Marsha Blackburn

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. We all know that the ObamaCare bill allows for both the implicit and explicit taxpayer funding of abortion, and we all know that the Executive order signed by the President is not worth the paper that it was written on. It repeats the accounting gimmick that allows for Federal subsidies to go to insurance plans that cover abortion. And that's why we need to pass the Protect Life Act, which would apply the principles of the Hyde amendment to every component of ObamaCare. The Protect Life Act eliminates that accounting gimmick and ensures that Americans are not forced to pay an abortion surcharge, if you will, in order to get a health care plan. It ensures State laws are not preempted by Federal law. This is the right move, the right bill. Americans deserve to have this assurance.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, over 140 years ago, recognizing the need for a gathering place of worship and of academics, members of the Doe Creek community built a one-room school house. Fashioned from hewn logs and built on a stone pier foundation during the Civil War era, the school saw its last student in 1948 and fell out of use. Accurately reconstructed and refurbished in 2007, the Doe Creek School is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the remaining one-room school houses in existence, the Doe Creek School continues to be a place of learning and gathering. With funds raised by the Doe Creek community, and built with hands laboring by another's cause, the restoration brought friend and neighbor together in a way that only shared history is able. Just as in generations past, the Doe Creek School will be a place for generations to come to share stories and learn from each other. I rise today in support of the Doe Creek Restoration Committee as they celebrate being named to the National Register of Historic Places. I appreciate the dedication of all who worked to see this day, and thank the Committee and surrounding community for recognizing the great value in holding firm to one's roots. I ask my colleagues to stand with me in thanking those who offered their time, talents, and treasure to see their history regained.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, there are leaders who work to shape the direction of the country and there are workers who toil to shape the direction of the soul. In the Tennessee Seventh Congressional District, there is one leader whose efforts over the past several decades have led many into the goodness of the Almighty. I rise today to honor First Baptist Church Pastor Roger Freeman as he retires from decades of active ministry. An accomplished author, devoted father, and principled leader, Dr. Freeman serves not solely his beliefs. Dedicated to reaching both inward to his congregation and outward to the community, Freeman spends time serving in state Baptist associations as well as local civic organizations. Dr. Freeman's service reach extends beyond the walls of the church. In 2007, Freeman was invited by the National Park Service to offer the prayer for the lighting of the National Christmas Tree and eloquently represented his community, his family, and his faith. From Texas, to Louisiana, to Tennessee, and communities beyond, Freeman has spent his life in service to his creed and his calling. I join with his wife and children in offering thanks to Dr. Roger Freeman for his many years of faith and guidance. I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring Dr. Freeman. As he retires from First Baptist Church, I hope his fidelity to his vocation will remind us all to the higher service of our own.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, one hundred years ago, a group of women from the First Baptist Church in Nashville, TN, decided to put action to their beliefs. Purchasing land in Brentwood, TN, in 1911, the Tennessee Baptist Orphans' Home moved from borrowed space in a local hotel to a permanent home. This move began a beautiful history of dedication and service to the least and most vulnerable among us. Approximately 200 children a year are cared for, fed, clothed, and taught about the hope found in the Almighty. As children find themselves in houses of great crisis, thanks to the care and support of the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home, they soon find themselves in homes of great love. Need is the only qualification for children to find assistance and by accepting all children regardless of race, creed, or socio-economic background, the TBCH lives fully the call of those who follow Christ. I appreciate the great work done by the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home and all those who support its mission. From the couples who give their lives to parent other children to those whose prayers make this calling possible, all who offer their time, talents, and treasures to this great cause are helping to make the future brighter for Tennessee's children. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home and ask my colleagues to join with me in offering great thanks for the work done in protecting Tennessee's children.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, on this week when NASCAR's Chase for the Cup begins, I rise today to celebrate another landmark achievement for a 3-time Cup winner and resident of Tennessee's 7th District who I am truly privileged to call a good friend. Darrell Waltrip will join the third class of inductees in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Darrell was born and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky, but began making his mark as a professional driver at the old Nashville Speedway in the 1970s. We are proud that Darrell and his wife, Stevie call Franklin, Tennessee home. This much-deserved accolade caps D.W.'s legendary career which included three NASCAR Cup series championships, 84 Cup victories, the 1989 Daytona 500, and five-time winner of The Coca-Cola 600. Darrell had 271 top- five finishes and 390 top-tens, not to mention 13 Grand National Series wins. He's been the American Driver of the Year three times, the Auto Racing Digest Driver of the Year twice, and once NASCAR's Driver of the Decade. We've seen him race the track, we now seen him announce the sport he loves, and we look forward to watching him be enshrined into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Mister Speaker, I rise today to honor Darrell Waltrip on this great success and ask my colleagues to join me in one hearty ``Boogity, Boogity, Boogity''. Way to go, D.W. It's another checkered flag for you.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Middle Tennessee's finest community leaders as he receives the Joe and Honey Rodgers Leadership Award. Named to honor the outstanding legacy of public service of Honey and the late Joe Rodgers, former Ambassador to France, the Rodgers Leadership Award is given each year to an individual in the Nashville area who demonstrates leadership while living a life of personal integrity, godly character, and concern for others. Lee Beaman offers more to the Nashville area than a multitude of trucks, cars, and sports utility vehicles. More than what he sells with the Beaman Automotive Group, he is known for the incredible character with which he runs his family business of over 60 years. Due to his customer-oriented business philosophy, generosity to the community, and overall work environment, Beaman's company was named one of the top 20 places to work in Tennessee in 2006. To be a success in business is a good goal, and one Mr. Beaman has met and matched. His true contribution to the Middle Tennessee area is in his civic service, philanthropy, and fidelity to a cause greater than himself. Mr. Beaman puts his faith into action through his work with the organizations like Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, and the American Heart Association. I thank him for his continued example in generously dedicating his time, talents, and treasures in making a difference in the community. I appreciate the great work civic leaders like Mr. Beaman contribute to the Middle Tennessee area and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Lee Beaman as he receives the Joe and Honey Rodgers Leadership Award.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, fifty years ago, a prestigious group of soldiers were activated into the 5th Special Forces Group at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Deployed today from Ft. Campbell, Kentucky and serving in regions known and unknown, the men and women of the 5th Special Forces work to gain and secure freedom's cause for the oppressed throughout the world. The green beret is not the only thing that sets the 5th Special Forces Group apart. Divided into five active duty and two Army National Guard groups, the Special Forces are an integral part of the United States Army and her missions throughout the world. From Vietnam to Afghanistan, these honored soldiers continue to carry out the legacy of excellence, victory, and fidelity to the contract of democracy. Outfitted with the best and the brightest the Armed Forces has to offer, the 5th Special Forces Group celebrates 50 years of special operations as one of the most decorated and well-known Army units. We owe much of our freedom to those who, like the 5th Special Forces, dedicate their lives to the tenets of this mighty country. With unequalled speed and resolve, they both captured high-profile targets in the Global War on Terror and brought humanity and compassion to areas of the world struggling under humanitarian crisis. As the 5th Special Forces Group continues their work to liberate those in the bonds of oppression, I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring the mighty work done by the 5th Special Forces and congratulate them as they celebrate 50 years of bringing freedom to the world's darkest places.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, every second weekend in September, Wayne County's population doubles as citizens and visitors alike attend the Horseshoe Riverbend Festival. Located on the banks of the Tennessee River in historic Clifton, Tennessee, this three day Festival celebrates the musical heritage championed in this great state. Sponsored by the Clifton Rotary Club, the Horseshoe Riverbend Festival brings not just music, memories, and fireworks for those in attendance. More than those, the three day event raises support for charitable needs both at home and abroad. Gathering musicians with crafters and families with friends, the Horseshoe Riverbend Festival celebrates the great traditions of Tennessee. I congratulate all those whose hard work and dedication to the City of Clifton have brought another year of success for the Festival. Tied together with the love of music and community, I ask my colleagues to join with me in celebrating the music, the local artisans, and the 29 years of service that comes from the Horseshoe Riverbend Festival.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my support for the Budget Control Act of 2011, what I like to call Cut, Cap, and Balance 3.0. Last week the House passed Cut, Cap, and Balance 1.0 in bipartisan fashion. Not surprisingly, Senator Reid and his Democrat colleagues in the Senate failed to even allow for a vote. Speaker Boehner then offered Cut, Cap, and Balance 2.0, which, according to the CBO, failed to generate sufficient savings to accompany the debt ceiling increase. So the Speaker went back to the drawing board, found more cuts and reductions, and I applaud him for that. Today the House will once again ensure that our Nation will take another step by enacting legislation that cuts spending more than any increase in the debt ceiling, does not raise taxes on America's families and job creators during a time of economic hardship, and ensures an up-or-down vote on the balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. And I thank my constituents and the small business owners who have called to encourage me in this process to say let's get this job done. Let it be known that this is merely a small foundational step to ensure that we put this Nation on the road to fiscal health, and it is historic. By passing the Budget Control Act, we will take away President Barack Obama's blank check. For the first time, debt limit legislation will cut spending, lock in these cuts, cap future spending, does not raise taxes, ensures that balanced budget amendment vote, and keeps our attention on the Nation's fiscal problems. House Republicans are saying the buck stops here. Let's get to work addressing our Nation's fiscal woes and cutting the spending problem in Washington, D.C. For that, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the Budget Control Act.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. I thank the gentleman for yielding. And, indeed, we are all for clean air; we are all for clean water; we are all for a clean environment. I think that during these times we have to look at how we're going to spend that money. And Mr. Moran is right. I did vote against his amendment because the money was going to wetlands and not into a spending reduction account. This is a program that is duplicative. There are other programs on the books. As we look at how to remove these redundancies and the duplications that are in the budget, this is an area where we can do it. We all want to make certain that we clean up the diesel emissions, but I would remind you all, since 2008 there have been a total of 500 grants that the EPA has given through this program, and we have four other programs that do this same work. This is an area where we can go and achieve a savings. It is $30 million, but these are the types of steps in the right direction that, Mr. Chairman, we have to be willing to take if we're going to get the Federal spending under control.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Chairman, first I would like to begin by commending our Appropriations Committee for the extraordinary job that they have done to claw back this money and to reduce spending below the levels that we had last year or the levels in the CR. They have, indeed, done an exemplary job. But I think during these extraordinary and unprecedented times, we have to do more. And this Diesel Emissions Reduction program is one of those areas of funding that we can look at and say, indeed, this is duplicative, and because of that, we can eliminate this $30 million and move that funding into the spending reduction account. Now, DERA, the program under discussion, is a grant program administered by EPA. It seeks to reduce diesel emissions--that's a worthy goal--by providing funds for technologies to retrofit existing vehicles and infrastructure not subject to updated diesel air standards. This is something that at one point in time, yes, it was important and had a tremendous impact on some of our communities, and they have done grants all across this country. Now I want to point out that President Obama's fiscal year 2012 budget recommends completely eliminating funding for the DERA grants, and there is a reason that it has done that. One of the reasons that they have done that is because since 2007, new diesel engines have to comply with a much higher emissions standard, therefore, it is decreasing the need for retrofits. There's also other funding available for such retrofits through the Department of Transportation Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. They have about $45 million for diesel retrofits annually, and through the EPA's Supplemental Environmental Project enforcement agreements, where there's $7.1 million for that. There are other programs with similar grants, the EPA's Smart Growth Program, the EPA's Performance Partnership Grants, the Clean Fuels Formula Grants. Indeed, the administration has not increased Federal funding for this program above the $60 million level in place since fiscal year 2009, when it received an additional $300 million in the Stimulus Act. This is a program that we can say, indeed, has been a helpful program, but it is duplicative, it has outlived its usefulness because there are emissions standards on diesel vehicles that have been in place since 2007. There is less need for these grants. Indeed, one of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, as we were debating the CR, had recommended that we use this program, an offset with this program, and eliminate the funding for this program. Mr. Moran had offered, at that point in time, that we do that, and one the reasons he gave was because the President had eliminated it in order to encourage the truck industry to increase its own diesel R&D. I agree with that. This is a program that we would save $30 million. I know that it is duplicative. We need to save every penny we can possibly save of the taxpayers' money. This is a step that we should take. I appreciate the support of the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, this is quite an interesting debate that we're having, and I think it is an historic day. It is a time when we have the opportunity to do something about the out-of-control, reckless Washington spending. It's long overdue. I had an email from a constituent a few minutes ago. They're watching the debate and, I would offer to my colleagues, I think lots of Americans are watching this debate. They're waiting to see if we have the courage, if we have the political will to actually do something about spending money we don't have for programs our constituents don't want. Amazingly, my constituent could not believe that there are people who would actually come to this floor and say that they opposed cutting what the Federal Government spends because we're borrowing 40 cents of every dollar that is spent. They were amazed that people would oppose placing a cap over what that government can spend. And they were quite amazed that they would actually stand and oppose a balanced budget amendment, something that is long overdue for our country. This problem has been years, decades in the making. I think we all agree with that. But I also think there's one thing that we will all agree with: The past 3 years has seen such a rapid rate of accelerated spending that it has added $3.4 trillion, this administration has added $3.4 trillion to our debt. Unprecedented. And, indeed, included in that was the passage of the President's health care bill, PPACA, or Obamacare, which spent another $1.2 trillion. And, by the way, to my colleagues, you all made the choice and the decision in that bill to cut $575 billion out of Medicare. I just remind you of that. The time has come for fiscal responsibility. It is time to pass Cut, Cap, and Balance. I encourage my colleagues to support the rule and to support the bill.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Graves).

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Chairman, the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill before us today includes $30.6 billion in funding. That falls $1 billion below last year's level and $5.9 billion beneath the President's budget request. While I applaud our appropriators for the great work they've done in reducing this spending, I am one of those Members of the House who believes there is still room for improvement. We are in an extraordinary time when it comes to our budget and when it comes to the budget of this Nation in the spending, and this extraordinary time does require some extraordinary measures. That's why I am introducing a 5 percent across-the-board spending reduction amendment. This amendment has the backing of 10 national conservative groups. This amendment would reduce the funding appropriated by this bill by an additional $1.5 billion and would take Federal spending back to just above the fiscal year 2007 level. Across-the-board spending cuts effectively control the growth and the cost of the Federal Government. They give agencies the flexibility to determine which expenses are necessary and which are not. In fact, in my State of Tennessee, as I have mentioned many times as we have debated these across-the-board amendments--and Mr. Chairman, I know many of my colleagues are probably a little bit tired of hearing of these across-the-board spending cuts--we bring them forward because the States have used them, and they've used them successfully. A Governor in my State, who is of my colleague's party across the aisle, made a 9 percent across-the-board spending reduction to bring that budget back into balance, to put our State on a firm fiscal footing. Our States that have balanced budget amendments take these actions, and they take them carefully, cautiously, and with an eye towards securing fiscal stability. It is time for us in Congress to begin to enact these very same measures. Removing a nickel from every dollar is a way we can help our departments find new efficiencies and to reform wasteful business practices. It would save taxpayers millions of dollars in the process. Indeed, if we had been doing this for years, we probably wouldn't find ourselves in the situation that we are in right now. It's a step in the right direction, so I encourage the support of my colleagues on the amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. In closing, I do appreciate the comments that have been made, and I appreciate the work of the Appropriations Committee. I do agree that the issues that are dealt with are important issues. So is the fiscal stability of this Nation, I think. That's a very crucial and very important issue that is laid before us at this time. So is sending a message to our constituents and to the taxpayers of this Nation, that, yes, indeed we are going to require the bureaucracy to tighten its belt. One of the questions I am most often asked by my constituents is, in our homes, in our businesses, in our churches, we're all tightening the belt. Why is the bureaucracy not tightening its belt? Why does Washington seem to be recession-proof? They want to see this bureaucracy engaged in this. They want to see the bureaucracy join us in the fight to put this Nation on a firm fiscal footing. When it comes to our Nation's security, I would just remind my colleagues that on July 6, 2010, Admiral Mullen made the comment that the greatest threat to our national security is our Nation's debt. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I thank the chairman of the Appropriations Committee for the time to speak on this and to bring this amendment forward. Again, this is a cut amendment. Every year, I say let's look at 1 percent, 2 percent, 5 percent. Let's look at where to make these reductions. I do it because I know that we all realize and probably many of us in this Chamber agree with the sentiment that Ronald Reagan regularly expressed, and that is that the closest thing to eternal life on Earth is a Federal Government program. We are reminded of that fact today as we are here debating this funding bill. This amendment calls for a clean 1 percent across-the-board reduction in each account of this act. One penny on a dollar. We are doing this, yes, for today; yes, to send a message to constituents that we are working to reduce the spending; yes, to send a message to those that are watching the growing debt in this country; yes, a message that we are getting the fiscal house in order. We are also doing it for our children and our grandchildren, to make certain that they have an America that is strong, that is safe, that has its fiscal house in order. We are in a time where every child that is born in this Nation is now seeing $46,000 worth of debt heaped on their head, Federal debt, that is theirs. It is so important that we make this cut. It's an extra $306 million that would come out of this budget. As I said in my previous remarks, the appropriators have worked hard. They have worked diligently to make certain that they were reducing and coming in below last year's level, and they are to be commended for that. But these are extraordinary times and it requires that we put the focus on going a step further, that we engage those that are running the bureaucracies, and that we have them go save a penny out of a dollar and that they do it for future generations. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock).

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Chairman, I would just remind my colleagues, all the issues we address are important issues, but as Admiral Mullen has said, ``the greatest threat to our national security is our growing national debt.'' We are calling for another $306 million to be reduced from this bill. Ten conservative groups support this. Let's tighten our belts. Let's engage the bureaucracy. Let's put our country back on the path to fiscal health. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.