strong bipartisan support. It is moving through Congress, and I urge my colleagues to join their constituents in helping Congress address this national policy.

A New York Times editorial last week told Congress that they must give ocean issues greater priority, in part by reorganizing the way the Federal Government deals with them. America's waters are managed by too many laws and too many different government agencies, and they recommend the adoption of our bill.

So join us in thinking about the oceans. If they are not well, neither will be the planet.

Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of myself and Representatives Anna Eshoo and Mike Honda to honor Dr. George Blumenthal, a distinguished professor of astronomy and astrophysics, on the occasion of his inauguration as Chancellor at University of California, Santa Cruz.

Chancellor Blumenthal has been a scholar and academic leader both at UC Santa Cruz and within the University of California system. He served as chair of the UC Academic Senate for 2004-05. He was the faculty representative to the UC Regents from 2003-2005 and chaired the UC Santa Cruz division of Academic Senate from 2001-2003. His research investigates the origin of structure in the universe and the role dark matter plays in the formation and evolution of this structure.

Chancellor Blumenthal is known for his efforts to increase access to the university and for his commitment to diversity. When he was named Chancellor by the Board of Regents in September, 2007, UC President Robert Dynes stated ``we are choosing a person who has contributed significantly to UCSC's richly deserved reputation for producing world- class research and student-focused instruction. George Bumenthal's thoughtful, collegial and constructive leadership will solidify UCSCIs stature as one of the premier research universities in the Nation.

Madam Speaker, my colleagues and I are proud to share the representation of the University of California Santa Cruz campus and its several regional facilities in our districts. Together, these facilities make up one of our Nation's higher education jewels. I know that we speak for the whole house in congratulating Chancellor Blumenthal on his inauguration and wishing him much success as he leads this stellar institution to even greater research, education and public service to benefit the region, the State and the Nation.