Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security who work diligently to secure our Nation. I'm proud to introduce this resolution with Congressman Chris Carney, chairman of the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight, on which I serve as ranking member. Chairman Carney, I look forward to working with you this Congress, and I think our subcommittee is getting off to a great start by having this resolution on the floor today. I also want to thank Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member King, and the other members of the Committee on Homeland Security who joined as cosponsors of my resolution. My district is home to many of the department's employees, including Transportation Security officers, Customs and Border Protection officers, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and Coast Guardsmen. I thank them for the work they do day in and day out to ensure that Florida, and our Nation, is secure. These employees often do not receive the recognition they deserve. The fact that our Nation has not been attacked since September 11, 2001, is due to their tireless efforts. They work long hours, often sacrificing time with their loved ones, to get the job done. In 2006 the Department of Homeland Security ranked nearly last in the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Human Capital Survey, showing overwhelming employee dissatisfaction and low morale. Since that time the department, under former Secretary Chertoff's leadership, has worked to address these issues, and I'm pleased to report their efforts are paying off. The Office of Personnel Management recently released the results of the 2008 Federal Human Capital Survey, and the department showed improvement in nearly every category of the survey, ranking in the top five of most improvement among Federal agencies. The largest increase came in the job satisfaction indices, evidencing a much-needed increase in employee morale. This is great news, but more work needs to be done, Mr. Speaker. The department will now use the results of this survey to further improve working conditions at the department and within its components. As the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight, I look forward to working with the department and Chairman Carney to address the concerns of the employees, improve morale, and foster a ``one DHS'' culture, so very important. The department's employees deserve nothing less, in my opinion. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in honoring the hardworking men and women of the Department of Homeland Security by supporting this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in honoring Ms. Beverly Eckert. Ms. Eckert lost her husband, Sean Rooney, on September 11, 2001. Since then, Ms. Eckert has been a tireless advocate for the families and survivors of these September 11 attacks. She is the cofounder of the nonprofit foundation Voices of September 11, which currently has more than 5,500 members. Ms. Eckert lobbied for the establishment of the 9/11 Commission, passage of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, establishment of the WMD Commission, and the development of a memorial to the victims of the September 11 attacks at Ground Zero. Ms. Eckert was a passenger on Continental Flight 3407, which crashed on February 12, 2009, near Buffalo, New York. Ms. Eckert, who grew up in Buffalo, was returning to her hometown to honor her husband on his 58th birthday and establish a scholarship in his name. Ms. Eckert is survived by her three sisters, seven nephews and her one niece. My heart goes out to her family and friends. I hope they can take comfort in the fact that Ms. Eckert has been reunited with her husband. I honor Ms. Eckert and all those who lost their lives as a result of the tragic crash of Continental Flight 3407. I urge Members to support this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009. Member requesting: Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis Bill number: H.R. 1105 Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology Name of requesting entity: Hillsborough Community College Address of requesting entity: 39 Columbia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33606 Description: The $200,000 will be used to help HCC obtain a state-of- the-art firearms training simulator for its Public Safety Training Center. This funding is justified because the COPS law enforcement technology program is designed to help incorporate new technology in crime-fighting efforts. Bill number: H.R. 1105 Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology Name of requesting entity: City of Plant City Address of requesting entity: 502 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, Florida 33563 Description: The $300,000 will be used to help the Plant City Police Department obtain a fully-functional mobile incident command post. This funding is justified because the COPS law enforcement technology program is designed to help incorporate new technology in crime- fighting efforts. Bill number: H.R. 1105 Account: Operations and Maintenance Name of requesting entity: Tampa Port Authority Address of requesting entity: 1101 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602 Description: The $4,224,000 will be used for needed periodic dredging in the 70 miles of federal channel of Tampa Harbor. This funding is justified because of federal interests in maintaining the safety and navigability of federal waterways. Bill number: H.R. 1105 Account: HRSA Health Facilities and Services Name of requesting entity: BayCare Health System Address of requesting entity: 16331 Bay Vista Drive, Clearwater, FL 33760 Description: The $523,000 will be used to develop a medication point- of-entry for physicians in support of BayCare's electronic health record initiative. This funding is justified because HRSA health facility and service funds are designated for health care and construction programs to improve the delivery of health care services. Bill number: H.R. 1105 Account: HRSA Health Facilities and Services Name of requesting entity: University Community Hospital/Pepin Heart Hospital Address of requesting entity: 3100 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33613 Description: The $238,000 will be used to obtain a magnetic navigation system to help improve patient care, physician training, and clinical research within its cardiovascular center. This funding is justified because HRSA health facility and service funds are designated for health care and construction programs to improve the delivery of health care services. Bill number: H.R. 1105 Account: HRSA Health Facilities and Services Name of requesting entity: University of South Florida College of Education Address of requesting entity: 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620 Description: The $190,000 will be used to provide continuing education and a database for the public on available cancer clinical trials to improve patient outcomes. This funding is justified because HRSA health facility and service funds are designated for health care and construction programs to improve the delivery of health care services. Bill number: H.R. 1105 Account: Economic Development Initiatives Name of requesting entity: City of Clearwater, Florida Address of requesting entity: 112 South Osceola Avenue, Clearwater, Florida 33756 Description: The $237,500 will be used for infrastructure improvements to revitalize downtown Clearwater. This funding is justified because HUD economic development funds are specified to help local governments improve public infrastructure and increase economic development. Bill number: H.R. 1105 Account: Transportation and Community and System Preservation Name of requesting entity: City of Tarpon Springs, Florida Address of requesting entity: 324 East Pine Street, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689 Description: The $380,000 will be used to provide street reconstruction and enhancements along Lemon Street and increase residential and commercial development. This funding is justified because Federal Highway Administration Transportation, Community, and System Preservation program is designed to provide funds to local governments to implement strategies to improve the efficiency of their transportation systems and encourage private sector development.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Lallucci was asked whether she thought a silver alert system in Florida could have saved her mother. ``Who knows?'' She said. ``Unfortunately, I will never know.'' I urge my colleagues to support the National Silver Alert Act to prevent another family from being forced to struggle with the same uncertainty. Announcement By the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 632, the National Silver Alert Act, sponsored by my colleague from Texas, Congressman Lloyd Doggett. I first became involved in this issue of finding missing seniors last year when one of my constituents, Mary Lallucci, lost her mother, who had left her care-giving facility and could not be located. She had driven her car into the Gulf of Mexico and drowned. This tragedy, unfortunately, highlighted the very real problem of older individuals who suffer from diseases which leave them easily confused and disoriented, wandering away from their homes or care-giving facilities and meeting harm because family, friends and authorities could not find them in time. The inability to find missing elderly is a problem State and Federal policymakers should address before something like this happens again. That is why I support this bill before us today, which includes provisions from silver alert legislation that I introduced last year. The National Silver Alert Act is a bipartisan bill developed by Congressman Doggett, myself and Congresswoman Sue Myrick. It combines portions of missing persons bills that each of us previously introduced. The National Silver Alert Act includes language from legislation I introduced last Congress to create a grant program to help States establish and operate silver alert notification systems to help find missing individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses. The measure we are considering today also establishes a national silver alert communications network to assist regional and local missing persons search efforts and requires an annual report to determine the effectiveness of State silver alert plans to help guide their establishment in other States. I was honored to work with these two fine Members last year and am pleased that we were able to combine these complementary bills. I want to thank them for their work as well as the willingness of the majority and minority on the Judiciary Committee to allow this to come to the floor on suspension so early in this session. The House passed this bill, as you know, unanimously last September. But the Senate was unable to act on it before Congress adjourned. I hope that our timely action here today will help facilitate its passage through the Senate and enactment into law. I believe that all States should establish systems similar to the highly successful Amber Alert program to help find those suffering from dementia-related illnesses and prevent tragedies like the one that occurred in my community. An Amber Alert system has a remarkable track record of success because necessary information is filtered so that the relevant details are transmitted to appropriate authorities as quickly as possible. The experiences of States that already have developed such silver alert systems suggest that these programs save lives. States have found that timely notification and dissemination of appropriate information about missing seniors greatly improves the chances that they will be found before they harm themselves. I believe that the Federal Government can and should help States develop notification systems to prevent these all-too-frequent tragedies. This is especially important in Florida, which has more residents aged 65 and older than any other State in the Nation. My State implemented silver alert last year with spectacular results. Florida's statewide silver alert system has led to the successful location of all 37 people, I repeat, all 37 people for whom the State has issued bulletins. More than 4.3 million Floridians are aged 60 and older, and there are about 501,000 probable Alzheimer's cases in the State. The silver alert program in my State will help prevent tragedy among one of Florida's largest potentially vulnerable groups. Passage of this bill today will help bring other States without these lifesaving systems one step closer to improving their ability to find missing seniors and the crucial few hours after they go missing. It also will provide critical resources, guidance and coordination, which is very important for States like mine, that already have such systems. We have many people to thank for that, including Mary Lallucci, one of my constituents whose determined advocacy for the silver alert has inspired me and serves as a loving tribute to her mother's memory.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 58, commending the University of Florida Gators for winning the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game. As a loyal Gator fan since I was a child, I can remember sitting at the kitchen table and talking about how wonderful it would be for the Gators to just win a Southeast Conference title. We accomplished that feat. Then, in 1996, our football team won their first national championship. The momentum hasn't stopped since we won it again in 2006 and 2008. The University of Florida was founded in 1853. Fifty-three years later, their football program was born. Since the team's inception, they have played in 34 bowl games, won eight Southeast Conference titles, and produced three Heisman Trophy winners. Florida's most recent Heisman Trophy winner, quarterback Tim Tebow, made numerous influential plays leading the Gators past the University of Oklahoma by a score of 24 to 14 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. He was named most valuable player of the game. I would also like to recognize and congratulate the Gators' head coach, Urban Meyer. Coach Meyer became Florida's head football coach in 2005. This past year, he led the Gators to a 13 and 1 season, bringing them their second national championship in three years. Mr. Meyer is the first coach in school history to win two BCS championship games. The University of Florida has proven itself both on the football field and in the classroom. It is on the cutting edge for research and technology. The university is currently home to 17 colleges and more than 150 research centers, educating and training future generations of Americans. As one of our Nation's largest research institutions, the University of Florida is also making great contributions to our economy. It is estimated that it contributes $6 billion annually to Florida's economy and is responsible for producing an astounding 75,000 jobs. Madam Speaker, I am certainly proud to call the University of Florida my alma mater. I congratulate them on yet another national championship victory, and I look forward to watching their continued success athletically, academically, and economically. I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 58.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary life and accomplishments of my dear friend, Dr. Themistocles ``John'' Diamandis, endearingly known as Dr. D. Dr. D was born on April 11, 1929, in Tarpon Springs General Hospital in Tarpon Springs, Florida. It was a foreshadowing that Dr. D started off life in that tiny, 12-bed hospital. He started off his medical career in 1961 at Tarpon Springs General Hospital, where he was one of three doctors on staff. He spent the next 47 years as a dedicated general practitioner there. He earned a pharmacy degree from the University of Florida in 1951. Prior to medical school, he worked as a pharmacist at Webb's City in St. Petersburg, Florida. He earned a medical degree from the University of Miami in 1958. While in medical school he worked at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and served his country in the Army during the Korean war. A proud member of the Tarpon Springs community Dr. D cared for generations of Tarponites, including the pioneers of the Tarpon Springs sponge industry. He started his career with his assistant, Cally Catroulis, who remained with him, amazingly, for 47 years, until his retirement. He opted not to hire nurses, preferring to spend as much time himself with each patient by taking, for instance, each blood pressure reading himself. While he often ran late having meaningful discussions with his patients, I can attest to that, others were happy to wait their turn for him, knowing that they would be the subject of his extra care and attention. Dr. D was always on call for his patients, day or night. He is known for making late night and weekend house calls. Before going to bed each night, he would check in on his patients at home or at the hospital, amazingly. He never failed to treat a sick person, and never asked if they had insurance. Sometimes he was paid only with a hot meal or a Greek pastry after a house call. As a matter of fact, Dr. D was a mentor to my brother, Dr. Emanuel Bilirakis. In addition to his tireless dedication to his patients, Dr. D has been an activist in his community, frequently speaking out on local, State and Federal issues, on issues near and dear to his heart such as affordable health care, lower taxes, and improved infrastructure. He also remained active in his church, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, and also various civic organizations such as AHEPA. Madam Speaker, Dr. D is a rare breed of physician and humanitarian. Many describe him as an old fashioned doctor, but his practice embodied all that was and is still good in medicine, the strength and importance of the relationship between a primary care doctor and his or her patients. That tiny hospital where he was born and started his medical career was the same one he retired from this past September of 2008. Now known as Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, it has grown to a 168-bed facility with 356 staff physicians, a legacy of Dr. D. Madam Speaker, I can only think of one word to describe Dr. D--axios. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this restrictive rule. The last Congress approved transferring $350 billion of this Nation's wealth to Wall Street with little transparency, less accountability and, worst of all, with no real effect on our failing economy. Many of our constituents are opposed to the use of the money to bail out Wall Street. Some of them are so angry at Congress they no longer trust anyone in government. I submitted an amendment to the Rules Committee that would have required institutions receiving bailout funds to disclose the compensation of their highest-paid executives and directed the Treasury Department to maintain a searchable database of that information. Unfortunately, my amendment was made out of order. This Congress is entrusting $700 billion of taxpayers' moneys to executives on Wall Street, and yet Congress won't even require those same executives to disclose what they are paying themselves. I believe we need this information to help us make informed decisions about the use of taxpayers' money to help the people and companies that greatly contributed to our current economic crisis. Our constituents deserve to know how those to whom we have given their money are using it. If Congress fails to insist on at least the most basic mechanisms of transparency while handing billions to Wall Street, we will have victimized the American people and done irreparable harm to the reputation of this institution. I hope in the future the majority heeds our incoming President's call for bipartisanship in this body and openness in government, goals towards which my amendment would have made progress.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues to shed light on disheartening developments that have taken place recently off the coast of the Republic of Cyprus. On November 13 of this year, a Turkish warship issued threats to two foreign flagged maritime vessels conducting an exploratory survey at the request of the Government of Cyprus, within its exclusive economic zone, EEZ. The Turkish warship claimed that these vessels had entered into Turkey's EEZ. Fearing retaliation, the exploratory ships withdrew. However, at the time of this threat, these two ships had been located 27 miles off the coast of Cyprus, which is included within its EEZ boundaries. In addition to this most recent incident, Turkey has used the waters of the Republic of Cyprus to conduct military exercises numerous times. Furthermore, even after Cyprus's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Minas Hadjimichael, and President of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias, notified the U.N. Secretary-General of the November 13th Turkish provocation, Turkish warships continue to harass ships within Cyprus's EEZ. Turkey's recent violations of international maritime law not only jeopardize the possibility for the re-unification of Cyprus, but they also endanger global security. In just one month, Turkey is to become a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, the same governing body that has frequently denounced Turkey's disregard for Cyprus's sovereignty. If Turkey violates the conditions to which it agreed when it joined the United Nations as they pertain to Cyprus--conditions that mandate each Member State's respect for the sovereignty of all States-- who is to say that it will not violate its obligation to any other nation, including the United States? For Turkey to threaten the Republic of Cyprus--a nation that has been a staunch supporter of the United States and one that has been an unwavering ally in the Global War on Terror--is disturbing. The United States cannot simply remain silent and watch these provocative acts take place. Madam Speaker, enough is enough. I encourage my colleagues to join me in condemning Turkey's blatant and repeated acts of aggression against the Republic of Cyprus and to demand that Turkey abide by the provisions to which it agreed when it joined the United Nations, provisions that the Republic of Cyprus has continually observed with pride.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, October 10th marks the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Taiwan's transformation into a vibrant democracy has enabled its people to flourish economically and socially. Taiwan is now one of the world's leading economic powers and champions of human rights and the rule of law. To help us celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of our friends in Taiwan, I urge my colleagues to support Taiwan's latest request that the United Nations General Assembly allow Taiwan to participate meaningfully in the activities of United Nations specialized agencies. I know leaders in Taiwan have worked tirelessly for Taiwan's participation in the United Nations. Taiwan's participation in the international system is vital to the health and welfare of the people of Taiwan and will certainly encourage cross-strait dialogue and will promote a permanent peace in the Asia-Pacific region. Madam Speaker, congratulations to the people of Taiwan, their president, Mr. Ma Ying-jeou, and their Washington representative: Ambassador Jason Yuan. Ambassador Jason is an experienced diplomat and we look forward to his participation in the ongoing friendship and alliance between our nations.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of S. 3001, the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act: Requesting Member: Representative Gus M. Bilirakis. Bill Number: S. 3001. Account: Aircraft Procurement Army. Names and Addresses of Requesting Entities: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615; Pall Aeropower Corporation, 10540 Ridge Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654. Description of Request: This earmark provides an additional $5,000,000 to modernize the National Guard H-60 Black Hawk helicopter fleet. The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is an essential capability of the National Guard. It provides units in every State with a multi- mission aircraft for search & rescue, utility lift, disaster relief and medical evacuation. The Army National Guard (ARNG) is authorized 782 Black Hawk aircraft but is short of this authorization by almost 100 aircraft. This shortage requires ARNG units to loan or transfer Black Hawks in support deployments, training or state missions, resulting in a higher usage rate of available airframes. Additionally, more than 500 of the 782 National Guard aircraft are older UH-60A models, with an average age of approximately 25 years. The Army is procuring over 1,200 UH-60M Black Hawks for utility, special operations and MEDEVAC missions to replace the aging UH-60A from operational units by 2016. The Army acquired 33 UH-60M Black Hawks by the end of FY07, and from FY09 to FY13, the Army plans to procure an additional 300 UH-60M Black Hawks (70 of those aircraft are programmed for ARNG units). However, without an accelerated procurement of the UH- 60M, the Army National Guard will be operating more than 400 UH-60A helicopters beyond 2020. The ARNG and the Active Army developed a program to support the continued modernization of the ARNG Black Hawk fleet. Unfortunately, this program is not fully funded. The ARNG plan is to accelerate the fielding of UH-60M Black Hawks by 10 aircraft per year. Although the Active Army has programmed UH-60A recapitalization for the ARNG with Operations and Maintenance (O&M) funds, which includes an airframe life extension, fleet-wide product improvements, and the replacement of components, the UH-60A to L upgrade is not funded. The UH-60L Black Hawk is more economical to operate and has 1000 lbs of additional lift than the UH-60A. The desired rate of UH-60A to L upgrades is 38 per year. Funding the UH-60A to L upgrade will significantly improve the Black Hawk fleet and assure that ARNG units are ready, deployable, and available to protect our national interests both abroad and at home. This ARNG aviation initiative has been identified by the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (CNGB) as a FY09 Essential 10-Top 25 unfunded priorities. Requesting Member: Representative Gus M. Bilirakis. Bill Number: S. 3001 Domestic Production of Polycrystalline Laser Gain Materials Account: Defense Production Act Purchases. Names and address of Requesting Entity: VLOC Incorporated, 7826 Photonics Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34655. Description of Request: This earmark provides $5,200,000 for the domestic production of transparent polycrystalline laser gain materials for defense critical materials required for the Department of Defense's next-generation tactical laser systems. The Department of Defense is funding the development of laser platforms that generate 100 kilowatts of output power in an all-solid-state design with field testing starting within the next 12 months. In order to generate this level of operational power, new and unique laser materials must be produced domestically in commercial quantities. Recent laser demonstrations utilizing polycrystalline materials manufactured exclusively overseas indicate that transparent polycrystalline laser gain materials, that use nano-particle powders, do in fact allow laser designers to demonstrate these higher levels of output power (the DoD/JTO-mandated 100 kW). Under previous forward-leaning research funded by the AFRL, U.S. industry was able to research and test innovative growth technologies, infrastructure improvements, and advanced materials analysis of these new ceramic laser gain materials. By leveraging this previous R&D funding, it is expected that full domestic production with volumes to meet all of the current DoD needs will be completed within 36 months. These funds will be used for infrastructure improvements, labor and overhead, nano-powder testing and production, production hardening of the domestic manufacturing of the polycrystalline laser gain materials, fabrication, characterization and dielectric coatings of the laser gain slabs. Information Systems Security Program Account: Procurement Names and address of Requesting Entity: Green Hills Software, 34125 US Hwy 19 North, Suite 100, Palm Harbor, FL 34684. Description of Request: This earmark provides $2,000,000 for the Information Systems Security Program which would be spent over the course of the fiscal year. As the Department of Defense moves to full deployment of the Global Information Grid (GIG), the need for High Assurance Secure capabilities becomes more critical and more pervasive. Simply put, increased sharing increases network vulnerabilities; and compromise of US or coalition resources could have serious consequences to our nation's security. This project would implement high assurance software to achieve more security with higher levels of access control across security domains from Unclassified to Top Secret. Without this capability, the Global Information Grid's functions cannot be fully exploited. In addition, creating an architecture that allows classified and unclassified resources to be combined will result in a significant cost savings to the government as redundant classified and unclassified systems are eliminated. Optic Band Control Program: Account: Materials. Names and address of Requesting Entity: Eclipse Energy Systems, 2537 Ham Blvd, Suite 1, Clearwater, FL 33764. Description of Request: This earmark provides $800,000 for the Optic Band Control Program (OBC) which focuses on advanced infrared filter technology for a wide range of Department of Defense interests. There is an urgent need for advancement of technology necessary for blocking certain wavelengths while allowing other wavelengths to pass though a filter. This is necessary for laser threat protection as well as more precise chemical and biological sensors and camera/reconnaissance systems. The funds will be used for equipment purchases, software modeling and design, machine operation and related engineering tasks. National Functional Genomics Center Account: Medical Advanced Technology. Names and address of Requesting Entity: Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612. Description of Request: This earmark provides $6,000,000 for the National Functional Genomics Center which conducts applied research for the Department of Defense for the discovery of molecular signatures for cancers and the accelerated development of new personalized drugs based on each individual's molecular fingerprint to treat cancer. This research directly translates into reduced financial costs and morbidity associated with cancer treatment in the military and results in reduced disruption to the active duty soldier. Name of Requesting Member: Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis. Bill Number: S. 3001. Account: FEMA Predisaster Mitigation. Legal Name/Address of Requesting Entity: Pinellas County, Florida, 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756. Description: This funding will complete the infrastructure hardening of the existing Pinellas County facility housing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) equipment, supplies, and operations. The EMS facilities serve as a countywide base-of-operations during and post-disaster for more than 80 emergency personnel as well as the County's radio communications, Fire and EMS dispatch, 911 dispatch, Fire and EMS administration, and EMS response. Funding will support roof analysis and installation of new roof systems, installation of fastening/bracing equipment, strengthening sections of walls with additional structural steel, and upgrading of the generator and mechanical systems to assure continuance of emergency activities during storms and other emergency events. I believe that the use of these federal funds are justified because this project advances the goals of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 100-107) for implementation of pre-disaster mitigation measures in states and localities that are cost effective and designed to reduce injuries and loss of life. The project also advances the goals of FEMA's Predisaster Mitigation Fund, which finances projects for infrastructure improvements, analysis, and other activities for disaster mitigation. Spending Plan: These federal funds will support exceptional one-time construction costs. Pinellas County will provide fifty percent ($1,000,000) of total project cost ($2,000,000). Pinellas County provides ongoing service and operational costs.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6064, the National Silver Alert Act sponsored by my colleague from Texas, Congressman Lloyd Doggett. I first became involved in the issue of finding missing seniors earlier this year when one of my constituents, Mary Lallucci, lost her mother, who had left her care-giving facility and could not be located. She had driven her car into the Gulf of Mexico and drowned. This tragedy unfortunately highlighted the very real problem of older individuals who suffer from diseases which leave them easily confused and disoriented, wandering away from their homes or care-giving facilities and meeting harm because family, friends, and authorities cannot find them in time. The inability to find missing elderly is a problem State and Federal policymakers should address before something like this happens again. That is why I support the bill before us today which includes provisions from the Silver Alert legislation I introduced earlier this year. The National Silver Alert Act is a bipartisan bill developed by Congressman Doggett, myself, and Congresswoman Sue Myrick. It combines portions of missing persons bills that each of us have introduced. The National Silver Alert Act includes language from my bill, the Silver Alert Grant Program Act, which creates within the Department of Justice a grant program to help States establish and operate Silver Alert notification systems to help find missing individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses. The measure we are considering today also establishes a national Silver Alert communications network to assist regional and local missing persons search efforts and requires an annual report to determine the effectiveness of State Silver Alert plans to help guide their establishment in other States. The bill also reauthorizes Kristen's Act. Mrs. Myrick's bill provides grants to public and nonprofit organizations to help them find abducted adults. I was honored to work with these two fine Members, and pleased that we were able to combine these complementary bills. I want to thank them for their work, as well as the willingness of the Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Ranking Member Lamar Smith, and Crime Subcommittee Chairman Bobby Scott and Ranking Member Randy Forbes, for moving this bill through their panels in such an expeditious manner. I believe that all States, especially my State of Florida, should establish systems similar to the highly successful Amber Alert program to help find those suffering from dementia-related illnesses and prevent tragedies like the one that occurred in my community. The Amber Alert system has a remarkable track record of success because necessary information is filtered so that relevant details are transmitted to appropriate authorities as quickly as possible. The experiences of States that already have developed such Amber Alert systems suggests that these programs save lives. States have found that, just as with missing and abducted children, timely notification and dissemination of appropriate information about missing seniors greatly improves the chances that they will be found before they harm themselves. I believe that the Federal Government can and should help States develop notification systems to prevent these all-too-frequent tragedies. This is especially important in my State which has more residents age 65 or older than any State in the Nation. My State needs Silver Alert and it needs it now. Passage of this bill today will bring Florida and other States without these life-saving systems one step closer to improving the ability to find missing seniors in the crucial few hours after they go missing. We have many people to thank for that, including Mary Lallucci, whose determined advocacy for Silver Alert has inspired me and serves as a loving tribute to her mother's memory. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Lallucci was asked whether she thought a Silver Alert system in Florida could have saved her mother. ``Who knows,'' she said. ``Unfortunately, I will never know.'' I urge my colleagues to support the National Silver Alert Act to prevent another family from being forced to struggle with that same uncertainty.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I want to thank the gentleman from Texas for the time. I rise in support of House Resolution 1069, and I urge swift passage. Along with Mr. Crowley's original resolution, I introduced House Resolution 1308, condemning the broadcasting of incitement of violence against Americans and the United States in Middle Eastern-based media. I am pleased to have worked with Mr. Crowley in combining our two resolutions to come up with the product we have today. I am grateful that my colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Chairman Berman and Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, in a display of bipartisanship, unanimously voted for my amendment in the nature of a substitute to House Resolution 1069. Anti-American incitement of violence is escalating in quality and quantity, fueled by the rapid growth of satellite television throughout the Arab world. In 2008, al-Manar TV broadcast over two dozen video clips of insurgent bombings against U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq, while one of its correspondents implicitly threatened the USS Cole with attack. Further, Iranian state-controlled TV channels repeatedly broadcast calls for ``Death to America,'' and, we have already heard al-Aqsa TV broadcast a puppet show depicting an Arab child stabbing the President of the United States. Instead of denouncing and addressing such incitement, many countries in the region effectively provide financial, material, or technological support to purveyors of incitement. Al-Manar and al-Aqsa, among others, are transmitting on the satellite providers Nile-Sat, controlled by the Egyptian government, and Arabsat, controlled by the Arab League. Given the dangers such incitement poses to American service and civilian personnel in the region, it is long past time for the U.S. and other responsible nations to stop this growing threat. Support of House Resolution 1069 is, therefore, critical. Among other things, this resolution condemns the broadcast of anti- American incitement to violence and hatred against the Americans, Israelis, and the West by Middle East-based media. It urges Middle Eastern governments, U.S. allies, and other responsible nations to officially and publicly repudiate purveyors of such incitement to violence against Americans and Israelis. It calls on the President to designate al-Aqsa as a specially designated global terrorist entity, and to designate those satellite providers that contract with purveyors of incitement to violence as such. It demands that Hamas recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce violence and terrorism, and accept all past peace agreements with Israel. Most importantly, it takes into consideration state sponsorship of anti-American incitement to violence when determining our aid to and relations with regional governments. We must stop Middle East-based media from inciting violence against us. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank Mr. Crowley. I thank you for the time. This is an important resolution that will enhance our security and protect our soldiers and citizens overseas. I urge its passage.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my outstanding constituents, Dr. Rao Musunuru, for receiving a Point of Light award from Florida Governor Charlie Crist. The Governor's Point of Light program recognizes Florida residents who demonstrate exemplary service to their communities. Dr. Musunuru deserves this award for his long-standing and ongoing efforts to raise health awareness in my west central Florida district. Dr. Musunuru, who is one of my State's top cardiologists, has been a long-time proponent of promoting heart health and education. He has helped pass important State laws to improve health care, including the Florida Stroke Act, legislation I worked on in the State legislature before coming to Congress. Dr. Musunuru has received many awards for his good work. The American Heart Association named him its ``National Volunteer Advocate of the Year'' in 2007 and its ``National Physician of the Year'' in 2005. Last year, Dr. Musunuru was appointed to serve on the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council at the National Institutes of Health. Madam Speaker, Dr. Musunuru's work has improved the lives of many of those I represent and is an example of what volunteerism and community service are all about. I congratulate him and wish him success in his future efforts.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sister Joan Foley, who is the recipient of the Seven Springs Rotary Club's prestigious Paul Harris Award. Sister Foley has always put service above self in a lifelong commitment and passion to helping the communities around her. Sister Foley joined the Medical Mission Sisters in 1954 to help solve health care issues in lesser-developed parts of the world. She began her mission in Pakistan, where she supervised a busy clinical lab and trained many young Pakistanis. Sister Foley later became involved in several community health care networks focusing on rural and minority populations in the United States. She then served for 6 years as the Coordinator of Medical Mission Sister's Eastern District and currently is the Sector Coordinator in North America. In 1991, Sister Foley sought out a new mission in Florida's Pasco County. She saw a need to help local jobseekers find employment regardless of age, income, background, or education. Sister Foley first started the Connections program in her car to help individuals manage their job search and connect with area employers. Today, the program has grown substantially but still offers free one-on-one assistance and many other resources to jobseekers. Sister Foley stepped down as director of Connections this past spring; however, her vision will continue to enrich the community. Madam Speaker, I am truly honored to recognize Sister Foley's mission that has improved the lives of people all over the world. For nearly 20 years she has made Pasco County a better place by providing new hopes and better futures. The Paul Harris Award is a wonderful recognition of her hard work and devotion.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I just urge everyone to support this bill. Again, it is a very good bill. I yield back.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 3815, the Homeland Security Open Source Information Enhancement Act, sponsored by my committee colleague, Representative Ed Perlmutter, who is a great Member, by the way. H.R. 3815 will require the Secretary to establish an open source collection analysis and dissemination program within the Department of Homeland Security. This program would help facilitate information- sharing between the Federal Government and State, local and private sector officials to take advantage of the vast amount of information that is publicly available through open sources. Importantly, the bill would require the Secretary to protect the privacy rights of individuals, including by conducting a private impact statement on the Department's open source program. H.R. 3815 also requires the Inspector General to audit the use and dissemination of open source information to evaluate the effectiveness of the Department's activities in this area and its consistency with the open source policies of the Director of National Intelligence. Mr. Speaker, I believe the Department of Homeland Security should take full advantage of open source information and ensure its proper dissemination to appropriate entities to maximize our homeland security. I encourage our colleagues to help move the Department closer toward that goal by supporting H.R. 3815. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, before I yield back the balance of my time, I just want to emphasize how important I believe it is for the House to consider both an authorization and appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security this year. Every Republican member of the Committee on Homeland Security has signed a letter to the Speaker, Speaker Pelosi, urging her to bring the fiscal year 2009 DHS Appropriations bill, which the Appropriations Committee has already approved, to the floor immediately. And I will add that the chairman has done an outstanding job. We would respectfully renew that request today. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 5983, the Homeland Security Network Defense and Accountability Act, sponsored by my committee colleague Congressman James Langevin. H.R. 5983 includes several provisions designated to enhance the information security of the Department of Homeland Security and improve oversight of contractors that provide network services to the Department. Specifically, the bill requires the Chief Information Officer at the Department to have 5 years of executive leadership and information technology experience. The bill also mandates that all contractors and service providers for the Department have compatible information security policies and programs. Additionally, the bill directs the Department's Inspector General to develop appropriate security protocols for the Department and to annually test various aspects of the Department against these protocols as well as Federal Information Security Management Act requirements. The bill requires procurement officers to review contractors' security postures prior to awarding a contract and directs the Inspector General to conduct both performance and programmatic reviews of the Department's computer network. The bill does not exempt the Department from Federal Information Security Management Act requirements but directs DHS to focus its efforts on elements that will improve its overall security posture. DHS has expressed some concerns about the potential impact of the added responsibilities under the bill, particularly on the Department's ability to recruit and retain qualified individuals to fill these important positions. I hope that we can address these concerns as the legislative process moves forward. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 5983 to strengthen the security of information at the Department. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, before I yield back the balance of my time, I just want to emphasize how important I believe it is for the House to consider both an authorization and appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security this year. Every Republican member of the Committee on Homeland Security has signed a letter to Speaker Pelosi urging her to bring the fiscal year 2009 DHS appropriations bill, which the Appropriations Committee has already approved under the fine leadership of our chairman, and our chairman has done an outstanding job. And, Mr. Chairman, I want to say something else. You have been so fair to my colleagues and me this year, and I really enjoy serving on your committee. So if we could get those bills to the floor immediately, my colleagues and I would appreciate it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 5531, the Next Generation Screening Act, sponsored by my Homeland Security Committee ranking member, Peter King. Since 2003, the Department of Homeland Security has deployed radiation detectors at our Nation's ports of entry. The Department has also engaged in an aggressive research and development program to test, evaluate, and deploy the next generation of radiation detection technology to detect and identify radioactive material. This technology, known as the Advanced Spectroscopic Portals, has the potential to provide improved detection capabilities, while reducing the number of nuisance alarms caused by the legitimate transport of non-threat-related radioactive material, such as cat litter and fertilizer. H.R. 5531 requires the Director of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office and Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to enter into an agreement regarding the minimum standards of operational functionality in order to deploy ASP systems. This legislation also clarifies what is meant by previously passed statute. Last year's omnibus appropriations bill stated the Secretary shall submit separate and distinct certifications prior to the procurement of Advanced Spectroscopic Portal monitors for primary and secondary deployment that address the unique requirements for operational effectiveness for each type of deployment. H.R. 5531 requires the Secretary to develop a quantitative definition of significant increase in operational effectiveness and develop appropriate metrics for measuring this effectiveness. In addition to authorizing the ASP program, this bill also authorizes the Securing the Cities Initiative, a pilot program to prevent the illicit transport of radiological material in the New York City metropolitan area. The Securing the Cities Initiative has fostered unprecedented collaboration and coordination among its Federal, State, and local partners, and has advanced the security of the New York metropolitan region. The bill authorizes $40 million for the initiative, the same amount that was appropriated in fiscal year 2008 to ensure its continuation in fiscal year 2009. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this important bill. I reserve the balance of my time.