John Boozman

Mr. BOOZMAN

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H. Res. 283, honoring the life, achievements and contributions of Rabbi Charles Rosenzveig. Rabbi Rosenzveig was a Holocaust survivor, scholar, teacher and founder of the first freestanding Holocaust Memorial Center in the United States. Rabbi Rosenzveig passed away on December 11, 2008, but his lifelong efforts to keep alive the memory of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and his commitment to teaching the lessons of tolerance to future generations will live on. After surviving the horrors of the Holocaust, he immigrated to the United States in 1947 where he was ordained as a rabbi, became a respected teacher in the Jewish community and spoke extensively to raise awareness about the Holocaust. Rabbi Rosenzveig made it his personal mission to teach new generations of the lessons of the Holocaust, and he led the efforts in establishing the Holocaust Memorial Center in West Bloomfield, Michigan, the first of its kind in the United States. The original Holocaust Memorial Center which Rabbi Rosenzveig helped establish in West Bloomfield, which was later moved to a large state- of-the-art museum in Farmington Hills, served as a model for many other Holocaust centers later built throughout the United States. I would like to thank my colleague from Michigan, Congressman Peters, for introducing this measure which commemorates those who perished at the hands of the Nazi regime and honors the life and accomplishments of Rabbi Charles Rosenzveig as a scholar, teacher, rabbi, and founder and director of the Holocaust Memorial Center. I urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. I ask my fellow Members to support this resolution commemorating Rabbi Rosenzveig. I also appreciate Chairman Payne and the staffs on both sides of the aisle for their hard work in bringing forth several measures today. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. I want to thank Mr. Baca for bringing this forward, and I urge my colleagues to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Arkansas Tech University on 100 years of academic excellence. Arkansas Tech University was originally established as a Second District Agricultural College by the State legislature and one of four State agricultural schools in 1909. Arkansas Tech University is now one of the fastest-growing universities in the State of Arkansas and has established a reputation as a school that truly serves the Nation. It is said that an education from Arkansas Tech University is the best of both worlds, big time technology and an education in a friendly, small-town setting. The school excels in exposing its students to the technology of tomorrow and better preparing students for future endeavors. An excellent faculty and staff provide an outstanding education and educational opportunities. I am proud to support this fine institution and look forward to the next 100 years of academic excellence.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a young man beloved by his family, friends, and his community. I rise to remember Corporal William Craig Comstock of the United States Marine Corps, who was taken from us while honorably serving our country in Iraq. Craig grew up in the Third District of Arkansas, going to Cedarville High School and graduating from Alma High School. He made a big impression on his classmates. On a Facebook page created in his honor, one friend wrote, ``I can't stress enough that you changed my life. You are such an inspiration to me.'' Craig is an inspiration to all of us. He was raised in a single- parent home and later in foster homes, but he has always had the drive to succeed. Craig joined the Marine Corps in January of 2007 and was trained as an ammunition technician. He volunteered to go back to Iraq after being shot while deployed there earlier in his career. Madam Speaker, at the young age of 21, Craig made a tremendous sacrifice for his country. He is a true American hero. I ask my colleagues to keep his family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, today my colleague Mr. Meeks and I are introducing the Microfinance Capacity Building Act of 2009. This bi- partisan effort aims to build the human capacity of microfinance networks working to empower the poor in developing countries across the globe. Microcredit--the provision of small, collateral-free loans to the poor in developing nations enable poor families to increase their income and have an immediate and lasting impact on quality of life--the ability to afford food, shelter, education and healthcare. As business income increases, the business is able to expand, and the effect spreads beyond the family into the local community, through employment and contribution to the local economy. Thus, the benefits of microfinance help grow not just businesses, but stronger communities as well. It is widely recognized that the lack of human capital is the greatest constraint to the growth of practitioner organizations in the microfinance industry. According to some industry estimates, in order to meet the anticipated demand for microfinance, the industry will have to hire 1.6 million new loan officers alone in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Near East, assuming a loan officer to client ratio of 1:300. And that figure does not include the skilled middle and senior managers that microfinance organizations are struggling to find and retain. The microfinance capacity-building activities supported by this legislation are intended to drive innovation and provide comprehensive solutions that address the lack of human capacity in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. These activities will provide a 'framework for a regional and sub-regional approach to maximizing economies of scale and should focus predominately on educating and training country nationals in order to build capacity in the microfinance industry in developing countries. Through its strategic investment in building microfinance human capacity, this bill would make it possible for more of the world's poor to access financial services to enable them to start or expand a business, develop a steady income and create jobs for their neighbors.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. As part of my commitment to the people of Arkansas' Third District, I hold mobile offices in all 12 counties so that I can hear their concerns and help them when I can. As part of that, I relay their troubles here. For many of the people I saw in Fayetteville on Friday, their attendance at the mobile office was a first. Like so many other people that I hear from through phone calls, e-mails, they are scared with the direction of our country. They've seen Democrats pass a massive stimulus bill that was full of pet projects but short on job creation, job protection, and protections for pension plans. They've seen President Obama tout an omnibus bill that increases government spending, but what they're looking for is how Washington is tightening its belt, just like so many of them are. Last week, President Obama said, ``It's with a budget that leads to broad economic growth by moving from an era of borrow and spend to one where we save and invest.'' Unfortunately, President Obama isn't living up to those words with his budget proposal that spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much. My constituents are upset--and they have every reason to be. ``No more Federal deficit spending, please. I beg you to stop the financial bleeding.'' This is from Leslie in Harrison. She e-mailed me last week, ``We cannot afford to continue spending for programs we don't need. What we need are legislators with the veracity and tenacity to stand up and cut the spending programs and pay off the national debt.'' Leslie, I hear you. I too have serious doubts. One reason is the proposed Federal budget would enact the largest tax increase in the history of the United States. I also hear Rebecca from Wesley, who wrote, ``I'm 63 years old and have worked very hard. I pay my bills and do not want to pay the bills of others. I'm so furious with what is going on in Washington. No to all tax increases, no to any laws that will increase utility rates, no to government-run health care. I have no confidence that the government can run anything.'' We need to work to regain the confidence of the hardworking Americans like Leslie and Rebecca that they had in the past in our government, but no longer. This requires us to vote against budget proposals that include cap-and-trade and that hurt small businesses and discourage charitable giving. We need a road to recovery that includes curbing wasteful spending, focusing on job creation and debt control. We need to do what is best for our country, and I'm committed to looking for alternative solutions and fighting for a capitalistic democracy.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the service and commitment of C. Ray Baker who has devoted his life to helping make ``Life worth living in Fort Smith, Arkansas.'' Ray Baker has been a lifelong champion of Fort Smith. He's shown his love for the community through serving its citizens for the past 19 years as Mayor. He shared his enthusiasm for the community with the generations of students he taught over his 46 years as an educator. His legacy is far reaching beyond the halls of Southside High School where he taught for 44 years. He has received numerous awards and commendations for his years in the classroom including being named Arkansas PTA Teacher of the Year, a Milken Family National Educator, Arkansas Teacher of the Year and Daughters of the American Revolution National American History Teacher of the Year. Teaching was only one passion, he has dedicated countless hours volunteering for civic service organizations and the energy he brings to ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings and awards ceremonies and special community events is contagious. His dedication to Fort Smith has inspired an award named after him, the ``Ray Baker Lifetime Achievement Award.'' Ray is a true American hero. He has had a tremendous impact on me because of the way he lives his life. His energetic spirit has given us all strength, and we are fortunate to have his leadership and dedication. Fort Smith is a better place because of Ray Baker.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the citizens of Boone County, Arkansas on the opening of a new Jail and Law Enforcement Facility. As Boone County has grown over the decades, the need for a modern jail and law enforcement facility became apparent. Ground was broken for this 27,000 square-foot building in August 2007, and less than 2 years later we have an excellent facility that will help us in the fight to keep the county safe. The people of Boone County should be proud of their new facility. Thanks is due to my friends Sheriff Danny Hickman and Judge Mike Moore for their leadership, and to the Quorum Court and other elected officials for their hard work. Also, a local \1/4\ cent sales tax increase was passed to fund construction of this facility, so it is proper to acknowledge that the taxpayers are truly the ones who have enabled the construction of this facility. We all know and understand that law enforcement is vital to keeping our homes secure, our streets safe, and communities prosperous. This new facility would not have been built without the efforts of everyone working together, and they have my congratulations.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. H.R. 1171, as amended, would continue the program through 2014. As always, I appreciate the hard work of our staffs, both on the Republican and Democratic side, in regard to this legislation. Madam Speaker, I would urge each of my colleagues to support H.R. 1171, as amended.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I want to first thank the chair of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, Herseth Sandlin, and the committee chairman, Mr. Filner, for bringing forth H.R. 1171, as amended, to the House. I am also grateful to Ranking Member Buyer for being an original cosponsor. Today, VA estimates that 154,000 veterans are homeless, down from 250,000 just a few years ago. While the VA data shows that we are making progress in reducing the number of homeless veterans, there is still a need to get our veterans off the streets and into jobs. That is why we need to continue the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, known as HVRP, administered by the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service, or VETS. Madam Speaker, HVRP is being cited by GAO as an example of a successful program designed to put homeless veterans back to work. It is a relatively inexpensive program, authorized at $50 million per year and funded last year at about $26 million. The goal of HVRP is to put homeless veterans back to work. The latest data shows that in fiscal year 2007, HVRP providers served 13,446 homeless veterans and put 9,061 back to work for a placement rate of 67 percent. The average wage was $13 per hour with a cost per placement of about $2,407. If you figure a wage of $26,000 per year, a veteran in the 15 percent tax bracket would pay about $3,900 in Federal income taxes alone. That is a bargain for taxpayers who have gained another contributor to society. To be successful in returning veterans to full members of society, it is vital that homeless veterans programs offer more than just shelter and meals. Services such as substance abuse treatment and mental health services are needed to lay the foundation for a return to work whenever possible. It is the ability to make one's way in the world, to contribute rather than just take, that gives us a sense of self-worth and pride. I am also pleased that the Veterans' Affairs Committee voted unanimously to amend H.R. 1171, as amended, by adding the provisions of Ranking Member Buyer's H.R. 293, a bill that would create a separate program to employ homeless women veterans and veterans with children. Unfortunately, the homeless veteran population is seeing an increase in these two groups, and it is time to incentivize homeless providers to meet the needs of women veterans and veterans with children. Clearly, HVRP has played an important role in reducing homelessness among veterans, and that is why it is important to extend the program, which would otherwise expire next September.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. My constituent, Dayna Hilton, was recently named the 2009 Educator of the Year by the National Fire Protection Association. She has diligently been involved in fire service for 9 years. She currently serves as the Public Fire and Life Safety Educator for Johnson County's Rural Fire Department in Clarksville, Arkansas, and is an instructor for both the Arkansas Fire Academy and the National Fire Academy. Dayna encouraged the Rural Fire Department in Johnson County to make fire prevention part of its mission. Now it has a Fire Prevention Division and, thanks to Dayna's efforts, has received almost $150,000 in grants and awards for fire prevention efforts. In addition to serving the State of Arkansas, Dayna has published numerous articles, appeared on several television networks, and recorded educational videos to promote fire and safety on the national level. Dayna owns Firehouse Dog Publishing, and is the published author of Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dayna.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Arkansas Educational Television Network. This important resource for Arkansans was recently recognized for its commitment to education by the Corporation For Public Broadcasting, awarding AETN with a My Source Community Impact Award for Education for its Spring Break Family Day that was designed to encourage children to learn and be physically active through PBS characters, educational games, crafts, and contests. I am proud to support this fine organization and its mission. AETN offers lifelong learning opportunities to our community and provides programming and services that enrich the lives of Arkansans. For its innovative efforts and committed response to the diverse educational needs of our community, it is clear AETN is deserving of this honor. With the help of organizations like this, our community is building a brighter future for our children. I am glad to see that this station, which plays such an important role in our State, has been recognized on the national level. I commend the employees for their good work and wish them continued success for the 2009 Spring Break Family Day.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Chairman, I wanted to associate myself with the remarks of our ranking member, Mr. Mica, in regard to Davis-Bacon. I have some real concerns with the extension there. But I do rise in support of the bill. I believe the underlying bill is a very, very good bill. I was visiting with former Member John Paul Hammersmith, one of my predecessors who was here for many, many years with Mr. Oberstar. I had lunch with him. And he asked me what was on the agenda. And we talked about the water issues and things. And he, like Mr. Oberstar, gave me the history and again related how hard you all had worked together, Mr. Oberstar, to get these things done. And we do thank you for your very hard work for many, many years really laying the groundwork. So we have a tremendous amount to do, but we need to get it done. So we do appreciate that, Mr. Chairman. The other thing is I would like to thank Mr. Ehlers for his hard work in the Great Lakes. Again, he has dealt with this for many, many years. And as you said, this truly is a model for this type of bill. The other thing I would like to do is thank Ms. Johnson for her leadership as my chairman on Water Resources, for her shepherding this through committee and now shepherding it through the House. And then, as always, Mr. Mica in his position as ranking member, again, for doing the same thing. I also want to thank the staffs for their hard work on both sides. They do a tremendous job. And we appreciate their efforts. I do support the bill and urge its passage. And I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. I yield the gentleman another 2 minutes. I think he makes some excellent points.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Bilbray).

Mr. BOOZMAN. I would like to associate myself with the chairman's remarks. I can't say it as eloquently as he did, but I think that we are all very much in agreement that this is a very, very important body of water that needs to be protected, and we appreciate the gentleman from Virginia stepping forward with this amendment. And we certainly will support it.

Mr. BOOZMAN. No, Madam Chair. We understand that the amendment created a technical problem, and we agree with this solution.

Mr. BOOZMAN. If the gentleman will yield, I also support the amendment.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he would like to our distinguished ranking member, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica).

Mr. BOOZMAN. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers).

Mr. BOOZMAN. I will continue to reserve.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Chairman, anyone who drives on our bridges and roads, ships freight through our rivers and locks, or who has the responsibility to maintain our water quality knows that our country's infrastructure system needs attention. We as a Nation have allowed important components of our economic security to fall into disrepair. Maintaining municipal water infrastructure has long been a local responsibility. It's a difficult task. Around the country, many communities have gotten behind. To address this problem, we need a collective effort that focuses both on reducing cost and on increasing investment in water infrastructure at all levels, including Federal, State and local governments, local ratepayers and the private sector. No one element will be able to carry this responsibility alone. The Congress believes in helping those communities that need help to get back into control of their wastewater management program and developing good management practices to ensure that the Federal Government does not become the financing mechanism of choice for these systems. Our Nation's quality of life and economic well-being rely on clean water. However, that challenge to continue providing clean water is substantial, as our existing national wastewater structure is aging, deteriorating and in need of repair, replacement and upgrading. As a Nation, we are not investing enough in our wastewater infrastructure to ensure that we will continue to keep our waters clean. Unless we act, we could lose the significant gains in water quality that have been achieved over the last 30 years. In addition to reauthorizing the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the bill also extends the pilot program under the Clean Water Act for alternative water source projects. Many communities are finding that their water needs cannot be met by existing water supplies. As a result, they are looking at alternative ways to alleviate their water shortages and enhance water supplies to meet their future water needs. Some of these approaches they are looking at involve reclaiming, reusing or conserving water that has already been used. This bill helps them do that. H.R. 1262 provides an authority to help communities meet some of their critical water supply needs through water reclamation, reuse, conservation and management. The bill authorizes $250 million over 5 years for the EPA to make grants to water resource development agencies for these sorts of alternative water source projects. Another provision of H.R. 1262 reauthorizes grants to help communities address the widespread problem in our country of sewer overflows. As a result of inadequate or outdated wastewater infrastructure, raw sewage can flow into rivers or back up into people's basements. To provide communities some assistance to meet these needs, the bill authorizes additional resources for EPA to make sewer overflow control grants totaling $1.8 billion to States and local communities. The Water Quality Investment Act also contains a provision to improve the public's confidence in the quality of our Nation's waters and protect public health and safety. This provision requires that communities monitor for potential overflows in their sewer systems and notify the public whenever a release would threaten public health and safety. The public has a right to know when their lives are threatened by sewer releases. Also included in this reauthorization is a reauthorization of the Great Lakes Legacy Act, authored by Vern Ehlers and enacted in 2002. The Great Lakes Legacy Act authorized the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out qualified sediment remediation projects and conduct research and development of innovative approaches, technologies and techniques for the remediation of contaminated sediment in the Great Lakes. While I agree very much with the clean water goals of H.R. 1262, I am disappointed that the majority included language that requires Davis- Bacon wage rates to be used for all projects receiving any money from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Even projects paid for with State contributed funds will be subject to the higher wage rates. I am not a supporter of Davis-Bacon, because it will make clean water projects cost more. It will especially hurt small disadvantaged communities who are trying to clean up their local waters, and it will force States that do not have their own prevailing wage rate law to adopt the expensive Federal Davis-Bacon requirement. The result will be fewer projects, fewer jobs and less clean water. Despite my concerns with Davis-Bacon, I believe this to be a very, very good bill, a very, very good underlying bill, and I very much support it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.