Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Professor Samuel Arthur Friedman for his devotion and extensive contributions to the science and literature of geology.

As a leading authority on coal geology and resources, Professor Friedman developed his passion early on earning his undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College, a master's in geology from Ohio State University along with completing graduate work in geology at Indiana University and the University of Tennessee.

For 15 years, Professor Friedman served as an expert on coal formations at the Geological Survey at Indiana University after which he became the coal project leader for the U.S. Bureau of Mines in Tennessee and Pennsylvania. In 1971, he joined the Oklahoma Geological Survey where he established a coal research program and taught coal geology seminars as a member of the graduate faculty of the School of Geology and Geophysics. Professor Friedman also chaired master's students' thesis committees and organized continuing education classes in the fundamentals of coal geology.

He has held numerous leadership positions in professional geological societies such as serving as chairman of the Coal Geology Division of the Geological Society of America and receiving the division's Distinguished Service Award in 1992. Professor Friedman was also awarded the Past Presidents Award, the Distinguished Founders Award, and the Distinguished Service Award from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Energy Minerals Division. In recognition of his extensive contributions to the science of geology and of his generous commitment to the advancement of his profession, Brooklyn College awarded him the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1995.

Professor Friedman's work as a research and resources coal geologist with the U.S. Bureau of Mines and the Oklahoma Geological Survey, his excellent relationship with Federal and State agencies, and his role as a principal investor in geology projects have all contributed to his being recognized as a leading expert in the field of coal geology and resources.

His biography has been listed in American Men and Women of Science, Marquis Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Science and Engineering, and Who's Who in the World.

Madam Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Professor Samuel Arthur Friedman on his many accomplishments in the field of coal geology.

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday December 5, 2007 and Thursday, December 6, 2007, I was unavoidably detained due to a prior obligation. That prior obligation was to join hundreds of Oklahomans for the dedication of the USS Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On December 7th, 1941, the Japanese attack led to the death of 429 sailors and Marines stationed on the USS Oklahoma on that Sunday morning. I was proud to gather with survivors and the loved ones of the deceased servicemen to dedicate a memorial in their honor. I am proud to have worked towards the authorization of the creation of this memorial in the 2006 National Defense Authorization Act. Because of my presence at the ceremony, I would like to make it clear how I would have voted if I had been present in the House.

Madam Speaker, had I been present and voting, I would have voted as follows:

(1) Rollcall vote No. 1131: ``yea'' (On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 3791, the Securing Adolescents From Exploitation-Online Act.)

(2) Rollcall vote No. 1132: ``yea'' (On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 2517, the Protecting Our Children Comes First Act.)

(3) Rollcall vote No. 1133: ``yea'' (On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended H. Res. 822, Recognizing the 100th anniversary year of the founding of the Port of Los Angeles.)

(4) Rollcall vote No. 1134: ``nay'' (Consideration of H. Res. 846, Providing for the consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 6), Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act.)

(5) Rollcall vote No. 1135: ``yea'' (On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3505, the Securities Law Technical Corrections Act.)

(6) Rollcall vote No. 1136: ``nay'' (On Ordering the Previous Question H. Res. 846, Providing for the consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 6), Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act.)

(7) Rollcall vote No. 1137: ``nay'' (On Agreeing to the Resolution H. Res. 846, Providing for the consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 6), Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act.)

(8) Rollcall vote No. 1138: ``yea'' (On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 4253, the Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act.)

(9) Rollcall vote No. 1140: ``nay'' (On Agreeing to the Senate Amendments with Amendments to H.R. 6, the Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act.)

(10) Rollcall vote No. 1141: ``yea'' (On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 2085, the McGee Creek Project Pipeline and Associated Facilities Conveyance Act.)

Madam Speaker, though I would have voted ``yea'' on the Internet Tax Freedom Act, it is not the vote I wished to have had. I along with 242 bi-partisan co-sponsors wanted to see the Internet Tax Moratorium made permanent instead of an extension for 7 years. Through negotiations in the House, members were told that the Senate would never agree to anything longer than 4 years. Then, we were forced to vote on a 4-year extension October 16, without the opportunity to add amendments to lengthen the ban--or even make it permanent.

Madam Speaker, today we are now voting on a Senate amendment to H.R. 3678, extending the ban for 7 years--3 more years than what we were told the Senate would agree to. Imagine what we could have accomplished had the democrat leadership had listened to the will of 242 members from both sides of the aisle asking to make this ban permanent.

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, I was unavoidably detained due to a prior obligation.

Had I been present and voting, I would have voted as follows: (1) Rollcall vote No. 1013: ``nay'' (Previous Question on the Rule providing for H.R. 3867); (2) rollcall vote No. 1014: ``yea'' (On agreeing to the Senate Amendment on H.R. 3678 under suspension of the rules, the Internet Tax Freedom Act); (3) rollcall vote No. 1015: ``yea'' (Passage of H.J. Res. 58 under suspension of the rules, Expressing support for designation of the month of October 2007 as ``Country Music Month'' and to honor country music for its long history of supporting America's armed forces and its tremendous impact on national patriotism).

Mr. Speaker, our decision on Native Hawaiian recognition ought to be governed by two very basic principles: First, the concerns of the people of Hawaii, and second, the established principles of sovereignty of indigenous people under which this Republic has operated for over 200 years.

This bipartisan bill is supported by the Hawaii delegations in both the House and the Senate, which are Democratic, by a Republican Governor for the State of Hawaii, and by the Hawaii State Legislature, which has adopted bipartisan resolutions overwhelmingly in 2000, 2001 and 2005, by the National Congress of American Indians, and by the Alaska Federation of Natives.

Some are concerned that the establishment of a Native Hawaiian governing body is only a Federal issue. I would submit, as has been suggested, it's as much a State question as a national one, and we ought to respect, as conservatives, the wishes of people at the State level.

Despite what some believe or say, this is not about race; this is about the sovereignty of an indigenous people. The Native Hawaiian governing body, having the same characteristics as Native American governments, deserves Federal recognition.

Some sometimes say that Native Hawaiians should not be set apart as a separate category, yet our Congress has passed over 160 statutes addressing the conditions of Native Hawaiians and repeatedly recognizing the United States' political and legal relationship

and trust relationship with Native Hawaiians.

Again, despite what some say, this bill will not allow the Native Hawaiian governing body to establish gaming facilities in the State of Hawaii. It will not limit Federal control of Federal military facilities in Hawaii, and the Native Hawaiian governing body will not drain resources currently allocated to Native American tribes, Alaskan Natives, or threaten their interests in any way. Indeed, as I mentioned earlier, the NCAI actually supports this legislation.

I think fundamentally, as conservatives, we ought to allow the people of Hawaii to manage their own affairs as they see fit. We ought to respect the Constitution that we have, which recognizes the sovereignty of indigenous people. And we ought to support the passage of this very important and long-overdue legislation, H.R. 505.

And in closing, let me just add my congratulations to Mr. Abercrombie, who has labored long and hard for this legislation and has garnered significant bipartisan support, and I look forward to your success today.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege today to rise in recognition of a good friend of mine, the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, Governor Bill Anoatubby. On October 26, 2007, East Central University will induct Governor Anoatubby into its Hall of Governors; he is only the fourth individual to receive such a prestigious recognition. He joins former U.S. Senator and former Governor Robert S. Kerr; former Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice, former U.S. Senator, and former Governor Ernest McFarland; and former Governor George Nigh. Reflecting upon the caliber of these individuals who have contributed so much to the State of Oklahoma, I know Governor Anoatubby truly appreciates the honor he is being given and that he so richly deserves.

Madam Speaker, graduating from East Central University in 1972 was merely the beginning, because from that day forward Governor Anoatubby has worked tirelessly to make Oklahoma a better State and the Chickasaws of Oklahoma a more prosperous people. His passion to this end is reflected in the litany of civic and community activities, affiliations, leadership roles, awards and honors contained in his biography.

But Madam Speaker, the Governor's impressive resume aside, I am honored today to recognize this award on the floor of the United States House of Representatives because I am a member of the Chickasaw Nation and I have witnessed the Governor achieve amazing things for our tribe, for the State of Oklahoma, and for tribes across the country. The Governor has presided over the Renaissance of the Chickasaw Nation by focusing on increasing economic development, expanding health coverage, improving education, and preserving and reviving the tribe's cultural and historical heritage so important for our future vitality and self- identity.

But Governor Anoatubby's accomplishments do not stop there, Madam Speaker. He not only fulfills his duties as the leader of the Chickasaw Nation, but has become one of the most respected Native American leaders in the country. He understands the unique status of tribes, and as such, he recognizes the unique opportunities available not only at a state level, but nationally and internationally for tribal development and prosperity. He has an unequaled willingness to reach out and make partnerships between tribes and businesses, institutions, organizations, and other governments.

Madam Speaker, Governor Anoatubby profoundly understands that neither the Chickasaw Nation nor the State of Oklahoma can thrive independently of one another. He has demonstrated time and time again that working together, the two can bring remarkable benefits to all Oklahomans, native and non-native alike. Simply put, Madam Speaker, Governor Anoatubby has changed the way people live in the State of Oklahoma for the better, and I congratulate him on being inducted into East Central University's Hall of Governors.

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, September 18, 2007, I was unavoidably detained due to a prior obligation.

Had I been present and voting, I would have voted ``Aye'' on rollcall No. 873.

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, September 19, 2007, I was unavoidably detained due to a prior obligation.

Had I been present and voting, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 885.

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

Mr. Chairman, I want to associate myself very much with the remarks that my good friend from Oklahoma (Mr. Boren) made and certainly will be supporting his secondary amendment.

I also want to tell my good friend from North Carolina that I certainly recognize his motives and his seriousness, because I think it is a serious

issue, and I think he is to be commended for approaching it that way, and thoughtfully, and I know he has done so.

But I, too, share the opinion of my friend from Oklahoma that we are acting precipitously here. This is a matter in which, frankly, most of this body is not well informed. There are court cases underway in both the Federal and the tribal systems that ought to be allowed to play out. And if we are going to address this issue, we ought to do so in normal order through the committee fashion.

As Mr. Boren so ably pointed out, the unintended, and I know unintended, consequences of this amendment would be to actually deny benefits to people that are currently receiving them. And to begin a process, quite frankly, that has profound implications for everybody in Indian Country and for all tribal governments is one we ought to think about, I think, very, very deeply before we embark on it. But, again, that, in no way, leads me to question the motives of my good friend from North Carolina or the seriousness of the issue he raises. I very much accept that.

A final point I want on say on behalf, not on behalf, it is not my place to do that, but certainly I want to recognize that from the Cherokee Nation standpoint, they are the most racially diverse tribe in North America. There are thousands of African American Cherokees. In fact, there is every other race in that particular tribe. They see this as a tribal sovereignty issue. They do not see it as a racial issue. I certainly understand why some of my friends would have a different point of view. But I think, again, the matters involved here are so important and so deep that they deserve full consideration first in the courts and then in an appropriate legislative process in Congress.

Mr. Chairman, I want to conclude by thanking my friend from Oklahoma for arriving at what I think is a very reasonable surmise.

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

Madam Speaker, the Conference Report for H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act of 2007, indicates that I requested an earmark project in Conference Section 2014(24) for Lake Rodgers, Creedmoor, North Carolina.

I never submitted for nor requested from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee or the Conference Committee for the Water Resources Development Act this project.

Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 806, I inadvertently voted ``aye.'' I meant to vote ``no.''

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 806, I was detained off the floor on a matter involving the Intelligence Committee. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Amendment No. 6 Offered by Mr. Kingston

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained for rollcall No. 766, on the motion to recommit H.R. 986, Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act, with instructions. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably absent for rollcall vote No. 691, on agreeing to the Mica amendment to H.R. 3074. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on rollcall vote number 621, agreeing to H. Res. 533 which was to provide for consideration of H.R. 2956. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Madam Chairman, in the interest of time, I will be brief.

Madam Chairman, I rise in support of the Moore amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education bill.

This amendment, which would defund the evaluation component of the Department of Education's absolute priority, is crafted to spare our teachers from choosing between two values that should never be in conflict, following their Nation's laws and tending to their students' well-being.

I know Oklahoma educators well, and I can tell you that Oklahoma educators are honorable people. If there is a law on the books, they will follow that law to its letter and spirit.

However, I believe that this particular law, that is the Department of Education's absolute priorities, is inconsistent with our teachers' obligation to do what's best for our students. The absolute priority evaluation component would have Upward Bound students recruit twice as many students as they are able to serve. Half of those students would then be directed away from TRIO, becoming a control group to prove or disprove TRIO's effectiveness.

In short, we would raise these children's hope and then use them as guinea pigs to test our own theories and ideas. That's dishonest, it's cynical and it's wrong. I have no question in my mind about the outcome of such an experiment. TRIO would prove to be what it is, one of the most successful ways to encourage and support disadvantaged first- generation college students.

Yet even in the best-case scenario, where TRIO has proven successful, Upward Bound programs across the country would be left with a group of students that would never be able to use their services.

I oppose changing Upward Bound in order to recruit students into the program that could not receive help, giving on the one hand, and taking away with the other. We should aim to put our students and teachers in a position for success, and I believe that we will do so with the passage of the Moore amendment.