Geoff Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Yes, in its current form.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 will expand transportation options for some commuters. It doesn't address the underlying problem affecting all Americans. The current energy climate has highlighted the critical need for America to develop a national energy strategy that will promote energy independence. We can no longer rely on unstable foreign entities to supply us with the resources we need to keep our country running. We need to use American resources to meet American energy needs. Although section 219 of H.R. 6003 authorizes $1 million to the Department of Transportation to study the potential for renewable biofuels, the bill makes no mention of utilizing the huge proven resources that we have in this country at our fingertips. We need to address the underlying and immediate issues of increasing our domestic supply of energy to reduce prices. This MTR would expand the scope of the study to include those American resources that are now available, like coal, natural gas and oil shale. One year ago, Amtrak was buying fuel for $2.19 a gallon. As of May 22, 2008, Amtrak was forced to pay $4.26 a gallon. This dubious milestone was achieved 776 days after the current Speaker of the House stated that Democrats had a commonsense plan to bring down skyrocketing fuel prices. That plan has yet to materialize, and a new CNN poll shows that 86 percent of our citizens believe that gas prices will hit $5 a gallon this summer. Indeed, the majority has pursued a misguided energy strategy that tightens the vice on American consumers in the form of higher taxes and higher energy prices. Frankly, we need to use American resources for Americans now. While I don't object to public transportation as a sound alternative to commuting by car, expanding Amtrak service still doesn't lessen our dependency on foreign oil. Skyrocketing fuel prices are affecting every aspect of our daily lives. We all know the impact it is having on our family budgets. But it is also having a dramatic impact on many other budgets, ranging from school districts to local governments to the Armed Forces. Even Amtrak's budget is ballooning with these increasing prices. Their fuel budget for 2008 has increased from $125 million to $215 million. In the areas where American budgets are being hardest hit by gas prices, consuming 16 percent of gross income, they have very little access to Amtrak. How does this bill help those Americans deal with our energy prices? My constituents can literally no longer afford the empty promises and failed policies of this Congress. What we need now is an action plan that focuses on real solutions that use real resources to address our short and long-term needs, putting all the options on the table to be considered. It will unleash American innovation, create American jobs and lower prices for American consumers. We need to focus on increasing our domestic energy supply by exploring the resources that rest at our fingertips on the Outer Continental Shelf and in the Alaskan National Wildlife Reserve. These resources could significantly increase our domestic oil production and supply a considerable amount of our energy needs. Yet the Democratic majority refuses to allow the American people to access resources that are on their own soil. I echo the recent declaration that we need to drill here, we need to drill now, and then we will pay less. We need to promote the research and development of renewable resources while investigating the potential for alternative fuels developed from coal-to-liquids, hydrogen, and other new technologies to lessen our dependency on foreign oil supply shocks. Congress has been historically shortsighted about the use of our most abundant fuel, coal, to boost our energy supply. The United States is estimated to have 40 times the amount of energy stored in coal reserves than we have in our domestic oil reserves. American coal resources in Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois exceed the oil resources of Saudi Arabia and is an excellent source for American energy. With oil prices heading towards $150 a barrel, how can we not afford to explore our own domestic resources? The leaders of this Congress have proven themselves to be out of touch, turning blindly away from any attempt to relieve the American people of their burden with practical solutions. We need to lower prices for the American people. By continually refusing to recognize the problem at hand, the Democratic majority is causing irrevocable harm to our Nation. I urge all my colleagues to support the motion to recommit the bill to broaden the Locomotive Alternative Fuel Study to include American reserves that will increase domestic oil supply, reduce costs and make us more independent from foreign oil. The best thing that we can do for Amtrak is to lower fuel prices. If we use our resources for Americans, we can ignite a third industrial revolution that will create millions of jobs and provide a future for our children. Mr. Speaker, I yield back.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Steve Miller, an outstanding community leader in Kentucky's Fourth District. After 22 years as the Executive Director of the Buffalo Trace Area Development District, Steve is retiring to pursue other interests and spend time with family. After obtaining a degree in Urban Planning at Murray State University in 1977, Steve began his career with the Buffalo Trace Area Development District as a Transportation Planner. While completing a graduate degree in Economic Development, Steve became Associate Director, a title that he held from 1980 to 1986. Since 1986, Steve has been the Executive Director of the Buffalo Trace Area Development District. Over the course of his 31 year career with the Buffalo Trace ADD, Steve has assisted in the development of six industrial parks, the construction of hundreds of miles of water lines, the fulfillment of several downtown revitalization projects, the inception of groundbreaking workforce development programs and many other initiatives. Steve's contributions to Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason and Robertson counties are innumerable, and the families of this region live a better life today because of him. I would like to thank Mr. Stephen Miller for his extraordinary service to the entire Buffalo Trace region and to wish him the very best in his next adventure.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Thank you, Congressman Hunter, Chairman Skelton. I just want to make a statement that I rise in very strong support of this amendment. It is critical right now that we address the challenges between the agencies and the Federal Government. Over a year ago, Congresswoman Susan Davis and I formed the bipartisan National Security Reform Caucus to begin to address these issues in a new flavor from what now Chairman Skelton began to address as a young Member of Congress in the 1980s, leading to sweeping reforms in the Defense Department, and leading to the concept of jointness between our services that we have today. We've seen this caucus grow. We've seen terrific hearings that have been done on the Oversight and Investigations Committee pointing to the need for better interoperability between the State Department and the Defense Department. We have many dedicated civil servants and many dedicated military personnel who are actually blocked, in many aspects, from working together because of the silos of the agencies, statutes and regulations in accounting that prevents them from interacting effectively. I think that one of the things that we need to do as a Nation is to have the ability to more flexibly and agilely use our instruments of national power so that putting troops on the ground, using our kinetic power, is the last thing we do; that we can begin on the soft end with humanitarian efforts, peacekeeping, peace enforcement, reaching out with information, and using very powerful and often unheralded assets like the Agency for International Development, more expeditionary Foreign Service, and allow this interaction to take place in an effective manner. I think that by having this standard advisory panel, we can take the politics out of this and continue to work closely. I appreciate the chairman's leadership, leading in a bipartisan manner on such a critical issue, convening many meetings and forums, and also participating over a year ago with us on this Council of Foreign Relations effort that brought together much of the interagency community. Again, I encourage my colleagues to support this. Thank you for your time, and the chairman for his graciousness and procedure. Notice to Alter Order of Consideration of Amendments

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, The following provides information about earmarks which I have secured through the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 as reported out of the House Armed Services Committee and which will be considered by the House of Representatives on May 21-22, 2008. Requesting Member: Congressman Geoff Davis. Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Account: Other Procurement, Army. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kentucky Army National Guard. Address of Requesting Entity: Boone National Guard Center, 100 Minuteman Parkway, Frankfort, KY 40601. Description of Request: Authorize $1,500,000 for the Virtual Convoy Operations Trainer (VCOT). During FY 09 the Army National Guard will begin fielding the VCOT, which is an upgraded version of the previous HMMWV and Tactical Truck Convoy Trainer. VCOT fielding is the Army National Guard's number one priority for convoy training procurement. The VCOT has been enhanced to allow convoy soldiers to leave their vehicles and conduct independent dismounted operations that will greatly assist training in the identification and disposition of IEDs on the battlefield. Also, the VCOT allows training on several types of vehicles and with various types of weapons. Without this program, our soldiers will continue to have fewer trainers than needed to train counter-IED drills, immediate action drills and convoy operations. This authorization will allow the KYANG to purchase a VCOT. During current operations in Iraq, more soldiers have been killed or wounded during convoy operations than at any other time. The VCOT provides the best convoy training available, and it includes training in dismounted operations and combat actions on virtual terrain that includes Baghdad, Tikrit, Samarra, Kabul, and Kosovo. Requesting Member: Congressman Geoff Davis. Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Account: Other Procurement, Army. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: DRS Technologies, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 7375 Industrial Road, Florence, KY 41042-2911. Description of Request: Authorize $2,200,000 for procurement of Multi-Temperature Refrigerated Container Systems (MTRCS). MTRCS is the follow-on generation of refrigeration systems. It provides the capability to transport and store both refrigerated and frozen products in a single container. It consists of an insulated 8' x 8' x 20' International Organization for Standardization shipping container with an engine-driven refrigeration unit that will allow operation on the move. The two compartments are separated by a moveable partition varying proportions of refrigerated versus frozen products resulting in maximum loading of the container. MTRCS is used principally by subsistence units. It will also be used by medical units for transport and storage of refrigerated medical supplies, including blood products. The benefit to DOD is more efficient space utilization and reduced transportation requirements. Fewer vehicles will be required to transport food on the battlefield, reducing the number of soldiers exposed to danger from IED's, etc. The Army Acquisition Objective for MTRCS is 4432 systems, but only 1050 are funded in the FY08-13 Future Years Defense Plan. This earmark would authorize procurement of an additional twenty systems. Requesting Member: Congressman Geoff Davis. Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Account: Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Army. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Ashland Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 50 E. River Center Blvd, Covington, KY 41012-0391. Description of Request: Authorize $300,000 to develop advanced, environmentally-friendly, nano-based rust-corrosion-UV protective spray coatings based upon the Lotus Effect. Such coatings could prevent moisture and associated oxygen from getting to a surface and causing rust or corrosion. These surface-protective coatings would be comprised of materials that are environmentally-benign and durable. The U.S. military owns vast amounts of equipment and vehicles that see considerable amounts of storage time. This equipment must be either stored indoors or chemically-treated for protection in outdoor storage. Even treatment of equipment for indoor storage adds a significant level of added protection for long-term storage that is non-climate- controlled. Typically, the chemicals used to protect equipment in outdoor storage are not highly-durable thus requiring maintenance and are also typically environmentally noxious or even highly toxic. Approximately, $200,000 is for development of the Nano-particle Protectant Systems and $100,000 is for development of the Dispersion and Delivery systems. A nano-particle protectant ``system'' is a combination of chemicals that work together to provide the desired protective coating. A dispersion and delivery system is the liquid dispersing system (mixture of liquids) needed to disperse that combination of chemicals. A key element is the equipment to spray the coating on the equipment surface. Requestinig Member: Congressman Geoff Davis. Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Account: Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Army. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Ashland Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 50 E. River Center Blvd, Covington, KY 41012-0391. Description of Request: Authorize $2,200,000 to continue development of advanced coolant and lubricant systems utilizing nano-particle systems to enhance the capabilities of military ground vehicles and simplify supply logistics. FY09 will be the third year of this project. The focus will be on transition to commercial production and final testing of stable nanofluids with improved cooling and lubrication properties while meeting all environmental requirements and making these processes commercially scalable. Approximately, $400,000 will be used to transition production from development to commercial scale; $1,000,000 will be used for engine and vehicle dynamometer testing; and $800,000 is for field demonstrations. A dynamometer is a device that absorbs the power of an engine in the absence of a vehicle to move. The test engine to be used is the new production engine for the HMMVW that has been the engine of choice for that vehicle for the past several years. A test cell is a physical container or room that is properly outfitted for housing an engine- dynamometer combination for controlled and safe operations. Field testing of the nanofluids will occur through use of the HMMWV vehicle with the Optimizer 6500 Turbo-Diesel engine under extreme arctic and desert conditions. Military vehicles are designed to meet exceedingly strict and arduous cooling, lubrication and overall performance requirements. One of the goals of the Tank Automotive Command is to increase the performance and durability of engines, power trains and their component parts to support Army transformation in the areas of system mobility, durability, reliability and survivability and may ultimately serve to reduce the logistics cost burden for the Objective Force. Requesting Member: Congressman Geoff Davis. Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Account: Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Army. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: STARCON. Address of Requesting Entity: 11631 U.S. Route 23; Catlettsburg, KY 41129. Description of Request: Authorize $1,000,000 to develop the Cyber Forensics and Tracking Capability (CFTC) tool to support the Department of Defense cyber security operations for protecting digital forensic data for computer and network systems to counter emerging adversary threats. The primary objective of CFTC is preventing emerging cyber adversary techniques, called counter-forensics, whereby the criminal disguises and removes any trace of his illicit and potentially destructive network and computer activities. The CFTC will be demonstrated and tested through field exercises, technology demonstrations and other initiatives. CFTC is envisioned as an important part of the arsenal of cyber security solutions to thwart, track and prosecute adversaries. CFTC operates in a network-centric environment using existing conventional computing platforms. CFTC is another cyber asset to protect critical systems and networks against increasingly sophisticated adversaries. Requesting Member: Congressman Geoff Davis. Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Account: Operations & Maintenance, Air Force. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: TiER1 Performance Solutions, LLC. Address of Requesting Entity: 6 East 5th Street, Suite 400, Covington, KY 41011. Description of Request: Authorize $3,000,000 for the Engineering Training and Knowledge Preservation System (ETKPS). The Air Force is facing significant turnover in its senior technical personnel. The Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) could lose as many as sixty percent of its top engineers over the next three to five years. Preserving the knowledge base is essential to AFMC and will be a massive undertaking requiring processes and tools to capture operational, technical, and critical thinking knowledge. Integrating the ability to capture, store, align, and transfer knowledge to the next generation workforce through a single, secure Web-based knowledge and training portal is necessary. Functionality of this solution must include the ability to track an individual's skills across competencies throughout his/her career; evaluate all existing training and compare the cost-benefits of competing training approaches; allow experienced personnel to easily create new training and knowledge content in accordance with pre-defined standards; plug into existing defined competencies and skill requirements and capture knowledge from subject- matter-experts to address these; link novices to experts in real-time through a virtual Web Center; categorize, organize and search all knowledge and information across the enterprise; deliver assessments to determine skill proficiencies; deliver information in a variety of ways--through distance learning, on-line reference systems, technical manuals, job aids, mobile devices and other tools. FY 09 will be year four of this ongoing project. Approximately, $50,000 will be used for requirements analysis; $125,000 will be used for functional design; $225,000 will be used for enhanced feature development; and $250,000 is for USAF system integration; $450,000 is for user acceptance testing; and $1,900,000 is for USAF selected site development. Requirements analysis is an ongoing rigorous process to ensure the product meets the very specific needs of the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC). Functional design results in a document used to inform and gain agreement that what is being developed will satisfy the AFMC user requirements. Enhanced feature development results in a prototype developed per the functional design which is presented to AFMC for testing and feedback. USAF system integration establishes proper interfaces between the ETKPS system and existing Air Force IT systems. User acceptance testing is used to evaluate the quality and usability of the product. USAF selected site development will result in the deployment of ETKPS to six Air Force bases insuring consistency across all bases. These system capabilities will enable AFMC to organize and align information to support on-going training and development of its total workforce. Funding for this effort is critical to AFMC for maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of retaining existing knowledge capital and for building effective training programs that support the development of new personnel.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Army Specialist Jeremy R. Gullett from Greenup, Kentucky, a dedicated soldier who lost his life on May 7, 2008, in the Sabari District of Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division based out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. According to his mother, Cheryl, Jeremy had dreamed of joining the service since he was 6 years old. While attending Greenup County High School, Specialist Gullett was a member of the school's Junior ROTC program. He joined the Army in 2003, shortly after graduating from high school. Jeremy was a model citizen. Not only did he serve our country abroad, he was also a volunteer fireman; a loving father to his two young daughters, Kaye and Katie; and a dedicated husband to his wife, Janeth. Today, as we celebrate the life and accomplishments of this exceptional Kentuckian, my thoughts and prayers are with Jeremy Gullett's family and friends. We are all deeply indebted to Specialist Gullett for his service and sacrifice.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in the House in congratulating the Northern Kentucky University women's basketball team for winning the NCAA Division II National Championship on March 29, 2008. Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 1147, which congratulates the team and the coaches on their impressive victory. During the championship game, the Norse overcame a nine-point deficit with less than 6 minutes left in the game to beat the University of South Dakota, 63-58. Senior Angela Healy had 14 points and 13 rebounds in the game. In recognition of her performance, Ms. Healy was voted the Elite Eight's Most Outstanding Player. This win marked the second time in the last decade that the Norse women have won an NCAA national championship in women's basketball. NKU is now the only collegiate women's program in the Commonwealth of Kentucky to win two national titles in any sport. The Norse team consisted of 11 outstanding women who are not only championship-caliber players, but by all accounts students and leaders who are a credit to their community as well. Coach Nancy Winstel should be applauded for her excellent leadership and dedication to Northern Kentucky University. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the team, the coaching staff, and the entire Northern Kentucky University community for a great season, and to thank my colleagues for their support of this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Kyla Bass of Florence, Kentucky. On February 13, 2008, Kyla distinguished herself when her father, Patrick Bass, a Desert Storm veteran, suffered a seizure. In a display of courage, maturity and composure that far exceeded her 10 years of age, Kyla responded to the emergency quickly and effectively. She administered first aid and then called her mother and grandfather, while simultaneously caring for her younger brother and two cousins who were at home at the time of the emergency. Kyla attributes her quick thinking and first aid proficiency to the skills she learned in American Heritage Girls Troop KY0727. American Heritage Girls is dedicated to developing young women through service to God, family, community and country. In recognition of Kyla's heroism, American Heritage Girls has created the Angel Among Us award, which Kyla will receive during the regional awards ceremony on May 16. Her self-control during this event is impressive. Kyla, we're proud of you. Madam Speaker I ask you to join me in commending Kyla Bass for her outstanding actions and character.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, on April 8, 2008, a new educational collection will be unveiled and celebrated at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center in Maysville, Kentucky. Chicago's Art Institute and England's Queen Mary's Dolls' House are among the few places in the world where visitors can enjoy expansive collections of miniature buildings and artifacts and Maysville's Kentucky Gateway Museum Center now joins these distinguished institutions. The 3,300 square foot Miniatures Gallery at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center is now home to an unrivaled collection of thousands of \1/12\ scale miniatures thanks to a generous donation from Maysville native and resident Kaye Browning. The collection features historic buildings, homes and monuments, including the ancestral home of Lady Diana Spencer, the Fleece Inn in England and the Cox Building in Maysville. This collection has been a passion of Ms. Browning's for over thirty years. Her donation to the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center represents a substantial investment in the community and is certain to bring many visitors, both young and old, to Maysville to experience this world- class collection and gallery. I thank Ms. Browning for her incredible gift to the museum and for her tremendous dedication to Maysville and the entire region. I want to thank Lou Browning, her husband and partner in this endeavor and the staff and supporters of the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center who have made it a leader in telling the story of our Commonwealth.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of the Mason County High School boys' basketball team. The Mason County Royals won the Kentucky State Boys' Basketball Championship on March 22, 2008, at Rupp Arena in Lexington. The Mason County Royals defeated the Covington Holmes Bulldogs 57-48 in the championship game. Tournament MVP Darius Miller scored 19 of his game-high 24 points in the second half of the championship, to lead the Royals to victory. This year marked the 12th time in 28 years that the Mason County Royals advanced to the Sweet Sixteen Tournament and the second time the team has won the Kentucky State Championship. The young men on this team are not only championship-caliber players, by but all accounts, students and leaders who are a credit to their community. Finally, I want to congratulate the coaches and fans who support the team. Coach Chris O'Hern guided the Royals to victory. The team also received tremendous community support, evidenced by 17,000 fans that traveled to Lexington to attend the game. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating the achievement of the Mason County Royals on their State championship. It's an honor to represent this team in the United States Congress.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, today, I wish to honor a great man and a true American hero. MAJ William E. Dickens serves as a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve. In 2005 and 2007, Major Dickens volunteered and was deployed to support the ongoing military efforts of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has worked to establish a foundation of support for the troops in that region and continues to provide an invaluable service to military personnel and their families. Major Dickens served as the senior Protestant chaplain at Kirkuk Regional Air Base in Iraq, providing a comprehensive ministry to more than 3,100 troops during his deployment. In 2005, while serving at Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, Bill visited more than 5,600 soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. During his service there, he made two convoy trips into Iraq to minister to 800 airmen at Camp Bucca who were without a chaplain. As the chaplain for the 445th Airlift Wing, Major Dickens has spent long hours providing reintegration counseling to service men and their families. For his great service, Major Dickens was chosen as the Reserve Officers Association 2007 Chaplain of the Year. The Reserve Officers Association is a 70,000-member professional association with representatives from all seven of the uniformed services of the United States. This honor recognizes Chaplain Dickens' extraordinary contributions to the welfare, morale, and effectiveness of the armed services. On the 12th of February, Chaplain Dickens provided the opening prayer for the House of Representatives. I ask the House to join me in congratulating Major Dickens on receiving this great distinction and in offering him our sincerest thanks for his years of service to our Nation.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, Tuesday, February 12, 2008, I was absent from the House due to travel complications. Had I been present I would have voted: On rollcall No. 43--``yes''--H. Res. 954, honoring the life of senior Border Patrol agent Luis A. Aguilar, who lost his life in the line of duty near Yuma, Arizona, on January 19, 2008; On rollcall No. 44--``yes''--H. Res. 909, commemorating the courage of the Haitian soldiers that fought for American independence in the ``Siege of Savannah'' and for Haiti's independence and renunciation of slavery; On rollcall No. 45--``yes''--H. Con. Res. 281, celebrating the birth of Abraham Lincoln and recognizing the prominence the Declaration of Independence played in the development of Abraham Lincoln's beliefs.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a great Kentuckian. Andrew ``Jack'' Fultz served Carter County for most of his life. He coached the Olive Hill High School basketball team from 1951 to 1968, leading the team to the State tournament in 1955, 1956 and 1959. He became a good friend and father-figure to many of his players and maintained that connection long after they were finished playing. Jack ended his career with an impressive win-loss record and was inducted into the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. In 1983, Jack's 794-page book, A Comets' Tale, was published. The book chronicles the history of Olive Hill High School athletics and serves as a testament to his knowledge and love for the many students that he coached. Jack served the Carter County Board of Education for 60 years, working as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and supervisor. Though he loved coaching and working for the schools, his family always came first. Jack developed a deep faith in God and became an active member of the First Baptist Church in Olive Hill. I ask that today, as we pay tribute to Jack's extraordinary life of service that we send to Jean, Jack's wife of 60 years, and the rest of the Fultz family, our deepest condolences. Jack continues to be a role- model for all of us and his memory will live on through his life's work.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated community servant and a national leader in his profession. Scotty Lippert, Jr., is a standout in his field. For twenty-one years. he has worked for Clopay Plastics Products, a global leader in specialty films, extrusion coatings, custom-printing and engineered laminations. As a planned maintenance specialist and lubrication systems leader, he is one of only 745 people worldwide to meet the education, training, and examination standards required to achieve Machinery Lubrication Technician Certification. Scotty Lippert helped design and construct a lube room that was judged best in the world by a panel of national and international lubrication engineers. He is beyond doubt an expert in his field, authoring training books on lube-room construction and articles on lubrication systems and lending his services to a number of Fortune 500 companies. Just as importantly, Scotty Lippert's best practices in the field of lubrication, inspired, designed and implemented at Clopay, are now being used by the U.S. Navy. On November 2, 2007, Scotty Lippert was chosen as the 2007 Kentucky Manufacturing Employee of the Year. He was chosen by a panel of judges on account of his innovation, teamwork. community service, and leadership credentials. In addition to his dedication to his company and profession, Scotty Lippert serves his community as a magistrate in Bracken County. Scotty Lippert deserves praise for his contributions to his vocation and community, and I know the citizens of Bracken County and the Fourth Congressional District join me in recognizing his many achievements and contributions to our region.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise this evening to honor 27-year teaching veteran Kelva Nelson, who is a second grade teacher at Crabbe Elementary School in Ashland, KY. Kelva was chosen by the U.S. Department of Education to receive the prestigious 2007 American Star of Teaching Award from Kentucky. Across the Nation, one teacher was chosen from each State to receive the American Star of Teaching Award, which recognizes dedication and innovation in the classroom. As a teacher at Crabbe Elementary, Kelva believes that all of her students can achieve. Each day, she enters the classroom with enthusiasm to teach. Her innovative teaching style and imagination have brought learning to life for the many students that have entered her classroom. I applaud her commitment to educating the next generation of Kentuckians. I am extremely proud of Kelva and her tremendous professional accomplishments.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the academic achievements of Highlands High School in Ft. Thomas, KY. Recently, Highlands High School was announced by the U.S. Department of Education as a recipient of the 2007 Blue Ribbon Award. The Blue Ribbon Award was presented to 287 distinguished schools nationwide and I am pleased that Highlands High School was one of four from Kentucky's Fourth Congressional District. Highlands has worked hard in advancing its curriculum and performance of its students to ensure that they are some of the best and brightest in our Nation. This is an accomplishment that deserves great praise for the students, parents and teachers. In a world where we are facing competition from abroad and we frequently hear that our students are lagging behind, Kentucky's Blue Ribbon schools are forging ahead. I would also like to highlight the fact that Highlands is ranked in the Top 1000 High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. Furthermore, Highlands' commitment to educational excellence shines through in its ``Cum Laude chapter'' that stresses not only academic, but civic and community involvement. The awards and accomplishments received by the high school are tremendous reflections of the dedication and commitment of the entire Highlands High School community.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the academic achievements of Covington Catholic High School in Covington, Kentucky. Recently, Covington Catholic was announced by the U.S. Department of Education as a recipient of the 2007 Blue Ribbon Award. The Blue Ribbon Award was presented to 287 distinguished schools nationwide and I am pleased that Covington Catholic was one of four from Kentucky's Fourth Congressional District. Covington Catholic has worked hard in advancing its curriculum and performance of its students to ensure that they are some of the best and brightest in our Nation. This is an accomplishment that deserves great praise for the students, parents and teachers. In a world where we are facing competition from abroad and we frequently hear that our students are lagging behind, Covington Catholic is forging ahead. I would especially like to acknowledge Covington Catholic's commitment to improving its students' well-being both in and out of the classroom. Covington Catholic encourages the young men attending the school to get involved and help make their community a better place. Covington Catholic also encourages moral and spiritual development in its students to ensure their successful transition from childhood into adulthood. In providing a well-rounded education for Kentucky's young men, Covington Catholic is helping to ensure the continued success of our Commonwealth. I applaud their dedication and thank the students, teachers and parents of the Covington Catholic Community for all that they do.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the academic achievements of Blessed Sacrament School in Ft. Mitchell, KY. Recently, Blessed Sacrament was announced by the U.S. Department of Education as a recipient of the 2007 Blue Ribbon Award. The Blue Ribbon Award was presented to 287 distinguished schools nationwide and I am pleased that Blessed Sacrament School was 1 of 4 from Kentucky's Fourth Congressional District. Blessed Sacrament has worked hard in advancing its curriculum and performance of its students to ensure that they are some of the best and brightest in our Nation. This is an accomplishment that deserves great praise for the students, parents and teachers. In a world where we are facing competition from abroad and we frequently hear that our students are lagging behind, Kentucky's Blue Ribbon recipients are forging ahead. I would like to acknowledge Blessed Sacrament's ardent dedication to developing a well-rounded learning environment for each of its students. There is no place more deserving of the motto ``Where Kids Come First'' than Blessed Sacrament School. Aside from an exceptional classroom learning experience, Blessed Sacrament also promotes spiritual growth in each of its students. Every day, the teachers and faculty at Blessed Sacrament strive to help its students achieve their goals in the hopes of giving them a bright future. The teachers, students and parents at Blessed Sacrament should be applauded for their hard work in becoming a Blue Ribbon recipient. In Blessed Sacrament, the Commonwealth of Kentucky has a fine educational institution that will serve our communities for years to come.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the academic achievements of Villa Madonna Academy Elementary and Junior High School in Villa Hills, KY. Recently, Villa Madonna was announced by the U.S. Department of Education as a recipient of the 2007 Blue Ribbon Award. The Blue Ribbon Award was presented to 287 distinguished schools nationwide and I am pleased that Villa Madonna Academy was one of four from Kentucky's Fourth Congressional District. Villa Madonna has worked hard in advancing its curriculum and performance of its students to ensure that they are some of the best and brightest in our Nation. This is an accomplishment that deserves great praise for the students, parents, and teachers. In a world where we are facing competition from abroad and we frequently hear that our students are lagging behind, Villa Madonna is forging ahead. I would especially like to acknowledge Villa Madonna's commitment to its enrichment program, which works to ensure its students have a diversified experience in art, music, physical education, and world cultures. This program, coupled with its academic excellence, is why the Villa Madonna Academy continues to exemplify greatness in Kentucky's schools.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a young combat veteran whose efforts in an Afghani hospital embody the characteristics of a true humanitarian. From May 5, 2007 to September 11, 2007, Brandi Hinds served as an Emergency Medical Technician with the 455th M.D.O.S. at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. While providing medical care in the local Afghani hospitals, Brandi noticed the day to day struggles that the Afghani people face, particularly the children. Brandi made it her mission to restore some normalcy to their lives in the midst of the chaos. Instead of writing home and asking for items that she needed, Brandi selflessly requested that friends and family members send items for the young children at the hospital. Shortly thereafter, packages began to arrive from home filled with toys and other small novelty and recreation items. Brandi's efforts brought joy to the many children she encountered. After her departure, Air Force Chaplain CPT Terri Gast continues to distribute the gifts to the Afghani children. What began as the desire of one individual to make a small difference has grown into a program fittingly named ``Brandi's Kids.'' Brandi's service and sacrifice has inspired the many whose lives she has touched. Today, Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to recognize Brandi's tireless dedication to the children of Afghanistan and thank her for her service to our great Nation.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of our Nation's veterans who have fought hard to protect our freedoms and preserve our liberties. It has been over 140 days, more than 4 months since the House passed the MilCon-VA appropriations bill and nearly 8 weeks since the Senate passed it. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle joined together to craft and pass this important legislation, and the President is standing by, waiting to sign it into law. Yet it was only last week the Democratic leadership announced that they were finally going to take action, not to pass the bill, but, instead, to use funding of our veterans as a political tool to help ensure passage of a massive increase in spending in the Labor-HHS appropriations bill. I stand here today in support of our Nation's veterans, in support of MilCon-VA appropriations, and staunchly oppose the Democratic leadership's attempt to use veterans as human shields to pass this bad Labor-HHS bill. Our veterans deserve better and Congress must deliver.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I have great respect and admiration for my neighbor, the chairman from West Virginia, for work that we've done in our river industries and supporting local industries; but I have to rise in objection to this bill. I think in some ways we might entitle it the Exporting America's Jobs Overseas Act. I grew up around the American mining industry at the working-class end and got to see it from that side, one of the great transformations that took place during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s; and I think there are three core issues. The law needs to be reformed, I agree, to adapt it to a 21st-century economy within which we live. However, the issue of competitiveness, the issue of American jobs and the issue of fundamental social justice all militate against this bill. First of all, for the Democratic Caucus, from my friends on the other side who are committed to protecting jobs, I think it's amazing that we want to raise taxes on a core industry that's important to our supply chain, for our technology industry, to drive jobs overseas. It's going to increase material costs, increase our dependency on foreign hardrock minerals which has doubled over the last 10 years according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Secondly, there is a significant impact on jobs. Mining jobs and the mining support and supply chain jobs and industries that support that cannot be replaced by hospitality jobs. That is a flawed logic, in my mind; and it's very critical that we maintain the robustness of this industry as a strategic asset and a strategic resource. For our future in energy, our future in manufacturing, we have to use the resources that we have in an environmentally friendly way to not only protect our jobs but to grow their jobs. Finally, I think the one thing I found in trade agreements through the years here in the House, there's always the discussion about a social justice component in establishing trade agreements with countries that may have sweatshops, may abuse men, women and especially children. In this case, I would point out that areas where we get strategic materials now that will increase their industry are abusive of children. Specifically, you can see a picture here of a child who's a Peruvian miner, children who are Colombian miners, and a Ugandan miner, all of whom are young children, all of whom are having their futures closed down because of this. I oppose this bill. I ask that we yield back to the principles expounded by the gentleman from New Mexico and the gentleman from Alaska.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, on Monday, October 29, 2007, I was absent from the House due to travel complications. Had I been present I would have voted: On rollcall No. 1010--``nay''--H.R. 3224, Dam Rehabilitation and Repair Act of 2007. On rollcall No. 1011--``yea''--H. Res. 573, Recognizing and commending the efforts of the United States public and advocacy groups to raise awareness about and help end the worsening humanitarian crisis and genocide in Darfur, Sudan, and for other purposes. On rollcall No. 1012--``yea''--H. Res. 747, Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali.