Ralph Hall

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, history has indicated to me in my long time working with the chairman, I know that as this bill moves through the Senate, we'll be working together on these things through conference and address the concerns that we have raised. We support the committee, and I thank the chairman for his discussion. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. I think this amendment is very important to ensure that we assess water supply and water needs for communities and we keep in mind the industries and businesses that employ the folks in these communities. We don't believe the bill should be about pitting one water user against another, but rather it should help to ensure enough water for all users by focusing on new methods and technologies for conservation and efficiency. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise not in opposition, but to make a statement about the amendment.

Mr. HALL of Texas. I have some question about it, but I don't think I have a question I want to propound to you because we have discussed it. And your amendment would add to the growing list of research outcomes, the improvement of understanding of competing water supply uses and how different uses interact with each other and impact each other. And I know you understand that, and we've discussed it. I would ask whether or not it means using water for irrigation is competing with industrial uses or the ecosystem management, like releasing large volumes of water from dams competing with the use of water for electricity generation or recreational activities. And we've had some of that at Lake Texoma in my district. But as we go through and this goes on to the Senate and we have conference committees, and I know you've always been willing to explain your position, and we'll work together on that. So I'm satisfied with the bill, and I would hope that we pass the bill. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition though I am not opposed to the amendment.

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

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment offered by Representative Shadegg of Arizona. The amendment requires the interagency committee to identify areas of duplication, and I don't like that word ``duplication'' at all. And it recommends to the President ways to avoid such duplication. The amendment also calls on the President to ensure the Federal agencies do not pursue activities already being conducted by States, localities, and tribal units. And duplication spawns red tape, and the best example of red tape I can think of is Wilbur and Orville Wright's first airplane was a page- and-a-half handwritten contract, and the Osprey, the tilt wing that is one of the most modern airplanes today, just the paperwork on that weighs around 20,000 pounds. That's how bad red tape can actually get. I think it's a commonsense amendment here that carries out the underlying goal of the bill. One of the main purposes behind creating the interagency program was to reduce duplication across agencies thereby streamlining efforts and saving taxpayers dollars. It makes no sense in these economic times for fellow agencies to duplicate effort in Washington and makes even less sense for them to duplicate activities already taking place in our States and local communities. I commend the gentleman in offering the amendment, and I urge its passage.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment offered by Representative Moore of Wisconsin. This amendment requires the interagency committee to assess the role of Federal water research funding in helping to develop scientists and engineers at colleges and universities. One of the goals of the Water Research Initiative is to facilitate technology transfer, communication, and opportunities for exchange with nongovernmental organizations, such as institutions of higher education. Developing collaborative opportunities with colleges and universities will hopefully increase the quality of the research and development of water solutions, but also spur students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math careers, and we are very much in favor of that. It is vital for the future success and competitiveness of our Nation that we encourage more and more students to pursue these exciting fields. We know that more and more nations are graduating large numbers of scientists and engineers. If we are to remain the leader in innovation and entrepreneurial development, then we need to invest in the young men and women who will design and build tomorrow's solutions. Representative Moore's amendment simply requires that we examine how water research funding is helping to meet our science and engineering education needs. I support the gentlelady's intent and her amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, though I do not oppose it.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, it's my understanding that the purpose of the National Water Research and Development Initiative was to streamline, organize and coordinate Federal water research and development efforts. Although I support the underlying premise of the gentleman's amendment, I think it's duplicative of legislation we've already passed. A little more than 2 months ago, this body passed H.R. 631, the Water Use Efficiency and Conservation Act offered by Mr. Matheson of Utah under a suspension of the rules by a voice vote. Because this Matheson bill has not been passed by the Senate, I think we can work through this bill, and I withhold any opposition to this amendment with the understanding that I already know the gentleman, and have worked with him for a lot of years. I know we can work through any problems that we have with it. So, with that, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of John M. Connally, Jr., who recently was honored for his contributions to the insurance and financial services industry. The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors-Dallas named John the 2007 Advisor of the Year at their awards ceremony last June. This organization encourages and facilitates the professional growth of insurance and financial services providers and promotes their public image. This award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to their industry and their community. John began his career in 1963 and has been a major contributor both to his own company as well as to NAIFA. He is currently president and CEO of Financial Protection Life and Annuity Corporation. As a Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow, he serves as secretary of the NAIFA-Dallas Board of Directors, chairman of the Governmental Relations Committee, and will become President of the Association in 2010. He is a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table and has served on the boards of directors of the Dallas Association of Life Underwriters, the El Paso Association of Life Underwriters, and the El Paso General Agents and Managers Association, where he also was president. Additionally, John has served as a member of the Richardson City Council, a founder of Richardson Sports Incorporated, and has served on various other community boards. He was the Regional Director for John B. Connally for President, Campaign Manager for Wayne Connally for Lieutenant Governor and Preston Smith for Governor. He also served as a Lay Leader for Custer Road United Methodist Church. John and his wife, Erna, have been married for 35 years. Their family includes Kelle, Katie, Dan, Jaelyn and Brad. John is a Texas Tech graduate, where he earned a BBA in finance, played football on an athletic scholarship and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Madam Speaker, I commend John M. Connally, Jr., for his service and commitment to the financial industry, his family and his community. He comes from a great Texas family that has contributed so much to our state and Nation, and their legacy continues in his life and in the lives of his children.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am -submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act: Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Account: Operation and Management Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District and City of Denison. Address of Requesting Entity: 1645 101 East Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74128 Description of Request: I have secured $238,000 for the City of Denison. The funding will be used to approve access to the water for this project that the entire Lake Texoma Shoreline Management Plan. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Lake Texoma Shoreline Management Plan was opened for a 30-day review in November, 2004, which resulted in the conclusion that a Final Environmental Impact Statement would be required. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Account: Science Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Texas A&M University-Commerce Address of Requesting Entity: 2600 South Neal Street, Commerce, TX 75428 Description of Request: I have secured $380,600 for Texas A&M University-Commerce. Funding would be used to implement and operate a high-powered computing grid (a virtual computing environment) that will facilitate the solution of interdisciplinary computational and engineering models, and to develop a computational model of complex electromagnetic wave transmission, propagation, and reception, and analyze that model using new Computational Science methods within the virtual computing environment. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Account: MRT Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Red River Valley Association Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 709, Shreveport, LA 71162 Description of Request: I have secured $2,201,000 for the Red River Chloride Project, TX & OK. This project is designed to control natural chloride brine emissions at three major source areas to improve water quality for municipal, industrial, and agricultural use. Funding would be used to improve construction of low flow dams, pump stations, and diversion pipelines to Truscott Brine Dam. This project is a select major water strategy of the 2007 Texas Water Plan for the region and recently the state of Oklahoma expressed a renewed interest in the Area VI element of the project and supports the Area VI reevaluation efforts underway. Area VI is located on the Elm Fork of the North Fork of the Red River in Harmon County, Oklahoma. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Account: Museums and Libraries Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Texas--Center for American History Address of Requesting Entity: SRH2.101, 1 University Station D1100, Austin, TX 78712 Description of Request: I have secured $285,000 for the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum located in Bonham, Texas, one of five divisions of the University's Center for American History. The funding would be used to expand educational and program services to more people, area educational organizations and traditionally underserved populations to meet the public education mission of the University of Texas at Austin and the Center for American History. The National Historic Landmark is the creation of the man who served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives longer than any other person: Sam Taliaferro Rayburn (1882-1961). Known affectionately as ``Mr. Sam'' by his friends and colleagues, Rayburn established the library and museum in 1957 as a tribute to the people of his district and for future generations. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Account: Elementary and Secondary Education (includes FIE) Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Communities in Schools of Northeast Texas Address of Requesting Entity: 2886 FM 1734 Chapel Hill Rd, Mount Pleasant, TX 75455. Description of Request: I have secured $143,000 for Communities in Schools of Northeast Texas in Mount Pleasant. Funding would be used to continue the recognized prevention program and would be used for program maintenance, expansion of current programs and replication in areas where no CIS is located. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of McKinney Address of Requesting Entity: 222 N Tennessee, McKinney, TX 75070 Description of Request: I have secured $300,000 for the City of McKinney. Funding for this project would be used to replace its current analog system with digital technology that ensures interoperability capabilities, eliminates coverage deficiencies, and accommodates future growth. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Account: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Space Engineering Institute at Texas A&M University Address of Requesting Entity: 301 Wisenbaker Engineering Bizzell Street, College, Station, TX 77843 Description of Request: I have secured $500,000 for the Space Engineering Institute at Texas A&M University. Funding for this project will be used to involve undergraduate students in research projects in conjunction with Johnson Space Center. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Account: TCSP--Transportation & Community & System Preservation Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Greenville Address of Requesting Entity: 2821 Washington Street, Greenville, TX 75403. Description of Request: I have secured $570,000 for the City of Greenville. Funding will be used to provide safe transportation of goods, correct federal highway IH-30 and SH-34 bridge repairs and complete the Monty Stratton Parkway Interchange at IH-30 and Monty Stratton. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Account: Economic Development Initiatives (EDI) Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Texas--Center for American History Address of Requesting Entity: SRH2.101, 1 University Station D1100, Austin, TX 78712 Description of Request: I have secured $142,500 for the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum located in Bonham, Texas. Funding will be used for the emergency repair and renovation of the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum. Renovations will address structural renovations to the building that will protect the valuable collections and improve the access to an important national historic landmark. The Sam Rayburn Library and Museum, is one of five divisions of the University's Center for American History. The National Historic Landmark is the creation of the man who served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives longer than any other person: Sam Taliaferro Rayburn (1882-1961). Known affectionately as ``Mr. Sam'' by his friends and colleagues, Rayburn established the library and museum in 1957 as a tribute to the people of his district and for future generations. The building serves to preserve materials relating to the forty-eight year political career of Sam Rayburn. The museum and exhibits provide a rare collection of Congressional and Presidential papers for students, researchers and visitors. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Account: TCSP--Transportation & Community & System Preservation Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Interstate 69 Texas Alliance Address of Requesting Entity: 125 East 11th Street, Austin, TX 78701 Description of Request: I have secured $617,500 for the improvement of I-69. Funding will be used to provide direct access to the Port of Houston and relieve congestion for the communities all along the route, providing the most direct route from Mexico and Canada for major commercial centers in the U.S., easing traffic on I-35. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Account: TCSP--Transportation & Community & System Preservation Legal Name of Requesting Entity: North East Texas Rural Rail Transportation District (NETEX) Address of Requesting Entity: 2821 Washington, Greenville, TX 75401 Description of Request: I have secured $95,000 for the City of Greenville. Funding for this project will be used to support track, bridge, and other rail related infrastructure improvements to bring the existing rail line to Class 2 conditions. According to a recent TxDOT valuation and assessment report, the rail line requires extensive maintenance and/or total replacement of infrastructure to support existing and future operations. The proposed improvements will allow rail operations to run from 10 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour as originally intended. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Ralph M. Hall Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY 2009 Omnibus Account: TCSP--Transportation & Community & System Preservation Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Sulphur River Regional Mobility Authority (SURRMA) Address of Requesting Entity: 1125 Bonham Street, Paris, TX 75460. Description of Request: I have secured $95,000 for the Hwy-24, Commerce through Cooper 4-lane completion in Delta, Hopkins, Hunt and Lamar Counties. Funding for this project will be used to keep engineering/development phase of the project on schedule without disrupting the project momentum at Texas DOT. The completion of this transportation project embraces the following five goals; reduce traffic congestion, enhance safety, expand economic opportunities, improve air quality, and increase the value of transportation assets. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton).

Mr. HALL of Texas. Is that unusual?

Mr. HALL of Texas. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 469, the Produced Water Utilization Act of 2009. I had the pleasure of working with Chairman Bart Gordon on this and introduced H.R. 469 in the 110th Congress as H.R. 2339. In July of 2008, the bill was reported out of the Committee on Science and Technology by a voice vote and then was passed by the House of Representatives again by a voice vote on July 30. It comes to the floor today virtually unchanged. Only the short title and the authorization years have been updated. For those who are not familiar with the term, the Department of the Interior defines ``produced water'' as mainly salty water trapped in reservoir rock and brought up along with oil or gas during production. Produced water cannot, in its current form, be used for any purposes, and it is most commonly reinjected into the ground at great expense to small producers across the country. Each barrel of oil that is produced generates approximately 10 barrels of produced water, and we currently produce over 5 billion gallons of produced water a day in the U.S. That is enough water to accommodate 14.3 million homes a day. As we face shortages in energy and water, this bill could not be more timely. H.R. 469 is legislation that has two main purposes, first, to increase domestic energy production by lowering production costs for small producers and, second, to increase the amount of water available for agricultural, irrigational, municipal and industrial uses by making produced water stable. The Produced Water Utilization Act will provide important funding for research, development, demonstration and commercial application of technologies to purify and use the produced water. There is a critical interdependency between energy and water. Water is needed to produce energy, and the treatment and distribution of water requires energy. And as our population grows, so will the demands on both. According to a report by the Department of Energy on the Interdependency of Energy and Water ``the lack of integrated energy and water planning and management has already impacted energy production in many basins and regions across the country. For example, in three of the fastest-growing regions in the country, the Southeast, Southwest and the Northwest, new power plants have been opposed because of potential negative impacts on water supplies. Also, recent droughts and emerging limitations of water resources have many States, including my State of Texas, also South Dakota, Wisconsin and Tennessee, scrambling to develop water use priorities for different water use sectors.'' We obviously need to take a serious look at how we can avoid a water/ energy crisis, and this bill certainly helps. Mr. Speaker, produced water is currently considered an expensive nuisance by oil and gas producers, but it needs to be considered a valuable, usable commodity. With the research and development set forth in the Produced Water Utilization Act, we can make it happen. I urge my colleagues to vote for the bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas. You are ranking member on Energy and Commerce and former chairman of Energy and Commerce.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the chairman of the House Republican Conference, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence) for 3 minutes. (Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield my neighbor from Louisiana (Mr. Fleming) 2 minutes.