Norm Dicks

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. First of all, I take umbrage at the use of the word ``earmark'' by my colleague. This is no earmark. This is a national program. This affects California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Idaho. These States, after a whole series of endangered species listings that go coast-wide, are trying to save these salmon runs. As someone who comes from Washington State, I have been in the midst of an effort to try to recover our salmon runs. We have marked our fish. We have gone to selective harvests. We're protecting our wild runs. We're trying to do everything we can to recover these salmon runs. Today, on the Columbia River in Washington State, we will be very fortunate to get 600,000 salmon back. At a time in the thirties we would have 20 million fish coming back every year: wild chinook salmon, coho salmon, and others. So I think this is a very good program. We have worked hard to make sure the money is used for strong habitat restoration work and that we have worked to improve our hatcheries. We've done hatchery reform. We've done everything we can to restore the habitat for these fish. Again, this is a national program that was created during the Clinton administration. It is strongly supported in the Pacific Northwest by both Democrats and Republicans. I see my good friend from Alaska, Mr. Young, has arrived on the floor; and I just want you to know that Alaska, where we still have many wild fish, also participates in this program from time to time. So I urge that we vote ``no'' on this amendment. This is a national program. It has been in existence for 12 years. It is doing a good job; but we're fighting a very difficult problem, and we still need to keep working on this because of the endangered species listing, and we still have work to be done. And to cut this back, I think, is a mistake. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the amendment.

Mr. DICKS. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. DICKS. I yield to the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah).

Mr. DICKS. And it's $22 million. This is a big-time cut, and this would affect sensitive civil rights cases. So I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. DICKS. I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. DICKS. I want to commend Mr. Wolf for what he just said. I agree with him, and I think it's a violation of our oath of office to do as she has suggested. So I hope we can vote this down. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DICKS. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. DICKS. I have been here since the Magnuson-Stevens Act was enacted. Catch shares are done by local councils of fishermen. It doesn't come out of Washington, D.C. Every region of the country has a regional group, and they determine what these catch shares should be. This is not an implemented program from Washington, D.C. I mean, the gentleman at least owes it, at 5 minutes to 11, to give an accurate description of this amendment and this program, which is a program that many people, especially on the West Coast, by the way, think is a good program that's helping us protect the fishery.

Mr. DICKS. Isn't the local group down there in your area making the decision?

Mr. DICKS. Oh, I know that. First the East Coast and then the West Coast.

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. DICKS. I've got a letter and let me read you this letter because I think it really picks up what this program is about so that Members understand that this is a program that is going to help the fishermen, not hurt them: We are writing to ask your continued support for the groundfish trawl program in the FY12 and FY13 National Marine Fisheries Service budget. Today, a year after the implementation of catch shares in our fishery, things are beginning to improve. We are seeing higher prices for several key groundfish species. We have greater flexibility in when and how we fish. Discards are down dramatically. Gear innovation is on the rise. Fishermen, processors, fishery managers, and others are coming together to make this new program work. While the new management system will require ongoing improvement to maximize economic and biological performance, the early trends are positive. As we continue into the second year of the catch share program, a fundamental challenge confronts us--observer and program management costs. The high cost of observers--a key element of the catch share program--is a subject of deep concern to many of us. While over time we will assume more of these costs, we continue to require Federal assistance during the transitional phase to help support the cost of observers. So here we have a group of people who think that this is the program of the future. It is decided upon by a regional council under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Every region can make decisions that affect the fishery in their area. In our area of the world, this is highly regarded. The gentleman from Alaska isn't on the floor, but he'll tell you the people up in Alaska on halibut, this has been a great salvation. We're protecting the lives of these people so they don't have to rush out, catch all their fish in 1 or 2 days. They have a share, and they can do it over a reasonable period of time. It adds safety to this program. But the last thing it is is coming out of D.C. This isn't NOAA or NMFS. This is the regional council in the gentleman's part of the world, in the Northeast, on the Atlantic coast off of Florida. These regional councils, they're the ones that make the decisions. I thought that our good friends on the other side were for authority being used at the local level. So I urge you all, do not buy into this amendment. We should defeat this. By the way, the gentleman from Washington is the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Southerland) is a member of that committee. If he's got a complaint, why don't you go to your own committee and work on it rather than coming here and screwing up an appropriations bill where we don't need riders, frankly. We appreciate your concern, but go talk to the chairman, and you guys sit down and write some laws if you can get them passed. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DICKS. I have a letter here from the Atlantic Trawlers Fishing, Inc, the Associated Fisheries of Maine, and a whole bunch of other groups, and they say: Dear Member of Congress: Please don't micromanage our fisheries from Washington,

Mr. DICKS. Will the gentleman yield? That's not what the amendment says.

Mr. DICKS. Will the gentlelady yield?

Mr. DICKS. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. DICKS. This was from an east coast group of Atlantic fishermen. This wasn't west coast people. I quoted and I gave the title of the people who were----

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the passing of a constituent and friend of mine who was a true friend and one of the great leaders of the city of Bremerton, Washington. Mel Wortman died last month at the age of 91, and he was remembered this past weekend at a service in Bremerton by his family and friends for his wit and for his many enduring personal relationships he developed over decades of working at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, and during the years of service to many organizations in our community. I knew Mel for most of my life. He was a graduate of my mother's high school, and he always joked that he never would have graduated if she hadn't helped him through math class. He was also a great friend of my father, and they were often enjoying their favorite past time, fishing for trout out on Kitsap Lake. In fact, they had a secret formula that I was hoping Mel would have passed on to me. Mel served in the Navy in World War II before taking a job at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, eventually rising to be superintendent of Shop 31, which was the machine shop. Mel's personal advice to me ranged from pointers he gave me when I played sports with his sons, Dave and Gary, to the suggestions he offered when I was running for Congress, and later, as a member of the Defense Appropriation Subcommittee, on important things we could do to make the shipyard in Bremerton function better. Mr. Speaker, Mel Wortman was one of the remaining members of this Greatest Generation of Americans who selflessly served in World War II and then returned home to raise families and pursue their careers without asking for thanks. I think it is appropriate once again for us in the House of Representatives to express our thanks to those great Americans as we note the passing of one of their finest, Mel Wortman. I submit for the Record Mel Wortman's obituary as it was published in the Kitsap Sun, noting his wife Jane and the many members of his family who have lost a great patriarch. Obituary Published in the Kitsap SUN, Bremerton, Washington Melvin David Wortman July 4, 1920 to March 19, 2012 Veteran Mel Wortman died at his home on March 19, 2012 surrounded by his family. Mel did a stint in the Navy during World War II and was a longtime resident who retired from PSNS after working his way up to Superintendent of Shop 31. Well known in Kitsap County, Mel was said to be the go-to-guy in Democratic politics and he headed up numerous political campaigns. Mel had a passion for sports and we're just sure he and son Gary are shooting some hoops in heaven. Mel was a Washington State Park Commissioner for 12 years and prided himself on visiting all of the parks in his beloved state. Mel loved to share details of his family with anyone who would listen. Jane, his patient and loving wife listened to his stories and jokes for the past 72 years and continues to make her home in Bremerton. The Wortman's oldest son, Dave lives in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho with his wife Chrissy. Son Gary, who was an NBA Scout, is deceased. Their daughter, Janna and her husband Bob reside in Arizona, while their other son Steve and his wife Cindy live in Tacoma. Mel was proud of his 11 Grandchildren and 16 `Greats' who filled his life with tremendous joy in his later years. A memorial service will be held for Mel at the Bremerton Elks Lodge on April 22 at 1:00 p.m. Born on July 4, Mel lived a life dedicated to being a great American, he made a difference in the lives of all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, Jane requests that donations be made to Hospice of Kitsap County at 570 Lebo Blvd. Bremerton, WA 98310.

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Ms. Barbara L. Bonessa for her extraordinary dedication to duty and service to the United States of America. Ms. Barbara L. Bonessa will retire from federal service on February 28th, 2012, after 41 distinguished years of service to the U.S. Army. Ms. Barbara L. Bonessa has distinguished herself by her exceptional leadership and unparalleled demonstration of technical expertise in the management of the Army's Budget from June 2006 to February 2012. Ms. Bonessa led the development of seven Army Budget requests totaling $944 billion dollars and seven supplemental requests totaling $635 billion. These resources were essential to the Army's strategic and unprecedented goals of restoring balance to a force feeling the cumulative effects of 10 years of war and setting conditions for the future to fulfill its strategic role as an integral part of the Joint Force. Ms. Bonessa led the Army Budget Office's efforts to develop, justify, and defend the Army's budget requests along four imperatives: Sustaining Soldiers, Families, and Army Civilians in an era of persistent conflict; Preparing Soldiers, units, and equipment for success in the current conflicts; Resetting returning Soldiers, units, and equipment to restore readiness consumed in operations; and Transforming the Army to improve its ability to meet the needs of combatant commanders. To ensure the Army's story was widely told and understood by its stakeholders, Ms. Bonessa built highly effective strategic partnerships with senior officials in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget, and with Congressional staff and members. Her ability to facilitate formal and informal information- sharing and articulate the Army's message garnered resources and protected programs that were necessary to build and sustain the Army while simultaneously prosecuting two wars. These relationships were instrumental in the Army's ability to articulate, defend and secure both base and supplemental funding for the past 7 years. Through her tireless efforts, the Army's base and supplemental requests were consistently and flawlessly presented, justified, defended, and ultimately submitted to and supported by Congress. Her leadership and technical skills directly resulted in obtaining critical and timely funding for Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn; Grow the Army; Army Modularity; Base Realignment and Closure; Army Modernization; sustainment of the All-Volunteer Force; care of Soldiers, Families and Civilians; and Soldier and leader development. As a direct result of her efforts, the Army's supplemental requests were consistently funded at 100% or more of its request. There are very few Financial Management professionals or leaders who have had a greater impact during their service to the Nation than Barbara Bonessa. She is highly respected throughout the government for her unquestionable integrity and passion for supporting Soldiers and the Army. Our commanders in the field have always benefitted from her incredible capacity to meet challenges, whether presented by individual units or the Congress, and to develop an enterprise approach to solutions. The Army has gained immeasurably over the last 7 years from her positive and strategic outlook, and she leaves a solid foundation upon which the Army will continue to build. Ms. Bonessa richly deserves to be recognized for her selfless service and influential leadership and her efforts to support an Army at war and sustain the all-volunteer force. Her exceptional performance leaves a lasting legacy. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my colleagues today in saying thank you to Ms. Barbara L. Bonessa, for her extraordinary dedication and service to her country throughout her distinguished career as an Army civilian. We wish her and her husband Alan all the best in her well-deserved retirement.

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. I rise in strong opposition to this bill. It is my judgment that--and I listened to the statement made by the distinguished chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Mr. Rogers from Kentucky, that this is unwarranted, especially now that Congress has decided, at least for the time being, that we're not going to do earmarks. This would get down to a situation where if, on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, we added money for additional predator ISR vehicles, the President can as I understand it, take it right back down to his budget request. We've had a lot of experience, many Members of the Appropriations Committee, Mr. Young and I, have been here over 30 years and served on this committee over 30 years, and a lot of positive things have happened where Congress makes increases or decreases. Now, if you're going to give the President the authority to send up a bill undoing our work, especially after it's been voted on, the Appropriations Committee has gone through all these things. I just think it's wrong. In fact, on the earmark issue, I frankly think the solution that the Democrats had when we were in the majority was appropriate where we said you can't have earmarks for private companies unless it's competitively awarded, and then we took that away, but you still can help your schools. You can still help your local governments. You can still help your universities, your NGOs that are doing work on meth for example--rather important issues. That would have been a better compromise, I think, than saying no earmarks under any circumstance. It is clear to me that over the years there were too many earmarks, and that became a problem. But to go beyond that now and say that we're going to have a line-item veto and Congress has to vote on this, I think, is a serious mistake; and I join my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee in opposition. I'll just say one final thing. I also think if you're going to do it, then you ought to do it for Ways and Means as well--that's where all the spending is--and not just pick on the Appropriations Committee. We've done our job. Ways and Means hasn't done their job.

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. I rise to urge passage of H.R. 1162, the Quileute Tribe tsunami and flood protection bill. I also want to thank the House Natural Resources Committee for its work in shepherding this bill to the floor today. And I am pleased that my good friend and colleague from Washington, Doc Hastings, the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, is on the floor here today to manage this bill as well as the gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands. I appreciate their comments and their leadership on this, along with Mr. Bishop and Mr. Grijalva. The Quileutes are one of eight tribes living in the Washington State district that I represent here in Congress. Although the tribe's reservation at La Push is spectacularly beautiful, it also is a dangerous place to live. The threat of tsunamis is a harsh reality that the Quileute Tribe faces every day. The tribe lives on a one-square mile reservation along the Pacific coast of the Olympic Peninsula. Again, I cannot emphasize enough the breathtaking nature of their home. The tribe has received much notice over the last few years due to the ``Twilight'' series of movies and novels. If you're not familiar with the ``Twilight'' phenomenon yourself, then I am sure that at least your children or grandchildren know about the Quileutes and their role in the ``Twilight'' world. H.R. 1162 will provide land currently in Olympic National Park to the Quileute Tribe to enable the relocation of many facilities outside the tsunami zone. We need only look to the tragedy last year in Japan to see the loss of human life and horrific damage that tsunamis can cause. Much of the Quileutes' infrastructure, including a day care center, the elder center, government offices, and Quileute tribal members' homes, are right in the path of a potential tsunami. This existential threat is compounded by damaging floods from the Quillayute River nearly every year. The purpose of H.R. 1162 is to help the Quileutes move their buildings and people to safer land. The Olympic National Park would transfer land that is out of the tsunami zone to the tribe for the development of new infrastructure. Of the 275 acres the Park Service would provide the tribe for this safety purpose, 222 are currently designated as wilderness. The legislation would de-designate those 222 acres. The legislation also settles a long-standing dispute between the Olympic National Park and the tribe over the northern boundary of the reservation. The resolution of this dispute benefits the tribe, the Park Service, and the general public. The park would provide 510 acres to the tribe to settle the dispute. The bill would place into trust these two parcels as well as another piece of non-Federal land the tribe had acquired earlier. The bill also guarantees access for the public to some of the most beautiful Washington State beaches. I must note, however, that I am disappointed that a provision of H.R. 1162 was taken from the bill when the Natural Resources Committee passed it last October. The legislation as introduced mitigated the loss of wilderness designation for the 222 acres to be given to the tribe by designating other parcels already within Olympic National Park as wilderness. It was this provision designating new wilderness within the park that was removed. In response, I have introduced H.R. 3222 that would designate as wilderness those acres stripped from the underlying bill. The National Parks, Forest and Public Lands Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 3222 and other bills back in December, and I urge the committee to keep making progress on H.R. 3222. In closing, I want to recognize the Quileute Tribe, its council and tribals chairs past and present, along with National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis and Olympic National Park Superintendent Karen Gustin for their hard work over many years to resolve this dispute and provide safer land for the tribe. Again, I want to thank Congressman Hastings, the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee; and Todd Young and Todd Ungerecht of his staff. I want to thank National Parks, Forest and Public Lands Subcommittee Chairman Rob Bishop and Jim Streeter of his staff. On the Democratic side, I want to thank Ed Markey and the gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands and their staff, Jeff Duncan and David Watkins, and Pete Modaff on my staff. In closing, I urge the House to pass H.R. 1162 to provide the Quileute Tribe a safer home along the Pacific Coast in Washington State.

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. Reserving the right to object, and I will not object, I yield to the distinguished chairman to explain this CR.

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Indiana, the ranking member of the Energy and Water Subcommittee, Mr. Visclosky. (Mr. VISCLOSKY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)