Stephanie Herseth Sandlin

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, recently, Don Meyer, head men's basketball coach at Northern State University in Aberdeen, from my State of South Dakota, coached his 903rd career victory. This accomplishment sets the national record for wins by a men's collegiate basketball coach. Mr. Meyer started his coaching career in 1972 at Hamline University in Minnesota, turning an unsuccessful program into a championship contender. Moving to Lipscomb University in Tennessee, Mr. Meyer created a national powerhouse during his 24 years there--winning an NAIA national title in 1986 and averaging more than 32 wins per season over his final 10 years at the school. Coming to Northern State in 1999, Mr. Meyer built another highly- successful program. His teams have won over 20 games each of the past 7 seasons, and reached the postseason 4 of the past 5 years. Over this long career, Mr. Meyer has become nationally known as a teacher of both young men and other coaches. Thousands of coaches from all over the Nation have honed their craft at the Don Meyer Coaches Academy. His instructional books and DVDs have been used by college programs such as Duke and NBA teams such as the Utah Jazz. Of Mr. Meyer, Pat Summitt, the legendary University of Tennessee women's basketball coach, recently told Sports Illustrated, ``(Meyer) is one of the most respected clinicians in the country. You can't sit there and not learn and be inspired.'' Another inspiration that Mr. Meyer provides stems from the journey he finds himself on today. On September 5, 2008, while leading his team to a preseason retreat, Mr. Meyer was involved in a life-threatening auto accident. At the accident site, his players' quick thinking and poise saved Mr. Meyer's life. Team captain Kyle Schwan told Sports Illustrated about the accident, ``It's a testament to Coach. In essence, he saved his own life because of the way he taught us.'' His recovery has included eight surgeries, the amputation of part of his left leg, and intense pain. Adding to the medical challenge was the discovery of liver and intestine cancer during his emergency surgeries. But through it all, Mr. Meyer has maintained his drive and character, coaching games from the sidelines in a wheelchair. This season, he again has Northern State in championship contention, and remains a sought-after motivational speaker on basketball, coaching, and life itself. Madam Speaker, it is with enduring pride and respect that I rise today in recognition of Don Meyer and his record-breaking achievement. This achievement is not only measured in the many victories achieved, but in the lives touched. Don Meyer has proven himself worthy to be counted among the best coaches our Nation has produced.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unable to participate in three votes on the floor of the House of Representatives today. The first vote was H.R. 12, the Paycheck Fairness Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on that question. The second vote was H.R. 11, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on that question. The third vote was H. Res. 34, recognizing Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, reaffirming the United States' strong support for Israel, and supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on that question.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unable to participate in two votes on the floor of the House of Representatives on January 7, 2009. The first vote was H.R. 35, to amend chapter 22 of title 44, United States Code, popularly known as the Presidential Records Act, to establish procedures for the consideration of claims of constitutionally based privilege against disclosure of Presidential records. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on that question. The second vote was H.R. 36, to amend title 44, United States Code, to require information on contributors to Presidential library fundraising organizations. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on that question.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the heroic and distinguished actions of Fred Stern of Aberdeen, South Dakota, who will be honored with several long-overdue medals, including the Bronze Star Medal, for his service during World War II. Fred was born near Webster, South Dakota, on October 21, 1908. He was inducted into the U.S. Army at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota, on June 10, 1942, and received his basic training at Camp Rucker, Alabama. Fred served in World War II's Pacific Theater from 1942 to 1945. He was a member of the 322nd Regiment Combat Team of the 81st Infantry, Wildcats, Division in the battle for the Palau Islands. The 322nd participated in the famed assault on the small island of Anguar--a hard-fought battle against the island's Japanese occupants. For his dedicated service, Fred received the Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, and the Combat Infantry Badge. After the war, he returned to South Dakota where he farmed, worked for the Brown County Implement, and as a painter before retiring. Madam Speaker, I join with all South Dakotans in expressing my gratitude to Mr. Fred Stern and congratulate his receipt of the Bronze Star Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead, and the Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp. We are all proud and thankful for all that he has done in the service of the United States of America. The lives of countless people have been enormously enhanced by his compassion and service. Fred represents the best of the United States, South Dakota, and the Army. He continues to inspire all those who know him and hear his story of sacrifice. Our Nation and the State of South Dakota are far better places because of his service, and the best way to honor him is to emulate his devotion to our country. I join with all South Dakotans in expressing my appreciation to Fred. His commitment to and sacrifice for our Nation will never be forgotten.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to take this opportunity to honor the service of Alvina Elizabeth Schwab Pettigrew as a member of the Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service, WAVES, during World War II. Born on a farm in Mina, South Dakota, Pettigrew is a true American hero who greatly contributed in the effort to end the war. In October of 1942, Pettigrew joined more than 600 women from across the United States and enlisted in the WAVES. The WAVES reported to the Naval Communications Annex in Washington DC at the height of World War II. They were given the top secret operation of cracking the Germans' complex codes that were used to radio instructions from German headquarters to the submarines that were sinking United States ships. This operation was so secretive that the women were warned that they could be shot for treason if they ever revealed their activities. Pettigrew and her fellow WAVES saved the lives of countless sailors by working around the clock to decipher German code until the end of World War II. To honor the WAVES' service to the United States of America, the Cathedral Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC will include, as part of a public arts project to restore turn-ofthe-century ``call boxes,'' Pettigrew's portrait and a description of the WAVES' secret operation that was conducted less than 200 yards away in the Navy Annex. It will be an everlasting tribute to their effort to end the war. Our Nation and the State of South Dakota are far better places because of Pettigrew's service and that of all WAVES. I join with all Members of the House of Representatives and South Dakotans in expressing my gratitude for their commitment to serving and protecting our Nation. They will never be forgotten.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, I regret that due to unforeseen circumstances I was unable to participate in one vote on the floor of the House of Representatives on September 24, 2008. The vote was on H.R. 7005, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide alternative minimum tax, AMT, relief for individuals for 2008. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on that question. AMT relief is certainly necessary, and providing it for more than 25 million families in 2008 is projected to cost more than $60 billion over 10 years. In addition, because the AMT fix in this bill is not paid for under pay-as-you-go rules, the fix can be expected to add tens of billions more in interest costs. In contrast, the fiscally responsible version of AMT relief that the House passed earlier this year with my support would have been revenue neutral, including through the elimination of a tax subsidy that continues to be provided to major oil companies during this time of record profits for the industry. I cannot support H.R. 7005, which would add many tens of billions more to the out-of-control national debt that is approaching $10 trillion, when a fiscally responsible and fair alternative is available.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4544, the ``Code Talker Recognition Act.'' As a cosponsor of H.R. 4544, I would like to thank Representative Boren for introducing this important bill to honor our nation's Native American Code Talkers--including code talkers from South Dakota's Sioux tribes--with this long overdue recognition. South Dakota is home to the last living Lakota code talker--Clarence Wolf Guts. Clarence, who is an 84-year-old Lakota warrior from the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, was the personal code talker for Major General Paul Mueller, commander of the U.S. Army's 81st Infantry. He traveled with Gen. Mueller and the 81st as the division moved from island to island during the fight against the Japanese during World War II. I am privileged to have this opportunity to thank Clarence for his service during World War II and to honor all of our Nation's code talkers--whose efforts prevented the enemy from intercepting vital communications--saving the lives of countless American members of the Armed Forces. Again, I would like to thank Representtive Boren for his leadership and to thank our Nation's code talkers, who serve as an inspiration for all Americans to emulate.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, the House is considering today the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights. I believe it is critically important to ensure fairness and transparency for consumers engaged in credit card transactions, and I support many of the commonsense provisions included in this bill designed to prevent unfair and deceptive practices. However, while ensuring basic consumer protections, we should also consider the full implications of potential new regulation for consumers. I have joined with the other members of the South Dakota delegation in expressing our concerns on this subject to the regulatory agencies that are already fully engaged in crafting new credit card regulations addressing many of the same issues addressed in this legislation. We are concerned that, if enacted, this legislation would prohibit issuers of nonprime credit cards from charging deposits or fees to the card for the issuance of credit. Although well intentioned, this provision could have the unintended consequence of unnecessarily limiting credit for many of the more than 70 million consumers who are considered nonprime, and for whom subprime credit cards may be the only available source of credit. In a time of economic instability and decreasing credit availability, it is essential to consider the full potential impact of limiting access to credit. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and other agencies with significant expertise in this area are already working to implement new credit card regulations targeting many of the same practices this legislation seeks to address. These regulations are expected to be finalized before the end of this year and will reflect over 50,000 comment letters received by these agencies from consumers and representatives of the financial service industry. It should also be recognized that many issuers of credit cards have already initiated good faith steps to impose greater fairness, transparency and consumer protections in their industry. For these reasons, while I fully support the goal of ensuring fairness in the credit card industry and protecting consumers from unfair and deceptive practices, I cannot support today's bill, which I believe should be improved before being passed by the House. As the legislative and regulatory processes progress, I will continue to work to ensure Congress fully considers the potential effect of these provisions on millions of consumers.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue that has reached crisis levels in many Native American communities: the Federal funding shortfalls crippling tribal law enforcement and justice systems. Native American families, like all families, deserve safe and secure communities. Tragically, there is a pervasive sense of lawlessness in too many areas of Indian country. As the at-large Member of Congress for South Dakota, I am proud to represent nine sovereign native nations. The Federal Government has a unique relationship with the 562 federally recognized tribes. This government-to-government relationship is established in the U.S. Constitution, is recognized through treaties and is reaffirmed through executive orders, judicial decisions and congressional action. Law enforcement is one of the Federal Government's trust obligations to tribes. Yet, on many counts, we are failing to meet that obligation. Less than 3,000 law enforcement officers patrol more than 56 million acres of Indian country. Let me repeat: 3,000 officers for 56 million acres. That reflects less than one half of the law enforcement presence in comparable rural communities. A recent master plan for justice services in Indian country found that crime is increasing. The report notes that drug cartels deliberately base their operations in Indian country because of the lack of law enforcement. Once drug producers gain a foothold in reservations, they can sell drugs throughout the United States. Drug trafficking demonstrates that weak tribal law enforcement systems are not just a problem for Indian country; they affect us all. In addition to drug activity, the rates of crime against women are staggering. In June 2007, Amnesty International released their report, entitled ``Maze of Injustice,'' which documents what native women have long known before and have fought against. The figures suggest that 34 percent of native women will be raped in their lifetimes. Even more women will be victims of domestic violence. When tribal law enforcement departments are understaffed, there are delays in responding to victims and to collecting evidence. At a 2007 Natural Resources Committee field hearing, we heard from Georgia Little Shield, director of the Pretty Bird Woman House on the Standing Rock Reservation, which was named in honor of a Lakota woman who was brutally raped and murdered in that community. Ms. Little Shield told of a woman who was beaten by her partner and who had called her for help in filing a police report. They called the police and were told, when an officer becomes available, he would take her statement. After 2 hours of waiting, they called again. The one officer on duty had been sent to the scene of a traffic accident. After waiting 2 more hours, they called yet again. In the end, the police officer never came to take her statement. Large land-based reservations are hit especially hard by insufficient funding. For example, the Cheyenne River Sioux tribal chairman has testified that his tribe has only three officers per shift to cover an area almost the size of Connecticut. These situations and statistics show that the extent of these problems far exceed the level of appropriations. I applaud the interior appropriations subcommittee Chairman Norman Dicks and the entire Appropriations Committee for increasing tribal law enforcement and justice funding by $28.7 million from fiscal year 2007 to fiscal year 2008. However, we have much more to do. In 2004, the Interior Department Inspector General reported on the deteriorating conditions of tribal detention facilities. Four years later, not much has changed. Last month, the BIA jail in Pine Ridge, South Dakota was closed for safety reasons after years of insufficient maintenance by the Federal Government. It's estimated that the tribal detention system alone will require $8.4 billion to address our current deficiencies. In conclusion, fully funding tribal law enforcement will not fix every problem such as the lack of transparency and accountability at the BIA. That is why I am proud to sponsor the Tribal Law and Order Act. This act was written by Senator Dorgan, chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee in the Senate. I look forward to working with him to ensure the bill becomes law. The immediate challenge facing tribes is the insufficient Federal funds that leads to too few officers, to jails too unsafe for inmates and staff and to tribal courts nearly overwhelmed with caseloads. Let me say again: Native American families, like all families, deserve to raise their children and to live their lives with a basic sense of security and safety. Congress must meet our trust responsibilities by fully funding tribal law enforcement and justice systems.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work of employees at three excellent South Dakota organizations, Black Hills Workshop and Training Center, Northern Hills Training Center, and Community Connections, who have each sent representatives to Washington, DC, this week to take part in the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) 2008 Governmental Activities Seminar. In my work in Congress, I have made fair and equitable treatment of people with disabilities a priority. Identifying the key issues and areas on which to focus has been the result of a dialogue with those who know the issues best: people like the employees at Black Hills Workshop, Northern Hills Training Center, and Community Connections. These good folks are working in South Dakota right now to provide direct support and services to individuals with disabilities of all ages. Black Hills Workshop and Training Center, Northern Hills Training Center, and Community Connections employ nearly 600 direct support professionals (DSPs) who provide a range of supports seven days a week, 24-hours a day to help those with mental and physical disabilities live and work in their community. Together this outstanding, highly trained, highly skilled, and highly committed workforce supports nearly 800 people with disabilities in South Dakota as they strive to live up to their potential and be as independent as they can be. Many of the people receiving supports from DSPs, both at these three agencies and around the country, hold paid and volunteer jobs, contributing a great deal to their communities. But without the dedicated daily work of DSPs, such contributions may not be possible and the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families would be disrupted and unfulfilled. Without an adequately paid, trained and dedicated workforce, our Nation's individuals with disabilities and their families face a less secure future. Without the necessary workforce, providers cannot help our Nation fulfill the commitment Congress made to people with disabilities in the Americans with Disabilities Act, as the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed in its Olmstead decision. I applaud the people at Black Hills Workshop and Training Center, Northern Hills Training Center, and Community Connections for taking a lead on this workforce issue. And, as a member of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus and the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, I encourage all of my Colleagues to examine their commitment to providing the best support possible to the people with disabilities in their districts. There is no better way to recognize the contribution DSPs make to the Nation than to ensure that they are fairly compensated. Direct support professionals make a difference; they should make a living too. I ask that my colleagues join with me in cosponsoring the bipartisan Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act (H.R. 1279) and to urge hearings on this important issue in the coming months.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, as the Chairwoman of the Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and sponsor of the ``Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act,'' which has been included in the ``Improving Veterans' Opportunity in Education and Business Act,'' I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6221, as amended. I would like to thank full Committee Chairman Filner, Ranking Member Buyer, and the sponsor of the bill, Subcommittee Ranking Member Boozman for their leadership and bipartisan support of this bill, which the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee passed on June 26 and the full Committee approved on July 15. As I noted, this important measure to improve business and education opportunities for veterans includes the ``Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act,'' which I introduced on June 10 of this year. The purpose of my bill is to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a 5-year pilot program to expand on existing work- study activities for veterans. Currently, veterans that qualify for work-study would be limited to working on VA related work. My bill would allow those veterans the option of working in academic departments and student services. This change would put them at par with students that qualify for a work-study position under programs not administered by the VA. I also would like to thank Representative Peter Welch for a bill, which was also included in H.R. 6221, to reauthorize the Military Occupational Specialty Transition (MOST) Program, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Boozman for the introduction of the underlying bill to require VA contractees to comply with contracting goals and preferences for small businesses owned by veterans. Again, I thank Chairman Boozman for sponsoring this important bill. I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 6221, as amended.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, as the Chairwoman of the Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and sponsor of the bill, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6225, as amended, which the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee passed on June 26 and the full Committee approved on July 15. I would like to thank full Committee Chairman Filner, Ranking Member Buyer, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Boozman for their leadership and bipartisan support of this bill, which I introduced on June 10, 2008. The bill would amend section 2 of title 38 by declaring the court ``shall'' instead of ``may'' use its full equity powers, including temporary or permanent injunctions, temporary restraining orders, and contempt orders, to protect the rights and benefits of veterans. It is my expectation that more courts will use this remedy when deemed appropriate that equitable relief is warranted. I also would like to thank Mr. Matthew Tully of Tully and Rinckey LLC, who specializes in law under USERRA, and brought the need for this change to our Subcommittee's attention during a hearing on February 13 of this year. I also would like to thank Representative Susan Davis for the introduction of H.R. 2910, ``The Veterans Education Tuition Support Act,'' Representative Patrick Murphy for the introduction of H.R. 3298 ``The 21st Century Servicemembers Protection Act,'' and Representative John Carter for the introduction of H.R. 6070, ``The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act''--all of which have also been included in H.R. 6225. These bills take steps in the right direction to providing greater protections and safeguards to those that have answered the call to duty. Again, I thank Chairman Filner for his support of these important bills. I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 6225, as amended.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, as the Chairwoman of the Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4255, as amended, which the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee passed on June 26 and the full Committee approved on July 15. I would like to congratulate Chairman Filner for introducing this bill to authorize the VA to make a grant to the United States Olympic Committee to provide and develop activities for servicemembers and veterans with physical disabilities. I also would like to thank full Committee Ranking Member Buyer for his leadership and willingness to work with the majority to combine provisions of his bill, H.R. 1370, with the Chairman's bill. The United States Olympic Committee Paralympics Program Act will help increase the participation of disabled veterans in physical activities and sports to promote healthy-living, help elite-level athletes compete in sporting programs, and help our wounded servicemembers transition to the next stage in their lives. Again, I thank the Chairman and Ranking Member Buyer for their leadership on this important issue. I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 4255.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this rule and the underlying bill, H.R. 5501, the Tom Lantos and Henry Hyde HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act. I would like to thank the chairman and ranking member for their work on this important legislation authorizing $50 billion to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria overseas. I also support a provision added by the Senate to authorize $2 billion to fund essential programs and infrastructure development for Native American tribes, sovereign nations within our own borders. The United States has a special government-to-government relationship to the federally recognized American Indian tribes, as established in the U.S. Constitution. The $750 million for tribal law enforcement and public safety would provide funding for detention facilities, police officers, tribal courts, and other crucial services. In June of 2007, the House Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing on the Lower Brule Reservation in South Dakota entitled ``The Needs and Challenges of Tribal Law Enforcement on Indian Reservations.'' At the hearing tribal leaders shared examples of police departments stretched too thin. They spoke of how a lack of law enforcement personnel negatively impacts victims of crime and undermines the sense of security across their communities. The funding in today's bill will empower tribes to improve the law enforcement and judicial systems on their reservations. Additionally, I support the $250 million for the Indian Health Service included in the bill. The Indian Health Service is the Federal health care provider for approximately 1.5 million American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Across the country tribal leaders agree that health care is one of their top concerns. American Indians in my region of the country die from cancer at a rate approximately 40 percent greater than the general United States population. American Indians are over two times more likely than non-Indians to be diagnosed with diabetes. The $250 million in the bill is one important step towards addressing the great needs for health care across Indian country. And, finally, Native American reservations are often located in remote rural areas where the basic water and sewer infrastructure many of us take for granted is not well developed. The $1 billion helps address the need for safe, clean, reliable sources of water. Again I thank the chairman and ranking member for their work on the bill. I look forward to supporting this bill that addresses the needs of populations both overseas and on Native American reservations.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, today, I am pleased to introduce the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2008. I want to thank Senator Dorgan and his colleagues and staff on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee for their tireless dedication to addressing the needs of law enforcement and justice services in Indian Country. I am proud to sponsor the companion legislation in the House of Representatives. In June 2007, the House Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing on the Lower Brule Reservation in south central South Dakota. Entitled, The Needs and Challenges of Tribal Law Enforcement in Indian Reservations, tribal leaders and law enforcement officials from eight tribes testified for the need to improve government-to-government consultations between tribes and the federal agencies charged with supporting their law enforcement goals. Witnesses explained the need for more resources for officers, equipment, jails, and tribal courts. One witness, Chairman Joseph Brings Plenty of the Cheyenne River Reservation, explained that on his reservation, there are an average of only three officers per shift to cover nineteen communities with 15,000 people and an area approximately the size of Connecticut. On this large, land-based reservation, each officer covers an average of 450 miles of road in one 8 hour shift. In 2006 alone, the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe's police department responded to 11,488 calls for service and made 11,791 arrests. From my work with tribal communities in South Dakota and as a Member of the Committee on Natural Resources, I know that Cheyenne River is not an extreme case. The experiences and frustrations articulated by Chairman Brings Plenty resonate with tribal leaders across the United States. The Tribal Law and Order Act is an important step to addressing the complex and broken system of law and order in Indian Country. This bill would clarify the responsibilities of Federal, State, tribal, and local governments with respect to crimes committed in tribal communities; increase coordination and communication among Federal, State, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies; empower tribal governments with the authority, resources, and information necessary to safely and effectively provide for the public's safety in tribal communities; reduce the prevalence of violent crime in tribal communities and to combat violence against Indian and Alaska Native women; address and prevent drug trafficking and reduce rates of alcohol and drug addiction in Indian country; and increase and standardize the collection of criminal data and the sharing of criminal history information among Federal, State, and tribal officials responsible for responding to and investigating crimes in tribal communities. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee has held numerous hearings and has reached out to tribes across the United States while crafting this bill, and I appreciate their efforts to address the concerns raised by tribal members and leaders. I recognize that this bill alone will not solve the problems raised by tribes in these consultations and hearings. As such, I will continue to work for increased funding for law enforcement personnel, detention facilities, equipment and training, tribal courts, and other components required for a successful justice system. I will continue to hold Bureau of Indian Affairs accountable for upholding the trust responsibility within the realm of law enforcement. Ultimately, I believe that this bill offers important and necessary tools in our shared goal of making Indian Country a safer place to be.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I introduced a bill to protect our Nation's food supply and rural economies. This bill, the Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Act of 2008, will block meat imports from Argentina until the USDA can certify to Congress that every region of that country is free of FMD. The USDA is currently considering opening the U.S. protein market to select regions of Argentina, a country with a history of FMD outbreaks. This plan is flawed. It assumes that a highly infectious, airborne disease like FMD would stop at imaginary borders, and it trusts Argentina to effectively police itself. Argentina is a country that lacks the infrastructure to handle FMD outbreaks. The USDA hasn't conducted a safety assessment in Argentina since the 2006 outbreak there, yet it is still moving with their plan to regionalize the country. This doesn't make sense, and it is not sound policy. FMD has the potential to wipe out our livestock industry overnight, as it did to the British economy, which lost nearly $20 billion with their outbreak in 2001, resulting in 6 million animals destroyed. A similar outbreak here would cripple the livestock industry, shut down exports of American beef, and send meat prices through the roof. I urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this bill to block the USDA's plan to regionalize Argentina.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Well, not specifically to that point, but I did want to mention--and I know you have the gentleman from Georgia who wants to make another point, too, so I will be quick. The gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott) and I are both on the Agriculture Committee, and you may have mentioned this. One of the bills that we'll be taking up tomorrow is a bill that you have introduced, and so I think it's important for our constituents who, understandably, don't feel like they're getting a fair shake every time they go up and fill up their vehicle, that they understand that we are doing something here in Washington. We are having a set of three different hearings in the Agriculture Committee this week. There are other committees having hearings. This is a complicated issue, and we are determined to get it right and to do what we can to get the speculation out of the market and to give the Commodities Futures Trading Commission the authority it needs and to understand this problem, whether it's over-the-counter, whether it's swaps, whether it's what's going on with the foreign exchanges, the issue of transparency, and your bill is one of those that we'll be taking a look at which we think makes an important step in addressing that issue.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him for his leadership on the Energy and Commerce Committee and in other capacities and with the Blue Dog Coalition on energy issues. And in citing our energy principles that the Blue Dogs stand by, we have a number of those that have been addressed already this evening, but fuel diversity is certainly one that I think deserves emphasis. The representative from the State of South Dakota, an at-large district, a very rural district, as many of the Blue Dogs represent rural districts, the impact of these high gas and oil prices are having a disproportionate effect in many respects on my constituents who have to drive great distances to work, who have to drive great distances to get children to school, who have to put nitrogen fertilizer on crops, and who have to use great amounts of diesel and gasoline to plant and harvest those crops to maintain a safe, abundant cheap food supply. So much has been made in recent weeks of high commodity prices. We just recently passed the farm bill. Overrode the President's veto twice to pass a farm bill that preserves the safety net. And as people point to those high commodity prices and think that farmers and ranchers have never had it better, one thing that I would hope that my colleagues, Madam Speaker, would keep in mind is that nitrogen fertilizer, which depends on natural gas, is an essential ingredient, and the high cost of gas and diesel are the input costs that are dramatically higher than they've ever been, that cuts into any profits, dramatically, that farmers and ranchers may be experiencing now that they're finally getting decent commodity prices that are saving taxpayers dollars because those are higher than the target prices and loan rates that we've set into law. And therefore we aren't making countercyclical payments and loan deficiency payments to farmers across the country because they have another buyer for that grain rather than just one buyer putting it on the export market at a lot less than the cost of production. That other buyer is the local ethanol plant. And as my colleague from Georgia pointed out, we know that we're just maybe less than 2, 3 years away from the technology available to make commercially available not just corn ethanol and the dramatic increases we've seen in the improvements and the production process to make the efficiencies in the production process even better, but cellulosic ethanol. Cellulosic ethanol that can be developed in every region of the country given biomass sources, given other nonfood and feed crops that can be grown in every region of the country. And it's the importance of those technologies that can only be facilitated by the financing and some of the loan guarantees that we've recently passed, but the financing and the private market that are essential. Which is why I strongly argue that, Madam Speaker, that it's not corn ethanol that should be blamed for high food prices; it is the high cost of energy, which is the focus of our discussion here tonight, and the transportation and the production and the marketing of the food to Americans across the country. We need corn ethanol as a bridge to cellulosic ethanol. And that is where the financing will follow, that's where the capital will follow to get us to second-generation ethanol production. And we also have to look at other sources that currently aren't available. For example, woody biomass off the national forests which, in my opinion, should be able to be used for cellulosic ethanol production. It not only reduces the wildfire hazard based on the hazardous fuels that are lining the bottoms of our forests, but it is a proven technology for a use for cellulosic ethanol. If we don't use it, it sits there and rots and releases methane into the atmosphere, which is worse than carbon, or it burns and releases carbon into the atmosphere. So the bottom line--and I think this is back to the Blue Dog principle of diversity of fuels--we shouldn't be so quick to take energy sources available domestically off the table. We shouldn't be reluctant to reevaluate long-held positions on a particular energy source in light of new technologies that can help us extract resources in an environmentally sound way; new technologies that can facilitate wind energy development, biofuels development, a whole host of other technologies on the electricity side, whether it's clean burning coal, hydroelectric power, solar power; and of course, in the transportation side, with vehicle technology and engine technology for flex-fuel vehicles and hybrid vehicles. Already this Congress we've taken a number of important steps, not the least of which is the renewable fuel standard that we passed in December that, by many analyses, shows that is moderating the price of gasoline at 15 percent less than it would be otherwise without that increased biofuels production. So biofuels production is saving consumers money at the pump. But obviously, we know that consumers are suffering with $4 gasoline, higher in some areas. We know that there are ways that we need to get at speculation that may exist in the marketplace for oil and other commodities, that we have the weak dollar that my colleague from Utah pointed out at the top of the hour that is affecting the increased costs per barrel of oil. We, in addition to the renewable fuel standard, passed CAFE standards that go to the heart of conservation energy efficiency and the additional technologies that we know exist to help maximize those efforts. We have passed legislation to ensure that the President no longer adds oil to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and we know that that Strategic Petroleum Reserve is yet another tool that we need to consider using as we move forward to give some relief to consumers at the pump. We passed a bill that looks at the issue of how many leases are currently outstanding and how many millions of acres perhaps where there is natural gas and oil where we can facilitate production of those sources on public lands. But we also know, as I stated, that we can't be taking energy sources off the table, and we have to be looking at where else, whether it's in the deepwater gulf or other parts of the Outer Continental Shelf, elsewhere on public lands, where it can make sense both economically and from an environmental perspective to be able to extract those resources, particularly natural gas, which does not pose the same types of environmental problems in drilling on the OCS. Although I think that technology, again, has brought us to a point that can minimize those types of spills. The oil shales that we know exist in a number of States, whether it's in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and of course, the other States, working with our trading partners and allies to our north in Canada as it relates to a natural gas pipeline, as it relates to oil pipelines that are being sited and under construction across South Dakota, to be able to get more oil into the Midwest where we oftentimes are at a disadvantage in being at the end of the line. So I think that it's important tonight that we focus on not only what we've already done but what more we are prepared to do to enhance the diversity of fuels, to enhance the diversity of options both in the transportation sector and the electricity sector to make us less dependent on foreign oil, to create jobs, to enhance technologies that create the jobs for the future, for the young men and women that are looking into careers in science and environmental engineering and mechanical engineering and a whole host of opportunities it affords to every region of the country, if we take the steps that we need to take, reevaluate those long-held positions, look at information with a fresh look and glance, and be willing to take some risks because that's what it's going to require to do right by our constituents. And I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unable to participate in three votes on the floor of the House of Representatives on June 9, 2008. I was absent due to illness. As noted, I was not present for three votes: The first vote was H. Res. 1225, Expressing support for designation of June 2008 as ``National Safety Month.'' Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on that question. The second vote was H. Res. 1243, Recognizing the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children, supporting responsible fatherhood, and encouraging greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children, especially on Father's Day. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on that question. The third vote was H. Res. 127, Recognizing and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the entry of Alaska in the Union as the 49th State. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on that question.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. On the offset, by my count, 48 of my Republican colleagues have in the past voted for legislation that included this offset. That was all in 2007, before oil went over $100 a barrel. So I would think that even those of us that do support expanded exploration and drilling for energy sources on public lands would agree that it should be equitable and Federal royalty payments should be paid when we are extracting oil resources from public lands. I encourage my colleagues to support this fair, bipartisan bill.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of H.R. 3058, the Public Land Communities Transition Assistance Act, and I too thank the gentleman from Oregon, Mr. DeFazio, for his tireless efforts to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools program. I also thank the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House leadership for their work on this legislation. H.R. 3058 would reauthorize the secure rural schools program for 4 years. Annual payments to counties impacted by National Forest lands are an important part of many school districts' budgets, and failure to reauthorize the Secure Rural schools would force very difficult decisions in counties and school districts in over 40 States. In the State of South Dakota, the Black Hills National Forest is a special place and a highly valued resource. Yet the national ownership of this land has clear impacts on finances of counties in western South Dakota. For example, under the Secure Rural Schools program, Custer County schools receive approximately $310,000 for the 2007-2008 school year. If this program isn't reauthorized, Custer schools would receive about $90,000. The loss of $210,000 would likely lead to eliminating numerous teaching positions and increasing class sizes to as many as 40 students per class. Custer County isn't alone. If we fail to reauthorize the secure rural schools program, almost 7,000 teachers and other educational staff will be laid off across the country as of June 30, 2008, when their contracts expire. H.R. 3058 provides a new distribution formula and transition payments as counties adjust.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Charles Ruch for his nearly 5 years of service to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, South Dakota. Dr. Ruch was installed as the school's seventeenth president on July 1, 2003. During his tenure at the School of Mines, Dr. Ruch led the institution in strengthening the undergraduate curriculum to ensure that students graduate with exceptional scientific training and real world skills. Dr. Ruch worked to improve and expand graduate programs and thereby increased the research activities taking place at the School of Mines. I appreciate Dr. Ruch's commitment to working closely with the Rapid City community, the state government and Board of Regents, the Congressional delegation, and other partners to enhance the reputation of the School of Mines as a teaching and research center of excellence. I send best wishes and congratulations to Dr. Ruch on the occasion of his retirement.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5664, a bill to direct the VA to update the plans and specifications for specially adapted housing furnished to veterans. As the Chairwoman of the Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, I would like to thank Representative Rodriguez for introducing this important bill. I also would like to thank Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer for their support of the bill. The VA's main grant program guide, which is provided to contractors to draw up plans and specifications to modify homes, was last updated in 1978. H.R. 5664 will ensure that the 30-year-old guide contains up- to-date directions and is applicable for today's veterans, who often come home from battle with injuries different than servicemembers from previous military conflicts. Again, I thank Representative Rodriguez for introducing this important bill. I encourage my colleagues to support it.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3889, a bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the VA. I would like to thank Representative Boozman, the Ranking Member of the Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, which I Chair, for introducing H.R. 3889 to help determine the effectiveness and long-term outcomes of the VA's vocational rehabilitation programs for disabled veterans. These vocational rehabilitation programs are important factors in helping disabled veterans obtain and keep suitable jobs. They also help seriously disabled veterans achieve independence in daily living. I also would like to thank Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer for their support of the bill and for working to quickly move this legislation to the House floor. I support H.R. 3889 to ensure the VA's vocational rehabilitation services are helping disabled veterans reach their rehabilitation goals. Again, I thank Representative Boozman for introducing this important bill. I encourage my colleagues to support it.

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3681, the ``Veterans Benefits Awareness Act'' which authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to advertise in the national media to promote awareness of benefits under laws administered by the Secretary. As an original cosponsor of H.R. 3681, and the Chairwoman of the Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, I would like to thank Representative Boozman, who serves as the Subcommittee Ranking Member, for introducing this important bill. I also would like to recognize Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer for their strong leadership and for working to quickly move this bill to the House floor. It is important that Congress not only provide the VA with the resources to properly care for our nation's veterans, but that we also provide them with the authority to promote awareness of benefits that are available to veterans and their dependents. Again, I thank Representative Boozman for introducing this important bill. I encourage my colleagues to support it.