Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, which seeks to pay tribute and recognize the important work of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

I am honored to yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this important resolution, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

Madam Speaker, yes, I do. I have at least two additional speakers.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Royce).

Madam Speaker, I am honored to yield to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren), who played an important role in the foundation and formation of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 1984, as much time as he may consume.

Madam Speaker, I, again, urge a ``yes'' vote in support of this important resolution and commend Mr. Poe for his sponsorship, as well as Mr. Lungren for his important work in the foundation of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 454, recognizing the 25th anniversary of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

In 1979, while on his way to school, 6-year-old Etan Patz disappeared from the streets of New York City. In 1981, 6-year-old Adam Walsh disappeared from a Florida shopping mall. The media attention and search efforts that resulted from these two cases focused the nation's attention on the problem of child abduction and the need for a coordinated effort to address this problem.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, NCMEC, as it is called in acronym, was created by Congress in 1984, through the Missing Children's Assistance Act. NCMEC works in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice and is the nation's resource center and clearinghouse for information on missing and exploited children. Since 1984, NCMEC has assisted law enforcement with more than 154,000 missing child cases, resulting in the recovery of more than 138,000 children.

NCMEC's mission includes helping to prevent child abduction and sexual exploitation; helping to find missing children; and assisting victims of child abduction and sexual exploitation, their families, and the professionals who serve them. NCMEC provides assistance to families and law enforcement agencies in locating and recovering missing and exploited children, both nationally and internationally.

NCMEC offers many services, including a 24-hour call center. NCMEC's toll-free national hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST, has handled more than 2.3 million calls.

NCMEC also manages a distribution system for missing-child photos; a system of case management and technical assistance for law enforcement and families; training programs for Federal, State and local law enforcement; and programs designed to help stop the sexual exploitation of children.

NCMEC is the only private, non-profit organization that combines these resources to provide support to law enforcement, state clearinghouses, and parents working to find missing children.

I stand in support of this resolution recognizing the 25th Anniversary of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. I ask for my colleagues' support.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise to announce the projects that I have requested for my Congressional District within the Fiscal Year 2010 Appropriations bills. My office is regularly contacted by non- profit and other organizations within the 19th Congressional District, as well as state and local government entities, to request federal funding as part of the eleven annual appropriations bills. This year sixty-five funding requests were submitted to my office and were reviewed by a ten member advisory board comprised of community leaders throughout the 19th District. The breakdown of members from the three counties was done on an approximate per capita basis.

Based on the recommendations of the board, the following are domestic projects which will be forwarded to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration. If more than five requests were received for a particular appropriations bill, rankings by the board were used to reduce the number of requests to five or--in the event of a tie--six.

All of the projects listed below will compete against all of the other projects submitted by Members of Congress for consideration by the Appropriations Committee. Their appearance on this list does not guarantee that they will receive funding, nor that any funding they receive will be in the amount requested.

Labor-Health-Education Appropriations Bill:

Goodling Advanced Skills Center: The William F. Goodling Regional Advanced Skills Learning Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) training center providing industry-led training to incumbent workers, dislocated workers, and new entrants into the workforce. Training is also provided to high school seniors. The Advanced Skills Learning Center would use this funding to create the Goodling Innovation and New Technology (GIANT) Center. The GIANT Center will help private industry leverage their idle intellectual properties by matching them with existing companies and start-up businesses in need of those technologies, thereby serving as the link between technology excess and technology success. Additionally, funding would be used for startup costs of this initiative, allowing the GIANT Center to develop a resource network in the region, and assist with administrative costs, staffing needs, and marketing initiatives. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because, due to the increasingly competitive nature of the global economy, firms must innovate in order to survive by developing new technologies, products, and processes. The GIANT Center would play a critical role in working with companies, allowing them to remain competitive. ($300,000)

William F. Goodling Regional Advanced Skills Center, 2101 Pennsylvania Avenue, York, PA 17404.

Hanover Hospital: Hanover Hospital would use this funding to convert all paper records at the hospital to an electronic medical record system. This is a good use of taxpayer dollars because the use of such records is proven to

improve clinical outcomes and enables health systems to better define, measure, monitor, and reward quality care. Electronic medical records create efficiencies for patients, physicians, and the hospital. ($1 million)

Hanover Hospital, 300 Highland Avenue, Hanover, PA 17331.

Holy Spirit Hospital: Holy Spirit Hospital would use this funding to provide improved outpatient mental health services for older adults within their Seniors' Behavioral Health Services Outreach Program. Funding would be used to partially support the salary costs of trained psychotherapists providing education and support services and registered nurses providing medical support in lieu of the psychiatrist. In addition, funding would be used to produce educational materials specific to mental health issues concerning older adults. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because current barriers to mental health treatment remain significant, and the mental health needs of older adults in the Cumberland, York and Adams County areas remain largely unmet. ($100,000)

Holy Spirit Hospital, 503 North 21st Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011

Memorial Hospital: Memorial Hospital would use this funding to purchase a new Digital Mammography Unit for the Memorial Hospital Breast Center. The unit would allow for high quality digital breast images to provide earlier diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because breast cancer continues to be on the rise in York County and across the nation. Early detection through mammography is key to early treatment and survival of women diagnosed. ($100,000)

Memorial Hospital, 325 Belmont Street, York, PA 17403.

WellSpan Health: WellSpan Health would use this funding to purchase a remote monitoring system for the York Hospital Emergency Transitional Care Unit, allowing physicians to monitor patients in a distant location without physically leaving the main Emergency Department. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the remote monitoring system would create remote access using video/audio conferencing technology so that a physician could monitor multiple patients at one time. In addition, while caring for a patient in the main emergency department, the physician could answer questions and communicate with patients and families who are waiting in the Emergency Transitional Care Unit, eliminating the constant disruption of walking back and forth. ($99,500)

WellSpan Health, 912 South George Street, York, PA 17403.

York College of Pennsylvania: York College of Pennsylvania is a private, four-year institution of higher education serving over 5,600 students. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because York College would use this funding to expand their existing Nursing Department. Specifically, funds would be used to refurbish laboratories and purchase equipment related to the project. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because York College operates one of the largest bachelorette nursing programs in the region. York College's ability to continue providing a pool of highly educated and trained nursing graduates helps fill the critical demand for nurses, both locally and nationally. ($500,000)

York College of Pennsylvania, 441 Country Club Road, York, PA 17403.

Homeland Security Appropriations Bill:

Carroll Valley Borough: Carroll Valley Borough of Pennsylvania is located in Adams County and is a self-governing incorporated borough. Carroll Valley would use this funding to create a Southwest Adams Regional Fleet Fueling Station for First Responders. This above-ground fuel tank system would be accessible to regional first responders on a 24 hour basis to refuel their vehicles. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because it would assist the Fairfield Regional Emergency Management Agency (FREMA) in providing resources to first responders during a declared disaster/emergency. ($80,700)

Carroll Valley Borough, 5685 Fairfield Road, Fairfield, PA 17320.

Cumberland County Government: Cumberland County would use this funding to construct a new facility for the Department of Public Safety, the Office of Emergency Preparedness (including the Emergency Operations Center), and the 911 Public Safety Answering Point. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the County is a critical regional player in emergency planning and response and this facility would assist Cumberland County in executing these responsibilities. ($1 million)

Cumberland County Government, 1 Courthouse Square, Room 200, Carlisle, PA 17013.

Agriculture Appropriations Bill:

Nutricore Northeast: NutriCore Northeast, a not-for-profit alliance of corporations, industry organizations, research universities, and municipal communities, was established in 2003 as the National Center of Excellence in Food and Nutrition Research. This alliance funds nutrition research programs and coordinates services to both industry and government agencies to maximize their investments in food or nutrition research and development. NutriCore would use these funds for research projects as well as staffing and overhead costs. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because food manufacturing and food safety are critical components in our national economy and society. NutriCore NorthEast is directly supporting the development of healthier foods, and providing technological and scientific resources to farmers and food processors that were previously unavailable to them. ($500,000)

NutriCore NorthEast, 144 Roosevelt Avenue, York, PA 17401.

Penn State University--Improved Dairy Management Practices: Penn State is a public university. Some of the most important challenges facing the dairy industry today lie in the areas of nutrient and emission management. Penn State faculty will use this funding to research nutrient management through cow nutrition modification and the impacts of emission from dairy operations. In addition, funding will be used to develop new technologies to address problems associated with dairy production in Pennsylvania in an effort to improve water quality, lower impacts of air emissions, and use energy more efficiently. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the sale of dairy products accounts for nearly half the farm gate value of Pennsylvania's agricultural income. The profitability of Pennsylvania dairy farms is inextricably tied to management decisions that are being made by farmers. ($550,000)

Penn State University, 117 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802.

Penn State University--Integrated Bioenergy Farm: Penn State would use this funding to create an Integrated Bioenergy Farm. Bioenergy crops would be integrated into food production cropping systems relevant to the Northeast. Initially six systems would be implemented at field-scale to demonstrate the opportunities and challenges associated with reducing fossil energy dependence and greenhouse gas production of farming systems. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because Bioenergy crops harvested from these fields would be converted into biodiesel at Penn State's student run biodiesel pilot plant, ethanol (including cellulosic) at a nearby Bioenergy International pilot plant, or pelletized at the Penn State Energy Institute. ($1 million)

Penn State University, 117 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802.

Penn State University--Milk Safety Program: Penn State would use this funding to identify issues in milk and dairy products safety and seek interventions that can be transferred to producers, processors, distributors, and retailers to continue to improve consumer confidence in the quality of their food supply. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because dairy is the single largest economic component of the Pennsylvania agricultural portfolio. ($800,000)

Penn State University, 117 Old Main, University Park, 16802.

Penn State University--Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources: Penn State University would use this funding to create a new collaborative research and education program that will help diverse farm operations better adopt more sustainable farming practices. Investment in this special grant would increase field research and demonstration to increase the exposure of farm advisors and farmers to sustainable cropping system practices. Practices to be further investigated include: crop species and cultivars for inclusion in crop rotations that improve the performance of sustainable and organic cropping systems, especially for the Northeast; fine-tuning of management guidelines for mechanical control of cover crops and weeds in conservation and no-tillage systems to reduce or eliminate herbicides; factors that better promote conservation of biological control organisms and beneficial soil microorganisms for weed seed predation and management of other pests; and practices that increase soil organic matter. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the demand for increased farmer understanding and adoption of sustainable farming practices continues to be a high priority in the agricultural community. ($400,000)

Penn State University, 117 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802.

Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Bill:

Adams County Department of Emergency Services: Adams County Department of Emergency Services is the Public Safety Answering Point for Adams County. The entity provides Public Safety Communications to all Emergency Response Agencies within Adams County. Adams County would use this funding to develop a new, standards based wireless communication system that will operate in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the system would be capable of supporting all public safety operations in the County and would allow for increased interoperability. ($200,000)

Adams County Department of Emergency Services, 230 Greenamyer Lane, Gettysburg, PA 17321.

Carlisle Borough: Carlisle Borough is a municipal government located in Cumberland County. Carlisle Borough would use this funding to acquire between 25 and 50 surveillance cameras to be installed in public areas in downtown Carlisle. The cameras would be operated remotely at the Carlisle Police Department. Cameras would be of a mobile, wireless variety so that they can be relocated if necessary. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because Carlisle has experienced an increase in crime, specifically robberies, which pose a public safety threat. The project is expected to deter crime and assist in the apprehension of suspects. ($200,000)

Carlisle Borough, 53 West South Street, Carlisle, PA 17013.

Cumberland County Government: Cumberland County would use this funding to relocate and replace communications infrastructure that is essential to the operation of the Department of Public Safety, the Office of Emergency Preparedness (including the Emergency Operations Center), and the 911 Public Safety Answering Point. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the County is a critical regional player in emergency planning and response and this facility would assist Cumberland County in executing these responsibilities. ($200,000)

Cumberland County Government, 1 Courthouse Square, Room 200, Carlisle, PA 17013.

Survivors, Inc: Survivors, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization which supports individuals who experience domestic violence or sexual assault. Survivors, Inc. provides a 24-hour crisis counseling hotline, shelter services, transitional housing, supportive counseling, support groups, and legal advocacy for individuals affected by domestic violence or sexual assault. Survivors, Inc. would use this funding to partially fund staff salaries, on-call stipends, and expenses for hotline provision. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because safety is one of the most essential needs to both individuals and society. When an individual is not safe in their own home they must have resources available to them to meet their needs. ($25,000)

Survivors, Inc., 233 West High Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

York County Children's Advocacy Center: The York County Children's Advocacy Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that works to reduce the trauma of child abuse investigations, foster professional collaboration and cooperation, and promote education and advocacy regarding the prevention of child abuse within the community. The York County Children's Advocacy Center would use this funding to establish the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE) Team. SAFE Team members are registered nurses who have advanced education and clinical preparation in forensic examination of sexual assault victims. The SAFE Team would provide compassionate care to victims of child abuse by simultaneously gathering evidence of a crime. Funds would be used to purchase medical supplies and cover exam costs. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because York County ranks as the third highest county in our Commonwealth for substantiated cases of child abuse. Currently, less than 10% of the children involved in substantiated cases receive a forensic medical exam. ($60,000)

York County Children's Advocacy Center, 28 South Queen Street, York,

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. My good friend and former colleague, Congressman Tom Davis, helped to champion this effort with Chairman Waxman for many years. With Congressman Davis' retirement last year, I'm honored to have taken

his place as the lead Republican sponsor of this important legislation and to have the privilege of working with Chairman Waxman and his staff on this important effort.

Mr. Speaker, tobacco is one of the deadliest consumer products on the market today. It kills over 400,000 Americans every year. Yet it is one of the least regulated of all consumer products. In other words, while the FDA has the authority to regulate seemingly harmless products such as lipstick, hair spray and shaving cream, to name just three, the FDA does not have the authority it needs to regulate one of the deadliest, if not the deadliest, products available for sale to our citizens. It is long past time when tobacco products should be subject to serious regulation to protect the public's health. This bill would finally accomplish this important goal.

First, this legislation would ensure that tobacco products are not advertised to or sold to children. Addiction to tobacco begins almost universally in childhood and in adolescence. Every day, almost 4,000 children try their first cigarette, and over 1,000 become daily smokers. Tobacco companies have long taken advantage of this vulnerability by promoting their products through such tactics as cartoon advertisements, free tobacco-themed merchandise that appeals to kids and through sponsorships of sports and entertainment events.

With health care costs spiraling out of control every year, the cost of treating these smokers later in life is fast becoming prohibitively expensive. Prohibiting advertising to children would go a long way in preventing young people in America from starting to smoke, and it would save billions of dollars and countless lives in the years to come.

Second, this legislation would require that tobacco products marketed as safer than other tobacco products are, in fact, demonstrated to be safer. The history of low-tar cigarettes illustrates the grave danger to public health caused by fooling consumers into believing unsubstantiated claims that one kind of cigarette is safer than another. Millions of Americans switched to low-tar cigarettes, believing they were reducing their risk of lung cancer. Many were convinced to switch instead of to quit. It was not until decades later that we learned through the deaths of those smoking low-tar cigarettes that low-tar cigarettes were just as dangerous as full-tar cigarettes. Under this legislation, we will not have to wait for the deaths of millions of more Americans to learn whether a so-called ``safer'' cigarette is what it claims to be.

This bill does not ban tobacco products. H.R. 1256 would allow the FDA to scientifically evaluate the health benefits and risks posed by ingredients in cigarettes, and it would take steps to reduce the harm caused by tobacco products. This legislation preserves an adult's choice to smoke. Even though I don't believe we want anyone to, it preserves that choice, and we make sure that those tobacco products that are marketed as safe alternatives to cigarettes are, in fact, scientifically proven to be safer.

Finally, I understand that some individuals have concerns with placing such authority under the FDA. I think it's important to note that the FDA already regulates products that people use to help quit smoking, such as nicotine gums and patches. In addition, this legislation does provide an entirely separate funding stream for the FDA's regulation of tobacco products to ensure that other important efforts carried out by this agency are not diminished.

I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

For the record, I believe there was reference that the reason we're not completely banning it is because of the influence of tobacco funds in campaigns. If I understand that correctly, I want to be on the record as one who doesn't accept any political action committee funds, including tobacco funds, and I've not received any such funds. Never have. Never will. This is about doing right for American citizens. It's about the health of our citizens. It's especially about the health of our children.

Vote ``yes'' and oppose this substitute. Support the underlying bill.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 1388, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, previously known as the Generations Invigorating Volunteering and Education Act, the GIVE Act.

This legislation strengthens and reauthorizes our Nation's national community service programs. I am not only pleased with the bipartisan work that took place to craft this bill, and I certainly want to recognize our full committee chairman, Chairman Miller, and Ranking Member McKeon, along with their staffs, and my subcommittee chairwoman, Congresswoman McCarthy from New York for her efforts as well, but I am also pleased with the work of our colleagues in the Senate, working with the House Members and negotiating for a very strong final product. It is because of this collective effort, this collaborative effort that we have such a good piece of legislation before us.

I believe this bill makes commonsense improvements to our Nation's national service programs. Not only does it provide increased flexibility for the States, but it also increases accountability and efficiency within the administration of the programs. It also reduces barriers for small and faith-based organizations to participate in these programs.

H.R. 1388 strengthens existing community and national service programs by providing year-round service opportunities for students and elderly alike and further encourages volunteer involvement by disadvantaged youth. This legislation also expands eligibility requirements for senior serving programs, such as foster grandparents, and the senior companion program, ensuring that individuals with an interest in serving have options available to them.

Finally, I am pleased that the legislation reorganizes AmeriCorps activities into several different corps focusing on national areas of need, such as education, health care, clean energy, and veterans.

I believe that the amendments made by the Senate further strengthen this legislation. A provision that was included on behalf of Senator Richard Burr would require the FBI to conduct criminal backgrounds checks for grant applicants that work with children, the elderly, or disabled individuals. In addition, the bill now includes a sense of the Senate that Congress should preserve the full income tax deduction for charitable contributions and seeks out additional ways to encourage charitable giving.

The recent floods in Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota, have further showcased the importance of AmeriCorps and NCCC volunteers. Over the weekend, 21 such volunteers were deployed through the American Red Cross and have been working to support area shelters. In addition, all Fargo Senior Corps staff and volunteers have been assisting with flood response efforts. In Moorhead, 10 NCCC members are scheduled to arrive this Thursday to help with recovery efforts there.

I am proud to have been part of this effort to strengthen national service programs and ensure that participants can continue to aid disadvantaged and needy populations.

Mr. Speaker, I hope that all of our colleagues will join us in supporting this legislation, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.

I appreciate the distinguished gentleman from Missouri yielding to me. I am honored to join with the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch), as well as my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), in speaking in favor of this resolution to express the important need for increased public awareness of traumatic brain injury, and to designate March as National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month.

For the past 4 years, I have been honored to cochair the Congressional Traumatic Brain Injury Task Force with my good friend, Representative Pascrell from New Jersey. While it's been a pleasure to work with Bill for the last 4 years, I especially want to highlight his great leadership long before I joined the task force--for many years-- leading the cause and helping to raise awareness about this important issue.

Together, we have worked to increase awareness of TBI, which many people do not realize is the leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, this year alone, over 1.4 million people will sustain a traumatic brain injury. Sadly, at least 80,000 of these individuals will remain permanently disabled from the trauma.

Falls, motor vehicle crashes, sports injuries, and violence are among the major causes of TBI, leaving every individual susceptible. Additionally, TBIs can manifest themselves in various ways, from small behavioral changes to more tragic injuries, including complete physical disability and death.

Brain injuries affect the whole family emotionally and financially, often resulting in huge medical and rehabilitation expenses. The recent tragic death of Natasha Richardson amplifies the importance of bringing awareness to this critical issue. Because Ms. Richardson appeared to be unaffected immediately after a skiing accident in which she hit her head, she did not receive medical treatment. Unfortunately, only hours later, after experiencing a severe headache, she was admitted to the hospital, lapsed into a coma and, tragically, died. Tragedies such as these happen every day and can often be prevented.

TBI has also been named the ``signature wound'' of the war in Iraq, with approximately more than 20 percent of our deployed men and women returning with this injury. Thanks to the state-of-the-art body armor with which our men and women overseas are equipped, they are able to survive violent attacks while still receiving a blunt force to the head.

Fortunately, in recent years, Congress and the administration have worked together to provide increased funding for military TBI screening and treatment programs. However, more still needs to be done.

Mr. Speaker, because all of our fellow citizens have families, friends, and neighbors who could fall victim to TBI at any time, I strongly urge support from all of our colleagues for this resolution here today, and urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, the GIVE Act, which will strengthen and reauthorize America's national community service programs. After 16 years, this reauthorization is certainly overdue.

In 1973, Congress passed the Domestic Volunteer Service Act, DVSA, to foster and expand voluntary service in communities while helping vulnerable and disadvantaged populations, such as the elderly and the poor. DVSA also authorized the National Senior Volunteer Corps, made up of the Foster Grandparents Program, the Senior Companion Program and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.

Seventeen years later, Congress passed the National and Community Service Act, NCSA, of 1990. NCSA aims to address unmet human, educational, environmental and public safety needs as well as to renew a sense of civic responsibility by encouraging citizens to participate in national service programs. Authorized under NCSA are Learn and Serve America, AmeriCorps State and National Grants and the National Civilian Community Corps.

Both DVSA and NCSA are administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, and both laws were most recently amended in 1993 by the National and Community Service Act. While authorization of appropriations for both of these laws expired at the end of fiscal year 2006, the programs have remained funded through annual appropriations measures.

I am pleased to have worked with the chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, Chairman Miller, with my subcommittee chairwoman, Carolyn McCarthy from New York, as well as the distinguished ranking member of the full committee, Buck McKeon of California, on crafting the GIVE Act, and believe that the bill makes commonsense improvements to our Nation's national service programs. Not only does it provide increased flexibility for States but it also increases accountability and efficiency within the administration of the programs.

H.R. 1388 strengthens existing community and national service programs by providing year-round service opportunities for students and the elderly alike, and further encourages volunteer involvement by disadvantaged youth.

This legislation also expands eligibility requirements for senior- focused programs such as Foster Grandparents and the Senior Companion Program, ensuring that individuals with an interest in serving have options available to them. Finally, I am pleased that the legislation reorganizes AmeriCorps activities into several different corps focused on national areas of need such as education, health care, clean energy and veterans.

In recent years, natural disasters such as hurricanes in the South as well as the wildfires in California have showcased the important efforts of AmeriCorps and NCCC volunteers. I am proud to support this effort to strengthen national service programs and to ensure that participants can continue to aid disadvantaged and needy populations.

Mr. Chairman, I hope all Members will join me in supporting the GIVE Act.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished ranking member of the full committee, Mr. McKeon from California.

I yield such time as he may consume to the ranking member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson).

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished ranking member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Port Security, Mr. Souder from Indiana.

I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Cassidy).

Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve my time.

Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve.

Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve my time.

Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Chairman, just again I would urge a ``yes'' vote in favor of GIVE Act. I want to again recognize both Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon, and especially the staff on both sides, for their tireless effort and many, many hours working together in a bipartisan way to bring this bill to fruition.

The last speaker's comments about the work of AmeriCorps working in the gulf region, it is my understanding that over the last 3 years, more than 4 million hours of service have been provided through national service programs, and that is just one example of how effective these programs can be to assisting those in need. Again I encourage a ``yes'' vote in favor of the GIVE Act.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

First, I would like to recognize Chairman Miller and the staff for working to include a number of important changes in this manager's amendment. While there are many technical changes included, there are a number of important changes, including protections against double dipping and Federal control of curriculum, and provisions designed to streamline the application process for grants under the national service programs.

This amendment includes language that would clarify current law to ensure that the corporation is only able

to provide one grant to support the same project. This protection ensures that Federal funds are used wisely and that the same project is not funded through multiple funding streams.

The manager's amendment also includes important language that specifically prohibits an employee of the Federal Government from mandating, directing or controlling a school's curriculum or instructional program. Under the amendment, States would also not be required to have academic content or student academic achievement standards approved or certified by the Federal Government in order to receive a national service grant.

Although we agree there is a role for the Federal Government to play in supporting State and local service learning programs, I believe that the decision on what type of instructional practices or curriculum is used in the classroom should very importantly be made by teachers and principals in the Nation's elementary and secondary schools, not here in Washington. This is an important change that will ensure that the corporation's activities conform to the highest standards of quality, integrity and accuracy, and are objective, neutral, nonideological, and free of partisan political influence.

Finally, the manager's amendment includes a provision that requires the corporation to promote efficiency by consolidating application procedures and reporting requirements for programs funded under the national service laws. Small organizations may currently be unwilling to participate in these programs because the application procedures and reporting requirements are too burdensome on them. This change will help promote diversity among the size of the organizations participating in this program and applying for grants.

Again, I want to thank the majority and urge a ``yes'' vote in favor of this amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment, which adds to the list of approved Clean Energy Corps activities the development of clean energy programs designed to meet the needs of rural communities. Our rural communities are a vital part of America, and this amendment helps to ensure that they are equally served under this act.

I urge a ``yes'' vote.

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

Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``yes'' vote in favor of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I would just quickly say I support the amendment, commend the maker of the amendment, the gentlelady from Ohio, for ensuring that through the GIVE Act we are looking out for our Nation's youth and our elderly, especially when it comes to their health and nutrition, and especially in the area of physical fitness. As we know, many schools are struggling to be able to provide physical education classes.

I have a fourth grader and sixth grader and know how important those classes are to them, both from a health standpoint and from just a release to be out of school now and then and burn off a little energy. I think that probably makes them all the more focused in the classroom and maybe a little less antsy in the classroom, which benefits their teachers as well.

I support the amendment.

I yield 3 minutes to the gentlelady from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).

Mr. Chairman, I again rise in support of the amendment, and thank the maker of the amendment for offering it and urge a ``yes'' vote.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I rise to claim time in opposition, but I rise in support of the amendment.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

As I said, I rise in support of the amendment in strong recognition of the National Service Corporation's request for this additional ability to ensure they can recruit needed personnel.

So I urge a ``yes'' vote.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim time in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of the amendment. I thank the gentleman from Indiana for offering this amendment.

Having had the privilege to visit our courageous troops eight times in Iraq and five times in Afghanistan, I know how much these care packages from home really mean to the troops, and how they look forward to them and what a morale boost it is.

I think recognizing this type of service, especially to those who are serving us in harm's way, is a wonderful amendment, a change to the legislation, and urge a ``yes'' vote.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I just rise in support of the amendment. I want to commend the gentlemen from both New Mexico and Florida for offering this amendment, a great addition to the bill, and, as with the previous amendment, ensuring we do right by those who are serving our Nation, past and present, and that we recognize the sacrifices they have made in defense of our Nation, along with their families, and that we now keep our commitment as a Nation to them. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of the amendment, and commend the gentlelady from Nevada and the gentleman from Virginia for their amendment and urge a ``yes'' vote.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, due to my attendance at a U.S. Navy change of command ceremony, I regret that I could not cast recorded votes for roll Nos. 80-85. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on roll Nos. 80, 81, 82, 84, and 85, and ``no'' on roll No. 83.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, the amendment that I'm offering with my colleague from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen) would insert the text of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act--H.R. 985 in the last session--into the underlying legislation.

H.R. 985 passed by a bipartisan vote of 331-94 in 2007. This amendment strengthens the inadequate protections currently afforded to Federal employees who report illegalities, gross mismanagement and waste, and specific dangers to the public health and safety.

As proposed, the underlying bill includes whistleblower protections for the employees of recipients of Federal funds approved through this bill, including State and local employees and government contractors. Federal employees responsible for overseeing the hundreds of billions of dollars in spending in this bill, however, will remain inadequately protected unless this amendment is adopted.

In 1989, as a result of findings that the civil service protections of the time were inadequate, Congress and the first Bush administration enacted into law the original Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA). In response to decisions by the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Federal Circuit Court weakening the WPA, Congress adopted additional whistleblower protections in 1994.

Unfortunately, we are once again back to where we started. Since the 1994 amendments were adopted, more than 200 whistleblower cases have come before the Federal Circuit Court; however, only three whistleblowers have prevailed.

The Federal Circuit Court has weakened whistleblower protections by requiring that for a Federal employee to reasonably believe there is evidence of waste, fraud or abuse, he or she must overcome with ``irrefragable proof'' the presumption that the agency was acting in good faith. This is an unheard of legal standard defined in the dictionary as ``impossible to refute.''

With the enactment of this amendment, the court and administrative decisions that undermine whistleblower protections would be overturned. This amendment replaces the irrefragable proof standard with a reasonable belief standard, grants employees the right to a jury trial in Federal court if the head of an agency does not take action within 180 days, and ends the Federal Circuit Court's monopoly jurisdiction.

Given the amount of money involved in the underlying legislation, Federal whistleblower protections will be that much more important to ensure effective oversight and accountability. As such, I urge adoption of this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen).

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the chairman and ranking member's and Intelligence Committee's concerns. I look forward to working with them.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the distinguished Member from Iowa (Mr. Braley).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price).

Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. Chairman, I yield the remaining 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from Maine (Ms. Pingree).

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 23 (Hinchey Amendment to H.R. 384), I was delayed en route to the Capitol due to two traffic accidents (not involving my vehicle) and then not able to record my vote on said amendment. Had I been present for rollcall No. 23, I would have voted ``aye,'' in favor of the amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 41, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, this resolution celebrates National Mentoring Month, commends mentors who are positively impacting the lives of young people, and highlights the need for additional mentors to make themselves available to America's youth.

Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support, and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee. A mentor is an adult who, along with parents, provides a young person with support, counsel, friendship, and positive reinforcement.

By all estimates an astounding 17.6 million young people, nearly half the population of young people between the ages of 10 and 18, live in situations that put them at risk of not living up to their full potential. Without immediate intervention by caring adults, they could make choices that not only undermine their futures but ultimately the economic and social well-being of our great Nation.

With the help and guidance of an adult mentor, every child can discover how to unlock and achieve his or her full potential. Youth development experts agree that mentoring is a critical element in any child's social, emotional, and cognitive development. It builds a sense of industry and competency, boosts academic performance, and broadens the horizons of prospective students.

By honoring mentors and mentoring programs, we recognize the importance of mentoring programs implemented in our local schools and communities. We also draw attention to the components of a quality program, including appropriate screening of potential mentors and careful matching of youth with adults who have a genuine interest in providing guidance and being exemplary role models.

Today, thanks to the commitment and dedication of mentoring advocates, 3 million young Americans are now enjoying mentoring's many benefits through school-based, faith-based, and community organizations. That's a six-fold increase in formal mentoring relationships since the national mentoring movement galvanized the Nation in the early 1990s. It's an impressive accomplishment. However, 15 million more young people who need mentors are waiting their turn. They make up our Nation's mentoring gap.

To be a mentor, you don't need any special skills, just an ability to listen and to offer friendship, guidance, and encouragement to a young person growing up today. Today, I'm asking all Americans to give a child hope by sharing their time and knowledge along with their experiences.

I urge all Members to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of H. Res. 50, a resolution honoring the life of Claiborne Pell, the distinguished former Senator from Rhode Island. While I never had the privilege and pleasure of working with Senator Pell, I know the Senator was a force to be reckoned with and have seen the impact of his 37 years in the Senate in a number of areas I have worked on with the Education and Labor Committee. Senator Pell was a dedicated public servant who served our country during a time of war in the United States Coast Guard and had a career in the Foreign Service prior to being elected to serve the people of Rhode Island in the United States Senate in 1960.

Senator Pell was instrumental in creating the Basic Education Opportunity Grant program, later renamed the Pell Grant Program, in his honor.

This program was inspired by the GI Bill, which had helped World War II veterans pay for educational expenses after the war. The Federal Pell Grant has become the cornerstone of every financial aid package for America's neediest students.

Since the creation of the Pell Grant, the Federal Government has distributed approximately 108 million grants to help lower income students achieve their goals of a college education. During the past 8 years, Pell Grant funding has increased by 86 percent, supporting a 28 percent increase in the number of students who have benefited from this program. Additionally, Congress strengthened this vital program during the last Congress through the Higher Education Opportunity Act. These important reforms allow students who want to accelerate their studies to receive a Pell Grant year round, expanded eligibility for the Pell Grant to students whose mother or father made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation, and included a sensible limit on the number of Pell Grants one student could receive over their educational career.

While many of us know Senator Pell for his work on creating the Pell Grant, he also sponsored legislation to create the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Amtrak rail system. Senator Pell's interests were not purely domestic. He made important contributions in foreign affairs as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and later as a United States delegate to the United Nations.

I know that I speak for all of our colleagues in offering great praise to Senator Pell in honoring him and expressing condolences to his family as we remember his many contributions to our great Nation.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I had a speaker arrive after I had already yielded my time back.

I would ask unanimous consent to reclaim my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished Member from California (Mr. Dreier).

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 43 and yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 43 promotes the Martin Luther King holiday as a day of national service and recognizes the efforts of the countless Americans who will volunteer their services on behalf of many worthy causes. I am proud to have introduced this resolution with my fellow co-Chairs of the National Service Caucus, Representatives Doris Matsui and David Price.

In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed into law the King Holiday and Service Act to officially establish Martin Luther King Day as a day of national service in recognition of Dr. King's selfless and courageous service to his fellow citizens. Since this time, millions of Americans have recognized this holiday as ``a day on,'' not ``a day off,'' by volunteering in soup kitchens, organizing charity drives, mentoring children or aiding in urban revitalization efforts.

This year, the Corporation for National & Community Service, America's Promise Alliance and AmeriCorps NCCC are hosting a food drive across Capitol Hill to restock the shelves at the Capital Area Food Bank. Washington, D.C. schools will be closed for a 5-day weekend with the Martin Luther King holiday and the Presidential inauguration this coming week, leaving over 50,000 students without nutritious meals they would have otherwise received through the school lunch and breakfast programs.

Non-perishable canned food items can be delivered through this Thursday, January 15, to either my office or the offices of Representatives Doris Matsui, David Price and Mike Honda. On Thursday, AmeriCorps NCCC students will pick up the canned food items and ensure their delivery to the Capital Area Food Bank.

Finally, there are numerous opportunities for individuals to serve their communities on Martin Luther King Day. I urge my fellow Members of Congress and constituents to take time out of their daily lives and give back to their communities. A list of volunteer opportunities is an available online at mlkday.gov.

I cannot think of a more appropriate way to honor the heroic life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King than by serving one's community, and encourage all Americans to do so. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize October 29, 2008, as World Psoriasis Day.

Madam Speaker, over 125 million individuals across the globe have been diagnosed with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is a lifelong skin disorder that causes thick, red lesions to appear on the skin. These lesions are often painful and itchy for the diagnosed individual.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for psoriasis. A number of treatments have been developed and are often effective in controlling the disease. However, continual therapy is usually essential.

I became aware of World Psoriasis Day through a constituent of mine, Nicholas Stem, who was diagnosed with psoriasis when he was just 7 years old. Fortunately, Nicholas has been able to control his psoriasis by taking a biologic drug in the form of an injection every week.

I am honored to represent the Stem family, who have made advocacy on behalf of Nicholas and the millions of other individuals affected by psoriasis a family mission. At 9 years of age, Nicholas has already given educational presentations in front of his classmates, Cub Scout pack, and Members of Congress and their staffs. I commend the Stem family for their efforts.

World Psoriasis Day aims to bring global awareness to the disease and increase the understanding of psoriasis within the general public. A long-standing myth is that psoriasis is contagious. This myth is perhaps one of the most damaging psychologically to individuals with psoriasis and is simply untrue.

It is my hope that someday a cure for psoriasis will be discovered. Until that time, Madam Speaker, it is important for efforts such as World Psoriasis Day to bring awareness around the globe regarding the prevalence of the disease and the need for effective treatments.

Madam Speaker, I rise to commend the York County Economic Development Corporation, YCEDC, for providing economic development leadership to the York community for 50 years.

YCEDC was established in 1958 to attract new industry, promote industrial development, and create new jobs. Since its inception, YCEDC has facilitated funding in excess of $73 million toward an estimated 150 economic development projects, creating and retaining more than 10,200 jobs throughout York County.

YCEDC has facilitated effective community and business partnerships and has evolved its

leadership role in economic development to advance a positive vision for York County's economic future. York County will continue to experience the positive effects of the organization's commitment for years to come.

Madam Speaker, the observance of the 50th anniversary of YCEDC provides a special time to express our appreciation and gratitude to its employees, board members, and members for their work and dedication to York County's continued economic well-being and quality of life. Therefore, it is with heartfelt wishes that I congratulate YCEDC for their continued success.