Bart Gordon

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the invaluable service and tremendous contributions that Greg Holyfield has made to Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District while serving as a member of my Washington, DC, staff. Greg is leaving our Nation's capital to attend graduate school at the University of Arkansas, where he will be part of the inaugural class at the Clinton School of Public Service. My staff and I are sad to see him leave, but we are proud of him for earning a spot in this select class. While working on Capitol Hill, Greg has proven himself to be an outstanding legislative assistant. His hard work and insight have helped me do my job better. And those same abilities have gained the respect of his colleagues. Greg is a talented professional who always completes the task at hand, no matter how complicated or tedious. He has truly excelled in the fast-paced environment of Congress. Through it all, though, Greg always took the time to bestow a compliment or kind word to those around him. The Clinton School will be fortunate to have you, Greg. Thank you for all your help, and good luck in all your future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am today introducing the ``National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005''. I am joined as cosponsors by all of my Democratic colleagues on the Science Committee, and I hope that other Members on both sides of the aisle will join us once they have had a chance to review the legislation. Mr. Speaker, the legislation being introduced today provides an authorization for NASA that is credible, practical, and conferenceable. It recognizes that NASA has been, is, and should continue to be a multimission agency with significant R&D activities in science, aeronautics, and human space flight. This bill makes it clear that we support the President's goal of making exploration beyond low Earth orbit the long-term objective of NASA's human space flight program, and that we believe it is important to move forward aggressively to develop the Crew Exploration Vehicle and its associated launch vehicle. At the same time, it should be clear that we also believe that NASA's aeronautics R&D program needs to be revitalized because of its benefits to the nation's economy, national security, and quality of life. Similarly, NASA's science programs should also be supported because they offer the potential of dramatically increasing our knowledge of the Earth, the solar system, and the rest of the universe, as well as providing the opportunity for applications that can benefit life back here on Earth. As a result, the legislation recognizes the need to ensure that the productive balance that has existed between NASA's major program areas is protected. To enforce that balance, the bill provides clear funding guidance, a restructuring of NASA's accounts into human-space-flight and nonhuman-space-flight accounts, flexible ``firewalls'' between NASA's major accounts, and consultation requirements in the event changes to the existing balance are contemplated. Let me mention a few of the other main features of the bill. It provides a three-year authorization and funding guidance for NASA's major programs. Funding guidance contained in the bill includes: Funding for a Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission. Additional funding for the James Webb Space Telescope to compensate for the impact of the delay in selecting a launch vehicle for the mission, as well as for other programmatic challenges, so that this high priority mission can remain on track. Funding for university research restored to FY 2005 levels. Funding for the Earth Science program's Glory mission restored. Additional funding for the high priority Earth Science program's Global Precipitation Mission (GPM). Additional funding to allow ongoing, scientifically productive spacecraft missions such as Voyager and Ulysses to continue. Funding preserved for fundamental, applied, and commercial life sciences and other microgravity research not tied to the human exploration program. Aeronautics funding restored to the FY 2004 level and the decline contained in the President's five-year budget for aeronautics reversed. Increased funding for education, including for the National Space Grant program. Full funding for the Space Shuttle program. Full funding for the International Space Station program. Human Exploration funding to allow accelerated development of the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) and its associated launch vehicle as well as for further implementation planning for NASA's human exploration program. Funding provided for promoting technology transfer initiatives at NASA. Some of the policy provisions contained in the bill include: Ensuring that if the overall NASA budget is cut, the authorized levels for each of NASA's major programs would be cut proportionately, so no one area would suffer disproportionate cuts. Having NASA prioritize its science programs and periodically assess their performance. Having NASA develop a plan to ensure the continued health of the critically important Deep Space Network. Directing NASA to schedule a Hubble servicing mission once NASA has successfully returned the Shuttle to flight. Establishing a national policy for aeronautics R&D and initiating technology programs to advance the aeronautical state-of-the-art in key areas. Directing NASA to honor its international obligations to the International Space Station program. Strongly encouraging NASA to have a goal of retiring the Space Shuttle in 2010 and initiating Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) operations, but directing NASA not to retire all of the Shuttles until the CEV is operational unless the Administrator determines continued Shuttle operations would not be safe. Establishing priorities for NASA's Human Exploration program for the next three years--namely, development of the CEV and its associated launch vehicle, and definition of the overall exploration architecture and prioritized implementation plan. Directing NASA to work to improve access to its educational programs by minorities and economically disadvantaged students. Directing NASA to seek an independent review of its educational programs and the extent to which they are effective in achieving STEM goals. Establishing a prize program at NASA to encourage needed technology developments. Encouraging NASA to aid in the development of the commercial space sector. Directing NASA to develop a workforce strategy for its civil service workforce, seek input from the affected employees, and not undertake RIFs until Congress has had a chance to review NASA's plans. Directing NASA to develop a financing policy for its test facilities that protects key national assets. Providing NASA with enhanced use lease authority at its Centers. Limiting off-shoring of contracts for the procurement of goods and services. Having the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) take on additional responsibilities, namely monitoring NASA's long-term compliance with the Columbia Accident Investigation Board's (CAIB) safety recommendations. Establishing an independent commission to evaluate the safety of the International Space Station. Providing a framework for establishing an independent commission in the event of a future human space flight accident. Mr. Speaker, as you can see, the bill that we are introducing today is intended to provide clear Congressional direction to NASA with respect to priorities and balance. At the same time, it is intended to be flexible enough to accommodate changing circumstances and emergencies. Not everyone will agree with every provision in this bill--but that's been the case with every significant piece of legislation that I can remember being considered by this body. That is what the legislative process is all about. At the same time, I believe that the NASA Authorization Act of 2005 does provide a credible, practical, and conferenceable vehicle for providing needed guidance to NASA for the next three years. NASA is an agency that has been committed to excellence in all of its areas of endeavor. It truly is a workforce of ``rocket scientists''. The legislation I am introducing today provides the policy and funding guidance that will position NASA for a productive and exciting future, and I hope that we can move it towards speedy enactment. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by stating a sentiment that I know is shared by all Members. Namely, our thoughts and prayers are with all of the members of the NASA family as they prepare to return the Space Shuttle to flight, and in particular we wish the crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery well on their upcoming journey.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many contributions Seth Beaty has made while interning in my Washington, DC, office. Seth, a native of Gallatin, Tennessee, has been a wonderful addition to the office and a great servant to the constituents of Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. But Seth must return to the University of Memphis, where he is preparing for his second year of law school. He is a member of the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity and a 2004 graduate of Belmont University. During his internship, Seth has shown a genuine interest in public affairs. He has attended briefings, addressed constituent concerns and served as a friendly and informative tour guide of the U.S. Capitol, providing visitors from Middle Tennessee with a personalized look at a national treasure. I hope Seth has enjoyed his internship as much as my staff and I have enjoyed his presence in the office. I wish him all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Keith Talley for his distinguished service. For more than 6 years, Keith has committed himself to helping me better serve the residents of Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. A Middle Tennessee native, Keith has worked tirelessly as my press secretary. During that time, I know he sometimes has felt as if he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. And now, Keith is leaving Washington, D.C., to return to the hills of Middle Tennessee. Keith is an outstanding writer, a straight talker and a dedicated professional. He is capable of juggling many tasks and completing them all flawlessly. Keith's talents and attitude are assets that have served him well on Capitol Hill. I and my staff will miss Keith dearly. His hearty laugh and workday songs have brightened the office during his time here. We will be sad to see him go, but we know the fishing holes are calling him home. Keith, thank you for all your help over the years. I wish you all the best in your next endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Anna Manley for her service during her internship this summer. During her time on Capitol Hill, she has been a great help to me, my staff and my constituents in Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. Anna and I have many things in common. We are both natives of Murfreesboro. She is attending my alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University. And we are avid runners, although I prefer speeding through a 5K to enduring a marathon. But Anna must return to Middle Tennessee to begin her junior year at MTSU, where she is majoring in pre-law. She also is an active member of the Student Government Association. Anna has experienced the many facets of Congress first-hand. She has been very helpful in answering constituent concerns, assisting me and my staff with countless projects and winning over constituents as she guides them through the U.S. Capitol. I hope Anna has enjoyed this learning experience as much as we have enjoyed having her help in the office. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a staff member whose service on the House Science Committee is coming to an end this month. Marsha Shasteen has contributed greatly to our staff and her Hill acumen will be greatly missed. Marsha has spent her time in Congress working in both Member and Committee offices. She began by working in her home state of Texas for The Honorable Ralph Hall of the 4th Congressional District. After three years in his district office, Marsha moved to Mr. Hall's personal office staff in Washington, DC where she served 4 years as a legislative assistant. Marsha has served the Science Committee Democratic staff as Counsel for nearly 6 years. In fact, Marsha was Mr. Hall's first appointee to the House Science Committee staff when he took over as Ranking Democrat in 1999. As Counsel for the Committee, Marsha worked to assist Members, their staff, and the Committee staff in tracking relevant legislation, jurisdictional research, and special projects to assist Members in developing legislative proposals and specific bill referrals for the Committee. She has also been involved in oversight activities, coordinating with the Government Accountability Office on a number of projects across Committee jurisdiction. She has often been called upon to assist Committee Members with mark-ups and during floor debate on legislation originating with the Committee. Her Committee colleagues regard her as a no nonsense attorney who has made her mark on ethics matters and nuances of committee jurisdiction and process. One of her legislative successes was the Wind Hazard Reduction Act-- introduced by Rep. Dennis Moore (D-KS)--which went on to become law. Through her work on the legislation, Marsha helped establish the Congressional Wind Hazard Reduction Caucus--a group dedicated to a major, measurable reduction in loss from devastating windstorms over the next decade. In addition, she organized related events for Members designed to raise awareness on the issue, including field hearings and district meetings. Marsha excelled at Member service and outreach. Many times, she was tasked with devising and executing events in Members' districts on behalf of the Committee. Her vast experience on legislative issues and her extensive organizational skills put her at ease in every community she visited, ensuring that the Member's event went off without a hitch. No matter the topic or the town, Marsha negotiated the challenges with ease. Active in the Capitol Hill community, Marsha has made friends and established extensive contacts as an active member of the Congressional Legislative Staff Association--serving on their board for the past four years. An energetic and accomplished Capitol Hill attorney with a heart for service and outreach, Marsha will be greatly missed on the Committee. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, my friend from Virginia and I, and I think everyone here, share his objective, and that is to keep 50-caliber weapons, and for that matter any weapon, out of the hands of terrorists. I am afraid, though, that his amendment does not accomplish that. The fact of the matter is that the State Department already has the ability, and uses it, to stop any type of sales of 50-caliber rifles to terrorists or any other type of undesirable groups. If there are any of these anywhere around in the world, and again I am not aware of any incidence where that has taken place, they have been sold illegally. So this amendment is not going to address the illegal sales. It may keep all weapons of 50 caliber here in this country, but they can be made elsewhere all around the world. So it just simply does not accomplish the goal that I know he wants and that we all want. And since he did mention the Barrett M107, let me point out also that it was selected by the Chief of Staff Office of the U.S. Army as one of the ``top 10 inventions of 2004'' for the fight against the war on terror. Certainly it has been beneficial to our troops. It can be beneficial to our allies around the world. Again, we do not want to see these weapons or any weapons in the hands of terrorists. We already have a method to stop that in terms of legal sales. This amendment does not get to the illegal sales. So a good objective, but a flawed amendment.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, It is unfortunate that our current budget situation is forcing us today to make choices between funding for state and local law enforcement, science and technology, and other important programs funded in this bill. I am very concerned about the cuts to COPS and other law enforcement programs. These important programs deserve additional funding. However, I must oppose the amendments offered today that will pay for these programs by cutting funding for critical science and technology investments. Many of the science programs funded in this bill have already been reduced, and I cannot support additional reductions that will weaken our science and technology capabilities and undermine our future economic strength. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on amendments that reduce our commitment to science programs.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the accomplishment of a dedicated group of men and women who work together to protect and educate their community about fire safety: the Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Fire Department. The department has earned the Achievement Award for Excellence in Fire Safety from the Tennessee Municipal League. Each day, these men and women put their lives on the line to protect and help their community. They have joined with Murfreesboro Police and Emergency Medical Services to establish a top-notch first-responder program. Residents of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, can be proud of their fire department for receiving such a prestigious award. I congratulate each member of the department for making my hometown a safe and exceptional place to live and raise a family.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Robert ``Hoot'' Gibson, a resident of my hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, who recently broke two aviation speed records. Hoot flew a Raytheon Premier I jet into the record books on September 22, 2004, when he flew from Seattle, Washington, to Las Vegas, Nevada, at 499.65 miles per hour and from Las Vegas to Wichita, Kansas, at 540.53 miles per hour. The previous records were set in a Cessna Citation jet in 1991. Hoot is a former astronaut who made 5 Space Shuttle flights and commanded 4 of them. A retired Navy captain, he now flies commercial jetliners for Southwest Airlines. Hoot's accomplishments in the aviation arena are exceptional, as well as inspirational. Once again, I congratulate him for an outstanding military career and for his contributions to this Nation's space program.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Eleanor Ford, Executive Director of the Hartsville-Trousdale County Chamber of Commerce and Roastee of the Trousdale Reading, Education, Arts, Drama and Science (READS) Benefit Roast, Thursday, May 26, 2005. Eleanor has quite a large list of individual accomplishments, as well as numerous contributions to the Hartsville, Tennessee community. She was a florist for 32 years, an instructor at Volunteer State Community College in Hendersonville, Tennessee, Brownie Scout Troop Leader, President of the PTA, during which time she brought a music instructor into the school system, and the first woman to serve on a jury in Trousdale County. Eleanor was chosen as the first Ms. Senior Tennessee in 1991 and was in the Top Ten in Atlantic City. She later served as Board Chairman for Ms. Tennessee Senior. Most everywhere you look in Hartsville, there are touches of Eleanor: Fred's the Dollar Store, Subway, Trey Park, the Gazebo, the 1800's train depot, the amenities around the courthouse, and the Living History Museum. Eleanor continues to work tirelessly to make Hartsville an even better place to live. Currently, Eleanor stays busy teaching Seniorcize Class twice a week, hosting a radio show each Friday, and writing a weekly column. The Trousdale READS program was formed earlier this year to promote learning and oversees the distribution of books from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The program provides a free book each month to every child under age 5 in the county. I can think of no better way to honor Eleanor, than to do so in a way which benefits Trousdale County. I wish Eleanor and her family continued success.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding support that Livingston, Tennessee, resident Millard Oakley has shown his community and the education of its children. In fact, Millard is being honored by Volunteer State Community College as its Friend of the Year this weekend for his unprecedented support of the college and higher education. Millard is a lifelong resident of Livingston who prospered after receiving a first-rate education in the community's public school systems and at nearby Tennessee Technological University and Cumberland University School of Law. A successful attorney and businessman who remembers his humble beginnings, Millard recently made a significant contribution for capital improvements at the Livingston campus of Vol State. He also established the Oakley First National Foundation, which awards full scholarships to Overton County students attending Vol State, Tennessee Technological University or the Tennessee Technology Center. Millard's life is a prime example of what a good education and the proper motivation can do for a country boy raised in the rural hills of Tennessee. He has served in the Tennessee General Assembly, as the state's Insurance Commissioner, in the state's Constitutional Convention, as the Overton County Attorney and as the general counsel of the U.S. House of Representative's Select Committee on Small Business. He presently serves on the board of directors of the First National Banks of Tennessee in Livingston, Cookeville and Crossville, and of Thomas Nelson Publishers, the world's largest Bible-publishing company. I cannot count the times I have sought Millard's advice on a wide range of issues. He has always given me his honest opinion and wise counsel, and I sincerely thank him for that. Millard is a true friend to me, his community and the Overton County students who benefit from his generosity. Once again, I congratulate Millard for his unselfish devotion to his community and to those who seek a better life through education.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 40th year of existence of the Grace Baptist Church of Alpine, Tennessee. The congregation will celebrate the anniversary on May 29, 2004, with a special service. Grace Baptist Church has grown from its original 25 members to more than 100 members today. The church serves the community through weekly jail ministries, bimonthly nursing home services in Livingston, Tennessee, and Saturday youth activities. Grace Baptist Church devotionals are also heard daily on the local radio station in Livingston. Grace Baptist Church supports missionaries every month, and members have taken mission trips to Yucatan, Mexico, and Loredo, Texas, to visit the missions they've supported. In fact, Pastor John Copeland has been to Loredo three times. ``It's amazing how God can turn lives around,'' Pastor Copeland has said. Overton County is a better place because of the work of Grace Baptist Church and its congregation. I am sure the church will continue to make a positive difference in the community for the next 40 years, as well. I congratulate the congregation and Pastor Copeland for all the good they have done. I also want to recognize one of the founding members of Grace Baptist Church, Bruce Ledford, who currently serves as a deacon there. Congratulations to you, too, Bruce for 40 years of service.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 190th year of existence of the Hurricane Baptist Church of Lebanon, Tennessee. The congregation will celebrate the church's anniversary on Sunday, May 29, 2005, with an afternoon program. Founded in 1815, Hurricane Baptist Church is the fifth oldest Baptist church in Wilson County. Located on the edge of the Cedars of Lebanon State Park, the church began with about 30 members. Today, Hurricane Baptist Church has 190 members. The Hurricane Baptist Church facility was built in 1907. Since that time, the church has added a fellowship hall and Sunday School rooms. Church records dating back to 1897 were lost when clerk W.B. Edwards' home was destroyed by fire. Some records survived through the Baptist association and other sources. Ollie Edwards Lester, a descendent of W.B. Edwards, and Elsie Lou Williams Merritt are two of the surviving members among the 36 original members baptized in Hurricane Creek during a service in 1925. ``It's been a family church,'' said brother James Gordon Williams, the 38th pastor of Hurricane Baptist Church. Brother Williams is the fourth generation of his family to be a member of the church. Four generations of the Flatt family have also attended Hurricane Baptist Church. Former members, their families, old friends and new have been invited to join ``The Little White Church down in Cedar Forest'' on its special day of thanksgiving and praise. I am sure Hurricane Baptist Church will continue to make a positive difference in the community for the next 190 years. I cordially congratulate the congregation and Brother Williams for all the good they have done.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the city of Portland, Tennessee, which I have the honor of representing in this esteemed body. The Middle Tennessee community will celebrate this milestone on Sunday, May 1. The area around Portland was first settled in 1792 by the James Gwin family, according to local historians. Land speculation, as well as a soil and a climate conducive to dark air-cured tobacco, lured settlers from the Carolinas and Virginia to the area. Nearly 70 years later, the L&N Railroad also opened a train depot in Portland for its Nashville- to-Bowling Green route. As the community grew and prospered, local leaders finally decided to incorporate. And on May 2, 1905, the city of Portland held its first election. Since then, Portland has been through many changes. But it has never lost its charm or its allure. Today the community has an outstanding quality of life and a commitment from its local leaders and officials that is second to none. Mayor Jim Calloway and the Board of Aldermen will lead the city of Portland's celebration on Sunday. They have done an outstanding job in organizing this event and leading the community into the 21st Century. I wish those city leaders well and hope the next 100 years are as prosperous and progressive as the first 100 years.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Billy Paul Carneal, a Springfield, Tennessee, native who has dedicated his life to public service and the past 11\1/2\ years as the executive director of the Springfield-Robertson County Chamber of Commerce. Billy Paul has decided to retire from the chamber, and I want to thank him for all he has done for his community, which I have the honor of representing in this esteemed body. Billy Paul has served as a teacher in Robertson County, a school principal and administrator in nearby Cheatham County, the mayor of Springfield and a volunteer firefighter. In addition, he currently serves as a Robertson County commissioner. Billy Paul's contributions to his community can be traced to his grandfather, R.W. Darke, who was a member of both houses of the Tennessee General Assembly and the city clerk for Springfield. Billy Paul's service as a public school teacher and administrator is especially admirable. He says he became an educator because his teachers in high school and college served as excellent role models for him. He then passed his own passion for case history and government to a new generation. Today, his former students are doctors, lawyers, public officials and teachers. As mayor of Springfield, Billy Paul was instrumental in changing the city's form of government from three at-large commissioners to a board of mayor and aldermen, with a city manager to oversee operations. He says the decision to seed the change in government was one of the toughest he made as mayor. Billy Paul's latest contribution to his community involved a very successful tenure as the executive director of the chamber. In this capacity, he improved immensely the quality of life for Robertson County residents. But Billy Paul did not do all this alone. He had help from many in the community, and he had the love and support of an understanding wife and family. He attributes the support of his wife, Pat, and their three children for his accomplishments. Billy Paul, I wish you well in your future endeavors and thank you for your service to a community you obviously cherish.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Billy Paul Carneal, a Springfield, Tennessee, native who has dedicated his life to public service and the past 11\1/2\ years as the executive director of the Springfield-Robertson County Chamber of Commerce. Billy Paul has decided to retire from the chamber, and I want to thank him for all he has done for his community, which I have the honor of representing in this esteemed body. Billy Paul has served as a teacher in Robertson County, a school principal and administrator in nearby Cheatham County, the mayor of Springfield and a volunteer firefighter. In addition, he currently serves as a Robertson County commissioner. Billy Paul's contributions to his community can be traced to his grandfather, R.W. Darke, who was a member of both houses of the Tennessee General Assembly and the city clerk for Springfield. Billy Paul's service as a public school teacher and administrator is especially admirable. He says he became an educator because his teachers in high school and college served as excellent role models for him. He then passed his own passion for case history and government to a new generation. Today, his former students are doctors, lawyers, public officials and teachers. As mayor of Springfield, Billy Paul was instrumental in changing the city's form of government from three at-large commissioners to a board of mayor and aldermen, with a city manager to oversee operations. He says the decision to seed the change in government was one of the toughest he made as mayor. Billy Paul's latest contribution to his community involved a very successful tenure as the executive director of the chamber. In this capacity, he improved immensely the quality of life for Robertson County residents. But Billy Paul did not do all this alone. He had help from many in the community, and he had the love and support of an understanding wife and family. He attributes the support of his wife, Pat, and their three children for his accomplishments. Billy Paul, I wish you well in your future endeavors and thank you for your service to a community you obviously cherish.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First I would like to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert), chairman of the Committee on Science, and the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), chair of the Subcommittee on Energy, for their hard work and cooperation in developing the foundation of Title IX, the R&D title of this bill. A stable domestic energy supply is essential to the economic well- being and security of our Nation. While the bill on the floor today has provisions that are not acceptable to many Democrats and Republicans, there are good points worth mentioning in Title IX. Of particular note are the provisions ensuring greater DOE cooperation with the smaller colleges and universities who will train our next generation of scientists, mathematicians, technicians and teachers. The Department, as well as the traditional large research universities, could benefit from the enormous pool of talented researchers in the Nation's smaller colleges and universities, and I encourage greater collaboration. I would also like to highlight the work of several of our Members on key components of DOE research and development in Title IX: The interest of the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) in the progress of the Next Generation Lighting Initiative, the Stanford linear accelerator and the Joint Genomics Institute and his work with the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson) on transit bus demonstrations of fuel cells; The continued dedication of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) and the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall) to clean, renewable and efficient energy technologies; The work of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello) to ensure that utilization of our vast coal resources only gets cleaner and more efficient; The vision of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Zoe Lofgren) in support of domestic fusion energy research and international fusion projects; The work of the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Davis) to ensure good science continues at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, particularly in the area of high-end computing; The efforts of the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Miller) to establish a nationwide network of advanced energy technology transfer centers to get technologies off the laboratory shelf and into the marketplace; Finally, the tireless commitment of the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) to research and development at historically black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions. The Committee on Science contributed virtually all of Title IX, the research and development title of this bill. While research and development programs typically have not been controversial, I believe the Title IX provisions represent a major part of this legislation. The R&D programs authorized in this bill will provide the means to produce energy that this country will need for the foreseeable future. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda). (Mr. HONDA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to take back the balance of my time for the purpose of yielding time to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 70th anniversary of the Woodbury Lions Club. The Lions Club motto is ``We Serve,'' and for 70 years, the Woodbury Lions have been serving Cannon County well. The Woodbury Lions Club has grown significantly from its humble beginnings in 1935 when Minor Bragg first explained Lionism to a group of men in Lee Baker's Drug Store. Weeks later, 21 men formed the club in S.D. Wooten's Grocery Store. Now, the club has more than 100 members and meets in Lions Memorial Building. The Lions may be best known for their outstanding work in providing vision services to the needy. When Helen Keller addressed the Lions Club's 1925 International Convention, she called upon them to become ``Knights of the Blind in the crusade against darkness.'' The Lions answered that call. Today, more than 46,000 clubs worldwide are dedicated to providing vision screening in schools as well as eyeglasses and surgery to those in need. Lions also are committed to building parks and working with youth in their communities. The Woodbury Lions have built Lions Field and a walking trail to provide residents with more opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of Cannon County. In addition, the Lions work closely with organizations such as Boy Scouts and 4-H. They also have introduced Lioness and Leo Clubs at local schools to instill the value of service to our future leaders. Woodbury is a better place because of the wonderful work of the Woodbury Lions Club. I commend the Lions for all they do, and I congratulate them on 70 years of service.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. First of all, Mr. Chairman, let me point out that the scope of this amendment exceeds the jurisdictional boundaries of the underlying bill. In fact, it exceeds the jurisdictional boundaries of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It appears to amend all laws administered by all Federal agencies that may use information from this program in a human health or environmental assessment. This is a poor precedent to establish. If we have concerns about Federal agencies using high-quality scientific information, we should address those concerns through oversight and legislation done in our respective committees in a manner tailored to fit the individual agencies where the laws were administered. This amendment will do nothing to improve the quality of science produced by this program or ensure the proper use by the Federal agencies. For that reason, I would ask that this amendment be defeated.