Phil Gingrey

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Chair, General Corley goes on to state, ``There are no studies that demonstrate 187 F-22s are adequate to support our national military strategy.'' I would like to submit this letter for the Record, Madam Chair. Department of the Air Force, Headquarters Air Combat Command Langley Air Force Base, VA, June 9, 2009. Hon. Saxby Chambliss, Russell Office Building, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Senator Chambliss: Thank you for your letter and the opportunity to comment on the critical issue of F-22 fleet size. At Air Combat Command we have held the need for 381 F- 22s to deliver a tailored package of air superiority to our Combatant Commanders and provide a potent, globally arrayed, asymmetric deterrent against potential adversaries. In my opinion, a fleet of 187 F-22s puts execution of our current national military strategy at high risk in the near to mid- term. To my knowledge, there are no studies that demonstrate 187 F-22s are adequate to support our national military strategy. Air Combat Command analysis, done in concert with Headquarters Air Force, shows a moderate risk force can be obtained with an F-22 fleet of approximately 250 aircraft. While OSD did not solicit direct input from Air Combat Command, we worked closely with our Headquarters in ensuring our views were available. We realize the tough choices our national leadership must make in balancing current warfighting needs against the fiscal realities our Nation faces. The F-22, a critical enabler of air dominance, plays a vital role and indispensable role in ensuring joint freedom of action for all forces and underpins our ability to dissuade and deter. Thank you for your continued support of the US Air Force and Air Combat Command. Sincerely, John D.W. Corley General, USAF Commander. I also would like to submit for the Record a letter that I sent to President Obama and to Secretary Gates. It's signed by 199 of my House colleagues. It concludes that continued F- 22 production is in the national economic interest of the United States. Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, January 21, 2009. President Barack Obama, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC. Dear Mr. President: The Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization act requires your certification on continued F- 22A Raptor production by March 1, 2009. We strongly urge your certification of continued production of this vital program. Continued F-22 production is critical to the security of our nation. The F-22 is the nation's most capable fighter and the world's only operation 5th generation fighter aircraft in full-rate production. It is the weapon system we need to respond to potential adversaries who are increasing their air combat capabilities both in terms of technology and numbers of aircraft. Several nations have announced that they are developing stealthy, twin-engine, high-altitude, 5th generation fighters that will reach production within the next five to ten years. Additionally, sophisticated and highly lethal air defense systems such as the SA-20 and S- 300/400 are proliferating worldwide. Our nation has committed to procuring a total of just 183 F-22 aircraft. We are convinced that this number is insufficient to meet potential threats. After accounting for test, training, and maintenance aircraft, only about 100 F- 22s will be immediately available for combat at any given time. Given that over 30 air campaign studies completed over the last 15 years have validated a requirement for far more than 183 F-22 Raptors to replace the original force of 800 F- 15 A-D Eagles, it is clear that such a lean F-22 fleet is not consistent with America's national security interest. The F-22 is a model production line. Since full-rate production began, the unit flyaway cost has decreased by 35 percent. If this certification is delayed, layoffs will begin as this critical supplier base shuts down. Once we begin to lose the F-22 industrial base that was created with billions of dollars of investment over many years, it will quickly become virtually impossible to reconstitute a production capability. The F-22 program annually provides over $12 billion of economic activity to the national economy. As our nation faces one of the most trying economic times in recent history, it is imperative to preserve existing high paying, specialized jobs that are critical to our national defense. Over 25,000 Americans working for more than 1,000 suppliers in 44 states manufacture this aircraft. Moreover, it is estimated that another 70,000 Americans indirectly owe their jobs to this program. The Honorable Phil Gingrey, MD (GA-11); The Honorable Kay Granger (TX-12); The Honorable Neil Abercrombie (HI- 01); The Honorable John Dingell (MI-15); The Honorable Danny Davis (IL-07); The Honorable Chet Edwards (TX- 17); The Honorable Todd Tiahrt (KS-04); The Honorable Thomas Price (GA-06); The Honorable Norman Dicks (WA- 6); The Honorable David Scott (GA-13); The Honorable Bill Young (FL-10); The Honorable Jack Kingston (GA- 01); The Honorable Mac Thornberry (TX-13); Honorable Hank Johnson (GA-04); The Honorable Ellen Tauscher (CA- 10); The Honorable Sanford Bishop (GA-02) The Honorable Ben Ray Lujan (NM-03); The Honorable Brian Higgins (NY-27); The Honorable Gresham Barrett (SC-03); The Honorable Christopher Carney (PA-10); The Honorable Timothy Bishop (NY-01); The Honorable Bill Shuster (PA- 09); The Honorable Dean Heller (NV-02); The Honorable Jim McGovern (MA-03); The Honorable Shelley Berkley (NV-01); The Honorable John Barrow (GA-12); The Honorable John Larson (CT-01); The Honorable Phil Hare (IL-17); The Honorable John Sullivan (OK-01); The Honorable Ander Crenshaw (FL-04); The Honorable Adam Putnam (FL-12); The Honorable Mike Rogers (AL-03); The Honorable Michelle Bachmann (MN-06); The Honorable Doug Lamborn (CO-05); The Honorable Mary Bono Mack (CA-45); The Honorable Mike Rogers (MI-08); The Honorable Larry Kissell (NC-08); The Honorable Anna Eshoo (CA-14) The Honorable Mike Simpson (ID-02); The Honorable Steve LaTourette (OH-14); The Honorable Alcee Hastings (FL- 23); The Honorable Greg Walden (OR-02); The Honorable Corrine Brown (FL-03); The Honorable Collin Peterson (MN-07); The Honorable Robert Andrews (NJ-01); The Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL-21); The Honorable Mark Souder (IN-03); The Honorable Rick Boucher (VA- 09); The Honorable Joe Barton (TX-06); The Honorable Chris Smith; (NJ-04) The Honorable Brian Bilbray (CA- 50); The Honorable Gary Miller (CA-42); The Honorable Ciro Rodriguez (TX-23); The Honorable Tom Latham (IA- 04); The Honorable Jerry Moran (KS-01); The Honorable Peter Viscolosky (IN-01); The Honorable Jo Bonner (AL- 01); The Honorable Donald Manzullo (IL-16); The Honorable Don Young (AK-At Large); The Honorable Peter Roskam (IL-06) The Honorable Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25); The Honorable Dave Camp (MI-04); The Honorable Kevin Brady (TX-08); The Honorable Paul Broun (GA-10); The Honorable Chris Murphy (CT-05); The Honorable Parker Griffith (AL-05); The Honorable Paul Sarbanes (MD-03); The Honorable Steve Scalise (LA-01); The Honorable John Carter (TX- 31); The Honorable Pete Olson (TX-22); The Honorable Connie Mack (FL-14); The Honorable Eric Cantor (VA-07); The Honorable Peter King (NY-03); The Honorable Zack Space (OH-18); The Honorable Patrick Kennedy (RI-01); The Honorable Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05); The Honorable Tom Price (GA-06); The Honorable Madeleine Bordallo (GU); The Honorable Ted Poe (TX-02); The Honorable Bill Posey (FL-15); The Honorable Jim Marshall (GA-08); The Honorable Louie Gohmert (TX-01) The Honorable Henry Brown (SC-01); The Honorable Jim Langevin (RI-02); The Honorable Debbie Wasserman-Shultz (FL-20); The Honorable Kristen Gillibrand (NY-20); The Honorable Rob Bishop (UT-01); The Honorable Dean Heller (NV-02); The Honorable Michael Arcuri (NY-24); The Honorable Robert Brady (PA-01); The Honorable John Barrow (GA-12); The Honorable Michael Burgess (TX-26); The Honorable Suzanne Kosmas (FL-24); The Honorable Mike McCaul (TX-10); The Honorable Artur Davis (AL-07); The Honorable Joe Wilson (SC-02); The Honorable Jim Himes (CT-04); The Honorable Joe Courtney (CT-02); The Honorable Dan Boren (OK-02); The Honorable Patrick McHenry (NC-10); The Honorable Charlie Wilson (OH-06); The Honorable Kenny Marchant (TX-24); The Honorable Sue Myrick (NC-09); The Honorable Wally Herger (CA-02) The Honorable Harry Teague (NM-02); The Honorable Chellie Pingree (ME-01); The Honorable Steve King (IA-05); The Honorable Lynn Westmoreland (GA-03); The Honorable Paul Hodes (NH-02); The Honorable Sam Graves (MO-06); The Honorable Leonard Boswell (IA-03); The Honorable Duncan Hunter (CA-52); The Honorable John Adler (NJ-03); The Honorable Gus Bilirakis (FL-09); The Honorable Michael McMahon (NY-13); The Honorable John Linder (GA-07); The Honorable Kendrick Meek (FL-17); The Honorable John Kline (MN-02); The Honorable Allen Boyd (FL-02); The Honorable Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01); The Honorable Mary Fallin (OK-05); The Honorable Robert Aderholt (AL-04); The Honorable Zach Wamp (TN-03); The Honorable Bobby Scott (VA-03); The Honorable Loretta Sanchez (CA-47); The Honorable Rodney Alexander (LA-05) The Honorable Dave Reichert (WA-08); The Honorable Dennis Moore (KS-03); The Honorable Mike Turner (OH-03); The Honorable Daniel Maffei (NY-25); The Honorable John Culberson (TX-07); The Honorable Mike Conaway (TX-11); The Honorable Bob Latta (OH-05); The Honorable Richard Neal (MA-02); The Honorable Pete Hoekstra (MI-02); The Honorable Pete Sessions (TX-32); The Honorable Tom Rooney (FL-16); The Honorable Gabrielle Giffords (AZ- 08); The Honorable Dan Lipinski (IL-03); The Honorable Steve Austria (OH-07); The Honorable Patrick Murphy (PA-08); The Honorable John Boozman (AR-03); The Honorable Kevin McCarthy (CA-22); The Honorable Joe Donnelly (IN-02); The Honorable Elijah Cummings (MD- 07); The Honorable Buck McKeon (CA-25); The Honorable Nathan Deal (GA-09); The Honorable E. B. Johnson (TX- 30) The Honorable Joe Baca (CA-43); The Honorable Dan Burton (IN-05); The Honorable Elton Gallegly (CA-24); The Honorable Frank Lucas (0K-3); The Honorable Joe Crowley (NY-07); The Honorable Harold Rogers (KY-05); The Honorable Rosa DeLauro (CT-03); The Honorable Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02); The Honorable Bennie Thompson (MS- 02); The Honorable Steve Rothman (NJ-09); The Honorable Jim Costa (CA-20); The Honorable Dan Lungren (CA-03); The Honorable Dana Rohrabacher (CA-46); The Honorable Nick Rahall (WV-03); The Honorable John McHugh (NY-23); The Honorable Ralph Hall (TX-04); The Honorable Lamar Smith (TX-21); The Honorable Tim Holden (PA-17); The Honorable Bob Filner (CA-51); The Honorable Maurice Hinchey (NY-22); The Honorable Trent Franks (AZ-02); The Honorable Mark Schauer (MI-07) The Honorable Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-09); The Honorable Tim Ryan (OH-17); The Honorable Grace Napolitano (CA- 38); The Honorable Maxine Waters (CA-35); The Honorable Darrell Issa (CA-49); The Honorable Jeff Miller (FL- 01); The Honorable Mike McIntyre (NC-07); The Honorable Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02); The Honorable lleana Ros- Lehtinen (FL-18); The Honorable George Radanovich (CA- 19); The Honorable Gregg Harper (MS-03); The Honorable Doc Hastings (WA-04); The Honorable Christopher Lee (NY-26); The Honorable Carolyn McCarthy (NY-04); The Honorable Dennis Rehberg (MN-At Large); The Honorable Randy Forbes (VA-04); The Honorable John Shimkus (IL- 19); The Honorable Steve Israel (NY-02); The Honorable Mike Ross (AR-04); The Honorable Steve Buyer (IN-04); The Honorable Paul Tonko (NY-21) The Honorable Tom Cole (OK-04); The Honorable Donna Christensen (VI); The Honorable Sam Johnson (TX-03); The Honorable Brian Bilbray (CA-50); The Honorable John Fleming (LA-04); The Honorable Mike Coffman (CO-06); The Honorable Henry Cuellar (TX-28). Madam Chair, I ask all of my colleagues to reject the Obama administration's posture on the F-22 and to support continued F-22 production as we consider this bill.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Chair, I rise today to discuss an issue vital to American air superiority. First, I want to thank Chairman Murtha and Ranking Member Young for their tireless efforts in support of those who bravely defend us at home and abroad. While there is much to applaud in this bill, I am very concerned about any steps to remove advanced procurement funds for the F-22A Raptor. Currently, H.R. 3326 contains $370 million for long lead supplies needed to procure 12 F-22 aircraft in fiscal year 2011. Preserving this funding, Madam Chair, is absolutely critical. Unfortunately, President Obama and Secretary Gates have expended great capital in recent weeks to ensure that the F-22 program ends at 187 aircraft once and for all. However, their position is not driven by military requirements but, rather, by budget constraints. The facts are that the F-22 has a flyaway cost of $142 million--this is a 35 percent decrease since its inception--and the next F-22 will actually be cheaper than the next Joint Strike Fighter. Madam Chair, is this how we should determine how best to defend our Nation and to ensure American air superiority, or should we rely on the results of over 30 air campaign studies that have been conducted over the last 15 years, which validate a requirement for far more than 187 F-22 Raptors to replace the original force of 800 F-15 A-D Eagles? We should also listen to those who fly these fighters, Madam Chair. A June 9, 2009, letter from General John Corley, the commander of Air Combat Command, states, ``At Air Combat Command, we have held the need for 381 F-22s to deliver a tailored package of air superiority to our Combatant Commanders and provide a potent, globally arrayed, asymmetric deterrent against potential adversaries. In my opinion, a fleet of 187 F-22s puts execution of our current national military strategy at high risk in the near to mid-term.''

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks as well as in accordance with Clause 9 of Rule XXI, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Phil Gingrey Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: Research, Development, Test, Evaluation, Army Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Georgia Institute of Technology Address of Requesting Entity: Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, 315 Ferst Drive, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0363 Description of Request: The $3,000,000 included in H.R. 3326 for the Center for Advanced Bioengineering and Solider Survivability (CABSS) will focus on research in advanced tissue and bone regeneration and wound care and treatment issues relevant to military trauma care. Fundamental research advances in these areas can lead to technologies and techniques for better immediate clinical combat care as well as address long term care issues involving limb loss, tissue and organ damage, facial and dental injuries, and reconstruction. Specifically, the $3,000,000 in funding will be paid out at pre- negotiated rates in accordance with Department of Defense policy. Specifically, funds will be used to: establish a seed grant program to identify novel technologies for treatment of musculoskeletal defects following trauma, develop oriented nano-fiber meshes for treatment of neurologic defects following injury to the extremities, develop biodegradable shape memory polymers for treatment of large bone defects, develop biodegradable shape memory polymers for craniofacial reconstruction, and test the effects of sustained delivery of osteoinductive proteins in tubular nanofiber mesh scaffolds on functional repair of large segmental bone defects. Georgia Tech will continue to leverage this request to obtain funding from other sources. The Georgia Research Alliance has pledged additional money to the project for infrastructure and equipment, and past Congressional funding has been leveraged to successfully obtain funding from DoD's Orthopaedic Trauma Research Program and its Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine, as well as funding from the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation. Requesting Member: Congressman Phil Gingrey Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: Research, Development, Test, Evaluation, Army Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Printpack, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 2800 Overlook Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30345-2024 Description of Request: The $1,000,000 added to H.R. 3326 will be used to develop new and innovative packaging and processing technologies for the Warfighter's combat rations. These funds will result in the ability to provide greater variety and more nutritional rations with longer shelf-life and reduced production costs. The objective of this effort is to develop advanced thermal processing techniques based on the utilization of non-foil materials for military ration packaging. The importance of developing non-foil packaging materials will serve as a precursor to the next stage of the R&D effort to investigate new and enhanced thermal processing techniques--specifically, Enhanced High Pressure Processing (EHPP) and Microwave Sterilization (MW) technologies. The EHPP and MW processing technologies have numerous advantages over conventional thermal processing; however, these processes cannot be used on current foil packaging because they cause blistering and flex cracking of the foil packaging material. Therefore, to achieve the advantages of advanced EHPP and MW processing, it is essential to use state-of-the-art, non-foil packaging materials. The development of advanced, non-foil packaging materials and utilization of innovative EHPP and MW processing techniques will result in the provision of rations with the following beneficial and enhanced qualities: greater variety, better taste, more nutrition, longer shelf- life, lower overall production costs, environmentally friendly, less volume and waste. The FY10 effort will consist of three stages and is budgeted as follows: Stage 1: Blistering ($0.14M), Stage 2: Flex Crack Resistance ($0.26M), Stage 3: EHPP & MW Trials ($0.6M). Requesting Member: Congressman Phil Gingrey Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: Research, Development, Test, Evaluation, Defense Wide Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Scientific Research Corporation Address of Requesting Entity: 2300 Windy Ridge Parkway, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30339 Description of Request: This program will utilize recently developed Wavelet Packet Modulation (WPM). The $1,000,000 included in H.R. 3326 will be used to implement design modifications for limited rate initial production, including form factor packaging changes for ruggedization and for integration with signal intelligence systems. Additionally, production readiness for integration with existing communications systems will occur. Finally, module testing will be subjected to continued assessment and utility testing on multiple platforms. The enhanced modules will then undergo a final government Production Readiness Review, paving the way for subsequent deployment. Covert WPM Communications Modules as communications links for multiple platforms, including unmanned aerial systems, provide a critical solution to special operations warfighters that require the ability to communicate covertly without detection. Funding is required for hardware and software engineering, integration, and testing (64%); specialized equipment (21%); specialized software (13%); and travel to U.S. Special Operations Command and to military test sites (2%). This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Special Operations Command Special Operations Tactical Systems Development program. Requesting Member: Congressman Phil Gingrey Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: Other Procurement, Army Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Meggitt Training Systems Address of Requesting Entity: 7340 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suwanee, GA 30024 Description of Request: The ARNG combined arms simulation training system began in 1996, and presently there are 266 fielded Combat Skills Marksmanship Trainers (CSMT) systems. All have been or are in the process of being upgraded. The ARNG has an immediate requirement to supply its soldiers with newer and more advanced training technology, since simulators are an integral part of the training requirement. Since the Army no longer supports the ARNG with training simulator systems, Congress has consistently provided funding for these systems upgrades. ARNG itself has contributed funds of its own--$4.5 million in FY07 and $1.2 million in FY08. The ARNG's immediate need is to upgrade the remaining fleet of CSMT systems, and the plan includes acquiring approximately 1,200 new weapons. The $4,000,000 included in H.R. 3326 will continue the multiyear upgrade and modernization of existing firearms simulation systems in the Army National Guard necessary to meet the validated system standard. The ARNG has defined modernization as paramount to resolving an immediate mandatory small-arms training need in support of the Guard's role in a global war on terrorism and homeland security. The Army's Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training & Instrumentation (PEO STRI) has validated the upgraded system as a U.S. Army standard for use by the ARNG. The CSMT system includes U.S. Army-specific courseware and training scenarios that address new and complex tactical situations and provide soldiers with the ability to conduct weapons, judgmental, and military training in a tactical environment built on geo-specific terrain databases. The CSMT simulates tactical small unit defensive and offensive situations such as security operations, fire & maneuver, and hostage & clearing operations in built-urban areas. Small unit leaders use the system to conduct mission planning and rehearsal. The system's embedded scenario authoring capability allows the user to quickly author a scenario reflecting emerging doctrinal and/or mission requirement changes. Requesting Member: Congressman Phil Gingrey Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: Research, Development, Test, Evaluation, Army Legal Name of Requesting Entity: CryoLife Address of Requesting Entity: 1655 Roberts Boulevard, NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144 Description of Request: Despite advances in medical technology, battlefield trauma injuries present a significant threat to the lives of U.S. soldiers. In fact uncontrollable bleeding from internal wounds where tourniquets cannot be applied is a major cause of combat casualty. Biofoam Protein Hydrogel will provide a new tool for physicians to address blood loss at Forward Surgical Team (FST) and Combat Support Hospital (CSH) locations for injuries sustained by service personnel. CryoLife believes that further development of its existing protein hydrogel technology could result in FDA approval to address blood loss by forward surgical teams or combat support hospitals. CryoLife has developed a formulation for an expanding, adhesive, foam sealant. This two-part material is applied as a liquid that mixes in the portable delivery device and is expressed as a foam to the application site where it bends to the surrounding tissue. An easy to use, expandable hemostatic agent would provide better packing, faster hemostasis and improve the survival of the soldier by extending his ``golden hour.'' Congress has appropriated $6.6 million for the development of this technology in FY05-09. The $1,000,000 included in H.R. 3326 will build upon the previously funded work conducted with the Army Medical Research and Material Command and the Army Institute of Surgical Research (ISR), including feasibility studies and acute and chronic animal studies. The funding included in H.R. 3326 would support large scale pivotal clinical trials on humans in accordance with FDA standards and protocols.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Members on both sides of the aisle are in favor of health care delivery reform. We want universal access. We want universal coverage. But what the Democratic majority has given us in their rush to get something through this body by the end of the week is 1,100 pages of universal nightmare, and this is not what the American people want. They don't want these long lines, these long queues, this rationing of care. They don't want nonelected government bureaucrats telling health care providers what they can give and what they can offer and what they can prescribe to take care of their patients. Mr. Speaker, we can come together in a bipartisan way and rewrite this H.R. 3200 and do it for the American people, bring down the cost of health care, and promote universal access. That is what we need to do. We need to do it in a bipartisan way, and I recommend to the Democratic leadership, let's go back to the drawing table.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 1513, legislation that would provide a short term extension of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. While I wish that our colleagues in the Senate would have taken up the House-passed H.R. 2965 before the programs' scheduled expiration on July 31, I believe that it is imperative that we act quickly so as not to lose the ability to help small businesses, who are the biggest job creators in our country. Small business drives U.S. economic growth and innovation. These companies make up 99.7 percent of all U.S. employers and employ nearly half of all Americans not working for the government. In addition, small businesses employ 39 percent of high-tech workers such as scientists and engineers, and produce 13 to 14 times more patents per employee than do large firms. Mr. Speaker, the SBIR and STTR programs were created to provide critical funding to these companies so they could conduct R&D that they otherwise would not be able to afford. These programs also provide further funding to commercialize promising technology resulting from this R&D. Since their inception in 1982, these programs continue to provide over $2 billion in grants and contracts each year and have provided the start-up funding for hundreds of small businesses in the United States. In my own State of Georgia, Georgia Tech provides assistance to small business initiatives across the State, and as a result, companies have received over $244 million in SBIR and STTR grants since the programs' inception. In my northwest Georgia district alone, over $3.3 million in SBIR grants were awarded in fiscal year 2008. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, both Chambers of Congress passed respective legislation to fully reauthorize the SBIR and STTR programs. It is my hope that after we return from the annual August recess, we can work in a bipartisan and bicameral way to pass this important reauthorization. These programs have been effective in providing government assistance to small businesses to help more people in our country achieve the American Dream. We need to ensure that both SBIR and STTR are extended until September 30 so that we can continue to foster small business development in the emerging technology-based global economy--while we work with our Senate colleagues for a full reauthorization. I urge all of my colleagues to support this short-term extension by voting in favor of S. 1513.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H. Res. 483, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Veterans of Foreign Wars Day. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) traces its origin back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection founded local organizations to secure benefits for their service. Fifteen years later an umbrella organization was created named the VFW of the United States, and by 1936 it had a membership of 200,000 veterans and was chartered by Congress. Mr. Speaker, the VFW's motto is ``honor the dead by helping the living.'' These brave veterans, who have served their nation in wars on foreign soil, are now constantly improving America at home by their service to the community and all living veterans. The VFW has been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, the enactment of two GI bills, and building support for expanded educational benefits for active-duty service members, as well as our Guard and Reserve forces. They have done a remarkable job improving medical centers for all of our returning service men and women. Further, the VFW participates in more than 13 million service hours throughout different communities across the nation and donates $2.5 million in college scholarships to high school students every year. Mr. Speaker, the brave men and women who sacrificed in the past for our present freedoms deserve our fullest support. Those who have served our nation represent the best our country has to offer, and we must honor them. Accordingly, I would also like to say a special thank you to the veterans in my district, the 11th of Georgia. Post 4911 of Rome, Post 5376 of Calhoun, Post 6688 of Summerville, Post 5408 of Acworth, Post 7402 of Buchanan, Post 5262 of Kennesaw, Post 2681 of Marietta, and Post 7404 of Carrollton have all admirably served our community and our nation, and they deserve our utmost appreciation for their lifetime of dedication to the Armed Services and our veterans. It is appropriate that we recognize the dedication and honor of the Veterans of Foreign Wars today in this chamber, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, 2 days after the Senate voted to strip funding for an additional seven F-22 Raptors from the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, it seems that critical information may have been withheld that could have influenced the outcome of this vote; an internal Pentagon oversight board report has revealed that full rate production of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter may be delayed. Given that the need to transition to the F-35 was cited by several Senators who voted to terminate the F-22 program, it is indeed troubling that this information was held internally until after the F- 22 vote earlier this week. If the Pentagon had been forthright with the facts, there is a very strong chance that the hearts and the minds of several Senators might have been changed and the funding for the additional F-22s may not have been stripped. The news that the F-35 will again be delayed only further strengthens the argument for continued production of the world's only fifth- generation fighter in full-rate production, the F-22 Raptor. I hope that as we move forward with negotiations between the House and the Senate on the future of the F-22 program, the Pentagon will make every effort possible to ensure that Congress is fully briefed on the facts and what they mean for the future of American air dominance.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks as well as in accordance with Clause 9 of rule XXI, I am submitting the following information regarding the earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3288, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Phil Gingrey Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Federal Aviation Administration--Airport Improvement Program Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Richard Russell Regional Airport Address of Requesting Entity: 304 Russell Field Road, Rome, GA 30165 Description of Request: This entire $250,000 will be used to make the Taxiway C configuration consistent with the approved Airport Layout Plan. The realigned Taxiway C will reduce the possibility of runway incursions and back taxiing on the primary runway. In addition, a portion of the closed Runway 14/32 will be converted to usable taxiway pavement, and grading work will also be performed in this midfield area to meet runway safety area standards. Requesting Member: Congressman Phil Gingrey Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Federal Highway Administration--Interstate Maintenance Discretionary Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Georgia Department of Transportation Address of Requesting Entity: #2 Capitol Square, Atlanta, GA Description of Request: The entire $750,000 will be used for the preliminary engineering of a fully directional interchange at Third Army Road and Interstate 75. This project is critical to Bartow, Cobb, and Paulding Counties as they work collaboratively to address the serious traffic problems in this part of the region. This project will allow residents of three counties access to the interstate without having to travel through Cobb County. At the present time, drivers in this area must travel through Cobb County, significantly increasing traffic congestion on both main thoroughfares and residential streets. This part of the region has accident and injury rates higher than the state average in Georgia. In addition, commute time is increased and air quality is negatively affected. The project falls within the boundaries of the air quality non-attainment area of metropolitan Atlanta. This project will run through Paulding, Cobb and Bartow Counties reconstructing Third Army Road north of the existing roadway from the interchange to U.S. 41. The existing Third Army Road would remain to facilitate local access to the residential properties in the area. The interstate ramps would extend along I-75 for approximately 1,500 feet. Feasibility and justification reports conducted have indicated that there would be significant improvements in traffic safety, mobility, and congestion in the region if this interchange was constructed. Requesting Member: Congressman Phil Gingrey Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Housing & Urban Development--Economic Development Initiative Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Paulding County Industrial Building Authority Address of Requesting Entity: 240 Constitution Boulevard, Dallas, GA Description of Request: The entire $250,000 will be used to construct the Paulding County Technology Model Building which is a key piece to the development of the Airport Industry and Technology Park, a component of the Paulding Forest Initiative for which the County received the Economic Development Administration's Award for Excellence in Economic Development in 2007. The Airport Industry and Technology Park is in a key location for aerospace and technology development as it is surrounded by the major cities of Atlanta, Birmingham, and Chattanooga and located adjacent to the first new general aviation airport designed to accommodate the Very Light Jet industry. This project is the result of a joint venture between the County, the Cities of Dallas and Hiram, and the Industrial Building Authority.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks as well as in accordance with Clause 9 of Rule XXI, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3293, the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Phil Gingrey Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Department of Health and Human Services; Health Resources and Services Administration Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Cobb County (GA) Government Address of Requesting Entity: 100 Cherokee St, Marietta, GA 30090 Description of Request: The Cobb County (GA) Government will assist in building a 22,000 sq. ft multipurpose senior center with limited healthcare services. The center is accessible to both private and public transportation, will offer a variety of programs and services, and will be the first multipurpose senior center within the city limits of Marietta. The Center will accommodate services, programs and activities for seniors and the issues that affect them. Health and wellness programs including nutrition, fitness, lifestyle, and diabetes care, education and issue-related seminars such as Medicare, identity theft, fraud, grandparents raising grandchildren, and Alzheimer's, volunteer opportunities, advocacy, and socialization opportunities will be offered As individuals experience longer life-expectancy, health and wellness play an even bigger part in our lives. The proposed Multi-Purpose Senior Health Center will offer limited health services as well as opportunities for improved physical, mental, and social health. The $500,000 included in H.R. 3293 will be used for renovation and development of an existing building and for necessary equipment. Specifically, the Fiscal Year 2010 federal funds will consist of the following budget items: Construction--Architect Fees: $136,000; Facade, Parking, and Landscaping: $212,500. Equipment--$151,500. Requesting Member: Congressman Phil Gingrey Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Department of Health and Human Services; Health Resources and Services Administration Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Floyd Medical Center Address of Requesting Entity: 304 Turner McCall Boulevard, Rome, GA 30165 Description of Request: The counties in Northwest Georgia in Floyd Medical Center's service area (Floyd, Chattooga, and Polk) have a high rate of breast cancer-related mortality. While the State of Georgia is on par with national averages--with roughly 20% of breast cancer cases being terminal--two of these counties have terminal breast cancer rates of 26% in Polk County and 25% in Chattooga County. Unfortunately, there is currently not a single dedicated Breast MRI machine for the hospital's service area. Floyd Medical Center will procure, operate, and maintain a state-of- the-art dedicated a Breast MRI machine to provide 2,800 screenings for patients who would otherwise have to travel two hours to the nearest facility with a Breast MRI machine. This machine will be incorporated into Floyd Medical Center's new Breast Cancer Center, which serves as a single point-of-care by providing a full spectrum of cancer diagnosis, prevention, and treatment services. The $250,000 included in H.R. 3293 will be used in its entirety for the procurement and installation of the dedicated Breast MRI machine. This specifically includes purchasing the MRI equipment, software used in the digital imaging of screenings and biopsies, shipping and installation of the unit, and initial training for technicians and physicians. Requesting Member: Congressman Phil Gingrey Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Department of Health and Human Services; Health Resources and Services Administration Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Gordon Hospital Address of Requesting Entity: 1035 Red Bud Road, Calhoun, GA 30701 Description of Request: Gordon Hospital in Calhoun, Georgia is committed to meeting the needs of patients and increasing access to medical records. It is the common goal of hospitals, healthcare industry, and the private and public sector to increase the use of electronic medical records. In fact, health IT policy was passed as a part of the larger stimulus package, earlier this year although the bulk of the funding was provided for incentives for those who have already adopted, instead of funding for implementation. Connecting medical providers to provide a more comprehensive medical history of a patient not only lowers healthcare costs but also leads to quicker diagnosis and treatment of patients. Therefore, Gordon Hospital is seeking federal aid to purchase a Community Electric Medical Record System. This system will allow for easier interface with doctors consulting patients in a variety of specialties and also allow easier access to medical records for our patients. The $150,000 included in H.R. 3293 will be used in its entirety for the purchase of Community EMR Software. Requesting Member: Congressman Phil Gingrey Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Department of Health and Human Services; Health Resources and Services Administration Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kennesaw State University Address of Requesting Entity: 1000 Chastain Road, MD 0101, Kennesaw, GA 30144-5591 Description of Request: Kennesaw State University is preparing to begin construction of a new Health Sciences Building. This facility will help expand the nursing program and will address the growing nursing shortage--locally and nationally. The number of Registered Nurses in the United States continues to remain below its target and Georgia consistently ranks below the national average. The Georgia Hospital Association's 2006, ``Changing Demographics--Bridging Generations,'' shows an RN vacancy rate in member hospitals of 10.7% in 2006. There is 1 nurse for every 753 Georgians, putting the state in the bottom fourth of the country, it says. The nationwide shortage of nursing faculty poses another threat to the future of healthcare in America. Kennesaw State University's School of Nursing recently received Board of Regents approval to launch a Doctorate of Nurse Science that will help create a stronger pipeline of nursing faculty to teach future generations of nurses and easier interface with doctors consulting patients in a variety of specialties and also allow easier access to medical records for our patients. The $100,000 included in H.R. 3293 will be used to assist in the efforts of this project. Specifically, the Fiscal Year 2010 federal funds will consist of following budget items: Construction costs for engineering data, surveys, and laboratory testing that will equal $100,000.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 123, recognizing the historical and national significance of the many contributions of John William Heisman to the sport of football. John Heisman was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1869 and was raised in Titusville, Pennsylvania where he began playing football as a young boy. At that time, football was not played as it is today, but instead it resembled more of a rugby match. In 1887, Heisman left his home town for Brown University, where he participated in club football with his classmates. However, two years later he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania to pursue a law degree. Even though Heisman was outsized at 5'8", he continued his collegiate career playing varsity football for three years at guard, tackle, center, and as an end. John Heisman was nearly debilitated from being struck by lightning and in turn had to take his final exams at the University of Pennsylvania orally to achieve his law degree in 1892. From there, he received his first coaching position at Oberlin College, where he led the team to an undefeated season in its second full season at the school. Clearly, Heisman had found a niche in coaching football, and his illustrious career was just beginning. His coaching career continued with stints at the University of Akron, Auburn University, Clemson University, the University of Pennsylvania, Washington and Jefferson College, and Rice University. However, while his coaching career extended from 1892-1927, his most memorable years were from 1904-1919 when he coached at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA. At Georgia Tech, Heisman had an astounding record of 102-29-6, and even held three undefeated seasons with 33 straight wins. Heisman went on to retire from the game he loved and so heavily influenced in 1927 at the age of 62. Even though Georgia Tech is my own alma mater, I think that every football player, coach, and fan will recognize that Heisman's record of achievement deserves our praise. John Heisman's retirement did not last long as he moved to New York and found time to write about his experiences and served in various advisory positions. Because of his influence on the athletic community there he was asked to serve as the first Athletic Director of the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City on May 23, 1930. While serving in this capacity, Heisman organized and founded the Touchdown Club of New York, and later the National Football Coaches Association. The Downtown Athletic Club insisted that Heisman design a voting system to honor and award the best collegiate football player of each year. Because of his humble love and respect for the game of football, he initially did not want to design such a system due to his misgivings about promoting a player over the importance of teamwork. However, he later noted that it would be a consummate team accomplishment to have such an award for one of its players. The first Downtown Athletic Club Award was given to Jay Berwanger in 1935, but John Heisman would be unable to award this distinguished honor to another young man in 1936 as he contracted pneumonia and passed away later that year. Shortly thereafter, the Downtown Athletic Club renamed their renowned trophy after its founder, calling it the Heisman Memorial Trophy. Mr. Speaker, John Heisman has had a lasting impact on the game of football, and he undoubtedly inspires young men each year. The Heisman Trophy Award is the most sought after accolade in college football, and those who have honorably achieved that distinction will forever remember the accomplishments of the man that bears its name. Heisman molded the game of football to include the ``hike'' from a center to a quarterback, and he claimed his most notable achievement was enacting the forward pass into the rules of the game; both of which are staples of today's sport of football. I applaud John Heisman and recognize his lifetime of service and accomplishment in the game of football. I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a fellow Georgian, Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Neil Russell, on his retirement after more than 38 years of service in the Georgia Army National Guard. CSM Russell's dedication to duty and service throughout his career has led to numerous accomplishments that he will undoubtedly carry with him forever as he moves into the next phase of his life. CSM Russell began his military career with the Georgia Army National Guard when he graduated high school in 1971, and he has been humbly serving our nation in this capacity ever since. His military education includes the Fire Direction Computer Course, the Equal Opportunity and Race Relations Course, the NCOES Advance and Senior Courses, the Battle Skills Course, the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy Course, the U.S. Army Command Sergeants Major Designee Course, and the Bradley Infantry Crewman Course at numerous military installations across the country. These experiences laid the course for an illustrious career for CSM Russell. He also holds an Associates Degree in Science from Brunswick Junior College and a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College in Albany, NY. CSM Russell served in the 118th Field Artillery Brigade in Savannah, GA as a Fire Direction Specialist and Operations NCO until August of 1981, when he was assigned to the Service Battery 2nd Battalion, 214th Field Artillery as the Battalion Supply Sergeant. In May of 1985, he was transferred back to the 118th Field Artillery Brigade. He remained there until September of 1992 when he was transferred to the 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Battalion as the Battalion Operations NCO, and in May of 1999 he was selected and transferred to the 122nd Rear Operations Center (ROC) as the unit Operations Sergeant Major. Finally, in May of 2005, CSM Russell was selected and reassigned as the JFHQ Command Sergeant Major for the Georgia Army National Guard, and he has honorably served in this capacity until his retirement. CSM Russell trained at the National Training Center in Ft. Irwin, CA with the 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery in 1996 and has participated in numerous OCONUS exercises while serving in the 122nd ROC. In November of 2000, he mobilized with the 122nd ROC in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 122nd ROC became the basis around which a task force was created to establish, coordinate, and manage the civil affairs mission in Afghanistan. In January of 2002, CSM Russell deployed with the task force to Kabul, Afghanistan, and he functioned as the Task Force Command Sergeant Major until June of 2002, when he re-deployed. This task force was awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Award for exceptional achievement for the period between November of 2001 and July of 2002. Throughout his illustrious career, CSM Russell has been presented the Georgia State Active Duty Ribbon, the Georgia Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with Service Star, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Joint Services Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal. Each one of these medals and ribbons signify the admirable service that CSM Russell has graciously displayed in his career in the Georgia Army National Guard. CSM Russell has made a lasting contribution to the capability of today's United States Army National Guard. His superior performance of duties highlights the culmination of more than 37 years of honorable and dedicated Army National Guard service. My home state of Georgia and our nation are proud of CSM Russell's exemplary professional competence, sound judgment, and total dedication to duty. He has reflected great credit upon himself and has always upheld the highest traditions of the Army National Guard. I wish Neil and his family all the best in their future endeavors as he enters into a well-deserved retirement after such a distinguished career of service.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, one of the American people's biggest fears about the Democratic health care reform plan is the prospect of having some government bureaucrat stand between them and the doctors they trust. I've heard this message time and time again in townhall meetings, in letters and in phone calls from patients throughout this country. The House Democratic leadership has promised the American people that their fears about the bureaucrat-rationed care they will receive are unfounded, even while drafting a 1,000-page bill that creates this Comparative Effectiveness Council to decide which treatments will be covered. Late yesterday evening, I gave my colleagues a chance on the Energy and Commerce Committee to put their money where their mouths were by offering an amendment in the Energy and Commerce Committee that would simply bar Federal political appointees and bureaucrats from intervening in patient treatment decisions. An easy vote, Mr. Speaker. Who do you want making your health care decisions--your doctor or a government bureaucrat? However, every Democrat on the committee, save one, voted against this amendment. It's time for Congress to focus on strengthening the doctor-patient relationship and not the bureaucratic-patient relationship.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank one of our newest and hardworking members of the Republican Conference, Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania, for generously yielding me time on this resolution today. As a member of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and author of this resolution, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 270, a resolution recognizing the contribution made by Hunters for the Hungry programs across this country. I would like to thank Chairman Peterson, Ranking Member Lucas, my colleague from Georgia (Mr. Scott) and all of my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee for bringing this resolution to the floor today in a bipartisan manner. I also want to thank the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, especially co-chairs Dan Boren and Paul Ryan, for their support. This bipartisan organization, comprised of close to 300 Members of the House and the Senate, focuses on protecting the interests of our Nation's sportsmen. Mr. Speaker, as a proud Member of this caucus, I know that it works diligently for our sportsmen who have historically shaped the character and the quality of America's cultural heritage, natural resources, and our economic vitality. I first introduced the Hunters for the Hungry resolution in the 108th Congress back in 2003, as well as in each subsequent Congress, to bring attention to an often overlooked group--our Nation's hunters--who feed thousands of homeless and hungry people each year. The purpose of this resolution is to praise the work of Hunters for the Hungry programs across our country. These programs provide a unique way in which to address our Nation's hunger problem. Although these organizations are called by different names in the 45 States where they are located, Hunters for the Hungry organizations show the humanitarian and the kind-hearted spirit of our Nation's hunting community. These programs are volunteer and cooperative efforts among hunters, sportsmen's associations, meat processors, State meat inspectors and hunger relief organizations. Over the past 3 years, these programs have brought hundreds of thousands of pounds of excess venison to homeless shelters, to soup kitchens, and food banks. Each year, donations have multiplied, and many programs now cannot even cover the costs of processing, of packaging and storing, and distributing the abundant supply of donated venison. Hunters for the Hungry organizations serve as a great example of how our Nation can address issues like hunger without government intervention. These organizations receive no Federal funding. They operate from donations and volunteer services. We must raise the awareness of these organizations so that they can have the resources and the volunteers to serve America's underprivileged. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that in my home State of Georgia, over 28,000 pounds of venison was donated as a result of this program just last year, raising the overall total in the State to over 200,000 pounds since this program was initiated back in 1993. I commend the kind-hearted hunters of my State, along with those across the country, who donate their time and their money for those people in need. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution so the House can show its gratitude to these selfless hunters across the country to honor their great community service.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, again, a lot of what the gentleman says, I can agree with, but I continue to believe that some portion of Federal dollars that my constituents send to Washington is returned back to them and to our district, the 11th of Georgia. Yes, preferably through tax relief. But when necessary, through direct support of responsible and well-vetted local initiatives. Let me explain to the gentleman and provide just a little more context for this request and the needs that this center is seeking to meet. Here are the six counties that the center services as well as the unemployment rate in each county: Carroll County, 11 percent unemployment; Bartow, 11.5; Floyd County, 10.4 percent; Paulding, 9.8 percent; Haralson, 12.2 percent unemployment; and Polk, 10.5 percent unemployment. As I said, Mr. Chairman, at the outset in defending this initiative against the gentleman's amendment to strike, this is a good project. And as he says, Well, why don't they go through the regular process. Well, I think if they went through the regular process, this project would have a 98 percent chance of getting funded. But I think it's my responsibility if I can to make sure that we don't take that 2 percent chance. I proudly stand here and defend this project.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. I thank the ranking member for yielding to me. I want to say right off that I support the gentleman's request for unanimous consent but I certainly rise to oppose this striking amendment No. 7 by my friend and colleague from Arizona. I want to thank Chairman Serrano and Ranking Member Emerson for supporting this request, this project. I commend the gentleman from Arizona. I think that his heart is true and consistent in regard to wanting to reduce government spending and waste, and I think he is to be commended for that. And I think the gentleman from Arizona knows that I too feel the same way. In fact, I have introduced legislation to bring some fairness and equity to Member initiatives, to cut them in half indeed. I know the gentleman is aware of that. He doesn't know a lot about this project, and I'm sure that a lot of Members when their project for their district, for their constituents is challenged, they may dread coming down here to the floor. But I don't dread it at all. I'm thrilled to have an opportunity to come down and explain to the gentleman about this project. Very simply, this $100,000 would go to the University of West Georgia's Small Business Development Center and their partnership with the Carroll County Economic Development Foundation's Burson Center to simply fund the expansion of their small business support center, or incubator. This center, which already exists, provides resources ranging from business counseling, to temporary office space, to technical support and access to an online database of Angel Investors Networks looking to support a potentially successful small business. Specifically, this expansion will target the more than 12,000 veterans from west Georgia that will be returning in the coming year. Given the tight job market, 30 percent or more of these returning veterans will attempt to start their own business and will likely require some type of support in beginning that effort. I urge my colleagues to oppose this striking amendment.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks as well as in accordance with Clause 9 of Rule XXI, I am submitting the following information regarding the earmark I received as part of H.R. 3183--the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Phil Gingrey Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District Address of Requesting Entity: 100 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah, GA 31401 Description of Request: The $2,000,000 in construction funding will be used to begin construction of the Savannah Harbor Expansion Program. While the Record of Decision will not be signed until mid-2010, these funds can be used for final pre-construction monitoring and engineering design of the channel and mitigation components for the project. Additionally, these funds will be needed immediately after project approval for negotiation of the Project Partnership Agreement. Construction contracts cannot be awarded prior to the completion of this agreement.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks as well as in accord with Clause 9 of Rule XXI, I am submitting the following information regarding the earmark I received as part of H.R. 3170--Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Phil Gingrey Bill Number: H.R. 3170 Account: Small Business Administration Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of West Georgia Address of Requesting Entity: 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118 Description of Request: In cooperation with the Carroll County Economic Development Foundation, the university will use funding to establish a small business incubator to assist small business in a six county area of West Georgia (Bartow, Carroll, Haralson, Floyd, Polk, and Paulding Counties). This program will offer counseling, resource information exchange, and distance learning opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business ventures. The program will also provide online access to and navigation of the West Georgia Angel Investors Network. This project will provide the expertise of academic and business professionals directly to the budding entrepreneur. The program will include counseling, consolidated business resource databases, information blogs, and links to regulatory programs and funding sources. Video and online conferencing will afford real-time communication between individuals and groups. Distance learning opportunities will include training webinars in both live simulcast and archived viewing. Finally, the virtual resource center will provide a perpetual 3-D ``tradeshow'' exposure for participating businesses, including direct links to client websites. The program will also give potential business entrepreneurs access to much needed seed capital through angel investors in the region. Business financial analysis and exit strategy development are just two of the resources that will be available to the entrepreneurs interested in investment capital. Counseling and guidance in developing an investment package would prepare the business owner for serious consideration by the Angel Investors Network. The $100,000 in Small Business Administration funding will be applied according to the following expenditure breakout: Project Manager, $55,000 Support Staff (3), 90,000 Senior staff supervision and oversight, 80,000 Supplies, 20,000 Program Launch, 45,000 Program Development, 30,000 Technical Assistance, 25,000 Equipment, 205,000 Travel, 10,000 Administrative and accounting, 30,000

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues on both sides of the aisle know, I just called previously for a motion to adjourn this body. I don't typically do dilatory motions. I think my colleagues on both sides of the aisle know that. What, Mr. Speaker, I am trying to say to those who are now in charge of this body--Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, the chairman of the Rules Committee--is, look, as the gentleman from Arizona has pointed out, you have taken away so many opportunities-- not, indeed, all of the opportunities--for the minority to represent their constituencies. Those constituencies are close to 700,000 people in all of our districts across this country, and we don't have this opportunity, particularly on these very important appropriations bills--on these 12 spending bills--which, after all, are probably one of the two most important things that we as Members of the legislative branch are charged constitutionally to do year after year after year. I commend the majority for wanting to get the work done and for wanting to have all of that done by the end of the fiscal year. It's insanity not to do that, but we can do it in an open way, as the gentleman from Arizona has pointed out. Going back to the fairness that you all called for when you were campaigning so hard in the fall of 2006, you gained the majority, to a large extent, on that kind of a platform and on that kind of a pledge. So this is wrong, and this is why we're making these points.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, yesterday House Democratic leadership held a press conference to introduce their health care reform legislation. As a physician who has practiced medicine for more than 30 years, I have major concerns that this plan will ultimately put a government bureaucrat in between patients and their doctors and eventually lead to a one-size-fits-all health care system where the government decide what treatments are necessary for patients. When money gets tight, this leads to rationing of care and long waiting lists for patients. We've already seen the pilot of this program. It's called TennCare. Just ask the Democratic governor of Tennessee what it's done to the budget in their State. I want to read just a sentence of testimony from a Canadian doctor who has seen firsthand the consequences of a single-payer system on his patients. ``What we have in Canada is access to a government state-mandated wait list. And the wait lists are long, the patients are languishing and suffering on wait lists. Our own Supreme Court of Canada has stated that patients are actually dying as they wait for care in Canada.'' Mr. Speaker, this is not the sort of health care reform that the American people want or need.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. I have read a portion of this bill.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. The gentleman from Arizona is absolutely right. One of the provisions that they stated in the letter is this, finally, any health care reform legislation that comes to the floor must be available to all Members and to the public for a sufficient amount of time before we are asked to vote for it.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Recipients.