Vernon Ehlers

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Dr. Robert H. Knapp who passed away suddenly on July 13, 2009. I extend my condolences to Dr. Knapp's wife of 31 years, Judy, and his daughters Megan and Sarah, as well as his extended family. Dr. Knapp attended Wayne State University Medical School in Detroit, Michigan and was a long-time pathologist in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area practicing at Spectrum Health and most recently Grandville Pathology Laboratory. Dr. Knapp began his service to medicine at the local level. He served as President and Trustee of the Michigan Society of Pathologists and was a member of the Kent County Medical Society and the Michigan State Medical Society. Dr. Knapp's leadership in pathology allowed him to demonstrate outstanding service to the profession of medicine and his community by serving as an advocate for the important role that pathologists play in improving the quality of health care for Americans. In fact, Dr. Knapp was very active in advocacy efforts on behalf of both the College of American Pathologists and the American Society of Cytopathology. He visited with me and my staff numerous times over the past few years and hosted me for a laboratory tour at his facility last fall. In addition to his professional career, Dr. Knapp was an avid cheesemaker and lover of opera. Dr. Knapp was a dedicated, knowledgeable advocate and respected pathologist. He deserves to be remembered kindly for his legacy of service to the Grand Rapids community and to the medical profession.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. I thank you for recognizing me, and I wish to join in the accolades. You just heard from the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer) about the pocket-protector crowd, and I am proud to say that I am a member of the pocket-protector crowd, although I am not an engineer; I am a physicist. But I rise to commend the engineers for the work that they do and to recognize not just the companies--you have already heard all the companies lauded, and they do great and marvelous work--but the engineers behind it are also essential. Whenever you step on an elevator, whenever you drive your car, whenever you go down a road or across a bridge, you are using engineering products. Throughout your entire life everything you touch, almost everything you do is related to engineers who designed and built the objects that you are using. We fail to recognize the importance of this. Other countries have not failed to. India, for example, which has a much bigger population than the U.S., is now producing more engineers than we do. China, with a very large population, is producing considerably more engineers than we do. If we want to maintain our preeminent position as a Nation, we have to provide more emphasis and more incentives to engineers, and especially incentives to students to get into the engineering profession. And that is why it is extremely important that we improve our math and science curricula in the elementary and secondary schools, because it has become true that if students don't study enough math or science in the elementary and secondary schools, they will not go into engineering when they get to the university because they simply don't have the right background. So it is essential that we develop better programs and better-trained teachers for elementary and secondary school math and science courses, so that we can once again capture the lead in engineering and manufacturing that we have had for many years and which we are in danger of losing. So I urge that, as we celebrate what this particular organization has done, we also recognize that they need good engineers to accomplish their objectives and we, as a Congress, have a responsibility to make sure that we train the people who will become the engineers of the future.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. As the author of this resolution and as a co-Chair of the House Aerospace Caucus, along with co-Chair Congressman Norm Dicks, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 167, which supports the goals and ideals of creating a National Aerospace Day, in addition to recognizing the contributions of the aerospace industry to the history, economy, security and the educational system of the United States. I thank the gentleman from New York and the gentleman from Texas for their detailed recital of the many successes that the American aerospace industry has had, and I will not repeat those. But as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo Moon landing this year, it is appropriate that we pass this resolution recognizing the important achievements made possible by the aerospace industry. In addition to landing on the Moon, some other noteworthy achievements include leading the International Space Station project, innovative developments in meteorological forecasting, national defense, communications, and creating the Global Positioning System which has come to be used by consumers throughout the world in guiding them where they travel in their daily lives. The United States also maintains the largest, most complex and safest aviation system in the world, comprised of more than 230,000 general aviation aircraft which use nearly 19,000 small and regional airports throughout our Nation, and more than 7,000 commercial passenger and cargo airline aircraft which utilize over 500 commercial airports. Our aviation system, especially business aviation, allows U.S. companies to stay competitive because our workers can be more productive and more efficient. The United States aerospace industry is a powerful, reliable source of employment, innovation and export income, employing more than 840,000 people in the United States and supporting more than 2 million jobs in related fields. Although unemployment remains high, especially in my home State of Michigan, these high- value, good-paying jobs continue to be available because of the shortage of qualified workers in this field. Therefore, in order for the United States to remain at the forefront of aerospace development, we must do a better job of educating our children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, commonly referred to as STEM education. Flying and space exploration remain a powerful inspiration that captures the interest of young people, and I applaud the efforts by the aerospace community to get involved with children and schools to nurture this interest and improve our STEM education programs. I am proud to report that in my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, a young gentleman, Patrick Johnson, who is a pilot, has formed the West Michigan Flight Academy, and been teaching aviation to children in the elementary schools, particularly those who are lagging behind. He has been helping them build model airplanes and fly them. Just about a month ago, I was with him when we went to a local meeting of the Experimental Aircraft Association chapter in my community. Many of these children went up in an airplane for the first time in their life. They got to stand by the airplanes and hear an explanation of what the different parts of the airplanes were and how they work. And, believe it or not, most of those children are now very interested in studying math and science to better understand aviation, and may enter an occupation they had never thought of before. So aviation also has a very important educational impact, and I am pleased that the aerospace industry has helped schools and teachers learn more and teach more about aviation, and through that has inspired children to study science and mathematics. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring the aerospace industry for their good service by supporting the creation of a National Aerospace Day on September 16th. I also urge all members to vote for this concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 167.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 718, which recognizes September 11 as a ``National Day of Service and Remembrance.'' I am honored to cosponsor this resolution, and I thank Representatives Doris Matsui and Peter King for their work on it. The horrific events of September 11, 2001 made a permanent mark on our Nation's history and the lives of thousands of American families. In recognition of this, Congress passed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which included for the first time authorization and Federal recognition of September 11 as a ``National Day of Service and Remembrance.'' As a co-chair of the National Service Caucus, I believe that it is very fitting that Americans be encouraged to voluntarily engage in community service or other charitable activities of their own choosing in honor of those who lost their lives or were injured in the September 11, 2001 attacks. Charitable activities have a positive and immediate impact in our communities and often make a notable difference in the lives of the people whom they benefit. Recently, I had the opportunity to serve in my community by reading books to children at the local public library and through the Reach Out and Read program. I encourage other Members of Congress and staff to set an example by voluntary service in their communities. I encourage all Members to support this important resolution.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I am very reluctant to criticize the President of the United States. He has the most difficult job, as do we, and we must work together. But I'm really confused because he keeps referring to our health system as broken. I don't know what that means. What does it mean when you break a health system? When I went to the doctor recently, no problem. I went in, saw him, got the prescription, and left. I needed hospital treatment, went in, had the surgery, and left. Everything worked fine. It was not broken. I think the real problem is that our economy is broken. And I know in the State of Michigan, where I live, our unemployment rate for June is 15.2 percent. If people aren't working, they tend to lose their health care because they usually get it through their employer. Starting August 24 in Michigan, we expect an average of 18,000 people in Michigan to roll off unemployment insurance each month. By the end of 2009, we expect to have 99,000 people who have lost their benefits. That is the problem we must address. We have to get people back to work, and when they get back to work, they will get their health care back.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, as a pilot-in-training, and also the co- chairman of the House General Aviation Caucus, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 508, expressing the sense of the House that the general aviation industry should be recognized for its important contributions to our economy and our transportation system. I thank Congressman Fortenberry for introducing this important Resolution. General aviation is a general category that includes all non- scheduled, nonmilitary aviation. There are more than 230,000 general aviation aircraft in the United States, which fly out of nearly 19,000 small and regional airports, far exceeding the 500 commercial airports in the United States. These airports help connect people and industries that do not always have easy access to our commercial airports. Recently, general aviation has come under attack by the media and those that view general aviation as a corporate indulgence or an expensive toy used exclusively by the wealthy. Actually, airplanes are a productive tool, and companies that utilize general aviation are generally more competitive. More often than not, these airplanes pay for themselves. In the wake of recent disparaging stories about general aviation, Congressman Allen Boyd and I formed the House General Aviation Caucus to help educate our colleagues and the public about the importance of general aviation to our economy and to our overall transportation system. The General Aviation industry contributes more than $150 billion to the U.S. economy annually, and it employs nearly 1.3 million workers. In 2008, U.S. general aviation airplane manufacturers delivered over 3,079 airplanes to customers in the United States and abroad. The total value of these aircraft was nearly $13 billion, of which 44 percent were exports. The General Aviation industry is one of the few remaining U.S. industries that actually maintains a strong, positive foreign trade balance. As one of the champions of General Aviation in the House of Representatives, I strongly support this resolution, and urge the Members of the House to pass it.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards, I am submitting the following information regarding projects I received funding for as part of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: Army Research, Development, Test, & Evaluation Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Grand Valley State University and Mary Free Bed Hospital Address of Requesting Entity: 301 Michigan Street, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Description of Request: This bill provides $1,460,000 for the Midwest Traumatic Injury Rehabilitation Center. This funding is a valuable use of taxpayer money because this Center will combine the state-of-the-art medical and rehabilitation team care currently delivered by Mary Free Bed Hospital and the curriculum development, evaluative and educational expertise of Grand Valley State University to provide comprehensive wounded warrior care closer to home to reduce the burden on families and establish a model for the nation. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: Navy Research, Development, Test, & Evaluation Legal Name of Requesting Entity: GE Aviation Systems LLC Address of Requesting Entity: 3290 Patterson Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Description of Request: This bill provides $2,500,000 for the Precision Engagement Technologies Required for Unmanned Systems (PETRUS). This is a valuable use of taxpayer money because PETRUS will compress the timeline associated with an unmanned system finding, fixing, tracking, targeting, engaging and assessing targets of interest. This project will develop a system for small unmanned air systems that is capable of precisely tracking mobile targets of interest under a wide range of highly dynamic conditions.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to Republican Leadership standards, I am submitting the following information regarding projects I received funding for as part of H.R. 3293--Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Agency: Department of Health & Human Services Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)--Health Facilities and Services. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Grand Rapids Public Schools Address of Requesting Entity: 1331 Franklin Ave. SE., Grand Rapids, MI 49506 Description of Request: The bill provides $500,000 for the Central Health Science Campus, a new education redevelopment model that is being advanced by the Grand Rapids Public Schools in partnership with several local colleges, universities, health institutions, and community stakeholders. The purpose is to create a mixed-use campus centered on the health science industry that connects K-12, higher education, and job providers all on one site. The education redevelopment of the Central campus is a valuable use of federal taxpayer dollars as those funds will foster new, innovative public- private partnerships and help to leverage additional private and state resources and support for the betterment of student achievement, workforce development, economic development, and the entire neighborhood. Most importantly, the federal funds will benefit a population of students and a surrounding neighborhood that includes a high percentage of disadvantaged children. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Agency: Department of Health & Human Services Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)--Health Facilities and Services. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Spectrum Health Address of Requesting Entity: 100 Michigan Street NW., Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Description of Request: The bill provides $200,000 for Spectrum Health, a regional leader in orthopedic care. Spectrum Health is developing an Orthopedic Surgical Treatment Effectiveness Registry to track patient health outcomes; this will ultimately help improve the quality of care provided at Spectrum Health and elsewhere. The registry would contain long-term patient procedure and outcome data and use evidence-based clinical standards set by the orthopedics community to measure effectiveness of procedures. Ultimately, a registry like this will enable Spectrum Health to be at the forefront of research and help us ensure orthopedic patients--many of whom are elderly Medicare beneficiaries--receive the most clinically appropriate and cost- effective treatments possible, a valuable use of taxpayer funds. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Agency: Department of Health & Human Services Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)--Health Facilities and Services. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Address of Requesting Entity: 300 68th Street SE., PO Box 165, Grand Rapids, MI 49501 Description of Request: The bill provides $200,000 to Pine Rest for an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funds since Pine Rest is well-positioned to be a national model for other behavioral health care systems. Pine Rest will demonstrate improved quality of care at a lower cost through its continuum of care, including hospital-based services, a large outpatient clinic network, addictions recovery services and residential treatment settings. Pine Rest will have the ability to connect to the Health Information Exchange, improving communication between providers. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Agency: Department of Labor Account: Employment and Training Administration (ETA)--Training & Employment Services (TES) Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Grand Rapids Address of Requesting Entity: 300 Monroe Ave. NW., Suite 480, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Description of Request: The bill provides $350,000 for Our Community's Children, a public/private partnership between the City, the Grand Rapids Public Schools, and the community. Our Community's Children will work with the Grand Rapids Public Schools Youth Employment program to increase investment in early workforce development. Youth will be trained in 21st century work skills and be given literacy remediation to ensure they are ready for the workforce, a valuable use of taxpayer funds. Businesses in emerging fields will be sought to provide long-term job training and opportunities for youth. Outcomes include increased employment competency of youth, increased graduation rates, improved math/reading scores, and greater investment in the future of our children by the business community.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. I rise in support of funding for the U.S. Department of Education's Math and Science Partnerships program. The legislation we are considering today appropriates $179 million for Math and Science Partnerships-- equal to the current funding level. The Math and Science Partnerships program is an innovative, proven program designed to improve teacher content knowledge and teaching skills in math and science subjects. Through formula grants to every state, the program provides crucial teacher professional development and teacher in-service training by linking school districts with university mathematics, science and engineering departments. As a result of the Math and Science Partnerships program, our students' math and science skills are strengthened. This week, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11's mission and astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on the Moon. This event, and the earlier launch of Sputnik, sparked remarkable interest in science education, and led to the creation of many valuable federal education programs over the next several decades. One such program, the Eisenhower Professional Development Act, was originally enacted in 1985 to provide funding for professional development opportunities for math and science educators. In fact, before the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), Congress provided substantially more funding for math and science teacher professional development through the Eisenhower program. In short, in spite of our great national need for more well- trained scientists and engineers, we are providing less than half as much funding for training science teachers as we did before NCLB was passed into law. Currently, many science teachers report little, if any, funds available for professional development activities. Earlier this year, Representative Holt and I led the charge to provide at least $450 million in funding for the Math and Science Partnerships program. Twenty-three Members of Congress joined us in sending a letter to the Labor, Health & Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee requesting this important funding. I am disappointed that the bill before us today provides level funding for the Math & Science Partnerships program. However, I am deeply grateful to Chairman Obey for his willingness to include $5 million in additional funding for the Math & Science Partnerships program in his manager's amendment. I sincerely thank him for recognizing the need for increased funding for the Math and Science Partnerships program. I also thank Representative Holt for his continued dedication to supporting this program and for his work in securing this additional funding.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards, I am submitting the following information regarding projects I received funding for as part of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. Agency: Federal Transit Administration Account: Buses & Bus Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Barry County Transit Address of Requesting Entity: 1216 W. State Street, Hastings, MI 49058 Description of Request: This bill provides $127,000 for vehicle equipment replacement and building repair. This funding is a valuable use of taxpayer money because it will replace two expansion vans that provide safe and efficient transportation to a growing rural senior and physically challenged population in Barry County. It will also provide for replacement radios and building repair. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. Agency: Federal Transit Administration Account: Buses & Bus Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Belding Dial-A-Ride Address of Requesting Entity: 100 Depot Street, Belding, MI 48809 Description of Request: This bill provides $63,000 for the City of Belding Dial-A-Ride. This funding is a valuable use of taxpayer money because it will go towards the purchase of a lift-equipped bus, which will replace an older bus that has met its useful life. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. Agency: Federal Highway Administration Account: Surface Transportation Priorities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Grand Rapids, Michigan Address of Requesting Entity: 300 Monroe Ave, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Description of Request: This bill provides $500,000 for the Wealthy Street Extension. This funding is a valuable use of taxpayer money because the construction project will extend Wealthy Street and improve the existing street network in the vicinity of Millennium Park, which will ease traffic congestion and create an alternative artery to US- 131. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. Agency: Federal Transit Administration Account: Buses & Bus Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Ionia Dial-A-Ride Address of Requesting Entity: 251 East Adams Street, Ionia, MI 48846 Description of Request: This bill provides $100,000 for the City of Ionia Dial-A-Ride. This funding is a valuable use of taxpayer money because it will upgrade the Dial-A-Ride's facility. The upgrades include a new emergency generator, parking resurfacing, a new heater, and a new irrigation system. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. Agency: Federal Transit Administration Account: Alternatives Analysis Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Rapid Address of Requesting Entity: 300 Ellsworth Ave, SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Description of Request: This bill provides $360,000 for a Streetcar Alternative Analysis Study. This funding is a valuable use of taxpayer money because it will allow the Rapid to assess the ridership projections, economic development potential and funding options that will determine if a streetcar system would be a valuable investment in the Grand Rapids metro area. The study is to examine different models of public and private partnerships to build the infrastructure and operate the system.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards, I am submitting the following information regarding projects I received funding for as part of H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Agency: Department of Energy Account: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The City of Grand Rapids Address of Requesting Entity: 300 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Description of Request: This bill provides $250,000 for the City of Grand Rapids to purchase and install an estimated 400 solar panels on the roofs of several City buildings to demonstrate the benefits of onsite solar panels. This funding is a valuable use of taxpayer money because the panels will help reduce the city's energy consumption and dependency on the national grid by drawing from a localized energy source. Approximately three-quarters of the funding will be used to purchase the solar panels, and approximately one-quarter of the funding will be applied to the installation of the panels. This project is of national significance and a good use of taxpayer dollars because it will support local ``green'' jobs and promote more widespread commercial use of solar technology whose value is proven, but whose cost must become more competitive with conventional sources of energy. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Agency: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Account: Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Address of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Engineer District, Chicago, 111 North Canal Street, Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60606 Description of Request: This bill provides $7,575,000 for the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Dispersal Barrier. This funding is a valuable use of taxpayer money because, historically, the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River were separated naturally by a landmass. However, since the completion of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, aquatic species can move freely between the two water systems. A temporary dispersal barrier (Barrier I) has been operating for nearly 7 years, and construction of a permanent barrier (Barrier IIA) will be completed this year. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Agency: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Account: Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Address of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Engineer District, Chicago, 111 North Canal Street, Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60606 Description of Request: This bill provides $3,200,000 for the Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration program. The Great Lakes sustain a nationally and internationally significant fishery that has been degraded by habitat losses, contamination, and invasive species. This funding is a valuable use of taxpayer money because under this program, the Corps will coordinate with other Federal, State, and local agencies and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to plan, implement, and evaluate projects supporting the restoration of the fishery, ecosystem, and beneficial uses of the Great Lakes. A range of aquatic habitat restoration projects can be done under this program including riparian habitat and wetland restoration, dam removal to reestablish free flowing tributaries, fish passages, and erosion and sedimentation control. This program is an important component of the Great Lakes Strategy developed by the U.S. Policy Committee in 2000 as well as the 2005 Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Agency: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Account: Investigations Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Address of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Engineer District, Chicago, 111 North Canal Street, Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60606 Description of Request: This bill provides $4,000,000 for technical assistance to Remedial Action Plans (RAP) Committees. This funding is a valuable use of taxpayer money because, under the 1987 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the United States and Canada agreed to develop remedial action plans for each of the 43 internationally recognized Areas of Concern (26 U.S. sites and 5 shared U.S. and Canadian sites). RAPs embody a comprehensive ecosystem approach to restoring and protecting beneficial uses and to identifying specific actions to resolve pollution problems. This Corps of Engineers program authorizes the Corps to provide technical support to states and local organizations in the development and implementation of RAPs. The Corps' expertise in dredging and sediment management is valuable for the planning and designing of contaminated sediment cleanups. State and local agencies from 25 RAPs in Indiana (Grand Calumet River), Ohio (Black, Maumee and Cuyahoga Rivers), New York (Buffalo River, Eighteen Mile Creek, Rochester Embayment and St. Lawrence River), Michigan (Deer Lake, Torch Lake, Muskegon Lake and White Lake; River Raisin, Rouge, Saginaw, St. Marys, St. Clair, Detroit, and Clinton Rivers), Minnesota (St. Louis River), Wisconsin (Milwaukee Bay, Menominee, Sheboygan, and Fox Rivers), and Pennsylvania (Presque Isle Bay) have requested funding.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. I thank the gentlelady for yielding. I am pleased that the bill before us today leaves the amount set aside for extramural research budgets of 2.5 percent for the SBIR and 0.3 for the STTR programs and that it remains unchanged from the current law. Last year the House considered legislation which would have increased the set-asides for these programs. However, an amendment I offered at that time on the floor of the House to leave the set- asides unchanged was voice-voted on the floor and approved. There is a good reason for this. If we do want to increase the amount of money going into the SBIR and STTR programs, the money should come from increasing the allocations to the basic research programs from which these particular programs receive a percentage. I believe that the amendment I offered last year proved to be noncontroversial because of the overwhelming support for increasing the funding for these important programs by increasing the overall research funding at the agencies. I understand, however, that the Senate version of this bill does not do that, but increases the set-aside. By increasing the set-aside, we will only eat away at the base funding for research available to our scientific agencies. I would much rather see us fight for overall extramural research funding increases, which will equivalently benefit the innovation and tech transfer activities of these programs. And I certainly hope that the House conferees will stand strong on this issue in conference with the Senate. The House has done the right thing, and we must support our conferees on that point. A coalition of more than 100 scientific and professional societies, universities and research institutions have written a letter of support for maintaining their current allocation levels, stating that an increase in set-asides ``would restrict competition for $1 billion in Federal research dollars when future funding levels are uncertain.'' Another letter from the Association of American Universities asserts: ``We believe there is no justification for such increases, especially as such increases would come at the expense of peer-reviewed basic and applied research programs.'' I submit a copy of this letter and another similar one for the Record. July 7, 2009. Re H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009. Hon. Nydia Velazquez, Chairwoman, Small Business Committee, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Sam Graves, Ranking Member, Small Business Committee, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Bart Gordon, Chair, Committee on Science and Technology, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Ralph M. Hall, Ranking Member, Committee on Science and Technology, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairwoman Velazquez, Chairman Gordon, Ranking Member Graves and Ranking Member Hall: The undersigned, patient advocacy organizations, scientific and professional societies, higher education associations, and research institutions, write to express our support for your efforts to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) at its current allocation level. We stand together in opposition to a provision in the Senate SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2009 (S. 1233) that would increase the allocation for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program from 2.5% to 3.5% of any federal agency budget that provides more than $100 million for research. As the legislative process moves forward, we urge the adoption of the House version of this legislation for the reasons described below. We recognize the benefits of the participation of small businesses in scientific research. Unfortunately, the Senate has proposed a mandatory increase in the SBIR allocation across agencies that will necessarily result in funding cuts for the peer-reviewed research conducted by other organizations. This fundamental research creates the discoveries that fuel innovation, improve quality of life and contribute to our country's economic growth. Indeed, the increase in the SBIR allocation proposed in S. 1233 would restrict competition for $1 billion in federal research dollars, during a time when future funding levels are uncertain. Rather than increasing support for one type of research at the expense of all others, we urge Congress to work with the Obama Administration to increase funding for all research, thereby increasing the total investment in

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to Republican Leadership standards, I am submitting the following information regarding projects I received funding for as part of H.R. 2997, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Agency: National Institute for Food and Agriculture Account: Special Research Grants Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Address of Requesting Entity: 102 Agriculture Hall, East Lansing, Michigan 48824 Description of Request: This bill provides $147,000 for Improving the Sustainable Production of Specialty Crops (Improved Fruit Practices). This grant is a valuable use of taxpayer money because the research will be used to assist growers in producing high quality fruit, dry beans, and sugar beets with environmentally sound, safe, and effective pest control methods and management approaches. Approximately, $91,140 is for salaries and expenses, and $55,860 is for lab maintenance and equipment. In addition to the federal funds provided by this grant, this research is supported by personnel, equipment, and facilities funded by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and Michigan State University Extension. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Agency: National Institute for Food and Agriculture Account: Special Research Grants Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Address of Requesting Entity: 102 Agriculture Hall, East Lansing, Michigan 48824 Description of Request: This bill provides $346,000 for Controlling Fire Blight Disease of Apple Trees. This grant is a valuable use of taxpayer money because the research will be used to develop blight- resistant varieties and new, environmentally responsible control strategies to combat this disease. This grant will be split between Michigan (which receives approximately 36 percent) and New York (which receives approximately 64 percent). For Michigan, approximately $99,648 is for the salaries of laboratory and field research personal; and $24,912 is for materials and supplies. Michigan State University is working to obtain funding from the Michigan Apple Committee, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, project GREEN, and from other industry sources. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Agency: National Institute for Food and Agriculture Account: Special Research Grants Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Address of Requesting Entity: 102 Agriculture Hall, East Lansing, Michigan 48824 Description of Request: This bill provides $266,000 for Sustainable Agriculture: Expanding and Refining the Ecosystem Base (Sustainable Agriculture). This grant is a valuable use of taxpayer money because the research will be used to assist farmers on sustainable agriculture practices, which will help farmers manage their crops for improved yields, while reducing fertilizer and pesticide use, and stemming nutrient losses to ground and surface water. Organic farming concepts are also addressed. Approximately, $151,000 is for salaries of researchers; $15,000 is for travel expenses; $10,000 is for farmer stipends; $25,000 is for materials and supplies; and $65,000 is for communication and outreach. Michigan State University expects to leverage at least $150,000 in state, local, and private funds to expand the impacts of the special grant. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Agency: National Institute for Food and Agriculture Account: Special Research Grants Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Address of Requesting Entity: 102 Agriculture Hall, East Lansing, Michigan 48824 Description of Request: This bill provides $346,000 for Phytophthora Capsici research. This grant is a valuable use of taxpayer money because the research will be used to study the fungal-like pathogen that lives in the soil and causes plants to rot. Vegetables such as cucumbers, pumpkins, squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, eggplants and lima and snap beans are particularly susceptible to rot caused by Phytophthora. This funding will go towards salaries of researchers, laboratory and field equipment, travel expenses, and publication or results. This program receives other federal/state/local/industry funding. Requesting Member: Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Account: Conservation Operations Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Great Lakes Commission Address of Requesting Entity: 2805 S. Industrial Hwy, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-6791 Description of Request: This bill provides $404,000 for the Great Lakes Basin Program for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control, which was authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill. This funding is a valuable use of taxpayer money because it will protect and improve Great Lakes water quality by controlling erosion and sedimentation; limiting the input of associated nutrients and toxic contaminants; and minimizing off-site sources of damage to harbors, streams, fish and wildlife habitat, recreational facilities and the Basin's system of public works.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Madam Chair, I rise to take a few moments to talk about a portion of this bill that I am very supportive of--the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The Great Lakes are a national treasure. The lakes hold 95 percent of the U.S. surface fresh water and are the largest system of surface fresh water on the planet. In addition to offering recreation and transportation options, the Great Lakes also provide more than 30 million people with drinking water. Unfortunately, the health of the Great Lakes is threatened by aquatic invasive species, contaminated sediment, nonpoint source pollution, and habitat loss. Failure to protect and restore the lakes now will result in more serious consequences in the future, in addition to increasing cleanup costs. Since being elected to Congress, I have championed Great Lakes restoration efforts, and I am very pleased that the President's budget, the Congressional budget resolution, and this appropriations bill, all include $475 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Although this amount is still far short of what is needed to promptly restore the Great Lakes, it is a significant down payment. I thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for recognizing the importance of restoring the Great Lakes and for including this historic funding level.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding an earmark I received as part of H.R. 2996, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010: $500,000 is provided in H.R. 2996 from the EPA STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project to separate the combined sewers and replace the aging water main in the Eastside portion of the City of Grand Rapids. The funding was requested by the City of Grand Rapids, 300 Monroe Ave. NW., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Additional funding for this project will be covered by the City's Sewer System and Water System revenue bonds. This project is of national significance and a good use of taxpayer dollars because it will contribute to the cleanup of the Great Lakes, a nationally important water source which suffers from water quality and quantity degradation. This aggressive program and dedication of limited resources will result in the complete elimination of the city's combined sewer overflows to the Grand River and Lake Michigan in 10 years.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today with mixed emotions to honor my good friend, Judy Barnes, who retires as Chief Executive Officer of the Grand Rapids Home and Building Association, HBA, of Grand Rapids on June 30, 2009. Judy has been energetic and optimistic in her duties at the Association, where she has served as CEO for 25 years. Judy's great attitude and outlook on life helped her successfully lead the homebuilding industry in Grand Rapids through good times and bad. When she took over as CEO in 1984, she helped grow the relatively small group to one of the largest HBAs in the nation through her solid work ethic and passion. Her professionalism and leadership skills garnered the respect of her constituency and the community, as she spoke on behalf of the HBA throughout the years. The Parade of Homes is an annual tradition for the Grand Rapids area, and for Judy Barnes. She played a key role in planning this fantastic event each year, and helped expand the number of homes in the event to over 250 at its peak. While the downturn in the homebuilding industry has reduced the number of homes in the Parade recently, it is still a great event that visitors have thoroughly enjoyed, thanks to Judy's hard work. Even as the housing industry fell upon difficult times, Judy never lost her optimism, and showed compassion as people lost homes to foreclosure, and as builders had difficulty staying in business. In an interview with the Grand Rapids Press, Judy said, ``The [homebuilding] industry will rebound. . . . I know it will be great again.'' I wish Judy, and her husband Stan, the best of everything as they enter a new chapter in their lives. Judy has the wishes and blessings of many, many people who are grateful for her hard work and dedication, and also appreciate her contagious laughter and smile. Her hard work and personality will be greatly missed.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Chair, thank you, Chairman Mollohan and Ranking Member Wolf, for the opportunity to offer remarks on the fiscal year 2010 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill. I appreciate your hard work and dedication bringing this important funding legislation to the floor. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education and as a member of the House Committee on Science and Technology, I work with my colleagues to support and strengthen several agencies of great importance to our nation's technological innovation capacity. The core of that capacity depends on basic scientific research, and a vigorous research base is crucial to our national economic security. Coupled with that research base is research in education supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). I am pleased that this legislation has essentially supported the President's overall requested budget for the National Science Foundation, an agency which has great significance to our federal research endeavors. However, I do have some concerns about the science, technology, engineering and math (collectively, STEM) education funding provided for the NSF within this year's spending bill. In late April, the President announced ``. . . a renewed commitment to education in mathematics and science, since we know that the progress and prosperity of future generations will depend on what we do now to educate the next generation.'' I support this commitment, but am troubled that somehow the education directorate budget at the NSF is not keeping pace with the budgets of the research directorates. While the overall research budget of the NSF will receive a 9 percent increase in this year's funding bill, the education budget will only increase by 2 percent. Congress, economists, and scientists have consistently maintained that the NSF's research and educational missions must be treated as co- equal and core missions of the Foundation. Enhancing our research competitiveness in scientific fields while neglecting the educational component of such research will cripple our ability to succeed as an innovative nation. I want to recognize that both the budgets for research and education at the National Science Foundation are increasing in this budget, and I greatly appreciate the work of the Committee in supporting both activities. I simply want to emphasize that both of these endeavors are equally critical to the competitiveness of our nation, and research and education should be treated as parallel--and equally worthy entities-- at the National Science Foundation. I look forward to working with you on the NSF research and education funding, and, again, thank you for your dedication to improving our nation's research enterprise.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. I thank the gentleman for yielding. As a student pilot, and as the cochairman of the House General Aviation Caucus, as well as a proud member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 472, honoring the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association on their 70th anniversary. Since 1939, AOPA has effectively represented the general aviation community at the local, State, and Federal levels. With a membership of more than 415,000--or two-thirds of all of the pilots in the United States--AOPA is the largest and one of the most influential aviation associations in the world. I have been a member for a number of years. General aviation is a catch-all category that includes all nonscheduled, all nonmilitary aviation. There are more than 230,000 general aviation aircraft in the United States, which use nearly 19,000 small and regional airports. These airports help connect people and industries that do not always have easy access to our commercial airports. Recently, general aviation has come under attack by the media and those that view general aviation as a corporate indulgence or an expensive toy used exclusively by the wealthy. That is simply not true. Actually, the fact is that companies that utilize general aviation are more productive and, thus, more competitive. I can give two examples from my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Recently, I was talking to a businessman there. He's a contractor. He's built a number of buildings. They've decided to expand into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and into Canada. As you know, Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes so it's very hard to get from point A to point B quickly. However, they bought an airplane, and they were able to zip easily from the Grand Rapids headquarters to all the work sites in Canada and in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. More often than not, these airplanes pay for themselves. I have another businessman in Grand Rapids who told me that his airplane saved him a considerable amount of money because when his executives went to visit his plants scattered around the U.S.--most of them in forests because he's in the lumbering business and he has 30- some businesses around the country--it takes at least one person one day to get to any of these sites using commercial aviation because they have to go to a major commercial airport, rent a car and drive 30, 40 miles into the forest to their site. But with their own private airplane, they could usually land within a few miles. They can complete three business visits in 1 day instead of one. So, as they say, these airplanes pay for themselves. In addition, most of the private pilots I know are not rich but middle class working people that love to fly. In the wake of these disparaging stories that have appeared in the media, the AOPA and its supporters in Congress have worked hard to educate the public and spread the word about the importance of general aviation to our economy and our transportation system. Every private pilot is passionate about flying, and the AOPA is the organization they rely on to stay abreast of current political events and aviation events and to advocate on their behalf. I congratulate the AOPA on this historic anniversary, and I wish them continued success, and I look forward to celebrating future anniversaries with them as well. And I hope by then, I am able to fly more often than I am while I'm in the Congress.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of the members of the 2009 United States Physics Olympiad Team. To be considered for the U.S. team, students take a series of challenging theoretical and laboratory exams. Out of thousands of students, the top 24 finalists are invited to participate in a 10-day physics camp hosted by the University of Maryland. This camp prepares the students to face the challenge of meeting physics students from all over the world in a brain-to-brain competition through nine days of intense studying, testing and problem solving. At the end of training camp, five exceptional students will advance and represent the United States in July at a tremendous international competition in Mexico. This type of international physics competition is a meaningful endeavor where physics students from across the globe learn in new intellectual and experiential ways and establish working relationships that bridge geographic and cultural differences. Last year, the U.S. five-member team brought home five medals: four gold ones and a silver. The members of the 2009 team include: Yishun Dong, Yale Fan, David Field, Justin Holmgren, Patrick Hurst, Robert Kastner, Brian Kong, Kevin Lang, Dan Li, Patricia Li, Bowei Liu, Jenny Lu, Marianna Mao, Anand Natarajan, Joshua Oreman, Thomas Schultz, Allen Yuan, Yunfan Zhang and Andrew Zhou. I commend the American Institute of Physics, the American Association of Physics Teachers and affiliated sponsors for organizing this annual event and fostering a passion for science in these students. I know my colleagues share my pride in the achievements of these students. Their success is a testament not only to their individual determination, but also to a group of exceptional teachers and coaches. The 2009 U.S. Physics Team coaches include Paul Stanley, JiaJia Dong, David Fallest, David Jones, Andrew Lin, Warren Turner and Qiu Zi Li. These coaches are all volunteers and usually full time teachers with extraordinary demands on their time. Unfortunately, very rarely do they receive recognition for their work with the physics team. I would like to thank each of them for the time and dedication they have shown to these students. The time spent with these students is a great service to the future of science and America. I also hope that some of the Olympiad students will consider running for public office and add their expertise to the policy world! I am very thankful for these future leaders and ask that you please join me in congratulating them on their wonderful achievements. We wish the top five the best of success as they represent the United States at the 40th International Physics Olympiad competition be held in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Somebody asked, Why do this? Just look at the history and the record of the TSA and some of the things they have done. How many of you remember whenever we would fly into Washington National Airport we had to sit in our seats for 30 minutes before landing and we had to sit in the seats for 30 minutes after takeoff? That was a totally nonsensical rule which many of us tried to change. The point is they make nonsensical rules that are totally unresponsive to our efforts to change it. And that rule was not changed until I offered an amendment on the floor. This was the only case in history I know of where an amendment was passed by acclamation and laughter because everybody supported it. Now they have done some more regulations about general aviation without consulting the committee, without consulting general aviation interest and doing what I think is really very strange, often stupid regulations. It is clear that they need better review and that they have to use more caution and consult with those affected when they are developing rules. I believe that this amendment is badly needed and will force them to think more carefully and more thoroughly about what they are doing and what they are proposing to do. So I strongly support this amendment, particularly as it affects general aviation, because that is where a lot of the problems have developed recently. I urge the body to adopt this amendment.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend, Lewis William ``Bill'' Seidman, who died on May 13, 2009 at the age of 88. Bill was well-known and respected not only in the Grand Rapids area, but throughout our nation. He spent a great deal of his life serving our country, and he was a role model from the Greatest Generation. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of his home town of Grand Rapids, Michigan; it is the city I call home, and I have seen first-hand how his passion for public service has improved our community. He is well-known nationally as head of the Resolution Trust Corporation, which was ultimately responsible for cleaning up the Savings and Loan scandal. Bill was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 29, 1921. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1943, served honorably in the Navy in the Pacific theater, during World War II, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. His record as a communications officer on a Navy destroyer during some of the key battles in World War II clearly shows Bill Seidman's unselfish demeanor. Bill always put his country first. After the war, he obtained a law degree from Harvard and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan. Bill married Sarah ``Sally'' Berry in 1944, and they had six children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bill had a large hand in shaping West Michigan as we know it today. He founded and was president of the television station WZZM in Grand Rapids. Bill actively encouraged the Michigan legislature to create a state college in 1963 to serve the Grand Rapids area; this has now grown to become Grand Valley State University (GVSU). Bill's role in galvanizing support for Grand Valley State University was critical in its creation. His affiliation with GVSU is among his proudest legacies. The institution is now a world-class university that serves over 20,000 students in West Michigan. Bill once said, ``There's nothing that I've done in life that gives me more satisfaction than seeing how Grand Valley State University is delivering on its promise to the Western Michigan area.'' Bill helped reform the State of Michigan's financial management practices under the leadership of Governor George Romney in the 1960s. He later was appointed by President Gerald R. Ford as Assistant for Economic Affairs, and focused primarily on controlling inflation. He went on to co-chair the White House Conference on Productivity under President Ronald Reagan. Mr. Seidman is most well-known for his service as the fourteenth chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. He was appointed in 1985 by President Ronald Reagan at a time when the nation's savings and loan financial system was descending into a crisis caused by ill- considered lending, in which hundreds of firms failed. This led Congress to form the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC), which was the entity ultimately responsible for cleaning up the Savings and Loans scandal. Bill was appointed as head of the RTC by President George H. W. Bush. Mr. Seidman stated during a speech in Tokyo on September 18, 1996, ``. . . the banking problems of the 80s and 90s came primarily, but not exclusively, from unsound real estate lending.'' Bill never stopped working. As an expert on economic and financial matters, he was a regular commentator on CNBC, and an authoritative speaker on our current economic crisis. Bill's pursuit of public service was a passion born from his drive to do what was right for the country, and for those close to him. He loved his country, and believed public service was a noble and important calling. The nation is far better off for his devoted public service. I extend my most heartfelt sympathy and prayers to his wife and family. We will all miss him greatly.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I had the privilege of co-chairing the 57th Annual National Prayer Breakfast with colleague, Congressman Heath Shuler of North Carolina, on February 5, 2009. This annual gathering is held here in our Nation's Capital and is hosted by Members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives weekly prayer breakfast groups. I would like to request that the continuation of the transcript of the 2009 proceedings be printed in the Congressional Record at this time. 57th National Prayer Breakfast--Thursday, February 5, 2009, Hilton Washington Hotel, Washington, DC Co-Chairs: U.S. Representative Vern Ehlers and U.S. Representative Heath Shuler Congressman Todd Akin: More than a hundred years ago there was a great statesman in England by the name of William Wilberforce. Some of you may have seen the movie ``Amazing Grace''--the story of his life. He had two great aims as he worked in British government. The first was the abolition of slavery--which he was able to see just about on his death bed. The second was one that is not as well known--and that was to spread civility. I guess that means we are being civil with each other. One of the reasons that I have been involved in the Members' prayer breakfast is because it is a force for helping people to be civil and decent to each other--whereas many other things in politics seem to go the other direction. Please join me in a prayer for our guests here. Dear Lord, we approach you today with thankful hearts for your great kindness and love and mercy, which immeasurably exceeds any merit of our own. We thank you for our guests, here assembled, guests who join us from the leadership of nations around the world. We ask your blessing once again on each of us, on our deliberations, and on the people that we serve. Dear Father, forgive us our increasing pride, for vainly considering that we can govern without your superintending providence. Our first President George Washington said, ``it is impossible to govern rightly without God and the Bible.'' Help us once again to acknowledge our dependence upon you and to seek your aid through all of our days. Lord, you inspired our founders to acknowledge the fact that you have bestowed certain inalienable rights to all men--that among these are: life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Forgive us dear Father for ways in which each of us have fallen short in our most fundamental duty in preserving the precious gifts that you grant to all your children. Please, dear Father, batter down the pride of our stubborn hearts with a battering ram of your tender love. Lord Jesus, in a quiet place, come along side each of us, confront us, forgive us, wrap your arms around us and plant your truth deep within us that our lives will bless our families, our constituents and above all be pleasant in your sight. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen. Congressman Ehlers: One of the most difficult tasks that we have in arranging these Prayer Breakfasts is finding a speaker who is suitable to address such a large audience and to do it in meaningful terms that will relate to each and every one of you. We talked long and hard about different speakers and who we could get. Finally, we settled on someone we were hopeful we could get and now we are delighted that he is here with us today. I first met our speaker at a NATO conference some years ago when I was a delegate from the United States Congress to meet with a NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Scotland. One of the speakers at the conference was a young man by the name of Tony Blair. He was erudite, eloquent, thoughtful, gave a great speech, and I thought, ``this is a young man who could go places some day.'' Thank you for fulfilling that prophecy. I was deeply touched by his spirit and his passion as I am sure we all will be today. Speaking as an American, I deeply appreciate his friendship and support for our country and our efforts to extend freedom around the world. Tony Blair was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for 10 years. He described his approach once as governing from the radical center, which is something I believe our nation could well imitate. Since stepping down in 2007, he has been involved in three challenges. He currently serves as the Quartet Representative to the Middle East, representing the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and the Russian Federation. He has been involved in youth sports in an effort to combat youth obesity--and we need you in our country for that too, Tony. And he created the Tony Blair Faith Foundation with the aim to show how faith is a powerful force for good in the modern world. He is one of the great moral leaders on the planet. Ladies and gentlemen, join me in welcoming the Right Honorable Tony Blair. Tony Blair: It is an honor to be here and a particular honor to be with you, Mr. President. The world participated in the celebration of your election. Now the hard work begins. And now, also, we should be as steadfast for you in the hard work as in the celebration. You don't need cheerleaders but partners; not spectators, but supporters. The truest friends are those still around when the going is toughest. We offer you our friendship today. We will work with you to make your presidency one that shapes our destiny to the credit of America and of the world. Mr. President, we salute you and we wish you well. After 10 years as British Prime Minister, I decided to choose something easy. I became involved in the Middle East Peace process. There are many frustrations--that is evident. There is also one blessing. I spend much of my time in the Holy Land and in the Holy City. The other evening I climbed to the top of Notre Dame in Jerusalem. You look left and see the Garden of Gethsemane. You look right and see where the Last Supper was held. Straight ahead lies Golgotha. In the distance is where King David was crowned and still further where Abraham was laid to rest. And in the center of Jerusalem is the Al-Aqsa Mosque, where according to the Qu'ran, the prophet was transported to commune with the prophets of the past. Rich in conflict, it is sublime also in history. The other month in Jericho, I visited the Mount of Temptation--I think they bring all the political leaders there. My guide--a Palestinian--was bemoaning the travails of his nation. Suddenly he stopped, he looked heavenwards and said ``Moses, Jesus, Mohammed, why did they all have to come here?'' It is a good place to reflect on religion: a source of so much inspiration; an excuse for so much evil. Today, religion is under attack from without and from within. From within, it is corroded by extremists who use their faith as a means of excluding the other: ``I am what I am in opposition to you; if you do not believe as I believe, you are a lesser human being.'' From without, religious faith is assailed by an increasingly aggressive secularism, which derides faith as contrary to reason and defines faith by conflict. Thus do the extreme believers and the aggressive non-believers come together in unholy alliance. And yet, faith will not be so easily cast. For billions of people, faith motivates, galvanizes, compels and inspires, not to exclude but to embrace; not to provoke conflict but to try to do good. This is faith in action. You can see it in countless local communities where those from churches, mosques, synagogues and temples tend the sick, care for the afflicted, work long hours in bad conditions to bring hope to the despairing and salvation to the lost. You can see it in the arousing of the world's conscience to the plight of Africa. There are a million good deeds done every day by people of faith. These are those for whom, in the parable of the sower, the seed fell on good soil and yielded sixty or a hundred-fold. What inspires such people? Ritual or doctrine or the finer points of theology? No. I remember my first spiritual awakening. I was 10 years old. That day my father--at the young age of 40--had suffered a serious stroke. His life hung in the balance. My mother, to keep some sense of normality in the crisis, sent me to school. My teacher knelt and prayed with me. Now my father was, and is, a militant atheist. Before we prayed, I thought I should confess this. ``I am afraid my father doesn't believe in God,'' I said. ``That doesn't matter,'' my teacher replied, ``God believes in him; He loves him without demanding or needing love in return.'' Tony Blair, Continued: That is what inspires. The unconditional nature of God's love. A promise perpetually kept. A covenant never broken. And in surrendering to God, we become instruments of that love. Rabbi Hillel was once challenged by a pagan, who said: ``if you can recite the whole of the Torah standing on one leg, I will convert to being a Jew.'' Rabi Hillel stood on one leg and said, ``That which is hateful to you, do it not unto your neighbor. That is the Torah, everything else is commentary, go and study it.'' As the Qu'ran states: ``if anyone saves a person, it will be as if he has saved the whole of humanity.'' Faith is not discovered in acting according to ritual, but acting according to God's will and God's will is love. We might also talk of the Hindu: ``living beyond the reach of I and mine,'' or the words of the Buddha: ``after practicing enlightenment, you must go back to practice compassion,'' or the Sikh scripture: ``God's bounties are common to all; it is we who have created divisions.'' Each faith has its' beliefs. Each is different. Yet at a certain point each is in communion with the other. Examine the impact of globalization. Forget for a moment its' rights and wrongs. Just look at its' effects. Its' characteristic is that it pushes the world together. It is not only an economic force. The consequence is social, even cultural. The global community--it takes a village, as someone once coined it--is upon us. Into it steps religious faith. If faith becomes the property of extremists, it will originate discord. But if by contrast, different faiths can reach out to, and have knowledge of, one another, then instead of being reactionary, religious faith can be a force for progress. The foundation which bears my name, and which I began less than a year ago, is dedicated to achieving understanding, action and reconciliation between the different faiths for the common good. It is not about the faith that looks inward, but the faith that resolutely turns us towards each other. Bringing the faith communities together fulfills an objective important to all of us, believers and non believers. But for me, as someone of faith, this is not enough. I believe restoring religious faith to its rightful place, as the guide to our world and its' future, is itself of the essence. The 21st century will be poorer in spirit, meaner in ambition, less disciplined in conscience, if it is not under the guardianship of faith in God. I do not mean by this to blur the correct distinction between the realms of religious and political authority. In Britain we are especially mindful of this. I recall giving an address to the country at a time of crisis. I wanted to end my words with ``God bless the British people.'' This caused complete consternation. Emergency meetings were convened. The system was aghast. Finally, as I sat trying to defend my words, a senior civil servant said, with utter disdain: ``Really, Prime Minister, this is not America you know.'' Neither do I decry the work of humanists, who give gladly of themselves for others and who can often shame the avowedly religious. Those who do God's work are God's people. I only say that there are limits to humanism, and beyond those limits, God and only God can work. The phrase ``fear of God'' conjures up the vengeful God of parts of the Old Testament. But fear of God means really obedience to God: humility before God; acceptance through God that there is something bigger, better, and more important than you. It is that humbling of man's vanity, that stirring of conscience through God's prompting, that recognition of our limitations, that faith alone can bestow. We can perform acts of mercy, but only God can lend them true dignity. We can forgive but only God forgives completely in the full knowledge of our sin. And only through God comes grace; and it is God's grace that is unique. John Newton, who had been that most obnoxious of things, a slave trader, he it was who wrote the hymn, ``Amazing Grace'' --''`Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved.'' It is through faith, by the grace of God, that we have the courage to live as we should and die as we must. When I was Prime Minister I had cause often to reflect on leadership. Courage in leadership is not simply about having the nerve to take difficult decisions or even in doing the right thing -since oftentimes God alone knows what the right thing is. It is to be in our natural state--which is one of nagging doubt in perfect knowledge, an uncertain prediction-- and to be prepared nonetheless to put on the mantle of responsibility and to stand up in full view of the world, to step out when others step back, to assume the loneliness of the final decision-maker, not sure of success but unsure of it. It is in that ``not knowing'' that the courage lies. When in that state our courage fails, our faith can support it, lift it up, and keep it from stumbling. As you begin your leadership with this great country, Mr. President, you are fortunate, as is your nation, that you have already shown in your life courage in abundance. But should it ever be tested, I hope your faith can sustain you, and your family. The public eye is not always the most congenial. I was reminded of this, as I waited in London in the snow to fly to America and made the mistake of reading a British newspaper. It was the very conservative Daily Telegraph. A few days ago I gave an interview in which I remarked how much cleverer my wife was than me. The Telegraph has a famous letters page. In it was a letter from a correspondent that read something like, ``Dear sir, with reference to your headline, `Blair admits wife more intelligent than him,' I fail to see why this is news. Most of us have known this for a long time,'' and as a P.S. perhaps: ``the bar has not been set high.'' I finish where I began: in the Holy Land at Mount Nebo in Jordan, where Moses gazed on the Promise Land. There was a chapel there, built by pilgrims in the fourth century. The sermon that day was preached by an American, who spent his life as an airline pilot and then, after his wife's death, took holy orders. His words are the words of a Christian, but they speak to all those of faith, who want God's grace to guide their life. He said this: ``While here on earth, we need to make a vital decision . . . whether to be mere spectators or movers and shakers for the Kingdom of God . . . whether to stay among the curious, or take up a cross. And this means no standing on the sidelines--we are either in the game or we are not. I sometimes ask myself the question: `If I were to die today, what would my life have stood for?'. . . The answer can't be an impulsive one, and we all need to count the cost before we give an answer. Because to be able to say yes to one thing means to say no to many others. But we must also remember that the greatest danger is not impulsiveness but inaction.'' It is fitting at this extraordinary moment in your country's history that we hear that call to action; and we pray that in acting we do God's work and follow God's will. And by the way, God bless you all. Congressman Shuler: Our next speaker, the 44th President of the United States has consistently made unity an important part of his ongoing message. His message of national and international unity is one that has given people around the world faith, hope, and the spirit to follow their dreams. I have met with numerous leaders who tell me that the citizens of their nations have a higher hope for the future because of the inspiration provided by this President. My own children moved by the experience of the recent inauguration said to me, ``Daddy, let's pray for the President.'' Children, politicians, and everyday citizens around the world are showing their hope and faith, through their prayers for this President. Today we continue in an unbroken tradition of 57 years as we are joined by the First Family at the National Prayer Breakfast. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to introduce to you the President of the United States of America.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of Dr. George Vande Woude. After a long and successful career in cancer research, Dr. Vande Woude has recently decided to retire from his administrative post, and I appreciate the opportunity to recognize him and his body of work. Dr. Vande Woude earned his Master of Science degree and doctorate from Rutgers University. Early in his career, he served the federal government as a research virologist for the United States Department of Agriculture at Plum Island Animal Disease Center, and shortly after began a long tenure at the National Institutes of Health. Initially, he joined the National Cancer Institute as Head of the Human Tumor Studies and Virus Tumor Biochemistry Sections. Thereafter, he served in a variety of different organizations within the Institute from 1972 until 1999, when he was selected to be the first Director of the newly created Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Vande Woude's commitment to public service and improving the health of our nation has undoubtedly saved many lives. His pioneering research has resulted in new ways to isolate and detect cancer cells, and has led to earlier treatments and interventions. By identifying the biological players in cancer tumor progression and development, Dr. Vande Woude and his laboratory have supported expansive research which was instrumental in finding innovative strategies to eliminate harmful cancer cell precursors. Dr. Vande Woude has made significant and substantial contributions to our current understanding of the molecular biology of cancer. His career is peppered with many firsts, including being the first to use recombinant DNA technology to isolate certain retroviruses and compare their behavior. He was first to determine the structure and sequence of DNA precursors which are instrumental in the development of cancer. His laboratory was first to demonstrate that a normal gene could be activated as a cancerous gene. These findings provided a foundation for the search for active cancerous cells (oncogenes) in tumors. His long- term studies of the mos oncogene have led to the first direct connection between cancer cells and the enzymes which regulate cell cycles. Equally important was his discovery of the human met oncogene that is involved in a wide range of cancers and has become a leading candidate for new cancer therapies. There are numerous other advancements which have emerged from Dr. Vande Woude's laboratory, all of which have helped the healthcare community understand how to combat cancerous tumors and address their risks even prior to development. His efforts have gone beyond personal excellence. Over the years, Dr. Vande Woude has mentored more than 70 postdoctoral fellows, students, and visiting scientists. By investing in future generations, he has inspired countless researchers, and his legacy will last far beyond his personally prolific research. Dr. Vande Woude has been honored as an elected Fellow of both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences, and is a recipient of the National Institutes of Health Merit Award, the Robert J. and Claire Pasarow Foundation Award for Cancer Research, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in Technology Transfer from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. He has also served on advisory panels too numerous to name and authored and edited hundreds of research articles and other publications. Undoubtedly, ``retirement'' for Dr. Vande Woude will be in name only, as he continues to keep a fierce pace of life and contribute in a variety of ways to the advancement of science and the education of future generations. He will maintain a role at the Van Andel Institute as a Distinguished Scientific Fellow and head of the Laboratory of Molecular Oncology. Grand Rapids has been blessed by his leadership at the Van Andel Institute, and the world will note and remember his contributions to science and education for generations to come.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I supported Reading is Fundamental, a national project, that received funding through H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009. Reading is Fundamental (RIF) is authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. RIF promotes youth literacy by providing underserved children access to free and new books at programs across our nation. It is a good program, and I am pleased to support it.

Mr. EHLERS

Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 219, I was inadvertently detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''