Tom Latham

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. I would yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).

Mr. LATHAM. The purpose of the service commitment was sound at the time, and it still is. Residents were asked to participate in making their community better, improve the social interaction, and provide services for their communities including day care, education, after- school monitoring, and facility management. No one that is unable to participate is penalized, whether elderly, students, working parents, or any other of a long list of exemptions that are allowable under the law. The intent is not to make people work for their money. It's to ensure that those who live in the community participate in keeping it safe, sanitary, affordable, and a vibrant community. This is what we ask of ourselves and our neighbors. For those who do participate, flexibility is the centerpiece of the requirement. Residents have great flexibility over what service is provided and when it's provided. Every attempt is made to ensure that the services of the parent can be made to benefit the children or the elderly citizens living in the authority. Keep in mind, we're only talking about 8 hours a month. Eight hours a month. This is not a hardship. It has provided a great benefit to each housing authority where it's been actively implemented. If this requirement is removed, those services will be lost because every indication from the housing authority leadership indicates that there are no funds to replace the services now being provided by those residents. One of the arguments I've heard is that it's hard on the PHAs to administer the program. This is just ridiculous. Authorities receive millions in Federal funds each year to administer Federal requirements, and if the service is lost, I don't see anyone proposing to reduce the administrative funds provided in this bill. PHAs receive funds for federally required activities, and they should use them for those purposes. Frankly, I think it's a requirement that should stay in place and is no more than what we all require of ourselves and our communities. When I go home it would be pretty hard to explain to my voters that 8 hours a month is just too great a burden to ask in order to ensure that their investment in the well being of the people and property is sustained. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition.

Mr. LATHAM. I certainly would support the gentleman's amendment also.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the new House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information. Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Clear Lake, IA Amount Provided: $910,000 Account: Corps of Engineers--Section 206 Recipient: Rock Island Illinois Corps Office Recipient's Street Address: Clock Tower Bldg Rodman Ave Rock Island, IL 61201 Description: Continuation of authorized activities. This project is to ensure the completion of the feasibility phase, and to initiate construction on the Ventura Marsh portion of the Clear Lake project. This project will ultimately improve Clear Lake, its water quality and environment. Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Des Moines Recreational River and Greenbelt, Ia Amount Provided: $4,300,000 Account: Corps of Engineers--Construction Recipient: Rock Island Illinois Corps Office Recipient's Street Address: Clock Tower Bldg Rodman Ave Rock Island, IL 61201 Description: Continuation of authorized activities. Funds will maintain scheduled activities including construction of Ft. Dodge bridges/trails (incl. completion of plans and specs), Red Rock Trail and other scheduled activities. Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Humboldt, IA Amount Provided: $152,000 Account: Corps of Engineers--Investigations Recipient: Rock Island Illinois Corps Office Recipient's Street Address: Clock Tower Bldg Rodman Ave Rock Island, IL 61201 Description: Continuation of authorized activities. Evaluation of flood risk management measures, and restoration of degraded aquatic and wetland habitats on West Fork of Des Moines River. Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Integrated Renewable Energy & Campus Sustainability Initiative Amount Provided: $750,000 Account: EERE--Wind Energy Recipient: Luther College Recipient's Street Address: 700 College Drive Decorah, IA 52101 Description: This project is part of a 5-year strategic plan that proposes to reduce campus carbon use in the range of 50 percent through the use of energy efficiency and renewable energy. This request will aid in creating a two MW wind energy facility to generate electricity on the Luther campus. Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Iowa Central Renewable Fuel Testing Laboratory Amount Provided: $500,000 Account: EERE--Biomass and Biorefinery Systems R&D Recipient: Iowa Central Community College Recipient's Street Address: One Triton Circle Ft Dodge, IA 50501 Description: The project allows Iowa Central to expand its partnership with state and federal regulatory agencies, renewable fuel companies, etc. to ensure that the testing needs for renewable fuels quality are met. This initiative conforms to the needs espoused in the new energy policies being put forth. Bill Number: H.R. 3170, Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Central Iowa Business Innovation Zone Amount Requested: $185,000 Account: Small Business Administration Salaries and Expenses Recipient: Greater Des Moines Partnership Recipient's Street Address: 700 Locust Street, Suite 100 Des Moines, IA 50309 Description: The Business Innovation Zone (BIZ) is focused on creating business growth for area reinvestment by growing and cultivating, national, and international scale businesses. The primary function of the BIZ is to provide guided professional business mentoring and direction along with connecting entrepreneurial needs with qualified community and state resources. BIZ helps entrepreneurs maximize their success by assisting them in navigating resources, strengthening knowledge, improving skills, forming strategic alliances, and securing proper capitalization Bill Number: H.R. 3170, Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Iowa Valley Education and Training Center Acquisition, Renovation, and Expansion Amount Requested: $500,000 Account: Small Business Administration Salaries and Expenses Recipient: Iowa Valley Community College District Recipient's Street Address: 3702 South Center Street Marshalltown, IA 50158 Description: This funding will be used to assist in the renovation and expansion of the Iowa Valley Education and Training Center to better provide outreach, education, and workforce development activities in the region.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information. Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Minor Use Animal Drug Program Amount: $429,000 Account: Research & Education Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University Address of Requesting Entity: 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011 Description of Request: The Minor Use Animal Drug program is used to identify animal drug needs for minor species and minor uses in major species, to generate and disseminate data for safe and effective therapeutic applications and to facilitate FDA approval for drugs identified as a priority for a minor species or minor use. Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Northeast Iowa Community-Based Dairy Foundation Amount: $159,000 Account: National Institute of Food & Agriculture Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Northeast Iowa Community-Based Dairy Foundation Address of Requesting Entity: 1527 Hwy. 150, S., Calmar, IA 52132 Description of Request: The Dairy Education project aims to increase the success of American dairies by providing education on production technology, environmental stewardship, marketing and competitiveness. The project has goals of retaining, growing and fostering the development of the industry. The dairy industry is a major component of the Midwest's economy and the project aims to develop successful farms that are vital to local communities. Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Center of Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) Amount: $412,000 Account: National Institute of Food & Agriculture Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University Address of Requesting Entity: 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011 Description of Request: The Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) Biofuels Impact Analysis project at Iowa State University provides unbiased analyses of the effects of changes in technology and policy on the production of biofuels and on the cost and manufacturing of traditional agricultural and energy products. These analyses are based on supply and demand models of agricultural products, biofuels, and traditional, crude oil based energy markets, both domestically and internationally. Results of these analyses help key decision makers and citizens of Iowa and the U.S. make informed choices between alternative policy options, by providing answers to pressing questions about the impacts of those options on agricultural prices, net returns, production, consumption, and government spending. Using existing measures of the net carbon emissions per unit of agricultural output for each agricultural commodity in each country, the CARD program also will develop a methodology to measure the worldwide carbon footprint of agriculture and incorporate this footprint measure into existing multi-country, multi-commodity models. Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Animal Food Science & Food Safety Consortium Amount: $939,000 Account: National Institute of Food & Agriculture Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University Address of Requesting Entity: 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011 Description of Request: Animal Food Science & Food Safety Consortium addresses potential threats to food safety during the production of the live animal, processing, distribution, and consumption. When necessary, this initiative develops sampling and testing strategies to rapidly identify contaminants and determine the distribution of the contaminant in the food supply. Additionally, program staff are working to establish intervention strategies to minimize the threat of contaminants and to assure a safe food supply. The program also is developing recovery strategies and training procedures for these industries in the event of a natural or intentional contamination event. The potential introduction of natural or intentional contaminants into agricultural products could have a dramatic impact on the United States: citizens' health would be at risk and the economy could suffer because of the likely loss of international markets for U.S. products. Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) Amount: $1,139,000 Account: National Institute of Food & Agriculture Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University Address of Requesting Entity: 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011 Description of Request: The Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) project will be used to deploy an updated system to measure the impacts of large disruptions to world agricultural sectors such as new trade agreements, for ongoing estimation of the impact of the 2007 Energy Act on agriculture in the U.S. and around the world, and for evaluation of the use of carbon offset options for U.S. biofuel producers. With the new carbon model FAPRI researchers are uniquely placed to evaluate policies designed to reduce carbon emissions from agriculture. Research staff will use baseline projections from the analyses to determine the effect of various influences including agricultural prices, net returns, production, consumption, the net carbon balance, and government spending on the profitability of agriculture in the United States and in other major producing countries. Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Midwest Poultry Consortium Amount: $471,000 Account: National Institute of Food & Agriculture Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University Address of Requesting Entity: 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011 Description of Request: The Midwest Poultry Consortium provides a structure to encourage multi-disciplinary research networks which enhance limited state and industry resources. For example, the project can focus on respiratory diseases, such as avian pneumovirus, which have resulted in losses of millions per year in Midwestern states, rank among the most important factors affecting the competitiveness of the poultry industry and are responsible for millions in losses to turkey and broiler production nationwide each year. In total, disease costs in poultry are estimated to be in the $15 billion/year range. Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: New Century Farm Amount: $282,000 Account: National Institute of Food & Agriculture Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University Address of Requesting Entity: 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011 Description of Request: The New Century Farm is the first integrated and sustainable biofuel feedstock production system of its kind and will play a critical role in fulfilling this vision. It will serve as a living laboratory for developing and testing sustainable biomass systems through rigorous integration of agronomic, environmental, and socio-economic research. The New Century Farm at Iowa State University will be the first integrated, sustainable biofuel feedstock demonstration farm and research biorefinery in the United States, serving as a model for American biorenewable energy and bioproducts production and helping to transform the nation's agricultural enterprise to one that is feedstock ready. Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Bio-Safety Institute for Genetically Modified Agriculture Products Amount: $259,000 Account: Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa State University Address of Requesting Entity: 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011 Description of Request: The Bio-Safety Institute for Genetically Modified Agriculture Products will assist enterprises seeking technical assistance on bio-product-related issues that would enable them to expand effectively. Helping these biobased product employers do so will improve the quality of the environment, revitalize the manufacturing sector and rural America, and enhance national security by reducing U.S. dependency on foreign oil. Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Certified Environmental Management Systems for Agriculture Amount: $288,000 Account: Natural Resource Conservation Service Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa Soybean Association Address of Requesting Entity: 4554 114th St., Urbandale, IA 50322 Description of Request: The Certified Environmental Management Systems for Agriculture program provides innovative technical assistance to individual farmers, helping them document baseline and performance data to measure environmental and economic results of their management practices and incorporate that data into continual performance improvement. It is an adaptive management system based on ISO 14001, addressing energy efficiency in farming and environmental, agronomic, and economic performance goals. Appropriations will support continued technical assistance for current and new participants; expand the use of the energy efficiency module piloted in `08 and adjust documentation and data aggregation procedures to enable the soybean and corn industry to benefit from documented data revealing the improved energy efficiency, carbon savings, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions associated with current farming practices, as well as potential improvements made possible by CEMSA management planning; expand the use of the new carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and wildlife habitat planning modules and indices being developed and piloted this year. Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Watershed Demonstration Project Amount: $134,000 Account: Natural Resource Conservation Service Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa Soybean Association Address of Requesting Entity: 4554 114th St., Urbandale, IA 50322 Description of Request: The Watershed Demonstration Project will help Iowa farmers identify and reduce their contribution to water pollution by providing technical assistance to groups of farmers in targeted watersheds and by collaborating with other watershed stakeholders to plan and implement watershed-specific strategies, measure outcomes, and adjust practices to optimize results. The proper management of natural resources related to cropland and the planning and implementation of conservation systems on cropland, especially in watersheds of impaired streams, is part of the federal mission, which this project helps to further. The work of improving and maintaining watershed health and water quality in agricultural watersheds will always require federal investment, and due to the downstream impact of Midwest agricultural water quality concerns all the way to estuary waters, such as the Gulf of Mexico, projects such as these are increasingly important.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentleman. Everyone understands that we are in the middle of a very difficult downturn in the economy, a recession. It is difficult enough today to create jobs. We have the second-highest tax rate in the world. We have the most onerous regulatory burden in the world. We have the most litigation in the world. So how do we create new jobs? Well, it is not with this tax-and-cap bill. I will tell you, in China today they must think that Christmas is coming in June. If you look at this box here, it says ``To China from the U.S. Congress.'' Well, let's see what is inside of it, okay? What is inside of it is U.S. jobs. This is going to cost 17,000 jobs in Iowa in 2012 and each year after that. Nationwide, 2\1/2\ to 3 million jobs will be lost because of this bill. If we are going to do anything to help the economy, let's not put another burden, let's not make us less competitive in the world, and let's not destroy hope for the next generation, which this bill does. Please vote ``no'' and save our country.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the new House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information. Bill Number: H.R. 2892, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Project Name: Emergency Operations Center Amount: $600,000 Account: State and Local Programs Recipient: City of Ames, Iowa Recipient's Street Address: 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010 Description: This project is a renovation of the current Emergency Operations Center in Ames, IA. It is necessary to accommodate updated incident command facility needs--in cases of both natural disasters and man-made incidents. Local emergency operations centers are critical components in the nation's emergency network. The Ames, IA Center is particularly important as it is located in an important agricultural production region that is crucial to the nation's food supply; the Ames Emergency Operations Center is also located near the National Animal Disease Center, an important player in any agro-terrorism incident. Given the significance of the threat of agro-terrorism, it is important that this Center be as-up-to-date as possible in its operating capacity.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the new House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information. Bill Number: H.R. 2647, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Project Name: Readiness Center Addition/Alteration, Iowa Falls, Iowa. Amount: $2,000,000 Account: Army National Guard Recipient: Construction and Facilities Management Office (CFMO), Iowa Army National Guard Recipient's Street Address: Camp Dodge, Building B-61, 7105 NW 70th Avenue Johnston, Iowa 50131 Description: The purpose of this project is to renovate and provide an addition to the Iowa Falls National Guard Readiness Center (armory). The project is a complete renovation of the existing facility to modernize administrative and training areas to meet new Department of Defense force structure requirements. The addition to the building will address deficiencies in supply space, vault space, classroom space, the electrical system, HVAC system, Anti-terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) measures, information technology/telecom systems and military parking space. Bill Number: Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Garner Wastewater Treatment Plant/Trunk Sewer Reconstruction Amount: $500,000 Account: STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project Recipient: City of Garner Recipient's Street Address: 135 West 5th Street Garner, IA 50438 Description: Construct improvements, including upgrading current aerated lagoon system to sequencing batch reactor mechanical plant and reconstruction of approximately 3000 feet of undersized trunk sewer line. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has mandated construction of wastewater plants to meet ammonia nitrogen standards. Trunk sewer carrying 70% of the community's flow needs to be upgraded from 12'' diameter pipe to 24''. The City's aerated lagoon system is no longer capable of meeting standards for ammonia nitrogen, and the DNR has mandated construction of a new plant. The project is extremely significant locally. Without securing outside funding, sewer rates will be triple what they were in 2005 for at least the next 20-25 years. This is a major expense for families in economic times that have hit Hancock County's employment base harder than the national average. Bill Number: H.R. 2849, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Iowa Central Law Enforcement Training Center Amount: $500,000 Account: OJP--Byrne Discretionary Grants Recipient: Iowa Central Community College Recipient's Street Address: One Triton Circle Fort. Dodge, IA 50501 Description: The Center provides an economical and efficient platform for multi-discipline training programs for first-responder law enforcement personnel from across the state of Iowa. Thus far about 26,000 personnel have been trained. Bill Number: H.R. 2849, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Internet Scale Event and Attack Generation Environment Amount: $400,000 Account: OJP--Byrne Discretionary Grants Recipient: Iowa State University Recipient's Street Address: 1750 Beardshear Hall Ames, IA 50011 Description: The funding will be used to continue the program, which simulates technology cyber attacks on a virtual internet for the purpose of researching cyber defense mechanisms and analyzing attacks. Bill Number: H.R. 2849, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Iowa State Forensic Testing Lab Amount: $1,300,000 Account: OJP--Byrne Discretionary Grants Recipient: Iowa State University Recipient's Street Address: 1750 Beardshear Hall Ames, IA 50011 Description: The funding will continue this project, which involves cutting edge developments in forensic analysis and evaluation techniques, and the conduct of training and lab management programs for state and local (and some federal) entities. Bill Number: H.R. 2849, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Project Name: Law Enforcement Visual Intelligence Tool Amount: $200,000 Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology Recipient: Pocahontas County Iowa Sheriff Recipient's Street Address: 99 Court Square Pocahontas, IA 50574 Description: The purpose of the technology is to aid local sheriffs in North Central Iowa by providing a special aerial imagery and geo- spatial visual intelligence tool that can help law enforcement personnel view and analyze an enforcement target location, building, intersection, etc.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lawrence Chiou, 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 in Education and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The mission of the Center for Excellence in Education 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. Lawrence was selected for this program upon scoring in the upper one percent of U.S. student PSAT exam scores. From June to August 2009, Lawrence will learn from distinguished professors and conduct a research project at MIT. I commend Lawrence Chiou for his commitment to academic achievement and leadership in science and technology. He is a future leader of this country of whom Iowa is very proud. I am honored to represent Lawrence and his family in the United States Congress and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Hancock County Conservation Board on their 50th anniversary. The Hancock County Conservation Board serves over 12,100 citizens in Hancock County in North Central Iowa. The first board was appointed by the Hancock County Board of Supervisors (HCCB) in 1959. One of HCCB's priorities is to provide park areas and protect the natural areas for wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation. In the past 50 years they have acquired 4 parks, 15 wildlife areas, 2 wildlife refuges for a total of 21 areas, and 1,211 acres of valuable wildlife habitat. I applaud HCCB's long history of impressing the importance of conservation from one generation to the next. I know my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating the Hancock County Conservation Board, Director Tom Haan, and Naturalist Jason Lackore for their fifty years of success, and I wish them an equally storied future.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize MSG Douglas A. Rustan of Ayrshire, Iowa, as a recipient of a Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement during combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Bronze Star is the fourth highest award that the Department of Defense gives for bravery, heroism, and meritorious service. Master Sergeant. Rustan earned the Bronze Star while serving at an overseas forward operating base. Master Sergeant. Rustin, a 1982 graduate of Ayrshire High School, is a senior intelligence analyst with 20 years of military service and is assigned to the 70th Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, Fort Meade, Laurel, Maryland. I commend MSG Douglas A. Rustan's courageousness and service to our great nation. His sacrifices go above and beyond what we are asked of as citizens of this nation. I am honored to represent Master Sergeant. Rustan in the United States Congress and I know that all of the members of this body join me in thanking him for his service to this great nation and wishing him the best in his future service.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Christopher H. Moffitt, an automobile dealer and resident of Boone, Iowa. Christopher, president of Moffitt's Ford Lincoln Mercury, was recently nominated for the 2009 TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year award sponsored by TIME Magazine and Goodyear Tire. Christopher was nominated by Gary W. Thomas, President of the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association, and recently was honored at the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention & Exposition in New Orleans. The TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year award is one of the auto industry's most prestigious awards, recognizing both success in auto sales and outstanding community service. Christopher is a third generation family dealer who owns a dealership that was first opened by his grandfather over 81 years ago. He began washing cars at the dealership at age 13, and while attending college at Iowa State University, he began selling cars part-time before becoming a full time sales manager after graduating in 1987. In addition to his dedicated service at the dealership, Christopher has spent considerable time giving back to the community. From 1993- 2000, Christopher was chairman of Good Connections, an organization that employed mentally and physically challenged individuals. He also received a YMCA Leadership Award after playing a pivotal role in reopening the Boone County Family YMCA in 2005 while serving as board chairman. The location had closed in the 1990's but is now growing and serving all of Boone County. I know my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating Christopher Moffitt for his nomination for TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year, and thank him for his dedicated community service efforts. It is an honor to represent Christopher in Congress, and I wish him and his family happiness and success in the future.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Andrey Danilson, a 13- year-old seventh-grade student from Sacred Heart School in Boone, Iowa. Andrey recently won the Boone Lions Club ``Peace Poster Contest.'' Each day, Sacred Heart students take time to pray, and Andrey has taken it upon himself to focus on peace. Using his passion for art to further the cause for world peace, Andrey's art advanced to the state level of competition after it won the district level. Adopted from Russia less than four years ago and unable to speak English at the time, Andrey's success in art and dedication to important causes serve as a wonderful example of the promise of today's youth as tomorrow's leaders. I am proud to represent Andrey Danilson, his family, teachers and classmates in the United States Congress, and I know that all my colleagues join me in congratulating Andrey on his success and commending him for his devotion to peace and making a positive difference.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the storied career and public service of Albert Habhab from Fort Dodge, Iowa. Albert began his career of public service as a soldier during World War II. Albert rarely speaks of his time at war, but he occasionally shares some of his experiences including rescuing a badly injured soldier while in the Army in Europe. He later became the mayor of Fort Dodge in 1959, and served for a record setting 14 years. While mayor, the city expanded by over eleven miles. In 1975, after serving as mayor, Albert was appointed to the bench in the 2nd Judicial District. In 1987 he was appointed to the Iowa Court of Appeals where he was elected chief judge. Now at the age of 83, Albert continues to show his selflessness and gives credit to many other people in his life who he believes helped him during his career. I commend Albert Habhab for his many years of loyalty and service to our great nation and his community. I know my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in thanking Albert Habhab for his life of public service. It is an immense honor to represent Albert in Congress, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Amanda Zimmerman on her exemplary basketball career and congratulate her on being named Iowa's 2009 Miss Basketball. Amanda is a senior at Ballard High School and will be attending Iowa State University to continue her illustrious basketball career. Amanda has been recognized with a variety of accomplishments including being named to the Class 3A All-State team four consecutive times, four straight state tournament appearances with her Ballard teammates, and helped lead her team to become the Iowa High School Class 3A State Champions this year. Amanda is a shining example of Iowa's talented youth and the rewards that come with hard work and determination. It is an honor to represent Amanda Zimmerman and her teammates in the United States Congress and I know my colleagues join me in wishing her the best in furthering her education and athletic career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Beryl Presley, a kindergarten teacher from Milo, Iowa. Beryl has received the ``My Favorite Teacher Award'' given by WOI television station in West Des Moines, Iowa. She was nominated by her former student, Billie Jo Marsh, who is now a co-worker of Beryl's. When Billie Jo was in fifth grade, she was inspired by Beryl to become a teacher, and they have now worked together at Milo Elementary School for over 17 years. Beryl has been a teacher for 34 years and takes an immense amount interest in all of her students. She tells her students that they will receive an engraved recess whistle if they graduate with a degree in education. Eleven years after Billie Jo had Beryl as her teacher, she received her whistle on graduation day. I congratulate Beryl Presley on her well-deserved award, and I'm certain that she will continue to touch the lives of many youth in her community. It is a great honor to represent Beryl in the United States Congress, and I wish her continued success.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Elaine Kline, former owner and operator of Elaine's Hair Design in Boone, Iowa. Elaine has been a hair dresser for 50 years and a permanent makeup artist for over 20. She recently decided to hang up her shears and retire from owning Elaine's Hair Design after 36 years of business. Although she is retiring from the beauty shop, she will continue to do makeup as an independent contractor. Now that Elaine has more time on her hands, she plans to spend more time with her grandchildren and on her artwork, which she hopes to donate much of to her church and Iowa Right to Life. Elaine has left a permanent mark on the city of Boone as several generations have passed through her salon. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Elaine for her service to her community. I consider it an honor to represent Elaine Kline in Congress, and I wish her a long, happy and healthy future.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 338. America's community colleges continue to provide a silver lining to accompany the dark clouds of economic uncertainty. Community colleges are uniquely positioned to retrain displaced workers so they can get back into the workforce and start earning a paycheck, even as unemployment figures across the country continue to climb. They help breathe life into local economies by giving workers the expertise they need to excel in the job market. At this very moment, our future nurses, technicians and manufacturers are gaining the experience and expertise they need to compete in the marketplace through programs offered by community colleges. These jobs are the backbone of our economy and a central support for millions of American families. They pay well and they come with reliable benefits. And they become even more important during a time of economic uncertainty. In Iowa--my home state--community colleges have partnered with government agencies to organize job fairs that put workers in contact with potential employers and boost the profile of local businesses. Iowa's community colleges are strengthening the state's business climate. They're laying a foundation that will meet the needs of an increasingly competitive and high-tech workforce well into the future. Community colleges have also taken great strides in renewable energy through groundbreaking programs that provide students with hands-on experience with the latest equipment. Graduates of these programs go to work on high-tech windmills and other innovative technology. These are truly the jobs of the future, and I'm proud that several community colleges in Iowa are leading the way. These programs are laying the foundation for a new era of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility that will benefit everyone in America. Community colleges provide a wealth of benefits to the people they serve. They improve the quality of life in their communities. They prepare workers for the job market, and they are often laboratories of innovation. Our communities rely on the economic spark they provide-- especially in the midst of hard times. It's imperative that we provide these institutions the resources they need to continue their mission. Community colleges have proven that they get results. They improve lives. They strengthen communities. I have the utmost confidence in the hard work and resiliency of the American people. Without doubt, we will recover from this economic downturn. And I'm just as certain that our community colleges will help us get there.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I want to commend the gentleman from North Carolina on his resolution and congratulate the Tar Heels, and I rise in support of his resolution. I was detained a few moments ago on the previous resolution here. I had a group of very bright, young eighth graders from Garner-Hayfield, Iowa, on the east steps out here. But the previously discussed resolution was mine, honoring the National Community College Month, and I just want to make sure in the Record that it reflects how important I believe our community colleges are as far as economic growth and prosperity for the future and how important a role that they play as far as giving individuals in this difficult economy the opportunity to be successful, to have real careers. The community colleges today are where the rubber meets the road. I'm very proud to be co-chairman of the Community College Caucus, and I just want to introduce my formal statement into the Record. But I did want to come to the floor to congratulate my good friend from North Carolina but also to speak to the National Community College Month.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize James Grabau, a resident of Boone, Iowa, and president of R. H. Grabau Construction Inc. James, who has been the president of R.H. Grabau Construction Inc. since 1984, was recently honored with The Master Builders of Iowa ``Build Iowa Award.'' The award is given to one Master Builder member each year who best exemplifies skill, integrity, and responsibility in the construction industry and in the member's community. James has offered his time and talents to many community organizations. Among many other contributions, he has served as President of Boone's Future, the Boone Chamber of Commerce, Boone's Industrial Development Corporation, and the Master Builder's of Iowa. He has served on the boards of Boone County YMCA and Hawkeye Federal Savings Bank. Additionally, he has served as Global Ambassador for the Rotary Group Study Exchange to Australia, Church Elder, and Chairman of the Congregation of the Trinity Lutheran Church. Through his work, he has been honored with such awards as the Al Kinney Award, DMACC Alumni Award, National Leadership Award, and the Associated General Contractors of America Chapter President of the Year Award while President of the Master Builders of Iowa. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending James Grabau for his professional contributions to the construction industry, his leadership and dedication to representing Iowa in his career, and committing time to his community. I consider it an honor to represent James and his family in Congress, and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Dr. Tom Renze, Principal of Woodbury Elementary School in Marshalltown, Iowa, on receiving the Dr. Carmen P. Sosa Leadership Award. The Dr. Carmen P. Sosa Leadership Award recognizes administrators who exhibit outstanding leadership and advocacy for English language learners. Woodbury School has a dual language program and helps students learn English or Spanish as a second language. Dr. Renze credits the award and success of the dual language program to the efforts of and support from the teaching staff and parents of the school's students. This award comes at a special time for Dr. Renze, who is retiring at the end of the 2009 school year. I know my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in thanking Dr. Renze for his work with the dual language program and service to the Marshalltown Community School District. I consider it an honor to represent Dr. Renze and his family in Congress, and I wish him the best in his future retirement.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Office of Biotechnology at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa on their 25-year anniversary. In 1984, Vice President of Research Daniel Zaffarano appointed a Biotechnology Council comprised of five colleges at the university: Agriculture, Engineering, Home Economics, Science and Humanities, and Veterinary Medicine. Despite facing early skepticism by some, within two years the Iowa General Assembly backed the biotechnology program with $17 million in funding after the Council convinced the public of the benefits. Over the last 25 years, the Office of Biotechnology has provided critical support to many of the university's academic colleges and to K-12 outreach programs. The office has also helped provide research funds to new faculty and equipment and resources to 28 different service facilities at the university. I congratulate Iowa State University's Office of Biotechnology on this historic anniversary and for its great contributions to science and the State of Iowa. It is an honor to represent current director Walter Fehr, as well as each current and past member of the Office of Biotechnology in the United States Congress and I wish the Office great success in the future.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Brady Young on earning an Eagle Scout Award. Brady is an 11th grade student from South Hardin High School in Eldora, Iowa. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about 5% of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance based achievement that has maintained similar standards over the years. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Brady's project was replacing the railing, steps, landscaping and entrance to the west of the Youth Building at the Hardin County Fairgrounds in Eldora. Brady has been involved in scouting since he was in Tiger Cubs and continues to be an active member of the Eldora Boy Scout Troop 334 today. He has completed over 50 merit badges, 12 of which are required to become an Eagle Scout. While in Scouts, Brady has earned various awards which include: the Bronze Palm, Arrow of Light Award, 50 Miler Award, God and Country Religious Award, World Conservation Award and various others. Brady is also a Member of Order of the Arrow-- Brotherhood Level and completed the Den Chief Leadership training. The example set by this young man demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Brady Young in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues join me in congratulating him on earning an Eagle Scout ranking and wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Travis Jeske on earning an Eagle Scout Award. Travis is a 10th grade student from South Hardin High School in Eldora, Iowa. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about 5% of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance based achievement that has maintained similar standards over the years. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Travis's project was building gate extensions for the Hardin County Fair Board, at the Hardin County Fairgrounds in Eldora. Travis has been involved in scouting since he was in Tiger Cubs and continues to be an active member of the Eldora Boy Scout Troop 334 today. He has completed over 50 merit badges; 12 of which are required to become an Eagle Scout. While in scouts, Travis has earned various awards which include: the Bronze Palm, Arrow of Light Award, 50 Miler Award, God and Country Religious Award, World Conservation Award and various others. Travis is also a Member of Order of the Arrow-- Brotherhood Level and completed the Den Chief Leadership training. The example set by this young man demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Travis Jeske in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues join me in congratulating him on earning an Eagle Scout ranking and wish him continued success in his future education and career.