Shelley Berkley

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Purple Heart Day. On August 7, 1782, General George Washington issued an order establishing the Honorary Badge of Distinction, otherwise known as the Badge of Military Merit or the Decoration of the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart bears the profile of George Washington, the man who led our country through the Revolutionary War and eventually became the nation's first President. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to members of the armed forces who are wounded in conflict with an enemy force, or while being held by an enemy force as a prisoner of war, and may also be awarded to the next of kin of members of the Armed Forces who are killed in conflict with an enemy force, or who die of a wound received in conflict with an enemy force. The Order of the Purple Heart for Military Merit is our oldest military decoration. Purple has always been a symbol of royalty and it is fitting that we award the Purple Heart to our wounded heroes, those American military members who have bravely served their country and risked their lives to secure our freedom. I want to thank all veterans for their bravery on behalf of the United States of America. I am personally inspired by the selfless service and devotion of the veterans who have fought for our nation. The United States of America honors the service men and women who on distant fields of death gave their life blood for their country, not forgetting warriors of yesteryear or those still in Iraq or Afghanistan, today. As the Representative for Nevada's First Congressional District, it gives me immense pride to recognize August 7 as the anniversary of the Purple Heart award, and as Purple Heart Day. Today is a day to reflect and take great pride in being Americans. We must never forget the sacrifices all veterans have made in the name of freedom.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities. As a former President of the Southern Nevada Public Broadcasting Station, I have long been an advocate of funding our Nation's cultural agencies. Arts and humanities play a valuable role in my home State of Nevada, not only because they enrich our culture, but also because they create much-needed jobs in our communities. Programs funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities are particularly critical to enhancing the quality of K-12 education in Nevada. In 2010, Nevada Humanities produced and supported programs that reached 228 K-12 educators and nearly 55,000 K-12 student participants throughout the State. The humanities play an important role in preparing our students for the future, encouraging them to seek knowledge and wisdom and to reflect on the values and traditions that have shaped this great Nation. The study of arts and humanities enriches our knowledge about our world and the value of different cultures, which is essential in today's global economy. These efforts preserve the great accomplishments of the past, help us understand the present, and bring clarity and insight to the future. Providing funding for humanities programs is a smart investment for our Nation because it teaches our young people to be thoughtful and well-rounded leaders of tomorrow and creates much-needed jobs today. As a proud member of the Congressional Arts Caucus and a passionate patron of the arts and humanities, I am committed to protecting these investments now and for generations to come.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call my colleagues' attention to the 37th anniversary of the Turkish tragic invasion of Cyprus. Turkey's unlawful occupation, which began on this day in 1974, left thousands of innocent Greek Cypriot civilians without their homes, their land, and their families. It is crucial for us to commemorate this unfortunate situation and assist the people of Cyprus in reaching a solution. Many of the Cypriot generation who suffered the invasion have not lived to see justice or a resolution to this conflict. Although many of the survivors have had the opportunity to return to their homes on the northern side of the island, it was only to discover them occupied by Turkish settlers. Only Turkey recognizes the occupied northern side of the country as a Turkish Cypriot state, but it does not even provide a valid standard of living to their own citizens. This was made evident through the recent demonstrations by Turkish Cypriots who have displayed their own dissatisfaction with the Turkish occupation. Thirty-seven years after the invasion, the Turkish government continues to throw obstacles in the path to peace. Instead of compromising, Turkey threatens a deadlock on relations between Turkey and the European Union if the Republic of Cyprus takes over the presidency of the European Union in July 2012. It is clear that Cypriots of all kinds are ready for peace, but how can peace be reached when Turkey will not even accept Cyprus as a member of the European Union? The time has come for Turkey to end their threats, withdraw their troops, and return the territory that is not rightfully theirs. That way, the Cypriots--and the Cypriots alone--can make the decisions affecting their future.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express support and sympathy for the people of Cyprus about the tragedy that recently occurred in one of their naval bases, killing 13 people and injuring dozens more. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Cyprus at this extremely difficult time. This tragic story begins with a courageous act of international leadership by the government of Cyprus. In January 2009, a Cypriot- flagged merchant ship was illegally transporting arms from Iran to Syria, when it was called to port by the Cypriot government. Acting on their suspicions, Cypriot forces arrested the sailors aboard the ship, seized the arms, and stored them at the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base in Zygi, Cyprus, where they had been kept until now. On Monday, July 11, the gunpowder in these containers was ignited by a brush fire and exploded. Thirteen Cypriots were killed in this massive explosion and fire, including the commander of the Cypriot navy, Andreas Ioannides, and the commander of the base, Lambros Lambrou. The explosion also damaged the most important power plant in Cyprus, which normally supplies 60 percent of the electricity for the island, causing widespread blackouts, reducing water supply, and threatening the nation's economy. This tragic event is made only more so by the fact that it began with such a great act of leadership on the part of the Cypriot government. I know my colleagues join me in extending our deepest appreciation to the Cypriot government for the actions they took to stop the illegal arms shipment and in expressing our deepest condolences for those who lost their lives and all those who were harmed by this tragic event. We stand ready to assist the Cypriot people to recover from this accident and look forward to many more years of working together to advance the cause of world peace.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 268, reaffirming the United States' commitment to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. We all know that the only way to achieve a true and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians is through direct negotiations between the parties. But the Palestinians have been refusing to negotiate with Israel for over a year, using excuse after excuse to stay away from the bargaining table. The Israelis, meanwhile, have accepted the principle of a two-state solution and have pushed for immediate, direct negotiations with the Palestinians. If I were the Palestinian leadership, which claims simply to want an independent state, I would be clamoring for immediate, direct negotiations. Nothing could stop me from sitting down at the negotiating table and finding a lasting settlement to these issues so that my people could finally achieve statehood. But while Israel waits for a partner at the bargaining table, the Palestinians have turned away and instead asked that the United Nations prematurely recognize a Palestinian state, though its borders have not been determined, the status of Jerusalem has not been settled and the Palestinians still insist on an unprecedented ``right of return'' for refugees. Further, Israel still faces real threats to its security in the form of terror attacks: between April and July of this year alone, Israel was on the receiving end of hundreds of missiles fired from Gaza. The Palestinians' end-run around the negotiations is just another attempt by the Palestinians to gain the upper hand and embarrass Israel rather than finding a peaceful solution to this tragic conflict. Complicating matters further is the agreement signed between Fatah and Hamas, a terrorist organization, to form a unity government within the Palestinian Authority. Israel cannot be expected to negotiate with terrorists, and no one should ask them to do so. And yet, PA president Mahmoud Abbas decided to cast his lot not with the moderates but with the extremists and terrorists who seek Israel's destruction, rather than a peaceful solution to the conflict. The United Nations and the world community must reject Hamas as a legitimate representative of the Palestinians and must turn back any Palestinian attempts to avoid the negotiating table. We must insist on immediate, direct negotiations as the only path to peace. I therefore urge strong support for this resolution.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of the Mayor of the City of Las Vegas, Nevada, Oscar Goodman. Mayor Goodman has worked tirelessly for the City of Las Vegas. From 1999 to 2011, the Mayor facilitated 19 community and recreational centers, eight transportation projects, eight fire stations, seven expansion and beautification projects, a water reclamation center, and a police area command station. Mayor Goodman has been responsible for many great accomplishments in the heart of downtown. As Mayor, he was successful in acquiring a large piece of urban real estate in the City without resorting to eminent domain. Symphony Park will include the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, Performing Arts Center, business, medical, and retail opportunities. Mayor Goodman also managed to acquire a historic downtown post office from the General Services Administration. The building is being converted to a state-of-the-art museum capturing the excitement and notoriety of the history of Las Vegas. Also in the center of Las Vegas, an intellectual marketplace is being designed and will be home to the University of Nevada Las Vegas' (UNLV) School of Architecture, UNLV Modern Letters Program, and the Nevada School of the Arts. Mayor Goodman serves as the Chairman of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and works non-stop to raise support for cultural programs and charities of Las Vegas. Oscar Goodman first ran for Mayor of Las Vegas in 1999. By his third reelection bid in April 2007, Mayor Goodman captured 84 percent of the vote. As the Congresswoman for the people of Las Vegas, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the achievements of the self-proclaimed ``Happiest Mayor in the Universe,'' Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of the mayor Pro Tem of the City of Las Vegas, Nevada, Gary Reese. Gary Reese was first elected to the Las Vegas City Council representing Ward 3 on June 6, 1995, and is currently serving his fourth term. Councilman Reese was appointed Mayor Pro Tem on November 16, 2000. Councilman Reese has accomplished many things for the City of Las Vegas. From 1995-2011, Councilman Reese facilitated 19 community and recreational centers, 10 transportation projects, eight fire stations, eight expansion and beautification projects, the Fremont Street Experience, Neon Sign Museum, a water reclamation center, and a police area command station. As the owner of the Plaza Barber Shop and former chairman of the Las Vegas Planning Commission, Gary Reese is a well-known figure in the Las Vegas community. Prior to establishing the Plaza Barber Shop, which has been in operation since 1963, Councilman Reese worked at the Nevada Test Site. Councilman Reese currently serves as a vice chairman on the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's Committee on Fiscal Affairs. He is also a member of the Las Vegas Centennial Board of Directors and Executive Committee and was recently appointed to the board of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. He has also served on the Southern Nevada Health District Board for more than 13 years. In addition to his work on the Planning Commission, Councilman Reese has served on the City's Board of Zoning Adjustment, Southern Nevada Enterprise Consortium and the Real Estate and Recommending Committees. His concern for citizen interest is manifested through his past involvement with the City's Citizens Advisory Committee on Downtown Development and the Senior Citizens Advisory Board. Councilman Reese has also served as a member of the City's Liquor/Tavern License Committee and the Economic Opportunity Board of Clark County. As the Representative for Nevada's First Congressional District, it gives me immense pride to recognize the accomplishments of Councilman Gary Reese.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Victory Missionary Baptist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. On June 11, 1961, Rev. Abner J. Thompson, along with his wife, Mother Christine Thompson, founded the Victory Missionary Baptist Church under his pastorate. The Church was originally organized at the Zion United Methodist Church dining hall. Shortly after, a permanent place of worship was established on the west side of Las Vegas. Under Reverend Thompson's leadership, several area families cultivated this newly formed church. From the earliest beginnings, the church and its choir became well known throughout Las Vegas and in other parts of the country. As the church continued to grow, the congregation outgrew the original location. Between 1981 and 1984, the pastor and families made plans to construct a new sanctuary that would include an education building, kitchen, dining area and Sunday school. After 35 years of ministering, Reverend Thompson retired in February 1996. That following November, Dr. Robert E. Fowler, Sr., from Lawton, Oklahoma was installed as pastor. In 1998, Pastor Fowler outlined a plan for Victory Missionary Baptist Church that included a clear vision for the church. Within a year, membership grew more than 200 percent from previous years. Victory Missionary Baptist Church was a ``Church on the Move'' and acquired the entire block where it is now located. These acquisitions were historic, as this was the first church on the west side of Las Vegas. In 2003, Victory Missionary Baptist Church looked outward and focused on improving the community with programs designed to provide stimulation for the physical and recreational needs of the members. The health education ministry provided free health screenings and health education programs to the community at no cost, directly benefiting over 600 people. In 2005, the church renewed its focus on Christian improvement, with Pastor Fowler instructing various ministries on how to better evangelize and become leaders in the church. In 2006 and 2007, the church went through a paradigm shift, with the ministries growing and adding new meaning and new challenges for the congregation. In 2009, the church expanded its focus on vision and voice. The goal for the year was to challenge the congregation on a personal and spiritual level. While the national and local economies remained unsteady, this focus ensured the congregation that their positive relationship with God would remain unwavering. As the Representative for Nevada's First Congressional District, I proudly recognize Victory Missionary Baptist Church for 50 years of dedicated service to the community of Las Vegas. Victory Missionary Baptist Church continues to be a beacon of light for its members and the community as a whole. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Victory Missionary Baptist Church's 50th Anniversary.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Thank you, Mr. Higgins. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Higgins amendment to eliminate a provision in this bill that would harm Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Miami, Atlanta, Baltimore, Detroit, and dozens more cities around the country. This bill before us would eliminate any funding for the Urban Area Security Initiative for all but the top 10 highest-risk urban areas, leaving over 50 U.S. cities off the list, including my own city of Las Vegas, one of the greatest tourist destinations in the world with over 37 million visitors a year. For almost a decade, the UASI program has worked to help cities prevent and protect themselves from threats and acts of terrorism. Not too long ago, over 60 U.S. cities received funding to help them purchase equipment, develop recovery plans, and implement counterterrorism strategies. In my home city of Las Vegas, for example, we've created the Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center, where 18 State, local, and Federal agencies all work together to detect and prevent terrorists and other homeland security-related events. This kind of fusion center is based on the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to help law enforcement agencies communicate more effectively so they can put the pieces together that could prevent attacks. UASI funding has been an essential part of that center, and cutting off funding to that center now would put their excellent and possibly lifesaving work at risk. Southern Nevada is home to Nellis Air Force Base and Hoover Dam and some of the largest hotels on the planet. We know that some of the 9/11 terrorists visited Las Vegas before the horrific attack on our Nation. Mr. Chairman, after the capture and killing of Osama bin Laden, we also know that terrorists are increasingly focusing their interests on mid-sized cities rather than large cities. Many of those would now not be receiving Federal funding were this provision to become law. This is being done when the risk of retaliation by both homegrown terrorists and al Qaeda and al Qaeda affiliates is very high. I implore my colleagues not to leave some of America's greatest cities vulnerable and without the necessary funding to protect themselves. At a time when States and local governments are struggling to balance their budgets, we need help more than ever to prevent and prepare against terrorist attacks. This provision would be salt to the wounds. I urge support for this amendment.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of the Thompson/ Berkley amendment. This amendment would expand the DoD state licensure exception to allow health care professionals to practice across state borders--as long as they are qualified and practicing within regulations of their authorized federal duties. It would change the definition of these exempted health care professionals to include qualified civilians and contractors. However, nothing in this amendment is intended to change state-based scope of practice laws or regulations nor is it intended to be used as the basis for any future scope of practice changes through DoD regulations. This amendment also removes cumbersome location requirements, promoting increased use of tele-medicine, tele-healthcare services, and tele-behavioral health programs. One of my long-standing goals in Congress has been to expand the availability of mental health services for our brave men and women in uniform. Increasing servicemembers' treatment options by eliminating outdated restrictions on well-qualified health care professionals is an important step toward meeting that goal. This amendment addresses the changing medical needs of America's men and women in uniform and reduces barriers to ensure full access to quality health care-- regardless of their location. This amendment is based on H.R. 1832, the Portability (STEP) Act, which has the support of the Air Force Association (AFA), American Servicemembers' Telemedicine & E-Health Legion, the Association of the United States Navy (AUSN), the Enlisted Association of the National Guard (EANGUS), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Mental Health America, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), Reserve Enlisted Association (REA), and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). This amendment addresses DoD's limited ability to allow its health care professionals to provide care when the patient is in a different state while adhering to DoD's current system of core and supplemental privileges for each respective specialty, ensuring high quality care and patient safety. It also unties the hands of the DoD when it comes to civilians or contractors who have stepped up to fill shortages in desperately needed positions--especially mental health. Many in the military will no longer have to travel long distances to get help, relieving financial burdens and stress. We must honor the dedication and sacrifice of our troops by making sure DoD has the resources and qualified treatment providers needed to care for our heroes in Nevada and across the nation. That includes even more assistance for our troops who are coping not only with physical injuries, but with the challenges of PTSD and other mental health issues we are still working to better understand. This amendment recommits us as a nation to honoring the service of America's military, modernizing DoD for the 21st Century and increasing the quality and convenience of support and services for our returning servicemembers. I want to thank Representative Thompson for his dedication to this very important issue and I urge my colleagues to support our amendment.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 673, a bill originally introduced by Representative Heller of Nevada, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 427, a bill originally introduced by Representative Heller of Nevada, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate President Obama, his national security team and the members of our armed forces for the recent operation that led to the capture and killing of Al Qaeda's leader, Osama Bin Laden. The operation was conducted in an extremely professional manner and I am pleased that, nearly a decade after the tragedy of September 11, justice has finally been served. While the fight against terrorism will continue and our military forces remain in harm's way, for a moment, Americans can proudly mark the demise of this symbol of hatred who died with the blood of thousands on his hands. This is a tremendous victory for America and a promise kept to the families of the 9-11 victims. I congratulate everyone involved in this important, historic mission.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 297 had I been present I would have voted ``aye.'' I was unfortunately detained and unable to vote.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. I rise today to reject Republican calls for an investigation into the decision to end Yucca Mountain. Let me save this Republican Congress a lot of time and a lot of money. President Obama put a stop to Yucca Mountain because it is too dangerous a site to store radioactive nuclear waste. This is a political stunt with one goal--turning my home State of Nevada into a nuclear garbage dump. Those pushing this review are lying about the dump safety. They know Yucca Mountain is smack in the middle of an earthquake zone. There's volcanic activity. There's groundwater issues. Have we learned nothing about what is happening now in Japan? We ought to be demanding that the nuclear power plants act now to secure nuclear waste in dry-cask storage. Dry-cask storage will increase public safety now. Investigating Yucca Mountain will only increase the danger and waste money. Shame on the nuclear industry and its allies for being more interested in protecting their profits than in protecting public safety. That is why, even in the face of one of the world's worst nuclear disasters unfolding now in Japan, the nuclear industry and its ``nuked- up'' buddies in the United States Congress are playing partisan games with nuclear waste.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sympathy for the people of Japan as they battle a nuclear disaster that threatens lives and their environment, and I rise to reject calls for more wasteful spending, $100 billion more of wasteful spending, on the Yucca Mountain project in response to Japan's nuclear tragedy. Dumping radioactive waste on top of an earthquake fault located inside a volcanic zone 90 miles outside of Las Vegas will only increase the danger to Americans from radioactive waste produced at nuclear power plants. Nuclear industry plans call for decades of waste shipments to be unleashed on communities across the United States that are unprepared to deal with the death and destruction that this radioactive garbage can cause. Whether it's a tragic accident involving a train or a truck carrying nuclear waste or a deliberate 9/11 style terrorist attack on even one shipment, the risk to human lives and the potential for billions of dollars in economic damage is staggering. Let us stop pushing Yucca Mountain and start focusing on securing waste at existing plant sites, stored in hardened bunkers engineered to keep this material isolated from our fellow citizens. With what we are witnessing in Japan, these pro-dump forces should put concern for safeguarding lives above concerns about profits.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call my colleagues' attention to the continued exclusion of the Republic of China (Taiwan) from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). As we have witnessed far too often, Taiwan is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, having the natural environment of a subtropical island. In 2009, Taiwan was devastated by Typhoon Morakot. In just two days, a total of 2,500 mm of rain fell in Central and Southern Taiwan, the heaviest rain in over 50 years. Floods and landslides caused severe loss of life and property. Extreme weather events such as these, coupled with rising sea levels caused by global warming, are endangering Taiwan's environment and survival. The fact that Taiwan is unable to use the resources of the UNFCCC seriously cripples Taiwan's efforts to meet the challenges posed by global warming and climate change. For the welfare of Taiwan's 23 million residents, it urgently needs to be included in the disaster early warning system, to have access to real-time information and to be part of climate change adaptation mechanisms. This unjust exclusion not only hurts Taiwan, but it also hurts the global community, since Taiwan has a great deal to contribute to global environmental efforts. For nearly four decades, Taiwan has been developing a robust legal framework for environmental protection, beginning with the Water Pollution Control Act in 1974 and most recently in June 2009, with a law advancing the development of renewable energy. Taiwan's Environmental Protection Agency has implemented measures to reduce greenhouse gas emission and has invited international agencies every year since 1993 to verify the volumes of Taiwan's production, import and export of ozone-depleting substances. Taiwan is also at the forefront of developing solar power, alternative fuels, and wind power, reducing vehicular emissions, improving air quality and managing solid waste. Taiwan needs to be included in the UNFCCC and the world needs to include Taiwan. I urge my colleagues to support Taiwan's inclusion in the UNFCCC and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call attention to the horrific murders that took place in Israel this past weekend. Late Friday night during the Jewish Sabbath, Palestinian terrorists murdered five members of a family, including two young children and an infant, by stabbing them to death in their beds while they slept in their village in the northern West Bank. This grisly murder, that young children can be killed along with their parents for merely living in a place they are not wanted. The world community must stand together in rejecting such violence and state unequivocally that negotiations are the only acceptable way forward to resolve this conflict. We must also reject the notion that the West Bank must be rid of all Israelis--Juden free, where have we heard that before?--before peace can be had in the Middle East. Palestinian leaders have perpetuated this dangerous myth while Israelis, by contrast, have embraced their Arab neighbors as complete and equal citizens since 1948. Mr. Speaker, the Palestinians must not be allowed to cleanse the West Bank of all Jewish life before they will accept a peace agreement with Israel. The world community must call on them to condemn these horrific attacks and immediately return to the negotiating table, which they have avoided for far too long.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I have been in Congress now for 12 years. The very first speech I made on the floor of the House was why nuclear waste should not be stored at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. I cannot believe 12 years from when I first made that speech, I am back in the well of the House talking about why Nevada should not be the site for the nuclear repository for this country. President Obama defunded the Yucca Mountain project, and let me tell you why he took this very bold step: because 77 percent of the people of the State of Nevada do not want nuclear waste stored at Yucca Mountain. There are groundwater issues, seismic activity, volcanic activity, and it is 90 miles from the major population center of Las Vegas. It is dangerous. There are no current EPA standards. And why is that? No current EPA radiation standards, because there is no way to set radiation standards for material that has a radioactive half shelf life of 300,000 years. But the Republican budget that has just been submitted resurrects Yucca Mountain and starts the process of dumping another $100 billion into a hole in the Nevada desert where there will never, ever be any nuclear waste stored. At the same time that the majority is calling for spending more money to dump nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain, they are also pushing for devastating cuts that will end the loan guarantees for a new solar power plant in the State of Nevada near the community of Tonopah. The result will be the loss of 600 jobs at a time when the Silver State has double-digit unemployment. Almost 15 percent of the people who live in Nevada have no job, and they are going to take away 600 more by this very foolish act. Construction of this new solar plant will not only provide hundreds of paychecks to Nevada workers, it will also supply enough clean and renewable energy to power 75,000 homes in the State of Nevada. Without these loan guarantees that are now on the Republican chopping block, this solar project's bright future is looking mighty, mighty dim. Tapping renewable energy sources, like the wind and solar and geothermal, all in great abundance in the State of Nevada, is where the future of this Nation and certainly Nevada's energy needs are. Do we want to continue to rely on the Saudis and the Venezuelans and the Libyans for our energy needs to be met? I don't think so. Renewable is the way to go. This Nation and Nevada's future is in clean energy, not in nuclear waste stored at Yucca Mountain, yet the Republicans want to cut funding for solar and other renewable resources that can be harnessed to provide clean energy and jobs for our local workers. And they are pushing these cuts while calling for $100 billion to be dumped down a hole in the middle of the Nevada desert, as I said, 90 miles from a major population center. I reject these efforts to restore the funding to Yucca Mountain. It is more wasteful spending at a time when they are talking about fixing the deficit. This is no way to do it by adding an extra $100 billion. And I will make this pledge to you now: There will be no nuclear waste shipped to Yucca Mountain because it will be shipped over my dead body. I will lay across those railroad tracks and stop that train from depositing nuclear waste in my great State. I oppose the cuts as much as I oppose the funding of Yucca Mountain. I oppose the cuts in the solar energy loan guarantee program that will cut 600 jobs from the State of Nevada and prevent us from moving forward for a bright, renewable energy future.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Chair, I rise in the strongest possible opposition to the Bishop amendment. As is the case with many of the cuts in this bill, and with many of the amendments offered, the goal seems to be to cut just for the sake of cutting. COPS funding? Cut it. Title Ten services for low-income women? Cut it. Head Start? Cut it. The list goes on and on. I support efforts to reduce the deficit, and in that effort I have voted for some of the amendments offered this week. But the Bishop amendment goes too far, and in fact will have a devastating impact on Southern Nevada and many other communities across the nation that will cost us far more in the long run. As an example, defunding the entire National Landscape Conservation System will require shutting down the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the stunningly beautiful natural wonder just outside of Las Vegas. More than one million local families and tourists visit this unique national treasure each year, taking advantage of the 13- mile scenic drive, visitor center, hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking and other recreational activities, and bringing valuable tourist revenue to our community as we work to recover from the economic downturn. Funding from the National Landscape Conservation System allows BLM to maintain the roads, trails and visitor center that make Red Rock accessible and that enable people of all ages and abilities to enjoy its beauty year-round. Passage of this amendment would eliminate this essential funding and force the shutdown of this jewel in the Nevada desert. I strongly encourage the defeat of this short-sighted amendment.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to the Pence Amendment. Rep. Pence's amendment would prohibit Planned Parenthood from receiving any federal funds, including Medicaid reimbursement for family planning services, funding for HIV testing and counseling, funding for programs to prevent infertility, breast and cervical cancer screening funds, and funding to provide evidenced-based sex education, including information about abstinence. This amendment would have a devastating impact on communities like Las Vegas. In my district, Planned Parenthood's Flamingo Health Center is an essential community provider and one of only three Title X facilities in Clark County. In FY 2010, 27 percent of their clients were at or below 100 percent of Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and an additional 39 percent were between 100 percent and 250 percent of FPL. Planned Parenthood provides access for many low-income women to basic and preventive healthcare, often serving as a primary care provider. In FY2010, Planned Parenthood provided basic healthcare services to more than 18,000 Nevadans. Rep. Pence's amendment will result in 1.4 million Medicaid patients-- predominately women--losing access to their health care provider. This attack on Medicaid patients' access to their local provider occurs at the same time that the Medicaid program desperately needs more doctors and nurses to participate in the program. Existing access issues will only become exacerbated as a result of the Medicaid expansion to 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Level under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Federal law already requires health care providers to demonstrate that federal funds are not used for abortion care, so this amendment is a clear attempt to cut funding for cancer screenings and contraception for low-income women at Planned Parenthood health centers. Rep. Pence's amendment has one goal--to undermine women's access to basic, preventive healthcare and the women's health providers they rely on in their communities. I oppose this amendment and efforts to deprive women access to essential healthcare services.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of the American commercial spaceflight industry. Investing in private industry is an effective way to cut federal spending while spurring meaningful job growth and innovation. This is why I am a strong advocate for developing the commercial spaceflight program proposed by President Obama. The President's plan will help lower NASA launch costs by shifting this role to competitive private businesses, while fostering American economic competitiveness and leadership in cutting-edge research and technology. This plan will also end our reliance on Russia to transport NASA astronauts to the International Space Station by utilizing the technology and services of private companies on American soil. Bigelow Aerospace has been a model of American entrepreneurship and innovation. This company has developed its own spacecraft and created hundreds of much-needed jobs in the Las Vegas Valley. If we follow President Obama's common-sense plan of winding down NASA's Constellation Program and transferring the launch program to private industry, Bigelow Aerospace and many other cutting-edge spaceflight companies will create countless more jobs in the vital science and engineering industry. The American people have told us emphatically that our top priorities must be jobs and the economy, and leveraging commercial spaceflight capabilities addresses both of these goals. I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting fiscally responsible, job-creating investments in the commercial spaceflight industry.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 70th anniversary of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. In 1941, Bishop Thomas K. Gorman acknowledged the need for a social service organization that would benefit Nevada. He assigned Father Thomas F. Collins as the first diocesan director of the Catholic Welfare Program. Through boundless efforts and dedication, Father Collins organized programs for the homeless and needy, family programs, adoption services, and provided services to the United Service Organization, USO. By 1945, the agency was incorporated under Nevada statutes and acquired a nonprofit status under the name of Nevada Catholic Welfare Bureau. In the 1960s, the agency expanded and began development of thrift stores, a child care center, and the St. Vincent Dining Facility. During the 1970s and 1980s, as the population growth of Las Vegas doubled, more programs were needed and developed for senior citizens, refugee and immigration services, as well as a home for girls in crisis, an emergency shelter, a work program for homeless men, and an employment services center. In 1995, the name was changed to Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. As the senior population of Southern Nevada continued to grow, Catholic Charities incorporated Respite Care and Supportive Services, Marian Residence for Senior Women, Crossroads Transitional Housing for Senior Men, and Telephone Reassurance. In addition, the Social Ministry program was established to provide assistance to outreach programs and the community through resources and program development. In 1998, a 120 room apartment building for individual residents was finished and Catholic Charities was able to rebuild additional structures for Social Services, Migration Refugee and Immigration Services, Employment Services Program, Resident Work Program and Administration offices. Since 2006, the Women, Infant and Children, WIC, Food, Homeless to Home, Senior Services Medical Nutrition Therapy, and Foster Grandparent Programs were created to better serve our community. Catholic Charities strives toward assisting each individual who is seeking help to gain self-sufficiency and independence with dignity by providing diverse social service programs that are designed to assist infants to seniors through the entire community. As the Representative for Nevada's First Congressional District, it gives me immense pride to recognize the 70th anniversary of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada as they continue to be one of the largest private nonprofit social service providers in the State of Nevada, offering the most comprehensive range of human services.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Nevada Test Site on January 27, 2011, and the contributions of the thousands of men and women who served there throughout the Cold War. I deeply appreciate their dedication to their work and their unwavering patriotism. These test site workers are outstanding Americans and I thank them for being outstanding members of the southern Nevada community. In 1950, President Harry Truman approved the recommendations of the Atomic Energy Commission and the Department of Defense to establish a continental site for atomic bomb experiments. After consideration of possible sites throughout the United States, it was decided that the 5000 square mile Las Vegas Bombing and Gunnery Range would be used for America's atomic weapons development program. Shortly after midnight on January 27, 1951, personnel from the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory delivered a ``nuclear capsule'' to a heavily guarded Air Force B-50D sitting on a taxi strip at Kirtland Air Force Base outside Albuquerque. The B-50D lifted off from the runway and headed west through the darkness toward Frenchman Flat, a remote desert valley located on the new Nevada Test Site, sixty-five miles northwest of Las Vegas. Shortly after 3:00 a.m., the go-ahead was issued for the test, code named Able. At 5:45 a.m., the device exploded as planned at a height of 1,060 feet The Atomic Energy Commission swiftly moved to turn the Nevada Test site into a permanent proving ground for nuclear weapons. For over four decades, the Nevada Test Site served as the nation's principal proving ground for nuclear weapons. Almost 90 percent of the 1,052 tests since 1945 were conducted at the Nevada Test Site. During the 1950s, atmospheric testing provided for some spectacular visual performances, but also sent radioactive clouds beyond the test site boundaries and over inhabited areas. Concern regarding radioactive fallout spurred international test ban negotiations that culminated in the Limited Test Ban Treaty of 1963. The test ban treaty banned atmospheric testing, replacing it with underground testing. The Nevada Test Site played a major role in winning the Cold War. Nuclear weapons capabilities and their testing shaped the manner in which the Cold War was fought. Many have argued that it was the determining factor in keeping the struggle from becoming an all-out hot war. The Nevada Test Site resembles an actual battleground. Hundreds of saucer-like craters, formed by the subsidence of the ground above an underground test shot, pock the test site, creating an almost moon-like landscape. Although massive amounts of high-level radioactivity were locked into the earth in the contained blasts, plutonium and other radioactive substances are still detectable above ground. This is the legacy of Cold War combat. As the Representative for Nevada's First Congressional District, it is my great honor to recognize the 60th anniversary of the Nevada Test Site and commend all the men and women who contributed to the security of our Nation through their expertise, service, sacrifice and duty to country.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Finally, for those who are truly concerned about the deficit, the CBO, the nonpartisan arm of Congress, explicitly stated that repeal will cost $260 billion over 10 years. It appears that those who shout the loudest about the deficit want to add to it. Let's fix what needs fixing, and let's not repeal this lifesaving, life-enhancing legislation. And we need to do the doctors fix, too.