Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on project funding, I am submitting the following information regarding project funding I requested as part of Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill--H.R. 3288:

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: H.R. 3288--Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill

Account: Federal Highway Administration--Transportation, Community & System Preservation

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Urbana, Illinois

Address of Requesting Entity: 706 South Glover Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61802

Description of Request: $750,000 for the City of Urbana to construct pedestrian and bicycle related improvements along Goodwin Avenue from Gregory Drive to Springfield Avenue on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana--Champaign. The entire $750,000 will be spent on construction costs related to the street improvements.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on project funding, I am submitting the following information regarding project funding I requested as part of Fiscal Year 2010 Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations bill--H.R. 3293:

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: H.R. 3293--Fiscal Year 2010 Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations bill

Account: Department of Health and Human Services--Health Resources and Services Administration--Health Facilities and Services

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Illinois State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 310 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, Illinois 61790

Description of Request: $500,000 for Illinois State University for curriculum development for an interdisciplinary Ph.D program in neurosciences to advance basic research and serve emerging health care needs in East Central Illinois. Of this amount, $250,000 is for personnel, $200,000 will purchase equipment, and $50,000 is for supplies, commodities, and office communications.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on project funding, I am submitting the following information regarding project funding I requested as part of Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill--H.R. 3183:

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: H.R. 3183--Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill

Account: Department of Energy--EERE

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Eastern Illinois University

Address of Requesting Entity: 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920

Description of Request: $1,000,000 for Eastern Illinois University to replace the campus central thermal plant with a biomass-fired combined heat and power center. Of this amount $1,000,000 will purchase equipment for the new plant.

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: H.R. 3183--Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill Account: Department of Energy--EERE

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Heartland Community College

Address of Requesting Entity: 1500 West Raab Road, Normal, Illinois 61761

Description of Request: $250,000 for the Illinois Community College Sustainability Network which will strengthen Illinois community colleges' capacity to promote and provide energy education and sustainable practices across Illinois. Of this amount, $173,040 is for energy efficiency and green job training personnel; $77,040 is for supplies and material support.

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: H.R. 3183--Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill

Account: Department of Energy--EERE

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Richland Community College

Address of Requesting Entity: One College Park, Decatur, Illinois 62521

Description of Request: $500,000 for Richland Community College to expand on the existing biofuels degree program in an effort to provide a more comprehensive bioenergy program to include biodiesel, bioethanol, and other bioenergies in coordination with renewable energy programs. Of this amount $500,000 is for equipment.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on project funding, I am submitting the following information regarding project funding I requested as part of Fiscal Year 2010 Financial Services Appropriations bill H.R. 3170:

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2010 Financial Services Appropriations bill

Account: Small Business Administration

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Illinois State University

Address of Requesting Entity: Campus Box 4040, Hovey 310, Normal, IL 61790-4040

Description of Request: $100,000 for a program to assist small to medium sized companies in Illinois in the expansion of exports by providing international planning, marketing and distribution expertise. It is my understanding that this funding will be used as follows: $50,000 for personnel; $40,000 for faculty and student travel; and $10,000 for supplies, marketing, and printing.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately Monday night, July 13, 2009, I was unable to cast my vote on the Motion to Adjourn.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 530, on the Motion to Adjourn, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on project funding, I am submitting the following information regarding project funding I requested as part of Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill--H.R. 2997:

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill

Account: National Institute of Food and Agriculture--SRG

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Illinois

Address of Requesting Entity: College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, 1301 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801

Description of Request: $176,000 for the University of Illinois Extension to extend its MarketMaker information technology platform to a national level that will enable food producers, processors, wholesalers and retailers electronic access to geographically- referenced data, thus enhancing the opportunity for food and agricultural entrepreneurs to identify and develop new and profitable markets and improve the efficiency and profitability of food systems in the United States and globally. Of this amount $91,277 is for personnel; $28,752 for Supplies; $17,204 for Publications; $13,198 for Services; $13,679 for travel; and $11,890 for USDA administrative costs.

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill

Account: National Institute of Food and Agriculture--SRG

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Illinois-

Address of Requesting Entity: College of Veterinary Medicine, 1008 Hazelwood Dr., Urbana, IL 61802

Description of Request: $235,000 for the Illinois Center for One Medicine, One Health at the University of Illinois which will focus on research, training and outreach efforts designed to improve our society's preparedness and response to natural and intentional exposures of biological, chemical and physical agents. Of this amount $117,500 is for research; $47,000 is for the instruction of courses various academic programs; and $70,500 for training programs and excercises to serve state departments of agriculture and public health.

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill

Account: National Institute of Food and Agriculture--SRG

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Illinois

Address of Requesting Entity: College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, 1301 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801

Description of Request: $461,000 for the University of Illinois to conduct collaborative, multidisciplinary research to promote optimal human health by studying novel attributes of food. Of this amount $322,300 is for Personnel; $14,000 is for Participant/Trainee Support; $60,600 for Supplies; $3,300 for Publications; $29,800 for Travel; and $31,000 for USDA administrative costs.

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill

Account: National Institute of Food and Agriculture--SRG

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Illinois

Address of Requesting Entity: College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, 1301 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801

Description of Request: $745,000 for the Soybean Disease Biotechnology Center, located within the National Soybean Research Laboratory (NSRL) at the University of Illinois, which provides cutting edge research and a first line of defense against major soybean diseases. Of this amount $595,000 is for Personnel; $80,000 for Supplies; $20,000 for Travel; and $50,000 for USDA administrative costs.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Veterans of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 601 in Champaign, Illinois. On July 11, IBEW Local 601 will be sponsoring a World War II Heritage Day which will honor 48 of their members who fought for our freedom in World War II.

The citizens of the United States of America find great inspiration in the men and women of our armed forces. We hold our revered veterans with the highest respect and admiration, remembering those who stepped forth with tremendous courage to make the ultimate sacrifice in World War II. On July 11, 2009 we join to celebrate a particularly inspiring group of this nation's citizens, the World War II Veterans of IBEW Local 601 who served with remarkable dedication to protect our cherished ideals of freedom and democracy.

Throughout the history of our great nation, brave and patriotic individuals answered the most honorable call to serve this country. Out of the bloodshed and carnage of World War II rose shining examples of selfless courage, heroism and glorious deeds performed under the direst of circumstances and against a background of unprecedented loss of lives.

From the moment of the first attack upon Pearl Harbor to the declarations of victory in Europe and Japan, this assault waged upon the entire world took an enormous toll in terms of human casualties. They went off willingly to the battlefields, seas and skies of Europe and the South Pacific to risk their lives.

I have the utmost respect for the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines of our armed forces who bravely served this nation during

World War II and welcome the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the members of IBEW Local 601 for their valiant efforts in defending freedom and democracy, and in building a more peaceful world.

To commemorate the noble service and sacrifices of IBEW Local 601 World War II Veterans, I would like to read each of their names into the Congressional Record.

IBEW Local 601 World War II Veterans who served in the U.S. Navy:

Andrew Messmer

Arlo Deremial

Earl ``Pete'' Schweighart

Evan B. Renn

Fred L. Cline

Robert F. McNattin

Glen Wilsky

Howard McIntosh

Hugh Bothwell

Frederick C. Treseler

Morgan C. Craft

Richard G. Hensler

Merle R. ``Bud'' Mingee

Robert Carley

Ralph L. Allison

Ross Brown

Cecil E. Reynolds

Al Schaede

Richard McNattin

Miles P. ``Olie'' Bland

Orville L. Bell

John P. Bothwell

Lafayette C. Craft

Russell Reynolds

IBEW Local 601 World War II Veterans who served in the U.S. Army:

Brice ``Speedy'' Hartyman

Clarence Berger

Dale Terven

David R. Goodwin

Floyd H. Ellis

George Panbacker

Robert Faullin

George Bland

Howard Barham

Russell E. Wicks

Glen ``Red'' Eastman

Nyles R. `` Shorty'' Hardyman

Wally Lamb

Harold E. McHenry

Paul Rubenacker

IBEW Local 601 World War II Veterans who served in the U.S. Army Air Force:

E. L. ``Al'' Ruthstrom

Lynn Norris

Donald E. Wonders

Harold Schweighart

Wayne Billhymer

Leo J. Francis

John J. Minneci

IBEW Local 601 World War II Veterans who served in the U.S. Marines:

Harold Clements

Richard Henry Hillier, Jr.

May their noble service and sacrifices be remembered forever. I know the House of Representatives will join me in honoring the Veterans of IBEW Local 601 for their World War II Heritage Day on July 11, 2009.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 425, I was present on the floor, but due to a malfunction, my vote was not recorded.

Due to insufficient time to consider the subject before us, adjournment was the most responsible alternative. Thus my vote below would be in the affirmative.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 380, I was present the entire eight hours. Due to a apparent machine malfunction, I was not recorded as voting. This amendment is both fiscally responsible and addresses another excess in spending that continues to drive upward our national debt, crippling current economic growth and saddling future generations with an unacceptable burden which will strangle taxpayers and reduce critical essential benefits to social services, especially seniors.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, unfortunately Monday night, June 15, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on H. Res. 430, H.R. 2325, H.R. 729 and H. Res. 540.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 336, on suspending the rules and passing H. Res. 430, Expressing condolences to the citizens of Italy and support for the Government of Italy in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the Abruzzo region of central Italy, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 337, on suspending the rules and passing H.R. 2325, the Laredo Veterans Post Office, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 338, on suspending the rules and passing H.R. 729, Phylicia's Law, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 339, on suspending the rules and passing H. Res. 540, Expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the catastrophic explosion at the ConAgra Foods plant in Garner, North Carolina, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on project funding, I am submitting the following information regarding project funding I requested as part of Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Appropriations bill that was included in H.R. 2638:

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill

Account: COPS-METH

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Illinois State University

Address of Requesting Entity: Campus Box 4040, Hovey 310, Normal, IL 61790-4040

Description of Request: $200,000 to expand an innovative new program addressing the epidemic of methamphetamine use through treatment of arrested juveniles from rural populations. It is my understanding that this funding will be used as follows: $40,000 for psychiatric services; $30,000 for post discharge treatment; $35,000 for treatment Supplies; $20,000 for evaluation research consultants; $50,000 for salaries; and $25,000 for travel.

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill

Account: NOAA-ORF

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Illinois State Geological Survey

Address of Requesting Entity: 615 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign, IL 61820

Description of Request: $800,000 for the Illinois State Geological Survey to continue their Height Modernization project. The project would update the benchmarks in the state (approximately half can no longer be located), unify the database of benchmarks, and provide a digital elevation (LiDAR) model for the state. It is my understanding that the funding will be used as follows: $68,000 for salaries; $13,723 for travel; $8,000 for computer hardware and services; $210,000 for level lines and benchmarks in northern Illinois; $50,000 for Continuously Operating Reference (CORS) station; $180,000 for LiDAR data collection; $2,000 for outreach forums; $359 for commodities; $400 for telecommunications; $134,718 for facilities and administration at the University of Illinois; and $132,800 for NOAA/NGS overhead.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 333, H.R. 1886 would provide an element of stability in the troubled Middle East, but its cost, in these economic times, is excessive. As a result, I determined a ``present'' vote to be appropriate. I was present on the House floor for all votes prior to and after this vote on final passage; and due to a malfunction in the voting process, I was shown as ``Not Voting.'' This explanation is filed due to the unusual nature of the substance of the issue, and my position and recordation of same.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately on June 8, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on H.R. 1736, H.R. 1709, and H. Res. 420. Had I been able to vote, I would have voted as follows:

Had I been present for rollcall No. 311, on suspending the rules and passing H.R. 1736, International Science and Technology Cooperation Act, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 312, on suspending the Rules and passing H.R. 1709, STEM Education Coordination Act of 2009, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 313, on suspending the Rules and passing H. Res. 420, Celebrating the symbol of the United States flag and supporting the goals and ideals of Flag Day, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, unfortunately last night, June 2, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on H. Res. 421, H.J. Res. 40, and H. Res. 489 and wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been able to vote.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 292, on suspending the rules and passing H. Res. 421, Recognizing and commending the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on its 75th year anniversary, I would have voted ``Aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 293, on suspending the Rules and passing H.J. Res. 40, To honor the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``Aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 294, on suspending the rules and passing H. Res. 489, Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the suppression of protesters and citizens in and around Tiananmen Square, I would have voted ``Aye.''

Madam Speaker, unfortunately Monday night, May 18, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on H. Res. 300, S. 386 and H. Res. 442 and wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been able to vote.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 267, on suspending the rules and passing H. Res. 300, Congratulating Camp Dudley YMCA of Westport, New York, on the occasion of its 125th anniversary, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for Rollcall No. 268, on suspending the Rules and agreeing to the Senate Amendments to the House Amendments on S. 386, the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for Rollcall No. 269, on suspending the Rules and passing H. Res. 442, Recognizing the importance of the Child and Adult Care Food Program and its positive effect on the lives of low-income children and families, I would have voted ``aye.''