Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Canutillo Independent School District located in the Sixteenth Congressional District of Texas. This school district is celebrating its 50th anniversary on April 18, 2009. I was born and raised in Canutillo, and I have proudly represented the people of Canutillo for the past twelve years in Congress.

In 1959, the community of Canutillo worked diligently to establish a school district because too many students were forced to leave school after the eighth grade. Fifty years ago, the closest high school was 21 miles away, and many families could not afford to send their children to a distant school because no school buses were provided for high school students in Canutillo, and the community worked together to find a solution. The history of the Canutillo Independent School District (CISD) is a strong testament to us, the people of Canutillo, and our dedication and commitment to educational opportunities for students.

Our first superintendent, Joseph MacDougall, was committed to these values and laid a strong foundation for the school district. Mr. MacDougall initiated much needed social services, including youth sports programs, health services for the elderly, and the Head Start initiative for pre-school children. In 1963, Canutillo ISD graduated its first senior class, and by 1964, student enrollment reached 1,013 students.

The district faced and overcame significant challenges during the early years. At one point 36 community residents borrowed $1,000 each from the Coronado State Bank and loaned those funds to the district so that it could make payroll for faculty and staff. In 1965 there was a hepatitis outbreak that forced Canutillo ISD to shut down its water wells until the source of the disease was identified and nearly every student in the district was inoculated as a precaution. This led El Paso to extend water services to portions of Canutillo. In 1966 there was an attempt by the Anthony School District to annex about five acres of Canutillo ISD land. The issue was settled when State Education Commissioner J.W. Edgar ruled in favor of Canutillo. This case is the basis for landmark state legislation which prohibits one school district from annexing the property of another without an agreement between both school boards. Overcoming these challenges was difficult, but the community and the school district are stronger because of them.

And that community support has never wavered as demonstrated by the 1999 ballot initiative in which 96 percent of voters passed a referendum to build a new high school. In April 2003, Canutillo ISD voters again gave their vote of confidence and passed another bond issue for district-wide maintenance and renovation projects. The new Canutillo High School opened in January 2006 with nearly 1,300 students; the population has now grown to 1,600.

The community of Canutillo knew 50 years ago that investing in our children's education would pay dividends in the future, particularly for underprivileged students. Today, we can see the results of those efforts. Our graduates proudly serve in occupations ranging from military and law enforcement officers, to doctors, nurses, judges, professors and school principals.

As a member of the second graduating class of Canutillo High School, it is my honor to congratulate the school board, faculty, and

staff of the Canutillo Independent School District and to thank the community of Canutillo for their commitment to our students.

Madam Speaker, El Paso, Texas is fortunate to have some of the best teachers in the country. As a parent and grandparent, I am grateful for the work of our educators in the El Paso area, and today I want to recognize Mr. Paul F. Cain, a teacher at Ysleta High School in the Ysleta Independent School District, for being selected as the 2008 Texas Teacher of the Year. This is the highest honor that the State of Texas can award to a teacher and it is a program run by the Texas Education Agency. The program recognizes and rewards outstanding teachers like Mr. Paul F. Cain for their energy, commitment, and passion for our kids.

When Paul Cain graduated from high school, he had two possible career paths to pursue, the military or teaching. He initially chose the military but the Army ultimately recognized his potential and put him in a military classroom as a mathematics instructor. After more than a decade of military service, he moved to Ysleta High School to teach math. That first year, he was given a schedule, a textbook and a classroom and virtually no guidance. During his 18 years as Chair of the Mathematics Department at Ysleta High School, Mr. Cain made sure that every new teacher was mentored and supported by other veteran teachers. Mr. Cain has been quoted to say that he believes teachers are the ``most positive individuals in the world.'' He believes firmly that teachers have the responsibility to make students aware of their strengths to ``motivate [them] to participate in the learning process.''

Mr. Paul F. Cain is part of a larger history of educational excellence in El Paso. I am proud to note that to date, El Paso area educators have been chosen as Texas Teachers of the Year nine times. The National Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952 and continues as the oldest, most prestigious national honor program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching.

I am proud of the work of our teachers, and I am committed to ensuring that education remains a top priority in this Congress.

Madam Speaker, El Paso, Texas has a history of producing strong, passionate, and caring educators who motivate

and engage our children to become lifelong learners. As a parent and grandparent, I am grateful for the contributions of our teachers in the El Paso area, and today I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Christine Gleason, a teacher at Fabens High School in the Fabens Independent School District, for being selected as the 2009 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. The Texas Teacher of the Year is the highest honor that the State of Texas can award to a teacher and Mrs. Gleason will be representing the State of Texas in the National Teacher of the Year program in Washington, D.C. Facilitated by the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Teacher of the Year Program annually recognizes and rewards teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. Mrs. Gleason represents the best of the best in the teaching profession, and we salute her energy, efforts, and dedication.

Mrs. Gleason earned a Bachelor's degree in English and creative writing as well as a Master's degree in English and American literature from the University of Texas at El Paso. At Fabens High School, she teaches English IV, AP English IV, and Dual Credit English. She currently serves the school district as Chair of the English Department, National Honor Society Sponsor, Dual Credit Facilitator, UIL Coordinator, and is a literary criticism coach. Mrs. Gleason originally intended to be a novelist, but found teaching to be ``life- changing'' and ``unreservedly rewarding.'' Mrs. Gleason said that her goal is to be a ``vibrant, tenacious, creative and absolutely unforgettable teacher because that is what [she] never had and that is what every kid in this country deserves in every classroom they attend.'' The El Paso community is very fortunate to have Mrs. Christine Gleason in the classroom and we are appreciative of her commitment to our children.

Mrs. Gleason is part of a larger history of educational excellence in El Paso. I am also proud to note that for the past three years, El Paso area educators have been chosen as Texas Teachers of the Year. In total, El Paso has had nine Texas Teachers of the Year. The National Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952 and continues as the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching.

In recognition of these distinguished educators, I am submitting the names of all former Texas Teachers of the Year from the El Paso area.

I am proud of the work of our teachers, and I am committed to ensuring that education remains a top priority in this Congress.

Texas Teachers of the Year From the El Paso, Texas Area

1970--Clarence K. Stark; Irvin High School, El Paso, TX--

Government.

1982--Rita Harlien; Eastwood High School, El Paso, TX--

Speech.

1992--Rosa E. Lujan; Ysleta Elementary School, El Paso,

TX--Bi-lingual Education.

1995--Miguel Ignacio Tinajero; Ramona Elementary School, El

Paso, TX--Self-Contained 5th-6th Grade.

1997--Antonio A. Fierro; Sierra Vista Elementary, El Paso,

TX--Bilingual Education K-1st Grade.

2004--Kyann McMillie; Canutillo Elementary, Canutillo, TX--

Bilingual Education 1st-2nd Grade.

2007--Dana K. Boyd; Dolphin Terrace Elementary, El Paso,

TX--2nd Grade.

2008--Paul F. Cain; Ysleta High School, El Paso, TX--

Mathematics/Physics 9th-12th Grade.

2009--Christine Gleason; Fabens High School, Fabens, TX--

English 12th Grade.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a fellow Army veteran, a man of great integrity and an unwavering sense of commitment to his Nation, Mr. James F. Sloan, on the occasion of his retirement after 34 distinguished years of public service.

I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Sloan in his role as the Coast Guard's Assistant Commandant for Intelligence. When he assumed his duties in 2003, the Coast Guard had only two years earlier been designated a member of the Intelligence Community. In the years since, Mr. Sloan has been responsible for modernizing the Coast Guard intelligence program to keep pace with an ever-expanding and increasingly complex set of national security threats.

Mr. Sloan has also worked to cultivate extensive relationships and collaborative partnerships with other elements of the Intelligence Community. He has been an enthusiastic advocate for bringing the Coast Guard's wide-ranging expertise to bear in a variety of crucial national missions. Under his leadership, the Coast Guard has become an integral actor in the fight against terrorism, providing port security, conducting maritime interdiction, and supplying essential tactical and operational intelligence to a variety of other U.S. Government agencies.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention Mr. Sloan's 21 years of service with the United States Secret Service. During more than two decades, he served as the agency's Deputy Assistant Director for Protective Operations and later as the Senior Program Manager of the Anti-Terrorism programs, where he represented the Secret Service on the National Security Council.

The Nation is better and safer as a result of Mr. Sloan's service. For that, we thank him.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 2(a)(1) of House Rule XI, I hereby submit the Rules of Procedure of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for the 111th Congress, as adopted by the Committee on February 12, 2009.

Rules of Procedure, for the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence,

United States House of Representatives, 111th Congress

1. meeting day

Regular Meeting Day for the Full Committee. The regular

meeting day of the Committee for the transaction of Committee

business shall be the first Wednesday of each month, unless

otherwise directed by the Chair.

2. notice for meetings

(a) Generally. In the case of any meeting of the Committee,

the Chief Clerk of the Committee shall provide reasonable

notice to every member of the Committee. Such notice shall

provide the time and place of the meeting.

(b) Definition. For purposes of this rule, ``reasonable

notice'' means:

(1) Written notification;

(2) Delivered by facsimile transmission, regular mail, or

electronic mail that is:

(A) Delivered no less than 24 hours prior to the event for

which notice is being given, if the event is to be held in

Washington, D.C.; or

(B) Delivered no less than 48 hours prior to the event for

which notice is being given, if the event is to be held

outside Washington, D.C.

(c) Exception. In extraordinary circumstances only, the

Chair may, after consulting with the Ranking Minority Member,

call a meeting of the Committee without providing notice, as

defined in subparagraph (b), to members of the Committee.

3. preparations for committee meetings

(a) Generally. Designated Committee Staff, as directed by

the Chair, shall brief members of the Committee at a time

sufficiently prior to any Committee meeting in order to:

(1) Assist Committee members in preparation for such

meeting; and

(2) Determine which matters members wish considered during

any meeting.

(b) Briefing Materials.

(1) Such a briefing shall, at the request of a member,

include a list of all pertinent papers, and such other

materials, that have been obtained by the Committee that bear

on matters to be considered at the meeting; and

(2) The Staff Director shall also recommend to the Chair

any testimony, papers, or other materials to be presented to

the Committee at the meeting of the Committee.

4. open meetings

(a) Generally. Pursuant to House Rule XI, but subject to

the limitations of subsections (b) and (c), Committee

meetings held for the transaction of business and Committee

hearings shall be open to the public.

(b) Meetings. Any meeting or portion thereof, for the

transaction of business, including the markup of legislation,

or any hearing or portion thereof, shall be closed to the

public, if the Committee determines by record vote in open

session, with a majority of the Committee present, that

disclosure of the matters to be discussed may:

(1) Endanger national security;

(2) Compromise sensitive law enforcement information;

(3) Tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate any person; or

(4) Otherwise violate any law or Rule of the House.

(c) Hearings. The Committee may vote to close a Committee

hearing pursuant to clause 11(d)(2) of House Rule X,

regardless of whether a majority is present, so long as at

least two members of the Committee are present, one of whom

is a member of the Minority and votes upon the motion.

(d) Briefings. Committee briefings shall be closed to the

public.

5. quorum

(a) Hearings. For purposes of taking testimony, or

receiving evidence, a quorum shall consist of two Committee

members, at least one of whom is a member of the Majority.

(b) Other Committee Proceedings. For purposes of the

transaction of all other Committee business, other than the

consideration of a motion to close a hearing as described in

rule 4(c), a quorum shall consist of a majority of members.

6. procedures for amendments and votes

(a) Amendments. When a bill or resolution is being

considered by the Committee, members shall provide the Chief

Clerk in a timely manner with a sufficient number of written

copies of any amendment offered, so as to enable each member

present to receive a copy thereof prior to taking action. A

point of order may be made against any amendment not reduced

to writing. A copy of each such amendment shall be maintained

in the public records of the Committee.

(b) Reporting Record Votes. Whenever the Committee reports

any measure or matter by record vote, the report of the

Committee upon such measure or matter shall include a

tabulation of the votes cast in favor of, and the votes cast

in opposition to, such measure or matter.

(c) Postponement of Further Proceedings. In accordance with

clause 2(h) of House Rule XI, the Chair is authorized to

postpone further proceedings when a record vote is ordered on

the question of approving a measure or matter or adopting an

amendment. The Chair may resume proceedings on a postponed

request at any time after reasonable notice. When proceedings

resume on a postponed question, notwithstanding any

intervening order for the previous question, an underlying

proposition shall remain subject to further debate or

amendment to the same extent as when the question was

postponed.

(d) Availability of Record Votes on Committee Website. In

addition to any other requirement of the Rules of the House,

the Chair shall make the record votes on any measure or

matter on which a record vote is taken, other than a motion

to close a Committee hearing, briefing, or meeting, available

on the Committee's website not later than 2 business days

after such vote is taken. Such record shall include an

unclassified description of the amendment, motion, order, or

other proposition, the name of each member voting in favor

of, and each member voting in opposition to, such amendment,

motion, order, or proposition, and the names of those members

of the Committee present but not voting.

7. subcommittees

(a) Generally.

(1) Creation of subcommittees shall be by majority vote of

the Committee.

(2) Subcommittees shall deal with such legislation and

oversight of programs and policies as the Committee may

direct.

(3) Subcommittees shall be governed by these rules.

(4) For purposes of these rules, any reference herein to

the ``Committee'' shall be interpreted to include

subcommittees, unless otherwise specifically provided.

(b) Establishment of Subcommittees. The Committee

establishes the following subcommittees:

(1) Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence,

Analysis, and Counterintelligence;

(2) Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical Intelligence;

(3) Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations; and,

(4) Subcommittee on Intelligence Community Management.

(c) Subcommittee Membership.

(1) Generally. Each member of the Committee may be assigned

to at least one of the four subcommittees.

(2) Ex Officio Membership. In the event that the Chair and

Ranking Minority Member of the full Committee do not choose

to sit as regular voting members of one or more of the

subcommittees, each is authorized to sit as an ex officio

member of the subcommittees and participate in the work of

the subcommittees. When sitting ex officio, however, they:

(A) Shall not have a vote in the subcommittee; and

(B) Shall not be counted for purposes of determining a

quorum.

(d) Regular Meeting Day for Subcommittees. There is no

regular meeting day for subcommittees.

8. procedures for taking testimony or receiving evidence

(a) Notice. Adequate notice shall be given to all witnesses

appearing before the Committee.

(b) Oath or Affirmation. The Chair may require testimony of

witnesses to be given under oath or affirmation.

(c) Administration of Oath or Affirmation. Upon the

determination that a witness shall testify under oath or

affirmation, any member of the Committee designated by the

Chair may administer the oath or affirmation.

(d) Questioning of Witnesses.

(1) Generally. Questioning of witnesses before the

Committee shall be conducted by members of the Committee.

(2) Exceptions.

(A) The Chair, in consultation with the Ranking Minority

Member, may determine that Committee Staff will be authorized

to question witnesses at a hearing in accordance with clause

(2)(j) of House Rule XI.

(B) The Chair and Ranking Minority Member are each

authorized to designate Committee Staff to conduct such

questioning.

(e) Counsel for the Witness.

(1) Generally. Witnesses before the Committee may be

accompanied by counsel, subject to the requirements of

paragraph (2).

(2) Counsel Clearances Required. In the event that a

meeting of the Committee has been closed because the subject

to be discussed deals with classified information, counsel

accompanying a witness before the Committee must possess the

requisite security clearance and provide proof of such

clearance to the Committee at least 24 hours prior to the

meeting at which the counsel intends to be present.

(3) Failure to Obtain Counsel. Any witness who is unable to

obtain counsel should notify the Committee. If such

notification occurs at least 24 hours prior to the witness'

appearance before the Committee, the Committee shall then

endeavor to obtain voluntary counsel for the witness. Failure

to obtain counsel, however, will not excuse the witness from

appearing and testifying.

(4) Conduct of Counsel for Witnesses. Counsel for witnesses

appearing before the Committee shall conduct themselves

ethically and professionally at all times in their dealings

with the Committee.

(A) A majority of members of the Committee may, should

circumstances warrant, find that counsel for a witness before

the Committee failed to conduct himself or herself in an

ethical or professional manner.

(B) Upon such finding, counsel may be subject to

appropriate disciplinary action.

(5) Temporary Removal of Counsel. The Chair may remove

counsel during any proceeding before the Committee for

failure to act in an ethical and professional manner.

(6) Committee Reversal. A majority of the members of the

Committee may vote to overturn the decision of the Chair to

remove counsel for a witness.

(7) Role of Counsel for Witness.

(A) Counsel for a witness:

(i) Shall not be allowed to examine witnesses before the

Committee, either directly or through cross-examination; but

(ii) May submit questions in writing to the Committee that

counsel wishes propounded to a witness; or

(iii) May suggest, in writing to the Committee, the

presentation of other evidence or the calling of other

witnesses.

(B) The Committee may make such use of any such questions,

or suggestions, as the Committee deems appropriate.

(f) Statements by Witnesses.

(1) Generally. A witness may make a statement, which shall

be brief and relevant, at the beginning and at the conclusion

of the witness' testimony.

(2) Length. Each such statement shall not exceed five

minutes in length, unless otherwise determined by the Chair.

(3) Submission to the Committee. Any witness desiring to

submit a written statement for the record of the proceeding

shall submit a copy of the statement to the Chief Clerk of

the Committee.

(A) Such statements shall ordinarily be submitted no less

than 48 hours in advance of the witness' appearance before

the Committee and shall be submitted in written and

electronic format.

(B) In the event that the hearing was called with less than

24 hours notice, written statements should be submitted as

soon as practicable prior to the hearing.

(g) Objections and Ruling.

(1) Generally. Any objection raised by a witness, or

counsel for the witness, shall be ruled upon by the Chair,

and such ruling shall be the ruling of the Committee.

(2) Committee Action. A ruling by the Chair may be

overturned upon a majority vote of the Committee.

(h) Transcripts.

(1) Transcript Required. A transcript shall be made of the

testimony of each witness appearing before the Committee

during any hearing of the Committee.

(2) Opportunity to Inspect. Any witness testifying before

the Committee shall be given a reasonable opportunity to

inspect the transcript of the hearing, and may be accompanied

by counsel to determine whether such testimony was correctly

transcribed. Such counsel:

(A) May review the transcript only if he or she has the

appropriate security clearances necessary to review any

classified aspect of the transcript; and

(B) Should, to the extent possible, be the same counsel

that was present for such classified testimony.

(3) Corrections.

(A) Pursuant to Rule XI of the House Rules, any corrections

the witness desires to make in a transcript shall be limited

to technical, grammatical, and typographical corrections.

(B) Corrections may not be made to change the substance of

the Testimony.

(C) Such corrections shall be submitted in writing to the

Committee within 7 days after the transcript is made

available to the witnesses.

(D) Any questions arising with respect to such corrections

shall be decided by the Chair.

(4) Copy for the Witness. At the request of the witness,

any portion of the witness' testimony given in executive

session shall be made available to that witness if that

testimony is: subsequently quoted or intended to be made part

of a public record. Such testimony shall be made available to

the witness at the witness' expense.

(i) Requests to Testify.

(1) Generally. The Committee will consider requests to

testify on any matter or measure pending before the

Committee.

(2) Recommendations for Additional Evidence. Any person who

believes that testimony, other evidence, or commentary,

presented at a public hearing may tend to affect adversely

that person's reputation may submit to the Committee, in

writing:

(A) A request to appear personally before the Committee;

(B) A sworn statement of facts relevant to the testimony,

evidence, or commentary; or

(C) Proposed questions for the cross-examination of other

witnesses.

(3) Committee Discretion. The Committee may take those

actions it deems appropriate with respect to such requests.

(j) Contempt Procedures. Citations for contempt of Congress

shall be forwarded to the House only if:

(1) Reasonable notice is provided to all members of the

Committee of a meeting to be held to consider any such

contempt recommendations;

(2) The Committee has met and considered the contempt

allegations;

(3) The subject of the allegations was afforded an

opportunity to state either in writing or in person, why he

or she should not be held in contempt; and

(4) The Committee agreed by majority vote to forward the

citation recommendations to the House.

(k) Release of Name of Witness.

(1) Generally. At the request of a witness scheduled to be

heard by the Committee, the name of that witness shall not be

released publicly prior to, or after, the witness' appearance

before the Committee.

(2) Exceptions. Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Chair

may authorize the release to the public of the name of any

witness scheduled to appear before the Committee.

9. investigations

(a) Commencing Investigations. The Committee shall conduct

investigations only if approved by the Chair, in consultation

with the Ranking Minority Member.

(b) Conducting Investigations. An authorized investigation

may be conducted by members of the Committee or Committee

Staff designated by the Chair, in consultation with the

Ranking Minority Member, to undertake any such investigation.

10. subpoenas

(a) Generally. All subpoenas shall be authorized by the

Chair of the full Committee, upon consultation with the

Ranking Minority Member, or by vote of the Committee.

(b) Subpoena Contents. Any subpoena authorized by the Chair

of the full Committee, or the Committee, may compel:

(1) The attendance of witnesses and testimony before the

Committee; or

(2) The production of memoranda, documents, records, or any

other tangible item.

(c) Signing of Subpoena. A subpoena authorized by the Chair

of the full Committee, or the Committee, may be signed by the

Chair, or by any member of the Committee designated to do so

by the Committee.

(d) Subpoena Service. A subpoena authorized by the Chair of

the full Committee, or the Committee, may be served by any

person designated to do so by the Chair.

(e) Other Requirements. Each subpoena shall have attached

thereto a copy of these rules.

11. committee staff

(a) Definition. For the purpose of these rules, ``Committee

Staff'' or ``Staff of the Committee'' means:

(1) Employees of the Committee;

(2) Consultants to the Committee;

(3) Employees of other Government agencies detailed to the

Committee; or

(4) Any other person engaged by contract, or otherwise, to

perform services for, or at the request of, the Committee.

(b) Appointment of Committee Staff and Security

Requirements.

(1) Chair's Authority. Except as provided in paragraph (2),

the Committee Staff shall be appointed, and may be removed,

by the Chair and shall work under the general supervision and

direction of the Chair.

(2) Staff Assistance to Minority Membership. Except as

provided in paragraphs (3) and (4), and except as otherwise

provided by Committee Rules, the Committee Staff provided to

the Minority Party members of the Committee shall be

appointed, and may be removed, by the Ranking Minority Member

of the Committee, and shall work under the general

supervision and direction of such member.

(3) Security Clearance Required. All offers of employment

for prospective Committee Staff positions shall be contingent

upon:

(A) The results of a background investigation; and

(B) A determination by the Chair that requirements for the

appropriate security clearances have been met.

(4) Security Requirements. Notwithstanding paragraph (2),

the Chair shall supervise and direct the Committee Staff with

respect to the security and nondisclosure of classified

information. Committee Staff shall comply with requirements

necessary to ensure the security and nondisclosure of

classified information as determined by the Chair in

consultation with the Ranking Minority Member.

12. limit on discussion of classified work of the committee

(a) Prohibition.

(1) Generally. Except as otherwise provided by these rules

and the Rules of the House of Representatives, members of the

Committee and Committee Staff shall not at any time, either

during that person's tenure as a member of the Committee or

as Committee Staff, or anytime thereafter, discuss or

disclose, or cause to be discussed or disclosed:

(A) The classified substance of the work of the Committee;

(B) Any information received by the Committee in executive

session;

(C) Any classified information received by the Committee

from any source; or

(D) The substance of any hearing that was closed to the

public pursuant to these rules or the Rules of the House.

(2) Non-Disclosure in Proceedings.

(A) Members of the Committee and the Committee Staff shall

not discuss either the substance or procedure of the work of

the Committee with any person not a member of the Committee

or the Committee Staff in connection with any proceeding,

judicial or otherwise, either during the person's tenure

as a member of the Committee, or of the Committee Staff,

or at any time thereafter, except as directed by the

Committee in accordance with the Rules of the House and

these rules.

(B) In the event of the termination of the Committee,

members and Committee Staff shall be governed in these

matters in a manner determined by the House concerning

discussions of the classified work of the Committee.

(3) Exceptions.

(A) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a)(1),

members of the Committee and the Committee Staff may discuss

and disclose those matters described in subsection (a)(1)

with:

(i) Members and staff of the Senate Select Committee on

Intelligence designated by the chair of that committee;

(ii) The chairmen and ranking minority members of the House

and Senate Committees on Appropriations and staff of those

committees designated by the chairmen of those committees;

(iii) The chair and ranking minority member of the

Subcommittee on Defense of the House Committee on

Appropriations and staff of that subcommittee as designated

by the chair of that subcommittee; and

(iv) Members and staff of the Intelligence Oversight Panel

of the House Appropriations Committee as designated by the

chair of that panel.

(B) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a)(1),

members of the Committee and the Committee Staff may discuss

and disclose only that budget-related information necessary

to facilitate the enactment of the annual defense

authorization bill with the chairmen and ranking minority

members of the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services

and the staff of those committees as designated by the

chairmen of those committees.

(C) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a)(1),

members of the Committee and the Committee Staff may discuss

with and disclose to the chair and ranking minority member of

a subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee with

jurisdiction over an agency or program within the National

Intelligence Program (NIP), and staff of that subcommittee as

designated by the chair of that subcommittee, only that

budget-related information necessary to facilitate the

enactment of an appropriations bill within which is included

an appropriation for an agency or program within the NIP.

(D) The Chair may, in consultation with the Ranking

Minority Member, upon the written request to the Chair from

the Inspector General of an element of the Intelligence

Community, grant access to Committee transcripts or documents

that are relevant to an investigation of an allegation of

possible false testimony or other inappropriate conduct

before the Committee, or that are otherwise relevant to the

Inspector General's investigation.

(E) Upon the written request of the head of an Intelligence

Community element, the Chair may, in consultation with the

Ranking Minority Member, make available Committee briefing or

hearing transcripts to that element for review by that

element if a representative of that element testified,

presented information to the Committee, or was present at the

briefing or hearing the transcript of which is requested for

review.

(F) Members and Committee Staff may discuss and disclose

such matters as otherwise directed by the Committee.

(b) Non-Disclosure Agreement.

(1) Generally. All Committee Staff must, before joining the

Committee Staff, agree in writing, as a condition of

employment, not to divulge or cause to be divulged any

classified information which comes into such person's

possession while a member of the Committee Staff, to any

person not a member of the Committee or the Committee Staff,

except as authorized by the Committee in accordance with the

Rules of the House and these rules.

(2) Other Requirements. In the event of the termination of

the Committee, members and Committee Staff must follow any

determination by the House of Representatives with respect to

the protection of classified information received while a

member of the Committee or as Committee Staff.

(3) Requests for Testimony of Staff.

(A) All Committee Staff must, as a condition of employment,

agree in writing to notify the Committee immediately of any

request for testimony received while a member of the

Committee Staff, or at any time thereafter, concerning any

classified information received by such person while a member

of the Committee Staff.

(B) Committee Staff shall not disclose, in response to any

such request for testimony, any such classified information,

except as authorized by the Committee in accordance with the

Rules of the House and these rules.

(C) In the event of the termination of the Committee,

Committee Staff will be subject to any determination made by

the House of Representatives with respect to any requests for

testimony involving classified information received while a

member of the Committee Staff.

13. CLASSIFIED MATERIAL

(a) Receipt of Classified Information.

(1) Generally. In the case of any information that has been

classified under established security procedures and

submitted to the Committee by any source, the Committee shall

receive such classified information as executive session

material.

(2) Staff Receipt of Classified Materials. For purposes of

receiving classified information, the Committee Staff is

authorized to accept information on behalf of the Committee.

(b) Non-Disclosure of Classified Information. Any

classified information received by the Committee, from any

source, shall not be disclosed to any person not a member of

the Committee or the Committee Staff, or otherwise released,

except as authorized by the Committee in accordance with the

Rules of the House and these rules.

(c) Exception for Non-Exclusive Materials.

(1) Non-Exclusive Materials. Any materials provided to the

Committee by the executive branch, if provided in whole or in

part for the purpose of review by members who are not members

of the Committee, shall be received or held by the Committee

on a non-exclusive basis. Classified information provided to

the Committee shall be considered to have been provided on an

exclusive basis unless the executive branch provides a

specific, written statement to the contrary.

(2) Access for Non-Committee Members. In the case of

materials received on a non-exclusive basis, the Chair, in

consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, may grant non-

Committee members access to such materials in accordance with

the requirements of Rule 14(f)(4), notwithstanding paragraphs

(1), (2), and (3) of Rule 14.

14. PROCEDURES RELATED TO HANDLING OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION

(a) Security Measures.

(1) Strict Security. The Committee's offices shall operate

under strict security procedures administered by the Director

of Security and Registry of the Committee under the direct

supervision of the Staff Director.

(2) U.S. Capitol Police Presence Required. At least one

U.S. Capitol Police officer shall

be on duty at all times outside the entrance to Committee

offices to control entry of all persons to such offices.

(3) Identification Required. Before entering the

Committee's offices all persons shall identify themselves to

the U.S. Capitol Police officer described in paragraph (2)

and to a member of the Committee or Committee Staff.

(4) Maintenance of Classified Materials. Classified

documents shall be segregated and maintained in approved

security storage locations.

(5) Examination of Classified Materials. Classified

documents in the Committee's possession shall be examined in

an appropriately secure manner.

(6) Prohibition on Removal of Classified Materials. Removal

of any classified document from the Committee's offices is

strictly prohibited, except as provided by these rules.

(7) Exception. Notwithstanding the prohibition set forth in

paragraph (6), a classified document, or copy thereof, may be

removed from the Committee's offices in furtherance of

official Committee business. Appropriate security procedures

shall govern the handling of any classified documents removed

from the Committee's offices.

(b) Access to Classified Information by Members. All

members of the Committee shall at all times have access to

all classified papers and other material received by the

Committee from any source.

(c) Need-to-know.

(1) Generally. Committee Staff shall have access to any

classified information provided to the Committee on a strict

``need-to-know'' basis, as determined by the Committee, and

under the Committee's direction by the Staff Director.

(2) Appropriate Clearances Required. Committee Staff must

have the appropriate clearances prior to any access to

compartmented information.

(d) Oath.

(1) Requirement. Before any member of the Committee, or the

Committee Staff, shall have access to classified information,

the following oath shall be executed:

``I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will not disclose

or cause to be disclosed any classified information received

in the course of my service on the House Permanent Select

Committee on Intelligence, except when authorized to do so by

the Committee or the House of Representatives.''

(2) Copy. A copy of such executed oath shall be retained in

the files of the Committee.

(e) Registry.

(1) Generally. The Committee shall maintain a registry

that:

(A) Provides a brief description of the content of all

classified documents provided to the Committee by the

executive branch that remain in the possession of the

Committee; and

(B) Lists by number all such documents.

(2) Designation by the Staff Director. The Staff Director

shall designate a member of the Committee Staff to be

responsible for the organization and daily maintenance of

such registry.

(3) Availability. Such registry shall be available to all

members of the Committee and Committee Staff.

(f) Requests by Members of Other Committees. Pursuant to

the Rules of the House, members who are not members of the

Committee may be granted access to such classified

transcripts, records, data, charts, or files of the

Committee, and be admitted on a non-participatory basis to

classified hearings of the Committee involving discussions of

classified material in the following manner:

(1) Written Notification Required. Members who desire to

examine classified materials in the possession of the

Committee, or to attend Committee hearings or briefings on a

non-participatory basis, must notify the Chief Clerk of the

Committee in writing. Such notification shall state with

specificity the justification for the request and the need

for access.

(2) Committee Consideration. The Committee shall consider

each such request by non-Committee members at the earliest

practicable opportunity. The Committee shall determine, by

record vote, what action it deems appropriate in light of all

of the circumstances of each request. In its determination,

the Committee shall consider:

(A) The sensitivity to the national defense or the

confidential conduct of the foreign relations of the United

States of the information sought;

(B) The likelihood of its being directly or indirectly

disclosed;

(C) The jurisdictional interest of the member making the

request; and

(D) Such other concerns, constitutional or otherwise, as

may affect the public interest of the United States.

(3) Committee Action. After consideration of the member's

request, the Committee may take any action it deems

appropriate under the circumstances, including but not

limited to:

(A) Approving the request, in whole or part;

(B) Denying the request;

(C) Providing the requested information or material in a

different form than that sought by the member; or

(D) Making the requested information or material available

to all members of the House.

(4) Requirements for Access by Non-Committee Members. Prior

to a non-Committee member being given access to classified

information pursuant to this subsection, the requesting

member shall:

(A) Provide the Committee a copy of the oath executed by

such member pursuant to House Rule XXIII, clause 13; and

(B) Agree in writing not to divulge any classified

information provided to the member, pursuant to this

subsection, to any person not a member of the Committee or

the Committee Staff, except as otherwise authorized by the

Committee in accordance with the Rules of the House and these

rules.

(5) Consultation Authorized. When considering a member's

request, the Committee may consult the Director of National

Intelligence and such other officials it considers necessary.

(6) Finality of Committee Decision.

(A) Should the member making such a request disagree with

the Committee's determination with respect to that request,

or any part thereof, that member must notify the Committee in

writing of such disagreement.

(B) The Committee shall subsequently consider the matter

and decide, by record vote, what further action or

recommendation, if any, the Committee will take.

(g) Advising the House or Other Committees. Pursuant to

Section 501 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C.

413), and to the Rules of the House, the Committee shall call

to the attention of the House, or to any other appropriate

committee of the House, those matters requiring the attention

of the House, or such other committee, on the basis of the

following provisions:

(1) By Request of Committee Member. At the request of any

member of the Committee to call to the attention of the

House, or any other committee, executive session material in

the Committee's possession, the Committee shall meet at the

earliest practicable opportunity to consider that request.

(2) Committee Consideration of Request. The Committee shall

consider the following factors, among any others it deems

appropriate:

(A) The effect of the matter in question on the national

defense or the foreign relations of the United States;

(B) Whether the matter in question involves sensitive

intelligence sources and methods;

(C) Whether the matter in question otherwise raises

questions affecting the national interest; and

(D) Whether the matter in question affects matters within

the jurisdiction of another Committee of the House.

(3) Views of Other Committees. In examining such factors,

the Committee may seek the opinion of members of the

Committee appointed from standing committees of the House

with jurisdiction over the matter in question, or submissions

from such other committees.

(4) Other Advice. The Committee may, during its

deliberations on such requests, seek the advice of any

executive branch official.

(h) Reasonable Opportunity to Examine Materials. Before the

Committee makes any decision regarding any request for access

to any classified information in its possession, or a

proposal to bring any matter to the attention of the House or

another committee, members of the Committee shall have a

reasonable opportunity to examine all pertinent testimony,

documents, or other materials in the Committee's possession

that may inform their decision on the question.

(i) Notification to the House. The Committee may bring a

matter to the attention of the House when, after

consideration of the factors set forth in this rule, it

considers the matter in question so grave that it requires

the attention of all members of the House, and time is of the

essence, or for any reason the Committee finds compelling.

(j) Method of Disclosure to the House.

(1) Should the Committee decide by record vote that a

matter requires the attention of the House as described in

subsection (i), it shall make arrangements to notify the

House promptly.

(2) In such cases, the Committee shall consider whether:

(A) To request an immediate secret session of the House

(with time equally divided between the Majority and the

Minority); or

(B) To publicly disclose the matter in question pursuant to

clause 11(g) of House Rule X.

(k) Requirement to Protect Sources and Methods. In bringing

a matter to the attention of the House, or another committee,

the Committee, with due regard for the protection of

intelligence sources and methods, shall take all necessary

steps to safeguard materials or information relating to the

matter in question.

(l) Availability of Information to Other Committees. The

Committee, having determined that a matter shall be brought

to the attention of another committee, shall ensure that such

matter, including all classified information related to that

matter, is promptly made available to the chair and ranking

minority member of such other committee.

(m) Provision of Materials. The Director of Security and

Registry for the Committee shall provide a copy of these

rules, and the applicable portions of the Rules of the House

of Representatives governing the handling of classified

information, along with those materials determined by the

Committee to be made available to such other committee of the

House or non-Committee member.

(n) Ensuring Clearances and Secure Storage. The Director of

Security and Registry shall ensure that such other committee

or non-Committee member receiving such classified materials

may properly store classified materials in a manner

consistent with all

governing rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and

statutes.

(o) Log. The Director of Security and Registry for the

Committee shall maintain a written record identifying the

particular classified document or material provided to such

other committee or non-Committee member, the reasons agreed

upon by the Committee for approving such transmission, and

the name of the committee or non-Committee member receiving

such document or material.

(p) Miscellaneous Requirements.

(1) Staff Director's Additional Authority. The Staff

Director is further empowered to provide for such additional

measures, which he or she deems necessary, to protect such

classified information authorized by the Committee to be

provided to such other committee or non-Committee member.

(2) Notice to Originating Agency. In the event that the

Committee authorizes the disclosure of classified information

provided to the Committee by an agency of the executive

branch to a non-Committee member or to another committee, the

Chair may notify the providing agency of the Committee's

action prior to the transmission of such classified

information.

15. LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR

(a) Generally. The Chief Clerk, under the direction of the

Staff Director, shall maintain a printed calendar that lists:

(1) The legislative measures introduced and referred to the

Committee;

(2) The status of such measures; and

(3) Such other matters that the Committee may require.

(b) Revisions to the Calendar. The calendar shall be

revised from time to time to show pertinent changes.

(c) Availability. A copy of each such revision shall be

furnished to each member, upon request.

(d) Consultation with Appropriate Government Entities.

Unless otherwise directed by the Committee, legislative

measures referred to the Committee may be referred by the

Chief Clerk to the appropriate department or agency of the

Government for reports thereon.

16. COMMITTEE WEBSITE

The Chair shall maintain an official Committee web site for

the purpose of furthering the Committee's legislative and

oversight responsibilities, including communicating

information about the Committee's activities to Committee

members and other members of the House.

17. MOTIONS TO GO TO CONFERENCE

In accordance with clause 2(a) of House Rule XI, the Chair

is authorized and directed to offer a privileged motion to go

to conference under clause 1 of House Rule XXII whenever the

Chair considers it appropriate.

18. COMMITTEE TRAVEL

(a) Authority. The Chair may authorize members and

Committee Staff to travel on Committee business.

(b) Requests.

(1) Member Requests. Members requesting authorization for

such travel shall state the purpose and length of the trip,

and shall submit such request directly to the Chair.

(2) Committee Staff Requests. Committee Staff requesting

authorization for such travel shall state the purpose and

length of the trip, and shall submit such request through

their supervisors to the Staff Director and the Chair.

(c) Notification to Members.

(1) Generally. Members shall be notified of all foreign

travel of Committee Staff not accompanying a member.

(2) Content. All members are to be advised, prior to the

commencement of such travel, of its length, nature, and

purpose.

(d) Trip Reports.

(1) Generally. A full report of all issues discussed during

any travel shall be submitted to the Chief Clerk of the

Committee within a reasonable period of time following the

completion of such trip.

(2) Availability of Reports. Such report shall be:

(A) Available for review by any member or appropriately

cleared Committee Staff; and

(B) Considered executive session material for purposes of

these rules.

(e) Limitations on Travel.

(1) Generally. The Chair is not authorized to permit travel

on Committee business of Committee Staff who have not

satisfied the requirements of subsection (d) of this rule.

(2) Exception. The Chair may authorize Committee Staff to

travel on Committee business, notwithstanding the

requirements of subsections (d) and (e) of this rule,

(A) At the specific request of a member of the Committee;

or

(B) In the event there are circumstances beyond the control

of the Committee Staff hindering compliance with such

requirements.

(f) Definitions. For purposes of this rule the term

``reasonable period of time'' means:

(1) No later than 60 days after returning from a foreign

trip; and

(2) No later than 30 days after returning from a domestic

trip.

19. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

(a) Generally. The Committee shall immediately consider

whether disciplinary action shall be taken in the case of any

member of the Committee Staff alleged to have failed to

conform to any rule of the House of Representatives or to

these rules.

(b) Exception. In the event the House of Representatives

is:

(1) In a recess period in excess of 3 days; or

(2) Has adjourned sine die; the Chair of the full

Committee, in consultation with the Ranking Minority Member,

may take such immediate disciplinary actions deemed

necessary.

(c) Available Actions. Such disciplinary action may include

immediate dismissal from the Committee Staff.

(d) Notice to Members. All members shall be notified as

soon as practicable, either by facsimile transmission or

regular mail, of any disciplinary action taken by the Chair

pursuant to subsection (b).

(e) Reconsideration of Chair's Actions. A majority of the

members of the full Committee may vote to overturn the

decision of the Chair to take disciplinary action pursuant to

subsection (b).

20. BROADCASTING COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Whenever any hearing or meeting conducted by the Committee

is open to the public, a majority of the Committee may permit

that hearing or meeting to be covered, in whole or in part,

by television broadcast, radio broadcast, and still

photography, or by any of such methods of coverage, subject

to the provisions and in accordance with the spirit of the

purposes enumerated in the Rules of the House.

21. COMMITTEE RECORDS TRANSFERRED TO THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

(a) Generally. The records of the Committee at the National

Archives and Records Administration shall be made available

for public use in accordance with the Rules of the House of

Representatives.

(b) Notice of Withholding. The Chair shall notify the

Ranking Minority Member of any decision, pursuant to the

Rules of the House of Representatives, to withhold a record

otherwise available, and the matter shall be presented to the

full Committee for a determination of the question of public

availability on the written request of any member of the

Committee.

22. CHANGES IN RULES

(a) Generally. These rules may be modified, amended, or

repealed by vote of the full Committee.

(b) Notice of Proposed Changes. A notice, in writing, of

the proposed change shall be given to each member at least 48

hours prior to any meeting at which action on the proposed

rule change is to be taken.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man of great integrity and an unerring sense of humor, Mr. John Helgerson, on the occasion of his retirement after 37 distinguished years in the Intelligence Community.

During the last seven years as CIA Inspector General, John has demonstrated the unfailing courage, sense of fairness and independent judgment that Congress envisioned when it created the position of Inspector General. Under his leadership, the Office of the Inspector General grappled with some of the thorniest issues in the Intelligence Community. John is one of those rare few individuals who is always willing to speak truth to power.

Prior to becoming Inspector General, John served as Chairman of the National Intelligence Council, Deputy Director of the former National Imagery and Mapping Agency, now the National Geospatial Agency, and Deputy Director for Intelligence at CIA. There are few individuals in the Intelligence Community with as wide-ranging and distinguished experience as John. Our country is better-informed and safer as a result of his service.

In his retirement announcement, John noted that the country's first Inspector General was appointed by General George Washington to be the ``eyes, ears, and conscience of the commander.'' We are truly fortunate that CIA, and the Intelligence Community as a whole, had John's eyes, ears and conscience throughout his career. We will miss his intelligence, insight and honesty.

As Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, I have come to trust and rely on John's good judgment in a variety of sensitive situations. I thank him for working with me to ensure that his office and my committee maintained a professional, productive relationship. I wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

I support this omnibus package because it rejects the harmful cuts that former President Bush insisted on in his budget. Instead, this bill provides and restores critical funding in areas such as energy research, healthcare, education, law enforcement, and biomedical research. As a proponent of the recently enacted economic recovery bill, I support this omnibus because its passage is necessary in order to allow the stimulus plan to work.

In light of our nation's current economic downturn, I am pleased that Members of Congress will not receive an automatic cost-of-living increase scheduled for FY2010. In these difficult economic times, Members should forgo a cost-of-living increase.

Last night, in his address to a Joint Session of Congress, President Obama emphasized his commitment to create or save 3.5 million new jobs in this country. The omnibus bill addresses this pledge by providing $3.6 billion for job training programs. I believe that job training is critical to help workers receive the necessary skills training they need to move into higher paying jobs and provide for their families.

But that is not all. In terms of education, I am particularly pleased that the omnibus bill takes a comprehensive approach to education. The bill provides $7.1 billion for Head Start; $15.8 billion for Title-I programs serving the most disadvantaged students in our country; and a much needed $19.2 billion for federal student financial aid programs like the Pell Grant. These funding levels complement President Obama's ambitious goal to tackle our nation's drop out rate and have America lead the world by the year 2020 with the largest proportion of college graduates.

In my district alone, 20,179 students receive Pell Grants which provide students with resources to offset the rising costs of tuition. By ensuring funding for these types of investments, we are opening the doors of opportunity for all our children.

I have worked closely with my colleagues to find ways to curtail the violence in Mexico and support our southern neighbor. I am pleased that this omnibus bill provides $405 million for counter-narcotics and law enforcement programs through the Merida Initiative. With violence surging in Mexico, President Obama has made clear that we will stand with Mexico as the government combats the illicit drug and weapons trade, and the Merida Initiative is a critical component of this strategic partnership.

In keeping with the aim of the recovery plan, we must continue to reinvest in our transportation infrastructure which has been neglected for years. As we transition to a system with a greater focus on energy- efficiency, the omnibus reaffirms our commitment to bolstering our nation's transit systems. The Federal Transit Administration will receive funds through this omnibus appropriations bill for grants for new buses, stations, intermodal facilities, and technology improvements. I know my district in Texas will greatly benefit from additional funds to make our transit system more efficient and accessible. Our existing national highway systems will also continue to be critical, so I am pleased to know funding has been included to improve and repair our nation's aging highway infrastructure.

Recognizing that the current recession will persist, President Obama has asked Congress to help our fellow Americans weather these tough economic times. Housing authorities and non-profits that provide housing assistance across this nation will likely experience a greater demand for their services this year. Significant funding in this omnibus is dedicated to ensuring low-income families and the most vulnerable members of our communities have access to safe, affordable housing. For the remainder of the current fiscal year, both the Public Housing Capital Fund and the Public Housing Operating Fund will receive funding increases so that public housing authorities can make critical repairs and improvements to their housing units, improve living conditions for their residents, and keep up with maintenance and energy costs. During this recession, meeting the housing needs of our low- income, elderly and disabled community members is critical, and I am glad to see just over $1 billion in grants will be available to rehabilitate, buy, and build affordable and safe housing.

The omnibus also increases funding for Section 8 vouchers to continue helping over 3 million low-income families and individuals as well as provide 14,000 new, targeted vouchers for the disabled and homeless veterans during this housing crisis. An additional $75 million will be used for 10,000 housing vouchers for homeless veterans, and $1.7 billion will also be made available in the form of grants so communities can provide housing and services for other homeless individuals.

Last night, President Obama made it clear that we will take on health care reform this

year. We have already made great strides in expanding health care coverage for our nation's children through the reauthorization of the Children's Health Insurance Program. Through the recovery plan, we have taken an important first step in cutting costs by investing in electronic medical records as well as research into diseases and preventative care. This omnibus appropriation continues these investments by providing the National Institutes of Health with critical funding to research diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer, and diabetes. Because prevention is increasingly being recognized as essential to curbing costs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will receive $6.6 billion for public health programs at the federal, state, and local levels. Community health centers, like those in El Paso, will be able to provide services for an additional 470,000 uninsured people with the $2.2 billion provided through this bill. We also provide funds to state high risk insurance pools so they can help people who cannot obtain health insurance in the commercial market because they are medically high risk. With the $496 million provided for childhood immunization, approximately 15,000 additional children will receive the vaccinations they need.

However, all these worthy programs will need the support of a well- trained base of providers. In addition to the investment in training medical professionals included in the recovery plan, $171 million in the omnibus will go to support nurse education programs and $222 million will support the Health Professions Training program to train doctors and other professionals. This funding will go a long way not only in ensuring access to services but also quality care

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this omnibus bill because it will address our nation's immediate needs as well as invest in our long term economic strength.

I thank the gentlelady for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute as well to our Speaker's national security adviser and former staff director to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Mr. Michael Sheehy.

As chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I have had the immense honor of working closely with Mike on significant intelligence issues of our day. Whether the subject matter is foreign intelligence surveillance laws, satellite technology or human intelligence operations, he is virtually a walking encyclopedia of knowledge.

Mike's national security expertise is the result of many years of public service, first during his time in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps, and then in the 10 years he spent as an aide to the late Representative Edward Boland.

As some of you may remember, Mr. Boland was the first chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and he earned great distinction as the father of the Boland Amendment, which prohibited funding of U.S. involvement in the Nicaraguan Contras uprising. Acting as an associate staff member for the House Iran-Contra Investigating Committee, Mike had a front-row seat to the history that evolved during his service to Representative Boland.

Mike joined the Intelligence Committee as chief counsel in 1990 under the leadership of then-chairman Anthony Beilenson. In 2003, he received the Defense Intelligence Agency's Director's Award, the highest award given by that agency. It was at that time that he left the committee when then-minority leader, our Speaker today, hired him as her senior policy adviser. To me, it seems she knew a good thing when she saw it. We missed him on the committee, but we were glad he was there advising our Speaker.

In the time that I have had the privilege to serve as a member and now as chairman of the Intelligence Committee, I have grown to rely on him and discovered that Mike's depth and breadth of intelligence knowledge are only surpassed in my opinion by his exacting eye for detail, his capacity to focus on the bigger picture and his ability to find middle ground when there doesn't seem to be any.

While he is often quiet, Mike is always processing, turning the information over and over in his head, and offering a measured, thoughtful response to whatever the situation may be.

Just as he has ably served the Speaker, he has become a trusted adviser for me as chairman and for our Intelligence Committee as well.

So, today, to Mike, I say thank you for your service to your Nation and thank you for your capable counsel on all matters of intelligence. I wish you success as you retire with over 35 years of public service, and I hope that you find much happiness in all of your endeavors. God bless you, Mike.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the conference report accompanying H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Investment Act.

This jobs creation package comes at a critical time for our nation as we face one of the greatest economic crises in our country's history. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in my home state of Texas climbed from 4.2 percent in December 2007 to 6 percent in December 2008. The employment situation has grown worse in 2009 as major employers across the country continue to cut tens of thousands of jobs. These dire circumstances require swift and bold action by the Congress to create jobs, jumpstart growth, and transform our economy to compete in the 21st century.

I support the American Recovery and Investment Act because it will help businesses create jobs and will allow families to afford their bills while laying a foundation for future economic growth in key areas like health care, clean energy, education, and infrastructure. This $789 billion compromise package will create or save 3.5 million jobs nationwide over the next two years. This comes down to an estimated 269,000 jobs in Texas and 7,600 jobs in my congressional district. The jobs created will be in a range of industries from education to healthcare, with over 90 percent in the private sector.

The tax cuts in the legislation will place more money in American workers' wallets by providing direct tax relief to 95 percent of workers. This refundable tax credit of up to $400 per person or $800 per couple will provide much needed tax relief and help stimulate our economy.

By offering an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance benefits, this bill will help the 677,000 workers in Texas who have lost their jobs in this recession as well as provide extended unemployment benefits to an additional 125,000 laid-off Texas workers.

I am particularly pleased that this legislative package will provide funding to modernize schools in Texas. According to preliminary estimates, El Paso-area school districts could receive tens of millions of dollars in funding for renovation projects, Title I grants to help disadvantaged children, and grants for special education. Our schools have been neglected for far too long and this important funding will ensure that our children have the labs, classrooms, and libraries that are necessary to learn and compete in a global economy.

The legislation's huge investment in our nation's roads, bridges, and mass transit systems will greatly assist several projects in my district that have gone without necessary repairs and upgrades for years. By investing in these neglected projects we will create good jobs as well as make much needed improvements to our nation's infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this economic recovery bill that will help average Americans, as well as cash- strapped state and local governments, weather this current economic downturn.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2009, as amended by the Senate.

At this time, the reauthorization of SCHIP is critically important for the nation and particularly my district of El Paso, Texas, where over 20,000 children in El Paso County are enrolled in the program. My district has one of the highest rates of uninsured children in the country, and the current economic recession is making it even harder for many more families to afford health insurance.

I am deeply troubled that Texas has the highest number of uninsured children in the United States. It is simply unacceptable to have one in five children in my state without health insurance, and this legislation will expand coverage for millions who are uninsured.

The current economic recession is affecting many families across our nation. Recent studies estimate that for every one percent increase in our national unemployment rate, 1.1 million Americans lose health insurance and more than a million enroll in Medicaid and SCHIP.

Having a large number of uninsured children in our communities places a tremendous financial burden on parents and local hospitals, as families are forced to send their children to the emergency room because they cannot afford a regular doctor's visit. For the families of the children in El Paso and throughout our country who rely on SCHIP for scheduled checkups, prescriptions, eyeglasses, this program is vitally important. The cost of health care is ever-rising, and reauthorizing SCHIP for the next four and a half years is an important first step in stemming the rising tide of the uninsured.

Today's bill provides sufficient federal funds to help states maintain their current programs and extend coverage to four million additional uninsured low-income children. Many states may experience much higher enrollment in SCHIP than projected due to job loss and lower incomes, and many would be unable to support the higher demand without this relief. By reauthorizing this program, we help states meet increased demand for SCHIP-enrollment and prevent them from cutting back on the program just when families need it the most.

The health and quality of life of our children must be a priority, and I firmly believe that this bill addresses the need to provide quality health care to our Nation's uninsured children especially in a time of economic recession. For this reason, I am proud to support this legislation, and I applaud President Obama and my colleagues in Congress for this a top priority.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 352, the DTV Delay Act.

I am a strong supporter for a delay in the Digital Television, DTV, transition set to occur on February 17, 2009, because I believe that without a postponement many families and individuals will be left behind. Without this delay, millions of Americans may see their televisions ``go dark'' on February 18th, with a disproportionate impact on low-income, rural, and elderly Americans.

I am particularly concerned with this issue given the unique DTV transition challenges that exists in my congressional district and along the U.S.-Mexico border. Households on the U.S.-Mexico border already have low rates of cable or satellite television subscription. However, unlike other parts of the country, televisions in the border region will continue to work after the February transition, as viewers in the U.S.-Mexico border will maintain analog transmissions from Mexico. This presents a major obstacle for those trying to prepare analog-only viewers for this transition because many of these Spanish- speaking viewers will have little incentive to purchase the required digital converter box once they discover their television still works.

In addition, I am very concerned about the circumstances surrounding the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's, NTIA, implementation of the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. Specifically, I am troubled by the NTIA's creation of a wait list after issuing the maximum amount of coupons allowed under its budget.

According to Commerce Department data, in just the last two business days, the size of this waiting list has grown by 200,000 households. There are now more than two million households on the waiting list for coupons. In my congressional district alone, the waiting list numbers have grown from 5,605 on January 30th to 6,013 on February 2nd.

These developments raise serious questions as to the actual ability of many households to comply with the February deadline. As the transition date has drawn near, it has become increasingly apparent to me that the government programs to support the transition are insufficient and that the transition should be delayed.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim the time in opposition.

Mr. Chairman, although I am not opposed to this amendment, I am concerned. I rise to speak about those concerns.

Mr. Chairman, today I rise to address briefly the Platts amendment. This amendment will make the changes to the law and procedures for whistleblowers, including national security whistleblowers. As chairman of the Intelligence Committee, this is a subject of great interest to me, and I thank both Mr. Platts and Mr. Van Hollen for working to address my concerns.

I do believe that the procedure and process for national security whistleblowers deserve a fresh look. I voted for this bill when it came to the floor last Congress.

My concern, Mr. Chairman, is that there's a process to be followed here. This is an important issue, and I don't want it to get lost in the shuffle in the context of this critical stimulus bill. Rather than attach the amendment to a fast-moving appropriations bill where it essentially becomes a footnote, it should instead be subject to regular order, which will allow it to be refined and perfected.

As someone who spent his career as a Federal employee, I believe in strong whistleblower protections. I just think that this is a vital issue that needs to be done right. I don't want to rush to a solution.

The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen), one of the sponsors of the amendment, has agreed that we will take care to address some of these specific concerns related to classified information and national security whistleblowers in conference. I want to thank him for that commitment, and I look forward to working with both Mr. Van Hollen and Mr. Platts on this very important issue.

At this time, Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra).

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, again I rise to thank both sponsors of this amendment, Mr. Van Hollen and Mr. Platts, for agreeing to work with us.

Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to Mr. Van Hollen.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Catholic Schools Week and express my support for the vital contributions of America's thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools. In my eyes, Catholic schools have had a powerful impact on our nation's history.

Teaching and instilling the values of service to others, faith, and the pursuit of justice, Catholic schools have shaped the lives of people for generations. Indeed, I myself have been guided by my Catholic faith and the idea of serving others.

Be it a student growing up in New York City or a Mexican immigrant growing up on a bordertown, Catholic schools have been actively educating our youth since our country's founding. In recent history, Catholic schools have been instrumental in the lives of many young Latino students whose families seek an education enriched with moral values, supported by faith, and combined with the highest of academic standards.

The 16th District of El Paso, Texas is fortunate to have fourteen Catholic primary and secondary schools teaching these values to our students including Cathedral High School, Loretto Academy, Blessed Sacrament, Father Yermo, Holy Trinity, Our Lady of the Assumption, Our Lady of the Valley, St. Joseph's, St. Mathew's, St. Patrick's, Saint Pius the X, and St. Raphael's.

Today, I want to thank all of the priests, nuns, brothers, sisters, and lay people, who take on the commendable task of teaching our children. I also want to thank our Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso, Texas for his leadership and guidance during these tumultuous times.

Again Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to honor Catholic schools across the country and thank the men and women who take part in this great work.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the unsung heroes of the Intelligence Community. Mr. Charles E. Allen, who has ably and admirably served our Nation over the past fifty years, will soon retire from a long and legendary public service career.

Charlie began his career with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) back in 1958 and climbed the ranks from analyst to liaison to program manager and beyond. He was assigned to the Department of Defense in 1982 and became a senior adviser on strategic mobilization planning for the Secretary of Defense. He returned to the CIA in 1985 to take on the responsibility of National Intelligence Officer for Counterterrorism and, a year later, was appointed the first Chief of Intelligence for the CIA's Counterterrorist Center.

Charlie's depth of expertise and dedicated professionalism led to the position of National Intelligence Officer for Warning, where, in July 1990, he made his mark as the guy who accurately predicted Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. Dismissed as a contrarian by others within the CIA, the conclusions in Charlie's ``warning of war'' memorandum bore out his sharply analytic judgment.

In recent years, I have had the pleasure of working with Charlie as he undertook the Herculean challenge of organizing and integrating the Department of Homeland Security's intelligence programs and coordinating these activities with the Intelligence Community writ large. When he first came to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the Chief Intelligence Officer and the Department's then-Assistant Secretary for Informational Analysis, Charlie worked tirelessly to focus resources on counterterrorism and find a new way to move forward in the aftermath of 9/11. For all of his efforts, Charlie was rewarded with an elevation to Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, where he continued to--and will continue to--mold, shape, and guide the identity of DHS's intelligence operation. He created the foundation for all who will come after him.

On one occasion in August 2007, Charlie came down to the University of Texas El Paso's Border Security Conference to speak on the critical area of diversity in the intelligence workforce. I was really excited to hear him speak, because I understood that he is a great speaker, and he certainly always has something of substantive importance. As it turned out, though, I never got to hear his speech, because my daughter went into labor with my third grandchild. Charlie was gracious and understanding about it, since he's a grandfather himself. Every time I see him, he remembers to ask about that grandson.

I would be remiss if, outside of his exemplary resume, I didn't honor Charlie for his singular commitment to our country. Charlie has proved himself a dedicated public servant with a reputation as a workaholic, intent on giving America his best. While he has been honored time and time again for his service, receiving the CIA's highest and most coveted award, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, he neither seeks recognition nor expects accolades.

Charlie is a straight-shooter. He will always give you the truth. And I will deeply miss his leadership in the Intelligence Community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a special occasion in the American university athletics, the 75th anniversary of the Sun Bowl, a proud tradition in college football that has been hosted in my district of El Paso, Texas.

The Sun Bowl is the second oldest bowl game in the United States and a major national attraction that brings together thousands of loyal college football fans each year to watch teams from the Pac-10, Big 12 and Big East Conferences.

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Sun Bowl, I want to recognize the Sun Bowl Association, the sponsors, and all of the fans from El Paso and throughout the Nation who have made this annual event a tremendous success. In particular, I would like to acknowledge Bernie Olivas, Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association, and Gerald Rubin, CEO of Helen of Troy, for sponsoring this great event, as well as Joe Valenzuela, Frank Bates and Linda East, current, incoming and past presidents of the Sun Bowl Association Board of Directors.

At its humble beginnings, the Sun Bowl was put together as a fund- raiser by the Kiwanis Club in 1935. The event originated as a small high school matchup and grew into a major nationally televised bowl game in Division I football. As you can see by this first picture, this captured some of the flavor of the history in El Paso that was known then as ``the Sun Bowl City.''

The first game featured the El Paso High School All-Stars versus the Ranger High School Bulldogs and was played at the El Paso High School stadium, where the All-Star team came from behind to garner a 25-21 victory over the Bulldogs.

The Sun Bowl Association was formed immediately after that successful first game, and a coalition of local El Paso area service clubs, including the Rotary, Lions, Optimist, and the 20-30 Club, joined together to coordinate events around the bowl game every year.

After gathering input from the community, the event was named the Sun Bowl, and the first collegiate game was played in 1936. This game was a match between New Mexico A&M--which is now New Mexico State--and Hardin-Simmons College, and the Sun Bowl has grown from there. In its inception, it was played at the 15,000-seat Kidd Field in 1938 on the campus of what is now the University of Texas at El Paso. The game was moved again in 1963 to our new 30,000-seat Sun Bowl Stadium. And in 1982, the Sun Bowl game took place in the newly expanded Sun Bowl Stadium, with a seating capacity of over 50,000 people. This is a picture of our Sun Bowl Stadium.

Last month, over 49,000 fans attended the 75th Annual Brut Sun Bowl to watch the Oregon State Beavers defeat the Pittsburgh Panthers to become this year's Sun Bowl champion.

The television network, CBS, has been broadcasting the Sun Bowl since 1968, making it the longest continuous broadcast of a post-season football game. The crowd itself of this year's Sun Bowl game also has made history, not so much by the attendance, but for being the largest crowd, according to the Guinness Book of Record, to dance to the Village People's 1978 disco anthem, ``YMCA.'' Here you have a picture of part of the crowd that captures some of the energy and excitement of the 75th Sun Bowl on that day.

To commemorate the 75th anniversary, the Sun Bowl Association added two more names to its ``Legends of the Sun Bowl'' list. The ``Legends of the Sun Bowl'' include coaches, players, broadcasters, and longtime volunteers of the Sun Bowl. This year's recipients were Priest Holmes, a 1994 player for the University of Texas, and Craig Silver, a CBS sports commentator from 1983 to 2005. Among other notable ``Legends of the Sun Bowl'' are the late Pat Tillman, Thurman Thomas, Pat Summerall, and Tony Dorsett, seen here in this final picture showing Tony Dorsett in action in the Sun Bowl Stadium.

Along with my remarks, I would like to submit a copy of the names of the previous legends of the Sun Bowl for inclusion in the Record.

Legends of the Sun Bowl

2008--Priest Holmes--Player, Texas (1994), Craig Silver--

CBS Sports (1983-2005)

2007--Cornelius Bennett--Player, Alabama (1983 & 1986), Don

James--Coach, Washington (1979 & 1986)

2006--Tony Franklin--Player, Texas A&M (1977), Grant

Teaff--Coach, Baylor (1992)

2005--Terry Donahue--Coach, UCLA (1991); CBS Sports (1995),

Verne Lundquist--CBS Sports (1988, 1992, 2000-05)

2004--Pat Tillman (Posthumously)--Player, Arizona State

(1997), Alex Van Pelt--Player, Pittsburgh (1989)

2003--Ken Heineman--Player, El Paso All-Stars (1935),

2002--Thurman Thomas--Player, Oklahoma State (1987)

2001--John H. Folmer--Administrator, Barry Switzer--Coach,

Oklahoma (1981)

2000--Vince Dooley--Coach, Georgia (1964, 1969 & 1985),

Derrick Thomas (Posthumously)--Player, Alabama (1986 & 1988)

1999--Hayden Fry--Coach, SMU (1963) and Iowa (1995 & 1997),

Jimmy Rogers, Jr.--Administrator

1998--Jesse Whittenton--UTEP (1954 & 1955)

1997--Tom Brookshier--CBS Sports (1973, 1977-1981), Pat

Summerall--CBS Sports (1971, 1977-80)

1996--Tony Dorsett--Player, Pittsburgh (1975),

1995--Johnny Majors--Coach, Iowa State (1971), Pittsburgh

(1975) and Tennessee (1984)

1994--Harrison Kohl--Administrator, Bill Stevens--Player,

UTEP (1965 & 1967), Charley Johnson--Player, New Mexico State

(1959 & 1960)

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to highlight this very special event in El Paso, one that is very important and very much a part of the city's history and folklore. The Sun Bowl is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the natural geographic beauty and the friendly atmosphere that make our community very special. The success of the Sun Bowl is a testament to the hard work of the Sun Bowl Association as well as the numerous community partners and sponsors, and I look forward to many more successful years of this wonderful tradition.

I want to congratulate all the Sun Bowl Association members and our great community for putting on a great show every year.