Jack Kingston

Mr. KINGSTON

Mr. KINGSTON. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KINGSTON. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. KINGSTON. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. KINGSTON. I thank the gentlewoman. I have no further speakers on general debate, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KINGSTON. Well, I thank the gentlewoman, and as we both know, we have spent a lot of time talking also about the USDA and Chinese chicken and that issue. And one of the concerns that--this underscores the thing on catfish, that it is the USDA's domain, really. They have the expertise and the track record on fish, whereas the USDA has a track record on chicken, poultry and beef domestically; and I know that you do have concerns in terms of their expertise to look at the reimportation of poultry products from China. And I wasn't going to really discuss that, but, certainly, if the gentlewoman would like to, we have had----

Mr. KINGSTON. I would be happy to yield.

Mr. KINGSTON. I yield myself such time as I may consume, Mr. Chairman. I want to make a statement on behalf of myself and Mr. Frank of Massachusetts and Ms. Brown of Florida regarding the domestic catfish industry, and if the Chair wants to respond, fine; but we have discussed this. And it actually came a little bit late in the hearing process to do anything about, but I wanted to give some background. In 2008 the farm bill created a new USDA catfish inspection program that requires the USDA to define what is considered a catfish. Now, the reason this is important is because the FDA traditionally does the inspection on fish, not the USDA. But now we put in this farm bill, the USDA, in the catfish business. This was pushed by the domestic catfish industry, asserting that Chinese catfish processors would not be able to meet the USDA equivalency requirements of continuous inspection and thus could not export competing products to the United States. And as somebody who comes from farm country, I know that dealing with foreign competition is very tough because sometimes they subsidize their producers, and maybe they have different regulatory requirements or they have some unfair advantage over the domestic producers. And yet at the same time, the ability to buy food internationally often brings down the price, increases the quality sometimes and increases the number of choices for our consumers. So it is a desirable thing for the United States Government to want to have people import food. But the FDA uses a hazard analysis critical control point risk-based system that has worked very, very well. But now, under this, we are having the USDA get into the catfish inspection program, which probably is not as--well, it's just not going to be as effective as the FDA program. The problem is the Chinese begin to grow and export a catfish to the United States called the ictaluridae. And, meanwhile, the Vietnamese started growing something called the pangasius. And these species are very different. Just like a human being is different from a baboon, so are these two different types of fish. But what is happening now, the domestic catfish industry is pushing the USDA to adopt a broad definition of catfish beyond the ictaluridae and include the pangasius. And I know you got all of that, Mr. Chairman, because I did too the first time. And the concern that I have is that the USDA really does not have the expertise to broaden their mission to start making definitions on a different type fish than what the farm bill asked them to look into. So I am very concerned about that, as is Mr. Frank, as is Ms. Brown from Florida. And I know other Members are as well, and we really do not want to see the USDA go beyond the mission and include this pangasius in their definition of catfish. And if the chairwoman wants to respond, I would be glad to yield.

Mr. KINGSTON. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KINGSTON. Well, I thank the gentlewoman for those remarks, and I think that your uncertainty with the reliability of USDA on Chinese chicken I share with the USDA on catfish. There is a lot to continue to discuss. And it's interesting, Mr. Chairman, as we talk about our trade relations, and I think that the gentlewoman does make a very good point that we have to be sure that our desire to trade with countries doesn't blur the food safety mission that we also have. I was reminded, though, on the 4th of July that of the $211 million worth of fireworks that we exploded all around the Nation, most of it came from China. And of the flags and buntings that we displayed on the 4th of July, $340 million worth, most of that came from China as well. So we do have a great deal--we have got a big challenge in front of us as we look at our second largest trade partner in China to figure out, you know, what are some of these lines and boundaries.

Mr. KINGSTON. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Opposition of this amendment has nothing to do with the Agriculture Committee as much as it does the Rules Committee because there were so many amendments that the Rules Committee did not allow by the minority, and the reason that the Rules Committee said they did not allow them was because they were authorizing on an appropriation bill. This is authorizing on an appropriation bill. While there is a good reason for it, it is still something that I think is philosophically inconsistent with what the Rules Committee has been telling us for the last 24 hours. I will ask for a recorded vote on this. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KINGSTON

Mr. KINGSTON. Will the gentlelady yield?

Mr. KINGSTON. Let me say this, representing a very rural district, a district where you can't get cell phone coverage, and a lot of the wireless technology is in already, I support what is going on. I agree with the chairman; it would have been nice for all of the money to go into RUS and not the Department of Commerce because it was an existing infrastructure for making this loan program. The only thing I am saying is you don't get the new money until you have spent the existing money.

Mr. KINGSTON. I just wanted to say on behalf of the minority members I had planned to oppose this amendment and do believe that this research can be very helpful and know that many of the earmarks that have been in this bill have increased food safety and increased food supply and created jobs along the way and reduced food costs. And so there are a lot of things that do kind of catch the eye that sometimes there is more to it than you can get out in a quick debate on it. But I do plan to oppose this, and wanted the chairwoman to know that.

Mr. KINGSTON

Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on congressionally directed funding, I am submitting the following information regarding funding included in H.R. 2997, the House Agriculture Appropriations bill of 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Jack Kingston Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: CSREES, Special Grants Legal Name of Recipient: University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Address of Recipient: 101 Conner Hall, Athens, GA 30602 Description of Request: Funding in the amount of $1,000,000 will be used to advance farm energy efficiencies by coupling advanced information, communication and control technologies with improved plant materials, byproduct use and energy capture conversion techniques. Requesting Member: Congressman Jack Kingston Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: National Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Operations Legal Name of Recipient: Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Address of Recipient: 4310 Lexington Rd, Athens, GA 30603 Description of Request: Funding in the amount of $2,423,000 will help farmers address existing and emerging water supply issues with on-farm water storage. Requesting Member: Congressman Jack Kingston Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: CSREES, Special Grants Legal Name of Recipient: University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Address of Recipient: 101 Conner Hall, Athens, GA 30602 Description of Request: Funding in the amount of $209,000 will allow for the development of new cultivars which combined with pre- and post- harvest management practices will increase production efficiency and improve quality of fruit delivered to consumers. Requesting Member: Congressman Jack Kingston Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: CSREES, Special Grants Legal Name of Recipient: University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Address of Recipient: 101 Conner Hall, Athens, GA 30602 Description of Request: Funding in the amount of $346,000 will provide for the development of Web-based systems and in-field practices to provide water conservation alternatives that are distinct, direct and economical. Requesting Member: Congressman Jack Kingston Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: ARS, Salaries and Expenses Legal Name of Recipient: ARS National Peanut Research Lab, Dawson, GA Address of Recipient: 1011 Forrester Drive SE, Dawson, GA 39842 Description of Request: Funding in the amount of $1,200,000 will be used to produce the best management practices that will lead to water conservation. Requesting Member: Congressman Jack Kingston Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: CSREES, Special Grants Legal Name of Recipient: University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Address of Recipient: 101 Conner Hall, Athens, GA 30602 Description of Request: Funding in the amount of $178,000 will be used to evaluate new disease management tactics for control of Phytopthora blight. No treatments or combination of measures exist to effectively suppress Phytopthora losses which often devastate the production of vegetable crops.

Mr. KINGSTON

Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of a truly great American, Aubrey Emmitt Fallin. Aubrey was a courageous veteran, a dedicated citizen, and a fiercely loyal friend and father. Aubrey was a patriot by anybody's definition. He served as a marine during WWII, landing on Iwo Jima February 19, 1945. He demonstrated indestructible bravery and strength, enduring a grueling 24 hours in which 2,721 of his fellow patriots lost their lives. Within the following 36 days, over 7,000 American soldiers were killed in action. His presence during this historic struggle put him in one of the bloodiest battles in World history. If it were not for brave men like Aubrey the war would have been lost. Risking and overcoming much, Aubrey emerged from the war with deeply rooted pride, admiration, respect, and love for his America. After his completion of service, Aubrey was not only a veteran, he was a veteran's veteran. Beyond his recollection and stories of this era he would also give lectures on how to apply yesterday's lessons to today and tomorrow. In peacetime, he was just as fierce of a freedom fighter as he was when bullets were flying all around him. Even as his health failed him, he kept a vigilant eye out for the best interest of America. He used his devotion to our great nation to spur and awaken that very same passion within every individual he knew. Beyond the battlefield, Aubrey served on the front lines of his local political community through his active leadership. He was a member of Coffee County Board of Registrars, The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War, past chairman of The Coffee County Republican Party, former president of Douglas Hobos & Shriner Clowns, a member of the Masons and Shriners, and a past president of the Exchange Club. He manifested his faithful love for our country through continuing to sacrifice his time and serve his fellow citizens. His unwavering service, vigilance, and outspoken nature secured freedom for all. Aubrey was an unquestionably loyal friend. I never left Coffee County without at least one bag of peanut brittle. Enjoying a treat made by such patriotic and loving hands was an honor. We will miss Aubrey as a friend and companion, and we will always be appreciative of the freedom we enjoy because of his and others' sacrifice. His life undoubtedly impacted all who came in contact with him for the better. Aubrey has left a lasting legacy of compassion, strength, and service. May God bless his memory forever!

Mr. KINGSTON

Mr. KINGSTON. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in strong support for the community of Hinesville, Georgia, and Liberty County. I commend the area for their ardent support of our troops and the Army at Fort Stewart, which has continuously engaged in the challenging missions in the defense of our Nation around the globe. November 2007, the Army announced that Fort Stewart would receive another brigade combat team using the findings of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Committee, along with Fort Bliss and Fort Carson. Since that time, the community installation and Congress have geared up and invested for that growth. Working with post leadership and the Pentagon, Congress appropriated funds for military construction projects such as barracks, buildings, and operation facilities at $154 million for FY 2008 and $352 million for FY09. Clearly the Army has invested greatly to maintain Fort Stewart's tradition as an award- winning installation of excellence. At the urging of the Army staff and the military leadership on post, the Hinesville community stepped forward to be sure that the new troops would have adequate housing and public infrastructure. The Department of Defense also sent the Office of Economic Adjustment to assist the community to properly prepare for the arrival of the new brigade combat team. Investments were made for new schools, roads, infrastructure. Banks made many loans to property developers who, in turn, purchased land and accelerated their efforts to provide homes and commercial properties to support the arrival of over 10,000 soldiers and family. However, the decision announced by the Army this June has brought all this economic activity to a halt. While some of this infrastructure will be used or absorbed in time, it is clear that without the arrival of the brigade combat team, the city has overbuilt and overinvested. The economic hardship would not have occurred without the BRAC-based decision to bring additional troops and the Army's insistence that Hinesville get aggressively involved. The community support in Fort Stewart still has much to offer for the Army. I stand here in support of the provisions within this bill that will help address the hardship incurred by the small rural communities that support Fort Stewart.

Mr. KINGSTON. I thank the gentleman for his kind words of support for the patriotic and hardworking people in the communities surrounding Fort Stewart, and I appreciate the chairman's support to work with me through this year's National Defense Authorization Act to ensure that the Army and the local communities can continue to have strong partnerships in the support of the troops.

Mr. KINGSTON

Mr. KINGSTON. 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. 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 in Title XXVI, Section 2601 (a) in the Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Section. Request information: Representative Jack Kingston, H.R. 2647, Department of Defense, Army National Guard Account Recipient information: Georgia Army National Guard, Hunter Army Aviation Facility, Savannah GA Description: The Georgia Army National Guard received an earmark in the amount of $8,967,000. The current facility has exceeded its useful life with several irreparable leaks. The unit is devoting considerable time in overcoming these obstacles to meet its current requirements for training, planning and storage of weapons and information technology.

Mr. KINGSTON

Mr. KINGSTON. 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. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, Science & Other Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010: Request information: Representative Jack Kingston

Mr. KINGSTON

Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the achievements of Dr. Bruce Grube, an educator and leader whose impact extends far beyond the confines of any college campus. After serving since 1999 as the 11th president of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA, Dr. Grube has announced his retirement set to commence at the end of this month. Prior to his ten-year tenure at Georgia Southern, Dr. Bruce Grube gained a wealth of experience serving at multiple schools across the country. Not only was he the president of St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, but he was also the provost at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona and Colorado State University in Pueblo. In the classroom, Dr. Grube earned the admiration and respect from colleagues and students alike, imparting his knowledge as a professor of political science on countless undergraduates. As an undergraduate himself, Dr Grube attended the University of California in Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He followed his studies with a PhD in Government from the University of Texas in Austin. In the larger community, Dr. Bruce Grube has been a prolific public speaker at national conferences and has been published in myriad academic journals, including The Journal of Politics and The American Political Science Review. He is an active member in community, national, and international organizations including Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Beta Delta, and the Golden Key Honor Societies, to name a few. In addition, Dr. Bruce Grube participates in an array of professional associations including the American Association for Higher Education, the American Association for State Colleges and Universities, and the American Association of University Administrators, among others. Dr. Grube's upcoming retirement can only be described as bittersweet. During his tenure as President at Georgia Southern University, enrollment increased 22.7 percent to a record 17,764 students. Two colleges were founded during his term; the College of Information Technology and the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health. Various new degree programs were initiated. For example, it is now possible to receive a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, a Masters of Public Health, a Doctorate in Psychology, or partake in the web-based Masters in Business Administration program. He also began extensive academic, housing, athletic, and administrative renovation projects totaling more than $150 million. Dr. Bruce Grube will continue as a professor of Political Science for the 2010-2011 academic year and as a mentor and consultant to up-and- coming university presidents within the University System of Georgia. However, his time as president of Georgia Southern University will not be forgotten.

Mr. KINGSTON

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

Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Speaker, what this motion to recommit does is it moves to strike the congressional bicycle program. When I came to Congress 17 years ago, we actually had a congressional ice program. I want you to imagine, every day 435 offices would get a bucket of ice delivered to them, even though we had ice machines in our refrigerator. It was a long-standing tradition and we couldn't get rid of it. It cost $375,000 a year. Finally we got rid of it. Not to be outdone, it seems this Congress has started a bicycle program so our staff could have an opportunity to ride a beautiful bike like this. I want to tell you, these are beautiful bikes, not just because they are a pleasant blue color. But I am a bike rider. I ride a bike to work. I take this carbon footprint stuff seriously. I also don't like to pay $2.70 a gallon. So I ride my bike, but I pay for mine with my own money. Now, these bikes, you don't have to pay for them. You just have to sign up. The problem is, last year $200,000, this year--the chairman would like me to show my colors here. I am a bike rider, and I take it seriously. Mr. Jackson and Mr. Lewis, we would love to have you in our caucus. To get 30 bikes, we have spent $200,000. But only a small number of people have signed up for this, and last year they were only used 186 times. That calculates to $330 a ride. Now, it is important to give staff employees benefits, and that is why this bill increases the salary allowance. We give them Metro cards. They have a health care plan and a fitness center. They have Federal holidays. They have nurses on the premises. They have a Thrift Savings Plan. There are a lot of good things we do and should continue doing for employees. But the bike program is so silly. Why is it silly? It is not available, except for on weekdays from 8 to 5. So when I have an employee come to work, I expect them to be working, not riding bikes provided for by hard-working taxpayers. These bikes are deluxe bikes. You can't quite see them. There is a nice seat, a very nice cushiony seat. They have lights. They have speedometers. I can tell you these bikes don't have any speed to them at all. I ride a road bike. I know. I could take one of these easily. But they have a speedometer, in case they do get up to five miles per hour. Nice thick tires. And you can't quite see them, but they have a mud flap. Now, you know you can't be serious with a bike unless you have a mud flap on it. I want people to be riding bicycles, but I don't think it is fair for taxpayers in this economy to be spending $300,000 for a silly congressional bike program that is not used. And, by the way, how bad is it? I would challenge you to do this: Check the Web page out and ask them how to get a bike, and it can't even accurately tell you where to go. It tells you to go to the Fitness Center. You call the Fitness Center, and they say, no, you have to go to First Call. You call First Call and you wait in line. That is where you get your sandwiches and meeting rooms and everything else. You have to be in line for that. I went over, by the way, to see those bikes. Lots of dust is on them. They are sitting all by themselves in the corner of the parking lot, Ride me, ride me, please, somebody. No, you don't get that opportunity, because you can't sign up for it. But, again, I want my employees to be working between 8 and 5, and on the weekend, if they want to ride a bike, they ought to pay for it with their own money. Again, if this program was practical, it would be available to them on the weekends, but it is not. It is a silly program and it revisits the days of the congressional ice-delivery program. Like the congressional ice-delivery program, it was a good idea, a good intention gone bad. We need to strike this, put it to rest and say, you know what? We tried it. Let's don't be stupid and continue trying it. Let's accept this language and move the bill and get rid of the congressional bike program. I would like all of you folks to sign up for a bike program, but not this one. Bring your own bike at your own expense.