Gregg Harper

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of the only major league baseball player to be born in Morton, Mississippi, located in the congressional district in which I serve. His name: Richard Atley Donald. Donald's ancestors traveled in a covered wagon from South Carolina to Mississippi in pursuit of the American Dream. The family ultimately settled in Morton, in central Mississippi, where Atley was born on August 19, 1910. A year and a half later they moved to Downsville, Louisiana, where Atley's love for the game of baseball would commence. A star college baseball player, Atley attended Louisiana Tech University in Ruston after graduating from high school in 1929. Atley earned four lettermen's, and as a freshman, he was said to be ``the most promising of the Bullpups'' by a 1930 review of the freshman baseball team. Although the New York Yankees southern region scout, Johnny Nee, had received a recommendation letter from Atley's head coach and had witnessed him pitch, the Yankees did not sign him. But Atley did not let this hinder him from following his dreams of playing for the Yankees. With $25 in his pocket and his brother's rain coat, he hitchhiked to St. Petersburg, Florida where the Yankees held spring training. Nee introduced Atley to the Yankee's skipper, Joe McCarthy, who sent the young pitcher to the mound against some of baseball's greatest players, such as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Atley prevailed and signed a minor league contract in 1936 where he pitched and hit his way into the major league by 1939. Richard Atley's career is highlighted by playing for the 1939 Newark Bears who are considered to be one of the minor league's greatest teams, throwing a 94.7 mph record pitch in 1939, setting the American League record for most wins by a rookie in 1939, and pitching in the 1941 World Series won by the Yankees. The first major league pitcher from Louisiana Tech, Atley was inducted into the Louisiana Tech University Hall of Fame with a .663 winning percentage. After Atley pitched his last game on July 13, 1945, he spent 29 years as a scout for the Yankees, recruiting players in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. His recruits included Ron Guidry, Clint ``Scrap Iron'' Courtney, Jack Reed, and Ron Blomberg, In all, Richard Atley spent 39 years wearing the pinstripes of the New York Yankees. Atley passed away on October 19, 1992 in West Monroe, Louisiana, leaving behind his wife, Betty. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on 100 years later in the hearts of all of us who continue to celebrate America's favorite pastime.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Chairman, if there is anything the hearings on this bill and the subsequent discussion taught us, it is that the bill is far from clear. The authors of the bill say it does one thing; the experts say it does another; the majority's own witnesses have said that it will be up to the FEC to decide what the language means. This confusion and ambiguity would be bad enough in any bill, but it is especially bad here. This bill has implementing language that makes it take effect 30 days after enactment regardless of whether the FEC has published regulations. Indeed, one of the majority's witnesses said at a hearing that it would be next to impossible for the FEC to promulgate regulations before the November elections. That means as we move toward elections just 4 months away and Americans consider how to express their views, there will be no guidance to clear up the bill's ambiguity, no instructions for how to comply, and no way to participate in the political process with confidence that your speech will not land you in jail. Mr. Chairman, this bill is going to impose civil and criminal penalties on speakers without them having any notice that their behavior may be against the law. What that means is that rather than exercising their First Amendment rights, speakers are just going to stay silent. As former United States Solicitor General Ted Olson stated at our committee's May 6 hearing, ``So we are saying that you have to guess what the law is because the government can't even tell you what the law is. And if you guess wrong, you may be sent to jail or you may be prosecuted.'' Those who seek to challenge this bill's ambiguous and potentially unconstitutional provisions in court are going to be faced with a judicial review process designed for delay and frustration. The procedure in this bill conflicts with the processes created in both the Federal Election Campaign Act and the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, opening the door to collateral litigation to decide what court to be in before the case is even heard. Section 401 of this bill is congressional forum shopping. The only conclusion one can draw from the immediate implementation without regulatory guidance and the protracted court process is that this bill is designed to affect the outcome of the 2010 elections. Indeed, one need not guess to know that this is true. A letter sent earlier this week from Senate majority leadership to House majority leadership pledged to work ``tirelessly'' so that the bill ``can be signed by the President in time to take effect for the 2010 elections.'' And there it is, Mr. Chairman. The proponents of the bill want this House to pass legislation in time to affect the outcomes of the 2010 elections. They have refused our proposals to make this bill effective in 2011 because they want to change the law this year to affect this election--no matter that there will be no explanatory regulations and no review to ensure that the law complies with the Constitution.

Mr. HARPER. So the end result is the bill's proponents are rushing it into effect before the regulators or the regulated community are ready, doing what they can to delay court review, and taking those steps despite their obvious expectation that parts of the bill will not survive judicial scrutiny. The only reason that makes sense has to do with the elections coming up in just over 4 months. The House should reject this attempt to pass a law that can alter the outcome of its own upcoming elections, and let the voters decide this for themselves. I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, on June 16, 2010, employees, retirees and the company leadership of La-Z-Boy South celebrated 50 years of production. La-Z-Boy founders, Edward M. Knabusch and Edwin J. Shoemaker opened the Newton, Mississippi plant in 1960 when they were seeking to expand production. The Newton facility has grown to 800,000 square feet from the original 60,000 when the plant officially opened. The company credits this half century of success to the men and women of the La-Z-Boy family and to the support they have received from the Newton community. Founded in Monroe, Michigan, Newton, Mississippi was selected as the first out-of-state plant because of the friendly people and the city's access to raw materials. The first recliner was produced on June 6, 1960, and was raffled off during the opening of a local supermarket. Since that time, La-Z-Boy South has celebrated many milestones including the December 9, 1980 production of its three-millionth chair and the September 17, 2003 production of its 10-millionth chair. Now employing 600 Newton-area residents, the Mississippi facility produces over one hundred different styles of furniture and custom-builds 1,100 pieces every day. This facility has spurred economic growth in Mississippi outside of the Newton community. From manufacturing to shipping to management, the economy has blossomed as Lay-Z-Boy's business has increased nationally. In appreciation to the community, La-Z-Boy South has made contributions to many local businesses and organizations, as well as numerous charities and youth programs. In today's struggling economy, La-Z-Boy has maintained a skilled workforce providing optimism for many hard-working Mississippians. As our nation continues to recover from the economic slide, our state will rely on successful companies like La-Z-Boy to provide work for jobless Mississippians. I congratulate La-Z-Boy for 50 years of manufacturing excellence and for their involvement in the Newton community and the state of Mississippi.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, on June 6, 2010, Lillie Mae Searcy of Natchez, Mississippi passed away at the age of 80. Born to Eliza and Charles Gaylor and married to Argentor Searcy, Searcy leaves behind an inspiring legacy that we honor here today. A fine and caring woman, Lillie Searcy came to know Christ at a young age. Her character, strength, and her faith in the Lord provided an instrument for her desire to help those in need. Through her church she reached out to people, aiding them both physically and spiritually. Searcy did so by not only cooking for the disadvantaged at both the Stewpot Ministries and with the Southwest Mississippi Planning and Development for Senior Citizens, but also through her life and her testimony. Before cooking for Stewpot and for seniors, Searcy achieved fame as one of the best chefs in the South. Despite her large family and many careers, she always had time to help those less fortunate than herself. Searcy was a member of the choir at each church she attended, a member of the Mother's Board, and a member of the Board of Directors for WORD. Helping others was her joy, and she was a blessing to everyone around her. Her caring temperament inspired friends and family to become involved in the community. In addition to serving others, Lillie Searcy was a devoted and loving mother of 11. She cared for her 38 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. The happiness of her family and of those around her was her top priority. Lillie Searcy lived by a motto in which we should all take note. ``Live your life to the fullest, don't wait for happiness to come to you, follow your passion, and create your own joy.'' Searcy brightened the lives of all around her and her selflessness should serve as inspiration to us all. Let us honor Lillie Mae Searcy today.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, I am honored today to introduce the House of Representatives' guest chaplain of the day, Dr. Carl White. He is the pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi, and I can say that I would not be here today if it were not for my dear friend Carl White. I met Carl in 1971 when we were 15-year-olds in the 10th grade in high school. We became great friends, and he invited me to join him for the Campus Life, Youth For Christ, meetings that were held at the high school. The last meeting of that year was when I made a profession of faith in Christ. Then Carl invited me to join him at church, and it was there that I met my future wife. Sidney was 15 and I was 17 on our first date, and our first date was with Carl White and his future wife, Frances. Those are special memories. We have been at each other's weddings, and we have been dear friends now for almost 40 years. Madam Speaker, I want to say what a profound impact that Carl White has had in my life and how we thank him for his service as pastor of the folks in his church. May God bless him.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, spending will reach a record $3.8 trillion for fiscal year 2011, with $1.6 trillion of that being money that we don't have. This same White House budget proposes $1.8 trillion in tax increases by the year 2020. Yet for the first time in more than 35 years, the House will fail to produce a budget. The failure of the Democratic leadership to responsibly construct a budget resolution threatens job creation, explodes spending and deficits, and intensifies America's debt crisis. The majority must produce a budget if it is going to govern properly. House Republicans will continue to reach out to Democratic Members with solutions to boost our economy. Unfortunately, the President and his Democratic allies in the House have failed to engage Republicans on the principal issues facing our country. My faith is in the American entrepreneur and our small businesses, not in the Federal Government, to create jobs. Give the taxpayers what they deserve, a fiscally responsible budget that spends much less, cuts taxes, and reduces our national debt.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, Governor Haley Barbour has proclaimed today as a Day of Prayer in my home State of Mississippi to remember Mississippians who suffered devastating losses of life and property in Saturday's horrific tornadoes and for those families who lost loved ones in last week's oil rig explosion. One of the tornadoes was an EF4 that left a path of destruction across Mississippi. Communities have come together to comfort families, clear debris, and accumulate what personal possessions could be found. Equally, Mississippians are experiencing grief in reaction to the drilling incident in the Gulf of Mexico. As neighbors and families mourn, we are reminded of the character of Mississippians in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Today I join folks from across Mississippi in praying for those families affected. I commend Governor Haley Barbour for his leadership and for appropriately designating today as the Day of Prayer. Though tragic, neither of these events will break the spirit of Mississippi and her people. Our people will persevere.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this flawed health care bill.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today, I rise in support of this bill, which will require unspent funds in a Member's Representational Allowance to be used for deficit reduction, or in the case that no deficit exists, to be used for reduction of an ever-growing Federal debt. Just as we expect households to manage their budgets well and reduce personal debt, the Federal Government must be prudent in the use of taxpayer dollars and make diligent efforts to reduce the annual deficit and, ultimately, the Federal debt. This bill is one small step toward achieving that purpose; however, I hope, Madam Speaker, that this legislation is only the first step in an effort by this Congress to get our government's fiscal house back in order. We all know that it is imperative for us to take a serious look at entitlement spending. We cannot wait for another generation to take up this mantle. We were elected to make wise and sometimes difficult decisions, and I hope that the difficulty of the task will not prevent wisdom from prevailing in this matter. I would like to recognize the tireless efforts of my colleague from Michigan (Mr. Camp), upon whose leadership we have relied for more than 14 years to carry this issue in the House. Last year, it was Mr. Camp's provision in the Legislative Branch appropriations bill that required the return of unspent funds to the Treasury for deficit reduction, and I know that his efforts paved the way for this measure to come before the House today. I am pleased to support this bill and encourage the support of my colleagues. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to Representative Flake, the distinguished gentleman from Arizona.

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to Representative Heller, the distinguished gentleman from Nevada.

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

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Today I rise in support of this bill, commemorating each of the unique States in our Union. This bill directs the Architect of the Capitol to fly the flag of a State over the Capitol each year on the anniversary of that State's admission into the Union. Madam Speaker, the United States of America truly lives up to the motto found on our Great Seal, ``e pluribus unum''--out of many, one. We are a people of many backgrounds, of many ethnicities, and of many characteristics. We are spread out over 50 unique, diverse, and special entities we call States. States allow us to organize ourselves and also give us identities that relate to our geographic and cultural tendencies. Communal bonds are formed over time through just such means. We now have 50 States in this wonderful Union. The first, Delaware, was admitted as a State on December 7, 1787. The last, Hawaii, was admitted August 21, 1959. There were 16 States admitted in the 18th century, 29 States in the 19th century, and five were admitted in the 20th century. Each flag tells a unique story of its State's history, culture, and inhabitants, which is why my colleague, Representative Lungren, the author of this legislation who was unfortunately unable to be here this afternoon, thought we should honor our States in this special way, enumerated in this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, late last night, the House Budget Committee approved the reconciliation shell bill with two Democratic Members joining all Republicans in opposing this enormous entitlement expansion, and we still do not know what changes the Speaker will bring forward. The President has asked Congress to hold an up-or-down vote on the Senate's so-called health care reform proposal. Let's have that vote. The President has argued the Democrats need courage to pass this one- size-fits-all government takeover of health care. But where's the courage in hiding behind procedural chaos like the Slaughter solution? No matter what anyone says, a ``yes'' vote on the reconciliation bill is a vote for the Senate's flawed trillion-dollar bill containing kickbacks, like the Cornhusker kickback and the Louisiana purchase, and allows for Federal funding for abortion. The bottom line is this health care bill is so bad that the Democrats have to resort to trickery. I will not support a bill that will increase families' insurance premiums and force hundreds of millions of dollars in unfunded mandates to my home State of Mississippi. I will not support this abusive use of the reconciliation process, and I will not support the bogus procedures that are being used to hide from the American people. I urge you to oppose this legislation.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today, I rise in support of this resolution, which will authorize the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event recognizing the Women Airforce Service Pilots as recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal. The WASP program, as it was known, was the first introduction of female pilots into the United States armed services. During World War II, these women flew noncombat missions in support of the United States military. WASP pilots numbered in the thousands during World War II, and each woman who served in this capacity freed up one of her male counterparts for combat services and other duties. Just as many women performed operational roles on domestic U.S. bases, these female pilots played a critical role in helping to mobilize servicemen for deployment to the European and Pacific theatres of war. I am pleased that Congress is able to host this exceptional group of women as they are honored for their contribution to our Nation. I hope my colleagues will join me both in thanking these women for their service to our Nation and in supporting this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida, Representative Ros-Lehtinen.

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

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this very important resolution. Under Congress' direction, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has organized and annually led the National Days of Remembrance ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. The theme chosen by the museum this year is Stories of Freedom: What You Do Matters. What we do does matter, Mr. Speaker. On occasions like this, there aren't appropriate enough words to share on behalf of the millions of victims of the Holocaust. Yet we here today and those in the Rotunda next month will once again commemorate the lives taken and the lives that suffered due to the unspeakable brutality and evil of that dark moment in history. Mr. Speaker, this year is the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps. Sixty-five years have passed since the doors were opened and the inhumane was laid bare for human eyes. Just as the theme this year is What You Do Matters, so it mattered what others did then. We think of those like Oskar Schindler, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and so many others who did their part in this effort; heroic efforts, which forever mattered to the lives they saved and the truth they pursued, some to their own death. Mr. Speaker, we too must do our part in this body and uphold the ideals upon which our Nation was founded. This ceremonial Days of Remembrance reminds us what happens when the rule of law and the commitment to ordered liberty upon which it rests are defiled. Let us also remember that this ceremony is not reflective of one event or one tragedy. We remember the entire scope of mankind's history and use it as a reminder that human life is precious, and that we must never allow a travesty like this to ever happen again. Through this resolution and this commemoration, we remember the Night of Broken Glass, the Warsaw ghetto uprising, the methodical devouring and destruction of a whole continent, and the labor, concentration, and death camps as Auschwitz, Treblinka and Buchenwald, to name only a few. May our actions and may our remembrance honor the courage and bravery shown by the millions murdered only seven decades ago. Mr. Speaker, just as our 34th President, General Eisenhower, made sure the things he had seen were not quickly forgotten, may this year's ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda be a solemn and fitting reminder of the victims of the Holocaust. I am pleased to support this bipartisan resolution, and encourage the support of my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, as you may know and many of you may know, my wife, Sidney, and I are blessed with a precious 20-year-old son named Livingston and a wonderful 18-year-old daughter named Maggie. Early in Livingston's life, we noticed that he was not reaching developmental milestones as quickly as the other children his age. He was slow to walk, slow to talk, and at times, he would flap his hands, rock back and forth, and chew on a terrycloth doll that he had. Doctors continuously informed Sidney and me that he was developmentally delayed and that he would grow out of it. We were told not to be concerned. When Livingston was nearly 19 months old, and we were 3 months pregnant with Maggie, our doctor informed us that something could be wrong. At that time, he didn't know what it was but assured us that he would begin searching for what the diagnosis was. Over the next 2 years, our lives were consumed with occupational therapy and speech therapy and visits to the doctor, trying to find out what we had, along with other diagnostic tests. Livingston was misdiagnosed with mild cerebral palsy and was said to be a near miss on autism. My strong and loving wife dealt with these issues on a daily basis and dealt with the brunt of the day-to-day activity with Livingston. After almost 2 years, we were finally able to get a correct diagnosis of fragile X syndrome. Most fragile X families have shared similar stories of delayed diagnosis. This is why I support the work of the Fragile X Clinical and Research Consortium. Fragile X associated disorders are genetic, resulting in behavioral, developmental and language disabilities throughout a person's life. It is linked to a mutation on the X chromosome and is the most commonly inherited form of intellectual disabilities. Fragile X is also linked to reproductive problems in women, including early menopause and a Parkinson's-like condition in older male carriers. Today over 100,000 Americans live with fragile X syndrome, and over 1 million Americans carry a fragile X mutation and either have or are at risk for developing a fragile X associated disorder. Further, as many as one in 130 women are estimated to be carriers of the fragile X mutation, according to current studies. Over 140 fragile X advocates visited Capitol Hill today, educating their Members of Congress on the potential for effective treatments, raising awareness of this disorder, and sharing their very personal stories. As one of the cochairman of this bipartisan Fragile X Caucus, I am committed to improving the health of children and adults across the country living with this disorder. Last year our caucus, united with the National Fragile X Foundation, reached many of our targeted objectives. Working with Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi and other Members of Congress, we secured funding for a national postsecondary education demonstration program which was authorized in the 2008 Higher Education Opportunities Act but was previously not funded. This program will give hope to families and will allow young adults with intellectual disabilities to perhaps enjoy the opportunity and the experience of going to college. The Fragile X Caucus supported funding for the Centers for Disease Control to establish public health activities for fragile X syndrome, obtaining $1.9 million for the current fiscal year. Our coalition obtained report language in support of efforts at NIH for the implementation of their research plan on fragile X. And we succeeded in adding fragile X to the list of disorders eligible for medical research projects under the Department of Defense's Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program. These accomplishments have had a significant impact on the fragile X community, but I assure you that this is only the beginning of our very promising journey. This year the Fragile X Caucus will work with other Members of Congress to push the NIH research plan on fragile X syndrome and associated disorders and will urge Congress to continue funding translational research that shows significant promise of a safe and effective treatment for this disorder. We will request that the Department of Defense expand the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program to include fragile X-associated disorders in the eligible research topics for their fiscal year 2011. And we will advocate for continued support to grow the National Fragile X Public Health Initiative and the Fragile X Clinical and Research Consortium in order to expand to geographically underserved regions. I commend the ongoing research being conducted in drug therapy, and we hope that it will lead to successes. We must continue to focus on efforts to enhance the lives of these families who are blessed with a fragile X child. As the only Member of Congress who has a child with fragile X syndrome, I understand the challenges that many families face who experience this condition. For our family, fragile X has become a lifelong labor of love and daily blessings. Every day we thank God for our son, Livingston. My family's commitment to these courageous individuals is that we will work tirelessly to increase awareness of this genetic disorder.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the PATRIOT Act is to keep suspected terrorists under surveillance in an attempt to prevent another attack on our country like we suffered on September 11, 2001. I believe that it has been successful, and I support its extension. I firmly believe that our safety for the nearly 8\1/2\ years since 9/11 is due in part to the PATRIOT Act and the fine men and women who are able to use it each day to keep our country safe from harm. I particularly believe that the lone wolf provision which allows for the surveillance of individual terrorists who might not be part of a larger international terrorist group is very important, and I'm very happy to see its inclusion in this extension. I applaud those who worked in a bipartisan manner to pass this legislation in 2001, and I look forward to seeing that provisions of the PATRIOT Act continue to be used in an effort to keep Americans safe. While I wish that a bill with the intention of extending the PATRIOT Act for longer than a year would have been before the House, I support the legislation before us today. I hope that my colleagues will join with me in supporting the extension of this very important counterterrorism tool.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4139, a resolution to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located in Hickory, Mississippi, as the ``Sergeant Matthew L. Ingram Post Office.'' As a child, Matthew was thought of by his mother, Patricia, as the one giving the orders. She explains he would tell his older brother what to do. ``He's always been a leader, not a follower,'' explains Patricia. ``He did not want to be mediocre.'' As Matthew grew older, he saw many advantages to military service. For starters, he saw the Army as a way to serve the country that he loved, pay for his education, and, as his mother added, see the world. Ingram joined the Army in the summer of 2003, fulfilling his basic training requirements at Fort Benning, Georgia. Matthew served as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, based in Fort Carson, Colorado. Soon after basic training his brigade was reassigned to South Korea, where he spent 10 months prior to his first deployment to Iraq for a 1-year tour. Stationed in Colorado after returning from Iraq, Ingram would meet his future wife, Holly. Their 2006 marriage preceded his return for a second Iraq tour. However, this time he had been promoted to sergeant. In 2007, Sergeant Ingram returned to Colorado from theatre wearing an impressive military decoration. He wore one of the highest honors presented to soldiers who have been wounded while serving our country, the Purple Heart. As his mother would describe, ``That was his most prized possession.'' Sergeant Ingram's next call to duty was in Afghanistan in May of 2009, and for the first time he left not only a wife, whom he loved, but also a beautiful baby girl, Chloe. His departure would be the last time this brave young soldier would embrace his family that he loved so much. On August 20, 2009, Army Sergeant Matthew Ingram died from wounds suffered from an IED detonated near his vehicle during combat in Afghanistan. The blast occurred while his unit was under small-arms fire from enemy forces. At the time of his death, the fighting in Afghanistan was so brutal that Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the situation as ``serious and deteriorating.'' Although this would be his last mission, combat had become familiar to this brave, 25-year-old Purple Heart recipient. Naming this facility will present a constant reminder of the sacrifices Sergeant Ingram and other Mississippians have made through their service to our country. Matthew's love for his country and able leadership took him from Hickory, Mississippi, to Afghanistan, and his courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. I urge you to support this resolution.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Project Name: Regional Counter-Drug Training Academy--Meridian Project Amount: $2,800,000 Account: Operating Forces Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, Defense Recipient and Address: MS National Guard, Naval Air Station, 219 Fuller Road, Meridian, Mississippi Description of Request: The National Guard Bureau identified a Fiscal Year 2009 unfunded requirement of $24.2M for Counterdrug (CD) Schools. With appropriate funding, CD schools will be better positioned to provide counter narcotics-based training programs critical to domestic law enforcement against narcoterrorism. The RCTA Meridian budget has shown little growth since FY2000, yet the costs associated with training law enforcement officers have increased by approximately 20 percent. Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Project Name: On-Board Hybrid Power Unit (OBHPU) Project Amount: $1,040,000 Account: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Army Recipient and Address: Diversified Technology, 476 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Description of Request: 2010 funding will ensure the completion of, field-testing, development, integration plan and a training program for the production version of the OBHPU 10 KW system. The Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) supports the OBHPU program to provide on-board electric power to deployed radar and missile systems, and is applicable in many other fields. Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Project Name: Simulation Based Reliability and Safety (SimBRS) Program Project Amount: $4,900,000 Account: Army, Combat Vehicle and Automotive Advanced Technology Recipient and Address: Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 6301, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Description of Request: SimBRS engages in synergized research and development experimentally validated cradle-to-grave modeling and simulation capabilities to optimize reliability in vehicular components and systems with consideration of uncertainties in input loads, manufacturing, operations and maintenance, and material properties to decrease weight and cost, and yet increase the performance, durability, and safety of the warfighter. This initiative is a follow-on effort to ongoing Mississippi State University simulation based reliability systems research. Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Project Name: VePro--Health Usage Monitoring and Vehicle Prognostics Project Amount: $2,880,000 Account: Army, Combat Vehicle and Automotive Advanced Technology Recipient and Address: nCode International, 200 Research Blvd., Starkville, MS 39759 Description of Request: Better understanding of operational usage severity is critical for vehicle designs to reliably meet needs at minimum cost and weight. VePro will save billions of dollars spent annually on maintaining U.S. Army equipment, improve readiness and reduce danger to soldiers from unexpected vehicle failures. The next stage is to evolve these into scalable, robust cost effective pre- production Vehicle Health Management Systems (VHMS)--technology configuration, manufacturing, assembly and testing for pre-production systems. Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Project Name: F-15C AESA Classified Demo Project Amount: $8,000,000 Account: Air Force, F-15E Squadrons Recipient and Address: Raytheon, Forest Consolidated Manufacturing Center, 19859 Highway 80, Forest, MS 39074 Description of Request: Funding will be used for the final year of a 3-year development effort to demonstrate APG-63(V)3 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) classified capability with a Radar Common Data Link (RCDL). ANG and USAF F-15s are the backbone of forces assigned to perform a significant portion of the Nation's Homeland Defense mission, protecting the United States from attack by an airborne threat. FY10 funding will complete the third and final phase of the 3-year RCDL demonstration program. Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Project Name: Silicon Carbide Electronics Material Producibility Initiative Project Amount: $2,400,000 Account: Air Force, Advanced Materials for Weapon Systems Recipient and Address: II-VI Wide Band Gap Materials Group, 201 Research Blvd., Starkville, MS 39759 Description of Request: Funding will be used to develop technology, and establish production capability, along with evaluation and testing of SiC materials and integrated circuits for use in high power, high frequency DoD weapons systems and platforms. Future mission requirements dictate a range of current and next-generation U.S. Military systems requiring critical high frequency and high power components with dramatically enhanced capabilities which are unattainable with current technology. Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Project Name: Advanced, Long Endurance Unattended Ground Sensor Technologies Project Amount: $3,920,000 Account: Defense-Wide, Special Operations Intelligence Systems Development Recipient and Address: Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 6301, Mississippi State, MS 39762 Description of Request: A significant challenge in modern military operations is the ability to achieve and maintain real-time battlefield situational awareness. Achieving battlefield situational awareness requires the ability to robustly and persistently monitor the movements of the adversary in near real-time across a wide range of operational environments including foliage, mountainous, and urban terrain. This initiative is a follow-on effort to ongoing Mississippi State University Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS) research and development in support of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3288--Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010. Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Project Name: Monticello Readiness Center Project Amount: $14,350,000 Agency: Army National Guard Account: MILCON Recipient and Address: 74 Old Highway 27, Monticello, MS 39654 Description of Request: The Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 106th Brigade Support Battalion is located in a completely inadequate facility in Monticello, MS. This facility can no longer adequately accommodate a National Guard unit due to its lack of space and the outdated utilities. The existing facility is 55 years old and has been determined to be structurally unsound and infeasible for rehabilitation. Overall, the numerous current deficiencies affect the training of this unit in an adverse manner, in that essential mobilization training cannot be accomplished in a satisfactory manner. FY10 Funds will be used to replace the armory. Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Project Name: Jackson-Evers International Airport airfield improvements Project Amount: $2,375,000 Agency: Federal Aviation Administration Account: Airport Improvement Program Recipient and Address: Jackson-Evers International Airport, 100 International Drive, Jackson, MS 39298 Description of Request: Jackson-Evers International Airport is in need of essential airfield infrastructure improvements that involve rehabilitation and replacement of security systems and airfield erosion and drainage systems. Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Project Name: East Metropolitan Corridor, MS Project Amount: $2,750,000 Agency: Federal Highway Administration Account: Surface Transportation Priorities Recipient and Address: City of Flowood, P.O. Box 320069, Flowood, MS 39232 Description of Request: Funds will be used to finish pre-construction activities. The East Metropolitan Corridor is 5 miles in length and links Interstate 20, at the Crossgates Interchange in Brandon, MS with Lakeland Drive at its intersection with Old Fannin Road in Flowood, MS. Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Project Name: Lake Harbour Drive, MS Project Amount: $1,500,000 Agency: Federal Highway Administration Account: Surface Transportation Priorities Recipient and Address: City of Ridgeland, P.O. Box 217, Ridgeland, MS 39158 Description of Request: Construction of the Lake Harbour Drive extension will provide a major east-west corridor through the City of Ridgeland that will traverse the significant physical barriers that now bisect the City and impede safe and efficient access, emergency service, economic development and commercial activity. Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Project Name: MSU for community planning and development Project Amount: $500,000 Agency: Housing and Urban Development Account: Neighborhood Initiatives Recipient and Address: Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 6301, Mississippi State, MS 39762 Description of Request: FY 10 funds will continue an aggressive program of basic infrastructure improvements on the Mississippi State University main campus in Starkville, Mississippi. Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, 2010 Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Project Name: Expansion of the Research, Technology and Economic Development Park Project Amount: $6,000,000 Agency: Department of Commerce Account: National Institute of Standards and Technology Recipient and Address: Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 6363, Mississippi State, MS 39762 Description of Request: Mississippi State University proposes construction of Phase II of the Research, Technology and Economic Development Park. This will provide high quality infrastructure together with office and laboratory space for small high technology companies to locate in close proximity to Mississippi State University. Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Project Name: NOAA Northern Gulf Institute Project Amount: $4,500,000 Agency: Department of Commerce Account: NOAA-ORF Recipient and Address: Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 9627, Mississippi State, MS 39762 Description of Request: The NGI defines the Northern Gulf of Mexico region as the upland and watershed, coastal zone, and coastal ocean areas from the Sabine River, LA in the west to the Suwannee River, FL in the east. The Northern gulf is a rich and interdependent natural environment of great complexity and is important to the region and the nation. The riverine-dominated Northern Gulf ecosystems are under pressure from increasing population and coastal development, impacts from severe storms and climate variability, inland watershed and coastal wetlands degradation, and many other factors. NGI has chosen an approach to Northern Gulf Region issues, problems and opportunities that is closely aligned with NOAA's strategic and research priorities and its user-community. This approach is science driven, regionally focused, and coordinated with other Gulf of Mexico Basin activities, and seeks whenever appropriate to promote the application of its results to support decision makers and policy development. Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Project Name: MSU Cyber Crime Initiative and National Consortium for Digital Forensics Training Project Amount: $1,500,000 Agency: Department of Justice Account: OJP-Byrne Recipient and Address: Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 9637, Mississippi State, MS 39762 Description of Request: The National Forensics Training Center (FTC) provides needed no cost digital forensics investigation training to state and local law enforcement officials nation-wide. Law enforcement students are provided lodging, meals, and training at no cost. The FTC maintains a highly trained instructor staff, two classrooms, and a mobile lab for training purposes. A Full suite of digital forensics short course classes are offered which expose law enforcement and judicial officials to technical techniques in digital investigations and current search and seizure laws applicable to electronic evidence. The project also supports the State of Mississippi Cyber Crime Fusion Center managed by the State Attorney General, a one of a kind Federal/ State/Local cooperative effort, addressing cyber crime. Other partners in this effort have included Jackson State University and the University of Mississippi's National Center for Justice and Rule of Law. Since the FTC began operation in late 2005, more that 2100 law enforcement students have participated in its training from 22 states. The demand for this training is increasing every year. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Project Name: Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, for the development of an early childhood teacher education delivery system Project Amount: $750,000 Agency: Department of Education Account: Elementary and Secondary Education Recipient and Address: Mississippi State University, Early Childhood Institute, P.O. Box 6013, Mississippi State, MS 39762 Description of Request: Funding would be used to create and pilot a new early childhood teacher delivery system to improve the quality of instruction and prevent attrition of teachers in early care and education centers. Requesting Member: Congressman Gregg Harper Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Project Name: Mississippi Museum of National Science Foundation, Jackson, MS for educational outreach programs Project Amount: $220,000 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Account: Museums and Libraries Recipient and Address: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation, 2148 Riverside Drive, Jackson, MS 39202 Description of Request: Funding would be used for the acquisition of education outreach vans and equipment so the museum's science literacy programs can reach approximately 120,000 students throughout the state; and for biological database services to assist land managers and economic developers to improve their efficiency and effectiveness by providing tools to streamline planning and permitting processes.