Tom Latham

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I would hope that since we've done very well in accepting these amendments this would be one that the chairman would accept also. I know how supportive he is of this. But I really would hope that we could find some consensus and common ground on cutting spending in this House. My amendment would reduce or eliminate funding for programs-- President Obama, again, this is what President Obama has said and has signaled--that have adequate funding, or there is funding in this bill that's duplicative of other Federal programs. And again, we are just going to what the President asked for, or cutting programs that were not requested, and certainly are not even authorized. This amendment would save the taxpayer $1.8 billion, without going under the President's budget on any of the accounts targeted for the reduction. The reduction of $1.8 billion would make this bill simply just 3.4 percent lower than the fiscal year 2010 level. And you remember that bill was 23 percent higher than the year before that. And it would send an important message, I think, to the American people that Congress can take care of the Nation's housing and transportation needs without further jeopardizing our Nation's fiscal health. I would hope that my colleagues would join me in cutting this mere three cents on the dollar out of this bill, with an attempt to put this bill back on the path towards fiscal responsibility. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I appreciate the gentleman's concern for spending. I just wanted to see if we could just step back for a second. We're going to have a $1.47 trillion deficit this year. Forty-three cents on every dollar that we're spending is borrowed money, and our kids, our grandchildren are going to have to pay for it--or our great- great-grandchildren, the way we're going--and it simply is not sustainable. This is an extraordinarily modest amendment, and the gentleman says this is critical funding, absolutely necessary, that we have to fund these things. Maybe you should tell your President, the President of your own party, that he should have asked for these things. These are not my reductions. This is what the President says is needed for these programs, the high-speed rail. There's a billion dollars in this bill-- would be after the cut. He's got $1.4. We're taking $400 million out of it. The President asked for a billion dollars. He's had $12 billion, in total, with $8 billion in the stimulus package, $2.5 billion last year, another billion dollars this year. And the money hasn't been spent yet, hasn't even been allotted or a contract signed. There is no need for this spending here to have current contracts go on. It just goes beyond rationale, as far as I'm concerned. When we are digging ourselves in a financial hole like we are and we continue to keep digging, why don't we say, Stop, let's cut some spending. This is a very modest cut that the President didn't request, and several of these programs are not even authorized or requested by the President. I mean, I guess it's great if we just go ahead as the Appropriations Committee, say, the heck, we don't need to have authorization for anything. Actually, this whole bill, there's very little that actually is authorized in this bill. Does anybody go home and listen anymore? Listen to your constituents and hear what they're saying. Can we afford this kind of spending? No, we cannot. If we'll listen and do what the people are telling us to, and that's to modestly reduce spending, cut spending. And if we can't do it here on this very small amendment on this huge bill, we're never going to save our fiscal future for our kids and our grandchildren.

Mr. LATHAM. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentleman very much and for claiming time in opposition while I'm supporting the amendment. I rise in support of the DeFazio amendment for two reasons: First, with the stresses on the Highway Trust Fund and the dependence of our States on the moneys from that fund, we're violating our fiduciary responsibilities by granting authority to take $200 million, much-needed dollars, out of the trust fund for a program that has yet to be defined legislatively or otherwise. Second, as noted in the minority views of the report accompanying this bill, the concept of livable communities is just that. It's a concept. I've never seen the definition of a livable community. There's nothing defined of what a ``livable community'' is. The initiatives that would be funded under this concept with the $200 million involve activities that are rightly part of the jurisdictions of State and local governments and metropolitan planning commissions. And again, I would rise in strong support of this amendment.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. I thank the chairman. I certainly rise in support of the amendment. It is a disaster that happened, and like the gentleman from Iowa said, just to watch that dam collapse and all the damage that went through afterwards was devastating to so many folks. And so I think this is a good amendment, and I'm very proud to support it.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentlewoman from Ohio for yielding and the gentleman from California, and I certainly want to thank Chairman Peterson and Ranking Member Lucas for waiving jurisdiction so that we could shepherd this bill to the floor, H.R. 5669. This bill really is a solution for the city of Ames and the local landowners. H.R. 5669 will allow the city to buy land from the USDA's National Animal Disease Center and use that land to build a modern water treatment plant. Before introducing this legislation, city officials were exploring the acquisition of nearby farmland by eminent domain. This bill will prevent a conflict between the city of Ames and the local landowners. The farmland in question is highly productive land. In fact, it's a century farm. It has been in that family for over 100 years. Century farms have a special status in Iowa, and the families who have carried on the tradition of farming have deep ties to the soil. Working with the city of Ames and the USDA, I believe we have found a way to preserve this fertile land and honor the memory of the man who began farming it, Abel Powell Griffith. Griffith, a Union Army veteran, picked this land because it was near Iowa State University, and he knew his descendants would be able to get a quality education while making a living through farming. H.R. 5669 is a win for everyone involved. Ames, Iowa, will be able to proceed with its water treatment facility, residents will have clean water, the Animal Disease Center will be able to plan for its needs, and the landowners will be spared the loss of productive farmland. I appreciate very much the time.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Snap-on Incorporated, headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on the celebration of the company's 90th anniversary. The company was formed in 1920 by Joseph Johnson and William Seidemann as the Snap-on Wrench Company. Johnson and Seidemann used the new concept of interchangeable sockets and wrench handles to start the company. Snap-on products are the foundation for many technicians throughout the state of Iowa and America who earn a living working their skills. Snap-on Incorporated has exported their business and ideals across the country and the world, including a manufacturing facility located in Algona, Iowa. Snap-on also continues to be a supplier to the U.S. Government since World War II. At the present time, Snap-on directly supplies the Armed Forces of the United States of America and NASA. Tools from Snap-on can be seen throughout the military operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I congratulate Snap-on Incorporated and current chairman and CEO, Nicholas Pinchuk on this historic anniversary. I am proud to have a Snap-on facility located within my district and wish them great success in the future.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Viola and Sylvan Meiling of Forest City who will be receiving the USDA Rural Development's Housing Manager of the Year Award. The couple was recently chosen by the USDA to receive this award for their five outstanding years of performance as managers of Forest City's Community Plaza Apartments. Community Plaza was built in 1986 as a 24 unit family property. The building was financed through the USDA's Rural Rental Housing Section 515 Direct Loan Program, which provides affordable housing to moderate, low and very low income households. Shortly after its construction, the complex was experiencing high vacancy rates and was in generally poor, rapidly deteriorating physical condition. Viola and Sylvan Meiling were hired under the current owner in 2003. The semi-retired couple, with no previous property management experience, immediately went to work to improve the lives of the property's occupants. The Meilings have earned the respect of residents through their commitment to provide the community with a clean, safe and well maintained environment for families in need of affordable housing. Madam Speaker, individuals such as Viola and Sylvan Meiling must be recognized and applauded for their sincere dedication to improving and maintaining a healthy community and for their positive impact on the lives of others. I am proud to represent them in the United States Congress.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Goldie Michalek Holden of Mason City, Iowa, on the celebration of her 100th birthday on November 18, 2010. Goldie has made a resounding difference in her community. For over forty years, Goldie was a first grade teacher in Mason City where she worked with many disadvantaged children. Goldie also taught Head Start, a program set up for students who learned English as a second language. When she retired, she left as principal at McKinley School. She was married for the first time at the age of 71 to Arthur Holden. Although Goldie does not have any children of her own, she is surrounded by many loved ones: five step children, 14 step grandchildren, and 2 step great-great grandchildren, four nieces and nephews and eight great-great nieces and nephews. There have been many changes that have occurred during the past one hundred years. Since Goldie's birth we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television and the Internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and the birth of new democracies. Goldie has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-two Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. I congratulate Goldie Michalek Holden for reaching this milestone of a birthday. I am extremely honored to represent Goldie in Congress, and I wish her happiness, health and many more dances in her future years.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Iowa Central Fuel Laboratory for being designated the first BQ-9000 testing laboratory for biodiesel fuel in the nation. The goals of BQ-9000 include promoting commercial success and public acceptance of biodiesel and to help ensure that biodiesel fuel is produced to and maintained at the industry standard level. BQ-9000 also helps companies improve their fuel testing and helps reduce any chance of producing inadequate fuel. I commend the Iowa Central Fuel Laboratory for achieving this honor. The work Iowa Central Fuel Laboratory does ensuring adequate, industry standard fuel is distributed is invaluable to the people of Iowa and to this nation. I am proud to have the Iowa Central Fuel Laboratory located within my district and wish them well as they continue their work.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city and residents of Alexander, Iowa on the occasion of the celebration of the city's Quasquicentennial during the weekend of June 18, 19 and 20, 2010. Alexander is located in North Central Iowa and is home to approximately 165 people. The expansion of the Central Railroad of Iowa through Scott Township in Franklin County was a significant development that began the storied history of Alexander, Iowa. In 1885, the town began with the completion of the Alexander station and Alexander was platted by F.E. Carter. Before Harvey Yaw donated the lot for the first schoolhouse in Alexander in 1882, children went to school in old country schoolhouses, one in every two-mile section. Alexander developed in the 1890's with a dry goods store, livery stable, drug store, hotel, harness shop, pool hall, blacksmith shop, grocery store and churches of various denominations. The community of Alexander survived and persevered through the tribulations of the blizzard of 1911 and 1912, a major fire on Main Street in 1920 and a disastrous tornado in 1925. One hundred twenty-five years is a testament to a strong and united community that I am also proud to call my hometown. Alexander has continued to survive the test of time, and for this I offer the community of Alexander my congratulations. It is an honor to represent the citizens of Alexander and Mayor Arlen Olson in the United States Congress, and I know that all of my colleagues join me in wishing everyone a safe and successful celebration and an equally storied next 125 years.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gary Wauters of West Marshall, Iowa who is celebrating his retirement from the West Marshall Community School District. Gary, the only art teacher in the West Marshall School District, devoted 40 years to facilitating his students' creativity in the classroom. Gary takes pride in the work his students have produced over the years, especially stained glass artwork, which was a staple in his curriculum. In his retirement, Gary plans to continue his artwork in his home studio. I commend Gary Wauters for his dedication to the students he has taught over the years and to the West Marshall School District. Gary inspired thousands of students to embrace their creativity and the lessons he taught will influence people for ages to come. I am honored to represent Gary and his family in the United States Congress and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of sixteen exemplary teachers and staff members from the Webster City School District of Webster City, Iowa and to express my appreciation for their dedication and commitment to these schools and their community. Collectively these sixteen teachers and staff retirees have served the school district for 440 years. Among these notable faculty members: Linda Moenck served for 31 years, Dave Niggemeyer taught in the district for 35 years, Debra Niggemeyer as well as Gayle Olson served 32 years, Carolee Woodward taught in the Webster City Schools for 41 years, Donna Foster served for 24 years, JoAnn Robb as well as Sally Crouch served 30 years in the district, Mike Larson served 35 years, Gary Moenck has served 34 years, Faith McDowell served 12 years, Holly Riemenschneider taught for 9 years, John Kidney served the district for 39 years, Sharon Conder served 9 years in the district's food services department, Karen Draeger served for 26 years, and Nancy Spire served 21 years in the Webster City Schools. These educators and faculty and their dedicated service underscores the value that Iowa has always placed on education. Every student who has gone to school in Iowa knows a great teacher or faculty member like this group of sixteen, and every community in the state does everything it can to make sure students have the best possible chance to succeed. Iowans know that the best way to invest in the future of our state is to invest in the education of our children. I consider it an honor to represent these sixteen distinguished teachers and staff members of the Webster City Schools in the United States Congress, and I wish them all a long, happy and healthy retirement as they continue to serve their community.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joyce Patterson on the occasion of her retirement after 22 years of dedicated service as 4-H youth coordinator with the Iowa State University Extension of Boone County, Iowa. Joyce has not only been a dedicated employee but she has touched every aspect of the 4-H Community. She has been actively involved in 4- H for the past 25 years as a member, club leader, employee, and pioneer in this organization. Joyce's service to the youth of Boone County is truly something to be admired. The 4-H mission is to empower youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults, and Joyce is a shining example of 4-H at its best. She is an exemplary citizen who has instilled the Iowa values of hard work, self-reliance, and community service in many of Iowa's youth. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in recognizing Joyce Patterson's service to the youth of Boone County. I consider it an honor to represent Joyce in Congress, and I wish her much happiness during her retirement.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lucy Chen, of Ames, Iowa, who is among the outstanding U.S. high school students selected to attend the annual Research Science Institute sponsored by the Center for Excellence of Technology and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The mission of the Center for Excellence of Technology is to nurture young scholars to careers of excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Research Science Institute is a highly competitive six-week program which emphasizes advanced theory and research in mathematics, the sciences, and engineering. Lucy was selected for this program upon scoring in the upper one-percent of U.S. student PSAT exam scores. From June to July 2010, Lucy will learn from distinguished professors and conduct a research project at MIT. I commend Lucy for her commitment to academic achievement and leadership in science and technology. She is a future leader of this country of whom Iowa is very proud. I am honored to represent Lucy and her family in the United States Congress and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Donald Dye, an English teacher at the Belmond-Klemme Community School District in Belmond, Iowa, for winning the national ``Top Teacher Award'' search. Mr. Dye was named the top teacher on the Live with Regis and Kelly television program. Mr. Dye was recommended for the award by Jim and Dianna Suntken and Curt and Diane Stadtlander, who wrote of Don in their nomination essay: ``Teaching is his passion! He believes in a good education for all and that school pride makes good citizens and a better world. Mr. Dye is affectionately known to his students and friends as ``Mr. D''. He is a compassionate, unselfish teacher who believes that all students, no matter their life styles or race, are all worthy and should always be taken seriously. All students are treated equal and special by him. ``Don Dye teaches English/literature and short stories at the Belmond/Klemme high school in our small community of Belmond, Iowa, where he has taught many different age levels for 37 years. He is respected and looked to for advice by fellow teachers not only for his teaching expertise, but for his warm and bubbly personality and incredible sense of humor. He has been on many committees and boards in the local school, area, and state. ``On the first day of school, Mr. D supplies the students with his home and cell phone number and strongly encourages them to call him night or day, no matter what the problem--whether if its to retrieve something from a locker, help writing a paper, and most importantly if they need a friend or someone to listen to them. He always says no problem is too big or small. He is always available 24-7 without fail. His family and friends tease him about not getting enough sleep, because his phone is always ringing. Just the other day a young boy needed someone to talk to about his sister lying in a hospital bed while taking chemotherapy and he knew that Mr. D always has time to listen. His closest friends know that he keeps his simple apartment, so he can have time to help people and families in need. Many years ago he lost the love of his life in a car accident; and since then he has devoted his life to helping others. ``Don Dye also takes great pride in our community. He has served on many boards, community events, and helped with many fundraisers for students or people in the community suffering from cancer, needing organ transplants, or other crises. He makes hospital visits, always surprising people with baked goods, and helping neighbors in need in some way--even if they don't think they are ``in need''. If someone is short on money, he will help them financially or lend a listening ear. He says he is just ``doin' what his mamma and papa taught him'', being raised a Pastor's kid and learning this as a child. Don is very active in church, including his second biggest passion of sharing his talent of music--playing the organ or singing in choirs. He is often found helping involve other people and youngsters to share their musical talents. ``But the ``job'' that Mr. Dye is the most passionate about is his teaching. You will often find him on the weekends at the school working on papers, thinking of great ways to involve the students and present his literature, helping students fill out scholarship papers, or helping former students with college work. And his cell phone still rings with college students needing advice not only in academics, but often adapting to college life or dealing with life's struggles. You will find college students stopping by the school just to check in with Mr. D. ``All students' self worth and pride are very important to Mr. Dye. He wants them to feel good about themselves. He will often brighten their moods or spark up their energy levels with music and a ``little dance'' as they enter class. No student will ever go hungry around Mr. D, due to lack of time or money. There is always a tub of healthy food. He feels that if students are hungry, their minds are not as sharp. Students also know where to get a tie for speech day, socks or sweatshirts if they are cold, or many other necessities that can be found in his cupboards. ``We hope you will carefully consider Mr. Donald Dye as one of your top teachers, because he never expects any praise or to be in the spotlight. Belmond parents are very grateful to have him as a teacher for their children and role model for all. His favorite motto is ``Celebrate the Day'', so we want to celebrate a day for Mr. Dye!'' Madam Speaker, Mr. Dye's award also underscores the powerful sense of community in the Belmond-Klemme School District, which rallied around Mr. Dye when it was announced that he was a finalist for the award. Always a humble man, Mr. Dye is among the first to acknowledge that this award, which was determined by online voting and presented live on ``Regis and Kelly,'' couldn't have happened without the community-wide effort and support. The award underscores the value that Iowa has always placed on education. Every student who has gone to school in Iowa knows a great teacher like Mr. Dye, and every community in the state does everything it can to make sure students have the best possible chance to succeed in the classroom. Iowans know that the best way to invest in the future of our state is to invest in the education of our children. Mr. Dye's award is a testament to the commitment we place on education. Mr. Dye is an incredible teacher, and his dedication to his profession and to his students should make every Iowan proud. It's an honor to represent him and the people of the Belmond-Klemme Community School District in the United States Congress, and I know that my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating ``Mr. D'' on this well-deserved award and thanking him for his dedicated service to his community and America's youth.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major Kerry M. Studer as a recipient of a Bronze Star Medal for his noble service as Commanding Officer of the 443rd Transportation Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Major Studer is a native of Mallard, Iowa and is a current resident of Des Moines. Major Studer earned the Bronze Star, the Department of Defense's fourth highest award given, for his meritorious service, fearless leadership, and dedication to service during his twenty-one years in the Army Reserve. Major Studer has been deployed during Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and twice during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Major Studer's commitment and courage during his service in the United States Military serves as an inspiration for soldier and citizen alike. I commend Major Studer for his selfless dedication to our great nation and consider it an honor to represent Major Studer and his family in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues join me in congratulating him and wishing him the best in his future service to our country.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the members of the Waterloo Free Methodist Church, Lighthouse Fellowship of Waterloo, Iowa, on celebrating their 50th anniversary as a congregation at their current location. The church was formed in 1883 and after several sites built the facilities at the present location of 1737 Cornwall Avenue in Waterloo, IA in 1958-1959. The church now goes by the name Lighthouse Fellowship and is a member of the Free Methodist organization. The Lighthouse Fellowship has been an integral part of the surrounding Waterloo community, and I offer them my utmost congratulations and thanks on a prosperous history. I wish all the parishioners of Lighthouse Fellowship and the current pastor Reverend Al Taylor continued success, grace, peace and celebration as a community.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Emily Stoll, of Indianola, Iowa, and congratulate her on her acceptance to the People to People World Leadership Forum held in Washington, D.C. from the 1st through the 7th of July 2010. Chosen for her academic excellence, community involvement and leadership potential, this forum will provide Emily with daily leadership oriented curriculum, as well as allow her to visit the historic sights of Washington, D.C. and its surrounding areas. The People to People Ambassador Programs, founded by President Eisenhower in 1956 to promote cross cultural and political understanding, currently operates on all seven continents, has over 400,000 alumni and provides students with the opportunity to learn and establish the necessary tools to become an effective leader. Madam Speaker, I commend Emily Stoll for her commitment to academic and personal development. She is a future leader of this country of whom Iowa is very proud. I am honored to represent Emily and her family in the United States Congress and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Charlie Heidersheit, a native of Osage, Iowa who is stepping down after 33 years as the Executive County Farm Service Agency Director of Mitchell County, Iowa. After studying at Loras College in Dubuque, Charlie came to Osage to begin his job as County FSA Director. This agency is in charge of delivering federal farm programs directly to Iowa Farmers. His dedicated service has helped countless Iowa farmers and contributed to Iowa's strong agricultural economy. Although Charlie is retiring from his position as County FSA Director, he plans to continue to be an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage and spend more time volunteering in the community through many of the local organizations he has been active in including the Osage Knights of Columbus, Osage Lions Club, Osage Kiwanis, and Osage Cub Scouts. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in recognizing Charlie Heidersheit and thanking him for his service to the State of Iowa. I consider it an honor to represent Charlie in Congress, and I wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentleman from California, my good friend. Mr. Chairman, the amendment I offered to my colleagues, along with the gentleman from Oklahoma, is included in the block of amendments we are considering. I thank the Rules Committee, the chairman--Mr. Skelton--and the ranking member for considering this amendment, which addresses an issue brought to my attention by members of the Iowa National Guard. The 2008 Defense Authorization Act included a provision narrowing the gap between active duty and reserve retirement benefits by allowing Guard and Reserve members to begin receiving retired pay earlier than the age of 60 if they had spent significant periods of time in deployments. This provision was based on legislation that I introduced, the National Guard and Reserve Retirement Modernization Act. The intent of the original legislation was to reduce the retirement age for time spent deployed, by 3 months for every 90 days spent on active duty over the course of a career, as an incentive to retain our best and brightest men and women. However, an erroneous legal interpretation has limited the qualifying time to 90-day periods wholly served within the same fiscal year, which causes many members of the Guard and Reserve to lose credit for some of the months that they've served. My amendment states that it is the sense of Congress that steps should be taken to correct this interpretation in order to ensure Reserve component members receive the full retirement benefits that they have earned. The committee has indicated in its report that it believes the current interpretation of the law to be inaccurate. I look forward to working with the committee and the Department of Defense to address and to correct this issue of fairness to our guardsmen and reservists who are being asked to meet increasing demands. I urge my colleagues to support this effort.