Ralph Hall

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time, and I thank the gentleman from Oregon for his kind and informative information. I, of course, rise in support of H. Res. 444. I refer to it as ``Grace's Resolution.'' It has been so referred to several times. I thank Chairman Barton, Chairman Deal, Ranking Member Sherrod Brown and all the leadership for bringing this very important bill directly to the floor and the attention of all Members. This fall, the American public has been engaged in quite a few public awareness campaigns for cancer related to women, including breast and cervical cancer. During September, the Nation also recognized Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and groups held hundreds of events across the country to increase public awareness of this terrible disease. While it is heartening to see that Americans' risk of dying from cancer continues to decline every year, it is unfortunate that ovarian cancer does not follow this trend. In fact, the Ovarian Cancer Institute statistics demonstrate a woman's risk of dying from ovarian cancer is no less today than it was 10 years ago. It is an unfortunate fact that ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Currently, 50 percent of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer do not make it for 5 years. The disease is very treatable when detected early, but 81 percent of cases are diagnosed late, after the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries. There are still large gaps in knowledge on key aspects of the disease and there is not a reliable screening test that can help diagnose the disease at an earlier stage. The resolution before the House today outlines common symptoms of the disease, including abdominal pressure, nausea, indigestion, unusual fatigue and unexplained weight loss or gain. Women are more at risk if they have a personal or family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer, have not had children or are of increasing age. The resolution supports further research to develop early detection tools, prevention methods, therapies and a cure. Unfortunately, funding for ovarian cancer research decreased from fiscal year 2003 to fiscal year 2004 by $7 million. Other than a $1 million decrease for prostrate cancer, no other cancer received a decrease in the same period. As a Nation, we need to turn these grim statistics around. I would like to call on appropriators to adequately fund ovarian cancer research, and I would like to see the National Cancer Institute step up their efforts to find an early detection test. I have a very personal interest in making ovarian cancer research a top priority. My long-time legislative director, Grace Warren, my friend, friend of my wife's, friend of our family's, is battling this terrible disease. Many on Capitol Hill have worked with Grace Warren and know that I have always referred to her as ``Amazing Grace.'' Some even said that the Baptists had named a song about ``Amazing Grace.'' I am not sure. Grace was with me some 24 years, with Ray Roberts, my predecessor, 19 years, and I have always thought she worked for Mr. Rayburn, but I was afraid to ask her. Grace devoted her entire career to Capitol Hill. She walked right off the high school stage on to Capitol Hill when she was 18 years old and has been here and given her life to it. Her specialty is health care policy, and all those who are familiar with the work of the Health Subcommittee on the Energy and Commerce Committee know Grace as both a policy expert and as a friend. Grace's battle with ovarian cancer has been going on for 2 years now, and she has taken up the call for advocacy, even in retirement and as she undergoes treatment. She is working with South Carolina and national ovarian cancer awareness groups to bring this disease to the forefront of our attention and to call for affirmative action. For Grace and all the women who fight this disease every day, I say to you that we will keep fighting. I ask my colleagues to support this goal and to support increased funding, and I ask all of those who know me to join in prayer for her recovery and recovery for those who suffer the same illness.

Mr. HALL

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

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Bass), a member of committee.

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), a member of the committee.

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany).

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this is one of the two most important bills that has come before this Congress maybe in the last 10 years, one we passed a couple or 3 months ago. This bill is not just important to us in Congress that we pass something; it is not just important to companies that have to adhere to the contents of it; not just to the big oil companies, as they have been referred to, we need them, they need us, we need what they can do for us; but it is important to the youth of our Nation. This is really a generational bill because it affects your children and my children and my grandchildren. I probably have asked myself a dozen times what is the primary duty of a Member of Congress. It is probably to prevent a war. And how do you do that? You do that by removing the causes of war, and energy or lack of energy is a major cause of most wars that I know anything about or remember. Who fights wars? Your children do. They are today in school, juniors or seniors or maybe in junior college, totally unaware of what we are doing here, but so affected by what we do. Our children have to fight wars, not us anymore. About 64 years ago I was a senior in high school, and I heard Frank Roosevelt at that podium right there stand up and say in a speech after our Nation had been attacked, ``To some generations much is given, of some generations, much is expected, but this generation has a rendezvous with destiny.'' That rendezvous was World War II. We do not want that rendezvous for our children. If we remove the causes of war, and energy is a major cause of war, if we pass this bill, we will have refinery capacity to prevent a war for this generation and those that are waiting. So, Mr. Speaker, of course I rise today in support of H.R. 3893. While the impetus for the bill arose from tragedy, it opened our eyes to the vulnerability of our Nation's gasoline supply and causes us to act to prevent the price spikes and shortages from happening again, and everything we have said or done here on this floor is going to be in the Congressional Record for the American people to see. I would hate to say that I opposed everything that had been offered to solve the energy crisis. There has not been a new refinery built in some 25 or 30 years, and the ones that are currently running are doing so at 95 percent of operating capacity and at peak times of the year, even higher. The main thrust of this bill before us today encourages the building of new refineries, and in more diverse locations. It gives areas with closed military bases a chance to convert these bases into refineries so that they can keep their citizens employed and remain economically stable. I have one in my district at Texarkana, not subject to the vicissitudes of nature or the hurricanes; it is inland far enough. There are other areas in here. I hope consideration is given to them. I encourage my colleagues to vote for H.R. 3893 insomuch as it is a bill that addresses head-on the high price of gasoline and provides solutions from supply to conservation. I am tired of seeing my constituents have to pay almost 3 bucks for a gallon of gas. If you want your constituents to keep on paying these exorbitant prices, then go ahead and vote against this bill. If you want to help them, like I do, I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Rogers), a member of the committee.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, people are sick and tired of the two words, do nothing. And that is just no answer to folks who are startled when they go to gas their vehicle, 50 bucks, 60 bucks, $70 to fill it up. They are startled that we have airlines that are flying full and going broke because of the cost of energy, and we just cannot afford to do nothing. Let me just list a few of the areas here of the Stupak substitute that do nothing. It will do nothing to limit boutique fuels that have propped up gasoline prices by artificially limiting supply. It will do nothing to encourage private industry to build new refineries that will increase daily supplies of gasoline. It will do nothing to help diversify our domestic refining capacity away from the gulf coast. It will do nothing to help site crude oil and petroleum product pipelines that transport gasoline to Americans. It will do nothing to help small refineries utilize their capacity to increase supply and encourage robust competition in the industry. It will do nothing to provide authority to the President to temporarily waive Federal, State and local fuel additive requirements in the event of an extreme and unusual supply circumstance caused by a natural disaster, which proved to be critical in the wake of Katrina and Rita. It will do nothing to encourage conservation like carpooling and van pooling. Do nothing to strengthen the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to ensure that critical crude oil supply is there when the Nation needs it. It will do nothing to ensure that the crude oil sold from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is used for its intended purpose, to be refined for our domestic use. And finally, it will do nothing for the northeast to help develop the northeast home heating oil. We cannot afford to do nothing outlined in the Stupak amendment. I urge a vote against it.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 261. This bipartisan resolution commends the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services for implementing the Medicare demonstration project to assess the quality of care of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy; and it calls on CMS, as the chairman has said, to extend this project through the year 2006. I am pleased that Members from both sides of the aisle join me as cosponsors of this very important resolution. Delivering cancer treatment involves more than simply providing chemotherapy drugs. Oncologists need to plan drug regimens, educate caregivers, and monitor patient symptoms; and they are responsible for managing pain, minimizing nausea, and limiting fatigue. The demonstration project was critically important to improving quality cancer care in 2005. It provided resources to assess a patient experiencing chemotherapy side effects, including pain, nausea and fatigue. The project has achieved three important objectives: collecting data to improve the quality of cancer care, maintaining stability in the cancer care delivery system, and focusing limited resources in the aspect of cancer treatment most difficult for patients. Oncologists in America are the lifeline to so many individuals facing the greatest challenge of their lives. Hearing the diagnosis of cancer is a frightening and lonely experience, and the men and women who devote their careers to fighting this disease are the healers these patients look to for help. As a Nation, we need to do all we can to support these oncologists. I would like to thank the American Society of Clinical Oncology for working so closely with me and all of us on this resolution. I would certainly like to commend the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Deal), the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton) and the staff of the Committee on Energy and Commerce for working with my office to bring this resolution to the floor today.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, the Congress has passed and the President has signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, a historic bill that will put America on course for more energy independence. We now need to move as quickly as possible to increase production and distribution of energy supplies in the United States. The disruption of supplies and spiraling gasoline costs as a result of Hurricane Katrina--combined with the threat of disruption from other natural disasters or terrorist attacks--underscore the need to increase our energy supplies and reduce our dependence on foreign sources. One provision in the Energy Act that will increase supplies is my provision for Ultra-deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Resources. I want to share with my colleagues the letter and attachments that I sent to Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman last week. These provide further analysis and clarification of this program to develop the technologies needed to drill in ultra-deep and unconventional areas. This program will improve our energy and national security, increase natural gas and oil production, increase royalty revenues, and help lower energy costs for consumers. I urge the Department of Energy to take steps to implement the program as soon as possible. Washington, DC, September 14, 2005. Hon. Samuel W. Bodman, Secretary of Energy, Department of Energy, Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Secretary: I want to congratulate you and your colleagues at the Department of Energy for your fine work in helping with the enactment of H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005. There are many important provisions in the new law, and in this letter I want to draw your attention to ``Subtitle J--Ultra-deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Resources.'' As you may know, I first introduced this legislation in 2001 when it was included in H.R 4, the comprehensive energy bill that passed the House that year. Since that time I have shepherded this legislation through three separate Congresses. The provision has been the subject of Congressional hearings and much legislative debate. On the way to enactment in August, the provision was passed by either the House or Senate eight times in the last four years. The final version contained in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 embodies many improvements that were made throughout this long process and the important compromises that were reached during the Conference Committee meetings this past July. Since there was no detailed Conference Committee Report to accompany the bill, I am sending this letter to provide some additional context and clarification of legislative intent for this new program. My purpose for introducing this legislation was to enhance the ability of the Department to conduct well-funded, multi- year, resource based natural gas and oil R&D activities to accelerate the development of new technologies and increase domestic natural gas and oil production in the near and mid- term. This new program is intended to complement the work of the Department and allow the current Oil and Natural Gas Program to focus its ongoing efforts on solving the more basic production and environmental issues that challenge our collective ability to increase production and to transition to a hydrogen based energy system in the longer term. For example, the vast methane hydrate and oil shale resources in the U.S. could make a substantial fossil fuel contribution to the ultimate evolution of a hydrogen based energy system for the country. The Oil and Natural Gas Program should also continue its important work analyzing the consequences of past and potential actions by other federal agencies on domestic natural gas and oil production, conducting public interest analysis and fostering the education of the next generation of American oil and gas technologists. This new program will receive an assured, multi-year funding source from the Ultra-deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Research Fund to pay for research, development, demonstration and commercial applications to create and deploy the technologies needed to bring these vital natural gas resources to the consumers of this country. This Fund and the authorities established in the law provide the tools to ``the Department of Energy to work through its National Energy Technology Laboratory to accomplish these objectives and to work to develop the technologies for lowering the cost of drilling to formations in the Outer Continental Shelf to depths greater than 15,000 feet and to address the technology challenges of small producers. It is the intention of Congress that the Department will take steps immediately to implement this new program in accordance with the schedule established in the statute. We expect that the Department will use existing program direction management funds to conduct the solicitation and select the program consortium. It is critical that this new program be implemented as quickly as possible. Most recently, the Energy Information Administration forecast that natural gas prices in the Midwest will be 71 percent higher this winter than last. That means that gas prices during the coming heating season will top $12. Work needs to begin immediately to accelerate the development of the new technology needed to increase domestic natural gas production to avoid such high prices in the future. The Ultra-deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Resources Program has been designed to foster the development of additional natural gas from the vast resources of technically recoverable natural gas in the United States. The 2003 National Petroleum Council study on natural gas estimated that there are 1969 Tcf of technically recoverable natural gas reserves in North America--equivalent to 90 years of gas supply at current rates of consumption. The lower-48 contains 1240 Tcf, about 56 years of supply, of which only about 210 are unavailable to be developed due to moratoria or other restriction. The balance is in Alaska and Canada. Some of the Alaskan resource is technically challenged, but the predominant problem there is with price due to the high cost of pipelines to transport the gas to market. Much of the Canadian technically challenged resource would become productive with the application of the new technologies developed by this program. It is the intention of this legislation that the Department will carry out this program through two entities: 1. A single program consortium selected by the Secretary through a competitive solicitation will administer the programmatic activities as prescribed in the law and make awards to research performers to carry out research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities under the program; this program consortium, which will operate with significant oversight of the Department, should provide much needed industry and academic expertise to the program as well as ensure that the cross-cutting technologies for both the ultra-deepwater and unconventional onshore research are coordinated, developed and deployed. Selecting a single consortium for this program will render the greatest benefit for consumers by ensuring that R&D activities that are applicable to multiple gas provinces are well coordinated and the results of the work are effectively disseminated. Of the funds made available for this program, 75% shall be administered by the program consortium. Up to 10% of that amount should be adequate for the program consortium to administer the program. Significant authority has been provided for the National Energy Technology Laboratory on behalf of the Secretary: to issue a competitive solicitation for the program consortium; evaluate, select, and award a contract or other agreement to a qualified program consortium; and, have primary review and oversight responsibility for the program consortium. Up to 5% of program funds to be administered by the program consortium are allocated in the law for NETL to perform these activities. The review and oversight responsibility includes review and approval of research awards proposed to be made by the program consortium. NETL may use the allocated funds for program direction and to establish a site office if it is necessary to carry out the program, which I encourage; and 2. The Secretary has been provided 25% of the total funds for the National Energy Technology Laboratory to carry out a program of research and other activities, including program direction, overall program oversight, contract management, and the establishment and operation of a technical committee to ensure that in-house research activities funded are technically complementary to, and not duplicative of, research conducted under this new program. While it is contemplated that the NETL may contract out some of this work, the intent of the legislation is to encourage NETL to build internal research and development capabilities with this portion of the program funds. To ensure that this program is implemented as soon as possible, the legislation requires the Secretary to select the program consortium not later than 270 days after the date of enactment. That time line should provide sufficient time for a final contract with the selected program consortium to be completed and for work to commence when funds for the program consortium become available on October 1, 2006. In the preparation of the solicitation of proposals for the program consortium that will administer the program, I encourage the National Energy Technology Laboratory to seek broad public comment prior to the issuance of a final request for proposals. I look forward to working with you to see that this program is successful. If it is effectively administered in accordance with the direction and timelines provided in the statute, I feel confident that it will improve energy and national security and achieve the additional natural gas and oil production, increased royalty revenues and lower energy costs for consumers as described in 2004 analysis by the Energy Information Administration. I am attaching further analysis of the policy basis and thrust of the new program and plan to submit this letter and attachment for inclusion in the Congressional Record. Should you need additional information, please let me know. Again, I look forward to working with you on this important initiative. With best personal regards, I am Sincerely, Ralph M. Hall, Member of Congress. Attachment.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution to congratulate NASA and the crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery on their very successful completion of their latest mission. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution to congratulate NASA and the crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery on the successful completion of their latest mission to the International Space Station. Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot Jim Kelly, Mission Specialists Charlie Camarda, Wendy Lawrence, Soichi Noguchi, Steve Robinson, and Andy Thomas skillfully executed the 14-day mission in outer space. This Space Shuttle mission was the first since the Columbia disaster two years ago. NASA learned a great deal from that accident, and this test flight two months ago helped the space agency learn even more. While in space, the crew completed three successful spacewalks, and accomplished the first in-flight heat shield repairs on the Shuttle. The two-week mission also encompassed the first ``back flip maneuver'' so that crew could take pictures of the underbelly of the Shuttle to determine if there was damage to the vehicle during lift-off. The Discovery crew also delivered more than 6 tons of needed supplies and equipment to the International Space Station. While on the Station, ``spacewalkers'' Noguchi and Robinson replaced a failed gyroscope with a new one, thus restoring full capability of the Station's attitude control system. The crew also facilitated ``virtual visits'' from the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Japan. Returning the Shuttle to flight was the first step toward meeting the goals of the new Vision for Space Exploration--it helps America fulfill its promise to our international partners to complete the International Space Station. While the Shuttle's next return to space ,will be delayed for a few months as engineers work to redesign the tiles on the fuel tank, I am hopeful that we will soon be on our way back to the Station. Just this week, NASA administrator Michael Griffin unveiled detailed plans for achieving the goal of returning to the moon by 2018 and pushing on to Mars beyond that date. I am particularly pleased that the plans include many crew safety mechanisms for the new space ship. Astronauts like the ones we are honoring today, deserve our best efforts to ensure their safe journey into space and return to earth. Our hopes and dreams ride with them, and we must do all we can, at whatever cost is necessary, to ensure their safety. I look forward to working with my colleagues to help make the Vision for Space Exploration a reality. With astronauts like the Discovery team and specialists and staff at NASA, America will continue to push frontiers and lead the world in space exploration and discovery.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, of course, in support of H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005; and I am very pleased with the conference agreement before us today as the culmination of years of hard work and determination amongst my colleagues and friends. I certainly commend the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Barton) and the gentleman from Michigan (Ranking Member Dingell). I have been here 25 years, and I have never seen an operation like the one we have gone through this last week where the ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), and the chairman, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), worked together on hammering out a good bill; not perfect for either one of them, but both of them working for what has been called ``the greatest good for the greatest number.'' These two men worked together, did not agree on everything, but worked together for the good of the people, basically for the young people of this country who will have to fight a war for energy if we do not find our own energy, and we have plenty of it here. We need this bill before us today. We needed it 5 years ago. But I gladly accept it, because we simply cannot go another day without doing anything we have to do to increase our domestic production of oil and gas, increase our energy efficiency, and step up our conservation efforts, all towards the goal of being less reliant on foreign countries, people that do not trust us, people that we do not really trust for our energy needs. I am especially pleased about the inclusion of my Ultra-deepwater and Unconventional Offshore Natural Gas and Research and Development program, which will enable the development of new technology to increase natural gas production from the 1,900 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable reserves in North America, enough to meet over 85 years of demand at current rates of consumption. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill for the Nation, it is a good bill for the Fourth Congressional District of Texas, it is good for our country, and it is good also for this generation of high school juniors and high school seniors who, using this energy policy, will be able to ask themselves which university or college will I enter, rather than which branch of service will I enter. I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' for this very important piece of legislation.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his kind words, and for the hard work he and the group have put in. Mr. Chairman, as we wait to launch Discovery on another vital mission to the International Space Station, Congress is moving forward with legislation that celebrates and supports the Space Shuttle fleet, as well as putting our country on a new vision for space exploration. When President Bush announced the new vision for space in January 2004, I was really excited to see that NASA had a new direction and a new focus for the future. Our ventures into space not only keep our country at the forefront of exploration and innovation, but they are also vital to our economy and very vital to our national security. This new vision sets America on a course toward the Moon and toward Mars, and we should embrace this dream and work to make it a reality. Today's bill before the House reauthorizes NASA and outlines the broad goals of the vision. While it embraces the exploration agenda of the space agency, it also bolsters other NASA programs in science and aeronautics that keeps America competitive globally. I am grateful for a well-balanced bill, and I commend the gentleman from New York (Chairman Boehlert) and the gentleman from California (Chairman Calvert), and the ranking members, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Gordon) and the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall), and the staff, for crafting such a fine bill. I am particularly pleased that the bill includes a provision that I worked with that directs Administrator Griffin, our fine new leader, to develop a Crew Exploration Vehicle with a robust crew escape system. As we implement this new space vision, I am going to continue to work and I know our leaders are going to continue to work to ensure that NASA fulfills this priority and minimizes the risk for our brave men and women who fly our space missions. Our hopes and dreams ride with them, and we must do all we can, and we want to do all we can, and we are going to do all we can at whatever cost is necessary to ensure their safety. The money that we put into NASA grows exponentially when we consider the scientific and technological spin-offs that space exploration provides. Experiments conducted on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station expand health research and move us toward cures for some of our most threatening diseases. Microgravity experiments in the 1990s led to advances in antibiotics to fight infections. These experiments also unlocked secrets to protein growth that produced medicines to treat patients who have suffered from strokes and to prepare them for open-heart surgery. Americans suffering from osteoporosis also benefit from bone-density experiments conducted on the International Space Station in microgravity environments. These tests accelerated the clinical trials of a drug that is expected to be on the market soon. From the development of MRI technology to microchips, the scientific partnerships between NASA and American universities and companies ensure our Nation's viability, increase our Nation's competitiveness, and help drive our economy. I urge Members to pass this bill with the space shuttle and International Space Station. I thank everybody involved.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today in paying tribute to a truly great former Member of the House, the late Jake Pickle of Austin. Jake served his district and the people of Austin for more than 30 years and was one of the most effective and formidable Representatives this body has ever known. Jake was my colleague in the House for about half of his tenure. He loved this institution and was one of its leading Members throughout his service. Time and again, Jake convinced a majority of us to support appropriations and programs that benefited the citizens of his district around Austin--and at the same time he managed to convince us that it was somehow good for our districts, too. Jake had the intellect, personality, and drive to accomplish countless legislative victories for his district and our country. As a senior Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, he was instrumental in passing major Social Security reform legislation in 1983. This legislation helped ensure the viability of this great program for senior citizens for the past two decades. Jake managed to be both respected and beloved. He will be long remembered not only for his accomplishments but also for his engaging and flamboyant personality. His influence will be felt for generations to come, and he will forever be remembered in Austin as one of the great statesmen of the State of Texas. May God bless his family, and may he rest in peace.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to pay tribute to the First Baptist Church Youth Choir in Sulphur Springs, Texas. The choir is made up of 84 high school students. They have traveled to New York City, San Diego, San Francisco, Washington DC, Canada, the Bahamas, Disney World, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Mexico, and this year will be traveling to Ireland. On these trips, the choir performs concerts in areas approved by the city, usually outdoors where anyone who is walking by can stop and listen. While the students are performing, the adult sponsors talk to those who are listening and distribute free Bibles to anyone who asks for one. These high school students have been able to reach the hearts of thousands of people in a variety of places. The youth choir began in 1981 under the leadership of the Minister of Music of First Baptist Church, Fred Randles, and his wife, Jane. The students meet every Sunday evening for rehearsal. Throughout the year, they perform at church services and at Holiday in the Park at Six Flags over Texas to help them prepare for their summer trip. During the spring, they begin to learn choreography for the songs they sing. The choir has received certificates of appreciation from four different Presidents, the U.S. Congress, and Disney World Entertainment Industry. They have also been recognized by the Governor of Cozumel, Mexico, and the Bahamas tourist board, and they have had appearances on Good Morning America and The Early Show on CBS. In addition to performing, the students also participate in a number of ministry activities. In Hawaii, for example, they conducted Vacation Bible School and Sports Camp, worked with people who needed help around their house, helped at homeless missions, and shared the gospel with people who live on the beach. The First Baptist Church Youth Choir of Sulphur Springs, TX has not only been blessed by the opportunities they have had, but also by the people whom they have met and associated with in their travels, and in turn the choir has been a blessing to their church and to multitudes of people around the world. As they travel to Ireland in July, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these outstanding young people and commending them for the great work they are doing.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, I oppose the Obey amendment. The $200 million funding cut to NASA's exploration program proposed in this amendment would jeopardize U.S. jobs and jeopardize space launch capability. These cuts would threaten personnel reductions in existing NASA exploration systems' workforce across the Nation and could impact more than 1,000 employees. This cut will take money directly from work on the new crew exploration vehicle, a much needed vehicle that will replace the space shuttle in 2010 or after 2010. It contains very likely the most vital addition of a crew escape module making it a safer vehicle for our astronauts. It is a very important thrust. The gentleman from Wisconsin's amendment proposes to take funds out of NASA and put them toward justice assistance grants. While I am supportive of local law enforcement officials, it is important to point out that Congress has already appropriated billions for State and local law enforcement. On May 17, the House approved the fiscal year 2006 homeland security appropriations bill which provides $3.7 billion for first responders, including grants to State and local law enforcement agencies. Since September 11, $15 billion has been provided to assist State and local officials. Indeed, the bill on the floor today provides $2.6 billion for crime-fighting initiatives, $1 billion more than the President requested. Mr. Chairman, Congress has and will continue to support our men and women who fight crime in our communities. Of course we are going to do that. The issue today is not whether Congress supports law enforcement. It is whether Congress supports the economic and national security that our space program provides. Since 1969, America has led the world into space, and it is time to renew that vision. Our ventures into space not only keep America at the forefront of exploration and innovation, but they also are vital to our economy and our national security. This new national vision sets America on a course toward the Moon and Mars, and we should embrace this dream and work to make it a reality. As the preeminent leader in human space flight, we cannot afford to sit idle and let other nations reap the rewards of our hard work, research and sacrifice. We know that the People's Republic of China has developed a human space flight program that encompasses everything from low-Earth orbit to exploring the Moon and Mars. As the new NASA administrator said recently and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) just pointed out, we need to retire the shuttle as quickly as possible and begin flying the new crew exploration vehicle to the international space station and the Moon. These requirements and these funding cuts that the gentleman from Wisconsin proposes will have a direct impact on that momentum and the President's vision for space exploration, a vision that will advance our national economy and prestige internationally. America's space program continues to be an engine for our national economy. Exploration brings jobs and technological growth to America. Nearly every State in the Union benefits from the development of technologies needed to propel our space mission. At a time when we are all concerned about jobs leaving the United States, supporting NASA makes sense because we are providing good jobs for Americans. We owe it to future generations of Americans and the men and women who have kept the space program alive to oppose this amendment.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, a year ago, Mr. Chen Shui-bian was re-elected president of the Republic of China on Taiwan. On the occasion of the first anniversary of his second term in office, I offer my congratulations to President Chen and the people of Taiwan. President Chen continues to work to ensure Taiwan's democracy and freedom, and seeks reconciliation and cooperation with Taiwan's opposition party leaders. He also is leading Taiwan's efforts to gain membership in the World Health Organization and other international organizations. Without membership or observership in the World Health Organization, Taiwan is literally an orphan in the world health arena. I am pleased that our government has come out strongly in support of Taiwan's bid for World Health Assembly observership this May. As we join our friends in Taiwan in celebrating President Chen's anniversary, we also recognize Taiwan's steps toward democratization. These include Taiwan's end of martial law in 1987, first direct presidential election in 1996, first change of governing party in 2000 and first national referendum in 2004. Taiwan's example is encouraging to all those who seek and support freedom and democracy around the world.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to George Law of Sulphur Springs, TX, who has been selected as the Sulphur Springs Kiwanis Layperson of the Year by Golden K and Sulphur Springs Kiwanis Clubs. These Clubs will recognize George at a special dinner on May 19, 2005. Hopkins County Judge Cletis Millsap and the Commissioners Court will proclaim May 20 as George Law day. Sulphur Springs Mayor Chris Brown and members of the City Council will issue a proclamation in his honor. State Representative Mark Homer will send special recognition from the Texas Legislature, and I appreciate the opportunity to recognize this outstanding citizen of Sulphur Springs in the Congressional Record. George is a retired educator, having served more than 20 years as both a teacher and principal. George was vocational agriculture teacher in McCauley, science teacher and Kiwanis Key Club advisor in Sulphur Springs, and principal in the Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District. Throughout his years as an educator, George exceeded what might be expected to challenge and encourage young people. He provided emotional support and, in some cases, financial assistance to some of his students in critical need. Untold numbers of former students who have gone on to complete their college education give George the credit for challenging and supporting them. In addition to his work in education, George has devoted countless hours to his community. For more than 35 years he has been a strong supporter of Boy Scouts and continues to support scouting both financially and through his personal efforts. He has been a driver for the Road to Recovery Program, driving residents to other cities for medical appointments and treatment. George also is an active member and trustee of First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs. As a member of the church building committee, he served as contractor for the renovation of the church administration building free of charge. George has been president of the Messengers' Class, Methodist Men, serves as an usher and helps in the church kitchen. Everywhere he goes George is a general advocate for his church. George and his wife, Barbara, have instilled good work ethics in their children and grandchildren. When he left the teaching profession he would never say he retired. He would say, ``I just quit,'' and continued to work tirelessly for his family, his church, the Sulphur Springs Golden K Kiwanis, and his community. According to Kerry Craig, assistant editor of the Sulphur Springs News Telegram, on any project George undertakes, his approach is to ``Lead, follow, or get out of the way.'' Mr. Speaker, so many in Sulphur Springs have benefited from George's leadership and involvement in his community. Today in the House of Representatives, let us join his family and many friends in paying tribute to this outstanding citizen and great American--George Law.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to celebrate the life of a great East Texan and my good friend, Leo Hackney, who passed away on February 22 at the age of 85. Leo was one of the giants in Greenville, Texas, where he devoted his life to serving the citizens of his beloved community. Leo served as Mayor of Greenville three times and as Mayor Pro-Tem and Council Member. He was chairman of the Greenville Board of Development and president of the Chamber of Commerce. He served as tri- captain for Greenville's Sesquicentennial Celebration that established the Audie Murphy Statue for the city. He served as a member of the Greenville Independent School District, Greenville Hospital, YMCA, U.S. Savings Bond Board, Citizens for Growing Greenville, Greenville Majors Baseball Team Club and Junior Chamber of Commerce. He headed the March of Dimes Drive and United Way Fund, the drive to build a Sports Complex for the City, and served as president of the Hunt County Development Council. He was one of the organizers of Colonial Bank and operated it for several years. Earlier in his career, he joined KGVL radio station, beginning in sales and reporting and working up to general manager and eventually president. He later became president of sister FM station KIKT and built the first cable television system in Greenville. Leo's many accomplishments could fill volumes, and his influence in Greenville and Hunt County will be felt for years to come. In recognition of his significant contributions, the Greenville Herald Banner named Leo Outstanding Young Man in 1958, and he received the Greenville Worthy Citizen of the Year award in 1975. The street leading up to the Sports Complex was named Leo Hackney Boulevard in his honor. Leo also served his Nation with distinction during World War II. He graduated in the top three percent of Naval Midshipman School and served as Captain of the ship that escorted General Douglas McArthur in the Philippines. He retired as Captain from the U.S. Navy after 27 years of service. For 20 years Leo served on the committee to nominate youth to military academies for my predecessor, Congressman Ray Roberts, and continued to serve for another 20 years on my committee to recommend academy appointments. He served with distinction and was my trusted adviser and good friend. Leo also was devoted to his family--his wife, Dava, daughters and sons-in-law Susan and Jim Rath of Houston and Sharon and Joe Leonard of Greenville, brother Bill Hackney of Cibolo and six grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who supported and encouraged his family, and he leaves behind a legacy of kindness and accomplishments that will endure for generations. Leo excelled in all that he did at every stage of his life. He was never satisfied to be only a member or supporter. He was a leader, and when he wasn't leading, he made others better leaders through his example and encouragement. Leo was never simply a friend--he was a best friend to so many. The City of Greenville and our Nation are enriched by the life of this esteemed citizen. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us do so in honor and memory of this wonderful man, great American and my good friend--Leo Hackney.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I know you share my concern about the need to increase domestic natural gas supply--the cleanest of the fossil fuels. One sure way to do that is by developing the technologies that are necessary to produce our 1400 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable natural gas. As the original sponsor, I want to commend Chairman Barton, Chairman Dreier and Chairman Boehlert for their hard work to develop my ultra- deepwater and unconventional natural gas research and development provision that was passed by the House last week. It was a challenge to reconcile the different versions of the provisions that were reported from the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Science Committee. This natural gas research and development provision will increase domestic natural gas supply and lower the cost of energy to consumers. The Science Committee, on which I am proud to serve, passed its provisions for the comprehensive energy bill in early February. Those provisions included a program in ultra-deepwater and unconventional onshore natural gas supply R&D that tracked the language in the conference agreement on H.R. 6 in the previous Congress. The provisions funded this program through $1.5 billion in mandatory spending over 10 years. In the last Congress much good work was done to improve this legislation. That good work was reflected in the legislation reported from the Science Committee and I appreciate the hard work. Several weeks later, the Energy and Commerce Committee, on which I am also pleased to serve, reported its version of the energy legislation which included a similar provision for the ultra-deepwater and unconventional onshore natural gas research and development program that complied with the $500 million ten year mandatory spending limit contained in the House Budget Resolution. However, this provision was also problematic because the score in the first year was $100 million. The House Rules Committee was responsible for reconciling the differences between various energy provisions reported by several House Committees prior to consideration on the floor of the House of Representatives, as well as to ensure that the final version of comprehensive energy legislation complied with the House Budget Resolution. The ultra-deepwater and unconventional onshore research and development provisions that were sent to the floor and passed by the House are a skillful combination of the work of the Science and the Energy and Commerce Committees. The combined provisions provide the opportunity for implementation of a robust program of research and development, which the DOE Energy Information Administration says would both increase supply and pay for itself in the form of increased royalties, to help develop new technologies to find and produce more of our domestic gas. It is my understanding that the gas supply R&D provision that was passed by the House was scored by the Congressional Budget Office at $500 million over 10 years or $1 billion less than the provision passed by the Science Committee. I believe that the return to America consumers--according to EIA, a rapid technology scenario could save up to $7 billion in the year 2025 alone--is worth a $50 million per year investment over 10 years. This provision would establish a rapid technology scenario for natural gas production in this country. It is responsive to both budget constraints and is good public policy. I also commend the Chairman and Chairman Pombo and Chairman Nussle for their hard work to ensure that mandatory funding was made available for these vital natural gas supply research and development provisions and other measures in the bill. There are three other provisions in the energy bill that were also granted $500 million in mandatory spending by the Budget Resolution. The energy savings performance contracts will improve the energy efficiency of federal buildings and help mitigate the environmental consequences of power generation. The domestic offshore energy reinvestment program will provide funds to Coastal Energy States from federal oil and gas royalties. The electric reliability standards enforcement measure will improve the reliability of the Nation's electricity transmission system. Each of these provisions addresses specific problems associated with energy production and consumption. And each, for different reasons, need to be funded outside of the appropriation process. I thank the Chairman for his time.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, the greatest sadness for most of us is the loss of a child, and today I want to honor the life and help preserve the memory of Star Nuckolls of Sulphur Springs, Texas, whose life ended on February 7. Star was four years old. Her life and her struggle captured the hearts of hundreds in her community and throughout the Nation, and today we celebrate the joy and inspiration she brought to so many. Star was first diagnosed with cancer in June 2004 and received numerous medical treatments during the six months prior to her death. Specialists at MD Anderson Medical Center in Houston performed the necessary surgery and follow-up treatments for a stage four cancer. The citizens of Sulphur Springs and members of the First Baptist Church rallied in support of Star, her parents Steve and Kari, and sister Saylor. Sean Huffman, editor of The Christian News Monthly, wrote and published a moving article about Star and the strength and faith demonstrated by Star's parents. Star was a beautiful and vibrant young girl who demonstrated a capacity to live with enthusiasm and joy despite her serious illness. She never understood all that was happening to her and certainly could not comprehend the outpouring of support from friends and strangers alike. But her parents did. Their Sunday School class provided groceries so they wouldn't have to shop. Someone mowed their yard every week. Weyerhauser in Dallas donated purple stars with Star's name on them that were sold to help defray out-of-pocket medical expenses. These stars were displayed all around Sulphur Springs in a show of support. Steve and Kari's employer, Farm Bureau Insurance, donated enough to cover a weekly chemotherapy drug that was not covered by their medical insurance. And the prayers that were lifted for Star and her family are countless. Throughout this difficult time, Kari and Steve demonstrated an unshakeable faith in God and a strength beyond belief. Star may have lost her battle with cancer, but she was victorious in life. Star unknowingly strengthened the faith of her family, brought a community together in love and support, and captured the hearts of many throughout the Nation. As we adjourn today in the House of Representatives, let us do so in loving memory of the life of Star Nuckolls. May her short but remarkable life continue to bless her family and community and all those whose hearts she touched.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen of the Fourth District of Texas, Vilo Glen (V.G.) Strong of Mt. Pleasant, who passed away recently after living 92 wonderful, happy years. V.G. was an active and beloved member of his community and will be missed by all those who knew him. Born in Nebraska to Walter and Mary Schneider Strong, V.G. received his Bachelor of Science degree at Colorado College and taught high school in Eckley, CO. After marrying Doris Wells in 1938, he returned to college to receive his Masters degree in 1941. During World War II he was a civilian chemist with the War Department in Pine Bluff, AR, and moved to Mt. Pleasant, TX, in the late 1940s to work for the Cotton Belt Railroad. When offered a promotion with the Cotton Belt in another state, V.G. turned down the opportunity and found a new career as a chemical engineer at Lone Star Steel, where he worked twenty years before retiring. V.G. and his wife of 66 years, Doris, have been active members of the Mt. Pleasant First Presbyterian Church for over 57 years. V.G. served as a deacon and an elder. He was also active in the Lions Club for over 50 years. V.G. and Doris developed a passion for traveling after his retirement, visiting more than sixty countries and every continent except Antarctica. Their latest adventure was to Scotland and the Shetland Islands with their grandson and his wife just last August. Also in retirement, V.G. turned a hobby into a part-time job. His love for restoring antique lamps resulted in restoring or converting lamps for numerous East Texas antique dealers and customers. Most importantly, V.G. had a great love for his family--his wife Doris, sons Jerry and Paul, and five grandchildren. One of his grandchildren, Katie Strong, who is director of the Congressional and Public Affairs Division of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce here in Washington, shared with me her admiration for her grandfather. Katie noted that V.G. was a man of his word who helped so many in need-- social outcasts, young people who needed encouragement, young adults who needed guidance and direction. ``While his life was not extravagant, it was good, it was full, and most importantly, it was honest. We could all try to be a little more like the man his grandchildren called Pop-Pop,'' Katie wrote. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize this respected and beloved citizen of the Fourth District of Texas and ask my colleagues to join me in paying our last respects to Vilo Glen Strong. May the memory of his wonderful life and his legacy of kindness continue to bring comfort to his family and friends.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Paris Junior College Dragons on winning the 2005 National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Men's Basketball championship on March 26 in Hutchinson, Kansas. This was the biggest win in the school's history and only the second trip for the Dragons to the national tournament, some 46 years from their first visit in 1959. The Dragons ended their season with nine consecutive wins and set a school record with 28 victories in a season. They were unranked in the national tournament and beat two ranked teams before taking on 16th- ranked Moberly Area Community College, Mo., during the NJCAA Division 1 Men's Tournament championship game. They won by a score of 70-61. Paris Junior College coach Bill Foy won the Coach of the Tournament award and subsequently was named the National Association of Basketball Coaches Junior College Coach of the Year. Rod Earls was named the William E. French Most Valuable Player, averaging 13 points a game to lead Paris Junior College in scoring and contributing 10 points in the championship game. Alexander Starr received the Charles Fesher Sportsmanship Award and scored 10 points in the tournament final. Mike Battle scored 5 points in the final game and also was named to the all- tournament team. The leading scorer for Paris was Lamar Searight with 18 points. Other players who contributed to the victory included Brian Burrell, Donnell Franklyn, Rickey Quarles, Bobby Joshua, Tyler Best and Charles Stoker. Joel Green and Albert Reese also are members of the team. Coach Foy also acknowledged all those whose efforts and support contributed to the team's outstanding season: Assistant Coach Brad Enright, Athletic Director Jim Moffitt, Dr. Pam Anglin, President, and student assistants Tyler Easthouse and Patrick Thompson, among others. Mr. Speaker, the faculty and students at Paris Junior College, local citizens and loyal fans in Northeast Texas take great pride in their National Junior College Basketball Championship team. I want to take this opportunity in the House of Representatives to congratulate the Paris Junior College basketball players and coaches for their spectacular victory, commend them for their hard work and determination, and wish them continued success.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, like so many times when I stand up here, I am very fond of the author of the amendment, but I do not like the amendment. The name of Udall is almost a sacred name in the West. The salient part of this bill, I think of this entire bill, that the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Barton) has brought to us and we have passed through committee and subcommittee, is that it covers waterfront, and that means that we need all energy sources. This is just another of the sources that we pool together. I think assuring reliable, economical, and environmentally sensitive domestic uranium mining industry is essential to be a part of this bill and to carry out and make the fullness of the bill. As the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Barton) pointed out, section 631 of the bill reported by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I do not know how many votes were against it, but the committee authorizes a modest research and development program; it is $10 million a year over a 3-year period. I think they have allocated the money out according to the good it will do. This program would be cost-shared, and it is consistent with far larger programs for other electricity generation. It makes no sense to eliminate this important funding and forego opportunities for this. For all of these reasons, I oppose the Udall amendment.