Rodney Frelinghuysen

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to change the existing law and constitutes legislation in the appropriations bill. Therefore, it violates clause 2 of rule XXI. The rule states, in pertinent part: An amendment to a general appropriation bill shall not be in order if changing existing law. The amendment imposes additional duties. I ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, we support the gentlewoman's efforts to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely and effectively. Our committee has always been focused on that. Effective recruiting is critical to the military's ability to attract new qualified military men and women and maintain our all-volunteer force. The Department of Defense uses its sponsorship of NASCAR and other sporting events to create awareness of the different military services and the unique advantages and programs that come with serving our Nation. Quite frankly, Mr. Chairman, it's a great public-private partnership. NASCAR sponsorship has proven to be a very cost-effective recruiting tool, with some estimates stating that for every dollar the military puts in NASCAR sponsorship, it gets $4 in advertising through television, merchandise, and other outlets. We believe the dollars are well spent. Thus I oppose the amendment. I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McHenry).

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order on the gentlewoman's amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, we are pleased to accept the amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I insist on my point of order and I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriations bill and, therefore, violates clause 2 of rule XXI. The rule states in pertinent part, ``An amendment to a general appropriation bill shall not be in order if changing existing law.'' The amendment imposes additional duties. I ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order on the gentlewoman's amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I do, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriation bill and therefore violates clause 2 of rule XXI. The rule states in pertinent part: ``An amendment to a general appropriation bill shall not be in order if changing existing law.'' The amendment requires a new determination. I ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Yes, I do.

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

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order on the gentlewoman's amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve my point of order.

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

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Morris Habitat for Humanity, Morris County, New Jersey, celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. The Morris Habitat for Humanity was established in 1985 and its presence in Morris County has been growing ever since. However, attaining the permission from Habitat International to start a Habitat for Humanity in one of New Jersey's wealthiest counties was no easy accomplishment. With the help of many individuals, including Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity International, and former President Jimmy Carter, the Morris County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity was founded. This organization has worked alongside 190 families building over 45 homes and preserving 42 houses in Morris County. Habitat for Humanity's achievements have not only spanned across the great state of New Jersey but all around the world having built 103 houses to date in other countries. I had the good fortune of working with the Morris Habitat on ``The House that Congress Built'' and experienced firsthand the dedication of the volunteers and staff. The advancement of this inspirational organization is credited in large part to its volunteers. Over 45,000 people have given their time to help others achieve home ownership. Habitat for Humanity provides a vast number of opportunities to its volunteers. With the opening of the ReStore Outlet in Mine Hill, New Jersey, Morris Habitat has expanded its services by offering reusable and spare building materials to the public at discounted prices, making home improvements attainable for families. The Morris Habitat for Humanity has continuously provided steadfast dedication to home ownership. The valuable support they have provided to those in need in Morris County and surrounding counties is remarkable. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Morris Habitat for Humanity as they celebrate 25 dedicated years of service.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Eliminating the $400 million Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund is ill-conceived and unwise. This fund provides funding for high-priority, large-scale infrastructure programs in support of the civil-military campaign in Afghanistan. These projects are critical to convincing the Afghan population to reject the insurgency and side with the Afghan Government. This in turn significantly reduces the threat to our troops and quickens the security transition process, which we all seek. Not only is this funding a top priority of the Secretaries of State and Defense, it is also a top priority of General David Petraeus. This fund is so directly related to the safety and security of our troops that it needs to be preserved, and thus I urge a ``no'' vote on the amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the remainder of the bill through page 127, line 17, be considered as read, printed in the Record and open to amendment at any point.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order on the gentlewoman's amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, the amendment is proposed to amend portions of the bill not yet read. The amendment may not be considered en bloc under clause 2(f) of rule XXI because the amendment proposes to transfer between subcommittees. I ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. We are here to follow through on our pledge to right-size the government, and I appreciate my colleague's amendment for that reason. However, in addition to enacting historic reductions in spending in the CR, we are also committed to an unprecedented level of oversight to ensure that every dollar spent by the Federal Government is, indeed, well spent. My colleague's amendment would virtually eliminate the Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy, or ARPA-E, as we call it. This relatively new program is getting positive early results for its strong management, for its ability to execute, and for its focus on American competitiveness. We certainly can and must debate which programs are the most worthy of taxpayers' dollars and which we should terminate, but the debate to end a potentially promising initiative to increase funds for another Federal program, as this amendment does, must be thoroughly considered in more than 5 or 10 minutes. I and the committee would be happy to work with my colleague in the fiscal year 2012 process to ensure the proper and thorough oversight and evaluation of this program. However, I must regretfully oppose her amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I rise in opposition to the amendment.