Ben Chandler

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 726, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of one of Kentucky's premier journalists, a man who has shaped countless events and policies in the Commonwealth of Kentucky for decades, Mr. David Hawpe. After 40 years of public service journalism, tough reporting, and insightful analysis as editorial director, he will retire on August 14, 2009. I cannot begin to adequately describe the immeasurable contributions Mr. Hawpe has made to better the lives of all Kentuckians. After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 1965 with a focus in journalism, Mr. Hawpe began his career as a reporter for the Associated Press and then moved to the The St. Petersburg Times in Florida, where he was an editorial writer. In 1969, he came back to his home state and took charge of the Hazard bureau of The Courier-Journal in Eastern Kentucky, and in 1972, he moved to the Louisville home office. Mr. Hawpe held many positions, including editorial writer, assistant regional editor, managing editor and editor of The Courier-Journal and also served as city editor of the former afternoon newspaper, The Louisville Times. Through his decades of reporting, Mr. Hawpe's influence can be seen in nearly every corner of the state. He covered the Hyden mine disaster in 1970, bringing to light the many hazards and realities of coal mining. In later years, he played a significant role in strengthening laws and regulations governing the mining industry, and attacked abuses related to the broad form deed and strip mining. Through his reporting and advocacy, he helped bring about new regulations of toxic chemicals, improved school bus safety, better enforcement of drunk driving laws, and reform in the medical license system. Through his and his colleagues' legislative coverage, Mr. Hawpe and his coworkers literally helped reshape the Kentucky General Assembly-- my home state's legislative body--into a more influential, co-equal branch of state government. In conjunction with formidable investigative reporting, Mr. Hawpe also played a critical role in the momentum to rewrite Kentucky's campaign finance laws. And also, very notably, Mr. Hawpe has been instrumental in the reform of Kentucky's public education system. Through his direction of relentless and informed reporting, he helped convince the public that Kentucky was in need of meaningful, extensive higher education reform, which paved the way for the 1997 Kentucky Higher Education Reform Act. He has been credited by many, including a former governor and key policy makers, with being the main force behind this historic legislation. In light of these achievements, it should be no surprise the newspaper won four Pulitzer prizes under his direction. Mr. Hawpe is a member of the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame and has long been a strong advocate for ethics and diversity initiatives. A Nieman Fellow at Harvard, he was also prominent in national news organizations, having served as president of the Associated Press Managing Editors Association. Through Mr. Hawpe's editorials and columns, he has been called ``the voice and conscience of The Courier-Journal'' and, in my opinion, in many ways, he has been the voice and conscience of reform and good policy in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Over the years, he has held individuals and institutions accountable for their actions, reined in unfair practices, and been an unwavering advocate for the underprivileged. Mr. Hawpe will be sorely missed, but the impact of his work will be felt in my state, and, indeed the nation, for many years to come. Madam Speaker, there is no doubt in my mind that he has made our great state even better.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. I would first like to express my gratitude to our chairman, Mr. Dicks, who has provided tremendous leadership on this bill, tremendous leadership throughout the year on the Interior Appropriations bill, a bill that I believe is extremely important to the future of our country. I'd also like to thank our ranking member, Mr. Simpson, for the way that he has in a very bipartisan way conducted himself and the business of the committee. It's been a committee that has worked tremendously well together throughout the year. Madam Chairman, I want to rise to express my strong support for this bill. This bill is an extremely important one, as I mentioned a moment ago; and I believe that we have had the opportunity this year, as a result of our chairman's efforts, to hear hundreds of witnesses in extensive hearings. I believe this is one of the most hardworking subcommittees of the Appropriations Committee. We have discovered some very real needs across this country. We discovered, of course, the fact that many of the needs in our country have languished over quite a number of years, and this subcommittee has made a great effort, I believe, in this bill to address some of those needs. We're all struggling in this country today with a troubled economy. Therefore, the investments made in this bill are all the more important to the people and to the communities that we all serve. And I would like to mention a few of the things in this bill that I believe are particularly important. Deteriorating water infrastructure across the country endangers the health of our citizens and of our environment. At the same time, our State and local governments are faced, as we all know, with enormous budget shortfalls, preventing them from adequately addressing the problem. Federal support for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure is necessary. This bill provides nearly $4 billion in grants and loans for this purpose, a small down payment on the need, estimated at some $300 billion over the next 20 years. In the area of conservation, this bill does great things for public lands and wildlife conservation. Funding for the National Park Service, our wildlife refuges, and our national forests will help maintain these national treasures for the enjoyment of all Americans. Our public lands are key to preserving habitats and biodiversity, which have positive impacts on our quality of life and the health of our ecosystems. And in the area of environmental protection, Madam Chairman, in this legislation we make strong investments in programs that protect our environment. The Superfund program cleans up our Nation's most contaminated sites and readies them for new economic development. The Energy Star program conserves energy and saves the consumer money. This bill provides increases to both the Superfund and Energy Star. This bill also helps preserve our cultural heritage and educates our citizens about our history. State Historic Preservation Offices are funded at $46.5 million. The projects these organizations undertake in all 50 States not only protect our cultural identity, but they create jobs in so many of our small towns and communities. This legislation is responsible, Madam Chairman, for investment in our future. It protects our environment, it protects our health, and it celebrates our heritage, among many other things. Chairman Dicks ought to be commended for the job that he has done in putting together a bill that is very difficult to put together in many ways. He's worked diligently on it. And I also want to take this opportunity to thank our chairman for making a special effort this year to fly to my home State of Kentucky to look at some very significant issues in our mountains of Kentucky, the practice of mountain-top removal, a controversial practice which is of great concern to many of our citizens. Mr. Chairman, I thank you for your efforts in that regard, and I thank you for the work you've done.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am very proud to be here today to urge passage of the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, which authorizes $6.4 billion to help renovate and modernize our schools. This bill, in my view, is a home run. It will give much needed money to our schools' struggle with huge budget deficits and deteriorating facilities while encouraging energy efficiency and creating jobs for Americans that cannot be shipped overseas. I'd like to thank Chairman Miller, subcommittee Chairman Kildee, Mr. Loebsack, and all of our cosponsors and committee members for their work on this legislation. Mr. Chairman, we have the mightiest military in the world. We enjoy some of the most comprehensive freedoms and we have some of the world's best and brightest students who possess unlimited potential. But today, many of our children are learning in crowded classrooms with lead and asbestos, falling plaster, broken windows, outdated technology, and crumbling infrastructure. Where children learn has a large impact on what they learn. The U.S. Department of Education tells us that modern, functional school facilities are critical for effective student learning. In 1995, the GAO found that schools were in desperate need of repairs totaling $112 billion. Over a decade later, we can be sure that the need is much, much greater. Each day, we're competing on a global stage with countries like India and China that are pouring billions of dollars into educating their children. Investing in the education of our children at home is the key to staying in the game. If we want to brighten the future of the next generation, we have to invest in our children. If we want to ensure America's competitiveness on the world stage, we have to invest in our children. If we want to create jobs, if we want to save energy, and if we want to support our most crucial economic resource, we have to invest in our children. Today, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation. Our children cannot wait any longer.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, in Kentucky we have a very important motto: ``United We Stand, Divided We Fall.'' Not only is it on our state seal, but as a battleground state in the Civil War, it has always held a special meaning for Kentuckians. After the unprecedented ice storms that moved through our state in late January 2009, the Commonwealth and its people were put to the test. Hundreds of thousands were without power or running water for weeks, infrastructure crumbled, and lives were lost. Against great odds and in a brave display of humanity and strength, Kentuckians stood by one another and proved that together we could weather the storm. A large debt of gratitude must be paid to the countless unsung, volunteer heroes of this storm: the Kentuckians who helped their neighbors in need with food, clothing, and shelter; the radio stations who pushed aside their regular programming to keep Kentuckians aware of the latest developments; the KEMA and FEMA workers who were on the front lines; and the volunteers at food pantries across the state whose generosity was astounding. Our Kentucky National Guard, our local communities, and our volunteers from all over the state worked quickly and admirably to restore services, provide emergency meals, and clear debris. Through the swift support of these volunteers and the prudent leadership of Governor Beshear, hundreds if not thousands of lives were saved. Truly, Kentuckians are deserving of our state motto as they exemplify the courage, leadership, and compassion that bind us together in times of need. Mr. Speaker, I commend the people of the Commonwealth for yet another heroic example of what it means to be a Kentuckian.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 869 is a bill to designate the Federal Building and United States Courthouse located at 101 Barr Street in Lexington, Kentucky, as the ``Scott Reed Federal Building and United States Courthouse.'' I can think of no other individual more deserving, no other public servant more worthy, and no other action more appropriate than naming the federal courthouse in Lexington after the Honorable Scott Elgin Reed. Prominent Central Kentucky attorney, first Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court, and federal judge--Scott Reed exemplifies the definition of honor and dignity. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, on July 3, 1921, Scott Reed graduated with distinction from the University of Kentucky. While in college, he was editor-in-chief of the Kentucky Law Journal and awarded the order of Coif, the highest academic award that can be given to a law graduate. He was also a member of the Phi Delta Phi Fraternity. He achieved many honors at the University of Kentucky, including the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion--a prestigious award recognizing outstanding character and humanitarian service. Prior to his time on the bench, Scott Reed was County Attorney, retained as counsel for the Fayette County School Board, and distinguished himself as a trial lawyer of great integrity. He served from 1948 through 1956 as an acting associate professor at the University of Kentucky College of Law. From 1964 until 1969, he was judge of the First Division of the Fayette Circuit Court. He then was elected to the Kentucky Court of Appeals. As Chief Judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals, Judge Reed oversaw the passage of a constitutional amendment that unified and modernized Kentucky's court system. As part of the modernization, the Court of Appeals became the Kentucky Supreme Court. Reed was elected by his fellow justices to be the first Chief Justice of Kentucky. As Chief Justice, he oversaw the implementation of a constitutional amendment leading Kentucky to have one of the most efficient court systems in the country. The Chief Justice of the Commonwealth holds equal rank with the Governor, the latter being the head of the Executive Branch and Chief Justice serving as head of the Judiciary. He was elected as a Fellow in the National College of the Judiciary in 1965 and was a voting member of the American Law Institute, a body of scholarly people who shape the laws of our nation. The opinions written by Scott Reed during his time on the Supreme Court of Kentucky have received national acclaim for their scholarly content. Judge Reed was a frequent lecturer to the National College of Trial Judges and has achieved the highest honors that can be bestowed on a member of his profession. In 1979, he was appointed by Jimmy Carter to be U.S. district judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. He served as a U.S. district judge until he retired in 1990. His federal legal scholarship was widely regarded and likened to that of Justices Brandeis, Holmes and Marshall. Scott Reed was named to the University of Kentucky College of Law Hall of Distinguished Alumni on April 11, 1980. Judge Scott Reed passed away on February 17, 1994, but his legacy will always be a part of Kentucky's rich history. He deserves this honor, one that is indeed long overdue. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Rogers of Kentucky for being a cosponsor of this legislation. I also want to thank my colleagues Ms. Holmes Norton and Mr. Oberstar for their help in bringing this legislation to the floor. I support H.R. 869, and I strongly urge its passage.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the now longest-serving Kentucky Senator in the history of the United States Senate. This is truly a historic milestone for both the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Senator Mitch McConnell. Recently, Senator McConnell celebrated 25 years in the United States Senate, surpassing the great Senator Wendell Ford's previous record. By no means is this a small accomplishment, as our State has been the home to such noted Members of the Senate as Henry Clay, John J. Crittenden, Alben Barkley, and John Sherman Cooper, just to name a few. The Senator did not become the influential man that he is today without hard work, dedication, and determination. He started his career as an intern on Capitol Hill, moved to legislative assistant, eventually deputy assistant attorney general under President Ford, to County Judge-Executive in Jefferson County, the largest county in our State, all before being elected by the people of Kentucky to serve in the United States Senate in 1984. He led his classmates as student body president in college and then went on to be the president of the Student Bar Association in law school. He has garnered the respect of his peers for years; so it comes as no surprise that he has risen to be the leader of his party in the Senate, an accomplishment only one other Kentuckyan in history has ever achieved. Parties aside, Senator McConnell has fought for what he believes in with the same dedication and fervor as he did when fighting polio in his early childhood. He can point to a number of achievements, such as aiding struggling Kentucky tobacco farmers by orchestrating the tobacco buyout and providing significant aid to Kentucky's colleges and universities. His influence also extends outside the Congress and the Commonwealth with his work on the Appropriations, Agriculture, and Rules Committees, opposing dictators in Myanmar and fighting for human rights in Egypt and Cambodia among others. Like Senator Wendell Ford, Senator McConnell won his first statewide election by a small margin, but since that time he has become a mainstay in Kentucky. Senator McConnell and I are both students of history, and regardless of political differences, and we have a few of those, I believe it's important to recognize his truly outstanding achievements. Mr. Speaker, today I ask the House to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of the distinguished gentleman from Kentucky, Senator Mitch McConnell.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Israel's enduring friendship with the United States of America, as well as its right to self-defense in an appropriate and proportional manner from the threats posed to it by its neighbors who seek its demise. As most Palestinians hunger for peace, the actions of Hamas, sponsored by Iran and often attempting to maximize Palestinian civilian casualties, make this road to peace much more difficult. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, hoping that this withdrawal would usher in peace between the two rivals. However, since 2005 Hamas has fired thousands of rockets into Israel. Over the past 6 weeks alone, Hamas, outside the confines of the ceasefire agreement, fired hundreds of rockets and mortars into Israel without warning, killing men, women and children. These continuous acts of terror have left Israel with no other choice but to defend its citizens. An important and reliable ally in an unstable region, Israel is fundamental to our foreign policy in the Middle East. I am disappointed to see an end to the 6-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as this ultimately leads to more civilian casualties on both sides. However, I think it is important to recognize that Israel faces great threats along its border from which it has every right to defend itself. During the 6-month ceasefire, Israel's support of the people of Gaza--such as supplying food, medical and other supplies--was commendable. This assistance highlights the potential for a peaceful resolution to this enduring conflict, which I hope to see in my lifetime.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Madam Speaker, Dr. Ephraim McDowell, the Father of Abdominal Surgery, is one of the most well-known Kentuckians and physicians in American history. During a year-long celebration continuing through the end of 2009, Danville, Kentucky and the Sixth Congressional District will celebrate Dr. McDowell's contributions to the field of medicine. Originally born in Virginia in 1771, Dr. McDowell's father, Samuel McDowell, served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. He was sent to Central Kentucky when Ephraim was 11 to serve as one of the first land court judges in the County of Kentucky. Dr. McDowell received his early education in Danville and then returned to Virginia to study medicine under Dr. Alexander Humphries. Recognizing his great talent, Dr. Humphries encouraged him to travel to the University of Edinburgh, the seat of medical learning at the time. He studied there for two years, returning to Danville in 1795. In December of 1802, Dr. McDowell married Sarah Hart Shelby, daughter of the first governor of Kentucky, Isaac Shelby. They had nine children, five of whom lived to adulthood. On Christmas Day in 1809, Dr. McDowell performed the world's first successful ovarian surgery. Mrs. Jane Todd Crawford, a 46-year-old Green County housewife, had been told by other physicians that she was pregnant with twins. Using no anesthesia, Dr. McDowell removed a twenty-two and one-half pound tumor. Mrs. Crawford recovered in 25 days and lived for 32 more years, to the age of 78. Throughout his career, Dr. McDowell performed many other surgeries, including one on future United States president, James K. Polk, who traveled from Tennessee to Kentucky for Dr. McDowell's expertise. He was also an original founder of Centre College--a private, liberal arts school in Danville--allowing his legacies of education and ingenuity to remain alive in Central Kentucky's students. Dr. McDowell lived until 1830. He died at his summer home, Cambus- Kenneth, of what is now believed to be appendicitis. Mrs. McDowell lived out her life at the home of one of her daughters. She passed away in 1840. Dr. McDowell's residence, apothecary and office are preserved as a museum, the McDowell House, in Danville and are designated as a National Historic Landmark. This premier historical site will serve as a host for the year-long celebration to remember the most prominent surgeon west of the Alleghenies in the early 19th century.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Madam Speaker, COL Richard J. Mason, Jr. demonstrated exceptional meritorious service from 30 June 2005 to 10 July 2008 as Commander of Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD), a 15,000 acre depot in Richmond, Kentucky. He was responsible for the production, receipt, storage, issue, maintenance and demilitarization of conventional munitions. Serving as the consummate depot commander, Colonel Mason oversaw an organization that supported the troops with ammunition and Chemical Defense Equipment. He safeguarded and ensured the operational readiness of a munitions stockpile while executing the shipping and receiving of over 250,000 short tons of munitions. As the sole provider chemical personnel equipment, Colonel Mason's untiring efforts to improve support to the troops were superb. By eliminating erroneous shipments to incorrect locations, the cost of transportation was reduced by over 30 percent and ability to provide equipment to soldiers on the battlefield increased significantly without requiring additional manpower. Specifically, Colonel Mason's efforts to support the fielding of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) armor kits to the troops were commendable. He contributed to the future of the BGAD by developing its first Strategic Business Plan which integrated all aspects of logistics and business processes while providing a clear vision for the Depot's future. He also initiated a continuous business improvement culture across the Depot by improving processes, reducing costs, eliminating waste and improving ergonomics and safety. A native of Oldtown, Maryland, Colonel Mason arrived at Blue Grass Army Depot in July 2005 as a highly regarded and decorated leader in the Army. Prior to arriving at BGAD, Colonel Mason served as the Chief of Support for Task Force Sinai in El Gora, Egypt among other leadership positions in the United States and Germany. Colonel Mason's Change of Command will take place July 10, 2008.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to recognize and celebrate the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras' (CKYO) 60 years of excellence. I am honored that the oldest independently chartered youth orchestra in the United States is located right in the heart of the 6th Congressional District of Kentucky. CKYO consists of 4 orchestras including the Symphony, Concert, Preparatory and Jazz Orchestras, with plans to add a fifth orchestra in the near future due to high demand. Over 255 students come to CKYO from 14 counties and 65 area schools throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Under the direction of Mr. William Prinzing Briggs, the CKYO have performed not only throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but also around the world in countries such as Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic. This cultural and musical exchange can build strong ties that can last a lifetime and allow youth from all over the world to be ambassadors of the arts. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras on 60 years of beautiful music.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Madam Chairman, I am very proud to be here today to introduce the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, authorizing almost $7 billion for our struggling schools. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our cosponsors on this bill, in particular Mr. Kildee and Mr. Loebsack, but especially Chairman Miller who has done an incredible job as chairman of the Education and Labor Committee and I very much appreciate what the gentleman from California has done on this bill. Where children learn has a large impact on what they learn, and the evidence is undeniable. The U.S. Department of Education tells us that modern, functional school facilities are truly important for effective student learning. Consequently, it is unacceptable that some of our children spend their days in buildings with faulty wiring, leaking roofs, lead paint, and asbestos. In 1995, the GAO found that schools were in desperate need of repairs totaling $112 billion. Over a decade later, the need is even greater. Each day we are competing on a global stage and not always winning that competition, and investing in the education of our children at home is the key to staying in the game. We are spending hundreds of billions of dollars in Iraq. Surely, surely we can invest less than $7 billion in the future of our children and the future of our country. This bill is a home run. It will give much needed money to our schools struggling with huge budget deficits, while encouraging energy efficiency and creating jobs for Americans that cannot be shipped overseas. Today, I urge you, Democrats and Republicans alike, make this important investment in our schools, in our children, and in our future.

Mr. CHANDLER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This motion to recommit has absolutely nothing to do with this bill, nothing at all to do with this bill. This bill is about school construction. This bill allows our children to compete in a global economy. It helps them to compete. It is about energy efficiency. But it's about energy efficiency in our schools. It's about ``green'' schools. It's a very, very good bill. Plus, in addition to that, it creates at least 100,000 jobs, and they are jobs that will not and cannot be exported, like so many of our jobs have seen happen. This bill is supported by almost every education body in the country. It's supported by the National School Board Association, it's supported by the PTA, it's supported by the NEA, the Principals' Associations throughout this country, it's supported by the American Federation of Teachers, and the National School Administrators. If the minority were really serious about this motion to recommit and about improving this bill, if they were serious about the cost of gasoline, if they were serious about doing something for the American people, and if they wanted to help the kids of this country, they wouldn't have made it a bill that would be reported back promptly. That is what they have done. They intend to kill the bill. Please vote against the motion to recommit.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize the 125th anniversary of the National Crittenton Foundation, an organization that supports empowerment and self-sufficiency for young women at risk. In particular, I want to celebrate the work of a leading member of the Crittenton Family of Agencies: The Florence Crittenton Home in Lexington, Kentucky. Established in 1894, The Florence Crittenton Home in Lexington is a private non-profit residential treatment facility that provides comprehensive services to girls who have been abused, neglected, abandoned or are experiencing pregnancy and parenting in the face of mental health and behavioral challenges. Every day, this dedicated organization strives to provide a stable, safe and nurturing atmosphere to help its clients achieve the personal growth and family stability necessary to thrive as adults. Originally known as the Lexington House of Mercy, the Florence Crittenton Home opened its doors on September 3, 1894 in response to community concern about the lack of support for the city's girls. Over the years, with help from community partners including the Fayette County Board of Education, the University of Kentucky, the Keeneland Foundation, the Junior League of Lexington, numerous churches and dedicated volunteers, the Florence Crittenton Home has provided important social services to thousands of Kentucky's young women. The National Crittenton Foundation and Lexington's own Florence Crittenton Home are to be commended as organizations that allow Kentucky's young women to believe in and empower themselves. It is with this ongoing contribution in mind that I recognize them both on this special occasion.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize the South Lexington 12-year-old All-Star team of Lexington, Kentucky, who recently won the 2007 Cal Ripken/Major 60 World Series in Van Buren, Arizona. This phenomenal group of young people went undefeated this season, securing the World Series title in the final round against Scottsdale, Arizona. Demonstrating admirable determination and teamwork, the 2007 South Lexington team indisputably rose to the occasion. This year's exciting win is no surprise but merely represents the hard work the players put in all season. The team was no doubt inspired by years of success by previous South Lexington Youth Baseball teams. Ten different South Lexington teams have gone to the Ripken World Series, and in the past 15 years, three of these teams returned home with the title. I would like to congratulate Coach Kevin Payne, others who supported the team, and, in particular, the players on their success. It is an honor to have such an inspiring group of individuals represent Kentucky's youth, and I very much look forward to seeing the continued achievements of these remarkable young men in the future.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, while I am pleased to stand here today and support the RESTORE Act of 2007 because I believe it is critical as part of our nation's defense, I urge us to work together in the coming weeks to end the uncertainty facing some of our corporate citizens in dealing with the threat posed by Islamic fundamentalists. Particularly, I am referring to our nation's telecommunications carriers, companies that historically have been a critical piece of our successful national security apparatus. These U.S. companies, who combined employ well over half a million Americans, should be treated with appreciation for the cooperation they display in the effort to keep our people safe. In the confusion and muddied backdrop of the debate, what has clearly been left aside is the longstanding and consistent policy of Congress and the courts that governs the way these companies may lawfully provide assistance to law enforcement and intelligence agencies. This policy is that telecommunications carriers are authorized to assist government agencies in a wide variety of circumstances; public policy encourages such cooperation; and, consistent with that policy, when a carrier cooperates in good faith with a duly authorized request for assistance, the carrier is immune from liability to third-parties. In the interest of our nation's security, these carriers should continue to have immunity when cooperating in good faith. We must work together over the coming weeks to clarify the role of carriers in this debate, and specifically offer the appropriate path to immunity when such highly sensitive matters are involved. Telecommunications carriers are nothing less than patriotic citizens fulfilling their role in our global struggle against terrorism.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman, the gentleman from Minnesota, for all his good work on this bill. We think it is an excellent bill. And I thank the chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Illinois, for all of his good work. I rise today to express the support of the Science Committee for this bill. I am especially pleased that this legislation includes the FAA Aviation Safety Research Assessment Act, which I introduced this past June. This bill is now section 913 of H.R. 2881. Aviation safety is extremely important to me, particularly after the tragic Comair crash that occurred in my own district in Lexington, Kentucky last August, which saw 49 dearly loved people lose their lives. The Comair crash made it clear that improved safety measures are needed to save lives. Section 913 calls for an independent assessment of the FAA's aviation safety-related research programs, in particular, those that focus on preventing runway incursions and lessening air traffic control workloads. The NTSB's investigation of the Comair crash brought to light several safety advisories that were not being followed, including the FAA's recommendation that two controllers should have been in the tower instead of one. Repeatedly, I have called for enhanced safety measures, better staffing, and improved working conditions for our air traffic controllers. Thankfully, this bill provides funding for air traffic control equipment and facility upgrades, and also includes language that would send the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the FAA back to the negotiating table. Furthermore, the bill provides $42 million for runway incursion reduction programs, $74 million for runway light improvements, and requires the FAA to implement systems to alert controllers and flight crews of potential runway incursions. This is precisely the type of safety technology that we need to prevent these tragedies, and I thank the gentlemen for all of their good work.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize one of my constituents, Miss Jordan Leigh Young of Salvisa, Kentucky, who will be performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, September 18, 2007. As a 15-year-old, this is an exciting chance for Miss Young to showcase her singing and banjo-playing abilities in front of Nashville's Music Row insiders. Her long list of accomplishments proves that she has no difficulty entertaining crowds ranging from three to thousands of people. In fact, she is already a member of the Kentucky Country Music Association and was awarded the 2005 and 2006 Female vocalist and Entertainer of the Year and the 2006 Duo of the Year. Miss Young's opportunity to perform at the legendary Grand Ole Opry is the grand finale in a series of events that have helped to expand her musical talents beyond the borders of Kentucky. After being selected by CBS News' The Early Show for their ``Magic Moment'' series, she was invited by her life-long idol, Dolly Parton, to perform at the Opry. In addition to Miss Young's gift of singing and playing the 5 string banjo, she also knows a thing or two about living on a family farm and has done her fair share of hard work. Part of this work includes raising and showing goats in regional competitions, where she has won several grand championship awards. I would like to congratulate Miss Jordan Leigh Young for her unique contributions to Central Kentucky, and I wish her the best in her musical pursuits. I have no doubt that her determination will take her as far as she wants to go, and I imagine that many of us will soon be hearing her captivating voice broadcast across national air-waves.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about problems that have arisen on the border between Egypt and Gaza. Since the Hamas military took over all power in Gaza there has been massive smuggling of arms into Gaza along the border with Egypt, often by the use of tunnels that are proliferating along the border. The Egyptian government has made efforts to curb the smuggling by closing the border between their country and Gaza and by assigning more security personnel to patrol the border. However, the border remains porous in many areas and weapons continue to find their way across the border and into the hands of Hamas fighters. With fears of refugees pouring into Egypt from Gaza and fears that Hamas will escalate its attack on Israel, this situation has become both a security and a humanitarian concern. Egypt has vowed to partner with Israel, the United States, and the European Union to work toward a solution. While part of the solution will be immediate increases in security forces at the border, a long-term solution is also needed. Egypt must take responsibility for the actions of its own people, and Israel must support Egypt's good-faith efforts. I hope we can come to some resolution of this problem.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Chairman, it is a pleasure today to rise to my feet to support what I think is a wonderful Interior, Environment Appropriations Act, and it has been a tremendous pleasure to work with Chairman Dicks who, after 30 years of waiting, is now the chairman of this subcommittee and has done a first-rate job on this bill. And the staff, I can't say enough about the staff. They are, as Mr. Tiahrt said, amongst the best on Capitol Hill. Each year Congress considers anew the needs of many Federal agencies that carry out essential work on behalf of our citizens. This year our subcommittee, under Chairman Dicks' leadership, held extensive hearings on virtually every budget item under the subcommittee's jurisdiction. What we found were serious budget shortcomings that require our immediate attention. In the area of conservation, this bill does wonderful things for our environment. It protects habitats through a 14 percent increase in funding for national wildlife refuges, and a 10 percent increase in funding for the Forest Legacy Program which enables our private forest owners to have an economically feasible alternative to selling their land for development. In addition, the committee's bill also directly protects endangered species and migratory birds. In the area of environmental protection, Mr. Chairman, in this legislation we make strong investments in programs that protect our environment. The Superfund program cleans up our Nation's most contaminated sites. The increasing frequency and cost of wildfires is consuming more and more of the Federal budget. We take steps in this bill to prevent fires from ever occurring. This Congress has paid a lot of attention to the issue of climate change, and our subcommittee is no exception. We take steps to advance research concerning this critical issue. In the area of human health, deteriorating water infrastructure across the country endangers the health of our citizens and that of our environment. This bill will begin to address the problems in our communities by funding the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Funding these programs will allow States and localities to upgrade their drinking water and wastewater facilities. In the area of cultural identity, this bill takes steps to preserve our cultural heritage and educate our citizens about our history. The National Park Service sees historic funding increases in advance of its centennial celebration in 2016. The funding levels of the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities have each been raised by 28 percent to help these programs recover from deep cuts over the last decade. The fund for historic preservation is provided with $82 million, including $45 million for State historic preservation offices, the highest amount in that account since 2001. In many ways each of these efforts add significantly to our understanding of who we are as Americans. I believe it is incredibly important to preserve and to celebrate our heritage, and this is a wise investment of the taxpayers' dollars. Fiscal responsibility. Being good stewards of the taxpayers' money is at the heart of our duty as representatives of the American people. After years of fiscal mismanagement, we have restored pay-as-you-go rules while investing in critical priorities. Investing in critical priorities. Reinvesting our money now, whether through cleaning up a town's drinking water or keeping our ecosystems in balance will save us money in the long run and will make our country a better place to live. That is what being a good steward is all about. This is a good bill, and every Member should vote for it. Mr. Chairman, I believe that this legislation is a responsible investment in our future. It protects our environment, it protects our health, and it celebrates our heritage. Chairman Dicks and the excellent staff led by Michael Stephens ought to be commended for working so diligently to produce this bill. It is a tremendous bill. It is, in my view, true stewardship of the resources we have been given, and I am very proud to support it.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Iowa for his help on this legislation, something that is near and dear to my heart. I also thank the gentleman from Missouri for his nice words. This courthouse and the naming of this courthouse is very special to many people in Kentucky because Scott Reed was a special man. H.R. 478 is a bill to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 101 Barr Street in Lexington, Kentucky as the ``Scott Reed Federal Building and United States Courthouse.'' I can think of no other individual more deserving, no other public servant more worthy, and no other action more appropriate than naming the Federal courthouse in Lexington after the Honorable Scott Reed. Prominent central Kentucky attorney, first Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court, and Federal judge, Scott Reed exemplifies the definition of honor and integrity. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, on July 3, 1921, Scott Reed graduated with distinction from the University of Kentucky. While in college, he was editor-in-chief of the Kentucky Law Journal and awarded the order of the Coif, the highest academic award that can be given to a law graduate. He was also a member of the Phi Delta Phi Fraternity. He achieved many honors at the University of Kentucky, culminating upon graduation as the recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion, a prestigious award recognizing outstanding character and humanitarian service. Prior to his time on the bench, Scott Reed was County Attorney. He was retained as counsel for the Fayette County School Board and distinguished himself as a trial lawyer of great integrity. He served from 1948 through 1956 as an associate professor at the University of Kentucky College of Law. From 1964 until 1969, he was judge of the First Division of the Fayette Circuit Court, the top trial court in Kentucky's second largest county. He then was elected to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, at that time the highest court in the Commonwealth. As Chief Judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals, Judge Reed oversaw the passage of a constitutional amendment that unified and modernized Kentucky's court system. As part of the modernization, the Court of Appeals became the Kentucky Supreme Court. Reed was elected by his fellow justices at that time to be the first Chief Justice of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As Chief Justice, he oversaw the implementation of a constitutional amendment that led to Kentucky's having one of the most efficient court systems in the country. The Chief Justice of the Commonwealth holds equal rank with the Governor, the latter being the head of the Executive Branch and Chief Justice serving as the head of the Judiciary and its myriad of administrative offices throughout the State. Judge Reed was elected as a Fellow in the National College of the Judiciary in 1965 and was a voting member of the American Law Institute, a body of scholarly people who shape the laws of our Nation. The opinions written by Scott Reed during his time on the Supreme Court of Kentucky have received national acclaim. Judge Reed was a frequent lecturer to the National College of Trial Judges and has achieved the highest honors that can be bestowed on a member of his profession. In 1979 he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to be U.S. district judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. He served as a U.S. district judge until he retired in 1990, rounding out his judicial career having served on the local, State, and Federal benches. Scott Reed was named to the University of Kentucky College of Law Hall of Distinguished Alumni on April 11, 1980. Judge Reed passed away on February 17, 1994, but his legacy will always be a part of Kentucky's rich history. He richly deserves this honor, one that is indeed long overdue. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague Mr. Rogers of Kentucky for being a cosponsor of this legislation. Again, I thank my colleagues from Iowa and Missouri for their help on bringing this to the floor, and I urge its passage.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to honor the memory of one of our former colleagues who passed away on February 16th of this year. He was a former Member from my home State of Kentucky, and, among other things, had the unusual distinction of representing two different congressional districts in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Former Congressman Gene Snyder was a man of steadfast conviction. He could always be counted on to fight for his constituents, and you always knew where he stood on the issues. Congressman Snyder had a way with people and a memorable sense of humor. He loved to tell stories and he used those stories to foster close relationships with Republicans and Democrats alike. We often talk about a different time in Congress, when Members discussed policy over dinner with their families, when Washington was more cordial, and when there was a sense of kinship among fellow legislators. Gene Snyder was one of those Members committed to fostering that kinship, which is far too rare in these halls today. Most Kentuckians will remember Gene Snyder by the freeway that bears his name. And while one road certainly doesn't sum up a man, in many ways, it is appropriate. While Gene Snyder was never afraid to vote against what he thought was a wasteful appropriations bill, few Members have fought harder to provide the seeds of economic growth for their home region. Before Gene Snyder got to Congress, his district faced numerous age- old problems; transportation deficits, traffic issues and flooding from the Ohio River to name a few. I can remember hearing stories about people floating through the streets of Louisville in boats during the historic flood of 1937. These problems, and many more, were tackled by Gene Snyder. He helped complete the Jefferson County floodwall. He showed great leadership in the construction of a new terminal at Standiford Field in Louisville. And he helped secure funding for the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge in Northern Kentucky, better connecting Covington and Cincinnati and helping to drive economic growth in that region. There were countless other projects that Congressman Snyder developed, and all the bridges he built, the highways he paved and the buildings he raised have helped provide jobs to thousands of our fellow Kentuckians. These jobs, and the opportunities that resulted from his efforts, will be Gene Snyder's lasting contribution to the constituents who he took such pride in serving. It is my honor this evening to celebrate Gene Snyder's life and his legacy.

Mr. CHANDLER

Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to be here with Mr. Scott tonight, to be a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, and to hear the wonderful presentation by Mr. Cooper of Tennessee who does a tremendous job in this Congress, and who is one of the real consciences of the people here in Washington. Even though some of the news he has to relate to us is not the best of news, the people of this country need to hear the truth, and that is what Mr. Cooper so eloquently gives us on a regular basis. I very much enjoyed the opportunity to travel this past week with my fellow members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and there are several Blue Dogs who are represented on that very important task force that we have to try to foster cooperation in a very important alliance we have. The alliance that United States has with NATO and the other 25 countries in NATO is extremely important to our national security. I don't think people realize how important it is. It was a pleasure to have an opportunity to travel with Mr. Scott, a newly appointed member to that commission, and Ms. Bean from Illinois who is also here with us tonight. I know she will have a few words to say in a little while. She was with us on that trip. You know, when we go abroad like that and we talk with our allies, we talk about a lot of things. On this particular occasion, of course, the subject continually came up of Iraq and Afghanistan. NATO is helping us in Afghanistan. We of course in Iraq don't have as many allies as we do in Afghanistan. Some of the countries in NATO have a different view about Iraq than they do about Afghanistan, but we are proud to have their help in Afghanistan. It is very, very important to us because that is an engagement there I think that most of the American people are united, that we have to have success, certainly in Afghanistan. But whatever anybody thinks about that war or about the war in Iraq, one thing I believe we can all agree upon is that the taxpayer money that is being used for those efforts needs to be used accountably. It needs to be accounted for. That certainly has not been the case. We in the Blue Dog Coalition came out with a plan not too long ago, a resolution that would require essentially accountability for the use of that money, would make an effort to try to stop the war profiteering that we believe is going on, certainly in Iraq. I hope we can set up a commission in this government, very much like the Truman Commission of World War II, which would look at the expenditure, would actually hold this administration accountable for the expenditures in Iraq. Now, the importance of that I think is pretty obvious for everybody. Every dollar that we misspend or waste in Iraq is a dollar that cannot be used efficiently to protect our troops, it cannot be used efficiently to get the job done over there, and it is also money taken away from needed programs and services right here in this country. I don't need to mention all of those programs one by one. We all know what they are, from education, health care, right on down the line. We need those dollars, and those dollars need to be spent appropriately. But we can even go so far, if you can believe this, to apply some of that wasted money on the national debt. That is what the Blue Dogs talk about all of the time, the national debt in this country.

Mr. CHANDLER. Thank you, Mr. Scott. What those points bring to mind is it is the least we can do. As representatives of the people of the United States of America, I believe it is our job to spend their money efficiently. It is right at the top of the list of the important responsibilities that we have and that is what we are trying to do as Blue Dogs. Now I don't know about you, but I grew up going to church.

Mr. CHANDLER. I suspect you did, too.