Rodney Frelinghuysen

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

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

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

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I do appreciate the passion of both of these gentlemen for coastal restoration. I know it's a high priority for his district and his State. Of course, the focus is Louisiana, and they have suffered greatly. The bill before us includes $10 million to continue studies, engineering, and design work on various components of their program in Louisiana. That is more than 9 percent of the entire investigations account dedicated to continuing work on coastal restoration in Louisiana. The committee has had to make some tough choices in this bill, though. While overall funding for the Corps of Engineers has increased slightly above the President's request, unfortunately, it is reduced by 4 percent from fiscal year 2012. The construction account, specifically, is also slightly above the President's budget request, but that is still a reduction of almost 13 percent from fiscal year 2012. The Corps has numerous projects already under construction that were not included in the President's budget and so are unlikely to be funded in fiscal year 2013. While construction funding is trending downward, I believe it is most prudent to prioritize funding for ongoing projects so they can be completed, actually completed, and the Federal Government can realize the public safety, economic and other benefits from previous spending rather than starting new projects. Given this particular project as currently authorized approaches $2 million and likely will continue to grow in costs, it would not be prudent to begin another new major new project while we have so many existing commitments. For these reasons, I must oppose the amendment and urge my colleagues to vote ``no.'' I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, let me commend the gentleman from Iowa for his strong advocacy and passion for his district and his State and his constituents. First and foremost, he's very, very concerned about a critical issue. We all know that there are significant water resource needs across our country, and we're doing our best in our bill to address them responsibly. The clarification I would like to be make is that the amendment simply adjusts overall account numbers. It does not direct funding to any specific project. I would advise, respectfully, the gentleman and any other colleagues thinking of offering similar amendments--and we understand why people do; because they have a passion--that under the earmark ban, the final bill will not include funding towards specific projects in an amount above the President's budget request. Instead of listing specific projects, our bill includes additional funding for categories of ongoing projects, primarily navigation and flood control. Final project-specific allocations will be made by the administration following the enactment of our bill. With that clarification in mind, I'm pleased to support the gentleman's amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I understand the gentleman, my colleague from New Jersey, is trying to show support for the Army Corps of Engineers' construction program. He's been a longtime advocate for projects important to his district, and I commend him for that. And I agree with him in his desire to invest more in water resources infrastructure. There have been numerous flood control needs, for instance, across the entire country, including our home State of New Jersey. Experience has shown us that it's cheaper to try to prevent flood damages than trying to recover from them. Although I believe the underlying bill that we've put together--Mr. Visclosky and I--struck a careful balance among all priorities in the bill, including national security and innovation, I do not have any objection to his amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany).

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Let me associate my remarks with the ranking member's. We thank all of those who have come forward. We look forward to a vigorous couple of days ahead as we consider the rest of the energy and water bill. I thank the gentleman and all those who have participated. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris).

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman, Mr. Thompson, for bringing this issue to our committee's attention. We take seriously our obligation of ensuring that Reclamation is efficiently using its appropriated funds to maximize the taxpayer return on investment, and I would be happy to work with the gentleman to continue congressional oversight of the actions at Lake Berryessa specifically.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I continue to reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentlewoman for her concern about sustaining the mission of science, fusion energy, research, and other activities at the National Ignition Facility. I know she's a strong advocate for science, and I commend her for her attention and support. While this facility's primary purpose is to support sustainment of our nuclear weapons stockpile, it was also envisioned to be a user facility. Basic science and fusion energy will always remain an important part of the NIF's mission. I thank her for her advocacy and work on behalf of the NIF.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Maryland for yielding and for the additional and very valuable extra background information regarding his subcommittee's very important and critical work on shale oil. As the gentleman noted, our bill's all-of-the-above energy strategy to address high gasoline prices includes $25 million for research to reduce barriers to the safe environmental and economic development of the United States' vast, untapped oil shale resources. I strongly agree with the gentleman that this funding is intended for investments in technology and scientific research, not regulatory action, which can ultimately enable economic and environmentally responsible shale oil production. The gentleman has identified some very important, specific research areas in his remarks, and we will continue to consider these and other lines of work as we look to further shape the program. I look forward to continued discussion with my colleague as we move forward in that process, and I thank him for his work on this very critical issue.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I, too, commend the gentlewoman's efforts to bring this matter to our attention. She has described well the sometimes conflicting concerns regarding vegetation and levees. I look forward to continuing to work with her and our other colleagues interested in this issue to ensure that the Corps gives serious consideration to their concerns and perhaps conducts additional research if it is deemed advisable prior to finalizing its levee vegetation policy.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I'd be glad to engage in a colloquy with the gentlelady from California (Ms. Matsui).

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5325, and that I may include tabular material on the same.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to a valuable and knowledgeable member of our Subcommittee on Energy and Water, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Womack).

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, it is my honor to bring the fiscal year 2013 Energy and Water bill before the full House. Before I begin my remarks, let me thank the full chairman, Mr. Rogers, as well as the ranking member, Mr. Dicks, for their support of a very open process. I would also like to thank my ranking member, Congressman Pete Visclosky, for his dedication to our joint mission and our close working relationship. The bill is stronger for his input and knowledge. I would also like to thank the committee staff: Rob Blair, our clerk; Joe Levin; Loraine Heckenberg; Angie Giancarlo; Perry Yates; and Trevor Higgins. On the minority side, I would like to thank Taunja Berquam. I would also like to thank my personal staff, Nancy Fox and Katie Hazlett, and Mr. Visclosky's personal staff in the form of Joe DeVo. Mr. Chairman, the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill supports programs critical to our Nation's security, safety, and economic competitiveness. Our recommendation prioritizes investments in our nuclear security enterprise, programs to address gasoline prices, and opportunities to advance American competitiveness, including the key role of the Army Corps of Engineers. The bill for fiscal year 2013 totals $32.1 billion. Security funding is increased by $275 million over last year, while non-security funding is cut by $188 million. Mr. Chairman, there are no earmarks in this legislation. We also reclaim most unused funds from previous Congresses, so this bill actually cuts spending by $623 million below last year, forcing our agencies down to more appropriate sizes and to operate with less money. The only significant increases over last year's level are to nuclear security and to develop a true all-of-the-above energy strategy. We also provide more funding to the Corps, including $1 billion for Harvard Maintenance Trust Fund projects. The recommendation also fully funds Weapons Activities to ensure that the Secretary of Energy has the investments he needs to certify to the President that our nuclear stockpile is reliable. We have also heard from the public frustration about ``stimulus fund'' investments into failed energy projects. This bill will remove the Energy Department back to its core responsibilities--to serve Americans by protecting their security and improving our energy independence. Our bill will help improve that independence by sustaining fossil and nuclear energy research development, the latter of which is leading to investments in new nuclear power plants and developing small modular reactors. And, unlike the President, we have always considered ``clean coal'' to be part of our national energy security. At the same time, the Department of Energy's energy programs are cut by nearly $600 million, or 6 percent, by reducing programs which received the largesse of the largely failed so-called ``stimulus'' program. No funding is provided for the Solyndra-like loan guarantee programs in our bill. All of our constituents are wrestling with how to pay for higher gasoline bills on limited budgets. This bill does not provide a quick fix, since there's little that the Department can do in its programs to immediately change oil supply and demand. However, the bill provides over $1.01 billion--$36 million above fiscal year 2012--to strengthen the Department of Energy's programs addressing the causes and impacts of higher gasoline prices down the road. Within this, the recommendation funds a new program to promote shale oil recovery. If we could fully use this resource, our country's reserves could equal all global conventional reserves. This would make a major dent in oil prices and reduce our dependency on foreign oil. Additionally, scientific research at the Department of Energy strengthens American competitiveness and enables true breakthroughs in the energy sector, and the bill preserves and protects it. The bill also protects public safety and keeps America literally open for business by providing $4.8 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, $83 million above the request and $188 million below fiscal year 2012. As in fiscal year 2012, our bill maintains the constitutional role of Congress in the appropriations process by ensuring that all worthy Corps of Engineers projects have a chance to compete for funding. The bill provides $324 million in addition to the President's requested projects, investing in navigation and flood control--activities most critical to public safety, jobs, and our economy. Finally, a word about Yucca Mountain. The recommendation includes $25 million for Yucca Mountain with language prohibiting activity which keeps that facility from being usable in the future. The recommendation also denies funding for Blue Ribbon Commission activities, which need legislative authorization. Research and development activities to support Yucca Mountain are permitted. This will ensure that we keep Congress in the driver's seat for nuclear waste policy. Mr. Chairman, this is a tight, fiscally conservative bill which funds critical national security, jobs, and infrastructure priorities while helping to fight future gasoline price increases. This bill deserves our Members' support, and I look forward to an open and full discussion and open process. I reserve the balance of my time. [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH31MY12.005 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH31MY12.006 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH31MY12.007 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH31MY12.008

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Kentucky, Chairman Rogers.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the hundreds of volunteers at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, who are celebrating the milestone of logging 150,000 volunteer service hours in aiding the Refuge since 1982. The volunteers of the Great Swamp, through their dedicated hard work, have made the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, a vibrant source of pride and activity for the local community. Although the volunteer program was formally founded in 1982, volunteers have been helping preserve the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge since it was formed by an Act of Congress in 1960. Over the years, volunteers have provided a variety of guest services and assistance with maintaining the 7,768 acres of the Great Swamp. Upon arriving at the Great Swamp NWR, guests are welcomed by the lush gardens near the visitor center maintained by volunteers. From spring through fall, the volunteers staff the Wildlife Observation Center, where visitors are introduced to the Great Swamp and all of its trails, paths and ``must see'' locations. Volunteers also provide tours for schools and community organizations, which educate students and the surrounding residents about the Great Swamp and all of the wildlife and plants that make it so unique. As another part of their very important work in preserving the natural beauty of the Refuge, they join the effort in controlling invasive plants, which threaten to disrupt the Great Swamp's fragile ecosystem. Outreach to local communities has always been a hallmark of the volunteers of the Great Swamp. They help build and display exhibits at libraries and off-refuge events. Through these displays they are able to educate the community about the Great Swamp and the value the Great Swamp represents to the environment of Morris County and New Jersey. They also spread the news about the Great Swamp by giving presentations to various community organizations. Volunteers assist in raising funds through planning of special events and ceremonies. The hard work and dedication of the volunteers has provided $3.2 million in value to the Great Swamp and to the American people. Their work on behalf of the Great Swamp has allowed the Refuge to grow into the one-of-a-kind educational center that it is today. Even though the volunteers come from all walks of life and represent all ages, their love of the Great Swamp and nature has built a close bond between them. Many of the volunteers have even taken another step in their commitment and have joined the independent non-profit group dedicated to preserving the Great Swamp called the Friends of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The volunteers of the Great Swamp are truly the backbone of this New Jersey institution. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating all of the volunteers of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge for 150,000 hours of service to the great State of New Jersey and the United States.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, in the Borough of Mountain Lakes, Morris County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2012. The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, originally called the Boonton Area YMCA, was first formed in the Boonton area in 1865 and occupied several sites throughout the area. However, it was not until 1912 that it filed its official YMCA charter. In 1960, it moved to Cherry Hill Road in Parsippany. Since it was then serving seven different communities, it decided to adopt the name Lakeland Hills YMCA. In 1968, the Lakeland Hills YMCA was able to move to its final location in Mountain Lakes on Fanny Road. To cover the costs of both the move and building of the facility, the Trustees added a Building Fund pledge to the membership, and with the support of its members, the new YMCA was able to open its doors in 1972. The early years as the combined YMCA, saw the addition of a children's day care, aerobics program, and senior program. The aquatic and physical education programs were expanded and the YMCA sponsored an ``Adult Club'' which offered programs and trips. Unfortunately, the early years for the Y brought financial difficulties, even as membership continued to grow. These financial difficulties were alleviated by a ``miracle'' donation from Ms. Esther Dutton who was so impressed by the staff and members that she remembered the Y in her will. In 1978, with this new funding, plans to double the size of the center were undertaken to include a gymnasium, racquetball courts, and a running track. The Y has since undergone numerous renovations, including those to add additional childcare classrooms. Moreover, the Y announced a scholarship for less fortunate children to attend childcare and day camp in 2007. That same year the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA announced the creation of a Kid's Cardio Arcade and began a Kid's Wellness Month program. They also joined the YMCA's national programs of Healthy Kids Day and Activate America. Today the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA boasts 11,000 members and serves ten different communities in Morris County. It seeks to build strong families, and in doing so, build strong communities. The YMCA currently offers a wide range of programs including a childhood daycare center, educational programs for children, a leadership training program for teens, a series of family programs, and a plethora of fitness options. It also runs an annual Give a Kid the Y campaign to allow underprivileged children to have the ability to participate in programs at the Y. The YMCA has also been proud to host a number of Special Olympics meets over its existence. Its presence in Morris County continues to enrich the lives of its members and the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA as it celebrates its 100th Anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of Morris and Sussex Counties as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASA, was created in 1977 to address the issue of abused and neglected children within the court system. The founder, David Soukup, a Seattle Superior Court Judge, raised concerns over making decisions on behalf of abused and neglected children without enough information. To gain more knowledge he called for volunteers to investigate the cases, make recommendations and speak on behalf of the child about what would be in his or her best interest. It quickly became clear that CASA volunteers provided the abused or neglected children a constant adult presence that supported them by advocating for their needs within the court system. According to the CASA mission statement, CASA's intent is to ``speak up for the best interests of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. We recruit, train, and supervise community volunteers who provide a voice in court to assure each child a safe, permanent, and nurturing home.'' CASA of Morris County began in 1987 by the National Council of Jewish Women and later merged with the Sussex County chapter in 1996. In the last fiscal year the CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties served 354 children helping 108 reach permanency, which includes reunification with birth parents, adoption, kinship legal adoption, or independent living. Out of the 15 CASA chapters in New Jersey, the Morris and Sussex Counties chapter serves the largest percentage of children in out-of-home placement. For 25 years, the CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties has kept children from falling through the cracks of the court system and helped them gain a stable family structure. In the past year, CASA lists among their accomplishments helping four siblings reunite with their parents in a safe environment with two of the siblings attending summer camp on scholarships, a four-year-old child who spent the first three years of her life in five different foster homes was able to be adopted into a loving family, and an abandoned 16-year-old was able to find a part- time job, educational assistance, and a path to independent living. CASA of Morris and Sussex County's is proud that their 25 years of work has always focused on the tenet of ``every child can thrive in the safe embrace of a loving family.'' CASA has been able to provide the opportunity for abused and neglected children of Northern New Jersey to overcome their circumstance and mature into successful and caring adults. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing Court Appointed Special Advocates of Morris and Sussex Counties on their 25th anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the West Essex First Aid Squad, located in the Township of West Caldwell, Essex County, New Jersey as they celebrate their 75th anniversary. The West Essex First Aid Squad formed in November of 1937, when a group of local citizens joined together to solve the problem of obtaining a prompt and efficient ``First Aid and Ambulance'' service to meet the needs of the sick and injured. Two months later, the group had completed training, and on January 7, 1938 the West Essex First Aid Squad answered its first call for help. During its early years, from 1937 to 1941, the Squad answered 543 calls for assistance and contributed 2,402 man-hours answering those calls, additional hours were logged for training and practicing. During its second 5 years from 1942 to 1947, the number of calls more than tripled to 1,759. The West Essex First Aid Squad now includes 85 volunteer members who serve Caldwell, West Caldwell, North Caldwell, Essex Fells, and Fairfield. The Squad's four ambulances and one rescue truck provide 24- hour emergency medical service to the community, as well as rescue with the Jaws of Life, all at no cost to the public they serve. In 2007 and 2008, the Squad received more than 2,500 calls each year. Men and women of the West Essex First Aid Squad have demonstrated a marked commitment to the public by dedicating their time and resources to providing lifesaving services to the community. The Squad is always available to provide aid to local fire departments. The Squad also provides support during hazardous material incidents, structure fires, and natural disasters. The West Essex First Aid Squad has exhibited dedication to serving the community by answering a full spectrum of calls for help, ranging from complaints of chest pain or difficulty breathing, to motor vehicle collisions. The volunteers further serve the community by standing by at community events such as football games, parades, concerts, and 4th of July fireworks. Members have not only volunteered their time to the Squad and to public events, but have also sponsored blood drives and donated their time and talents in offering first aid and CPR instruction to members of the community. The West Essex First Aid Squad is truly a selfless group of individuals, devoted to providing basic life support services, emergency medical services, and heavy rescue to the public. Through their steadfast dedication to addressing the needs of area families and businesses, the West Essex First Aid Squad has proved itself to be a pillar of our community. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the West Essex First Aid Squad as they celebrate their Seventy-fifth Anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, once again, I come to the floor to recognize the great success of strong local schools working with dedicated parents and teachers. I rise today to congratulate and honor a number of outstanding high school artists from the 11th Congressional District of New Jersey. Each of these talented students participated in the 2012 Congressional Arts Competition, ``An Artistic Discovery.'' Their works of art are exceptional! Sixty young men and women participated. That is a wonderful response, and I would very much like to build on that participation for future competitions. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the three winners of our art competition. First place was awarded to Jessica Menchon from Mt. Olive High School for her oil on canvas entitled, ``History of Waterloo Village.'' Second place was awarded to Vicki Liu from Ridge High School for her acrylic entitled, ``Shameless.'' Third place was awarded to Rachel Elias from Montville High School for her charcoal and chalk pastel entitled, ``Looking Up.'' Honorable Mentions were awarded to: Marlaina Lutz from Roxbury High School for her photograph entitled, ``Swallow and Hummingbird'' and Nicolas McMillen from Parsippany Christian School for his photograph entitled, ``Brotherly Tree.'' Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize each artist for their participation by indicating their high school, their name and the title of their contest entries for the official Record. Boonton High School; Emily DiLaura ``Spring Labor.'' Franchesca LeBrun ``Portrait (Self);'' Sara Leslie ``When I Was a Little Girl;'' Sabrina Noel ``My Dog Trixie.'' Chatham High School; Zachary Blake ``Job Interview;'' Laura Cheong ``Boxful;'' Megan Gesell ``Autumn Change;'' Natalie Smith ``Untitled.'' Hopatcong High School; Katelyn Downey ``Capitol Building;'' Katlyn Garcia ``The North Tower;'' Gregory P. Smyth III ``Sussex Swans.'' Livingston High School; Sharon Aliev ``Gossip Girls;'' Andrea Cao ``Another Plague;'' Laura Lin ``Breath;'' Christina Torrens ``Fracture.'' Madison High School; Teri Minogue ``Reflection;'' Kyle T. Smith ``Falling Snow.'' Millburn High School; Alexandra Bass ``Section of a Collection;'' Zoe Denenberg ``Liberty.'' Millburn High School; Emily Draper ``Roses.'' Montville High School; Alexa D'Arienzo ``Goddess in Despair;'' Nicolette Russo ``Dripping;'' Jesse Stathis ``Apart of Me.'' Morris Catholic High School; Austin Dimore ``Behind the Mask;'' Lucas Milone ``Swamp Tree;'' Darius Osario ``Koi Pond;'' Diamante Soto ``The Dancer.'' Morris Knolls High School; Stefanie Fischer ``Watchtower;'' Emily Kovach ``Venice;'' Kathleen McGlynn ``America.'' Abigail Schaefer ``King of Spades.'' Mt. Olive High School; Emily Coughlah ``Stasis;'' Michael DiCola ``Hidden Beneath;'' Lori Tatum ``Autumn Glow.'' Parsippany Christian School; Troy Costa ``Reunion;'' Elisee Jean- Pierre ``The Lonely Bench;'' Daniel McMillen ``Root Life.'' Parsippany High School; Ashley Del Rio ``Untitled.'' Pequannock High School; Emily Grimaldi ``Great Apple Massacre;'' Thomas Kozell ``Lovely Agony;'' James Quinn ``Cosmos Hair;'' Joaquin Roca ``Bloody Mary.'' Pope John XXIII High School; Kelly King ``Government.'' Ridge High School; Clair Chin ``In This Day and Age;'' Laura Cursi ``Freedom's Reflection;'' Sophie Harris ``Modern World.'' Roxbury High School; Brianna Krop ``My 3rd Period Daydream;'' Cara Resiak ``One Fish, Two Fish, Me Fish, You Fish;'' Elizabeth Synalovski ``Madison.'' Sparta High School; Melissa Hespelt ``Four Eyed.'' Watchung Hills Regional High School; Steve Dodge ``Windows;'' Jesse Kukucka ``Creep;'' Carly Vautin ``Plant;'' Briarma Wallisch ``Unforgotten.'' Each year the winner of the competition has their art work displayed with other winners from across the country in a special corridor here at the U.S. Capitol. Thousands of our fellow Americans walk through the exhibition and are reminded of the vast talents of our young men and women. Indeed, all of these young artists are winners, and we should be proud of their achievements so early in life. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating these talented young people from New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.