Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, unfortunately yesterday, May 13, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on H. Res. 427, H. Con. Res. 84 and H.R. 2162.

Had I been present for Rollcall No. 246, on agreeing to the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2187, the 21st Century Green High- Performing Public School Facilities Act, I would have voted ``nay.''

Had I been present for Rollcall No. 247, on suspending the Rules and passing H. Con. Res. 84, Supporting the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for Rollcall No. 248, on suspending the Rules and passing H.R. 2162, the Herbert A. Littleton Postal Station, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, unfortunately last night, May 12, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on the Motion to Table the Flake Question of Privilege, H. Res. 413 and H. Res. 378 and wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been able to vote.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 243, on the Motion to Table Representative Flake's Question of Privilege, I would have voted ``nay.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 244, on suspending the Rules and passing H. Res. 413, Supporting the goals and ideals of ``IEEE Engineering the Future'' Day on May 13, 2009, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 245, on suspending the Rules and passing H. Res. 378, Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the

election of Margaret Thatcher as the first female Prime Minister of Great Britain, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, on May 4, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on H. Res. 230 and H. Con. Res. 111 and wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been able to vote.

Had I been present for Roll Call No. 229, on suspending the Rules and passing H. Res. 230, Recognizing the historical significance of the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for Roll Call No. 230, on suspending the Rules and passing H. Con. Res. 111, Recognizing the 61st anniversary of the Independence of the State of Israel, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, unfortunately last night, April 27, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on H. Res. 329, H.R. 1746, and H. Res. 335 and wish the Record to reflect my intentions had I been able to vote.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 207, on suspending the Rules and passing H. Res. 295, Recognizing the anniversary of the tragic accident of the steamboat ship SS Sultana, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 208, on suspending the Rules and passing H.R. 1746, the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Act of 2009, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 209, on suspending the Rules and passing H. Res. 335, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Volunteer Week, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Fred Welch, a dedicated and selfless member of the community who passed away on March 13, 2009.

Fred was born in Linden, Tennessee and later attended the University of Tennessee. After graduation he attended Auburn University and Iowa State University. Fred's areas of specialty were in soil science, specifically soil fertility and fertilizers. This area of expertise led him to work at the Georgia Experiment Station, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and finally the agronomy department at the University of Illinois.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, whom he married in 1956 in Cherokee, Alabama. They were blessed with three sons, five granddaughters, and three grandsons. After retiring from the University of Illinois in 1990, Fred and his wife traveled whenever possible and founded an active seniors group that meets once a month to discuss politics and meet candidates. This organization, the Active Senior Republicans, has grown from just the two of them to over one hundred citizens of the Champaign area.

I hope all of you will join me in recognizing Fred Welch for his contributions to his community, Champaign County, and the University of Illinois.

Madam Speaker, on March 30, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on the Motion to Table H. Res. 295, H.R. 20, and H.R. 479 and wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been able to vote.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 163, on the Motion to Table H. Res. 295, Raising a question of the privileges of the House, I would have voted ``nay.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 164, on suspending the Rules and passing H.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 165, on suspending the Rules and passing H.R. 479, the Wakefield Act, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Truman Allen and Susan L. Moore for their contributions to the Young Men's Christian Association.

Truman Allen Moore was born to Truman E. and Margaret Allen Moore with three siblings. Truman married the love of his life Susan L. Lacy at the beginning of his post-graduate education on August 19, 1967. They have a daughter and a son, Amanda and Mark. Truman obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business in 1967 and a Master of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University in 1971.

Truman's first job for the YMCA was an Assistant Physical Director in Danville while in his post-graduate education. From this position, he rose to Program Director in Paris then to Kewanee. Truman was promoted to Executive Director of YMCA Youth and Government at Kewanee in 1974. He then served this position at Knox County from 1978-2001 and Champaign County for two years before becoming President of YMCA Youth and Government.

Lester Y. and Luella C. Lacy had a daughter named Susan L. Moore on October 16, 1944. She grew up with a brother and a sister. Susan graduated from Kansas High School in 1962 as the Valedictorian. She went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Education from DePauw University in Indiana in 1966 and a Master of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University in 1971.

She began her professional life by becoming a teacher at the grade school level. Susan served Illinois in towns Flossmoor, Danville, and Charleston while pursuing her Master's. She worked at the Wethersfield School in Kewanee as a reading specialist for second graders while volunteering with the YMCA Youth and Government. She became its secretary in 1979 before becoming the Program Director in 2001.

I hope all of you will join me in recognizing Truman and Susan Moore for their contributions to the YMCA and their communities.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately last night, March 16, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on H.R. 987, H.R. 1217, and H.R. 1284. I was dealing with the death of a very dear friend of mine over the weekend and was visiting with his family Monday night.

Had I been present for Rollcall No. 125, on suspending the Rules and passing H.R. 987, naming the John Scott Challis, Jr. Post Office, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for Rollcall No. 126, on suspending the Rules and passing H.R. 1217, naming the Specialist Peter J. Navarro Post Office, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for Rollcall No. 127, on suspending the Rules and passing H.R. 1284, naming the Major Ed W. Freeman Post Office, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

(1) Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2009 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill included in H.R. 1105

Account: Higher Education

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Eastern Illinois University

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

Description of Request: $190,000 for the Eastern Illinois University for the purchase of a new campus-wide siren and emergency system upgrade to extend the communication from the county emergency management officials into the classrooms and other interior public campus space. The proposed system will have emergency notification from both the classroom to the emergency responders and also from the emergency responders into the classrooms. The systems will be designed to crosstalk between the campus distributed fire alarm systems, computer network, and wireless speakers. This system will be expanded to provide more effective and efficient notification to the campus and public. Of this funding, $90,400 will be used for 226 interior speakers at public locations around the campus, $33,500 will be used to install the wireless computer center, $6,700 will retrofit existing alarms and interface with radio connections, $21,200 will be spent to purchase and install panic buttons and their mobile receivers across campus, and $38,200 is set aside for Higher Education (FIPSE) administrative costs.

(2) Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2009 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill included in H.R. 1105

Account: Economic Development Initiatives

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Octave Chanute Aerospace Heritage Foundation-Chanute Air Museum

Address of Requesting Entity: 1011 Pacesetter Drive, Rantoul, IL 61866

Description of Request: $118,750 for the construction of a new building for historic aircraft display. Of this amount, $70,000 will be used for property acquisition, $8,000 will be allocated for a site survey, $13,000 will be used to conduct a feasibility study by an architectural firm, and $27,750 will be used for the installation of public facilities on site.

(3) Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2009 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill included in H.R. 1105

Account: Innovation and Improvement

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: National Writing Project

Address of Requesting Entity: 2105 Bancroft Way #1042, Berkeley, California 94720

Description of Request: $24,291,000 for the National Writing Project to fund programs in teacher development, quality writing, and research to help improve student performance in writing across the nation.

(4) Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2009 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill included in H.R. 1105

Account: Innovation and Improvement

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Reading is Fundamental

Address of Requesting Entity: 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20009

Description of Request: $24,803,000 for the Reading is Fundamental program which prepares children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to children in-need across the country.

(5) Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2009 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill included in H.R. 1105

Account: Innovation and Improvement

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Center for Civic Education

Address of Requesting Entity: 5145 Douglas Fir Road, Calabasas, California 91302

Description of Request: $25,095,000 for the Center for Civic Education to be used to support programs that educate American students about our nation's fundamental ideals and democratic values.

(6) Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2009 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill included in H.R. 1105

Account: Safe Schools and Citizenship Education

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: National Council of Economic Education

Address of Requesting Entity: 1140 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 202, New York, New York 10036

Description of Request: $5,019,000 for the National Council of Economic Education to support programs that educate American students about our nation's fundamental ideals and democratic values.

(7) Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2009 Energy & Water Appropriations bill included in H.R. 1105

Account: Army Corps of Engineers, Investigations

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District

Address of Requesting Entity: Clock Tower Bldg., PO Box 2004, Rock Island, IL 61204

Description of Request: $8,604,000 for the first phases of construction of new 1,200 foot lock chambers at L/Ds 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, LaGrange and Peoria; for implementing small-scale navigation aids; and beginning ecosystem restoration projects along the Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the Army Corps of Engineers, Investigations account and has previously been authorized by P.L. 99- 662 and P.L. 110-280 Sec. 8001-8005.

(8) Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2009 Energy & Water Appropriations bill included in H.R. 1105

Account: Army Corps of Engineers, Construction

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District

Address of Requesting Entity: Clock Tower Building, PO Box 2004, Rock Island, Il 61204

Description of Request: $17,713,000 to address the adverse impacts to the aquatic ecosystem caused by maintenance of the river's navigation channel. This includes habitat rehabilitation and measures to determine if enhancement projects are effectively preserving and improving fish and wildlife habitat on the river.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Richard M. Schoell, Executive Director of the Office of Governmental Relations at the University of Illinois. Rick recently announced his retirement from the University after spending 22 years of dedicated time and effort ensuring that the University of Illinois remains one of the premier research institutions in the world.

I have known Rick for every one of those 22 years through my time as a State Representative in Illinois and as a Member of Congress, where I have been honored to be able to represent the University of Illinois' campus at Urbana-Champaign. His work ethic, dedication, and professionalism have been a reflection of his overall character and he will be sorely missed, not only on campus, but in my office as well.

Rick, I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you these past 22 years.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately on Friday March 6, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on Approving the Journal, the Motion to Recommit on H.J. Res. 38, and H.J. Res. 38 and wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been able to vote.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 107, on Approving the Journal, I would have voted ``aye''.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 108, on the Motion to Recommit on H.J. Res. 38, the Continuing Resolution, extending it through the end of Fiscal Year 2009, I would have voted ``aye''.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 109, on passing H.J. Res. 38, the Continuing Resolution through March 11, 2009, I would have voted ``nay''. It is high time we buckled down and got our work done in a timely fashion and in an open and transparent process. This Omnibus Appropriations bill is long overdue, but at the same time we should not be throwing a bill on the House floor that has been cobbled together by a select few Democrats behind closed doors. The result is what we witnessed in the Senate where it could not pass by the time the current CR expired and the need arose to pass another short term CR through March 11, 2009. This process needs reform and it is my hope that the FY2010 Appropriations process will move under regular order and by the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2009.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately last night, March 9, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on H. Res. 210, H. Res. 222, and H.R. 131.

Had I been present for Roll Call #110, on suspending the Rules and passing H. Res. 210, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that providing breakfast in schools through the National School Breakfast Program has a positive impact on classroom performance, I would have voted ``Aye.''

Had I been present for Roll Call #111, on suspending the Rules and passing H. Res. 222, Congratulating the National Assessment Governing Board on its 20th Anniversary in measuring student academic achievement, I would have voted ``Aye.''

Had I been present for Roll Call #112, on suspending the Rules and passing H.R. 131, the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act, I would have voted ``Aye.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 180th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Danville, Illinois.

Built on land so graciously dedicated by Reverend Enoch Kingsbury, the First Presbyterian Church was founded on March 7, 1829 by eight charter members. The Church provided the first school and library of Danville.

From its humble beginnings in the 1830s, the church took a stand against slavery. Confirming their stance on slavery, the church would be honored with a visit from Abraham Lincoln, where he worshiped when his duties as attorney brought him to Danville.

The First Presbyterian Church continues to have a positive impact on the community by establishing and supporting several programs including Aunt Martha's Youth service, a free clinic, Faith in action, a program for adults 60 years of age and older, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, a mentoring service for youth. The church is a strong supporter of the arts through the use of the Aeolian-Skinner Pipe organ and the use of their facilities for musical performances.

I hope all of you will join me in recognizing The First Presbyterian Church in its faithful mission to be servants of Christ, both in their church and their community.

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 Omnibus Appropriations bill that was included in H.R.1105:

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2009 Agriculture Appropriations bill included in H.R.1105

Account: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

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: Fiscal Year 2009 Agriculture Appropriations bill included in H.R.1105

Account: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

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: Fiscal Year 2009 Agriculture Appropriations bill included in H.R.1105

Account: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

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.

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2009 Agriculture Appropriations bill included in H.R.1105

Account: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

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: $564,000 for the Livestock Genome Sequencing Initiative at the University of Illinois and international partners in two consortia who are creating maps of the complete cattle and swine genomes. Of this amount $253,800 is for Personnel; $140,000 for Supplies; $115,400 for Services (sequencing); $17,000 for Travel; and $37,800 for USDA administrative costs.

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2009 Agriculture Appropriations bill included in H.R.1105

Account: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

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 exercises to serve state departments of agriculture and public health.

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2009 Agriculture Appropriations bill included in H.R.1105

Account: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: International Arid Lands Consortium

Address of Requesting Entity: 1955 East 6th Street, Tucson, AZ 85719

Description of Request: $401,000 for the International Arid Lands Consortium to use research and technical assistance expertise at the University of Illinois, University of Arizona, University of Nevada's DRI, New Mexico State University, Texas A&M University and South Dakota State University in the critical fields of sustainable agriculture, land management and water use. It cooperates with researchers in Israel, Jordan and Egypt to enhance its effectiveness. Of this amount $301,000 will go to peer reviewed research projects at the member institutions and $100,000 will go to administrative costs.

Requesting Member: Timothy V. Johnson

Bill Number: Fiscal Year 2009 CJS Appropriations bill included in

Madam Speaker, unfortunately yesterday, February 11, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on H. Con. Res. 47, H. Res. 154, and H.R. 448.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 60, on passing H. Con. Res. 47, Providing for an adjournment or recess of the two Houses, I would have voted ``nay.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 61, on suspending the rules and passing H. Res. 154, Honoring John D. Dingell for holding the record as the longest serving member of the House of Representatives, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 62, on suspending the rules and passing H.R. 448, the Elder Abuse Victims Act, I would have voted ``aye.''