Ralph Hall

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the ordering of the yeas and nays on the motion that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4158) to confirm full ownership rights for certain United States astronauts to artifacts from the astronauts' space missions, be vacated, to the end that the Chair put the question de novo.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, I, of course, rise in support of H.R. 6213. This bill makes more important changes to better protect taxpayer funds spent under the Department of Energy's title XVII loan guarantee authority. I thank Chairman Upton for his good work and his committee. The Science, Space, and Technology Committee has jurisdiction over the commercial application of energy technology. One purpose of the title XVII loan guarantee program is to move energy technologies from research and development to commercial application. As part of our oversight responsibility for this program, we examined it on numerous occasions, including earlier this year as part of a hearing in which we received testimony from Energy Secretary Steven Chu. The poster child for this poor judgment is Solyndra, which President Obama famously touted as a ``true engine of economic growth'' for the United States. Most Americans are familiar with Solyndra's story, in which the Department of Energy gambled half a billion taxpayer dollars to support a failing solar company whose leading investors, I'm sorry to say, were major fundraisers and supporters of our President. Less well known is that the DOE made 25 other gambles under the program's section 1705 authority, staking a total of approximately $16 billion of American taxpayer money on what they call green energy companies with risky business models similar to that of Solyndra. I am also sorry to say that many of these companies also have ties to the current administration through investors that are major donors, bundlers, and advocates. If more of these companies fail, the Department of Energy made clear that it could restructure loan agreements in the same manner that it handled Solyndra, placing political supporters and private investors at the front of the line while leaving taxpayers holding the bag. This legislation would absolutely prevent that from happening again by requiring that taxpayer dollars are not subordinate to private finance should more bankruptcies result from this program. Further, the bill seeks to limit taxpayer risk by prohibiting DOE from making new loan guarantee awards for projects from applications submitted after December 31, 2011. These are necessary fixes to a troubled program, and I urge Members to support the underlying legislation. I appreciate the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Again, Mr. Chairman, thank you for working with the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology to further improve the bill in advance of it being brought to the floor.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, of course, rise today in support of H.R. 6007, the North Texas Zebra Mussel Barrier Act of 2012. When I read in the papers and hear in the press that Republicans and Democrats can't get together on anything, well, we're together on something today, and I think the gentlemen have adequately described the enemy. North Texas has a very serious problem with an invasive aquatic species called zebra mussel. I'd never heard of them before. I hope I never hear of them again. Zebra mussels are going to attach to probably just about anything. They infest and cover rocks, attach to boats and docks, and clog water pipelines. North Texas has a unique situation due to a Texas-Oklahoma boundary change that requires a congressional solution. You know you hear people say it takes an act of Congress to get something accomplished. Well, that's exactly what we're here doing today. The local water folks have been working extremely hard to prevent the spread of zebra mussels while simultaneously attempting to provide enough clean water for our citizens, but they absolutely need our help. They need this help. H.R. 6007 allows the North Texas Municipal Water District to pump water from Lake Texoma straight into the Wylie, Texas, Water Treatment Plant where the water can be cleaned of zebra mussels without being in violation of the Lacey Act. These folks are the only ones who have tackled and solved this problem. They're not the only ones who have tackled it, but they're the only ones who have solved this problem. It has been at their own expense, and they have solved it. Now they need our support. In the late 1980s, the North Texas Municipal Water District built the Lake Texoma pump station to better serve its use. This was built entirely within the Texas border and in accordance with the Army Corps of Engineers' 1939 survey, which defined the Texas and Oklahoma boundary line. In 2000, a variation in the Texas-Oklahoma border was enacted into law, and the pump station ended up straddling the two States. Since the Lacey Act prohibits the transfer of zebra mussels across State lines, it effectively has banned the use of the Texoma water pump station since the year 2009, which was when zebra mussels first appeared in Lake Texoma. The North Texas Municipal Water District generally receives 28 percent of its water supply from Lake Texoma. H.R. 6007 will enable the water district to resume pumping water to better serve more than 1.5 million users and to do so in a manner that provides safe water in the tradition of its 20-year history. The bill will allow the Texoma water pump to reopen, to provide much-needed jobs and to provide enough clean water to the community during a season of very severe drought, when water is desperately needed.

Mr. HALL. On May 3 of this year, the Army Corps of Engineers approved a 404 permit that will allow the construction of a 46-mile water pipeline from Lake Texoma straight into the Wylie Water Treatment Plant, which would remove 100 percent of the zebra mussels and would provide clean water for North Texas citizens and businesses. This is a commonsense solution, a necessary solution and one for which I certainly want to thank the chairman, Doc Hastings.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I, of course, rise in support of H.R. 4078, the Regulatory Freeze for Job Acts of 2012, which seeks to eliminate needless red tape and puts Americans back to work. I also thank and am proud of Darrell Issa and Lamar Smith for the handling of this bill. The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has explored regulatory hurdles being put up by a number of agencies, and we've seen a massive expansion of red tape under this administration. Much of it has come from the Environmental Protection Agency, where too many of the environmental regulations put forward have been based on secret science, hidden data, and predetermined outcomes--and some just outright phony. EPA appears to be hostile toward economic growth and job creation. For example, EPA's Cross-State Air Pollution Rule added Texas in at the last minute and threatened hundreds of jobs in my district and electric reliability across my State. One amendment to be offered to H.R. 4078, while well-intentioned, may have the unintended effect of driving agencies to make policy decisions without considering scientific information. While science almost never provides one specific answer to a policy decision, sound science should be used to inform the ultimate decision- maker. Science can tell you how the world is, not how the world should be. Eliminating other considerations, whether they be moral or ethical, leaves some scientists and unelected bureaucrats in charge. At a time, Madam Speaker, when many American families are struggling, H.R. 4078 eliminates red tape, reduces costs, and improves the environment for small businesses and job creators by getting Washington out of the way.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a poem by Dona Julian Cassel. Ms. Cassel graduated from East Texas State University, currently Texas A&M University-Commerce, in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and 1971 with a master's degree in English. She is a retired teacher who has since formed her own training company which works with businesses to teach their staff communication and customer service skills. Ms. Cassel's writing is timely for our Nation, and something I believe can inspire Americans to act. Battle Cry, a Call to Action Now is the time to take your stand! Don't huddle in the shadows anymore-- Your collective voices must soon be heard. Send your lawmakers a resounding roar! Make your earnest requests be known! Demand from Congress and from your state-- Empowerment to teach as you know best To produce the results that made America great! O teachers! What power you still possess! Immortal forces upon the ages-- This noble profession which is your calling Deserves respect and rightful wages! Defend the honor of your vocation! Keep its standards lifted high! Unite! Join this call to action! Embrace these stanzas as your battle cry!

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Lady Jacket Basketball team of Rockwall, Texas for their efforts during the 2012 4A State Championship game in Austin, Texas. The game was extremely close; however, the Lady Jackets fell short 45-42, showing incredible heart and determination throughout the game. I commend their hard work throughout the entire season. The Lady Jacket's head coach, Jill McDill, praised her team as one of the best defenses she had ever coached. Special congratulations to Paige Turner and Alyssa Lang for being named to the Class 4A All-Tournament Team. The reputation of the Lady Jacket Basketball program is one that is filled with pride and respect from the players, fans, and the entire Rockwall community. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us recognize Rockwall's Lady Jacket Basketball team, commend them for their successful season, and wish them continued success.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I, of course, rise in support of the conference report accompanying H.R. 4348, a bicameral effort that provides States flexibility and eliminates duplication of effort. I want to thank Chairman Mica for his leadership in this conference and for his outstanding work in negotiating a strong surface transportation reauthorization. The conferees' commitment to reforming Federal surface transportation programs has ensured hardworking taxpayers' dollars are being used more effectively and efficiently. Chairman Mica actually visited most areas of this country. At a time when we were at home in our districts, he could have been at his home in his district, but he was seeking to empower a bill that sought the greatest good for the greatest number. He worked hard at it. I don't believe in my 32 years here I've ever seen a chairman work so hard to get a bill that was very difficult to start with. At the outset of the conference, many of us committed to ensuring that surface transportation and restoration funding is used for its intended purpose. As chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, I'm pleased that the transportation research programs in the reauthorization are focused on enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and improving quality in the transportation system. The reauthorization before us provides, among other things, greater flexibility to keep research programs focused, and eliminates a number of unnecessary programs. The inclusion of language contained in the RESTORE Act illustrates our commitment to the revitalization of those areas harmed by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The addition of certain transparency requirements and the ability for the gulf States to dedicate funding to research and development and undertaking projects and programs using the best available science ensure the area most impacted will benefit. I would also like to thank my colleague from Science, Space, and Technology, Mr. Cravaack. He worked hard to protect the interest of his constituents in Minnesota, and he was committed to ensuring that we come away with a strong research title. I believe we've done that. Finally, I'd like to thank the Speaker for the opportunity to work with the Senate to complete a conference report that will provide more certainty to the States and the localities for infrastructure planning purposes. I believe this bill helps to create jobs for the American people, which is vital in this troubled economy.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Rockwall Heath Hawk's baseball team which brought home the title of ``State Champions'' this year in the University Interscholastic League Class 4A Texas baseball championship. Led by Coach of the Year Greg Harvey, the Heath Hawks had an exceptional season and playoff run before achieving victory over Cleburne for a 10-1 win for the state title. After making regional finals the past two years, this year is a culmination of the hard work and dedication of these young men. The Heath Hawks' record testifies they are successful competitors, but what makes them great is their work ethic, teamwork, and good attitude. These admirable character traits will carry these men far in life. The seniors in every team hold a special responsibility, and the eleven graduating seniors on this team should be congratulated for the leadership they provided throughout the season. Seniors Jovan Hernandez and Jake Thompson were specifically recognized this year for their skill and leadership. Jovan Hernandez was named State Tournament MVP and All-District Pitcher of the Year. Jake Thompson was named All- District MVP and was drafted in the Major League's second round by the Detroit Tigers as their first pick. I am proud of Coach Harvey, his aide, and the Heath Hawks baseball team for their accomplishment in achieving the State Championship. I look forward not only to cheering for the Heath Hawks in the future, but to cheering on the men of this year's team as they pursue their goals in the years to come. I have every confidence that they will succeed. Mr. Speaker, I ask those here to join me in honoring Texas State Champions, the Heath Hawks, and in wishing them success in their future endeavors.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4480, the Domestic Energy and Jobs Act, a proactive piece of legislation that encourages and expands production of our vast domestic resources to help put Americans back to work. I strongly believe that, other than prayer, energy is the most important word in the dictionary for our young people. It's the foundation upon which our Nation has prospered and key to our quality of life and standard of living. America is blessed with a wealth of natural resources and energy reserves, leading Citigroup to predict that we could soon become the world's largest oil producer. The recent shale gas revolution has driven production to new heights and prices to new lows. It has created hundreds of thousands of new jobs and stimulated a resurgence of domestic manufacturing in this country. In 2010, unconventional natural gas production alone supported approximately 1 million American jobs. Simultaneously, shale oil production has led to rapid and dramatic economic growth and job creation in places not typically known for energy production, such as North Dakota. Workers are flocking to the State to pursue the abundant opportunities in the Bakken shale. While the Nation suffers unemployment rates in excess of 8 percent, unemployment in North Dakota is the lowest in this country at just 3 percent. The only thing preventing us from reaping the benefits of being a world leader in energy production is bureaucratic red tape. Permitting delays, declining production on Federal land, restricted access, and stifling regulations all stand in the way. H.R. 4480 would free us from these barriers put forth by the administration and, instead, set us on the right track to unleash the full energy potential of this Nation. This bill addresses numerous issues the Science, Space, and Technology Committee has examined, including, for example, costly Tier 3 regulations that would increase the price of fuel at a time when families can least afford to pay more for their commute. Not only would this standard place a burden on household budgets, but the EPA ignored the law by failing to complete a study on the detrimental effects of RFS prior to beginning work on these standards. Quite simply, again the EPA failed to do its homework, instead barreling forward with regulations without a sufficient foundation. Regulations like this one are far too often based on shaky science, devoid of adequate peer review, and rely on secret data EPA refuses to share with the public. The EPA ignores the scientific method in order to overstate the economic benefits of its rules in an attempt to justify their sizeable costs. H.R. 4480 takes a timeout from EPA's activist regulatory agenda and seeks to put our country on track to pursue a genuine all-of-the-above energy strategy that would expand opportunities for production rather than stifle them. I urge Members to support this rule as well as the underlying bill.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. I, of course, rise in support of H.R. 5326, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2013. This bill includes over $30 billion for four key agencies under the Science, Space, and Technology Committee's jurisdiction: the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It's a very strong bill, and I want to commend the gentleman from Virginia, Chairman Wolf, for his continued passionate support for science and space issues in a challenging fiscal environment. Mr. Wolf is a true champion of science, and this bill is reflective of that. I also appreciate Chairman Wolf's work to address my concerns and priorities as chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and want to highlight a few specific areas of importance to us in this bill. With regards to NASA, this legislation recognizes the budget realities that we must confront by responsibly imposing measured reductions across the Agency's portfolio. Importantly, this bill maintains development of a new heavy-lift launch system and crew capsule. It maintains a healthy space science enterprise, continues to support innovative aeronautics research, and funds the administration's commercial crew program at the authorized level of $500 million. Our committee will continue to provide oversight on the commercial crew program and work with the appropriators to support a program that has the best chance to succeed on schedule, with appropriate safeguards for the crew, and with the best use of taxpayer dollars. With regards to the National Science Foundation, the modest increase for the Foundation is appropriate, as basic research and development play a critical role in our economic success. I strongly encourage NSF to broadly use this funding for fundamental research which keeps the United States at the very leading edge of discovery and not to blur this essential role with other initiatives that are best left to the private sector. Chairman Wolf has also worked to sustain the programs of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST, that directly benefit our Nation's competitiveness. The critical link between fundamental measurement science and our economic success allows NIST to innovate new ways to help U.S. companies excel within a global marketplace and create high-paying jobs. With respect to NOAA, I thank Chairman Wolf for his continued strong support and oversight of NOAA's satellite programs and for his efforts to restore balance to NOAA's research portfolio. The bill does this, in part, by redirecting the administration's proposed significant increases for climate science to higher priority weather research that will help to protect lives and property through improved severe-weather forecasting. This topic is important to all regions of our Nation and, most recently, to northeast Texas, where an outbreak of tornadoes and severe weather in April caused significant damage to homes and property, including in my home county in Royse City. Regarding these weather research priorities, I hope to work with you as the bill moves to conference to preserve and enhance this particular NOAA priority. House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC, April 17, 2012. Hon. Frank Wolf, Chairman, Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, House Appropriations Committee, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Wolf: On April 2, President Obama delivered a speech highly critical of the recently passed House Republican budget. The speech included the direct and serious charge that approval of the Republican budget will result in degraded storm warnings. Specifically, the President stated: ``Over time, our weather forecasts would become less accurate because we wouldn't be able to afford to launch new satellites. And that means governors and mayors would have to wait longer to order evacuations in the event of a hurricane.'' I object to the President's characterization of this issue, and believe it is important that we set the record straight with respect to the origin, outlook, and mitigating options associated with the potential weather satellite data gap referenced by the President. More importantly, I would like to work with you in our respective leadership roles on the relevant authorizing and appropriating Committees to redirect questionable priorities in the President's budget and place a greater emphasis on saving lives and property through improved weather forecasting. Recent tornado outbreaks across the country--including in and around my Congressional district and Northeast Texas--serve as a reminder of the importance of accurate and timely severe storm forecasts. As you know, the Science, Space, and Technology Committee's fiscal year 2013 (FY13) Views and Estimates (V&E) communicated general concerns with and recommendations regarding the President's budget request for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These views were delivered to the Budget Committee on March 9, 2012. However, in light of the President's remarks, as well as NOAA's failure to send Congress its budget until March 19-- ten days after the Budget Committee V&E deadline--I believe it is important to reiterate and expand upon key concerns with the President's budget. Regarding the President's suggestion that the Republican budget will result in a satellite data gap, the Committee views explicitly addressed this issue, noting: [T]he Committee remains extremely concerned about the potential for a data gap between the time that NPP expires and the first JPSS satellite is launched in 2018. Furthermore, the Committee does not agree with NOAA's characterization of the gap as a result of insufficient funding in prior fiscal years. For years, this program and its predecessor have been plagued with cost over-runs, poor management, agency infighting, technical problems and contractor mistakes. The program restructuring in 2010 increased costs and delayed the program schedule. Furthermore, in the two years since the Administration announced the separation of the original program, NOAA has not re-baselined the JPSS budget as required under P.L. 110 161 and P.L. 109 155. This inaction and delay is troubling, and significantly hinders the Committee's ability to conduct proper oversight and undertake a complete assessment of the program's future. Additionally, the Committee is extremely concerned that NOAA has not developed a viable plan for acquiring necessary data if the gap materializes as expected. The Committee recommends an immediate focus on such an effort and believes that any such plan should be developed in a scientific manner, utilizing the resources and expertise of other NOAA line offices. These concerns remain and provide important context to the President's misleading charges. Additionally, it is important to note that while the Joint Polar Satellite System the President refers to is a key component of two- to five-day forecasts, significant increases in warning times for tornadoes must come from better models, advanced radar technology, and more measurements from ground-based and aerial sensors that directly measure wind speed, direction, temperature and moisture. These relatively inexpensive Earth- bound observing and computing systems provide the most vital information for severe storm forecasting, and are unfortunately the types of systems President Obama is actually proposing to cut. Finally, I believe the President's request misses critical opportunities to advance much higher priority weather-related research and technology development that will increase the accuracy and timeliness of severe storm forecasting, ultimately improving protection of American lives and property. Instead, the Administration has chosen to direct virtually all of its $29 million (7.6 percent) increase for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to climate research. In fact, proposed FY 2013 climate spending of $213 million is over $60 million more than the level approved by your Subcommittee in last year's House-passed appropriations bill. Simply diverting some of this increase for climate research to research on Earth-based observing systems and development of weather forecasting innovations would greatly improve allocation of taxpayer resources and pay important dividends to the country. In particular, I recommend a shift of funding of $13 million to the President's anemic weather research request of less than $70 million for the following four areas: 1. Unmanned Aircraft Systems ($6 million), which will allow for testing and use of instruments to significantly enhance atmospheric observations, particularly in severe weather such as hurricanes and tornadoes. 2. Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) supercomputing R&D ($5 million) to enable weather forecast models to run much faster and more accurately with significantly greater detail. 3. Weather radar advanced algorithm and software development ($2 million) to maximize the utility and use of new dual-polarization radar hardware capabilities. 4. Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs $3 million) to objectively and quantitatively assess the potential benefit of alternative weather data systems to improve global weather prediction, hurricane track intensity and forecasting, tornado warning times, and the prediction of local severe storm outbreaks. At a recent SST Committee hearing, a broad cross-section of stakeholders recommended NOAA fund OSSEs to better guide weather data system decision- making and also inform options associated with minimizing the loss of forecast accuracy in the event of continued satellite launch delays and resulting gaps. Although I support maintaining resources for important climate research activities such as the National Integrated Drought Information System, I would also recommend an additional shifting of funding of $10 million from climate research to the National Weather Service to fund observing systems such as the NOAA Profiler Network and the National Mesonet. These on-the-ground systems have already proven vital for providing data increasing the accuracy of short-term weather forecasts and severe storm warnings. Taken together, these initiatives, with a small relative cost paid for by simply diverting a portion of the President's requested increase for climate research, could provide tremendous returns in terms of lives saved, out-year budget savings and the avoidance of billions of dollars in property loss and damage. Thank you for considering this important request. I look forward to working closely with you as you develop and advance the FY13 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations legislation. Sincerely, Rep. Ralph M. Hall, Chairman.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. I want to thank my fellow Texas Representative, Michael McCaul, for his very capable leadership, for his wonderful opening statement. It allows me to spend less time. He has knowledge of cybersecurity issues that is a very important asset to this Congress and is a benefit to the Nation, and I'm pleased to join him as a cosponsor of H.R. 2096, the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2012. As he stated so eloquently, as our reliance on information technology expands, so do our vulnerabilities. Protecting the Nation's cyber-infrastructure is a responsibility shared by a number of different Federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. H.R. 2096 primarily addresses important cybersecurity research and development efforts conducted at or led by these agencies. It reauthorizes existing but expired research and education programs at NSF while eliminating two unnecessary programs and enhances scholarships to increase the size and skills of the Federal cybersecurity workforce. It strengthens the cybersecurity R&D standards, development and coordination, and education and awareness at NIST; and it provides for strategic planning for cybersecurity R&D across the Federal Government. This is a good, fiscally responsible bill that enjoys broad bipartisan support. It represents a modest but critical piece of Congress' overall efforts to address the comprehensive cybersecurity needs of the United States. This bill has the support of numerous organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which calls H.R. 2096 an important step toward improving Federal cybersecurity R&D activities to improve the security, reliability, and resilience of America's digital infrastructure in partnership with industry. I support the passage of H.R. 2096 and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3834) to amend the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to authorize activities for support of networking and information technology research, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3834, as amended, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a sponsor of H.R. 3834, the Advancing America's Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2012, I rise today in strong support of this legislation. Before I delve into the details of the bill, however, I want to thank the Speaker and the majority leader for their leadership in putting together a cybersecurity task force to address our serious cybersecurity challenges. This task force, led by Representative Mac Thornberry, provided a compass point and set the direction for all the bills we're considering this week. The Science Committee started our cybersecurity early in Congress, so I was very pleased to see the task force embrace both Mr. McCaul's bills, H.R. 2096 and H.R. 3834, as necessary steps to improve U.S. cybersecurity. I would like to also thank my Texas colleague, Ranking Member Johnson, my neighbor, for joining me in cosponsoring H.R. 3834, which updates the NITRD Program. This program is an important component of our Nation's cybersecurity efforts, and it is critical to our overall networking and information technology research and development in general. It's a product of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 and represents and coordinates the Federal Government's nearly $4 billion R&D investment in unclassified networking, computing, software, cybersecurity, and related information technologies. The bill before us today updates the underlying high-performance computing statute that has been in place for 20 years and codifies the work the National Coordination Office already undertakes. Specifically, H.R. 3834 improves program statistic planning and coordination; it rebalances R&D portfolios to focus less on short-term goals and more on long-scale, long-term interdisciplinary research; it updates research to reflect newer technologies like ``big data'' and ``cyberphysical'' systems. It also convenes an interagency working group to identify gaps in cloud computing research and examines the potential for using the cloud for federally funded research and codifies and emphasizes the role of the National Coordination Office. Networking and information technology includes a broad range of technologies from smartphones to cloud computing. These innovations stem from numerous disciplines and have led to advances in search-and- rescue robots, unmanned aerial vehicles, near real-time weather forecasting, devices for assisted living, and computer-based education and training. R&D in this field seeks to minimize and prevent disruptions to critical infrastructure like power grids and emergency communication systems. This essential R&D is part of the reason that the House Republican Cybersecurity Task Force identified this program as important to our Nation. Other cybersecurity efforts undertaken by NITRD agencies include research to detect, prevent, resist, respond to, and recover from actions that compromise or threaten the availability, ingenuity, or security of computer and network basic systems. Currently, 15 Federal agencies are contributing members of NITRD, with an additional 20 or so participating in the program. Coordination among these agencies increases the overall effectiveness and productivity of our Nation's networking and information technology and cybersecurity R&D, leverages our strength, avoids duplication, and improves interoperability of R&D products. More importantly, in networking and information technology, R&D supports and boosts U.S. competitiveness, enhances national security, and helps strengthen the economy through the creation of high-level jobs. H.R. 3834 is essentially the same bill that the House passed twice in the last Congress only to see it languish in the Senate. I urge passage of this measure once again and hope that the Senate will act accordingly. As with all cybersecurity bills before us today, H.R. 3834 enjoys the support of numerous industry supporters and technology stakeholders. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).

Mr. HALL. I would like to point out that our efforts on this bill have been really a true illustration of the bipartisan work which the Science Committee and this Congress is capable of. I believe Ms. Johnson will attest that our staffs have worked well together to ensure this measure reflects good policy for our Nation's networking and information technology. I want to thank her, and I want to thank her staff for their work on this bill. Additionally, I would also like to thank Chairman Brooks as chairman of the Research and Science Education Subcommittee for his leadership on the bill, and Mrs. Biggert for her many years of championing this issue. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3834, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Issa for the hard work that he and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has undertaken in the development of H.R. 4257, the Federal Information Security Amendments Act of 2012. This bill updates and improves the decade old Federal Information Security and Management Act (FISMA). FISMA currently requires each Federal agency to develop, document, and implement an agency-wide program to provide information security for their systems. The Science, Space, and Technology Committee receives annual FISMA reports from each Federal agency. These reports detail the management and security of each agency's information technology resources, and the actions necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the government's information security policies. The Science, Space, and Technology Committee monitors these reports to review the cybersecurity standards and guidelines that the National Institute of Standards and Technology sets for Federal information systems. These standards and guidelines are particularly important because along with agency use, the same standards and guidelines are frequently adopted on a voluntary basis by many organizations in the private sector. The Committee will continue to receive and review these annual FISMA reports from Federal agencies, and will provide continued oversight of NIST's role in FISMA process. H.R. 4257 takes an important step forward in the protection of the government's information technology resources by establishing a mechanism for stronger oversight. The bill ensures implementation of new developments in technological innovation, including automated and continuous monitoring of cybersecurity threats as well as regular threat assessments. Our Federal agencies depend on FISMA to guide them to protect federal networks. Officials are already working to integrate some of the concepts proposed by H.R. 4257, such as continuous monitoring, into the management of information systems. I am encouraged that this bill will help agencies more easily comply with the latest cybersecurity standards and guidelines set forth by NIST. H.R. 4257 is a good bill that represents another critical piece in Congress's overall efforts to address the Nation's cybersecurity needs. There are additional tweaks that could make the bill even better, and I look forward to working with Mr. Issa as the bill moves through the process to address remaining issues to our mutual satisfaction. I support the passage of H.R. 4257 and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James ``Jim'' Schranz for his tireless efforts to promote and expand retirement security for all Americans. Jim has played an integral role in the formation of the Employee-owned S Corporations of America (ESCA) and will soon be stepping down from his role as the founding Treasurer to fully enjoy his retirement with his wife Nancy. After earning his MBA from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, Jim began working at Austin Industries, rising to Vice President of Human Resources. In 1998, he took on the role of Treasurer with ESCA where he used his knowledge of this important and unique retirement savings vehicle to help protect and expand it to other businesses across Texas and the United States. Through ESCA's efforts, Members of Congress have become better educated about retirement savings benefits created by private, employee-owned companies for their employee-owners. Jim has been instrumental in the fight to prevent inadvertent harm to S corporation Employee Share Ownership Plans (ESOPs), particularly in the days of pension reform. His retirement is well-deserved. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Jim Schranz and wishing him all the best as he retires.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Cary M. Maguire, a fellow Texan who exemplifies fortitude, American entrepreneurship, and community service. Over the past twenty years, Cary's strength of character was tested and proven as he fought for justice in a property rights dispute against the Houston, Texas city government. Despite being dealt a bad hand, court after court, Cary never surrendered. He showed courage and faith that justice would prevail, and his perseverance was ultimately rewarded. Cary is the founder, Chair, and President of the Dallas-based Maguire Oil Company and Maguire Energy Company. In 1991, Cary's company was given a permit by the city of Houston to drill near the banks of Lake Houston. However, when his crew began the project a city officer patrolling the area stopped the team, citing a city ordinance that prohibited drilling within 1,000 feet of the shore. The city revoked Maguire Oil's permit, and a lengthy court battle began. The case was shuffled around for fourteen years as courts argued over jurisdiction and how to proceed. In 2009, a Harris County court-at-law awarded Maguire $2 million in damages, plus $2.2 million in interest. The City appealed this ruling before agreeing on a settlement, settling a lawsuit that spanned two trials, four appeals and the administrations of four mayors. While acknowledging that the amount spent in legal fees exceeded the amount of the settlement, Cary stated that he continued the case because he thought it was important to defend the principle that while government has the right to take property for the public good, it does not have the right to do so without compensating the property owner. Cary proceeded to donate the settlement money to found the Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility that bears his name at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, where he serves as Trustee Emeritus in recognition for his outstanding service to the University as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1976 to 2000. In addition to his founding grant to create the Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility, Cary also endowed a university-wide professorship in ethics at SMU. He has provided additional funds for programs and facilities in SMU's Edwin L. Cox School of Business, including the Maguire Energy Institute, the Maguire Chair in oil and gas management, and the Maguire Building housing undergraduate programs in the Cox School. In 1995 he and his wife, Ann, were among the first recipients of SMU's Mustang Award honoring individuals whose longtime service and philanthropy have had a lasting impact on the University. His national leadership positions include service on The National Petroleum Council, the Executive Committee of Mid-Continental Oil and Gas Association, and membership of the Madison Council of the Library of Congress, where he funded the Maguire Chair in Ethics and American History. Mr. Speaker, Cary Maguire's professional and philanthropic contributions will have a lasting value not only in the great State of Texas, but our nation. He embodies many outstanding qualities that define the American spirit. As we adjourn the House of Representatives today, let us do so in appreciation of this American leader, Mr. Cary Maguire.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lieutenant Colonel John Joseph Murray, an American patriot, community leader, devoted father and grandfather, and a dear friend of mine for many years, who passed away on January 30, 2012 at the age of 90. John was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 6, 1922 to Joseph Murray and Madeline Cassidy. After graduating from high school in 1939, he began his military career in 1942--a career that would span nearly a quarter of a century. John served as an officer in the United States Air Force before retiring in 1968 as a Lieutenant Colonel and Combat Rated Pilot with more than 5,000 flying hours. His military career earned him the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters and numerous other military service medals. He was a gifted pilot, qualifying in 20 different aircraft, and was a dedicated lifetime member of the Air Force Association. John also recognized the value of higher education, and in 1957 he received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from St. Joseph's College in Philadelphia, PA, where he served as an ROTC teacher. That same year, he graduated from the United States Air Force Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. John continued his education by earning his Master's of Business Administration at the University of Dallas in 1977 at the age of 55. Service was part of John's character, so it came as no surprise that he took the initiative to mentor many young adults in their educational pursuits. John created a scholarship fund through his local Air Force Association chapter for college students struggling financially. He took an active role in encouraging these students and shared in their joy as they reached their goal of graduation. Upon his retirement from the Air Force, John and his family moved to Greenville, Texas where he began a second distinguished career in the aerospace industry, serving thirty-one years and retiring in 1998 at the age of 76. For nineteen of those years, he was appointed to serve as Chairman of the Employees' Political Action Committee. As Chairman, John hosted informative political forums in Greenville, inviting many special guests over the years including then Governor Bill Clements; then Governor and former President George W. Bush; former U.S. Senators Lloyd Bentsen, Phil Gramm, John Tower, as well as our current U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. I was also honored as his Congressman to attend several of John's forums. John was a highly respected man known for his intelligence, honesty, and integrity, both in his own community and in Washington. Everyone who knew John was struck by his innate optimism, his positive attitude, and his genuine kindness. John was a natural leader, and I am fortunate to have counted him as my friend. He will be dearly missed by all those whose lives he touched. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this American patriot, Colonel John Joseph Murray.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise, of course, in support of the conference report of H.R. 658. To begin with, I think I recognized our chairman gave accolades to all those he worked with, and I think we owe accolades back to him and his fine staff. The word ``transportation'' indicates travel, and he's traveled all over this country to bring this bill together. I don't think he's turned anybody down that's asked him to come down to help them with their area and given us due consideration. The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, in working with our Senate counterparts, helped write title IX, reauthorizing Federal Aviation, Research and Development. We also worked with our friends on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to draft various sections relating to the FAA's NextGen Air Transportation System in title II, the section relating to Unmanned Aircraft Systems in title III, and the provision addressing commercial space-launch licenses. I appreciated working with Jerry Costello on that line. He has been a gentleman and we'll miss him. The FAA underpins our Nation's economy and helps sustain a high quality of life, enabling people to travel safely, reliably, conveniently, and relatively inexpensively to virtually every corner of the Nation and the world. It's a 24-7 operation, staffed by highly trained and dedicated controllers and technicians who rely on evolving technologies to ensure mission success. A robust research and development program was fundamental to FAA's role. The NextGen program, which is expected to cost well over $20 billion when completed, will modernize our air traffic control system to accommodate ever-increasing numbers of flights, but doing so safely, efficiently, and with less fuel burn. Even though FAA is a highly automated, technologically driven agency, one of the peculiar ironies is its low level of investment in R&D. For fiscal year 2012, FAA requested an R&D budget of $386 million, which amounts to slightly less than 2.5 percent of the agency's total budget. That's a small level of investment for an agency that relies heavily on automation and is only made possible because of aeronautics-related R&D activities funded by the National Space Administration, which is carefully coordinated with the FAA and the industry. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased that Mr. Mica and his leadership were able to bring closure on this matter and on this important bill. I urge all Members to support this legislation.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a fellow veteran and treasured citizen of Rockwall, Ted Cain, who passed away on December 18, 2011, at the age of ninety-four. Ted was born on March 18, 1917 in Rockwall, Texas, to parents Jessie Hubert Cain and Sadonia Estelle (Lillard) Cain. He grew up in the family home on Renfro Street and was one of eight children. Renfro Street bustled with not only the eight Cain children but with many cousins and friends. The home place along with the smoke house and tool shed is still standing. Ted was preceded in death by his sisters, Lola Faye Phillips, Billie Raye Smith, and Thelma (Pickie) Tucker, and his brother, Hugh Cain. He is survived by three devoted sisters, Jessie Mae Rives and her husband, Billy, of Odessa, Texas, Shirley Cupp and her husband, Danny, of Edgewood, Texas, and Nell Samples and her husband, Clarence, who reside near the old family home on Renfro Street in Rockwall. During World War II, Ted proudly served as First Sergeant in the United States Army in Africa and Europe from 1942 to 1945. He was always very active in the Rockwall community. He joined First Baptist Church on December 14, 1941. As an adult, Ted could be found at First Baptist Church on most Sundays, ushering and welcoming everyone. He served on the church building committee when the church moved its location from near the downtown Rockwall square to the current location on Goliad Street. Ted served many years as a member of the Rockwall Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce and was past-president of the Rockwall Rotary Club. Ted also helped establish the Rockwall Lions Club and was a member of the Board of Directors of the First State Bank and Independent Bank NA. A thirty-second degree mason, Ted was a member of the East Trinity Masonic Lodge #157 for over 50 years. Ted served two terms on the Rockwall City Council during which time the first major industry, Texas Aluminum Company, was brought to Rockwall, providing many new jobs for the area. Ted attended Rockwall schools and has always exemplified what it meant to work hard. From picking cotton and working at his Uncle Gus' gin as a very young boy, to owning and operating his own businesses, Ted's work ethic was unwavering. All of his businesses were located around or near the downtown Rockwall square, the heart of his beloved hometown. Ted was successful in numerous businesses; from Ted Cain's Real Estate, where he bought and sold property throughout Rockwall County, to Mobile and Texaco service stations where he pumped gas, washed cars, changed countless tires, and distributed a piece of bubble gum with every ``fill-up'' to happy Rockwall children; from Cain's Variety Store where the shelves were lined with most anything one could want, to his last and perhaps, favorite business, Ted Cain's Used Cars. Ted opened ``the car lot,'' as it is still affectionately known, after his official retirement. Fulfilling his lifelong love and knowledge of everything pertaining to cars, Ted Cain's used cars were some of the best around. He bought and sold many cars and was always willing to offer the loan of one of the cars to a friend or family member in need. Over the years, ``the car lot'' became less about the cars and more about the friends who arrived every morning for a cup of Ted's strong coffee and to share in the camaraderie of the lively conversations and tall tales. I have met many Saturday mornings at the Ted Cain car lot, where several of us would get together to discuss everything from Rockwall High School football games to politics--local, statewide, and national. One day I prepared two pages of names I had forged on a petition to give us Members of Congress a fifty percent increase in our annual salaries--a raise in pay for Congress. I, of course, was joking, but most of those present were not buying it, and we quickly went back to bad-mouthing all Congressmen! I had never heard so many ``what the heck are you doing'' and ``hey--wait a dadgum minute,'' to ``are you crazy?'' We had new problems and topics to discuss every Saturday, and we all miss it now. Ted was a great host, and a man I admired and loved as a brother. Ted courted and married the true love of his life, Maurine Williamson. They were married on June 8, 1941 in Holdenville, Oklahoma by Maurine's uncle. Ted and Maurine traveled from Rockwall to Holdenville for their wedding in a borrowed car with $15.00 in Ted's back pocket. They have remained devoted to one another for 70 years. Ted is survived by his wife, Maurine, and their son and daughter-in- law, Dewayne and Ann Atkins Cain. He adored his two grandchildren, Chris Cain and Amy Cain Cox, and Amy's husband, Wendell Cox, and three great-grandchildren, Jackson Luke Cox, John Nash Cox, and Virginia Ann Cox. Ted's family thanks the wonderful group of ladies who have provided and continue to provide such kind and professional care: Miatta, Patricia, Jane, Esther, Maria, and Teresa. They are also grateful to everyone at Season's Hospice. Ted's heart was made of gold. He never met a stranger. Greeting everyone with a smile and a kind word, Ted loved to share a laugh and a good story. ``You've got to have a little fun every day,'' was his motto, and more often than not, a goal he met regularly. Throughout the course of his long illness, Ted cherished his wife, his family, and his many friends. While mind and body grew weak, his kind and gentle disposition remained ever strong, and an occasional glimpse of his charming quick wit surfaced to warm the hearts of his family and remind them to ``have a little fun every day.'' Ted's son, Dewayne, served as a page with me in the Texas Senate, and I was always proud that he called me ``Old Dad.'' Ted and Maurine were made for one another, and Maurine was there for him in his last days on this earth. There had never been a better guy--no better husband, father, and grandfather--and no better citizen than Ted Cain. We will miss him, and Mr. Speaker, I ask you to close this session of the House of Representatives today in his honor.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Conference Report for H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a reauthorization of the SBIR and STTR programs. This long-term reauthorization will provide thousands of small businesses with the certainty necessary to facilitate innovation and create high-paying jobs. The legislation will also strengthen the program's research and development output by opening it up to more small businesses, and will ensure the greatest return on taxpayer investment by helping us combat waste, fraud, and abuse. I would like to congratulate and thank Chairman Graves of the House Committee on Small Business for his leadership in this process, and for working to ensure that we produced a bill that both the House and Senate could proudly support. I would also like to thank Subcommittee Chairman Quayle of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for his work in improving this legislation and ensuring that it produces strong research outcomes. Finally, I would like to thank our Committee's Ranking Member, Mrs. Johnson, who served as a co-sponsor of the original House legislation, for her work throughout this process. This legislation has been a long time coming. I am confident that we have produced an outstanding bill that will improve the SBIR and STIR programs, will improve the quality of research and innovation from the programs, and will help small businesses create high-paying jobs.