Mary Bono Mack

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the most influential and transformative First Ladies of our time, Betty Ford. Born Elizabeth Ann Bloomer on April 8, 1918, Betty grew up in Michigan and studied dance, which ultimately helped lead her to the city of New York where she found work as a model and taught children to support her studies. In 1948, Betty married Gerald R. Ford, the future President of the United States, shortly before he began serving the first of his 13 successful terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Mrs. Ford made it clear early on that her first priority was her family, but, it soon became apparent that would not be her only role in public life. As First Lady during a particularly turbulent time for our Nation, Mrs. Ford spoke plainly and openly about the challenges confronting all Americans; and the people loved her for her candor and common sense. The Ford family reflected the core values of the American people, but, they were also not afraid to let the Nation see that their family was not perfect simply because it resided in the White House. Mrs. Ford spoke openly about the struggles their family faced and became one of the first women in public life to discuss her own battles with breast cancer and prescription drug addiction. Sharing her story raised the level of public consciousness and understanding of these important issues and made it ``OK'' for people to seek treatment and recovery. Although her actions as First Lady had an immediate and profound impact on American culture, her work after she left the White House may have had the biggest impact on ensuring her lasting legacy as a leader in the recovery movement. Following their time in the White House, President and Mrs. Ford relocated to Rancho Mirage, California and Vail, Colorado. As full-time residents of Rancho Mirage, they resided in the Congressional District which I would come to have the honor of representing, and I was incredibly proud to call the Fords constituents and dear friends. The Fords were fixtures in our desert community and many local residents counted them as friends. President and Mrs. Ford contributed greatly to countless worthwhile causes and generously shared that most precious of commodities, their time. In 2008, I proudly authored a bill designating their neighborhood post office as the ``Gerald R. Ford Post Office Building'' in honor of my mentor and friend, and Betty's beloved late husband. In 1982, The Betty Ford Clinic, now known the world over as the Betty Ford Center, opened its doors on the Eisenhower Medical Center campus to provide those seeking treatment of alcohol and substance abuse addiction with a state of the art program to help them on their journey to recovery. Betty Ford, whose name has become synonymous with recovery and treatment, greeted countless patients and visitors with a simple salutation, ``hello, my name is Betty Ford and I'm an alcoholic and drug addict.'' Nearly 30 years later, over 90,000 people have been treated at the center, including those of humble means to some of the wealthiest and most famous celebrities in the world. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse, I dedicate my work on the caucus to her memory and will continue to work tirelessly to advance the causes to which Mrs. Ford devoted much of her adult life. As a woman, I am especially grateful for the path she blazed, and consider her a great role model for any generation of women who want to make our Nation and the world a better place. And as someone whose family, like so many others, has been affected by addiction, I am personally forever indebted to Mrs. Ford and have the utmost respect for her leadership on this important issue. Mrs. Ford was a great First Lady, a remarkable woman and valued friend. Our Nation has lost a national treasure with her passing, and I extend my deepest condolences to her family and all those who loved her. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating the life and contributions of First Lady Betty Ford, who departed this earth on July 8, 2011. Her memory will live on through her many good works and our country is enriched for her life and service. May God Bless her, and God Bless America.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Mr. Speaker, on July 6, 2011, for rollcall Nos. 495 to 501, I was unavoidably absent and unable to vote due to travel delays. Had I been present, I would have voted, ``no'' on 495, ``aye'' on 496, ``no'' on 497, ``no'' on 498, ``no'' on 499, ``aye'' on 500, and ``aye'' on 501.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to three Veteran monuments in my hometown of Palm Springs, California--the ``Desert Fliers Command Distinguished Flying Cross Wall of Honor,'' ``On A Wing and A Prayer Missing Man Monument,'' and ``Freedom.'' The ``Desert Fliers Command Distinguished Flying Cross Wall of Honor'' was dedicated on November 11, 2004, and is located at the Palm Springs Air Museum. The Desert Fliers Command is a group of airmen who now live in the Coachella Valley and have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in air combat. This stunning black marble monument stands nearly seventeen feet and has two wings engraved with the name and rank of the Desert Fliers Command members, branch of service and rank. It sits in the center of a twelve-foot round platform named the ``Walk of Honor'' in which there are bricks etched with names of fallen airmen. The ``On a Wing and a Prayer Missing Man Monument'' was dedicated on November 11, 2006, and is located at the entrance of Gate 1 at the Palm Springs International Airport. This beautiful monument, which is an actual wing of a Navy Aircraft, stands straight up with one side of the wing listing the names of the members of the Desert Fliers Command. The wing tip light is lit at all times and is named the ``Eternal Light.'' It is intended to serve as a beacon for all missing airmen to find their way home. The ``Freedom'' monument was dedicated on November 11, 2010, and is located at the Palm Springs Air Museum. It is the actual propeller of a World War II B-24 Aircraft standing atop a twenty-four inch base that recognizes each branch of service, as well as Distinguished Flying Cross recipient Joseph Foster, Lieutenant Colonel United States Air Force Retired. The artists who inspired and created these important monuments are Lee Stanley--Lieutenant Commander United States Naval Reserve Retired, recipient of two Distinguished Flying Crosses and nine Air Medals--and his loving wife Pita. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope these memorials serve as powerful reminders of how our nation's liberty and justice has been preserved by the dedication of our armed forces. May their patriotic spirit and devotion to our nation continue to inspire Americans for generations to come. While no single tribute can fully honor their sacrifice, these memorials offer a chance for our community to stand together in honoring the men and women who have fought under the Stars and Stripes. It is with great pride that I ask the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing these important Veteran memorials.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Mr. Speaker I rise today to celebrate the life of President Ronald Reagan. This week, the nation remembers the late President Ronald Reagan as a remarkable President, beloved entertainer and, most importantly, a great American. President Reagan saw America as a beacon of hope and freedom. His strong leadership guided our nation through a challenging and difficult chapter in America's history. He helped restore the hope that inspired the people to once again believe in themselves and carry on to achieve what was once thought the unachievable. One of my greatest thrills was welcoming President Reagan to our desert community when I served as First Lady of Palm Springs. Considered one of the nation's best Presidents, I saw firsthand his love of country and his ability to connect with people. Revered for his leadership and tenacity, Ronald Reagan relentlessly fought for freedom throughout the world. A man of humble origins, he became an iconic symbol for democracy and the American way of life as President of the United States. I am thankful for President Reagan's service to our nation and what he gave this country as an entertainer and as a public servant. I extend my personal appreciation to First Lady Nancy Reagan who supported her husband so steadfastly in his work and carries on his legacy today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity to honor this great American.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, we are going to rightfully hear a lot today during this debate about how excessive government regulations are hurting our economy, but there are other forces at work as well, and they are just as damaging, even, perhaps, more insidious. Shortly after taking office, President Obama issued an executive order encouraging Federal agencies, which was really sort of a wink and a nod, to require project labor agreements on government construction projects costing more than $25 million. Mr. Speaker, with unemployment in my California district over 14 percent and unemployment in the construction industry above 20 percent, these so-called ``crony contracts'' are not only wrong; they are immoral. Instead of an executive order, what we really need from the White House is a cease and desist order. Simply put, project labor agreements mandating ``union labor only'' are anticompetitive. The infamous Big Dig in Boston is clearly the biggest boondoggle of them all. Originally projected to cost about $3 billion, this 3-mile tunnel project turned out to be one of the most expensive Federal highway projects in U.S. history. At last count, the meter was still running: $15 billion in construction costs and another $7 billion in interest alone. Put another way, when it's all said and done, the Big Dig is going to cost us about $1.2 million per foot. Not only do these PLAs waste taxpayer money, but they are also un- American. Today, less than 15 percent of construction workers in our Nation are unionized. So every time a PLA is mandated by some government bureaucrat, 85 percent of America's construction workers, some 8 million hardworking men and women across the country, are told either tough luck, too bad, or maybe next time. Since 2007, nearly 2 million construction workers across America have lost their jobs. Enough already. Let's put an end to political favoritism. Let's demand the best deal for the taxpayers. Let's say ``no'' to the ``wink and nod'' culture in Washington.

Mrs. BONO MACK. As the new chairman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, I am going to do everything to make ``made in America'' matter again. That starts by taking a critical look at what we do here at home to foster competitiveness. Today, with the economy still struggling to recover, it is time to do what is best for all Americans, not what is best simply for a select, favored few.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reject the notion that Big Government Knows Best. Call me old fashioned, but I still believe Father Knows Best. My dad was a physician who cared deeply about his patients. Working together, they decided what treatment options made the most sense--not some bureaucrat who has a degree in political science or philosophy and punches a time clock. That's the biggest problem with this law: It empowers the federal government . . . but not patients. Let's start over. Let's take the best ideas from both parties and do it right this time. We agree: patients should not be denied insurance because of pre-existing conditions and our kids should be able to keep their family insurance until they're 26. But these kind of commonsense reforms don't require $570 billion in new taxes. Under the new law, Big Government does--what Big Government Knows Best--raise taxes. There's a Health Insurance Tax, the so-called Cadillac Tax, and a big increase in the Medicare Payroll Tax. There are also hidden taxes and costly mandates for not complying with Big Government Knows Best. Enough already. Let's kick the bureaucrats out of the waiting room and call the doctor. Let's do what's really best for American patients. Start over.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer a prayer for our Nation. President Abraham Lincoln, during the height of the Civil War and during a very low point in American civility, once told a hushed crowd: ``My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of Earth.'' My friend, all of our friend, Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, has believed in that dream for her entire life. Today, she represents a beacon of hope, perhaps ``our'' last best hope, to restore some measure of civility to the important public debates of our day. This is not a time to be finger pointing. Rather, this is a time, in memory of all those who died or who were injured during this dark day in our history, to start talking again like friends and neighbors. Right now, we should be praying for Gabby and all of the other victims of this horrible ordeal. We should be searching our soul as a Nation, asking one important question, a question Abraham Lincoln confronted every single day of his Presidency: How have we allowed hateful rhetoric to paralyze our national debates? Yes, we all have different points of view, but we should discuss them, and we should debate them without resorting to name-calling or questioning each other's motives. Gabby has always stood for civility. She is the most delightful and the kindest Member of Congress, and I think we've all said that. Her never-ending smile and her unfailing willingness to work in our Nation's best interests have earned her the respect of people everywhere. I, like all of my colleagues, cannot wait for the day when Gabby walks back onto this floor and she joins us. She is a strong woman with a very unbreakable spirit and a passion for life, her family, her friends, and our great Nation. Let us all pray to give Gabby the strength to carry her through the difficult days ahead. I believe with all of my heart that Gabby was put on Earth by God to make a difference. And she has. I know, because she's made a difference in my life. So the next time that a debate heats up and threatens to get ugly, let's remember our responsibilities as leaders. Let's remember what Abraham Lincoln said. Let's take a deep breath and ``agree to disagree agreeably.'' Let's do that for Gabby.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker I rise today to honor a very distinguished member of my community, Fire Chief Blake Goetz. Today I wish to recognize Fire Chief Blake Goetz, who has dedicated 33 years of service to the City of Palm Springs and over 29 years to the Palm Springs Fire Department. He will retire from his position as Fire Chief on December 31, 2010, and I am pleased to rise to make a few remarks on his impressive accomplishments and many contributions to the City of Palm Springs. Chief Goetz started his career with the Palm Springs Fire Department in 1981. Over the years, Chief Goetz has remained committed to safeguarding our community and has greatly increased the Coachella Valley's preparedness for fires, earthquakes and floods. Goetz initiated the Palm Springs Fire Department's Fire Prevention Safety Program to spread awareness of the dangers of fire and fire-related hazards to local grade schools during Fire Protection Week. His work in developing the Palm Springs Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) brought this critically important program to our area, and has greatly enhanced our local community's ability to respond to disaster. Goetz was appointed Fire Chief in 2004, and has continued to be an outstanding public safety official and well-respected leader in the community. In addition to his time at the Palm Springs Fire Department, Chief Goetz has committed himself to the safety and well-being of the people of the Coachella Valley in many other areas. As a certified emergency manager with the International Association of Emergency Managers from 1998 to 2008, Chief Goetz played an essential role in bringing the Coachella Valley Emergency Managers Association to our community. Goetz has served as a member of the board of directors of Southern California Emergency Services Association and is currently chair of the board of directors of the Palm Springs Federal Credit Union. Goetz holds a lifetime instructor credential in fire science for California Community Colleges, and I am confident that he will continue his efforts towards promoting safety and protecting others after his retirement. Today I stand proud to honor the admirable accomplishments of Fire Chief Blake Goetz, and extend my sincere appreciation for his distinguished service to the Palm Springs Fire Department and the Coachella Valley.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Charles L. ``Chuck'' Rogers, a distinguished and honorable man who made many selfless contributions to our nation with his service to country in the United States Army and throughout his remarkable life. Mr. Rogers was the patriarch of a wonderful family and someone I was honored to know and call friend. Sadly, Mr. Rogers passed away on October 29, 2010, at the age of 79 surrounded by his beloved family in Pasadena, California. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me today in saluting this outstanding American. Mr. Rogers was born in San Diego in October of 1931. He graduated from San Diego High School in 1949, and went on to attend UC Berkeley before transferring to Stanford University where he received his A.B. Degree in 1953. Mr. Rogers went on to serve in the Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) of the United States Army for two years, and then went on to attend Stanford Law School earning his Juris Doctorate in 1957. While serving in the CIC, Mr. Rogers was stationed on the East Coast where he met his beloved wife, Marion Booth, a secondary schoolteacher. In 1955, Charles and Marion married in Hamden, Connecticut where they began their lifelong partnership, and raising their six children. Mr. Rogers will always be remembered for his love of family, his endless generosity, his ever-present sharp wit and sarcastic humor, and his strength of character and personal integrity. A man of devotion, Mr. Rogers consistently supported the Catholic Church and was appointed a Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Known for his mastery of impeccable writing, Mr. Rogers became a partner, and practiced with the law firm of Lawler, Felix and Hall in Los Angeles for most of his career. His most prominent matters related to the telecommunications industry. Mr. Rogers served on or chaired various Bar committees and also valued the camaraderie of his fellow members of the Bar as a member of The Chancery Club of Los Angeles. The youngest of three brothers, Charles adored his brothers: Joseph W., the late Michael C. and John F. ``Jack''. They stayed close throughout their lives and enjoyed their time together. Charles is survived by Marion, his wife of nearly 55 years; their six children, Pamela Burton (John), David (Vicky), Albie, Marion Riley Campbell (Robin), Charles (Anne), and Sarah Krappman (Matthew); their 15 grandchildren (Timothy, Nancy, Lisa, Sarah, Renee and Michelle Burton; Ryan and Spencer Rogers; Liam Riley, Marion Riley Campbell and Eileen Riley Campbell; Brian and Thomas Rogers; and Charles and Kevin Krappman); two brothers, Joe and Jack, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Rogers will be remembered by his dear family and friends as a dedicated family man who rendered tireless service to those who had the opportunity to associate with him. Madam Speaker, I once again pay tribute to this great American and family man. His life was a testament to patriotism and the importance of family, and I am honored to speak on his behalf today. I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating the life of Mr. Charles Lightwood Rogers.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise in very strong opposition to this flawed bill that imposes new taxes, increases costs to consumers, and adds to our already massive deficit. This bill and the outrageous abuse of process and all the backroom deals needed to secure passage is simply the wrong approach. My father was a teaching physician at USC-LA County Medical Center. He would have been appalled that a massive new bureaucracy will now be making the health care decisions for his patients. In my district, thousands of seniors will lose their preferred Medicare Advantage coverage that serves them so well and has saved lives. This bill is little more than a shell game that shifts costs, picks winners and losers, and does nothing to achieve real reform. The American people have resoundingly rejected this dangerous approach. True reform should be accomplished with bipartisan cooperation, not strong-arm tactics. The only thing that is truly bipartisan tonight is opposition to this deeply flawed bill. We can and must do better. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``no.''

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and legacy of a dear friend and selfless public leader. Serving one of our State's fastest growing regions, Riverside County Supervisor Roy Wilson passed away in August after many years of service to our community. I consider it a great privilege to honor this remarkable and humble man by naming a post office located in Supervisor Wilson's home town of Palm Desert, CA, as the Roy Wilson Post Office. Some of my colleagues representing nearby Districts in southern California may remember Roy Wilson and his many years of outstanding work on behalf of residents of our region. His integrity and steady leadership was invaluable and he has been missed by all who knew and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with his loving wife, Aurora, and the rest of his family. Roy Wilson represented the 4th District of Riverside County for 15 years, following 17 years of service on the Palm Desert City Council. Roy worked on many issues important to members of our community such as improving air quality, providing valuable education, and reducing spending to help strengthen the county's budget. For many years, Roy Wilson taught at our local community college, College of the Desert, in Palm Desert, California. This campus has for decades been an important educational resource to local residents wishing to pursue higher education. Roy was instrumental in helping the campus grow and excel. In addition, Roy Wilson worked to help protect the environment in our region through his service of 22 years on the governing board of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Our desert community attracts residents and visitors through its natural beauty, hiking trails and mountainous views. Through Roy Wilson's leadership, he truly helped preserve the health and well-being of our unique environment. In recent years, as our County faced significant financial challenges, Roy moved to rein in spending in order to help improve the budget--difficult, but necessary in these financially troubling times. The many capacities in which Roy worked to the betterment of our community are clear, but his humble leadership is what truly made him so unique and effective. Roy was able to engage in both sides of any discussion and truly earned the trust and respect of many local residents and leaders. As a cherished member of our community, where many residents called him a friend and neighbor, this postal naming would be a special tribute to the late Supervisor Roy Wilson. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this exceptional man and helping me and residents living in our community honor his life and legacy. I'd like to thank Subcommittee Chairman Lynch and Ranking Member Chaffetz for their help in moving this bill forward.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2134, the Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission Act of 2009. Tackling substance abuse among all age groups will take a domestic and international effort that continually evolves to meet the challenge. The U.S. Government's approach to reducing the supply of and demand for drugs in the Western Hemisphere is a crucial place to start. This is the primary reason I strongly support this legislation. The challenge is one that not only affects so many families across our country, but also everything from our law enforcement efforts to scientific research, and diplomatic priorities. The need to act on all fronts--prevention, treatment, research, and law enforcement--is crucial. There's no silver bullet. In particular, I have serious concerns with the trends we are seeing among our youth toward prescription drug abuse. Drugs like OxyContin are being abused across our country, with 2,500 kids a day using a prescription drug to get high for the first time. Just because it's sitting in the medicine cabinet doesn't mean it is safe, and these drugs are often used as a gateway to street drugs. The Commission created in the legislation is necessary, as it will allow us to better find the solutions to reducing the numbers of those using these dangerous substances, which are staggering within our own borders. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2008, over 20 million Americans aged 12 or older were current illicit drug users. I hope to continue to work with the Foreign Affairs Committee as well as the Energy and Commerce Committee to create a foundation for a domestic and international drug policy that balances maintaining our vital law enforcement efforts with an augmented demand-side effort toward reducing substance abuse and addiction. Finally, I appreciated the time I was able to take with the Chairman and Ranking Member along with other dignitaries to raise this issue at the Summit of the Americas. We'll only make progress if we are serious about an international coordinated effort. Mr. Engel's legislation is a positive step toward addressing this issue, and I look forward to the bipartisan support of our colleagues today on H.R. 2134. Mr. ENGEL, Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this job-killing bill that raises taxes on the American people.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong opposition to this bill. It is a bill that flies in the face of the Hippocratic oath which both my father and grandfather took as young doctors, which says, ``Do no harm.'' In fact, this bill does a tremendous amount of harm and would inflict an enormous burden on current and future generations of Americans. It would raise insurance premiums, raise taxes, and create huge new government bureaucracies to stand squarely between patients and doctors. This bill does not offer real health care reform. Rather than reduce costs and make health care more affordable and accessible, this bill will increase costs to consumers and put the government in charge of deciding what treatment and care Americans are entitled to. Millions of Americans have resoundingly rejected this shell game masquerading as reform. The very least we can do is listen to the American people and reject this flawed bill.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Poe, for the time. I am pleased also to rise in support of the Managing Arson Through Criminal History, or MATCH Act, H.R. 1727. As a Member from California, I was heartened by the support that our delegation received from this House during the Station fire that recently swept through our State, tragically killing two heroic firefighters. As many of you know and have just heard, some of these fires are being investigated as arson. In what is sadly becoming an annual occurrence, we are faced with the threat of catastrophic wildfires that cause millions of dollars in damage and threaten life. It is when we learn that the first sparks of these fires were caused by arsonists that our greatest fears are realized, that someone would maliciously and purposely start a fire. These events are reminders of the urgency with which we need to act in passing H.R. 1727, as this legislation was inspired by events in my county, Riverside County, which I'm very proud to represent. Nearly 3 years ago, my community was devastated by the Esperanza fire, also an arson-caused fire, that cost five heroic U.S. Forest Service firefighters their lives. I, like all of my colleagues in this House, am anxious to provide all of the tools and support we can to combat despicable acts like arson. Multiple conversations and meetings with firefighters and chiefs in my district led to the creation of this bill. They told me how a central database would provide them with invaluable information in tracking arsonists, more especially serial arsonists. More help is needed in the tracking of this dangerous crime. Even though arson fires account for a majority of the fires in the U.S., the arrest and conviction rate is only 20 percent. It is our duty as Members of the Congress to provide the tools and infrastructure we can to aid in both the prevention of this crime and speedy apprehension of those who choose to commit it. It is my sincere belief that the MATCH Act will make a meaningful difference in the way that we approach and deal with arson offenders by establishing a registry for law enforcement. I would like to especially thank Chairmen Conyers and Scott and Ranking Members Smith and Gohmert of the Judiciary Committee. They worked to ensure that this legislation was expeditiously moved through the legislative process and that legitimate concerns were addressed. I would also like to thank the House leadership on both sides of the aisle for their efforts and hard work in bringing the bill before us today. And finally, I, too, would like to thank my fellow Californian, my dear friend, Adam Schiff for his partnership on this important issue. I can think of no better colleague in the House of Representatives to work with than I found in Adam Schiff. So I thank you very much, and I urge passage of this critically important bill.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010: Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDTE), Air Force Entity Requesting: Exotic-Electro-Optics, 36570 Briggs Road, Murrieta, CA 92563. Description of Earmark: $3,000,000 is provided and will be utilized from the Advanced Materials for Weapon Systems program solely for the purpose of completing the research started in FY08 to address the challenges of EMI-shielding for large panel sapphire windows for the EOTS sensor and to ensure production-ready domestic sources for defense critical materials required for the production of the Joint Strike Fighter. This aircraft has been designed to be an affordable and stealthy tactical aircraft for the 21st century. Spending Plan: Project Expenditures--Materials: Total- $525,000; Labor: Total--$2,528,202. Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: Defense Production Act Entity Requesting: Surmet Precision Optics, 41618 Eastman Drive, Murrieta, CA 92562. Description of Earmark: $3,000,000 is provided in the legislation to meet the objective of the overall program which creates components for major defense acquisition programs, such as Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, C-17 aircraft, Small Diameter Bomb-II (SDB- II), Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), and Joint Air to Ground Missile (JAGM). Spending Plan: Project Expenditures--During the previous years' effort, Surmet provided a 10-20 percent in-kind contribution to funding received from the Title III. Breakdown of the total FY10 program cost is projected as follows: 60 percent will go towards labor for design, production and evaluation of a large quantity of components. They anticipate an addition of 10 positions for this effort; 35 percent will go towards raw materials and equipment; and 5 percent will go towards infrastructure improvements.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3293--Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)--Health Facilities and Services Entity Requesting: California State University San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407 Description of Earmark: $100,000 is provided for California State University, San Bernardino, to equip a nursing lab in its Health Sciences building at the Palm Desert campus. The need for nursing and health science education has been voiced throughout the Coachella Valley. The Palm Desert Campus of California State University, San Bernardino has responded by establishing new health sciences programs, including a R.N. to B.S.N. that enrolls registered nurses currently working in local hospitals and enables them to upgrade their skills, preparing them for more responsible roles in local hospitals. I am asking for appropriated funds to help outfit the simulation lab (sim lab) of the Health Sciences Building, which will provide the necessary real-life experience needed by nursing students. The sim lab would help the University deal with the decline in clinical placements sites through the use of human patient simulation. The sim lab provides a computer-model-driven, full-sized human patient simulator that delivers true-to-live experiences. Spending Plan: With local and state funding, a new Health Science Building is being constructed to house traditional classrooms and computer labs, science labs, as well as specialized labs for nursing, including a hospital-like simulation lab with projected completion by end of FY09. California State University provides both the programming and staff, and it will be responsible for future expansion as needed. Project Budget Breakout: Human Patient Simulator Base Unit--$259,835; Pediatric Human Patient Simulator Base Unit--$262,400; Second Human Patient Simulator Base Unit--$227,835; Equipment for lab to support mannequins (computers, replacement equipment, etc. Mannequins are run on Apple Mac G4's.)--$150,930; Clinical Simulation programs scenarios-- $35,000; Eight Stryker Bed Secure 2 Beds (or Hillrohm equivalent) with monitoring equipment @ $6,000/ea--$48,000; Eight portable crash carts (Intermetro Industries or equivalent) @ $2,000/ea--$16,000; Total: $1,000,000 Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)--Health Facilities and Services Entity Requesting: Eisenhower Medical Center, 39000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 Description of Earmark: $350,000 is provided for Eisenhower Medical Center to meet the needs of a growing medically underserved community in need of health care services in the fast-growing East Coachella Valley. Eisenhower Medical Center is developing a health center in La Quinta, California to address this need. The first phase will house an academically affiliated physician group, an imaging center, a radiation oncology center, a breast and bone screening satellite, Express Clinic, a satellite lab and pharmacy, and prevention and wellness programs. This center will combine conventional medicine and cutting edge technologies with preventative practices. This will ensure that the Health Center in La Quinta will serve as the focal point for integrative health, wellness education and treatment, addressing more than the management of disease, but the pursuits of optimal health in the Coachella Valley. This clinic will also provide much needed job opportunities for the east valley. A study conducted as recently as 2006 showed that the Coachella Valley is 100 primary care physicians short of meeting the current demand. The Health Center is designed to provide an additional 15 primary care physicians and 80 to 100 health care professionals in the first four years and will provide services to a population of 80,000 to 100,000 people. Eisenhower Medical Center, a not-for-profit organization, exists to serve the changing health care needs of our region by providing excellence in patient care with supportive education and research and therefore believes community education and health are of utmost importance. Spending Plan: EMC is committed to meeting the rapidly growing, critical community needs of the East Valley and to provide the best cancer treatment services to the communities with the new Health Center in LaQuinta. Construction: $45,000,000; Equipment/Furnishings/Fixtures: $6,000,000; Total: $51,000,000 Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)--Health Facilities and Services Entity Requesting: Riverside Community College District, 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506-1299 Description of Earmark: $150,000 is provided for Riverside Community College District to equip their Allied Health Sciences Program. A lack of skilled workers, advances in medical science, and an aging healthcare workforce are producing a national and regional shortage of allied healthcare professionals such as Physician Assistants, Laboratory Technicians, Paramedics, and Physical Therapists. To begin filling the shortage, RCCD seeks to expand existing Allied Health Sciences Program and Funds would be used to purchase equipment for this program, enabling RCCD to graduate 300 percent more medical professionals over five years. RCCD's Allied Health Sciences program has been recognized as the best program in California in terms of graduating allied health services professionals, topping USC and Stanford in a recent competition. RCCD serves a region which is severely medically underserved. The Inland Empire has the state's lowest number of physicians per 100,000, with a projected shortfall of 1,140 physicians by 2015. This ratio also holds for allied health service professionals, making the Inland Empire one of the most medically underserved areas in the nation. Cutting-edge equipment at the Allied Health Sciences program will increase the effectiveness and efficiency of training efforts through close interaction, exchange and collaboration within and between various disciplines. Further, a program equipped with the latest technology will also attract more high-quality students and new faculty. Spending Plan: The State of California recently awarded RCCD $495,000 for equipment purchases. RCCD will undertake a private fundraising effort to raise the delta between $1.25 million, the State funds, and any federal appropriations. These efforts will be similar to those which netted $100,000 per year over five years from Tri-Dental to establish and grow RCCD's Dental Hygienist program. While the acute need for such workers will spur private donations from professional organizations, federal funds will allow the program to fill the worker shortage more quickly. Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)--Health Facilities and Services Entity Requesting: University of California--Riverside, 900 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92521 Description of Earmark: $3,400,000 is provided for University of California--Riverside for the UC Riverside School of Medicine. The planned School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) will address the severe physician shortage in Inland Southern California by training a diverse physician workforce. The UCR medical school will also respond to 21st century health care needs by incorporating advances in medical education, science and technology for the benefit of the population of Inland Southern California. The medical school at UCR is being built on the strong foundation already established by the campus' joint medical education program with the University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine. This partnership of more than 30 years has produced more than 700 practicing physicians. UCR is uniquely positioned to launch its own four-year School of Medicine. The campus lies in the heart of Southern California's Inland Empire, one of the most rapidly growing regions in the nation. The first incoming class of 50 medical students is projected to enroll in the UCR School of Medicine in fall 2012. Concurrently, the medical school will launch residency programs to offer the required training for postgraduate medical students to achieve board certification. Enrollment will ramp up gradually to a total of 400 medical students, 160 residents and 160 graduate students. With the regional physician shortfall forecast to be as high as 53 percent by 2015, the Inland Empire faces a health care challenge of crisis proportions. Since physicians tend to practice near where they complete their residencies, building a medical school in the region is an effective means of mitigating some of the area's physician shortfall. The regional focus of the medical school's research and clinical enterprises will address the poor health outcomes for many residents of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Spending Plan: Health Sciences Building construction (financing + campus funds): $39,689,000; Health Science Building 1st/2nd fl. fit-out, vivarium (funding unidentified): 10,311,000; Anatomy Lab Renovation (this request): 2,500,000; Biomedical Sciences Renovation (this request): 2,975,000; PRIME Telemedicine (state general obligation bond funding): 5,000,000; TOTAL COST: $60,475,000

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3288, Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act: Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Department of Transportation--Federal Highway Administration--Interstate Maintenance Discretionary Entity Requesting: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, 5401 Din ah Shore Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264 Description of Earmark: $500,000 to be used for improvements to the Interstate 10 and Bob Hope Drive. This project is critical to alleviating traffic congestion in the Cochella Valley and funding for the project was sought in cooperation with the Cochella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG). The existing road facility at this location was constructed approximately 47 years ago. This interchange provides primary cross freeway access between the north and the south sides of the Valley as well as area connectivity with the Interstate Highway System. In addition to relieving traffic congestion on Ramon Road this project will also improve safety by replacing the dated on- and off-ramps at Ramon Road with a new modern interchange design at Bob Hope Drive. Spending Plan: The requesting entity plans to obligate the funds towards construction costs. CVAG has allocated $15,200,000 for this project and the State of California has budgeted $40,400,000 as well. Right of way purchases were completed in April of 2009 the construction should begin in September 2009. Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Department of Transportation--Federal Highway Administration--Surface Transportation Priorities Entity Requesting: Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) 4080 Lemon Street, 3rd Floor, Riverside, California 92502 Description of Earmark: $750,000 for the Alameda Corridor East Grade Separation in Riverside County, California. The Alameda Corridor Grade separation is a high priority of the Riverside County Transportation Commission, and state. More than 68 million tons of freight pass through Riverside County to the rest of the country, but very little of this freight originates or ends in the County. Traffic and trains are halted at a number of crossings throughout the Coachella Valley. This grade separation will allow the flow of traffic, reduce congestion and delays, cut down on the air pollution, and increase efficiency of freight transportation. Spending Plan: The requesting entity plans to obligate the funds towards construction costs. RCTC's Grade Separation Funding Strategy calls for a 55 percent federal share of the entire program cost. Sources of the funding include voter-approved Measure A, developer fees, and city general funds. Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Department of Transportation--Federal Transit Administration--Buses & Bus Facilities Entity Requesting: SunLine Transit Agency, 32-505 Harry Oliver Trail, Thousand Palms, CA 92276 Description of Earmark: $750,000 to be used for paratransit buses and commuter coaches to expand service in the Coachella Valley to meet transportation and mobility needs of seniors and persons with disabilities. As the regional transit provider in the Coachella Valley, SunLine provides fixed route and paratransit services in an area of 1,120 square miles, with an annual ridership of 3.5 million. As traffic continues to increase, more residents are interested in commuting rather than driving. To implement the commuter service, SunLine will need to purchase coaches to operate the commuter service to the Pass Area, as well as Riverside. Spending Plan: SunLine Transit anticipates purchasing the paratransit buses by December 2009 and commuter coaches by December 2010. Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Department of Transportation--Federal Transit Administration Capitol Improvements Grants Requesting: Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) 4080 Lemon Street, 3rd Floor, Riverside, California 92502 Description of Earmark: $5,000,000 is provided for the Perris Valley Line to extend existing Metrolink service 22.7 miles further into Riverside County creating better access to popular commuter rail transportation for residents. Most of the Perris Valley Line parallels the I-215 which is expected to carry as many as 400,000 vehicles per day by 2020. The Perris Valley Line provides commuters a mass transit alternative to the I-215, one of the fastest growing corridors in the county. Spending Plan: The requesting entity plans to obligate the funds towards construction costs to continue to ongoing development of the project. The total cost of the project is expected to be $193,000,000 with small starts funding of $75,000,000. The remainder are expected to be paid by FTA 5307 funds, CMAQ funding and at least $29,000,000 of Measure A local funding approved by Riverside County voters and funding from the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010: Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: Army Corps of Engineers, Construction, General Entity Requesting (multiple): City of Murrieta, 1 Town Center--24601 Jefferson Avenue, Murrieta, California 92562; Riverside County Flood Control and Water District; 1995 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501 Description of Earmark: $2,000,000 is provided for the Murrieta Creek Flood Control Project, which would provide 100-year flood protection, environmental restoration/enhancements, and recreation benefits to the cities of Murrieta and Temecula, located in Southwestern Riverside County. The project would create seven miles of soft earthen channelization as well as the development of a continuous riparian habitat corridor throughout the length of the project. The riparian corridor can become a safe home for several listed endangered species that have already been found to exist nearby. The channel would not only facilitate species movement and connectivity to existing wildlife preserves, but will also create an extensive natural wetlands system that can efficiently remove contaminants from stream flows and help ensure improved water quality for local residents and soldiers stationed at the Camp Pendleton Marine Base. Spending Plan: Project Expenditures--Funding will be used for ongoing phases of this project as follows: Phase II Construction: $12,000,000 Phase III Complete Plans & Specification & DDR: $2,000,000 Total $14,000,000 Total Project Cost: $117,000,000 Federal Share: $75,270,000 Non-Federal Share: $41,730,000 Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: Army Corps of Engineers, Investigations Entity Requesting: City of Moreno Valley, 14177 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley, CA 92552 Description of Earmark: $500,000 is provided in the legislation to help address flooding concerns in the area surrounding March Air Reserve Base (MARB). Heacock and Cactus Channels are undersized channels that have proven inadequate to contain flooding, even during moderate rainstorms. Furthermore, substantial vegetation has grown within both channels and impedes the conveyance of tributary flows to an existing ultimate downstream outlet, resulting in drains backing-up within the city of Moreno Valley, flooding in local neighborhoods and impeding emergency services' access. The significant flooding through MARB results in major disruptions to operations at the base, including the fueling of airplanes, the transport of troops and supplies to the Middle East. Additionally, the flooding has caused extensive erosion along Heacock Avenue, which has jeopardized existing major utilities within the road right of way. Spending Plan: Project Expenditures--Funds awarded would be utilized to compliment planned expenditures as follows: Completion of the Feasibility Study: $667,000 Completion of the Plans and Specifications: $333,000 Total: $1,000,000 Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Entity Requesting: Eastern Municipal Water District, 2270 Trumble Road, Perris, CA 92572 Description of Earmark: $250,000 is provided for a project that would take restaurant grease waste that ordinarily is disposed of at a landfill and use it to make biodiesel by constructing a biodiesel plant at Eastern Municipal Water District's (EMWD) Perris Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility. In addition to the benefit of eliminating the disposal of the grease at considerable cost into the environment, the biodiesel project would create an alternative fuel source for EMWD's fleet of vehicles. Currently more than five million gallons of restaurant grease trappings are produced each year in the EMWD service area. Spending Plan: Project Expenditures--Cost of Project with Budget Description and Timeline: Total Project Cost: $900,000 Total State/Local Contribution to Date: $5,000 (primarily storage drums to store thickened grease and studies) Total Federal Contribution to Date: $0 FY10 State/Local Contribution: $450,000 FY10 Federal Funding Request: $450,000 FY 2010 Federal Request Cost Breakdown: $250,000 (Pumping, heating, screening, and piping systems to clean and handle the grease and waste streams)

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2996, the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010: Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations, 2010 Entity Requesting: Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy and the Friends of the Desert, 45480 Portola Ave. Palm Desert, CA 92260 Description of Earmark: $500,000 is provided for the protection lands including two properties comprising 871 acres in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, improving resource management. A 504 acre property is bounded by USFS land on 4 sides. A portion of an 8.1 mile segment of Palm Canyon Creek, found eligible for classification as a Wild and Scenic River in the Forest Land Management Plan, traverses the property, as does the Palm Canyon trail. A 367 acre property is bounded by USFS land on 3 sides. The property also adjoins an existing rural residential area where a paved road provides access to the property. This access and available water and electric service create development potential. Acquisition of the property prevents potential future residential development on it and the attendant wildfire issues and water supply issues in this area of extremely high fire hazard. The property provides habitat for the gray vireo. Spending Plan: Project Expenditures-- The total cost for the 871 acres is $1,500,000. Because both properties have been pre-acquired, they are available for immediate sale to USFS upon the enactment of the federal budget. Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations, 2010 Entity Requesting: Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy and the Friends of the Desert, 45480 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260 Description of Earmark: $500,000 is provided in the legislation for protecting local groundwater resources and preventing pollution in the City of Cathedral City. There are thousands of septic tanks that lie east of the Whitewater Channel in the Coachella Valley that have been identified as a significant threat to public potable groundwater resources. This project will permanently remove these known pollution sources (septic tanks) and will sustain and improve local and regional water supply reliability. Cathedral City is confident that this project will proceed with full community support and participation. Long-term attainment and maintenance of state and Federal drinking water quality standards will also be achieved as a result of this endeavor. Spending Plan: Project Expenditures-- Task: Right-of-Way Acquisition: $0; Construction Costs: $12,700,000. Design & Construction Management: $2,300,000--Design and Engineering, Environmental Permits, Environmental Clean-up, Construction Administration, Construction Inspection, Materials Testing, Surveying. Total Cost: $15,000,000. Matching Funds Break-down: City of Cathedral City General Fund-- $800,000, Federal Assistance--$1,000,000, Assessment District-- $9,000,000, California Proposition 84 Grant--$2,000,000, Cathedral City Redevelopment Agency--$700,000, Coachella Valley Water District-- $1,500,000. Total Match: $15,000,000.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2892, Department of Homeland Security Act of 2010: Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 2892 Account: Department of Homeland Security--State and Local Programs Entity Requesting: City of Moreno Valley, 14177 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley, CA 88005 Description of Earmark: The City of Moreno Valley currently has plans to construct a new 8,000 square foot Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The City's current EOC consists of one room inside the existing Public Safety Building. With the new facility, the City will be fully prepared to respond to all emergency situations, restore services to our residents as quickly as possible, and provide effective communication among other agencies as well as with our residents. This request is to fund the purchase of new equipment such as telecommunications and video display, resource tracking software, and computers. The federal nexus is to assist federal, state and local authorities and help coordinate responses to emergencies such as earthquakes and wildfires. Spending Plan: The total project construction costs for the Emergency Operations Center are $4.5 million. The $400,000 appropriation will be used to fund the purchase of equipment for the EOC. This project is currently out to bid for construction. This request is to fund the purchase of new equipment such as telecommunications and video display, resource tracking software, and computers.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2847, Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act: Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: Department of Justice, OJP--Juvenile Justice Entity Requesting: Olive Crest, 2130 E. 4th St., Ste. 200, Santa Ana, CA 92705, 714-543-5437; Coachella Valley Location, Olive Crest, 47350 Washington, Ste. 101 B, La Quinta, CA 92253 Description of Earmark: $100,000 is provided for Olive Crest Independent Living Skills (ILS) Program. Since 1973, Olive Crest Homes and Services for Abused Children--a 501(c)(3)--has been a leader in providing care for abused, abandoned and severely neglected children. Olive Crest is dedicated to preventing child abuse, to Treating and Educating at-risk children and to Preserving the family... ``One Life at a Time.'' Olive Crest offers a wide variety of services and resources to meet the needs of every child and family in its care. Olive Crest, which serves the individuals in my district throughout the Coachella Valley through its facility in La Quinta, California. This includes the following five divisions: Family Preservation; Foster- Adoption; Education; Residential; Community Involvement. Olive Crest's Independent Living Skills (ILS) Program. The federal nexus of this program is to assist in the development of better citizens who are able to be productive members of society. This project would fund Olive Crest's Independent Living Skills (ILS) program that provides a variety of services that work to break the multi-generational cycle of crime, drug abuse and child abuse. Olive Crest's Independent Living Skills (ILS) program is designed to prepare youth for successful independent living. It is a three phase program for at-risk youth ages 15 to 24. The program assists at-risk youth in developing tools that will enable them to foster relationships and become responsible for themselves. The ILS program is implemented in 3 phases: 1. Support Groups 2. Contracts (ILS Workbooks) 3. The Future Plan At-risk youth can be involved in all three phases concurrently. During Phase 1, the at-risk youth attend a group meeting for 10 consecutive weeks that focus on the emotional aspects of emancipating. Living skills training components include interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution and responsibility, parenting, sex education, personal safety and hygiene, health issues, alcohol, drugs and tobacco, anger management, budget management, banking, nutrition and cooking, shopping and other topics as they are identified. During Phase 2, youth complete a series of 10 contracts related to the skills they will need when they emancipate. The contracts include banking, career, housing, transportation, education and other need topics. Higher education such as trade school certificates program, and colleges are other options for the youth. Staff will help youths with the college applications process. During Phase 3--Each youth in the program will work on a Future Plan immediately upon entrance into the program. The ILS Coordinator will work with the youth to create the plan. The youth will meet weekly with the ILS Coordinator to review progress/goals of the plan for the first six months and monthly thereafter. Spending Plan: Project Expenditures--Olive Crest currently invests $2,650,000 in the Inland Empire (California) to provide services to more than 100 Olive Crest at-risk youth. Olive Crest invests $525,000.00 to support Independent Living Support (ILS) program. For the last 20 years, Olive Crest has provided an on-going private match of dollars and in-kind services of at least 10%. Last year, the match was $260,000. The $100,000 appropriation will be used to fund Olive Crest Independent Living Skills program. 2) Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: Department of Justice, COPS Law Enforcement Technology Entity Requesting: Eastern Riverside County Interoperability Communication Authority, 46800 Jackson Street, Indio, California 92201 Description of Earmark: $500,000 is provided for Eastern Riverside County Interoperability Communication Authority (ERICA). The ERICA involves a regional collaboration among the cities of Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Palm Springs, La Quinta, and Coachella. Recent Federal mandates highlight the urgency to upgrade radio communication to digital, interoperable 800 MHz frequency and be Project 25 compliant for agencies in Congressional Districts 41 and 45. The Federal funding for ERICA would be used to purchase equipment, hardware, software, facilities, engineering and labor to build an 800 MHz, trunked, P-25 compliant, digital, regional radio system. It should also be noted that in total, the cities, county, and tribal governments participating in ERICA have agreed to invest $23,000,000 in this initiative. The federal nexus of this project is to develop a communications system that can assist law enforcement and federal personal in protecting life and property, which includes federal lands, in eastern Riverside County. Spending Plan: Project Expenditures--The dollars appropriated for Eastern Riverside County Interoperability Communication Authority in CJS, under the project title of Eastern Riverside County Interoperability Communications Authority (ERICA), will be used for equipment costs to support the ERICA system. Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: Department of Justice, Byrne Entity Requesting: City of Moreno Valley, 14177 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley, CA 88005 Description of Earmark: $500,000 will continue and enhance the City's gang intervention strategies including enforcement, community awareness, education, and the integration of local organizations such as school districts and private entities. It is critical that the City of Moreno Valley have the resources to develop more strategic, coordinated, and collaborative efforts between local enforcement agencies, social service providers, and the general public. The objective of the City's gang prevention program is to significantly curtail gang involvement, and its negative impact, in the Moreno Valley community. In addition to the Administrative, Patrol, and Detective services they provide to the community, the Moreno Valley Police Department has implemented a number of crime prevention services and programs to specifically intervene in and prevent crime and gang involvement. The 2008/09 Fiscal Year police budget for crime prevention and special enforcement programs, including gang-related crimes, is nearly $7 million. The requested funds will be utilized throughout the 2010/11 Fiscal Year to enhance existing gang prevention efforts. The federal nexus is to assist crime fighting efforts. Gangs are often involved in the violation of federal crimes and this funding seeks to contribute to that crime fighting effort. Spending Plan: Project Expenditures--One unsupported Gang Task Force Officer (one year)--$120,245 One fully supported Special Enforcement Team Gang Officer (One year)--$220,275 1,916 hours of G.I.F.T. program overtime--$104,766 1,000 hours of SET Gang officer overtime--$54,680 This overtime would be used to prepare gang enhancements, participate in community meetings to address gang issues, investigate gang-related crime, and conduct other gang-specific enforcement. Total: $499,966.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Ron Silver and mourn his untimely passing. Ron Silver's talent and passion as an artist was evident on the screen, television and the stage. He received numerous awards and accolades from his peers for his memorable performances and his ability to entertain audiences. He cared about his craft and was beloved by the people who had the good fortune to work with him. It's rare that an individual can successfully navigate through the personalities and politics of both Hollywood and Washington, but Ron Silver was able to master both and gain the respect of all he touched along the way. Ron's good nature and principled patriotism led him to be accepted and trusted by Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike. He was able to accomplish this because no matter what side of the issues you were on, Ron did not question one's patriotism--he believed that all Americans were united by a common bond and love of country--even if they stood on opposite sides of an issue. That fact in and of itself says a lot about the man. In Washington, Ron Silver understood the importance of taking the time to study the issues he championed and to Ron that included taking into account all points of view. As a fierce independent, he knew that criticism could come from all sides. Ron knew that it was important not only to understand the policy and politics but also to respect the process and nuances of Washington that too many overlook and, as a result, find themselves facing a more difficult and challenging path to achieve their goals. Ron Silver's abilities were illustrated in his work as a founder of the Creative Coalition, a collection of artists and entertainers from across the political spectrum who work to educate people about issues ranging from arts funding to First Amendment Rights to fighting poverty. Ron earned immense respect for his tireless work with the Coalition. It wasn't Ron Silver's nature to simply write a column or cut a check--although he was able to do both--he simply had too much energy and too much of an interest in making the lives of others better to limit his advocacy. That was the Ron Silver way--always striving to make a difference and contribute to building a stronger and more secure America. Ron Silver leaves behind a grateful nation and a loving family. Our nation would be enriched if more of us exercised the same sense of country, level of thoughtfulness and aptly placed priorities as Ron Silver. At the top of such order was his family, who graciously shared their devoted husband and father with the rest of us. Our condolences are with each of you. Please find solace in the memories of the time and special moments you shared and the knowledge that your loved one was the embodiment of all that Thomas Jefferson valued in his countrymen--a citizen who never shied from his responsibilities to make his country a better place. He will be sorely missed. Thank you Ron Silver. May God bless you and grant you peace.

Mrs. BONO MACK

Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009: Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Education, National Projects; Innovation and Improvement Entity Requesting: Reading Is Fundamental, Inc.,1825 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 400, Washington, DC 20009 Description of Earmark: $26 million is provided to Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF). RIF is one of our nation's oldest and largest children's literacy organizations. RIF partners with thousands of schools, public agencies, nonprofit organizations and corporations throughout our country and provides millions of underserved children with free books and reading encouragement from over 20,000 locations. Over the past 4 decades, RIF has provided books to more than 300 million children. RIF encourages reading both inside and outside of school by allowing youngsters to select books to keep at home. RIF's Inexpensive Book Distribution Program: This program provides books for low-income children and youths from infancy to high school age and supports activities to motivate them to read, through aid to local nonprofit groups and volunteer organizations. Spending Plan: Nearly 89 percent of RIF's 2007 federal funds were used to purchase books and RIF was able to use this as leverage to raise an additional $8.6 million from local communities to support book ownership. With the help of Congress, RIF was able to provide more than 16 million books to 4.6 children last year.