Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information in regards to H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University-

Address of Requesting Entity: 1138 Pearson Hall, Ames, IA 50011

Description of Request: The Bio-Safety Institute for Genetically Modified Agriculture Products project receives $259,000. This project utilizes federal funds to provide independent, unbiased and science- based evaluations of the risks and benefits of genetically modified agricultural products. Personnel develop the scientific safeguards and education needed to protect human health and the environment in an age of genetically engineered products and technology necessary for economic development.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: Cooperative State Research Education & Extension Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University-

Address of Requesting Entity: 1138 Pearson Hall, Ames, IA 50011

Description of Request: The Human Nutrition project receives $451,000. This project will enhance human health and aims to reduce unnecessary health care expenditures by evaluating the impact of foods, nutrient supplements and diet and exercise strategies promoting wellness.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: Cooperative State Research Education & Extension Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University-

Address of Requesting Entity: 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011

Description of Request: The Animal Science Food Safety Consortium receives $939,000. This project is a continuation of the effort to assess potential threats to food safety as it relates to pork during productions, processing, distribution and consumption.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: Cooperative State Research Education & Extension Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University-

Address of Requesting Entity: 1138 Pearson Hall, Ames, IA 50011

Description of Request: The Biotechnology Test Production project receives $322,000. This project will develop plant-based technologies related to production of corn lines and other crop-related lines that generate higher yields.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: Cooperative State Research Education & Extension Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University-

Address of Requesting Entity: 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011

Description of Request: The Center for Agriculture & Rural Development receives $412,000. Project analyzes the impacts of alternative domestic and trade policies on agriculture production. As agriculture continues to globalize, project models will produce a better

understanding of trade policy impacts, and therefore better trade policies.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: Natural Resource Conservation Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa Soybean Association

Address of Requesting Entity: 4554 NW 114th St., Urbandale, IA 50322

Description of Request: The Center for Environmental Management Systems for Agriculture receives $288,000. This project continues the implementation of program to help farmers facilitate better environmental management plans through best practices involving fertilizers, pest control and soil management

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: Cooperative State Research Education & Extension Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 1138 Pearson Hall, Ames, IA 50011

Description of Request: The Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) receives $1,139,000. FAPRI makes baseline projections of production, consumption and trade flows of major agricultural commodities in the United States and other countries that import or export significant amounts of agricultural products.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: Cooperative State Research Education & Extension Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University-

Address of Requesting Entity: 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011

Description of Request: The Protein Utilization project receives $586,000. This project will develop technologies that enhance bio- refineries using soybeans as feedstock to develop products that replace petro-derived industrial products.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: Cooperative State Research Education & Extension Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University-

Address of Requesting Entity: 1138 Pearson Hall, Ames, IA 50011

Description of Request: The Livestock Waste project receives $184,000. This project will fund ongoing emission reductions strategies.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: Cooperative State Research Education & Extension Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 1138 Pearson Hall, Ames, IA 50011

Description of Request: The Midwest Poultry project receives $471,000. The program will address sustainability and efficiency in poultry production. The initiative will provide a structure to facilitate multi-disciplinary research networks that enhance limited state and industry resources and have the scope to attack real-world problems. The project will also develop collaborative approaches in research and technology transfer.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: Cooperative State Research Education & Extension Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011

Description of Request: $282,000 is provided for Iowa State University's New Century Farm. The project seeks development of a sustainable biofuel feedstock production system, a living lab for developing and testing sustainable biomass systems. Project will accelerate the development and evaluation of alternative, `green' biofuels, both short and long-term.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: Cooperative State Research Education & Extension Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Northeast Iowa Community-based Dairy Foundation

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box, Calmar, IA 52132

Description of Request: The Dairy Education program receives $159,000. The project aims to increase the success of dairies by providing education on production technology, environmental stewardship, marketing and competitiveness. The Dairy Education project has goals of retaining, growing and fostering the development of the industry.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: Natural Resource Conservation Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa Soybean Association

Address of Requesting Entity: 4554 NW 114th St., Urbandale, IA

Description of Request: The On-Farm Management System Evaluation Network receives $167,000. This program will help farmers optimize nutrient efficiency which, in turn, enhances the economic, environmental and agronomic performance of working lands.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: HR 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division B-- Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: OJP--Byrne Grants

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa Central Community College

Address of Requesting Entity: 330 Avenue M, Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Description of Request: The project is funded at $450,000. Funds will be used by the Iowa Central Law Enforcement Training Center to carry out a multi-disciplinary training program for law enforcement personnel from across the state. Thus far, almost 24,000 law enforcement personnel have been trained.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: HR 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division B-- Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: OJP--Byrne Grants

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011

Description of Request: The project is funded at $3,000,000. Funds will be used for continuation of forensic training and research at the Lab. Numerous & crime labs, at the federal, state and local levels, have benefited from training at the Ames Lab in the areas of forensic evaluation, analysis and crime lab management. The various forensics labs that benefit from the discoveries at the Ames Lab continue to send their personnel to Ames, year after year, to receive updated training.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: HR 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division B-- Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: OJP--Byrne Grants

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University

Address of Requesting Entity: 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011

Description of Request: $650,000 is provided to continue a major cyber security defense program, which is a first-of-its kind, dedicated to creating a virtual Internet environment to research and design cyber defense mechanisms. Simulations are played out against real equipment vs. artificially-created attack scenarios.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: HR 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division B-- Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: OJP--Byrne Grants

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Des Moines Area Community College

Address of Requesting Entity: 2006 South Ankeny Blvd. Ankeny, IA 50023

Description of Request: The Des Moines Area Community College Electronic Crime Institute is provided with $1,400,000. Funds will be used for equipment and supplies for programs at the Institute. This is a computer/electronic crime training institute that trains law enforcement personnel (at federal, state and local levels) in electronic crime detection and forensics.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: HR 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division B-- Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: OJP--Juvenile Justice

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Iowa, Clive, Iowa

Address of Requesting Entity: 9051 Swanson Blvd. Clive, IA 50325

Description of Request: $250,000 is provided to support a Big Brothers/Big Sisters training and mentoring program in rural Iowa. It is a prevention program in which the trained mentors work with children, ages 6-17.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: HR 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division B-- Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: COPS Meth Program

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: State of Iowa (Office of Drug Control Policy), Des Moines, Iowa

Address of Requesting Entity: 401 SW 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Description of Request: The Partnership for a Drug-Free Iowa is provided with $250,000. The purpose of this project is to provide public-service, anti-drug messages to parents in order to provide family members with an understanding of the problems caused by drugs, and the signs to look for in rooting out drug problems.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: HR 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division B-- Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Account: OJP--Juvenile Justice

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Parents Anonymous of Iowa

Address of Requesting Entity: 2011 Vine Street #2140, Des Moines, IA 50265

Description of Request: The project is funded at $200,000. The purpose of the project goes to the development & maintenance of state- wide programs that serve at-risk families that have child abuse issues. Parents Anonymous of Iowa is a state chapter of a broader, nationwide program.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division C--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Account: Corps of Engineers

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers-- Construction-

Address of Requesting Entity: Rock Island, IL.

Description of Request: $910,000 is provided in Section 206 to complete design and construction related to the Ventura Marsh portion of the Clear Lake Improvement Project, a major water quality initiative involving the Corps of Engineers and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division C--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Account: DOE, Office of Science

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Luther College

Address of Requesting Entity: 700 College Dr., Decorah, IA 52101.

Description of Request: Provides $951,500 for the renovation of the Valders Hall Science Bldg, a primary element of which is energy conservation modes used in the renovation. The project uses ``green'' approaches and methods in the renovation and expansion of the building.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division C--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Account: DOE, Renewable Energy

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa Lakes Community College-

Address of Requesting Entity: South 7th Street, Estherville, IA.

Description of Request: Provides $475,750 for a sustainable energy education center as a demonstration project involving ``green'' building initiatives and other benefits related to new energy efficient technologies, most prominently, wind energy.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division C--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Account: DOE, Renewable Energy

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa Central Community College

Address of Requesting Entity: 330 Avenue M, Ft Dodge, IA.

Description of Request: Provides $475,750 for laboratory equipment for a nationally certified renewable fuels assurance testing program. The program is of interest to DOE because of its focus on quality control in renewables.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division C--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Account: Corps of Engineers--PAS

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Corps of Engineers

Address of Requesting Entity: Rock Island, IL.

Description of Request: Provides $152,000 for completion of feasibility work regarding restoration of degraded aquatic and wetland habitats on the West Fork of the Des Moines River.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division C--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Account: Corps of Engineers--Construction

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Corps of Engineers

Address of Requesting Entity: Rock Island, Ill.

Description of Request: Provides $3,800,000 to maintain scheduled construction activities on this broad-based river restoration and Flood control effort that is authorized.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division C--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Account: Corps of Engineers--Section 205, Flood Control

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Corps of Engineers-

Address of Requesting Entity: Rock Island, IL.

Description of Request: Provides approx. $200,000 to continue a feasibility study for the Winnebago River flood control project in Mason City, Iowa. This is a major initiative aimed at mitigating perpetual flood hazards in this region of Iowa.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division C--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Account: DOE--Energy Delivery & Energy Reliability

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities

Address of Requesting Entity: 1735 70th Avenue, Ankeny, IL.

Description of Request: Provides $1,400,000 for a wind energy storage project in Iowa. The project is carried out in partnership with the Department of Energy, and involves the compressed air storage of wind energy in an underground aquifer. This is a unique project that, at one point, was the only one of its type in the country.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: HR 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division D-- Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act.

Account: Small Business Administration--Salaries and Expenses

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: North Iowa Area Community College

Address of Requesting Entity: 500 College Drive Mason City, IA 50401

Description of Request: $100,000 is provided to support the Regional Economic Development Organization. The goal of this organization is to improve marketing and recruitment of business in rural Iowa and plan for the economic stability of the region.

Project Budget Breakout: Salaries $64,910, Benefits $18,165, Equipment $5,000, Supplies $10,925, Marketing $1,000.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham

Bill Number: HR 1105, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Division D-- Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act.

Account: Small Business Administration--Salaries and Expenses

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa Valley Community College

Address of Requesting Entity: 3702 South Center Street Marshalltown,

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the accomplishments of Phyllis Muse of Boone, Iowa, who has received the Brown Award for outstanding service at Boone County Hospital.

The Brown Award was established by Weldon J. Brown in honor of his parents Everett C. Brown and Eunice D. Brown. Boone County Hospital recognizes the outstanding services and accomplishments of one of its employees each year with the Brown Award.

Phyllis was nominated by anonymous co-workers to receive the award. She has worked for Boone County Hospital since 1977 as a nurse and now currently as the Boone County Hospital specialty clinic director.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating Phyllis Muse for her outstanding service to Boone County Hospital. It is an honor to represent Phyllis in the U.S. Congress, and I wish her continued success and happiness in serving her community.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the achievements of Joetta Redlin. Joetta is the Winneshiek Medical Center's director of Nutrition Services. She is also a 35 year member and the current association president of the Iowa Dietetic Association.

Joetta has received the Annual Medallion Award, the highest achievement award offered by the Iowa Dietetic Association. She has demonstrated leadership above and beyond job requirements, and has made excellent contributions to the dietetic profession.

Redlin is also the first renal dietitian specializing in kidney disorders, marking her as an expert. She has mentored hundreds of students through the University of Iowa Dietetic mentoring program and has published numerous articles on renal nutrition.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating Joetta Redlin for her outstanding achievements. I consider it an honor to represent Joetta in Congress, and wish her the best in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of a great personal friend to myself and countless citizens of Iowa and Iowa's law enforcement community, Joe Frisbie, Chief of Police of Sioux City, Iowa. His dedication and commitment to protecting the citizens of his community is appreciated and unparalleled.

For the last 41 years, Chief Frisbie has served Sioux City faithfully and honorably. He was appointed as a Police Officer in December 1967, promoted to Sergeant in 1975, promoted to Lieutenant in 1983, promoted to Captain in 1986 and was appointed Chief of Police in 1997.

Chief Frisbie has many career accomplishments which include being a founder of the Tri-State Drug Task Force and appointment to the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council by the governor of Iowa. He taught Police Administration for 11 years at Bellevue University and taught Criminal Investigation at the University of South Dakota for 23 years.

In 1998, I invited Chief Frisbie to be a panelist at the Northern Iowa Communication Conference in Storm Lake, Iowa to discuss the growing methamphetamine problem and various other law enforcement related issues. I also enjoyed working with him on starting up the Tri- State Meth Training Center, now known as the National Training Center. The original idea for this center was to provide training for three states, but its reputation for excellence brought law enforcement, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, from around the nation to its doors.

Chief Frisbie's service on the police force has made a lasting impact on the communities he has served, and his services will be missed. While he is known for being the ultimate watchdog for the people in Siouxland, it is his commitment and dedication to his family, including his wife Peggy and daughters Katrina, Ann and Emily, that is most admirable.

I commend Chief of Police Joseph C. Frisbie for his many years of loyalty and service to protecting Iowans. It has been an immense honor to represent Chief Frisbie in the United States Congress, and I wish all the best to him as he embarks on his new journey.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the goodwill of Elisabeth Bravard, a 19-year-old resident of Boone, Iowa. Elisabeth is traveling to Honduras for 6 months to work in an orphanage.

Elisabeth has been to Honduras once before with her church, Boone Open Bible Church. Seven members of the church spent one week working in an orphanage. Since the visit, Elisabeth has wanted to return to the country to continue her work as a philanthropist. Elisabeth, who graduated from The Salon Professional Academy, saved all her tips while working at the Academy and babysitting. She has also asked friends and family to help support her cause. While in Honduras, she will teach English and use her education as a hair stylist to give hair cuts to those who can't afford one.

Winston Churchill once said that ``we make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give''. Elisabeth shows great passion in helping those who are less fortunate. I applaud her generosity and am proud to represent her in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues in Congress join me in thanking Elisabeth Bravard for her generous service and wish her success during her journey.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Kyle Jones, a resident of Slater, Iowa. Kyle has been a custom applicator with Heartland Co-op for 22 years and was named Ag-Chem Operator of the Year during this year's Agriculture Retailers Association convention in Austin, Texas.

The Ag-Chem Operator of the Year Program was introduced in 2006. The program acknowledges the importance of having great operators and recognizes top professionals in the field. In his position, Kyle covers over 44,000 acres per year, treating every acre with care and professionalism, and his co-workers have stood by his reliability and hard work.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating Kyle Jones on becoming Ag-Chem Operator of the Year and for being an outstanding professional in his industry. It is an honor to represent Kyle in Congress, and I wish him future happiness and success.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Pat Gilliland from her position as city clerk of Adel, Iowa.

For the past 25 years Pat has served the city of Adel as city clerk. During a city council meeting, Pat was honored for all her years of service. The Mayor also declared December as ``Pat Gilliland Month'' and gave her a key to the city.

The City of Adel and the surrounding community will certainly miss Pat's hard work and dedication to her job. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating Pat Gilliland for her many years of service to Adel, and I wish her happiness in her retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the achievements of Ken Schmitt. Ken is a Farmers National Company Accredited Farm Manager from Carroll, Iowa.

Ken has been named Farmers National Company's 2008 Farm Manager of the year. This award is given annually to one of Farmer Nationals 70 professional farm managers for excellence in performing management duties. The applicants were judged by a panel of agribusiness professionals and presented at the Farmers National Company's annual meeting.

Ken has worked for Farmers National Company since 1986 and due to his hard work has received many awards over the years.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating Ken Schmitt for this great honor. I wish him health and happiness for the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Carol Peterson, a resident of Mason City, Iowa, from her position as CEO of Allied Purchasing.

Carol began working at Allied Purchasing in 1963 when males dominated the industry. However, she took the challenge head on, starting at Allied running the press and doing printing jobs. Within 10 years, she was promoted to account manager and received a business degree from North Iowa Area Community College. After receiving an additional promotion to sales manager, she received a graduate degree from Syracuse University in sales and marketing. In 1989, Carol became vice president of sales before becoming the company's third CEO in 1995--a position she held until her recent retirement.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating Carol Peterson for her groundbreaking achievements and thanking her for her hard work and dedication to her job and community. I wish Carol the very best in her retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the patronage of Nadia Torkzadeh, a resident of Waukee, Iowa who was named one of the top two youth volunteers in Iowa for 2009.

Nadia was selected to receive the Prudential Spirit of Community Award due to her extraordinary work as a philanthropist. More than 5,000 state youths were reviewed by an independent judging panel to receive the award. The judges made their decisions based on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth. This is an extraordinary honor and Nadia will receive a bronze medallion at a local ceremony.

I know my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating the philanthropy and selflessness of Nadia Torkzadeh. I consider it an honor to represent in Congress young people like Nadia who make a difference in Iowa.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the patronage of Jessica Stakey, a resident of Kamrar, Iowa who was named one of the top two youth volunteers in Iowa for 2009.

Jessica was selected to receive the Prudential Spirit of Community Award due to her extraordinary work as a philanthropist. More than 5,000 state youths were reviewed by an independent judging panel to receive the award. The judges made their decisions based on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth. This is an extraordinary honor and Jessica will receive a bronze medallion at a local ceremony.

I know my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating the philanthropy and selflessness of Jessica Stakey. I consider it an honor to represent in Congress young people like Jessica who make a difference in Iowa.

I thank the ranking member.

I just want folks to step back for just a second here. You know, last year at the end of the year we spent $700 billion on the TARP. Who knows if it has had any effect. No one knows for sure. This Tuesday, the Secretary of the Treasury said we are going to spend another $2 trillion. Today, we are going to spend $890 billion; with interest, well over another $1 trillion. In another couple weeks, we are going to spend another $400 billion on the omnibus bill. Then there is going to be a war supplement. We are talking about over $4 trillion here in less than 3 months.

This is the most selfish bill I have ever seen generationally. We are saying to our children and grandchildren: We don't care about you, because we just want self-gratification now. We want

to feel better today. We can't take any pain ourselves.

Our kids and grandchildren are paying for this, and it is going to limit their opportunities for the future for the next generations.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the excellence in education in the 4th Congressional District of Iowa, and to specifically congratulate Brigit Storhoff of Decorah Community School District, who earned the National Board Certification--the highest level of certification in the teaching profession.

National Board Certification is a voluntary assessment program designed to recognize and reward great teachers. National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices. Certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. Certification is offered in 25 different subjects, covering 97 percent of the subjects taught in K-12 schools.

I congratulate Brigit Storhoff on her well-deserved certification, and I'm certain that she will continue to touch the lives of many youth in her community. It is a great honor to represent Brigit in the United States Congress, and I wish her continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the excellence in education in the 4th Congressional District of Iowa, and to specifically congratulate Dawn Remsburg of Ames Community School District, who earned the National Board Certification--the highest level of certification in the teaching profession.

National Board Certification is a voluntary assessment program designed to recognize and reward great teachers. National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices. Certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. Certification is offered in 25 different subjects, covering 97 percent of the subjects taught in K-12 schools.

I congratulate Dawn Remsburg on her well-deserved certification, and I'm certain that she will continue to touch the lives of many youth in her community. It is a great honor to represent Dawn in the United States Congress, and I wish her continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the excellence in education in the 4th Congressional District of Iowa, and to specifically congratulate Judith Mongin of Ames Community School District, who earned the National Board Certification--the highest level of certification in the teaching profession.

National Board Certification is a voluntary assessment program designed to recognize and reward great teachers. National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices. Certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. Certification is offered in 25 different subjects, covering 97 percent of the subjects taught in K-12 schools.

I congratulate Judith Mongin on her well-deserved certification, and I'm certain that she will continue to touch the lives of many youth in her community. It is a great honor to represent Judith in the United States Congress, and I wish her continued success.